Gary Rhodes

Gary Rhodes,  (22 April 1960 – 26 November 2019) was a British restaurateur and television chef, known for his love of British cuisine and ingredients and for his distinctive spiked hair style. He fronted shows such as MasterChef, MasterChef USA, Hell's Kitchen, and his own series, Rhodes Around Britain.  As well as owning four restaurants, Rhodes also had his own line of cookware and bread mixes.  Rhodes went on to feature in the ITV1 programme Saturday Cooks, as well as the UKTV Food show Local Food Hero.

Early years
Rhodes was born in Camberwell, South London in 1960, to Gordon and Jean (née Ferris) Rhodes. He moved with his family to Gillingham, Kent, where he went to The Howard School in Rainham. He then attended catering college in Thanet where he met his wife Jennie.

Career
His first job was at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel. He was hit by a transit van in Amsterdam leaving him with serious injuries. He then toured Europe in various jobs before becoming sous chef at the Reform Club, Pall Mall and then on to the Michelin-starred Capital Hotel in Knightsbridge where he worked under Brian Turner. Rhodes became the head chef at the Castle Hotel, Taunton in Somerset. He retained the hotel's Michelin star at the age of 26.

In 1990, Rhodes returned to London with his family to become Head Chef at the Greenhouse Restaurant in Mayfair. The menu became known for reviving British classics, including faggots, fishcakes, braised oxtails and bread and butter pudding. He was awarded a Michelin star for the Greenhouse in January 1996. In 1997 he opened his first restaurant, City Rhodes, and in 1997 Rhodes in the Square – both with global contract catering company Sodexo. This partnership expanded into the brasseries of Rhodes and Co in Manchester, Edinburgh and Crawley.

In 2003, following the closure of restaurants City Rhodes and Rhodes in the Square the previous year, he opened Rhodes Twenty Four in one of London's tallest buildings, Tower 42. Rhodes described his hopes for the restaurant on launch: "If we never get a Michelin star here, I will be very disappointed, but what I really want is customers." It won a Michelin star in 2005, which it retained until it closed as one of two Michelin starred restaurants for Rhodes in London.

Rhodes also owned Arcadian Rhodes on the P&O superliner Arcadia, Cumberland Rhodes, and Rhodes Calabash, in Grenada. He was also a contributor to the BBC Good Food magazine.

His first TV appearance was at the age of 27, courtesy of Glynn Christian on Hot Chefs; this led to Rhodes Around Britain and Gary's Perfect Christmas. For two seasons, 2000 and 2001, Rhodes hosted the original MasterChef USA on PBS. Rhodes ran a TV series New British Classics reintroducing classic British cuisine, and published a book of the same name.

Rhodes starred in the television series Rhodes Across India, with apprentices Bushra Akram, Scott Davis and Kalwant Sahota, and Rhodes Across China, which explored Chinese cuisine, with sous chefs Melissa Syers and Teresa Tsang.

Rhodes appeared in a commercial tie-in with Tate & Lyle in the late 1990s, and his recipes endorsed sugar and treacle products accordingly; his name was printed on every Tate & Lyle sugar sachet across the country. Rhodes was associated with a Cooking in Schools campaign with Flora UK and appeared in television adverts for Flora margarine, some of which featured him "driving a van topped with a giant styrofoam crumpet" which were banned.

He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) on 17 June 2006. In the same year he competed, representing the South of England, in the BBC's Great British Menu, but lost to Atul Kochhar.

Rhodes appeared on the BBC Two spoof game show Shooting Stars, during which hosts Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer asked him to 'represent fire through the medium of dance'. He also competed, with professional partner Karen Hardy, in the sixth series of Strictly Come Dancing which began on 20 September 2008, and finished in 14th place.

In 2011, he moved to Dubai. He headed Rhodes Mezzanine (the forerunner to Rhodes W1) at the Grosvenor House hotel, and another called Rhodes Twenty10 at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort.  In 2013 he opened his first restaurant in Abu Dhabi. Rhodes was a supporter of Manchester United FC.

Death

Rhodes died in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 26 November 2019; he was aged 59. Rock Oyster Media and Goldfinch TV said in a statement to the PA news agency that Rhodes was taken ill very suddenly at home, during a break in filming a new television series, and died a short time afterward.  It was later confirmed by Rhodes's family that his death was as a result of a subdural haematoma, normally associated with a brain injury.

Many fellow celebrity chefs paid tribute, including Marcus Wareing, Aldo Zilli, Ainsley Harriott, Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver, the last of whom said he was "a massive inspiration to me as a young chef", adding that he "reimagined modern British cuisine with elegance and fun". Tom Kerridge described Rhodes as "one of the greatest British chefs who almost single handedly put British food on the world stage".

Restaurants
 Rhodes Calabash – located in the Calabash hotel, in Grenada
 Arcadian Rhodes – aboard the P&O liner Arcadia
 Oriana Rhodes at the Curzon – aboard the P&O liner Oriana
 Rhodes D7 Restaurant in Dublin – closed in 2009
 Rhodes W1 (Grosvenor House; London) – closed
 Rhodes Twenty10 (Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa and Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
 Rhodes 44 (St. Regis Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)  – closed in 2014
 Rhodes at the Dome, Plymouth Hoe, Plymouth – ended involvement in January 2016
Rhodes 24 (NatWest Tower, London) – closed 2014

References

External links
Official website
 Gary Rhodes at the British Film Institute

Category:1960 births
Category:2019 deaths
Category:English food writers
Category:English television chefs
Category:Officers of the Order of the British Empire
Category:English chefs
Category:People from Camberwell
Category:People educated at The Howard School
Category:Head chefs of Michelin starred restaurants
Category:English emigrants to the United Arab Emirates
Category:Businesspeople from London


EXCLUSIVE: On the 25th anniversary of the genesis of his game series Metal Gear, creator Hideo Kojima reflects on a career spent battling the stigma of working in video games in the first of a two-part interview

Six months after Hideo Kojima joined Konami, one of Japan's most respected video game studios, he was asked by a university friend to be best man at his wedding.

"The groom stood up to introduce me. He said: 'Welcome everybody. This is Mr Kojima. He's a very talented and otherwise likeable person. But I am sorry to say that, for some unknown reason, he has decided to join a video game company.' Everybody laughed. You see: working in the games industry was seen as a very low status job at that time. There wasn't even a word in Japanese for the job of game designer back then. I would lie at parties. I told people I worked for a financial firm ..."

Born to well-to-do parents, Kojima – the creator of the multi-million selling Metal Gear series, and vice-president of Konami Digital Entertainment – was the youngest of three children and a high achiever from a young age. But he was also a dreamer.

"When I was small I was always thinking about different worlds in my head," he tells me, as we sit down over breakfast in a boutique London hotel in Soho to discuss his life and career on this, the 25th anniversary of the genesis of Metal Gear.

"I was constantly making up stories about the things around me. I'd find myself laughing or crying at seemingly random things and people wouldn't understand why. In Japan, there are storm channels on either side of the main roads. There were so many times when I'd fall into these ditches because I was lost in stories as I was walking along. It's still dangerous for me to drive. I've driven into the gate outside my house numerous times.

"Even now, while we are talking, I find my mind wandering if I'm not careful," he says, with a warm smile. He motions to the untouched cappuccino on the table in front of him: "Take this coffee cup, for example."

"OK. What's the story of the coffee cup?," I ask.

"I am imagining a story in which there's a massive coffee cup that we're all sitting inside now. It's not really a story, I guess, so much as a vivid picture. But this! This is how my mind works."

A born storyteller, Kojima's parents encouraged the gift, not least through their own love of cinema. "I was born in a countryside town," he says. "But when I was four years old we moved to Osaka. It was a huge environment change and after that I would spend much more time at home, watching television or making figurines.

"It was during that time that my parents introduced a family tradition: every night we would all watch a film together. I wasn't allowed to go to bed till the film had finished: the opposite of how it is for most children. My parents were huge fans of westerns, European cinema and horror in particular. They wouldn't just show me kids' films. I'd even see the sex scenes."

At the age of 10, Kojima's parents began to encourage him to watch films by himself. "They would give me money to go to the cinema by myself," he says. "I was allowed to go on the condition that I came home and discussed the movie with them afterwards. I had to buy the film brochure and bring it back with me. Then we would talk about the movie's themes and direction; what I felt."

This love of watching film soon combined with Kojima's own creative spark and, using a friend's 8mm camcorder, he and his high-school friends began to make their own short movies. "To be honest, my friends weren't really as into making films as I was," he says, with a laugh. "But I convinced them all to make some zombie films with me.

"You see, every year there was a culture festival held at our school. My idea was to make a zombie film, show it there and sell tickets in order to make some money with which we could buy more films to watch. We sold tickets for about 50p. But we didn't make enough money to buy even one film."

Kojima is now known for his theatrical games, his most famous title – 1998's Metal Gear Solid – pioneering the kind of grand 3D storytelling in games that is commonplace today. As a young boy there were glimpses of this same motivating creative ambition.

"There was one film we tried to make that was set on an island," he says. "My idea was there had been a plane crash and a bunch of high school students had survived it. I wanted it to be like Robison Crusoe.

"We managed to trick our parents into giving us the money to go on a four day trip to an exotic island off the coast of Japan. But when we arrived we spent the first three days swimming in the sea. On the final day we realised how little time we had left so I changed the plot … to another zombie movie. The idea was still that the plane had crashed and high school student had survived. But this time they found zombies on the island."

"Did you show your parents the film?" I ask.

"No," he replies, breaking into a generous laugh.

It was in the midst of this time of his life, watching movies and starting out on the journey to create them, that Kojima's world fell apart with the death of his father. "I was just 13 when he died," he says. "It was hard and lonely but, in a way, it strengthened my resolve to become a filmmaker."

