Author Archives: Catherine Balavage

Donkeys Are Drying Up Around Texas

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Donkeys Are Drying Up Around Texas

Donkeys, the worst hit by the drought, rescued by the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue

MILES, Texas, Over 300 donkeys have been rescued so far this year in Texas as a direct result of the drought. The current drought, the worst in recorded Texas history, has resulted in hay shortages and low water tables. Ranchers are selling off their livestock but have no resources to get rid of their donkeys.

Donkeys, especially in Texas, are overpopulated and hold no financial value. The vast majority of livestock auctions will not allow them to be unloaded and even offered for sale. With no feed and no options, donkeys are being abandoned in record numbers across the state.

Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue (PVDR) gives all law enforcement agencies priority in the submission of rescue work. Many counties do not have the financial ability to deal with the vast number of donkeys being dumped in their jurisdictions. Most donkeys currently being rescued in Texas are suffering from malnutrition and overgrown hooves.

As a state, Texas accounts for 90% of PVDR’s national rescue resources but contributes less than 5% of PVDR’s donation income.

All donkeys rescued by PVDR are quarantined, vaccinated, de-wormed and microchipped. During the cooler months, all jacks are castrated with the assistance of Texas A&M Veterinary School Students and Faculty.

Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue was established as a non-profit organization in the year 2000 in Acton, CA by founders Mark and Amy Meyers. The Meyers, along with their staff, have since rescued thousands of donkeys from abuse, neglect, abandonment as well as captured hundreds of wild burros throughout the Western States that were under threat of destruction. The Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue has rescue and adoption facilities across the United States.

www.donkeyrescue.org

New Film 'Bubbles' Paves Way For Women In Film

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Following on from Bridesmaids, a new film written and directed by women, lead role is a women and a high proportion of women on the crew. The shape of things to come? Let’s hope.

Here is all you need to know about Bubbles.

The Director

Leyla Pope comes from a professional background in communications working for Medecins Sans Frontiers, but her passion for filmmaking led her to the decision to make a career shift and follow her dream to work as a writer/director. Her short film Bubbles is a huge milestone for a female (also juggling the roles of wife and mother) in an industry which is still very much a male-dominated work environment.

The Film

The film’s central character, Lily, is a strong, intelligent woman struggling with suppressed desires and tense family dynamics. Following the death of her mother, Lily steels herself to organise her father’s move out of the family home. She has little support from her husband who is deeply absorbed in his latest composition and unable to relate to Lily’s tense presence. In the midst of this turmoil, a former lover appears and Lily finds her ordered life thrown out of balance. Buried feelings emerge and Lily begins to question her life’s choices. Will she live life as her mother did, putting expectation above desire? Or will she confront her feelings at the risk of unravelling the life she has built for herself? As Lily’s inner turmoil surfaces her young teenage daughter begins her own journey of sexual awakening.

Bubbles is an intelligent and evocative drama. Just as the novels of Jane Austen dissected and explored the choices for women in marriage and love, so Bubbles throws light on how these same choices are played out within a contemporary, upper class family. With a visually rich, Merchant-Ivory feel, Bubbles is a potent blend of classic storytelling and contemporary British drama.

The locations

From the outset it was clear that no ordinary location would do justice to the themes of Bubbles, so we secured the use of the stunning, rambling Grade II listed manor house “Plas Dinam” in Mid Wales as the setting for the majority of the shoot. This afforded not only the authentic interior of an historic family home, but also panoramic external shots.

The crew

The crew needed to be extremely skilled and experienced. Key to the final result were Bafta-winning cinematographer Huw Walters and top industry professional John Richards (Little Black Book, Girls’ Night, Band of Brothers) as Executive Producer.

The cast

With castings taking place individually in both Wales and London, it is testament to Leyla’s instinct and her rigorous casting process that she brought together a talented and balanced cast, including Welsh acting legend Howell Evans, to bring reality and depth to the characters in the script. Across the cast there is a vast amount of experience in TV and film.

The music

Music is not just a finishing touch for Bubbles, it is an integral part in the story. In the early stages of the film we see the building tension within Lily’s relationship to her husband Robin, a once-successful classical composer. Robin is no longer able to connect with Lily. His mounting frustrations with his wife’s attitude towards him are reflected in his struggles to express himself through his compositions.

Bubbles needed an original score that would help the audience to feel the changing emotional dynamics of each character, particularly in the final montage section of the film which has no dialogue.

