Sorted blog

Hat’s all folks…

2014-02-28T10:05:00.000+00:00

Today is a sad day, because after many happy years, I am hanging up my Sorted hat. And what a lovely hat it has been.

I got involved with the magazine by ‘cappy accident’ back in 2008. I was working alongside a wonderful office manager called Bekah (now editor of sister magazine Liberti) at the time.

Bekah had met and fallen in love with well-known entertainer Steve Legg (who, incidentally, had paid a very memorable visit to the church I attended as a child).

Never one to miss an opportunity, it was during a hat-wearing opportunity (their wedding) that Steve mentioned Sorted to me, and I was instantly intrigued. I started off writing the odd bit of copy, and before I knew it I was deputy editor (following a brief stint as sports editor, which has since been taken over by the far more qualified Stuart Weir).

There have been so many highlights for me at Sorted, not least of all my ‘hobble up the cobbles’ on the set of Coronation Street with Andrew Lancel, hilarious interviews with comedians Tim Vine, Milton Jones and Andy Kind, and – to cap it all – a heart-stopping interview with Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell (read this in full in the latest issue).

We’ve covered a range of subjects from pornography and domestic violence to man bras, online dating and toilet roll positioning, and I’ve learnt a lot (some details are best kept under my hat!). I’ve been proud to be part of a magazine that champions men’s issues in a sensitive way without needing to dumb down or plaster the pages with boobs.

And it’s been thrilling to see the magazine progress and prosper. The latest Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) figures show that while sales of lads’ mags are generally in decline, magazines such as Sorted and Men’s Health are holding their own and even gaining ground. This suggests that men are moving away from the babes and taking a step towards the more wholesome and inspiring magazines. Hurrah!

It’s been a privilege to edit the copy of some really great writers. And even though I haven’t met many of our contributors, I feel like I’ve come to know them pretty well just by reading their insights and adding the odd comma and apostrophe along the way. From finance to fitness to faith, the content has been both informative and refreshing. Oh, and I mustn’t forget to tip my hat to designer Andy Ashdown, who is as patient as he is creative. He has been a real pleasure to work with.

The team at Sorted has grown and blossomed since I came on board and it’s been a real privilege to be part of it. I take my hat off to Steve and Bekah. The vision they have for the magazines (and for life in general) is really contagious and I know that this is only the beginning.

Although sad to be moving on, I’m glad to be passing the baton to talented journalist Stacey Hailes. I am confident that she’ll love the job as much as I have and will see the magazine rise to even higher heights.

Please keep reading and supporting Sorted and Liberti. Although I’ll be wearing a different hat (or maybe even a hotchpotch of hats) from now on, I will continue to promote both magazines, and I hope you’ll do the same. If you’re not yet a subscriber, that would be a great first step…

Oh, and if you want to keep in touch or you’re looking for a writer/editor, contact me on joyediting@gmail.com, visit my website, Joy of Editing, or follow me on Twitter @joyous25.

And hat’s a wrap.

Is the UK a nation of lovers or cheapskates?

2014-02-12T14:17:00.001+00:00

According to research from Dealzippy.co.uk, many couples will ditch the flowers and chocolates this Valentine’s Day in favour of discounted jewellery and bargain lingerie.

Its figures show that more than 19,000 ‘romantic’ guys will spoil their lady loves with a personalised, triple ring necklace for £15, while almost 2,000 will present their significant others with a Swarovski crystal heart necklace for £14 on February 14.

More than 4,000 men will hand over the exact same box of lingerie to their partners, for the sum of £19. And nearly 35,000 Brits have entered a Groupon competition to win the services of a Mariachi band in a bid to serenade (or embarrass) their special ladies.

Jason Grima, co-founder of Dealzippy.co.uk, says: “A saving of up to 80% off is a no-brainer, even if it’s not particularly romantic to go for a bargain gift. But I’m sure most people would rather their other halves didn’t pay through the nose for something they bought last minute on the high street.”

According to a study from Sainsbury’s Bank Credit Cards, attitudes towards Valentine’s Day are changing. It claims that 38% of couples are planning less conventional dates for Valentine’s Day year, such as salsa dancing, wine tasting, cocktail making, spa visits, sushi making or outdoor sports.

Other less traditional date ideas include watching live sports, visiting a museum or gallery, attending a music concert or going ice skating.

Simon Ranson, head of banking at Sainsbury's Bank, comments: “It is interesting to see such a wide range of both traditional and unconventional ways that couples and singletons will mark Valentine’s Day.

“Whatever you choose to do, if you are using a credit card to buy gifts or the ingredients for a special night in, ensure you take advantage of any rewards or benefits you may be entitled to, as saving loyalty points for example, could all add up and go towards another special treat.”

Another romance-based study from AA reveals that 3% of us have proposed or been proposed to in a car and nearly 40% of us have either prepared the ground or chickened out of proposing during a romantic drive.

David Bruce, director of AA Cars, the AA’s new online car sales platform, advises: “For those looking for an intimate atmosphere and not wanting to run the risk of a public rejection in a restaurant, proposing in a car is a safer bet.

"It may avoid the unnerving scenario of another Valentine’s Day suitor two tables away getting a resounding ‘no’ just before you get the chance to pop the question!”

Finally, Halifax Home Insurance is urging those who are planning to invest in jewellery this Valentine’s Day to make sure it is covered, both inside the home and when you’re out and about.

Despite 35% of people claiming that their engagement ring is their most valued possession, 23% do not have any home contents insurance, and 15% have no cover in place for items lost or stolen outside the home.

Head of underwriting for Halifax Home Insurance, David Rochester says: “When planning a surprise proposal or romantic gesture, insuring a valuable gift is probably not the first thing people think of, so we are reminding people to ensure any new expensive jewellery is insured both inside and outside the home.”

Did you know?

The most popular ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day include cooking a special meal at home (46%) and visiting a restaurant (43%). Approximately 27% of couples will ‘go Dutch’ and split the bill
The average spend per person for Valentine’s Day celebrations is £53, with men budgeting £62 and women expecting to spend £45
Approximately 19% of single people have Valentine’s Day plans, with 23% enjoying a meal with friends and 21% treating themselves to a cosy night in with a nice meal and a film

What are you planning to do this Valentine’s Day? We’d love to hear about your plans in the comments below. Or perhaps you’re a little bah humbug about the ‘most romantic’ day of the year – we’d love to hear from you, too.

If you are stuck for gift ideas, a subscription to Liberti magazine is perfect for that special lady in your life. If you’re looking for an idea for your man, a subscription to Sorted is just the job. These magazines also work as a great treat for yourself if you’re shunning February 14 this year.

Reaching the highest heights

2014-01-31T20:45:00.003+00:00

Many of you already know that Sorted editor Steve Legg is about to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

If all is going to plan, he should be on the plane right now, no doubt thinking about the mammoth task ahead of him (or sleeping with his mouth open like the rest of us).

One thing I’ve learned from working about Steve is that he is very determined and that he doesn’t shout about his achievements, so I’m going to take this opportunity to do just that.

Not only is Steve a great husband to Bekah and a devoted father to six kids, he is a long-term Compassion supporter and ambassador. I know that he and Bekah sponsor four children and that Steve has visited at least one of them, demonstrating that he isn’t just putting his name to a charity or throwing money at it; he really cares.

Sorted and Liberti are now sponsoring a leadership development student, enabling young Kenyan woman Sylvia to attend university. “It's not just about enabling her to reach her full potential, although that would be reason enough, but she is committed to using her education to help others in her community and beyond,” explains Liberti editor Bekah. Steve will be spending some time in Kenya while he is in Africa and will meet Sylvia while he is there.

And it is children and young people like these that have inspired the Kilimanjaro climb. I know Steve plays badminton regularly, but I’m pretty sure he isn’t doing it for the exercise. Nevertheless, he has trained tirelessly so that he is in the best shape possible to get to the top. Despite the wet weather, he’s been out there exercising with the dog every day.

In his own words, Steve is climbing the Tanzanian mountain to “raise the profile of Compassion and see more children released from poverty”. He is dedicated to protecting his own and other children from the many dangers, difficulties and temptations out there.

In fact, this was one of the reasons why he set up Sorted magazine. He wanted his teenage son to be able to buy a lads’ mag that wasn’t just full of boobs, bums and ‘babes’. He wanted his son and other young men to recognise that women are human beings and that their value is not in the way they look. (Check out this great blog from Nate Pyle for more on this.) And he wanted his daughters to know that not all men objectify women and that they are precious regardless of the way they look (they’re all stunning anyway, so that’s never been an issue!).

Sorted is a great magazine, if I do say so myself, and with a print run of 40,000, its circulation has overtaken that of competitors such as Loaded. And it seems the public is responding positively to this shift. Supermarkets like The Co-operative have taken steps to stop saucy lads’ mags covers being on show on its shelves, while campaigns like Child Eyes and No More Page 3 are gathering momentum and have had a great impact over the last year or so.

So why am I telling you all this? Well firstly Steve is out of the country so he can’t stop me giving credit where it’s due! But I also want you to support him in a tangible way. Perhaps you can do one or more of the following:

Pray. If you’re the praying type, pray for Steve while he’s away that he will be safe and that altitude sickness won’t stop him from getting to the top. And if you’re not the praying type, now’s a great time to start!
Encourage him. I’m not sure how much internet access he’ll get while he’s there, but Steve loves his gadgets so I’m sure he’ll find a way of reading your posts and messages if you send them. It would be great for him to know that we’re thinking of him and supporting him (even if it’s from the comfort of our sofas!).
Sponsor him. At the time of writing, Steve has raised £2616.25, which is tremendous. But this is still a little shy of his £3,500 target. It’s not just a case of him reaching the target though, it’s about supporting Compassion and the fantastic work the charity does.
Sponsor a child. If you don’t already sponsor a child, this is a great thing to do. You could change a child’s current situation and entire future by doing so, as well as becoming involved in that child’s life and being able to help and encourage him or her. Compassion helps children in 26 countries and needs all the support you can give. To sponsor a child with Compassion, visit www.compassionuk.org or call 01932 836490.
Subscribe to Sorted. Steve has established an excellent magazine and doesn’t even take a salary from it, despite the time and effort that goes into it. He sends free copies to people in the armed forces, prisons and plenty of other places. And this magazine provides a valuable alternative to the typical lads’ mags out there. Slowly but surely people are moving away from the seedier magazines and Sorted has a part to play here. If you’re already a subscriber, spread the word! Visit your local WH Smith and make sure it’s on display. If not, ask if they will consider stocking it. The more people that ask the better.

