Category Archives: Culture

The Socrates Project Book Launch

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More than 90 influential members of the media, outdoor sports, environmental agencies and the publishing world joined explorers, adventurers, politicians and senior business men and women at the launch of The Socrates Project.

mark beaumont. The Socrates Project

We drank amazing Blue Cocktails (Blue Gold Cocktail Recipe: Equal measures of blue curacao and vodka poured over plenty of ice, top up with lemonade and stir.) mingled and talked with the author, Daron Sheehan and Mark Beaumont amongst others. All in all, it was an amazing night and we are looking forward to reviewing the book.

The Socrates VIP launch.

The event, held between 6pm and 9pm on June 25th 2013 at Artemis, St. James Street, London, was described by guests as a “massive success” and “an important starting point to spread the word about The Socrates Project and its optimistic, thrilling and at times terrifying vision of our future”.

 

The event attracted a wide range of guests from different backgrounds including the leader of the Green Party, Natalie Bennett and journalists from The Guardian, Frost Magazine, Daily Mail, Sunday Mirror and Friends of the Earth. Guests heard from the author, Daron Sheehan, about the inspiration behind the creation of the sicads, “the robotic creatures created by humans to save us who are the main characters in this story” (more info about the sicads – http://the-socrates-project.com/hope-vs-greed/). As Mark Beaumont, ambassador of The Socrates Project, pointed out: “This is a book that doesn’t happily sit in any one genre. In truth, when Daron told me about the idea for The Socrates Project I had concerns; that it would be too sci-fi for me, and that it could come across as Daron preaching. I’m happy to say my concerns were not founded, in fact, this is a fantastic story but it also made me stop to think and reflect on some of the news stories that had recently caught my eye.”

 

Influenced by his vast experiences while travelling the world (during a three-year sabbatical from his successful investment career spanning 16 years), the author, Daron Sheehan, was encouraged to create the story with a view to turning it into a film, something the Nautilus Media team (responsible for publishing the book) is currently working on.

 

Blue Gold cocktails were served and guests were given a goody bag complete with a copy of The Socrates Project, nibbles for the train journey home, a recycled paper notepad and pen set and a TSP-themed Oyster card wallet. Following a Twitter competition, run by Literally PR (@literallypr), David Fuentes (@theperformer) won two free VIP tickets to attend the launch. Fuentes said: “It is great to be able to come along to an event such as this, particularly one that is so busy and full of interesting people”.

 

Music was provided by the incredibly talented Fergal O’Connor and Catriona Lightfoot, who performed the first live version of a song created in honour of The Socrates Project.

 

This book is for anyone who loves outdoor sports, adventure and travel, who wants to preserve our environment, conserve nature, and reduce the threat of pollution on our wildlife, for those of us who are prepared to put our heads above the parapet and discuss what could happen when civil unrest hits our streets even more regularly and more violently than it already is, when water is known as ‘blue gold’ and becomes more valuable to millions of us, including in the West, than ‘yellow gold’. The Socrates Project is fictional, but it presents a shocking account of what could be…
Synopsis

The Socrates Project is a secret attempt by the United Nations to avert the predicted collapse of our civilisations. Simon Oceandis heads up the sicads, who must blend modern science and ancient wisdom to find the solutions before time runs out.

 

Not everybody welcomes the Project. An influential secret society plots to discredit and destroy the sicads. Torn between the love of a beautiful scientist and a fiery tribeswoman, Simon discovers an exotic world of adventure and wonder. To find the answers to save humanity, he must undergo a deep inner journey, yet his life becomes a frantic race for survival…

 

Is it happening? Could it happen? Should it happen? Decide for yourself! Live the story…

 

“Michael Crichton meets George Orwell” – Ross Leckie

“A masterpiece of storytelling…a gripping tale of adventure…” – Mark Beaumont

 

The Widow’s Guide To Sex & Dating Carole Radziwill | Book Review

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The Widow's Guide to Sex & DatingThe Widow’s Guide to Sex & Dating is not a guide. But if you thought it was then don’t be bothered, because, actually, it is a rather brilliant novel. Full of funny moments, great characters and wisdom filled ‘rules’ dotted throughout. Rule #29 says: A boy says, Have a good trip. A man says, Call me when you land. Wise words indeed.

