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Saturday, 30 September 2023

That's Food and Drink: A New Dawn for Fine Dining. The Trencherman's Guid...

That's Food and Drink: A New Dawn for Fine Dining. The Trencherman's Guid...: At the recent launch of the 31st edition of the Trencherman's Guide, the South West's original dining guide, Michael Caines MBE, cha...

Thursday, 28 September 2023

That's Food and Drink: Free garlic bread when you buy the latest Peter Ka...

That's Food and Drink: Free garlic bread when you buy the latest Peter Ka...: Morrisons is helping its customers celebrate the release of Peter Kay’s, ‘TV: Big Adventures on the Small Screen’ by offering a free serving...

Wednesday, 27 September 2023

New Book Reveals How Data Can Drive Profitability for Businesses

Business has started from ‘data up’ and needs to start again from ‘value down’

The Fifth Phase: An Insight-Driven Approach to Business Transformation, by leading data and analytics specialist Mark Powell, aims to answer the big business question that many companies are still struggling with. How to use data in a manner that will truly drive profitability?

The connected world offers the potential for radical new business insights gleaned from previously unimaginable volumes of data. But business has got bogged down in the process of collecting and storing that data. Money has been wasted on data lakes in which many IT departments have drowned without being able to deliver useful insights to business leaders. Data has long been regarded as the new oil, but to date, we have only built oil depots.

In The Fifth Phase, Powell analyses the new phase of business transformation, which will build the refineries that turn data into useful products. It helps the reader focus on the big business questions that drive real value for their company and use data in a manner that will truly drive profitability and business performance.

Mark Powell says why he wrote The Fifth Phase: “I have spent many years grappling with the challenges organizations face in achieving the genuinely transformative benefits that data analytics and AI have the potential to deliver. As more and more concerns are raised about the potential impact of AI on business and society, there is a risk that we lose sight of the power AI-driven data analytics have to change our world for the better. The Fifth Phase is a reminder of this potential and, I hope, a map to help us navigate the issues and challenges we face in delivering these outcomes."

Powell argues business has started from ‘data up’ and needs to start again from ‘value down’, going back to the drivers of real business value and deciding what insights would help realize that value. Only then can we begin to interrogate data with purpose.

Catriona Campbell, Partner and CTIO at EY says about the book: “The Fifth Phase is a captivating read on the evolution of data and its pivotal role in reshaping business. It charts the growth, use and misuse of data and how data has fuelled innovation, decision-making, and market disruption. I loved the storytelling that brings data to life, from Taylor’s industrial revolution shovel sizes to cutting-edge situation rooms assessing and mitigating national security threats. It shares some great lessons on how to make data work and is super-relevant for today’s AI challenges.”

Mark Powell is a Partner at EY, a world-leading consultancy firm. He specializes in the application of data and analytics to drive business transformation.

The Fifth Phase is published on 5 October 2023 by LID Publishing, available as a paperback and e-book.

For more information about LID Publishing, please visit www.lidpublishing.com

Tuesday, 26 September 2023

New UFO Film - God Versus Aliens - Suggests Life May Be A Computer Game Controlled By Alien

New UFO Film, God Versus Aliens, Suggests Life May Be A Computer Game Controlled By Aliens

"Extra terrestrial AI may form a kinship with human AI and bypass humanity altogether!”

The new documentary, now streaming on Tubi and Ayozat, examines the concept that life is merely a simulation designed and controlled by Extra Terrestrials.

God Versus Aliens,  looks into whether life as we know and perceive it is just a simulation designed and controlled by extra terrestrials for some unknown purposes presently unknown. 

It's called Simulation Theory and suggests life (as we know it) is basically some sort of computer game. Swedish philosopher Nick Bostrom proposed this concept in 2003 and it even has Elon Musk as a believer - he states the odds of us actually living in a "real" physical reality are a billion to 1!

This theory would then make religion and even the idea of God as a construct of the computer game and thereby the Aliens controlling it. This films explores this theory and its impact on the world's religions should we make first contact, and especially if that contact would actually negate our physical existence and any notion of God as real.

"Extra terrestrial AI may form a kinship with human AI and bypass humanity altogether!” Avi Loeb - Harvard University

The film features exclusive interviews with some of the world’s top UFO experts including Nick Pope who used to run the UK’s UFO desk for the Ministry of Defence. He looks into whether ETs would bring their own religions and what would happen if they were really "crazy out there religions." -Would they impose them on us in a reverse colonialism?