Aside from the loss of his father's support – of someone to talk over the latest Spaghetti western or European horror flick – the odds were stacked against the young Kojima's calling. "I desperately wanted to make films professionally," he says. "It was so difficult though. There were no film schools near where I lived and, beyond that, the budgets for Japanese films at that time were very low, so I didn't think I'd be able to make the kind of films I was interested in. That's pretty much how I came to work in games, I guess."

Kojima was studying economics at university when he made the decision to join the games industry. "I wrote novels in my spare time while studying," he says. "Even this pursuit was related to film as I wanted to win awards for my novels and thought that if that happened perhaps I would get the chance to make a movie. But I had no friends that were interested in cinema; nobody to encourage me in that career. It was around that time that I saw Nintendo's Famicom for the first time. Immediately it struck me that this might be another route into making film-like experiences."

"Do you feel like you settled for second best, then?" I ask him.

Without pausing, he replies: "You know, right away I thought games could become something important in the future. That's what swayed my decision. I wouldn't describe it as settling so much as working with what was in front of me. And while it's true that I entered the games industry specifically because I couldn't find a way into movies, I soon fell in love with games. It's so different to film: it's interactive and you need to understand people in a different sort of way. I soon fell in love with the art of making games. But at the same time, I do still harbour the ambition to make a film in the future as well."

Despite the success of Space Invaders in the arcades, and the release of Super Mario in 1985, Kojima soon found that the Japanese games industry wasn't socially frowned upon. "When I announced my decision, all of my friends and lecturers begged me to reconsider. They thought I was crazy, to be honest."

"It was only my mother who told me that I could do whatever I wanted to in life. She was the only one."

Despite Kojima's defiance in the face of his friends' disdain, he wasn't immune to a sense of embarrassment about his chosen career. "I began looking for a company to work for and settled on Konami, not because of the type of games they were making at the time, but rather because they were listed on the stock exchange," he says. "They were the only games company to be listed at the time; not even Nintendo had that accolade. I guess it was a status thing, but I thought working for a company like that might help people to view my vocation in a more positive light."

I wonder if Kojima also drew inspiration from those negative attitudes that he encountered, a resolution to prove everybody wrong. "Yes, definitely," he says. "Right from the start I believed I was creating art. I felt like the world was waiting to see what video games could be, what they could become. It was a huge incentive to do my best, to show them."

When Kojima joined Konami, he found a community of like-minded individuals, many of whom had arrived at games either through failure or a lack of opportunity in other creative industries. "There were many people joining the industry at that time who wanted to make films, to be directors or to write comic books but, for whatever reason, hadn't been able to 'make it'," he says.

"Some were in a band and had released a record but it hadn't sold well. Others were struggling artists who wanted their own manga series. The industry was full of dropouts, people who felt like games offered them another chance. I met many people in that same situation; we bonded together through that in some sense.

"But there wasn't a negative spirit with it at all. At Konami there was this feeling amongst us all that games were somehow important to the future. We believed in the future of the medium and that drove us to create the best possible work."

• Hideo Kojima interview part 2


Treasured Guests

When I took on the Narrator role a few months ago, I was surprised and delighted to find that unlike most other premier hotels, the Pfister does not only tolerate dogs, but actually enjoys them. Their presence lends a comforting sense of home and family to the halls.

I spent a fun morning recently chatting with guests about their beloved pets.

Sazarec, named after the inimitable New Orleans whiskey cocktail.

Dixie, vivacious and saucy like a good Yorkie should be.

This spirited pair of Yorkies are long-time Pfister guests. Named after bits of New Orleans culture, Dixie (9) and Sazarec (Sazzy, 5) have strolled up and down these halls for years with their owners, Justin and Karen. Years ago, when they were newly dating, Justin learned that though she lived in Chicago, Karen had never visited Milwaukee. Justin, who hails from London, immediately looked up the oldest still-operating hotel in Milwaukee and of course, found the Pfister. He says that one step into the gorgeous lobby “knocked them out”. Since then, they’ve stayed here dozens of times, first with Dixie and her sister Hennessy (Henna), who has now passed, and now with Dixie, Sazzy, and their adorable, curly-haired toddler Alexander. Justin says their family won’t stay anywhere else in Milwaukee, especially since the Pfister treats their dogs “like treasured guests, without fussiness”. Before they found the Pfister, they wanted to travel more but always asked each other, “What would we do with the dogs?” It was a relief to learn they could travel in style with their entire family, something true dog lovers will all understand.

While in Milwaukee, Sazzy and Dixie have distinct preferences. Their favorite places to play are Sunken Garden in Mitchell Park and Cathedral Square, and their favorite rooms of the Pfister are the historic suites.

Dixie is “a little lady, who can also bite.” Dignified but fierce, I’m told it’s best not to disturb her when she’s sleeping. While Sazzy is the dominant one of the pair, Dixie is not above “going to the mattresses” if need be. These two are the epitome of “frenemies”.

Sazzy’s American Kennel Club name is Flude’s Amazing Super Sazarec. He is adept at snatching sausages during parties, and once when he was a puppy staying at the Pfister, he used the sliver of opportunity a room service delivery provided to dash out of the suite and down the hall, causing Justin to chase him around the floor in his dressing gown.

When he travels, Sazzy has a curious habit of barking the whole way to a destination, even if it is long hours in a car, but then staying silent the entire drive back home, as if he knows all will return to normal soon.

Piper, so enamored with the delicious breakfast smells that her tail is a constantly joyous blur.

Piper is 6, and at the moment I meet her she’s lurking outside the Café, deeply disappointed she can’t go inside because she’s positive she smells bacon in there. A rescue dog, she’s a beautiful and interesting Elkhound/Akita/Boxer mix. It’s Piper’s first time in Milwaukee, and she’s traveled from Chicago for Summerfest. Her salient talent is singing along whenever she hears Lady Gaga; Bad Romance is her favorite.

Dogs are always encouraged to stay at the Pfister. If you plan on bringing your furry friend, you may be interested in booking the “Rover-Night Package”, which includes a one-night accommodation, a monetary donation in your honor to the Elmbrook Humane Society, pet cleaning fee, and a doggy gift basket with luxe items for your pet like a plush pillow, treats, toys and maps to local parks.

The Pfister lobby declares Salve, Latin for Welcome, to all of us. Even, maybe especially, to these sweet and spunky friends.


Author
Topic: Different Meanings for Words (Read 218914 times)

After reading a few threads recently in which I was momentarily thrown by the different meaning for a commonly used word, I thought that it might be something that we can explore and ask each other for the regional/country variations.

My examples:1) Tailgating - in Australia this would mean some-one who is drving right on your tail "he was tailgating me all the way from the traffic lights". I understand in the US this is when you have a BBQ around the back of the car in a parking lot, usually at a sports stadium. Please correct me if I'm mistaken.

2) Flu, or more specifically stomach flu. In my area we only use the word flu to describe influenza (well some people call a cold the flu but we won't worry about them ). I've recently seen some-one here call a stomach issue a stomach flu. We would probably either call this a stomach bug or gastro (short for gastroenteritis). I am making an assumption here of course that the person using this phrase didn't mean the flu with some vomiting. Can anyone shed any light on this one?

Your turn now. Have you seen any words used completely differently to how you understand them that has thrown you for a moment?

1) Tailgating - in Australia this would mean some-one who is drving right on your tail "he was tailgating me all the way from the traffic lights". I understand in the US this is when you have a BBQ around the back of the car in a parking lot, usually at a sports stadium. Please correct me if I'm mistaken.

Actually, in the States, it has both of those meanings, which now that I think about it, is weird.

Quote

Flu, or more specifically stomach flu. In my area we only use the word flu to describe influenza (well some people call a cold the flu but we won't worry about them ). I've recently seen some-one here call a stomach issue a stomach flu. We would probably either call this a stomach bug or gastro (short for gastroenteritis). I am making an assumption here of course that the person using this phrase didn't mean the flu with some vomiting. Can anyone shed any light on this one?

You are correct about "stomach flu." It doesn't refer to an actual flu.

In the UK this is someone who comes to your house and takes your property for non-payment of debts (in the US this is a repo man, I think). In the US I think this applies to some kind of court official?

I do see a lot of things like this on Yahoo!Answers. A UK poster had said they were in trouble for not paying their gas bill (the domestic stuff that comes in via pipes that you burn to cook with). A US-ian started going on about how can that be possible, you pay when you fill up at the station (he meant petrol). This led to a lot of people going, "station?!?!"

Don't get me started on Americans who wade in on questions about the British TV Licence with, "There is no such thing as a licence to watch TV!" Thankfully people like that are by far a minority

In the UK this is someone who comes to your house and takes your property for non-payment of debts (in the US this is a repo man, I think). In the US I think this applies to some kind of court official?

Yup

Quote

I do see a lot of things like this on Yahoo!Answers. A UK poster had said they were in trouble for not paying their gas bill (the domestic stuff that comes in via pipes that you burn to cook with). A US-ian started going on about how can that be possible, you pay when you fill up at the station (he meant petrol). This led to a lot of people going, "station?!?!"

I have natural gas appliances, but not every place has natural gas pipelines. However, I thought that everyone here at least knew they existed; apparently not. We do use the word "gas" as a shorthand for both natural gas (piped into homes) and gasoline (pumped into cars).

Here in NYC, they both mean the sort of metered vehicle that you hail on the street. If you need a car to pick you up at a specified time and deliver you to a specified place at a previously agreed upon price, you call a car service. The driver will pick you up at 7:30 AM and drive you to terminal 3 at La Guardia for 30 USD. That's how it works.

The Last time we were in London we needed help getting our luggage from the hotel to the train station. We asked the desk clerk to call us a car service. Se looked at us as though we had just landed from Mars.

It was interesting to learn that in London, a taxi is what you hail on the street. A cab is the equivalent of what we call a car service.

