Pictures of the Passing World

Kill a tree for jesus

2011-12-25T20:23:00.000Z

Merry Xmas!

A blog of randomness

2011-07-11T21:26:00.003Z

Sometimes one collects photos they have taken, and never lets them out.
out you fly!!

also this is the weirdest connection between great song- amazingly unconnected video of the performer and what the lyrics mean in Italian. such a combo.

2011-07-06T22:44:00.004Z

Still for me the best album of the year- Fold outs!!

It might have to be time to think about sofobomo. I quite like the thought of "found things" but I never find cool things like maps of worlds that don't exist just lying on the road. I found a tenner the other day, but I whohooed loudly, and the guy with his daughter in the bike looked up, so I felt I just had to ask him if he had lost it. Turns out he had.
shoulda sofobomoed his ass.

What makes the best photo book do you think? Photos have to be imaginative, evocative, capture a blink of time that tells a whole story or look cool.

This guys blog is called found objects. and he has ghost signs. Now I like those... but do they make good photos? kind of in a geek way but...

see this is a good photo

where do you get them from then?

I might call it "all people are interesting" and then still take portraits of randoms in places in London that I love. Have one photo or a portrait and one of the person in that place.
I could even start it tomorrow.

which is perhaps the most procrastinistic thing I have ever written.

i LOVE light

2011-06-09T20:49:00.001Z

i grunt in approval sir

i love learning

2011-06-09T20:32:00.002Z

So my friends brought me an amazing present for my birthday.

Stack is some sort of hub that ventures through the printed media of the world, and once a month picks out something they find and sends it to my house.

I mean really- cool mail I do not need to steal. with my name on the front! saying- hey I am not a bill, or a pizza menu- I am something that will make you more interesting if you read me.

So so far the best thing they have sent me is Delayed Gratification that not only chronicles the news of the last quarter in bite size pieces that help you remember all those sundays spent over the observer- but it also gives you the information in an illustrated -what do they call it- infograms... which just make learning easier...

Country/ City

2011-06-05T12:25:00.002Z

Tongue Scotland- London England

New Lens!

2011-04-02T20:27:00.003Z

50mm Nikkor- cheap as and much much better than the kit lens. Something about investing in the camera that makes you go out and take more photos!

pix

2011-03-14T21:08:00.001Z

Album of the Year!

2011-02-28T11:12:00.003Z

Hi gang. Phew, I was wondering whether I was going to find the best record of the year, but here it is.
Iron & Wine Kiss each other clean

This record is perfect Sunday afternoon music, fave songs include the attached, as well as walking far from home and Rabbit will Run. A very thoughtful lyric mixed with unvonventional and interesting phrasing keeps the songs rattling around your head all day. musical brunch.

4.5 stars.

best Sunday song ever- today

2011-01-30T20:39:00.000Z

mixed tapes

2011-01-27T12:03:00.002Z

I remember (here we go, I feel already your eyes glazing over reaching for the skip button) the days when cassettes ruled, aa batteries mattered and a good way to spend an afternoon was to hunch over the radio and tape songs. Mixed tapes took a good deal of time, and where are they now?

Well, online of course indulgent? Perhaps, but lets give the guy some credit. Come on feel the noise after Eat it? classic eighties.

However if you want to get some mixed tape CD's - Join this facebook group- if the link works, (if not generic search engine is yr friend)
Love is A Mixed Tape I do it, you do not often get what you put in, but I love it.

New music Day

2011-01-27T09:54:00.003Z

Just spending the day finding some new music, and adding here in case you were wondering how 2011 is working out

Spot The Tox Competition

2011-01-10T21:40:00.003Z

ok, first to spot the first Tox11 gets a prize.

Back to the Future

2011-01-10T10:33:00.002Z

Is it me, or is this just ridiculously familiar. The family genes run strong. I thought I would put this in so I dont have to search the net every time I want to bore-amaze people with this photo.

