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10 Facts to Help You Celebrate Saint George’s Day

10 Facts About Saint George's Day

If the significance of today has passed you by, you are probably not alone.  Tuesday April 23rd is Saint George’s Day, but you will be hard pressed to find anyone celebrating it! 

Quite why we don’t celebrate Saint George’s Day is a bit of a mystery, considering our nation’s love of pageantry and tradition.  You only have to look back to last year’s Jubilee and Olympics to see evidence of the pride that exists in this country, for all things English.  And come football and rugby tournaments, the flag of St. George will be flying high everywhere you go.  Strange then that today will be virtually overlooked.

Perhaps the lack of a public holiday to mark the day means that people are not given the time to celebrate, or maybe it’s because of a lack of hype by the media.  It could even be a sign of the times, whereby in our politically correct world we cannot be seen to be too patriotic, in fear offending certain divisions in society? Which ultimately is a shame because despite all the problems we have in this country, the freedoms and benefits we all enjoy deserve to be recognised, and indeed celebrated.

But who exactly was Saint George, and why is he our patron? Here are some interesting facts about Saint George’s Day that you use down the pub to impress your mates.

1.  Saint George is considered a martyr in Islam as well as Christianity.  Legend has it that St George was a brave and honourable Roman soldier who protested against the Roman’s torture of Christians, and ultimately died for his beliefs.

2.  It is highly unlikely that the real Saint George ever actually visited England.  He was probably Turkish, and lived in the 3rd Century.

3.  Saint George’s emblem of a red cross on a white background was adopted by Richard the Lion Heart and brought to England in the 12th century.

Image courtesy of http://www.bestmediums.co.uk

4.  Before the cult of St. George was brought back from the Crusades, the top choice for England’s patron saint was Edmund the Martyr, a member of one of East Anglia’s ruling family.  Charmingly Edmund is also the patron saint of pandemics, torture victims, and wolves.

5.  Saint George is also the patron saint of Lithuania, Portugal, Bulgaria and Greece, as well as cities including Moscow, Istanbul, Genoa and Venice.  Interestingly despite the historic rivalry he is also the patron saint of Germany.

6.  Pretty gruesome, but Saint George is believed to have been tortured. He would have been crushed between two spiked wheels and boiled in molten lead.  According to legend, neither method killed him.

7.  It is estimated that only one in five people know that St George’s Day falls on April 23, with a quarter of people not knowing that the day marks the ‘recognised’ date of Saint George’s death.

8.  Those with beady eyes will notice that the bonnet of the Queen’s Rolls Royce bears a figure of St George and the dragon instead of the standard ‘spirit of ecstasy’.

Image courtesy of http://commons.wikimedia.org

9.  Many people continue to campaign for the first British martyr, Saint Alban to be the patron saint of England instead of George.  Unfortunately for Saint Alban, he has no romantic mythology of defeating dragons or rescuing fair maidens.

10.  Interestingly William Shakespeare was born on Saint George’s Day in 1564 and died on the same day in 1616.

And don’t worry it’s not too late to have your own celebrations.  Check out the Eating out discounts and printable vouchers available from MyVoucherCodes.  Whether it a takeaway pizza or restaurant meal for two, you will be sure to find something that appeals!

Main image courtesy of http://madballoons.blogspot.co.uk

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Leonardo Da Vinci

10 Interesting Facts About Da Vinci

Born on April 15th 1452, Leonardo Da Vinci is a huge figure in the history of human civilisation, but as a new TV portrayal hits our screens, how much of the myth behind the man is true?

The word genius is often banded around these days (Simon Cowell, really?) but for Da Vinci there is no doubt that the title fits.  He defies categorisation as his talents were boundless, whether painter, sculptor, architect, musician, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, cartographer, botanist or writer.  But for someone with one of the most famous names in history, there is so much that still remains a mystery about the man.  And perhaps this explains his enduring appeal.