Carole Radziwill has herself been widowed. She was married to ABC News producer Anthony Radziwill. He died of cancer after a five year battle at the obscenely young age of 40. Her book on the death of her husband, What Remains: A Memoir of Fate, Friendship and Love, became a New York Times bestseller.

Which leads us on to The Widow’s Guide to Sex & Dating. The novel follows Claire, wife and then widow of sex writer Charlie. When Charlie was alive Claire lived in his shadow, now he is dead and through the shock and grief she has to find herself again, and, possibly, love.

Claire is a brilliant character. Widowed at only 32, she is talented in her own right but sometimes finds it hard to blossom. Her group of friends are funny and have her best interests at heart. Claire struggles, she even has a second opinion therapist, but will she find her way and true love?

Finding out is fun. I loved this novel and found it hard to put it down. It is a must read. I cannot wait for the TV series that Radziwill has in development. TV is something that she should know about as she is also a cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City.

The Widow’s Guide to Sex and Dating

Celebrities Who Lie About Their Age: Is It Ever Okay To Lie About Your Age?

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Jessica ChastainWe live in a society where (some) people are obsessed with age. In fact it is one of the questions people most ask when they meet me. I find this annoying and rude. As my friend Jack Bowman says, ‘Ages and wages are never discussed’.

Although I find it annoying being asked how old I am I would never lie about my age and I certainly don’t have an issue with it. Even though I seem to be marching through my twenties pretty fast! The problem I have with being asked my age, especially in a social situation, is because it is rude, and why does that person want to know? Getting older is actually a blessing. I have a friend who died when she was 16 and another when he was 22. They would have loved to have grown old. I also believe that life gets better the older you get. When I was a teenager I never felt I fitted into my own skin.

It would seem that not everyone agrees with me on this, especially celebrities. Even though actresses in their 40s are not only still being employed, but thriving, some are still lying about their age. Or being very vague about it.

I have to admit, as an actress, I sometimes think I might be wrong. One of my favourites actresses, Sandra Bullock lied about being younger!: “I lied two years ago to get this part in Love Potion #9. They said, ‘We want an older scientist.’ I go there and I say I’m 29. After a while, you have no idea how old you are because you’ve lied so many times. I always said I would never lie, but one time, when I didn’t it worked against me. So I figure you just keep them guessing.”  Nicki Minaj, Rachel McAdams, Nicole Scherzinger and Jennifer Lopez have also been caught lying about their age by a few years. Which makes me wonder what the point is.

In fact this magazine was the the first to notice that Paloma Faith was lying about her age, and this even resulted in her real age being reported in a recent interview with the ES Magazine. Congratulations on coming clean Paloma. Doesn’t it feel great?

Other celebrities who are lying about their age include:

Agyness Deyn knocked six years off her age: “When I decided I would really do modelling I was like 18, and I think at the time that was quite old for a new face, so we knocked off a few years,” she admitted to The Guardian in 2012. “I’m 29, I feel like that’s the age when you start to think about life. What is this all about? Who am I?”

Jessica Chastain is incredibly vague about her age as this article in HuffPo from 2011 states:  “Chastain, who is about 30 but will not disclose her exact age, grew up in northern California and dreamed of becoming an actress from about the age of 5.”  Chastain herself says, “I don’t like revealing how old I am. I played a teenager in a movie recently and Brad Pitt’s wife in another so I like to think I can be any age I need to be.”

I do get her point but actors do look a certain age, and it is usually around their own. A bit of googling reveals Chastain is 36. As beautiful and stunning as she is, she does not look 16 and could not realistically play a teenager.

It is not just women lying, rapper Eminem knocked two years off his age when he was interviewed by Howard Stern. James Blunt also knocked two years off his real age and Nelly took three years off his.

Researching this article has made me feel that if I had to lie to get a part then I would seriously consider it, otherwise: what is the point?

What do you think?

 

Chasing Ice Review: One of The Most Important Documentary’s of Our Time?

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chasingiceClimate Change seems like an endless debate. With evidence coming from both sides of the divide. It is not hard to get confused and just want some straight facts. I have read James Delingpole’s Watermelons book which had some good, hard facts in it, helped massively by the scandal involving scientists and their hacked emails. Climategate certainly did global warming no favours.

But now climate change has a new big hitter on its side: National Geographic photographer James Balog. After all, seeing is believing and James Balog’s photography of melting icebergs cannot be dismissed. In fact, after telling a friend about the documentary he told me of a friend who had trained for two years to go to the North Pole and then could not because the ice had all melted and it was not possible to get there on foot. Worrying stuff.