Shard Watch

2011-01-04T21:40:00.005Z

New Year, New Mirrors.

That's enough from you. You don't write, you don't call, you think a face book status update is enough to sustain this sort of relationship? well its not bucko.

Here we are then, and I will let you into a secret, I am to write in here once a week. There I have put it down in this internet thing here- (interesting things machine) and I am bound to it. If I don't do it then I look like the sort of person who makes resolutions and then disregards them! I will be like a leper. Or a wolf. Yes a lone wolf.

I am making this easy on myself by dedicating this entry to shard watch. Now if you were lucky enough to sit next to me at work, you would know that I am deeply impressed at the changing of the London skyline by the shard. Now London is always changing- cranes and scaffolding cover most of the west end at any given time, but something so startling as this mammoth building does not happen everyday. Now I am not going to bore you with the nuts and bolts about it. But I am going to show you the three pictures I have taken it this last weekend.

There you have it. I will keep you updated with Shard Watch when blog inspiration runs thin.

Holiday in Cornwall

2010-06-20T11:36:00.008Z

Choosing to use up your allocated holiday time to holiday in the UK in June is fraught with issues. Mainly- unpredictable weather.
We dithered too long deliberating about the ash cloud and the potential to be spending too much time in an airport, awaiting air space to open up that by the time we were looking at flights or the eurostar prices were soaring. So we thought we would go through with a plan that we had always wanted to do, which is camp-hike around the Cornish Coast.

I am very pleased we did, because in the most part, the weather was perfect, the people friendly, the camping splendid and the landscape fantastic.

We caught the train to Penzance, laden down with out packs with 2 hours to spare until the next bus we caught a beer and L. had her very first "Rattler" a Cornish Cider with a kick of around 7%.

We stayed in Sennen Cove camp ground, which was a 3 minute walk to the beach.
We began the walk the very next morning, as the morning mist began to lift. The sky was grey and rain was promised so we were not expecting much. During the short spring many rare flowers bloom, and the start of our walk took longer than it needed to be as we took shot after shot of small flowers.
Although we werent to know it, this was to be our longest walk, heading around Lands end to Treen.

And once we were in Treen we didnt want to leave! Firstly because of the campsite, it was ace, if we set up tent away from the shelter of the hedges we would wake up and see the Ocean! The End Of Land!
Next day the rain hit the tent so hard the tent door was laid concave by the force of it.
We stayed within its walls and the pubs.

Margate

2010-04-29T21:11:00.002Z

Never ask Londoners about Margate. Man they do not like it. not one bit.
However, this strange corner of England is peaceful and optimistic. They told us the waterfront were offering a years free rent for new businesses. Take from that what you will but there were very good businesses around.
And the best fish and chips I have tasted here. Dont get me started on the Shell Grotto.

What is this?

2010-04-28T20:27:00.006Z

Fuck, havent posted since Feb? Whats that about. How many things have I done that I have missed out?
well i never remember stuff really. I am a man of the moment. A man of a moment. Have you read Imagica? The main characters "Gentle" and "Judith" are cursed to walk through life never remembering more than ten years. They are gorgeous magnetic folk, who do not need to do much to have people rushing around them, helping them out. But Gentle reminds me a little of me sometimes, as it takes a reminder usually before I recall. She turns out to be a fake btw, half fish. You know the type.

Lets see if I can remind my self of something to tell you about.
By Photo.
Well I still live in London. London loves to slip between seasons, but when it gets them, it wears them well. Winter just kept up, bringing with it snow, wind, early nights which always bring accessable sunsets.

Throughout 2010 I have been to many wine tastings. These are some great wines.

2010 sounds old already. 2014 sounds like its never going to come. A time of the future that is lost to me. If I die before then, mark these words.
L& I went camping. We want to go camping in portugal in a couple of months.
We went to the new forest, its about an hour or so from London, however trains are fucken expensive. Get your self a rail card and it saves you and three others 30% off each tx. thats good. This place in Brokenhurst has horses everywhere. its weird. but fun. we woke up to see loads of horses around us. Dont feed them all the signs say. But the little bastards can't read and try to intimidate you.

