Tag Archives: Catherine Balavage

LONDONERS CASH IN ON THE ROYAL WEDDING

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  • Gumtree sees influx of Londoners renting their rooms and houses over the wedding weekend

With the sound of Royal Wedding bells almost in the air, Londoners living near the royal procession route can also hear the sound of cash jingling in their pockets.  Gumtree.com has seen an influx of ads from people renting out their London rooms or homes over the Royal Wedding period – often charging as much as £2,000 for the whole week.

Homes and rooms on or near the royal procession route, or within walking distance from Westminster Abbey or Buckingham Palace, are charging a hefty premium – with many ads on the online local notice board detailing the short walk that renters can take to catch a glimpse of the wedding action.

Rental prices per week range from £1,000 to £2,500 to rent the full property.  Others who are staying in London have advertised to sublet a single spare bedroom, with the note: “Willing to negotiate a price for the whole property (2 double bedrooms) for the entire weekend”.

Adverts currently on the site include:

·                  £850pw, Luxury 2 bed flat walking distance Royal Wedding Westminster Abbey London http://www.gumtree.com/london/52/73742252.html

Top Tips for subletting your home for the Royal Wedding weekend

  • Be honest when describing your home, include photos on the ad so that potential renters know exactly what to expect
  • Include details on how to get to the key sights over the wedding weekend, include tube stops, bus routes or approximate walking times
  • Remember to mention the facilities and mod-cons in your property – holidaymakers will be looking for a home-away-from-home rather than a hotel, so remember to mention your HD TV/cable package, blue ray player, dishwasher, state of the art cooking facilities, etc. in your ad – and why not leave out your DVD collection for the option of a quiet night in?
  • Get to know your renters by email or telephone before you commit and meet them beforehand if you can – this will help build trust and peace of mind while you’re away, and also help make local recommendations
  • Create a rule book for your renters that are clear and easy to understand e.g. no smoking indoors, or no pets allowed, don’t use the washing machine after 10pm or the neighbours will complain, etc.
  • Compile a folder with everything your renters might need: instructions on how to use the household appliances, restaurant recommendations, locations of nearby shops and pubs, telephone numbers for local services
  • Lock away any valuables or high-value items
  • Inform your friends and neighbours of your house rental plans

Sam Taylor from Gumtree.com said:  “Despite the building excitement about the Royal Wedding, Londoners have begun to realise that if they rent out their property over the wedding weekend, it can fund a holiday to more exotic climates.

Luxury hotels are charging in the region of £3,000 – £5,000 for the long weekend – so it’s easy to see why self-catering options are proving popular.

Those lucky enough to live in central London are sitting on very easy money so should consider cashing-in on their postcodes for a few days if they are planning on going away – or even renting out a spare bedroom if they are staying in the city for the celebrations.”

 

Gumtree.com anticipates a similar trend to take place this summer in south-west London for the Wimbledon Tennis Championships 2011, and the London Olympics 2012.

 

 

SIR PAUL McCARTNEY SUPPORTS BUAV CAMPAIGN TO END CRUEL COSMETICS TESTS ON ANIMALS

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LONDON: Sir Paul McCartney has declared his support for BUAV’s No Cruel Cosmetics campaign to end animal testing for toiletries and cosmetic products sold in the EU.

Sir Paul said: “Animals should not suffer in the name of beauty. Testing toiletries and cosmetics on animals is cruel and unnecessary. Join me in signing the BUAV’s petition to ensure the sale of cruel products in the EU is outlawed by 2013. Say NO to Cruel Cosmetics.”

 

Despite UK and EU bans on the use of animals to test cosmetics and toiletries, cosmetic companies are still allowed to sell products within the EU that have been tested on animals in other parts of the world.

 

An import and sales ban on animal tested products in the EU is due to come into effect in 2013. However, concerns have arisen that there may be a delay of up to ten years for this to be implemented. In response, the BUAV has launched the No Cruel Cosmetics campaign calling for the ban to come into effect as planned in 2013.