Now to the documentary. First thing is first: wow. The documentary is beautiful. Balog’s photography is just striking and perfect. His photography ends up on the front cover of the National Geographic. It is fair to say that he might be the best nature photographer working today. However, this is not the only point of Chasing Ice. The point of Chasing Ice is the melting icebergs. Despite knee operations and health problems Balog kept returning to the Arctic and launched the EIS: Extreme Ice Survey. In the eight years since he started the project- in 2005- the icebergs had severely melted, if not disappeared altogether.

Chasing Ice was shortlisted for an Oscar and grossed over $75,000 at the box office in the UK alone. This is all with good reason, Chasing Ice is a brilliant documentary. A must see for everyone and possibly the most important documentary of out time.

Chasing Ice is out now . Join the EIS: Extreme Ice Survey if you would like to help.

 

 

Ólöf Arnalds, St John on Bethnal Green | Live Music Review

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I’ve been to a lot of strange places on a Tuesday evening but church in Bethnal Green wasn’t previously on that list. I say strange because at first glance going to a gig in a church is a slightly odd thing to do but in reality it couldn’t be a more perfect space to watch some lovely Icelandic folk. The place is by no means full but judging by the reaction of those gathered as Ólöf bounds onto the stage, along with longtime collaborator Skúli Sverrisson, they’re ready and willing to be blown away.
From the off they, and the venue, didn’t disappoint – the sound being carried around to great and beautiful effect – opener “German Fields” with it’s back and forth “You know I care. Why I see you, all the way through” sends the hairs on the back of one’s neck into a mohawk.
The show being in support of her third album, Sudden Elevation, and her first sung wholly in English, the songs from the record don’t so much disappoint but it’s the older songs, sung in her mother tongue, that really stand out. For all I know she could simply be reading out loud the back of a tin of paint or the terms and conditions for a 2 for 1 pizza voucher but it sure as hell sounds beautiful. Achingly beautiful.
Maybe that’ll be her downfall in terms of taking things to a much bigger level of fandom; that we in Britain don’t go mad for chaps singing in foreign tongues and it’s those older, foreign-tongued tunes of Ólöf’s that are the ones that stand her out from the pack.
Between songs the chatter is laced with nothing but enthusiasm – you can tell there’s nowhere else she’d rather be and that if the audience weren’t there she’d still happily be playing her songs with Skúli to anyone who’d listen. And to be honest, there’s nowhere else this audience would rather have been tonight. Simply marvellous.

Thousands descend on streets of London as Hero Ride raises funds for Help for Heroes

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Thousands descend on streets of London as ground-breaking Hero Ride raises crucial funds for Help for Heroes

The biggest cycling show of support for our wounded this country has ever seen concluded today as over 1,300 Hero Ride cyclists crossed the finish line at Horse Guards Parade to fundraise for Help for Heroes.

 

help for heroesMembers of the public and Help for Heroes celebrity Patrons lined The Mall in support of the annual event, which has seen riders from all corners of the country stage fundraising bike rides, meeting en masse in Blackheath this morning before riding together into central London.

 

The 2013 Hero Ride cyclists, led by over 150 wounded veterans and service personnel from the UK, USA and Canada, paused to pay respects at the Monument to the Women of WW2 before riding in formation along The Mall towards Admiralty Arch to reach the finish line at Horse Guards Parade.

 

The 2013 Hero Ride then culminated at Horse Guards Parade with a military celebration including performances from The Games Maker Choir and The State Trumpeters.

 

The participation, public support and fundraising from the 1,300 cyclists is expected to see around £1million raised, with the total to be confirmed over the coming days. The funding will provide direct practical support to those who have suffered injuries in recent conflicts, as well as their families.

 

Hundreds of organised bike rides have taken place in the lead up to today’s finale. The first was the Big Battlefield Bike Ride which saw 300 cyclists ride over 350 miles from Paris to London. The large group of fundraisers were waved off by the Duchess of Cornwall at Les Invalides when they set off on Tuesday 28 May.

 

In another gallant feat, the Dawn Raid cycle challenge saw 250 cyclists leave the Help for Heroes Tedworth House Recovery Centre in the early hours of this morning. The riders pedalled 90 miles through the night, departing at 2am in order to meet with the other cyclists at Blackheath for the final ride in to central London.