There is more to Da Vinci than the Mona Lisa, or a Dan Brown Book; and it’s this that a new TV Drama looks to explore.  Da Vinci’s Demons which premier’s on the FOX channel on 19th April promises to explore the secret life of the man during his early years.  Ultimately the drama is entertainment so it remains to be seen how factual the programme will actually be, but one thing is for sure, our thirst for Da Vinci has never been stronger.

With a record breaking exhibition of his works last year, a recent Sky documentary and endless conspiracies, the appeal of the great Renaissance man looks set to continue well beyond his 561st birthday.

Here are 10 things that you might not know about Leonardo Da Vinci.

1. Born illegitimate

Born outside of marriage, he was the love child of Caterina, a peasant, and Ser Piero, a lawyer and landlord.  Leonardo also didn’t have the best of starts with a limited home-schooled education, something that makes his achievements all the more impressive!

2. He was probably gay

Leonardo never married nor had any children, which has led historians to question his sexuality.  He also narrowly beat a sodomy charge (possibly involving one of his male models) brought against him by Florentine officials.

3. Ambidextrous Ability

Although dyslexic, Da Vinci could write with one hand and draw with the other at the same time.  Plus Leonardo could draw forward with one hand while writing backward with the other, producing a mirror-image coded script.

4. Part-time painter

Although it is probably what he is best known for, Leonardo was far from a prolific painter.  Upon his death Da Vinci left fewer than 30 paintings, and not all of those were finished.  He did however leave hundreds of drawings, sketches, and pages of notes.

5. Sculpture mystery

There are no known pieces of sculpture that can definitely be attributed to Leonardo, even though art historians know he learned sculpture whilst an art apprentice.  Strange considering sculpture was one of the key arts in Renaissance Italy.

6. Vegetarian

Unusually for the era in which he lived, Leonardo was a vegetarian.  Da Vinci did this for humanitarian reasons, all the more remarkable given his thorough dissections of the human body and this time spent as a military weapons designer.

7. Father of Robotics

In the 15th century Leonardo constructed what is thought to be the first ever humanoid robot.  His creation was simply used to entertain people, but his concept endured.  In fact, his notes have been used by NASA to help design their planetary exploration robots.

8. Bitter Rivalries

Da Vinci didn’t always have the best of relationships with his Renaissance contemporaries, especially Michelangelo.  Such was the bitter animosity between the two, that it has been recorded that they would regularly exchange insults in public.

9. Mona Lisa Smile

It took Da Vinci about ten years to paint Mona Lisa’s lips, which may explain that magic smile.  The Mona Lisa has captivated and intrigued historians in equal measures for centuries, with the most unusual theory being that the painting is a self-portrait of Da Vinci as a woman.

10. The Wrong Name

Leonardo da Vinci was born before modern naming styles emerged in Europe. What appears to be his surname “Da Vinci” is actually just the place he is from.  The great man’s real translated name is therefore “Leonardo from Vinci.”

Main image courtesy of http://www.nfohump.com

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Men

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Men can be notoriously difficult to buy for, and finding that perfect gift for Valentine’s Day can be a real headache. If you are struggling to think of something special for the notable man in your life, here are a few ideas that might help you out.

February 14th sees the return of the annual ‘love-in’ that is Valentine’s Day; a day that couples will look forward to and dread in equal measure. Sure the first few are easy, think flowers, chocolate and smoochy teddy bears. But for established couples it isn’t so easy, and for that special guy doubly so.

What on earth do you buy men on Valentine’s Day? Guys are just not as sentimental as women, and many wouldn’t choose to mark the day if given a choice. But that would be a real shame, especially when there is so much doom and gloom about. A bit of romance can go a long way! So look beyond socks and cufflinks, so that blokes everywhere don’t get left disappointed on Valentine’s Day.

Here are a few blokey gift ideas to help you out.

Tabasco Chocolate Tin

Ok so chocolate is hardly original, but there is no getting away from the fact that it is a well-known aphrodisiac. But it needn’t be boring; the chocolate in this tin has been made with heat-seekers in mind, with a few drops of tasty Tabasco sauce dripped tantalisingly into the mixture. Spice up your love life for only £4.95 at Prezzybox.

