Father’s Day Gift Guide

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Father’s day is on the 16th of June and it is fast approaching. For those – like me- who have not bought anything yet I have put together a gift guide. It is a range of fun and different things for the most important man in your life. Feel free to add your own ideas in the comments below.

At Frost we reviewed Grant’s Family Reserve. Here is what we thought:

This whiskey smells great, full bodied. My first thought on trying this whiskey is oak. I then read up on it to find out it is matured in oak caskets. It is also malty, clean and complex. I can taste cinnamon stick, cloves, and nutmeg. We initially tried it without water and you really get the full flavours. With water it is just as enjoyable, and personally I found it more so because you could take it all in more without getting really drunk! This whiskey is a great blend. I really enjoyed it. It is sweet and fruity so it is right up my street.

Whether your dad is a discerning whisky lover or someone who enjoys the occasional dram, the Grant’s Family Reserve gift pack is the ideal way to say thank you and to help make this Father’s Day extra special.

Feeling inspired? Why not try something different this Father’s Day with one of Grant’s signature cocktails, the Grant’s highball.

Cocktail – Grant’s Highball

Made with the world’s favourite family owned whisky, the Grant’s Highball is an ideal aperitif or accompaniment to a meal and ideal for sharing with your dad.

Ingredients:

· 50ml Grant’s Family Reserve

· Ginger ale

· Dash of Angostura bitters

· Garnish with an Orange wedge

Fill a glass with ice cubes and add the Grant’s Family Reserve. Top up with ginger ale and add a few drops of Angostura bitters. Garnish with an orange wedge.

The Grant’s Family Reserve £16.49*, Grant’s Sherry Cask (MRSP £17.99*) and Grant’s Ale Cask (MRSP £17.99*) are available at Tesco, other leading supermarkets and off licences.

Visit www.grantswhisky.co.uk for the latest serve ideas

This Leather Men’s Wallet is from QVC. £20.16

Item no.759923

Emu Mens Romeo Sheepskin Slipper, £69.00, QVC.

Item no.153851

Skagen Gents Midnight Blue Dial Titanium Mesh Strap Watch, QVC, £102.00

Item no.674551

FREE ARCHERY LESSON FOR DADS AND FAMILY SWORD SCHOOL

This Father’s Day, Sunday 16 June, at Warwick Castle, kids can send their dads back to school – Knight School – for free ‘have a go’ archery and training in swordsmanship from the Warwick Warriors, in addition to enjoying mediaeval weaponry displays and the firing of the Mighty Trebuchet. From 10am until 5pm, all dads qualify for an archery trial with an expert archer at Britain’s Ultimate Castle.

Kids and their dads can immerse themselves in over one thousand years of stories and legends about knights, battles and sieges, and experience firsthand how it feels to handle ancient weaponry. There’s plenty for mums to enjoy, too, including:

Raising the Portcullis
Flight of the Eagles Show, twice daily
The Sword and the Stone
Firing the Trebuchet, twice daily
Warwick Warriors live combat
Actor-led Tours of State Rooms and Great Hall
Towers & Ramparts
Riverside setting and Rose Garden
Warwick Castle Unlocked – four new rooms opened in February 2013

Book online in advance for the best value entrance fees: adults from £17.10 and children from £11.70: check www.warwick-castle.com for prices and latest attraction schedule.

Maybe all your dad wants is a phone call.

Lonely Dads Hoping for a Phonecall from their Children this Father’s Day

Panasonic survey finds over half of British dads long for more contact with their grown-up children

A third of fathers see their offspring once a month or less
Over half of dads would like to hear from children more often

Reports of middle-aged parents suffering Crowded Nest Syndrome due to the return of Generation Boomerang may be premature, according to a new study published ahead of Father’s Day. A survey of UK dads carried out by Panasonic reveals that 83 percent admit they miss having regular contact with grown-up sons and daughters who have left the family home.

A third of UK fathers see their adult offspring once a month or less, with five percent only seeing their children once a year at most. It seems dads can’t get enough family time, with 52 percent saying they would still like to hear from their kids more often.

Empty Nest Syndrome has historically been more commonly associated with mothers, but fathers who participated in the survey were keen to overturn the gender stereotype. Forty-six percent believe they miss their kids at least as much, if not more, than their mother does, and only one in three believes their mother misses them more than they do.

