News: Last orders still at 11 and other bloody stories
Since February when pubs have had the opportunity to apply for extended trading hours there hasn't exactly been a rush of applications... To the surprise of many. Not that they could have opened for longer until November this year, but the application process is such a long and involved process that they need almost 10 months to fill out the form. So no extended drinking hours look likely in the foreseeable future.
That article appeared in many papers, but it is always fun to read the Sun as apart from the tits, you get a very different slant on the world of England (not much more either for that matter)...
By the way despite that axe murder on Monday Eton Avenue is still a lovely street with nice friendly people. Just keep away from the ones with the large heavy implements.
Meanwhile the Hamstead and Highgate Express is calling it Bloody Monday as a nice Jewish pensioner was also killed the same day in what is purported to be a botched burglary in Golders Green.
Oh and something pretty... the daffodils are out...
Conversations at work
Paul [to colleague]: I am going to call that (very important) person who was annoying the hell out of me yesterday
Colleague: What will you say to her?
Paul: Bitch
Since becoming single again I have regained my dark sense of humour. It wasn't too hard to get back. It was just in storage with the rest of my suppressed personality.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Scenes from Tottenham Court Road 10:12pm. Being St Patrick's day there were plenty of punters out on the street - all wearing Guinness drinking hats...
News: Axe Murder latest
* The victim was gay
* The killer worked at upmarket west London department store Peter Jones
The story unfolds...
Weather
The weather started getting hot today. The first t-shirts on the street were sighted. By lunchtime even singlets displaying bare arms were in view. It was a glorious sunny day and from 8am until 7pm I was inside away from it all... Ah well. It isn't as if I haven't seen the sun before!
* The victim was gay
* The killer worked at upmarket west London department store Peter Jones
The story unfolds...
Weather
The weather started getting hot today. The first t-shirts on the street were sighted. By lunchtime even singlets displaying bare arms were in view. It was a glorious sunny day and from 8am until 7pm I was inside away from it all... Ah well. It isn't as if I haven't seen the sun before!
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
News: Murder, pollution and feeling peckish
Found the Evening Standard photographs. Still no motive for the public murder.
One other thing I didn't know about the Swiss Cottage corner (that I used to walk by) is that it is the second most polluted spot in the UK... So what's the first???
The other smashing story is about the man who was sentenced to life for two murders - and one of the victims he started eating the brains of (fried in butter). He killed the second while on release from being sectioned, but there are no systematic flaws in the mental health system
Weather: Spring is here
Well actually, from the 15th it is officially spring, but today was the first day it really felt warm. Winter may have been cold and harsh, but you can always wear something fabulous and warm... Not anymore... It was a balmy 15 degrees today...
Theatre: I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
Caught a fringe production of I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change tonight. It has been playing in New York for some years now, and is a witty little take on dating, marriage, children and death (in that order) although across the pond it seems a bit out of sorts with the English references thrown in to replace the Americanisms. The songs aren't the most sophistimicated ever written but they are witty enough ditties... It also didn't help that the cast seemed a bit young for the material too, and may have been inflicted with one of the lurgies about the city...
Found the Evening Standard photographs. Still no motive for the public murder.
One other thing I didn't know about the Swiss Cottage corner (that I used to walk by) is that it is the second most polluted spot in the UK... So what's the first???
The other smashing story is about the man who was sentenced to life for two murders - and one of the victims he started eating the brains of (fried in butter). He killed the second while on release from being sectioned, but there are no systematic flaws in the mental health system
Weather: Spring is here
Well actually, from the 15th it is officially spring, but today was the first day it really felt warm. Winter may have been cold and harsh, but you can always wear something fabulous and warm... Not anymore... It was a balmy 15 degrees today...
Theatre: I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
Caught a fringe production of I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change tonight. It has been playing in New York for some years now, and is a witty little take on dating, marriage, children and death (in that order) although across the pond it seems a bit out of sorts with the English references thrown in to replace the Americanisms. The songs aren't the most sophistimicated ever written but they are witty enough ditties... It also didn't help that the cast seemed a bit young for the material too, and may have been inflicted with one of the lurgies about the city...
News: The waiter did it
A waiter has been charged with the murder yesterday. The Evening Standard website had photographs taken from a neighbour's house that showed a man on the street face down in a pool of blood, which have disappeared this evening... It has been alleged that the waiter described the motivation behind the killing as all very long and involved...
