Author Archives: Frostie

Interview with Joe Thomas of Fresh Meat

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Joe Thomas got to enact a childhood dream while filming the second series of Fresh Meat.

“I couldn’t quite believe it but basically I got to be filmed busking in the style of Blur,” says Joe. “It was like being able to vent my childhood dream of being in a band when my favourite band was Blur.”

Returning to university for the second term, Joe’s character Kingsley has a new look…

“In the last series Kingsley was relatively innocent but this term he is trying to contrive an image for himself – he has become quite pretentious, probably because he was quite badly hurt in the first term. This includes growing a little beard called a soul patch, which doesn’t really suit him, and developing an interest in music.

“On the downside I have to sing but on the upside it is a song written by Graham Coxon from Blur who are pretty much my favourite band of all time. I got to meet him and it was really nice to meet someone so famous who has done an awful lot with their life yet seemed very much a normal bloke. He is a fan of Fresh Meat which is why he wanted to be involved.

“It is interesting because the song isn’t supposed to be very good so Graham must have had to pull against all his natural instincts to write this tortuous and pretentious thing. The lyrics are very funny and it felt like we really got what we wanted from it; an adolescent, overly complicated epic.

“I do play guitar but only to a level many people can, which is a few chords to a few Blur songs. The only other person in the cast who sings in the series is Charlotte Ritchie, who is actually a professional singer, so it is an unfortunate point of comparison for me.”

The other major change in Kingsley’s life is the arrival of Heather…

“Kingsley has a new girlfriend, Heather, who is slightly cooler than Josie and maybe, in the long run, not as well-suited. However in the short term she is definitely more together and more able to organise a relationship and as Kingsley needs to be told what to do they fall into one. And immediately he is in way over his head.

“This series Kinglsey is getting on with the outward appearance of being grown up but fundamentally he is still sorting himself out. He doesn’t resolve any of his issues.

“Take the soul patch; it tends to be the first bit of hair that grows so it is a bit like a boy pretending to be a man. Also in Kingsley’s case trying to look a bit tougher.

On a personal note it wasn’t great for me to have to go round in my normal life with a soul patch either – it is not something I’d have chosen.

“It was an interesting experiment and I suppose made me appreciate not having it after I shaved it off. I might grow a full rugged beard one day; I can understand that back to nature, wild look but the soul patch isn’t really in the same category…”

So how does Kingsley feel about Josie this term?

“Kingsley is increasingly worried about Josie and he is really good to her as is not unaware that she is having a bad time. But when somebody is your friend but you do still really like each other it confuses things. So he has this mix of sympathy and desire which is frankly a bit weird. They have this relationship that neither of them are in control of.

“They both behave like they don’t care about each other, Kingsley is uber chilled and relaxed about her and Josie acts like she lives to party but neither of them mean that. They like stability and feeling at peace with the world but by carrying on as if they don’t care and are just free spirits they are damaging each other in the process. And as a consequence they mess up the opportunity to be together.”

So what were Joe’s stand out moments of the series?

“I got to do some minor stunts when we filming in the Peak District and I do like a tussle. There aren’t many times you get to wrestle in the great outdoors and let off a bit of steam; normally it is all about being very controlled. I didn’t do anything particularly adventurous but I got to fight with Greg or even better with Howard who is definitely not a fighter and probably hadn’t had any physical contact with a human for some time.

“And filming on location in the big country house was great – it was the only time it didn’t rain, apart from when we were in the Peak District, and it was so nice to sit in a garden rather than a car park outside the studios. A change of environment can really change your frame of mind plus there is always a bit of fun when cast and crew are staying in the same place – it’s a bit like a school trip!”

Joe is currently co-writing Chickens, a comedy series for Sky, with Simon Bird and Johnny Sweet in which they will also star.

Fresh Meat returns to Channel 4 on Tuesday 9th October at 10pm.

Don’t forget to check out Fresh Meat House which will launch 9th October directly after transmission of the first episode on Channel 4. Go to www.channel4.com/freshmeathouse for a tour of the student digs and to watch exclusive content released at the end of each episode.

