The Price Of Football A Decade Ago

 People Watching Football/Soccer Game (Photo by Tembela Bohle)

With football making the news because of the launch of Premier League Box Office, we thought we would delve into the archives and discover how much it used to cost to enjoy the sport.

A BBC report ten years ago revealed that Newcastle United was the cheapest Premier League team, whereas Arsenal was the most expensive. We take a look at each of the areas the BBC analysed in their report. You can compare this with the prices you are charged to see how the expenses really have super-sized in recent times. Of course, some of the clubs mentioned are no longer in the Premier League.

So, who was the cheapest football club to visit back then? On Tyneside, you could get an adult match day ticket for £15. This is the same price as Premier League Box Office games today! This means that Newcastle also provided the cheapest day out for fans as well. This is based on the accumulation of the price of the ticket, a pie, a match day programme and a cup of tea – which came in at £23 at St. James’ Park. Other clubs that offered a matchday experience under £30 include Aston Villa, Fulham and Wigan. Can you get a matchday experience for £30 today?

These prices are a stark contrast to Arsenal’s. The North London club boasted the most expensive day ticket at £126, the most expensive day out at £134.30 and the most expensive season ticket at whopping £1955!

In fact, Arsenal is the only team in the league which charged over £100 for a ticket a decade ago. The second most expensive day ticket could be found at Chelsea at a price of £87 and the third most expensive ticket was a trip to White Hart Lane at a price of £81. Of course, Spurs have since moved. Places where you could get the best seats for good prices include West Brom and Sunderland where their most expensive tickets are £39 and £40 respectively. Sunderland has moved down the leagues since, so if you’re staying in student accommodation in Sunderland, football is definitely a good day out to consider.

As mentioned, Arsenal boasted the most expensive season ticket as well. Tottenham were not far behind them as their most expensive season ticket costs £1,845. The two North London clubs and Chelsea make up the three clubs in the league that have tickets available for over a grand.

Furthermore, with regards to season tickets, it may not come as a surprise that Wigan offered the cheapest in the top flight. However what may be surprising is that the then champions, Manchester City, offered the second cheapest in the league at £275. Newcastle then followed behind at £322.00.

The Manchester clubs haven’t been shown to charge their football fans too much as of yet, but when it comes to a cup of tea it’s a different matter. You would pay £2.50 for a cup of tea at the Etihad or Old Trafford, this is the most expensive out of all the grounds in the UK. Wigan, Reading and Swansea offered the cheapest tea at £1.80.

And finally, pies! Wigan again offered the cheapest pies at £2.30. However, travel to Craven Cottage and you better expect Gordon Ramsey behind the counter because there’s costed a whopping £3.90 10 years ago!

#TeamZander or #TeamTakedown? - Interactive Film Releases Across Social Media Alongside A Universe of "Real" Characters [Video Included]

"Dared My Best Friend To Ruin My Life" (PRNewsfoto/DefinitelyReal.com)

Alternate Reality Cinema company This Is Definitely Real debuts the world's first alternate reality cinema project. 

Built around an extended-release movie in the style of Scott Pilgrim meets Fight Club, the story "Dared My Best Friend To Ruin My Life" extends through over a dozen narratives, interactive experiences, and fictional characters who respond to the 9 episodes with their own content and interact with the audience. 

• In a world that feels increasingly like an alternate reality game, this first-of-its-kind asks its young adult audience to question what is real, play with their own online personas, and participate in the storytelling.

Based on a viral Reddit story of the same name, the experience begins when Team Takedown, an anarchist hacker group, bent on canceling everyone in power, hacks influencers. The protagonist Zander Jones hacks them back, sending a plea to the internet to help them find his kidnapped sister. 

• As Zander's team grows, the audience can view the episodes or go down the rabbit hole, pick a side, and search for the truth.

"If you look at the comments on YouTube, people keep asking whether this is real. It looks fake, but is it real? The line has become so blurred that it's hard to define real any more. And we're getting people to ask those questions," said Michael Morgenstern the film's producer.