Movie: Kinsey
Finally managed to catch Kinsey last night. Whether it is true to life is another matter (it only briefly touches on some of the more bizarre things that Kinsey performed on himself as "research" - and it is a movie biography), but it does make for a smashing film about a pioneer of his time, who created the scale of one-to-six long before we started using such terms as metrosexual, fauxmosexual, straight-acting, and all those other euphemisms... Amazing how science could be infused with such drama as well...
It was worth waiting around until the end when the footage of animals humping was played over the closing credits as well.
A waiter has been charged with the murder yesterday. The Evening Standard website had photographs taken from a neighbour's house that showed a man on the street face down in a pool of blood, which have disappeared this evening... It has been alleged that the waiter described the motivation behind the killing as all very long and involved...
Movie: Kinsey
Finally managed to catch Kinsey last night. Whether it is true to life is another matter (it only briefly touches on some of the more bizarre things that Kinsey performed on himself as "research" - and it is a movie biography), but it does make for a smashing film about a pioneer of his time, who created the scale of one-to-six long before we started using such terms as metrosexual, fauxmosexual, straight-acting, and all those other euphemisms... Amazing how science could be infused with such drama as well...
It was worth waiting around until the end when the footage of animals humping was played over the closing credits as well.
Monday, March 14, 2005
Interestingly too, while I have walked down this street - which is home to many celebrities - I wouldn't recognise one even if I fell over one. And therein lies the problem. How can you spot the difference between an axe-weilding murderer and a media personality?
News Correction
It wasn't a beheading, and it may not have been an axe, but it still sounds pretty gruesome and a Man was killed in street attack at Swiss Cottage...
It wasn't a beheading, and it may not have been an axe, but it still sounds pretty gruesome and a Man was killed in street attack at Swiss Cottage...
News: time to move
You know you made a good decision to move when Man dies after being 'beheaded' not far from where you used to live, (and just around the corner from the Swiss Cottage Hotel where you recommended friends should stay when visiting London)... There goes the neighborhood...
You know you made a good decision to move when Man dies after being 'beheaded' not far from where you used to live, (and just around the corner from the Swiss Cottage Hotel where you recommended friends should stay when visiting London)... There goes the neighborhood...
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Weekend etc...
Caught up with my sister's friend Jen who was in town for a few days with her friends. I met them at Hyde Park since they were staying at Earl's Court (sensibly Australian thing to do). One of friends had fed a squirrel and was bitten so while they went off to seek medical advice on squirrel bites, I took Jen to the Serpentine Gallery.
Future tourists to London should take note: It is probably not worth feeding squirrels in Hyde Park...
Caught up with my sister's friend Jen who was in town for a few days with her friends. I met them at Hyde Park since they were staying at Earl's Court (sensibly Australian thing to do). One of friends had fed a squirrel and was bitten so while they went off to seek medical advice on squirrel bites, I took Jen to the Serpentine Gallery.
Future tourists to London should take note: It is probably not worth feeding squirrels in Hyde Park...
Mess at the Serpentine Gallery - Hyde Park. Tomoko Takahashi’s installation throughout the gallery was an interesting look at junk being art. Personally I would have found it more interesting if the artist was still living in the gallery and walking about with a cup of coffee and in fluffy slippers but that wasn't the artistic experience we were going to get...
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Music: Rufus
Rufus Wainwright's latest album was released officially this week and he was in town signing copies of it last Monday. Tonight there is a doco on him on Channel 4 as well. He is very popular here and given his talent for songwriting:
An old whore's diet
Gets me going in the morning
Ain't nothing like it
Gets me going in the morning
It is not surprising...
Rufus Wainwright's latest album was released officially this week and he was in town signing copies of it last Monday. Tonight there is a doco on him on Channel 4 as well. He is very popular here and given his talent for songwriting:
An old whore's diet
Gets me going in the morning
Ain't nothing like it
Gets me going in the morning
It is not surprising...
News: The day that almost never was
Yesterday while it was Friday for most, it was still Thursday at Westminster in what was the third longest day in parliamentary history. As they didn't break the 30 hour session, that means that Thursday never finished and the legislation passes on Thursday (even though it was late Friday by the time it did). This means all sorts of things including the fact that Peers will not get paid for Friday (or get anything for their huge overtime on Thursday)
Quirky parliamentary traditions aside, the fuss was all about the anti-terror legislation and so the parliamentary ping-pong all makes sense with the election looming. All parties need to say enough to get noticed at this point, but the matter of being detained without trial is probably also something many are concerned about.
And the secret the MPs and Peers used to stay up all night? Champagne, beer and pizza.
