Sophie Mei

Some issues that really do matter and, others that just amaze MEI…

Coming up there is everything from reality TV to health, crime and the Olympics. Just click on the link to read more…

- Reality is ‘mental’: Has the nation gone mad or the media?

- Olympic Gold: Athlete’s may have to settle for bronze

- Trapped: have you ever been trapped for a substantial length of time?

- Exam Results: It’s pointless blowing your own flute

- Worldwide web: the addiction

- Social networking: Crime or Just Business

- Pope pops in: 16th September 2010

- Beauty and the Beastly: Channel 4 on beauty

- Commoditisation: Should we pay people to donate eggs, sperm and organs?

- Time to Change: Sheffield and beyond

- Get Moving Week: Mind Charity

- Weird Websites: Finally found what you’ve been looking for?

- Bye bye BLOCKBUSTER

- Cheaters: Sport faces a challenge

Fake blood, sweat and bets..

MEI INTERNATIONAL FROM YORKSHIRE MAKES STARTUPS 100

MEI International Ltd. from Sheffield, South Yorkshire makes it into this year’s Startups 100, which identifies UK’s most innovative, inspiring and ground-breaking new companies.

Startups 100, organised by the startups.co.uk, the UK’s most popular website for small businesses, celebrates the 100 most exciting, promising, disruptive new businesses and entrepreneurs shaping the start-up market right now.

MEI International Ltd is the umbrella company for Sophie Mei schools and Creative Octopus Media Services (COMS) specializing in media relations, campaigns and entertainment, events and social marketing.

One of our company’s key purposes is to work with the Public and Private Sector to increase their profile, product and service awareness amongst identified target audiences and particularly to encourage health literacy and well-being in the general public, and in seldom-heard groups, through media campaigns, training, diverse entertainment and events.  We are a social enterprise and we pride ourselves on insight gathering that provides a solid foundation to our campaigns.

Sophie Mei Co-founder of MEI International says;

“We are thrilled to win our first award as we are so new to the market.

“We’re incredibly proud to have MEI International on our list of the UK’s most innovative and dynamic new businesses and look forward to watching its continued success.” Sara Rizk, editor, Startups.co.uk

In choosing the Startups 100, the team were looking for businesses and entrepreneurs that demonstrated:

• Innovation, in concept or delivery
• Ability to disrupt existing market places
• Growth potential
• Strong management, bright thinkers
• Evidence of existing or future revenues

For more information or to see the full Startups 100 list please visit: www.startups.co.uk

Media Contact:

For more information, or to interview any of the Startups100, please contact Ella Gascoigne at ella@startuppr.co.uk.

Oh what a weekend

This past weekend has been crazy, even for me, because what I have managed within the space of 48 hours is quite an achievement with the great help of my good friends. I have taught folkloric dance, done my first live radio report, danced at a rugby match, had a photoshoot with Rihanna’s dancers, celeb charity dinner, ran Manchester 10k and collapsed at a BBQ.

It all began at dawn on Saturday when my three alarms rang consecutively and I arose from my boudoir (well comfy bed). I made my way to Greens gym to teach a folkloric stick dance to a group of twenty wonderful and keen ladies – which is a necessity when you attend dance classes at 9am on a Saturday morning!

I then nervously went to Radio Sheffield to do my new summer slot, which is Mei’s mission. You wouldn’t think I’d be nervous as I’ve been on radio loads but the thought reporting live and using all the Outside Broadcast equipment made me so although I was really excited.

Fortunately, all went well as I had to interview Rodrigo Pardo about his Toilet Tango piece (you’ll have to listen back to understand) and then find people to sing the new Robin Hood them tune to me… Mission accomplished! I had a real laugh doing it and thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone out and about as well as learning loads of new skills and working with lovely people. I really hope to be doing more radio in the future.

I then jumped in a taxi and headed straight for Bramall Lane – the new home of the Sheffield Eagles Rugby club. It was a big game for them as they were playing Toulouse (which they won) and Mark Aston, the manager, had kindly asked me to dance before the game so I also invite along my friends of Ashay dance troupe (fusion dance).

I opened the game once the players had finished warming up (on the testosterone fuelled pitch) and danced with my red Isis wings to Snake Charmer, Anzay and Hindi Sad Diamonds. My agent Louise and I then had to jet off (well city taxi it) to the train station to get to Manchester for a photo shoot with Rihanna’s dancers. We shortly arrived at Sunshine Studios to view lessons by Bryan, Reina and Tracy.