Hand Weights

Using hand weights can increase flexibility, build muscle mass, and help lose weight. So as a subtle way of suggesting your guy needs to tone up a little, these weights that range from £3 through to £13 could be a perfect solution. Far less bulky than regular weights, which makes them usable for you too (obviously when he isn’t looking). Available from John Lewis.

Driving Experience

If you want to push the boat out a little further, why not consider an experience that will live long in the memory. From rugged 4x4s and Hummers to sleek supercars, there is nothing quite like taking out your stresses on the track. And for added romance, share the experience and make a bet on who will perform best. (The punishment will be up to you to decide!) From Under £20 at Virgin Experience Days.

Designer Underwear

Whilst socks may definitely not be on the romantic list, the same cannot be said for underwear in general. After all, what is good for him in the pants department is also good for you! So a gift of some designer boxers would be a win win solution. For a huge selection be sure to check out Figleaves.

Scanner for ipad

The DOCS2GO Scanner for iPad is a sleek, portable scanner for documents, photos and more. And whilst on the more expensive side at £149.99, just imagine all the favours he will owe you in return. Plus think of the fun you can have creating saucy valentines memories (although be sure not to leave them lying about) Order today from Firebox.

Remote Control Cushion

If your fella is a bit of a couch potato (pretty much all of us) then what could make a better gift than a novelty Remote Control Cushion. Losing the remote will never be a problem again, as it will be behind you. The cushion uses LED infra-red technology, and is universally compatible with TVs. Throwing a cushion at a loved one takes on a whole new dimension. Yours for £19.99 at Menkind.

Ladies Football Kit

Whilst it may strictly be a gift for you, it will certainly be a gift for him as you dress up in his beloved team colours. It may be a cliché, but it still remains a potent one for footle obsessed guys up and down the country. Who knows, it might even be enough to distract him on a Saturday afternoon! Find a large choice of ladies football kits at Kitbag.

Visit MyVoucherCodes for all your Valentine’s gift ideas and discounts

Main image courtesy of http://ilovencl.co.uk

Four Thrifty (Yet Romantic) Date Ideas

Romantic-Winter-Date-Ideas

Got a hot date lined up? Nice!  Now you need to figure out what you’re going to do. Dinner? Maybe.  Drinks? Most probably. Cinema? Why not.

But all these lovely things can mount up in the money department – so how do you treat someone without spending a fortune?

Here are some ideas…

Go Out for Dinner

Let’s start with the failsafe, the dating standard; dinner. Taking your date out for dinner is the perfect, easy option, allowing you to get to know your date over great food. If your date falls before payday and money’s a bit tight, you’re in luck. MyVoucherCodes has restaurant vouchers and discount codes to suit every taste, from burgers at GBK to Italian at Prezzo – so you’re bound to find something you and your date can both enjoy.

Head Off on a Romanic Walk

Another thrifty date option is probably the most overlooked. Perhaps you’ve got a special place you go to sit and think? It could be a bench on a park, besides a particular building, up a tree, wherever. Or maybe you know of a nice romantic walk. Whatever it is, if you know of a place that is simply serene or has a story attached, it will help you strike up an engaging conversation, showing your date this special place will highlight your romantic, sensitive side. Regardless, whether the place is close to your heart or just a hastily Googled route; beautiful and alluring scenery can be a great conversation starter – and free, to boot.

Do What You Love Doing

What makes a really great date? From my personal experience there are two main points: conversation and having things in common. Here’s a good way to hit one or both of those: Do something you enjoy doing like going to watch an old film, settling in for a DVD or challenging your date to a game of tennis. Whatever your hobby is, share it! If you’re heading down the DVD route, you can always make use of our LoveFilm discount codes to find something you both want to watch.

Go Sky Diving (Or Not)

You could take a much more zany approach and do something mad.  What about a gentle spot of hmmmm, bungee jumping?  How about, perhaps, some relaxing, erm, paintballing? Not your fancy? Well what about a nice chilling evening on a ghost walk?

This is a novel, exciting approach to dating but do a bit of research first – make sure your crazy date idea will suit this particular person. Imagine if you take your date parachuting, only to discover they are terrified of heights.

