Panoramic Pod | Christmas Gift Ideas

Posted on November 8, 2014 by Frostie

This amazing gadget is perfect for taking landscape pictures or group shots of you and your nearest and dearest. It allows you to take 240 degree panoramic shots with your smartphone. Perfect for budding photographers or just to take great family photos.

The Panoramic Pod is a handy accessory that enables you to take 240 degree panoramic shots with your smartphone. It takes the shot over a 25 second timeframe, so it’s perfect for taking breathtaking landscape photos or fitting all your friends or family in huge group shots. The device comes with a tripod mount and is compatible with Apple and Android smartphones. – A.D.

£15.99 from iwantoneofthose.com

The Fault in Our Stars Shailene Woodley & Ansel Elgort Interview

Posted on November 7, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

The Fault in Our Stars has been a huge hit and rightly so. We have an interview with the two stars Shailene Woodley & Ansel Elgort. If you haven’t seen it yet, or read the book it is based on, do it now.

Q: Shailene, you emailed John Green about the role. Did he respond in a nicer way than Van Houton?

SW: He did. He was like I’m not the casting director so I actually can’t cast you but thank you for your kind words.

Q: Was it difficult to have that lightness in your performance of sick kids?

AE: Um, no. I think that the way that the book is written is that the characters do have that lightness. And then once also we spent time with kids who actually had the diseases or had been through them we realized that that lightness is present in those individuals. And that it was totally correct to have them present in our characters. Without the lightness it would be a shit movie. It’d be unrealistic and it’d be depressing and I don’t know what the point would be.

I think it’s all about the lightness and all about the fact that they’re real human beings who just happen to have something. The cancer in the story’s just the variable that makes the clock tick. And that makes the love even more important because it’s the last that you’ll have.

Q: Did it make it easier or harder that you’d worked together before?

SW: It made things definitely easier. I mean, we already knew each other; we’re already comfortable around each other. And we already loved each other. We already had a deep sense of admiration for one another. Which I think translated into this film.

Q: How was the atmosphere on set?

SW: Oh it was so much fun. I mean movie sets are really fun regardless of what you do when the camera rolls. But one of the things that’s so beautiful about this movie is it shows you that cancer doesn’t define you. And just like on the set we met a lot of people who did have cancer. A lot of young people and they don’t live their lives like this walking around you know, somber. They live their lives like this and be like yeah, I have this and it sucks. But it’s just what it is. And that’s sort of how our set was. We were dealing with heavy subject matters but you don’t sort of just wallow in the subject matter. You find ways to be light about it.

Q: Did you improvise on the relationship on set?

AE: A lot of those scenes set the stage for the relationship are like word for word from the book. A lot of them. Like the scene in the beginning where Gus talks about how he fears oblivion and Hazel speaks about if that’s what he’s scared of then she suggests he forget it. The metaphor scene down in the basement, those scenes are so important. You’re right. Because so many movies just have two pretty people and I mean they put them together. Yeah they’re supposed to kiss and fall in love right? But I love that this story really takes it’s time and has those scenes. It’s almost like a play. Because it’s so much about the relationship that there’s time for those things to happen. So important. Really lets the relationship develop.

The Fault in Our Stars is available here. Out on Blu-ray now.

Interstellar {Film Review}

Posted on November 7, 2014 by Owun Birkett

*WARNING! MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Christopher Nolan films aren’t just films; they’re events. Although he completed his Batman trilogy with The Dark Knight Rises, Interstellar has been treated like it is the next great blockbuster (as much in the same league we’re anticipating the next DC/Marvel movie). Even continuing his trend to deliver trailers and TV spots that reveal little details about the plot.
The movie revolves around Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) who was once a pilot, now farmer in a Dust Bowl type future. The Earth is running out of food, even down to the last food resource; corn. He is also a widowed father of two children (as with the majority of Christopher Nolan’s films, main protagonist’s wife/love interest either has died or won’t last very long) but yet still has a craving for exploration (even learning that teachers at his children’s schools have new editions of books saying the moon landings were fake). He eventually comes across his old mentor, Prof. Brand (Michael Caine) and his daughter Amelia Brand (Anne Hathaway). They reveal the Earth is dying, so they have been building a space shuttle and needs Cooper to be the pilot. Their mission; to go through a wormhole that will lead to a different galaxy and find a habitable planet.