Thanks for all your support!

What does it mean to be a man?

2014-01-16T17:41:00.003+00:00

A friend of mine is pumping iron at the gym as I write this blog. He’s got it into his head that he needs to muscle up for the ladies.

When I said that not all girls (myself included) are big on muscles, he replied that while they might not think they like them physically, every member of the ‘fairer sex’ equates muscles with protective masculinity, and what woman doesn’t want to be protected?

I didn’t know how to respond to this as, while patronising, there may be an element of truth in it. So while he was building biceps, I lifted my heavy laptop onto my lap and researched what it is to be a man in 2014. I have to say it made for very interesting reading.

According to Theo Marz at The Telegraph, men are becoming more feminine in their habits and hobbies. Knitting, for example, is gaining popularity among men. Marz writes:

Gerrard Allt had been smoking for around 20 years and was getting through a packet of cigarettes a day when a housemate introduced him to knitting. “It gave me something else to do with my hands,” says the softly-spoken Scouser, now in his 40s. “Before that I’d tried quitting, but I was going cold turkey and just wanted to eat all the time. Knitting calmed me down…”

“…It’s a question of how you see yourself, and how confident you feel in your masculinity. My masculinity can handle a bit of knitting – and I’m sure plenty of other guys’ can too.”

Next I saw an article featured in my least favourite tabloid, but on this occasion I couldn’t resist taking a peak. It was about a new Japanese range of silky, lacy underwear for men. Made by Wish Room, the range features feminine men’s bras and panties. And no, this is not an early April Fool’s joke.

According to the executive director Akiko Okunomiya: “More and more men are becoming interested in bras. Since we launched the men's bra, we've been getting feedback from customers saying, ‘Wow, we'd been waiting for this for such a long time’.”

Australian brand Homme Mystere is also getting in on the action. Its range of lacy thongs, camisoles and padded bras (marketed under names such as Moulin Rouge and Jungle Fever) have met with high demand.

Once I had stopped giggling like a teenager (apologies if you are into the undies), I stumbled upon a thought-provoking article in The Huffington Post. Entitled: “Real Men Talk About Their Feelings - For Real”, Josh Rivedal explains that: “Men are willing to talk about the size of their prostate glands, or how much Viagra they're allowed to take, but they're still not willing to be open about their mental health.

“If men want to live long, healthy and productive lives it's absolutely crucial that the dialogue surrounding men's mental health has to change.”

Men’s reluctance to talk about their problems and hurts can lead to a range of problems and even premature death, with male suicide rates far exceeding those of females. Having considered suicide himself, Rivedal understands the dilemma so many men face.

However, he reassuring writes: “As a man who has suffered from clinical depression, I can say from personal experience that this is not a character flaw or a weakness. It doesn't make you any less of a man.

“In fact, by asking for help it makes you a stronger man. It gives you a fighting chance to improve your life and become the person you want to be. Reach out to your family and friends and ask for help. Nip it in the bud before it can turn into a crisis.”

I came to the conclusion that being a man is a very complex state of affairs. Should men be watching Downton Abbey in their frilly thongs, knitting needles raised, or watching the match with their mates, pint in hand? Should men be the strong, protective type or the kind that aren’t afraid to admit defeat, talk about their feelings and seek help? (I would certainly recommend the latter.)

It seems there is a lot of pressure on men to be all things to all people: the breadwinner, the brawn, the gentle lover, the comedian, the father, the mate. And everyone has their own ideas about what it means to be a man.

The Bible contains plenty of examples of manhood, good and bad. Apart from Jesus, every one of these men was flawed. Some liked a drop too much of the amber nectar, others stole, lied and killed. Still others liked to wear silky drawers… Ok, that’s not in there, but you never know.

The Bible is a great place to start if you want to know what real men are like, because it describes the journeys of ordinary men who made mistakes and overcame them, and of one extraordinary man who made no mistakes but paid for all of ours.

If you aren’t quite ready for the Bible yet, Sorted magazine is another place to read about men who are exploring the concept of masculinity as they journey through life themselves. We don’t have a knitting column (yet), but we discuss all things male, from business to politics to sex. Our hope is that it challenges and inspires you as well as providing quality entertainment and making you laugh.

Click here to buy your copy of Sorted magazine today.

What’s new for you in 2014?

2014-01-02T15:57:00.002+00:00

On Boxing Day I received an email about getting fit in the New Year. I immediately put down my huge turkey and stuffing sandwich and deleted the message before it got to me and stopped me enjoying the last few days of overindulgence. At least wait until after New Year’s Eve to make me ‘lose the mince pies’, I thought to myself.

But with Christmas well and truly over, it seems toning up and saving up are the nation’s top priorities for 2014. According to Gocompare.com, around half of us will try to get fit, eat more healthily or lose weight this year, while a third of us will endeavour to sort out our finances.

Other priorities include:

· Taking up a new sport or hobby (27%)

· Spending more time with family/friends (26%)

· Finding a new job (25%)

· Reducing or quitting smoking (22%)

· Cutting down on or cutting out alcohol (17%)

Claire Peate, Gocompare.com’s customer insight manager, said: “For many of us, a new year represents a fresh start; a time to think about things we want to achieve or behaviour we want to change. But despite beginning the year with good intentions, our survey suggests that most people fail to keep their resolutions.”

I guess that’s not what you really want to hear if you’ve made grand plans to set the world (or at least your world) to rights this year. But while you think about what you want to give up or take up, it’s worth thinking about how you’re going to see your resolutions through this year.

Who are you going to hang around with more and what books are you going to read to get inspiration and keep you focused? What can you stop doing that will make it easier to avoid temptation in a few weeks’ time?

Whatever your aims are for 2014, the key is to prepare well and to start now. And if you do have any relapses, don’t give up! Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try again. Statistics show that the more times you try, the more likely you are to eventually succeed.

We’d love to hear what your New Year’s resolutions are in the comments below. And if you are planning on making some changes, Sorted may be able to help. We are currently working on our March-April edition and it’s packed full of useful tips on fitness, finance and a wide range of other issues.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

The good guys and their gadgets

2013-12-10T15:08:00.000+00:00

Guest blog from Sorted editor Steve Legg

We all know men love gadgets and technology. Whether it’s mobile phones, gaming devices, music systems, sports gear, cars or other electronic equipment, we share a special relationship with gadgets.

We often use gadgets to impress each other with the tiniest video camera, the most expensive, function-laden watch, or the fastest computer. Arm wrestling, bike racing and drinking competitions are no longer the main ways of proving our masculinity; it's these gadgets that do the trick these days. They’re the new way to show off wealth, taste and knowledge. We just can’t help it, it’s in our genes.

I inherited it straight from my dad, who had every conceivable gadget, although he didn’t always get it right. Classic gadget disasters back in the ’70s included a Sony Betamax video and later a Laserdisc player. Don’t tell anyone, but years later I bought an Amstrad E-m@iler. How embarrassing.

Anyway, I digress. Back in the here and now, a team of Dutch lads known as Terre des Hommes Netherlands are using their technological gifts and knowhow to make a real difference; not with faster, stronger or smaller gizmos, but to rescue vulnerable children across the world. It’s gadgetry at its best.

Terre des Hommes Netherlands chose to do something about a rapidly spreading form of high-tech child exploitation that has tens of thousands of victims in the Philippines alone involved: webcam child sex tourism.

Predators from around the world have, until now, felt safe and anonymous. Using fake names and paying with untraceable prepaid credit cards, men from rich countries go online to look for children in developing countries and then pay these children to perform sexual acts in front of webcams. It’s the darkest side of men and their gadgets.

However, the Netherlands-based child rights organisation is using technology to shine light into this darkness. It has gone undercover to expose this growing group of sexual predators.

With innovative, cutting-edge technology that would make any gadget geek weep, the virtual character Sweetie was created. This computer model was made piece by piece to look and sound like a real girl. They captured the movements of a real person, applied them to her and used an application to control her every move.

Within weeks of going online, more than 20,000 predators from around the world had approached the virtual ten-year-old requesting webcam sex performances. But this time their supposed anonymity couldn’t protect them.

With the help of this virtual ten-year-old Filipino girl, researchers identified more than 1,000 adults in 65 countries. The video footage of the child predators has been handed over to police authorities around the world.

I love it. I love a good news story about the internet and hearing that the good guys have gained an advantage. And I love to hear that men are taking a stand against sexual exploitation and using their ‘toys’ to protect children whose childhoods have been taken away.

Read more from Steve in Sorted magazine - click here to buy your copy (or copies) today.

The most wonderful time of the year?

2013-12-05T12:56:00.002+00:00

I absolutely love the excitement that surrounds Christmas: decorating the tree, carols by candlelight, wrapping presents, the cheesy movies; the whole shebang.

I love picking out Christmassy foods at the supermarket while bopping along to the classic tunes that can just about be heard over the general hubbub of people filling their trolleys with mince pies and mulled wine.

But sometimes we can get so caught up in the trimmings of Christmas, we forget about the important things. First, the reason that we celebrate Christmas in the first place: to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Second, that we are called to care for those that are less fortunate than us, a message that was close to Jesus’ heart.

So this week’s news that hunger in the UK – the seventh-richest country in the world – has reached public health emergency levels is a complete disgrace! An estimated 60,000 will be without food over Christmas this year!

How are people going to bed hungry right under our noses? How are elderly people dying because they cannot afford to heat their homes? And how are families finding themselves without homes at all?

Now I realise that these problems exist all year round, not just at Christmas, but at this time of year we should be doing more, not less, to help those in need. Nobody should be without food, heat or shelter this Christmas!

So what can we do to help?