Yesterday while it was Friday for most, it was still Thursday at Westminster in what was the third longest day in parliamentary history. As they didn't break the 30 hour session, that means that Thursday never finished and the legislation passes on Thursday (even though it was late Friday by the time it did). This means all sorts of things including the fact that Peers will not get paid for Friday (or get anything for their huge overtime on Thursday)
Quirky parliamentary traditions aside, the fuss was all about the anti-terror legislation and so the parliamentary ping-pong all makes sense with the election looming. All parties need to say enough to get noticed at this point, but the matter of being detained without trial is probably also something many are concerned about.
And the secret the MPs and Peers used to stay up all night? Champagne, beer and pizza.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
News: Free travel and technology
This morning the entire electronic ticketing system on the tube was down due to a glitch which by some gross exaggerations will cost£2 million as commuters travel free... That sounds expensive... It would only be a free trip if you had pre-pay which (when it works) deducts money every time you pass through a gate... Travelcard users pay a flat fee for a weekly ticket.
And technology is failing me more locally. Have discovered that my wifi setup is not correct (as it has rendered my flatmate's computer unable to connect to the internet) so will be offline until the weekend when I get the new bits to fix it... I think I will manage...
Weather: warmmmmmm
It is a lovely mild seven degrees (c) today. It feels so hot after the last couple of weeks. It also feels hot as the central heating in most buildings still is on "bake" after the last week of snow. I have some potatoes on my desk going a golden brown as I write...
This morning the entire electronic ticketing system on the tube was down due to a glitch which by some gross exaggerations will cost£2 million as commuters travel free... That sounds expensive... It would only be a free trip if you had pre-pay which (when it works) deducts money every time you pass through a gate... Travelcard users pay a flat fee for a weekly ticket.
And technology is failing me more locally. Have discovered that my wifi setup is not correct (as it has rendered my flatmate's computer unable to connect to the internet) so will be offline until the weekend when I get the new bits to fix it... I think I will manage...
Weather: warmmmmmm
It is a lovely mild seven degrees (c) today. It feels so hot after the last couple of weeks. It also feels hot as the central heating in most buildings still is on "bake" after the last week of snow. I have some potatoes on my desk going a golden brown as I write...
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
News: The newsreader
Matt Barbet is back reading the London News on evenings. His beady eyes and marvelous speaking voice are just the antidote for the end of the day...
Matt Barbet is back reading the London News on evenings. His beady eyes and marvelous speaking voice are just the antidote for the end of the day...
Monday, March 07, 2005
Theatre: A Life in the Theatre
Caught up tonight with the latest play starring Patrick Stewart and Joshua Jackson A Life in the Theatre by David Mamet.
Told as a series of glimpses through a season of repertory theatre, it was a good chance to see Patrick and Joshua in various stages of undress changing in and out of characters and costumes. Some of the audience members found both Patrick and Joshua in pants to be worth making a noise about. Even wearing glasses I didn't see what the fuss was about.
The interaction between the characters change as the season progresses. Initially Stewart sees himself as a mentor to the younger Jackson, but over time, rivalry and jealousy set in.
While it is a comedy, it also depicted the life of the theatre as some nighmarish hell is enough to make you feel happy with my day job.
Stewart also says "She's a cunt" which has to be worth the price of admission as well. An interesting (if not very substantial) evening's diversion for 90 minutes...
Caught up tonight with the latest play starring Patrick Stewart and Joshua Jackson A Life in the Theatre by David Mamet.
Told as a series of glimpses through a season of repertory theatre, it was a good chance to see Patrick and Joshua in various stages of undress changing in and out of characters and costumes. Some of the audience members found both Patrick and Joshua in pants to be worth making a noise about. Even wearing glasses I didn't see what the fuss was about.
The interaction between the characters change as the season progresses. Initially Stewart sees himself as a mentor to the younger Jackson, but over time, rivalry and jealousy set in.
While it is a comedy, it also depicted the life of the theatre as some nighmarish hell is enough to make you feel happy with my day job.
Stewart also says "She's a cunt" which has to be worth the price of admission as well. An interesting (if not very substantial) evening's diversion for 90 minutes...
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Where has the time all gone to: The weekend
I am back online today after buying a router (that is pronounced, row-ter, which I only mention as I was in a meeting the other day where non-techy people debated the correct pronunciation of this device) and hooking up wifi in the flat. It was a four-hour odyssey to do this as I managed to get my MAC addresses confused. I have no claims to being a techy and am far too impatient to read instructions that are poorly written and can be bypassed in any event, but the outcome is now that I can blog regularly from home once more...
