Author Archives: Frostie

Sundance London and Talenthouse Launch Worldwide Film Competition

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NOKIA MUSIC, SUNDANCE LONDON, AND TALENTHOUSE LAUNCH WORLDWIDE FILM COMPETITION

ACCLAIMED FILM SERIES “NEW AMERICAN NOISE” TO SCREEN AT THE SUNDANCE LONDON FILM AND MUSIC FESTIVAL AT THE O2 ON FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2013

Nokia Music announced it would team up with Sundance London and Talenthouse on the launch of a worldwide competition for aspiring filmmakers and directors challenging them to investigate the music scenes in cities around the globe.

“Inspired by our series of short films, New American Noise, we wanted to launch a competition where we could all get a glimpse into the world’s various music scenes,” said Jyrki Rosenberg, VP of Entertainment at Nokia.  “Mobile phone cameras and video cameras are so popular so for the contest we decided to have the finalists shoot their films using our Nokia Lumia 920.  We know there are a lot of creative people out there, and we can’t wait to see their finished films.”

To take part, filmmakers must upload a short video trailer (15 sec – 60 sec) including a 150 word supporting written description visualizing the ‘underground music scene’ in their chosen city.   Rosenberg added: “We are looking for creative ideas that push the boundaries of the camera and the possibilities of mobile filmmaking.”

Two finalists will each receive a $5,000 production budget and two #Lumia920’s on which they must create their final short film. What’s more, both of them will receive an-all-expenses paid trip to Sundance London (2013) in April where their final films are guaranteed a special screening at the festival, along with a mentoring session with one of the ‘judges’. One lucky grand prizewinner will walk away with $5,000 and a Nokia Lumia 920.  Complete details can be found HERE.

Additionally Nokia Music announced the European premiere of its heralded documentary film series New American Noise at the Sundance London Film and Music Festival at The O2 on Friday, April 26, 2013. Leading independent directors, including Abteen Bagheri, Emily Kai Bock, Bob Harlow and Tyrone Lebon, created the six films that comprise New American Noise.  The series is produced by Nokia Music and SomeSuch & Co, and shines a light on the underground music scene in six American cities by detailing the incredible diversity of musical subcultures and giving an unprecedented insight into the lives and passions of today’s music and its fans.   The films premiered in the United States during the week of the Sundance Film Festival in Park City Utah, and the press hailed the series as “a must see” (USA Today) and “compelling” (SPIN).   For further information, updated clips and lists of artists included in the New American Noise film series please visit:  www.newamericanoise.com.

For more information visit www.nokia.com/music or follow #Lumia920 #NokiaxSundanceLDN

Mo Farah, Robbie Williams, Ewan McGregor and Sienna Miller join forces to demand George Osborne keep his promises on aid

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Mo Farah, Robbie Williams, Ewan McGregor and Sienna Miller join forces to demand George Osborne keep his promises on aid

 

Chancellor George Osborne will be in the good books of a host of stars – including Mo Farah, Robbie Williams, Ewan McGregor and Sienna Miller – IF he keeps his promises on international aid in the forthcoming Budget on March 20th.

 

Stars from the world of music, film and sport have joined forces to write a joint letter to George Osborne, urging him to take action to help end world hunger. Nearly thirty high profile individuals beseech him to keep his promises on international aid and crack down on tax dodging by big businesses working in poor countries.

 

The letter:

Dear Chancellor,

 

I am writing to thank you for your leadership in protecting the aid budget. By announcing in the Budget that the UK will give 0.7% of national income to life saving aid, you’ll be making good a 43-year-old promise and helping millions of people in their fight against poverty and hunger

 

In 2012, the UK demonstrated inspiring global leadership and community spirit through our hosting of the Olympic Games. This year, the UK Government has an opportunity to build on that promising legacy, when it hosts a major summit on food and hunger and chairs the G8 in June.