My favorite London Wineshops

2010-02-21T18:53:00.004Z

Lets see how far this post goes haha.

SO I thought that I might post all my favorite Wine shops. I dont know how many favorites I actually do have, so that may take some research :)

This one if ace! Situated in this crazy haven of the middleclasses, The Winery sits happily next to a deli, fancy furniture store and baby boutique, opposite an organic butcher so you can get all your middleclass wares, cheese wine baby gifts and steak (£33 pounds a kilo for Sirloin- 8.95 per kg for a shoulder of lamb). But do not judge it by its street! The staff take time and care on their recomendations, will give history lessons (it use to be a chemist) and go to many of the winerys themselves to choose which vintages to take.

Band club

2010-02-13T14:49:00.005Z

Went to see shrag last night, these guys supported, they were nice. Guitar layers with keyboards, a sort of post rock J/D-ish bass and a singer not entirely unlike Julie Cruise and Portisheads love child.

But the main drawcard is Shrag. These guys are just fun. You would like to hang out with them, i am loathe to type the word sassy, but these guys (last bastions of the "dont call me twee" kids) are tie your springs to your shoes fun.

well initial upload does not seem successful. will work on this any way.

Bo Ningen

2010-02-13T13:44:00.002Z

We were the first to arrive to the Bo Ningen gig at the corsica studios, Elephant and Castle. London is cold this time of year, so to starve off the freeze we mimed the sort of djs we would be.

The gig was full of the youth, apparently this is where they go out. The bill is quite eclectic between hip hop and japanese doom folk so I don't know who they are here to see. It never becomes clear because every possible cranny and nook is full of people.

I squeeze myself to the dance floor and take this footage. its awesome so turn it up and watch it all!

Two Thousand and Ten starts with double duvets!

2010-01-10T20:16:00.005Z

Here we are then. Arthur C Clarke time!

Oh and its cold. Boiler seems to be playing up so we have to grab the spare duvet for the bed! grim.

Below I present you with the first photo of the year.

you all know the story right? well, I felt ashamed of myself as I excitedly went to spot the new "release" of Banksy- I don't realy like him myself, I mean some of them are awesome, but - the whole "save our banksy shit pisses me off. its just graffiti and the very act of it means that you should deface it. which this one is a prime example.
Any way, its down the road from my house so why not right?

right.

2010.
the year starts with clubs coming back. and all clubs start with this blog.

Went to the Heath today with Z. The coldest Winter in 30 years makes it look fantastic.

chutney oclock

2009-11-08T16:11:00.004Z

L.'s Chutney recipe

1kg tomatoes, roughly chopped
200g shallots, roughly chopped
1 big English cooking apple, peeled, cored and chopped
100g Sultanas
spices (salt pepper all spice) 1/2 t each
2 red chillies, deseeded & chopped
2.5cm bit of ginger
125g dark brown sugar
100g light brown sugar
300ml white wine vinegar

Cook the sugar and vinegar down for a while. Add the sultanas and cook for a bit longer. Then the rest of ingredients cook on the stove for about 45mins on a lowish heat, uncovered. Add more spices/seasoning to taste and pour into sterilized jars. Keep until Christmas then eat with cheese.

Steak Club

2009-10-24T11:14:00.003Z

Its a simple dream. A search for the finest plate of steak served ever. EVER!

Our first steak club met in the cobbled streets of East London, we walked through London Fields to the closed Broadway Market to Buen Ayre

I shared a plate with D. with a 12oz Sirloin and a 10oz rib eye, two sausages, black pudding and a slice of houlami. It was an excellent steak.