Isn't it also interesting that, in the UK, the Royal Mail delivers the post while in the USA, the Post Office delivers the mail?

Here in NYC, they both mean the sort of metered vehicle that you hail on the street. If you need a car to pick you up at a specified time and deliver you to a specified place at a previously agreed upon price, you call a car service. The driver will pick you up at 7:30 AM and drive you to terminal 3 at La Guardia for 30 USD. That's how it works.

The Last time we were in London we needed help getting our luggage from the hotel to the train station. We asked the desk clerk to call us a car service. Se looked at us as though we had just landed from Mars.

It was interesting to learn that in London, a taxi is what you hail on the street. A cab is the equivalent of what we call a car service.

Isn't it also interesting that, in the UK, the Royal Mail delivers the post while in the USA, the Post Office delivers the mail?

I never use the word "cab" I only say "taxi". I had never heard there was a difference!

It was interesting to learn that in London, a taxi is what you hail on the street. A cab is the equivalent of what we call a car service.

Well, not quite. I would use 'taxi' and 'cab' interchangeably. But there is also the 'minicab', which is an inferior kind of service. Minicab drivers in London do not use the special taxi cab vehicles but ordinary cars, and they don't have to pass the 'knowledge' exams which proper taxi drivers must pass (which is why London taxi drivers are the best *anywhere*).

I think, but I'm not sure, that minicab drivers throughout the country do not have meters in their cars, but have prearranged charges instead. They are usually cheaper than taxis, and as a whole have a dodgy reputation.

It was interesting to learn that in London, a taxi is what you hail on the street. A cab is the equivalent of what we call a car service.

Well, not quite. I would use 'taxi' and 'cab' interchangeably. But there is also the 'minicab', which is an inferior kind of service. Minicab drivers in London do not use the special taxi cab vehicles but ordinary cars, and they don't have to pass the 'knowledge' exams which proper taxi drivers must pass (which is why London taxi drivers are the best *anywhere*).

I think, but I'm not sure, that minicab drivers throughout the country do not have meters in their cars, but have prearranged charges instead. They are usually cheaper than taxis, and as a whole have a dodgy reputation.

I've lived in the UK 8 years. I would equate "cab" or "minicab" with what was often called a gypsy cab in the US.

My personal favorite is, "I'll knock you up"... meaning "I'll drop in later" in the UK and "I'll get you with child" in the US.

What came to pick us up was in no way a mini-cab. It was a good, big car that that did exactly what we wanted at a reasonable price. The driver was identical to the kinds of drivers we know from Brooklyn. We were pleased with the service and gave him a good tip.

Bum. US = worthless, lazy person (the meaning of 'hobo' is rarely used nowdays). As a verb, sponging off another. "My nephew is such a bum, he can't hold a job because he can't be bothered to get up and go to work. He just bums money from his parents."

UK = the part of the body you sit on.

Logged

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Common sense is not a gift, but a curse. Because thenyou have to deal with all the people who don't have it. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


A new study out of the UK reveals that half of all online travel searches are driven by just 13 words -- and that of those, the keywords “cheap” and “discount” dominate the field.

Can’t say we’re stunned by the news that travelers want bargains.

But there are other interesting findings in the report from digital marketing firm Stickyeyes, which was presented in November as part of the UK Online Travel & Tourism Intelligence Report at the Travolution Summit in London. The report focuses on top search terms for holidays, flights, hotels and other travel categories.

In Britain, Ryanair is the top airline for travel searches, with a seven percent overall click share.

“British Airways (BA) was the only airline in the top 10 for paid search, but it was twentieth in natural search,” said Conybeare. “That is at the foot of the second page and no one scrolls that far.”

The report also looks at brand performance in social media, judging “reach” and “engagement” with users. Virgin Atlantic came in first in these categories. BA was first in social media volume, but seventh in engagement.

Among hotels, the report listed Lastminute and Late Rooms as equals atop the natural search category, with 44 percent of click share combined.

For a copy of the UK Online Travel & Tourism Intelligence Report, email Stickyeyes at hello@stickyeyes.com.


Conference Centre Venues in london

Conference centre venues in London offer delegates a dedicated meetings and events environment in
the very heart of UK conferencing, with specialist equipment and knowledgeable teams able to tailor their
space and their services to suit any requirements.

Companies use conferences to influence, inspire and develop. They can be important marketing tools,
opportunities to deliver a brand to the buyers in an industry. Having the right support from a quality venue will
ensure that message is delivered effectively.

Conference centre venues are able to provide specialist sound and lighting equipment, catering options,
clean and quiet working environments, and break out areas for some quality down time. Many boast a
huge amount of exhibition space and others hire out boardrooms for the management meetings of major
international companies.

Planners know that the London events scene is highly regarded as a global leader in professionalism and
innovation. The capital has some of the world’s best and most reputable conference centre venues, from flagship
sites to hidden gems.

London is one of the most visited cities in the world. It’s easily accessible and has transport links to a number
of national and international destinations, with major airports, extensive road networks and the famous
Underground tube system.

City Information

The world’s most visited city by international arrivals, London is a vast nerve centre of business, culture and history. A hub for conferencing innovation, the city generates approximately 30% of the UK’s GDP and vies with New York City as the most important location for international finance.

Conference organisers have an unparalleled range of choice when it comes to finding a venue in the capital. London has thousands of venues to suit every style, budget and requirement, from an intimate roof garden for an evening function to huge world-class exhibition centres.

London’s largest industry is finance, with more than half the FTSE 100 and over a fifth of Europe’s 500 largest companies based in the capital. It’s also home to leading media organisations like the BBC, major newspapers and 43 universities and colleges, making it the best city in Europe for building business connections and sourcing inspirational speakers.

With transport links to just about anywhere on the globe for international delegates, most venues are easily accessible by intercity road or rail. As a global leader in tourism, London has more than 125,000 hotel rooms from luxury hotels to university dorms. Over 300 languages are spoken in the capital, representing a remarkable diversity with cultures from around the world. In 2012, London became the first city to host the Olympics three times, an event that provided a significant boost to the hospitality industry.

Transport links

Air

London is home to several of the world’s busiest international airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton Airport,
London City Airport, London Southend Airport and Stansted, which is the main hub for budget
line Ryanair.

Rail

Commuters in the capital get around the city by using the London Underground, colloquially known
as the Tube. Oyster card users get cheaper travel rates, used by swiping at the barriers. There’s also
the London Overground, Docklands Light Railway and Tramlink.

National rail links include 18 major stations providing commuter, intercity, airport and international services:

Euston for: the West Midlands, North Wales, North West England and Scotland including

Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow.

King's Cross for: the East Midlands, Yorkshire, North East England and Scotland including

Peterborough, Cambridge, Leeds, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh.

Liverpool Street for: East Anglia including Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich.

Charing Cross and London Bridge for: South East England and the South Coast, including the Medway towns, Canterbury and Dover.

Paddington for: South West England and South Wales including Oxford, Bristol, Plymouth and Cardiff.

Victoria for: South East England and the South Coast, including Brighton, Canterbury and Dover.

Waterloo for: South West England and the South Coast, including Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth and Weymouth.

London is a major hub for many of the UK’s biggest and most important road networks. There are
three main ring road systems linking most of these routes:

The Inner Ring Road, circumnavigating the congestion charge zone

The North Circular (A406) and South Circular (A205) covering many suburban areas

The M25 providing access to most of London, including Heathrow Airport

The congestion charge zone requires motor vehicle users in the city centre to pay a £10 fee between
07:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, introduced the Barclays Cycle
Hire scheme (popularly known as Boris Bikes) as a way of offsetting the congestion charge. Users can
hire public bikes for a small fee from one of various locations around London.

41 Portland Place is delighted to offer special discount rates to registered CHARITIES? We know how important it is that your budget stretches as far as possible to deliver results for your supporters... more

Our theme this year is the Highland Fling – conjuring up cosy interiors, tartan blankets, faux fur cushions and all the creature comforts of the Highlands of Scotland brought to the heart of the City... more

We have transformed our vibrant main space, exclusive areas and luxurious private rooms into a UV festive playground filled with delicious sharing bites, feel good party tunes and a wide selection of ... more

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SHOULD MY HOTEL BE INVOLVED IN MORE ONLINE TRAVEL AGENCIES?

In order to adequately respond to this topic, it is important to answer two questions.

1-) Should I be involved in more online channels?

2-) Why am I unable to sell my hotel rooms even though I am registered in several agencies?

Let’s come and look at the answers to these questions together.

1-) Should I be involved in more online channels?

If you are using Channel Manager technology and have universally configured your room rates, then as much as possible there is quite a benefit to be involved in online channels. If you do not get involved in these channels, you will never have the opportunity to sell through them. If you are indeed involved in them, you will at least have this possibility.

The most important thing here is the correct installation of Channel Manager and the online agency with which you will be connected. If you give attention to and spend time with agency A during its installation but do not give the same amount of attention to agency B, this agency will cause you more harm than good. Because of this, correct installation is very important.

2-) Why am I unable to sell my hotel rooms even though I am registered in several agencies?

As I explained earlier, the most important thing is correct installation. Every channel needs to have the same room types, price types and promotions. Without ensuring price equality, it’s not really right to complain about this. Don’t forget that you will get fruit from whichever channel you use. The tree you water will produce fruit whereas the tree you don’t water will dry out and fade. Because of this, the reason you can’t sell is generally because of incorrect management.

It is important for the hotel’s upper management and investors to understand this. Without Channel Manager, it is extremely difficult to manage 4–5 channels.

When I say it’s difficult, I am speaking about dynamic management.

I’m not speaking about setting it up once, entering the prices and leaving it by itself. You need to take care of, love, make various changes, change pictures, and play with the prices for every channel you set up. In this, it will take a lot of time if you do not haveChannel Manager. Another difficulty is every extranet is different and it would be difficult to learn each one individually. Channel Manager has many advantages including allowing you to manage these from just one panel

*

As Hotel Linkage, I want to give you some OTA suggestions for when you first get started that I think will benefit you.

