Author Archives: Catherine Balavage

MONSTER-SIZED SLIPPER TO BE AUCTIONED FOR CHILDREN IN NEED

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Back in October, it made headlines across the world. Now the oversized slipper big enough to fit a man inside is to be auctioned for “big money” in aid of Children in Need.

The size 1,450 Monster Claw slipper – made following a clerical error between the manufacturer and its Hong Kong factory – is to be sold on eBay as part of the official BBC Children in Need online auction 2011.

The furry novelty footwear has been donated by British company Monster Slippers. Its dimensions are 210cm x 130cm x 65cm and it weighs 16-17 kilos. Measuring the same length as a grizzly bear or a family car, it is currently being assessed by the Guinness Book of World Records to ascertain whether it’s the world’s biggest slipper.

A spokesman for online slipper company Monster Slippers, based in Dunmow, Essex, said: “This is the biggest monster slipper of them all and every single penny raised by the auction will go towards making a positive difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people right here in the UK.”

To bid for the slipper and help support Children in Need visit http://tinyurl.com/monsterslippers

Eco Presents For The Ones You Love

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With all the shiny techno toys around, we’re all probably a bit geeky once in a while. But if you have the genuine article on your gift list – someone who’d camp out overnight to get the latest iPhone or who could expound at length on every minor character in the original TV Star Trek – then these snazzy gadgets could bring a teary smile to his – or her – face. Frost got the people from energyrethinking.org to give our readers some gift ideas.

Ten Top Eco Gadget Gifts For Geeks

1. Enviroplug This mobile phone energy saving adaptor fits between the charger and the powerpoint, notices when a phone is fully charged and turns off the useless “vampire drain” of power into the charger. It can save up to 90% of the energy wasted by the charger and about £50 a year.

2. Motion-Activated LED Outdoor Light Very cool, bright solar powered light only switches on when it senses someone about. So the solar charge it has built up all day lasts much longer. And what a surprise to a would be intruder. The five LED bulbs are rated for 30,000 hours.

3.Standby and Remote Starter Kit Leaving devices on standby wastes money, and contributes to carbon emissions. But sometimes, the on off switch at the wall socket is difficult to get to – hidden behind furniture or under beds. Plug in up to 3W worth of devices to this clever standby socket and then turn the power completely off or on by remote control.

4. Ecobutton You’re on the computer and you get an important phone call, or get up to make a cup of tea, or to accept a package for a neighbour. While you’re away from your desk, your computer is still eating up electricity and pumping CO2 into the environment. With this handy USB device, you can put your computer into sleep mode with the touch of a button. And when you wake it up, the Ecobutton software tells you how much money and CO2 you’ve saved, today and to date. Have a look to see how it works:

5. Solar Briefcase It’s called trickle charging. This solar charger looks like a briefcase, but open it up and it’s a generouse sized, two panel solar charger that can produce enough power to top up a car battery while you’re off on holiday, or provide winter maintenance power for a boat or caravan.

6. H2O long life Atomic Clock We love this water powered atomic alarm clock. It runs on water, with perhaps a dash of salt – something to do with electrolytic activity. It displays date, day and temperature, as well as time and is adjusted to the Atomic Radio Signal every day. It’s rated for a refill (a splash from the tap) every two weeks, but some users have reported it still runs perfectly at least a month after filling.

7. H2O Shower Radio The water rushing through your shower powers this H2O radio. And in case you get carried away and take a longer shower than you should, it has a shower timer that fits in line with the showerhead to remind you when enough is enough. And you can still keep singing along because it builds up a charge and continues to run for quite a while. If you want to wait until next year, they’re planning a model that will tell you exactly how much you are spending on your shower.

8. Ventus Spin EcoMedia Player Wind up technology just keeps getting better. Your favorite geeks can listed to all their favourite music, watch dazzling movie clips, tune in to popular FM radio stations, thumb through photo albums, and read text files for up to 45 minutes on the charge from one minute of winding. Plus it will charge a mobile phone. For a longer charge, plug it into a USB computer port for 55 hours of play time.