Other interviewees include Professor Avi Loeb of Harvard University, Seth Shostak the Chief astronomer from SETI (Search For Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) who was also the scientific adviser on the hit Jodie Foster film Contact, Tony Topping an alleged UFO abductee, and the Rev Daniel Thompson who said: “First contact with ET will make people’s heads explode!”

The film investigates evidence for previous visitations form the Bible and other ancient texts, plus exploring what role AI would have in the search for ET and whether alien life would also use AI to make contact with ourselves.

Professor Avi Loeb states extra terrestrial AI may form a kinship with human AI and bypass humanity altogether.

It's the perfect time to release the film with recent revelations by DOD whistleblowers about the US government holding crashed “non human” craft and bodies as reported in The Guardian, The Telegraph and Newsweek magazine this week.

The film’s highlights include an interview with an Alien Abductee - Tony Topping - who claims to have been taken by Aliens since childhood and states that there are many types of aliens and that:

"The Universe is populated and we are being lied to.”

Both Tony Topping and Author Brian Allan assert that there is a secret organisation involved called The Collins Elite who work alongside the Aliens and help cover up the abduction phenomenon.

Watch the trailer here


Nub Music -https://www.facebook.com/nubtvuk

Sunday, 24 September 2023

That's Christmas: The World of Bridgerton 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle

That's Christmas: The World of Bridgerton 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle: Laurence King Publishing brings you The World of Bridgerton for this Christmas. http://www.laurenceking.com £18.99 Lady Danbury is hosting a...

Friday, 22 September 2023

Tourists to make music with their luggage at Oktoberfest!

Every day, thousands of people roll their suitcases through Munich Airport.

During Oktoberfest, they can now use them to create music. How can this possibly be a thing? Let us explain how such a thing could be.

To celebrate Paulaner’s special connection to Oktoberfest, the brewery and the creative agency thjnk Munich are ringing in Oktoberfest 2023 in a very special way, with the Paulaner SoundTrack.

What is the Paulaner SoundTrack?

The Paulaner SoundTrack is a publicly accessible, innovative musical art installation situated between Terminals 1 and 2 at Munich Airport. And it's guaranteed that it will be getting all travellers into the Oktoberfest mood!

More specifically, it is a walkable track made using acrylic glass into which precise grooves have been milled. 

As soon as a passenger walks along the track with their wheeled suitcases at the speed set by a special strip of lights, various musical tones will be heard. 

Heard in sequence, these tones produce the melody of the well-known Oktoberfest song Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit.

It’s obvious only one melody is suitable for Paulaner’s ‘soundtrack’: Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit is the Oktoberfest classic that makes Oktoberfest visitors raise their mugs, up to three times an hour. The fact that a suitcase is capable of playing an exact melody from a sequence of different groove frequencies is based on precise calculations by Canadian doctor and audiologist Marshall Chasin.

Around 20% of the approximately six million annual Oktoberfest visitors travel from abroad to toast with the specially brewed Oktoberfest beer. Paulaner is an essential part of this tradition. Because as one of six breweries in Munich, Paulaner has the privilege of being the official Oktoberfest beer. 

The tasty Paulaner Oktoberfest beer is the original Munich Beer and is even the best-selling Oktoberfest beer in retail. It's therefore the best way to properly welcome Oktoberfest visitors to Munich.

https://www.paulaner.com

To see and hear what happens check out this video:-



Hanover Glitterbox: Stage Passes can be Reserved: Exclusive party for 200 guests!

Book Your Event Package: 4-Star Hotel and warm-up in the Lobby

New party design in traditional location: The Glitterbox in Hanover’s Kuppelsaal on 18 November will present itself in new garb. And their guests really have something to get excited about. This much can be revealed: On-Stage is the new Backstage. 200 limited tickets at €59.00 plus VVK levy are now available for the stage area.

With their Stage Passes, guests will become part of the intimate Glitterbox Family in an exclusive arena.

Access further information on the Glitterbox at https://hannover-living.de/,

Tickets can be reserved at www.ticket2go.de/e/3745

Glitterbox Event Package

For all those wanting to experience that beach feeling, yet in November, with the exciting party format from Ibiza, they have put together the perfect package for nighthawks, including party ticket, warm-up in the lobby, overnight stay in the 4-star hotel and late checkout. Book now at https://hannover-living.de/

Would you like to tune in to the mega party now?