 

Keeping our word and doing the right thing are part of what Britain stands for. We can be proud that, in the face of crises, in good times and bad, the British public show great strength and generosity. Because of this, we can be collectively proud that huge strides have been made in reducing poverty and 14,000 fewer children are dying each day than in 1990.

 

The world is at a tipping point where we could abolish absolute poverty but hunger is threatening to reverse these achievements. Food prices have been higher than ever in recent years, affecting people everywhere and climate change is making things worse.

 

By matching the strength of spirit of the British people, we could be the generation that starts to end hunger.

 

No budget decisions can be taken lightly, but investing in the long term will be cheaper for all of us. We simply can’t afford hunger to rise to the emergency famine levels we saw in 2011.

 

In order for poor countries to be self-sufficient, as well as investment in aid they also need their own revenue to spend on fighting hunger. That is why the IF campaign is also calling on the UK and other governments to change global rules to make sure companies pay their fair share of tax in the poor countries in which they operate.

 

Along with others, I am proud that the UK is keeping its promise to provide 0.7% of our income for life saving aid and leading the way on vital tax reforms, which will provide a lasting solution for the world’s poorest people.

 

Yours Sincerely

 

Mo Farah, Olympic Gold Medallist; Robbie Williams, Singer; Ewan McGregor, Actor

Bill Nighy, Actor; Jemima Khan, Journalist and Campaigner; Sienna Miller, Actor; Raymond Blanc, Chef; Dermot O’Leary, Presenter; Helena Christensen, Model; Angelique Kidjo, Singer; Michael Sheen, Actor; Eddie Izzard, Comedian; Shazia Mirza, Comedienne; Tamsin Greig, Actor; Tom Hiddleston, Actor; Keeley Hawes, Actor; Joanne Froggatt, Actor; Fay Ripley, Actor; Valentine Warner, Chef; Vivek Singh, Chef; Emilia Fox, Actor; Miriam Margolyes, Actor; Jimmy Doherty, Presenter ; Roger Lloyd Pack, Actor ; Billy Boyd, Actor; Atul Kochar, Chef; Jun Tanaka, Chef, Cat Deeley, TV Presenter

 

 

Jenny Ricks, Enough Food for Everyone spokesperson said:

“Millions of people across the UK backed Make Poverty History and we can be proud that the Government will next week deliver on a promise we made then to the world’s poorest.

“British aid will help many of the 1 in 8 people in the world who go to bed hungry each night.

 

“This Budget can also assist poor countries to help themselves by enabling them to collect taxes from companies refusing to pay their fair share.

 

“Trillions of pounds is hidden in tax havens while people in the UK are struggling to make ends meet and in poor countries two million children starve to death every year.

“Cracking down on tax dodging in this year’s Budget would be a win-win – it will help poor people abroad but also those at home.”

Enough Food for Everyone IF is a coalition of 160 organisations and counting which have joined together to campaign for action by the G8 on the issue of global hunger. The last time we worked together at this scale was for Make Poverty History. Now that the G8 group of world leaders are returning to the UK in June, we are demanding they take action on hunger.

 

Poor countries lose around $160 billion every year to tax dodging, money which could be used to support vital services or invested in agriculture to make sure everyone has enough food. That’s more than three times what they receive in aid and is enough money to save the lives of 230 children under 5 every single day – that’s almost 8 primary school classes

The Government has pledged to make tackling tax avoidance by multinationals a priority for the G8 summit. The UK has an opportunity to show real leadership by putting its own house in order in the Budget.

 

Sign up now at www.enoughfoodif.org and make sure the G8 leaders put food on the agenda when they meet in the UK in June.

Marc Jacobs Unveiled As New Creative Director Of Diet Coke

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DIET COKE & MARC JACOBS

 LAUNCH ‘SPARKLING TOGETHER FOR 30 YEARS’

LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION

Diet Coke announced that leading visionary, Marc Jacobs is their new Creative Director exclusively for 2013. The partnership will be an exciting element of the ‘Sparkling Together For 30 Years’ campaign, as the brand celebrates its milestone 30th Anniversary.

Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs Diet Coke Sparkling Together Launch - London

Marc Jacobs Diet Coke Sparkling Together Launch - London

Marc Jacobs brings his unique vision to the brand, by creating a limited edition collection of must-have bottles and cans, uniting the stylish and light-hearted personalities of both icons. Inspired by the three decades, the chic designs will capture the rise of female empowerment through the ‘80s, ‘90s, ‘00s, with a whimsical twist – true to Jacobs’ signature style.

One of this generation’s hottest and most influential designers, Marc Jacobs’ designs exude a youthful spirit, with provocative artistry – the perfect partner to collaborate with Diet Coke. With this exciting appointment, Diet Coke will build on its impressive heritage of fashion collaborations.

Marc Jacobs commented, “I feel very privileged to be the new Creative Director of Diet Coke and put my stamp on the 30th Anniversary campaign. Diet Coke is an icon… and I love an icon.”

 

‘I Heart ‘80s’ embodies the rise of the empowered woman in all her 1980s glory. Marc Jacobs captures her in a timeless and classic style, with a strong rebellious current, which also portrays the designer’s love of theatre. The bow tie and shining lights of Broadway incorporated into the design, also reference the spectacular launch of Diet Coke at Radio City NYC, where the world’s first diet soft drink made its US debut in 1982.

The ‘I Heart ‘90s’ creative is a dynamic reinterpretation of the decade, showcasing the extravagant attitude of the era where fashion, music and art collided in a glamorous exploration of strong femininity and daring attitude. Marc’s signature swallow motif adds a romantic element to the design and features iconic ‘90s fashion accessories including the exaggerated couture trilby hat and treasured stiletto heel.

 

‘I Heart ‘00s’ design is a playful and lighthearted illustration of the sporty-cool decade, embodying humour, sexiness and energy. The evocative silhouette is directly inspired by the Marc Jacobs Spring / Summer 2013 runway show and features his signature red polka dot motif – a hallmark of his early collections. The stripes and geometric patterns detailed in the graphic also bring to life the youthful exuberance and the eclectic mix of inspirations that make fashion in the ‘00s so diverse.

The exciting Diet Coke Sparkling Together with Marc Jacobs limited edition collection will be available across cans nationwide from 25th February. These cans along with contour bottles and multipacks will also feature an exclusive code for the chance to win a Marc Jacobs tote. The ultimate fashion accessory to be seen with this season, everyone will be in with a chance to win as a bag will be given away every minute*. The tote features Diet Coke’s iconic red and silver colours with a quirky Marc Jacobs twist of red polka dots.

The limited-edition bottles and Collectors Cases will be available exclusively from Selfridges from 12th March for 4 weeks. Selfridges will also host a pop-up themed area, dedicated to the three designs and which will invite Diet Coke fans to immerse themselves in Marc Jacobs’ vision.

 

A decade on since FTSE 100 hit bottom at 3,287

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A decade on since FTSE 100 hit bottom at 3,287

 

–       FTSE 100 returns 93% over 10 years

–       Technology sector is best performing returning 369%

Adrian Lowcock, Senior Investment Manager at Hargreaves Lansdown, looks at how investors have fared over the last 10 years.

 

In the last 10 years the FTSE 100 has risen 3,074 points or 93% since the low of March 2003, although it remains a little way off the high point of 6,732 reached on 15th June 2007.  Whilst the market has risen over the last 10 years there have been some big winners and losers during that time.  The Banking sector has been the worst performer over the last 10 years and the only sector to post a negative capital return with the FTSE All-share/banks returning -20%. The Technology sector posted the best performance with the FTSE All-share/Technology returning 369%, recovering from the lows seen in the years following the Dotcom bubble.

