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AMG Newsletter Archive February 2009 Newsletter
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| The AboutMyGeneration February Newsletter |
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Information, Inspiration, Motivation |
Hello and welcome to the AboutMyGeneration February Newsletter
I am sure that you are fed up with reading about the credit crunch and bad weather so we wanted to avoid these subjects completely. But, as most of our new items are about saving money or staying cheerful, it cannot be avoided.
I will start by suggesting that you give yourself a break from the doom and gloom and start thinking about a holiday. We continue our series of looking at attractive destinations that also offer interesting culinary experiences and this month the spotlight is on the Canadian Province of Alberta.
Cruises too are often a gastronomic experience. Once the preserve of the wealthy, they now also represent excellent value for money particularly if the currency on board is sterling. Our Editor, took me along on a cruise recently that offered great value and great food. You can read her views on just about everything aboard Fred Olsen's Black Watch, from the food to the weather, while I report on the unique European destinations we visited.
We also offer a novel suggestion on cutting the price of your holiday. Apparently, around 1,350 Esperanto speakers around the world offer free accommodation and hospitality to visitors with only one proviso: they have to speak Esperanto too!
With Valentines Day upcoming, we have a few ideas of where to take the love of your life without breaking the bank. At the top end, we have reviewed the new winter menu at the Docklands Bar and Grill where you can get a very sophisticated meal for two at a very reasonable price. The Hide Bar near the famous Borough Market offers quality food from the market and vintage Armagnac or, for real bargain basement, the All Bar One chain is offering an incredible meal deal for just £5.
And if it's to be dinner and a show, why not take a look at the fantastic offers on this months AMG Theatre Club. This is the final month of our special offer of a free hotel room when you buy a ticket and we also have a great range of tickets with free dinners. Its also your last chance to book discounted tickets for The Sound of Music which closes on 21st February and our offer on Sunset Boulevard ends shortly. Plus there are big savings on several plays including a new Alan Ayckbourn comedy and On The Waterfront as well as on favourite musicals such as Carousel, Zorro, Avenue Q, Billy Elliot and many more.
With interest rates at an all time low and equities uncertain, where is the best place to invest in the current economic downturn? Tune in to a video interview with Nick Hodson, The Head of Investment Policy at Lloyds TSB for his advice.
Or why not rise far above everyday life and give yourself a real thrill while raising money for a good cause? The Red Cross is looking for volunteers to take part in its Jump4Life sponsored sky dive over Lancashire. But, if you fancy something a little more down to earth, take a look at the Pudcast featuring celebrity chef Phil Vickery. We have tried these recipes - they are quick, simple and guaranteed to cheer you up.
As always we have a great range of competitions. There's BAFTA branded Taittinger Champagne and Villa Maria Wine plus a great range of Romantic CDs from Demon Music Group. On the more practical side is the Electrolux Powerplus Cylinder Cleaner and a cookbook by celebrity chef James Martin, the James Every Day Essential Collection. For those that enjoyed the series back in the seventies there's Dallas Season 10 on DVD or, for programmes that aired more recently, Nicholas Cranes Britannia The Great Elizabethan Journey and the Diary of Anne Frank DVDs. To deal with those senior moments we have copies of Improve Your Memory Today by Rob Eastaway with Dr Hilary Jones and for anyone with children planning to take a walk down the aisle, there are tickets to the National Wedding Show at NEC Birmingham and Excel London. For those of you still trying to stick to that resolution of getting in shape this year, there's PC Fitness: Your Personal Trainer and finally we have tickets for the ever popular Race Retro Show at Stoneleigh Park.
Scroll down for more details on the news, discounts and special offers on AMG this month
New this Month
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 The Editor's Diary
updated 2nd February 2009
In this edition it has been a cold month but with some warm welcomes. First was a visit to the Docklands Bar and Grill in East London to sample the very apt Winter menu. And staying in the east she visits her family roots to find that everything is now very trendy and very expensive. A vegetarian restaurant proves to be a Sweet Victory with a fat and sugar free dessert and she discovers a new cosmetics range that deals with spots and acne, something she left behind a long time ago. On the home front, the regular pub outing didn't go exactly to plan but the venue for her daughter's wedding has now been booked.
