Survival of the fittest: Dirk Nowitzki’s Adaptability

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Frostie

When Dirk Nowitzki was first drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks as the ninth pick in the 1998 draft, he sported a 7-foot lanky frame with quite a reach and a long wingspan to prevent perimeter defenders from swatting the ball. He was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he was labelled as soft and delicate. You see, the German cager was not an immediate powerhouse. With his thin physique, he relied on spot up jumpers and chances from beyond the arc. Nobody expected the future star to provide an impact early on. And surely, during his career, Nowitzki shot a few air balls and had plenty of rookie mistakes, but that did not stop the Maverick forward to improve and expand his style of play.

Sharp shooting days
With the height that he possessed, the Wurzburg-born Maverick was a nightmare for his shorter defenders. Although quicker than most players in his position, the young Nowitzki was easily manhandled and out-powered in the low post. His slashing skills were still undeveloped. He cannot be trusted as the main go-to guy to handle the ball in the post or while driving to the rim. With a thin frame, the ball is easily swiped off by tinier and quicker defenders. Instead of being discouraged, the 7 footer developed his signature one-legged fade away, which up to this day is almost impossible to defend. It’s a good thing that he was teamed up with Steve Nash in his early years.

Sharp shooting plus rim slashing

As Dirk aged and developed by the entire cast of the Mavericks, the German expanded his style of play to make defenders second-guess his offensive tactics. In fact, the German PF notched his first NBA Championship in 2011 and earned his MVP Finals title too. He combined aggressiveness in the post while combining a finesse in a finger roll finish to his arsenal. It’s a good thing that he had Shawn Marion and Tyson Chandler to lighten the defensive and rebounding load. Unluckily, the Mavericks failed to go for a back-to-back and even failed to enter the 2013 playoffs. They could go early with their summer workouts or Marion, who is known as a poker lover, may want to host a friendly game of cards. Luckily, Nowitzki can participate anytime with the availability of online sites like PartyPoker Deutsch. It’s also a good way to improve rapport and focus. Just like basketball, there are basic skills in poker that are needed in order for the player to survive and even win the table. Focus, for one, allows a player to concentrate on his cards and the community cards as well even with the distractions of other players such as facial expressions and blatant bluffing methods. Also, poker players need to be snappy with their decisions, making a split-second move without compromising his play. Finally, playing poker is a good way to create a healthy camaraderie between you and other players even if there are real stakes involved. However, chemistry is always the key—and poker might just be the formula—come another 82 games next season.

Jockeying Ain’t Easy: 7 Suprising Facts About Horse Jockeys

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Shaun Chatman

Horse jockeys are the hardworking professionals responsible for riding champion horses in races around the world. If you’re a horse lover, this job may seem like a dream, but the truth of the matter is that horse jockeying is much more difficult than it seems. Jockeys don’t always get the appreciation they deserve in this challenging sport.

Jockeying Ain’t Easy

Image via Flickr by tinou bao

Size Does Matter

You may focus on the physique of the horse when you watch racing, but the size of the jockey is equally important. US weight limits for jockeys typically fall between 108 and 118 pounds, depending on the race. In the Kentucky Derby, jockeys can weigh of up to 126 pounds. These restrictions include all clothing and equipment. These limits create a strict diet for jockeys and some suspect that starvation techniques are even used by some.

That’s Not My Horse

Most competitions prohibit the jockey from owning the horse that’s being raced. The jockey does, however, provide the saddles, bridles, crops, western tack, and other equipment. Additional expenses for the jockey include health insurance, travel costs, and agent fees. Though they own their clothing, they do not pick the colors.

Ch-ch-changes!

Jockeys must become familiar with different horses very easily. A professional jockey might ride as many as 12 different horses in a day. Since each animal is unique, it’s important for jockeys to have a practiced hand at managing different temperaments.

It’s Not about the Money

Though this job may seem prestigious, jockeys only see a small percentage of the winnings. In most races, the jockey receives just 5% of the total prize money if he wins. If he doesn’t win, his fee is typically less than $100. Only a very small amount jockeys enjoy salaries. Most average $35,000 to $45,000 a year.

Little Love for the Jockey

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, in Saratoga Springs, NY, has inducted 179 horses but only 91 jockeys. The riders in these races don’t get nearly as much love as their equine counterparts.