Then follow the link to the Glitterbox trailer: www.hannover-living.de/glitterbox/

Glitterbox will be held in the Kuppelsaal (HCC) on 18 November 2023 Entry from 9 pm.

Normal tickets are priced at €39, plus VVK levy.

Tickets are available at https://hannover-living.de/glitterbox/

That's Green: World Animal Day children’s design competition: wi...

That's Green: World Animal Day children’s design competition: wi...: There are countless ways in which everyone who cares about animals can get involved. The winner of a World Animal Day 2023 children’s mug de...

The Boisdale Music Awards 2023

Last night at Boisdale Canary Wharf they hosted the 11th annual Boisdale Music Awards, a celebration of some of the greatest names in the worlds of soul, jazz, blues, rock, reggae and pop. Now firmly established as one of the most prestigious events in the music industry calendar, the Boisdale Music Awards was once again hosted by Boisdale’s Patron of Music, Jools Holland, alongside musician and broadcaster, YolanDa Brown.

With each winner performing on stage after receiving their Boisdale Music Award, an audience of more than 200 musicians and guests were treated to an astonishing array of unique, unforgettable performances.

From Kathy Sledge’s spontaneous, floor-filling rendition of Sister Sledge’s We Are Family through to a surprise finale which featured Jools Holland and his drum-tight band joining forces with soul superstar Gregory Porter for a deep dive into Muddy Waters’ ageless Hoochie Coochie Man, there was a palpable sense of excitement in the air that has now become synonymous with the Boisdale Music Awards.

Rapper and talk show host Big Narstie launched the evening in his irrepressible style when he presented Courtney Courtney with her Rising Star Award, whilst Mud Morganfield held the audience in the palm of his hand with a truly mesmerising performance of his father Muddy Waters’ iconic Mannish Boy. Alabama 3 unleashed an incendiary take of Woke Up This Morning (the Sopranos theme tune) that got everybody dancing, and newcomer Polly Gibbons delivered a sultry rendition of Bessie Smith’s timeless Need A Little Sugar In My Bowl that belied her age.

As the evening drew to a close, soul Queen PP Arnold sent shivers down everyone’s spines with a heartbreakingly beautiful show-stopping take on her 1967 signature song, The First Cut Is The Deepest, Kid Creole and the Coconuts got everybody singing along to Annie, I’m Not Your Daddy, whilst legendary funkateers the Brand New Heavies and Shalamar brought the 2023 Boisdale Music Awards to a fitting climax and helped to make it another brilliant Night To Remember.

BOISDALE MUSIC AWARDS 2023 WINNERS

Boisdale Music Awards Rising Star Artist of The Year: Courtney Courtney - song

Boisdale Music Awards Instrumentalist of The Year: Bluey

Boisdale Music Awards Blues Artist of The Year: Mud Morganfield – Mannish Boy & Alabama 3 – Woke Up This Morning

Boisdale Music Awards Jazz Artist of the Year: Polly Gibbons – Need A Little Sugar In My Bowl

Boisdale Music Awards Soul Artist of The Year: Shalamar – A Night To Remember

Boisdale Music Awards Reggae Artist of The Year: UB40

Boisdale Music Awards Scottish Artist of The Year: The Cuban Brothers -

Boisdale Music Awards Female Artist of The Year: PP Arnold – The First Cut Is The Deepest

Boisdale Music Awards Male Artist of The Year: Howard Hewett -

Boisdale Music Awards Band of The Year: The Brand New Heavies -

Boisdale Music Awards Album of the Year: Face to Face by Suzi Quatro & KT Tunstall

Boisdale Music Awards Lifetime Legend: Kid Creole & The Coconuts – Annie I’m Not Your Daddy

Boisdale Music Awards Global Icon: Snow - Informer

Boisdale Music Awards Outstanding Contribution to Music 2023: Gregory Porter – Hoochie Coochie Man

On arrival at 6.00pm for the reception in The Hine Bar & Garden Terrace, 240 guests were served Chateau D’Esclans Rock Angel Rosé 2020, Veuve Clicquot NV Champagne and Oxley Gin & Artisan Classic London Tonic. At 7.30pm guests flowed upstairs to the main restaurant for a sumptuous three-course dinner comprising London burrata with spiced chickpeas, coriander, peppers and caramelised walnuts, roast fillet of Seatrout with red dulce, lemon & saffron, Cornish potatoes, prawns, and Chablis sauce and finally a sumptuous selection of British farmhouse cheeses. After The Boisdale Music Awards were finished, guests danced the night away to legendary Mi-Soul DJ Ronnie Herel in The Hine Bar & Garden Terrace.