The movie is probably the most ambitious movie Christopher Nolan has made in his career. He continues to deliver a science fiction movie with challenging ideas and concepts about space travel (as he did with the concepts of dreams in Inception). Though this was originally intended to be directed by Steven Spielberg (based on a script by Chris Nolan’s brother, Jonathan Nolan) and this movie clearly shows Spielberg’s trademark about family (especially focusing on a father character like Jaws and Munich). Nolan has been known to focus more on the ideas than the characters interstellar_ver5_xlg themselves, and you can clearly see that struggle to try balance the two. Though it does work for the most part and it’s all down to McConaughey being cast as the lead. He has certainly been having a huge career change and this film is no exception. If Mud, Dallas Buyers Club and True Detective proved anything, it is that he can be just as involving as he is likeable in his rom-com days. His craving to venture to the unknown is pretty much anyone’s curiosity and makes his motivation to help his family (and the human race) somewhat relatable. Even McConaughey delivers an incredibly emotional performance in one particular scene as he’s watching video messages of his children growing older. If Gravity showed that working in space is no fun and games, Interstellar shows us that space travel is not all that fun as Star Trek likes to make us believe (or wants us to). Especially dealing with relativity; every hour they spend, 7 years have passed on Earth (similar to The Forever War). The stand-out performance has to be character of Murph, played brilliantly by Mackenzie Foy and Jessica Chastain. She is the emotional core of the movie and drives the narrative forward.

The visual effects in this movie is absolutely mind-blowing. The use of both miniatures and CGI both seamlessly mix together. Nolan has been known to do everything real as possible and uses that effect in great use here. Pushing the envelope to make the cinematic experience as immersive the medium can deliver. Even creating inventive and charismatic robots as TARS and CASE (more friendly version of HAL 9000, if you will). The beautiful and stark cinematography by Hoyte van Hoytema (Let the Right One In, Tinker Tailor Solider Spy and Her) brings the alien but familiar planets to life. Though using different contrast of colours, using grey and blue for space travel scenes and using browns with scenes set on Earth. Hans Zimmer’s score rings back to 2001: A Space Odyssey (a movie Nolan has said he used as the biggest influence, as well as Star Wars and Alien on the production design), extending the huge scope of the movie and also creating genuine tension.

If there were one or two nitpicks to have with this movie, it has to do with the pacing. At times, the 3 hour long duration wasn’t noticeable. Though dealing with two story-lines at once felt a bit jumbled at times, yet Nolan was able to accomplish this with three to four scenarios at once seamlessly in Inception. Also, some of the character motivations seem a bit unfocused or rather force fed to us. Nolan’s dialogue, while very well written, seems to be a bit too analytical about its themes and ideas. The scientific theories is all very interesting but could’ve been condensed down. Some of the characters were also hard to be involved with and mainly because they were underwritten (like character of Tom, who gets overshadowed by Murph). Also, the ending will most likely split opinions. Without giving too much away; it basically leaves you to interpretation and suggestion (just like Memento and Inception). How you will feel about that is entirely up to you.

Overall; Inception is still the best Christopher Nolan sci-fi movie but this still stands as an exceptional film of the genre. It does reach to great heights and delivers the spectacle. The cast deliver great performances, especially from Foy and Chastain. It just doesn’t quite reach its grasp.

4 out of 5

Salon Science: AnaGain Review – For Thicker, Fuller, Denser Hair

Posted on November 7, 2014 by Frostie

Frost is reviewing something a bit different: In recent years there has been a huge leap forward in plant bio-active and stem cell technology which has provided access to superior formulations and ingredients which have not, until now, been available in haircare. Salon Science is a brand new haircare collection of 18 products that uses plant stem cells and bio-active technology within the formulations.

Developed by the leading experts in plant stem cells and bio-actives, all of the products are underpinned by extensive in vitro and in vivo testing. The collection is comprised of four ranges, each devised to tackle a specific series of problems using a key active ingredient, derived from plant extracts.

Salon Science seamlessly combines cutting edge scientific expertise with plant bio-active and stem cell technology resulting in a luxury salon quality collection. Salon Science breathes life back into hair… reviving, revitalising and nourishing from root to tip.