Till Death do Us Part

In 1923, Frank Hayes suffered a heart attack mid-race and was technically deceased when he finished. Amazingly, Hayes stayed astride Sweet Kiss till the end and won the race. Poor Sweet Kiss was known as “Sweet Kiss of Death” forever afterwards.

It’s a Boy’s Club

The majority of jockeys are men, and women often have trouble getting a good mount. The first female jockey was Diane Crump in 1969. Barbara Jo Rubin was the first female jockey to win a race this same year. Only six women have ever ridden in the Kentucky Derby, including Crump who first rode here in 1970. The highest a female jockey has ever placed in the Kentucky Derby is 11th.

Despite some of the dangers and drawbacks, horse jockeying is often a rewarding career for the well-suited people who have a true love for the sport. After all, it’s hard to beat the thrill of navigating the track at up to 40 miles an hour on the back of a beautiful and powerful equine companion.

This post was written by Shaun Chatman, who is a well published author on many authority sites. He lives in Dunedin, FL, and spends his free time playing with his kids or advising friends on everything from tech and gadgets to finance and travel.

6 Best Celebrity Designers of 2013

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Shaun Chatman

Which designers are the celebrities clamoring after for 2013? Now that most designers have revealed their creations for spring, summer, and fall, it’s clear the cream rises to the top. Here are the designers celebrities are wearing and what’s so special about their 2013 collections.

1. Anna Sui

Anna Sui

Image via Flickr by CHRISTOPHER MACSURAK

Anna’s designs are frequently spotted on A-list celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens, Ashlee Simpson, Fergie, Nicole Richie, and Miley Cyrus. This spring, Sui introduced her self-titled line “Anna’s Garden.” Though the collection is unmistakably Sui, with her favored Art Nouveau prints (all designed in-house), she’s taken this year’s line to a new level of floral prints. She mixes colors and whites superbly, and the looks she creates are never overdone. Sui creates the perfect fit for celebrities wanting to be on the cutting edge of fashion, but not over the top.

2. DSquared2

DSquared2

Image via Flickr by br1dotcom

The team of Dean and Dan Caten currently outfit the likes of style setters Jessica Simpson, Selena Gomez, Alicia Keys, and Halle Berry. For 2013, the design team pays homage to the jazz clubs of Paris in the 1940’s. They combine masculine tailored suits with ultra feminine silk dresses, the epitome of luxury. The ensembles feature basic grays and neutrals as a backdrop for bold, fanciful colors, ideal for the sophisticated Halle Berry’s of Hollywood.

3. Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Image via Flickr by Romana Correale

McQueen’s collection for 2013 took ideas from the most feminine designs all the way to erotica, so it’s no surprise to see an interesting mix of celebrities donning the outfits. Of course, McQueen was the honored designer to clothe Kate Middleton for her wedding seen ’round the world, but his designs are also popular with the likes of Kate Moss, Lady Gaga, and First Lady Michelle Obama. It’s the perfect balance of modesty to add to your collection of variety of sexy costumes.

4. Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana

Image via Flickr by @Saigon

Enjoyed by starlets Jessica Alba, Scarlett Johansson, Claudia Schiffer, and Madonna, no list of top designers would be complete without Dolce and Gabbana. This year, the collection pays tribute to the festivals of Sicily, featuring raffia flour sack dresses, hair scarves, dresses and chandelier earrings adorned with street theater puppets, and separates bearing designs of Caltagirone vases and dishes.

5. Burberry Prorsum

Burberry Prorsum

Image via Flickr by OiMax

As McQueen, Prorsum ventured into the deep world of sexy this year, yet came out with a good reputation. This collection, enjoyed by Victoria Beckham, Donna Air, Sarah Jessica, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts and others, showcases the joy of erotica. Capes and corsets are the backbone of the collection. Prorsum employs an array of autumn shades with colors hailing from 1930’s era lingerie, such as shell pinks and oyster. These muted colors against bold jewel tones absolutely pop. Satin and cotton sateen fabrics lend a soft touch to the looks.

6. Emporio Armani

Emporio Armani

Image via Flickr by FuFuWolf

Another staple in top designer lists, Armani dresses celebrities like Lea Michele, Penelope Cruz, Anne Hathaway, and Katie Holmes. This year, the Emporio Armani collection borrowed from all the most relevant fashion eras and brought back the very best, such as drop waist dresses and cloche hats from the Roaring 20’s. The line features faded and pastel shades, which lend femininity to the clean lines and soft shapes of the collection. Even the more tailored pieces are crafted with soft fabrics, creating the illusion of being made of fur.