 

 

Performance of FTSE Sectors from 12 March 2003 to 28th February 2013

 

All Share Sector

% Growth
FTSE All-Share/Banks CR

-20.25
FTSE All-Share/Financials CR

22.81
FTSE All-Share/Health Care CR

78.02
FTSE All-Share/Telecommunication CR

100.11
FTSE All-Share/Oil & Gas CR

110.22
FTSE All-Share/Consumer Services CR

112.91
FTSE All-Share/Utilities CR

179.25
FTSE All-Share/Basic Materials CR

280.44
FTSE All-Share/Consumer Goods CR

346.31
FTSE All-Share/Industrials CR

360.45
FTSE All-Share/Technology CR

369.08

 

Adrian Lowcock says;-

 

“The technology sectors strong performance over the last 10 years highlights the contrarian nature of the stock market.  However, it is difficult for any investor to go against the trend and take such risks. Instead investors should focus on their long term investment goals and invest whenever they can afford to do so.”

 

“It is time in the market not timing that counts. Even though the FTSE 100 remains below its all-time high (6,930 on 30th December), if you had been invested all that time, with dividends reinvested, you would have been up 44.73%. In addition picking the right funds can transform your portfolio and make the nominal value of an index meaningless.”

 

Recommendations

 

Schroder UK Alpha Plus – Richard Buxton takes a long term view and is able to spot some opportunities before others – a distinguishing feature of all great investors.  Having the conviction to back them is equally important and Richard holds only 30-40 companies in his fund which means each idea has a significant effect on performance. You will never see his portfolio padded out with mediocre holdings just to make up the numbers. This fund has the potential to deliver superb returns, in a variety of economic conditions.

 

JO Hambro UK Equity Income – The managers believe the UK economy is performing better than most commentators expect. The fund continues to have a bias towards more economically-sensitive companies and has performed well recently as a result.

 

Gillian Anderson launches charity’s children’s competition

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GillianPublicityShotAward-winning American actress Gillian Anderson has launched a national school’s competition to raise money for Children with Tumours.
Gillian, the star of critically-acclaimed drama series The X-Files, will judge the charity’s annual Christmas Card Challenge which is open to all primary schools.
Children with Tumours (CWT) is the UK’s first “no frills” charity which launched last year to help raise funds to provide holiday camps for children affected by the condition Neurofibromatosis and to contribute towards vital research.
More than 25,000 people in the UK are affected by NF and every day a baby is born with the condition. NF is more prevalent than Duchenne muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis and Huntington’s Disease combined, but as yet there is no cure.
Gillian’s younger brother Aaron suffered from the rare condition and died from a brain tumour when he was aged only 30.

She said: ‘I’m honoured that CWT have asked me to judge the competition. I think it is such a good idea and I’m sure everyone who enters will have great fun designing their cards.”

The Christmas Card Challenge is open to children of primary school age and there will be six winners. Schools are encouraged to hold an internal competition to choose an individual, overall winner or two winners depending on age (8 and under, 9-11) and then submit them to the national competition.
As a prize, the winning individual will receive six packs of cards of their own design. Packs of all six winning designs will be available in the Autumn on the charity’s website www.childrenwithtumours.org
Schools are encouraged to choose their own theme but suggestions include: The Colour of Christmas, the Joy of Christmas, Christmas decorations and Through a Window. The finished cards will be printed in a 15cm x 15cm size so a square design is essential. Designs can be drawn, painted or computer graphically produced.
To register visit http://www.childrenwithtumours.org/Pages/ChristmasCardChallenge.aspx or for further enquiries email takepart@childrenwithtumours.org.The closing date for entries is 31st May.

Chris de Winter of CWT said: “We are delighted that Gillian is judging this year’s Christmas Card Challenge. All the money raised from the sale of the cards will be used to provide care and support to families with children with Neurofibromatosis.
“Building confidence and giving hope are our two key statements in making a difference to the lives of children with tumours. We aim to build confidence through social networking in the UK and overseas and giving hope to our children and families by funding the science that will make a difference to the lives of those affected.”