Unique amongst live music venues, Boisdale boasts an award-winning wine list, one of the finest spirit collections in the UK, an outstanding cigar humidor, a magical garden terrace and a mouth-watering menu that’s as famous as the iconic world-class artists that grace our stage.

Boisdale of Canary Wharf hosts live music performances five nights a week (as well as a Sunday jazz brunch) in the restaurant and Whisky Bar on the second floor. The venue is also home to four private dining rooms, a 1,000 square foot Cigar Terrace, Cuban Cigar Library and Shop and the Hine Bar on the first floor. There is also Boisdale Belgravia with live music six nights a week and live jazz on Sundays.

Boisdale is named after the remote port on the beautiful Isle of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, off the North-West coast of Scotland. Boisdale was home to The Macdonald’s of Boisdale – the senior branch of the Macdonald’s of Clanranald, the largest and most anciently Royal of all the Highland clans. There are more than six million Macdonald clansmen throughout the world – all of whom can lay claim to this magnificent heritage, which has been charted down the generations since the 3rd century BC.

Boisdale’s founder is Ranald Macdonald - the eldest son of the 24th Chief and Captain of Clanranald - who launched the first restaurant in Belgravia 34 years ago in 1989. Boisdale continues to capture the essence of centuries of proud tradition with its warmth, informality, and unique atmosphere, simultaneously reminiscent of both a Highland country house and the Batcave in Gotham City!

Visit WWW.BOISDALE.CO.UK for more information.


Tuesday, 19 September 2023

The adventures of Rosie series for children. The Little Walnut Tree

The second and utterly enchanting children's picture book is currently in the early stages of planning.

It's written by Jo Beth Cairns and will be beautifully illustrated by the talented artist Beenid. 

This picture book is for children aged 5-8, will take children on a captivating journey via engaging storytelling and visually stunning illustrations, young readers will be introduced to the wonders of nature in an accessible, engaging way.

The primary goal of the project is to raise funds to cover the production, printing, and distribution costs of the book, ensuring that it reaches as many children as possible. 

By supporting this project, individuals and organisations have a unique opportunity to contribute to the education and inspiration of future generations, nurturing their appreciation for the natural world and encouraging a sense of environmental stewardship.

Jo Beth said: "I believe that connecting children with nature at an early age is vital for their well-being and the future of our planet. Through this picture book, I aim to spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and instil a sense of wonder in children, fostering a lifelong love for nature."

To achieve the fundraising target, The Little Walnut Tree has created an online Kickstarter campaign through a dedicated platform. Donors can visit the link at the top of the page to contribute and become a part of this exciting project. 

Jo Beth went on to say: "I'd love to invite individuals, businesses, and organizations alike to join us in this meaningful endeavour. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of children, empower their connection with nature, and inspire a generation of environmental stewards."

The Little Walnut Tree is committed to transparency and will provide regular updates on the project's progress, including milestones achieved, partnerships formed, and anticipated release dates. 

To be part of this journey please click the link or copy and paste it into your web browser for more details of where you can support this venture. Click the link here http://kck.st/3rcISO.

Jo Beth added: "Backers for the project will receive a  signed paperback copy of the first book for donations of £25 or over to help support this project.

"Please feel free to donate any amount from £1 upwards any donation is welcome. If my target is not met by October 13th, 2023 you will receive a refund from Kickstarter."

Sunday, 17 September 2023

That's Christmas: Leake Street venue added by Camm and Hooper

That's Christmas: Leake Street venue added by Camm and Hooper: London-based events company Camm & Hooper has expanded its venue portfolio with the addition of 26 Leake Street, which is an absolutely ...

The Beauty of Space: rare photographic treasures of early NASA space travel from the Victor Martin-Malburet Collection in Dorotheum online auction

Vienna, Austria - In the online auction The Beauty of Space - Iconic Photographs of Early NASA Missions, which ends on 27 September 2023, the Austrian auction house Dorotheum offers around 200 historic photographs of the US space agency NASA, dating from the very beginning of manned spaceflight in the early 1960s to the mid-1970s. 

