Fantasy fiction at its very best!

Game of Thrones Books: the phenomenon

Political metaphors don’t come much more pointed than the Iron Throne, the seat of the kings of Westeros in George R R Martin’s sprawling fantasy sequence in game of thrones book 1 A Song of Ice and Fire. Forged from a thousand captured daggers and swords, the vast metal chair is designed to prick and goad its calmest occupants and slice the unwary to ribbons. One aspirant gloomily remarks on “the barbs along the back, the ribbons of twisted steel, the jagged ends of swords and knives all tangled up and melted. It is not a seat where a man can rest at ease.”

HBO’s televisation of Game of Thrones

The US television company HBO knows a good thing when it sees it, so it’s perhaps no surprise that its marketing team seized on the Iron Throne as a marketing tool for A Game of Thrones, its recent series (shown here on Sky Atlantic) dramatising the first novel in Martin’s sequence. Replicas of the dismal edifice, bristling with weaponry like militarised porcupines, did the rounds of America’s major cities. Some were mounted on bicycle rickshaws in New York. Another model recently embarked on a tour of Spain.

The Throne did its job, even if the uninitiated were more likely to mistake it for something from the cover of a Slayer album. After just one episode of the series, HBO was pleased enough with the series’ audience figures to commission another run. Readers of Martin’s source novels, though, may well have been chilled to see this grim symbol of hubris and the corruption of power paraded through the centres of American power and the streets of austerity Europe – or they may just have taken it as confirmation that these books are an epic for our times.

Written by the son of a New Jersey longshoreman who became frustrated with “always knowing the end” of novels set in real historical periods, A Song of Ice and Fire is not on the surface an obvious candidate for the breakout success it has enjoyed. It takes place in a barbarous medieval world, full of people whose names (Eddard, Robb, Marq) look like accidents with a spellchecker. It draws inspiration from the savage political infighting of the Wars of the Roses, and it incorporates several elements that have become de rigueur in fantasy novels: swords with names, mythical beasts, daring deeds of arms and acres of heaving naked flesh.

But the books also have a cynic’s heart, a brutally modern take on human nature and a highly contemporary interest in relative morality, hierarchical injustice and bad faith – not to mention some effortless large-scale storytelling and a cliffhanger at the end of every other chapter. Assuming the groaning pile of superlatives already heaped on the series can bear another, they are fantasy fiction’s equivalent to The Wire.

Game of Thrones Books, series and games

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DIY Marquees have the widest range of party tents for sale

DIY MARQUEES have the largest range of pop up tents for sale and the choice is yours! They not only provide marquees for sale they also offer marquee lighting, heating and flooring. Spencer King the owner of DIY Marquees offers excellent advice regarding setting up a Marquee business or anyone wanting to purchase a marquee.

DIY Marquees are renowned for their affordability and quality, they do not compromise on quality of their products. Read below about the superior quality of their marquee covers.

Duracoretex PVC

How do I know the quality of a PVC marquee cover? This problem arises as the only generic way of describing PVC is by weight – 380gsm, 500gsm, 650gsm.

Duracoretex PVC

The problem we have as a supplier is that there are many many different qualities of PVC within these weight bands. We could make our marquees cheaper by using a different quality (but same weight) PVC for example.

The problem you have as a hirer/user is how do you know what quality of PVC you are buying?

After many many years of supplying marquees using different versions of PVC we are now exclusively using Duracoretex PVC, this is because it has proved itself to be the most durable of all of the materials we have used across all weight categories.

The strength of the initial core material gives the fabric its strength with Duracoretex PVC often out performing heavier weight non-branded PVC.

So is all non-branded PVC unsuitable? Certainly not. But the quality of our marquees is how we have gained our excellent reputation and this is not something we wish to risk. Hence we use Duracoretex PVC.

So if you are wanting to buy party tent chat to them about their many options and expert advice.

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Amphitec Vortex economical solution for transporting dry products

IBS are constantly expanding their product range and fast becoming the leaders in Industrial Blower Services and Equipment. Their aim is aim is to meet their customer’s expectations and requirements by understanding their equipment and processes. With this in mind, IBS are constantly expanding not only in workforce and skill but also in products on offer. They always have their client’s best interests keeping downtime to a minimum; even offering a FREE VACUUM LOADER HEALTH CHECK.

IBS are making their mark in the Industry with their large selection of vacuum loaders and root type blowers and agents for many well-known leading Industry brands throughout the UK & US such as Amphitec. The Amphitec Vortex is the best solution when it comes to modern, economical solution for suction, blowing and transporting dry products and liquids.

Amphitec Base-Loader is an incredibly powerful, no nonsense truck used for suctioning, discharge and transporting dry and wet products such as the. The high quality installation consists of stainless steel and components of well-known brands.