Find out where your nearest food bank is and take advantage of two-for-one offers when you’re next at the supermarket. You may not have tons of money to give away, but there are ways to give without bankrupting yourself.
Sign Jack Monroe’s petition calling for parliamentary debate on hunger in the UK. Did you know that 350,000 people received three-day emergency food rations from food banks between April and September this year alone?
Give sensitively. Maybe you have a neighbour, colleague or friend who is struggling to make ends meet. Find a way to help without being patronising. Perhaps you could take round a Christmas hamper, or better still, invite someone to share Christmas at your home. Maybe an elderly person you know will be spending a lonely Christmas at a residential care home or hospital this year. A half-hour visit could make all the difference.

The Bible speaks a great deal on this subject. Deuteronomy 15:7-11 tells us not to harden our hearts against our “poor brother”, while Leviticus 25:35 and Isaiah 58:6-7 go a step further, suggesting that the poor brother/homeless person is taken into our homes and supported.

Proverbs speaks extensively about meeting others’ needs and being generous to the poor (and the blessing that comes with it):

Proverbs 19:17: “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”
Proverbs 22:9: “Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.”
Proverbs 14:21: “Whoever despises his neighbour is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”

Jesus himself spoke extensively on the subject, for example in Luke 3:11: “And he answered them, ‘Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.’"

These verses are summed up nicely in 1 John 3:17-18: “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”

So let’s remember those in need this Christmas, and throughout 2014.

Finally, if you’re already doing all this and want to address the spiritual needs of those around you, why not use Christmas as an opportunity to invite a friend to church or to a carol service?

Or why not give them a gift that introduces them to the Christian faith? Yup, you’ve guessed it! Sorted and sister magazine Liberti make excellent Christmas presents for people of all faiths and of no faith. You can buy a gift subscription for one special person or a bumper box to distribute among friends and strangers alike.

Finally, check out this clip from The Piano Guys to get you in the Christmas mood. It’ll blow you away.

Sorted’s top ten tips for Christmas spending

2013-11-21T11:58:00.000+00:00

According to new research, the average British adult will spend £488 on Christmas this year. While this is a slight decline from the £526 spent last year, it is still a significant amount of money to club together over the festive period.

On average, we will each spend £336 on presents and £152 on food, drink and entertainment, with women spending more on presents and men spending more on food and drink.

So how do we keep costs down this Christmas without turning into Ebenezer Scrooge?

Set yourself a budget and stick to it. If you buy whatever you see without planning, you will end up spending far more. Work out exactly how much you are prepared to pay for each element: food, drink, presents, entertainment and transport. The Money Advice Service has set up a Christmas Money Planner that might help.

Use discount vouchers, loyalty points and multi-buy deals to stock up the fridge and freezer this year. Even small savings add up, so make sure you check dates and make sure you’re getting the best possible value on the groceries you buy.

Compare prices online. It is often possible to find a better deal by shopping around for the items you want. Remember to factor in delivery costs and to order well in advance so that all of your items arrive on time.

Start making small cutbacks now. Forgo that daily coffee or weekly takeaway, perhaps. Every penny counts, as a certain supermarket would say.

Get others involved. If you are in charge of hosting a big Christmas dinner, ask your guests to bring dessert, wine or even after dinner mints. It will make them feel more involved and help to cut costs for you.

Avoid taking out store cards, high-interest credit cards and – most importantly – payday loans. These can seem enticing and may even help to spread the cost in the short term, but you will end up paying back far more than you borrowed and potentially end up in a cycle of debt. If you do have to borrow money to cover Christmas spending, try to use a credit card that offers 0% on purchases for a few months. Then write out a budget detailing how you will repay this debt in the New Year.

Think about what you’re buying. One thoughtful and carefully planned gift is worth five run-of-the-mill presents. Listen out for hints from those around you and make a note of them. That way, the people you buy for get exactly what they want and you come off as the attentive husband/brother/father/colleague.

Give to charity for free with Care2Save. Ok, this won’t necessarily save you money, but by using this site, you can donate to charity at no extra expense when you shop online. The company has signed up 130 UK brands, so that when you buy from these brands through the site the affiliate fee will be given to charity.

Don’t forget to give to those in need. According to Shelter, 80,000 children in the UK will be homeless this Christmas. Many elderly people will be alone and without heating during the festive period. If you can afford to, a donation could be highly valued. If not, think of ways to help people in your community: volunteer at a soup kitchen, visit someone in hospital or drop off some groceries at a local food bank.

Get yourself Sorted! We couldn’t possibly give you ten top spending tips without encouraging you to buy the gift that keeps on giving: a gift subscription to Sorted magazine. Perhaps you know someone who loves to read and has fantastic taste. If so, click here. Or maybe you want to give a one-off gift to all the men in your life: family members, friends, colleagues, fellow sportsmen, church members and so on. If so, click here to buy one of our bumper boxes of 40 copies for just £50! Money well spent!

Feel free to add your own money-saving tips in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.

Two free tickets to give away!

2013-11-07T12:27:00.002+00:00

A special screening showing special footage from The Bible series – one of the most popular shows in the US this year – is to take place on Friday November 8 and Sorted has a pair of tickets to give away. Best of all, one of the stars of the show, Nonso Anozie, who plays Samson in the series, will attend the screening and share some of his own insights.

The screening will take place at Twentieth Century Fox’s London headquarters from 10am until 11.30am. We apologise for the short notice, but if you would like to attend, please email steve@sorted-magazine.com with your name and contact details before 3.30pm today. First come, first served!

If you’re not able to attend the screening event, fear not! Because we were able to secure an exclusive interview with Nonso and have included a snippet here. He described how he got into acting, his influences and some of the prestigious roles he has undertaken (our words not his – he’s far too humble to have said that!).

Becoming Samson

Like many little boys, Nonso Anozie grew up watching and re-enacting superhero films. Casting himself in the main role he would envisage himself saving the world, probably wearing pants over some brightly coloured tights as he did so.

Though now a little older and wiser, Nonso’s love for acting and superheroes has never abated. So when he was offered the role of Samson in hit television series The Bible, he didn’t need to think twice before taking on the challenge.

In the biblical account of the hairy hero’s life, Samson is given superhuman strength: he rips a lion apart with his bare hands, slays 1,000 Philistines with the jawbone of an ass and – in the move that brought about his own death – ripped a pagan temple from its foundations. If the word “badass” had been in use back then, Samson might have been afforded a new nickname.

Nonso tells Sorted: “The story is very dynamic, very action-packed; something any guy would want to play. My youth was spent watching superhero movies and my dream was fulfilled playing this role; he’s kind of like a biblical superhero. It was a great opportunity.”

Fortunately for viewers, Nonso agreed to become the biblical strongman, and fortunately for him, the series was a huge hit in the US. Launched in March, the first episode was viewed by a whopping 13.1 million people; the largest cable television audience of the year up to that point. Including subsequent airings, the series was viewed by more than 100 million US viewers.

“That’s more than the Super Bowl!” says Nonso. “Samson was a great role to have and it also pushed my career on. It’s done amazingly great things for my career. To be able to spread the Word of God and actually act at the same time is something I’ve always believed in.”

Other major roles Nonso now has under his belt include Zamoran pirate Artus in Conan the Barbarian, Xaro Xhoan Daxos in HBO hit series Game of Thrones and Jackson Burke in The Grey, which starred Liam Neeson. “I’ve just finished Ender’s Game [with Harrison Ford and Viola Davis], which is released in November, The Bible is coming out in December, and I’m currently working on Cinderella with Disney,” Nonso divulges.

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the live-action version of the popular fairy tale stars Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter, Richard Madden and Derek Jacobi, among others, with Nonso taking the part of Prince Charming’s loyal friend, the Captain. All we can say is, Madden had better pull off a pretty good performance as the lead man, because his best buddy is pretty charming himself, pants over tights or not.

Read the full interview with Nonso Anozie in Sorted January-February, out on December 18. You can click here to order our current issue, Sorted November-December today.

The Bible will air in the UK on Channel 5 this December. To find out more about the show, visit www.thebibleuk.org.

Search for the leader within

2013-10-24T17:43:00.000+01:00

Guest blog from Luke Havard

How’s life? For many men, the token reply might be: “I can’t complain”, “Alright”, “OK” or “Not bad”. But how often are these standard answers simply an empty response designed to save from us from acknowledging and sharing the truth?

I don’t know about your experience, but I speak to a lot of different people from all walks of life and there’s a common theme I find with almost everyone when they’re being dangerously honest: life regularly feels like an uphill struggle.

But what if, in the midst of our darkest hour, we could reinterpret our biggest challenges and most painful struggles and use them as the catalyst for our greatest breakthroughs?

Eight years ago I hit rock bottom. In truth, I’d been struggling for years, but this was my lowest ebb. I was unemployed and addicted to drugs and alcohol, going from one relationship to the next and my life was a complete mess. After wasting years of my life in and out of trouble, I had exhausted all my options and I was fed up.

One day I decided I’d had enough. I felt powerless to control my life and was fed up of waiting for someone to rescue me. I stood on the edge of pavement feeling empty and heartbroken, riddled with anger and self-loathing. I decided my life was no longer worth living.

In that moment I decided to jump in front of one of the big tour buses that toured the red light district where I lived. But just as I had decided that I was ready to go through with it, something happened.

Now I don’t know what you believe, but in that moment I had an undeniable encounter with God. From one moment to the next, I felt such a deep need to live; as though a voice inside me was telling me to reconsider. The only way I can describe it is that there was a fight going on for my life; like I was being pulled from one side to another, from death to life.

I’m happy to say that the pull to live was so intense that I immediately stepped away from the curb through shock. An overwhelming sense of hope flooded my body and I knew without fully understanding how that there was more for me. That day I gave my life to Christ and was instantly free from my addictions.

Now, I’m a completely different person. I know that I am 100% forgiven of the mistakes that I made in the past. However, forgiveness was only the beginning of my journey. Over the last eight years I have dedicated my life to studying human psychology and to helping others make the changes that we as individuals have to make for ourselves.

