Spending sprees. Is it all in the genes?

New research claims that millions of Britons have inherited a so-called ‘spending gene’, which governs whether they become spenders or savers. They say their spending patterns are very similar to those of their parents, ranging from their everyday purchases to indulgent luxuries. More than four in ten adults say they splash out similar amounts of cash as their parents have done or spend on luxuries similar to their mothers, fathers and grandparents.

It seems that mothers are the biggest influence when it comes to spending habits with 24 per cent of people saying they splash out in a similar way to their mums. Nearly one in four people (24 per cent) said they had inherited the majority of their spending habits from their mother.

Fifteen per cent of the 1,000 people questioned by the Skipton Building Society said their spending patterns mirror that of their father, while just two per cent claim to have a spending gene from their grandparents. And your social circle appears to have little affect on your spending habits, as only 1 in 50 said that friends’ spending habits were an influence.

Among those who claimed not to have a spending gene, 45 percent said they had developed their own spending pattern.

Other key findings include:

· The West Midlands came out with the highest incidence of the ‘spender gene’, with just under one-third (29%) of respondents who thought they learned their spending habits from their mother

· Overall, 22 percent of respondents considered themselves to be the biggest spenders in their family

· While 16 percent of Londoners believed their siblings spent the most money in their family, folk in Yorkshire and The Humber said their partner was the biggest spender in their family

· One in four people questioned identified themselves as the biggest saver in their family

· Approximately 15% of respondents from Yorkshire and Humber and London indicated their father was the biggest saver in their family – the highest of any region.

When asked for examples of spending gene habits they inherited from their parents, respondents said they ranged from always buying the same bottle of wine as their father to buying the same car as their mother.

One woman told researchers: "I am considering getting a Honda as my mother has driven one for years so they must be reliable.”

She added: "I justify my spending in the same way as my mother. If I take an item of clothing to a charity shop it ultimately means it’s okay to replace it with a brand new item."

Another respondent said she shopped in the same supermarket as her mother as it reminded her of home cooking. One woman said he had definitely inherited a spending gene from her mother as they both had the same taste in shoes.

She said: "We both have a love of shoe shopping and own well over 100 pairs each. My mum has a dedicated shoe closet but I'll have to wait until I live somewhere bigger to follow suit."

Another respondent said: "I'm like a magpie when it comes to buying things for the house and so is my mum. We have very similar tastes and like things that look pretty and quirky – buying her presents is very easy."

One woman said: "I think it got half my spending gene from my father and half from my mum. My dad is an accountant so for big spends or investments I think I am like him. But my mum is far more spontaneous and I think I have her ‘I need cheering up' attitude to spending."

Says Dr Liz Mitchell, from Consultant Clinical Psychologist on Harley Street, “Wouldn’t it be great to think we could blame our parents for our rather large credit card builds and tendency to splash out on everything from holidays to new cars. In my view – our spending patterns are developed and honed by a wide variety of external and internal events – age, peer group pressure, marketing effects and personality factors including impulsiveness and resistance to temptation. Even if a spending gene does play a part in how we manage our finances, it is more likely that we develop our habits through modelling parental behaviours and perceiving their net effect. From an early age we learn standards which lead to beliefs about many areas including financial issues.”

Jason Clarke, a spokesperson for Skipton Building Society said: “A key part of managing your finances in the current climate is about taking responsibility and keeping track of your outgoings. Rather than looking at genetics or family traits and blaming your mum and dad for your spending habits, those who want to avoid a ‘debt hangover’ in the New Year should call in to one of our branches for a financial review to see how they could save money or make it work harder for them.”

(EDITOR: Or is it a case of 'monkey see, monkey do'? Nurture, not nature?)

Have a Happy Chinese New Year with Ironbridge Gorge Museum

Visitors to the Coalport China Museum in the Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire on Saturday, 31 January and Sunday, 1 February 2009 can celebrate the Year of the Ox. Traditional festivities will include, dance, martial arts, brightly-coloured decorations, paper-craft and other creative workshops.

Amongst the weekend’s highlights will be several special performances of the Lion Dance, which legend says brings good fortune for the New Year, and T’ai Chi demonstrations. There will also be Chinese games and puzzles and a children’s discovery trail through the museum including Chinese Zodiac animals.

Drop-in workshops over both days will include creating your own blue and white china design with ceramic transfers, paper-folding, brush painting and decorating paper lanterns. Families can also make and play with colourful dragon shadow-puppets. These workshops will take place from 11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm on both days; activities will vary each day and additional charges may apply.

In addition, the museum’s year-round ceramic demonstrations will be taking place and the fine Coalport and Caughley porcelain collections will be on display. Many pieces will show the influence that the 1,500-year-old Chinese porcelain industry has had on British ceramics.

One of the ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Coalport China Museum is open 10am-5pm seven days a week. A Passport to all ten museums valid for twelve months and multiple return visits costs £14.95 per adult, £12.95 for the 60 plus, £9.95 for students and children and £48 for a family of two adults and three children aged up to 18 years in full time education; under 5s free.

Alternatively, single admission tickets into Coalport China Museum cost £5.95 for adults, £4.25 for children and students, and £5.45 for senior citizens.

For further information, contact the Ironbridge Tourist Information Centre on Tel: 01952 884 391 or visit www.ironbridge.org.uk. The Gorge is easily reached via the M6 and M54 motorways exiting at Telford (M54 junction 4 or 6).

‘Limbo-Nomics’ – How Low Can The United Kingdom Go?

By Ben Read, Managing Economist, CEBR

On New Year’s Day 2009, millions of Britons will be waking up in a state of anguish and confusion about where they are, what their name is and why anyone would do this to them. When they come to their senses, they might dare to look ahead to the coming year and shudder in the knowledge that they don’t know quite what it’s going to bring and how bad it will be. The United Kingdom economy will go back to work wondering quite how low it can go.

A glance at the ‘consensus forecasts’ published each month by HM Treasury starts to give us some clues. In December, the average forecast is for Gross Domestic Product to contract by 1.7 per cent over 2009. In November the same set of commentators’ average prediction was that we would see a 1.1 per cent contraction. Like everyone else, forecasters are struggling to keep up with events. The consensus forecast has fallen by two whole percentage points in the past three months. In December, the predictions for 2009 range between -0.2 per cent and -2.6 percent – there now seems to be some clear blue water opening up between those that think it’s going to be bad and those that think it’s going to be dreadful.

We are currently updating our forecasts (due for publication on Monday 29 December). This has become an exercise in ‘limbo-nomics’ – how low can we go? Our emerging central scenario suggests a contraction of 2.9 per cent in 2009, driven by a steep fall in business investment of twenty per cent due to continued restrictions on bank lending, as well as firms slashing budgets in order to stay afloat. We also predict that private consumption will fall by 1.8 per cent as households reign in spending – a figure prevented from being worse by very low and for a short time negative inflation, and very low interest rates.

However it is easy to see that things could be even worse. Despite the public declarations by the government that the banks ought to be lending more it is clear that the primary concern of many of our largest banks is to shore up their balance sheets and, for those on the end of government bail-outs, to pay back their Treasury paymasters. With few incentives for banks to behave otherwise, credit availability to businesses may become even worse during 2009. At the same time, businesses are already starting to become entrenched in a deflationary mindset where investment budgets are curtailed not only because budgets are tight, but also because prices are falling. A fall in business investment of around one-third in 2009 compared with 2008 would knock a further 1.5 percentage points off our central forecast, whilst a similarly large fall in private sector building from already low levels would shave off a further 0.8 percentage points.

On the consumption side of the equation, our predicted contraction is predicated on a relatively modest increase in the savings ratio, which was negative for the first time since the 1950s during the first half of 2008. Even with the low inflation levels predicted for next year, a relatively sharp increase in the savings ratio to levels seen as recently 2005 would lead to a fall in consumption of around 5.0 per cent compared with our central forecast of -1.8 per cent, and a further 2.5 percentage points off our forecast of economic output.

If this deleveraging scenario occurs, a contraction of between five and ten per cent could be on the cards, setting the United Kingdom economy back by five years. With low inflation and low interest rates we think this scenario is fairly unlikely, however with everyone trying to shore up their balance sheets at the same time – banks, businesses, consumers and government – it is uncomfortably possible.

Fingers crossed that we’re wrong about the New Year.

www.cebr.com

The Never-Ending Story: Second Thoughts

You may well be keen to see the back of 2008 – and hope it takes the credit crunch with it – but you will have to wait an extra second as, like the economy, the Earth’s rotation is slowing – forcing timekeepers to add a second onto the end of the year...

Leap years – what are your thoughts? Ladies, if you are thinking of proposing to your man, leap years are traditionally the time to do it, so better get a move on - there are only two weeks left of 2008. On the downside, if you're on an annual salary, you will get the same pay as normal this year, while working one extra day.

We need the leap day because one of our earth years (a complete orbit around the sun) does not take an exact number of whole days (one complete spin of the earth on its axis).

In fact, it takes 365.2422 days. The leap year was introduced by Julius Caesar in 46BC, to make the calendar tidier.

This year, a leap second is being added on just before 0000GMT on December 31st, which will make 2008, (which is already long with an extra day on February 29th) the longest year since 1992.

The US Naval Observatory in Washington is responsible for one-third of the world's atomic clocks and most mobile phone providers and computer operating systems check with the world's atomic clocks and update their time to add the leap second automatically.

The world started adding leap seconds in 1972, sometimes twice a year.

2008: a big year for housing

2008 has also been a year of change for Housing Minister Margaret Beckett, who only took over the post in October and has today unveiled a major shake-up of the controversial Home Information Packs.

Ms Beckett admitted that the packs were not working some months ago, and has now removed plans to force owners to include local searches in their HIP before putting their home onto the market.

Whilst the new 'basic HIP' will include a questionnaire covering flood risk, car parking, service charges and any structural damage, it will not contain a home condition report or local searches for up to 28 days.

Ms Beckett said, “HIPS are potentially a vital aid to consumers, and I am firmly committed to ensuring they work as well as possible.

“It is essential that all buyers are able to see the HIP as early as possible,” she added.

Whilst initially the end to first day marketing proposal was due to be rolled out next month, now it will not be happening until April 6th 2009.

Despite industry bods being pleased that Ms Beckett is making changes to HIPS, they are still saying that more needs to be done, including removing the first day marketing delay.

Chris Brown, President of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), describes the Government's moves as 'a great pity given the current state of the market.’

“Consumers have made it abundantly clear to us that they believe that they should have the right to market their house from day one rather than having to wait until the HIP is prepared.

“The Government has suggested that certain information can be added at a later time of up to 28 days and we look forward to hearing the exact nature of this,” added Mr Brown.

For more information on money and international money, please visit http://www.themovechannel.com/money/

"House price bounce could be as steep as fall": NAEA

The next 12 months could make or break the UK housing market, according to the National Association of Estate Agents.

Chief executive Peter Bolton King said that three things needed to happen to start the recovery.

Firstly, major lenders must begin to make money available to potential buyers. Secondly, cuts in interest rates must be passed on to the market and lastly, consumers must begin to recover confidence in the state of the housing market.

After 12 months of gloom, Mr Bolton King said that 2009 is likely to be the year the recovery begins. Interest rates are likely to fall further, particularly in the first quarter of the year and the fall in house prices will begin to bottom out.

Mr Bolton King said that, in some markets, the bounce back could be as dramatic as the fall.

He said: “Officially house prices have come down since their peak by around 13 per cent – but speaking to members it seems clear that in some areas at least prices have come down by more than 20 per cent.

“We haven’t seen that kind of fall, in such a short period of time, ever before. However it is also clear that parts of the market are perhaps beginning to bottom out, and it seems possible to me that once the recovery begins, we could see a bounce as pronounced as the fall.

“Some people are beginning to cotton on to this – which is why our members are starting to see enquiries increase again, as people begin to believe they can find a bargain.”

However if banks and Government do not make a major effort to increase the availability of mortgages to potential buyers, Mr Bolton King warned of a grim 2009 for the market.

He said: “For many estate agents, like so many industries in this economic climate, 2009 will be make or break.

“If things do not improve, then the market could stagnate – and that will have dire implications not only for the thousands of people employed in the profession, but for the economy as a whole.”

(EDITOR: Is this likely? Or are they 'whistling in the dark?')

Cape Town Voted “Best World City” In Telegraph Travel Awards

Located on the shores of Table Bay, Cape Town is one of the world’s top tourist destinations and has now been voted the ‘Best World City’ in the 2008 Telegraph Travel Awards.

Stunning Cape Town in South Africa fended off competition from major tourist cities like San Francisco and Sydney to claim the top spot in the recent awards.

The awards, which polled 40,000 people, also saw South Africa claim a place in the top three of the ‘Best non-European Country’ category.

92 per cent of respondents said that the credit crunch will have no effect on holiday destination choices. The top destinations on earth were voted as New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Canada, whilst top cities were Cape Town, San Francisco, Sydney and Vancouver.

Situated on the southwestern tip of Africa, Cape Town is recognised as one of the most beautiful places on earth. Offering a range of attractions, breathtaking sights and endless activities, it is a year-round holiday destination with friendly people, a mild climate and rich cultural heritage.

Known as the ‘Mother City,’ Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa and has a cultural heritage spanning more than 300 years.

It also has the top five national tourist attractions in South Africa, including Table Mountain; the V&A Waterfront, a unique shopping and holiday experience on a scenic working harbour; Robben Island, the former home of Nelson Mandela; the Cape Town Wine Routes, where some of the world´s best wines are produced and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, internationally acclaimed as one of the great botanical gardens of the world.

Cape Town Tourism CEO Mariëtte du-Toit Helmbold said, “We are thrilled with the news.

“Cape Town is well-placed to receive visitors looking for value for money and an authentic experience.

“Cape Town has so much more to offer that visitors generally end up coming back to see and do more,” she added.

South African Tourism UK Country Manager Lebohang Mokhesi said, “Value for money and the strength of the pound compared with other world currencies appear to have been a deciding factor for readers when voting for Cape Town.

“Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful cities and to receive such an accolade from consumers themselves is great recognition of the wonderful tourism offering it has developed.

“Word-of-mouth advertising was a key component to spreading the good word about South Africa in the UK.

“It is near impossible for anyone to visit and not share their experiences with friends and family on their return. During this period of economic downturn, value for money is at the forefront of traveller’s minds.

“South Africa has always offered value for money and, with the current exchange rate as it stands, visitors' money goes even further,” she added.

Cape Town was also recently voted one of ten cities in the world that are most likely to become a global sustainability centre by 2020.

But, remember it’s not all about the destination; it’s about the journey too. The awards found people’s favourite airlines to be the long-haul specialists Singapore Airlines, Virgin, Emirates and Qatar Airways.

For more information on South African properties and the market in general, please visit http://south-africa.themovechannel.com/

Christmas Holiday for That's News!

That's News is now taking a Christmas break. We will be back very soon with more news and articles.

Until then, have a great Christmas and New Year!

Microbrewer BrewDog slaps down Portman Group

Brewers 'BrewDog', arguably on of the UK's most successful microbrewery, have been allowed to keep three key drink ranges on the shelves after beating drinks regulator The Portman Group in an eight month battle.

The Portman Group, funded by larger drinks companies to regulate alcohol marketing, had been pursuing BrewDog, which is run by two young entrepreneurs, over marketing phrasing on the packaging of three beer brands 'Riptide', 'Punk IPA' and 'Hop Rocker', and was threatening to make the company take them off the shelves of major retailers across the UK - including retail giant Tesco.

The company's battle with the Portman Group has generated considerable media interest over the eight months as many watched the David and Goliath battle unfold. If the brands had been removed from sale it would have had serious impact on BrewDog who are based in the town of Fraserburgh, Scotland and have picked up a string of awards over the last year with the most recent accolade being the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year' award.

However after a lengthy and costly battle which has lasted most of 2008, The Portman Group's Independent Complaints Panel has said the bottles can stay the way they are.

BrewDog was founded in April 2007 by James Watt (26) and Martin Dickie (26) with the aim of producing good quality beer with all-natural ingredients with no preservatives or additives. Key to their strategy was to promote the brand in a fun, stylish way, far removed from that of the traditional beer market, and with edgier names like Speedball, Tokyo, Paradox, Rip Tide, Trashy Blonde, Punk IPA.

The company has gone from strength to strength in less than two years, gaining a massive following across the globe, securing deals at home to supply Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Oddbins with a range of beers. BrewDog currently produces 200,000 bottles a month.

Secretary to the Portman Group's Independent Complaints Panel David Poley said: "The Independent Complaints Panel has now considered the complaints and has not found any breach of the Portman Group Code of Practice."

Yesterday, BrewDog Managing Director James Watt was jubilant at the decision - but said the victory proved that The Portman Group should be scrapped.

He said: "It's incredible to think that with all the issues there are with alcohol in society, the Portman Group spent eight months chasing us over words on a bottle.

"Surely the Group must be taking a long hard look at itself and wondering what its reason for existing is this morning?

"This a victory for common sense, the intelligence of the consumer, small independent producers and freedom of speech; it is a victory that BrewDog had to fight tooth and nail for.

"We refused to roll over and be bullied into changing our packaging by what is basically a cartel funded by our larger competitors. We were determined and stood our ground to keep our dream and our business alive."

On BrewDog's flagship product Punk IPA the complaint had been over "This product is described on the label as an "aggressive beer" thus associating its consumption with anti-social behaviour."

The panel found: "The company claimed that the phrase "this is an aggressive beer" described a flavour characteristic of the product, i.e. a dry bitterness which was aggressive on the palate.

"The Panel considered that when the phrase was read in context it was clear that it referred to the taste of the product."

James added: "With Punk IPA the panel decided that the phrase 'this is an aggressive beer' on the label described a flavour characteristic of the product and the phrase when read in context, clearly referred to the taste of the product.

"Yet remarkably only 3 weeks ago they held that this phrase 'was more likely to apply to the drinker than the drink' and would 'encourage anti-social behaviour. This is a pretty drastic reversal in such a short space of time."

With regards to Hop Rocker, the complaint had stated: "Description of the product includes "nourishing food stuff" and "magic is still there to be extracted from this drink" implying it could enhance mental or physical capabilities."

James added: "On Hop Rocker they decided that the challenged text contained a light hearted description of the history of beer and our aspirations and that it was unlikely to be taken literally.

"This contradicted their conclusion from merely a few weeks earlier when they accused the label of implying that the product would enhance physical and mental capabilities."

Lastly, on the company's Riptide brand the complaint had been, according to the group, that "The product is described as a "twisted merciless stout" associating its consumption with anti-social behaviour."

The Panel also threw this out, stating: "The company claimed that the name and label text were based on a pirate and nautical theme and that the description "twisted merciless stout" was in keeping with that pirate theme.

"The Panel considered that the term was likely to be seen as harmless hyperbole and not in breach of the spirit of the Code. The Panel accordingly did not uphold the complaint.

Delighted that the matter has now been resolved, James still feels the Portman Group needs to take a long, hard look at how it operates.

He said: "Hopefully the Portman Group will now take a serious look at its remit and how it operates. Their case against BrewDog shows it for the ultra-expensive, out of touch, power hungry debacle it has become.

"It remains completely toothless in the face of the real issues and problems, which underpin irresponsible alcohol consumption in the UK.

"Consequently it turned its attentions to what they must have perceived as an easier target, a small artisan producer they could make a public stand against, we are glad we have proved this assumption emphatically wrong.

James added: "We feel our victory, and the fact we were determined to stand our ground sends a strong message out about BrewDog to the rest of the sleepy, stuffy and mediocre UK brewing industry. If the result means that the Portman Group does not unjustifiably bully another independent producer then all the effort was worthwhile.

"A few weeks ago I publicly called for the Portman Group to be permanently disbanded and banished into Room 101. I feel that their misguided, catastrophic campaign against us only serves to strengthen that call."

Launch of Glasses Frames and Lenses Sees Clear Online Savings on All Prescription Spec

Glasses made to any prescription with the latest lens options, coatings and tints can now be bought online at up to 70% less than high street prices with the launch of GlassesFramesandLenses.com. And with prices as low as £20, that’s good news for glasses wearers who need to protect their pockets in the aftermath of the credit crunch.

GlassesFramesandLenses.com can fulfil any prescription and the company is now the only online prescription glasses retailer to offer “back-surfaced” varifocal technology.

After finding that established online glasses providers offer a poor choice to those looking for varifocals and more advanced tints and coatings, two Lincolnshire mothers, Sarah Ward and Tina Mason, decided they could do better.

Sarah Ward, director of GlassesFramesandLenses.com, says: “The cost of glasses has come right down in recent years as a result of a growth in online providers, but not everyone has been able to take advantage of this price decrease.

“A huge proportion of the UK population wears glasses - nearly three quarters - but 40% haven’t been able to buy what they desire anywhere other than the high street. We have plugged a gap in the market by offering what other online glasses retailers have failed to provide - the full range of currently available lenses, materials, tints and coatings.”

To be absolutely sure the quality and design of their glasses is the best it can be, Sarah and Tina have travelled across the world to hand pick their 'GFL' glasses selection, colours and materials personally.

Sarah adds: “We wanted to experience first hand how our chosen glasses are hand-made and ensure that quality, precision and attention to detail was embedded within every step of the process.”

Glasses are not just about being able to see. They are also a style item, so GlassesFramesandLenses.com has created the ‘Wardrobe Collection’ aimed at women who want to co-ordinate their look - all for just £20 including standard lenses. At that price, there’s no need to stick to just one pair.

But what about trying them on? Even that is taken care of with a ‘virtual mirror’ which allows customers to try before they buy. A five day express service, exclusive to GlassesFramesandLenses.com, is available on a comprehensive range of lenses.

£50 Christmas Pudding Sells Like Hot Cakes! Ultimate Christmas Pudding Selling Out At Harrods

A luxurious handmade Christmas pudding made to a top-secret recipe has been causing a stir in London this week. Even with its £49.95 price tag, the festive pudding is literally flying off the shelves as shoppers defy the credit crunch and resolve to indulge in gourmet style this Christmas.

On shelf for the very first time this year, the premium priced pudding is arguably the most indulgent in Britain. Staff at the Knightsbridge store are struggling to keep up with demand as customers jostle to snap one up.

A team of experts spent over a year developing a top-secret recipe for this super-luxury version of the traditional festive dessert, and travelled the world to source the most exceptional ingredients. The result is a unique combination with the traditional taste of Christmas, but with an ultra luxurious flavour that is now luring shoppers in their droves.

Matthias Kiehm, Business Unit Director for the Harrods Food Halls and Restaurants said:
“We set out to create the most luxurious pudding we had ever made and have included the most excellent ingredients. We know our customers are willing to invest in a product that promises to taste extra-special, but we simply could not have predicted this unprecedented response - this pudding is proving a massive hit. We will certainly be keeping the recipe for this Christmas pudding safely under lock and key!’

Customers lucky enough to get their taste buds on one of these puddings of distinction can expect a distinct rich flavour, plump vine fruits, succulent prunes and apricots, as well as whole brazil nuts and walnuts, all soaked with lashings of Harrods luxury Oak Cask Brandy. Finished with a unique combination of spices, this rich, moist pudding is the ultimate ending to a superior gourmet Christmas meal.

The über indulgent version of a traditional Christmas pudding is not to be missed, but shoppers will have to hurry as supplies are limited. Each pudding is nestled into its own ceramic bowl and housed in a sumptuous velvet box. Every one is then branded with the world-famous Harrods seal and individually numbered to guarantee authenticity.

M&S Money warns of Xmas home insurance gap

M&S Money is warning homeowners to ensure they have enough home contents insurance over the festive period. With householders buying their Christmas presents in advance of the big day and storing additional high value items such as MP3 players, games consoles and designer jewellery, many people may be unaware they are exceeding the limits of their normal home contents insurance cover.

Crime statistics reveal that domestic burglaries increase during the coldest and darkest months of the year. The increased value of property stored in homes in the weeks before Christmas means that householders should be particularly vigilant to the threat of a break-in.

A survey by M&S Money has revealed that security is the last thing on the minds of 39% of householders who say they leave presents under the Christmas tree well before the big day. Only 7% of householders are security-minded and wait until Christmas morning to put presents under the tree.

