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Can you buy Pandora in Cheltenham?

Posted by on Monday, 12 March, 2012

House of PandoraIt’s no surprise that when you find the small shops starting to flurish in any town, that a manufacturer will step in and try to take all of the business of the “small guy” who was prepared to test the water with their products well before anyone else.

This is no different with Pandora, the company who manufacture bracelets and beads for their world renowned Pandora Bracelet” which is bolstered by their beads, charms, necklaces, watches and rings.

At the bootom of the Promenade in Cheltenham, Hooper Bolton have been selling Pandora from the word go – and have been extremely successful with it too. But, as like I mentioned above, as soon as they started to progress with the Pandora product range, they suddnely decide to open a branch on the Lower High Street, about 400 yards from the Hooper Boltons Pandora Cheltenham store.

Although it may sound very unethical, it is a modern day practice for many of the mainline manufacturers and retailers, no matter what industry they are tied to. But, all the same – it comes to something when you do this only yards from the company who were retialing your products over the last few years.

Having explored the town centre, I found that there were a couple of Pandora retailers who were in competition with Hooper Bolton, but did not carry half the stock that they did. And, seeing that the Pandora Cheltenham shop is on the not so elequent end of the High Street, I would not be surprised if it has little, or no effect at all.

All I can say is best of luck to Hooper Bolton – a lovely little shop with bags of true zest, and always happy to see you when you walk in.

For more information on Hooper Bolton and Pandora Cheltenham – take a look at their website;
www.HooperBolton.co.uk

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Using Modern Technology to Lift Your State of Mind

Posted by on Tuesday, 14 February, 2012

Digital HighBrainwaves and how they affect you

Every state of mind has a particular “signature” attached to it. This is represented by your brainwave patterns (or “frequency”).

For example, if you’re in a state of deep focus, your brainwaves are likely to be in the Alpha frequency range of 8-12Hz. Other specific frequency patterns exist for states such as sleep, creativity, and general happiness.

These frequencies can be measured using powerful scientific tools, such as an EEG machine. (Also known as an electroencephalograph machine.)
The discovery of brainwave entrainment

In the 1830s, scientists discovered that by playing certain frequencies through the ears, the brain “followed” those frequencies. This is a powerful process known as “brainwave entrainment.”

By changing your brainwave frequencies, you could change your state – encouraging focus, creativity, sleep, or mood improvement, for example.

The problem was that the human ear can only hear frequencies of around 20Hz to 20,000Hz – whereas the vast majority of ‘useful’ human brainwave frequencies exist at 0.1Hz to 20Hz.
Recreating brainwave frequencies

That’s when scientists did something really clever. They decided to play one frequency into the left ear (ie, 400Hz), and another into the right ear (ie, 410Hz).

The noises cancelled each other out and recreated the difference inside the brain (ie, 10Hz).

The brain then followed (or entrained) toward this frequency, and brought about the exact state of mind desired – such as deep focus.
Going beyond binaural beats

This was the scientific validation of “binaural beats,” the first true brainwave entrainment method. Originally suggested in the 1830s, it was scientifically verified by EEG machines in the 1950s.

Since then, many other methods of brainwave entrainment have been discovered – including monaural beats, hamonic box X beats, and most powerfully, isochronic tones, typically regarded as the most potent entrainment methods availabl.

The most powerful brainwave entrainment sessions typically incorporate several entrainment techniques into each session, in order to produce the strongest results, as with All Natural High.

So, here you go, click on the image and give it a try… and open your mind!!

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Nuneaton Rotary Walk 2011

Posted by on Thursday, 24 March, 2011

Nuneaton Rotary Walk :: 2011

Rotary Walk of NuneatonThe Nuneaton Rotary Walk which is organised by The Rotary Club of Nuneaton – will be going ahead as usual this year, no different to any other. This organised day has been going now for over 15 years, with many hundreds of people walking for charities around the Nuneaton and Warwickshire area – raising literally thousands of pounds for many great causes.

This walk of the outskirts of Nuneaton offers not only a great day for all of the family to join in and raise funds for your own causes, but also gives those on route the opportunity to come out and wish the walkers a safe day walking.

Amongst the charities which have benefit from the support of local people are: The People in Action Group, MacMillan Nursing, WRVS, Young Deaf, Mary Anne Evans Hospice plus unlimited amounts of Local Schools, Sports Clubs, Cub and Scout Groups with some National Charities too.

And for those who may have not taken part in the past – then here is a brief outline of what happens:

The classic walk is a circular route of 21 miles, mostly along footpaths and bridleways but it is divided into several sections with marshalling stations on route. Everyone completing the full route will receive a certificate celebrating their success! Additionally two other shorter routes of 3, 5 and 8 miles have been created for the more casual stroller and family groups, who would prefer to just amble and perhaps enjoy a pub stop on the way.

The Nuneaton Rotary Club organises the event on the understanding that you do the walking and seek out your own sponsors.

For more information on the Rotary Walk, please follow the link to the Nuneaton Rotary Club website.