Composer Jack Westmore was the perfect choice for this crucial element of the film. He possesses an incredible sensitivity to story dynamic and emotion. Jack wrote a score integrating solo cello into themes which are haunting and lyrical and perfectly express the contained but shifting restlessness of the film.

Soloist Rosie Biss is lead cellist with The Welsh National Opera. We were absolutely delighted when she agreed to play the solo cello parts. Her masterful interpretation of Jack’s score fully brings to life the complex emotions which are written into the music.

The continuing journey

Bubbles has finished post production but is only just beginning the journey to reach a national and international audience. We are now actively pursuing development of the short into a full-length feature or episodic TV series, including the American market.
There is an upcoming private London screening in late September for anyone interested in investing in or sponsoring the future development of Bubbles.

With a combination of visual beauty and strong plot and an emphasis on celebrating “Britishness” we see Bubbles very much as a showcase for the very best in British creativity. Opportunities to collaborate with British fashion designers, songwriters and musicians, perfumiers, luxury car brands, interior design etc abound. We see Bubbles as a canvas on which to paint a highly marketable picture of the best of British creativity on many levels.

For more information on investing in, supporting or sponsoring Bubbles, or for any other information you may require about the film or Bottlegreen Productions please email FAO Sophie Walcott at: bottlegreenproductions@gmail.com

Website: www.shortfilmbubbles.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Bubbles-Short-Film/173451646048497

Twitter: @bubblesfilm
Tumblr: http://bubblesshortfilm.tumblr?.com/

Play Bliss lottery and help tiny babies

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Bliss, the special care baby charity is launching the Bliss lottery scheme which will help continue Bliss’ vital work caring for premature and sick babies and their families throughout the UK. It’s a chance to win up to £25,000 while helping to give babies a fighting chance.

You simply make a contribution of £1 each week, half of which comes straight to Bliss and half of which buys you a weekly chance of winning up to £25,000 in the Unity Lottery, the nation’s charity lottery.

This means you could win a substantial amount for your own family while helping Bliss to provide support to premature and sick babies and their families at a critical time in their lives.

How it works

£1 buys you one six-digit Unity Lottery number, which is sent to you in the post. Your number will be independently generated and you can buy up to 20 entries.

50p in every £1 comes directly to Bliss and the rest is used towards prize money and the cost of administration.

How you win

You’ll win a cash prize whenever you match 3,4,5 or all 6 digits of the winning number in the right place in the sequence.

How to enter

You can sign up to raise vital funds for Bliss and get more information by visiting the Bliss website

Please note you must be 16 or over to enter.

Murdoch Update: News of the World Tapped Sara Payne's Phone.

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Another awful twist to the phone hacking scandal today as Sara Payne found out that her phone had been hacked. The phone that had been hacked was given to her as a gift by Rebekah Brooks so she could stay in touch with her supporters.

The extraordinary access that the Murdoch family had to Cabinet ministers was revealed yesterday, more than two dozen private meetings between the family and senior members of Government were granted in the 15 months since David Cameron entered Downing Street.

Cabinet Ministers had over 60 private meeting with the Murdoch’s and the figure rises to 107 if you include social events. James Murdoch and Rebekah Brooks were given confidential defence briefings on Afghanistan and Britain’s strategic defence by Defence Secretary, Liam Fox.

George Osborne had 16 separate meetings since May 2010 with News International editors and executives, he also invited Elisabeth Murdoch to his 40th birthday party last month.
The Culture Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, dined with Rupert Murdoch within days of the Government coming to power, the minister to see Rupert Murdoch most frequently is Michael Gove, a former News International employee.

The list was released by government departments yesterday (Wednesday) and highlight the unhealthy relationship between News International and senior members of the Cabinet.

David Cameron said he met News International executives on 26 occasions since entering Downing Street.

To put it in perspective Mr Osborne met with representatives of The Daily Telegraph group on six occasions and The Independent, London Evening Standard twice. Mr Hunt met Telegraph and Independent figures twice each and the BBC 11 times.

Last night a spokesman for Mr Gove insisted that his meetings with the Murdoch’s were of a personal nature. “Michael worked for the BBC and News International and his wife works for News International now,” he said. “He has known Rupert Murdoch for over a decade. He did not discuss the BSkyB deal with the Murdoch’s and isn’t at all embarrassed about his meetings, most of which have been about education, which is his job.”

A spokesman for Mr Fox said that the briefings given to the Murdoch’s were given because of the “interest in defence matters” shown by News International papers.

