Hidden Talent

A diving instructor from Peasedown St John will be putting 900 members of the public to the test when she appears on a new prime-time Channel 4 show.

Emma Farrell, 38, will be on Hidden Talent, hunting for someone with no prior experience to train to become an expert diver in just a matter of weeks.

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   UNDERWATER EXPERT: Emma Farrell exploring the deep

Across the series nine participants will go from total novice to top performer in a variety of skills including freediving, opera singing, lie detecting and speaking foreign languages.

The rigorous large-scale testing of hundreds of people around the country is undertaken, overseen by scientists and academics, to find out if people have special physical, mental, sensory or creative talents that they were totally unaware of.

Emma, who is the author of the book One Breath, a Reflection unsecured loans on Freediving, is the series expert on freediving. She devised unique tests to find out if 900 members of the public had a hidden talent and then trained the winning participant.

She said: "The first issue was that I had to get through up to 300 people a day, none of whom were allowed to know they were being tested for freediving and in a room with no water.

"I had to invent a test for equalisation that could be done anywhere and then use specific medical questions to determine if a person might be any good.

"When I asked people to hum and move their jaw forward to see if it gets louder in one or both ears many people thought they were being tested for singing.

"I looked for healthy ears, sinuses and equalisation ability and then took one or two people each hour to perform a breath-hold walking test with a heart rate monitor to see if they had a strong mammalian dive reflex. bad credit loans

"It was so exciting to see people with no knowledge of their hidden ability shine."
Twelve candidates were then selected to join Emma for in-water tests at Crystal Palace before six joined her for two days at Vobster Quay for final in-water physical and psychological tests.
Emma then chose one individual to train .

She said: "Although I can't say who they are and what they did, I can say that I was incredibly proud of what they achieved in such a short space of time.

"The project represented the first time ever that so many people have been tested for a latent ability to freedive and shows what amazing hidden talents are out there."

During the programme the winner also takes part in yoga classes at Universal Yoga, where Emma is a teacher, to help improve their breathing, strength and flexibility.

Emma will appear Hidden Talent on May 1 at 9pm and again on May 29 with the winning candidate. She is also taking part in a live web-chat immediately after the episode on May 1.

Emma, who teaches freedving at Vobster Quay, has also taught TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall to dive for River Cottage and has appeared on Britain's Secret Seas.

She hopes to dispel the myth that freediving is only suitable for very fit people.

Emma, who first began diving 12 years ago, said: "I first got involved because it looked really relaxing and peaceful. There is a common misconception that it is only for fit or young people.

 Anyone can give it a go; in fact there is a world free diving record holder who did not learn to dive till she was in her 50s."

Zac Efron new film

The new romance "The Lucky One," starring Zac Efron as a weary Marine and Taylor Schilling as a beautiful stranger, is the latest in a line of film adaptations of Nicholas Sparks' weepy novels. (In case you've forgotten, the list includes "Dear John," "The Last Song" and most famously "The Notebook.") As is often the case with Sparks' movies and their imitators (including "The Vow" earlier this year), critics agree that "The Lucky One" is a tear-jerker best left to hard-core romance fans. unsecured loans

In one of the more positive reviews, the Los Angeles Times' Betsy Sharkey calls "The Lucky One" a "sweet but not too syrupy romance" and "the best Sparks-inspired film to come along since 'The Notebook.' " It's certainly not perfect: "Without much tension, the film becomes more of an extended music video of Logan and Beth's [Efron and Schilling's characters] rocky road to love," Sharkey writes. But the film is "beautifully captured by director of photography Alar Kivilo," she says, while Efron is "in his wheelhouse," Schilling is "moving," and director Scott Hicks "keeps 'The Lucky One' from turning into complete mush."

The Washington Post's Ann Hornaday is less impressed and describes the film as a "tepid, inert enterprise." "The Lucky One," she continues, is "devoid of genuine tension, conflict or combustible chemistry between its two stars," and "just prettily sits there." So does Efron, for that matter: "The role of a stoic, expressionless philosopher-soldier requires that he tamp down his natural exuberance and physical grace, a regrettable misuse of his native talents." Invoking "The Notebook," Hornaday concludes that "'The Lucky One' tries hard to re-bottle that lightning, to no avail."