When it comes to keeping in touch, the home phone still reigns supreme; 68 percent of dads mainly use their landline to talk to their son or daughter. Of the many ways to stay in touch now available, dads agreed on which would appreciate receiving a new home phone as a gift. 42 percent rated the trusty home phone the best of the bunch, with 24 percent giving mobile phones their vote and Skype video calling trailing in third place with 10 percent.

The study shows that children are still turning to dad for advice, with petitions for help featuring in eight in ten of phone conversations. An enterprising 30 percent of children have taken the opportunity to ask for a loan during a catch-up, 33 percent have sought DIY guidance and 17 percent have asked for career advice. Oddly enough, they aren’t so forthcoming when it comes to their love lives, with just one in ten dads ever having been consulted by their children on affairs of the heart.

Free Massage for Dads at K West Hotel & Spa

Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, spa days away. With all these treats for the ladies, Dads might be feeling a little neglected.

This Father’s Day on 16 June 2013, K West Hotel & Spa will be giving Dads the treatment they deserve with a free back and shoulder massage.

To claim this fantastic treat, family members need to book a two course dinner at the stylish Kanteen restaurant (priced at just £16 per adult and £8 per child) and lucky Dads will receive a complimentary massage voucher.

Get your Dad a copy of the Breaking Bad Boxset from Amazon UK. He will be eternally grateful.

Check out these great gift ideas from buyagift.com

Double Supercar Driving Blast: £59

Choose from nine of the world’s most renowned and respected supercars and enjoy the high-octane adrenaline thrill of your life with this amazing driving blast! Your adrenaline levels will soar as you take control of two incredible driving machines for 3 miles each, with options including the Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin and Audi R8 – each effortlessly combining style, speed and unbelievable power! With six locations across the UK to choose from, this is your chance to discover the true power of the world’s most impressive beasts!

Helicopter Ride Over London for Two: £225

Treat yourselves to a unique tour of London with this helicopter tour over the capital’s rooftops. London is full of famous landmarks and attractions, from Canary Wharf to the Houses of Parliament, and this unforgettable experience will give you a totally new perspective of one of the world’s greatest cities. Sit back during your flight and appreciate all the grandeur of London as you take in stunning aerial views of a city steeped in history and culture. Just remember to bring your camera!

Helicopter Pilot Experience Day: £139

This amazing experience is your chance to discover if you’ve got what it takes to fly a helicopter and be a commercial helicopter pilot. Arrive at the airfield for 9am, where you will be greeted with refreshments by your hosts for the day. An introduction and safety briefing will be given by a CAA Licensed Helicopter Instructor, followed by a talk on being a commercial pilot, and a presentation on helicopter pilot career options. Next comes the highlight of the day – a hands-on, one-to-one helicopter flying lesson and hover challenge! You’ll take the controls as your instructor gives you helpful tuition. During the experience you will receive a buffet-style lunch, as well as a guided tour of the hangars and a discussion about various helicopter types.

If you have a dapper dad you can always buy him some clothes.

Father’s Day is coming up and High and Mighty is here to help with its one stop shop for all things Dad-related. Designers such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Lacoste have an array of presents and everything from fashion and fragrances, to electricals and DVD’s are all under one roof at www.highandmighty.co.uk. Perfect for the Dapper Dad.

4 Shows Moms Watch to Live Vicariously (That Always Make Us Laugh)

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Shaun Chatman

Television is a popular choice for relaxation and enjoyment, ranking even higher than shopping and talking on the phone in a study of over 900 women in Texas. A poll of 3,000 commissioned by QVC revealed that a tenth of respondents would rather leave their spouse or partner than their favorite show. Television allows women to live vicariously in a way that would otherwise be impossible, and these top shows are some of the best for pure escapism.

Sex and the City – Fashion, Flirting, and Big City Allure

4 Shows Moms Watch to Live Vicariously

Image via Flickr by chirinecarlao

Sex and the City may have gone off the air in 2004, but that hasn’t stopped it from being a continued favorite in the female crowd. Reruns are on the air nearly every day, bringing the fabulous fashionable life of Carrie Bradshaw and her friends to life again. This show focuses on four young, beautiful bachelorettes and gives busy moms a chance to fantasize about youthful exploits, enviable closets, and drawers filled with sexy lingerie panties that see plenty of excitement. The ever-present touch of humor is an added bonus that gives the entire sitcom a fresh, lighthearted air.