 

If the ban were to be delayed, hundreds of thousands of animals will continue to die in cruel cosmetics tests for beauty products sold in the EU. Thousands of people across the EU have already signed the No Cruel Cosmetics campaign petition, including Sir Paul McCartney, to be sent to the European Parliament. You can sign the petition at www.nocruelcosmetics.org.

 

Michelle Thew, Chief Executive of BUAV, said: “We are delighted that Sir Paul has joined our campaign to end cruel tests on animals for beauty products.  Please sign our petition to the European Parliament at www.nocruelcosmetics.org. Together we can show there is no public appetite for animal tested cosmetics and urge the European Parliament to vote against delaying this ban”.

 

Celebrities, politicians, cosmetic companies and citizens of Europe are being urged to sign the Euro-wide petition.

 

 

Spotted! Elle MacPherson

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Host of Britain’s Next Top Model, Elle Macpherson, was spotted in stylish Chelsea Brasserie, The Ebury on Pimlico road, dining on a goat’s cheese salad with friends. The restaurant is known for its fashionable crowd, which might have been why Ms Macpherson, who is on the look out for contestants in the newest series of her show, paid a visit.

BECOMING HUMAN MOVES FROM ONLINE TO BBC THREE

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Being Human’s exclusive online extension drama “Becoming Human” will transmit on BBC Three, simultaneously revealing the final part of the mystery to online fans and BBC Three viewers.

A unique 50-minute special of the eight part online series will be shown the week after the Being Human finale, on Sunday 20th March at 9pm.

Becoming Human is BBC Three’s most successful multiplatform commission with over 1.5 million views on the red button and online to date.

Sarah Clay, BBC Multiplatform Drama Commissioner, says: “The reaction from the fans has been brilliant. We commissioned it as a treat for the online fans and they’ve totally got into the spirit of it – analysing daily clues, coming up with theories… One of the biggest pieces of feedback we’ve had is that they can’t get enough of it and want longer episodes. So we hope they’ll be excited to hear that the whole of Becoming Human will be shown as one long episode on BBC Three. With the added twist that the final part of the puzzle showing how Matt died will be revealed on TV and online at the same time.”

Toby Whithouse, series creator says: “We were delighted when Becoming Human found such a loyal and enthusiastic audience online. The reaction was beyond our most optimistic dreams. And so for the BBC to give us this opportunity to share the show with a wider audience is fantastic news.”

Becoming Human was created by Toby Whithouse (Being Human) and written by Brian Dooley (Being Human, The Smoking Room), Jamie Mathieson (Being Human) and John Jackson (Being Human). Following events that unfold in episode two of Being Human, the character of Adam (Craig Roberts; Young Dracula), a Vampire, takes us into a fictional college where he is trying to get himself back on the straight and narrow and it’s here he meets the beautiful, cool Christa (Leila Mimmack; Married, Single, Other) – who just happens to be a werewolf. They strike up a friendship with Matt (Josh Brown; Grange Hill), and the three of them become embroiled in a mystery that leads to more than they bargained for…

Rob Pursey and Phil Trethowan are the Executive Producers for Touchpaper Television (part of Zodiak Media Group), Toby Whithouse is Creator and Executive Producer, Eleanor Moran is Executive Producer for the BBC and Hannah Thomas is producing. The online content and interactivity was produced and managed by Barry Pilling and Garret Keogh at Zodiak Active. The series was shot on location in Wales.

The series was commissioned by Sarah Clay, BBC Multiplatform Drama Commissioner.
Becoming Human will TX ‘Sunday 20th March’ at ‘9pm’ on BBC Three .

Follow the mystery online at www.bbc.co.uk/becominghuman
is the highest performing BBC Three website, offering fans a regularly updated behind-the-scenes glimpse into the show.

5 Exercises to Avoid Lower Back Pain

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According to the British Medical Journal, most people suffer from lower back pain at some point, and while many people recover, between 10 and 25 percent of people with low back pain have long periods where they’re unable to work. Treatments for back pain include painkillers, physiotherapy, osteopathy or even surgery. But, according to top personal trainer Greg Brookes (http://www.gbpersonaltraining.com/) many people can alleviate their pain through practising five simple exercises.