 

The 2013 Hero Ride also saw a ride come down from Edinburgh, which included a triple amputee who cycled the 420 mile journey on a handbike. Another ride made up of wounded, injured and sick troops from Help for Heroes run Recovery Centre in Colchester also joined Hero Ride.

 

Bryn Parry, Co-Founder of Help for Heroes who joined the Paris to London leg of the 2013 Hero Ride, said: “This year’s Hero Ride has seen over one-thousand cyclists finish on the streets of London in the biggest national demonstration of support for our wounded heroes.

 

“I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved with Hero Ride to make this wonderful event take place. The people that deserve the most thanks are the cyclists themselves, who have put in their own time to train and fundraise for this event – all in the name of our wounded heroes.

 

“With the withdrawal from Afghanistan just a year away, it is easy to think the job is over but actually the battle has just begun. Challenges such as Hero Ride, and the many more we will have in the future will allow our support to continue, for life.”

 

Paralympian and Help for Heroes Patron Jon Allan-Butterworth, who was severely injured in a mortar attack whilst serving in Iraq in 2007 and has been supported by the charity since, said: “Help for Heroes is a charity that has supported me so I understand exactly how the public’s support and fundraising is used to help wounded troops – in my case it has literally changed my life and I am immensely grateful.

 

“Today has made me very proud to be British and I want to say a huge thank you and congratulations to everyone that has taken part in Hero Ride, no matter how big or small their participation, every single person has made a difference. All of the effort and the fundraising by every cyclist today will be translated into support for our troops.”

 

Help for Heroes Patron and Hero Ride participant, musician James Blunt, said: “Every single person that got on a bike this week or fundraised for Help for Heroes deserves a very big thank you and a well done. It’s been amazing today to see such a large group of people, from every background, coming together in support of our troops and it is my pleasure to be involved.

 

“I have no doubt that this event will have resulted in large amounts of donations for Help for Heroes and this money will be used to provide crucial support – so thank you.”

 

Help for Heroes Patron Lorraine Kelly said: “Today has been such a wonderful show of support to our wounded. Hero Ride has become even more poignant since the awful events that took place in Woolwich and all of the riders deserve a massive well done for playing their part in fundraising for such an important charity.”

 

Help for Heroes Patron and professional road cyclist Mark Cavendish, who was in London today to support the riders including his fiancé Peta Todd as they crossed the finish line, said: “I definitely know about how much training has to go in to a cycling event like Hero Ride – you have to be dedicated and all of the cyclists taking part today have a great cause in Help for Heroes that they’re fighting for.

 

“Every person involved in Hero Ride deserves a huge congratulations and well done for such a great achievement for a brilliant cause. I’ve seen how Help for Heroes use donations to provide outstanding support for our troops and everyone’s effort here today will only add to this support.”

 

Lord Seb Coe, showing his support for the charity, said: “Help for Heroes is known for the incredible support it gives to our wounded troops and we must all work together to maintain this support for many years to come.

 

“The charity is successfully aiding the recovery of thousands of injured servicemen and women, with ‘sport in recovery’ playing a vital role in this process. Help for Heroes has been able to provide adaptive sports through the recovery process for over 1,500 individuals and this work has led to many injured troops progressing into elite sport and we hope to see many of them competing at the Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016.”

 

Hero Ride activity was not just taking place on the roads, Virgin Active health clubs across the country have been offering the opportunity for members to get involved in their local club’s Hero Ride activity, such as group static cycle events or boot camp training sessions, with all funds raised being donated to Help for Heroes.

 

For anyone wishing to donate to the Hero Ride, text ‘RIDE’ to 70900 to donate £5 to Help for Heroes. You will be charged £5 plus your standard network rate. Mobile Text Telephone helpline: 01494 750 500.

 

To register interest for future Help for Heroes fundraising challenges and the 2014 Hero Ride, please visit: www.helpforheroes.org.uk

 

 

Star Trek – Live In Concert

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startrek21ST CENTURY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS, conducted by LUDWIG WICKI

Following the recent debut of Star Trek into Darkness at No.1 in both the American and UK box office, where it has already made $260 million worldwide within 2 weeks of release, buzz for the franchise is at fever pitch. Now London’s Royal Albert Hall will be hosting the UK premiere of director J.J Abrams predecessor, 2009’s $385million blockbuster smash Star Trek, live in concert on May 29 2014, celebrating the extraordinary collaboration between Michael Giacchino’s score and J.J Abrams’ visionary original motion picture.