Other products in the Amphitec range are: Amphitec Flex-Loader G3 is the 3rd generation movable, self-supporting, industrial pressure vacuum installation and offers the flexible solution for suction, blowing and transporting.

The Amphitec Max-Loader G2 is an industrial semi-trailer for suction and blowing of dry products and liquids. Completely self-supporting and can be used with any tractor unit.

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Lodge Brothers care about the community

Lodge Brothers have been serving the community for over 100 years and constantly expanding their vision of the business making it more accessible to everyone.

Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors Esher have an excellent rapport with the community, they like to get involved and contribute where they can, and they are indeed a special group of people who work for Lodge Brothers. They are kind and compassionate and not scared to get involved where they can, read what they have been up to these past few weeks.

Easter is a time of celebration and a time to remember our loved ones; what better way than to celebrate with young and old. Lodge Brothers windows were brightly decorated and there was an Easter Colouring Competition for the local kids and pictured here are the lucky winners with their lovely chocolate prizes!

Lodge Brothers Surrey Commercial and Operations Manager, Paul Bye, delivered Easter goodie bags to local care homes throughout Surrey this week, with a view of bringing a little Easter cheer to the residents.

The bags contained all sorts of chocolate and cakes and all the naughty but nice things that are enjoyed at Easter.

Paul commented that it was great to see the residents of local homes with smiles on their faces, it doesn’t matter how old you are chocolate is enjoyed by all!

Lodge Brothers funeral directors Walton understand the importance of arranging a funeral the way ‘you would like it” especially with their large variety of floral tributes, bespoke memorials, coffins and urns. Their kind and caring staff will assist you in your time of grief, ensuring you give your loved one a fitting tribute.

Click here for more information about how Lodge Brothers can assist in your time of grief.

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Enhance your life through design

Founded in 1999 dblo Associates architectural and development practice have dedicated partners with wide experience and knowledge across various sectors within architecture, master planning, interior design, project management and property development.

Architects have studied for many years, however, they don’t learn to be passionate about being an architect; passion can’t be taught it is something that sets architects apart in the industry. When dealing with DBLO Associates the one thing that is most noticeable and prominent is how very passionate they are about their projects they work on and the people they work with. Each member of this unique team brings their own expertise and something special to each project commissioned.

Their clients are treated like they are the only client with superb professionalism taking into account the clients requirements, budget and timing. Dblo Associates have designed some well-known buildings in and around London making sure their work is always of exceptional standard.

Brilliant architects Fulham are not always easy to find but rest assured if you chose dblo Associates you won’t go wrong, in fact you will soon find yourself recommending them to colleagues and friends alike.

Do some research when requiring the services of well-known good architects around London and you will soon discover that the name dblo Associates will be recommended time and time again. dblo associates is an organisation dedicated to creating and enhancing value through design.

dblo Associates offer a broad spectrum of architecture projects covering residential, commercial and the public sector click here interior residential architects UK to find out more!

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Tantric sex with your loved one can open magical doors

Vaginal Massage Tantric Treatment for Couples

Tantra in London is a growing trend among people where Eastern cultures and practices are being adopted to heal and strike a balance within life. Just like Yoga, Tantra is on the rise to bring in the ‘oomph’ factor especially in relationships. Little is known about the other benefits of Tantra apart from its mainstream perception, which is Tantra is sex and hidden pleasure. Many myths and misconceptions dock around Tantra taking away its true core purpose.

Tantra holds the key to connection – to create connection to your inner self which in return will allow you to create connection with others and your loved ones. Tantra’s goal is to heal past hurt and process of Tantra is to surpass hurt in order to attain happiness and bliss. Tantra is weaving of the spiritual body, emotional body and the physical body in order to connect to the divine source energy to attain a state of bliss and happiness. Therefore, I work as a meditator assisting the weaving by removing stagnant negative emotions and energy blocks and physical blocks stored as toxins in the body.

Having worked with over 3000 women from all over the world spanning across U.S, Europe, U.K and Asia and having recognized the dire need of healing therapy to reconstruct people, I took the initiative set up Tantric Journey School of Healing and Awakening to help people heal and teach the art of healing to anyone who wanted to become a healer. Tantric Journey School of Healing and Awakening teaches the pioneer engineered therapy called ‘Tantric Journey Bodywork’. Bodywork is an artisanship crafted with years of research, teachings and validations by masters of the art in order to apply the healing massage techniques that bring about Emotional Detox through Tantra and Tao Bodywork.