We would like to remind you to consult with a schooled doctor to guide you with your healthcare needs before starting a fitness program.

1. Stretch your Hip Flexors
Your Hip Flexors are a group of muscles responsible for raising your knees to your chest. They are a very active and easily get involved in movements that they are not primary designed to do. The Hip Flexors over activation and lack of stretching often results in a shortening of the muscles. As the muscles shorten they start to pull on the Lumbar Spine and ultimately create a more Lordotic curve in lower back. This posture is easily recognized with the buttocks pushed out at the back and belly protruding out at the front.
Solution: Stretch the Hip Flexors by taking a deep lunge position, rotating your pelvic bone towards your chest and bracing your abs.

2. Lengthen your Hamstrings
Following lengthy periods of sitting with bent knees the Hamstrings shorten. Shortened hamstrings attach to the bottom of your pelvis and prevent correct rotation of the pelvis during forward bending. An inability to rotate at the pelvis results in a compensation in the lower back and ultimately lower back problems.
Solution: Stretch the Hamstrings by sitting with your lower back against a wall and straightening your legs. Keep the chest up and proud.

3. Improve Thoracic Spine Mobility
The Thoracic Spine is situated from the base of the neck to the mid back and is anatomically designed for movement. The Lumbar Spine with its larger vertebrae is designed for stability and lack of movement. Most people due to repetitive seating positions have “locked up” Thoracic Spines resulting in limited movement. The Lumbar spine is then forced to produce movement that it is not anatomically designed to perform and hence lower back issues.
Solution: Mobilise the Thoracic Spine by sitting tall on a backless chair and holding a stick across the shoulders. Brace the abs to lock the lower back and rotate slowly alternating sides.

4. Strengthen the Inner Core
The Inner Core is designed to work as a compression chamber to support the Lower Spine. The Pelvic Floor and Diaphragm are on top and bottom, the Transverse Abdominis goes around the sides and the Multifidus is at the back. An inability, through excess sitting, to activate the inner core leaves the Lumber Spine “Naked” during movement.
Solution: Strengthen the Inner Core by lying face down with the head on the hands. Breathe in deeply and push the belly into the floor, then breathe out deeply and pull the belly off the floor.

5. Use Correct Abdominal Training
The world’s obsession with flat stomachs and 6-pack Abs has resulted in a whole multitude of abdominal exercises. Unfortunately the majority of these exercises go against the true function of the Core muscles and only exacerbate existing problems. The Cores primary role is to provide stabilisation and a strong platform for other muscles to function from. Sit ups and crunches work in the total opposite direction of the Cores true function and only increase excess flexion in the Lumbar Spine. These exercises in turn increase the hunched over desk seated position and further stimulate and shorten the over active Hip Flexors.
Solution: Work on Core Stability by holding a rigid Press Up position while slowly raising one arm and taping the opposite shoulder. The less conditioned can omit the shoulder taps.

You can see videos of all the exercises required to create a strong core to prevent lower back issues by following Greg’s “Core Conditioning Course” here: http://gbptmembers.com/store/products/33

Royal Wedding Memorabilia Fever Hits

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With royal wedding fever about to hit an all time high, the tat is coming out in force. Have a look at some of the newest additions. Lakeland Swirly Cupcake stand £10.99
Peacocks Kate Middleton inspired jewellery £4.50 each
B&Q Wedding gnomes £12.98 each or £20 for the pair
B&Q Union Jack Doormat £5.98
Andrea Fulerton Nail Boutique Rose and Crown tattoos £1.99
Waitrose wedding shoe shaped gingerbread biscuits £18 for 12

Sex & The Chippy

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The truth about why women think a man’s chips are hers

The biggest ever survey of the nation’s chip-eating habits, conducted to coincide with National Chip Week (21-27 February), reveals a fascinating insight into our enduring love affair with the humble fried potato.