You can find these channels below:

HostelWorld

It continues to be connected with the strongest online agencies on Hotel Linkage World. This online agency, preferred by millions of backpackers in 180 countries, is used by more than 30,000 hostels. You can also connect to thousands of Agencies, CRS, PMS, GDS, MetaSearches and Wholesalers through Hotel Linkage. For more information, go to www.hotellinkage.com

Hotel To Night

As Hotel Linkage, we are aware of the growing mobile reservation market. For our hotels, we offer Hotel To Night, the world’s largest and most unique mobile reservation platform. Currently, Hotel To Night is the mobile reservation market’s leader, and it is used by millions of users with its last minute reservation model. You can also connect to thousands of Agencies, CRS, PMS, GDS, MetaSearches and Wholesalers through Hotel Linkage. For more information, go to www.hotellinkage.com

Kuoni

Some of the most important reservation channels for hoteliers are definitely wholesalers. Because of these agencies, hotels can make sales through thousands of offline agencies. Kuoni, one of the biggest wholesalers in the world, is now connected with Hotel Linkage. You can also connect to thousands of Agencies, CRS, PMS, GDS, MetaSearches and Wholesalers through Hotel Linkage. For more information, go to www.hotellinkage.com

Miki Travel

Hotel Linkage has teamed up with Miki travel. Miki Travel, which was founded in 1967 centered in London and Tokyo, is one of the largest hotel wholesalers in the world. Through the connections it provides, hoteliers are able to reach thousands of agencies. You can also connect to thousands of Agencies, CRS, PMS, GDS, MetaSearches and Wholesalers through Hotel Linkage. For more information, go to www.hotellinkage.com

Parsec

Hotel Linkage has teamed up with Parsec. Parsec, a CRS headquartered in Spain, allows for hoteliers to connect to both wholesale agencies as well as GDS’s. You can also connect to thousands of Agencies, CRS, PMS, GDS, MetaSearches and Wholesalers through Hotel Linkage. For more information, go to www.hotellinkage.com

Protel

Hotel Linkage has teamed up with Protel, one of the world’s most used PMS’s. You can also connect to thousands of Agencies, CRS, PMS, GDS, MetaSearches and Wholesalers through Hotel Linkage. For more information, go to www.hotellinkage.com

Pegasus

Hotel Linkage has teamed up with the world’s biggest GDS and Bridge service. You can also connect to thousands of Agencies, CRS, PMS, GDS, MetaSearches and Wholesalers through Hotel Linkage. For more information, go to www.hotellinkage.com

Splendia

Hotel Linkage has teamed up with the most important luxury hotel channel, Splendia. Splendia shares its preferred private, luxurious hotels with millions of its customers on websites. If you want to have a place in this market, please let us know.

TUI

Hotel Linkage has especially teamed up with the strongest TUI in the German market.

Wyndam Worldwide

Hotel Linkage has teamed up with Wyndham Worldwide. We continue to provide new channels for hotel chains and make it easier to manage the online channels of hotel chains.


Luxury Spa Hotels in London

Spa is a place that helps you indulge in some much-needed 'self' time, to switch off and relax, recharge, reflect, detox and beautify. Modern day spas cater to a range of health-promoting experiences. The healing powers of touch therapy have been expounded on since ancient times. Spas and touch therapies are thus intrinsically connected.

The nurturing touch of a skilled therapist's hands on one's body has benefits that go beyond the realm of the physical. Let’s now take a look at London’s top luxury Spa Hotels.

1. Akasha Spa

This magnificent Spa is an unexpected oasis of pampering that lets you leave the madness of the city behind. An attractive centrepiece is a gorgeously lit 18-metre pool flanked by a sauna, hammam and Jacuzzi. It’s also home to the capital’s only dedicated Watsu pool, where one can opt for a 50-minute session ($182) that encompasses hydrotherapy, meditation and Shiatsu massage. A day in Akasha’s serene surroundings is enough to revive even the most stress-frazzled, world-weary of Londoners.

2. Aman Spa

Located below the Connaught Hotel, The spa features what must be London’s nicest swimming pool, black tiled and complete with waterfall. A half-hour treatment costs around $106.

3. The Berkeley Spa

Nestled on top of the five star Knightsbridge hotel, it has the best rooftop pool in London. It offers Bamford Body Signature Treatment ($228), which is 85 minutes of rubbing bliss, including some hot stone action, a bit of reflexology and a smattering of other different techniques which couldn’t be differentiated but will make one feel very nice.

4. Chuan Spa

Known for a perfect post-work pampering, tucked discreetly next to the grand Langham Hotel, Chuan Spa is considered as an urban oasis. The philosophy of the spa is based on traditional Chinese medicine and the whole experience, from the décor and ambience to the treatments themselves, is meant to rebalance and recharge you. A treatment at Chuan Spa is an indulgent treat (the Nurturing Ritual costs a heft $198 off peak and $237 peak) but the delight of being able to bliss out in a central London location is such a well-needed novelty that it's most definitely worth the occasional splurge.

5. The Dorchester Spa

6. ESPA Life at Corinthia

7. MayFair Spa

8. The Spa at Brown's Hotel

9. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental

10. Ushvani

After a hard day’s work, after a real hectic day – everyone deserves a break without disruption. That’s when one should visit a Spa to rejuvenate one’s inner senses; this actually makes you feel energetic & keeps the tempo on.


Summer Reading for Perfumed Breezes

Sarah Colton

August 1, 2015

In France, vacationers divide themselves into ‘juilletistes’ and ‘aoûtiens’ depending upon whether they take summer holidays in July or August (generally for an entire month, bien sûr!). Since my birthday falls in August, this month is, and always will be, the ultimate holiday month for me, so I’m an ‘aoûtienne’ (feminine of aoûtien).

Here’s a list of favorite perfume books especially selected for summer reading by my perfumista friends — wherever in the world you might be.

The Perfume Lover is a story within a story of life becoming art, in which Denyse Beaulieu, a Paris-based perfume critic of renown, recounts her personal adventures as ‘muse’ for perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour in the creation of ‘Seville à L’Aube’ for L’Artisan Parfumeur. Turns out, the inspiration of the fragrance (and the book!) is Denyse’s hot and steamy account of a single night’s love affair in the Spanish capital of ‘neroli’ (bitter orange). As The Perfume Lover develops, however, it becomes much more than a fascinating and page turning story, as Denyse’s brilliant prose educates the reader in fine details of perfume manufacturing, raw materials, procedures and the people that make it all happen.

Another gripping page-turner, Scent of Triumph, spans the decade surrounding the Second World War, in the life and career of Danielle Bretancourt, a woman of extraordinary courage, spirit, and compassion, as she struggles to save and unite her family from Nazi occupied France and Poland, all the while founding a fragrance dynasty in Los Angeles. Beautifully researched and written with intricate historic and visual details, Jan creates such an admirable character in Danielle Bretancourt, the heroine of Scent of Triumph, that my only regret of the book was when I turned the last page.

From L’Osmothèque, the first perfume archive in history, (located just outside Paris in Versailles, n’est-ce pas !) comes an excellent round up of artistic ‘niche’ fragrances. Written by Sabine Chabbert and Laurence Férat, two outstanding Parisian perfume journalists, Parfums Rares renders homage to the pioneers of the, still young, artistic niche perfume movement. In the words of L’Osmothèque president, the perfumer Patricia de Nicolaï, “Rare Perfumes underlines a major breakthrough for our profession: the arrival, starting just over 20 years ago, of a handful of audacious perfume brands driven by the desire to create differently. This movement of ‘other’ [alternative] perfumery has shaken up a market dominated by big international groups and is the best thing that could ever happen to the perfume industry!”

In The Perfume Collector, Kathleen Tessaro has written an historical perfume novel which deftly alternates between two different story lines – that of Eva, an impoverished immigrant who at the beginning of the book is a hotel maid in 1920s New York, and Grace, a reluctant socialite in 1950’s London. The weaving of the two stories presents and ultimately solves a mystery, all the while bringing to life the history of Madame Zed, the creator (nose) of the classic and famous scent ‘My Sin’.

Bettina, a Franco-British journalist based in Paris, introduces The Mysteries of Perfume as a means to ‘se mettre au parfum’, that is, to be initated into the language and rituals of perfume. In this, her debut perfume book, Bettina Aydroyd has created an introductory ‘text’ book for perfumery to help beginning perfume lovers better understand odors and fragrances as well as their history and creation.

And finally, my friends who have not yet read my own novel, Tilt 68, will be happy to know that it is now out in Kindle edition, and is available for free ($0.00!) during a limited time promotional offer. Though not specifically about perfume, this coming of age novel about college life in the late 60s — read, sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll — also contains numerous references to perfume usage, not surprising if you consider the powerful cocktail of those memorable and turbulent times.


What a wonderful 10 day Irish treat we have for you,
showcasing many of the Island of Irelands highlights and some
lesser known but equally enjoyable attractions. Starting in the
North of the Country we visit the exciting City of Londonderry
/ Derry, which a rich and fascinating history that will told by
our local guide. Whilst in the North we also visit beautiful
Glenveagh National Park Castle. Moving South we head to the
quirky town of Carrick on Shannon enjoying a sail on the River
and visiting Sligo, then heading further South to experience
the mighty Cliffs of Moher, from both top and bottom and
theres also a boat trip to the Aran Islands.