With these superb collections, it won’t be any problem for celebrities to hit the streets looking runway ready.

The Big Easy Restaurant Review

Posted on May 5, 2013 by James Yardley

The Big Easy is a popular American style crabshack on the King’s Road. We went at lunch time and it was still busy. The decor is fun and relaxed. You immediately get the feeling of a great American atmosphere.

Fresh Atlantic Crab Claws

‘Colossal Organic Shrimp Cocktail’

Passion Fruit Margarita

Lobster fresh from Maine

We started with some Margaritas. I have a strawberry one, it was refreshing and delicious, the perfect way to start a meal. We also have a passion fruit Margarita. It comes in a large jar with a handle. Not something I’ve seen before but it means you get even more Margarita which can only be a good thing.

For starters we have the organic shrimp and crab claws. My shrimp were huge! Apparently they come from Nigeria. It’s immediately clear that the restaurant goes to a lot of effort to source the very best ingredients. The prawns are big, juicy and succulent and go very well with the spicy sauce they come with.

The crab came with a honey mustard sauce. Again the quality of the fresh meat was delicious.For mains we went for a 2lb lobster and a half lobster and fillet steak combo

Monster claws from my 2lb Lobster

You know you’re in a proper crabshack when they give you a bib

2lb Lobster

Wow this is where the meal got really special. My lobster was juicy and succulent and simply delicious. American lobster is just so much better than European varieties in my opinion and it really showed in this delicious feast. The claw meat was particularly special.

The lobster are flown in weekly from Maine, the lobster capital of the world. They are kept alive until they’re ready to cook to ensure there incredibly fresh.

Our Lobster was 2lb but if you really want one and can afford it they go all the way up to 6lb! However if you go up to that size it probably won’t be quite as tender as the smaller lobsters. Personally I think 2lb is about the perfect size I certainly wouldn’t have been able to manage much more.

The creamy, buttery, opulent lemon sauce was the perfect accompaniment to the Lobster. The chips were chunky and tasty. The salad was disappointing but it didn’t matter a jot.

The fillet steak was a good portion cooked exactly as we asked (medium rare). The meat was excellent. The other half lobster was also just as good as the 2lb one.

For pudding we share a chocolate fudge cake with vanilla ice cream. It was chocolaty, crumbly and not too rich. We also had a Pirates of the Caribbean milkshake which was excellent and certainly tasted ‘piratey’ with its coconut cream and mint flavor It was the perfect way to finish a great meal.

This was a great restaurant and a wonderful experience. We will certainly be returning to sample the grande sundae (which we were advised against having because of its size). The restaurant is friendly, fun and has a great American atmosphere.

Pirates of the Caribbean Milkshake

Chocolate Fudge Cake

Everything down to the ‘restroom’ signs are authentic.

The whole focus is on great ingredients and this restaurant certainly had that. The cocktails were also superb.

The ‘Big Easy’ was good value and one thing I really liked is you can really spend as much money as you want to. A 2lb lobster with chips, salad and sauce with a margarita is just £19.99. Not bad considering this is on the King’s Road. But it you want you can get a 6lb lobster for £60. Also look out for their events such as all you can eat BBQ’s on Monday nights.

Although we went at lunch I’m told the restaurant can get very busy in the evening so you should definitely book in advance. Also look out for the new three hundred seater restaurant coming to Covent Garden in October.

Snoop Dogg Launches New Video Game

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Frostie

SNOOP DOGG TAKES THE FIGHT TO THE STREETS WITH NEW VIDEO GAME WAY OF THE DOGG

Entertainment icon Snoop Dogg (aka Snoop Lion) brings his fans the latest news about his forthcoming video game Way of the Dogg available now on Xbox Live® as an arcade game for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

Drawing inspiration from Snoop’s love of ‘70s Kung Fu movies, Way of the Dogg follows the story of “America Jones” – the toughest street fighter in town, whose two great passions are the fight and his love, Sierra – but when Sierra is taken from him, AJ must step up and take his fighting to a whole new level under the watchful eye of Master Snoop and learn the “Way of the Dogg.”