And if you’re thinking that this might be an expensive option, once again – you’re in luck. We’ve always got loads of special offers and discounts on experience days to add that wow factor.

Have a Night In

One of the best ways to help you get to know a partner is to get a bottle of wine and have a cosy night in with your date. And what better way to really impress them than to cook a meal from scratch? The internet is full of free recipe ideas, and MyVoucherCodes can give you a discount on the price of ingredients. All that remains is to channel your inner Jamie or Nigella…

Have you got any amazingly romantic date ideas that won’t break the bank? Let us know in the comments below.

6 Things To Do In The Garden In September

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Soon the summer sun will be gone again for a year (not that there’s been too much of it this year) and we’ll be left with the inevitable wind and rain, then snow and ice.

Now is a great time to get out there and give your garden a good trim and tidy – before the weather starts getting really grotty. It’s also the perfect time to plant your bulbs to ensure some lovely spring colour. Here are some of the key things to do in the garden in September:

Trim:

One of the most annoying, and dangerous, autumn garden jobs is trimming branches; scrambling up rickety ladders in blustery weather is certainly not my idea of fun. Don’t risk injury – get this extendable Universal Trimmer, for just £42.95, from Suttons Seeds and give your trees a good sorting out to promote spring growth. Got it? Done it? Nice, now you can lie back with your feet up in the comfort of your home. Better than lying in hospital in a full body cast, with your feet trussed up, ey?

Shred:

And, of course, once you’ve trimmed, you’ll be left with piles of waste. You could leave it for the hedgehogs to hibernate in. You could keep it for bonfire night, in a couple of months. You could take it to the tip. But what’s the point of burning when you can shred? Reduce leaves and debris from pruning and trimming to next to nothing with this Bosch AXT Rapid 2000 Shredder Pssst! It’s only now £149.99 –saving you £50! You can even shred down the cost to just £134.99 when you join the Garden Bargains Discount Club at Garden Bargains.

And, shredding allows for easier and quicker composting. Oh yes, that reminds me…

Compost:

Mother Nature just keeps on giving, doesn’t she? Why burn or take your organic waste to the tip when you could just compost it – providing free compost for next year’s garden. Once you have your composter installed there’ll be no need to blow a fortune on bags of, in my opinion, expensive and poorer quality (in comparison) ready-made compost; your kitchen and garden give you the raw materials – for free. Here are some Great Value Composters from Suttons Seeds. And composting could be freer still – for your chance to win an awesome Hotbin Composter, worth £149.99 just register with your email at Garden Bargains.

Tidy:

For me, one of the most irksome autumn garden jobs is, of course, clearing up the scourge of fallen leaves. Certainly, a cascade of red and brown hues across an entire spectrum is a beautiful sight.  And yes, leaves feed the worms – whose nutritious excretions feed your garden. But what is the point of having all of those wonderful compostable leaves on the lawn when it can be used to feed next year’s vegetable crop? Yes, to the tidy conscientious gardener, autumn means back breaking raking. If you’ve not got a decent leaf rake you’ll be left in the cold, literally, for ages. To make it easy on yourself, get this Clog Free Rake and you’ll have it done in no time. If you long for an even easier solution for those blooming annoying leaves, have a look at this Handy 2600W Garden Blow & Vac – it’s only £35.99 when you join the Garden Bargains Gardening Club.

Net Ponds:

When autumn comes, without the right precaution you’ll find yourself constantly fishing your pond for, not fish, leaves. Not only is this annoying but it can be dangerous too. Save yourself the hassle by netting your pond. Here’s how to do it:

1)    Stretch netting over your pond and secure with rocks. You could also use stakes or pegs to ensure your net doesn’t fly away in the blustering autumn wind.
2)    This bit is important: Make sure the net doesn’t touch the water, features or plants. If the net touches water your fish could become trapped – it’s a net, remember! Similarly, the net may damage plants and features on contact.
3)    The easiest way to net a small, conventional shaped, pond is by building a simple wooden frame (you could also use PVC piping) then attaching the net.
4)    Finally, every month stick on a warm jacket, hat and gloves and get out there and clean away any debris.