What's Included

 9 Nights, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

 Outward Ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast

 Return Ferry from Dublin to Holyhead

 Guided Tour & free time in Londonderry/Derry

 Guided Tour of Glenveagh Castle

 Visit Glenveagh National Park

 Visits to Donegal, Enniskillen, Sligo, Galway &
Adare

 River Shannon Boat Trip

 Isle of Aran & Cliffs of Moher Cruise

 See the Cliffs of Moher

Day One

Morning home pickups as we head north to Cairnryan for our ferry crossing to Belfast, once here we continue to our hotel in Letterkenny arriving early evening.

EM

Day Two

We travel into Londonderry/Derry to meet our local guide who will give us an interesting tour and introduction to the city, the remainder of the day will be free to explore at your pace. See the Peace Bridge and wander to the neo gothic Guildhall or why not visit the Tower Museum, the choice is yours.

B, EM

Day Three

This morning we head to the Glenveagh National Park, our drive will take us through hauntingly beautiful wilderness, rugged mountains, pristine lakes and tumbling waterfalls. We’ll join theshuttle bus to take us to the remote setting of Glenveagh Castle, inspired by the Victorian mountain retreats and standing proudly on the banks of Lough Veagh. A guided tour isincluded, we’ll then return to Letterkenny for the remainder of the afternoon.

B, EM

Day Four

It’s all a bit Irish today as we leave Letterkenny (Southern) behind, we’ll enjoy a morning stop off in the busy town of Donegal (Southern) then continue south for an afternoon stop in Enniskillen which is actually in Northern Ireland!! We shall arrive at our hotel in Carrick on Shannon (Southern Ireland) in time to settle in before dinner.

B, EM

Day Five

Today we’ll visit the lovely town of Sligo, famed for its literary heritage with its links to Yeats, there are plenty of things to see and do including the Sligo County Museum, Sligo Abbey and the Yeats Memorial Building.

B, EM

Day Six

We spend the day around Carrick on Shannon today, first up we have included a sail along the mighty River Shannon on board the Moon River Pleasure Cruise, there’ll be on board commentary and entertainment on the hour long cruise and the remainder of the day will be free to wander around the town. An Irish evening will take place in the hotel this evening with music and a demonstration on how to pull a perfect pint of the Black Stuff.

B, EM

Day Seven

Further south we go today and we’ll enjoy an extended stop off in the music city of Galway, en-route to our hotel in Shannon

B, EM

Day Eight

What a day we have for you today – it’s all about those Cliffs, and it’s a first for us as we’ve never seen them from the bottom before. We drive to the lovely fishing village of Doolin and here we join our cruise to Inis Oirr – the smallest of the Aran Islands, keep you eyes out for all sorts of wildlife, you never know what we may see. Once on the Islands we have an entertaining Pony and Trapp ride and free time before sailing back to the mainland and taking in the sight of the mighty Cliffs of Moher. Our coach will then take us to the top of the Cliffs, to enjoy the stunning landscape from above.

Our journey home takes us via Dublin and to Holyhead, arriving back into the North West around 8.30pm.

B

B=Breakfast, EM=Evening Meal

Dillons Hotel, Letterkenny * * *

Located on the main street in traditional Letterkenny,
Dillons is a family run hotel with a friendly welcome and is
full of character. Bedrooms are traditional in style and offer
TV, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer & iron. During
our stay we will be treated to one evening of live musical
entertainment. Lift.

Bush Hotel, Carrick onShannon * *
*

Situated on the main street, the Bush is an 18th Century
Hotel with a quirky feel. It is warmly decorated and offers
features such as Grand Piano, open fireplaces and a
nautical

themed bar. Bedrooms are comfortable and well-appointed
including TV, tea/coffee making facilities and hairdryer. There
is a lift however steps will need to be negotiated throughout
the hotel. During our stay we will enjoy live music on one
evening, a quiz on anther and an Irish night on the final
evening.

Treacys Oakwood Hotel,Shannon * * * *

A wonderful 4* hotel part of the Treacys family of
hotels which many of you will know. Recently refurbished to a
high standard the hotel offer an air of elegance and a friendly
service. The stunning bedrooms offers TV, tea/coffee making
facilities, iron & hairdryer. Lift to most floors ground
floor rooms available on request.

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Lifestyle Blog

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving break! I’m just returning from vacation, and now it’s time to get back into the swing of things. I wanted to share a few photos from my travels last week to one of my favorite cities, New Orleans. I had such a great time. The food, the music, the energy. The city just makes me happy. I’m always amazed when I meet someone from the States who’s never visited the city. If you haven’t, you must. It’s a gem. Full of rich culture, history and good people. It’s really impossible not to have a good time.

Well since today is my Monday and there’s tons to do, this will be short and sweet. Have a fantastic week all!

Although I’ve connected through Heathrow on several occasions, my FIRST time actually visiting England was this year. I felt all over the place and as if I lived on trains, so I didn’t get to take many pictures, but I got a ton of experience. I flew from Dallas to Chicago to Manchester, took the train from Manchester to Leeds, and walked from the station to my hotel. On Monday I took the train to work, and the following day, I took the train from Leeds to London (let’s not discuss the many changes/connections that I had to make with luggage). While I was in London, I would catch trains to work; however, I loved riding the tube to various stops while I wasn’t on the clock. I think I mastered the London train system after three days of running through the stations. A special shout out to the handsome gentleman who helped carry my luggage all the way up two flights of stairs! Even after a few travel woes, I would love to go back to London. Plus, I have to go back since I put a ton of pounds on my Oyster card!

Stay Connected

I'm a creative soul with an affinity for beautiful photography, great design, funky patterns and modern interiors. I'm also obsessed with eating whole and living fit. This blog is my virtual space to share these loves with you. Welcome.


The Expert view: Securing the mobile workforce

29 June 2018
| Author: Shane Richmond

There is little doubt that the security landscape is changing rapidly. Over the last 18 months, said Ali Neil, of Verizon, we have seen ransomware and Wi-Fi network jamming continue to cause problems, while cryptocurrency-mining malware has spread rapidly. Mr Neil told a Business Reporter Breakfast Briefing at the Goring Hotel in London that the arrival of 5G, which will begin next year, would multiply these threats.

Mobility drivers

The shift to mobile working is the result of changes across the enterprise. Workers are demanding greater mobility so they can avoid commuting, work while travelling, at home or at a client’s office.

Companies are equally keen for employees to work outside the office – they increasingly expect employees to be available in the evening and at weekends, so they need to provide systems to make that possible. Getting staff away from their desks means less need for office space, too, which helps organisations to cut costs.

On top of that, customers and partners expect to be able to work with companies remotely. Without systems in place to meet those needs, organisations will lose business and sacrifice working relationships.

People problems

The security issues that come with increasing mobility are mostly familiar; users face the same risks as before but, as their time on devices increases, so does the opportunity for problems. However, there are a couple of issues that are specific to a mobile workforce: first, the risk of leaving the corporate network, picking up malware or similar and then returning to the network; second, the risk from bring your own device (BYOD) schemes.

Dave Harper, from Zscaler, said that companies often have no governance or control over what an employee does with their device outside the corporate network. Consequently, their device could be compromised, perhaps over an unsecure public Wi-Fi network, which could cause problems when they are back on the corporate network.

That risk, said one attendee, can be mitigated to an extent when the device is a company one. He said he was confident that he can make a company device almost as secure off the company network as it is on it. However, he admitted that securing an employee device was very difficult to do.

Some delegates were wary of loading software onto an employee device or monitoring its activity, fearing that this could be seen as a privacy violation. One suggested it might be possible to make the solution appealing by offering employees the same protection on their personal devices as they have at work, but acknowledged that this might not appeal to every employee.

Combined solutions

Technology solutions, such as monitoring tools, can only go so far, attendees felt. Companies must think about where they place responsibility for security behaviour but have to understand that the average employee lacks security knowledge. Placing too much responsibility on them won’t necessarily stop security lapses. And any technology they are expected to use needs to be simple or they will typically work around it.

All attendees agreed that training is vital, though some felt that its value is limited. While some felt that training establishes the benchmark for behaviour, others argued that all meaningful learning is gained through experience anyway, so training should be kept to a minimum. Likewise, processes were viewed as a necessary part of governance but most attendees agreed that very few people would read them.

There is some place for ‘forcing’ people to work in particular ways, especially if the process that forces them is kept in the background. Forcing people to change their passwords every few months, for example, is pointless if they keep swapping insecure passwords. However, forcing them to self-serve when dealing with certain problems can help because it relieves a burden from the company and gives the employee a sense of autonomy.

One attendee said that his team had blocked advertising from their web gateway, so that employees did not see any adverts while browsing. This reduced the risk of them downloading malware from an infected site and improved their experience of using the web.

Summarising the debate, Mr Neil said it was clear that solving the ‘people problem’ is the greatest challenge. Forcing people to adopt good security practice won’t work and, if it is done the wrong way, runs the risk of backfiring entirely. Instead, he said, the solution is a multi-faceted approach to problem solving that will incorporate training, process and technology to improve the situation.

Even then, the nature of human beings means that this will never be a finished task. And as the workforce becomes more mobile, and 5G-enabled, so our efforts will have to increase to match.


Staff TokenCard Testing

For our first round of card testing, over the next few weeks we’ll be running various scenario tests within the team so that we have the best chance of ensuring that the card is fit and firing. For this round of tests, we’ll be using Ropsten test ETH and real fiat while we work on the big move to mainnet.

Just a few of the things we’re testing at this stage include:

Does the card work as expected (Contactless, ATM, Chip, etc.)?

Are our fraud systems picking up “bad” uses of the card?

Do the wallet and card communicate properly to one another?

Does the card work both at home and abroad?

Will the card work on the London Underground?

How does the card handle deposits e.g. hotels and rentals?

If we block the card, does it actually stay blocked?

Once we’ve wrapped up this round of testing, the next step is the Community release, where we’ll be sending out unbranded Alpha cards (fortunately they’ll still be green)! We’ll be posting an update on our blog with more details on who we’ll be shipping to, and where — for now, here’s a first look at how TokenCards will be arriving at your door for the first 1,000 cards.