It’s not just men! Unfaithful women close the infidelity gap

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Frostie

Every 80 seconds a British woman joins AshleyMadison.com, the married dating site with 774,00 UK members and 18 million worldwide

73.1% of unfaithful women feel neglected by their husbands

An affair makes it easier to stay in marriage say 57%

Better sex with husbands since having an affair for 32%

Infidelity has traditionally been male territory, but according to new statistics from Ashley Madison.com, women are currently signing up to UK site at a rate of one every 80 seconds.

The site’s founder, ‘King of Infidelity’ and ex-sports attorney Noel Biderman, says: ‘Given that a new AshleyMadison.com member of either sex joins the site every 45 seconds in Britian and that globally only a third of our members are women, this figure is far higher than we would expect. The only other country where we are seeing this pattern is Australia.’

In a new AshleyMadison.com survey of actively unfaithful women in Britain, 57% said that having an affair makes it easier for them to stay in their marriage and 32% reported better sex lives with their husbands since their affair.

Feeling neglected by their husbands and not having their emotional needs met was the most common motivation for women being unfaithful (73.1%).

‘This is no surprise,’ says Noel Biderman. ‘Many women lack attention and affection and it’s miserable to feel lonely within your own marriage. The reality is that many people can’t leave their partners for financial reasons and women in particular are usually reluctant to sacrifice their family life. So they are taking care of their needs outside marriage in the same way that men always have. They’re stepping into the male arena when it comes to infidelity.’

For 67.2%, an unfulfilled sex life was the reason for cheating. ‘Men typically reach their sexual peak in their 20s, for women it’s later, in their 30s or 40s when they feel more comfortable with their bodies. This discrepancy is one reason for the lack of sex that these women are feeling. Everyone wants to be desired, who can blame these women for looking elsewhere?’

64% of the women were educated to degree level with the majority working in admin (PAs and receptionists) or the health sector, including nurses.

Pre Cannes Festival 2013 | Social Diary

Posted on May 4, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

May 2nd saw the Pre Cannes Festival. The press release said, “With the very special participation of celebrity guests Carol Cleveland (Monthy Pythons), Patricia Inder (John Lennon’s & Lemmy of Motorhead’s). And Jonathan Hansler (Axed the movie, Cadbury ads), British actress and writer Catherine Balavage, Zoe Griffin author of the book “Get Rich Blogging”, Andrea Iervolino the youngest and most successful Italian producer all the way from Italy.”

Yes, yours truly was honoured to be presented for my acting work. I was quite thrown when Paola Berta told me I would be presented at the event. Lots of thanks to her and congratulations on the event. I was interviewed by Fashion TV amongst others and I had a wonderful time.

Catherine Balavage being interviewed by Fashion TV.

The event was held at No 5, 5 Cavendish square. It is a beautiful and classy venue. I mingled with Zoe and actor Jonathan Hansler while Fabio Tedde & Paul Wiffen played piano.

Pointing out the Frost logo. We have sponsored the event for the past two years.

I bumped into the vivacious and beautiful Zoe Griffin, author of “Get Rich Blogging” and owner of excellent blog Live Like a VIP, who were kind enough to mention me in the coverage of the event.

I also had a great chat with the makers of new energy drink Think Drink, an energy drink that is natural and tastes great. We also chatted with Delights of Italy who make amazing cupcakes and entirely edible flowers. They were beautiful and delicious.

We also saw some great films from the Cannes Short Corner Official Selections.

SOMEBODY TO LOVE by Braine Hownd FilmsCAVIAR 2 by Beluga Films

COLONEL BADD by Tiger Dreams

UNSPOKEN by Oakman Films

KIR ROYALE by Beluga Films

There were also great talks from marketing specialist Kathy Ennis, LA producer and entrepreneur CHRISTIE HSIAO of SERENITY MEDIA GROUP, British actress and theatre producer VICKY MCKELLER, Gentiane Piovanacci, editor of MAMARAZZI news magazine, popular french artist LADYKAT and from Spain, Mac Chakaveh, president of the MARBELLA FILM FESTIVAL.

Keep an eye out for more photos from the event.

Fashion Fabulous Party | Social Diary

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

I went along to the launch of the third edition of the Fashion Fabulous book. I was joined by actor/director Jack Bowman and his wonderful girlfriend Mary Burt. I also met the team behind new blog The London Index, Joseph and Leah-Jade. Check them out. Some of their photos are below.