9. Solar Powered Digital Tyre Pressure Gauge The PowerPlus Pelican Solar Powered Digital Tyre Pressue Gauge helps you maintain correct tyre pressure – essential for safe and fuel efficient driving – even in the dark. It includes a tyre tread depth gauge and a back up battery for a brighter read out at night.

10. Stirling Engine Kit A Stirling engine uses low temperature heat differentials on a volume of gas in an enclosed space. That’s the science part; your Geek will get it. This Stirling Engine kit comes flat packed and it’s almost entirely made of cardboard, except for some laser-cut aluminium and a few PVC ball bearings. It’s fiddly to assemble but will run on a cup of tea or a glass full of melting snow. A really interesting example of engine power without internal combustion.

Eco Christmas Presents for Him http://www.energyrethinking.org/lifestyle-leisure/10-eco-gift-ideas-for-him/ and Her http://www.energyrethinking.org/lifestyle-leisure/10-holiday-eco-gifts-for-her/


10 Green Festive Tips for Christmas

James Murdoch Was 'Never Shown “For Neville” Email' Hacking Inquiry.

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James Murdoch is in front of the Commons Committee again today. He is holding himself well and was ‘offended’ when MP Tom Watson compared News International to the mafia, Watson claimed that Mr Murdoch was the only mafia head who did not know he was running a mafia. To which Murdoch said the comment was ‘rude and inappropriate, [to the chairman] Chairman, please’.

James Murdoch claimed knowledge of the ‘For Neville’ email, but claims it was not shown to him.

He then went on to blame Colin Myler and Tom Crone for ‘misleading MPs’ at the Culture, Media and Sport Committee in testimony they gave about whether he was made aware of the extent of phone hacking at the paper.

Mr Murdoch said of the meeting with Mr Myler and Mr Crone that it had been to discuss increasing an offer to settle a legal claim by the chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association, Gordon Taylor.

“The meeting, which I remember quite well, was a short meeting, and I was given at that meeting sufficient information to authorise the increase of the settlement offers that had been made,” he said. “But I was given no more than that.”

“That second part, that importance, was not described to me in detail or at all,” Mr Murdoch said. “It was not described as the For Neville email, and I want to be very clear. No documents were shown to me at that meeting or were given to me at that meeting.”

Mr Murdoch said he could not recall discussing the Gordon Taylor case with Mr Myler before June 10 2008. “The first and only substantive meeting or conversation that I recall about the matter was the June 10 meeting with Mr Crone and Mr Myler, although I cannot rule out whether or not he called me or stopped me in the hallway, or something like that, for a brief conversation,”

Guide To The Perfect Secret Santa Gift

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It’s that time of the year. Yes, the one where you have to somehow buy people presents that they won’t hate.

This is even harder, and far more treacherous, when buying for someone at work who you don’t really know. Getting Secret Santa gifts can be a minefield. So here are a few tips and tricks.

1) Do your research.

Think about the personality of the person you are buying for. Are they girlie? Sporty? Metrosexual? Don’t buy Shirley, who loves pink and teddy bears, a war DVD.

2) Go edible.

The best presents are usually edible. No re-gifting, no fake thank you’s, just eating. Hmm, what more could you want? Try and find out if anyone has any allergies or dislikes. Chocolate is a good bet. Or bubble bath.

3) Watch out for allergies or religious beliefs.

Rule out anything offensive or jokey. You never know how someone will take it and you need to work with these people all year. If you don’t get fired.

4) Play it safe.

Scented candles, bath oils, chocolate, a good book. Go for things everyone likes.

5) Be generous.

Don’t be known as the cheap person in the office. It’s always worth spending a few extra pounds and showing some class.

6) But not too generous.

You don’t want to embarrass people, or make the feel they have to reciprocate with something equally expensive. Or worse, think that you fancy them!