Hearst film critic Amy Biancolli echoes Hornaday, writing that "there isn't much of anything going on in 'The Lucky One,' a lazy (in all ways) Nicholas Sparks romance that's as pretty and vacant as its hero." Efron's problem, Biancolli says, isn't one of ability but of execution: "I'm not saying the boy can't act (I've seen him do it). I'm saying he doesn't." Meanwhile, "Where Efron under-emotes, Schilling over-emotes, giving their scenes together an out-of-whack thespian asymmetry." The result, Biancholli says, is "all very pretty, and all very dull."

A.O. Scott, of New York Times, offers less a review of "The Lucky One" than an anatomization of the genre he refers to as "the Nicholas Sparks movie": "The setting is the coastal South … A young man and a young woman will fall in love, but there will be complications. … Desperate yearning will erupt into urgent kissing." Check, check and check. The film is directed "gracefully enough," Scott says, and Efron is "reasonably credible," but "if realism is what you’re after, you’ll do better at 'The Three Stooges.' 'The Lucky One' is where you will find death, redemption and kisses in the rain."

In the Chicago Sun-Times, Roger Ebert also tackles the Sparks formula: "They usually involve the triumph of love over adversity, are usually set in beautiful natural settings, usually involve such coincidences as finding a message in a bottle, and usually make me stir restlessly, because such escapism is shameless." Shameless or not, Ebert concedes, "credit must be given to a film that delivers the goods, and if you've ever liked a Nicholas Sparks movie, you're likely to enjoy this one." bad credit loans

For those averse to sudsy romances, however, expecting to enjoy this one might be pushing your luck.

Russell Brand speaks to UK MPs on drug addiction

Comedian and actor Russell Brand told the British government on Tuesday that it needs to adopt a pragmatic approach to address the social issues that lead young people to take drugs.

Dressed in a flamboyant ensemble of black, Brand struck a contrast against the formally attired politicians with his long coat, vest, hat and leather wristbands.

Brand, a former heroin addict who has been arrested 12 times, appeared before politicians to give his views on the government's drug policies and his battle with drug addiction. unsecured loans

The comedian answered questions from the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee on his experiences and stressed the importance addressing addiction as an illness rather than a criminal or judicial matter.

"It's more important that we regard people's suffering from addiction with compassion, and that there is a pragmatic rather than symbolic approach to treating it," he said.

The committee is looking at the government's drug policy, existing sanctions and the case for decriminalizing some substances.

"The status of a drug is irrelevant to a drug addict. If you're a drug addict, you're getting drugs. That's it. So in way, it's probably best to make it simple," bad credit loans he said.

Brand told the committee he became addicted to drugs because of emotional and psychological difficulties as well as spiritual malady.

"I was sad, lonely, unhappy, detached and drugs and alcohol for me seemed like a solution to that problem," he said.

Brand called for more awareness and research into abstinence-based recovery, which he underwent to treat his addiction at rehabilitation charity Focus12, of which he is a patron.

"If you have the illness or disease of addiction or alcoholism, the best way to tackle it is not use drugs in any form whether it's state-sponsored opus like methadone or illegal street drugs," Brand said.

"There is some confusion and ignorance around addiction and it's quite understandable because a lot of drug addicts...are a strain on society, they necessarily engage in criminal activity, they're a public nuisance in many ways.

"It wasn't until I had access to abstinence-based recovery that I was able to change my behavior and significantly reduce, all but obliterate my criminal activity, apart from the occasional skirmish," he joked lightly.

The comedian has written about his struggle with drug addiction in his autobiography "My Booky Wook" in 2007 and wrote a touching obituary about singer Amy Winehouse when she died last year after battling alcohol and drug abuse for years.

"We need to review the way society treats addicts, not as criminals but as sick people in need of care," Brand wrote on his website.

"We need to look at the way our government funds rehabilitation. It is cheaper to rehabilitate an addict than to send them to prison, so criminalization doesn't even make economic sense."

Gideon Sundback zipper

Gideon Sundback invented the zip, a product that has been holding together much of the parts of our lives for about a century now. And Google has paid a tribute to the man with a an unzippable doodle on this 132nd birthday.
Google Gideon Sundback's 132nd birthday doodle gives the appearance of a jacket front that has the Google logo embroidered on it and a zip runs through the middle of the Google logo, separating the second 'o'. To get to know what the doodle is all about users can either click on the logo or better, unzip to reveal what lies within.
We all use zips, but few may have pondered about how they actually work. Sundback's design, that he finalised in 1913, had a zipper with interlocking oval scoops (earlier designs made use of hooks) that could be easily interlocked by moving a slider. The patent application for the new invention was filed in 1914 and issued in 1917.