I’ve realised that most people aren’t living the lives they’re designed to live. Regardless of their faith, the majority of people believe they have very little control over their destiny. Most have stopped growing and taking risks and have simply settled for the status quo.

The reality is, no one ever aimed for mediocrity, but in order to avoid feeling out of control, most people have chosen to play safe and use humility as an excuse. Secretly, many live in regret.

The greatest myth perpetuated by society is that leadership begins and ends in the corporate boardroom. The truth is, real leadership starts in your own living room.

Regardless of what you believe, if you’re feeling unhappy, uninspired and unfulfilled, it’s because you are not the leader of your own destiny.

I’m excited to invite you to attend a two-day event called I’m hosting on January 31 and February 1 called ‘Become the Leader’. At this event you will learn exactly what you need to do in order to transform the way that see and live your life forever.

This event will take you way out of your comfort zone, demanding more of you than you ever imagined possible. You’ll discover how to re-engineer your psychology so that you can feel more in control and happier than you have in a long time.

As a special incentive for Sorted readers, register before the end of December and I'll include £1,000 of bonuses when you email coaching@lukehavard.com with your ticket receipt and enter SORTED in the body of the email.

To register for the event, visit www.ExtraordinaryHumanPotential.com.

Read more from Luke in Sorted January-February, out in December. If you can’t wait for your Sorted fix until then, our November-December issue is just landing on subscribers’ doorsteps and hitting the shelves of WH Smith stores. Click here to buy your copy today.

Is Christianity being squeezed out of schools?

2013-10-11T07:53:00.002+01:00

Having grown up in a Christian home and split my scholastic career between three ‘Christian’ schools, you might think I would have been overwhelmed by Bible teaching and endless faith-based discussions.

However, while God was very real to me outside of school, the way religion was presented within the school walls was somewhat lacking. Assemblies were boring, RE lessons were lacklustre and the general feeling was that no-one really believed what they were teaching us anyway, so why should we?

Interestingly, Ofsted seems to have come to a similar conclusion when it comes to the portrayal of Christianity – and religion in general – in schools. According to the schools inspection body, the Christian faith is being “squeezed out” of schools and pupils deserve “much better”.

I actually remember what we were taught about other faiths much more distinctly than about Christianity at school. I was fascinated by the appearance of Vishnu and Shiva, and intrigued to learn what was eaten during the Passover Festival. But apart from some very dry discussion about sacraments and God’s judgement, I don’t remember very much of what we learnt about my own faith. I’m pretty sure Jesus was barely mentioned.

One of the criticisms Ofsted has levelled at schools is that they are focused on “superficial” observations and bringing discussions about Christianity to a “happy end” rather than engaging in genuine debate. I wanted to know how all the animals fitted into Noah’s ark, or at least whether my pets would go to heaven (I'm told not, but am still holding out hope). But back in my day controversy was strictly avoided, and Ofsted claims this is still the case today.

After inspecting 185 schools, Ofsted found that 60% of primary schools and just over 50% of secondary schools failed to realise the subject's full potential. Its 'Religious education: realising the potential' report identified low standards, weak teachings, a confused sense of purpose, training gaps and weaknesses in the way religious education is examined.

RE is compulsory in all state schools at present, but weirdly it is not part of the national curriculum. Instead, individual schools and councils are responsible for drawing up their own syllabuses.

Ofsted’s director of schools, Michael Cladingbowl, said: "At its best, religious education encourages children and young people to extend their natural curiosity and prepares them for life in modern society.

"We saw some great examples of this during the survey, but too often we found religious education lessons being squeezed out by other subjects and children and young people leaving school with little knowledge or understanding of different religions.

"This just isn’t good enough when religion and belief are playing such a profound part in today’s world. Pupils deserve much better."

It’s hardly surprising that the number of pupils opting to study RE at GCSE level has dropped sharply. But on reflection, should schools be held responsible for teaching children about Christianity and other religions? Or do parents and local churches/religious centres also have a part to play?

I know for a fact I’d never have encountered God for myself through our boring RE lessons, but fortunately my parents walked out their faith and took me to church where I could ask the questions I had (and there were many) and pursue my own faith. So what about those who aren’t given this opportunity?

Well I guess that’s where we come in. Some Christians are accused of indoctrinating their children, but I believe it is our responsibility to present people with the basics and then allow them to make their own decisions. And that doesn’t just apply to children.

Sorted and Liberti magazines aren’t the answer to our schools’ lack of conviction when it comes to religion, but they certainly engage with Christianity in a real and unforceful way. I’m happy to have swapped the dusty lessons for the glossy magazines and I hope you will feel the same way should you choose to have a read.

Buy your copies here today.

Don’t you know there are children starving in Africa?

2013-09-24T14:29:00.003+01:00

If your family was anything like mine, you will have heard the following phrase repeatedly while you were growing up. “You haven’t finished your carrots – don’t you know there are children starving in Africa?” My (usually silent for fear of force feeding) response was always: “Carrots are rank, even starving people wouldn’t eat them…”

This question was inevitably followed up with the threat of sending our leftovers to those living in poverty. A noble concept, I agreed, but having seen what happened to composted food within just a few days, I was sure my gravy-soaked carrots would be even less appetising by the time they arrived.

I’m not being flippant, though. The team at Sorted is passionate about seeing an end to global hunger, which is why the latest campaign from Christian Aid really appeals to us. The charity’s new film and spoof campaign, Leftovers for Africa, captures the genuine need in a fun and engaging way by capitalising on the crazy childhood myth many of us were fed as youngsters.

The film follows eager entrepreneur Dan Stirling as he tries to encourage people to save their leftover food in charity envelopes to send to Africa in a bid to solve world hunger. Aiming to inform young people of how they can be part of the fight against world poverty, the film ends with a positive – and more practical – message from the Christian Aid Collective that tells viewers how they can really help.

Christian Aid’s church youth manager, Laura Bardwell, said: “With Leftovers for Africa we’re aiming to engage young people in a way that Christian Aid has never tried before. We want to strip back the often dense political language of campaigning and provide simple, practical actions that they can take.

“This year has so far seen huge progress made on raising the awareness of food security and hunger issues with the IF campaign. Young people have played a big role in this and it’s important to provide them with a means of continuing this work and putting this learning into action.

“Leftovers for Africa suggests that by posting half-eaten food into envelopes and sending it to hungry people, we can help end world hunger. This of course is an absurd idea so we’re using this false message to inform young people of things they can do; actions they can take which will make a difference.”

The Christian Aid Collective gives people the opportunity to learn and engage with issues of poverty and social justice. Through the collective, young Christians who are passionate about campaigning can come together to learn, discuss and engage with the fight against global poverty.

Be among the first to watch the film by clicking here.

And by the way, reusing leftover food isn’t a totally crazy idea. Doing so can help to save money, reduce consumption and cut down on waste – what’s not to love? If you’re not a big lover of bubble and squeak like me, here are some great ideas from the BBC's Good Food showing you how best to use up those extra veggies or spuds you didn’t quite get through on Sunday. Even manky old carrots can be 'recycled' and the money you save can be used to support Christian Aid or other like-minded charities in the fight against hunger and poverty.

There’s also an app for those of us whose eyes are bigger than our stomachs and can’t quite finish the 16-inch pizza that seemed like such a good idea at the time. The app, called LeftoverSwap, allows users to upload pictures of their leftover food and allows people who are nearby to come and get it if it takes their fancy. We’re not convinced this is quite such a great idea (plus we all know cold pizza is delicious for breakfast), but we appreciate the sentiment behind it.

Finally, find out if there is a foodbank in your area by clicking here. Some churches and community groups are doing a great job in providing food and other practical items for those who are struggling to make ends meet. It’s worth remembering that there are people starving where you live, too.

Find out more about other global campaigns and life issues in the upcoming edition of Sorted magazine.

Greenbelt 2013: the 40th birthday celebration

2013-09-03T15:30:00.000+01:00

Guest post from Sorted's agony aunt, Jojo Meadows

I’ve been told that life begins at 40, but as I approach this grand age, the idea alarms me a little. Why? Well, I wonder whether previous years count if life begins at 40. But of course they do! In nearly 40 years of being on this earth, I have been shaped, moulded and altered by my former years and experiences. (PS, I’m not dead yet, although the phrase “former years” makes it sound like I’ve already popped my clogs!)

The same could be said for Greenbelt’s journey. The arts, faith and justice festival has embraced the idea of turning 40, growing gracefully and victoriously though its own conquests and challenges.

Greenbelt is held every August bank holiday weekend at Cheltenham Racecourse. Enriched by the beautiful surrounding area, this sprawling piece of land is turned into an animated community hub with a fresh vibe. The exclusive Racecourse accommodates 20,000 like-minded people, many of whom have travelled from far and wide to be part of this creative, abstract and non-denominational festival.

A variety of individuals, independent groups, non-denominational churches and established denominations come together each year.

Festivalgoers relish the opportunity to explore and expand their faith and knowledge through creative art or inspiring talks that are primarily focused on spirituality and social justice.

Greenbelt’s got talent

This year, the weekend kicked off at five pm on the Friday with a dynamic array of acts. Popular comedian Milton Jones was on top form, as always. Renowned for his appearances on Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo, his ability to woo the audience with his waggish swagger is memorable to say the least.

Peter Rollins also impressed at the Jerusalem Venue, captivating his audience with deep theological circumlocution. Peter was enticing, dishing out a “taster” of what was to come; preparing the ears of his listeners and critics for the main talk on ‘Divine Decay: Living the ‘Death’ of God’ at the Big Top.

Folk On stormed the Mainstage and their combined wit and ability to entertain teens and the elderly alike made for excellent viewing. They even encouraged the crowd to have an old-fashioned sing-along. These comedy heroes have influenced Milton Jones as much as he has them.

Bottles and buddies

The Jesus Arms, or in the words of Ben Jones (a member of Ikon) ‘Back in the arms of Jesus’, proved to be a beer tent with a difference. On sale were spirits, cider and ale, with apt names such as ‘Jonah and the Ale’ chosen by various punters and workers. It was all in very good taste!