I can do this as out of the settlement for being in a relationship - I got the laptop. As it was one of those "desktop replacement" models that were oh-so fashionable January 2004 (before people came to their senses in March) it is a big ugly motherfucker of a laptop and I don't particularly like it, but as I curse it, I can think that it is storing nearly two years of photos and cheap laughs, so that has to count for something.
Purchase of router followed longish session at the gym which will probably mean that for the next few days I will be in pain. While I was there I caught up with Adam who is also an Australian and a lot fitter than I. We grabbed a bite to eat afterwards in Soho after failing a few times to just get a coffee somewhere (but making an entrance three times probably counts for something I suppose, even if it was just to turn heads and then scamper off)...
Theatre: On the Town
Caught up on opening night of the English National Opera's production of On the Town Saturday night. Yet again, the best thing I have seen.
* Caroline O'Connor was in it playing Hildy "Come up to my place"
* Three American actors were playing the young sailors and even from the Balcony they looked very "exuberant" - better than that phony model they have used on their artwork...
* Full ENO Orchestra played the shit out of Bernstein's score... The horns blaring the opening notes from "New York, New York (It's a hell of a town)" was worth going to hear alone.
The show is much better than the film, which took away most of the music and story because MGM thought it was too sophistimicated for the film going public. They were probably right. Three sailors meet three girls and since they are going off to a war (which they may never return from) they want sex, and the girls want to give it to them. Three exuberant hours of entertainment ensue. The cast as an ensemble were fantastic and it is hard to single out anyone, although Caroline O'Connor singing "I can cook too" got plenty of laughs:
I'm a man's ideal of a perfect meal
Right down to the demi-tasse.
I'm a pot of joy for a hungry boy,
Baby, I'm cookin' with gas.
Oh, I'm a gumdrop,
A sweet lollipop,
A brook trout right out of the brook,
And what's more, baby, I can cook!
Very little of the book and songs were changed and it is amazing how well they have held up after 61 years. The neuroses of big city life still seem to be all there... Although there is no total war looming over people's lives...
The production did have its faults last night, the sets didn't quite work all the time, the props failed and there was this darn blue strobing light on the stage that wouldn't stop flashing in the final 20 minutes, but none of that could detract from what is an amazing three hours of music, ballet and theatre so perfectly integrated into telling one story.
After show drinks
It seemed quite sensible after the show to head to one of the gay bars just around the corner. A few from the audience were doing just that. There is nothing much to report although my attention was diverted to a person across the bar who above the sea of heads was trying to get my attention. Hmmm he looked tall I thought, so I motioned back. A motion isn't really an acknowledgement, it is more like an ambivalent shrug that you could pass off as grooving to the music if they come up to you and start drooling, or have bad breath etc.
But regardless of the gesture, he took it as a signal to come over to me. So he jumped down from the very tall step he was standing on to make his way over. In doing so he revealed he was quite short. Very short actually.
Not really in the mood to have a conversation of giant-talks-to-midget I finished my Becks and cleared the hell out of there...
I am back online today after buying a router (that is pronounced, row-ter, which I only mention as I was in a meeting the other day where non-techy people debated the correct pronunciation of this device) and hooking up wifi in the flat. It was a four-hour odyssey to do this as I managed to get my MAC addresses confused. I have no claims to being a techy and am far too impatient to read instructions that are poorly written and can be bypassed in any event, but the outcome is now that I can blog regularly from home once more...
I can do this as out of the settlement for being in a relationship - I got the laptop. As it was one of those "desktop replacement" models that were oh-so fashionable January 2004 (before people came to their senses in March) it is a big ugly motherfucker of a laptop and I don't particularly like it, but as I curse it, I can think that it is storing nearly two years of photos and cheap laughs, so that has to count for something.
Purchase of router followed longish session at the gym which will probably mean that for the next few days I will be in pain. While I was there I caught up with Adam who is also an Australian and a lot fitter than I. We grabbed a bite to eat afterwards in Soho after failing a few times to just get a coffee somewhere (but making an entrance three times probably counts for something I suppose, even if it was just to turn heads and then scamper off)...
Theatre: On the Town
Caught up on opening night of the English National Opera's production of On the Town Saturday night. Yet again, the best thing I have seen.
* Caroline O'Connor was in it playing Hildy "Come up to my place"
* Three American actors were playing the young sailors and even from the Balcony they looked very "exuberant" - better than that phony model they have used on their artwork...
