Monthly Archives: December 2012

New Yes Prime Minister Review/Preview

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It’s been 24 years but at last the beloved Yes Primeminister has returned. If you didn’t see the original you missed out. It was one of Britain’s best ever sitcoms and famously Margaret Thatchers favourite television show. Yes Prime Minister follows the struggle between PM Jim Hacker and his Permanent Secretary Humphery Appelby. Most episodes revolved around Humpherys desperate attempts to control the PM and maintain the status quo. Bernard Woolley the PM’s private secretary is invariably caught between the two of them.

The new Yes Prime Minister has been updated to a contemporary setting. The first episode revolves around the Eurozone crisis. The PM’s meager coalition government is already in danger of cracking and the economy is falling apart. I really enjoyed the first episode. It retained much of what made the first show so great and it matched my very high expectations. It really helps that the original writing team and unsung heroes of the original Anthony Jay and Jonathan Lynn have been brought back.

The characters were similar but each slightly different which was a good thing. It must be a tremendous challenge for the actors to step into roles already so strongly ingrained in the audiences memory.

I thought Henry Goodman did an excellent job as Sir Humphery. Undoubtedly Goodman had the toughest job, following on from the simply brilliant Nigel Hawthorne, who played Sir Humphery before and was the star in the original. David Haig (who also stars in ‘in the thick of it’) was very good as the beleaguered Jim Hacker, as was Chris Larkin who plays David Woolley. It was very exciting to see Yes Prime Minister back and done so well. I’m very much looking forward to the next episode and many more to come. Robbie Coltrane guest stars  as the deputy PM later in the series.

Look out for Yes Prime Minister in January on UK Gold

 

2013 Travel Trends

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Intelligent travel search and convenience key

In September 2012, Momondo introduced a new flight rating technology. Unique to the market, the system aimed to take travel search to the next level – the second generation of meta-search.

 

By combining several factors into a single rating system – to get past cheap, but longer flights, momondo’s new technology instantly spots the best flights available, saving consumers time and money, with every search.

 

Every flight is rated with a smiley and a score between 0 (bad) and 10 (good) to help the user find the flight with the best balance between price and flight duration.

 

From its introduction in September, momondo noticed their rating technology, with price/time scores and new user interfaces with ‘smileys’, also made a significant change in the way users interacted with travel meta-search information, and made their travel decisions.

 

In the process, momondo discovered two new travel trends, which will affect travel in 2013:

 

1. Meta-search sites will need to be intelligent

Over the last four months, momondo saw a 24% drop in refined travel searches, since it introduced the rating system – as it is now easier for momondo users to make the right decisions based on travel needs. This information told momondo that moving into 2013, more consumers are looking for ‘intelligent’ travel search sites, which help with their travel decision making – by turning raw flight data into actionable information.

 

2. Convenience factors key

Secondly, momondo has seen a change in consumer buying habits. momondo observed that over the course of 2012 people steadily have been spending more money on flights, which in turn confirms that the traveller’s focus on a whole, is not now on booking the cheapest ticket, moreover convenience factors – such as time, play an important role. Users will act as ‘smart-buyers’, that seek insight and want to compare several factors, before they purchase.

Packet in, in just 7 days

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Packet in, in just 7 days

An innovative online programme to help smokers quit in just 7 days

 

This December saw the launch of a brand new and advanced programme, ‘Let’s Quit’, to help smokers kick their cigarette habit in just one week using a process of online interactive hypnotherapy. The step-by-step programme is the first of its kind and works by sending the customer up to 20 minutes of daily video content which can be streamed on a computer or mobile device.

 

Developed by Hypnotherapist Tim Smale, the programme provides simple, jargon-free content to help the user in their quest to quit smoking painlessly and easily. By communicating a powerful message to their subconscious via clinical hypnosis, Tim allows smokers to face their addiction head on and tackle it from the comfort of their own home.

 

Let’s Quit surveyed the UK public on their smoking habits and 85% of current smokers have tried at one point to kick the habit, with the average smoker having tried three times in their lifetime to quit, but staying smoke-free for only around four months before lighting up again.  Interestingly, lack of willpower is also the number one reason why smokers who have never tried to quit have not done so, believing they are just too addicted to smoking.

 

Hypnotherapist Tim Smale said: “Let’s Quit is perfect for smokers who have tried and failed to quit in the past, as the combination of cognitive behavioural therapy and safe and relaxing hypnosis helps to challenge the negative beliefs about quitting both consciously and unconsciously to make it easy to quit for even the most hardened smoker. It’s also great for those with a busy schedule, as you can watch the 20 minute videos in the comfort of your own home or on your smart phone. I’ve helped over 3000 people quit smoking and I’ve always wanted to reach a wider audience; finding this technology has helped me to do just that”.