A selection of vintage prints collected over a period of 25 years by French space historian and art collector Victor Martin-Malburet can be purchased at auction, with some attractive opening prices, beginning at 100 euros, and with no reserve.

The images, both colour and black-and-white, were originally taken for scientific purposes and most of them were kept secure, stored under lock and key. 

The auction includes important visual treasures from the Golden Age of astronautics, for example the first space selfie, the first human-taken photograph of the Planet Earth, and the first human-taken photograph of the surface of another world. 

An absolute rarity, with an estimate between 15,000 and 25,000 euros, is the only photograph of the first man on the Moon (Neil Armstrong) taken by astronaut Buzz Aldrin during the first lunar landing of the APOLLO 11 mission in July 1969.

Parts of the Martin-Malburet Collection have already been exhibited in renowned museums all over the world, including the Grand Palais in Paris, the Kunsthaus in Zurich, the Museum der Moderne in Salzburg and the Louisiana Museum of Art in Denmark.

You can view the catalogue online here https://www.dorotheum.com/en/a/99412


Friday, 15 September 2023

Happy Birthday, Time Team! Time Team is celebrating its 30th birthday with new dig investigating an Iron Age complex near Corfe Castle, Dorset

Time Team is celebrating its 30th birthday with new dig investigating an Iron Age complex near Corfe Castle, Dorset.

The British archaeology programme, Time Team is heading out into the field again for another of its ever-popular traditional three-day dig this weekend (15th to 17th September). 

The incredible site, absolutely brimming with archaeology, was put forward by Time Team’s own Dr Derek Pitman and Dr Lawrence Shaw. Working together with Harry Manley of Bournemouth University, a single test trench uncovered over 1,000 years of history, bridging the transition from the Iron Age into Roman Britain.

During the Iron Age, some 2,000 years ago, the area was home to the Durotriges tribe, and this site offers excellent opportunities to investigate how they lived and how they died. 

Early evidence indicates industrial activity, several phases of settlement and even burials, which is an extremely rare find for this period in British history.

The site is a stone’s throw from Poole’s ancient industrial harbour at Green Island, the subject of a previous investigation by Time Team, nearly 20 years ago. This new excavation seeks to explore possible links between the harbour, and this site, which sits just inland and is in a strategic position within the landscape.

Dr Derek Pitman says: “As a Dorset boy, I’m thrilled to welcome Time Team to my turf, for what looks to be an incredible weekend. I’ve honestly never seen so much archaeology in a single trench before, and we think this is just the tip of something even bigger. I believe we’re all in for a real treat!”

The excavation coincides with the 30th anniversary of filming Time Team’s first episode, back in 1993, which aired the following year. 

Time Team’s creator and Series Producer, Tim Taylor, says: “We couldn’t hope for a better site to celebrate three decades of Time Team. I still can’t believe it’s been that long, but here’s to the next 30 years!”

Many familiar faces are returning, including presenter Dr Gus Casely-Hayford, Prof Carenza Lewis, Dr John Gater, Prof Stewart Ainsworth and Dr Helen Geake. Guests for the weekend include old Time Team friends, Dr Philippa Walton and Dr Miles Russell.

Throughout the dig, subscribers to the Patreon account will enjoy exclusive daily updates, direct from the site via ‘Dig Watch’. These include site tours, Q&As with the team and production insights from the crew. The completed episode will premiere worldwide on YouTube at a later date (to be confirmed).

Tim Taylor says: “It’s thanks to our wonderful Patreon members across the globe that Time Team can investigate fascinating sites like this. I can’t wait to see what comes up in Dig Watch!”

Join Time Team on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TimeTeamOfficial

Time Team Classics: https://www.youtube.com/c/TimeTeamClassics

Time Team Official: https://www.youtube.com/c/TimeTeamOfficial

(EDITOR: If you are looking for the ideal Christmas present for the Time Team lover in your life, why not gift them a subscription?)

Thursday, 14 September 2023

That's Business: The Royal Navy's First Serving Mother Publishes a ...

That's Business: The Royal Navy's First Serving Mother Publishes a ...: The Mindful Command framework simplifies the journey for leaders treading the path to developing real leadership skills. Sally-Anne-Airey, w...

Laugh ‘Til You Drop - an unmissable charity comedy night

Babatunde Aleshe, British actor, comedian and writer is set to host as they welcome a brilliant bill of comedians on Thursday, October 26th, at 7pm. It takes place at the iconic Ritzy Cinema in Brixton, London. 