The restaurant was tricky to book, had to pay 10 pounds a head deposit but if you wanted to do it over the phone, you could only do that when the restaurant wasnt open for service... Over the phone they seemed a lot more regimental than in practice.

The mean of the scores were:
Rate your steak: 3.98/5
Rate the restaurant: 3.38

The first steak club team.

For a random selection of steak shots, each steak club I shall take a photo of the person to my right. Here E. enjoys a sirloin...

Lizzie on the Plinth!

2009-10-18T19:44:00.003Z

London, half one on a Wednesday morning in October. I tell you what, there's not a lot to do in Leicester Square! This is one of the only places open, and was thoroughly worth it. It should be on a things to do when in London list.

Then L went on the Plinth! How awesome is that? pretty damn cool. I was jealously taking photos around and shivering while at it! Maybe I wasnt that jealous to be up there in the cold, but what a view! Lucky L!

"history is always the first to go"

2009-10-06T21:03:00.007Z

One of the best things about London has to be the ICA.

L & I do day dream about what the best thing that our combined talents could ever come up with, and it would be direct competition to the ICA. Our bar would be better and there would be somewhere for local kids to learn how to make music/ films but this place is pretty awesome. Great films, great talks, a fiver on Mondays- bring it on!

We spent last Tuesday watching Joe Sacco, author and artist of Palestine. I am ashamed to say (but not too proud to admit) that its pretty musch all I know about the place! I know! anyway, he spoke at length about his style -no computers- ink and pen, what he has seen and hasnt seen. Its just amazing to see someone speak about his life and be soooo moved and inspired, its a shame I can not draw I thought! but then, what sort of comic would my day make? well I am sure I could write it well.... you want to hear? see- its another thing! haha, this guy just up and took himself to an area he was upset to here about to see it for himself.

I am upset to hear about the shoddy infrastructure that led to the Vector being commisioned for the UK army, but none thought about the supply of parts. apparently (bbc4) it couldnt be fully loaded or the wheels fell off, and by licence they couldnt buy spare parts from the us company that supplied it because their initial contract with the U.S. meant they get first served. Uk are dropping them after only an couple of years in service. In this day in age that is a disgrace (and i know i have to stop talking now because I believe soldiers are as good as dead when they sign up- and if they live to leave,it is a miracle! but to die in todays age of planning because of faulty vehicles, in a place that the uk has fought in for how many years???.... and I am not going over there to make a comic/ film about it. so hats off to Jo.

Tomorrow might be the most exciting day of my life, with the Pixies followed by L. on the plynth! can you belive it?! I cant...
another wine I think as I turn over Dolittle on the record player.

TV at work.

2009-10-04T19:30:00.003Z

This is the second every 21:9 telly to come into England, and one of 6 in Europe at the moment. At around 6 grand it offers cinema like viewing for the first time. Apparently 16:9 is technology borne of a mistake. That the basic crt started at 4:3 and everytime they tried to bring it back to 21:9 the tube imploded. They bought it back and back and back until it did not implode and that was 16:9!

All the above information was given to me by this silver fox holding court below.

Here we see 3D television. It's actually amazing!

mushrooms and chestnuts

2009-10-04T08:38:00.003Z

Hampstead Heath. Its pretty much London's window into the past. We all know that Lewis came here, saw a gas lit lamp in the snow, went home and wrote that wonderful scene- we know that Spacey lost his phone while innocently taking his ailing dog on it's walk. But its possible to forget the sirens and shoulders of London here- and everyone is on their best behavior.

I walked the park by myself and found some orange and green places, mushrooms and chestnuts, pathways and dead ends.
Here are some photos of them.

open house London

2009-09-23T19:12:00.012Z

For those of you who haven't been to London- the Lloyds building has a mostly aluminium alien feel to it, with its exoskeleton type lifts that ferry suits up the sides of its building and the feeling that you really can't just go in and say hello, that stands in the city of London proudly, mostly inaccessible.

