Trophy Store Blog

We've all heard of the Top 100 Beautiful lists that feature the likes of Brad Pitt and George Clooney - but what about that famous line that the girls here at Trophy Store certainly like - the one that goes - behind every good man is a good woman! Here at Trophy Store we have thought about those women that are not only beautiful but also definitely can relate to this line. They are often referred to as 'Trophy Wives'. Many of the women today are very strong characters and made a name for themselves prior to their marriage. 

No 10 – Georgina Chapman

This former model who is also co designer of fashion label Marchesa is married to the co founder of Miramax and Weinstein Co film production companies, Harvey Weinstein.  Although she is beautiful she is renowned for having a somewhat fiery temper.  However she maintains somewhat of a career as she has been a panelist on the TV show Project Runway as well as having some small parts in films produced by her husband.

No 9 – Nicole Austin

Known better as Coco is the wife of Rapper and Actor Ice T.  She certainly is the epitome of what a trophy wife is in that she is 21 years younger than her husband.  Although she has had a great career posing in magazines such as Smooth and Playboy really she is most well known for being Ice T’s wife.

No 8 – Paula Fortunato

Yet another woman married to a much older man.  Paula is the wife of the Sumner Redstone who runs global media company, Viacom.  Unlike many other trophy wives rumours abound about Mr Redstone’s second wife who in married in 2003 following divorcing his first wife who he was married to for 55 years.  One rumour spread about her is that she influenced her husband to end Paramount Pictures relationship with Tom Cruise and his production company of 14 years.

No 7 – Shawn Southwick

This lady has built a career for herself.  As well as being acting in shows such as Knight Rider she has also been the host of the show Hollywood Insider.  She is married to talk show host Larry King for more than 20 years.  Yet still has made her own fortune including over $23 million from providing people with consumer friendly hair extension products.

No 6 – Lucy Page Southworth

This young lady who is married to Larry Page founder of Google is not only beautiful but very intelligent and does a lot for others.  She has two degrees and has spent time in South Africa doing medical work.  However, because of her husband’s estimated wealth of around $18.5 billion this lady needs only to concern herself with the finer things in life if she wishes.

No 5 – Jeri Thompson

Wife of Republican Candidate Fred Thompson was talked about more than her husband during the presidential campaign.  Although she is a political media consultant in Washington DC during the campaign it was her perma tan and form fitting dresses that had everybody talking about her. 

No 4 – Melanie Craft

Well known for writing Fabio covered romance novels her life changed when she met and married the founder of Oracle software Lawrence Ellison.  Yet although he is worth an estimated $18 billion this woman hasn’t sat back to enjoy it.  When her husband set up the Ellison Medical Foundation she chose to become the director of it as well as continuing to write her romance novels.

No 3 – Carla Bruni

Before marrying the French Prime Minister Nicolas Sarkozy this lady have relationships with many other celebrities and politicians.  Most famously she has been linked with Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Donald Trump.  Plus of course the form French Prime Minister Laurent Fabius.  As well as having a career as a supermodel Carla is also a well respected singer/songwriter.

No 2 – Penny Lancaster

It is her marriage to aging rocker Rod Stewart that helped to get Penny further in to the spotlight.  All a lot of men already knew who she was because of her photo being plastered on numerous bill boards when modeling Ultimo Lingerie.

No 1 – Melania Knauss

Married to Donald Trump this lady in our list of top 10 trophy wives was born in Slovenia she met her husband to be at a fashion event in 1999.  Then shortly after meeting him she got a job as a model for Allure magazine.    They eventually married in 2005 and then their first child was born in 2006.  Today she boosts her husband’s brands images by appearing at public relation events for him along with making sure that she still gets involved in the New York Social Scene to help boost her own.

Photo courtesy of Celeb101.com

Following on from our blog post on the Top 10 Non-Sporting Awards and Trophies, we wanted to share what we think are the top 10 Sporting Trophies as well. So we've been asking around the staff here at Trophy Store to see what people think and here is what we came up with.

Sport plays a vital part in many people’s lives and those who compete in various sporting events are aiming to win a trophy for all the effort they put into their training and playing.  There are many sporting trophies and awards that not only teams but individuals would like to be presented with.  Below we take a look at what we consider to be the top 10 sporting trophies or awards.

1.    The FA Cup – For some football teams this is the most prestigious trophy that they can be presented with.  For the fans it is a chance to go out and watch their team play at the most famous football ground in England, namely Wembley.  It also gives smaller teams the chance to play against large professional teams as the competition is open to amateur teams as well.  We have written an article on the FA Cup Trophy if you'd like to learn more.