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 Sailing into Civilisation
Cruises were once the preserve of the very wealthy but these days, with much lower prices and food, accommodation and entertainment all included, they look like real value for money.
Chris Hurley and her husband spent eight days on the Fred Olsen ship, Black Watch last October visiting ports in France, Portugal and Spain.
Here she gives a first hand account of life on board with views on everything from the food to the weather. Click here
to read the full review
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The AboutMyGeneration Theatre Club
AMG has teamed up with westendtheatre.com to give you some great offers on spectacular West End shows.
This month we have partnered with hotels in London to offer a truly great promotion - a free hotel room when you buy a theatre ticket - valid at over 13 great shows including Hairspray, Sunset Boulevard, Wicked and Zorro. Plus there are a host of ticket offers including Joseph - featuring Gareth Gates from February, Carousel, Avenue Q, Billy Elliot, Dirty Dancing and many more.
There are also theatre and dinner packages from as little as £35 and 50 per cent reductions on many popular plays and musicals.
Click here... to find out how you can see great West End shows at bargain prices.
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The Docklands Bar and Grill
Peter Morrell, Food Editor at AMG tries the new winter menu at this sophisticated eaterie
Review date 7th January 2009
Peter had spent much of the holiday period either eating at home, in friends' houses or in pubs, so the Docklands Bar and Grill review was his first opportunity to visit a 'proper' restaurant in 2009.
But after this break did it live up to his expections? Click here... to read the full review and to find out
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 Where is your money safe
Investor Fears For 2009
Advice From The Head of Investment Policy At Lloyds TSB: Nick Hodson
The flight from equities continues, with over a quarter (28%) of stock market investors saying that they have moved some or all of their money into more cautious investments, such as cash or bonds in the past six months, according to the third Investor Outlook report from Lloyds TSB Wealth Management.
If you are one of many people who aren't sure which investments are safe, then watch Nick Hodsons advice by clicking here...
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 Jump 4 Life
The Ultimate Adrenaline Experience
Leap from an airplane, freefall at 120mph for several thousand feet before floating serenely over Lancaster's winding rivers and valley villages to terra firma and raise sponsorship money for the British Red Cross.
The Jump 4 Life tandem skydive takes off from Lancaster Airfield, just 10 miles out of the city centre on Saturday 4th July.
For more details click here
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How to have a cut-price Holiday
Learn Esperanto
Learning Esperanto could help you holiday on the cheap during the credit crunch, says the Esperanto Association of Britain. Around 1,350 Esperanto speakers in more than 85 countries offer free accommodation and hospitality to visitors with only one proviso: they have to speak Esperanto too!
The hospitality scheme helps people save money but Esperanto is more than that, its about sharing cultures and making friends around the world.
For more information click here... |
 Booze Newz
Peter Morrell, Food and Drink Editor of AMG reports on the latest liquid surprises and delights.
updated 1st February 2009
In the latest issue, with St Valentine's Day just around the corner, he has some suggestions about what to drink with that romantic meal. He meets a very well dressed and bubbly duo from France with a his 'n' hers theme and next a very dry but flavoursome customer from Spain. A very sumptuous character from the South of France puts in an appearance followed by a silky, medal winning, smoothy from Bordeaux. And last but by no means least, he is introduced to a very modern Portuguese who is definitely in the pink.
Click here... to read Booze Newz and find out more
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 Alberta Canada
Where the mountains meet the prairie
In our continuing series on attractive travel destinations that also offer interesting culinary experiences we are in the Canadian Province of Alberta. This is big country in every sense of the word. Located in western Canada, the Province is 20 per cent larger than France and the impressive Rocky Mountains rise up near the western boundary to mark the end of the prairie.
Our journey starts in Calgary, sampling the culture and food of this vibrant city before moving on to the Banff National Park in the Rockies. Here you find peace, tranquility and some unique mountain food, making it a good place for both the body and the soul.