There are many reasons why women lose their hair. Pregnancy, hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiency, metabolism, genetics and stress. With that in mind we tried the AnaGain

This is what they say: “Packed with AnaGain, an organic pea sprout extract that is rich in restorative proteins, starch and fibres. These rebalancing phytonutrients combined with caffeine agents stimulate blood circulation to help encourage the growth of hair at the root. This advanced formulation helps strengthen, add volume, moisturise and protect, making hair more resistant to everyday damage. Continuous use of the Pro-accelerant regime helps give denser, thicker, fuller hair in 3 months.”

Do we think it works? Yes, hair looks noticeable better and thicker. Although this is all cosmetic it make you look and feel better. The shampoo is £15, the conditioner is £17 and the treatment is £39. Considering the price of other hair loss treatments- and the fact that many of them don’t actually work- this seems reasonable. We will continue to use this and give a further update in a few months.

Available from boots.com

PacaPod Hastings Parenting Bag Review

Posted on November 7, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Some parenting bags look awful, others are just not that functional. When we reviewed the PacaPod Hastings Parenting Bag we were very impressed. It has different removable sections for each aspect of parenting: feeding, changing and a mat. Even more impressive, it even has space for the ol’ parents things. The hastings is even better because it is also unisex, so the poor woman doesn’t end up always carrying the bag. It has three bags rolled into one and is easily cleaned. The mat and removable bags are easily wiped clean, they also can be unzipped and packed away flat in the bag.

We were very impressed with the bag, it is stylish, functional and is also lightweight: everything you could want in a parenting bag. It gets our stamp of approval. We interviewed Jacqueline Waggett, founder of the amazing PacaPod changing bags here.

PacaPod’s new ‘Travel Lite’ Hastings puts the knapsack back on the map for adventure seeking parents. Versatile in design it can be worn as a shoulder bag or backpack and seamlessly marries style with practicality, combining utilitarian styling with innovative new design features and a super lightweight construction.

Perfect for all kinds of family road trips the Hastings is part of PacaPod’s ingenious new ‘Travel Lite’ range and weighs just .56kg. It has a practical top loading style which makes it easy to arrange baby gear and pack, grab and go. The brand’s unique 3-in-1 ‘baby organisation system’ has also been cranked up a notch with new flat pack feeder, changer pods and mat which are simple to clean and fold away.

Retaining a sense of tradition for this much-loved style the Hastings features a modern pin-stripe print, offset with faux leather trims that will have both mum and dad reaching for it as they leave the house. The sturdiest and most adaptable change bag on the market it represents a great value too, providing parents with three bags rolled into one and the tools they need to travel in confidence with tots on board.

Hastings in Mocha or Driftwood priced at £65 available from www.pacapod.com, johnlewis.com and mummyandlittleme.co.uk

Click Stick Monopod For The Ultimate Selfie | Christmas Gift Ideas

Posted on November 7, 2014 by Frostie

The ultimate selfie tool for the social media junkie in your life. This very cool gadget lets you take the best selfies ever. Get as many into the group picture as you want. Easy to use and very cool.

Monopod Stick extends up to one metre for long range self portrait selfies.
Compatible with most Smartphones – no Bluetooth or pairing required
Adjustable clamp allows photo device to arrange the angle of the shot
Android users: download app Camera 360 for optimum use
Ideal for use with any get-togethers and family gatherings

£19.99 from menkind.co.uk

Sam Wannamaker’s Globe Works Its Magic By Penny Gerrard

Posted on November 6, 2014 by Margaret Graham

After unexpectedly warm and fine autumn days the weather has taken a sharp downhill turn and it’s cold and very, very wet. What better on such a day than a visit to an outdoor theatre? Courtesy of Amazon local we have half price vouchers for the Globe Theatre exhibition and tour. We owe the reconstruction of such an iconic building to Sam Wannamaker, the American Shakespearean actor, who made it a lifelong project, sadly dying before he could see its completion.

As we walk across Southwark Bridge the contrast is stark between the Elizabethan style of the Globe Theatre, the original of which was built some 300 metres away in 1599,and the brutal architecture of Tate Modern which towers over it. I know which I prefer.

Inside the exhibition centre we are greeted by a series of fascinating exhibits bringing the world of Shakespeare to life. We are struck by the London cityscape as it was in Shakespeare’s time with its low rise buildings dwarfed by the original St Paul’s and love the idea of the Frost Fairs which took place on the Thames in times of colder winters .