Hilton London Bankside introduces new healthy meetings concept

This month sees the launch of a brand new wellness meetings concept at vibrant design hotel Hilton London Bankside. Gone are the plates of pastries and mundane activities, Hilton London Bankside are shaking things up with healthier menu options, outdoor exercise classes and a meeting schedule aimed at reducing stress and increasing general wellbeing. .

On average, full-time workers spend more than one-third of their day, five days per week in the workplace. Studies have shown that a healthy working environment increases work productivity, reduces work absenteeism, lowers health care costs and increases the likelihood of employees taking up new challenges. With this in mind Hilton London Bankside have created a wellness package designed for meetings which prioritises mental and physical wellbeing.
One of the key ways to stay healthy is of course eating a balanced and nutritious diet. Too often during meetings and conferences this is overlooked in exchange for heavy carbohydrates, rich dishes and calorific desserts. Combined with the fact that groups remain seated for the majority of the day, employees can often feel fatigued and unmotivated. At Hilton London Bankside Chef Paul Bates has created a brain boosting lunch and healthy snack menu aimed at increasing energy, maintaining healthy weight and improving the immune system. To kick the day off with a refreshing start, snacks on arrival include granola bars, lemon and kiwi spritzers and to keep attention levels high the mid-morning break consists of raw vegetables with mint yogurt and apple, banana and soy shakes. Cucumber water, packed with vitamins and minerals to keep blood pressure down, is available throughout the day.
The brain boosting lunch menu, which can be personalised depending on the groups’ taste, is a light and flavoursome affair with options such as steamed white fish with olive oil and lemon dressing or mackerel ceviche with green beans, almonds and chilli. Both rich in Omega 3, fish is the perfect choice to improve memory and increase brain cells. Those with a sweet tooth won’t miss out when opting for the wellness menu which includes a dark chocolate torte, known for its anti-oxidant properties and soy milk raspberry mouse.
When booking the wellness package employees will have full use of the state of the art gym and swimming pool, perfect for those wanting to start or finish their day with a workout. Regular exercise helps the brain to improve thinking skills, battle stress as well as keeping energy levels high throughout the day. For companies looking for group activities, to improve camaraderie within the team, the wellness package offers personalised training sessions with StreetGym®, which focuses on empowering people through outdoor fitness. Speaking about the class Founder of StreetGym® John Allison says “It's not about who is the fastest or the fittest, it's about interacting with your urban environment like you've never done before. It's a fantastic way to get an invigorating whole body workout in a one hour session, a chance to share the experience with colleagues, have lots of fun and visit new places off the beaten track. You'll also come away with new training tips to use anywhere and anytime.” During the unique training hour guests will climb, crawl, run and push around the buzzing Bankside area, making for an exhilarating alfresco experience that will challenge the group.
The facilities at Hilton London Bankside are second to none with 11 flexible meeting spaces, a ballroom that caters to 700 guests, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and a dedicated team to assist with planning, delivery, ensuring a smooth and successful event.


A small, sparsely populated island near migrant-crisis city Malmo in southern Sweden is to play host to a significant migrant centre that could net the owners millions of Swedish Kronor.

The Kristianstad municipality in the Swedish county of Skåne is opposing the move, which would see a significant 2,000-man facility of “modular housing” established on the small island of Ivö to house newly arrived migrants.

It is reported the plan to create the migrant accommodation is being launched by the Svenska Semesterhem company and could be contracted through the Swedish Migration Board, which distributes hundreds of millions of Kronor a year to accommodation providers. Swedish Television reports the development would take place in a campsite on the picturesque island, which is reachable only by ferry.

Opposing the plan, local Liberal councillor Pierre Mansson told local media: “It feels like an April Fool’s joke, and we will do everything we can to stop such a large housing [development]”. Writing to the all-powerful Migration Board, the councillor said: “It is a completely absurd proposal that should not have been accepted even in this first stage.”

Local resident Elisabeth Olsson said the island was too small for so many people, calling the development “completely ill-conceived”.

Responding to criticism a spokesman for the Board said although an award had been made to the housing company, a contract had not yet been signed as it was subject to planning permission and satisfying nature protection legislation.

The significant number of predominantly economic migrants who have travelled to Sweden over the course of the migrant crisis has put unprecedented pressure on Swedish housing and has left the government scrambling to find any beds to house the new arrivals. Ski resorts, hotels, and even cruise ships have been pressed into service over the past year.

Breitbart London reported last week that the rate of population growth in Sweden in the wake of the migrant crisis has actually been higher than projected by the government, which is now faced with having to build the equivalent of a new capital city in the next five years to house the migrants.


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10 Day Tour from London to Paris

Vacation Overview

If you want to see Western Europe’s main highlights but don’t have a lot of time, this is the vacation for you! Visit England, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and France. Sample France’s celebrated cuisine and fine wines. See London’s famous museums, shop at its famous stores on Bond Street and Knightsbridge, or stroll through lovely Hyde Park. A highlight of your trip is Germany’s Romantic Road—a trade route during the Middle Ages. Step back in time as you encounter its charming walled cities, cobblestone streets, and scenic countryside. A stop in Rothenburg really introduces you to the character and appeal of the Romantic Road. Once you cross into Austria, head south into Italy to visit the unique floating city of Venice as well as Romeo and Juliet’s Verona. Another highlight is your stay in Lucerne, situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne and nestled within the snowcapped Swiss Alps. Marvel at its famous Chapel Bridge, the oldest preserved wooden bridge in Europe, and don’t miss the 14th-century Water Tower, which has served as a treasury, a jail, and a torture chamber. Your vacation concludes with sightseeing in Paris, the inimitable “City of Light.”

Guides:

Host service in London. Local Guide for city sightseeing in Paris. Professional Tour Director while touring

NOTE:

April 16 Departure - Easter Week

Day 1Arrive in London, England

Check into your hotel. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Day 2London

A full day to savor our rich program of optional activities: take a panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight, maybe a leisurely cruise on the River Thames? (B)

Day 3London–Brussels, Belgium

Leave in the early morning and head through the lush English countryside to the Channel port, where you board your ferry for the Continent. Here your Tour Director and comfortable coach wait to take you to Brussels for an orientation drive and an overnight. (B)

Day 4Brussels–Rhine Cruise, Germany–Frankfurt Area

Today, journey into Germany to the shores of the mighty Rhine to enjoy the afternoon cruise. Then, on to the Frankfurt area for an overnight. (B,D)

Day 5Frankfurt Area–Romantic Road–Innsbruck, Austria

The Romantic Road is undoubtedly today’s highlight. See picturesque Rothenburg before heading towards Innsbruck for an overnight. (B,D)

Day 6Innsbruck–Brenner Pass–Venice Area, Italy

Journey south into Italy by way of the majestic “Europa Bridge” and Brenner Pass. Arrive in Venice, where the included orientation starts with a boat ride along the Giudecca Canal to Piazza San Marco. Time at leisure to soak up the magic atmosphere of this unique city. Also visit a typical Venetian glassblowing workshop. (B,D)

Day 7Venice Area–Verona–Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

Stop in Verona to see Juliet's legendary balcony. Over the Swiss border, begin the climb to the St. Gotthard Tunnel and descend to the breathtaking beauty of Lake Lucerne. (B)

Day 8Lucerne-Dijon, France

Your visit this morning focuses on the main highlights of Lucerne. Also time for an optional excursion to the Stanserhorn. In the afternoon, journey into France for an overnight in the charming town of Dijon. This evening, dine at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 9Dijon–Paris

This morning, leave Dijon and travel via the autoroute to Paris. An afternoon’s included sightseeing with a local expert shows you many of the best-known Parisian sights. (B)

Day 10Paris

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Transportation:Scheduled transatlantic flights and airport transfers in London and Paris if Cosmos issues the air tickets. Round-trip transportation between London and the Channel ports; on the Continent, private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Cross-Channel ferry; Rhine cruise; canal transfer boat in Venice

Buffet breakfasts; 4 dinners, including a special dinner at a local restaurant in Dijon

With Cosmos, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. Averaging over a decade... we’d like you to meet a Tour Director, who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

LEO ZAAL

Years of Experience: 10 years

I've lived in several countries, so it's my pleasure to introduce you to "My Europe." You'll become familiar with the diversity of breathtaking scenery, as well as the fascinating culture, history, architecture, and cuisine. It's my aim to provide you an enjoyable, informative, hassle-free, memorable, and satisfying travel experience.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The following UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be seen or visited on the Six Countries, Venice & Paris:


Cheval Three Quays ApartmentsLondon > Hotels > Apartment from £179 24% off40 Lower Thames Street, EC3R 6AG | 6 minutes walk from The London Picnic ClubPerfect for feeling home away from home, the Cheval Three Quays offers multi-award winning accommodation in the heart of the City of London, boasting views across More

The Tower HotelLondon > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel from £78 39% offGuoman Tower, E1Q 1LD | 8 minutes walk from The London Picnic ClubIt's the location on the River Thames that give this hotel next to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge a wow factor. It's also very More

Hotels near The London Picnic Club

The London Picnic Club

Platterform's second collaboration with the Skyroom - the first being a three week British seaside restaurant - will be The London Picnic Club. Known for events that indulge in high quality food and drink, alongside performance, space and social interaction, Platterform occasions are aimed to create a feast for all five senses. With the Skyroom currently transformed into a garden that forms a rooftop oasis, the London Picnic Club will be offering surprise picnic hampers, garden games and intimate live music acts. New head chef Alejandro Bello will create hampers that aim to surprise and enthral by using playful and dynamic ingredients. Diners can expect to gorge on breads from St.John's bakery, cheeses from Neal's Yard Dairy, home-made jams, and concoctions such as prawns and popcorn or pork with cocoa and cardamon.