For me, Greenbelt was like going from home to home. I met old friends and made new ones, feeling really comfortable in my own skin. The friendliness of others caused me to feel like I belonged. As a single mother, I would say that whether you are married, dating or single, do not allow insecurity or intimidation to deter you from going. It is more or less impossible not to feel welcomed in this streamlined and seamless festival, which houses an aromatic throng of creative, opinionated, arty, dexterous and thoughtful souls.

Get together

As I walked around, breathing in the celebratory atmosphere, it was clear to me that this is how festival life should be. Actually, it is how everyday life should be lived. There was no strife, no angst, no collision of opinion without a respectful response, and people seemed happy to be around one another and accept people regardless of who they were. The atmosphere was enriched with different views, yet somehow the reverence bestowed was not about religion; it was about a unity of love and a meditative understanding that we can all celebrate and join together as a community.

One community that really caught my eye was Belfast-based Ikon, which facilitated a deeply creative act of worship entitled ‘The End’. While walking into a dark and deeply mysterious room, each of us was given a balloon, which symbolised our own lives. We then had to attach the balloon to a body part or item of clothing. Either the number ‘1’ or the word ‘one’ was written on the balloon.

We walked into a sultry atmosphere knowing that a thought-provoking experience that tantalised our sensory abilities awaited us. The delivery was as good as expected; combining a fresh blend of visual imagery, theatre and interaction with the audience. When interviewing a couple as they walked out, one described it as “a form of art within worship that has caused me to want to step out of what I know and look and reflect with a new ideology”.

Black and light

Another event that caused a stir was the Gothic Eucharist, which took place in the Aspire Venue. A choir called nChant, all dressed in black, led the worship and engaged with the 400 people who turned up. Despite being an ‘outsider’ on the surface, I wasn’t treated this way at all. In fact, I was very much included in the beautifully mysterious gothic worship and communion.

The worship consisted of a deep tribal drumbeat with a medieval chant that brought shivers to my soul. I started to come alive, stirring up dark things that I had suppressed, bringing them to the fore so that I could reflect upon and deal with them.

The main service was led by Skye Denno and three assistants, having been written by Skye’s husband Joel. Their intention was clear as they talked with passion and zeal about their convictions. The talk was based on the four elements: fire, water, earth and air and each priest took one of these elements.

Three readings took place and the communion table sat prominently in the middle of the room. Various ‘alternative’ representatives from around the country helped to distribute the sacraments to symbolise unity. Everyone was treated equally, whether they presented themselves as ‘traditional’ or ‘alternative’.

Pennie Ley, who participated in the prayers during the communion, explained how much support and love she and others had received. Friends and family of Sophie Lancaster (who was tragically murdered six years ago after defending her boyfriend from a group of people who were taunting the pair for dressing differently) regularly attend to remember who Sophie was and to celebrate her legacy.

Surprisingly, after optional baptismal vows were offered, followed by the ancient tradition of sprinkled water with rosemary, one girl stepped forward asking to be baptised properly. She wasn’t disappointed.

A house away from home

A new venue I stumbled across this year was the GTV Treehouse. GTV has been on site for five years, filming and capturing short talks, acoustic music events and punters’ opinions on the festival. However, over the last few years, Greenbelt’s organisers have revealed a bigger and better vision for GTV. As a result, the setup was a little different this year. Walking into the blackout studio space, it felt like a really intimate venue. The grass was soft underfoot and birds were tweeting in the background, and the set was kitted out like a traditional tree house, with fresh wood and naked bulbs aplenty.

Speakers gave short talks on themes such as, ‘I raise a glass...’ and ‘When I am 40, I hope…’. There was also an eclectic mix of discussions on subjects such as storytellers, godless churches, Gandhi, eating as a subversive activity and failure. Evenings at the Treehouse featured a host of lyrical music, poetry sessions and conversational panels on women in the church.

The venue is unique as everything is pre-filmed, which provided a relaxed atmosphere for the audience, but with acts such as Martyn Joseph, Miriam Jones, Alice Wroe and Sanderson Jones on hand, we were kept entertained with a host of witty anecdotes and stories. The talks and music events will be posted on the website as free podcasts throughout the year for people who couldn’t attend the festival and for use in churches, so don’t forget to take a look.

And… breathe…

One service I really have to applaud is St John Ambulance. Its staff patrolled the length and breadth of the festival day and night, catering for every incident. They were so attentive and professional in their duty, and I had first-hand experience of this. While walking some distance from the main arena, I had a sudden asthma attack. Two St John patrollers were walking by and could see my struggle. They practically carried me to the medical centre, where I was treated immediately. They monitored me after the attack and had someone watch me the whole time.

As I sat with a mask over my mouth, breathing in the oxygen and treatment, I started to reflect on Greenbelt and how it originated, as well as the trials and tribulations it has encountered. I felt so honoured to be part of this 40th birthday celebration. So thank you Greenbelt for persisting in the face of adversity and for bringing a fresh, dynamic approach.

Best for last

The weekend was packed with an array of delights; the ‘gold’ glistened like a pirate’s booty. Within the treasure stores were the likes of Lemar, Clare Balding, Pip Wilson, Gareth Higgins, Steve Chalke and Fat and Frantic.

Then, as a finale for Greenbelt’s spectacular 40th birthday celebrations (almost like the icing on the birthday cake) came Belfast’s very own Duke Special, a talented singer/songwriter whose lyrics draw you in as though you are a musical note or a word uttered from his own mouth. Duke’s stage presence, along with the full Greenbelt orchestra, made it feel like a warm portion of sunshine had collided with the stage.

A DVD showcasing Greenbelt’s history is now available here, and I would highly recommend that you buy it.

Read more from Jojo in Sorted magazine - click here to buy your September-October issue today.

Why I support the rights of women

2013-08-28T10:16:00.000+01:00

By Steve Legg

If I’m honest, I don’t really understand why anyone wouldn’t support the rights of women. There’s more depth to the debate than that, of course; but on one level, what kind person doesn’t treat everyone with respect?

The thing is, I love women. Let me qualify that: I’m a dad raising five women, a husband partnered by a simply brilliant woman, and I was raised by the first women I ever loved – my mum. Each of these women is amazing in their unique way and I love to watch them reach their potential; to grow and develop and aim high. I don’t like to see them boxed in by other people’s opinions, ignored because they’re ‘just women’ or leered at, because alongside being outstanding they happen to be stunners.

As a Christian I’ve chosen to follow a God who, when he came to earth as a man, went out of his way to honour women, who respected them regardless of their background, marital status or profession, and who empowered women to go out and change the worlds they lived in, even though culturally that was incomprehensible. Jesus loved women too.

I run a men’s magazine, Sorted, and I started it because I wanted my son and his mates to be able to read a magazine that wasn’t full of semi-naked women. I wanted him to understand that reading about footballers is entertaining and that learning about great adventurers is exciting, but that getting kicks out of looking at naked women is offensive.

I wanted to reach more men and boys with that message, but I also wanted the women in my life to know that there are men who want that type of magazine; who aren’t just buying their ‘reading’ material for the pictures. Some great women write for the magazine, and they’re appreciated for their journalism skills and their wit, not for their vital statistics.

From the beginning, I’ve wanted to take on the magazines that objectify women: Loaded and Nuts being two of my particular bugbears. It has been amazing to watch Sorted’s circulation rise as theirs have dropped. We now distribute more magazines than Loaded.

There have been many campaigns to boycott these magazines, but I think it sends an even louder message to the market when the ‘boobs, babes and bums free’ magazine overtakes the smut through a process of natural selection.

I want to encourage men to be men – to learn how to be good dads, husbands, brothers and friends – and at the heart of that is the lesson of how to live in what I believe is a God-ordained equal partnership with women.

Visit our website to find out more about Sorted magazine and click here to order your copy today.

Having a smashing time

2013-08-15T22:26:00.001+01:00

After a lovely family dinner celebrating my mum’s 60thbirthday last week, I turned a corner I had rounded a hundred times before and heard a horrible, gut-wrenching crunch as the metal of my car bonded with the metal of someone else’s (parked) car. To make matters work, I had to keep crunching before I was able to move my poor battered motor away from its new buddy.

I pulled up at the side of the road, and I’ll admit that a series of thoughts went through my head. Would anybody ever know if I just drove off without saying anything? (Yes, I’m ashamed about that one.) The thing is, my car has been hit two or three times in the four months I’ve lived in my street and no one owned up, so what goes around comes around, right? I couldn’t exactly justify that to myself.

Anyway, I left a note on the Audi (I don’t do things by half), apologising and providing my details. Then I went to my friend’s and wept a little. And panicked… And waited… And then, when I remembered what one should do in situations like this, I prayed.

Around this time, my mum texted me Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” It was hard to see how anything good could come out of a car accident, but I guess that’s why they call it faith.

Almost a week later I had heard nothing. Deep down I hoped that whoever owned it had chalked it up to bad experience and that I was off the hook. Not likely! I eventually received a call from a friend of the Audi owner, as the owner doesn’t speak English. The friend thanked me for owning up and said Mr Audi would accept a very small cash payment to fix his bashed-up motor. It then transpired that said friend is a car bodywork specialist and will be able to fix the damage to my car for next to nothing.

This might not sound like much to you, but I guess this was the best possible result from a situation that seemed pretty bleak at the time. I don’t need to claim on my insurance, and I’ve also made connections with two local people who I otherwise wouldn’t have crossed paths with. And now if anyone else bashes into my car and doesn’t own up, I at least know who to call!

While I was looking for news stories to populate the Sorted site in the aftermath, I couldn’t seem to avoid car-related press releases. The first, from Admiral Car Insurance, was about drink driving, and worryingly revealed that 19% of Brits (27% of men and 10% of women) admit to having driven while over the limit.

The second showed that men aged 50 and over are more likely to get distracted behind the wheel than their female counterparts. Research from Saga Car Insurance claims two-thirds of men over 50 have been distracted behind the wheel during the last 12 months compared with half of women.

Men are twice as likely to be distracted by programming Sat Navs (23% versus 13%), rubbernecking (15% versus 9%) and channel hopping on the stereo (24% versus 18%). A quarter of men also admit to ogling attractive passersby, while just 1% of women say their eyes have momentarily wandered towards a good-looking male.

