Who is the average gamer?

Posted on July 7, 2013 by Frostie

With mobile and tablet content steering younger audiences away from the traditional consoles, the face of the average gamer has changed. As the selection of game apps increases and dedicated gaming sites, such as MoneyGaming.com begin to tailor their products to the mobile platform, the stereotypical teenage gamer demographic has migrated from their TV screens to their smartphone screens.

According to a new study, the modern day gamer is actually 35-years-old, married and earning £23,000 a year. These settled, working Brits will play on consoles for around two and a half hours each day for five days a week. They will regularly play until 10.58 pm and own 18 games and two consoles, with the most popular console being the Wii followed by the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360.

The study asked 2,000 Brits who considered themselves to be gamers, about their lifestyles and playing habits. On average gamers will indulge their gaming interests by staying up as late as 1.12am and queuing for hours at a midnight store opening in order to get their hands on a new game once a year. There is also no gender divide, with female players spending as much time and money on games as their male equivalents.

“The image most people have of a gamer is usually a young boy, holed up for hours on end in their bedroom, only stopping the game for food, drink and toiler breaks. But these results show that the stereotype couldn’t be more wrong,” said a spokesman for Pixwoo.com, the social media network that commissioned the study.

“Not only are women just as likely to be gamers as men, but we are talking about fully grown adults who work, have a family and are in a relationship. Gaming is no longer something reserved just for children and young adults. There are so many different types of games and consoles to play them on that there is something for all ages.”

The study also revealed that gamers will work an average 32 hours each week, will have one child and will drive a Ford, Vauxhall or BMW. However, their hobby can have an effect on their relationships, with the average gamer arguing with their partner twice a week about their playing. Over one in twenty gamers questioned claim that the pastime is a constant source of rowing, while 15 per cent of those relationships have ended due to gaming.

Despite these issues, more than three quarters of gamers admitted that they don’t think they will ever grow out of loving computer games. The average gaming fan will even form friendships through their hobby. Five online friendships in the “thriving gaming community” is typically forged by the average gamer, with 29 per cent stating to have met at least one of those in person. However, a third say they are more likely to play with their real life friends in the same room, with a quarter connecting to their friends remotely.

“This snapshot into the lives of ordinary gamers disputes many myths about the pastime,” added the Pixwoo.com spokesman, “showing how integrated gaming is into our daily routine.”

Are Vouchers Now Cool?

Posted on July 7, 2013 by Frostie

Saving money is important in today’s climate. While the recession grumbles on with only slight growth people are having to look around to find ways to have the same standard of living. It seems we are working harder for less and less. Understandably, our attitude to money is changing. When we work so hard for so little, or have no job at all, we all become more frugal with our cash, and who can blame us for being fussy about spending our hard earned money?

Back in the day vouchers used to be incredibly uncool. Cutting clippings out of newspapers to save 30 pence was not worth the embarrassment at that time. But times change and now vouchers are cool. The embarrassments is no longer there because thrift is in.

This is in part due to the recession. Interest rates are low, jobs are hard to come by or keep, wages are not rising but the cost of living is. Our finances are stretched like never before. This is why not only have vouchers become popular, but voucher websites have also become part of our culture. We can save money on clothes and make up, food and drink, but we can also save money on going out. You don’t have to be rich to live rich; you just have to be savvy.

There are a lot of options for finding vouchers. There are still many in traditional media like magazines and newspapers. However, Coupon websites such as voucherbox.co.uk are where it is at. They help people save money and still live despite the squeeze. It seems folly now to buy anything without one or even go out. I don’t know anyone who goes to Pizza Express without checking the internet for buy one get one free vouchers. We never need to buy full price ever again.

What is your opinion? Do you use vouchers or coupons? Comment below.

Zaha Hadid for Swarovski by Felix Kunze

Posted on July 5, 2013 by Frostie

Architect Zaha Hadid for Swarovski

shot on location in Germany with her scuplture ‘Prima by Swarovski’ – see more here

Frost loves this picture of Zaha Hadid by Felix Kunze. Here is a bit more about him in his own words:

“I’m in London, UK and will be here for the summer

I’m a portraiture photographer, I take pictures of people. Born in East Berlin, I grew up in Sussex, England. My first years were spent behind the iron curtain. My goal is to show the beauty, grace, strength and enthusiasm of people. I focus on non-models and place regular people in exaggerated situations that highlight an aspect of who they are. I look for a sense of defiance in my work. I’ve worked with world renowned photographers like Annie Leibovitz and Mario Testino.