While 75% of UK households have home contents insurance (Source: ABI UK Insurance Sept 2008), only 9% of policies across the market offer unlimited cover for the contents of homes*. M&S Home Insurance gives unlimited cover** so policyholders can relax knowing that they will never be underinsured, no matter what the value of the presents stored at home.

Judith Roberts, M&S Money Insurance Manager, said: "At Christmas it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the season and forget about home security. However, we all know there are criminals who see this time of the year as providing them with rich pickings."

Judith added: "Householders can take practical measures to deter burglars and protect their homes by keeping expensive Christmas presents out of view, closing curtains during the long dark December evenings and fitting timers to lights and radios which will create doubt in the burglar's mind. Christmas should be a fun time of the year. By making sure you have adequate home insurance you can enjoy festivities in the knowledge that the contents of your home are protected should the worst happen."

About M&S Money
M&S Money (a trading name of Marks and Spencer Financial Services plc) was founded in 1985 as the financial services division of Marks and Spencer Group plc. The company is now a top-ten credit card provider and the second-largest travel money retailer in the UK. M&S Money also offers a range of insurance cover, including home insurance and car insurance, as well as loans, savings and investment products.

In November 2004, Marks & Spencer sold M&S Money to HSBC, one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations with over 9,500 offices in 85 countries and territories.

With a market capitalisation of US$190 billion (as at 7 October 2008), the HSBC Group is one of the world's largest financial services organisations. Over 100 million customers worldwide entrust HSBC with US$1.2 trillion in deposits. With a tier one capital ratio of 8.8% and a loan to deposit ratio of 90% as at 30 June 2008, the Group remains one of the most strongly capitalised and liquid banks in the world.

Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW), the full service European law firm, has recovered the value of the hospice care that was required by a claimant

This is thought to be the first case of its kind, with most hospices generally exclusively funded by charitable donations. As part of the settlement, the firm was able to recover £12,500 to be paid over to the hospice.

The case arose out of the death of a 64 year old man due to mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer, in December 2007 after spending his final days being cared for in a North London Hospice dedicated to cancer patients.

Through his life the man suffering from the cancer had worked as a carpenter, painter and labourer. In 1963, whilst employed as a painter for J Murphy & Sons Ltd, he was exposed to asbestos dust whilst sanding down and filling in walls in prefabricated housing containing asbestos. He was then exposed to further asbestos when working for the same company at a factory in Dagenham, cleaning debris from the guttering on roofs made from corrugated asbestos.

In August 2005 he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an asbestos related cancer on the lining of one of his lungs. He was eventually admitted to the hospice where he spent the last month of his life.

Rodney Nelson-Jones, partner in the Asbestos Claims Group at Field Fisher Waterhouse, was instructed to claim compensation on behalf of the man's family. The firm was able to recover £170,000 from J Murphy & Sons Ltd, £12,500 of which is being paid to the hospice which provided him with care worth over £400 a day.

This is thought to be the first time that compensation has been recovered for a patient's hospice care, which is usually funded by charitable donations. It has long been possible to recover compensation for the value of care provided by relatives but FFW's innovation has been to extend this principle to charitable care provided by hospices. The firm plans to continue to claim the cost of hospice care in future mesothelioma cases.

Rodney Nelson-Jones commented: "We are delighted to have been able to secure extra funding for the hospice. Hospices do a wonderful job and rely on charitable donations to provide much needed palliative care for cancer patients. We hope that this case will mean that they are now provided with an additional source of funding."

About Field Fisher Waterhouse
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP is a full-service European law firm with offices in Brussels, Hamburg and London. With 119 partners, over 200 other lawyers and nearly 300 support staff, FFW assist a wide range of international clients, advising across a full range of legal issues.

The main areas of practice are corporate and commercial, IP and technology, banking and finance, regulatory and real estate. Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP also have particular expertise in competition & EU law, dispute resolution, employment, asbestos and mesothelioma claims, personal injury cases and clinical negligence, public sector and tax.

“Innovative Christmas Competition from The Job Search Group”

The Job Search Group, a leading niche job site company, has launched a free Christmas competition for every visitor.

The company, owners of oilandgasjobsearch, utilityjobsearch, railjobsearch and constructionjobsearch, has invited everyone from across the web to take part in the competition to win vouchers to redeem at a leading gift site.

Santa is hiding on one of the pages of The Job Search Group webiste. All the visitors need to do is find him, click on the "enter competition" menu item and complete the entry form. There will be 3 winners who will be announced on 23rd December in the news section of the site.

Managing Director, Duncan Freer, said: “We have launched this competition as a means of providing some festive fun in the run up to Christmas. The competition is a little bit different to the norm and, as such, we are hoping that it generates a lot of interest”.

The Job Search Group own 4 industry leading job sites. The flag ship site, launched in 1999, is Oilandgasjobsearch.com. The site holds an online database in excess of 150,000 professional candidates who work in the worldwide oil and gas industry. Oilandgasjobsearch consistently receives well over 20,000 job postings per month making it the best source for professional vacancies in the world and offers oil jobs, oil careers & oil vacancies. This successful model was used to launch 3 further sites: railjobsearch in 2002 offering rail jobs, utilityjobsearch in 2004 and constructionjobsearch in 2006 which offers construction jobs.

Duncan Freer added: “As well as creating a significant amount of interest in our portal site The Job Search Group, we are hoping to enhance our brand across the web. We may even benefit from one or two new registrations from clients and candidates.”
Go To the Job Search Group. The competition finishes at 12pm GMT on Tuesday 23rd December.

Talking cat on Vivapets.com asks people to help his friends by donating to RSPCA this Christmas

Vivapets.com, the global pet community website, has produced a video to help the RSPCA Christmas appeal.

The Vivapets.com film, made at the RSPCA centre in Patcham, near Brighton, also features a ‘talking cat’, which urges people to donate blankets and food.

The appeal will help animals both in the UK and internationally and will help to keep their rescue animals warm and fed this Christmas.

Kate Kidger from Vivapets.comsaid: “We are so happy to be able to work with the RSPCA for such a great cause.

“I hope that we can spread the word to all our members, and give all these animals the help that they deserve.”

To view the video and donate to the RSPCA please visit Vivapets.com.

Twitter direct to you MP

Www.TweetMinster.co.uk is a service that makes it easy to connect the public with MPs using Twitter. The service wants constituents to find their MPs (or invite them to use Twitter if they're not already doing so) and encourage direct conversations. TweetMinster is dedicated to promoting better communication between voters and elected representatives.

A new service called TweetMinster, www.tweetminster.co.uk, launched today with the aim of promoting better communications between voters and Members of Parliament through open conversations. TweetMinster represents a simple way of using the Internet to make politicians more accountable and give the British public a chance to make their opinions count in decisions that shape political life in the UK.

The service makes it easy for the public to find and talk to MPs using Twitter, a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?

Twitter.com is rapidly exploding as the latest Internet phenomenon counting millions of users in the UK, including global celebrities such as Britney Spears, Shaquille O’Neill, Barack Obama and Stephen Fry.

Twitter enables real-time conversations between members of parliament and voters.
TweetMinster allows constituents to connect with their MPs, filter posts by activity, party and constituency and streams all the latest posts made by MPs on Twitter. The service also allows constituents to email their MPs and invite them to use Twitter.

In time, TweetMinster aims to release its data and allow third parties to use and mash it up into their own webistes, social network pages and applications. TweetMinster is already planning new features to build awareness and debates around key issues and parliamentary voting.

Ultimately TweetMinster promotes more efficient communications between voters and MPs by fostering open conversations, sharing of opinions, online campaigning and greater transparency in public life.

The service was inspired by a conversation on Twitter with an MP and was built in a day, and is a collaboration between UnLtdWorld.com (www.unltdworld.com) the online platform for social entrepreneurs, and creative agency Thin Martian (www.thinmartian.com) whose founders cut their teeth making the Labour Party website for the 1997 New Labour landslide.

Alberto Nardelli, CEO of UnLtdWorld.com said: “Following a post on Twitter by MP Tom Watson I discovered Tweet Congress, a service that connects voters and Congress in the US. I was inspired by it, and thought that it would be a wicked idea to have something similar in the UK. So we teamed up with our friends at Thin Martian and impatiently developed TweetMinster in a day. Ultimately the goal is to improve communications between parliament and people, as we feel that more transparent conversations will mean better government.”

Andrew Walker, Creative Director at Thin Martian said: “Ever since working on the election-winning 1997 New Labour website I’ve been inspired by the digital democracy movement and the power of the web to give us a louder voice in the decisions that shape their lives. Twitter, Facebook and websites like that represent a political watershed…it’s an opportunity for politicians to reach the public and for the public to connect with politicians like never before. That’s the power of social networking. ”

To connect and follow your MP head to www.tweetminster.co.uk

New range of Hi-Tec at Fitness Footwear

Hertfordshire-based online retailer Fitness Footwear now have a wider range of Hi-Tec sports shoes and walking boots available, including the prestigious Hi-Tec Magnum brand.

Magnum is a renowned manufacturer or high quality response boots for the police, military boots for the armed forces and professional boots emergency services. While the classic Magnum boots is the standard issue for many of the police constabularies and armed forces, Magnum also produces an extensive range of more specialist boots for the most demanding situations. Their Magnum combat boots are dedicated to providing comfort and protection on the march or on patrol in the harshest environments and include the Magnum desert boots and Magnum jungle boots ranges, which have been specially designed for extreme temperatures and as such combine features which effectively wick away sweat to prevent blistering while keeping out the elements in sandy and high moisture environments.

While supplying hard wearing and breathable performance based boots to the armed forces and emergency services, Magnum also produce a growing range of safety boots for use in the industrial work place. These Magnum safety boots commonly feature steel shanks, steel toe caps and hard wearing leather for maximum protection when working with heavy loads, making them a popular choice among construction workers and truckers.

Meanwhile, Magnum Elite boots are the premium range of footwear for the armed forces, combining the latest new innovations in boot technology, spearheaded by the new Hi-Tec Magnum Elite Spider 8.0 Forces Boot which takes its design from the leading range of running shoes to be Lightweight, cushioned and supportive, which helps to keep soldiers light on their feet for maximum movement while being breathable and rugged for the rigors of combat.

Fitness Footwear MD Luke Barlow recently commented “We’re very proud to sell Magnum boots and feel quite patriotic in making them widely available to our customers in the armed forces, police and emergency services as well as our strong following of outdoor enthusiasts.”

Fitness Footwear has often championed the Hi-Tec brand and having proven themselves in the internet markets, the rapidly growing online retailer looks set to bolster their business with Hi-Tec at their side.

Hi-Tec have been making sports shoes since 1974, breaking into the then popular sport of squash with their first Hi-Tec squash shoes. Ever since, they have produced their Hi-Tec sports shoes with a passion for instantly comfortable and lightweight footwear and quickly developed large ranges of footwear for many other outdoor activities, including Hi-Tec golf shoes and Hi-Tec hiking boots.

As their success has grown, Hi-Tec have branched out, producing footwear for every sport and niche and now boast a wide range of summer Hi-Tec sandals, comfortable and stylish Hi-Tec trainers and even a selection of Hi-Tec waterproof boots for walking in wet weather conditions.

With over 30 years of footwear manufacture, Hi-Tec’s principles have always remained the same, which is to focus on developing attractive, comfortable, lightweight high quality shoes at a fair "true value" price.

The new range of Hi-Tec footwear, including Magnum boots is now available to buy at www.fitnessfootwear.com with free UK delivery and 365 day returns policy.

‘Detox’ Your Festive Party Wardrobe And Help Fund Nursing For Terminally Ill People

Television presenter and Marie Curie Cancer Care supporter Julia Bradbury is calling on women to donate a party season outfit, that they once loved but will not wear again, to a Marie Curie Cancer Care Shop, to help fund nursing care at home for terminally ill people at the end of their lives. Why not clear out your wardrobe after the party season, and help a terminally ill person spend their final days at home surrounded by the people they love the most?

Over the festive season, many women will have treated themselves to at least one extra special new outfit to wear to all those parties - the work Christmas do, a friend’s cocktail party and a family dinner.

Even though these outfits have been loved, once worn they are often hidden in the back of the wardrobe, with the new sparkly top or little black dress being favoured. So if you have a festive ensemble you have loved but will not wear again, why not donate it to a Marie Curie Cancer Care Shop for someone else to enjoy?

You never know what unexpected gems you may find while you are dropping off your old outfit. Marie Curie Shops stock a wide range of high quality donated goods at great value prices – so you can detox your wardrobe and pick up some fantastic bargains for the new year at the same time.

Every time you donate to a Marie Curie Shop, or treat yourself to something from it, you will help fund nursing care for terminally ill people across the UK. Marie Curie Cancer Care provides high quality nursing, totally free, to patients in their own homes and in the charity’s 10 hospices.

Lorna Clarkson, Marie Curie Cancer Care Nursing Ambassador of the Year for England, said: “Most people want to die at home or in a hospice. In reality, half the population die in hospital – the place they least want to be.

“Marie Curie Nurses like me care for terminally ill people over the festive season, ensuring they can spend their final Christmas where they want to be.

“By donating your special party season outfits to a Marie Curie Shop, you can help give everyone the choice to die at home.”

Television presenter and Marie Curie Cancer Care supporter Julia Bradbury said:

“Please ‘detox’ your party wardrobe in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. You will be helping the charity to provide free nursing care to terminally ill people, so they can be surrounded by the people they love the most at the end of their lives.

”I recently visited a Marie Curie Shop and was really impressed by the range of clothes on offer.

“We’ve all got a fabulous little something that we won’t wear again, so why not drop in, do something good and you never know, you might find yourself a bargain while you are there.”

To find your local Marie Curie Cancer Care Shop, please visit http://www.mariecurie.org.uk/shopfinder/

For more information about Marie Curie Cancer Care, please visit www.mariecurie.org.uk
(PICTURED: Julia browsing through the fantastic high quality clothing in a Marie Curie Cancer Care Shop.

FACT FILE:

Marie Curie Cancer Care is one of the UK’s largest charities. Employing more than 2,700 nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals, it expects to provide care to around 27,000 terminally ill patients in the community and in its 10 hospices this year and is the largest provider of hospice beds outside the NHS.

Funding
Around 70 per cent of the charity’s income comes from the generous support of thousands of individuals, membership organisations and businesses, with the balance of our funds coming from the NHS. In 2008/09 it needs to raise £115 million.

Marie Curie Nurses
The charity is best known for its network of Marie Curie Nurses working in the community to provide end-of-life care, totally free for patients in their own homes.

Research
The charity has two centres for palliative care research, The Marie Curie Palliative Care Unit in London and The Marie Curie Palliative Care Institute in Liverpool. It also runs the world-renowned Marie Curie Research Institute, which investigates the causes and treatments of cancer.

Campaigning

Supporting the choice to die at home
Research shows around 65 per cent of people would like to die at home if they had a terminal illness, with a sizeable minority opting for hospice care. However, more than 50 per cent of cancer deaths still occur in hospital, the place people say they would least like to be. Since 2004 Marie Curie Cancer Care has been campaigning for more patients to be able to make the choice to be cared for and die at home.

Delivering Choice Programme
In 2004 Marie Curie Cancer Care launched its first major palliative care service improvement plan, the Marie Curie Delivering Choice Programme, to provide greater choice for patients in end of life care.
The programme has six projects underway across the UK- in Lincolnshire, Leeds, Tayside (Scotland), Barnet (north London), south-east London and Somerset.

Ortak Shows A Whole Lotta Love At Spring Fair 2009

- Jeweller will unveil scintillating new collections -

With Ortak’s enamel jewellery ranges being up an astounding 37% on last year, its no surprise that the leading UK designer and manufacturer of gold and silver jewellery will unveil stunning new enamel ranges at Spring Fair 2009, including the delectably named “Kiss” collection – a perfect gift item for people to show their true feelings to loved ones.

Ortak Kiss Collection

Another collection to be launched by Ortak at the NEC in Brimingham is the Cora collection (pictured below) – a striking, organically shaped enamel collection bursting with refreshing spring colours such as sky blue and lagoon green.

Ortak Cora Collection – trade price £40

The aptly named Zola collection (pictured below), an African girl’s name meaning “from the earth”, is a collection created in the colder climes of Orkney but inspired by hot desert plains and will also be unveiled. The Zola range mixes two subtle shades of grey and black hot glass enamel to create a luxurious safari inspired collection – perfect for a blazing summer’s day.

Ortak Zola Pendant – trade price £76

All Ortak’s jewellery is supplied in exquisite black lacquered wooden boxes, and comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. With point of sale prices ranging from £10 - £600, Ortak offers the perfect solution for every occasion.

To see the entire range of Ortak jewellery along with its customised display initiatives, visit the stand at The Spring Fair, Hall 18B10/Stand C09. If you are unable to make the event, please contact 01856 872224 or email tradesales@ortak.co.uk to meet with a member of the Ortak Customer Services Team.

Combat Arms – Open Beta Countdown!

Platform: PC

Publisher: Nexon
Website: http://combatarms.nexoneu.com

Get your adrenaline pumping with Combat Arms! This fast paced, PC game from Nexon is available on FREE DOWNLOAD NOW!

The worlds leading online games developer and publisher Nexon has released a new adrenaline pumping, non stop action, free to play game Combat Arms. Featuring eye-catching graphics, a vast array of lethally powerful and customisable weapons, modifiable characters and outfitting, dynamic game-play scenarios, persistent web-based stat-tracking, Combat Arms is the world wide theatre of combat.

In addition to these features, Combat Arms also has the high level of socialisation present in all Nexon games – Buddy Lists, Clan Support (both in-game and web), vengeance kills, Rival Clans and more. This potent mix of combustible elements ignites a truly unique offering in the world of first-person shooters: a dynamic, evolving game that encourages both companionable competition and cooperation among its players. Stay engaged, as certain features and areas of the game will become unlocked at stages of the release. The first is the launch of the open beta from 16 December 2008 at 15:00 GMT.

Aspiring soldiers of fortune can purchase weapons and equipments to further optimise their play-style, and even customise them in different ways by using gear points. Need a suppressor for your AK-47? Upgrade your MP5 with a scope? The extensive arsenal at Combat Arms offers everything from additional weapons, specialised grenades and many more. They will come in handy once you are out there on the front lines: the unique back pack system allows soldiers to carry on and to use multiple weapons during their combat, which provides a much more dynamic and precise battle technique.

Combat Arms is easy to adapt for newcomers with handy control, while providing deep gameplay mechanics to veteran gamers. In-game currencies and experience points are rewarded based on the number of victories and kills made, and when accumulated, it will help the players to rank up and to mount with new weapons and equipments, while having access to their actual performance stat anytime during the gameplay. Moreover, the extensive community features within the game actively support the clan system, where players can easily recruit, manage, and communicate with their clan members.

Combat Arms is 100% free to play, there are no monthly subscription fees and no “locked” premium areas. To become a Combat Arms soldier visit http://combatarms.nexoneu.com now and get playing!

Symantec Announces New Norton Internet Security for Mac

Comprehensive Security Solution Protects Against Online Threats and Identity Theft

Symantec Corp., makers of Norton security software, today announced the availability of Norton Internet Security 4 for Mac, a next-generation security suite that integrates an all-new firewall and antivirus protection with tools to help protect against identity theft. The newest version of Norton Internet Security for Mac installs in about one minute and features an improved user interface with fast, unobtrusive updates. In addition, the solution includes fully configurable settings for more technical users.

Symantec also launched today Norton Internet Security for Mac Dual Protection, securing Mac users running Boot Camp or other Windows virtualisation software – programs that allow users to run both Mac OS X Leopard and Windows operating systems. This solution provides comprehensive protection from both Mac and Windows-based vulnerabilities and malicious code. With Norton Internet Security for Mac Dual Protection, Mac users benefit by receiving Symantec’s newest security suite for the Mac and the award-winning Norton Internet Security 2009 for Windows.

While automatically blocking computers attempting to exploit vulnerabilities from connecting to the Mac using different protocols, Norton Internet Security for Mac’s firewall now also offers application control, which allows users to manage the applications that are connecting to the Internet, protecting Macs from spyware. Also, new location awareness controls let users specify different connection settings for every network to which the computer is connected. Norton Internet Security for Mac is also integrated with Symantec’s DeepSight Threat Management System, updating the firewall rules at least once a day to protect against the latest attacking IP addresses.

According to the Symantec Report on the Underground Economy, credit card and financial information make up more than 50 percent of the stolen goods advertised by cyber criminals online. To help consumers protect their personal information online from phishing threats, Norton Internet Security for Mac now includes Norton’s commercial antiphishing solution for Safari and Firefox browsers. By blocking fake Web sites and authenticating popular Web sites, Norton Internet Security for Mac allows users to bank, shop and browse online with confidence.

“Even Mac owners are susceptible to online threats, and when it comes to phishing, it doesn’t matter what platform you’re using,” said Rowan Trollope, senior vice president, Consumer Business Unit, Symantec. “The data we are seeing from Symantec’s Security Response is showing that Macs can be a target for viruses and malware. Norton Internet Security for Mac now helps safeguard users from phishing threats, malware and hackers, without compromising system performance.”

In addition to comprehensive antivirus protection, Norton Internet Security for Mac also features vulnerability protection, addressing the avenue where many of today’s attacks occur – through applications connected to the Internet. This technology prevents threats from infecting systems and deletes and blocks malware and viruses from installing.

Pricing and Availability

Norton Internet Security for Mac and Norton Internet Security for Mac Dual Protection will be available for purchase in the UK from January 2009 through the Symantec online store at www.symantecstore.co.uk as well as various retail locations and online.

The suggested retail price for Norton Internet Security for Mac is £49.99, which includes a one-year subscription to Symantec protection updates. The suggested retail price for Norton Internet Security for Mac Dual Protection is £69.99, which includes a one-year subscription to Symantec protection updates.

FACT FILE

Symantec’s Norton products protect consumers from traditional threats with anti-virus, anti-spam and spyware protection , as well as bots, drive-by downloads and identity theft-- while also being light on system resources. The company also provides services such as online backup and PC tuneup, and is a trusted source for family online safety.

Symantec is a global leader in providing security, storage and systems management solutions to help consumers and organisations secure and manage their information-driven world. Our software and services protect against more risks at more points, more completely and efficiently, enabling confidence wherever information is used or stored. More information is available at www.symantec.co.uk

Which American Town Is Springfield Really Based On?

Springfield is home to everyone’s favourite yellow family – The Simpsons. TheMoveChannel.com takes a look at their fictional city and tries to solve the Simpson mystery - which American town is Springfield really based on?

Creator of The Simpsons, Matt Groening, chose the name Springfield for the Simpson’s town as it is one of the most common place names in America. He wanted it to be an ‘everyman’ town, with which viewers could identify without getting too bogged down in the geography.

It's as if all of America was compressed into a single town, or a single state. Springfield is everywhere and nowhere.

The uncertain location of Springfield has been a running joke throughout the series. There are 34 US states that have at least one community with that name and whenever the location arises in an episode, maps are obscured and conversation are interrupted at the crucial moment.

There has been much speculation on the location of the state. Though the state in which Springfield appears is never actually made clear, numerous episodes discuss other states, thereby implying that Springfield is not located in them.

Nevertheless, diehard fans have tried to determine the town's location by taking the town's characteristics, surrounding geography and nearby landmarks as clues.

In one episode Lisa Simpson says that the location is a mystery and instructs the viewer to follow the clues to figure it out. In response, the show has become intentionally evasive in regard to Springfield's location.

Other clues which have been included in episodes range from Homer watching a football game where the kickoff on Sundays is 1pm Eastern Standard Time, which suggests Springfield is in a time zone further west, most likely Pacific Time.

Springfield is also far enough north to get snow (and for the residents to have plenty of snow-related equipment), but south enough that six inches of snow will close the schools.

In last year’s ‘The Simpsons Movie’ the idea that Springfield cannot really exist is further emphasized when Ned Flanders identifies the four bordering states as Ohio, Nevada, Maine and Kentucky, most of which are vastly separated from each other, while Kentucky and Ohio border each other with no state in between.

