Bombay Sapphire Imagination Series Film Competition. Get Your Entry In!

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20130428-192057Oscar winning actor Adrian Brody has been named as a judge of The Bombay Sapphire Imagination Series Film Competition. Bombay Sapphire Gin has teamed up with the Tribeca Film Festival to offer film makers the chance to have their own short film made.

The Bombay Sapphire Imagination Series: Film competition, in association with the Tribeca Film Festival, is now in its second year and is sparking people’s imagination by offering them the chance to have their own short film made through interpreting a script written by Academy Award winning screenwriter Geoffrey Fletcher.

You can visit www.imaginationseries.com to view Geoffrey Fletcher’s script and submit your imaginative film concepts based on this script. The films deemed the most imaginative will go into production and each winner can be involved in the production of their film alongside world-class talent, as well as see their version of Fletcher’s script brought to life on the big screen.

The competition will close on 4 August 2013, where Adrien Brody, Geoffrey Fletcher and a panel of experts from the Tribeca Film Festival will shortlist the four most imaginative ideas to go into production.

The panel will shortlist a further five ideas to go forward to a public vote, the winner of which will also go into production. All five films will then be premiered in Tribeca the following year, in April 2014.

Academy Award winner Brody says, “I was a wild, mischievous kid and I had tremendous imagination. Any experience I had, I’d try to re-enact it. I always had an actor within me and I feel extremely passionate to be able to work with Bombay Sapphire on this competition. Imagination really can take you anywhere and is so subjective, so I eagerly anticipate people’s interpretation of Geoffrey’s script and look forward to embarking on this incredible journey with them.”

Geoffrey Fletcher comments on his involvement, “I’m honoured to be part of this special creative journey with Bombay Sapphire gin for a second year. The calibre and creativity from past finalists was astounding and has set an inspirational benchmark for this year’s competition.”

“We are proud to continue our association with a brand who embraces creativity and imagination the way Bombay Sapphire does. The competition is a fantastic way for filmmakers all over the world to express their imagination. We are excited to see where their imagination takes them,” adds Jon Patricof, President of Tribeca Enterprises.

“The Imagination Series script entry deadline has been extended for two more weeks and the new deadline is 18th August 2013 11.59pm (GMT).

For more details on the competition, script and how to enter visit: www.imaginationseries.com

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

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·         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 1/5th 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

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pee1_pee1deaddollsclub 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
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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.
pee1_GRENThat’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

Top 4 Ways You Can Make a Difference by Recycling

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You already know the reliable clink and clack of a bottle thrown into a recycling bin, but do you know the environmental impact? It’s hard to talk trash without getting down and dirty. Waste has real and lasting effects on the environment, but so can you. Here are the top four ways you can make a difference by recycling:

4. Cut Costs

The importance of recycling

The importance of recycling

 

Image via Flickr by Jdhancock

Businesses can save big when it comes to office recycling. Small changes can make a huge impact on the life of your business, as well as the life of the planet. Some of the most common waste products including cardboard, paper, and plastic come to landfills directly from companies. In fact, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs for UK determined that commercial and industrial waste in England alone is an estimated 47.9 million tons.

Encourage your employees to not only reuse paper when possible and (as a company) resell it. For example, The University of Washington medical Center in the US saved $110,000 in a single year by cutting landfill costs through recycling and reselling paper and cardboard.

3. Conserve Energy

Energy conservation isn’t about simply turning off lights when you leave the room. Waste already causes a considerable energy deficit through transportation and incineration alone; however, the same items that create the deficit can also be used to fight it. It’s possible to recycle organic waste products such as vegetable oil and even corn.

Recycled organic waste can power everything from cars to kilowatts. Corporations can save as much as 11 million kilowatt-hours of electricity every year via vegetable waste.

2. Save Space

No, not outer space, although, we’ve already learned how pollution affects the atmosphere here and beyond. Consider the gravity of garbage. The UK alone has around 2,000 landfills. Only 75% of them still accept waste, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t taking valuable land.