2.    The Stanley Cup – This is the trophy that all teams involved in the National Hockey League in the USA want to win.  It is one of the largest trophies presented these days measuring a total of 89.5 cm high and weighing a total of 34.5lbs (15.5kg).  It is presented at the end of the NHL Playoffs to the team that wins them.  Last year it was won by the Pittsburgh Penguins and their Captain Sidney Crosby is the youngest one to ever win it being only 21 years old.

3.    The Jules Rimet Trophy – It was originally called the Coupe de Monde but FIFA the governing body of Football world wide chose to rename it in 1946 in honour of their Chairman at the time.  Since the first one was presented in 1930 to Uruguay it has been stolen twice.  The first time was in 1966 prior to the World Cup commencing that year and then again in 1983. However this type the trophy was not found and so FIFA had a replica made which was then presented to Brazil who had won it in 1970 for the third time.

4.    Football World Cup – Following Brazil being presented with the Jules Rimet Trophy after winning the Football World Cup for the third time a new model was commissioned.  This was then presented to Germany who won the competition in 1974.  This trophy weighs just over 13lbs (6kg).  Five of these trophies have been made and each one is crafted from 18 carat solid gold.

5.    The European Cup – For any football team that participates in the various leagues across Europe holding this trophy up is the ultimate prize.  This is because not only are they competing against teams from their own country but those from football leagues in other European countries.    Since its inception there have been several teams who have been able to keep the trophy if they win it five times or three times in a row.  Teams who have the trophy in their cabinet permanently include Liverpool and AC Milan.

6.    America’s Cup – This is the oldest sporting trophy on our top 10 sporting trophies or awards list.  It was first lifted back in 1851 and although it is a trophy that everybody knows it isn’t a sport that many people choose to watch although those who do watch sailing tend to take part too.

7.    The Ryder Cup – For any professional golfer in Europe or the USA being asked to compete for this trophy is very special.  The first time it was presented to the winning team was in 1927 and since then has been presented a further 37 times.  It is one of the smallest trophies on this list measuring 17 inches tall by 9 inches wide.

8.    The Men’s Singles Wimbledon Trophy - This was first presented in 1887 and is one of the most recognizable of all trophies that people who enjoy the sport of tennis recognize.  There are several players who have had the opportunity to raise the trophy aloft more than one including Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Bjorn Borg.  You can read more about this famous trophy in our article on the Wimbledon Trophy.

9.    The Ashes – Although this is a trophy that only two teams are competing for it is very important to them.  This is the smallest of all trophies that the England or Australian cricket team will be presented with should they win the competition.  However, the actual trophy as small wooden urn is kept in the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) Museum.  The team that wins gets presented with a crystal version of this trophy.  You can read more information on the story behind the Ashes Trophy here.

10.    The Challenge Cup – This is presented to the top Rugby League team.  Each year the team that wins the trophy are allowed to retain the trophy until the following years final.  At present the trophy resides in the cabinet of Rugby League team Warrington Wolves following their beating Huddersfield Giants at Wembley in 2009.

There are a number of reasons for people to be given an award or trophy.  Most of the trophies and awards presented are in relation to sporting achievements such as Gold, Silver and Bronze Olympic medals.  Yet there are just as many non sporting ones presented as well and below we take a look at what some may consider to be the top 10 non sporting trophies and awards that are given out.

1.  Academy Awards – More commonly referred to as Oscar Trophies, they look like a human being and are presented each year to those involved in the world of movies normally in March.  It is the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences that give out these awards and is considered to be one of the oldest media ceremonies today.

2.  Hugo Awards – This award has been presented annually since 1955 and is named after the founder of the science fiction magazine Amazing Stories, Hugo Gernsbeck.  The people who receive this award are those who the previous year have produced a great science fiction or fantasy work.

3.  Victoria Cross – This is the highest decoration that can be given to members of the armed forces whether they serve in the UK or the Commonwealth Countries.  It is medal that is awarded to military personnel who have shown extreme bravery when faced with their enemies and since the first one was presented in 1856 a total of 1,353 individuals have received this medal.  However following the end of the 2nd World War only another 13 medals have been presented to UK and Australian military personnel.

4.  Military Cross – Another medal presented to military personnel whether part of the UK or Commonwealth Armed Forces.  This one unlike the Victoria Cross is awarded those people who have carried out an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during the time of conflict.  In some cases since 1979 the medals that have been awarded to military personnel have been done so posthumously.

5.  George Cross – This is a medal that will be awarded not just to military personnel in the UK and Commonwealth countries but civilians also.  It is a counterpart of the Victoria Cross and is given out when a person is believed to have carried out an exceptional act of bravery but is not part of a conflict.

6.  Queens Gallantry Medal – In 1974 this medal was presented and is the one that replaced other Gallantry medals such as the Colonial Police Medal for Gallantry, the British Empire for Gallantry and the British Empire Medal for Gallantry.  It is one that is not only presented to military personnel but also civilians who carry out an act of extreme bravery.