To promote the movie, the newspaper USA Today asked its readers to vote for their favourite real-life Springfield. Competing communities across the U.S. named Springfield competed to win a special ‘Hometown Premiere’ of the film.

Each participating Springfield will have approximately 30 days to submit a short film, between three and five minutes long, showcasing the community’s ‘Simpson Spirit.’

The town of Springfield, Vermont won the competition and hosted the movie's premiere.

When the competition was run last year, Homer Simpson said, “This is great! It will give me a chance to finally find out where Springfield is!”

For more information on American properties and the market in general, please visit http://usa.themovechannel.com/

TheMoveChannel.com is a property website that was founded in 1999 as an online resource for buying, selling and learning about property. It now receives as many as 300,000 visits per month and advertises over 50,000 properties in nearly 90 countries, which are listed by over 500 partner organisations.

Ingenious New Hand-Held Dock Lets You Roam Free With Your Ipod

IS301 hand-held iPod dock £219.90

One of the iPod’s greatest charms is its tactility: in your hand, it simply feels ‘right’, while you also have total control at your fingertips. However, though hooking up an iPod to a hi-fi system unleashes its full sonic potential, this action also leaves your beloved iPod firmly anchored to the ground. Until now, that is….

Marantz’s hand-held IS301 brings all the sonic benefits of an audiophile dock and, for those who wish to, literally, stay in touch with Apple's wonderful and familiar interface, this ingenious bit of kit is the answer.

A hand-held dock you say? Sure, so please let us explain: the Marantz IS301 package includes a compact, detachable Bluetooth-equipped module. Simply plug this adapter into your iPod and it sends audio information, via Bluetooth (A2DP), to the docking station. In turn, the docking station is connected to your hi-fi via a supplied receiver unit. This set-up lets you control the Apple device as usual, while enjoying hi-fi quality sound.

If you prefer, the iPod can be docked in the conventional manner, in the Marantz cradle, where it will be charged and, via USB, can connect iTunes. The cradled approach also means you can even deliver video from your iPod’s library when this is wired to the RX receiver unit. The cradle’s flexible design means it can be put on a table or wall mounted. Further neat touches are the source and volume controls, making operation a complete breeze.

And the IS301’s charms are not restricted to the iPod. Almost any A2DP-supporting mobile can connect to the IS301 as well.

Enabling even further flexibility of placement, the dock communicates with the supplied RX receiver unit. This comes with an extensive list of audio and visual connections, including analogue audio, video and remote control inputs. Outputs comprise audio, component video, S-Video, and CVBS.

Oh, and to top-off this new unit’s list of ‘friendly’ features, no iPod connection adapters are required.

The Marantz IS301 will be available from January 2009.

The Marantz group has 628 employees in over 50 countries. Marantz is a part of D&M Holdings Inc. The company can trace its roots back to the dawn of the first mono LP, when Saul Bernard Marantz, a native of New York, was unhappy with the equipment available to play his cherished record collection on. So he to built his own! Saul officially founded the Marantz Company in 1953. Then, as now, the company’s cornerstones were quality and innovation. For over half a century Marantz has been developing unique technologies and bringing landmark hi-fi and home entertainment products to market through its tireless and extensive R&D programmes. Such commitment to audio and video excellence ensures each Marantz design delivers class-leading performance. Additional information is available at www.marantz.com.

D&M Holdings Inc. is a global operating company providing worldwide management and distribution platforms for premium consumer, automotive, commercial and professional audio and video businesses including Denon®, Marantz®, McIntosh® Laboratory, Boston Acoustics®, Snell Acoustics, Escient, Calrec Audio, Denon DJ, Allen & Heath, D&M Professional and D&M Premium Sound Solutions. Our technologies improve the quality of any audio and visual experience. All product and brand names with a trademark symbol are trademarks or registered trademarks of D&M Holdings, Inc. or its subsidiaries. For more information visit www.dm-holdings.com.

Demand For Extra Tutoring Soars As Recession Hits Private Schools

Parents reinvesting expensive school fees in money-saving online tutoring.

Parents are purchasing online tutoring products to keep their kids top of the class when they return to school after Christmas.

Following the news that cash-strapped parents are transferring their kids from private to state schools, demand for additional tutoring is soaring.

That’s according to the UK’s leading online maths tutoring service www.Whizz.com, which is already used by an estimated half million pupils in over 3,000 schools.

“Times are really tough for families at the moment, so it’s no surprise that parents have had to cut back on school costs,” says Richard Marett, CEO of Whizz.com. “But what we’ve noticed is that while many can’t afford thousands of pounds a year in fees, they can still afford extra tuition.”

“Despite the credit crunch, it’s imperative that children’s education does not suffer. Looking at which subjects your kids are struggling in is the first step, because extra tuition could really boost their confidence.”

Another thing to remember is that children’s learning rapidly deteriorates over the school holidays, says Marett. So Christmas and summer breaks are the time to focus on the topics they are failing to master.

Maths-Whizz Tutoring Plus takes an innovative approach to learning. It personalises all lessons to every child’s individual ability and does not move on to the next stage until a child truly understands the calculations.

Research has even shown that if used for just 90 minutes a week, a child’s ‘maths age’ can improve by up to two years in only 12 months.

And if the thought of trying to sit a child down to do some extra maths over the Christmas period fills parents with fear, Whizz.com has spread a little festive spirit over all its lessons.

The new ‘Winter Adventure’ contains themed adventures for kids to entertain themselves with, including the games Sprout Invaders and Crackernoids. There are also lessons about the African American celebration Kwanzaa, the Jewish festival of lights Hanukkah and the three-day Muslim festival Eid ul Adha.

“In today’s society it’s absolutely essential that children learn all about other cultures and how certain holidays are celebrated,” says Marett. “Which is why, as well as Christmas games, Maths-Whizz teaches kids about different celebrations.”

“Children make an internal decision as to whether they are good at maths or not by the age of nine,” says Marett. “Combining sums with other topics and fun games is just one way of trying to help them enjoy the subject.”

About www.Whizz.com
www.Whizz.com is an award-winning education company specialising in a personalised online maths tutoring product for children aged 5 to 13 called Maths-Whizz.

Maths-Whizz is in line with both the UK National Curriculum and government directives for education. For more info visit www.whizz.com

Severe weather warning from the Met Office

Grampian

Moray, Aberdeen

Southwest winds will veer west this evening and become severe along the north coast with gusts to around 70 mph.

The public are advised to take extra care and refer to 'Traffic Scotland' for further advice on road conditions.

Issued at: 1527 Fri 19 Dec

Highlands & Eilean Siar:

Eilean Siar

Severe Gales 1500 Fri 19 0300 Sat 20

Southwesterly gales, veering westerly, will become severe later this afternoon and this evening, with gusts reaching 70 to 80mph.

The public are advised to take extra care and refer to 'Traffic Scotland' for further advice on road conditions.

Issued at: 0850 Fri 19 Dec

Highlands & Eilean Siar:

Highland

Severe Gales 1500 Fri 19 0300 Sat 20

Southwesterly gales, veering westerly, will become severe across northern parts of Highland later this afternoon and this evening, with gusts reaching 70 to 80 mph.

The public are advised to take extra care and refer to 'Traffic Scotland' for further advice on road conditions.

Issued at: 0857 Fri 19 Dec

(NOTE: That's News would like to point out that other areas of the UK are experiencing strong winds, with some severe gusts. So please do be careful.)

Public urged not to buy a dog this Christmas

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic slogan “A dog is for life not just for Christmas®” Dogs Trust has commissioned new research which looks at dog trends from the last thirty years including the number of dogs that are being offered as Christmas gifts.

Research shows that today less than two per cent (1.8%) of dog owners received their dogs as a gift – almost 131,400 dogs – compared to 20 per cent in 1978 when the slogan first made the headlines.

Louise Campbell, Rehoming Centre Manager for Dogs Trust Roden, Shropshire, comments: “This Christmas will be a very special time for us as we celebrate the anniversary of our slogan. We know that dogs are still being bought as gifts and that’s why we don’t rehome dogs for two weeks during the festive period to discourage people from buying dogs as presents – although we are open and you can reserve dogs. Our kennels are always full and sadly during the course of the New Year we have to turn away on average 59 dogs due to limited space.

Taking on a dog is a long-term commitment and the cost implications of owning a dog should not be overlooked. There is clearly much work to be done and we urge local residents to think seriously before buying a dog as a present.”

Clarissa Baldwin OBE, Chief Executive Dogs Trust, further explains: “I’m delighted that the Dog is for life slogan has made such an impact and has helped save thousands of dogs from unsuitable homes. I would like to think that some day our slogan will become redundant, but with the existing problems of puppy farms and puppy superstores, it is just as relevant today as it was in 1978.

Our anniversary offers the perfect opportunity to remind people that dogs are not fashion accessories or disposable items that can be upgraded or discarded after a few months.”

Over the past 30 years the Dogs Trust slogan has given rise to many parodies and copycat slogans including:

· “A Rabbit is for life, not just for Christmas” (Ann Summers, 2005)

· “A brussel Sprout is for life, not just for Christmas (The British Sprout Assoc, 2004)

· “Tax cuts are for life, not just for Christmas” (David Cameron, Nov 2008)

The charity’s slogan is clearly appropriate today as it was 30 years ago and although fewer dogs are offered as gifts Dogs Trust is still seeing a significant number of dogs handed in to its centres due to the rising costs of living.

Granny Stead's Mellow Ginger. It's not alcoholic, you know!

Granny Stead's Mellow Ginger wine, is none-alcoholic. Though you'd be hard-pressed to tell this based on the taste, alone. Which is absolutely delicious!

Granny Stead's Mellow Ginger is made to a traditional old Northern recipe. And it is reassuring to know that Granny Stead is no mere marketing gimmick. Oh, no! Far from it in fact. Because Granny Stead is -or rather was- an extremely real person.

Christina Stead was born in the latter part of the reign of one of Britain's most famous monarchs, Queen Victoria, in the year of 1898, in the small rural village of Middleton-in-Teesdale, in the North of England.

You can drink Granny Stead's Mellow Ginger on its own -with ice, if you'd rather- as a mixer with your favourite drink, with fruit juice or with hot water it can make a fine drink to ease you through a nasty bout of the flu or a heavy cold.

But that's not all! Granny Stead's Mellow Ginger can be used in cooking -sweet or savoury dishes- and also for pouring on ice cream.

There's no alcohol in it. Nor are there any nasties like artificial colours, flavourings or preservatives, either!

Get some Granny Stead's Mellow Ginger in for this Christmas. It tastes delicious. Just like things used to taste. But be prepared to keep it under lock and key when everyone else finds out exactly how delicious it is!www.gransteadsginger.co.uk

Something NOT to give your family this Christmas

The EU’s CREDIBILITY CRUNCH

Creator of economic downturn, Impediment to recovery

After the EU agreed its 'Economic Recovery Plan' José Manuel Barroso said “Europe has passed its credibility test”. Yet, in the paper The EU’s Credibility Crunch the Bruges Group finds that the European Union has been a major contributor to the economic malaise in Europe and is not a credible body to face the challenges of the downturn.

Nevertheless, the European Union is using the economic crisis to expand its power; particularly by using it as an excuse to push for the Lisbon Treaty to be ratified and even to re-start the debate in Britain on joining the euro.

Also in this paper, the Bruges Group sets out the policies that Britain must follow which including freeing-up trade, cutting taxes and government expenditure, and begin with leaving the shackles of EU control.

Click here to read the full analysis online

Below is a summary of some of the reports key findings;

The EU’s Economic Recovery Plan

An expensive irrelevance


• The Bruges Group’s analysis finds that the EU’s Economic Recovery Plan, agreed on Friday, 12th December, will cost Britain 1.5% of GDP which is £25 billion; a sum our debt laden economy simply cannot afford. That amount is equivalent to 6 pence off the basic rate of income tax for a year, or £417 for every man, woman and child in the UK.
• The EU’s plans for recovery are irrelevant to the present situation; the Recovery Plan is an excuse to fund the European Commission’s pet projects, for example; money for environmentally-friendly cars and factories, expanding internet access to very rural areas, all irrelevant to the financial crisis.

The myth of a lack of EU regulation


• The EU claims that the economic crisis is due to a lack of EU financial regulation, yet, the EU is the author of most financial sector regulation. Any faults in that legislation primarily belong to the EU.
• All the EU banks that are having difficulties met their core EU regulatory capital requirements in their 2007 financial statements.
• There is already an 8,000 page regulatory rulebook and 2,600 regulators at the Financial Services Authority alone. Better quality, and more localised, regulation is needed instead.
• There are even moves for increased regulation of financial sectors that are not responsible for the downturn.
• There is already a glut of international bodies facilitating the co-operation of financial service regulation.


The myth of an American problem exported to the EU

• The EU’s labelling of the economic crisis as a “US problem” is misleading. There is $2,520 billion of government support pledged to EU banks compared to $700 billion for US banks.



• The ‘need’ for the bail-out in the EU has not been driven by losses incurred in the USA but from problems originating inside the European Union. It should be noted that the UK bank with the highest US exposure, HSBC, is regarded as the safest bank in the UK.

How the EU is damaging the economy

Excessive EU regulation


• European economies would be better placed to deal with the downturn if EU membership did not weaken them.
• The EU has grown considerably slower than the other advanced economies which are not within the European Union. This contradicts the well-propagated myth that the UK could not survive outside the EU; statistics show non-G7 developed economies outside the EU grew by 1.42% more each year than EU economies; such faster growth would benefit the UK by at least £18 billion per year including £6.6 billion of additional tax revenue.

Restrictive trade policies

• The inability of member states to negotiate their own trade agreements has prevented pro-free trade states, including the UK, from expanding their markets. Since 2000, Australia and the USA have eliminated tariffs and created pro-growth new free trade zones covering hundreds of millions of people, whilst the EU has stood still.


The EU and the property boom

• Certain EU policies, notably on migration and the effective enforced ending of Dividend Tax Credits, are among the contributors to the damaging property bubbles arising in several member states.


The impact of the euro

• Since 2000 the eurozone has been the slowest growing region of the major developed economies; the world economy has grown at a rate 98% faster than the EU area.
• The euro is a “one-size-fits-no-one” policy. It is unsuitable for high growth economies; e.g. financially prudent Ireland is now in recession due to the euro’s uncompetitive exchange rate and high interest rate policy. However, members of the euro having made their currencies extinct have no short-term prospect of a White Wednesday rescue.
• The European Central Bank has committed major mistakes in responding to the economic crisis. As recently as July 2008 it increased interest rates rather than cutting them to avoid the recession.

Robert Oulds, Bruges Group Director, says,
“The European Union’s approach to the recession is one of top-down instruction by the elites to businesses and individuals of Europe. However, there is no better time to note that the eurozone’s economic performance is the worst in the developed world and wake-up to the benefits of being a free-trading economy, free of the EU’s costs and shackles

“There is a need to defend businesses and the taxpayer from yet more regulation and wasteful EU spending.”

Damon Lambert, author of the report, says,
"The EU, with its damagingly high interest rates, its regulations that weakens banks and a trade policy that isolates Europe from the benefits of globalisation, is a major cause of the recession. Yet, its Economic Recovery Plan is merely a wishlist for its pet projects that will cost each single UK resident £417. At a time when economic management skills are key, the EU has a major credibility crunch.”

About the Author
Damon Lambert is the UK Corporate Tax Director of a major European Bank. Previously, he worked for 11 years in KPMG’s financial sector practice where he specialised in advising on mergers and acquisitions, primarily for financial sector multinationals. The advice he provided to clients included amongst other issues the impact of the EU and the ECJ on UK tax law. Damon is a qualified Chartered Accountant. He regularly writes on European tax matters and was a member of the working party on the Tax Reform Commission instigated by George Osborne, co-authoring the chapters on business taxation and tax reforms in other jurisdictions.

Wink and earn money

With the credit crunch continuing to bite, would-be models are turning to alternative ways of making money by renting out their eyelids as advertising space.

feelunique.com, the online beauty boutique, is offering people the chance to earn 10 pence per wink in return for displaying the company’s logo on their eyelid space.

Amy Rebours of feelunique.com comments: “We all take notice when we’re being winked at so what better way to advertise a beauty company than on people’s eyelids. It’s a genuine marketing first, which encourages people to spread a feel-good winking moment and earn some much-needed extra income in the process. So far, it’s been brilliantly received with people fancying a different kind of flutter and registering to be feelunique.com winkers.”

People who sign up to star in the campaign will have the feelunique.com logo temporarily transferred onto their right or left eyelid and will be paid on a Pay Per Wink (PPW) basis – up to a total of £100 per model.

Visit www.feelunique.com for more information on how to take part, become a winker and make money from fluttering your eyelids.

New drive to tackle domestic violence over Christmas period

A new enforcement campaign to protect and support victims of domestic violence over the Christmas period was launched today by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and the Association of Chief Police Officers' Brian Moore, alongside a new advertising campaign to highlight the hidden issue of domestic abuse.

The adverts feature a woman at a celebration with people around her singing "when we get behind closed doors" with the strap line 'Don't suffer in silence'. The adverts will run for one month on national television.

The Domestic Violence Enforcement Campaign (DVEC) will run in ten police force areas over Christmas, a period when women are at increased risk. The campaign builds on the success of previous DVECs and encourages increased police-led activity in higher risk areas during seasonal peaks. This will include:

* innovative tactics such as the use of body-worn video cameras by police;

* dedicated Domestic Abuse response vehicles;

* increased frontline policing and more specialist advice for those officers at scenes of domestic abuse;

* identification and targeting of the ten highest risk perpetrators in each area- to include proactive bail checks based on intelligence and data; and

* Identification through Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs) of the ten highest risk victims in each area.

The Home Secretary also announced that next year she will launch a cross government consultation on violence against women building on recent successes and investigating what more we can do to prevent this violence; how to challenge attitudes that may uphold it; and how to reduce the fear of serious violence that infringes many women's ability to go freely about their daily lives.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "For many, Christmas is a family time, but for some it is a time of fear, violence and isolation. I am determined to do all I can to protect women from becoming victims of these horrific crimes.

"There is no either/or option to tackling domestic violence: tough enforcement must be coupled with support and encouragement for victims to seek help and report these crimes.

"We are rightly increasing our efforts over the Christmas period when incidents of domestic abuse peak but I want to ensure that we are tackling this crime year round. Next year I will be launching a consultation to find out what more we can do to improve the safety of women in their homes, at work and in public. I want people to recognise that we all have a role to play in ending violence against women."

Chief Constable Brian Moore, ACPO Lead for Domestic Abuse said: "We welcome the support of the Home Office in receiving additional funding to support this campaign in the fight against domestic abuse. The Domestic Violence Enforcement Campaign is an opportunity to increase awareness and activity across the police service and our partners.

"From previous campaigns, we know that Christmas and New Year is a time of significant increases in domestic abuse. We urge victims to come forward and we will support and protect them.

"We also want to send a message to perpetrators of domestic abuse that this behaviour will not be tolerated and that we will arrest and prosecute for these crimes. "We want everyone to be safe in their homes this Christmas and New year."

The increased enforcement activity will run alongside a national television advertising campaign encouraging victims of domestic violence to seek support and not to suffer in silence. The adverts are supported by Women's Aid and Refuge and will run until 15 January 2009. This will be complimented by posters.

Nicola Harwin CBE, Chief Executive for Women's Aid said: "At Christmas and New Year pressure on Women's Aid services can increase, as it can be a very stressful time for women with violent and abusive partners, as the family is together for an extended period of time and existing abuse can intensify.

"Often, a woman will not leave her abusive partner during the early part of the festive season because she does not want her family, particularly her children, to feel upset during Christmas. As a result, New Year can be a very busy time for the National Helpline and Women's Aid local domestic violence services as women seek help and support for themselves and their children.

"Women's Aid welcomes this new advertising and enforcement campaign, which we hope will not only increase awareness of domestic violence at this difficult time but also increase frontline police protection for vulnerable women and children at risk from violence in the home this Christmas."

The adverts can be viewed at: https://nbacreative.sharefile.com/?cmd=d&id=19d90e806b874221

DVEC will run from 21 December until 5 January 2009 and has received £100,000 of Home Office funding. The campaign will run in ten Basic Command Units: South Wales, Northamptonshire North, Mid Kent, Cornwall and Isle of Scilly, East Sussex, Newham, Calderdale, Wiltshire, Northern Warwickshire and Sefton.

FSA confirms Catholic Building Society merger with the Chelsea Building Society

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) today announced that it confirmed the proposed transfer of the engagements of the Catholic Building Society to the Chelsea Building Society on 15 December.

Copies of the FSA’s written decision are available on the FSA website.

The document sets out the reasons for the FSA's decision. Two written representations were received by the FSA. No notices of intention to make oral representations were received. Copies of the decision will be sent to each society and to those who made representations.

Great Balls of Fire

Priceless balls to be won on YouTube video competition

A unique and highly valuable prize is being offered to UK fans of ‘skills based games’. Alex Hochstrasser the designer of Astrojax has created a unique and priceless metallic Astrojax which is being offered as the top prize in a competition launched today in the UK.

Astrojax has 1000s of fans, many of them have posted videos of their Astrojax tricks on the youtube website. Now Astrojax fans can post their videos at a new site www.myastrojax.com . All videos posted will be entered into the competition to win an exclusive and priceless Astrojax along with one of 10 Astrojax goody bags.

Astrojax is a skills based toy which combines the creativity of juggling balls and the precision of a yo yo to create a unique and fascinating toy. The three balls on a piece of fun enable the ‘player’ to create endless tricks and is both fun to watch and play.

Phil Jones of Wind Designs the UK distributors of Astrojax said “ It’s fantastic that we are able to offer such a unique prize in the UK when normally such prizes are offered to fans state side. Astrojax has proved a big hit with people of both sexes and of all ages. Whether you are trying to master the basic tricks or are an expert creating your own tricks the fun is never ending. With the basic Astrojax retailing for less than £7 it is a fun toy that all the family can try out.”

Why not challenge your family to the Astrojax this Christmas and have fun attempting to tame the Astrojax and you never know posting a video of your Astrojax trick could land you with one of the most converted prizes around.

For more information visit http://www.myastrojax.com

Internet Domain Seizures Challenged in Kentucky Appeals Court

Online trade association's lawyers challenge forfeiture action of 141 Internet domain names sought by Gov. Stephen Beshear to protect the state's gambling industry from online gambling Web sites.

The Kentucky Court of Appeals listened to oral arguments in a suit (2008-CA-002000) brought by the Interactive Media Entertainment & Gaming Association (iMEGA) to block the seizure of 141 Internet domain names by the Kentucky government.

Attorneys for iMEGA, an Internet trade association in Washington, DC, asked the appeals court to overturn a lower court ruling (Commonwealth of Kentucky, Franklin Circuit Court, Division II, 08-CI-1409) ordering the seizures, on the grounds that the commonwealth's attorneys improperly tried to create a hybrid of criminal and civil laws to justify seizing the domain names without any normal criminal or civil proceedings.

"It is not sufficient for the state or a lower court judge to decide on their own that there is a criminal violation," said Jon L. Fleischaker, iMEGA's lead attorney from Dinsmore & Shohl in Louisville. "They don't like this (Internet gambling), Fleischaker said, "so they seized the names without hearing or process."

Kentucky Gov. Stephen Beshear and Michael J. Brown, the state's Secretary of Justice and Public Safety, have sought the domain names, most related to Internet gambling, in an effort to protect the state's own gambling industry from competition by online gambling sites.

Fleischaker also noted that the US 6th Circuit has ruled that domain names are no more than billboards. He noted that the Horseshoe Casino in Southern Indiana can advertise in Kentucky, even though gambling is illegal here, because of the First Amendment. Seizing a domain name is no different than the state seizing a casino billboard, Fleischaker said. "That is classic prior restraint," he said.

iMEGA, along with lawyers for the Interactive Gaming Council (IGC) and William Johnson, the "dean of Kentucky attorneys", all argued that the Kentucky courts lack jurisdiction over the domain names, which are owned by foreign companies.

Private attorneys, representing the commonwealth on a contingency fee-basis, repeatedly insisted that Internet gambling was against the law, though there are no laws in Kentucky making it illegal for residents to gamble online.