Except once a year. When London opens it's doors to the public, who usually queue for streets, and these days with their canons, sonys and ngati Nikon at hand. That was this weekend just passed! hey- who am I not to grab my camera and q with the rest of them!

L. and I were constantly amazed at the history of the place, despite its ultra (80's) modern exterior. The Adam room for instance had been bought in auction and moved twice, (by the same firm- 200 years apart!). A quick note on Lloyds- they underwrite insurance companys, and pay out when they have to pay out huge sums.
They paid out for the Titanic!!

(open this photo large and you should be able to see the entry!- They still operate this loss book, which is still written - currently by this guy!- with a quill!

You have to keep reminding your self that its a place of business, a busy marketing floor with people negotiating insurance prices, and even through the tourist-murmur song you could hear the ghost chatter of a thousand voices ringing through the sound of coins piling up > bullion even!!

Historically- when a ship would sink- they would ring the bell once- (i hope this is right)- and when they found it again, they would ring it twice. Now days this bell is rung mostly as a mark of two minutes silence for a catastrophe. David here rang it for Sept 11th.

It is a lovely building, and its a fantastic time - I guess i wish that I went to more, but if you were to go to one, then it wasnt a bad one to do.

And realise youre living in the golden years

2009-09-23T18:38:00.003Z

Sitting around drinking wine and listening to music. Pretty much sums up the last 20 years of my fantastic life!

This time around, I was drinking this wine from this shop I visited. It gives free, (yes Londoners- FREE!) wine tasting evenings. The shop keeper was really enthusiastic, and though she needed a bit better help than the actress with one hand in bandage, it was a really fun night with a whole lot of new zealand and australian wine. (pinot, pinot)

And while we sat around and drank this lovely drop- (that score very well on our tasting notes); we also listened to this tasty album.

sometimes even music, is no subsitute for tears

2009-09-17T20:43:00.002Z

Went to the Lexington On Tuesday night to see our favorite Alabama son, who was in excellent humour and great voice, Mr Dan Sartain. He rocks that old guitar of his, and thrashed his way through his old songs in a rush to get to some new stuff.
Held a request session, which I think is an indication that he is a bit bored with it. Nick Cave does that stuff these days, and then when someone asks for something that havent prepared, he has prepared his one liner "sorry, cant play that... its got too many chords in it". hardy ha ha Mr Cave.

The venue is great, upstairs downstairs, though it took long enough to get through the queue, which I think subtracted from the buzz of the room. Once everyone had formed an orderly queue it was if they could not bring them selves to dance. like those people who survive a plane accident only to suffocate in their seats, waiting for someone else to make the move.
It had a dance floor, and a mezzonene floor for those of us, who perhaps have trouble seeing over others heads.

Beers from cans at 3 quid.

Pretty good night.

get back into blogging tember

2009-09-13T14:36:00.002Z

How useless have I been? Neglecting you, my three readers? Apologies for sure.

Its all going to change, I need to change my routine, but there is so much coming up! So much more for you to check out when work is slow. but as you know, its all been going on in the last few months, sad things and happy things, but now its back to blogging.
Which is always a worrying thing to say because then if I dont- its the last thing in the blog advertising my own lies!
haha

anyhow, here is Lets Wrestle!
They were good, and despite what I said that night, the album is awesome, so go get it!

There are a lot of things to look forward to, including Dan Sartain this Tuesday, the return of photoclub this Sunday, Tattoo convention the following weekend, Londons film festival and last but not least, a new blog called Steak Club, where we go around to peoples recommendations of the best steaks and eat them!

YES!

worlds first projector camera

2009-08-17T21:25:00.002Z

I think this is as big as polaroids would have been when that first came out. You know those times, you are away somewhere away from your computer with yr buddys, you are getting a bit bored of them and you dont know how to encourage them to disperse so you can get a little alone time in with your current squeeze.
Well, just whip this little bugger out and you can have a slide show anywhere! The Nikon s1000pj (catchy!) is billed as the first camera with a built in projector!
It promises pictures between 4 and 40 inches. resolution probably needs to be seen to be believed, or at least blogged- but hey, this is one camera gimmick I am all for.
Get one soon!

best live band i have seen for ages!