In a display cabinet I spot two small pottery objects – spherical with an elongated pointed top and a slot on the upper slope. One is intact and the other has a jagged fracture on it as if it has been dropped or hit. I recognise these as “boxes” which were used by the ticket sellers to collect the pennies which it cost for a standing only ticket in front of the stage and somewhat more for an actual seat. There was no stopper at the bottom as in modern money boxes. Instead they were taken round to the “office” where they were broken open to retrieve the takings. Hence the expression “box office” which we still use today. It also accounts for why intact examples are so rare. It seems to me that replicas would sell like hot cakes in the gift shop?

We embark on our tour, escorted by Simon, almost certainly an actor from his voice and demeanour. We find ourselves sitting on the pine benches (slightly more comfortable than the oak used for most of the theatre construction). The rain lashes down into the unprotected area in front of the stage – where the hardy audience known as “groundlings” stood in the past and still do today, come rain or shine, but now at the price of £5 (a 1200% increase).

My mind travels back across the four centuries since Shakespeare’s time and I can visualise the cast, all male of course, putting on one marvellous play after another, all in broad daylight and with little in the way of scenery. Despite that they still managed to ignite the imagination of the audience in a way that continues to this day. I promise myself to come back next spring and share that timeless experience with them.

By Penny Gerrard

Triskele Books | Self Publishing

Posted on November 6, 2014 by Margaret Graham

Triskele Books is an author collective, a group of five writers from three countries who edit, proof, consult, advise, co-promote and market their books on a shared platform. Each works as an independent entity but all benefit from mutual support. From time to time they also take on associates who fit the Triskele ethos.

Between them, they have now published seventeen novels and offer advice on the process via The Triskele Trail, a warts-and-all story of how they made some mistakes and some smart decisions, discovered opportunities, found friends and dodged predators in the independent publishing jungle.

They have an informative blog, including a Toolbox with practical advice, a Bookclub with reviews and author interviews, and a Writers’ Services section, showcasing approved providers.

Core members are Gillian Hamer, JJ Marsh, Liza Perrat, JD Smith and Catriona Troth. Current associates are JW Hicks and Barbara Scott Emmett.

This autumn Triskele Books celebrates five new releases:

Crimson Shore by Gillian Hamer

A half-naked woman dead in a ditch. A disappearing pathologist. A teenager run off the road. For a peaceful island, Anglesey is experiencing abnormal levels of crime. What’s the connection? Crimson Shore is the first novel in The Gold Detectives series set along the North Wales coast.

Rats by JW Hicks

In one world she is Bitch Singer—fighting a dictator, guerrilla style. In another, she is Dorrie Hart, housewife and mother—carer to a speech-impaired child. Which world is real, which life is true? And why does she wake each morning crying for a lost lover—a lover she is determined to find?

Cold Pressed by JJ Marsh

When an elderly British tourist falls to her death from a Santorini cliff, one witness claims it was no accident. Hellenic Police ask for international assistance from DI Beatrice Stubbs. As she tracks the killer from the Cyclades to the Dodecanese, Beatrice discovers two surprising things. One is a fifty-year old secret. The other is her inconstant heart.

Delirium: The Rimbaud Delusion by Barbara Scott Emmett

“How many times had I dreamt of coming across the yellowing manuscript of La Chasse Spirituelle? Inside an old book on a stall in Paris, perhaps. Or in the attic of some befriended ancient…” The intoxicating hunt for a lost poem by Rimbaud.

The Fate of an Emperor – Overlord II by JD Smith

My name is Zabdas: a brother, protector, soldier and sacrifice. I am a defender of Syria. I shall tell you the story of my beloved Zenobia: fearless woman, determined wife, Warrior Queen of Palmyra …

Crushed between two warring empires, Zenobia and Zabdas are ordered on another mission, deep into enemy ranks, to deliver terms to the King of the Persians, and pray they will not be flayed alive.

But all is not what is seems. More than one person is intent on betrayal …

Triskele Books will be launching these five titles at Barton’s Bookshop in Leatherhead on 15^th November. The following day, they will co-hosting the Indie Author Fair at the Chorleywood Lit Fest.

Frost Magazine

Books and Lifestyle