An evening of laughter and raising funds for Age UK Lambeth in support of their invaluable work supporting older people within the Borough of Lambeth.

Comedy fans and Age UK Lambeth supporters alike are invited to join them for an unforgettable evening of laughter and entertainment. With highly anticipated comedians scheduled to perform, attendees can expect an uproarious night filled with hilarious punchlines and memorable moments. Confirmed already is one of the UK's biggest stand-up stars and the undisputed king of the Black British comedy circuit, Slim! More amazing acts are to be announced soon, so do keep an eye open!

Laugh ‘Til You Drop is dedicated to raising funds for Age UK Lambeth, a local charity that focuses on empowering and supporting older adults in Lambeth. Age UK Lambeth tirelessly works to combat loneliness, enhance wellbeing, and support positive ageing for older residents in Lambeth.

By attending this event, guests will not only have a fantastic time but also directly contribute to the life-changing initiatives undertaken by Age UK Lambeth. The organisation's wide range of services includes befriending programmes, dementia support, digital help classes, exercise classes, cost of living support, essential information and advice and an array of engaging social activities.

"Our charity comedy night is an opportunity to come together, have a great time, and support an incredible cause," says Paul Coles, Age UK Lambeth’s CEO.

"Age UK Lambeth does vital work within our community, and I'm thrilled that our team are able to host this event that will help raise funds for our invaluable initiatives. Let's laugh together and make a difference in the lives of older residents in Lambeth."

Details of the Charity Comedy Night:

Date: Thursday 26th October, Doors at 7:00pm

Venue: Ritzy Cinema, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Ln, London SW2 1JG

Tickets for the charity comedy night are available to purchase through their website. All profits from the ticket sales will go directly to Age UK Lambeth, enabling them to continue their impactful work and provide much-needed support to older adults in the community.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/lambeth

Monday, 11 September 2023

Autism superstar joins Head2Head Sensory Theatre as Ambassador

Head2Head Sensory Theatre, which is a disability charity dedicated to making theatre and film accessible for all, is pleased and excited to announce the appointment of Georgia de Gidlow (pictured) as its newest Ambassador.

At just 22, Georgia has already made a name for herself in the entertainments industry, recently rising to fame with her TV debut on BBC's hit series A Kind of Spark.

A Kind of Spark captivated audiences with its inclusive nature, featuring autistic characters played by actors who are autistic themselves. Georgia's involvement in the show further solidified her status as not only  prodigious talent, but also an autism advocate.

As an Ambassador for Head2Head Sensory Theatre, Georgia will lend her support to the charity's mission of enriching the lives of young people who aspire to experience the joys of theatre and performing arts.

Expressing her excitement about the new role, Georgia said, "I'm so pleased to be Head2Head Sensory Theatre's new ambassador! The work of this charity is so important and meaningful, and I feel honoured to help raise awareness for it and to be able to play a part in the amazing work H2H does."

Anni Rhodes-Steere, who is the founder of Head2Head Sensory Theatre, is said to be delighted at having Georgia on board. Anni said: "We're obviously really pleased ad utterly thrilled to have a superstar like Georgia on board. 

"She's enthusiastic and a real inspiration to young autistic people. The goal of an ambassador is to reach out to more people, inspiring them to support us via fundraising, volunteering, or donating. We're very much a volunteer-led charity, so people such as Georgia are a huge asset to us and are really fundamental to our growth."

In addition to her acting career, Georgia recently completed her final year in Politics and International Relations at the University of Birmingham. Her involvement in A Kind of Spark, a TV adaptation of Elle McNicoll's incredible book about the adventures of an autistic girl, showcases the series' commitment to inclusivity. 

Not only is the author autistic, but the actors playing the autistic main characters are also autistic too, and a significant portion of the cast and crew are all neurodivergent.

Head2Head Sensory Theatre continues to grow as a brand in the special needs community internationally, with its shows accessible through its YouTube learning channel. 

The charity is currently seeking Trustees with a genuine passion for theatre, the arts, or who are connected to the Special Educational Needs (SEN) and disabilities community.

For more information about Head2Head Sensory Theatre and its initiatives, please visit them here www.h2hsensorytheatre.com

Bringing the magic of the theatre to schools and families across the SEND community for over 15 years, Head2Head uses imagination to discover new lands, reimagined classics and bring new stories. Shows are inclusive, immersive and interactive and suitable for all physical, sensory and/or cognitive disabilities.