United States Patent and Trademark Office

Excerpts from Gideon Sundback's patent for the 'separable fastener' detailing how his invention actually works:
This invention relates to separable fasteners, and has particular reference to that type of fastener for garments and other purposes, where two flexible stringers are locked and unlocked by a sliding cam device mounted on both members, the locking being effected by an movement in one direction and unlocking by an opposite movement.
The objects of the present invention are to decrease the weight and bulk, to increase the flexibility and security of locking, and to provide one form of locking member for both stringers, so constructed and arranged that when properly positioned unsecured loans relatively to each other on the stringers they lock and unlock upon proper movement of the cam sliding device.
A further object of the invention is to simplify the cam sliding device, which is possible owing to the reduction of locking members to one form for both stringers, instead of the different forms heretofore employed on the respective stringers.
According to the present invention, the stringers are alike, as in some prior types of this fastener, preferably consisting as herein shown of a fabric tape provided with a beaded or corded edge, upon which the locking members, are clamped. bad credit loans
The locking members are all alike, and therefore interchangeable, and in general form consist of contractible jaw portions which are clamped upon the tape and projecting locking portions of elongated cup shape, so that the outside of one member nests within the recess of an adjoining member when in locked relation.

Claire Squires dieds in london marathon

DONATIONS have poured in for a 30-year-old woman who collapsed and died during this year's London Marathon as news of her death has spread.

The woman, named in reports as Claire Squires from North Kilworth in Leicestershire, fell to the ground as she made her way along Birdcage Walk, near St James' Park, on the final stretch of the 26.2 mile course.
She was given medical attention by paramedics but died at the scene yesterday afternoon, organisers said.
According to a JustGiving page she had set up, donations for Ms Squires, who was running the marathon for the Samaritans, have gone from £500 to more than £6600 since news of her death circulated as donations poured in from more than 570 people.

The total is still rising at a rapid pace as more people give funds for her cause and in her memory.
Ms Squires' JustGiving page said: "I'm running the london marathon for Samaritans because they continuously support others", and earlier this month, she wrote: "hi guys as you all know i am running the london marathon it was just going to be for fun. but its a fab opportunity to raise money for my charity the samaritans if everyone i know could donate £5.00 that would be a great help and change lives."
Catherine Johnstone, chief executive of Samaritans, said the organisation was deeply saddened at news of her death.

She said: "We are devastated following the tragic death of one of our marathon runners and are supporting the family through this very difficult time. Our thoughts are with everyone who knew her.
"We appreciate all that our marathon runners do; it is with their support, commitment and fundraising efforts that that we are able to offer our vital service for people with nowhere else to turn."
Today, a flurry of tributes and donations had been made on the page in the wake of the 30-year-old's sudden death.

Rebecca Herity wrote: "Such an amazing girl! Miss you so much already! Beautiful angel xxx", while Jo Lovell also wrote: "Amazing lady!xxx".

Friends also took to Twitter to pay tribute to Ms Squires, who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in March to raise money for the the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA), according to another JustGiving page.
DaisyMilburn wrote: "R.I.P Claire Squires deeply saddening news & you'll be hugely missed. xx", and Callie Wright wrote: "RIP Claire Squires - lived life to the full. Only lady I know to take hair straightners up a mountain! xxxx RIP Bear xxxxxxxx"

A statement on the London Marathon website said: "A 30-year-old woman collapsed at Birdcage Walk, and although immediate medical attention was provided to the casualty, the fatality was confirmed this afternoon.

"The organisers of the Virgin London Marathon would like to express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

"We would like to emphasise that our immediate concern is for the family of the deceased. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with them at this difficult time."

Tests to establish how Ms Squires collapsed and died as she neared the finish line are expected to take place in the coming days.

The fatality occurred with the finishing line only one bend away, after 25 miles of the marathon.
Birdcage Walk borders St James's Park and is the last road the runners have to travel before reaching Buckingham Palace where they turn unsecured loans  on to The Mall where the finish line is located.

Ms Squires was a hairdresser at Moko hair salon in Church Street, Market Harborough.