Spurs star Bale claims Football Writers' Association award

02 May 2013 12:28

Tottenham forward Gareth Bale has been voted the 2013 Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association.

The Wales international, 23, topped the poll of journalists ahead of Manchester United forward Robin van Persie, who was last year's recipient when at Arsenal.

Bale's 24 goals in all competitions helped take Andre Villas-Boas' men into the quarter-finals of the Europa League and kept them in the race to secure a return to the Champions League via a top-four finish in the Barclays Premier League.

The Spurs talisman will receive the prestigious FWA accolade, which has been running since 1948, at a gala dinner at the Lancaster London Hotel on May 9.

Bale was last week also named Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year by the Professional Footballers' Association.

Chelsea's Juan Mata was third in the journalists' poll, with Bale taking first place with 53 per cent of the votes ahead of Van Persie.

There were also a wide range of votes for the likes of Everton defender Leighton Baines, Pablo Zabaleta of Manchester City, Swansea forward Michu, Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick and Southampton frontman Rickie Lambert.

Bale becomes Spurs' first winner of the FWA award since David Ginola in 1999, and the first Wales international to be selected for English football's oldest individual trophy since Everton's Neville Southall in 1985.

The former Southampton man said: "It is a huge honour to receive the Footballer of the Year award from the Football Writers' Association.

"It means a lot to win this award when you consider the number of players that have been outstanding for their clubs in the Barclays Premier League this season."


'Recovered' Banksy works on display ahead of sale

April 27, 2014

LONDON (AP) - Elusive street artist Banksy says he has nothing to do with an auction of several of his works taken from walls and valued at up to 1 million pounds ($1.68 million).

A statement on Banksy's website Thursday said the "Stealing Banksy?" sale "has been organized without the involvement or consent of the artist."

Banksy spokeswoman Jo Brooks confirmed the message was genuine.

Banksy, who has never disclosed his full identity, began his career spray-painting buildings in Bristol, England and has become one of the world's best-known artists.

The fate of his works has grown more contentious as their value has risen. Banksy's satirical stencils swap hands for high six-figure sums; in February, his "Kissing Coppers" sold at a Miami auction for $575,000.

Seven works, including a giant rat and a girl with a red balloon, are being sold by Sincura Group, which says it prides itself on "obtaining the unobtainable." Sincura was criticized last year for handling the sale of a Bansky mural whose removal from the wall of a north London store dismayed many locals.

The company insists it removes Banksy murals only when "approached by building owners and asked to remove artwork illegally painted on their sites."

Sincura says the pieces will be exhibited at a London hotel until Sunday to explore "the social, legal and moral issues surrounding the sale of street art." They will then be sold by online auction and sealed bid.

The works include an image of two children playing with a "No Ball Games" sign which was cut off of a shop wall in London last year. Sincura, which has valued the work at 1 million pounds, says proceeds from its sale will go to unspecified local charities.


This venue offers discounts on off-peak appointments.

Mayfair, London, UK0.8 mi from St JamesShow Map

No reviews

A bespoke mobile therapy service designed to individual lifestyle at the comfort of your own place (Home & Hotels). My exclusive approach to holistic and therapeutic massage treatments focus on non-routine steps which enable me to...

This venue offers discounts on last minute bookings.

Holborn, London, UK0.9 mi from St JamesShow Map

24 reviews

Tranquillity, relaxation and style are the hallmarks of the Sense Spa at Rosewood London. Bamboo walls and wooden floors lead to soothing water features and a centralised relaxation lounge, offering a cosseting retreat pre or post...

Opulence Spa is a massage centre in the heart of London's Covent Garden that provides high quality Thai massage treatments. Housed within Soho Gym (and just five-minute's walk from Holborn tube station), the therapists at these...

AWAY® Spa at W London is the go-to place for glamour. Revitalise your body with one of our tailor-made treatments or revive your soul in our Sauna and Steam rooms. A team of celebrity therapists offering head-to-toe treatments to...

Therapist Fabrizio Leone at Infinity Massage, Covent Garden provides a range of treatments designed to relieve muscular tension and stress, ease sport injuries, as well as encouraging relaxation and well-being. A calming, safe and...

Max is a fully trained Thai massage therapist who is based in The Gymway, one minute away from Marble Arch station. Max has ten years of industry experience, with diplomas from both the United Kingdom and his native Thailand, and is a...

Welcome to Kornia Health Kornia Health is situated in Harley Street London, we specialises in non-surgical solutions to help you look and feel you more attractive with beautiful natural results. Indulge yourself a more beautiful...

Spa To You began as a specialist mobile therapy provider within Central London, offering premium spa service to its clients at their preferred location. Now a flagship hotel spa based in the prestigious London Hilton Park Lane,...

Set in a space of iconic beauty, ESPA Life at Corinthia London is quite simply the Next Generation of Spa. A pioneering new concept, ESPA Life excels at offering a fully integrated approach to wellbeing, bringing together a team of the...

The modern and stylish Health Club is located on the lower ground floor of the hotel and provides a perfect area to work-out or relax after a hard day's work, sightseeing or shopping. Choose from an extensive range of Swedish...

Chi has 14 years of clinic experience and has studied in medical schools in China and the UK. She is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and holds a Masters degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. At her clinic, Chi...

The Health Club at One Aldwych is a hotel spa and gym in the heart of Covent Garden. With an extensive treatment list spanning breaks, relaxing packages and exclusive tailored beauty treatments, it is also one of a select number of...

Opened in July 2009, Sofitel So SPA is an exceptional and unique day spa. It is an exhilarating, uplifting and rejuvenating experience where different therapies and treatments from around the world meet the refinement and skill of the...

RU's Hair and Beauty is a Hair and Beauty salon based in the heart of Victoria a stones throw away from the station. We offer services for both women and men ranging from hair cuts to facials. We look forward to your visit.

Spa InterContinental is a stylish urban retreat with result-led skincare and grooming services for men and women designed around any schedule. Featuring state-of-the-art facilities and an expert team of therapists, the luxurious spa...

Health Chinese Clinic is a medical centre specialising in traditional Chinese medicine. Located right on Tottenham Court Road - close to Warren Street Station - their therapists offer acupuncture, a range of massage treatments and...

Sole Beauty's Marylebone beauty room can be found within Electric Hairdressing by Marylebone High Street, within 10mins Walk of Bond Street Tube and 15mins from Oxford Circus. If you're looking for quick, efficient, value-for-money...

Welcome to The Spa at The Montcalm. Indulge in an experience of pure pleasure in this oasis of tranquillity. Featuring state of the art facilities, Spa at The Montcalm offers blissful relaxation as you leave behind the world outside...

We are the newest beauty clinic in central London specialising in non-surgical and laser treatments. Find the perfect beauty treatment from our extensive range of services. We offer the latest advanced skin care, non-surgical and...

The Bulgari Spa provides a rare entire spa journey in the heart of London. Every element enhances the guest’s health and sense of wellbeing and beauty. Set over two entire floors the Spa comprises a 25m swimming pool, vitality pool,...


We never know where life's journey is
going to lead us, but we always end up richer for the experiences.
We have definitely found some dear gifts by meeting you and being a part
of your wonderful home.Tulsa, Oklahoma

A lovely place and atmosphere and so relaxing. A great breakfast and
one of the best places that we have ever stayed in. So much better
than the sterile motels and hotels that are littered everywhere.London, England

We could not have chosen a more wonderful respite from the hectic weekend
of a wedding party. We felt right at home thanks to your well
thought out and very pleasing accommodations. The room was immaculate and you provide the perfect amount of care- always there but
never intrusive. We look forward to our next visit to Natchitoches and your gracious hospitality.
Don't change a thing!Houston, Texas

You wonderful giving characters. The lovely room and food made our
first bed and breakfast experience the best! We will always treasure
this time in our hearts.San Diego, California

We had always wanted to stay in a B&B for a long time. Your
beautiful home and hospitality made it everything we had hoped for and
much, more. Thank you.West Monroe, Louisiana

Thanks so much for opening up your home to us. We had a very
enjoyable time during our stay. It was a very, relaxing break from
the cold and snow.Portland, Michigan

Thank you for making our stay at the Rusca House absolutely wonderful!
The Delmonico room and the rest of your house is beautiful. I took
alot of pictures to show back home. We would recommend your B&b
to anyone and we would love to come again!Benton, Louisiana

On behalf of my husband and I, we would like to thank you for all that you
have done for us. Just by doing all of the little things-- from
cooking wonderful meals, to baking cookies and taking our pictures.
You have bent over backwards for us and we could never thank you enough!
Thanks to you, you have made our honeymoon unforgettable. Once
again, we thank you and God bless you greatly. We look forward to
seeing you in the future.Leesville, Louisiana

Thank you for your hospitality during our visit while we enjoyed the
American Cemetery Tour. Great people, great weather, super nice
hosts, beautiful rooms and top food! We enjoyed ourselves, even the
bubble bath was special. Natchitoches is richer for the Rusca House.Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

What a wonderful way to celebrate our 39th anniversary. The warmth
and love of this home is incredible. Thank you for sharing it with
us. Bridget, your grace and charm reminds me of another Southern
Lady- my mom, whom I adored. We loved reading about the old
cemetery- a job well done, Payne you should be very proud of your
accomplishments. Thanks again- everything was perfect.Shreveport, Louisiana

Thank you so much for having us in your beautiful home. The Pearl
Room is so comfortable. We love all the windows to your lovely
gardens. The breakfast was delicious. We so enjoyed visiting
with you and learning more about the historic town of Natchitoches. We
definitely will stay with you again if we are ever in the area.Houston, Texas

Where do we start? We truly feel as if we've been reunited with our
long lost brother and sister! We are having such a wonderful time
here with you two that we're signing this book a day early! We
couldn't wait!Glendale, California


Long before it became a crime in some countries to question the Holocaust, in fact before it is even supposed to have happened, Zionists were invoking the figure of “Six Million” and talking of a sacrifice for Israel

The terror outrages in Britain last year may not have been the work of “Muslim extremists”. A series of virtually unreported events in a Birmingham hotel suggest the covert involvement of Britain’s intelligence agencies in orchestrating events

Well, it didn’t take long for Mumbai to get the Al Qaeda fingerprint. Never mind that there is no Al Qaeda, Al Qaeda must have done it. You are all familiar with Al Qaeda. Like The Scarlet Pimpernel, “they seek him here, they seek him there.” But they can’t find him anywhere.