The story universe is populated with characters (all from the town of Emet's Crossing) with real social handles, websites, video series, and interactive experiences of their own, creating an explosion of content and a web to explore. Participants can message the characters and receive replies and watch videos from the local news show, alien puppet invaders, a beauty queen named Miss Information, a brutally satirical revenge-based fitness influencer, and Zander's mom, a technically illiterate boomer who drops her phone number [406-284-0565] all over the comments and will text back.

"Our fictional story is put together the way some news events are put together; the way conspiracy theories are put together. Social media is a place where stories are being told — some designed to manipulate us, and our audience is delighting in exploring these themes," says Morgenstern.

• The audience is invited to take sides in the feud between two friends, becoming live participants in the internet-based thriller, or watch and enjoy as a fly on the wall..

"It's inevitable that stories will move out of movie theaters and into the world we live in, with the audience being invited to join in. It's just taken a few years for movies to catch up and really use the medium of the internet," says Morgenstern.

"The project is built exactly like QAnon, except we tell you we're fictional," Morgenstern said. Who hopes that the story leads to experiential understanding about how controversies and stories are incepted into the public consciousness.

 "This type of storytelling is used already politically, but this is the first time it's been used to tell a stylized, overtly fictional story at this scale.".

• An independent team of over 400 immersive theater artists, marketers, technologists, and filmmakers have built the narrative machine that powers the experience.

On the eve of a polarized election, in a world where disinformation spreads rampant, the story's audience is engaging deeply with the story's questions: when is it right to cancel someone? Who really controls the stories we tell? Is there a good and a bad team, and which one am I on?

• Interested viewers can join the experience and start participating at teamzander.com or on YouTube

The Video:

Follow the story here: 

Episode 2 / Episode 3 / Episode 4 / 

Episode 5 / Episode 6 / Episode 7 / 

Episode 8 / Episode 9 /Episode 10

SOURCE: DefinitelyReal.com

#HalloweenIsHappening - 66% Of Americans Admit To Stealing From Their Halloween Candy Stash

#HalloweenIsHappening - 66% Of Americans Admit To Stealing From Their Halloween Candy Stash (Photo by Karolina Grabowska)

Do you open the bag of mini Halloween treats as soon as you get it home from the store? About two-thirds (66%) of people admit to enjoying a few pieces of Halloween chocolate and candy before handing the treats out to trick-or-treaters or using them for other Halloween activities, according to a recent poll conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the National Confectioners Association.

Consumer Attitudes & Behaviors On Halloween:

• 74% of millennial moms and young parents say that Halloween 2020 is more important than ever. (The Harris Poll)
• 80% of the general public and 90% of millennial moms and young parents say they can’t imagine Halloween without chocolate and candy, and that trick-or-treating is irreplaceable. (The Harris Poll)
• 2/3 will participate in trick-or-treating, whether handing out the candy or going out with their children. (NCA)

• 79% of parents indicate they have taken candy from their children after a night of trick-ortreating. (Morning Consult)

• 66% of people enjoy at least some of their pre-purchased Halloween candy before using it for Halloween-related activities, like passing it out to trick-or-treaters. (Morning Consult)

• 80% of people believe that they will find creative and safe ways to celebrate the Halloween season this year. This is up from just 63% in July. (NCA/Morning Consult)

Fun Facts:

• Most people in the U.S. enjoy chocolate and candy 2-3 times per week, averaging about 40 calories per day and just one teaspoon of added sugar per day. (NHANES)

• What’s the right way to eat candy corn? 

• Who enjoys candy corn the most? 

Visit AlwaysATreat.com/HalloweenCentral for ways to celebrate a socially distanced but not socially awkward Halloween and join the conversation on social media with #HalloweenIsHappening.

SOURCE: National Confectioners Association

Related Story:

• #HalloweenIsHappening: The Story of Halloween in the Year 2020 [Video Included]

How Coronavirus Has Hit the Movie Industry

How Coronavirus Has Hit the Movie Industry (Photo by Nathan Engel)

Since early 2020, the world has been gripped by the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. Despite drastic measures designed to curb the spread of the virus, it continues to wreak havoc in virtually every country around the world.