* Full ENO Orchestra played the shit out of Bernstein's score... The horns blaring the opening notes from "New York, New York (It's a hell of a town)" was worth going to hear alone.
The show is much better than the film, which took away most of the music and story because MGM thought it was too sophistimicated for the film going public. They were probably right. Three sailors meet three girls and since they are going off to a war (which they may never return from) they want sex, and the girls want to give it to them. Three exuberant hours of entertainment ensue. The cast as an ensemble were fantastic and it is hard to single out anyone, although Caroline O'Connor singing "I can cook too" got plenty of laughs:
I'm a man's ideal of a perfect meal
Right down to the demi-tasse.
I'm a pot of joy for a hungry boy,
Baby, I'm cookin' with gas.
Oh, I'm a gumdrop,
A sweet lollipop,
A brook trout right out of the brook,
And what's more, baby, I can cook!
Very little of the book and songs were changed and it is amazing how well they have held up after 61 years. The neuroses of big city life still seem to be all there... Although there is no total war looming over people's lives...
The production did have its faults last night, the sets didn't quite work all the time, the props failed and there was this darn blue strobing light on the stage that wouldn't stop flashing in the final 20 minutes, but none of that could detract from what is an amazing three hours of music, ballet and theatre so perfectly integrated into telling one story.
After show drinks
It seemed quite sensible after the show to head to one of the gay bars just around the corner. A few from the audience were doing just that. There is nothing much to report although my attention was diverted to a person across the bar who above the sea of heads was trying to get my attention. Hmmm he looked tall I thought, so I motioned back. A motion isn't really an acknowledgement, it is more like an ambivalent shrug that you could pass off as grooving to the music if they come up to you and start drooling, or have bad breath etc.
But regardless of the gesture, he took it as a signal to come over to me. So he jumped down from the very tall step he was standing on to make his way over. In doing so he revealed he was quite short. Very short actually.
Not really in the mood to have a conversation of giant-talks-to-midget I finished my Becks and cleared the hell out of there...
Friday, March 04, 2005
Weather: Snow and Ice
It snowed in central London this morning so I decided with this new cold that I managed to pick up in the last day or so I wouldn't rush to work. I got in at 10.30... A sensible start to Friday I say!
Work hard and give advice
In between the usual madness at work I have been advising a colleague at work on relationships which I think has been good therapy for the both of us. Here is a sample from yesterday:
-----She wrote-----
Sent: 03 March 2005 15:04
To: Paul
Subject:
I know what he wants. Good times, lovely ladies, but deep
down someone special.
-----So I wrote-----
Sent: 03 March 2005 15:23
Subject:
Deep down we all want someone special, but the question to ask is how low do
you have to go to get there???
It snowed in central London this morning so I decided with this new cold that I managed to pick up in the last day or so I wouldn't rush to work. I got in at 10.30... A sensible start to Friday I say!
Work hard and give advice
In between the usual madness at work I have been advising a colleague at work on relationships which I think has been good therapy for the both of us. Here is a sample from yesterday:
-----She wrote-----
Sent: 03 March 2005 15:04
To: Paul
Subject:
I know what he wants. Good times, lovely ladies, but deep
down someone special.
-----So I wrote-----
Sent: 03 March 2005 15:23
Subject:
Deep down we all want someone special, but the question to ask is how low do
you have to go to get there???
Thursday, March 03, 2005
News: Cold malaise
The temperature drops and everyone here seems to get the flu or some exotic stomach bug that makes you throw up and feel miserable. Have managed to avoid all that this week (touch wood). I still keep getting asked by people why am I here and I tell them it is the weather.
Today a combination of weather and essential works caused Icy Chaos For Commuters, but you have to put it into perspective.
Just the other day a woman from Sydney was in the office talking about how dreadful the transport can be here, and I was thinking well compared to Sydney, getting around in London is a dream... Of course, my 20 minute commute into work now is a bit of a luxury that most people don't have, and it was only lengthened by a few minutes this morning with the delays (and sidestepping around the black ice)...
The temperature drops and everyone here seems to get the flu or some exotic stomach bug that makes you throw up and feel miserable. Have managed to avoid all that this week (touch wood). I still keep getting asked by people why am I here and I tell them it is the weather.
Today a combination of weather and essential works caused Icy Chaos For Commuters, but you have to put it into perspective.
Just the other day a woman from Sydney was in the office talking about how dreadful the transport can be here, and I was thinking well compared to Sydney, getting around in London is a dream... Of course, my 20 minute commute into work now is a bit of a luxury that most people don't have, and it was only lengthened by a few minutes this morning with the delays (and sidestepping around the black ice)...