 

Mum Knows Best For Beauty

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Cheryl Cole and Duchess of Cambridge topped the poll of Brits with best skin – both women are famously close to their mums

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MUM KNOWS BEST FOR BEAUTY

– a third of women admit to just copying their mum when it comes to beauty products –

 

While the beauty industry spends millions each year advertising its products, new research proves that when it comes to beauty, British women believe mum knows best.

 

New Superdrug research shows a third of women admit to just using the same beauty products that their mums use, even though this means they may be using the wrong products for their skin.

 

The research of 2,000 women, was commissioned to celebrate the launch of beauty brand B. which aims to help women discover premium beauty, made easy.

 

The new study shows daughters start to borrow their mum’s beauty products at the tender age of just 13 years old.

 

And 40 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds continue to use the same products as their mum, and as a result are wearing products that may be too heavy and rich for them, with ingredients that may not be effective on their younger skin.

 

Products for older women contain higher concentrations of key ingredients addressing anti-ageing, skin elasticity and skin cell turnover which are not required for younger women whose skin needs ingredients focused on skin radiance and smoothness.

 

Over half (52 per cent) said they would take the advice of their mum and best friend above everyone else when it comes to beauty, when everyone will have different skincare needs.

 

Simon Comins, Superdrug Buying Director comments: “Buying skincare products can be confusing so it’s no surprise that some women rely on their mum for advice, but sometimes mum may not actually know best.

 

“The B. brand has a simple approach to skincare with distinct Skin Phases that make it easier than ever for women to find the products that will work for them. Simply answering a few questions on the skin diagnostic tool online or in-store will help them choose the right products.”

 

Customers can discover their skin age by using the simple self-diagnostic tool at bisforbeautiful.co.uk/skindiagnostic, or in selected stores.

 

Five per cent of those questioned said they looked to celebrities for their beauty tips.  When asked which celebrity has the best looking skin, Cheryl Cole topped the poll.

 

Cole is famously close to her mum Joan Callaghan, second on the list was the Duchess of Cambridge whose mum Carole Middleton often steals the limelight.

 

Comins continues: “Not all women are lucky enough to inherit fabulous skin from their mother. But, we believe every woman deserves fabulous skincare products which is why we launched B.”

 

Top ten tips from mums

1.     Use tissue to blot lipstick

2.     Only pluck below the eyebrow

3.     Moisturise your hands

4.     Use moisturiser every day

5.     Drink tons of water

6.     Always wash and moisturise in the morning to feel fresh

7.     Don’t squeeze spots

8.     File your nails in one direction, don’t saw at them

9.     Don’t over pluck eyebrows

10.  Blend in make-up down to the neck

ROSIE FORTESCUE UNITES WITH LEADING BREAST CANCER CHARITY TO SUPPORT FASHION TARGETS FRIDAY

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Fashion icon Rosie Fortescue, from E4’s Made In Chelsea, is heading up Fashion Targets Friday – a brand new fundraising initiative from Fashion Targets Breast Cancer to help beat breast cancer.

Fashion Targets Friday is taking place on Friday 26th April 2013 and is aimed at British students; encouraging them to raise vital funds for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, the UK’s leading charity fashion campaign in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

In her role as Fashion Targets Friday Ambassador Rosie is urging everyone to style up and sign up to hold a fashionable fundraising event. One in eight UK women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, so every penny raised is crucial in order to help beat the disease.

Rosie Fortescue, Fashion Targets Friday Ambassador, says: “I love fashion so what better way to help all the families affected by breast cancer than holding a stylish fundraising event. Fashion Targets Friday is the perfect way to raise money for this incredible cause – whether you wear your support with a non-uniform day at school or style up your student union with a fashion party – the money you raise will help to stop women dying from breast cancer.”

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer is the leading charity fashion campaign raising money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. The campaign raises funds through the sale of specially designed products from leading high street retailers including M&S, River Island, Coast, Topshop, Warehouse, Laura Ashley and Debenhams so those who can’t hold or attend a Fashion Targets Friday event can still Wear their Support with a visit to their local high street (from April 22nd).