7.  BAFTA’s – This is another award to be presented to those involved not just in movies but also television.  Presented each year like the Oscars, the recipients of this receive an theatrical mask shaped award.  It was designed by an American sculptor by the name of Mitzi Cunliffe in 1955.

8.  BRIT Awards – Most people refer to this one as the BRITS and every year a ceremony takes place that allows the British Phonographic Industry to celebrate the achievements of those involved in all genres of music.  Each year people watch this ceremony to not only see their favorite singer or band perform but also to see who is presenting.  Some presenters are better received than others!

9.  Nobel Peace Prize – This is a prize that is easily recognizable along with the Oscars.  Every year a committee will create a short list of those that they feel should be considered to receive this accolade.  Since its inception the prize bequeathed by Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel has been presented to many people including Nelson Mandela and more recently Barack Obama.

10.  The Man Booker Prize – This is the last of our top 10 non sporting trophies and awards.  This one is presented every year to an author who the committee feels has created a truly magnificent novel in the English language.  However it is only citizens of the UK, Commonwealth, Ireland and Zimbabwe who can be nominated for this prize.  Yet although only one person can be presented with this prize, just to be nominated is an honour.

Every year hundreds, thousands, even millions of people are happy to sacrifice time and money to play golf.  The more dedicated golfers are the ones who want to not only play golf courses locally but around the world as well.  So in this article we have chosen to write a bit about what some may consider to be the top 10 golf courses worldwide.

Course 1 – Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand - This is a course that not only offers you breathtaking scenery but is one that offers a challenge to golfers no matter what their skill level is.  The course designed by American Architect Tom Doak, it looks out over the Pacific Ocean and is located on a sheep farm measuring 2,000 hectare.

Course 2 – Royal County Down, Northern Ireland (UK) – A well established course situated by the Irish Sea so it offers some beautiful scenery.  Just as with all courses it can be played by golfers of all skill levels however the designer Tom Morris has ensured that it is challenging and the 7th and 12th holes may prove especially difficult for some.

Course 3 – Pebble Beach, USA – This is a course where as long as you can pay the green fees you will be allowed to play in the USA.  The course has been open for more than 90 years now and was designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant.  This course is one that really offers a challenge to all players and the water hazards between holes 5 and 8 are especially difficult.

Course 4 – Leopard Creek, South Africa – In our list of top 10 golf courses worldwide this is one like no other.  As well as the traditional types of hazards one needs to play across, there are some more unconventional ones as well.  You will have to make sure that you don't hit any of the wildlife that likes to roam this course.  Plus be extra careful when by the water hazards as this is where crocodiles like to chill out.

Course 5 – Green Monkey, Barbados – A course which has been designed by Tom Fazio and covers a total of 7,400 yards and situated on a tabletop landscape.  The first 8 holes leave people feeling unchallenged however this changes when one reaches the 9th (par 5) hole.  To reach the green you must first hit the ball down into a quarry 100ft below the tee position before then hitting it between the towering walls of rock on either side.

Course 6 – Turnberry, Scotland (below) – Most people often have this course as a second choice rather than their first because it is close to St Andrews.  Yet it is still a course that many would like to play as you have two courses here that can challenge your golfing skills in one day if you wish.

Image Source - Turnberry Golf Course

Course 7 – Valderrama, Spain – Although well established the course used today has only been open since 1985.  This is a course that not only professionals but many amateur golfers would like to have the opportunity to play a round on.  The course is situated in Spain's Andalucian region and offers golfers spectacular views out across the Mediterranean.  The course will prove a challenge for anyone especially the 5th hole as this has a two tiered green.

Course 8 – St Andrews Old Course, Scotland – This is the most prestigious and well known of all the established golf courses in the world today.  It is the course that many believe is where the game of golf originated from.  It is designed in such a way that golfers no matter their playing level will enjoy playing a round on and in many cases may find that the way they play improves.

Course 9 – Augusta, USA – Although when you look at this course design it seems relatively easy one to play it is the weather that makes this course such a challenge for many golfers.  The course that is used today was opened in 1933 and designed by Alister Mackenzie and Clifford Roberts.  Even 70 years on this is a course that is still one that golfers from around the world would like to have the opportunity to play if they could.

Course 10 – Ballybunion, Southern Ireland – This is a course that not only offers beautiful scenery but a challenge to those who chose to play a round on it.  The course to be found in County Kerry, Ireland opened in 1893 and although well established through changes to its design has helped to ensure that it remains one of the top 10 golf courses worldwide today.

Some of the most famous golf competitions are played on these courses. If you are thinking of holding your own golf club tournament or competition why not take a look at the 2010 range of golf trophies for sale that are available to buy online.