While the health implications of COVID-19 have been the most pressing factor, there’s no doubt that the economic impact of the virus is continuing to affect industries. Virtually every sector has been affected by COVID-19, but some have been hit harder than others.

The entertainment industry, as a whole, has been forced to suspend numerous productions and delay movie releases due to the on-going COVID-19 restrictions. While the demand for at-home entertainment continues to soar, the movie industry has been unable to operate for the majority of 2020.

Why Aren’t Movies Being Released?

Popular firms are always eagerly anticipated by fans, with many people booking tickets to see the film months in advance. Major franchises are always winners for movie companies, which is why people are continually asking, how successful will the new Bond film be? However, movie fans have been disappointed this year, as release dates continue to be pushed back.

When major titles are released, they typically make hundreds of millions of dollars for production companies. Additionally, directors, actors, and producers can garner accolades and awards upon the release of a big picture.

If production companies choose to release major titles now, they stand to make a significantly reduced profit. While some movie theaters remain closed and unable to show the film, others are operating with limited capacity. This means far fewer people can access a viewing, which equates to lower box office figures.

In addition to this, many people are understandably worried about attending public venues, like movie theaters and comedy clubs. Even when these venues are open, the on-going concern about transmitting or contracting the virus is causing people to stay at home, rather than attend.

How Coronavirus Has Hit the Movie Industry (Photo by Tuur Tisseghem)

What Does the Future of the Industry Look Like?

Sadly, the arts industry has been severely affected by COVID-19. Many people who work behind the scenes in movies, television, or theater work on a self-employed basis. This means they’ve been unable to generate an income while productions have been halted and live performances stopped.

While larger companies have been able to weather the financial storm caused by coronavirus, smaller production firms and movie companies may be unable to continue operating for much longer. For fans, this may mean fewer independent or niche films are released in the upcoming years.

Furthermore, the demand for at-home entertainment is fueling the streaming industry. With major streaming services already producing their own original series and films, it’s possible that major movie titles will be released directly via streaming, rather than hitting the movie theaters.

When it comes to major titles and famous franchises, however, fans shouldn’t have too much to worry about. While releases may be delayed for some time yet, there’s no doubt that production large companies will bounce back from the crisis and continue to deliver award-winning pictures.

A Guide to Going to the Gym During Covid-19

A Guide to Going to the Gym During Covid-19 (Photo by William Choquette from Pexels)

We get it, exercising at home can be tough. It’s hard to find motivation at home and when you do, you often have to modify your practice because of space or noise restrictions. Thankfully, after months of gyms being closed, many are finally starting to re-open with limited capacity. While measures are likely in place at your gym to keep people safe, you should also think carefully about what you can do personally to eliminate as much risk as possible. Grab a pair of men’s or women’s supportive sneakers and follow the checklist below to ensure maximum safety for you and those around you at the gym.

Consider Your Risk Level:

According to the CDC, those most at risk of developing severe symptoms of Covid-19 are people who are 65 years old and older and anyone with health conditions. If you fall into either of these groups, it is recommended that you avoid going to gyms while Covid-19 is still at large. While gyms should take precautions like cleaning equipment frequently and taking everyone’s temperature upon arrival, there is still a chance that you could contract the virus.

Avoid Big Group Classes:

Instead of jumping back into crowded classes at the gym, opt for solo practices or classes of small groups with less movement. For example, you should avoid a jam-packed hot yoga class in favor of a small, eight person or less Yin yoga class. Swap an organized cycling class for an hour of solo cycling indoors or biking outdoors.

A Guide to Going to the Gym During Covid-19 (Photo by Tim Mossholder from Pexels)

Abide by the Six Foot Rule:

If your gym is following CDC guidelines, they should have separated equipment and blocked off machines so that people exercising are always at least six feet away from each other. Make sure you follow this six foot guideline anytime you are in a public place, especially while at the gym.