 

To find out more information about Fashion Targets Friday visit www.fashiontargetsfriday.org.uk

Liz Earle’s Mother’s Day tips

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Mother’s Day Tips

Liz EarleFor Mum with Love from Liz Earle

 

Liz Earle, co-founder of the award-winning Liz Earle Beauty Company, is passionate about beauty, natural health and wellbeing. She juggles her professional life with bringing up a family of five children, with her husband Patrick, living on a thriving organic farm in the West Country.

 

Here, Liz shares her top tips to make your mum feel extra special this Mothers Day, ensuring she is taken care of from the inside and out.

 

Liz Earle’s Mothers Day Tips

 

Treat your mum to some simple, pampering beauty treats with these deliciously good-for-you snacks, the best pick-me-up tonics and a little bit of bathtime bliss. Mix and match the ideas here – or create the perfect health and beauty hamper by adding all together for the ultimate wellbeing treat. I would love my children to give me this!

 

Beauty-Boost Truffles

 

These choc-free truffles are the packed with omega-goodness from nuts and seeds as well as healthy oils to help make skin strong and clear. Best of all, they are very easy to make and taste delicious!

 

You will need:

50g each of dates, dried apricots and sunflower seeds

100g raisins

100g porridge oats

50g wheatgerm or oatmeal

20g linseeds

Juice and grated zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons cold-pressed rapeseed or sunflower oil

 

Simply whizz all of the ingredients in a food processor until they form a firm dough ball.  Roll into individual truffle-sized balls and put into the fridge to ‘set’. Place in cellophane bags tied with ribbon or pretty tissue-lined boxes for the perfect Mother’s Day treat. Keep cool and they’ll stay fresh for several weeks.

 

Pick-me-up Tonics

 

Putting together a small basket of pick-me-up vitamins, teas and tonics is a thoughtful way of reviving a busy mum with lasting benefits. B-Complex vitamins are some of the best stress-busters as they support the central nervous system and can help reduce tension and irritability. Choose a formula that contains all the B’s, including B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 12.

 

Floradix tonic is one of my all-time favourites as it is rich in absorbable organic iron to reduce tiredness. It’s ideal deal for anyone feeling run-down or in need of an

energy boost. Choose the yeast and gluten-free version and keep in the fridge once opened.

 

Ginseng tea is a traditional energy tonic and recommended by herbalists to increase alertness and mental agility. Some studies suggest it may also boost the immune system and improve digestion. Red (Panax) ginseng is thought to have more health benefits than the white variety.

 

Message in a bottle

 

Tiny bottles of pure essential oil are very versatile beautifiers that improve mood and wellbeing. Look for the words “pure essential oil” on the label as some aromatherapy blends are cheaper dilutions of the real thing. Treat your mum to my all-time top three essential oils and print out this handy guide on how to use them for year-long benefits.

 

Lavender – the classic fragrant mood-restorer to relax and de-stress. Proven to help ‘switch-off’ a busy mind and calm the senses. Has a mildly sedative effect.

 

Neroli – a gorgeously delicate scent from orange blossom flowers, its beautifully fragrant aroma is guaranteed to uplift and cheer.

 

Rose-scented geranium – a fabulously feminine oil extracted from scented pelargonium leaves. So-called as it smells of real roses – without the hefty price tag.

 

Top Tips:

 

Sprinkle a few drops of pure lavender oil onto a pillow to encourage a good night’s sleep.

Add a drop each of neroli and rose-scented geranium to a basin of water to scent the hands after washing.

 

Make a reviving massage oil blend by mixing 10 drops lavender, 6 drops neroli and 4 drops rose-scented geranium to 50ml cold-pressed grapeseed or almond oil.

 

Add 3 drops of each to a pre-run warm bath (don’t sprinkle under the hot tap as this destroys the scents), lie back and soak all stresses away.

 

All the above ingredients and products are available from good chemists and health food shops or on-line suppliers such as Revital and Victoria Health.

 

Follow @LizEarleMe on Twitter for more tips on wellbeing