Not only did we get a sneaky peek at their choreographies but I also got the chance to have photos with them and interview them. So watch out soon for those interviews as we got some juicy gossip… read more

Finally, our jam packed Saturday finished at Jury’s Inn Manchester where we were greeted by the Alzheimer’s Society team along with fellow ‘celebrity’ runners Dick (from ‘Dick and Dom’) and Samantha Giles (the red head from Emmerdale and now she stars in Hollyoaks. We then went out for a carb-fuelled dinner in the preparation for the morning’s 10k, in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

Return later for more info about the Sunday’s Manchester 10k race plus links to exclusive gossip…

You’d think that after ten years of pelvic tilting, hip sliding and shimmies (BELLYDANCE) that I’d be a hip-injured wreck. Oh no, it wasn’t until I set me 2010 resolutions to rugby and running that I have suddenly been hit with the most injuries I have ever experienced from fracture Scaphoid’s to a twisted Sciatic – these past few months have certainly been eventful.

I thought that once April came and I welcomed my 22^nd Birthday without a cast on my arm or a knee support that were things were looking up – that was until I ran the Sheffield Half Marathon and 2 10K’s.

Fortunately, the BUPA physio after the Manchester 10k flagged up that I had a problem. So what did I do? No, didn’t listen to his advice but got back into training and roped in support from my Personal Trainer – Seb Kane (Greens Gym). He then encouraged me to see a Chiropractor as he didn’t want me running or doing dead lifts (weights) until I had the “shooting pain” in my hi and leg fixed.

So I went down to Sheffield Clinic of Complementary Medicine on Ecclesall Rd, Sheffield. Upon arrival, I was welcomed by two lovely and attractive receptionists who instructed me to put on a gown before going in to the Doctor. A gown?! Don’t you just hate those situations where you have completely forgotten to co-ordinate your underwear (too long being single!)

Nonetheless, I was immediately put at ease with Dr. Burns as he was so personable and completely explained what would happen in my initial consultation.

To find out what happened click: HipKiss of Life

http://blog.sophie-mei.net/2010/05/hipkiss-of-life/

Follow up Appointment

A few days later it was time for a follow-up consultation and to have my X-Rays back (which were amazingly done ‘in-clinic’).  Immediately, I could tell they were my X-Rays as I had forgotten to remove my huge bellybar which made my X-Rays look as if I’d swallowed a flower-shaped bullet.

Luckily, all my injuries are ‘fixable’ as I’m still young – that’s if I take advice and don’t run whilst my hips are still delicate (I.e. I made a faux pas by playing in the Celeb Soccer 6 at the weekend – just as well he’s used to helping football injuries).

He continued to give me a deep tissue massage and adjust my hip and spine back into places as I have a twisted Sciatic nerve. Although, I don’t like the sound I quite like the pain of Chiropractic treatment as it really feels like it’s adjusting all those bad body habits you have.

I came out feeling more agile, in a little bit of pain but nothing that can’t be soothed by the icepack he gave me.

So I’m back in a few days and already feeling the transformation  – so glad I got it sorted young and I’d recommend it to other people old and young as it’s essential for a body MOT especially later in life.

For further info:

Chiropractors use controlled forces, called adjustments, when there are restrictions around joints that the body is unable to overcome itself. Such barriers include muscle spasm, swelling (edema), scar tissue and pain.

“Whatever the problem… Chiropractic is so often the answer.”

Dr K.P. Burns Bsc D.C. and associates have been in the trade for the past twenty-six years and continue to offer a personable and welcoming service to their clients. Clients have included many celebrities including a wide host of sports stars particularly footballers.

The clinic directors are Dr K.P. Burns, Ms L.M. Burns and Mr P.Francis

Contact Details;

Sheffield Clinic of Complementary Medicine

378 Ecclesall RD, Sheffield S11 8PJ

Tel: 0114 267 0010

Consultation by appointment. X-Ray facilities.

Doncaster Chiropractic Clinic

26 High Rd, Balby, Doncaster , DN4 0PL

Tel: 01302 311 322

York Chiropractic Clinic

312 Stockton Lane, York, Y03 0JW

Tel: 01904 430 300

Hull Clinic of Complementary Medicine

Holm Oak, Heads Lane, Booth ferry Rd, Hessle, Hull, HU13 0JH

Tel: 01482 644 848

SEB KANE – MyWellbeing: Personal Trainer

Contact MyWellbeing

T: 07812004443

E: sebkanept@hotmail.com

A Midsummer’s Dream

Our fourth issue lands us into Midsummer when the sun shines by day, and sets by night as we swig our Cocktails – OK well that’s a dream but at least work should be a distant memory. If not, don’t fret as there is plenty to do before we buckle down and get back to school, University and your 9 – 5.