Tantra London is abundant but many do not hold the healing essence of the Tantra teaching as they are only intended for pleasure, but whereas the essence of Tantric vaginal massage is to heal and connect to higher source energy to live at optimum. This is done by me, acting as a mediator to our client to help the client to remove negative stagnant emotions in the cellular memory in the body’s cells that block the positive energy flow (positive emotions) that contribute to positive experiences.Yoni Massage

Tantric vaginal massage honors women and womanhood. It teaches women self-respect and the most precious jewel for a women is self –respect that brings about self-discipline, self-confidence and self-esteem and teaches her to create her own safe circle allowing experiences that only nourish her. The client is subjected to a well-planned procedure before the Tantric massage treatment.

At a comfortable pace between the practitioner (me) and the client in environment that is safe to the client, the client goes through talking therapy, body movements such as yoga, breath work, sounds such as mantras and eventually the Tantric massage treatment at her own pace.

Most importantly, I will meet the client where she is, accepting who she is with unconditional love and take her on the inner journey where ever she wants to go. Read more on the treatment here >http://www.tantricjourney.com/uncategorized/emotional-detox-tantra-tao-bodywork/ Tantric treatment for couples is beneficial in many ways as Tantra celebrates sexuality and sexual energy – the life force energy. Hence Tantra has been subjected to criticism and misconception.

To dispel the main myth about “Tantra is only about sex” it is good to know some Tantric sex practices do not have any physical contact of genitals. It is good to keep in mind the fundamental ideology of Tantric sex is about cultivating sexual energy within yourself to have a deeper understanding of yourself in order to connect to your partner who would do the same.

Therefore Tantric sex is about energetically connecting with you and your partner to forge a bond beyond a physical realm to bring about love, intimacy, passion and the most vital ingredient – trust. The practice of Tantric sex with copulation or without copulation can heal a relationship or heal one partner who houses both emotional and physical pain.

The practice of Tantric sex with your loved can open magical doors to your relationship as it is a form of sex therapy. Also to address the main concern and myth about “Tantric sex can entice appetites that can lead to orgies”, it is wise to know Tantra does not advocate in indulging uncontrollable sexual desires or orgies.

finding-the-female-g-spot-1

In fact, Tantra teaches us to control our sexual desires and channel it to a higher purpose – the higher purpose being love. Tantric sex is about being conscious of the person you are connecting with, asking permission to touch or kiss or express sexual desire in other ways. Tantra lovers take time to soul gaze where they connect with the essence of the person they are going to make love to by opening up all their chakras and communicating to create a safe platform so that the power of excitement can be transformed into love.

Therefore as we have been able to shed light into these myths we can deduce that Tantra and Tantric sex is beneficial to us – in a world where connectivity is mastered through technology there is sincere lack of human connection.

Tantric Journey Tantric treatment for couples aims to help women heal through vaginal massage therefore contributing less to the cycle of depression, violence, crimes, unexpected pregnancies, welfare, and women’s health with the use of Tantra in London. Out of suffering comes the strongest souls. And as Matt Kahn says, ‘True healing is the willingness to treat yourselves and others better than the past ever did’.  And the key to healing completely is Tantric Journey Emotional Detox through Tantra & Tao Bodywork where all negative feelings and issues are removed from its origin in order to cultivate positive feelings to build a life of nourishing experiences.

Emotional Detox through a Tantric & Tao manner brings the client body to a positive state at a biological level through positive cells for sound physical, emotional and psychological health.

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Business could save £1bn through energy behaviour change

Business could save £1bn through energy behaviour change

British companies could save as much as £1bn on their energy bills by changing their ‘energy behaviours’ rather than rely on technical solutions, according to Npower energy experts as reported in the Telegraph this week. Each company could save between 3-15pc, or an average saving of 9pc, the supplier added.

Npower Business Solutions, a division of the Big Six supplier, said that it has already helped customers to drive bills down by £26m after acquiring an energy management firm which specialises in company habits.

Npower snapped up the RUMM energy consultancy in April last year as part of the company’s plan to grow within the increasingly competitive business supply market.

A spokeswoman for the supplier said Npower is targeting total savings of £1bn for its energy customers by focusing on RUMM’s behavioural approach to energy saving for with their sophisticated energy management software and business energy reduction UK
gasEach company could save between 3-15pc, or an average saving of 9pc, the supplier added.

Npower’s Phil Griffiths said: “It often surprises businesses to find out that non-technical savings are usually greater than technical savings. Through learning about your energy habits, it is easy to make subtle, low-cost and effective changes to help keep down your energy bills. It’s already produced clear and proven benefits for firms, big and small, saving businesses we have worked with over £26m.”

The supplier refers to its behaviour analysts as “carbon psychologists” and says that the experts can design energy saving programmes by addressing employee energy habits to help them adopt more energy efficient ways of working.