Today a stylist at the salon said Ms Squires's family had been in touch and asked them not to comment on her death and to respect their privacy. She added that the family did not wish to say anything at this time.
Ms Squires's death was the 10th since the London Marathon began in 1981.

Five of the previous fatalities were a result of heart disease bad credit loans in runners apparently unaware that they had a problem. Four of these were cases of severe coronary heart disease.

The last competitor to die before yesterday was a 22-year-old fitness instructor in 2007.

martin luther king

“I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit together at the table of brotherhood.”

– Martin Luther King, I Have a Dream Quote

January 16, 2012 was celebrated as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It is a day that reminds us of the ideals of Dr. King Jr. A man of peace! Peace is the most precious commodity that the world needs! Conflicts, racism, discrimination, and oppression are some of the vices which are ripping countries apart.

Yes! I couldn’t agree with Martin Luther King Jr. in his statement that, “Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies - or else? The chain reaction of evil - hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars - must be broken, or else we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.” He declared that he had a dream for a more peaceful and united society, he envisioned that one day little children of all races would be able to walk down the street hand-in-hand!

King was the chief spokesman for nonviolent activism in the civil rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a United States federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around the time of King's birthday, January 15. This year the celebration of the day fell on January 16, 2012. The day was used by many, especially students in USA and Canada to reflect on the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. which drives our society on the wheels of social justice! My school used the day to engage students in focusing on their individual dreams that could help make them better students and better persons! It is my prayer that as we reflect on the dream and speeches of Dr. King, we will remind ourselves that according to Dr. King, the purpose of education is: “To save man from the morass of propaganda, in my opinion, is one of the chief aims of education. Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction.”

Words We Use Must Uplift and Build Us as Human Beings

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a Minister of the Gospel, admonishes us to be careful with the words we use on other people. The Bible says in Proverbs 12:25 that, unsecured loans “An anxious heart weighs a man down but a kind word cheers him up.” How true! The words we use can build or destroy; unite or divide; bring peace or tension (even war) and so on.

Pronouncements of Some Ministers of the Gospel and Politicians in Ghana Recently:

Of late an unfortunate development of unkind words being used by some Pastors and some politicians in Ghana leaves much to be desired in our beloved country. One could refer to news coverage of some Pastors using words of curse on innocent bad credit loans children in their efforts to prove that they are ‘powerful’! Such unbridled tongues have been left to ride their freedom in the country. This is very sad indeed. However, judgment of the Almighty God awaits those who use words to destroy others. Remember, our deeds and words will be brought to judgment one day!

Radio stations are being used to insult people in authority, including even the President of the nation by politicians who ought to know better! Our political divide has become acrimonious and very shameful. How can we develop as a nation if we are at each other’s throat? Let’s pause and reflect on the following words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that “Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shoot a man, but you refuse to hate him.”

The culture of Ghana has strong foundation in respect for authority and hospitality towards strangers. These cornerstones of our culture should not be sacrificed at the altar of hate and indecency!

Scarlett Johansson wears nothing under her catsuit

Playing dress-up
During the filming of the new Avengers Assemble film with Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson let us into a little secret about what went on under her lovely leather catsuit.
Nothing.
Avengers Assemble tells the story of Colonel Nick Fury, a spy who brings together a team of superheroes to save the earth from an army of villains. unsecured loans
Reprising the role of Natasha Romanoff aka the Black Widow, which she first played in the hit film Iron Man 2, Scarlett says she was pleased to be playing the character again even if that meant wearing a boiling hot leather catsuit day in, day out.
“Everyone on the film has their own uncomfortable costume situation – but it’s 800° in mine,” she told The Metro.“And it’s a one-piece – I have nothing underneath it.”

Talking about the impressive outfits the entire cast of the Marvel film had to wear, Scarlett described it as “like a surreal, out-of-body experience – like a dress-up, but to the extreme.”
“Everybody looks incredibly uncomfortable until the cameras are rolling, then we all look badass,” she explains.
“When the Avengers assemble, it feels like being a little kid. But then it's ‘cut!’ and we’re all like, ‘arrgh, God, get this thing off me!’
“As soon as we cut, everything comes off. All our costumes are unzipped, some air conditioning venting unit goes in, someone is having a wig removed – we all have our various things that we have to do to get comfortable.”
Avengers Assemble is bad credit loans due for UK release on April 26.