Freshly Social

At some point, in about the sixties, parents got tired of calling their sons Jonathan, Paul and Peter and their daughters Katherine, Anne and Jennifer. So, they started looking for more unusual baby names. Many parents would opt for French, Russian or Irish names and the more exotic went for unusual Indian or Muslim baby’s names. So, elementary schools started having many enrollments for Tanyas, Jacques, Michelles, Aidas and Sineads.

Then the hippies took the world by storm and started naming their babies after the elements and we were blessed with unusual little personifications of sunshine, rain, fern, storm and river. Recently, however, there has been another revolution of unusual baby names and the Hollywood celebrity is at the forefront of this popular new trend.

Viral content is made to be shared. It loves gossip and the more it is discussed (negatively or positively) the better. I recently entered the world of viral content and was surprised at how easy it was to vote for articles and trending topics. If you vote for something, you feel as if you are putting your little stamp of personal approval on it, for all the world to see. As a society, we all like to give our opinion and a Digg or  Sphinn is just the same as placing an “x” next to the topic we approve of. So, what is it with viral content that we find so appealing? Here are a few viral content sites that seem to be getting everybody’s vote.

Estate agents in Notting Hill might tell you about the fantastic architecture, cosmopolitan neighbourhood and celebrity population of the area but you’ll have to learn about the underground party and cultural scene yourself. If you’re looking for a different type of venue in London that straddles both the celeb world and the underground arts scene then Notting Hill Arts Club might be exactly for you.

Situated a short walk from the Notting Hill Gate tube station, the unassuming wooden doors belie a contagious party vibe and alternative club and arts scene. The venue is also literally underground, as you follow stairs down to a few cosy rooms with walls covered in graffiti and comfortable couches and a few small tables. Reviews for the Notting Hill Arts Club promise friendly staff and efficient bar service and the bar menu includes exotic beers and organic cocktails.

Money talks; money makes the world go round; money is power: the idioms based around money are endless for the plain reason that this particular dirty word occupies quite an important place in our global consciousness. In keeping with the general obsession with money, we’ve compiled a list of the most expensive items ever sold in Britain and the world.

Most expensive house in Britain

Uptown Court in Surrey is one of the most expensive homes in Britain. Aside from its capital value of over £70 million, it costs an estimated £250,000 per month just to keep going. With 24 bedrooms, large marble bathrooms and a park rather than a garden, this palatial property is no typical UK semi. Occupying this house will also provide you with a few interesting neighbors like Elton John and the Queen herself.

Most expensive item of clothing

Cirque du Solei: the circus troupe that conjures up images of other-worldly performances which capture the imagination and feed the senses. The company is famous for its eye-popping acts, dramatic music and costumes and unique approach to story-telling; you would never know from its international success that it nearly didn’t make it passed its first season. Yet, here it is, about to celebrate its 25th anniversary with knock-out shows in London.

Varekai

Varekai opens in London on the 6th of January 2010 and will complete its London run in the Royal Albert Hall on the 24th of January. Tickets are already available so if you want to catch the Cirque’s latest offering you’ll have to hurry up.

For everything mainstream you are sure to find something alternative that pushes the boundaries of what is normal. Sport is a passion, a hobby and a pastime for many, and weird sports are just as dedicated to the sense of unity and victory that comes with any conventional sport. Here are a few sports that will have you cringing, laughing and scratching your head in dismay.

Toe Wrestling: Here, the strong and determined battle it out, feet first. This weird sport is somewhat of a national activity in parts of the UK, with the first Toe Wrestling Championships taking place in 1976 at a local Derbyshire pub. How it works is that opposing competitors lock each other’s toes together and try and force the other competitor’s foot to the ground.  This sport is no laughing matter, and in 1997, organisers attempted to enter toe wrestling into the Olympics, but their attempt at getting their foot in the door was sadly denied. This didn’t deter the toe enthusiasts though, and the wrestling championships are still very much a part of Derbyshire lifestyle. This weird British pastime is at the top of the wacky sports list.