 

An ambassador of Let’s Quit’, British model Sophie Anderton said: “I’ve been smoking since I was 14. In the past I’ve managed to quit for a few months – but I found it a horrible experience and smoking became the one vice I could never get rid of. I was also terrified of gaining weight because of my job, but since working with Tim and managing to quit smoking, I’ve actually lost 2lbs because I have so much more energy! It’s amazing”.

 

To find out more information, visit www.letsquit.com or follow Let’s Quit; @Lets_Quit

KIDS DON’T JUST SAY THE FUNNIEST THINGS…THEY EAT THEM TOO

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Toddlers’ eating habits cost UK families millions of pounds in damages a year, but what is the real cost to their health?

A SURVEY RELEASED today reveals that the nation’s toddlers regularly have mouths full of mum’s jewellery and chew on family essentials like car keys and cameras – with the average toddler costing mum and dad £60 in damages during their first three years[1], equating to a shocking nationwide loss of over £14.5 million a year[2].

Cow & Gate Growing Up Milk, who commissioned the survey to highlight the hard to get nutrients required to support toddler growth and development, found 21 per cent of parents’ bundles of joy caused more damage in the home than the family pet1! With 86 per cent of children spending up to 30 minutes per day1 chewing or sucking on household items like remote controls, which came top of the carnage list of items most commonly damaged1.

In light of additional research reporting that the typical UK toddler is more likely to have eaten a burger than broccoli[3], the new poll shows that a supper of crayons, keys and toys is commonplace for our little ones.

Released to coincide with Cow & Gate’s new TV advert, the survey also reveals that inquisitive taste buds are not limited to the household, with creepy crawlies also appearing on this unusual menu of toddler fare, with a quarter of children chowing down on between five and fifteen insects, worms and slugs in their first five years1. It’s not just the celebrities participating in Bushtucker Trials it seems!

Whilst “mouthing” is not to be discouraged, Doctor Leanne Olivier, nutritionist and spokesperson for Cow & Gate, comments: “It’s common for little ones to put weird and wacky things in their mouths, from cushions to remote controls, but they won’t find the essential nutrients they need to support their amazing growth there! A healthy balanced diet including just two beakers of Growing Up Milk[4] each day is a simple way to provide little ones with the hard to get nutrition that they need.”

Dr Richard Woolfson, child psychologist for Growing Up Milk, adds: “The results of this survey confirm that “mouthing” is very common amongst toddlers. It’s simply another form of exploration and discovery. Mouthing lets curious and inquisitive toddlers learn about the object’s texture, resistance, taste and structure. That’s why you need to watch closely – your toddler will happily mouth anything they get their hands on, big or small, safe or hazardous.”

Toddler Tasting Tactics – Some bitesize facts:

· The top ten items that toddlers most commonly put in their mouths are: toys (17%), crayons and pencils (16%), remote control (13%), keys (11%), camera, phone and iPod (10%), soft toys (9%), plastic plates and bowls (6%), items of clothing (5%), security blanket (4%) and jewellery (3%)1

· Over a quarter (28%) of toddlers have eaten more than five insects, worms and slugs in their first five years1

· 30 per cent of toddlers mark their territory and display the first signs of ownership by sucking on their beloved security blankets, soft toys and toys1

· More than half of parents (57%) say that their toddler has damaged something in the home as a result of “mouthing” 1

· 7 per cent of frustrated parents state that their toddler frequently causes damage in the home, causing destruction more than four times a month1

 

Top five Detox Friendly Drinks

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Top five Detox Friendly Drinks!

It’s the time of year again when we all contemplate ways to “better” ourselves and kick-start our new, healthy regimes with a detox – ridding ourselves of bad food and bad habits. Alcohol is often the first to go, along with caffeine and fizzy drinks, but have you considered what drinks could be beneficial when detoxing? Here Nutrition expert at Go Coco, Ross Currie, gives us his top five detox friendly drinks:

“Detoxing can be a struggle and often quite limiting. Keeping your fluid levels topped up during this time is vital to help your body rid itself of toxins and to stay hydrated – aiding brain function and helping to keep skin healthy. Aside from water, there are other drinks out there which can be a part of your detox. Here are my top five choices”:

1.       Tea – green, peppermint or ginger. Tea is a natural antioxidant, which protects your body from free radicals, pollutants and aging. Green tea can increase your metabolism, while ginger tea is great for digestion and aiding the absorption of food and peppermint tea

2.       Coconut water – Go Coco comes straight from the young, green coconuts of Thailand and is full of natural Isotonic properties and electrolytes, making them a great choice for rehydrating. It is also packed with vitamins and minerals, including twice as much potassium as a banana which is fantastic for a natural energy boost whilst being low calorie and it also plays an important role in regulating your heartbeat, insulin levels and muscle development. For those looking to support mental clarity while detoxing, drinks with nootropics can be a refreshing option, offering ingredients that may help with focus and cognitive function.