The Chancellor had said he would be happy to talk about the meetings.

It was revealed today that the phone hacking inquiry might take longer than a year.

James Murdoch received unanimous backing today from the BSkyB board despite pressure to step down.

What’s next?

More Brie Vicar?

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Sales of French Products soar over British counterparts

Brits are stocking their cupboards high with French produce, tapping into the long-standing view that the French are always one step ahead when it comes to style, according to new sales data from online supermarket Ocado.

Sales of French Saucisson (sausage) have risen by 169 per cent more than its British counterpart Gammon over the past two years.

French Aioli (garlic mayonnaise) has become increasingly popular with sales up 400 per cent, versus a more conservative growth of Hellmann’s Light Mayo, at just 35 per cent.

With over 20 per cent of Brits describing the French as “stylish”, our Gallic neighbours may well be top of the list when it comes to dinner party invitations, but we also want their expertise to hand when it comes to the food being served up from UK kitchens.

Everyday French items such as Brie are also fast becoming UK household essentials. According to a survey by Ocado, just 6 per cent of Brits name the British classic Red Leicester as their favourite cheese, with twice that amount (11 per cent) preferring Brie.

To mark this burgeoning culinary trend, and announce Ocado’s new partnership with French hypermarket Carrefour, a 6ft sculpture of the Eiffel Tower, made from cheese, has taken up temporary residence amongst London landmarks Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Created by renowned sculptor Prudence Staite, the artwork, which took 504 hours to sculpt, is made from a fusion of UK and French cheeses – English Cheddar and Reflets de France Tomme de Savoie, a creamy yet mild cheese.

The sculpture celebrates the fact that UK customers can now fill their baskets with a mouth-watering array of French charcuterie, cheeses, patés, biscuits, jams and confectionery, courtesy of Ocado.

Jason Gissing, co-founder of Ocado said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of the Reflets de France range. With over 350,000 French nationals living in London alone, the sculpture celebrates a major advance in Ocado’s stated long-term strategy of offering the most varied and refined home delivery grocery range available to the UK’s uniquely diverse population and puts us at the forefront of UK food trends. Let’s hope that the introduction of more French goods will keep our customers ahead in the culinary style stakes, whether it’s for dinner parties with friends or rustic home-cooked meals for the family.”

Christmas In July, Why Not? Festive Wine Guide

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Frost magazine took some time out from summer to celebrate Christmas, okay, to do some wine tasting in a winter wonderland. Accolade wine are revamping their wines, and even bringing out a new low alcohol range. Perfect for light weights like me.

I was privileged to try the new Banrock Light range. The Banrock Station Light Rose is only 5.5 per cent alcohol but tastes just as great. I love Rose and this just tastes good. It is only 60 calories per 125ml, so it helps with a calorie heavy Christmas (or any other time) It is reasonably priced at £5.45. It has a touch of sweetness and hints of red berry, jam, strawberry, raspberry and cherry. Yum.

Other in the Banrock Light range are Banrock Station Light Chardonnay-Sauvignon Blanc (a fresh wine with pear and apricot aromas), Banrock Station Pink Moscato (Melon and floral, very sweet, a great aperitif), Banrock Station Moscato (passion fruit, pineapple and tropical fruit. Good with cheese) All the Banrock Light range are £5.45. A bargain.

Banrock station have donated £2.5 million to 97 environmental projects in 13 countries, and £30k to Natural England to help preserve 2100 acres of British wildflowers, an important habitat for bees and butterflies.

Another favourite of mine is something a bit different: Stone’s Ginger Wine Special Reserve. It is a blend of the finest quality raisins and pure ground ginger, it produces a delicious, mellow warming flavour. It is perfect for Christmas, going well with mince pies and Christmas puddings. I, however, will be drinking it all year round. So yummy.

Hardy’s is the UK’s most popular brand of wine, and sponsor of Come Dine With Me. The Nottage Hill range has new packaging that will hit the shelves from September 2011. I love Hardy’s Crest Chardonnay Pinot Noir. It is a lively berry fruit tones and a crispy tangy finish. It is a very good wine for making bucks fizz.

Endurance Campaign Demonstrates the Cruelty of Human Trafficking

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In Aid of Emma Thompson’s Helen Bamber Foundation

Launching on July 2011 at 5pm, campaigner and musician Phil Knight will undertake one of the most challenging anti-human cruelty campaigns ever carried out. In aid of Emma Thompson’s Helen Bamber Foundation the campaign, known as ‘The Everyday Project’, will aim to firmly expose human trafficking in the UK and see Knight endure two weeks of solitary confinement outside of Euston Station in Euston Square Gardens. Knight’s fundraising single ‘Everyday’ will also be released the same day to coincide with the launch of the campaign.