Based in Oxted, Surrey, this volunteer led disabilities charity works closely with a wide range of disabilities: wheelchair users, learning difficulties, neurodevelopmental disorders, autism, complex health needs, visual/hearing impairments. All activities are custom-made to help audiences to benefit from participation in an inclusive and accessible event, gain confidence and widen social opportunities

Thursday, 7 September 2023

Darling Jake, Love, discovery and sequins – one man’s journey from farm to stage

A sequel to Keith Bond’s first book, Jake, this warm and optimistic story follows the protagonist as he continues his journey into adulthood and discovers his on-stage persona as a drag artiste.

When Jake leaves his rural homeland for a new life in 1960’s London, nothing could have prepared him for the turn of events that would change the course of his life. Accepting a rented room in a shared house leads him to meet a wonderful new friendship group, one that encourages and steers his life onto a new path.

With the support of his friends and the adoration of his fans, Jake’s new life as a drag artiste, Rusty L’amour, propels him into a new world – one of performance, glamour and big wigs. And all alongside his devoted partner Jim.

But it’s not all sequins and bling. Things go wrong. Disasters occur. But with the help of his friends and family, Jake persists in living his dream … and supporting those who have helped him get there.

Darling Jake reveals the ups and downs of performing as a drag artiste, as well as offering an insight into the supportive and rigorous life on stage.

About the author

Keith Bond was born in Warwickshire and over his career has lived in London and Brighton. He now lives in Hampshire with his partner, John, where he enjoys writing, photography, graphic design and cooking. Darling Jake is his third book.

https://www.tricornbooks.co.uk

A New Book Reveals How to Live in a Flow All of the Time

The Power of the Dao, by best-selling author Max Landsberg, reveals how to live in a state of flow all of the time.

The Power of the Dao: Seven Essential Habits for Living in Flow, Fulfillment and Resilience reveals how we can live in a state of flow all of the time. From best-selling author Max Landsberg, whose books have sold more than a million copies in fifteen languages, this book is based on the enduring wisdom of Daoist principles and practice.

Being in flow is when you are ‘in the zone’, ‘on your game’, or even ‘on fire’ as some people put it.

This is both a mental state and a physical one, too. You have a feeling of complete focus, full involvement and deep enjoyment in whatever you are doing. You feel the activity takes no energy from you – indeed you feel that it is giving you energy. You barely notice the passage of time. You feel calm but almost ecstatic. You are resourceful and resilient.

Max Landsberg comments: “I wanted to offer a comprehensive guide to living ‘in flow’. Most existing teachings explain how to achieve this flow state when conducting specific tasks. I wanted to show how to extend those ideas, through tweaks to mindset and habits, so you can live your whole life in flow. This also enhances mindfulness and resilience in our turbulent times.”

In The Power of the Dao, Landsberg uncovers seven of the ancient principles of Daoism which help us to see the unvarnished truth of our surroundings in a clear, open and unblinkered way. 

The first three principles are about the way a person and their environment work (Energies, Patterns, Self-so-ness). The following three are about how one chooses to interact with their environment (Simplicity, Effortless Action, Potency). Attaining Dao, or Mastery, is the final principle in the book, which allows one to live in a constant state of flow.

Dr Marshall Goldsmith, Thinkers50 #1 Executive Coach and New York Times bestselling author of The Earned Life and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There says about The Power of the Dao: “Insightful and engaging!... This book hits the mark with powerful techniques for living a more fulfilled life."

Max Landsberg is an internationally recognised authority on personal development, leadership, motivation and executive coaching. His books draw on expertise in strategy from his time as a Partner at McKinsey & Company, and his insights into leadership gained as a Senior Partner at two global head-hunting firms. He most recently led McKinsey’s SeniorPartners Office for seven years.

The Power of the Dao is published on 14 September 2023 by LID Publishing, available as hardback and e-book.

The Audiobook is coming out in December 2023. 

Please visit www.lidpublishing.com

That's Food and Drink: The Complete Airfryer by Sam & Dom Milner

That's Food and Drink: The Complete Airfryer by Sam & Dom Milner: Once or twice a month I visit the offices of my main employer in Liverpool. In the staff kitchen there is an airfryer. I have never used it ...