Having hit two parked cars and two birds with my car in the last two years, I’m hardly in a position to offer road safety advice, so I’ll let Saga's director of communication, Paul Green, do it for me. "Driving is like second nature to most of us and we forget about the risks of getting behind the wheel,” he says, adding: “The best advice to drivers is to stay safe and don't be an in-car fiddler."

When it comes to drink driving, no one says it better than Sue Longthorn, Admiral’s managing director: "It's vital that people are aware of how much alcohol they are consuming when they are due to drive, and remember that drink driving is not acceptable in any shape or form and it's never worth the risk."

"The difference between men and women in our research is a worry, as it appears the anti drink driving message is getting through to women, but not so effectively with men. The amount of alcohol in someone's blood is the same, regardless of their gender."

(Shameless plug alert) If you’re in the London area and you’ve had a few jars, why not jump into the Sorted taxi rather than taking the car? You’ll get a free copy of the magazine instead of a potential fine/ban/prison sentence! You can’t say much fairer than that.

Should access to pornography be restricted?

2013-07-31T21:04:00.002+01:00

In carrying out research for this blog, I was forced to type the words “David Cameron porn” into Google. That’s something I hoped I would never have to do! Fortunately, the results it drudged up related to the latest government ruling on pornography that will force internet users to opt in if they wish to view X-rated material.

The law, which will take effect in 18 months’ time has met with some controversy, with many criticising the ‘nanny state’ mentality at play. Others feel that the lawmakers are naïve and that the ruling won’t prevent those who want to access adult-only sites from doing so. I guess my feeling is that any step towards restricting access to porn is a good one, but that more can certainly be done.

Google search figures show that more people in the UK visit adult-only sites than Facebook and Twitter put together. The data shows that 8.5% of searches were for online pornography, while just 7.3% sought access to social networking websites. Perhaps most worryingly, the study did not include hits from mobile phones or searches for child pornography, which tend to occur on secret networks that are often referred to as the ‘dark internet’.

Meanwhile, another campaign is underway to criminalise porn that appears to simulate rape. While some argue that consumers of pornography are discerning enough to recognise the difference between entertainment and real-life crime, others (like me) feel that rape does not make for suitable entertainment content in any shape or form.

Fiona Elvines, operations co-ordinator at Rape Crisis South London, says: “We see the harm of rape pornography in the ways the material assists in normalising offending for perpetrators, helping them legitimise and strategise their crimes, as well as overcome internal resistance.

“Evidence shows rapists use rape pornography as part of their deliberate pre-offence preparation. The amended law will make this in itself a crime; a significant step towards primary rape prevention through giving legal grounds for intervening before a sexual offence is committed.”

Now I’m not suggesting that everyone who watches this kind of material is about to go out and re-enact what they have seen, but why watch it at all? I think it’s sad that this legislation is necessary, but it certainly is necessary.

On a lighter note, some good news came in this week on the lads’ mag front with The Co-operative forcing publishers to cover up indecent images using modesty covers. Introduced in response to customer feedback, it hopes the screens will prevent children from being confronted by pictures of scantily clad women during the weekly shop. We hope other stores will follow suit.

Child Eyes, a project that aims to restrict children’s exposure to sexual and violent images, welcomes this decision. However, it recognises that “there is still a lot of work to be done”. A statement from the organisation says: “We need to keep the pressure up to rid the streets of sexual imagery. There is no automatic filter in shops and supermarkets! We are still working hard to make Britain more family-friendly and we need you.”

You can click here to sign a petition making it illegal to display pornography around children, and follow @ChildEyesUK on Twitter for regular updates.

Finally, you can support Sorted magazine. Designed to reach out to men without using sexual imagery, we are thrilled that anti-pornography measures are hitting the headlines and that the general public is eager for protective measures to be introduced.

We know that pornography isn’t going to go away, but we believe that children should be shielded from it. We also believe women should be respected and cherished rather than gawked at and objectified. Finally, we believe men should be offered a better alternative; a magazine that is entertaining but that deals with the real issues of life in an engaging and practical way, for example.

We printed a whopping 40,000 copies of our July-August issue and were able to give away a large proportion of these to many who might not have picked it up otherwise. It would be great if you could support us by buying a one-off copy for a friend, subscribing to the magazine yourself, advertising your business within its pages or by making a donation.

Our September-October edition is about to go to print and are excited about the impact it is going to have! Thanks for all your support.

Domestic violence against men

2013-07-19T09:49:00.000+01:00

The issue of domestic violence has really been on my mind in the last week, particularly after seeing a horrendous cartoon featured on Genius Football’s Twitter feed. I’ll spell it out in words as we don’t want to republish the image:

(Man and woman in clinch) Woman: “Hey love. I have arranged our honeymoon on August 17^th.

(Man hits woman in the face, causing a large flow of blood) Man: “Dafuq? I aint missing the start of Premier League. Go alone.”

Making a joke of a man beating a woman for any reason is enough to make anybody’s stomach turn. The picture has since been taken down from the social media site and I hope the person who posted it is well and truly ashamed.

But it’s actually domestic violence against men I want to talk about. This is partly because our Smart Talk (problem page) panel recently received a letter from a guy who was being hit by his wife, and partly because there is so little focus on this type of violence in the media. Domestic violence against women is certainly a taboo, but we could be forgiven for thinking that violence against men simply doesn’t happen.

Did you know that one-third of domestic violence victims are men? I have to say I was shocked at that statistic, and I actually looked it up to verify it (with the National Centre for Domestic Violence). Because when those two ugly words are spoken, I invariably think of a man standing threatening over a terrified and defenceless woman.

I admit this is ignorance on my part, but I also think that male victims are repeatedly, and wrongly, ignored. According to the same site, one in six men will experience domestic violence during their lifetime and a 999 call is made every three minutes by a male victim.

Perhaps this issue doesn’t get as much ‘air time’ because men find it more difficult to talk about abuse and to ask for help. After all, men are supposed to strong and protective aren’t they? Surely admitting to being hit – not least by a woman – is to admit weakness and defeat? Of course, this isn’t our opinion at Sorted; it’s just the way some men see themselves. Then when violence occurs they blame themselves for not upholding the media-fuelled ‘standard of manhood’. Regardless of gender, any human being can be abusive to another, whether verbally or physically, and this has no bearing on the victim’s physical or emotional strength.

It is important to talk about domestic violence, because silence perpetuates the problem and gives the abuser power. Some find it helpful to speak to a close friend, while others prefer to talk to a stranger, such as a counsellor or a church leader. Doing so helps to release pent-up emotions and can enable victims to see solutions where before there was only hopelessness. Admitting that abuse is taking place isn’t a sign of weakness; it takes immense courage to do this.

Others feel that speaking about domestic abuse is a betrayal of the partner carrying out the abuse. Many blame themselves and feel they deserve to be hit, while others love their partners deeply and want to fix things without stirring the waters. Each case is different and there is no right or wrong way to act, but it’s important to accept that the violence is wrong and that, one way or another, it has to stop.

There are several groups out there to help men experiencing domestic violence, including Men's Advice Line and ManKind Initiative. Men’s Advice Line offers the following advice for male victims:

· Keep a record of the dates and times of any incidents. If you have been injured, seek medical attention and the doctor will make a note of your injuries

· Keep your phone charged and on your person at all times in case you need to make an emergency call

· Tell a trusted friend or family member what's been happening

· Make sure your passport and important documents are kept in a safe place (preferably with a trusted friend)

· Report violence or criminal damage to the police

· Don’t retaliate, it's not safe

If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence of any kind, get in touch with Men’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0327 or via the website.

Read more on this issue in the upcoming edition of Sorted magazine, out August 19.

A shift away from boobs, babes and bums

2013-07-03T15:02:00.003+01:00

A couple of weeks ago, the news broke that Blue Publishing, the company that publishes Loaded magazine, has been forced into administration. While the lads’ mag will still be available through new firm Loaded Media Limited, it seems Blue Publishing’s mass expansion plans for the title have been put on hold.

Now we’re not mentioning this because we delight in other people’s misfortunes, but we are interested in the anti-nudity shift that seems to be emerging in the media, and particularly in the lads’ mag domain. The ‘No More Page 3’ debate has been well publicised – it has even been addressed in parliament – and a more recent campaign entitled ‘Tesco: Lose the Lads’ Mags’ is also gathering speed.

Derided by some as ‘feminist claptrap’, it’s clear that this recent trend goes far deeper; many of these campaigns are supported by and even led by men. It seems that men want more than just boobs and bums these days, and some even consider this type of female objectification to be an insult to the ‘fairer sex’.

Even those that have been embroiled in the lads’ mag industry appear to be changing their minds about what makes for appropriate content and what doesn’t. A Daily Mail interview with former Loaded editor Martin Daubney is particularly revealing.

“To me, it was harmless fun, dictated by market forces,” he told the tabloid paper. “What’s more, I was paid more money than I’d ever earned in my life to do it. I’d always dreamed of editing Loaded and vowed to do whatever it took to stay there.

I never stopped to consider issues like the crass sexualisation of women. Moral naysayers were party-poopers, and if they attacked me, I’d attack them back – harder.”

Looking back, he sees things a little differently: “We were normalising soft porn, and in so doing we must have made it more acceptable for young men to dive into the murky waters of harder stuff on the internet. And, for that, I have a haunting sense of regret.”

However, Martin is realistic about the future. “Let’s be clear: you can’t ever ban pornography,” he says. “Like tax and Tory U-turns, it is painfully unavoidable and lots of consenting adults consume it of their own free will. But we must tighten up the current laws to make it unavailable to children, as it can be so damaging. It sells boys the debasing view of women as one-dimensional fakes: fake boobs, fake hair, fake nails, fake orgasms and fake hope.”

Moreover, it seems Tesco is taking these concerns seriously. The supermarket chain’s chairman, Sir Richard Broadbent said he was considering the campaign targeted at Tesco and that he had been ‘startled’ by some of the content featured in the lads’ mags featured on the stores shelves.