Fresh Meat House is a new commission from Channel 4’s Education team who have a focus on life skills for young people

Gwyneth Paltrow launches Stand Up to Cancer on Channel 4

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Stars from television, music and film will come together this autumn for “Stand Up To Cancer” – a unique new fundraising campaign on Channel 4. Joining forces with Cancer Research UK, the campaign will build on air over a week of programming, delivering the best of Channel 4’s science and entertainment programming. It will climax on Friday 19th October in a fundraising extravaganza hosted by Davina McCall, Alan Carr and Dr Christian.

Yesterday in London, Gwyneth Paltrow, Co-Executive Producer of SU2C USA, joined Channel 4’s Chief Creative Officer, Jay Hunt; Cancer Research UK’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Harpal Kumar; and all round fabulous press conference chair Alan Carr, to launch Stand Up To Cancer UK.

Alan Carr revealed: “Pretty much everyone will be affected by this disease in their lifetime, and that’s the very simple reason why I’m honoured to be involved with this campaign. Like so many people, I’ve seen exactly how destructive the big C is. I’ve lost two people already this year to cancer, and friend of mine who has been diagnosed with throat cancer is having her voice box removed next week, and won’t speak again. So we need to raise a lot of money.”

Gwyneth Paltrow said: “I would like to tell you about nine women from the entertainment industry in the United States who, four years ago, decided to do something about the unbearable reality that cancer claims the lives of eight million men, women and children worldwide every year. In the US, 1600 people-a-day are lost to cancer. I lost my father in 2002, and I’m also aware of the impact this disease has on families. But whether we lose a loved one in the US or the UK, we all lose until we do something to change it.”

“Well, these nine women, whose lives had been profoundly affected by cancer, did something. They mobilised the entertainment community, and created Stand Up to Cancer – a program of Hollywood’s leading charity, the Entertainment Industry Foundation. Stand Up to Cancer is a grassroots movement to raise funds for cancer research, to get new treatments to patients more quickly. It requires scientists to work together, to compete against cancer, instead of each other. ”

“Well, it worked. Four years later, $260 million has been pledged. 350 scientists have been funded across more than 80 institutions, with dozens of clinical trials underway. And patients are benefitting. Scientists are working together, accelerating the process to save more lives. And on October 19th, the fight against cancer comes to Channel 4. With their extraordinary commitment to the one-in-three people in the UK who will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime, we are thrilled to join forces with Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, and to bring you Stand Up to Cancer UK.”

“We have the power to make cancer powerless – perhaps even end it. But it takes more research, and that requires funding. Cancer has taken some of the best among us, and it is time for us all to stand up and fight back. I’m so proud to be standing up to cancer for my dad. Please tune in and donate on October 19th. Stand for the people you love in your life. Stand for these amazing advances in science and medicine. Stand Up to Cancer.”

Jay Hunt said: “Why Stand Up to Cancer, and why Channel 4? Well, Channel 4 prides itself on daring to do things that nobody else would want to do or could do. In the last few weeks we’ve managed to change attitudes in this nation to disability with our coverage of the Paralympics, and now we’re up for the ultimate challenge – and to be honest, it doesn’t get much bigger than trying to play a part in curing cancer.”

“[This will be] a charity appeal unlike anything you’ve seen before: a uniquely Channel 4 hybrid of comedy, of entertainment, and science, which is designed to grab hold of an audience and not let it go.”

“Now we are so determined to do something really special on October 19th, we have taken a rather terrifying decision, and one that my scheduling team may not forgive me for. We’re going to stay on air for as long as the donations keep pouring in. Now that might mean that we’re still sitting there as the sun comes up in the morning, but it’ll take whatever it takes, and I think the cause is so important we wanted to make that sort of commitment.”

Dr Harpal Kumar said: “It’s not just technology or knowledge that we need. It’s funding. And every pound we raise is a step closer to our goal of beating this disease. Through Stand Up to Cancer, we hope to raise millions of pounds for our lifesaving work, and thanks to some very important people in this room with us here today, we’re not doing it alone.”

“I’m absolutely thrilled that Stand Up to Cancer has become a reality in the UK, and Channel 4 is the perfect partner for a campaign that promises to challenge, inspire, and push the boundaries in how we fight this devastating disease.”

“The UK leads the world in clinical trials, with one-in-five patients with cancer going on to a clinical study. But we need to do more. Many more patients would like the option of going on clinical trials. So all the funds raised through Stand Up to Cancer will go towards research specifically designed to have an impact within just a few years, by working to turn breakthroughs in the lab to breakthroughs in our hospitals.”