And more importantly, have fun!

An Experiment With An Air Pump: Theatre Review

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I have seen many plays in my life, but none have so intertwined art and science as An Experiment With An Airpump. The play by Shelagh Stevenson is a murder mystery wrapped up in the morals of science.

The play was inspired by the famous painting by Derby’s Joseph Wright of a scientist demonstrating an experiment on the powers of oxygen. He puts a small bird in a bottle and closes the lid. The bird dies – apparently. He takes off the lid and the bird miraculously recovers.

The play is set in 1799 and in 1999 on New Years Eve. Tom, and his scientist wife, Ellen have to leave the house as they can no longer afford to live there. They employ a builder to do some maintenance work and they discover a body under the sink – the bones of a female who has been there for centuries. Ellen also grasps with the morality of taking a job that evolves working with pre-embryos.

The other family are from 1799. The play shows that if history does not repeat itself, it at least rhymes, with people rioting in the streets. It also shows how far women have come. In 1799, Holly Clark plays an oppressed wife who seeks solace in alcohol. In 1999, she is the scientist, doing groundbreaking work, and funding her unemployed husband.

The play has very high production values. The set is amazing and looks expensive. The characters costumes are spot on.

There is a cast of seven in total and most actors play two parts. Mason Kayne plays Armstrong, a medical student, in 1799 and the Geordie builder in 1999. Mason is a stunningly talented young actor. He peals away the layers of Armstrong until he reveals his cold heart. A stunning tour-de-force. The only real character is Roget – who was the man who devised the thesaurus.
This play is well acted, well directed and well written. A marvellous play that is long, but feels short. An intellectual triumph and an absolute must-see.

By Shelagh Stephenson

Directed by Liisa Smith
Produced by Giant Olive Theatre

Cast:
Joseph Fenwick / Tom – Steven Lello
Susannah Fenwick / Ellen – Holly Clark
Harriet Fenwick / Kate – Rae Brogan
Maria Fenwick – Billie Fulford-Brown
Isobel Bridie – Olivia Hunter
Peter Mark Roget – Noah James
Thomas Armstrong / Phil – Mason Kayne

Music composed by: Angus Moncrieff
Costume & set: Cara Newman
Lighting Design: Ciaran Cunningham
Stage Manager: Nathalie Gunzle
Image Design: Merilyn Puss
Photography: Alexander Ford


http://www.giantolive.com/anexperimentwithanairpump.html

Amanda Eliasch's Peccadilloes

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On Thursday November 3rd, I went to see artist and fashion editor Amanda Eliasch’s new art show, Peccadilloes.

Based on the seven deadly sins: Wrath, Envy, Sloth, Greed, Lust, Pride, and Gluttony, Peccadilloes is a collection of naughty, fun and original neon signs. All of the art features Amanda and is cartoons drawn by Kay Saatchi, Amanda’s friend and patron.

She explores humanity’s deepest desires and motivations in the most public form of art: advertising. I loved the art. It’s a go-see.

Frost also loved Amanda Eliasch’s play As I Like It. http://frostmagazine.com/2011/07/july-cultural-highlights-amanda-eliasch-has-it-as-she-like-it/

Pregnancy Rumours Dog Duke And Duchess On UNICEF Visit

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were dogged by pregnancy rumours on their visit to the UNICEF Supply Centre in Copenhagen.

The couple were there to highlight the desperate plight of children in East Africa, but the rumour mills went into overdrive suggesting Kate is pregnant after she refused to eat peanut paste on the Denmark trip.

According to eyewitnesses, Kate gave her husband Prince William ‘a knowing look’ as he tucked in. ABC news reported that Buckingham Palace ‘went out of their way to stress that she has no nut allergy whatsoever.’ The Palace denied Kate was pregnant saying that they would have announced it and ‘not some gossip magazine’.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a special visit to the UNICEF global supply centre ito help maintain the world’s attention on the humanitarian crisis in East Africa, which has left more than 320,000 children so severely malnourished that they are at imminent risk of death unless they get urgent help.