Wear a Mask When Possible:

Many gyms aren’t requiring a mask while you are exercising, as it makes it more difficult to breathe. However, at least when you are coming and going at the gym or doing a low intensity exercise, you should wear a mask. 

A Guide to Going to the Gym During Covid-19 (Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom from Pexels)

Consider Exercising Outdoors:

There is an alternative to working out in your home that doesn’t involve going to the gym. Slip on a pair of women’s or men’s supportive sneakers and head outdoors for your exercise; whether to run, bike, or do a circuit routine. Even going for a vigorous walk or swim can break up the monotony of working indoors all day long and keep you feeling active and healthy. The bonus is that you can also soak up the sun and get a dose of Vitamin D, which helps ward off viruses by keeping your immune system strong.

Related Stories:

• Shh! At-Home Workout Tips To Not Disturb the Neighbors
• 3 Celeb Workout Plans Which Will Motivate You Today
• Do Not Disturb: How to Exercise Quietly at Home
• UK: 5 Types Of Exercise To Do In Manchester [Infographic]

The "American Horror Story" Murder House Is Opening To The Public For The First Time Ever For Paranormal Halloween Weekend Live Stream [Trailer Included]

The "American Horror Story" Murder House Is Opening To The Public For The First Time Ever For Paranormal Halloween Weekend Live Stream (screengrab)

With this week's announcement that The Infamous American Horror Story Murder House will open to the public for the first time ever, homeowners Dr Ernst von Schwarz and his wife Angela Oakenfold have now revealed the list of participants for the three-day, 24-hour first-ever live stream event from the notorious historical Los Angeles monument. 

Murder House - Trailer:

Murder House Trailer from The Murder House Productions on Vimeo.

Kicking off at dusk Thursday, October 29 and closing out at sunset Sunday, November 1, The Murder House livestream event will feature 15 cameras set up throughout the 10,000-square foot home streaming live throughout the entire weekend.

Beyond The Murder House live stream, viewers will see daily programming (details below). While the live stream is open to all via the ticketed event, The Murder House will open its doors to a few lucky ticket holders. Six fortunate (or unfortunate)--two per each of the three nights--Murder House fans in the terrifying basement all while being live streamed to the world (while a doctor monitors their vital signs and psychological condition).

The "American Horror Story" Murder House Is Opening To The Public For The First Time Ever For Paranormal Halloween Weekend Live Stream (screengrab)

An initial outline of the weekend's events is as follows:

• The first-ever paranormal investigation will be carried out by Exorcist Bishop James Long, who has appeared on "Ghost Adventures," "The Possessed," "Gates Of Hell," "Exorcism Live!" and "Portals To Hell"
• Famous psychic and white witch Patti Negri from "Ghost Adventures" will lead the houses first-ever seance
• Michelle Belanger, vampire expert and acclaimed author who has been seen on "Paranormal State," "Portals To Hell " and "The Real Vampire Files" will delve into the haunting world of the occult
• Prolific historian and Halloween expert Lisa Morton will take us on an exploration of the history & traditions of Halloween
• Tarot expert Sasha Graham will explain the world of tarot and one lucky ticket holder will get a virtual reading live on air
• Energy healer Satish Dholakia will give advice on how to protect yourself from negative energies and unwanted evil entities
• Psychiatrist Dr Waguih Ishak will discuss the addictive nature of horror and the pathology of fear
• Homeowner and cardiologist and Professor Dr Ernst von Schwarz will delve into the history of medieval torture techniques

The "American Horror Story" Murder House Is Opening To The Public For The First Time Ever For Paranormal Halloween Weekend Live Stream (screengrab)

• Tickets are on sale now at www.themurderhouse.com. In addition, a commemorative t-shirt for the event will be on sale on the website. 

• A portion of proceeds from the event will be donated to the Baby2Baby charity.