When Sorted launched in 2007, it was specifically aimed at guys who were looking for an alternative to the nudity-rich, content-poor men’s magazines on the market. By including a wide range of features from celebrity interviews to gadgets, cars, music and even sex, Sorted is all about providing a high-quality magazine that men can read openly and with a clear conscience.

In response to the shift in demand away from these semi-pornographic magazines, Sorted has increased its print run to 40,000 copies per issue. The magazine is also distributing free copies across London – in bars and restaurants, tube and railway stations, airport departure gates, universities and gyms – and also via a dedicated Sorted Taxi that will roam the streets of the capital for the next year giving out thousands of copies and discussing the issues the magazine raises.

Show the retailers your support for a magazine that doesn’t objectify women and is more entertaining than the soft-porn shelf-huggers that are available to adults and children alike.

Click here to buy your copy of Sorted today or help us to give more copies away by clicking here and donating.

Lads’ holidays with a difference

2013-06-18T16:29:00.001+01:00

When you hear the term ‘lads’ holiday’, it’s easy to envisage rowdy groups of lads munching on kebabs and stumbling out of nightclubs in the early hours of the morning. So how about challenging the stereotype and opting for a more cultured group holiday this summer? Here are five great holiday destinations for your alternative lads’ holiday this year.

Soller, Majorca

Soller is nestled in the valley of the famous Tramuntana Mountains and has been virtually untouched by the mass tourist trade. For the active men in your party, rent a bike and explore the stunning landscapes. Or why not hike your way to the famous Puig Major? At 854 metres, it’s the highest peak on the island.

Those that want a break from exercise can rent a car and explore the traditional Majorcan villages. The tiny settlement of Fornalutx was recently voted the most picturesque village in Spain and the nearest port, just three kilometres away, is ideal for those who desire some well-needed beach time.

This resort offers an array of restaurants, particularly in the main town square. Most serve traditional cuisine, such as paella and seafood, and plenty of Spanish wine. For culture lovers, a visit to the thirteenth century Church of Sant Bartomeu should be top of your list.

Vilamoura, the Algarve

Known for its stunning beaches, holidaymakers can enjoy a range of relaxing activities in Vilamoura. The Old Course is renowned in the golfing world as one of the best in Europe. Remember to take a handicap certificate with you, as most clubs will not let you play without one.

Spend a day visiting the Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila, where graves dating as far back as the Bronze Age have been discovered. There is also a museum on site where you can view ancient relics and learn more about the Algarve’s history. For a little downtime, head to the idyllic Praia da Falesia beach and follow the coastal boardwalks for stunning views of cliffs and coves.

Come the evening, make your way to Vilamoura Marina, where you‘ll find a range of tavernas and restaurants serving delectable dishes. Enjoy the Portuguese specially grilled sardines as you gaze out over the beautiful harbour.

Caleta De Fuste, Fuerteventura

This laidback resort is perfect for those wanting to relax in the sunshine without a care in the world. There are excellent golden beaches with clear shallow waters to cool off in and you can enjoy a variety of water sports, such as banana boats and water skiing, on the main beach.

For those who would rather be under the water, visit the Deep Blue Diving centre and book yourself in for a scuba diving course. This company caters for all abilities and it’s a great experience to share with friends. When on land, quad bikes are the best way to explore and can be rented for a very reasonable price (just make sure you bring your driving licence). Bike off along the dirt tracks and explore this volcanic island in style, stopping off at various sandy lagoons along the coastal route.

Alicante, Costa Blanca

Alicante is an ideal resort for guys who want to experience traditional Spanish culture and excellent sunshine. Spend your days relaxing on Playa del Postiguet beach or snorkelling on Playa de la Albufereta beach.

Make sure you visit the Basilica de Santa Maria, a glorious eighteenth-century church, which shows off the stunning Spanish architecture. Towards the outskirts of the town you will see the impressive Santa Barbara Castle, towering over the city from high cliffs. There are plenty of parks dotted around the city, which are great if you’re craving some shade and fancy a quick siesta under the trees.

In the evening, sample local cuisine at the Piripi restaurant and enjoy a mouth-watering array of tapas and seafood. Why not end your evening in the Desafinado jazz bar, where you can meet a few of the locals or other, like-minded travellers?

Funchal, Madeira

Madeira offers sunshine all year round. Funchal is the island’s capital and offers an excellent combination of culture and activities to enjoy on your getaway. Sign up for a whale and dolphin watching boat tour, or visit the famous Mercado Dos Lavradores; a traditional farmers’ market.

Those who fancy a real holiday challenge can navigate their way along the sixteenth-century Levada trail, hiking high into the mountains. In the evening, head to Joe’s Bar to enjoy a few drinks and a great Portuguese atmosphere. If you’re looking to make a real night of it, Kool nightclub is the spot for you, the club is full of locals; very different from other Brit-centred nightspots in Europe.

Just because you don’t fancy partying hard in Ibiza or Magaluf, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a memorable group holiday this summer. Click the following links to find out more about hotels in Majorca, hotels in the Algarve and hotels in Madeira.

You can get more great holiday ideas from former BBC presenter John Carter in the latest issue of Sorted magazine – hot off the press! Click here to order your copy today.

Dads worth more than £3,000 a year for help and advice

2013-06-05T12:40:00.000+01:00

With Father’s Day around the corner (June 16), I trawled the net looking for inspiring things to do to celebrate the big day. Unfortunately, most of the suggestions were rather nauseating – write your dad a poem, plant a tree for your dad, ask him what he wants to do – so I decided to write about the value of our fathers and the other important men in our lives.

This brought me into contact with an interesting piece of research from Saga Home Emergency. I know, it probably doesn’t sound that interesting, but I thought it was, so here goes.

The study showed that fathers spend two-and-a-half days a month, on average, helping out or advising their adult children on a range of practical issues.

The most popular reason people call on their fathers is to help with DIY, with 46% of children asking for help with this. Around 42% get their father's help with a home emergency and 40% get financial advice from their dads.

On average, women get three days and men two days of help a month from their fathers. When multiplied by the average male salary, this equates to a whopping £3,387 a year!

While those aged 18-24 appear to be the most reliant, around half of those aged 35-44 still regularly turn to their dads for help. Even when children reach their fifties, a third of fathers are still asked for help with DIY, money matters and home emergencies.

Chief executive at Saga Services, Roger Ramsden, says: "Perhaps, if an emergency should arise on Father's Day, children will remember to give their dad a break and call out an expert. At the very least they should pop round to make their dad a well-earned cup of tea!"

That doesn’t sound like a bad idea to me - our dads certainly deserve to be treated this Father's Day; not just for the help and advice they give us, but for all they do year in year out.

Even better, you could sign your dad up for a subscription to Sorted magazine so he knows he is valued all year long.

Alternatively, you could buy a bumper box of 40 copies for just £50 and treat all the guys who have touched your life!

How are you planning to spend Father’s Day? We’d love to hear your un-nauseating suggestions! Happy Father's Day to all our readers.

Like father, like son

2013-05-21T14:41:00.001+01:00

I was inspired when I read of a dad and lad combination taking on the Edinburgh Marathon this weekend. I was even more touched when I discovered that they were running in memory of their father/grandfather.

Tim (48) and Liam Howlett (23) plan to raise £2,000 in support of Prostate Cancer UK in memory of Brian, who died from the disease aged 72. They also hope to raise awareness about the disease, which sadly claims thousands of lives each year.

Tim tells the EDP24: “It’s so easy to get prostate cancer and not realise that you have got it because the sort of symptoms are all associated with getting old. I think my father probably had it about a year or so before he even realised something was wrong, and by then it was too late.”

According to both men, training for the race has brought the pair closer together. “We were close before but we’re even closer now because we have spent a lot of time training and going through the pain of running 20 miles together,” Tim continues.

“We’ve agreed, even though Liam’s younger and fitter than me, we’ll finish together come what may, even if it means he’s got to slow down so I can stay with him.”

As Father’s Day approaches (June 16), start thinking of fun things you can do with your grandfather/father/son. What did you enjoy doing with your own father as a child? Is this something you could ‘recreate’? Make the most of this day to spend some quality time with the important guys in your life.

Secondly, and this probably isn’t something you want to think about, why not do some research on prostate cancer yourself? More than 10,000 British men died of prostate cancer in 2010, so it’s worth finding out what the symptoms are and getting checked out by your GP if you have any concerns. And encourage your mates to do the same…

Finally, Father’s Day is a great time to treat your male friends, relatives and colleagues to a copy of Sorted magazine. We’re offering limited-edition bumper packs of the magazine at just £50 for 40 copies so you can give them out left, right and centre without breaking the bank.

Alternatively, buy a Sorted subscription for one special guy and the gift will last a full year! An annual subscription costs just £21 for six issues including UK postage, and if you subscribe by direct debit before June 30, you could win £12,000. Click here to place your order today.

Feel free to share your best Father’s Day memories in the comments below. What are you planning to do this year to make it extra special?

Let’s get this thing Sorted!

2013-05-08T12:59:00.000+01:00

Guest blog from

Stephen Baring

I was in yet another airport waiting for a plane and picked up one of the free magazines to pass the time. Sorted grabbed my interest and I was some way into it before it dawned on me that it was a magazine with a Christian ethos. I was thrilled.

Here, at last, was a Christian magazine that really stood a chance of being read by non-Christian guys; a magazine that our God can be proud of. It perfectly took Christianity out of the confines of the Church and into the world, in a relevant, entertaining way.

I am a business person, with a strong understanding of sales and marketing and an involvement in publishing. Magazines are not cheap to produce and distribute. I spoke to the editor Steve Legg and was inspired to help when he told me that he does not draw a salary from the magazine.

The fixed costs are £10,000 a month and it is up to us as successful Christian business people and professionals to draw alongside Steve and support him in one of the UK’s most potent evangelistic projects.

If fifty of us commit to sowing just £200 per month in the magazine, we cover the fixed costs, allowing advertising revenue to be used to further develop the magazine and get more copies out there.

And remember, we are not doing Steve a favour – quite the opposite! He is doing us a service by providing us and our businesses with the opportunity to partner with a project truly significant in the kingdom of our Lord.