UNICEF’s Copenhagen supply centre includes a warehouse the size of three football pitches where essential supplies for children around the globe are sourced, packed and distributed. These include food, water, special nutritional supplies for the most malnourished children, vaccines, education materials and emergency medical kits.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were accompanied on the visit by the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Denmark and were welcomed by Shanelle Hall, Director of UNICEF’s Supply Centre. The Duchess and Crown Princess were given flowers by Amanda Kofoed and Maryam Abdullah, both 10 years old, who are children of UNICEF staff.

Both couples then received a briefing on the desperate situation in the region from Peter Hailey, Chief of Nutrition for UNICEF in Somalia. He told them about the reality for many children and their parents, who often have to walk for 25 days to find food.

They met four packing staff who showed them how different medical provisions – including essential medicines and emergency surgical equipment – are packed. Both Royal couples joined the staff on the production line and helped to pack boxes of emergency health kits, each of which will provide life-saving supplies to over 1,000 people.

Both couples then toured the warehouse, seeing the huge variety of supplies that are sent to emergencies around the world, including ready-to-use therapeutic food for severely malnourished children under five years old and supplementary food to support-families, emergency health kits, vaccines and water supplies including water purification tablets.

At the end of their visit, the Duke of Cambridge said: “An incredible amount is being done. UNICEF is leading the way and doing a fantastic job, but sadly there’s lots more still to do, and that’s why we’re here today.”

The Duchess talked more about the purpose of their visit, saying: “We really hope to put the spotlight back on this crisis.” The Duke then added a heartfelt appeal: “Anyone who can do anything to help, please do.”

Both went on to Copenhagen Airport to see the supplies being loaded onto flights provided by British Airways and UPS, bound for Nairobi.

Since the visit of both Royal couples to UNICEF’s Supply Centre was announced on 26 October, UNICEF has already seen a huge response to the appeal for donations to the emergency.

Shanelle Hall commented: “It has been wonderful to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Crown Prince and Princess of Denmark to UNICEF’s Supply Centre and to show them the scale of the vital operation delivering supplies to malnourished children and their families. Their visit has already helped to draw the world’s attention back to the scale of the current crisis and we hope it will help us to raise the resources needed to continue our work in the region.”

To respond to the remaining needs of children in East Africa for 2011, UNICEF still requires US$40 million. The financial needs for 2012 are US$402.8 million, including US$300 million for UNICEF Somalia, to ensure that provision of life-saving therapeutic and supplementary feeding can continue.

To donate to the East Africa Appeal please visit www.eastafricacrisis.org or, in the UK, text ‘LIFE’ to 70800 to make a £10 donation or call 0800 037 9797

TinTin Review

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TinTin is a must-see film. Although the Guardian gave it a poor review, for which they have rightly now been castigated, I cannot find anyone else who agrees with them. TinTin is already famous, so it was brave of Steven Spielberg to make a film on a childhood classic. He does not disappoint.

Although 3D is not a new thing, it has become the gimmick of the moment. While waiting for the film to start, it seemed that every film made in the last 10 years had a trailer announcing they would be in the cinema soon in ‘full 3D’. This is not a complaint, only an observation. I saw TinTin in 3D and definitely think it was worth donning the specs. Not every film needs to be in 3D, but some of the scenes, without giving anything away, really worked.

Spielberg is a master storyteller. He makes the kind of films the cinema experience was made for and TinTin is no exception of his talents. A rip-roaring, entertaining film. Spectacular animation, some of the best you have ever seen, and technically incredible. The voice acting was amazing and the characters were brought to life wonderfully. Though what do you expect from a film which is not only directed by Steven Spielberg, but also has Peter Jackson on the second unit?

My only complaint is the film is a PG, so you might be in the cinema with some badly behaved children whose parents won’t tell them to be quiet.

Five stars. Loved it.