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Concerns About Online Scratch Cards No Deposit

Posted by on Saturday, 12 March, 2011

:: But is this just a tease to the online gambler? ::

No Deposit Online Scratch CardsThe Online Scratch Card industry has been alive for many years, infact far longer than I certainly thought. One of the big questions which keeps entering the news about the online gaming and gambling – is the scratch card business and how they try and entice the new customers to their sites.

Over the last couple of weeks, we have been looking deeper into this “rich world” of online gaming and to be honest, you get more enticement from some of the local convenience stores to buy chocolate – than you do to get people to play onlince scratch cards, yet you don’t hear the media having a go at the store and shop owners.

It’s a crazy thing, but I guess with such a high rate of payout playing the scratch cards it’s ever more obvious why you find so many companies who are pushing the Online Scratch Cards No Deposit – with a hope that you sign up, and make a deposit and play more. I mean, is there any harm in trying something which is at the end of the day FREE?

If you have impulisve behaviour then I could understand why you would have a problem not continuing with the deposit, but at the end of the day they are not saying you have to use your credit or debit card to get the free play – in fact far from it.

One of the ways they entice people to their sites is by using something which is called affiliate marketing – whereby they pay companies and individuals a small amount of money for each person who signs up to their free offer in hope they will continue and play the game even after the free credits have dried up.

These small companies then get a couple of bucks for passing the traffic, and then it is up to the site to do whatever they want to try and persuade the customer to play a little more after they have used up the freebies. And yes, they do send you emails from time to time, yes they use thought provoking methods – but they are in this as a business, not for charity!

If you can keep your hand well away from your wallet, and try these sites out, you will find that it can be an awesome amount of fun as long as you know where your limits are should you carry on playing the game.

Here is one of the sites, go take a look for yourself just how easy it is to achieve somethiing from nothing!

Prime Scratch Cards

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Oscars 2011: Dame Helen Mirren and Winning Oscar

Posted by on Friday, 25 February, 2011

Helen Mirren at The Oscars 2011As we all know by now, Dame Helen Mirren has already strolled the red carpet at The Oscars Ceremony and walked away with an “Oscar” on more than one occassion, but recently Dame Helen decided to open up the thoughts and tell of which was here favourite.

Mirren, who received the first of her four Oscar nominations back in 1995 for her magnificent performance in The Madness of King George and went on to win the ‘Best Actress’ award just over a decade later for her role in ‘The Queen’ where she played the part of Queen Elizabeth the Queen of England.

On speaking out to the Entertainment Tonight host, Dame Helen said that winning the Oscar was completely incomparable to any of life’s greatest pleasures.

“It is one of the most amazing experiences of one’s life,” she said. “There really is nothing like it.”

One thing that Dame Helen did say to those who were being nominated for this years ‘Oscars’ was that once the ceremony was over, that the ‘afterglow’ quickly wears off.

“You’re in the most amazing…multi-coloured bubble. Then the night after the Oscars, the bubble bursts and you go back to reality,” said the Dame.

So, the Oscars is being held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday 27th February 2011 – I just wondor who will be the star of this years red carpet for fashion? Bet Dame Helen Mirren won’t let the ‘British Designers’ down!

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Holly Willoughby Dancing On Ice 2011

Posted by on Sunday, 9 January, 2011

It’s that time of year again to put away the Christmas decorations and put your feet up infront of the TV for another sequin parade of Dancing On Ice 2011 with Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby – with Christopher Dean and Jane Torvill.

But as ever, it won;t be the contestants that are the focus of many avid watchers, and probably more so towards what Holly Willoughby will be wearing for the first show.

Over the years, Willoughby has be rained in by TV bosses over some of the revealing dresses she has presented in, so this year you will find that every fashion guru and his pins will be glued to see exactly what she is going to wear.

Never one to dissapoint the crowd, Willoughby has presented herself and her elegant figure in designer dresses but has always opted for one fashion designer – Suzanne Neville. Even the night that Hayley Tamaddon got crowned in 2010 – Holly was looking fabulous in an off the shoulder number, wavy hair and looking ever the seductress.

For more information about the fashion designer, Suzanne Neville and the dresses Holly Willoughby wears, go take a look at the Suzanne Neville Fashion Blog at: Holly Willoughby Dresses Up For Dancing On Ice

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Pride of Britain Awards 2010 with Carol Vorderman

Posted by on Monday, 8 November, 2010

The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards 2010

With more glamour and fashion outfits gracing the red carpet at this years Pride of Britain Awards than your average fashion boutique, the Pride of Britain Awards went off with a showbiz bang with many stars jetting back to the UK to take part in the yearly ceremony.

It has to be said that this one event attracts some of, if not the highest profile personalities from around the globe as well as the UK’s top people – all for a great cause.

Although you could sit there for hours and talk about who was there, and what they were wearing, it’s safe to say that there were a few people who stood out amongst the crowds, none more so than mathematical genius – Carol Vorderman.