Throughout the week and night, there will be a plenty of other surprises and a huge range of opportunities for audiences to get involved and donate to the cause, to show their support and raise millions for the fight against cancer. For inspiration viewers can log on to www.standuptocancer.org.uk/get-involved

In the run up to the 19 October, Cancer Research UK will be urging the public to get involved by donating money, fundraising, showing support through social networks or snapping up some Stand Up To Cancer merchandise.

For up to date information please go to www.standuptocancer.org.uk or www.channel4.com/su2c

#standuptocancer

Twitter handle: @Standup2C

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/standuptocancerUK

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/standuptocancerUK

 

‘Stand Up To Cancer’, a joint national fundraising event from Channel 4 and Cancer Research UK culminating in a live evening extravaganza on 19th October. Follow @Standup2C, Standuptocancer.org.uk or channel4.co.uk/SU2C for further information.

‘FOOTBALL WIDOWERS’ GO IT ALONE AS FEMALE FANS FOLLOW BEAUTIFUL GAME

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  • Over a million men  don’t share their football mad wives’ and girlfriends’ love of the game
  • Nearly one in three women are declared football fans, according to the Capital One Cup

Forget the clichéd images of WAGS following footballers, new research from credit card company Capital One, new sponsors of the Capital One Cup, shows more than a million men are ‘football widowers’ with wives and girlfriends more interested in the game than they are.  The football season kick-off means they are facing a long haul to next May competing for the attention of partners focused on the ups and downs across the football season.

 

The Capital One Cup sponsor’s research shows the changing face of football with nearly one in three women (30%) declaring themselves as fans.  They are not just armchair supporters; more than three million women attend at least one game a season, with seven per cent going to 10 or more matches and four per cent going to 30 or more. Female fans also watch an average of 25 games on TV or online a season.

 

That leaves a lot of time to fill for their husbands and boyfriends and the bad news is that dedicated female fans are less likely than male fans to feel guilty about their love of the game.  Just 29% of female fans whose partners are not football supporters plan to do anything special for their loved ones to make up for their time spent following football, compared with 54% of men.  More than a quarter of men (26%), who do not enjoy the game, still watch matches with their female partners compared to just 12% of females with football-mad partners.

Michael Woodburn, Chief Marketing Officer, Capital One said:  “It’s great to see so many dedicated football supporters out there, with millions of men and women following their team on TV and online. Of course not everyone is a football fan and you have to sympathise with partners who don’t share the dedication. There has to be a degree of compromise but that’s probably best left to couples to sort out!”

 

Men who love football when their partner doesn’t are far more likely to take their loved one out to dinner (19%) than their female counterparts (6%).  Football widows are also far more likely to be treated to presents or holidays than football widowers.

 

WHAT FANS PLAN TO DO MAKE UP FOR TIME SPENT WATCHING FOOTBALL

ACTIVITY MEN       WOMEN
Make an effort to spend more time outside of match times 27% 18%
Cook for them or take them out to dinner 19% 6%
Take them somewhere such as cinema or holiday 14% 5%
Do additional housework 14% 3%
Pay for treats such as shopping, massage or tickets to concert 13% 4%
Buy a present 6% 2%
Nothing 46% 71%

Source:  Capital One Cup

Upgrading your tongue opens the door to the ‘feel good factor’, and better relationships.

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To mark the occasion of the European Day of Languages today, Rosetta Stone, a leading provider of technology-based language-learning solutions, uncovers major drivers for adult language learning today, citing the feel-good factor, meeting new people and an interest in other cultures.

Rosetta Stone’s 2012 survey into motivations for learning languages found that 54% of respondents were motivated by the feel-good factor, stating that learning a language made them feel good about themselves. Increasingly, the mastery of a second language is considered to enhance attractiveness, and to enable cross-cultural relationships to thrive.