August

Kicking off in August is the new football season when United take on some of the big boys and we at Wednesday erm… well we’re off to Dagenham! Nonetheless, the Cyber geeks can test their PC’s against their Macs on 1^st August at Yorkshire’s Biggest Computer Fair. Not your cup of Tea? Well, then you can hop along to the Teatopia exhibition at the Millennium Gallery on 5^th August for a Curator’s tour of er… tea! You can even pop down to Weston Park Museum if you Fancie some cupcakes…

So you’re not a cake muncher or a cyber geek? Well then lads and ladies get your sen’ along to the Four Nations Challenge Boxing at English Insititute of Sport on 7 – 8^th August.

If you’re more of a culture vulture on the 8^th you can down your Boxing gloves and sample the Tomatoes and Chillies festival at Meersbrook Park – that’s what it says on the tin – then drink time as ever at Leopold Square to have your apperitif’s whilst listening to a bit of Dizzy Club (they’re Jazz not a Dizzee Rascal rip off, darlin’).

If you haven’t ousted the dust since your Spring clean, then do it now and uncover those unwanted gems such as Furniture because Summer’s a good time to share the love and all the other hippy dippy stuff. What’s more, our very own City Hearts charity who work to house and rehabilitate people with addiction problems, are in need of your furniture new and old (all in good nic) as they challenge us to deck out a whole house for some of their young ladies to live in.

The mission is possible… thanks to our friends at SBS removals who offer the best service in the city to help move your goods at reasonable prices. (They helped me move my Camel: No jokes – see the photo!)  Ooh we do like a good mover! …

Through the keyhole we go this summer as we have a special performance of The Secret Garden at the Botanical Gardens on 10^th August thanks to Heartbreak Productions.

If you’re more of a mover and shaker then strut your stuff down to Sheffield’s O2 Academy for a charity Shapa night on 11^th August in aid of One Song Foundation, you can see the likes of Liz Mclarnon and Lee Ryan… so All Rise.

After last month’s phenomenal Music City  – we continue to impress with our local talent so watch out for DarkeHorse’s gig on13^th August at The Boardwalk

Then if you are a singer yourself you best get yourself to the Sheffield auditions of OpenMic UK at the City Hall on 22^nd August. I rest my case.

Remember Harvest festival at school when people bring in fruits, grains and you can smell the fresh crop? OK, so I’ve been watching The Waltons a little too often… Well you can experience it all over again or for the first time at Weston Park Museum on 28^th August.

Ah the good old days… where summer lovin’ happens so fast… well you can have a blast at Sheffield’s Fayre at Norfolk Heritage Park from 29^th-30^th August – and strictly no leather please.

September

It’s like the worst Sunday feeling ever when September arrives, the kids are kitted up in their uniforms, the students have overloaded on their Tupperware and the rest of us are back into tour 9-5 slog before the bells ring at Christmas time!

Anyway, do you remember the Fun Lovin’ Criminals? Well they’re gigging at plug on 3^rd September. You then have enough time to recover for 5^th September as it’s the BUPA Yorkshire Run. You can join Dick (from Dick and Dom), Hugh Dennis (comedian) and Tony Audenshaw (Emmerdale) and of course me – Sophie Mei.

Two men who are definitely quick on their feet are Ricky Hatton and Frank Bruno as they host  “An audience with…” at Sheffield City Hall on 15^th September.

Where art thou this month? As Hamlet is on at Crucible Theatre from 16^th September – 23^rd October – I’m going to see Mr. Hamlet opposed to Michael Buble’s Concert which has already sold out at Hallam FM Arena.

E cosi … let’s finish this month off on a bella high as Fargate will be home to an Italian Market from 24^th – 28^th September:

By Sophie  Mei

www.sophiemei.co

MEI Motto: September’s the new New year for us big kids – so get your dancing shoes on – for a party workout in a Zumba (mixed) class or ladies can shake their bon bons at a Bellydance (women only) class with Sophie Mei Schools.

Check out:  www.sophiemeischools.com

AHEAD OF CHALLENGE ANNEKA

Yorkshire folk are being given a hearty challenge, to refurnish an entire house for a local charity which, will house twenty women in need.

The new house is part of City Hearts’ initiative to help women addicted to drugs, alcohol and women with eating disorders and other addictions as part of their oversubscribed residential programme. The house will help rehabilitate women from across the country to help enable them to live as prosperous a life as possible and without their addictions.

The charity are calling for your help to donate unwanted new or good conditioned furniture everything from table cloths and toasters to 3-seater sofa’s. Our local challenge will take place prior to the airing of TV’s Challenge Anneka which will be filmed in Sheffield and on screen later this year.