With Star Trek fever at an all-time high with Abrams’ rebooted film franchise, this live concert will feature Michael Giacchino’s score brought to life on stage by the 21st Century Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, while the Academy Award winning film is shown simultaneously in high definition on the big screen, in the majestic surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall. This concert explores the collaborative relationship between music and storytelling and is a must for lovers of film and Trekkies alike.

Loved by audiences, the impact of Star Trek has been huge. The original series, which first aired in 1967, and is considered the most influential sci-fi series in TV history, has since spawned five successor series, twelve movies (this film being the 11th in the series), novels, comics, games, a plethora of merchandise, and a multi-billion dollar industry collectively known as the Star Trek franchise. This concert is further proof of the popularity and legacy of this cultural phenomenon, not just through the films and TV shows but also the music and score that have played a huge part in its success.

“To hear Michael Giacchino’s music, the secret weapon of the Star Trek series, performed live in Royal Albert Hall, will be, I promise, a thrill” says J.J Abrams “The full orchestra scoring sessions for the films have been among my favourite life experiences. To give the public a chance to hear this incredible music performed live is a wonderful thing.  I cannot wait to go and celebrate Michael’s truly remarkable achievements!”

Michael Giacchino adds, “In 2003, before I wrote my first film score, I saw John Williams conduct ET live to picture at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. I will never forget that event. A little over ten years later, I will have the honour of experiencing my music for Star Trek performed by the incredible 21st Century Symphony Orchestra and Chorus under the baton of the talented conductor, Ludwig Wicki. That in itself is exciting, but the fact that we will be in the Royal Albert Hall in London, is truly amazing. After working with J.J. for 13 years, it will be so rewarding to have his wonderful film brought to life in a whole new way. I look forward to sharing this event with J.J. and the Star Trek fans, new and old”

This event is part of the Royal Albert Hall’s series in celebrating classic films with live orchestra. 100,000 people have now enjoyed sold out performances at the Hall of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Matrix, the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story, Disney’s Fantasia, Singin’ in the Rain and the upcoming world premiere of Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton on October 7th and UK premiere of Pixar in Concert on February 22nd 2014. The Hall looks to provide memorable visitor experiences for all and, as a charity, these own-promoted events form a part of its extensive public benefit remit.

 

Star Trek- Live in Concert

Thursday 29 May 2014 at 7.30pm– Star Trek (2009)

Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP

Tickets £15 – £55 (booking fees apply)
Box Office 020 7589 8212
www.royalalberthall.com 

Tickets on sale Friday May 31st at 9am from the Royal Albert Hall Box Office

 

Debbie Harry Talks To Fabulous About Sex, Drugs, Dating & Cosmetic Surgery

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One of Frost’s Favourite music icons, Debbie Harry, has given a candid interview revealing her thoughts on sex, drugs and cosmetic surgery. 

In an interview and photoshoot for Fabulous magazine’s Age issue, published on Sunday June 2, Blondie front woman and living legend Debbie Harry opens up about sex over 60, the dating scene and cosmetic surgery.

Debbie, who sold 40 million records worldwide as part of the ’70s rock band and paved the way for the likes of Gwen Stefani and Lady Gaga, says she still has strong sexual desires and feels just as sexy at 67 as she did in her 20s: “Whether it’s just pure sex or having that physical contact, sex is very important. Most people need it.”

Debbie Harry

Miami-born Debbie also opens up about her past experiences with cosmetic surgery, calling it, “a part of showbiz, really. A few needles in the face? It’s not a major thing. What offends me and horrifies me more is bad surgery. When I see somebody that’s permanently changed everything about their face, it’s like: ‘Oh my God, were you so miserable about yourself before?’”

The blonde bombshell – who once battled drug addiction – reveals that she doesn’t regret her wilder days and admits she’s glad she had that time: “I certainly would encourage any young people who want to freak out to go right ahead.” Drug addiction can be battled and overcome with the help of rehabs so looking for drug rehabs near you is a good idea in such cases.

Debbie, who along with her band mates is set to go back on the road, also admits to having a bit of a soft spot for the 1D boys who recently covered her classic hit One Way or Another: “I thought it was fun! It was also fitting for the charity and achieving things ‘one way or another’, so it was all very positive.”

Fabulous magazine is available free in The Sun every Sunday.