The Bachelor(ette) – Sex, Love, and Romance

The Bachelor entered its 17th season in January 2013 and The Bachelorette will enter its ninth season in the summer of 2013. Both shows depict a string of single yet surprisingly attractive people on the search for love. Contestants cavort in exotic destinations and five-star hotels, going on elaborate dates and predictably falling in love. Women craving a little extra romance in their lives have good reason to flock to these shows, though the outrageous idea that perfect strangers will find a healthy relationship amid this reality show setting is a bit laughable.

The Real Housewives – Lifestyles of the Rich and Fascinating

The original Real Housewives of Orange County spawned a total of six spin-offs, each with a devoted fan base. The outrageous fights and over-the-top exploits of these women are plenty humorous, but the stars themselves seem to take their problems completely seriously. Women watching these shows get an enticing glimpse of how the other side lives, as each series focuses on “real” housewives who are impossibly wealthy and conveniently freed of the need to deal with the day-to-day concerns that most housewives face.

Desperate Housewives – Madness and Mayhem in Beautiful Packages

Desperate Housewives aired its series finale in May 2012, but not before taking viewers along for a marathon of drama and excitement. This drama focuses on the lives of housewives presenting a polished and perfect face for their neighbors, but distinctly desperate behind the scenes. The twisted plot lines that ran through the show throughout its run were nearly impossible to follow for any but the most devoted viewers, but this show had plenty of those who were perhaps a bit desperate for excitement themselves.

Moms looking to live vicariously through their TV counterparts will find plenty of daring ways to escape through these popular shows. Whether they’re still in production or faithfully available through reruns, they all offer lots of fascinating worlds to escape to.

5 Study Techniques for Teens Preparing for the SAT’s

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Shaun Chatman

Taking the SAT’s is a big deal. A good score can help you get into a good school. It can also help you qualify for great scholarships and grants. Before you take the SAT’s, it’s a good idea to study, so that you’re prepared.

Study Early – Don’t Crunch

Study Techniques for Teens

Image via Flickr by MC Quinn

One of the worst things you can do for any test is to crunch. If you stay up late the night before the test, trying to cram everything in your mind, you won’t remember anything when you go to take the test. Instead, start studying long before the test is scheduled. Study a few things at a time, for the best results.

Consider a Test Prep Program

SAT Prep programs are a great way to study. They help you prepare for exactly what will be on the test. They also put you together with other people who are studying. Working with a study group can help you retain the information that you’re studying. Whether you’re studying with a group online or in person, it’s a great way to make sure you go over exactly what you need.

Take the Practice Tests

If you feel like you’ve studied enough, go ahead and test yourself. Taking a practice test will show you whether or not you’re ready to actually take the official test. If you bomb the practice test, you may want to go back to studying. However, if you ace the practice test, go ahead and schedule the official. The practice tests are a decent gauge of how well you’ll do. The practice tests also help you understand the layout of the test, which can help you when you do get to the official test.

Get Rest

Teens Preparing for the SAT’s

Image via Flickr by Chris March

One thing that a lot of people forget when they’re getting ready for a big test is that they need to get rest. Your brain needs this rest to be able to remember the information you’re feeding it. If you’re staying up late every night studying, then getting up early every morning for class, you’re probably not retaining as much information as you’d like. Getting a good night’s sleep each night can help you keep up with what you study.

Try Different Study Types

Don’t get stuck in one study type if it’s not working for you. Some people do well with reading and retaining information. Other people need to write things down to remember them. Still others do best when they hear information. Try out a variety of ways to go through the information you’re studying. Flash cards for vocabulary are great, because they incorporate a variety of learning styles. You can write down the words and definitions, read them on the cards, and read them off with others, allowing you to hear them.

Studying for the SAT’s can be stressful. Make sure that you give yourself the time you need. In addition, when you study the things that you know will be on the test, you are saving yourself time and energy. Though studying can be difficult, it doesn’t have to be horrible.

Government: “Love Freely But Pay For Sex” – part 1

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Ian Hare

Fifty years ago, almost to the day, a series of events began that eventually helped to topple the Harold Macmillan Conservative government.

In what became known as the Profumo Affair, the then Secretary of State for War, John Profumo, stepped down after deceiving Parliament about his relationship with Christine Keeler.

The affair with 19-year-old Keeler, who was also in a relationship with Yevgeny Ivanov, a naval attaché at the Soviet Embassy, strained the government to its limits at the height of the Cold War.