  • A recent survey of 30,000 British women found that Italian, Dutch and French were considered  the “sexiest nationality”.
  • A survey run by Rosetta Stone  found 29% of those surveyed stated that the lover of their dreams would speak French.
  • Closely followed by Italian (20%).
  • Only 12.7% preferred English speaking lovers.
  • Language learning can also increase opportunities in love.
  • Rosetta Stone provides e-learning to individuals, schools, universities and public and private organisations in over 20 languages.
  • Other major drivers for language learning which Rosetta Stone has identified are: Career prospects; travel and culture; and ‘heritage learning’, based on languages spoken through generations.
To mark the European Day of Languages, Rosetta Stone has a unique offer available on all e-learning courses which can be redeemed via the official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RosettaStoneUK

Sylke Riester, Managing Director Europe at Rosetta Stone commented:

“Being able to speak a second language – or a commitment to doing so – automatically suggests a curiosity about the world, which we know are attractive traits.”

“ “From day-to-day chit-chat to heartfelt expressions of love, being able to share these moments in your partner’s language reinforce the relationship. It’s another way of demonstrating love and commitment and allows genuine integration into a loved one’s life, family and culture.”.”

Yasmin Müller, Copia : Modern disbelief

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Yasmin Müller

Copia : Modern disbelief

Exhibition dates: 5th October – 10th November, 2012
Opening hours: Tue – Fri 11-6, Sat 11-3 or by appointment

Maria Stenfors is proud to present ‘Copia: Modern disbelief’, Yasmin Müller’s second solo presentation at the gallery. The installation is embodied in the title word copia, meaning a mass, copiousness, and also a wealth of knowledge and ideas.

Like an expanse of open ocean, constantly shifting in shape and unquantifiable, multiple abstract light patterns fill the volume of the room, continuously moving focus from artwork to room. A confusing and disorientating space, that is darkened and unknown, illuminated in passing moments. These light shapes create an endless moving mass, a copious pattern that conducts the perception.

Central in the space are two geometrically shaped sculptures, erected like columns. These columns and piercings of light are Müller’s reconfiguration of razzle dazzle, a pattern created by Norman Wilkinson and utilised by 20th century warfare engineering. Designed not so much to camouflage but to disorientate, it blurs the perception of depth, contour and edge. it doesn’t hide, but is more of a visual disruption, making it impossible to estimate size and shape.

Placed throughout the installation are objects of pictorial chaos plucked from the everyday images of modern life and cultural trends, copies of copies, an evolution of the original, and all framed and constrained by hard minimalist shapes: exquisitely angled diamonds and sharp edged lightboxes. Familiar patterns merge with common place fashion styles confined by geometrically perfect dimensions, as seen in the clothing of the figurative lightbox images, and visual emblems like the parrot, featured on multiple canvases, each copy being an evolution, a mutation of the former, allowing the copy to perhaps stand stronger than the original.

Yasmin Muller was born in 1977, studied at the Staatliche Akademie der bildenden Künste Karlsruhe, and lives and works in Berlin.

Maria Stenfors, Unit 10, 21 Wren Street, London WC1 0HF

I AM IN LOVE Release New Single

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“Ethereal and beautiful”

Edith Bowman, BBC Radio 1

“A very talented band, really good”
Huw Stephens, BBC Radio 1

“A lot of love for this band”
Greg James, BBC Radio 1

NME: “the ’80s synthpop of Depeche Mode and the dark twang of The Cure”

Breaking More Waves: “With a dark, dirty urgency this is a gritty piece of ear sex’

Burning Ear: “Bust out your best songs of 2012 lists because it’s time to add another jam”

Palm is the third single from Leicester based shoe-gaze electro 4-piece I AM IN LOVE.

Having scored a spot on BBC Radio 1’s playlist with their debut single I Want You, Palm shows the band continuing their fine form, exploring further their unique brand of dark and emotive electro-indie.

Stunning vocals entwine with harmonious synths and spiky guitars, whilst pulsating beats and basses underpin the remarkable melodies. The chants of the chorus radiate an infectious energy.

In the live environment the band are formidable. This summer has seen the band embark upon a hectic run of summer dates across Europe, stopping off in Germany, Spain, France and culminating in a string of UK festivals. Their non-stop touring schedule continues across Europe this Autumn.

Release date: 22nd October 2012 on Velocity Sounds Records

http://www.facebook.com/iaminlovemusic

French modernist residence, Villa Savoy, joins LEGO® Architecture series

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Famous Parisian modernist-style country house, Villa Savoye, is the newest landmark to join the impressive LEGO® Architecture series.