A study from trade group Energy UK found that the business supply market has seen a consistent increase in competitiveness in recent years. Currently there are 24 suppliers active in the business market of which over a fifth joined the market last year.

Click here to find out more on Energy Reduction in Manufacturing and how to conduct behaviour change and decide which behaviour project you should choose to action.

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Jamie Oliver’s scrumptious Hot Cross Bun recipe

Easter baking recipe by Jamie Oliver celebrity chef,  restaurateur, and media personality known for his food-focused television shows, cookbooks and more recently his global campaign for better food education.

Jamie has created loads of easy Easter recipes such as bath buns, chocolate and raspberry tart and hot cross buns, celebrate this special family occasion with some scrumptious baking.

I had a go at making these delicious hot cross buns which were so easy and only took 35 mins to bake

QUICK AND EASY HOT CROSS BUN RECIPE

Ingredients

  • 225 g unsalted butter (at room temperature)
  • 200 g light muscovado sugar
  • 150 g ground almonds
  • 100 g buckwheat flour (see tip)
  • 1 teaspoon ground mixed spice
  • 1½ teaspoons gluten-free baking pow
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 large orange
  • 3 large free-range eggs (at room temperature)
  • 175 g mixed dried fruit (ideally with candied orange in it)
  • 50 g dried cranberries
  • 1 eating apple (125g)
  • 100 g icing sugar , plus extra for dusitng
Method
Heat the oven to 180C/gas 4. Line two muffin trays with paper cases or squares of baking paper. In large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric beater until pale and fluffy.

Combine the almonds, flour, mixed spice, baking powder and salt in
a bowl, then sift it on top of the creamed butter and sugar. Add the orange zest, 3 tablespoons of the juice and the eggs to the bowl as well. Beat everything together until you have a thick batter, then stir in the dried fruit, cranberries and apple.

Dollop the mixture into the muffin cases so they’re three-quarters full. Bake for 35 minutes, then turn down the heat to 160C/gas 3 and bake for
a further 20–25 minutes, until the muffins are well risen and golden, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then remove to a rack to cool completely.

Gradually mix the icing sugar with 4–5 teaspoons of the orange juice to make a thick icing. Spoon into a piping bag with a round nozzle, or into a sandwich bag, snipping off one corner. Pipe crosses onto each muffin, dust with extra icing sugar and leave to set.Tips

Buckwheat, despite its name, is not related to wheat at all and is totally gluten-free. The flour has a light nuttiness. You’ll find it in most supermarkets and health food shops.

Click here for other easy recipes, reviews and more….

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No strings attached dating

How to get a date within minutes!

Dukes of Daisy companion service allows you to find a date within minutes, not just any date but one you can hand pick choosing attributes, interests and personality to suit exactly what you are looking for.

Why choose Dukes of Daisy?

Each companion both male escort and female escort are carefully selected based on key qualities that ensure you have an unforgettable and thoroughly enjoyable evening. They have a broad variety of Companions that can cater to any taste or event you have in mind – from dinner dates, theatre, weddings, work, social events and more.

With a NO SEX policy you can feel confident and assured there will be no unnecessary expectations.

There are numerous benefits of using a rent a friend, when compared to going on dates with anonymous guys and girls. The most obvious and important is CONTROL:

You’re in control of who you meet

You’re in control of where & when the date happens

You’re in control of what happens on the date

You’re in control of the role your Duke will play on the night

Total Control means you get exactly what you want

While relationships can be rewarding, they require a lot of time, energy and can bring stress, emotional drama and heartache. Imagine if you could have all the great perks of a relationship without the hassle and issues that go with it

Play it safe and rent a friend UK from the UK’S well known companion service Duke of Daisy!

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dblo Associates London architects

Explore the latest design in retail architects London with dblo Associates, known for their leading edge in commercial designs.

Whether it’s to design shopping malls, grocery stores, hairdressers, offices dblo Associates have the professionalism and expertise required through their innovative team trained in building design.

Much consideration is taken for each individual project as the architect’s main focuses are usually accessibility and productivity. He or she must design with two groups in mind — the staff and clients. These two groups of people use the same space simultaneously, but for different purposes. Their needs, preferences, and attitudes regarding that space can greatly differ.

Retail architects Mayfair can also help a company establish a visual identity by using unique materials to design a retail space, such as adding hardwood floors where tiles are normally used. Some professionals give stores themes that capitalize on the business’ specialty. Others use colours in significant places, such as the roof, so that people can readily identify a particular store’s location.

With many years of experience in architecture, having completed hundreds of projects dblo Associates rank one of the best architects in London.

Click here for more information on how dblo can enhance your living through design.

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