3.       Fresh or raw pineapple juice – Pineapples contain many vitamins and enzymes that will offer health benefits during a detox, including Bromelain – a natural anti-inflammatory that encourages healthy digestion by helping the body break down proteins, and Thiamine (which belongs to the vitamin B group) which boosts your metabolism by helping your body convert carbohydrates into energy

4.       Lemon water – Lemons are a great source of citric acid, calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorous. Drinking fresh lemon juice with water (hot or cold) will benefit your detox on many levels by assisting your digestion, stimulating the liver and cleansing the bloody stream. Try drinking a cup of hot water and lemon first thing, to kick start your system.

5.       Fresh Carrot Juice – As well as containing Vitamin C and A, carrot juice also contains carotenes which are a great anti-oxidant. Carrot juice is also a diuretic and can help to reduce water retention, plus it’s very low in calories.

5 Tips for getting a New Year Date

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5 Tips for getting a New Year Date by eHarmony.co.uk’s relationship expert, Jenni Trent Hughes

 

Whew! You’ve successfully navigated your way through the Christmas office parties and endless array of pre and post Christmas gatherings with your dignity intact. Now we must face the next social hurdle – the dreaded ‘New Year No Date’ scenario. We are told this is the most important date night of all, the one in which we must have a kiss on the stroke of midnight to welcome in 2013 or….. Luckily we have plenty of time to take action to avoid a kiss less end to 2012. Here eharmony.co.uk provides five great tips to help you on your way.

 

Have you made plans yet for your New Year’s Eve? Will you be heading to your local pub with friends? Or maybe you’re going to a big party, glitz, glamour and all? Whatever you’re doing, if you’re single you might be wondering if you’ll be getting a kiss at midnight. Now is not the time for procrastination – if you’re set on getting a New Year’s date, it’s time to take action! Here are some tried and tested tips that should help you welcome the New Year with someone on your arm:

 

1.    Become the person you’d want to date

The post-Christmas blues can leave you feeling deflated, dejected and just not in the right frame of mind for dating. But if your goal is to get a date for that New Year’s bash, then it’s time to give yourself a kick up the behind. Pick out a great outfit, have your hair done or simply draw up your New Year’s resolutions to get yourself energised about the year ahead. If you’re feeling really ambitious make concrete plans to do try something new in the coming months such as booking yourself on a climbing course, or planning a holiday to somewhere you’ve never been. By heading to that party with a spring in your step and an air of confidence you’ll hugely increase your chances of getting a kiss at midnight.

 

2.    Get online – or get better online

You might need to get a move on with this, but dating online unlocks a whole world of potential partners – and New Year dates!

 

If you’ve already got an online dating profile, it might be time to refresh it a little. Take a look at the photos you’ve uploaded and what you’ve written, asking yourself these questions:

 

•    Are my photos varied, and do I look happy and relaxed in them?

•    Do I sound happy and positive?

•    Do I convey the kind of person I’m truly looking for?

•    Is this the best possible representation of me?

•    Does my profile stand out from the crowd?

 

3.    Get set up

Your friendship network is a powerful tool for meeting new people. Perhaps the old theory about there just being six degrees of separation in the world isn’t necessarily true, but your friends know people, who know people. This is no time to be shy – put yourself out there, and ask if they know any suitable singles. They might know someone looking for a New Year date too. One caveat, meet them first, just to make sure you can stand them for more than 5 minutes!

 

4.    Throw your own party

As long as you’ve got the space (and perhaps lots of coasters) why not throw your own party? Open up your doors, and ensure that friends are actively encouraged to bring along people they know (who are hopefully also single). The thing about being single is that you have to grab every opportunity to meet new people, expand your network and hopefully line up dates. Sitting on your sofa hoping the dates will come to you just won’t cut it.

 

 

5.    Go it alone

Feeling brave? In a mood to grasp 2013 with both hands? Start the year as you mean to go on and go to an organised New Year event alone. There are hundreds of events across the UK especially for single people to celebrate the New Year, and it certainly is a great way to meet a ton of new people very quickly. Going alone will be daunting  but it will force you to speak to new people and hopefully meet someone new. And if you’ve not feeling quite so brave you can always take a friend, but just remember the point of the evening is to meet new people, not to chat to your friend in a corner!

 

Whichever of these options you choose keep one thing in mind – 2013 is about YOU and working on making your life the life that you really want to live. Design your New Year’s celebration to reflect your hopes and positive attitudes for 2013. If it feels good then do it. Start the year in the way you mean to continue, onward and upward!