Erik Lycan, lead attorney for the commonwealth, raised a few eyebrows during questioning by Judge Michelle M. Keller, when asked about the commonwealth's assertion that domain names constituted "gambling devices". Judge Keller asked if, given that logic, the state had a right to seize the buses that transported people across the bridge to Indiana to gamble in that state's legal casinos. Lycan responded yes, the state had that right.

iMEGA representatives were pleased by the proceeding. "Clearly, our attorney and the lawyers representing the other groups were excellent," said Joe Brennan Jr., iMEGA's chairman. "They were very comfortable with the give-and-take with the judges, and had a command of these important issues. We're very confident that we will prevail in this matter and put a stop to this dangerous precedent being set by the governor with this action."

"This matter has generated concerns across the online world about abuse of governmental power," said Brennan. "Kentucky is opening the door for any government -- state and local, foreign and domestic -- to use what amounts to blackmail to achieve its ends. If this precedent is allowed to stand, it's not hard to imagine a government like China utilizing this kind of seizure power to prevent free media, like the New York Times, from reaching their citizens."

"I think John Tate (attorney for IGC) said it well," Brennan said. "'If we can do it to them, they can do it to us'"

For additional information, visit www.iMEGA.org.

GP Advice Line reduces Staff Absence

New figures released by HSF health plan show that offering employees a GP Advice Line could cut staff absence by more than two thirds.

The research, collated by the HSF health plan’s independent GP Advice Line provider, showed a staggering 70 per cent of consultations result in the patient having an effective diagnosis and course of action without referral to another medical professional. Additionally, over 90 per cent of consultations result in the patient having a clear course of action.

Stephen Duff, the Deputy Chief Executive of HSF health plan, says the GP Advice Line significantly reduces the need for costly doctor’s visits.

“If no advice line is available and an employee or their child feels ill they can end up spending much of the morning in a doctor’s waiting room, possibly picking up extra germs and illnesses that can be taken back to homes and offices, perpetuating seasonal ills.

“The HSF health plan GP Advice Line gives contributors 24-hour, seven-day a week access to a team of qualified, practicing GPs who can offer diagnosis, advice, reassurance and second option – this helps cut back on unnecessary staff absence and speeds up access to treatment.”

According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Management, employees are, on average, absent from work through illness for eight days per year - with the average cost of this absence now standing at £667 per employee per year. More than eight out of ten companies report that absence is a significant or very significant cost to their organisation.

As well as a 24-hour GP Advice Line, HSF health plan offers Legal Advice and Stress Counselling Lines. The Stress Counselling line is staffed by nurse counsellors 365 days a year and allows contributors to talk for as long as they need to. Stress is the second most common reason for sickness absence in non-manual employment, behind minor ailments.

HSF health plan schemes with a GP advice line start from as little as £3 per employee per week – less than a quarter of the cost of average yearly employee absence. As well as covering the employee it also covers their partner and any children under 18, at no extra cost.

An HSF health plan also provides cash back on dental and optical visits, practitioner treatments – like physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture – hospital costs, personal accidents, home care help and much more.

HSF health plan is the trading subsidiary of The Hospital Saturday Fund - a registered charity. HSF health plan donates surplus monies through the Hospital Saturday Fund to medically associated charities across the UK and Ireland.

The Hospital Saturday Fund was established in 1873, long before the NHS existed, when contributors’ money went towards the upkeep of local hospitals. These days, HSF contributors can claim back cash towards a wide range of benefits. This includes a specially combined optical and dental category, which provides them with an annual pot of money that can be used flexibly on optical and dental care, privately or paying costs the NHS does not cover.

Go to www.hsf.eu.com for more information or call 020 7928 6662.

Former Government Minister Calls For Fairer Deal For Viewers And Programme Makers North Of The Border

On 11 December Rt Hon Lord Macdonald of Tradeston CBE addressed the House of Lords on the Public Service Broadcasting Review. In particular he highlighted that:

A nation such as Scotland should not be reduced to reliance on a single broadcaster for the television reporting of its national and local issues, particularly with political impartiality being such a sensitive matter;

A fairer deal was required for viewers and programme makers north of the border, as well as in Wales and Northern Ireland;

He regrets the Scottish Broadcasting Commission’s failure to propose positive options for Scottish television in the ITV networking arrangements;

Scotland needs the freedom to flex its schedules, which is particularly relevant to stv’s ability to offer a robust alternative option to the news and current affairs output of BBC Scotland;

It is not right that the overwhelming majority of British programmes in the peak-time schedules are produced in England and sourced mainly from London;

It would be helpful to ensure continued stv access to the commissioning process for ITV network programming; and redesignation of stv as an independent producer would encourage the assembly of a critical mass of creative talent in Glasgow;

He wants an opportunity for the House of Lords to discuss early in 2009 the report of the Scottish Broadcasting Commission and the future of PSB in Scotland.

The full transcript of his speech is set out below:

Turning to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Ofcom has just completed its consultation on phase two of its public service broadcasting review. I want to remind Ministers of the particular problems facing public service broadcasting in Scotland. Some of these problems are not new, as I know from experience. Before entering your Lordships’ House in 1998, I was chairman of Scottish Media Group which held the licences to broadcast on the ITV network in Scotland. During many years of producing programmes and broadcasting, my longest and least successful campaign was to get a fairer deal for viewers and programme makers north of the border. The same arguments hold for Wales and Northern Ireland.

Surely it is not right that, on the public service networks of the United Kingdom, the overwhelming majority of British programmes in the peak-time schedules are produced in England and sourced mainly from London. While viewers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland make up about 17 per cent of television audiences in the United Kingdom—and 17 per cent of BBC licence payers—the percentage of programming in the peak-time schedules is probably closer to 1 per cent than 17 per cent. In defence of this imbalance, defenders of the status quo often argue that these three home nations all broadcast more local programmes inside their borders than is the case for the regions of England. But surely that is to argue that while England broadcasts across the UK to the other nations, those nations should be happy just talking to themselves, sometimes in Welsh, very occasionally in Gaelic.

The big budget programming, the lavish dramas, ambitious documentary and current affairs series, are almost all produced in England across all the networks, BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5 and ITV. I appreciate that yet again promises are being extracted from the BBC and Channel 4 to source more programmes from outside England and to make the marginalisation of the Celtic nations a little less blatant. Well, we shall see. We have been disappointed before. Little wonder, that after decades of lobbying and continual frustration, the Scottish Broadcasting Commission was set up in Edinburgh and recently recommended a raft of initiatives including the creation of a dedicated digital channel for Scotland.

Since my priority is still to make the UK network output a bit more British, I regret the commission’s failure to propose positive options for Scottish television in the ITV networking arrangements. Having requested a debate on the future of public service broadcasting in Scotland, I hope your Lordships will have an opportunity to discuss early in 2009 the report of the Scottish Broadcasting Commission and indeed the future of PSB in Scotland.

However, my purpose today is to draw attention to immediate problems in the ITV network. Sadly, this once robust federal system of regional producers and broadcasters is now increasingly consolidated into one network company, ITV plc, based in London. Sharing the same Channel 3 network and still independent, but now on the margins of consolidated ITV, are Ulster Television, Scottish Television and Channel Television. There are inexorable commercial pressures reducing both the audiences and the advertising income of ITV. I do not underestimate the threat, and I applaud the efforts made by ITV to maintain its large output of British-made programming.

My concern is that the important national role played by Scottish Television should not be further impaired by attempts to address these, admittedly serious, difficulties at ITV. At a time of potential tension over the balance and fairness of current arrangements between Governments in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, I would ask Ofcom and the DCMS to be prepared to question ITV plc’s demand for a single ITV brand covering all the UK. The interests of viewers in Scotland might well require dedicated programming and opt-outs from the network schedule. That means that it needs the freedom to flex its schedules, which is particularly relevant to STV’s ability to offer a robust alternative option to the news and current affairs output of BBC Scotland. A nation such as Scotland should not be reduced to reliance on a single broadcaster for the television reporting of its national and local issues, particularly with political impartiality being such a sensitive matter. I hope that STV can marshal the resources to do all that well. I ask Ofcom also to examine sceptically the claim that ITV plc subsidises the surviving independent companies on channel 3, which seems to be disputed my old company, STV, and Ulster Television.

It would also be helpful to ensure continued STV access to the commissioning process for ITV network programming. Ten years ago, we had a thriving production business based in Glasgow, operating on commissions from the ITV Network Centre—“Taggart” is perhaps the sole notable survivor. On the evidence of past ability to contribute useful shows to the network schedule, it is not asking much of ITV today that the door should at least be kept open.

Additionally, Ministers and Ofcom could use their good offices to encourage a further increase in Scotland’s presence on UK screens. At present, STV’s surviving production operation is constrained in bidding for commissions from the BBC and Channel 4 because of its link to a relatively small broadcaster parent. Redesignation as an independent producer would encourage the assembly of a critical mass of creative talent in Glasgow which might compete on even terms with the rest of the independent production sector based largely in London.

I conclude by inviting the Minister to agree that in an area of such cultural, social and political significance as television broadcasting the Government would welcome initiatives calculated to give programmes made in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland a proper place on UK screens.

Helping Business Helps The Economy RMIF Tells Chancellor

Radical measures must continue to be taken to stimulate the economy, and to revive consumer and business confidence, which means working with UK businesses; so says the 2009 Budget Submission from the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF).

The submission, from RMIF Chairman Paul Williams, details the areas where the RMIF believe action needs to be taken:

• Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) Refunds
• Business Rate Relief on Empty Buildings
• Benefit In Kind – Car Tax Averaging
• Scrappage Allowance
• Car Sales Tax
• 100 per cent First Year Capital Allowance on all new commercial vehicle sales
• Transport Fuel Prices and Fuel Tax
• VAT
• Corporation Tax
• Business Support for small business and the enterprise economy
• Skills reform

European Metalworkers Federation Joins ETUC Demonstration On The Working Time Directive

The Euro-demonstration ‘Priority to workers’ rights, not longer working hours’ on 16 December in Strasbourg aims at encouraging the European Parliament to vote down the Council’s proposals on the Working Time Directive.

The EMF affiliated organisations, representing 5.5 million metalworkers across Europe, are joining the ETUC demonstration and the call for safeguarding Europe’s fundamental principles of healthy working hours, better work–life balance and decent wages.

The EMF Collective Bargaining Policy Committee made a clear statement to this effect, which was endorsed by the EMF Executive Committee on 25-26 November.

On 17 December, the European Parliament will vote in plenary on the revision of the Working Time Directive which, if the EU Council of Ministers gets its way, will weaken the Directive by allowing a proliferation of opt-outs and on-call work. To block the Council’s position, the whole European Parliament needs to adopt the report drawn up by MEP Alejandro Cercas, which has already been agreed in the Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, with an absolute majority on every single amendment.

Forward Thinking Businesses Will Use IT To Gain Competitive Advantage

- Technology trends predicted by industry experts -

There is no doubt that 2008 has been a turbulent year for a broad range of organistions including those in the IT sector. But as 2009 draws near, it’s clear that enterprises with a forward-thinking approach and a solid grasp of technology will have a distinct competitive advantage.

Andrew Watson, sales and marketing director at business and technology consultancy, WTG, states: “SaaS, virtualisation, Web 2.0 and social networking, among others, are likely to shape the IT landscape in the coming year, as they provide organisations with the advantage they need to succeed in business in this challenging economic environment.”

WTG’s top ten IT tips include:

Web 2.0
Web 2.0 tools can already handle everything from asset management to business intelligence and analytics. Some companies are now exploring Twitter or Facebook-like applications within their business, to allow individuals to push information out and create a simpler communications structure.

Social networking
Next-generation social networking tools are increasingly being used to conduct sophisticated business intelligence and analytics. In many cases, they are mining data and looking for trends and patterns, such as which customers seem to have the biggest influence with others online.

Web based collaboration
Collaboration tools are set to go mainstream. According to the research firm Aberdeen Group, 63 percent of companies say they will be using video conferencing and so-called tele-presence systems by the end of 2010.

Project management
Applications such as Primavera are providing tools to mesh diverse workgroups, such as finance, marketing, human resources and IT together, enabling viewing groups of initiatives, while understanding the underlying relationships across an organisation.

eDiscovery
Today, anything electronic is discoverable as any part of litigation. Throughout 2009 and beyond, the focus will be moving beyond ERP and enterprise systems and into the broader realm of both structured and unstructured information and data.

The mobile business
Web browsers for PDAs and the expansion of push technology are now making it possible to keep contacts, calendars and data synced at all times. This trend is set to continue as developments such as Cloud computing expand.

Security, risk and compliance
Security and compliance processes will start to be automated and embedded throughout the enterprise and beyond.

Carbon
More energy-efficient components will be developed including improved memory and resource management, given that energy costs are now having a huge impact on the enterprise.

Virtualisation
The growth area of the last two years is set to continue as enterprises aim to educe server inefficiencies and lower costs.

The Cloud!
Cloud computing environments will contribute to the expansion of SaaS into areas beyond ERP, CRM and HR management systems, as organisations wake up to the substantial benefits gained, by moving large-scale software expenses from the capital budget to the operating budget.


Andrew concluded: “In every downturn there are always clear technology winners and losers. There is no doubt in my mind that those technologies that deliver real operational and capital cost reductions, whilst at the same time improve business agility, will be the forefront of the market recovery.”

FACT FILE:
WTG is a business and technology consultancy focused on the delivery of innovative web based solutions for the public and commercial sectors. Its strategy is to work with best of breed product vendors in portal, CMS, collaboration and search. WTG delivers solutions to customers that meet their strategic goals by changing the way that companies work using web based technology, connecting the extended enterprise and by providing a secure infrastructure for all business information.

Council fined after 90-yr old lady dies

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning health and social care organisations and other employers to ensure that they carry out suitable risk assessments to determine the safety of equipment used in everyday tasks.

This warning follows an incident that occurred in June 2007 outside the house of a 90-year-old lady. As a service user of the Wombourne Day Centre she was sitting in a wheelchair when it fell from the back of a vehicle operated by Staffordshire County Council. She suffered internal injuries and died 3 days later in Russell's Hall Hospital.

HSE's investigation found that the wheelchair used at the time of the incident had defective brakes and there were no footrests fitted. It appeared that the wheelchair footrests were lost several years ago yet, despite their absence, the wheelchair continued to be used daily to transport service users.

No daily or weekly checks were carried out on this wheelchair as a matter of routine, despite the Council having legal duties. Combinations of tyre wear from several years' use, poor adjustment of brakes and lack of footrests all contributed to the incident. Following the accident the Council found other regularly-used wheelchairs with defects and of the 47 in use in 16 centres around Staffordshire six were found to have defects, including the brakes.

The investigation also found that Staffordshire County Council had no system to audit that procedures were in place for the necessary checks on the wheelchairs used in its transport vehicles to convey service users.

Staffordshire County Council was fined a total of £83,000 and ordered to pay costs of £21,000 at Stafford Crown Court, on 12th December,2008, after pleading guilty at an earlier Magistrates' hearing on 31 July to breaching section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

HSE's investigating inspector Ian Williamson said: "Lack of maintenance, lack of routine safety checks and the absence of a system for the management of wheelchair safety were all major contributory factors.

"It is vital that equipment used in the working and care environment is maintained so that its performance does not deteriorate to such an extent that it puts people at unnecessary risk. The legal duty of care is very firmly vested in all employers to plan, organise, monitor and review procedures for checking equipment. It is easily foreseeable that brakes that have not been maintained over a period of time pose a serious risk to the safety of wheelchair users and others.

"A suitable risk assessment or a schedule of routine checks and maintenance, carried out by competent staff, should have identified, recorded and led to the correction of any defects.

"Staffordshire County Council failed in its duty by exposing day patients to such obvious risk. It is essential to ensure that all equipment, is not only regularly checked and maintained but that staff receive adequate information, instruction and training in the safe use of that equipment."

(EDITOR: If anyone from Staffordshire County Council would like the right to comment on why the councillors, officers and staff of Staffordshire County Council all failed in their duty of care to the 90-year-old lady that they caused the death of, please email afj_uk@yahoo.com. And we suggest that EVERY organisation in the UK that uses equipment for the elderly, sick and infirm have them examined by an expert before there are any more tragedies.)

Getting to the art of it. Art makes credit crunch comeback

Britons are looking for new hobbies to ease their credit crunch woes, according to number one art supplier Winsor & Newton.

The firm, which has been supplying art materials to budding artists since 1832, says the current economic situation has led to an unprecedented rise in demand for its products with set sales up 30% year on year in some outlets.

Paul Robinson, Technical Advisor at Winsor & Newton, says the surge in interest in art has even led to an increased influx of visitors to the company’s historic factory and museum in Harrow, Middlesex.

He adds: “The credit crunch has made us all think again about how to spend our time and money. Painting and drawing are still incredibly popular throughout Britain and we have noticed increases in the take up of both during previous economic downturns – but nothing on this scale.

“Painting and sketching is cheap and helps you forget your worries, as well as giving you the opportunity to create something unique that could make a great Christmas gift. Or you could encourage a stressed friend or family member to take up art by giving them a suitable present this Christmas. Who knows, the current economic downturn could even spawn the next Damien Hirst or Banksy!”

Winsor & Newton’s experience appears to be part of a revival of more traditional hobbies in light of the current economic downturn, with other activities, including sewing and baking, also experiencing a revival.

High street retailers, including John Lewis, have witnessed rocketing sales of sewing machines in the last year, while sales of bread makers are up 57 per cent as families choose to go back to basics.

There is also evidence that some jobseekers are turning rewarding hobbies into careers, becoming ‘career crafters’ and choosing to sell all sorts of creations from soft toys to woolly jumpers.

Dr Ilona Boniwell, a Senior Lecturer in Positive Psychology at the University of East London, comments: "Taking up an engaging hobby, such as painting, baking or sewing, is one of the best routes to well-being and beating current economic blues. In addition, it enhances your creativity, sense of autonomy and competence. The fact that the necessary tools such as painting and drawing equipment don't cost the earth is probably an additional factor."

TUACA NOW AVAILABLE AT WWW.OCADO.COM

Tuaca, the delicious Italian brandy-based spirit, infused with hints of citrus and vanilla, is now available to buy through www.ocado.com. The drink, which is now being enjoyed all over the country following many years of success in Brighton , is available to buy now.

In time for the Christmas season, there will also be a £1 off introductory price for 3 weeks from the 3rd to 24th December 2008 (RSP £17.99 down to £16.99). www.ocado.com.

Ocado is then following this up in Feb / March 08 with a special offer package which includes a 70cl bottle of Tuaca, ginger ale and fresh limes; all the ingredients you need to make perfect Tuscan Mules to enjoy with your friends and family.

Charlotte Ashburner, brand manager for Tuaca, says: “In the run up to Christmas, everyone is gathering ideas on how to organise the best festive party, and Ocado’s Tuaca package now means it’s even easier to buy the ingredients for the perfect cocktail and make sure you wow your guests this Christmas!”

Tuscan Mule
50ml Tuaca
Ginger Ale
3 Lime Wedges

Pour Tuaca into a highball glass over ice. Fill with ginger ale. Squeeze in 3 lime wedges and drop into drink.

70 cl bottle - RRP: £17.99

Tuaca – start chilled – finish responsibly.

Tuaca® Italian Liqueur, Livorno , Italy , 35% Alc. by Volume. Imported by
Brown-Forman Beverages, Louisville , KY © 2006.


Tuaca Facts:
Made from the same unique recipe since 1938, and is still to this day created by Tuoni and Canepa Distillery in Livorno, Tuscany, Tuaca is made from oak aged Italian brandy and then infused with natural citrus fruit and sweet aromatics, including light vanilla tones. This mix gives Tuaca an incredibly complex taste profile, making it an ideal base for cocktails and long drinks, as well as excellent as a chilled shot, to be sipped and savoured. Tuaca is 70% proof (35% alcohol).

www.tuaca.com
www.drinkaware.com

Tuaca is owned by BROWN-FORMAN, a member of the Portman Group

Ocado Facts:

www.ocado.com
Ocado is an internet grocery retailer based in the UK . It delivers to 13.5 million households within the UK , predominately in the South East, Midlands, North West and South Coast . The site sells products from the Waitrose supermarket chain as well as branded goods. It operates its business from a purpose-built picking centre. Ocado is partly owned by the John Lewis Partnership, which owns Waitrose, but it is an independent business.

An arrest too far? The Damian Green case

There is a petition at the official government petition website that argues:

"Over the last decade, the democratic freedoms that we have been used to, have been whittled away. Stringent anti-terrorism legislation has been used to spy on some British people for alleged non-terror related activity. The Police have raided Parliament, and arrested a senior Opposition politician.

We need an independent review of what legislative/organisational changes have driven this, and what recommendations are necessary to address this. If this is to be perceived as being independent, this can not be performed by someone who is closely attached to the government in power, and both Paddy Ashdown and John Major are widely respected figures who would approach this from an independent perspective."

If you'd like to sign this petition, its permanent web address is: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Lenthall/

Rocks Organic Rescues Runny Noses - Soothe Away Your Cold And Flu Symptoms With Rocks Organic

Recent research by Cardiff University's Common Cold Centre, published in the December 2008 edition of clinical journey Rhinology, has found that a hot mug of fruit squash or cordial could help anyone suffering from a cold or flu to reduce their symptoms.

It is believed that the research is the first of its kind and demonstrates that this kind of treatment is cheap, safe and effective.

The research found that a hot squash or cordial provided "immediate and sustained relief" from symptoms of a runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chillness and tiredness.

This winter, Rocks Organic Squashes and Cordials come to the rescue! Certified by the Soil Association, Rocks Organic range of Squashes and Cordials provide a natural homemade style with an authentic and refreshing taste. They are made using organic fruit that is naturally water infused and without the use of artificial sweeteners, colours, flavours or preservatives.

The Rocks Organic Squash & Cordial range includes all the popular flavours: Blackcurrant, Red Fruit (Red5), Blueberry (Blue2) and Lemon & Ginger.

Delicious Rocks Organic recipes, ideal for anyone suffering from a cold or flu this winter include:

Hot Lemon & Ginger
Make a strong preparation of Rocks Organic Lemon Squash & Ginger Cordial using hot water and add a large spoonful of honey.


Honey helps to fight throat infections & and lemon provides additional vitamin C to help the body fight colds.

Red Fruit Warmer
For a soothing drink when suffering from cold or flu, use a combination of Rocks Organic Blackcurrant & Red 5 Squashes to produce a piping hot red fruit drink that is tasty and full of antioxidants.

Red Fruit, in particular Blackcurrant & Blueberry are high in antioxidants that help the body to fight infections and keep the body healthy.


Rocks Organic Squashes are available in Sainsbury's, Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons and Asda and are priced between £1.75-2.25 per 740ml bottle. One bottle makes 5 litres of squash when diluted.

Rocks Organic Cordials are widely available through good independent health stores, delicatessens and farm shops, priced £2.99 per 360ml bottle.

The cordials should be diluted according to individual taste but on average each 360ml bottle of cordial will make about 3 litres of drink, which makes them good for your pocket as well as your health!

FACT FILE:

Rocks has been making Organic Family Squashes in Twyford, Berkshire for over 20 years and are the leading organic squash brand in the UK. Organic farming means that no artificial chemicals and pesticides are used in the growing of the fruit. Rocks sales at retail are over £5 million per annum.

3V Natural Foods is an independent private company that owns both Rocks Organic and Meridian Foods. 3V was formed in 2007 by the owners of Rocks and Meridan to maximise the brands' synergies to win market share in the growing health and organic food and drink sector, and to further develop the portfolio of brands through merger and acquisition.

Criminal intelligence IT specialist ABM launches anti-knife crime film

In response to the escalating problem of knife crime, exacerbated in some cases by the unwillingness of witnesses to come forward and give evidence, criminal intelligence IT specialist ABM, has today launched a new film that shows how its computer software can help police in their investigations.

The film was premiered to an audience of more than 100 officers from over 40 police forces at ABM’s recent user conference, and has now been made available through the company’s website at www.abm-uk.com/crime-film

BTEC National Diploma (BND) Acting and BND Performance students from New College Nottingham played the knife victim and his attackers, and the film follows through from the aftermath of the murder showing how ABM’s software helps investigating officers to deal with covert policing operations such as police informant management, surveillance and witness protection.