The more trash we create, the more space we consume. Often times, it’s also land that can no longer be used due to toxic trash like used batteries and other consumer electronics. You can save space by recycling all sorts of things. Common products like bottles, boxes, and cans aren’t the only reusable materials. Consider and compare mobile phone recycling and other electronics recycling programs.

1. Reduce Pollution

You can recycle and reuse simple household items like aluminum to minimize mining pollution. According to National Geographic, “mining and refining virgin aluminum also produces greenhouse gases as well as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, two emissions associated with acid rain.” So, the next time you cook your famous pot roast, consider rinsing and recycling the aluminum foil.

Now that you know how you can make a difference by recycling, it’s time to get creative with ways to recycle and reuse. Share your favorite recycling tips in the comments below.

Belvedere Independent Lady | Cocktail Recipe

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Belvedere Independent LadyAt 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

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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 4th. 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.

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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.

prada

A different look for Nicole Kidman in this Jimmy Choo campaign.

NicoleKidmanAssets_01_1

Engaged new parents Sienna Miller and Tom Sturridge for Burberry.

Sienna-Miller_glamour_1jul13_PR_b_592x888 Sienna-Miller02_glamour_1jul13_PR_b_592x888 Sienna-Miller_592x888 Sienna-Miller04ju_592x888 Sienna-Miller05ju_592x888

Kate for Versace

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Cara for Mulberry

mul-4_1 mul-5_1 Mulberry-1 20130628-130335.jpgmul-4_1

 

How to Explain American Football to a Foreigner?

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For some reason, foreigners seem to have a hard time understanding American football. This might have something to do with the fact that they have another name for soccer — football — and they play an odd version of the sport called rugby. Whatever the reason for the confusion, here is a simple explanation of American Football for all to understand:

What’s the Purpose of it All?

How to Explain American Football to a Foreigner

How to Explain American Football to a Foreigner

 

Image Via Flickr by alschim

Foreigners often think of football as an unorganized, yet complicated mess of a game where there is more starting and stopping and player swapping than they care to understand. That’s because they’re relating it to other team sports, such as soccer. The best way to get a handle on American football is to take everything you know about sports and throw it out of the window. Imagine you’re from Mars and you’ve come to earth because you have Tampa Bay Buccaneers tickets but you don’t know a thing about the sport. A weird concept, but let’s roll with it.

The aim of the game is to get the ball into the opponent’s ‘end zone’. This can be done by running it in there or passing it to a player in the zone. There are 11 players on each team and the game is split into 15 minute quarters with a sudden death 15 minute period if the scores are tied at the end. Each team is allowed three time outs per half.

How the Heck Does the Points System Work?

A touchdown is awarded when a team crosses into the end zone with the ball or it’s thrown or collected by a player in that zone. It’s worth six points.

A field goal is scored when a player kicks the ball through the goal posts. This is usually attempted after the third down and is worth three points.

An extra point can be earned by kicking a field goal after a touchdown has been scored, similar to a conversion in rugby. Two points can be gained if the team can successfully take the ball into the end zone instead.

Safety is when a defensive team is able to tackle an offensive player in their own end zone. It’s worth two points.

What’s All This Business With Attack and Defense Teams?

Why have one set of players when you can have two or three? You may feel slightly confused when the game is halted and then an entirely different set of men run out on the field, but it’s completely normal. There is a separate set of players for offensive and defensive plays. There are only 11 players on the field at one time from each team, but a squad is made up of 45 players of all shapes and sizes that have special roles during the game. Attackers are there to get the ball downfield and score points, while the defense is there to stop the opposition from doing just that.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

The most important thing to know, other that what you’ve already learned, is that an attacking team has 4 attempts to move 10 yards further down the field. If they are unable to do so, the other team gets possession of the ball. This is the reason that most people get confused when watching. If the attackers are unable to progress 10 yards with the ball in their hand, they lose the play, which is why a kick is often resorted to after the third down.

Now that you understand the basic rules of American Football, there’s no excuse for sitting in the stands and making silly comments!