Click here... to start the journey
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 Credit crunch munch at All Bar One
From Steak Frites to Fish and Chips for £5 at All Bar One
Enjoy a 6oz sirloin steak with parsley and horseradish butter and fries, chargrilled tiger prawns marinated in lemon and garlic or beef & coriander burger with organic goats cheese & peppers for just £5! The fantastic range and value of this offer can be redeemed any day, any time for breakfast, lunch or dinner, during the week or at weekends until 12th February.
To claim this incredible meal deal, simply go to www.allbarone.co.uk, download the voucher and present it at your nearest All Bar One. To locate your nearest All Bar One, visit www.all-bar-one.co.uk
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The Hide Bar
The widest range of Vintage Armagnacs in town
Geoffrey Kelly interviews the owner Paul Mathew
Paul Mathew set up The Hide Bar two years ago serving over 150 top quality wines, 300 spirits and locally brewed beers along with traditional food, he knew he already had a receptive audience. Located just a stones throw from Londons renowned Borough Market has helped by sourcing the food in an establishment where the watch word is quality.
Paul shares with Geoffrey Kelly his views on what business will be like in 2009, click here... to find out.
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Celebrity Chef Phil Vickery Imparts Some Pudding Wisdom
Everybody loves a good pud! From homemade apple pie to granny's spotted dick or mum's treacle tart, everyones a winner. But how often do you make home-made puds and do you really know where to start?
Well don't panic! Celebrity chef Phil Vickery is here to save the day. To begin the new year with a bang, Phil presents a three-pudding special, a Choc Cherry Layer, Caramel Fondue and a Quick Mango Fool, each made within five minutes! Click here... to watch the video
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Answers to you Computing Problems
AboutMyGeneration / PlusNet IT Clinic
AboutMyGeneration has teamed up with internet and phone providers, PlusNet, to help you overcome all your IT and broadband issues.
So if you're having problems with that new computer, printer, or wireless network that you got for Christmas or in the New Year sales PlusNet is on hand to answer all your queries.
Founded in 1997, PlusNet has grown to one of the UK's best-value internet and home phone providers. It has built its business on innovative products, excellent customer service and low-priced broadband services. The company now offers broadband and voice services to over 300,000 customers across the UK.
Just email your question to our PlusNet expert on ITAnswers@aboutmygeneration.com
For more information on PlusNet visit www.plus.net
To read the answers to questions already sent in click here...
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 Stop the Clock with Pure-XP GliSODin®
Our AMG reviewer gave this product her seal of approval and by popular demand we are again offering a 20% discount on the latest anti-ageing supplement.
Do you wish you could stop the clock and slow down the ageing process? Well Pure-XP, has produced a capsule that promises to do exactly that. GliSODin is a natural, vegetarian Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) supplement that triggers the body into releasing its own internal super antioxidants to protect cells against the ageing process.
To read the review and how to get your 20% discount click here... |
Latest Competitions
| The new Electrolux Powerplus cylinder cleaners |
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 Want to make light of your housework?
Win a top of the range Powerplus cylinder cleaner from the new Electrolux Z44 series
The new Electrolux Powerplus cylinder cleaners offer power and performance that will bring a new freshness and colour to your housework.
There is nothing mundane about the new Powerplus. All 3 models weigh in at under 5kg making them light and easy to carry around, especially up and down stairs and they come in cool white with bright, fresh orange, magenta and lime highlights.
Electrolux are offering one lucky AMG member the chance to win a top of the range Powerplus cylinder cleaner that features a powerful 1800W motor, a HEPA filter for fresher, healthier air in the home and a turbo nozzle for removing stubborn fibres and pet hairs from stairs and upholstery.
To enter the competition click here...