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
News: Luv'ly fush and chups
Jamie Oliver has been getting kudos for his new programme on Channel 4 where he has introduced something novel into a Greenwich School canteen - fresh food.
The programme is on Wednesday night's just before Desperate Housewives, so I don't get in early enough to see it, but his drive to serve fresh healthy food has now got MPs backing him
It turns out school meals at present are cheaper than prison dinners... perhaps the school caterers should swap with the prison caterers for a while...
Weather: Cold
It has been snowing on and off all week. More off than on however the Met office gives such colourful descriptions of severe weather... Strengthening northeasterly winds will also bring problems with blowing snow across hills... Oh the humanity!
Jamie Oliver has been getting kudos for his new programme on Channel 4 where he has introduced something novel into a Greenwich School canteen - fresh food.
The programme is on Wednesday night's just before Desperate Housewives, so I don't get in early enough to see it, but his drive to serve fresh healthy food has now got MPs backing him
It turns out school meals at present are cheaper than prison dinners... perhaps the school caterers should swap with the prison caterers for a while...
Weather: Cold
It has been snowing on and off all week. More off than on however the Met office gives such colourful descriptions of severe weather... Strengthening northeasterly winds will also bring problems with blowing snow across hills... Oh the humanity!
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
News: Secret Squirrel guide to London and other moving stories
A Spy's guide to surviving London life has surfaced. It includes tricks to lose a tail by dashing into Liberty department store on Regent Street. It is a rabbit warren of designer clothing and various grades of handmade paper (amongst other fine merchandise).
Marble Arch may be moved. It currently straddles the "roundabout" at Park Lane and is only accessible via a series of smelly underground subways. Not really the most accessible or interesting monument in London anyway
Other Moving
Handed in the keys to the flat in West Hampstead. The real estate agent commented that she wished all her tenants were as good as we were in keeping the place tidy. Hey I'm tall, thin and neat... It goes with the territory...
A Spy's guide to surviving London life has surfaced. It includes tricks to lose a tail by dashing into Liberty department store on Regent Street. It is a rabbit warren of designer clothing and various grades of handmade paper (amongst other fine merchandise).
Marble Arch may be moved. It currently straddles the "roundabout" at Park Lane and is only accessible via a series of smelly underground subways. Not really the most accessible or interesting monument in London anyway
Other Moving
Handed in the keys to the flat in West Hampstead. The real estate agent commented that she wished all her tenants were as good as we were in keeping the place tidy. Hey I'm tall, thin and neat... It goes with the territory...
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Housekeeping and the Weekend
No computer set up at home yet, so have done this update from an internet cafe on the Strand. Oh well, it's nice to get out on a Sunday evening... Even if nobody else does!
I will look back at this weekend and think of the fabulous things that could have been done such as:
* Russian Orchestra at the Barbican
* Walk through the Heath in the light snow
* Take coffee throughout Bloomsbury
* Major blockbuster Turner, Whistler and Monet at the Tate
But no, instead I cleaned the old flat at West Hampstead and after downsizing (ie throwing lots of things out or giving them to Charity) I moved everything else into my new place in Bloomsbury. It was exhausting. You don't want to be carrying an ironing board, two boxes of books and clothes and a wheelie suitcase everyday on the Thameslink. It didn't help that this weekend the Jubilee Line was out for engineering works either. There is no dignity when moving on the cheap. By the time I got to Kings Cross I decided to catch a cab for the rest of the journey home.
We will find out tomorrow during the flat inspection whether we get our (or rather mostly my) bond back, minus the next two weeks...
The rubbish real estate agents hinted that we could get out by 1 March and they would move somebody in from that date but it turns out that they will stick to our six week agreement as they are having trouble moving new people in... Maybe that is because:
* The place was built using dodgy offcuts of wood
* The roof in the kitchen wasn't fitted correctly so now it leaks and is home to several types of mould
* The living area doesn't get much natural light and has curiously unusual corners and dips in the floor
* The neighbor sounds like she is a hooker who gets bitch-slapped every other night
* Homeless men shit outside your place (but I covered that in October)
* Winter is a bit of a slow time anyway
Well hey... Its only money...