2009-08-09T18:33:00.002Z

Fight Like Apes!

Saw them at Latitude festival, and I loved it. L and I are going to go over to Berlin in September to see them! Hopefully R. can come to, and how about you?

looking back

2009-07-07T18:23:00.004Z

This should have been posted a long time ago. It's our representation of Ruth Ellis killing her husband outside the very pub she did it. If you remember, the bullet holes are still there. This was done on the anniversary, but I don't know why I haven't put it up yet?

John Landis is the Man- dis!

2009-07-03T09:41:00.003Z

Midnight movies? are you mad? That means a night bus home! That seems far more frightening than some giant American werewolf prowling the town... However when I was told that John Landis, director of Trading Places and Blues Brothers would be there, I had to go. I mean had to.

And it was a pretty successful event, Mr Landis shook hands posed and signed with a rather tired looking smile, then he gave a cool question and answer thing with Empires Kim Newman. He mentioned that he had sold the rights to Dimension for a remake of AMWiL, that he was pretty pissed off when he heard that the howling was being made, and that we should go and watch the new version of AMWiL because it had all been made up for blue ray, and that it looked amazing. The makeup for the wolf looked even better in HD. He then seemed to remember where he was and said that he hoped this was a good print. It wasn't. The whole thing had a yellow tinge to it, but it was the first time I had seen it on the big screen, and its even better than the first time!

Oh- and with free cocktails!

snaps

2009-06-24T10:39:00.002Z

well, so much goes on doesnt it? here are some photos from last week. Catch a glimpse of King Henry the 8th as he cruises down the Thames. See the latest protests about Hillsborough. And look at what might be the last photo i ever take in Ravenscourt Park

Please put down your hands, because I C U

2009-06-19T10:19:00.003Z

Beck has a cool idea. He has bought together music friends to come into his studio and re record one randomly chosen album in one day. Then they release a song a week on this website (follow the link)!

The first album is the classic Velvet Underground and Nico. How exciting is that! The first song is the Sunday morning, which is the first song in the album, so it could be (and should be) in chronological order. It was also the first single from the original.

I guess this album has been in my life for 20 years, and you know how it is with these sorts of albums that you start off loving the hits, "waiting for the man", "heroin" etc, but then maybe you thrash those songs too much, and its the other ones- the slow releasers that stand out in the end. So not taking anything away from any of the others, if i was to choose my favorite from this album it would be ... "I'll be your mirror"

Down the Buffalo Bar.

2009-06-18T19:02:00.005Z

Lovely eggs rocked the buffalo bar last week, superb. and so very friendly! Great merchandise sprung out of their travelling suitcase that I walked away with a t shirt, a handstitched badge and a signed disc.

Zoey Van Goey were very good live, a variety of classy singers, swapping instruments with some really good tunes to boot.

giant bumblebee attacks west London mall

2009-06-18T13:57:00.001Z

ha ha, mall.

morning walk through the park

2009-06-16T11:54:00.003Z

So with the queen throwing down her new alotment I thought I would share more pictures of Ravenscourt Park
I mean, if you were to write a blog, you would chuck flower pictures all over it right? Right?

New Blues Venue Opening today!

2009-06-11T10:18:00.002Z

Live blues venues in London are scarce, which is odd as there are blues all around these days if you believe the papers.

Blues is an odd genre of music I think, it can be amazing, or it can be elevator music. Lets hope with 3 floors and a W1 postcode Charolotte St Blues comes up with the goods!

Tomorrow night at the Buffalo Bar these guys will be playing and I will be there! come along do. Now they could be a one hit wonder, but what a hit!

