At Last! GTA 5 Trailer

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The new trailer for Grand Theft Auto 5 has finally been released.

What can I say? Typical of its developers, Rockstar Games, it leaves a lot to the imagination.

Different magazines and sources have all given their own dissections of where Rockstar could go with this latest release.  It looks as though they are going to give the player even more freedom in the open world, much like what they did in Red Dead Redemption and from the feel of the trailer, one gets the feeling the game will focus even more on the storytelling.

One thing to improve upon will be the online multiplayer aspect. It’s not hard to understand why, as they have seen other games like Uncharted 3 do so well in this area.  Maybe they will bring a social element into GTA 5, such as offering Facebook integration.

It’s hard to say what direction the developer will go in terms of the tone of the game. We all know that the previous version was violent, while the one before that had its funny side. Maybe they ought to offer some sort of parental control, so you can have the best of both worlds.

One other source apparently ‘leaked’ some information regarding the GTA 5 world – which proved very interesting – suggesting that owing to the size of the game Grand Theft Auto 5 would be digital only. This would mean that it would not be on a physical disc, but via an online set of downloads.  So let’s play devils advocate for a second. Let’s say for a moment that there will be a physical copy as well. Would this be a PS3 only release?  It will not require as many discs as the 360, due to the fact that Sony use the Blu-ray, whereas Microsoft went for the smaller capacity DVD.

Questions are always about in matters like this. but I am interested to know what you think of the trailer, where you think it is going and what you think the new game should include.

As for the release date? Well,  we cannot be certain of this, but the rumour mill is circulating that the release date could be as early as May 24, 2012.

We wait with bated breath.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkkoHAzjnUs&w=560&h=315]

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.

Sir Roger Moore, Brigitte Bardot Speak Out Against Animal-Tested Cosmetics

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Hollywood legends Sir Roger Moore, Brigitte Bardot and Virginia McKenna are speaking out in support of a ban on selling animal-tested cosmetics in Europe. They join stars Ricky Gervais, Ke$ha, Leona Lewis, Melanie C, Dame Judi Dench and Mary McCartney in signing Humane Society International’s “CrueltyFree2013” petition.

These stars and more than 92,000 compassionate consumers are urging European Union politicians to keep their promise to make Europe a cruelty-free zone by banning the sale of new cosmetics tested on animals. With a ban in place, any cosmetics tested on rabbits, hamsters or other animals after 2013 would be banned from EU shop shelves.

In 2009, the EU banned animal testing for cosmetics in its own labs, but it is still legal to sell animal-tested products and ingredients imported from countries such as Brazil, China, Canada and the United States. An EU-wide ban on the sale of animal-tested cosmetics is due to come into force in March 2013, but the European Commission has hinted the ban may be delayed, perhaps by many years.

Sir Roger Moore said: “It seems absurd to me that Europe still allows animal-tested cosmetics to be sold in its shops when such animal testing is itself quite rightly banned in its laboratories. If something is unethical, it is unethical full-stop regardless of where in the world it takes place. So I say to EU politicians, stop supporting cosmetics animal testing in other countries by selling these products. You promised to ban them, and a gentleman’s word is his bond.”

Virginia McKenna added: “Sometimes I despair. We are meant to be an enlightened, civilized society, and yet we still exploit defenceless animals in the so-called ‘beauty’ business. Testing mascara, shampoo and other cosmetics on animals is completely unnecessary and totally cruel. Is that the choice we make over kindness and compassion? Shame on us if it is. I unreservedly support Humane Society International’s CrueltyFree2013 Petition.”

Brigitte Bardot said: “We do not have the right to poison then kill animals, sensitive beings, for some beauty creams. It is urgent to equip the European Union with reliable, modern and non-cruel research, by definitively abolishing animal testing which is a cruelty without name.”

HSI supports the international Leaping Bunny cruelty-free standard. Companies that carry the Leaping Bunny logo are subject to independent audits to guarantee no animal testing, and include Urban Decay, Hard Candy, Montagne Jeunesse, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and the Co-operative. To shop cruelty-free, download our Leaping Bunny Compassionate Shopping Guide.

To join the celebrities and 92,000 EU consumers who’ve signed the CrueltyFree2013 petition so far, please click here, or visit: www.hsi.org/crueltyfree2013

An Alternative To Ebay?

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Ebay may have a stonghold, but now there are other ways to turn your old CDs, DVDs and games into cash.

TurnIntoCash.com is a new, free to use website that allows users to get cash for old unwanted discs without the hassle of an auction.

The Manchester-based company was founded by Rob Fox and Pete Petrondas, the team that developed the first ever cash for old mobiles website over eight years ago. It aims to give users the highest possible quality of service, while being more convenient to use than traditional auction websites.

Those looking to sell old CDs, DVDs and games simply enter the item barcode into the TurnIntoCash.com website for an instant valuation. When they have built up their trade (10 items) they are emailed Freepost labels or if they have 45 or more items, offered a free courier collection service. Payment for the old items is sent within seven days of receipt.

The TurnIntoCash.com system has been developed to provide a valuation for hundreds of thousands of CDs, DVDs and games including newer Blu Ray discs.

There is no limit on the number of items a user can trade-in and the amount offered ranges from 30p up to £10 depending on a number of factors including type, age, popularity and demand of the items. Old discs collected through TurnIntoCash.com are refurbished with new disc cases or by polishing out damage prior to resale worldwide. Items that cannot be resold are recycled responsibly.

“Users are always looking for ease, convenience and the highest possible quality of service, so we have made sure that quality is at the heart of our unique valuation and trade tracking system, “ commented Fox. “Our system regularly communicates with the user telling them what stage their trade-in is at, and, as our system tracks each item of their trade individually, we can tell them exactly the status of each item ensuring they receive their payment as quickly as possible with no delays.”

“If people want to sell their old CDs, DVDs and games they have a number of choices from car boot sales to auction websites, but because we have considered the user from day one, we think TurnintoCash.com will be first on their list in the future, “ concluded Fox.