It’s rare to see such a well known face arrive at such a star studded event with a daughter by her side, but this was obviously something which Carol thought was going to set the press talking – which we will do when it is worth talking about.

If you hadn’t of known that Carol Vorderman had a daughter, then you would have probably had one of those double take moments, seeing someone who is obviously wearing well.

And talking about wearing well, she certainly did that in the dress stakes too with a magnificent Suzanne Neville gown which showed off her fabulous figure and radiant complexion.

Unfortunately for most of the guests, she stole the complete limelight – but lets face it, when you look as good as she does at her age, that’s no surprise.

To see the pictures of Carol, go take a look at the blog posts on Suzanne Neville’s website: Carol Vorderman – Suzanne Neville

Carole Voderman - Pride of Britain Awards 2010

Carole Vorderman in Suzanne Neville Gown

Images From Getty Images | GoffPhotos.com

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UK Beaches Get £110 Million Investment Pledge

Posted by on Friday, 5 November, 2010
Blue Flag Clean Beaches

Blue Flags For More Beaches Through Yorkshire Water Investment

With some of the top UK Beaches and Resorts finding it harder to attract holiday makers every year, the sudden boost of £110 million will bring many towns back up to the standards expected by families when visiting coastal resorts around the British Isles.

The biggest investment in tourism ever seen has been fronted by Yorkshire Water – the main utility company who supply to the North East of the UK. They have made a pledge to bring nearly 10 resorts up to a standard never witnessed by holiday makers in Britian, which will aim at giving some of the beaches a “Blue Flag” for the first time.

This initiative is expected to last for five years and will take 50 miles of Yorkshire coastline up to the Blue Flag standards.

Speaking yesterday at an event held in Scarborough, Yorkshire Water revealed the cash boost for:
* Scarborough South
* Scarborough North
* Bridlington North
* Bridlington South
* Filey
* Hornsea
* Withernsea
* Whitby

Whitby and Scarborough North already have blue flags in place, but it is expected that the other 8 beaches will then be able to apply for blue flag status. The partnership between Yorkshire Water and other local councils is expected to make the beaches become included in the categories for the European ‘Excellence’ standards for 2015.

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Younest Mother Delivers Natural Birth at 10 Years Old

Posted by on Thursday, 4 November, 2010
Babies Dummy

Child Birth at 10 Years Old - Whatever Next?

For a parent, it must be one of the scariest things in the world to hear that moment when your daughter walks into the room and says “I’m pregnant!” But, for the majority of us we hope that it at least holds off till they are old enough to look after a new born, let alone conceive it.

For a Spanish parent, that’s definitely not the case – after their 10 year old daughter gave birth naturally to a 6lb 6oz baby through natural birth.

Unbelievable as it may seem, most girls of that age have hardly started their ‘adult’ cycle, let alone thought about being a parent to a new born child before they hit their teenage years.  This just highlights how different countries beliefs are, with Spain having a law which allows children to marry at the age of 14, and consent to sex at 13.

I know my beliefs are set in stone – because if we be honest with ourselves for just one minute, what age a child should be classed as ‘rown up’ enough to make their own mind up?

Personally, being a parent and having got married at 21 – I think that the age of consent should be 18, with the same for marriage and 21 to consume alcohol.  But, that is my opinion – what is yours?

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Straw Bale Eco Building Construction Begins

Posted by on Tuesday, 2 November, 2010
Straw Bale Building Concept

Wolf Proof Straw Building

With Architects always looking at new ways to build projects with an Eco twist, Europe is about to witness the largest construction ever built out of straw bales.

Over the next 3 months, the final touches are being put in place for the 2,800 m2 ‘Ecobuild’ in Bradford where an old school was standing not so long ago in Eccleshill.

The project which has been on the planning table for nearly 3 years, finally got the go ahead a few months ago once they had complete confirmation of the funding which was promised by the EU. The £4.2 million which was needed to complete the project was built up of funds gathered from four European initiatives.

Local planning officials are said to be ecstatic that the project will be starting in the new year, after the initial plans had to be changed many times during the three year build up to Europe’s largest ever environmentally friendly project.

The site will be the first of this size in Europe, which is why nearly 50% of the funding has been raised from the EU – and will set the standards for future developments around the globe. Officials from 7 European states will be visiting the build during it’s construction.

This sustainable building will house many different community projects for the local area in Bradford, including 14 new start-up business units and a community centre.

It’s not something that has been classed as ‘different’ when it comes to building a commercial project from straw bales. One construction business which are based not far from the new Bradford site have built over 100 straw buildings over the last few years, the biggest one being nearly 1100 m2.

An official for the local Newlands Community Association (NCA), Tony Holditch said: “We wanted to really push the boundaries of design and build to create a centre of excellence. In this period of recession and bad news across the country we are investing in something new and different. It’s going to benefit a lot of people.”

Even though the majority of the project will be constructed from compacted straw bales, designers have also used normal house bricks and blocks where load bearing points sited for the first floor and roofing will sit.

Construction is expected to start Jan 2011 and is expected to last for around 7 months.

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