Albert and Pearl have their record swap night on Friday as well, you pretty much take records you don't want and swap it. sweet.

picture update

2009-06-04T11:26:00.005Z

Heres some pictures I havent shared yet about the last couple of weekends.
Enjoyed Hampstead Heath with a few friends. The place was packed but we managed to get a couple of really good spots.

C&A gave me a reflector and this is my first go at it. The lovley L. poses here first under the warm golden reflector, ...

...and here under the natural light of the silver!

I enjoyed dusk on the Thames with some old friends,

We watched our friends 10KM run for A Safer World, around central London. Although gruelling looking, it also seemed like a lot of fun, and a great way to raise awareness for their charity.

Weekend Roundup: June 6th and 7th

2009-06-04T11:05:00.009Z

Hey, its still spring lets take the rain on the chin and the sun on our backs. There is still a bunch of stuff to do…
I thought I would throw some weekend ideas your way.

Saturday

Pirate time! Its that simple folks, get yr timbers shivered at the golden hynde lunchtime.

The strain looks amazing, its like vampires but forget everything you have heard about them except they are evil motherfuckers. Guillermo del Toro signs copys at Forbidden Planet

NZ Play Scotland at the Oval, hey its 20/20, hey it might rain, just do it anyway!

Saturday night’s featured party relives the roaring forties! Dress up forties glam which is always nice!

KK Outlet have a display of passive aggressive notes, pretty funny stuff actually, originated from this website, you probably know it.

Crafters unite! It looks like a great crafternoon in Borough if you want to learn how to pompom or make finger puppets, and I know you do!

Ukulele orchestra supplying the score for silent films…

Although it’s likely to be raining, grab yr brolly and learn about London. As part of the ongoing Story of London festival a whole lot of blue badgers will show you around at history you hadn’t noticed yet… also involved is Carnaby St with some sort of sales and model mods walking around for some kind of "sorry you missed the 60's" thing.

Love London, love your planet festival is hippytastic you know, in a totally London way!

The Bagel end of Brick Lane is holding what looks to be a fantastic day of street art, international graffiti artists- music and general excitement - get those cameras ready!

There is a slow food festival on the South Bank this weekend, although you should be across the many free things they are offering over the spring.

Sunday

I know it’s at the end of the line, but that’s all I know about it! Upminster also apparently has a windmill- this is having an open day… (one of the finest examples of the smock windmill remaining in England)

Of course there is still bike polo

If you are checking out the meeting of styles then also head over post bagel to Rough Trade, that has two wristband gigs going on
Including Broken Records, who are about to release their album through 4AD and Mockingbird wish me luck both very good hangover tunes! (Also The Drones play on Monday)

Streetfighter IV play offs! Juno in Shoreditch- fiver to join you could win a grand!

If you haven’t been to the Wellcome Trust yet, you really should, along with the usual tours of this obscure and varied collection they have a discussion about London Life and Death this Sunday.

Have you been to Somerset house yet? There are plenty of reasons to this year, including an amazing film festival (under the stars!) that includes a double bill of Pan’s Labyrinth/ The Exorcist, The Mars Volta and this weekend they are opening their doors to the public.

This includes access to the cool bits you only see in films like “the duchess”.

The British Museum has an interesting talk about the history of the museum

Camden Oxfam is getting a facelift, check it out

bah

2009-05-20T10:12:00.001Z

I just dont want to talk to any of my friends who went to this.

Herb and Dorothy

2009-05-18T13:21:00.001Z

Just read about these two.

Now I want to 1) c more film
2) Make art
3) Buy more art.

your man in London

2009-05-15T10:09:00.002Z

Just got accepted into the writing team of my favourite London information websites Londonist. This is also one of the only sites that I twitter, as it always has an interesting list of things to do or a run down on whats happening in this town. So it was with a lot of joy that I wrote my first post on William Blakes exhibition, which you can read here

You can also read someones helpful advice to me- but in my defence I didn't really want to write up a bio, and its really easy for me to gush on about Blake and even easier for me to randomly go off onto tangents. So its my first go buddy! give me a bone! hahaha.

cool hey?

noodle alert, buy them where you can.