Half a century later, another potential sex scandal is poised to prove another headache for today’s Tory leaders as Hackney-based filmmaker, Phoenix James, focuses on the government’s pending and divisive Pay for Sex policy.

Produced by James, ‘Love Freely But Pay For Sex’ follows the efforts of a handful of untrained – but enthusiastic and vocal – amateur journalists and presenters as they roam across London canvassing public opinion, and pursuing media personalities and members of authority.

By pulling together the efforts of the rogue independent film and TV production group, James has found himself at the forefront of a lively and controversial debate.

In its simplest terms, the Pay for Sex policy will make paying for sex a legal requirement for unmarried men and women, one that requires couples to register.

Despite previous coalition climbdowns on pasty, caravan and charity taxes – in a world where sex is already a global money-making industry, the government see it as a natural progression, and a practical tax in line with those already on pleasures such as smoking and drinking.

And as well as a much-needed boost to the British economy, by encouraging couples to marry – and so become exempt – ministers hope to see a return to traditional conservative, family values.

Understandably, the battle lines in ‘Love Freely But Pay For Sex’ are frequently drawn on social and age lines. Two young men are resentful and challenging, older couples are philosophical, but worried about making ends meet, while others see it as a logical step forward.

“The planet runs on sex and money,” says writer and performance poet, Phenzwaan. “It’s the perfect match.”

Whether the policy is enforceable is debatable, but the government is clearly hoping the majority of people will register for the Pay for Sex policy to avoid possible prosecution – and as a safeguard.

While the production company failed to get to the bottom of what happens if a lover is unsatisfied and refuses to pay, a registered person is likely to have some legal grounds for complaint, while unregistered lovers could find themselves in court.

The talking heads and interviewees in ‘Love Freely But Pay For Sex’ are wide-ranging and frequently producing support in unlikely places. Surprisingly, James’ film reveals escort agencies are welcoming the policy, believing that business will boom as men and women opt to pay for a regulated and expert lover.

Gay men and women also see it as a triumph. As the team catch up with street celebrations following the legalisation of gay marriage, becoming both liable for, and exempt from, Pay for Sex is seen as equality for the gay community with heterosexual couples.

Given the far-reaching consequences of the subject matter, it’s perhaps unsurprising that the hour-long production only scratches the surface. The production team admit that their collective aim in making and showcasing the film is to create awareness among those unaware and stimulate further dialogue among those who are. Their work to uncover, document and highlight more information about the Pay for Sex Policy is, they say, ongoing.

To find out more about the government’s Pay for Sex Policy and to see ‘Love Freely But Pay for Sex’ go to www.PayforSexPolicy.com

Look out for part 2 of this article soon! – Phoenix James on ‘Love Freely But Pay For Sex’.

5 Ways to Help Your Children Financially Prepare for College

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Shaun Chatman

As secondary education continues to get more expensive, teaching your children financial responsibility, as well as helping them out with the monetary burden of college, becomes crucial. While you always want your children to have it better than you did, teaching them how to budget and handle money is important not only in saving you some cash, but developing them as productive people. Here are a few simple way to get your child financially ready for university life.

1. Have Your Child Get a Job

Ways to Help Your Children Financially Prepare for College

Image via flickr by Waponi

You should have your child get a job in high school. This teaches him responsibility and how to make money. By the time he reaches college, don’t just hand over money. Offer to supplement his income for spending money, but only if he gets a part-time job.

Although college does require studying and class work, there is still a lot of downtime for your child to pick up a 10 to 20 hour a week job. By being employed and earning some of his own income, your child will learn to appreciate the money he gets.

2. Prepare a Budget

Before your child heads off to college, sit him down and show him how to make a budget. Demonstrate the differences between wants and needs and mention that he doesn’t have to pay for other people, be it food or entertainment. List all the different categories of expenditures and what percentage of his money should go to each piece of the pie. This will teach him not to overspend on frivolous things.

3. Utilize Apps

Smart phones offer quite a variety of apps to help money management become simple. Mint is just one of many free apps that allows you to view your bank accounts, income, and expenditures. It also has an alarm that goes off when you are reaching your spending limit. Because the younger generation is glued to their smart phones, why not give your child a constant reminder of budgeting if he is going to be on his phone anyway.