I do not know Steve well and have not been involved with the magazine up to now. I ask you, too, whether you know Steve or not, to partner with me in supporting the work of Sorted.

Don't pray about it, just do it.

Email steve@sorted-magazine.com to find out how you can support the magazine.

Are you a manly man or a Motorsexual marvel?

2013-04-25T14:49:00.000+01:00

When I’m not working on Sorted magazine, I can often be found putting together news stories for financial firms. As I foraged for inspiration this week, I found three stories that grabbed my attention.

Although finance-focused, these snippets challenged some of the stereotypes we have of ‘manly’ men in the UK. I think they’ll grab yours too – particularly if you carry a manbag, own a bottle of fake tan or hate DIY.

Motorsexual Men risk lives behind the wheel

While attractive women, beautiful views and Facebook can prove distracting for some male drivers, recent research suggests a new danger is on the horizon for men behind the wheel.

Obsessing over a hairdo, applying fake tan and posing are the most common causes of near-crashes among ‘Motorsexual Men’.

According to the More Than research, vanity-obsessed male motorists have caused an estimated 2.2 million accidents on the roads in the last 12 months. On average, a vanity-related crash results in £653.20 damage to the Motorsexual Man's car.

Whether styling their hair (23%), inspecting their complexion (19%), pouting and posing (15%) or checking the brightness of their pearly whites (10%), the rear view mirror is a hazard zone for male drivers.

Furthermore, an estimated 1.3 million Motorsexual Men regularly apply facial moisturiser, fake tan and even male foundation when in control of a moving vehicle.

Around 2.9 million male drivers check out their reflections between five and ten times in the space of a single 30-minute car journey. With roughly 4.8 seconds taken up each time they do so, male motorists could be spending up to 48 seconds with their eyes fixed on themselves rather than the road.

Matt Pernet at More Than commented: "We've heard a number of cautionary tales of women trying to apply make-up when driving, but until now men fawning over their own appearance behind the wheel was an unexplored area.

“This research shows that Motorsexual Men are significant in their numbers and are putting their safety and the safety of others at risk by valuing the importance of their own reflection over that of the road ahead."

What do you keep in your manbag?

Almost two-thirds of men carry a ‘manbag’ at least some of the time, and because men are four times more likely than women to carry expensive iPads, tablets and laptops in their bags, the precious manbag could be putting men at risk of theft.

Around 18% of men listed a tablet or laptop as their most valuable item as opposed to just 4% of women, but the high value does not stop them from carrying these items around in the beloved manbag.

Meanwhile, the Nationwide research suggests not all of the lost or stolen possessions were of significant material value. Unusual items stolen from people's bags include: a flag from the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, an anorak, a blood donor card, hearing aids and a wetsuit. Items highlighted as most valuable by those surveyed included a kitten, a harmonica, secateurs and the manbag or handbag itself.

Martyn Dyson, Nationwide's head of general insurance, said: "People very often are unaware of how much valuable property they carry with them, especially given the increasing popularity of expensive smartphones, tablets and laptops.”

Home improvements or household headaches?

New research suggests very few men actually enjoy doing DIY. However, while less than 25% find it a pleasurable experience, around 75% say they would rather do it themselves than pay a professional tradesperson.

Around 6% say they would try to install their own boiler or double glazing to save money.

The Checkatrade survey showed that, on average, men in the UK plan to spend just over £4,000 on DIY over the next 12 months, and the most likely DIY project to be undertaken is redecorating. Interestingly, men in Sheffield are almost six times more likely to redecorate than those in Southampton.

If money were no object, a quarter of men would opt for a new bathroom or kitchen, although almost 50% believe an extension would add more value to their home.

Checkatrade managing director, Kevin Byrne, warns: “DIY is a tempting option, especially with the country in recession and bank holidays approaching. But be careful not to take on a job that really demands a skilled professional, otherwise it could cost more in the long run.”

Are you a Motorsexual man? Or do you consider yourself the absolute definition of masculinity? Feel free to share your stories/experiences in the comments below. And if you do carry a manbag, make sure it's got a copy of Sorted in it!

A ‘poor’ excuse

2013-04-10T10:37:00.001+01:00

Guest blog by Tim Childs

We have seen in the last few months that the present coalition government has initiated cuts of all kinds, often to the detriment of the poorest and even the most vulnerable in society, and astonishingly at the same time introduced a tax break for millionaires who, if we’re honest, really don’t need any more.

If you’re a Christian, what is the position you are supposed to take on these matters? What if you are someone who is suffering as a result of these ideological cuts? Should we accept what the ‘powers-that-be’ do and say, or should we challenge what we perceive to be injustice?

These are tough questions, and who really has the answers anyway? Have we gone too far in providing welfare, and has it become a lifestyle choice rather than a safety net? Is it only a problem when it’s poor, disabled and working class people who receive it, and not a problem when royals and peers in the House of Lords receive all kinds of benefits, subsidies and perks? Where do you stand on this?

As a Christian, and as someone who myself comes from a poor background, my view is that we should all be very careful how we judge other people, especially when those people are seen to be a problem in the way the poor and unemployed have recently been portrayed.

If we’re honest, Jesus had more time for the ordinary people than He did for the great and the good; or for that matter, the particularly religious.

Some Christian denominations have recently criticised the government for its attacks on the poor and also for the rhetoric and cruelty that often goes along with such attacks; certainly for its old trick of setting one group against another: in this case the working against those not working.

Are these alarm bells to warn Christians that something isn’t right, or what exactly? Is British society basically fair but occasionally unjust, or is it badly out of kilter?

I believe that we live in a fallen world, and often even the supposedly ‘best’ societies reflect that fallen status; people are fallen and make mistakes and can even be downright evil. Systems are fallen and can be abused; democracy itself, although a very good idea in principle and sometimes even in practice, can be ignored and abused.

No human or human system is ever going to be perfect. But what happens when people wilfully and even cruelly attack others, making them scapegoats for problems that the scapegoated didn’t create?

I have believed for a while that some of what passes for Christianity in Britain is more of a social religion than real Christianity; more about being a glorified social club for those who think they are better than everybody else, rather than a life-affirming, life-transforming and ultimately personal relationship with our Creator.

I don’t say this lightly, and I don’t say it is the case with all Christians, but I think many use their faith as a mask of respectability or hide behind it to control and ruthlessly exploit other people, sometimes even in the name of religion.

This is not the reason Jesus came to earth, nor is it Christianity as it should be practised. There is religion and the world ‘out there’ and there is an ‘inner reality’, the truth we hold in our hearts and the relationship we have – or should at least be working on – with Jesus.

If a person is truly a Christian, and not using religion for their own ends or selfish agenda, sooner or later we will know them simply by what they do, as opposed to what they might say. It is up to us, then, as simple Christians who merely want to serve the Lord each day with a whole heart, to understand that sometimes our faith can be used by the ‘great and the good’ for their own purposes. Often these purposes have nothing to do with Christianity and nothing at all to do with God.

Click here to read more blog entries by Tim Childs.

What does the car you drive say about you?

2013-04-10T08:41:00.002+01:00

I’m writing a book about driving at the moment, and was intrigued when I stumbled upon a press release that claimed a person’s name could have a direct bearing on the type of car they drive.

The research from MoneySupermarket.com shows that while Stephen Fry famously drives around in a black taxi and Jess Ennis was handed the keys to a brand new Jaguar following her success in the Olympics, people named Stephen are most likely to drive a Land Rover, while Jessicas are most to likely drive Ferraris.

Prince William and Kate Middleton thrilled crowds around Buckingham Palace on their wedding day when they went for a spin in a blue Aston Martin belonging to Prince Charles. However, drivers named William are most likely to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari, while Kates prefer the elegance of a Maserati. Elizabeths are most likely to drive a Suzuki, while drivers called Charles are most likely to drive a Mazda.

Meanwhile, celebrity magazines claim Justin Bieber and Harry Styles share a penchant for fast cars. The analysis shows men named Justin are most likely to drive Porsches; not worlds apart from Justin Bieber's real choice of motor, a Fisker Karmer. However, while Harry Styles has recently been seen driving a white Ford Capri he bought on eBay, most UK Harrys prefer the Bentley.

Damiens and Vincents are most likely to drive a Porsche, while Jades and Garys have the greatest affinity with Ford brands. Moving off-road, Bruces and Donalds are more likely to own Jeeps, while Nigels and Rogers prefer Land Rovers.

Those who topped the charts for souped-up Subaru drivers were called Shane, Dale and Carly, while those most likely to drive Skodas are named Norman, Roland and Valerie. The names most commonly associated with Jaguars are Bernard, Malcolm, Audrey and Janet, while those named Jeremy are most likely to drive an Aston Martin; taking after Top Gear’s Mr Clarkson himself!

Do you share one of these names, and if so, do you follow the trend? Or is it all a load of nonsense?

Maybe it’s actually your social outlook that affects the car you drive: the size of your wallet, your age or the number of children you have. Or maybe you want to give people a certain impression in the car that you drive. (You can find out what your car says about you by taking this very scientific, test.)

When we look at a car, we instantly make certain judgements: taking in age, colour and whether it’s in good nick. We also do this with other humans; we can’t help it. It’s the way we process information about people. But this can also be dangerous, because people often leap to the wrong conclusions.

Some people drive great big fancy cars/wear expensive designer gear, but maybe inside they are insecure, depressed and hurting. Others drive battered wagons/wear Tesco clothes but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are inadequate/unworthy.

While certain vehicles seem to attract certain types of behaviour (what comes to mind when someone says “Audi driver”, for example?), there is always more to a person than what they look like or what car they drive.

The make or model of car you drive does not define who you are as a person. But what you do, say and think when you’re behind the wheel does. Do you revert to type when you’re driving? Do you behave in a way you wouldn’t if you weren’t encapsulated within a metal shell?

Would you drive the way you do if God was in the passenger seat (He is, by the way, seeing as He’s omnipresent and all that)? If so, you auto know better!

Read more from Joy in the next issue of Sorted magazine.