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 ...

That's Food and Drink: Dangerous TikTok trends warning to parents

That's Food and Drink: Dangerous TikTok trends warning to parents: Parents of young children and teenagers are being warned of the most dangerous trends going around on TikTok and are advised to keep track o...

That's Food and Drink: Dangerous TikTok trends warning to parents

That's Food and Drink: Dangerous TikTok trends warning to parents: Parents of young children and teenagers are being warned of the most dangerous trends going around on TikTok and are advised to keep track o...

It's the ultimate family adventure destination: Beale Wildlife Park and Gardens

School holidays may be ending, but the fun doesn’t stop there. What is Berkshire's leading animal sanctuary, Beale Wildlife Park, is home to over 500 animals from Armadillos and Capybaras to Wildcats and Zebras, across their 350-acre riverside estate. 

Their newest additions to the park, two Lynx kittens and three young Arctic Foxes, have added extra cuteness to the whole experience.

Open all year round, Beale Wildlife Park offers a wide variety of family entertainment at affordable prices. 

With the cost of living affecting just about everyone, Beale Park has worked hard to keep their family- friendly prices to a minimum. Entry to the park costs £15.50 for an adult and £12.50 for children.

Lucy Costello, who is the CEO of Beale Wildlife Park, says: "It's incredibly important to us everyone feels welcome here at Beale Wildlife Park. 

"Our keepers and our team work hard to ensure families embark on a journey of exploration, learning, and fun which will create cherished memories for years. With over 109 species of animals from around the globe, we offer an immersive experience that will leave both young and old amazed."

At Beale Wildlife Park, prepare to witness the wonders of the animal kingdom up close and personal. Whether you are strolling through enchanting woodlands, picnicking by peaceful, tranquil lakes, or exploring themed gardens, every corner of the park offers unique opportunities to appreciate the wonders of the outdoors. It goes beyond a simple zoo experience. 

A selection of interactive experiences has been introduced for this year to ensure future generations continue to care for and protect animals. 

These include Animal Experiences (getting up close with the animals), Zoo Club (an after-school program for budding zoo-keepers) and a new five-week program designed to support 12-15-year-olds interested in animal-focussed careers. 

A combination of theory workshops and practical activities will include topics such as animal behaviour, welfare nutrition, conservation and enclosure design.

Lucy Costello continues, "We want Beale Wildlife Park to inspire people of all ages to learn something new about nature and help protect the future of the planet. By engaging with children from an early age and providing experiences that grow with them we aim to educate and instil a sense of responsibility for the planet's biodiversity in the hearts of everyone."

Young ones can burn off energy at the adventure playgrounds, while older children and adults can enjoy educational trails that provide insight into the park's conservation efforts. Plan your trip today.

For more details visit www.bealepark.org.uk or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

(Image courtesy of Beale Wildlife Park)

ABBA Disco Wonderland UK Club Tour Returns This September!

The ABBA Disco Wonderland returns to the UK this September for it's annual club tour!

Experience a night dedicated to one of the greatest pop bands of all time, ABBA. Mixed with incredible venue transformations which turn every space into a Disco Wonderland, you can expect the most magical club experience. Apart from ALL of ABBA's hits you can expect to hits Disco & Pop bangers mixed by resident DJ's ABBA Kadabra, DJ Bjorn Hub & DJ FABAULOUS.

Besides these fabulous resident DJ's you can expect live tribute bands, hosts & performers as well as incredible special FX.

The night is hitting 16 locations across the UK from September to October including London, Glasgow, Bristol, Coventry, Norwich,. plus many more!

Learn more information here: https://fixr.co/organiser/discowonderland