Closes 15th February 2009 |
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Celebrate with the Stars
Win BAFTA branded Taittinger Champagne and Villa Maria Wine
Celebrating its 62nd anniversary this year, BAFTA remains the bastion of the British film industry. The annual Orange BAFTA film awards is a chance to celebrate the very best of British and international talent in the world of the visual arts. This year AboutMyGeneration is delighted to have teamed up with the official BAFTA Champagne sponsor Taittinger Champagne, and the official still wine sponsor New Zealands most awarded winery, Villa Maria. Enter our competition and you could win a special BAFTA branded bottle of Champagne Taittinger Brut Reserve NV and a bottle of Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon, as enjoyed by the stars on BAFTA night.
Taittinger is one of the few top Champagne houses to remain owned and actively managed by the named family. Renowned for the elegance of its wines, this signature Taittinger cuvée incorporates a higher percentage of Chardonnay in the blend than conventional Champagnes, giving a sublime elegance to this famous Champagne. Villa Maria has been producing fine wines since 1961 and in 2009 is celebrating 30 years as New Zealands most awarded winery. Taittinger Champagne and Villa Maria wines are widely available. Visit www.hatchmansfield.com
For your chance to win the BAFTA branded Taittinger Champagne and two bottles of Villa Maria Wine click here...
Closes 8th February 2009 |
| James Every Day - The Essential Collection |
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 James Every Day - The Essential Collection
Three copies of this fabulous new cookbook to win
Ever since he first appeared on our television screens back in 1996, James Martin has been one of the nations most popular chefs. From his early days on BBCs Ready, Steady Cook to his current weekly hosting of Saturday Kitchen, James has enticed us with delicious and approachable recipes.
With eight best-selling cookery books behind him, James has now become one of Britains most proficient food writers. In this book, James Every Day, you will find a compendium of recipes taken from his first two cook books: Eating In with James Martin and Delicious. This great collection showcases James signature style of tasty food that you will often see him preparing on Saturday mornings.
James Every Day includes recipes, ideas and treats for every occasion and every taste. This is the essential cooks companion for life as we live it, this book is set to become a kitchen classic.
For your chance to win a copy of this fabulous new cookbook click here...
Closes 28th February 2008 |
| Fantastic selection of Valentine's Day CDs |
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Love is in the Air
Win a fantastic selection of Valentine's Day CDs
Spice up your love life with this fabulous selection of romantic and sexy music
To celebrate Valentines Day, Demon Music Group is offering one lucky AMG member the chance to win this fantastic collection of CDs. Theres a great range of tracks including whats hot in Burlesque, hundreds of favourite love songs from artists as diverse as TLC, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley and Kylie Minogue as well as 50 love classics from those old romantics the Rat Pack
Click here... to enter
Closes 28th February 2009 |
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DALLAS SEASON 10
Three copies of this TV classic up for grabs
DALLAS celebrates a decade of backstabbing, lies, greed and lust as The Complete Tenth Season of one of the most successful drama series ever made its return to DVD on 19 January 2009, courtesy of Warner Home Video. The series brings more underhanded, over-the-top fun as the star-studded cast, including Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray and Barbara Bel Geddes return.
Offering 29 new episodes, with gripping tales and a handful of new characters, the show continues where season nine left off the return of Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy). Supposedly killed at the end of the eighth series, we finally find out what really happened to Bobby and how he has returned from the dead!
For your chance to win the highly entertaining Dallas Series 10 click here...
Closes 28th February 2009 |
| PC Fitness: Your Personal Trainer |
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PC Fitness: Your Personal Trainer
The fun way to get fitter from just 15 minutes per day!
We all know how important it is to lead a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle. But did you know that only twenty per cent of the population manages to exercise regularly?
PC Fitness is the next step in home fitness programmes. Instead of working your way through multiple DVDs with static content, you work with Maya, your virtual personal trainer, in an interactive, unique and customised fitness programme to meet your needs. No workout will ever be the same (unless you want it to be!) and your personal programme can be modified at any time even on the fly during a workout.
Maya tests your fitness level, helps you establish goals, sets up a commitment calendar toward achieving those goals; and then coaches, encourages, and charts your progress through a personalised series of workouts. She also provides fitness advice and motivational pep talks during workouts that help keep you moving and on the way to achieving your fitness goals.