The City Hearts challenge begins on Tuesday 10th August at City Hearts’ base – Megacentre, Bernard St, Sheffield where a furniture amnesty is being called and the charity will then pass the gauntlet to their two Anneka’s of the day – local TV star and supporter of City Hearts – Sophie Mei and fellow entrepreneur Katrina Bagshaw will swap their skirts and stiletto’s for overalls as they trapse the breadth of the city for those much needed items.

Sophie Mei – dancer, presenter & entrepreneur says;

“City Hearts is a fantastic charity which is relatively new but has already helped improve the lives of many women from across the country. It will be a great challenge to take on as I really think us Yorkshire folk are rather generous and together we can make an ideal home for twenty women. Being part of a residential programme is one of the key steps in recovery and it’s great to think that we may be able to furnish another property to help more people.”

To see the full list of wanted items log on to:

For further information on City Hearts log on to:

FOR MEDIA QUERIES AND DONATIONS PLEASE CONTACT :

Bravura Marketing – Katrina Bagshaw T: 07988850823

Katrina@bravura-performance.co.uk

———————————-END —————————————

City Hearts is a charity that helps survivors overcome serious life issues such as drug addiction, self-harm and trafficking. It is a residential programme for girls over the age of 18 years old and is also connected to Hope City Church.

They not only help these women but they empower them providing them with the tools and positive coping mechanisms so the women can have prosperous lives.

They deliver a multi-platform service of drama workshops, life skills sessions as well as counseling and social groups.

Wanted Items:

bedside tables 20

6‐draw chest of drawers 8

3‐draw chest of drawers 6

lamps 20

bedroom rugs 14

waster paper bins 18

laundry hampers 20

single duvets 24

fi@ed sheets for 3/4 beds (width 110cm)  24

single duvet cover 24

pillow cases 24

pillows 24

lightshades 23

curtains (to cover window dimensions h180xw100cm)  22

curtains (to cover window dimensions h175xw200cm) 3

curtain (to cover window dimension h125xw200cm) 1

towel rails (wall mounted) 24

up lighters (floor standing) 13

sofa bed 1

2‐seater sofas 2

armchair 2

large corner sofa 1

LCD television 3

DVD players 3

3‐seater sofas 3

large rugs 3

small rugs 2

large kitchen bins 2

bathroom bins 8

large dining tables (for 12 people per table) 2

or tables for 6 people each 4

dining chairs (preferably foldaway/stackable) 24

huge table cloths to cover dining tables 4

large noMce boards 6

CD players 5

toilet mats 5

bath mats 4

toilet roll holders 5

plasMc full length mirrors 6

shower curtains/screens 4

large cushions for window seats 8

cushions 14

cushion covers 14

large bookcase (d. w300cmxh250cm) 1

or small bookcases joined together

coffee tables 5

bookcase for office 1

fish tank 1

washing machines 2

dryers 2

freezers 2

or large chest freezer  1

large dishwasher 1

iron 2

ironing boards 2

hoovers 2

ke@les 3

Kitchen equipment

Item Quan)ty

cutlery (knives/forks/spoons) 30

sets of crockery (dinner plates/bowls/side plates) 30

preferably sha@erproof material, not too plasMcky

set of industrial saucepans and frying pans 1

utensils sets 1

4 slice toasters 3

sandwich toasters 2

The Sheff Guide: September- October

Brought to you by MEI International: Delivering Substance with Style

September

It’s like the worst Sunday feeling ever when September arrives, the kids are kitted up in their uniforms, SBS Removals have moved all of the new tenants’ furniture in – all ready for a September term at University and work.

Once everyone’s settled, you’ll be ready for some Fun Lovin’ Criminals at Plug on 3^rd September. You then have enough time to recover for 5^th September, as it’s the BUPA Yorkshire Run. You can join Sheffield’s Dick (from Dick and Dom), Hugh Dennis (comedian), Tony Audenshaw (Emmerdale) and me – Sophie Mei. We’ll be raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society helping lead the fight against dementia – you can find out more here http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

It’s always advisable to have a post-run treat and word on the street is that Sheffield designers Roc & Doll are having a sample sale where you can buy your designer goods on 10^th October in Darnall (Sheffield’s shabby-chic Shoreditch).

You can even complete the look on 12th September at new bar – Alibi with their Mizani hair show by Toni&Guy in aid of Help A Hallam Child

Where art thou this month? As Hamlet is on at Crucible Theatre from 16^th September – 23^rd October – I’m going to see Mr. Hamlet opposed to Michael Buble’s Concert, which has already sold out at Hallam FM Arena.