Designed by Le Corbusier in the 1920s, and situated on the outskirts of Paris, Villa Savoye is the first French landmark to be added to the inspirational range. The villa itself is the perfect embodiment of Le Corbusier’s ‘Five Points’ construction principles, featuring a fusion of modern architecture and nature intended to create harmony with the woodland surroundings.

The fifteenth model to join the LEGO Architecture series, this interpretation of Villa Savoye was designed by German architect Michael Hepp in collaboration with the LEGO design team. Just like the real thing, the set features columns, functional roof space, open floor planning, long horizontal windows, and a free façade.

The LEGO Architecture range features ingenious recreations of well-known landmarks and works of important architects from around the world. Full of inspiration for future architects, engineers and designers as well as fans of architecture, the series is stunningly presented. Each set contains a booklet which brings the story behind the building to life, featuring exclusive, archival history, information and photographs about each iconic building, its design origin, its architect and its architectural features, as well as step-by-step instructions on construction. Travel the world of architecture by collecting all the sets in the range.

Become an expert with these Villa Savoye facts:

* Villa Savoye was originally built as a country retreat on behest of the Savoye family (at a cost of 900,000 Francs), but fell into disuse after 1940, entering a state of disrepair during World War II. After being passed on to be property of the French state in 1958, and surviving several plans of demolition, it was added to the French register of historical monuments becoming the first modernist building designated as a historical monument in France, and also the first to be the object of renovation (from 1985 to 1997) while its architect was still living.
* At the time the project started on site no design work had been done on the lodge and the final design was only presented to the client in June 1929. Although construction of the whole house was complete within a year it was not habitable until 1931.
* The house, designed as a second residence and sited as it was outside Paris was designed with the car in mind. The sense of mobility that the car gave translated into a feeling of movement that is integral to the understanding of the building.
* The four columns in the entrance hall seemingly direct the visitor up a ramp. This ramp, that can be seen from almost everywhere in the house continues up to the first floor living area and salon before continuing externally from the first floor roof terrace up to the second floor solarium.
* Throughout his career Corbusier was interested in bringing a feeling of sacredness into the acts of dwelling such as washing and eating. At the Villa Savoye the act of cleansing is represented both by the sink in the entrance hall and the celebration of the health-giving properties of the sun in the solarium on the roof which is given significance by being the culmination of ascending the ramp.

The LEGO 21014 Villa Savoye is available for purchase from 1st August in LEGO brand retail stores, LEGOLAND Stores and online at http://shop.lego.com/. Aimed at ages 12+, the product measures Measures 3.6” (9.2cm) tall, 7.5” (19.2cm) wide and 6.9” (17.5cm) deep, and has a RRP of £59.99.

For more information about LEGO Architecture visit http://architecture.lego.com/

WORLD’S FIRST ‘TWEET’ SHOP OPENS IN LONDON

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– Shoppers told to put money away and pay by social currency –

The world’s first high-street shop where customers pay by Tweet instead of money has opened in central London today.

The Tweet Shop is a standalone retail outlet from Special K and is being used to mark the famous cereal maker’s move into the savoury crisps market.

Customers are encouraged to put away their money and pay for a packet of new Special K Cracker Crisps by simply Tweeting a message about the low calorie snack range and sharing the news with the wider Twittersphere.

As well as the company’s first move into crisps, the shop is also Kellogg’s first venture into the retail arena with its very first dedicated physical space in the UK.

The shop is staffed by a number of iconic Special K girls in red dresses who will check each customer’s Tweet before handing over the crisps.

Kim Murray, 28 from London, was the first person to pay for the product with a Tweet.

Sarah Case from Special K comments: “The value of positive endorsements on social media sites is beyond compare so we’re excited to be the first company to literally use social currency instead of financial currency to launch this new product in our bespoke Special K shop.

“This is big news for Special K and we are hoping the brand’s move into crisps and the high street will create a major buzz on and offline.”

The Tweet Shop on Soho’s Meard Street, London is open from 9am to 5pm on Tuesday 25th September to Friday 28th September. It is lined with hundreds of packs of crisps, a ‘try before you buy’ snacking area and a ‘community noticeboard’ that captures social media reaction to the unique retail space.