SOURCE: The Murder House

Sesame Workshop's First-Ever Animated Sesame Street Special 'The Monster at the End of This Story' Launches On HBO Max On October 29

Sesame Workshop's First-Ever Animated Sesame Street Special 'The Monster at the End of This Story' Launches On HBO Max On October 29 (image courtesy of Sesame Workshop)

Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind half a century of award-winning children's television, will launch its first-ever animated Sesame Street special "The Monster at the End of This Story" on Thursday, October 29 on HBO Max – and its star, Grover, is begging fans not to watch!

A reimagining of Sesame Street's all-time best-selling picture book "The Monster at the End of This Book," the special follows Grover's reluctant journey to the end of the story, where, based on the title, he believes a monster awaits. 

Drawn in the unmistakable style of the beloved book first published in 1971, the special adds new sequences, songs and surprises, and introduces other familiar Sesame Street characters, including Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and Rosita, to the tale.

"After nearly 50 years, the lesson in 'The Monster at the End of This Book' remains timeless: It's okay to feel afraid, but also important to have courage and keep moving forward in spite of those fears," said Kay Wilson Stallings, Sesame Workshop's Executive Vice President of Creative and Production. "We brought this classic story from page to screen in a way that will feel familiar to longtime fans and exciting and engaging for young viewers. By expanding the original narrative and adding new layers, we share a strong lesson in friendship, showing how Grover learns to manage his fear with the support of his friends."

In celebration of the upcoming special, Sesame Workshop today released a new video of "The Monster at the End of This Book" being read aloud by celebrities Kelsea Ballerini, Sofia Carson, Ciara, Stephen and Ayesha Curry, Josh Groban, Mykal-Michelle Harris, Lil Nas X, Ben Platt, Billy Porter, Maggie Rogers, Jordin Sparks, Hailee Steinfeld, Jason Sudeikis, Jonathan Van Ness, and Olivia Wilde. 

"The Monster at the End of This Story" is the official special of Sesame Street's 51st season, set to launch on HBO Max later this fall.

This special caps off the release of Sesame Workshop's series of "Monster"-themed content, digital activities, and product releases, which to-date have included an interactive "The Monster at the End of Your Story" video on Sesame Street's YouTube page (watch below), a "Monsterize Me!" avatar creator, the release of new editions of "The Monster at the End of This Book," and more. 

• Further details are available here.

About Sesame Workshop:

Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, the pioneering television show that has been reaching and teaching children since 1969. Today, Sesame Workshop is an innovative force for change, with a mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. We're present in more than 150 countries, serving vulnerable children through a wide range of media, formal education, and philanthropically funded social impact programs, each grounded in rigorous research and tailored to the needs and cultures of the communities we serve. 

For more information, please visit sesameworkshop.org.

SOURCE: Sesame Workshop

#JTalksLive explores Media in Crisis: Can Journalism Survive - and Thrive - in this Year of Challenge?

The Canadian Journalism Foundation's Oct. 29th J-Talks Live webcast will feature S. Mitra Kalita, senior vice president for news, opinion and programming for CNN Digital, and Rasmus Kleis Nielsen, director of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford, on the challenges facing journalism. (image via Canadian Journalism Foundation)

In a year of unprecedented challenges, the Canadian Journalism Foundation's (CJF) next J-Talks Live virtual event will explore what it will take for journalism to survive in this new reality. 

The free webcast takes place on Thursday, October 29 at 1 p.m. EDT.

• The featured guests are S. Mitra Kalita, senior vice-president for news, opinion and programming for CNN Digital, and Rasmus Kleis Nielsen, director of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford. They will be in conversation with host Anna Maria Tremonti, also the host of the CBC podcast More.

"We are delighted to welcome Rasmus and Mitra to our CJF J-Talks to share their insights, knowledge and experience on the future of journalism in a troubling time," says CJF chair Kathy English, currently a journalism fellow at the Reuters Institute. "We know that journalism around the world faces multiple and multifaceted crises—exacerbated by this global pandemic—and that this is a critical time to examine how news organizations can move forward to serve the public's growing need for quality journalism."