Finish the month off on a buonissimo high as Fargate will be home to an Italian Market from 24^th – 28^th September.

October

No excuse not to be active this October as there is something for everyone from Chinese Pole at Greentop Circus on 2^nd October to bopping at the Manic Street Preachers gig at 02 Academy on 6^th October.

Even if you’re papa don’t preach you can still ‘say a little prayer’ at the Wedding/Civil Partnership showcase on 10^th October at Sheffield Town Hall.

October’s always a funny month, as there’s not much on until Halloween and tinsel season strikes. Luckily for us Sheffielders however, October is jam-packed with the Magners Grin Up North Comedy Festival. We can have the last laugh with acts such as Jimmy Carr, Dara O’Brian and Sheffield’s very own Toby Foster.

Even closer to home, is the chance to find out about fostering in Sheffield, a service that is in great need of your support in order to be sustainable in helping care for young people. The Fostering Information Evening takes place on 13^th October at Quaker Meeting House.

The one man who has a tan that I even can’t compete with is John Barrowman who will be performing at Sheffield City Hall on 14th October… there’s no business like show business…

Have a good couple of months and we’ll be back for the (deep breath) Christmas issue… I can hear the bells…

MEI Motto: September’s the new New Year for us big kids. SO get your dancing shoes on for a party workout in a Zumba (mixed) class or ladies can shake their bon bons at a Bellydance (women only) class at Sophie Mei Schools.

Check out www.sophiemeischools.com

To get your event featured in The Sheff Guide –

Email: MIS@sophiemei.net or add Sophie on http://twitter.com/sophiemei

Reality TV on the verge of a breakdown?

- Reality is ‘mental’

“ All people who go on reality TV are psychotic,” I overheard an elderly lady say the other day.

This opinion came as no surprise to me as it is widely believed that reality TV is an ‘abattoir’ for the insane as well as for the mundane human.

Then again, 11million of us tuned in to watch 2010’s first episode of the X Factor. I am ashamed to say I forgot and went out for a drink.

Although there have been two big waves of publicity since, such as the singer Gamu Nenghu who had been auto-tuned, much to the public’s disgust therefore, the poor staff have to re-produce all the episodes to not include auto-tune. I guess it’s like the debate between allowing notes into an exam.

Axed X Factor hopeful Shirlena Johnson, from east London, begged TV bosses to take her back, after The Sun’s untactful revealed that she has mental health issues. Nonetheless, Rethink (a mental health charity) condemned The Sun for their reckless write-up that described Shirlena as a ‘ticking time bomb.’

Whatever the truth is of the story it is not for the public/unqualified specialists to cast aspersions on people’s mental health. If it is being reported on, one must be mindful to not cause offence and spread stigma as 1 in 4 of us will suffer from a mental health issue in our lifetimes.

Read the Time to Change blog here

Photo call

WHAT:    Local celebrity Sophie Mei will announce sports bra manufacturers Shock Absorber’s support for Alzheimer’s Society.  Sophie will model the sports bra she’ll be wearing in the Bupa Great Yorkshire Run on 5 September in Sheffield and call for people to join her on the run.
Sophie is supporting Alzheimer’s Society, Bupa’s nominated charity for the

2010 Bupa Great Run Series.

WHEN: Photocall takes place: 11.30am‚ Thursday 2 September, 2010

WHO: Sophie Mei – semi-finalist of Britain’s Got Talent, belly dancing instructor, media presenter and charity supporter.

Reality is ‘mental’

“ All people who go on reality TV are psychotic,” I over heard an elderly lady say the other day.

This opinion came as no surprise to me as it is widely believed that reality TV is an ‘abattoir’ for the insane as well as for the mundane human.

Then again, 11million of us tuned in to watch 2010’s first episode of the X Factor. I am ashamed to say I forgot and went for a drink.

Although there have been two big waves of publicity since such as the singer Gamu Nenghu who had been auto-tuned, much to the public’s disgust therefore, the poor staff have to re-produce all the episodes to not include auto-tune. I guess it’s like the debate between allowing notes into an exam.

Axed X Factor hopeful Shirlena Johnson, from east London, begged TV bosses to take her back, after The Sun’s untactful revealed that she has mental health issues. Nonetheless, Rethink (a mental health charity) condemned The Sun for their reckless write-up that described Shirlena as a ‘ticking time bomb.’

Whatever the truth is of the story it is not for the public/unqualified specialists to cast aspersions on people’s mental health. If it is being reported on, one must be mindful as 1 in 4 of us will suffer from a mental health issue in our lifetimes and consequently to tarnish one person you’re tarnishing many people’s illness.

Reality Tv highlights people’s lives – all good and bad attributes.