Plant Spring Bulbs:

When William Wordsworth ‘wandered lonely as a cloud… o’er hills and vales’ and sighted his famous ‘host of lowly daffodils’. He was simply struck by the beauty of the trumpeting yellow flower, finally lamenting how often he liked to lie down by the daffodils in quiet reflection. Unfortunately, if you want the same golden, spring-time tranquillity for your own garden, you’ll have to plant them yourself. Something, I’m sure, Wordsworth never had to do himself.

Want to wake up on a late January/February morning and be met by, as Wordsworth was, with a host of daffodils (or croci, or tulips or whatever?) Well, now’s the time to plant ‘em!

We are good to you here at MyVoucherCodes, get Free UK Delivery on Orders Over £50 at Suttons Seeds, valid until 28th September 2012.

Look After The Pennies With The Reader’s Digest Sale

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A true bargain can be hard to find, but you can count on the Reader’s Digest sale to arrive in style and help you save money.

Reader’s Digest is one of the UK’s best-known brands and boasts a wide portfolio of products including the monthly magazine (available via subscription, newstand and iPad app), catalogues, DVDs, books and lifestyle products.

Whether you’re buying a gift for someone special or treating yourself, or looking to save on essential items, Reader’s Digest has something for everyone in our special selection of web exclusives.  Prices start from as little as £3.99.

Noddy ABC Books with Play Mat and Flash Cards

These Noddy ABC books come with an exciting play mat and flash cards, so the little ones can have fun and learn at the same time. The three books are written and designed to keep young minds amused as well as helping them develop skills before they start school, and for years to come. Whether you’re a parent or grandparent, helping the kids play and learn together is made easy with these fun and informative books.

Pashmina Wrap

Extremely soft and comfortable to wear, this gorgeous pashmina wrap will brighten up any outfit. Worn as a pashmina scarf or as a stole over the shoulders, it’s the perfect cardigan alternative and is great for special occasions or even to feel comfortable when travelling! For such an easy way to look and feel great, this saving can’t be missed.

Paddington Station Clock

This beautiful antique replica clock will add a touch of stylish nostalgia to any home or garden. With a delicate face and large roman numerals, the clock will be a topic of conversation and makes a stunning statement piece for inside or outdoors. Based on the design of old steam railway station clocks, it’s a treat for any train enthusiasts.

Bird Feeder & Book of British Birds

Ideal as a gift for wildlife lovers, this collection includes a multi nesting box and feeder, plus a copy of Reader’s Digest’s The Book of British Birds. The nesting box and feeder will give birds a warm welcome to your garden, so they might choose to come back time and time again. Then, while the birds are enjoying the treats you’ve left for them, you can identify over 850 types of birds, their lifestyles and habitats using The Book of British Birds.

From brilliant books to enjoy on a weekend or storybooks to read to the little ones, to hilarious comedy DVDs or CD collections and a whole lot more, the Reader’s Digest sale is sure to be your one-stop shop for gift giving, home shopping and a little self-indulgence.  But hurry, whilst stocks last.

Experience the Magic of Orlando with Hotels.com

harry potter

Take a magical holiday to Orlando and discover more than meets the eye.

A holiday to Orlando is all about fun and adventure for all the family.  Visitors both young and young at heart can enjoy the attractions on offer, including some of the world’s top theme parks.  Most notable is the massive Walt Disney World Resort, which is actually made up of four theme parks: Epcot®, Magic Kingdom® Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, as well as two fun-filled water parks.  Make lasting memories as you immerse yourself in the magical world of Disney.

Just as impressive is Universal Orlando Resort, which brings the movies to life before your very eyes.  Featuring roller coaster rides, live concerts and heart-racing attractions, there really is something for everyone.  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ is a must visit attraction for both those who love the Harry Potter phenomenon, and also for those with just a passing interest.

Although Orlando is best known for its theme parks, there is plenty of other treats that could easily be missed that are definitely worth a look.