From 5pm Monday 25th July until 5pm Monday 8th August, The Everyday Project will see the Helen Bamber Foundation’s most prominent ambassador hidden and locked inside a 10’ x 8’ iron clad shipping container, located in Euston Square Gardens. Suffering two weeks of solitary confinement and captured via live video streaming on www.justenoughfortherealworld.com, Knight will face extreme isolation and deprivation, having only a portaloo, journal and a pair of his trusty drumsticks for company, with some basic provisions provided for his survival. Illustrating only a small part of what those being trafficked and tortured endure every day, the campaign aims to fully expose this modern-day form of slavery. Already familiar with undertaking extreme challenges in a bid to stop human trafficking, Knight broke a world record in 2009 by drumming for four and a half consecutive days in Leicester Square, raising over £4000 for the Foundation.

Knight’s fundraising single ‘Everyday’ will be simultaneously released on Monday 25th July to mark the launch of The Everyday Project. Written & co-produced also by Knight and sung by one of London’s most talented and rising stars, Chris Kalli, Everyday is an upbeat and lively retro blues track. Taken from the critically acclaimed charity album ‘Just Enough For The Real World’, the track is available through download at www.iTunes.co.uk.

‘This is great music by great writer-performers who were inspired by great suffering. Weirdly, it is full of humour and hope and breathes life into its listeners, not sadness. Joyful and timely, it reminds us what ARTISTS can do when they’re in the right place at the right time.’ Emma Thompson, Chairperson of The Helen Bamber Foundation.

‘My mission in life is to stop human trafficking and I will do whatever it takes to make this happen.’ Campaigner and Music Producer, Phil Knight.

‘Isolation like solitary confinement is a form of torture and Phil is setting himself a serious challenge in solidarity with the victims. Like the shipping container, Phil will be locked in at Euston Station, just as trafficked victims remain hidden often in plain sight of the public.’ Dr Michael Korsinski, Helen Bamber Foundation.

Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world, second only to the illegal arms trade. The Freedom of Information Act revealed that 957 children were trafficked in just eight months in 2008, whilst there has been a 90% increase in the number of victims between 2006 and 2009. The Council of Europe states,

‘People trafficking has reached epidemic proportions over the past decade, with a global annual market of about £27.7 billion.’

Charlie Sheen's Winning Week

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Charlie Sheen’s Winning Week: After Winning a New Sitcom, Sheen Steps in to Help Children’s Charity

Charlie Sheen is having a good week. With a new show, a Comedy Central roast and becoming an overnight hero to 1000’s of families of sick babies born with a mysterious birth defect, it seems Charlie Sheen’s star is back on the rise.

On Tuesday, the LA Times announced Charlie Sheen has landed the lead role of the new television series, “Anger Management” based on the movie starring Adam Sandler. “I chose ‘Anger Management’ because, while it might be a big stretch for me to play a guy with serious anger management issues, I think it is a great concept,” Sheen said.

That’s not all Charlie Sheen has been up to.

Last Wednesday, Dawn Williamson, founder of CHERUBS, challenged Mr. Sheen via Twitter to get his millions of fans to throw her charity 25,000 votes in a Facebook contest. Her efforts paid off and Mr. Sheen accepted the challenge. Tweeting and re-tweeting for the charity this week, Mr. Sheen has made it a personal quest to help CHERUBS; “I’m down with Dawn!! @ncdawn RT @cherubs Help critically ill babies with CDH. Take Charlie’s challenge to vote! www.voteforcdh.org”

Currently at 3rd place, CHERUBS is a regional finalist in the 2011 Vivint Gives Back Project. CHERUBS and 1000’s of families of children born with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) are counting on a miracle from the former “Two and a Half Men” star. “CDH families in 38 countries are cheering him on and so very grateful for his support and the awareness he is raising for our cause,” says Williamson.

A child is born is born with CDH every 10 minutes. With a 50% mortality rate, this means 3 babies die from CDH every hour. Winning the contest will help fund research to find the cause of CDH. “50% of money won will go towards genetic research of CDH through Mass General’s CDH Research Study. The other 50% will go towards family support services and awareness,” says Williamson. Information about the contest and where funds will go can be found at www.voteforcherubs.org