News: Oscar Oscar Zzz
Will probably fall asleep tonight watching the Oscars, which has to be better than Temazapan. They are broadcast on the BBC which is a bit unfortunate as they have to find something to fill the regular 3 minute commercial breaks. If last year was any measure of a guide they had Jonathan Ross and other film aficionados smugly commenting on the proceedings while drinking champers. It was excrutiating. So much ado about over paid surgery enhanced actors. Good to read that Awards fatigue is setting in...
New place, New stuff
On the plus side, after getting another one of those fabulous coffees near me, I spent early this afternoon getting some new stuff for my room to make it just so. It now is just so right...
New places: Planet Organic
I now live just around the corner from a Planet Organic so yesterday I thought I would give it a try as it is always busy when I walk by it.
The coffee wasn't so great for something organic and the cafe seemed to be frequented mostly by middle aged women and youngish-scruffy-pasty-white men with bad sinuses. The fact that I could fit into that latter cohort was not lost on me. Was the organic life me, or was I just having a bad hair day and not giving a shit about what I was wearing??
Anyway rather than dwell on this too much, I drank organic coffee, ate my organic muffin and after purchasing an organic cucumber for twice the Gross National Product of New Zealand, I left.
No computer set up at home yet, so have done this update from an internet cafe on the Strand. Oh well, it's nice to get out on a Sunday evening... Even if nobody else does!
I will look back at this weekend and think of the fabulous things that could have been done such as:
* Russian Orchestra at the Barbican
* Walk through the Heath in the light snow
* Take coffee throughout Bloomsbury
* Major blockbuster Turner, Whistler and Monet at the Tate
But no, instead I cleaned the old flat at West Hampstead and after downsizing (ie throwing lots of things out or giving them to Charity) I moved everything else into my new place in Bloomsbury. It was exhausting. You don't want to be carrying an ironing board, two boxes of books and clothes and a wheelie suitcase everyday on the Thameslink. It didn't help that this weekend the Jubilee Line was out for engineering works either. There is no dignity when moving on the cheap. By the time I got to Kings Cross I decided to catch a cab for the rest of the journey home.
We will find out tomorrow during the flat inspection whether we get our (or rather mostly my) bond back, minus the next two weeks...
The rubbish real estate agents hinted that we could get out by 1 March and they would move somebody in from that date but it turns out that they will stick to our six week agreement as they are having trouble moving new people in... Maybe that is because:
* The place was built using dodgy offcuts of wood
* The roof in the kitchen wasn't fitted correctly so now it leaks and is home to several types of mould
* The living area doesn't get much natural light and has curiously unusual corners and dips in the floor
* The neighbor sounds like she is a hooker who gets bitch-slapped every other night
* Homeless men shit outside your place (but I covered that in October)
* Winter is a bit of a slow time anyway
Well hey... Its only money...
News: Oscar Oscar Zzz
Will probably fall asleep tonight watching the Oscars, which has to be better than Temazapan. They are broadcast on the BBC which is a bit unfortunate as they have to find something to fill the regular 3 minute commercial breaks. If last year was any measure of a guide they had Jonathan Ross and other film aficionados smugly commenting on the proceedings while drinking champers. It was excrutiating. So much ado about over paid surgery enhanced actors. Good to read that Awards fatigue is setting in...
New place, New stuff
On the plus side, after getting another one of those fabulous coffees near me, I spent early this afternoon getting some new stuff for my room to make it just so. It now is just so right...
New places: Planet Organic
I now live just around the corner from a Planet Organic so yesterday I thought I would give it a try as it is always busy when I walk by it.
The coffee wasn't so great for something organic and the cafe seemed to be frequented mostly by middle aged women and youngish-scruffy-pasty-white men with bad sinuses. The fact that I could fit into that latter cohort was not lost on me. Was the organic life me, or was I just having a bad hair day and not giving a shit about what I was wearing??
Anyway rather than dwell on this too much, I drank organic coffee, ate my organic muffin and after purchasing an organic cucumber for twice the Gross National Product of New Zealand, I left.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Location Location
To think I was considering moving to the East End - Mile End to be particular and just yesterday a bit of meat cleaver incident happened at Mile End tube station.
WC1 seems so much more sensible. Especially since I have found that there is an Italian cafe nearby that sells the best coffee I have tasted in London for just £1... I am easily pleased...
Dialects
Was talking about accents to a manager here who is Melbournian and returning to Oz shortly... She was scoffing that neither of us have strong accents and I went... "Naaaooooooooh we doooaaaant".
She is so Melbourne with her dark clothes and dark makeup... Actually some people referred to her as the "Ice Queen" so I would just tell them that's what all Melbournians are like... They wear dark clothing and sit in inexpensive restaurants offering quality food while espousing liberalism while downing a double expresso...