Alastair Luff, Managing Director of ABM, commented “Knife crime is an emotive and very serious problem for many police forces. Although 23 young people in London alone have died after being stabbed, this is a nationwide problem, with one in five teenagers have admitted to carrying a knife. Our abmpegasus software brings vital intelligence information together in a single web-enabled system to help police officers investigate offences quickly and efficiently.

“Being able to take an integrated approach to managing covert operations through one central repository – rather than piecing together information from various locations – increases the likelihood of securing a conviction. Processes are also standardised so police officers can be confident that they are automatically being taken through best practice procedures. As well as ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines and legislation, the administrative burden is significantly reduced so police officers can spend their time where it is most needed rather than being slowed down by unwieldy paper processes.

“This film shows how, when powerful software is used correctly across the police force, crimes can be efficiently investigated using covert intelligence gathering techniques in a compliant way which ensures that perpetrators are brought to justice.”

Kellogg's staff to get Christmas bonus

This year, 1,600 non–executive office and factory based employees at Kellogg’s will receive a financial boost with an extra weeks pay in their salary (53rd Week’s Pay). On average employees will receive £600 extra in their December pay; this should be especially helpful this year in the challenging economic climate.

The 53rd Week’s pay scheme at Kellogg’s has been running, as part of 1600 employee contracts, for over 25 years. A poll of Kellogg’s employees shows that 97 per cent feel it is a great perk. 56 per cent of employees will use the extra week’s pay for Christmas presents, 22 per cent on food and drink over the festive season and 18 per cent for a holiday in the New Year.

Karen Meehan, Kellogg’s VP of human resources comments, “The 53rd week’s pay is a great scheme that our employees really value, particularly during the festive season. This is part of a reward package Kellogg’s offers to employees which also includes flexible benefits, pension and share purchase plans.”

Sara Collie, nutritionist at Kellogg’s will use her 53rd Week’s Pay to buy all of her Christmas presents, she comments “I am worried about Christmas this year in the current climate so this extra money couldn’t come at a better time. Last year I received an extra week’s pay at Christmas but I didn’t really appreciate it as much, this time I will spend it wisely.”

Stef Gonzalez, Kellogg’s promotions assistant comments: “I will use my extra week’s pay for a flight home to see my family for New Year. They are based in Spain so this extra payment from Kellogg’s is really helpful, particularly with the rising cost of air fares at the moment.”

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen helps raise hospital cash

Interior design guru Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has joined forces with www.winalondonpad.com – thought to be the largest free prize draw in the world – to raise £600,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

www.winalondonpad.com is limited to 200,000 entries with the winner scooping an entire development consisting of eleven luxury apartments in central London worth more than £8 million.

The competition started in conjunction with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity to raise funds to re-develop the world famous hospital’s cardiac ward.

“It’s a privilege to be involved,” says Llewelyn-Bowen. “The hospital does amazing things every day.

“Win a London Pad is a remarkable initiative; someone will scoop eleven designer apartments and at the same time contribute towards the future of children all over the world.”

“The interest and support so far has been great,” says Richard Stewart spokesman at Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. “Having Laurence on board will undoubtedly be a huge boost for the campaign.”

ined £721,000 and will compensate PPI customers

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has fined Egg Banking plc £721,000 for serious failings in its sales of credit card payment protection insurance (PPI).

The FSA found failings in approximately 40 per cent of telephone sales of credit card PPI made by Egg between January 2005 and December 2007. Egg sold PPI either when receiving a customer services call, or when making a sales call to a new customer. When Egg customers said they did not want PPI on their credit cards, the firm directed its sales staff to use techniques to persuade the customer to take the insurance – called ‘objection handling’.

These techniques included over-emphasising the positive features of the PPI, or telling the customer they could take the PPI for a free period and cancel it later if they did not want it. In some cases, even when the customer did not consent, PPI was applied to their credit card anyway.

In addition, in a significant number of cases Egg failed to obtain clear consent from customers to receive only limited information about the PPI during the telephone sale. Egg will write to customers asking them to call a dedicated number if they have any concerns about the policy or the way it was sold to them and compensate them where appropriate – by way of illustration, Egg is expected to pay £1.67 million for every 10% of customers who receive a refund.

FSA Director of Enforcement Margaret Cole said:“Egg used inappropriate sales techniques to try to persuade customers to buy payment protection insurance on their credit card even when they asserted they did not want the cover. All firms must ensure that customers are treated fairly when selling PPI and if a customer does not want PPI, they should not be pressured into taking it.

“We will continue to fine firms where we find PPI failings. It is unacceptable that Egg did not identify the problems with its sales processes despite a series of high profile FSA communications on PPI, including earlier fines on other firms. Egg stopped telephone sales of credit card PPI in December 2007, and has agreed to write to customers and pay a full refund plus interest where appropriate. Egg is likely to pay substantial compensation as a result of this exercise.”

The FSA has taken into account Egg’s customer contact exercise and commitment to compensate customers where appropriate and has significantly reduced the level of penalty which it would otherwise have imposed on the firm. Egg also qualified for a 30 per cent discount under the FSA’s executive settlement procedures by agreeing to settle at an early stage of the investigation. Without this discount the fine would have been £1.03 million.

Investigation shuts down publishing scam

Two Manchester-based companies which solicited funds from small businesses for advertisements in publications containing themes implying that the monies paid by advertisers would be applied to good causes have been wound up in the High Court following an investigation by Companies Investigation Branch of the Insolvency Service.

Magnify Media Ltd and Sabretooth Media Ltd had been abandoned having received payments from advertisers totalling some £300,000. The investigation found no evidence to suggest that any publications had been produced or to show that any monies had been donated to good causes. The accounting records recovered were wholly inadequate for the purpose of explaining the income and expenditure of the companies, but did show that they formed part of a wider network engaged in similarly disreputable activity.

Guidance on what action businesses can take to protect against this type of support publishing activity is available on the following link: http://www.insolvency.gov.uk/cib/scams.htm

Fair rules for our benefits system - Purnell

New proposals for reforming the benefits system go further than ever before, offering personalised support for every one who is able to work.

The reforms set out a fair deal for people claiming benefits, with virtually everyone expected to do something in return for their benefits.

Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell said: "These reforms will transform people's lives. We will give people on benefits the personal support they need to help them make a better life for themselves and their families.

"I believe that for the majority, work is part of the path to that better life which is why our reforms put the individual, and their needs, at the heart of the welfare system.

"We will give people the support they need and in return we will have higher expectations on people to take up that support. We must have a system where the rules are fair for everyone, and everyone knows what the rules are. I believe it is wrong to have a welfare system which doesn't encourage people to prepare for or get back to work. In future virtually everyone will be expected to do something in return for their benefits."

The proposals, published today in the White Paper Raising expectations and increasing support: reforming welfare for the future, implements the reforms set out by David Freud in full and takes forward the recommendations made by Professor Paul Gregg.

The White Paper takes welfare reform to the next logical stage and proposes:

- to use the 'invest to save' approach Freud proposed which enables private and voluntary sector organisations to pay for support to get people back to work from subsequent benefit savings.

- to implement first steps of Gregg's recommendations making people claiming ESA subject to the 'progression to work' conditionality and mandated to take steps to get back to work.

- to pilot conditionality for workless parents of children younger than currently planned.

- to publish a consultation paper on Housing Benefit reform in the New Year. We want a fair system - to people on low incomes and the taxpayer - which does not create barriers to work.

* a new fairer benefit rules for problem heroin and crack users. The new rules will include an allowance for claimants who are drug addicts, in place of other benefits they would normally receive, that demands they address their problem or face sanctions.

* to give disabled people greater choice and control over the support they use to meet their individual needs, with trailblazers in selected areas. This "right to control" will be a major step toward achieving disability equality by 2025.

Purnell added: "Now is the right time to introduce these fundamental reforms. When times are tough you give people more support not less.

"We will not repeat the mistakes of the eighties and nineties when thousands of people were moved further away from employment by condemning them to a life on Incapacity Benefits. This only makes it harder for them to find work and get their lives back on track."

Postcode lottery on long term care home fees

West Midlands care homes more expensive than East Midlands homes

Care fees rise faster than RPI

Long term care is not ‘free’ in Scotland

Call 0800 0568152 for free guide or advice on options and entitlements

Care home fees vary by almost 50% across the UK and up to £936 a year across the Midlands reveals the first annual Saga Cost of Care Report, published today. The analysis, in conjunction with Laing and Buisson, shows residential and nursing care home fees are more expensive in the West Midlands than in the East Midlands. Care home fees in the whole region are also more expensive than the North of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland is the cheapest region for residential and nursing care and the Northern Home Counties (Bedfordshire, Bucks, Berks, Herts, Essex and Oxfordshire) the most expensive for nursing care, with London the most expensive for residential care. Contrary to popular misconceptions, care is not free in Scotland and fees there are exposed as more expensive than Wales, Northern Ireland and North of England.

The average weekly cost for a single person in nursing care in the West Midlands is £633 compared to £615 in the East of the region (Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Leicestershire).

However East Midlands nursing homes are on average £221 a week cheaper than their most expensive counterparts in the Northern Home Counties such as Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire or Essex.

Regional differences

• By region, nursing homes were at their most expensive in the Northern Home Counties where on average the cost was £43,472 p.a., Northern Ireland had the cheapest nursing homes with an average of £27,976.

• Northern Home Counties nursing care is, on average, 47% more expensive than that in the North of England resulting in a £13,988 p.a. difference.

• No nursing homes were found in Northern Ireland that cost more than £31,148 p.a.

• By contrast 93% of nursing homes in inner or outer London cost more than £31,200 p.a.

• Residential homes (providing accommodation but not nursing care) were at their most expensive in London where fees averaged £29,484 p.a. By contrast, Northern Ireland again provided the cheapest care with an average cost of £20,904 p.a.

• 61% of Scottish residential care homes were found to charge between £23,400 and £25,948 p.a.

Alex Edmans, Saga Care Funding Advice Service, explains, “After purchasing property, long-term care is likely to be the biggest expenditure in someone’s lifetime. However, unlike buying a property, the cost of care is something particularly difficult to plan for, especially when people are faced with such enormous regional differences. This makes it vital to seek advice if you find yourself in these circumstances. With the right advice however this frequently underestimated cost need not financially ruin someone’s estate and any potential future inheritance.”

Residential long term care costs 3 times more than the average annual mortgage payment

On average, someone who requires care in a residential care home may expect to pay in the region of £25,000 per annum, a huge ongoing sum of money to find at any age, let alone in their later years. Compare that, for example with the average mortgage cost, which is small by comparison at just £7,860** per annum.

Care is not ‘free’ in Scotland

Contrary to popular belief, care is not free in Scotland. In the United Kingdom care is generally broken down into three component parts; accommodation costs, personal care, and nursing care. However, unlike in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Scottish state pays for personal care and nursing care. Since it’s inception in 2002, state funded personal care has meant that Scottish people requiring care can be better off than their English, Welsh or Northern Irish counterparts. But the truth is that Scotland does not have a ‘free care’ system, it is often misunderstood by those who use it and has distorted other charges made by care providers.

If you need to stay in a care home in Scotland then the state will cover your personal care and your nursing care (currently £149 and £67 per week respectively). However you will still need to pay for your accommodation costs, which usually constitute the lion’s share of the total cost. Because Scottish care homes are unable to set the charge for personal or nursing care, we have seen care home accommodation costs increase by 69% since 2002 when the new legislation was introduced, which compares to an average increase across the UK of 48%***.

Rising cost of care

On top of the already high cost of care and massive regional differences, The Saga Cost of Care report also reveals that, in the last decade, care home fees have risen faster than general economy inflation. On average over the last three years care home fees have risen by 1.5% more than the Retail Price Index*

A nation unprepared for the cost of care

Further research from Saga, which looks at the attitudes of people with parents facing the prospect of long-term care**** has revealed those regions most unprepared to foot the bill. Almost a third of people in the Midlands (32%) think that their parents will be forced to sell their homes in order to pay for care. People in Wales and the South West are the most concerned that their parents will be unable to afford the cost of care and will have to live with a relative rather than in a residential home (31%). Children in the capital are most likely to be called upon by their parents to help subsidise their care fees, as parents are unable to foot the bill themselves. More than one in ten (13%) Londoners are expecting to have to help their parents out financially.

Alex Edmans concludes “The cost of care is not a subject people talk to their parents about and as such the whole subject of care is only broached when it is required, usually at a time of crisis, - never the best time to be making long term financial decisions. Long-term care planning can be a daunting prospect, but with proper advice people can achieve peace of mind and may prevent any unnecessary sale of a house.”

For information on paying for long-term care, contact Saga at www.saga.co.uk/money-shop/care-funding or phone 0800 056 6101.

HSE warns of the need to assess risks, - after worker is injured

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is urging manufacturing companies to conduct suitable risk assessments and adopt safe working practices when moving heavy products and equipment. This reminder follows HSE's prosecution of a company after a worker was seriously injured when a commercial oven fell on him.

On 18 January, 2008 a 22 year-old employee of Caltherm (UK) Ltd, was helping to move an industrial steam-heated 'DMT' liquid oven weighing 800kg (over three-quarters of a ton) when the oven fell from the two pallet trucks that were being used to move it. He received three breakages to his left foot and five dislocated toes. The oven had been built, in the company's premises on Rowhurst Industrial Estate, for the manufacture of glass.

Caltherm (UK) Ltd, of Newcastle-under-Lyme, was, on 9 December, 2008, fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,377 by Newcastle-under-Lyme Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to breaching section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

HSE inspector Wayne Owen said: "Insufficient safeguards existed for the protection of employees because no risk assessment had been conducted for the movement of ovens in the premises. Lack of information, instruction, training and planning for the movement of such heavy equipment, coupled with an unsuitable means transport, all contributed to an unsafe system of work which led to the accident.

"The worker's injuries were sufficiently serious to cause some long-term discomfort and adversely affect his work capabilities. Safe working practices should clearly have been observed and suitable risk assessments undertaken.

"Many incidents could be avoided if companies ensured that they had established a safe way of tackling jobs and ensuring that competent persons are regularly assessing and minimising the associated risks."

"HSE produces a wide range of guidance to assist companies that carry out lifting and moving operations to identify risks."

Debenhams: Thousands of lines reduced with savings of up to 20% across the store

Debenhams announced today (9 December) that it would be cutting prices across the store again this week (10, 11, 12 December) due to customer demand.

With a massive 219 year heritage Debenhams is well placed to go head to head with competitors for another price cutting bonanza.

The credit crunch beating campaign saw customer numbers increase by two thirds at the retailer as queues formed outside its stores across UK and Ireland with shoppers desperate to get hold of bargains.

The move will see thousands of lines discounted in-store and on-line including Christmas gifting, womenswear, menswear and kids’ clothing, homewares and accessories.

Customers will also be able to take advantage of 10% offers on cosmetics and fragrances from some of the biggest names in the industry including; Estee Lauder, Clarins, Clinique, Lancome, YSL, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior and D & G.

Debenhams was first to announce its price cutting campaign (17 November 08) – which takes place at the same time each year. This was quickly followed by other stores, sparking one of the biggest price wars ever seen on the High Street and igniting a pre-Christmas buying frenzy. Something that continues to this day.

“This is all about providing customers the chance to buy the ideal Christmas present at the ideal price - after all that’s what everyone will be shopping for over the next few days, said Michael Sharp, Debenhams, deputy chief executive.

“This year it’s been more important than ever to offer great festive value. Shoppers want bargain presents and that’s exactly what we’re providing to go under the nation’s Christmas trees,” added Michael Sharp.

Unlike many retailers Debenhams won’t be forcing people to shop on just one day. The credit crunching offers are available over three days allowing customers to shop when it’s convenient for them, not the other way round.

Once again well known, exclusive to Debenhams brands such as Betty Jackson.Black, Star by Julien Macdonald, J by Jasper Conran, Rocha.John Rocha, Butterfly by Matthew Williamson, Jeff Banks and St George by Duffer are all included in the price reductions.

As well as these famous high street names that have a presence in the stores including; Miss Selfridge, Oasis, Warehouse, Coast, Wallis, La Senza, Top Man, Kookai, Planet, Fred Perry, Swarkovski, and Tripp Luggage, are also available at knock down prices.

Customers won’t even have to leave the comfort of their home as they can take advantage of all the great deals by clicking on to www.Debenhams.com and get bargains delivered directly to their door.

Find beauty in Zen this Spring

Soul releases new home, holiday and lifestyle accessories

A new range of home, holiday and lifestyle accessories is to be launched this Spring from card and gift design company, Soul. The Zen collection of sophisticated beauty, travel and home essentials is made completely from naturally bleached organic cotton. The Zen design is a pretty array of pastel flowers arranged on a clean white background – reflecting the serenity of spring.

- Zen will spruce up your beauty collection this season. The Super-Sized Make-Up Bag, Face Case and Zippy will hold all the beauty essentials you need. The eco-friendly Mag Bag is a chic re-usable shopping bag that will hold all your new beauty purchases - and you can even use the Zen Posh Purse to pay for them!

- The collection also includes some elegant travel accessories perfect for a Spring break or bank holiday weekend away. These include a matching Passport Cover, Bag Tag, a Pod Pocket to keep your MP3 player safe on the plane and a Glasses Case for your shades.

- The Zen Door Store and Door Bunny can help streamline your home during your Spring cleaning while the Monster Draught Excluder and Tea Hat will keep away the last of the Spring chills.

The Zen collection will be available from Spring 2009 in selected independent retailers and from www.souluk.com. Prices range from £4.99 to £34.99.

Hearing loss. Seek help. ASAP!

uesday, December 09, 2008

Hearing loss. Seek help. Now.

Approximately 4 million people experience some form of hearing loss but don’t benefit from a hearing aid – in fact most wait up to 15 years before seeking help. Even mild hearing loss can make everyday tasks more challenging and can create frustration and a sense of isolation. Not hearing information is often attributed to selective hearing - 61% surveyed by David Ormerod Hearing Centres believe their partner has selective hearing – in reality, this can often be undiagnosed hearing loss.

People who have difficulties with their vision would take an eye test and hearing difficulties should be taken just as seriously. January is 'Hearing Clearer Awareness Month', which is aimed at helping people identify whether they have hearing loss rather than the ability to ignore certain sounds through a form of selected hearing. The annual campaign has been established by David Ormerod Hearing Centres to encourage people to take a free five-minute hearing test.

WHY JANUARY?
Christmas can be a challenging period for people who are struggling with their hearing because they are typically in more social situations with friends and family, which can bring extra attention to their hearing difficulties. January is therefore the perfect time to educate people about what can be done to improve their hearing - or the hearing of a loved one - and encourage them to make a new year’s resolution to get their hearing tested.

SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?
As part of Hearing Clearer Awareness Month, people are being encouraged to take a free five minute hearing test at one of the many David Ormerod Hearing Centres nationwide.

HEARING AWARENESS SURVEY
A survey of 4,000 people, conducted by David Ormerod Hearing Centres, revealed that:

Eight out of ten people – 48 million Brits - have never had their hearing tested compared to just one in ten that have never had an eye examination

60% have a friend or relative that they believe has undiagnosed hearing loss
80% find it frustrating when they can’t hear something properly
80% would support a national hearing test screening programme
31% are discouraged from getting their hearing tested due to lack of time
26% would turn up their MP3 player/iPod as loud as possible and only half of us consider hearing when setting the volume.

IMPACT OF HEARING LOSS
Hearing and quality of life are closely linked. Hearing loss can make everyday tasks more challenging and day-to-day communication extremely difficult. It can make people feel cut off from their family and friends and create a sense of frustration and a loss of confidence.

WHO IS AFFECTED BY HEARING LOSS?
Hearing loss can occur for many different reasons, from conditions people are born with to hearing damage caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises. It’s a problem typically associated with ageing - 40% of people over the age of 50 have some degree of hearing loss. However, new research by the EU concluded that one in 10 people with personal MP3 or CD players could suffer permanent hearing loss because their music is too loud.


PROTECTING AGAINST PERSONAL MUSIC PLAYER RELATED HEARING LOSS
Heather Pitchford, an audiologist at David Ormerod Hearing Centres offers this advice:
1) Don’t listen to music at full volume
2) Buy in-ear filter headphones that cancel out background noise so you don’t have to turn up the volume too high on your MP3
3) Don’t listen to music through headphones for more than an hour at a time
4) Rest your ears for as long as possible before listening to your music

IDENTIFYING HEARING LOSS
It isn’t always easy to spot because sound can initially become distorted rather than quieter.
These questions could help you establish whether you could benefit from a hearing assessment:
• Are you constantly asking people to repeat themselves?
• Do others complain that you have the volume turned up too high on the TV?
• Do people always seem to be mumbling when they talk to you?
• Do you have trouble hearing the doorbell or telephone?
• Do you find it easier to follow a conversation if you are looking directly at the person speaking to you and do you find it hard to follow a conversation in a group?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then it is worth booking a hearing test. If you have already had a hearing test or have a hearing aid, it is advisable to arrange a check-up every twelve months as hearing requirements change with time.

DEVELOPING TECHNOLOGY
Hearing aids are now more technically advanced, discreet and attractive and can help more complicated types of hearing loss than ever before. The newest hearing aid technology has the ability to filter out background noise so personal conversations can be heard clearer, allow quick and automatic adjustments to correspond with changing environments, and reduce feedback when using the telephone.

WAITING LISTS
Hearing tests are available on the NHS but there is a good chance you’ll have to wait. Research by the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists revealed that the average wait is 47 weeks. High-street hearing aid audiologists are filling this gap, offering a faster service, better technology and more extensive aftercare. At David Ormerod Hearing Centres you can now get a free five-minute hearing assessment if you think you might have hearing loss. A longer more in-depth hearing assessment could then be needed if you have a hearing loss in order to determine the solutions best suited to your own personal requirements. To book a five-minute assessment or for a free Essential Information Pack simply call 0845 072 0868. Visit www.davidormerod.co.uk for further information.

Marc Goodwin Tops Grosvenor UK Poker Tour Rankings

Marc Goodwin has topped the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour's Rankings leaderboard and taken the title of Grosvenor UK Poker Tour Player of the Year. He overtook long-time leader Nik Persaud after leg 9 of the poker tournament in Blackpool where he won a side-event and had two further final table finishes.

Marc increased his lead even further with two second place finishes and a third place finish at the grand final festival at the Victoria. He finished the year with 369 points. The runner-up was the winner of the second leg of the poker tour: Jeff Kimber who won a further side event at leg 8 of the tour in Thanet and finished as runner up in the £1,000 side event at the Vic.

Sam Trickett’s smart betting in the £300 event at the Victoria propelled him to third place while Nik Persaud, who once held a commanding lead, ended up in fourth place with 230 points.

Marc was presented with his trophy on Thursday 4th December, prior to the start of the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour Champion of Champions tournament. He cemented his 2008 GUKPT dominance with a 3rd place finish in the exclusive Champions event, pocketing a further £10,000: a fantastic poker win by any standard.


To view the complete rankings list please visit www.gukpt.com

In 2009 the GUKPT rankings prize money will be increased to £50,000, courtesy of Blue Square Poker, Grosvenor & G casinos. Full details of the 2009 rankings system will be announced shortly.

Have a really Divine Christmas!

Read on for a host of new and irresistible seasonal products from the leading Fairtrade chocolate company …

The UK ’s leading farmer-owned Fairtrade chocolate brand, Divine Chocolate, is delighted to announce some fabulous new editions to its Christmas product range. Christmas 2008 sees the launch of a dark chocolate advent calendar – the very first dark chocolate Fairtrade calendar on the market! Two new flavours of boxed chocolates are also launching this season making Divine the perfect choice for giving and sharing, celebrating and indulging.

The continually expanding Divine Christmas range means there’s a delicious Fairtrade treat to suit all tastes and all ages. And with today’s discerning consumer looking for both high quality products and genuine ethical credibility, they need look no further than Divine for all their chocolaty gift ideas – by choosing Divine there is the added reassurance that the 45,000 cocoa farmers who belong to the Kuapa Kokoo co-operative are receiving a fair and more empowering deal, as well as a share in Divine’s profits.