AMG has five copies of PC Fitness Your Personal Trainer to win, click here... to enter the competition
Closes 28th February 2009 |
| Improve Your Memory Today |
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Improve Your Memory Today
Rob Eastaway with Dr Hilary Jones
Five copies of this life improving book to win
Are you increasingly beset by tip-of-the-tongue moments?
Do you forget names, dates and other vital information?
Are you concerned that your memory is getting worse as you get older?
If your New Years Resolution is to improve your memory, then this is the perfect book for you. Written by Rob Eastaway with GMTVs celebrity doctor, Dr Hilary Jones, IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY TODAY will help you remember the important things you are worried about forgetting.
For your chance to win a copy of this book click here...
Closes 28th February 2009 |
| Nicholas Cranes Britannia |
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Nicholas Cranes Britannia
The Great Elizabethan Journey
Six copies of this fascinating DVD to win
ACORN MEDIA has just announced the DVD release of Nicholas Cranes Britannia The Great Elizabethan Journey. Originally made for BBC Two, hugely popular explorer, writer and broadcaster Nicholas Crane, star of Map Man, Great British Journeys and Coast, follows in the footsteps of intrepid Elizabethan traveler William Camdens exhaustive exploration and audit of the British Isles in the 16th century. Camden not only studied the rivers, towns and landscapes of Britain but also its people their dialects, customs and superstitions, making it the most definitive portrait of Britain available of its time.
With the help of Camdens incredible document Crane takes up the mantle of exploring modern Britain, navigating the length and breadth of the UK to uncover hidden secrets and examine the difference between Elizabethan Britain and the country we live in today. He also examines the accuracy of Camdens original findings and what lessons it can teach us about our past, present and potential future.
For your chance to win a copy of this fascinating DVD click here...
Closes 28th February 2009 |
| Race Retro is on the grid and ready to race! |
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 Race Retro is on the grid and ready to race!
Stoneleigh Park
13th to 15th March
We have five pairs of tickets to give away
Race Retro will be paying tribute to all forms of motorsport, from the historic to the high speed and the rare to the retro. Visitors will see live racing, famous drivers, stunning racing car and motorcycle displays, motorsport memorabilia and indoor Pre'65 bike trials.
The show celebrates the 50th anniversary of Aston Martin's 1959 World Sports Car Championship win, Minis success in World Motorsport, and, for those preferring two wheels, 50 years of the Triumph Bonneville and racing Triumphs. This is an event not to be missed by the motor sport enthusiast.
For more information and your chance to win click here
Closes 28th February 2009 |
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Win a copy of the Diary of Anne Frank DVDs
Just Released on DVD - 12 January 2009
One of the most important pieces of social literature from the past century has recently been brought to life in the powerful BBC1 drama The Diary of Anne Frank and is now available to own on DVD.
The moving truth of Anne Frank's life is laid bare in this BBC drama. Honest and, at times. deeply funny, this critical time in history has never been seen clearer than through the eyes of young Anne. A timeless lesson in difference and prejudice, Annes struggle is a bitter pill to swallow as her inevitable capture grows ever closer.
We have three copies of the DVD, The Diary of Anne Frank, to give away.
For your chance to win a copy click here...
Closes 15th February 2009
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| The National Wedding Show |
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 Planning a wedding? Help is at Hand
Win Tickets to the National Wedding Show
London Olympia - 20-22 February 2009
Birmingham NEC - 13-15 March 2009
Regardless of what stage of planning you are at, whatever your budget or taste, you or the bride-to-be will find everything you need at the National Wedding Show to create the perfect day. You can find a dream dress the easy way by visiting the UKs largest collection of wedding gowns under one roof. At this one stop wedding shop theres also plenty of expert advice on hair, beauty and make up as well as well as guidance on topics such as planning, budgeting, flowers and cakes.
To find out how you can treat the bride-to-be to tickets for this fabulous show click here...
Closes 8th February 2009 |
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