4. Teach About Investing

Often, parents will just give their children money or a credit card when they go to college, but this is actually counterproductive. If you feel you must hand over money, make it into a learning experience. Give them $500 to invest in stocks. The sooner they learn about the risks and benefits of the stock market, the better. Exploring the best aggressive growth stocks can offer insights into companies with high growth potential, such as NVIDIA Corp.

You can even make them read about financial investments. One such book is Fisher Investments on Materials, which can benefit both new and seasoned investors about the materials market, which is ever-changing and growing.

5. Take Out a Student Loan

While this may not seem like the greatest option, the learning value is incredible. Even if you don’t have your child take out a traditional student loan, have him pay you back some of the money. You don’t have to make him sign an official loan with you, just put forward all the information.

Your child will learn about interest and how to pay for a loan on a monthly basis. This will prepare him for the real world when he purchases a house or a car.

Teaching your child fiscal responsibility is a difficult task. But the sooner you teach him the ins and outs of handling money and meeting financial obligations, the more able he’ll be to deal with it once he is on his own. College is just the first step of taking off the training wheels.

Women ‘reluctant’ to believe pregnancy and oral health link

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Frostie

More than 20 million women in the UK are reluctant to believe the existing link between poor oral health and pregnancy complications.

In a new survey, two in every three (67 per cent) of women said they did not think the two problems were related while only one in four (25 per cent) said they would take steps to improve their oral health despite knowing it could cause complications during pregnancy.

In the last 12 months the Foundation has reported on a number of scientific studies showing possible links between the two health problems. Research has revealed a 34 per cent reduction in risk of preterm births for expectant mums suffering with gum disease if they underwent simple treatment at the dentist or hygienist.

Further studies have also shown mums who are more able to handle stress in their environment had children with better oral health. Karen Coates, Dental Advisor at the British Dental Health Foundation, encourages all women not to ignore the wealth of evidence suggesting a link.

Ms Coates said: “Taking care of your own oral hygiene is important at all times, but none more so than when you’re expecting a baby. As many women will testify, the significant changes to the body mean taking extra care, and that includes oral health.

“There has been a lot of research that shows poor oral health can lead to complications during pregnancy, and it should not be overlooked. If a good oral hygiene routine means mums to be experience less problems during their pregnancy, it is important to educate this particular group about how they can go about doing just that.

“Many women find that hormonal changes cause their oral health to get worse during pregnancy. Some women find their gums bleed more easily, while people who already have gum disease may find that it progresses more rapidly.

“If you are pregnant, it really is vital to take extra care of your mouth. You should brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and take extra care that you are brushing for the full two minutes and clean every surface of every tooth. You should also clean between the teeth using interdental brushes or floss. Visit the dentist regularly as often as they recommend, and cut down on the frequency of sugary foods and drinks.

“NHS treatment is free for expectant mothers up until their child’s first birthday. All you need is to be an NHS patient and to have a current maternity exemption certificate.”

The findings have been revealed as part of National Smile Month, a month-long campaign run by the British Dental Health Foundation. The campaign, which draws to a close on 20 June, promotes three key messages for oral health:

– Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste,

– Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks,

– Visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.

Justin Timberlake’s return to UK stage is Justified

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Frostie

~ Demand to see Justin live soars by 447 per cent following Capital Summertime Ball ~

Justin Timberlake fans have flocked to viagogo, the world’s largest ticket marketplace, searching for tickets to see him live, following his storming performance as host of the Capital Summertime Ball yesterday. The actor, singer and husband of Jessica Biel certainly has been growing a large following since his Mickey Mouse Club days.

Fans hoping for a chance to rock their bodies with JT once more this summer have been snapping up tickets to The Wireless Festival. Demand for the Friday date (12^th July), which Timberlake will headline, spiked by 447 per cent overnight for the one day festival. Although tickets are sold out at the box office, they are still available on viagogo’s marketplace.

And with the announcement that he will tour in 2014, ‘Justin Timberlake’ was the most searched term on the viagogo site over the weekend.

viagogo spokesperson Steve Roest comments: “Justin Timberlake reminded his fans yesterday what a brilliant showman he is, so it’s no wonder they are desperate to snap up a ticket to see him live this summer. This adds to the anticipation already building for his 2014 tour, the 20/20 Experience, which could give One Direction’s Where We Are tour next year some real competition.”

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

Posted on June 9, 2013 by Alex Knott

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.

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