Three tempting varieties of Divine boxed chocolates will be on sale this year:

The newly packaged Divine Dark, Milk & White Chocolates is a gorgeous assortment of 18 hand-finished chocolates including pralines, caramels, hazelnuts, mocha and fruit flavours. As with all Divine products, the chocolates are Fairtrade certified and are flavoured using completely natural ingredients. They come packaged in an elegant black box adorned with gold West African Adrinkra symbols. Each emblem carries its own meaning and is a stunning visual celebration of Divine’s Ghanaian heritage. The 225g box will be available at Waitrose, Oxfam, Liberty and online at www.ethicalsuperstore.com from September (RRP £10.99).

The Divine Marc de Champagne Milk Chocolate Truffles consists of 16 hand-finished milk chocolate truffles with a champagne ganache. The truffles are available in 200g boxes, beautifully packaged in Divine’s distinctive brown and gold livery, making this a sophisticated gift idea as well as the perfect finale to all your Christmas entertaining. Available from Oxfam stores nationwide, Liberty in London and online at www.ethicalsuperstore.com from September (RRP £9.99)

Divine is also introducing Divine Strawberry White Chocolate Truffles – a box of 16 hand-finished creamy white chocolates with a light strawberry ganache. Inspired by that quintessential taste of high summer - strawberries & cream – these wonderfully evocative chocolates are set to be a sure-fire winner with all the family. Because Divine only uses natural ingredients in its products, the real strawberries used as flavouring ensure that the flavours really sing out. Available Oxfam stores nationwide and online at www.ethicalsuperstore.com from September (RRP £9.99 for 200g box).

Launching this year in response to huge consumer demand is the Divine Dark Chocolate Advent Calendar – the very first Fairtrade dark chocolate advent calendar on the market. The calendar features Divine’s award-winning 70% dark chocolate and joins the top selling Divine Milk Chocolate Advent Calendar. Both calendars are decorated with a richly-coloured interpretation of the bustling market in Kumasi – the biggest open air market in West Africa . The Christmas tree at the heart of the market scene is decorated with golden Adinkra symbols, the traditional emblems of West Africa , and their meanings are explained on the reverse of the calendar. The illustration was designed by Helen Mills and comes in a brown version for the milk chocolate calendar and a black version for the dark chocolate calendar. Behind each window is a little heart of Divine chocolate – and with two flavour options to choose from, both milk and dark chocolate fans will be content! (Milk Chocolate Calendar RRP £3.75 from Waitrose, Oxfam, www.ethicalsuperstore.com).

Another new gift option launching in time for Christmas is a presentation case of twelve slim individually wrapped dark and milk chocolate 14g bars. The Divine 70% Dark and Milk Chocolate Mini Bars are a mix of six smooth milk chocolate bars and six bars of Divine’s acclaimed 70% dark chocolate. They come beautifully decorated in Divine’s black, brown and gold brand livery and make an ideal choice for stocking fillers, as finger food at buffets or as token gifts. Available from September onwards at Oxfam, Liberty and www.ethicalsuperstore.com, RRP £4.99.

The twelve pack of milk and dark bars joins other Divine seasonal favourites – the six bar presentation case of 70% dark chocolate 14g bars (RRP £2.25), Divine Milk Chocolate Gold Coins (RRP £1.69 from Lakeland, National Trust shops and www.ethicalsuperstore.com), and Milk Chocolate Mini Christmas Puddings from Divine’s sister brand Dubble (RRP £1.69, 90g bags at www.ethicalsuperstore.com) for children. The newly packaged Divine tropical collection of 70% chocolate covered exotic fruits and nuts are another fantastic way to experience Divine and make an exotic addition to a party or dinner table. They are available now from Oxfam and www.ethicalsuperstore.com and are launching in Waitrose in September (RRP£3.50).

The Divine product range is continually expanding and this year sees even more exciting developments because Divine is celebrating its 10th anniversary! All the tempting Divine products described above are made using only the finest cocoa beans from smallholder farmers in Ghana . 45,000 farmers across the country, who belong to the Kuapa Kokoo co-operative, supply all Divine’s high quality cocoa and cocoa butter and because the entire Divine range is Fairtrade certified, they are guaranteed a fairer and more empowering deal. As the farmers also own a 45% stake in the business this means they contribute to the running of the company and share in the profits.

And to buy on line, just visit their new dedicated shop at

www.divinechocolateshop.com

International Campaign on Nuclear Disarmament

Today the Foreign Secretary commented on Global Zero, the international campaign for nuclear disarmament. He said: "In Paris today a new international campaign on nuclear disarmament is being launched. Global Zero will campaign for a world free of nuclear weapons. The UK already supports this aim, and the issue needs our urgent attention.

"We have to stop the spread of nuclear weapons - Iran's nuclear ambitions, for example, could be massively destabilising in a region that could do without a nuclear arms race. But, if we want the international community to work together to stop other countries getting nuclear weapons, we need to show them we are serious about multilateral nuclear disarmament. This is why the UK wants to help build a global coalition around the shared vision of a nuclear weapon-free world. I set out six key steps we need to take to achieve this in my article in the Guardian Online."

The Foreign Secretary's article was published on the Guardian Online website at 18.00 today.

(EDITOR: Why The Guardian? Why not issue it to all news outlets at the same time? Surely, the aim of the Foreign Secretary would be to disseminate the article to as many people as possible?)

Top online pawnbroker ups limit to £1M

Borro.com, the UK's leading online pawnbroker, today announced it is increasing the upper limit of its loan range to £1 million to meet the increasing demand from home owners, business owners, property developers and city financiers for liquidity-on-demand. With the government's bank bail-out yet to affect any real change in credit availability - to even the most credit-worthy - Borro.com continues to double its loan book every month.

In the last two months Borro.com has seen a significant increase in business owners, property developers, and city financiers plugging their credit short-falls by securing loans of £10,000+ against fine jewellery, high-end Swiss watches, luxury cars including Ferrari's, Bentley's and Lambourghini's, fine art and even yachts.

The proceeds of these loans are used for a variety of reasons that include bridge financing to close deals already in progress, buying time while finances are being restructured for the long-term, providing capital to acquire certain assets, investing in new business and product development, and funding seasonality, customer payment and general working capital issues.

Paul Aitken, Founder and CEO of Borro.com commented, "The government bail-out of the banks has been slow to take effect. Banks just aren't lending. So clients are coming to us because we offer quick, relatively cheap short-term liquidity - and we do not scrutinize their business motives or personal financial status. We don't need to. Our business is about making secure loans against personal valuables at the fairest valuation and best rates in the industry."

"To meet client demand, we are now able to provide guaranteed short-term loans from as little as £100 to as much as £1,000,000 - to anyone who has items of value" adds Mr. Aitken. "Our core customer is new to what we refer to as 'pawn-lending' and they typically borrow £500 to £1,000 against jewellery or watches to cover education or household-related expenditures. But in recent weeks, we have seen a surge in interest from the small business owner for much larger loans. We hope our decision to offer loans up to £1 million will help meet that demand."

With the lower costs of operating online, Borro.com is also able to offer the lowest interest rates in the industry when compared to alternatives such as an unapproved overdraft, or 'payday loans' (which can charge as much as 25% interest per month or more). On a £1,000 loan, Borro.com charges a monthly interest rate of 4%, which is about the cost of a bank overdraft letter. Interest, however, is not compounded daily or monthly as with credit cards or payday loans, and there are no redemption penalties or credit checks. Loans over £100,000 are 3% per month, simple interest for a period of up to six months.

Borro.com's online approach makes pawnbroking more accessible than ever. It is discreet, safe and fast, with loans processed in 24-48 hours. The economic climate in tandem with its unique approach means that 75% of Borro.com's clients are completely new to pawnbroking. Furthermore its average loan has increased to £1,000, which is ten times the industry average.

Loans are processed in 24 to 48 hours by visiting www.borro.com and entering details on the item(s) to borrow against. Borro.com then sends out a pre-paid Royal Mail Special Delivery pack which is then returned via courier to our central London vault. Items are safely stored and fully insured for the duration of the loan. For loans over £5,000, Borro.com offers a more personalized service, including discreet home collection to anywhere in the UK.

Man? Woman? Hair going? Chat with Optima

Following recent revelations that John Cleese and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’s Joe Swash have undergone hair transplant surgery, a survey has revealed that 47 per cent of hair loss sufferers would spend their life savings to regain a full head of hair.

Those polled stated that the likes of Johnny Depp and Jennifer Aniston were their hair inspirations for spending up to £20,000 on medication, specialist shampoos and infra-red treatments. 15 per cent of sufferers have already followed in the fancy footsteps of Strictly Come Dancing’s Austin Healey by spending between £5,000 and £10,000. Five per cent have spent up to £20,000 to date on hair loss solutions.

In addition to this financial sacrifice, 39 per cent of people said they’d be willing to give up sex, if it meant they could have a full head of hair. Others would willingly sacrifice cigarettes and even weekends.

The survey – conducted by Optima Hair Specialists, which supplies advanced hair replacement systems – also revealed that 46 per cent of hair loss sufferers questioned started losing their hair between the ages of 18 and 25. 45 per cent of people stated that their social life has been severely damaged due to their hair loss and 72 per cent of sufferers say that they are often perceived as much older than they actually are.

Peter Murtha, founder of Optima Hair Specialists, said: “Image is so important in today’s celebrity fuelled culture and hair loss can be deeply traumatic. I spent nearly £18,000 myself on attempts to address my own hair loss and I would have willingly spent my life savings on finding a solution. I started to lose my hair at 23 and even tried to commit suicide. What many hair loss sufferers often don’t realise is that it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to completely change how you are perceived and boost your self-confidence.”

Based in Birmingham, Optima Hair Specialists offers clients a discreet and personal service, providing tailor-made hair replacement procedures and expert advice from a team of renowned specialists.

FACT FILE:
· Optima Hair Specialists works with Birmingham Children’s Hospital to provide hair replacement systems for children suffering hair loss due to illness.

· Clients include ex-footballer Tony Daly and cricketer Kabir Ali.

· More information on Optima Hair Specialists can be found on the website – www.optimahair.co.uk

Save on your Christmas gift shopping with That's News and MyVoucherCodes!

As the first instalment of Christmas printable vouchers and discount codes was such a hit, www.MyVoucherCodes.co.uk has created an updated list of all the latest vouchers and discount codes for our readers.

Www.MyVoucherCodes.co.uk is the UK’s busiest, fastest growing and most popular discount and special offer portal, with around 4.5 million unique visitors each month; amounting to more than 54 million unique visitors each year.

The website was officially named the 4th fastest growing website in the UK over the past 12 months1 and currently works with over 3,000 online retailers.

Many people have tried to replicate the site but have been unable to compete with the high volume of discounts and deals that www.MyVoucherCodes.co.uk offers for free to its users.

Www.MyVoucherCodes.co.uk is able to deliver regular updates on top discounts in the UK, so please let me know if you would like to receive regular lists and seasonal discounts to include in your publication.

Here is a list of the latest top discounts from around the UK:

Printable Vouchers

New Look
Get 20% Off In Store When Using This Printable Voucher At New Look
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/printable-vouchers
End Date: 20/12/2008

WH Smiths
£5 Off When You Spend £20 on Stationary and Cards at WH Smith using this Printable Voucher
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/printable-vouchers
End Date: 28/02/2009

Millies Cookies
Get £25 Worth Of Savings At Millies Cookies When Using This Printable Voucher
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/printable-vouchers
End Date: 28/02/2008

Aldo
Get 10% Off When Using This Printable Voucher At Aldo
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/printable-vouchers

Bella Italia
Get 2 For 1 On Main Courses At Bella Italia With This Printable Voucher
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/printable-vouchers
End Date: 18/12/2008

Fred Perry
20% Off Fred Perry Clothing with This Printable Voucher
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/printable-vouchers
End Date: 12/12/2008

La Tasca
Spend £20 And Get £5 Off Your Bill When Using This Printable Voucher From La Tasca
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/printable-vouchers
End Date: 14/12/2008

Blockbuster
Get 6 Rentals For £4.99 When Using This Printable Voucher From Blockbuster
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/printable-vouchers

Walkabout
Register With Walkabout To Get A Free Burger Worth £4.95
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/printable-vouchers

H&M
Get 20% Off With This Printable Voucher From H&M
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/printable-vouchers

Glenlivet
Get £2 Off Your Next Purchase Of Glenlivet Whiskey When Using This Printable Voucher
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/printable-vouchers

Old Orleans
Get 50% Off The Menu From Old Orleans When Using This Printable Voucher
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/printable-vouchers
End Date: 14th December 2008

Figleaves
Get A Free £10 Gift Card From Figleaves When Using This Printable Voucher
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/printable-vouchers
End Date: 15/12/2008

Online Discount Codes

Hamleys
10% Off at Hamleys when using this Discount Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/hamleys.co.uk
Code: HAMRH Exp: 22/12/08

Heals
10% off all Furniture at Heals when using this Promotional Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/heals.co.uk
Code: PD019 End Date: 22/12/2008

House of Fraser
£10 off from House of Fraser on your First Online Order of £50 using this Promotional Code plus Free Standard UK Mainland Delivery
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/houseoffraser.co.uk
Code: OFMC111 End Date: 24/12/2008

Red Letter Days
15% Discount from Red Letter Days when using this Exclusive Voucher Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/redletterdays.co.uk
Code: MYVOUCHER End Date: 29/12/2008

I Want One of Those
5% Off All Orders at I Want One of Those With This Discount Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/iwantoneofthose.com
Code: DVC5 End Date: 31/12/2008

ASOS
£10 when you Spend £100 or more at ASOS
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/asos.com
Code: DIGITALINSPIRATION End Date: 10/12/2008

Hotel Chocolat
10% off at Hotel Chocolat on all orders over £30 excluding delivery when using this Voucher Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/hotelchocolat.co.uk
Code: MYVC Expires: 31/12/2008

The Body Shop
10% off any Purchase online from The Body Shop when using this Promotional Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/bodyshop.co.uk
Code: DHAD000451 End Date: 31/12/2008

Tesco Wine
£10 off your first shop from the Tesco Wine Store when you Spend Over £50
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/tesco-wine.com
Code: XX H7F6 End Date: Unknown

Borders
Save £10 on all orders over £50 from Borders
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/borders.co.uk
Code: border50 End Date: 21/12/2008

The White Company
15% Discount from The White Company on orders over £65 plus Free Delivery using this Promotion Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/thewhitecompany.com
Code: 28CXC Expires: 21/12/2008

Hewlett Packard (HP)
Save 10% off Everything from Hewlett Packard (HP) when using this Voucher Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/hpstore.hp.co.uk
Code: HPXMAS08 End Date: 17/12/2008

Ann Summers
Save 10% off at Ann Summers on all orders over £50 when using this Exclusive Voucher Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/annsummers.com
Code: AFFMVC09 End Date: 25/12/2008

Fragrance Direct
5% Off purchases over £35 at Fragrance Direct using this Promo Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/fragrancedirect.co.uk
Code: 144 End Date: 31/12/2008

Marks & Spencer
Free Delivery on Orders over £30 using this Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/marksandspencer.com
Code: FREEDELV End Date: Unknown

Uniqlo
10% off all orders at UNIQLO when using this Voucher Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/uniqlo.co.uk
Code: UNIQLOXMAS10 End Date: 31/12/2008

Hawkin Bazzar
£6 Off £30 Spend at Hawkin Bazzar with this Offer Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/hawkin.com
Code: hawkin6 End Date: 21/12/2008


Lesser Known But Reputable Stores which can help save you money this Christmas:
Prezzy Box
£5 Off a £20 Spend at PrezzyBox using this Voucher Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/prezzybox.com
Code: MVC15 End Date: 28/02/2009

Party Rama (party items)
Save 10% off Everything at Party Rama on all orders over £20 when using this Coupon Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/partyrama.co.uk
Code: W3PRCN2008 End Date: 05/01/2009

Everything But The Music (EBTM) (Fashion)
Save 20% off from Everything But The Music (EBTM) when using this Promotional Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/ebtm.com
Code: XMAS08
Getting Personal (personalised gifts & calendars)
£5 off at Getting Personal on all orders over £30 when using this Voucher Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/gettingpersonal.co.uk
Code: myvoucher530 End Date: 30/12/2008

Lingerie Express (lingerie & underwear)
10% Discount from Lingerie Express off your First Order when using this Voucher Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/lingerieexpress.co.uk
Code: awin End Date: 31/12/2008

The Gift Experience (gifts and personalised gifts)
10% off at The Gift Experience on all orders over £35 when using this Voucher Code plus Free Delivery
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/thegiftexperience.co.uk
Code: XMASGIFT End Date: 31/12/2008

A1Gifts (gifts)
10% Discount from A1Gifts when using this Promotional Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/a1gifts.co.uk
Code: xmas10 End Date: 31/12/2008

PrezziesPlus (gifts)
£5 off at Prezzies Plus on all orders over £30 when using this Voucher Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/prezziesplus.co.uk
Code: XMAS08 End Date: 31/12/2008

Eddies Essentials (homewares and christmas gifts / lights)
10% Discount from Eddies Essentials when using this Voucher Code
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/discounts/eddiesessentials.com
Code: MVC10 End Date: 15/01/2009

Renting no longer a taboo?

upad CEO predicts a potential increase of 25 percent in people choosing to rent in 2009

Renting a home in the UK will no longer be a taboo in 2009, according to James Davis, founder and CEO of online property rental website, www.upad.co.uk.

He predicts that the UK property market is heading towards the European model where it is commonplace for people to rent, as opposed to buy somewhere to live.

Davis sees various factors contributing to this trend:

• He believes that the UK will see interest rates fall still further than the 57-year low of 4 December 2008.
• Rents will also stabilise (having fallen eight percent in the past year).
• And, he thinks that house prices will continue to fall, potentially by another 15 percent.

Despite this drop, Davis predicts that house prices will still be high enough to prohibit most first time buyers from getting onto the property ladder. This will be reinforced by the uncertain employment market, making people unwilling to commit to taking out mortgages.

However, explaining that the market will actually work in favour of both tenants and landlords, Davis commented: “Falling house prices will make it a good time for landlords who have been in the market for a while. Those who have built up real equity are now in the enviable position of being able to buy stock at reduced prices. And, this time around loan to values should be far more manageable.

“And, I believe that stabilising rents will give them a much better return on investment than they have witnessed in recent years.”

As a result, Davis believes there will be a significant increase in the number of rental properties available, potentially increasing by 25 percent to over four million. He added: “By giving tenants greater choice, this will work towards renting being a norm, as opposed to a taboo.

“I predict that today's market conditions will improve the currently tarnished reputation of the buy-to-let sector and make it a viable option in the UK.”

FACT FILE:

upad (www.upad.co.uk) is a new online service that connects renters to landlords to help them find their ideal property quickly and easily. Launched in October 2008 under the banner 'reinventing renting', the company's innovative approach is aimed at filling a gap in the property rental market.

HSS Opens Two New Supercentres

Brand new HSS supercentres to open in Leeds and Bootle

Manchester. December 8th 2008. HSS Hire, the national tool and equipment hire company, is celebrating the end of 2008 with the launch of two new specialist supercentres in Leeds and Bootle.

The unveiling of the stores completes what has been a busy year for HSS, with the company having also launched supercentres in Manchester, Solihull and Beckton as well as premier centres in Glasgow, Inverness, Dublin and High Wycombe.

With either extended or 24 hour opening times, the UK-wide network of HSS supercentres and premier centres support a hub of other centres in each region, carrying an extended range of HSS equipment, including powered access, safety and protection gear, specialist welding apparatus and surveying equipment, as well as consumables and work wear retail stock.

David Downie, Branch Director, comments: “HSS continues to find improved ways of servicing both our existing and new customer base. The new stores are specifically designed to meet the needs of both groups and the supercentres at Leeds and Bootle reflect the fact that there is a strong demand for an experienced tool hire company with specialist capabilities to supply the respective regions.

“Whether we’re offering 24 hour opening, specialist equipment for hire or state-of-the-art training facilities, our customers know they can rely on us to provide them with what they need, when and where they need it”.
Further information on the new stores can be found at: www.hss.com/leeds and www.hss.com/bootle

Onthebox.Com Re-Launches To Become An All-Inclusive Entertainment Site

www.OntheBox.com, the UK TV listings portal, today announced it has re-launched, introducing a range of new and improved features, including cinema and radio listings. The site unites everything to do with entertainment; from film, TV and radio listings to reviews, previews, news features and exclusive video content, in one place. The well-established site now has the number one ranking on Google for ‘TV listing/s’ on a Google search.

Users can now search for cinema listings by film, location and cinema chain, and can access www.OntheBox.com’s massive database of information on film casts, movie stars’ biographies, film synopses and photos. Visitors can also find comprehensive UK radio listings, complete with detailed show information and alerts that slot straight into their Outlook calendars. Furthermore, www.OntheBox.com has improved its search engine functionality, allowing users to quickly find the information they want across TV, cinema and radio listings.

With these additional interactive features, www.OntheBox.com is now the UK’s most comprehensive entertainment listings site, while still remaining an easy-to-use resource for all visitors. Initially launched in 2000 and owned by Media Corporation plc, www.OntheBox.com receives 1.5 million unique users and over 5 million page views per month.

Justin Drummond, CEO, Media Corporation plc, commented: “Users are increasingly sophisticated and it is critical to keep up with Web 2.0 standards as well as editorial ones. That means offering layers of interesting, related content so that as well as our listings we have daily reviews, news and features and have introduced unique video content that covers everything, from star interviews at red carpet events, to vox pops of users’ views on current issues such as the Brand/Ross debacle. Never resting on our laurels or on the well-established brand of OntheBox.com, we are constantly striving to improve the site in order to achieve our goal, which is to be the ultimate entertainment industry resource on the net.”

The revamped TV listings interface has been simplified despite the introduction of greater functionality, such as the ability to customise layouts with just a few mouse clicks. Listings can be viewed in a list or grid format and channels can be added or removed, depending on user preferences. By following a simple registration process, users can return to their personalised settings every time they visit the site. The new interface includes recommended listings by entertainment sectors such as sport, entertainment or news channels, allowing users to quickly scan channels in their area of interest. Shows can be highlighted by genre, allowing users to quickly source specific shows on channels with varied content.

The newly appointed editorial team is driving unique and exclusive content across the site. The new feature ‘TV Highlights’ gives users daily recommendations, inside news, analyses, features, rants and reviews from the week’s television, which may be accessed from the home page. The ‘Film Highlights’ feature keeps users up to date with the latest film reviews and news. Users can also get the hottest information direct to their inbox with OntheBox.com’s weekly newsletter, allowing them to stay informed without having to proactively search for the information themselves.

OntheBox.com allows users to:
- View TV listings – for over 250 channels, including terrestrial, digital, satellite and regional channels.
- View UK cinema listings – searching listings by film, area, cinema chain
- View radio listings – for 25 of the most popular UK radio stations
- Watch TV programmes online – streaming TV
- Watch films online - streaming movies
- Listen to UK radio stations live and online
- Watch regular unique video content
- Enter and read comments next to every programme that is listed
- Write blogs with opinions on any TV programme or film
- Get daily recommendation on what to watch on TV from ‘TV Highlights’
- Find all the latest film reviews in the ‘Film Highlights’ section
- Register and sign up for the weekly newsletter delivered direct to your inbox
- Receive email or SMS alerts before a specific programme starts
- Customise the TV listings layout according to their favourite channels
- Create a list of ‘favourite’ TV listings pages that users can revisit at any time
- Search through archives of past TV listings, and blogs up to five months prior
- Search an extensive movie database with information on film casts, biographies, synopses and photos
- Read the soaps’ latest gossip in the ‘SoapBox’

About OntheBox.com
OntheBox.com is the UK’s most comprehensive and interactive entertainment portal providing a one-stop-shop for anything to do with TV, film and radio past, present and future. Owned by Media Corporation plc, OntheBox.com was established in 2000 and now has the number one ranking on search engines for UK TV listings.

OntheBox.com receives 1.5 million unique users and over 5 million page views per month. The site has a 50% retention rate, which indicates a high level of relevance and usefulness.