A Nation Of Pinocchio Daters?

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Brits are lying their way through the virtual world of

online dating to find a partner

 

·       Almost two thirds (57%) of online daters lie on their profiles

·       Almost half of Brits (47%) tell porkies about their body shape in their profiles

·       Nearly a third (28%) of us use profile pictures that are three years old or more

·       17% of supposed singletons on dating websites are actually in relationships

·       Nearly 1 in 4 (24%) lie about their profession and seniority at work to impress potential partners

·       13% of online daters don’t write their own profiles

·       For 64% of people, their biggest concern is that the actual dating sites themselves lie – using fake profiles,good looking people who aren’t actually signed up to the site.

 

Research today reveals that almost two thirds (57%) of online daters lie in their quest to find a partner. Commissioned by new dating website Would Like To Meet, the report reveals that a quarter (25%) of Brits lie at least four times on their dating profiles and nearly a third (28%) of us use profile pictures that are three years old or more. Even more alarming is that almost one in ten (9%) use profile pictures which are at least ten years out of date, with men being the worst culprits.

 

Mirror Mirror…

 

Even though pictures say a thousand words, over a fifth (21%) of Brits also lie about their age to go alongside their youthful photos, with men being twice as likely to subtract a few years.

 

When it comes to size, our computer screens really do shed a few pounds with almost half (47%) of Brits revealing that they lie about their dress size on their profile. Women are the biggest culprits with 10% also treating themselves to a virtual breast job by exaggerating the size of their bust by two cup sizes. Men take a different tact and prefer to add a few inches with a third (32%) lying about their height.

 

I Am A Millionaire…sort of….

 

It isn’t just physical attributes that Brits lie about; we also bend the truth when it comes to their professional status. Nearly 1 in 4 (24%) admit to lying about their job and seniority at work to impress potential partners. Surprising given the current economic climate, almost a quarter (24%) of online daters say they work in finance when they don’t.  The second most popular wish-list profession is in TV and music (18%), followed closely by a respectable career in law (17%).  Nearly 10% of us also give ourselves an imaginary PA in the hope of impressing the opposite sex. But why do so many online daters succumb to lying when there is such a high risk of getting caught out in the end?

 

 “Many people regard online dating as if it were a fishing expedition, and they want to cast their line into the pool with the best ‘bait’”explains psychologist Donna Dawson.“The bait is the qualities that they think will attract best potential partners – and if this means adding inches to their height, reducing a dress size, or pretending to be more senior at work, then they will do just that.Their hope is to make such a strong impression on the first meeting that any lies, will be overlooked. The trouble is that they rarely succeed, as the very first, ‘first impression’ will reveal them to be dishonest.”

 

Donna also suggests that the 13% of online daters who don’t write their own profiles, should start – or at least think carefully before choosing their ghost writer.

 

 

Marital Status Unknown

 

Although you’d imagine that all members on dating sites are single, an outstanding 17% of supposed singletons are actually in relationships. Furthermore, nearly a quarter (25%) lie about their marital status to cover up being separated or divorced – a habit which men are 10% more likely to adopt.

 

With all this lying at the touch of a keypad, the study reveals that rightly so, we are a nation of suspicious minds with over a quarter of online daters (26%) having suspected that a potential suitor was actually married or in a relationship.

 

 

You Only Want Me For My Money

 

Beyond the world of white lies – nearly two fifths (39%) of online daters have also been subjected to a financial scam or know someone who has. These scams are often carried out by other ‘members’ who trick fellow daters into giving them or ‘lending’ them money that they will never see again.

 

Although meeting Pinnochio partners is a worry, our biggest concern (for 64% of people) is that the actual dating sites themselves lie – using fake profiles, good looking people who aren’t actually signed up to the site, to boost numbers and entice people in.

 

“From experience, it is clear that honesty and belief is the most important ingredient when it comes to online dating and this research confirms that most people feel the same,” says founder of Would Like To Meet, Eden Blackman. “With this in mind, I wanted to create a site without fake profiles, only real verified pictures allowed where members know the people they see are the people behind the profile. I have always worked on the ethic that if you hide behind a fake profile picture what else are you hiding.”

 

How to put on 60lbs and not get one stretch mark- P!nk reveals all!

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Pink has NO stretch marks!

 

P!nk, real name Alecia Moore, gave birth to her first daughter Willow 18 months ago and we know the answer to the question that is on everyone’s lips! What is her pregnancy skin secret? After gaining 60 lbs P!nk explains “ I was huge. But using Bio-Oil means I haven’t got one stretch mark”

 

 

Bio-Oil is preservative-free and is not tested on animals. 60ml rep £8.95, available from Superdrug.com, Asda.com, Morrisons.com and boots.com