To the east of Orlando, you have the amazing Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral, which simply oozes history from every pore.  You can top up on that tan on the numerous gorgeous beaches along the Atlantic coast, which have to be seen to be believed.  And for the sporting types, you will find an abundance of Golf venues, from top class championship courses to 3-par courses.  There are also hundreds of lakes in the surrounding areas that are perfect for a spot of fishing; who knows you may even catch a big mouth bass!

Remember to leave some energy for the nightlife.  When the sun goes down, Orlando continues to heat up.  Visitors with kids have a bevy of evening entertainment options to choose from, whilst adults wanting to let loose at the many city venues.  From cosy pubs, downtown dance clubs, live music, comedy clubs and even a number of area breweries and wineries.  Of particular note is Old Town Kissimmee: a shopping emporium with 75 specialty stores, 8 restaurants and amusement rides a plenty.  Make sure you check out the hundreds of classic cars that parade on Friday and Saturday nights.

Sun kissed Florida is nicknamed the Sunshine State for good reason, with more than its fair share of glorious weather for you to enjoy.  When combined with the huge assortment of things to do, Orlando has to be one of the world’s top destinations for you to visit.

Hotels.com offers the choice of over 145,000 hotels in more than 60 countries.  Helpful hotel reviews will help you find the best deal in the right location.  So whether you are travelling last minute, as a family or need a hotel for business you will be sure to find the right hotel deal for you with Hotels.com voucher codes

And remember to check out MyVoucherCodes for all the latest and greatest discounts

The Saint Patrick’s Day Survival Kit From MyVoucherCodes

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On Saturday 17th March, Ireland will be one big party as Saint Patricks Day arrives.  But it won’t just be our Irish neighbours celebrating.

The whole world has taken Saint Patrick’s Day to heart more than any other national day.  Suddenly everybody has some remarkable lineage to the emerald isle, that they are only too happy to tell you about.  Whatever nationality, the whole world turns a shamrock shade of green to party.

Originally a Catholic holy day, Saint Patrick’s Day has steadily evolved into more of a secular holiday, whereby much merriment is the order of the day.  Saint Patrick’s Day has become synonymous with the consumption of alcohol, most notably Guinness of course.  For one day only, alcohol sales will go through the roof as people celebrate with friends, family and more than likely; complete strangers.

Perhaps that is the key to the success of Saint Patrick’s Day.  The day offers an excuse to escape all the financial doom and gloom that is around at the moment.

Make sure you have got everything covered with the helpful Saint Patricks Day survival kit.

No Saint Patricks Day celebration would be complete without novelty accessories.  At Angels Fancy Dress you will find a great range of Saint Patricks Day accessories, from the ridiculous to the sublime.  Chief among the party favourites has to be the classic hat, which will go down a treat  at any social gathering.  Plus until 17thMarch you can get 15% off orders at Angels Fancy Dress.

With so much partying, sometimes it’s easy to forget about food.  Before your big night out remember to grab something to eat.  And what could be better than a choice of 5 Pizza Hut special pizza’s only £5 each, available in restaurant and for collection or delivery until 1st April 2012.

You will need plenty of booze to keep everyone in high spirits.  It’s strange how friends seem to appear like a conjuring trick at the first whiff of alcohol.  Get £10 off Grocery orders over £50 at Sainsbury’s, valid until 17th March.

And for the day after you are definitely going to need something to help you cope with that hangover.  So why not stock up early with 5% off orders over £5 at Asset Chemist.

For plenty of other top discounts and offers, remember to always check MyVoucherCodes

Main image taken from www.examiner.com

Happy Birthday Desert Island Discs!

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Picture it, an exotic desert island completely void of life and miles from anywhere else.  Are you there yet, relaxed in your lean-to shack?  Ok…what music is playing?

That is the simple premise of Desert Island Discs, the BBC radio show that turned 70 on Sunday 29th January.  For anyone who has not come across it, Desert Island Discs is one of the longest-running radio programmes in the world, and holds the record for the longest-running factual programme in the history of history of radio. The show highlights the dream music playlists of the great and good, and is still as popular as ever.