Advertisers on OntheBox.com benefit from a large and diverse audience and extensive capability for running rich media adverts, such as MPUs, which achieve a high average click-through rate. Site sponsorship packages are available alongside specific programme or genre-targeted advertising.

For more information, please visit www.onthebox.com.

Lottery Hat-Trick In 12 Film British Line-Up At Sundance

New films from Dominic Murphy, Alexis Dos Santos and Armando Iannucci to receive their world premieres at top indie festival

Three new British films backed by the Lottery through the UK Film Council have been selected to screen at the Sundance Film Festival (15-25 January 2009), the leading showcase in the US for independent films.

The three films co-funded by the UK Film Council’s New Cinema Fund, selected by Sundance from a record number of films submitted from around the world are:

• Armando Iannucci’s In the Loop – screening in the Premiere section;
• Alexis Dos Santos’ Unmade Beds – screening in World Cinema Dramatic Competition; and
• Dominic Murphy’s White Lightnin’ – screening in Park City at Midnight.

The New Cinema Fund supports emerging talent and established filmmakers working outside the mainstream and co-funded three of the five Lottery films at Sundance last year including the award-winning Man on Wire.

In the Loop is a razor sharp political comedy directed by Armando Iannucci and co-written with Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Tony Roche and Ian Martin, the writing team behind the BAFTA award-winning BBC hit, The Thick of It. A fast-paced satirical story about Britain and America's special relationship in the lead-up to a war no one seems to be able to stop with a cast that includes Tom Hollander (Elizabeth: The Golden Age), James Gandolfini (The Sopranos), Chris Addison and Peter Capaldi (The Thick of It), Gina McKee (Atonement) and Steve Coogan (A Cock and Bull Story).

In the Loop is produced by Kevin Loader and Adam Tandy and is a BBC Films and UK Film Council production in association with Aramid Entertainment. Protagonist Pictures will handle worldwide sales and Optimum Releasing has UK theatrical rights. In the Loop was also supported by the UK Film Council’s Development Fund.

Unmade Beds is the second feature from acclaimed writer/director Alexis Dos Santos (Glue). Dos Santos brings his Latin American New Wave sensibility to a cosmopolitan East London setting to tell the poignant but funny stories of two men from Spain who find each other in London’s East End underground arts scene. The features a cast of exciting young international talent including Déborah François, star of the Palme d’Or winner L’Enfant, and Fernando Tielve, star of The Devil’s Backbone, Michiel Huisman (Black Book, The Young Victoria), Iddo Goldberg (Secret Diary of a Call Girl) and Richard Lintern (Syriana), and cutting edge music by UK-based independent bands. Unmade Beds is produced by Soledad Gatti-Pascual and Peter Ettedgui and co-financed with Film4 and EM Media.

White Lightnin' is the feature film debut from multi award-winning British commercials director Dominic Murphy and tells the story of mountain dancer Jesco White played by rising star Ed Hogg and his uphill battle against poverty, drug abuse, petty crime and mental instability in his struggle to live up to his father’s legacy as the finest mountain dancer on his home turf and beyond. The film is written by Shane Smith and Eddy Moretti and produced by Sam Taylor and Mike Downey and will be distributed in the UK by Momentum Pictures. Lumina Films is handling international sales.

Lenny Crooks, Head of the New Cinema Fund says, “For the second year running Sundance has recognised the enormous creativity at the heart of the new wave of British filmmaking. We’re especially pleased to have supported the creative teams behind the three New Cinema Fund backed films. Sundance is the key entry point into the US for independent films and can boost international sales potential. A strong slate of British films sends out a very powerful message.”

In announcing his selection, Geoff Gilmore, Sundance Festival Director, said, "This year's films are not narrowly defined. Instead we have a blurring of genres, a crossing of boundaries: geographic, generational, socio-economic and the like. The result is both an exhilarating and emotive festival in which traditional mythologies are suspended, discoveries are made, and creative storytelling is embraced. This is a festival about which people in the future will say, ‘Wow, that was a year a lot of new talent came out of it’.”

Other British films that have also been selected to screen at Sundance are:

World Cinema Dramatic Competition
• Bronson, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and written by Brock Norman Brock – traces the transformation of Mickey Peterson into Britain's most notorious, dangerous, and charismatic prisoner, Charles Bronson. Cast: Tom Hardy. North American Premiere
• An Education, directed by Lone Scherfig and written by Nick Hornby - in the early 60s, a sharp 16-year-old with sights set on Oxford meets a handsome older man whose sophistication enraptures and sidetracks both her and her parents. Starring: Peter Sarsgaard, Carey Mulligan, Alfred Molina, Emma Thompson. World Premiere
• Five Minutes of Heaven, directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel and written by Guy Hibbert - Two men from the same town but from different sides of the Irish political divide discover that the past is never dead - in fact it isn't even past. World Premiere
• Unmade Beds, written and directed by Alexis Dos Santos. Details above

Premieres
• Endgame, directed by Pete Travis and written by Paula Milne - A political thriller in which a businessman initiates covert discussions between the African National Congress and white intellectuals to try and find a peaceful solution to the Apartheid regime. Starring: William Hurt, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jonny Lee Miller, Mark Strong. World Premiere
• In the Loop, directed by Armando Ianucci and written by Jesse Armstrong and Simon Blackwell. World Premiere. Details above
• Moon, directed by Duncan Jones and written by Nathan Parker - before returning to Earth after three years on the moon, things go horribly wrong for astronaut Sam Bell. Starring: Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey. World Premiere

Park City at Midnight
• White Lightnin’, directed by Dominic Murphy and written by Shane Smith and Eddy Moretti. World Premiere. Details above

World Cinema Documentary Competition
• Afghan Star (Afghanistan/UK), directed by Havana Marking – after 30 years of war and Taliban rule, Pop Idol has come to Afghanistan: the dramatic stories of four contestants as they risk their lives to sing. North American Premiere.
• Rough Aunties, directed by Kim Longinotto – fearless, feisty and unwavering, the 'Rough Aunties' protect and care for the abused, neglected and forgotten children of Durban, South Africa. North American Premiere
• The End of the Line, directed by Rupert Murray – based on the Charles Clover book about the devastating effect of overfishing. World Premiere
• Thriller in Manila, directed by John Dower – chronicles the most intense and bitter sporting rivalry ever: the 1975 final match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. North American Première

In addition, British director David Mackenzie’s Spread, a US film set in Los Angeles starring Ashton Kutcher and Anne Heche, is also being premiered at the festival.

Information on all awards made is available on the UK Film Council’s website, www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/information/awards.

FACT FILE:
The UK Film Council is the lead agency for film in the UK ensuring that the economic, cultural and educational aspects of film are effectively represented at home and abroad. We invest Government grant-in-aid and Lottery money in film development and production; training; international development and export promotion; distribution and exhibition; and education. Our aim is to deliver lasting benefits to the industry and the public through:
creativity - encouraging the development of new talent, skills, and creative and technological innovation in UK film and assisting new and established film-makers to produce successful and distinctive British films;
enterprise - supporting the creation and growth of sustainable businesses in the film sector, providing access to finance and helping the UK film industry compete successfully in the domestic and global marketplace;
imagination - promoting education and an appreciation and enjoyment of cinema by giving UK audiences access to the widest range of UK and international cinema, and by supporting film culture and heritage.

Sundance Film Festival
The Sundance Film Festival is the premier showcase for U.S. and international independent film, held each January in and around Park City, Utah. Presenting approximately 120 dramatic and documentary feature-length films in seven distinct categories and between 60 and 80 short films each year, the Sundance Film Festival has introduced American audiences to some of the most ground-breaking films of the past two decades, including sex lies and videotape, Maria Full of Grace, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, An Inconvenient Truth, Trouble the Water and Central Station. www.sundance.org/festival

Sundance Institute
Founded by Robert Redford in 1981, Sundance Institute is a not-for-profit organization that fosters the development of original storytelling in film and theatre, and presents the annual Sundance Film Festival. Internationally recognized for its artistic development programs for directors, screenwriters, producers, film composers, playwrights and theatre artists, Sundance Institute has nurtured such projects as Angelsin America, Spring Awakening, Boys Don't Cry and Born into Brothels. www.sundance.org

Electricity 4 Business is in Administration

The following is an official statement:

Stuart David Maddison, Edward Mark Shires and Colin M Haig have been appointed as joint administrators of Electricity 4 Business Limited to manage its affairs, business and property as its agents. Stuart David Maddison, Edward Mark Shires and Colin M Haig are licensed to act as insolvency practitioners by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

If you have any immediate questions for the administrators please write to PriceWaterhouse Coopers at the following address:

Electricity4Business Limited (in Administration)
C/o PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP
Benson House
33 Wellington Street
Leeds
L51 4JP

RICS Commercial Property Forecast: Capital Values Set To Fall Further Than The 1970s And Early 1990s

Over the next two years commercial property capital values could fall by a further 25 percent taking the peak to trough declines to at least 50 percent - thanks to by a sharp drop in rents, says RICS’ commercial property forecast published today (8 December 2008).

RICS expects the commercial property market to see at least 16% declines in capital values in 2009 and a further drop of up to 10 percent in 2010. Since the onset of the credit crunch in June 2007, capital values have already fallen 25 percent and with more falls to come, the cumulative downturn in prices will exceed the downturns experienced in both the 1970s and 1990s. Rising defaults and credit spreads will constrain a near term recovery in financing, preventing any recovery in the investment market over the next couple of years. Low interest rates, recovering global growth and improving valuations relative to other asset classes should see the downturn gradually begin to reverse on 2011.

The biggest declines are likely in the office sector with capital values expected to drop a further 30 – 35 percent bringing peak to trough declines in excess of 60%. Employment in banking, finance and insurance has accounted for the lion’s share of job creation since the millennium although has moved into decline over the past year. An acceleration in this trend is set to weigh on demand for office space, undermining rents.

The retail market is also likely to suffer a similar fate and see capital values drop by a further 25 - 30 percent as consumers tighten their belts. The retail warehouse market is feeling the impact of the downturn and a further slowing of big ticket purchases is expected as transactions in the housing market remain subdued. Capital values declines in the industrial sector are expected to be less pronounced, falling a further 15-20% percent over the next three years, helped somewhat by a weakening pound and slow recovery in the global economy towards 2011.

Price declines will be exaggerated by falling rents and an increase in distressed selling as refinancing pressures bite. RICS expects rents to fall by ten percent in 2009, four percent in 2010 and three percent in 2011. The office sector is expected to be hit hardest with a 16 percent decline in rents in 2009, 11 percent in 2010 and six percent in 2011. With consumer confidence at its worst level for over a decade and consumer spending already falling, retail rents will also suffer. RICS expects rents in the retail sector to fall by seven percent in 2009, six percent in 2010 before stabilising by 2011. Rents in the industrial sector will be marginally flatter than elsewhere but even so rents are expected to fall by six percent in 2009, five percent in 2010 before beginning to edge upward by 2011.

Commenting, RICS senior economist Oliver Gilmartin said: “We are only half way through the price correction in the commercial property market with values set to fall through 2009 and 2010 as rental declines gather pace. Transaction activity is set to rise, however as more sellers become willing to accept lower bid prices.

“On a positive note, the rapid re-pricing across the market has pushed UK yields to among the highest in the developed world with a very wide gap emerging compared to finance costs. For unleveraged investors (like pension funds), high yields provide good long term value especially for prime properties.

“Stimulus plans by central banks worldwide and accelerated fiscal packages, might see a return to higher inflation once the worst of the current slowdown has passed, with property tending to act as a good hedge.”

Credit Crunch Christmas Solution

Having shopping withdrawals due to the credit crunch? Want to enjoy a spot of guilt-free Christmas shopping? Before you cancel Christmas, check out the company that takes the punch out of the credit crunch…

www.GrabitNow.com is a brand new website for shoppers of all ages and has already captured a fanatical following, with one new deal every 24 hours.

The idea is simple: At midnight, one highly discounted gadget, gift or houseware item is offered on the website for one day only. With limited stock availability, bargain shoppers must grab the product before the deal is snapped up by others.

It’s Top of the Shops in the bargain stakes and with the added twist of daily limited stocks, it gets your heart rate going as well. The GrabitNow daily deals always knock the socks off of the original retail prices and the postage and packaging is completely free which is another breath of fresh air for bargain internet shoppers.

Www.GrabitNow.com sells anything from flying remote control bats to high-tech satellite navigation systems. As long as the product is fun, affordable and above board, www.GrabitNow.com will sell it. Deals to suit everyone is the name of the game, so there is always an exciting offer waiting for you from the www.GrabitNow.com warehouse – and if today’s deal doesn’t grab you, then tomorrow’s probably will!

So, if you’re looking for a daily perk or a spot of Christmas shopping to accompany your morning brew then GrabitNow.com is your answer. Log on to www.grabitnow.com for today’s bargain busting, credit crunch punching deal of the day.

Give Bees A Chance

All we are saying is give Bees a chance this Xmas Help fight the decline in the bee population with a range of habitats and homes from www.ecotopia.co.uk.

While Albert Einstein did not say "if the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would have only four years of life left" there is a lot of truth in this comment. Here are Ecotopia we are seriously worried are the decline in the bee population and encouraging people this Christmas to consider that a bee is not just for summer, they are needed for life - Life of the ecosystem.

We are in serious trouble without our friends. Not only are they the only insects that produce food for humans in the form of honey, they pollinate more than 100 crops as well as 90 percent of all flowering plants. We couldn't begin to duplicate the work accomplished by bees - every bee makes 10 or more flights per day and each flight lasts more than one hour, visiting between 50 to 100 flowers.

So what can we do to help the bee population survive the current climate? It isn't difficult to make your yard, garden or even patio space a haven for beneficial bees. You'll be helping these important insects, as well as bringing more nature to your backdoor.

We are now doing some great deals on bee habitats to encourage customers to support these beautiful creatures. Try our wooden Bumblebee Nester at £19.99 or the ceramic nester at £16.59. These nesters are ideal to attract bees to your garden. Check out our other bee homes like the solitary beehive at £19.53, the insect theatre at
£29.31 or pollinating bee log at £14.67.

And don't forget we have a whole host of Burt's Bees' Product for Bee lovers!

Www.Ecotopia.co.uk is your ethical online retailer for everyday products, ethical gifts, eco-friendly gadgets, fair trade and natural groceries. Established in 2002 with assistance from the Prince's Trust, Ecotopia assists people in leading a more natural and lower impact lifestyle. For the largest choice of eco friendly products, www.ecotopia.co.uk has to be the one stop website for all your eco friendly products. With so many different ecologically sound products to complete your every need around the home, garden or even self-pampering, they can help you decide on how well you want to conserve your planet and lower your level of pollution.

For those of you, who have an interest in gadgetry; why not browse the lists of eco gadgets, from our solar powered Glow Bricks and shavers to their hydrogen fuel cell racing cars and education sets. They include a wide variety of water powered and wind up gadgets to compliment our exciting range of eco gadgets.

Banks Must Be Forced To Lend And Stamp Duty Must Be Dumped To Rescue Property Market

Aaron Turner, CEO of leading property search website, www.look4aproperty.com, explains what he thinks is going to happen following yesterday’s rate cut - and what the Government needs to do to set things right:

A two per base rate is fine - but the Government needs to go the extra mile to have any hope of kick-starting the struggling economy and the UK housing market.

Firstly, people need to start spending. This rate cut is not going to make that happen. I detect a change of mindset in the past six months. People are terrified about losing their jobs. Any money consumers can claw back through rate cuts is going to be saved for a rainy day – and many of us are expecting a downpour in 2009.

People are still not going to start spending because they are worried about losing their jobs – FACT. If you are scared of losing your job you are not going to go on a spending spree.

More than 10,000 jobs were lost in the UK this week alone. Even government agencies like HMRC are making redundancies. If people get bonuses this year they will be hoarding them away, not spending them and until the job losses slow or stop I can’t see that people will want to spend their money.

The Government needs to stop pussyfooting around. All these measures are at arm’s length and policies need to be more direct. The only way to kick start the housing market is to scrap stamp duty for one year, and to get the banks to start lending.

The Government needs to force the banks to start lending – otherwise what is the point in having bailed them out with taxpayers’ money? The Government now holds a controlling share in a number of high street banks now. So why is it appointing itself to non-executive roles. My advice - get on the board and start making things happen!

The Next Steps – What Gordon Brown and his Chancellor have to do:

• Kill Stamp Duty for at least a year immediately – the housing market will come back to life overnight
• Make things happen with the banks – no more token gestures – start lending to the consumer, small businesses and to each other
• Job security is the overriding need amongst consumers so redeploy people in Government Agencies rather than make them Redundant as this is contributing to the problem even more – people think if even the Government are laying off then things must be really bad.

Until confidence returns, the economy will keep sliding – the Government needs to address the fundamentals rather than just tinker.

Housebuilder Doubles Its Loyalty Reward

The exceptional response Rippon Homes has received from its recommend a friend loyalty scheme has resulted in the housebuilder doubling the prize reward to a massive £1000.

The Mansfield-based company introduced the scheme earlier this year whereby existing customers were rewarded with a cash prize for every person they recommended who went on to secure a property. The prize was initially £500 but the response has been so successful that the company has doubled the bonus to £1000.

Tracey Nicholls, Sales Manager for Rippon Homes says “Rippon Homes has a highly regarded reputation in the local area and that is why our recommend a friend scheme has proved so successful- because all our customers would recommend us!

“As a gesture to our customers to show how much we appreciate their loyalty, we’ve increased the reward from £500 to £1000- now imagine what you could do with that?”

The £1000 loyalty bonus is payable as a reward to existing customers who introduce either a friend or family member who buys one of Rippon Homes’ properties or buyers can even claim the £1000 reward if they buy a second or third home.

Tracey concludes “So if you’re a Rippon Home owner and have been impressed with the quality of your new home and the service we’ve provided, why not recommend us to one of your friends and get £1000 for the pleasure?”

The recommend a friend scheme is currently available at the Woodfields development which is situated on Newark Road in North Hykeham.

This sizable development consists of mostly four bedroom semi-detached and detached properties as well as a number of five bedroom houses. Prices start from £202,950.

The £1000 reward will be paid upon legal completion.

For more information please call the sales hotline on 0800 169 7644 or visit the website at www.ripponhomes.co.uk

Pukka Herbs offer Introduction to Ayurveda course

Following a successful pilot over the past year, Pukka Herbs, the organic herbal expert dedicated to helping people lead a healthy, balanced life, has launched a unique distance learning course. The Introduction to Ayurveda course was specially developed and written by Pukka’s herbal director, Sebastian Pole, and is based on his lifetime’s experience of ancient Indian Ayurvedic principles and practice.

Sebastian Pole said: “The trend towards alternative healthcare continues apace and with more people turning to yoga, many are going one step further and looking at philosophies around treating the whole body. As a result, Ayurveda - the ‘science of living wisely’ – has become a natural destination.

“We piloted this distance learning scheme last year and were amazed by the uptake and the eagerness of the first cohort of students. Thanks to this great response we have decided to make the course widely available, with the aim of training up to 500 people a year.”

The 100 hour course, made up of 14 modules, can be started and completed at the individual’s own pace. The broad syllabus gives a deep insight into Ayurveda’s approach to preventing disease, common health problems, their causes and treatments. It details Ayurveda’s most useful herbs and formulas and explains how they can be most effectively harnessed.

“The course will be of interest to practitioners as well as individuals seeking a frame of reference for how to live a balanced life using food, exercise, massage and relaxation techniques”, concluded Sebastian Pole.

One of the first people to complete the pilot course was Jenni Malsingh, an 18 year old student who lives near Bristol. Jenni has a lifelong interest in all things Indian, borne out of her grandfather’s Indian roots. She said: “I taught myself yoga and really enjoy it and I have always been very conscious of health issues and the importance of eating well. Given this, and my passion for India, the Introduction to Ayurveda course was perfect for me.

“The course has helped me health-wise and it has also confirmed that I would like to pursue a career which involves working in India or with Indian healthcare. As the next step, I’m planning a two month trip around India, to further my knowledge.”

Further information about the distance learning course is available online at www.pukkaherbs.com or by emailing learn@pukkaherbs.com.

Get Christmas in a box! With FoodloversoverBritain.com!

FoodLoversBritain.com, the definitive online gourmet guide to Britain, is so packed with carefully selected treats for food lovers that it’ll have Santa taking notes.

Taking the chore out of your Christmas feast, the FoodLovers Turkey Box stars the Rolls Royce of turkeys, a free-range KellyBronze, complete with all of the trimmings from the royally appointed Musk’s. This epicurean hamper has everything needed to takethe strain out of your party preparations, including award-winning, handmade Newmarket Chipolatas; luxury, ready-mixed Christmas sausagemeat and chestnut stuffing; oak-smoked streaky bacon to keep the breast moist; and a FoodLovers countdown to the meal guide and recipe sheet. Prices start at £78 including delivery to your door on 23 December.

The FoodLovers Christmas Cheese Box is a balanced collection of delectable British artisan cheeses, specially chosen by FoodLoversBritain.com founder Henrietta Green for the cheeseworks.co.uk. The selection showcases a heart-shaped Godminster vintage cheddar, organicallyproduced in Somerset and aged for 12 months; St Eadburgha, a bloomy-rinded soft cheese witha deep and rich creaminess from Worcestershire; Dorstone, a medium mature goat’s milk cheesemade in Herefordshire and a classic Christmas mini Stilton by Hartington Cheese Company. The cheeses are complemented by Halen Mon Sea Salt and cracked black pepper oatmeal biscuits from Shropshire Fine Herbs; and a jar of homemade quince paste from Plantation Cottage in Worcestershire. Visitors to FoodLoversBritain.com will receive an exclusive 10% discount to purchase this selection for just £45.85, plus delivery*.

Having scoured the land for the tastiest seasonal presents, Henrietta opens her Big Green Christmas Book. Here you will find a range of inspired FoodLovers Approved gifts, like artisan bread with initials of your choice baked into the crust; tea blended to match the personality of a loved one; edible fruit bouquets and gingerbread houses; and adopting anything from a pig to a grapevine to an endangered heritage vegetable.

Its pages also contain cookery courses; FoodLovers Approved restaurants and hotels for Yuletide escapes; seasonal markets running up to and over the festive period; a top ten of Christmas cookery books; and a collection of fabulous recipes, tips and timings to ensure that all of your festive feasting goes without a hitch. It even includes treat suggestions for the pooch in your life from George, Henrietta’s faithful Lucas terrier.

FoodLoversBritain.com – bringing the best of British Christmas food to your fingertips.

www.FoodLoversBritain.com

Take time to consider a unique gift this Christmas

The unique concept of The Clock and Barometer Store in Ongar, Essex sees both showrooms and workshops on site. Visitors have the opportunity to browse a superb display of new and antique fine clocks and weather instruments made by Comitti of London and other top European makers. The workshops give an insight into the company’s 150-year heritage in the art and craft of making fine clocks and barometers in the UK.

Comitti of London have been makers of the finest quality clocks and barometers since 1850. Many of the early styles are recognised as English classics and have now become sought after antiques in their own right.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, instrument makers in England lead the world in terms of craftsmanship and technical innovation. Today Comitti’s aspiration is to create products that are appreciated for their outstanding functionality and superb craftsmanship, products that will become treasured family heirlooms that will always hold their intrinsic value.

The company’s founder, Onorato Comitti, was a skilled Italian instrument maker who came to England in 1845 seeking a new feature in a land of prosperity post the Industrial Revolution. Comitti established his workshops in London as a maker of barometers and related instruments and, in a very short time, his beautiful products were gracing the homes of discerning customers. It was during the late Victorian period that the company diversified into clock making.

The workshops and showroom in Essex mark the recent relocation of the business from London, and a step back in time to the way they used to sell – direct to the consumer. Today Comitti is still a family business, run by the grandsons of George Barker, who married Louisa Comitti and joined the business in the 1890s. The Managing Director, Simon Barker, believes that the longevity of the business and its continued success is a tribute to the policy of carefully blending age-old craft skills with the most up to date technology, and the family nature of the company.

Comitti clocks are also available through a selection of authorised dealers (details available on the website).