I had a flick through the book and it is brilliant researched. I talked to Tracy and she said that she goes to every single shop and restaurant. Everything is checked to make sure it is of the highest quality. Tracey is also a hat designer and the hat she was wearing was spectacular.

Sarah Eckersley + Leah-Jade Verasammy + Mary Burt + Jack Bowman + Guest + Catherine Balavage

Frost editor Catherine Balavage with actor and director Jack Bowman.

Fashion Fabulous London returns with new guide for 2013

The results of an extensive mystery shop uncover the capital’s Top 200 retailers.
London’s best shopping districts revealed. Shoreditch and Shepherd’s Bush among up-and-coming areas pushing North Kensington out of the top 10.
Customer service in Prada rated equally to Primark.

London’s number 1 independent shopping guide, Fashion Fabulous London launched its new guidebook for 2013 on the 24th of April, and it is out now.

The third edition of the consumer guide picks out and reviews the top shops in London. The shopping equivalent to the Michelin Guide, the new edition of the book is a must-have for the style-conscious London shopper.

Fashion insiders Tracy Rose and Russell Rose have once again compiled the book by making mystery shopper visits to one thousand retailers across the capital. This year’s updated guide highlights the best shops visited by the couple with in-depth reviews of the hottest outlets.

This year’s Top 200 retailers named in Fashion Fabulous London include new entries from designer-run boutique Antoni & Alison in Farringdon and rising vintage outlet Emporium in Greenwich.

Once again, the West End tops the list of London districts with the most retailers in the Top 200, but new neighbourhoods have arrived in the Top 10 shopping districts. Shepherd’s Bush, boosted by the presence of fashion destination Westfield London, now sits in the Top 10 ahead of Camden and Islington. Shoreditch has cemented its position as a fashion hotspot by ousting North Kensington from this year’s Top 10.

The changes in the guide’s Top 10 shopping districts reflect the increasing spread of quality retailers across London. Tracy Rose comments, “The West End remains London and the UK’s retail heart. However, we found from our visits across the city that lavish outlets and high-end service is far from limited to the boutiques of Bond Street and Savile Row. We are finding that retailers further afield in the capital are increasingly improving the quality of the customer experience, even in the current economic climate.”

Shops that offered a personal touch to customers were highly commended by the pair. Tracy states, “We particularly enjoy the experience offered by designer-run boutiques, where the customer can meet the creators of the items on sale. Being myself both a fashion designer and an avid shopper, I appreciate how much consumers value knowing about how their clothes were made.”

Each of the top retailers reviewed in Fashion Fabulous London receive a rating out of 5 shopping bags on choice, service and wow factor. Every store was re-evaluated this year with many receiving new ratings: In service, Bond Street’s Prada store lost its five shopping bag rating while Primark on Oxford Street improved on its one shopping bag rating – both now having two shopping bags in the 2013 edition.

Readers of Fashion Fabulous London will discover personal accounts from Tracy and Russell from their visits to each outlet. Tracy recounts the story of a showdown with shoppers in the Alexander McQueen store, with one envious customer snatching a shoe from her grasp. In another review, Russell gets to know Camden’s leftfield Cyberdog shop by trying on a yellow laser print ‘Talk to the Hand’ T-shirt.

Russell Rose comments, “We hope that this year’s guide will be the perfect companion for fashion-lovers looking for either high-end or high street shops. Whether you’re looking for shoes or handbags, we’ve taken the leg work out of finding the best stockists.”

Fashion Fabulous London will be on sale from 30 April 2013 at leading retailers nationwide including Harrods, Selfridges and Waterstones, and online from Amazon.

Top 10 London shopping postcodes

The top 10 districts in London ranked by the number of Fashion Fabulous London’s Top 200 shops in each district.

2013Rank	Postcode	District	2012Rank
1	W1	West End	1
2	SW1	Belgravia	2
3	W11	Notting Hill Gate	4
4	E1	Brick Lane /Spitalfields	3
5	SW3	Chelsea	6
6	E2	Bethnal Green	7
7	WC2	Covent Garden	5
8	W12	Shepherd’s Bush	=11
9	N1	Islington	8
=10	EC2	Shoreditch	=11
=10	NW1	Camden	10

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