I’m based in London but travel for projects around the globe. I shoot a portraiture and reportage assignments for clients like Swarovski, Yahoo!, Citi Group, Nikon Owner Magazine, Trand Magazine, Vitra, Wihp, Getty Images, Wireimage, the Redferns Music Library, Getty Travel and others, including my celebrity portraits at ContourPhotos.”

US Independence Day – Should investors buy into the American Dream?

Posted on July 4, 2013 by Frostie

· US valuations are at their long term average

· US economy accounts for 19% of World GDP

· HL analysis shows only 3 out of 77 large cap US funds beat their benchmark

Adrian Lowcock, Senior Investment Manager of Hargreaves Lansdown, looks at the prospects for the US economy on the eve of Independence Day;

“The US economy is much further down the road to recovery than the UK and Europe. The banking system has been fixed and the country does not have the problems that still exist in Europe. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel in the US and sustainable growth may be achievable.

“Many US companies benefit from strong management teams, are profitable businesses and operate in an environment of improving growth. Many American companies have a consistent and long term track record of being able to grow profits. In the world of uncertainty a premium is being attached to those businesses that can continue to grow.

“Whilst overall the US stockmarket is not cheap, there are still areas which offer value and investors get access to companies with huge growth potential. The US has a long history of encouraging entrepreneurs to develop and grow business. The US has a large smaller companies sector which is full of businesses looking to grow into global leaders. Investors should make sure they have some investment in the US Market within their portfolio.”

US Economy

The US Economy accounts for 19% or nearly 1/5^th of the world’s gross domestic product. Economic outlook in the US is improving with GDP growth forecast by the IMF at 1.9% for 2013 and 3% in 2014. The threat of a “fiscal cliff” was largely delayed; bank lending conditions have improved from low levels.

Household debt as proportion of disposable income has fallen back to 2004 levels. House prices started to rise in 2012 and investment in residential property has followed.

Unemployment is falling with major banks* predicting the unemployment rate will be around 7% by the end of 2013.

Rising house prices should help rebuild household finances, as will improving employment, providing support to personal consumption. Low borrowing rates should be supportive of increased spending, while businesses encouraged by the improving financial conditions and healthy profits may well increase investment.

Shale gas could be transformative for the US economy. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration it will keep market gas prices low at around $4 per million Btu until 2019 with prices rising slowly thereafter. This could rejuvenate the industrial sector.

Risks to US Recovery

The biggest risk is the early withdrawal of the Quantitative Easing programme. As the economic data, such as unemployment falling below 7%, improves it puts pressure for the Federal Reserve to roll back on further QE. The US has not addressed its budget deficit and the US lacks a plan to reduce the debt. As such there are risks of further political entanglements over raising the debt ceiling, both of which result in a higher sovereign risk premium.

Investing in the US

The US stock market has performed well in recent years recovering from the financial crisis having returned 103% since March 2009 compared to the FTSE 100 and the FTSE Europe Ex UK returning 80% and 62% respectively. The US stock market is around its long term average valuation with a P/E at 21.98 compared to its long term average of 23.8 times earnings. Even so there are areas of the US Market that remain attractive.

The challenge for investors is how to access the US market. Analysis by Hargreaves Lansdown shows that large cap active managers continue to struggle in the region with only 3 out of 77 funds in the IMA North American sector out-performing the S&P 500 over 3 years and 6 out 68 able to do so over a 5 five year period.

Investors looking for large cap exposure should consider US tracker funds, , such as HBSC American Index or I-Shares S&P 500, to give access to the world’s largest stock market whilst keeping fees low. For those wishing to access US smaller companies our preferred fund is Legg Mason US Smaller Companies.

* Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Barclays, Citigroup, Deutsche Bank and UBS

The British Craft Beer Challenge Festival

Posted on July 3, 2013 by Frostie

BRITISH CRAFT BEER CHALLENGE FESTIVAL

THE ULTIMATE CELEBRATION OF THE BEST OF BRITISH BEER

THE CHALLENGE IS ON!

**ROUND TWO – GREAT BRITAIN VS USA**

THIS SATURDAY 6TH JUNE – 12PM – MIDNIGHT

THE BREWHOUSE – LONDON FIELDS

TICKETS: Earlybird beer & food £7 // on the door £9 // beer challenge entry £3

http://britishcraftbeerchallenge.co.uk

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The British Craft Beer Challenge is the ultimate beer test that will bring brews from around the world together in a head to head challenge. The search will be far reaching to all corners of the globe bringing the best beer from around the world to one spot in East London, the culturally vibrant Hackney.

That’s why we will be recruiting all beer lovers, occasional fans and total geeks – to assist in our search at a series of events held at The Brewhouse across the summer of 2013. We’re selling just 500 tickets per day to this event which promises to be a modern celebration about all that is great about contemporary British craft beer.

Unlike other international beer and brewing awards the British Craft Beer Challenge will invite the opinion of the most important beer fanatics of all – you, the everyday drinker – to cast their your on your favourite beer.

In case that is not enough reason to bring the family and friends along each event will see an array of local food producers and musicians ready to provide the perfect accompaniment to a challenging day!

You’re local British brew needs you this Saturday!

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EVENT LISTINGS INFORMATION:

WHAT: The Great British Beer Challenge Festival – GREAT BRITAIN VS USA

WHERE: The Brewhouse – The Railway Arches 369-370 Helmsley Place E8 3SB

WHEN: Saturday 6th June

PRICES: Earlybird beer & food £7 // on the door £9 // beer challenge entry £3

TICKETS & WEBSITE: http://britishcraftbeerchallenge.co.uk

Belvedere Independent Lady | Cocktail Recipe

Posted on July 3, 2013 by Frostie

At Frost we know our readers love cocktail recipes, so in the spirit of Beyonce, here is one for the Independent Ladies out there.

The Belvedere Independent Lady is a great cocktail recipe, which can be prepared by many at home. Made with Belvedere Pink Grapefruit, Triple Sec, lemon juice and simple syrup – this cocktail will give you an ultimate boost of fruity flavours with a sharp finish to quench those summer thirsts:

Belvedere Independent Lady Recipe

2 oz Belvedere Pink Grapefruit

¾ oz Triple Sec

¾ oz Lemon Juice

Dash Simple Syrup

Dash Egg White (optional)

Instructions

1. Shake all ingredients vigorously

2. Strain into a chilled martini glass

3. Garnish with an orange twist

Put your own cocktail recipes below.

Wimbledon Wiggle Dance Craze Loved by Maria Sharapova, Jonathan Ross Set For First Live Performance

Posted on July 3, 2013 by Frostie

Maria Sharapova’s done it. Jonathan Ross has done it. Even Ben Wishaw, Michelle Dockery, Mollie King, Gemma Chan have done it. They’ve all had a go at the Wimbledon Wiggle

For those unfamiliar with the move created by evian and We Are Social, it is based on the cheeky shake players make before receiving a serve and it has been causing a stir online and off-court. More than 45,000+ people have watched evian’s Wimbledon Wiggle video online, hundreds of wiggles have been uploaded to evian’s Facebook page, and now visitors to Cardinal Place, Victoria can see the signature song performed live.

The Wimbledon Wiggle song, created by electro-hip hop artist Tigermonkey, will be performed LIVE on the roof garden at Cardinal Place at 12.00pm on Thursday, July 4^th. The performance comes ahead of a free live screening of the ladies semi-finals as part of evian and Land Securities’ annual Great British Summer campaign, which offers tennis fans, residents, office workers and tourists free screenings of the world famous Championships using specially customised retro caravans.

The Hottest AW Fashion Ad Campaigns.

Posted on July 3, 2013 by Frostie

The Prada campaign stars supermodels Christy Turlington and Freja Beh as well as new face Malaika Firth, who is the first black model to appear in a Prada advert since the 1994 campaign which featured Naomi Campbell.