Time is probably the most important abstract element in our lives and the measurement of time as an art and a science is deeply rooted in our culture. For these reasons, the passing of time has a unique significance and a product from Comitti is a perfect addition to any home.

No time to waste!
Don’t miss fantastic discounts in store and online, throughout January.

The Clock and Barometer Store
Four Wantz Corner, Ongar, Essex CM5 0AH
Tel. 01277 367670
Opening hours: 09.00 – 17.00 Monday – Friday; 10.00 – 16.00 Saturday
www.clockandbarometerstore.com

Buon Natale with Galbani Dolcelatte®!

Galbani is spreading some Christmas cheer with a new, fun festive pack for its hugely popular cheese Dolcelatte® Classico.

Galbani Dolcelatte® Classico is a mild, creamy Italian cheese, which was introduced over 40 years ago and is one of the very few blue cheeses suitable for vegetarians. Due to its mild flavour, this product is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic recipe ingredient- perfect for the Christmas cheese board, for extra flavour in potato gratin, as a delicious starter with fig and walnuts or added to broccoli soup for a savoury winter warmer.

Literally translated, Dolcelatte means ‘sweet milk’ and is named after its sweet, mild and delicate flavour making it perfect for those who fancy a change from their usual blue cheese or find the taste of blue cheese too strong.

Share Some Feelgoodness This Christmas!

Celebrate this Christmas with the gorgeous range of Feel Good Gently Sparkling 750ml Juice Drinks. Whether enjoying a formal dinner party or a cosy get together with friends, these refreshing soft drinks are perfect for the party season!

Brand new for 2008 is the Feel Good Gently Sparkling White Grape & Peach Juice Drink. Reminiscent of champagne, with a mouth-watering mix of white grape, peach and apricot juice, this drink is packed full of natural fruity goodness, loads of lovely vitamin C, and absolutely no added sugar or artificial nasties.

Packaged in a premium 750ml embossed glass bottle, Feel Good Gently Sparkling Juice Drinks are also available in a tantalising choice of flavours including Raspberry & Passionfruit, Cranberry & Lime, Orange & Passionfruit and Cloudy Lemon.

Feel Good Gently Sparkling White Grape & Peach will be available exclusively in Sainsburys from November. The rest of the range can be found in Tesco, Asda, Waitrose, Ocado, Co-op, Morrisons, Budgens, Wilkinsons, Booths and other stores at an RRP of £1.99.

Feel Good Cloudy Lemon, Orange & Passionfruit and Cranberry & Lime Gently Sparkling Juice Drinks are also available in a 375ml glass bottle.

Founded by three friends who had all worked together at Coca Cola; Dave Wallwork, Chris Wright and Steve Cooper created the company with the simple aim of making gorgeous tasting, healthy soft drinks and to have fun while doing it. Feel Good Drinks are made with natural fruity goodness and absolutely no added sugar or artificial ‘nasties’. There are 4 gorgeous ranges available; Feel Good Still Juice Drinks, Feel Good Gently Sparkling Juice Drinks, Feel Good 100% Juice, and the new Feel Good Kids.

Feel Good by name and Feel Good by nature, the company’s ambition is to spread ‘feelgoodness’ throughout everything it does. Whether that’s developing a brand new range of drinks packed full of good stuff, making drinkers smile with their marketing activity, or giving each team member 5 extra ‘feelgoodness’ days off each year to help out a charity that means something to them, Feel Good aims to make people smile!

And all the hard work is paying off. Since launching in 2002, The Feel Good Drinks Company has grown very fast, delivering a turnover of £8m in 2007. Feel Good Drinks are stocked in 20,000 outlets in the UK including all the major multiples, high street chains, independents, food service and forecourts. Globally, Feel Good Drinks can be found in no less than 12 countries including USA, Hong Kong, Finland, France, Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Greece, Norway, Ireland and Saudi Arabia – and this number is growing all the time!

Enjoy some feelgoodness for yourself! Watch our TV ads and check out our bloomin’ big bottle as it races around the London Marathon at www.youtube.com/feelgooddrinks or flick through some feelgoodness photos www.flickr.com/photos/feel-good-drinks

Original Children’s Music for your own Little Poochki or parrot

What do Jon Snow, Dodgy and Will Young have in common? Answer: www.silverballoon.com and a huge dollop of creativity and fun!

Fed up with the traditional and repetitive selection of nursery rhyme music available on the market, parents of Ethan (now 6) Kerry and Neil Blackburn decided to make their own children’s music and founded www.silverballoon.com. The resulting ‘My Silver Balloon 1’ and ‘My Silver Balloon 2’ make perfect gifts from newborn to age seven.

By bringing together Channel 4’s Jon Snow, Mathew Priest of '90s pop band Dodgy, Will Young’s songwriter Patrick Byrne and vocalist Beccy Byrne, www.silverballoon.com has restored sanity to 1000s of households across the UK with its sensationally creative, fun and interactive CDs ‘My Silver Balloon 1’ and ‘My Silver Balloon 2’ which feature your child’s name in music - and thank goodness there’s not a Twinkle Twinkle or Okey Cokey in sight!

Your child’s name is sung throughout each ‘My Silver Balloon’ song and the gentle tones of Jon Snow rounds off the CDs by narrating an exciting adventure of Poochki bear and his silver balloon. Your child’s face will light up when recognising their name sung by colourful characters such as Doogie the Barn Dancing Dog, and Felix the Fitness Flea. And they might even learn to count with Sergeant Sum!

With respected lyricists, musicians and vocalists who have performed with popular favourites Robbie Williams, Catatonia and Dodgy – the music has been carefully crafted to be educational, interactive, funky and fun to appeal to children. And even parents won’t mind being caught out humming along to the Jungle Rumble!

Silver Balloon has sold over 300,000 of its CDs to-date. No mean feat considering it relies entirely on online transactions and direct sales gained mostly through word of mouth from the cognoscenti in this field - that is the parents who buy and the children who jig and sway away to ‘their’ very own music.

Where can I buy?

Click onto www.silverballoon.com and listen to a sample of music from each CD. Click onto your child’s name and select the CD you would like to buy. ‘My Silver Balloon 1’ and ‘My Silver Balloon 2’ cost £14.00 each plus P&P. For mail order call 0845 2262326.

(EDITOR: Do you have a friend who is teaching a parrot to talk? It has been discovered that as well as being ideal for baby humans, they are also ideal for baby -ad older- parrots, but especially the more intelligent species, such as African Greys. So, if you haven't actually got a child to buy one for, check out the name of a friend's parrot and have one especially made for the parrot. And seeing the look of wonder and amazement on a parrot's face when the song mentions him or her by name is an amazing experience. So do try to be there when they hear it for the first time!)

New scheme for homeowners in trouble

The Government today announced a new scheme to help people who suffer a temporary loss of income stay in their home.

The new Homeowner Mortgage Support Scheme will enable households that experience a significant and temporary loss of income as a result of the economic downturn to defer a proportion of the interest payments on their mortgage for up to two years. The Government will guarantee the deferred interests payments in return for banks' pariticipation in the scheme.

The Government will work with lenders over the coming days to develop the scheme in detail, with a view to it being available to customers early in the New Year. The country's eight largest banks have already pledged that they will work with the Government to develop the scheme.

The Chancellor said:"This is real help for homeowners at risk of repossession through no fault of their own. The scheme will give people who face a temporary fall in their income the confidence that they need to rearrange their finances so they can come through a difficult period without losing their home."

Housing Minister Margaret Beckett said:"We are determined to do everything possible to ensure that hard working households have the option to stay in their homes, if they suffer a loss of income during the downturn. This scheme will give households the breathing space to get back on their feet again and help ensure they do not face or fear repossession. It shares the risk of home ownership at this difficult time across all the partners - the Government, the lenders and the borrowers. We want to see all lenders signing up to this scheme as part of their efforts to ensure that repossession is always an absolute last resort."

Christmas can be lonely for the hard of hearing

Partying with friends and family, Christmas dinner and weeks of great television… just some of the things most of us are looking forward to this festive season.

But for the nine million people in Britain who suffer with hearing loss, Christmas is not everything it’s supposed up to be. In fact it can be one of the most isolating and distressing times of the year.

High street hearing expert The Hearing Company warns it is precisely the busy social gatherings that Christmas brings which can prove so stressful for the hard of hearing.

Stuart Spencer, professional services and training manager for The Hearing Company, explains: “When you’re gathered around the dining table and everyone is having different conversations it’s difficult for someone with hearing loss to pick out individual conversations from background noise.

“Often that person will choose to shy away from conversations for fear of looking foolish, which can be very isolating when everyone else around you is having so much fun.”

Many hearing loss sufferers are embarrassed by what they perceive to be a disability and are often reluctant to do anything about it. But there are ways to minimise the negative effects and simple steps people can take to protect their hearing from damage in the first place.

FACT FILE:
The Hearing Company has been providing high street hearing care services for 50 years and can be found in more than 500 UK stores. Visit www.thehearingcompany.co.uk.

Legal Services Board issues open letter to regulators

The Chief Executive (Designate) of the Legal Services Board Chris Kenny has today sent an open letter to each of the Approved Regulators designated under the Legal Services Act 2007.

The letter deals with the issue of appointments to independent regulatory boards and it follows recent public comment from the Board's chairman, David Edmonds, and from the Approved Regulators themselves.

The Legal Services Act 2007 provides for the creation of the Legal Services Board as the oversight regulator for legal services in England and Wales. Additional background is available on the Ministry of Justice website at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/whatwedo/legalservicesreform.htm

The Chairman of the Board was appointment by the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Jack Straw, on 23 April 2008 and took up post on 1 May 2008. The first nine members of the Board have been appointed and took up their posts on 1 September 2008. Chris Kenny was appointed as the first Chief Executive of the Board on 2 October 2008, and will take up the post formally on 1 January 2009.

3. A copy of the open letter on appointments is available on the Ministry of Justice website at http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/newsrelease021208a.htm

HSE warning follows several incidents involving Asbestos in North Wales

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in North Wales is warning those people who are commissioning refurbishment work to ensure there is no asbestos present before works starts.

HSE inspectors have investigated a number of incidents in recent months where contractors have disturbed asbestos while carrying out refurbishment work. Site owners have a legal obligation to identify the location of asbestos before work starts, and to arrange for its removal by properly licensed companies if the work runs the risk of disturbing the asbestos.

Wrexham-based HSE construction inspector Debbie John said:"Site owners need to understand the dangers that asbestos poses to the long-term health of those who are repeatedly exposed to it. They have a legal obligation to have a survey carried out by a competent surveyor on properties before any work starts and then provide the results of that survey to companies carrying out the work.

"HSE is running a campaign called 'Asbestos - the Hidden Killer' which highlights how the dangers of asbestos are relevant to tradesmen. Fortunately, in many investigated cases, work is brought to an immediate standstill as soon as asbestos is discovered, but site owners need to be aware that they are responsible for identifying this material before work starts.

"Exposure to asbestos is the biggest single cause of work-related deaths in Great Britain, with around 4,000 people a year dying from asbestos-related disease. Commonly, symptoms do not appear for 20 years or more after the work with asbestos was carried out."

In Wales, 933 men died from mesothelioma caused by asbestos, between 1981 and 2005 - the latest year for which figures are available.

Research shows that many workers - particularly tradesmen - do not think that they are at risk of exposure to asbestos and the diseases it can cause. Because asbestos was banned many years ago, they think the problem has been managed which negates its relevance. The reality is very different.

Even today, asbestos presents a real and relevant risk to plumbers, joiners, electricians and many other maintenance workers.

Asbestos may be present in buildings constructed or refurbished before the year 2000. It is estimated that about 500,000 non-domestic buildings could contain asbestos. During repair and maintenance work, asbestos fibres are likely to be inhaled as a deadly dust if they are disturbed.

If asbestos-containing material is in good condition where it cannot be disturbed or damaged, it's safer to leave it where it is and to manage the risks.

Those responsible for managing building maintenance and repair of non-domestic buildings have a duty to tell tradesmen about the presence of asbestos in their place of work. Depending on the type of asbestos-containing material, and providing they have been trained and the proper controls are in place, they could work on the project. Asbestos sprayed coatings, board or lagging on pipes and boilers should only be tackled by licensed workers.

Posters and radio adverts will encourage tradesmen to get a free asbestos information pack by calling 0845 345 0055 or by visiting http://www.hse.gov.uk/hiddenkiller for further information. The free information pack provides information on the dangers of asbestos, highlighting where asbestos-containing materials may be present in buildings, what they look like, how they should be dealt with and where to find training.

Fair rules for strong communities?

The Prime Minister sets out the Government's 'fair rules' agenda today, outlining a wide range of policy initiatives designed to support strong communities.

Published on the eve of the Queen's speech the 'Fair Rules for Strong Communities' strategy sets out a comprehensive series of reforms covering welfare reform, crime and policing, children and young people, business rules, immigration and communities, which are designed to bring people together and steer the country through the global economic downturn.

Building on the action taken to deliver real economic help to families and businesses, the strategy sets out over fifty measures to strengthen the rules that tie communities together, strengthen enforcement, and provide for clearer consequences for rule-breakers. This includes a new 'one strike rule' for benefits cheats under which they could lose their benefits for up to four weeks.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said:"We believe in providing real help for families and business now, when they need it. But it also means taking action to ensure our communities are strong. Stronger communities, quite simply, will help our country come through these times faster and stronger.

"So as government takes action, we expect people to play their part in return, with clear consequences for those who do not. In a fair society that is what people would expect.

"In Britain, we have always believed there can never be one rule for some, and another rule for others. Rules must apply to individuals, communities and businesses alike."

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said: "People want to see fair rules that apply to everyone, and have a fair say in their communities. This is particularly true in tough economic times. We are - and will continue - to support people who really need our help. But, no-one should be in any doubt if you intend to take more out of the system then you put in, you won't get away with it. Rights matched by responsibilities: that's the fair way."

Major steps being taken by Government to promote and maintain fair rules in key areas include:

Welfare reform...
* a new 'one strike' rule for benefit cheats. Government will reinforce the existing two strike rule with a penalty for first time benefit fraud offenders under which they can expect to lose their benefits for four weeks;
* a tiered system for those claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA). Claimants who have been on JSA for several months will have to accept any suitable employment that is offered to them. After six months they will be allocated a personal adviser and have to agree to a demanding programme to improve their employability;
* a requirement that from October 2010 lone parents with a youngest child aged seven or over will no longer be entitled to Income Support solely on the grounds of being a lone parent, instead those able to work may claim JSA; and,
* piloting Voice Risk Analysis technology to help assess whether a benefit claimant is providing misleading information.

Crime and policing...
* a tougher community payback scheme. Offenders will wear a uniform and undertake hard community work for several hours a day, with communities themselves directly identifying local projects;
* a new Victims' Commissioner to give victims and witnesses a stronger voice in the justice system, protecting their interests and ensuring fair treatment;
* steps to support people who do the right thing, including a £5m Community Crime Fighters programme to train 3,600 members of the public who are already active in their communities and want to do more to make them safer; and,
* ensuring that public sector workers and other authority figures are empowered and supported in upholding fair rules. We have already given new powers to teachers, for example to search pupils. Assaulting someone who is providing a public service is now an aggravating factor that may lead to a tougher sentence. We will go further.

Children and young people...
* supporting young people to play by the rules by increasing funding for out of school community facilities and activities - making sure that kids have things to do, especially on weekend nights;
* more Family Intervention Projects to provide intensive personal support to 20,000 families in severe difficulty by 2011 to help them get back on track; and,
* a joined-up Youth Crime Action Plan to deal with that small minority of young people who break the rules. This combines tough enforcement with earlier and better prevention, and non-negotiable support for those who need it most.

Businesses and town centres...
* reclassifying lap dancing clubs as 'sex encounter establishments' to allow councils to take into account a wider range of local concerns;
* considering proposals to create a new code for alcohol retailers including a mix of mandatory national conditions for all retailers, such as limits on 'all you can drink' promotions, and locally targeted conditions on 'problem retailers';
* working with local authorities to make it easier for local people to register their concerns about irresponsible and illegal alcohol sales;
* ensuring that local communities and their authorities have sufficient powers to prevent the clustering of betting shops in areas where this is a problem; and,
* a new push to ensure that credit card companies treat customers fairly in these difficult economic times.

Immigration...
* a new requirement that from April 2009, migrants contribute directly towards a new fund that will help local service providers deal with the short-term pressures of migration;
* reforms to the immigration system, including a new selective points-based system to ensure Britain attracts economic migrants who have the skills our economy needs - and no more; and,
* enforcing strict penalties against immigrants or their employers if they break the rules, including the establishment of new partnerships between local authorities and enforcement agencies to gather intelligence, disrupt illegal activity and track down immigration offenders and failed asylum seekers.

Empowerment...
* ensuring people have a fair say in determining the rules by placing duties on all local authorities to promote democratic understanding and participation and respond to petitions, and extending the recently introduced 'duty to involve' to a wider range of agencies in local communities;
* enhancing the ability of community representatives to hold councils to account, ensuring swift and fair redress for poor services; and,
* giving people a greater say over their local police, including the introduction of directly elected policing representatives.

The raid of the office of Damian Green

This is video of the raid of the office of Damian Green. Questions are now being asked by the ministers who, in theory, were responsible for the raid. Although they, claim to know nothing about the raid. Well, if they were not responsible, does they mean they were irresponsible? Time will tell...

Statement from A4e regarding calls by Sir Richard Tilt to delay implementation of welfare reforms for lone parents

A4e’s executive chairman Mark Lovell says: “The worsening economic climate means that now is precisely the right time to be offering lone parents and others additional help to prepare for a return to employment. The alternative is simply to say, ‘This is too difficult, let’s not even try’.

Fruitful
“Throwing extra money at welfare to work programmes is not necessarily the answer to securing more sustainable employment for clients. Neither is leaving people on benefits any kind of solution. Instead, reforms must allow for more flexibility for providers and greater capacity to join up services at the front line, such as advice on housing and debt issues.

“We would be prepared to invest in helping a large volume of clients, which would even out the costs of those easier to help and those hardest to help.

“The key is that personal advisers are able to support claimants with individual advice. Our experience of delivering programmes in France and Germany shows how the UK could improve on this aspect of service delivery. For example, A4e France’s personal advisers in Paris have a
contract with each client which clearly sets out the level of service that the client can expect.

“This tailored support can do wonders in terms of improving the client’s self-esteem and ambition. We see people on the frontline of poverty; they often speak of discovering a fresh confidence and an appreciation of the contribution they can make to their family and
society as a whole when they secure a sustainable job.”

Smugglers stopped in their tracks

In just seven weeks over 50,000 pairs of counterfeit Nike and Adidas branded trainers made from potentially dangerous materials were seized by UK Border Agency officers (formerly HM Revenue & Customs) at the country's largest post parcel depot based in Coventry.

Officers worked closely with Nike and other manufacturers to identify the problem of illegally produced imitation products which are being mass produced in China and imported into the UK. The blitz on the counterfeit hauls saw officers work around the clock to disrupt and detain the goods before they could be sold to unsuspecting members of the public.

Chris Bagley, Detection Manager for UKBA said: "Many people are tempted to buy these cheap copies without realising the impact of doing so. The gangs who are involved in importing these counterfeit goods are only interested in making a quick profit which is often ploughed straight back into other criminal activities such as drug smuggling."

He added:"We will continue to disrupt this illegal trade and work with key partners to bring those responsible before the courts. Many people enjoy finding a bargain, but counterfeit goods which end up in markets and discount stores are just the tip of the criminal iceberg. Quite simply, if it appears too good to be true, it is."

Alan Dursley, Brand Protection Manager for Nike UK commented: "We are very pleased with the success of this operation and it illustrates our determination to work with all relevant agencies to clamp down on the problem of counterfeited Nike goods."

The trainers seized have been destroyed. The materials they are made of cannot be recycled nor can the goods be redistributed to developing countries for health and safety reasons because of the toxins they may contain.

Anyone with information relating to smuggling activities is encouraged to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000 or email customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk

Your pitch can win prizes!

If the football season kicked off to a bad start and its your pitch not your players letting you down, then this competition is for you.

How does a full pitch makeover plus some great extras sound? If you are involved with a non-professional under 18’s football team who play on a pitch in England then we want to hear from you.

‘Pitch To Win’ is organised by petrol lawn mower engine manufacturer, Briggs & Stratton and is run in conjunction with amateur football club website, www.weekendwonders.co.uk, the competition aims to find the football pitch that is in most need of a makeover.

The competition kicks off this month with a £4,000 pitch makeover, a ride-on lawnmower worth £3,000 and a cheque for £1,000 all up for grabs. The two runners up will bag themselves cash prizes of £1,000 and £500 for team expenses.

Speaking about Pitch To Win, Briggs & Stratton’s business development manager, Ian Small, said: “We are keen to work with the community on a local level. Sport plays an integral part in young people’s lives, by running this competition we aim to highlight the importance of public green spaces and the need to maintain them.”

Gary Parkinson, editor of FourFourTwo.com, a sister website to Weekend Wonders, said: “We’ll all have our own nominations and the competition will certainly be fierce. We can’t improve the weather – although we Brits have long been stoical about that – but it’s nice to see that someone’s making an effort to improve the quality of the surface we play on. The better the surface, the better the quality of the games, well that’s the theory anyway!

Details of the competition can be found on www.pitchtowin.org.uk the site includes information and competition criteria or visit www.weekendwonders.co.uk if you want to speak to someone about the competition contact 01332 258335.

The closing date for the competition is Friday, 27^th March 2009.

Briggs & Stratton is the world’s largest manufacturer of air-cooled 4-cycle petrol engines for outdoor power equipment, including lawnmowers, generators and pressure washers, as well as many industrial/commercial applications. Established in 1908 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, the company now designs, manufactures, markets and services these products for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in over 100 countries all over the world. Briggs & Stratton has a long-standing commitment to protect the environment and through continuous R&D investments, has reduced the emissions produced by its engines by almost 75 percent since 1990. For the fiscal year ended July 1, 2007, group net sales amounted to US$ 2,1 billion (approximately € 1,5 billion).

BRIGGSandSTRATTON.COM

Children’s magazine DiscoveryBox launches its Green Projects Competition 2009

Let’s act together to protect nature

If we want to protect the planet, more of us need to get involved! This is why DiscoveryBox is organising another Green Projects competition this year. DiscoveryBox launched its first Green Projects competition in 2004, so this is the 6th edition!

What are Green Projects?

They are projects that protect nature and the environment. Green Projects are a way for a class, a club or group of children to do something positive to protect nature. Last year some children cleaned up a wood, while others put up nesting boxes. Other groups planted trees around their school. This is run in conjunction with local schools and so the support of staff, teachers and pupils is needed to make it a success.

Green Projects 2009: build an island of green!

This year DiscoveryBox is asking everyone to build a little nature corner, where insects and birds and other kinds of wildlife can live. It could be in a garden, the school playground...You can even set one up in a window box!

The top 10 projects chosen will receive a chaque for £100 to help them set up their nature corner.

Who can take part?

Children from all around the world, as a class, nature club or group of friends, as long as an adult is involved.

When is the competition?

It will run during the school year 2008-2009. A complete report describing the project should be sent by 1st March 2009. Then children have the rest of the school year, until July 2009, to carry out their project.

How to take part?

Please go to http://www.discoveryboxbooks.com/competition2.php or check out the December issue of DiscoveryBox for full details.

An international challenge

No matter where the children live, they can take part in the Green Projects competition. Readers of Reportero Doc, Reporter Doc and Images Doc (the Spanish, Catalan and French versions of DiscoveryBox) will also take part. The more people that get involved the better it will be for the environment!

DiscoveryBox is a proud founder of the Green Projects. We encourage our readers to be more aware of the environment and its issues with a different subject every month in our magazine. With each issue of DiscoveryBox children set off on a voyage of discovery, learning wonderful facts about science, animals, history and the world.

For more information: www.bayard-magazines.co.uk

And find out how your school can benefit from free subscriptions to put magazines in the library and in classrooms. Through this, children can benefit at home and at school and we can help to meet our aim of making reading and learning a strict pleasure for children.

We look forward to finding out about your Green Projects!