I tell them as well that you can't do that in Brisbane because it is too hot and that makes the coffee taste bitter... In Brisbane you have to have a surfie hairdo and a bit of facial growth under your lip. Then I add, "Well, that's what it was like back in 2003!"
To think I was considering moving to the East End - Mile End to be particular and just yesterday a bit of meat cleaver incident happened at Mile End tube station.
WC1 seems so much more sensible. Especially since I have found that there is an Italian cafe nearby that sells the best coffee I have tasted in London for just £1... I am easily pleased...
Dialects
Was talking about accents to a manager here who is Melbournian and returning to Oz shortly... She was scoffing that neither of us have strong accents and I went... "Naaaooooooooh we doooaaaant".
She is so Melbourne with her dark clothes and dark makeup... Actually some people referred to her as the "Ice Queen" so I would just tell them that's what all Melbournians are like... They wear dark clothing and sit in inexpensive restaurants offering quality food while espousing liberalism while downing a double expresso...
I tell them as well that you can't do that in Brisbane because it is too hot and that makes the coffee taste bitter... In Brisbane you have to have a surfie hairdo and a bit of facial growth under your lip. Then I add, "Well, that's what it was like back in 2003!"
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
The view from the city
In some ways the view on the cover of Ian McEwan's novel Saturday is the view I see of the BT Tower. Although it is definitely from another angle since there are none of these homes within visable distance!
In some ways the view on the cover of Ian McEwan's novel Saturday is the view I see of the BT Tower. Although it is definitely from another angle since there are none of these homes within visable distance!
News: No snow without ice
As no let-up is predicted in Britain's big freeze (and it is snowing outside as I write this), I can confirm that it is cold and London has finally had winter. Its cold but bearable. During a bit of snow last night, I went out last night to get some water and odds and ends at the local M&S and found myself being accosted by Scientologists on Tottenham Court Road.
Alas I forgot that I now live just around the corner from the cult and I had to pass it to get to the store. It isn't their centre for celebrities which is Mayfair, this is just their shopfront for plebs so there was no chance of spotting Tom or John or Kirstie or whoever.
The pleb-shop's ploy last night was to get perky happy looking people to stop you on the sidewalk outside their lair and offer free personality tests and a break from the snow. But I knew once entering there would be no exiting. So I kept walking. Will this be a regular ordeal to have to pass by... or will I start crossing the street before reaching their premises???
As no let-up is predicted in Britain's big freeze (and it is snowing outside as I write this), I can confirm that it is cold and London has finally had winter. Its cold but bearable. During a bit of snow last night, I went out last night to get some water and odds and ends at the local M&S and found myself being accosted by Scientologists on Tottenham Court Road.
Alas I forgot that I now live just around the corner from the cult and I had to pass it to get to the store. It isn't their centre for celebrities which is Mayfair, this is just their shopfront for plebs so there was no chance of spotting Tom or John or Kirstie or whoever.
The pleb-shop's ploy last night was to get perky happy looking people to stop you on the sidewalk outside their lair and offer free personality tests and a break from the snow. But I knew once entering there would be no exiting. So I kept walking. Will this be a regular ordeal to have to pass by... or will I start crossing the street before reaching their premises???
Monday, February 21, 2005
News: Ok just this once
Youngster Pete Doherty, who rose to new heights of fame in the past few weeks having photos of him drugged out (and possibly drooling) on the front page of most of the tabloid press following a hotel fight will be allowed out late for a gig in Brixton. His previous bail conditions required him to be home between 10pm and 7am.
The bad druggie boy image however has just given him more street cred amongst the twenty-something punters...
Weather: Brrr
It has wavered between sleet and snow today. Snow after lunch and then sleet into the early evening... There is a chance of "significant snow" overnight but anything is possible in a city that has its own weather... It is a great time to be out there moving the last bits and pieces into the new place... Or not...
Youngster Pete Doherty, who rose to new heights of fame in the past few weeks having photos of him drugged out (and possibly drooling) on the front page of most of the tabloid press following a hotel fight will be allowed out late for a gig in Brixton. His previous bail conditions required him to be home between 10pm and 7am.
The bad druggie boy image however has just given him more street cred amongst the twenty-something punters...
Weather: Brrr
It has wavered between sleet and snow today. Snow after lunch and then sleet into the early evening... There is a chance of "significant snow" overnight but anything is possible in a city that has its own weather... It is a great time to be out there moving the last bits and pieces into the new place... Or not...
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