In addition to the pandemic, the reckoning over race and gender representation in newsrooms, the polarized political environment, growing public mistrust of institutions including journalism, declining ad revenues and diverted audience attention all challenge media organizations to adapt, and to do so quickly.

Kalita, based in New York City, leads CNN's national news desk and efforts to share its journalism across an array of platforms. She was previously managing editor for editorial strategy at the Los Angeles Times, where she innovated new forms of storytelling and increased audience engagement, including hiring a correspondent to cover "Black Twitter."

In addition to his director role, Nielsen is a professor of political communication at the University of Oxford. He was previously director of research at the Reuters Institute and editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Press/Politics. He has done extensive research on journalism, U.S. politics and various forms of activism.

• This free virtual event is part of the CJF's J-Talks program, which explores pressing journalistic issues.

• DATE: Thursday, October 29, 2020, 1 p.m. EDT. / 10 a.m. PDT. (Register now)

About The Canadian Journalism Foundation:

Founded in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation promotes, celebrates and facilitates excellence in journalism. The foundation runs a prestigious awards and fellowships program featuring an industry gala where news leaders, journalists and corporate Canada gather to celebrate outstanding journalistic achievement and the value of professional journalism. Through monthly J-Talks, a public speakers' series, the CJF facilitates dialogue among journalists, business people, academics and students about the role of the media in Canadian society and the ongoing challenges for media in the digital era. The foundation also fosters opportunities for journalism education, training and research.

• The CJF thanks the generosity of J-Talks series sponsor BMO Financial Group. 
• Cision is the exclusive distribution partner of the CJF.

SOURCE:: Canadian Journalism Foundation

Animal Lovers, Rejoice! New York City Has A Brand New Anti-Hero

The Calico

Sigma Comics, a comic book publisher dedicated to fighting animal abuse, today introduced the world to Calico, the company's first comic book character. As part of the introduction, the company revealed its flagship comic book series, entitled, "Calico Volume 1: Pin-Up Gallery". 

While there are other comic book superheroes that are Vegan, Calico is the first Vegan "Anti"-hero. "What's funny is, on the surface, it might seem like a gimmick, yet there's no reference to Veganism anywhere in the series," said Calico-creator H.H. German, and founder of Sigma Comics. "This is just one rough hombre who doesn't eat meat, and really, really hates bullies."

Calico Volume 1: Pin-Up Gallery, Issue #1 - Front Cover 

Set in the rough outer boroughs of New York City, Calico Volume 1: Pin-Up Gallery follows Hector Gil, a former boxer from The Bronx with a huge chip on his shoulder, created by life regrets. He decides to enter a prestigious boxing tournament, and as he trains, his new Brooklyn neighbors are unaware of the double-life he leads. On choice evenings, Hector Gil becomes the Calico, to pay unfriendly visits to people who abuse and kill animals. He is supported by a varied network of technically savvy and resourceful data professionals, all bent on making sure Calico completes his missions without a hitch.

Calico Volume 1: Pin-Up Gallery will be an 8-book series, with each issue featuring 22 pages of story by H.H. German and art by Javier Orabich, with cover art by Garnabiel. The first issue is expected to be released just in time for Christmas 2020. 

"If you love animals and comic books, this is an absolute must-have for your collection," said German. "The response has been incredible. I really appreciate the support we're getting from different groups of people, including Vegans, animal lovers, and comic book fans that are tired of lackluster comic books. Your unfriendly neighborhood Calico represents a big departure from the average superhero comic book. I'll leave it at that."

Introducing Calico - Video:

• Calico Volume 1: Pin-Up Gallery, Issue #1 is now available for pre-order at:igg.me/at/sigma.

About Sigma Comics:

Sigma Comics, LLC is a comic book publisher dedicated to fighting animal abuse. The company's goal is to reach a growing audience of readers across the globe, in order to promote animal rights advocacy and provide a powerful mechanism for animal rights charities to promote their efforts. 

• Comic book fans can learn more about Calico and Sigma Comics at sigmacomics.com.

SOURCE Sigma Comics, LLC