Simplicity is probably the key to the longevity of the show, after all who hasn’t had the question asked of them ‘what couldn’t you do without?’ or ‘what is your favourite song?’ I know I would certainly struggle without music in my life.

Music has that wonderful ability to alter moods and stir emotions.  I’m sure everyone has had the experience of hearing a song that sparks memories of days gone by.  So much of our lives are signposted by music, from the school disco where you had that first kiss to the first dance at a wedding and ultimately a farewell song when we depart this world.

So as it is highly probable that I will never get to go on the show, I thought I would give it a go. Traditionally 8 pieces of music should be chosen, but for the sake of this blog I have whittled it down to just 5, in no particular order.

Sound and Vision by David Bowie – The juxtaposition of a guitar rift with a synthesizer on this largely instrumental track is good enough, but when complimented with Bowie’s withdrawn lyrics, something truly special is produced.  The song appeared on the album Low in 1977, and was later released as a single.

Munich by Editors – A song full or energy, Munich must be Editors at their best.  Lead singer Tom Smith’s refrained vocal style adds real texture to a song that has shades of dark, but is driven by one of the best rifts ever committed to record.  The track is taken from the album The Back Room.

Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles – Inspired by a young John Lennon’s memories of playing in the garden of a Salvation Army house named Strawberry Field, Strawberry Fields Forever is a psychedelic opus full of surreal meanderings.  With strong classical overtones, the song works well on so many different levels.  The track was released as a double A side single with Penny Lane in 1967.

Good Fortune by PJ Harvey – It is hard not to embrace Good fortune, with its layers of melody expertly performed with sarcasm by PJ Harvey.  The song is perhaps as ‘pop’ as she is ever likely to get which makes it all the more unique.  Good Fortune is also hugely positive, encouraging you to appreciate the good in your life.  Taken from the album Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea.

Common People by Pulp – While Blur and Oasis may have dominated the headlines, for me this song more than any other brings back fond memories of the whole ‘brit pop’ phenomenon of the mid 1990s’s. The lyrics playfully create a vivid story of class division, whereby poverty is given a glamour that everyone wants to aspire to.  The song is featured on the album Different Class.

Guests on the show also must choose one luxury, which must be inanimate and of no use in escaping the island, or allowing communication from outside.  For me it would have to be some Jelly Beans; ok they wouldn’t last long but at least i would get some enjoyment for a bit!

For all your music needs why not try Play.com, plus remember to check MyVoucherCodes for great discounts on entertainment.

Images taken from en.wikipedia.org

Money Saving Giant Battles Against #RBS Chief’s Bonus

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Mark Pearson, chairman of the UK’s #1 discount website (MyVoucherCodes) has responded to news of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s CEO Stephen Hester’s £1,000,000 bonus, by deploying an army tank in Central London today with a CLEAR message to consumers.

ATTENTION: Stephen Hester is to receive a bonus of nearly £1m despite earning a basic salary of £1.2m! Outraged, MyVoucherCodes’ reacted in true fighting style to show there’s still hope for the public.

Today Mark Pearson is making a stand with the release of his Central London army tank; emblazoned upon it a clear message for consumers: ‘Didn’t get an RBS bonus? Use MyVoucherCodes.co.uk’

This message is showing support to the people in this tough economic climate, teetering on the brink of another recession. This is a bid to show that there’s still hope for the everyday person. The tank set off from Shoreditch High Street and travelled around London and into The City, passing by various RBS head offices and spreading the word along its merry way.

Mark Pearson, Chairman of MyVoucherCodes.co.uk, commented on the tank:

“We thought it would be great to highlight that not everyone is fortunate enough to get a £1 million bonus in this tough economic climate, let alone earn that much on a basic salary as well and knew there was no better way to get the message across than by driving tanks straight through the middle of London!

“The average Joe Bloggs on the street can’t rely on a huge bonus to get them through the year, but they can save money wherever possible by using discounts readily available to them. We want consumers to remember to check out discounts before they buy, and who knows, if they do it often enough, they may well save the equivalent of a banker’s bonus.”

Images and videos of the RBS tank can be found here…

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Track The Tank


View Track the tank! in a larger map