It is a matter of great amazement to me that this Al Qaeda can be anywhere in the world, any time it wants to be and that it can strike at will under the orders of the Baron Samedi redux, Bin Laden, who routinely issues his commands from somewhere under the ground or the world beyond.

There’s never been a more amazing organization than Al Qaeda. They managed to get through ICTS, Israeli security at three U.S. airports and hijack four planes. Then they took two planes and crashed into two buildings in New York City. They did this while flying with a precision that few trained pilots could have achieved, without ever having flown such planes before. Then they managed to level three buildings at the speed of freefall where not even one similar building ever fell before though they burned hotter and longer. They didn’t even need a plane to level one of the buildings. That’s probably another Baron Samedi element and explains all the feathers and chicken blood that covered the streets of NYC in the aftermath.

They’re a talented lot, this Al Qaeda, not only did they knock down three buildings with two planes and cover the city with asbestos flavored, chicken blood and feathers but Mohammed Atta tossed his passport out of the plane in some sort of over the shoulder arabesque, as if Isadora Duncan and Amelia Earhart had merged in a Baron Samedi mind-meld with Bin Laden who was controlling the whole thing via remote viewing from a UFO equipped, space cave in Afghanistan and the passport tumbled through the flames and the smoke and glided like a miniature magic carpet right in front of the feet of a NYC policeman.

Then they slipped right past ICTS, Israeli security again in The Madrid Train station and then slipped past ICTS, Israeli security one more time at the London Tube, right under the nose of Netan-yahoo who was in the hotel above. It has to be magic, there’s no other explanation. It’s not Bin Laden that you’re after, it’s Baron Samedi. It’s not Al Qaeda that you’re looking for; it’s the Scarlet Pimpernel and The Seven Dwarfs.

I’m not going to play with rumors concerning who was behind the Mumbai bombing in 2006. I don’t need rumors when I’ve got real life, science fiction and space invaders from the fifth dimension.

What’s most impressive is how the only Al Qaeda cell ever uncovered managed to replace themselves with Mossad agents moments before they were captured. It’s no wonder that Al Qaeda can be everywhere all of the time. It’s no wonder that they can never be apprehended because they’ve got Baron Samedi as The Tonight Show host with the UFO orchestra and special guests; The Comte De St. Germaine, Apollonius of Tyana and The Wizard of Oz.

There won’t be a home in America today that will not have Al Qaeda sitting there. You won’t see them because they have the power of invisibility but they will be there. Bin Laden will be under the table tickling the children’s feet.

Yes, they’re a canny lot. It seems like there isn’t anything they can’t do. Recent news reports have stated that it’s actually Al Qaeda who is starving the people of Gaza. They shut off the power in Gaza. They made all the medicine disappear. They caused the sewage to overflow into the streets and the latest report is that the Cholera germs are actually tiny Al Qaeda soldiers. It’s also Al Qaeda who turned all the Chinese firecrackers into super rockets and launched them with deft precision into empty lots all over Siderot. As a result Al Qaeda now has a three picture deal and a major book tour out of Al Qaeda controlled Hollywood.

Bin Laden’s going to go public again too. After a long period of time sunning himself on The French Riviera, with the occasional commute to his Xanadu in Pakistan, for a little skiing and snowboarding, he’s contemplating a tour of crowded urban centers somewhere near you. The Alien Grays have outfitted him with a magic coat of many colors and he’s going to be launching dirty bombs with mean guitar licks and hair conditioner, liquid explosives on various airliners all while exposing himself to Catholic high school girls in Flushing, Queens. He was last seen on the roof of Lum’s Chinese Restaurant on Northern Blvd. What a guy!

The global financial meltdown which has only just begun? You got it. Bin Laden is doing that with his Al Qaeda bankers and accountants. The genocide in Western Papua? That’s our boy once again. Bin Laden Samedi and the Magical Mystery Al Qaeda are behind everything, everywhere, all the time and they are accomplishing all of it while being dead, on the one hand …and non existent on the other. It’s as if John Paul Sartre and Steven Hawkings got together with Boddhidarma and MC Hammer for some all galactic version of, “You Can’t Touch This.”

The space time continuum? No problem. Weave-warping the fabric of reality? No problem. Being everywhere you want to be and nowhere that you don’t, while vanishing the minute that security shows up? No problem. Rising from the dead like you’re rising from bed? No problem. Driving a 747 through a sixteen foot hole and leaving no plane parts? No problem. No problem. No problem.

Go back to sleep, little sheep. On this Thanksgiving, I want you to think about what you want for this year’s abondanza Christmas. I want you to think about how really close you are to sleeping on a flattened cardboard box outside a boarded up storefront. Go right ahead and pack that extra portion of potatoes and gravy into the bottomless pit of your appetite and add another layer of fat to the denial protection system that has you believing things that cannot possibly be true.

It’s going to get much worse. It is going to continue to get worse as you continue to believe what cannot be true. As long as you pull the comforter of delusion over your head the nightmares are going to get worse. They breed in that environment. They like it there.

When it is time to wake up and you do not wake up, then the means applied to wake you up are going to intensify and intensify until you do wake up. Your real enemies are the people who are pointing your attention in the direction of an imaginary enemy. Your primary, real enemy is your ignorance and obstinacy. Your secondary enemy is the one manipulating both for their profit and entertainment.

You need to realize that what is victimizing you is not just doing it to keep you in fear and to bleed you dry. These agencies and entities enjoy the spectacle of what they are putting you through. When you suffer and place the blame on something that never existed or is long dead, they laugh. You amuse the hell out of them. You had better wake up.


2nd Empire Awards

The 2nd Empire Awards ceremony, presented by the British film magazine Empire, honored the best films of 1996 and took place on 5 March 1997 at the Park Lane Hotel in London, England. During the ceremony, Empire presented Empire Awards in nine categories as well as two honorary awards. The award for Best British Director and the honorary Empire Inspiration Award were first introduced this year. The awards were sponsored by Miller Brewing Company.

Trainspotting won the most awards with four including Best British Film, Best British Director for Danny Boyle and Best British Actor for Ewan McGregor. Other winners included Seven with two awards including Best Film and 12 Monkeys, Fargo and Secrets & Lies with one. The Monty Python team received the Empire Inspiration Award and Freddie Francis received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Winners and nominees
Winners are listed first and highlighted in boldface.

Multiple awards
The following two films received multiple awards:

References

External links

Category:Empire Award ceremonies
Category:1996 film awards
Category:1997 in British cinema

Category:1997 in London
Category:March 1997 events in the United Kingdom


At the beginning of this year, we reported some very important news: A man with a revolutionary bionic penis was about to lose his virginity. Mohammed Abad, a 44-year-old security guard from Edinburgh, was left without a working penis after being dragged under a car as a child. Making do with a rudimentary fleshy tube for the best part of four decades, he finally underwent surgery in 2012 to have a $100,000 prosthetic penis fitted, which he could pump up via a button hidden on one of his testicles.

By January of this year, Abad's new junk was finally ready to go. He didn't go into a huge amount of technical detail in his interview with the Sun, but presumably, you have to give new genitalia a couple of years to "take." Either way, he said, the eight-inch bionic penis contains two tubes that fill up with liquid from his stomach after he presses his testicle button, and the shaft is moulded out of flesh from his arm.

"I got out of hospital and got a train back up to Scotland. I had to keep it erect for two weeks," he said on This Morning. "I had to do that for it to heal, because that's the way it works. My old penis didn't go to waste—my surgeon used it to make my scrotum."

Excited and eager to use his new equipment, he told reporters in January, "I have waited long enough for this—it'll be a great start to the new year. My penis is working perfectly now, so I just want to do it. I'm really excited. I can't wait for it to finally happen."

Tragically, less than a week later, the plan had to be pushed back. Abad was involved in a car crash, scuppering his plans to belatedly get laid for the first time ever, and—you'd imagine—making him really fucking hate cars. A friend told the Sun, "After everything he's been through, this is the last thing he needs. Luckily, the middle of his body was fine."

Almost three months later, Abad was ready to get back to it. Political candidate and winner of the 2013 Sex Worker of the Year award, Charlotte Rose, got in touch with him when she'd heard about his plight and had offered to assist him by helping him to lose his virginity.

"I wanted someone who was willing to accept me the way I was," said Abad. "I'm a learner. I've got L plates. I didn't want to go in all guns blazing and make an idiot of myself."

The pair was supposed to hook up before Abad's car crash, so they reconnected sometime earlier this month and spent a couple of days getting to know each other in a London hotel, before finally attempting the main event. Unfortunately, on the first night, the testicle pump didn't work and Abad's penis failed to inflate. The next evening, however, everything went according to plan.

"When Charlotte saw it for the first time, she was silent, and I was a bit worried," said Abad. "But then she said, 'It's incredible.' It's nice to hear a lady say that. After it was over, I lay there with a big smile on my face."

Rose—who helped Abad out for free, despite her usual rate of $230 per hour—told the Sun, "In the end, he lasted for an hour and three quarters." She said she was honored to be asked, "because your first time is a memory in your life you never forget."

Abad still has one testicle, meaning he can produce sperm and, if he wants to, father children.