Curly or straight, open or wrapped, salt and vinegar or ketchup, The Chip Report, commissioned by Potato Council, maps our chip-eating habits and answers enduring questions such as why do women think it’s OK to ‘share’ their man’s chips? And how many of us really eat chips in bed. Key findings include:

To share or not to share? When it comes to sharing our chips, it clearly depends who’s asking. While most of us are happy to share with a friend or partner if asked (94% and 90%), this falls to 55% if it’s the boss doing the asking. It also seems that women are a bit more charitable, with more women than men thinking it’s OK to share, whoever asks. The exception appears to be on a first date…

Dating dilemmas: The Chip Report reveals an interest divide when it comes to first date etiquette: While 61% of men think it’s acceptable for their date to ‘share’ their chips uninvited, this only applies to 46% of women.

Psychological and dating expert, Phillip Hodson explains the logic of chip-sharing: “Whether they are aware of it or not, many women take a ‘hair shirt’ approach to eating out whilst on a date and don’t order what they want. They believe that punishing themselves and not ordering what really takes their fancy makes them a better person. However, when this does happen, they are likely to just pinch chips from their date’s plate anyway!

“Women are also falling into the trap of believing that men prefer women who don’t have a big appetite. This is simply not true as most men prefer women with whom they can enjoy the simple pleasures in life, including eating food – particularly at a time of economic uncertainty such as the one we are in currently.”

Other findings of The Chip report include:

We have a low ‘chip rustling’ tolerance: We all know that some women would rather pinch chips from their man’s plate than order their own, but just how many do we think is an acceptable number? Half of us (51%) will only tolerate one or two to be pinched from our plates, but when the boot is on the other foot, two-thirds (65%) think it’s OK to pinch a couple from someone else’s. The vast majority of us though (87.5%) will tolerate no more than a handful of chips being ‘liberated’.

The chippy is still king of the take-aways: Despite the many contenders on our high streets – the chip shop is still considered king of the take-aways by most people (73%).

Younger people don’t give a fork: While almost half of us (47%) prefer to eat chips with a knife and fork, this drops to 24% among 16-24 year-olds, who like to get stuck in with their fingers (38% vs 25% for the total population).

We’re going Continental (well, some of us are): While salt and vinegar remain the people’s preferred condiment overall (37%), this appears to be on the wane, with younger generations preferring ketchup or mayonnaise. One in five 25-34 year-olds say mayonnaise is their favourite, while a whopping 40% of 16-24 year-olds plump for tomato ketchup as their first choice. Mayo is also more popular among women, with 15% saying it is their preferred condiment (vs 8% men).

Things are different in London: When it comes to toppings, Londoners buck the national trend as the only region in Britain to prefer ketchup to salt and vinegar.

Anything goes for the youngsters: For 16-24 year olds, it’s a case of anytime, anywhere when it comes to chip eating. This age group is most likely eat them ‘on-the-go’ with 55% regularly eating them while walking down the street and nearly a quarter (22%) enjoying them on their way home from a night out.

Frying tonight: While chip shop chips emerge as the nation’s favourite type overall (a quarter of us like these best), there is clearly a generational divide: Younger people are the most likely to cite long, thin fries as their favourite type of chip, matching chip shop chips in popularity. If you’re 55 or over, however, you are just as likely to enjoy home-made chips as chip shop chips.

Chips under cover: While our love of chips is without question, some of us clearly take it to extremes, with a minority of us (7%) enjoying chips in bed.

Potato Council’s Caroline Evans says: “Each year we eat around 1.7 million tonnes of chips a year in various forms, and thanks to The Chip Report now have a clearer picture of the different ways in which they are enjoyed by different age groups, genders and parts of the country.

“It’s no surprise that we as a nation love chips – they come in so many different forms: from oven chips that are easy straight from the freezer and less than five per cent fat; to homemade; to the nations’ favourite take-away. National Chip Week is a chance to celebrate this great British tradition.”