2009-05-08T10:34:00.002Z

As if fully aware of the satire they bring on themselves, England has sold out of Doner Kebab flavored noodles! They have had to take commercials off of tv channels.

I wonder if its the obvious Flight of the Conchord rip off that did it?

NZ Wine is first choice for England: Choice!

2009-05-05T13:52:00.002Z

Just read in the Guardian today that sales of NZ Sauvignon Blanc has risen 370% this fortnight than sales last year. Ignoring the trends set by the credit crunch.

Handily at Majestic if you buy 2 bottles of more there is 20% off the listed price.

wind beneath my wings

2009-04-30T09:09:00.002Z

Wingsuit loic jean albert and friends , Amazing flight... from Xmicky on Vimeo.

Jesus, sometimes you see something that you really really want to do. Here I sit at my desk typing and surfing, listening to metronomy and looking out the window, or watching tv. these guys can fly!

why dont you stand.

2009-04-29T12:53:00.002Z

Playing For Change | Song Around The World "Stand By Me" from Concord Music Group on Vimeo.

These guys took one Ben e King tune to street performers all around the world, and made their venue a studio, mixing their voices together. Its pretty excellent.

Brick Lane on the sunniest Sunday ever

2009-04-29T08:08:00.003Z

Brick Lane, the curry isnt as nice or as cheap as Tooting but on a Sunday in April, with the heat beating down and the streets crowded with smiley people, its a good place to hang. We took J and B down for their first time, and although we didnt get a salt beef bagel because of the queue, it was still a worth while trip.

It reminds me that I have 2 days to realise my SoFoBoMo project that after 5 misfires I may have decided on "the art of selling in a recession". If you havent heard me dribble on about this before, the idea of SoFoBoMo is to create a photobook containing 35 photos in 31 days. The theme is completely up to you, but of course thats half the battle to try and get a satisfactory one that is interesting enough not just for you to want to take photos, but for others to actually read.

Tonight is Manchester United v Arsenal for the Champions League. I am heading down to the Junction to watch it with low expectations and high hopes...

Weekend Photos; wires N7, old clothes and new bells

2009-04-20T09:53:00.007Z

Friday night, just before I headed home, I nipped into an office space that I heard a lot of banging happening earlier in the day. Just to check it out. There lay a huge collection of wires and plugs. Like the innards of some beast the life line of the modern office.

On Saturday we went for a walk in the sunshine, I saw a colourful door that leads to a Columbian restaurant;

An optomistic child looking forward to the FA Cup semi final with Chelsea, and a man with a moustache;

Then we went and looked at a second hand clothes store L. likes- i got bored and started taking photos;

Then on Sunday we went to Epping Forest with a few friends, it turned into a miniphotoclub. The idea was to go and find a carpet of bluebells. Apparently we should go next week. I did find a bunch though, right next to a rubbish bin in a carpark.

We even used the compass!

These are the native English bluebells. You can tell by its bent stem, with each bell on one side of the stem. The more aggresive Spanish blue bell has a stronger stem, and the bells fall on all sides of it.

Spring breaks through

2009-04-20T09:12:00.005Z

This weekend I got over Arsenal losing in the FA cup by eating L.'s Portugese Custard Tarts.

L. uses a vodka bottle as a rolling pin. I made some bloody marys with this blackcurrant vodka, but i do not recommend it.

Yummo!

Easter Plans in London

2009-04-09T09:17:00.003Z

Easter, Easter and what to do? Chocolate and hot cross buns? church and finishing Lent? No red meat? Passover? Or just enjoying some well earned time off!

I think if you are in London, the number one plan is just dont listen to any weather reports, and have plans flexible enough to swap between a sunny and rainy list. But in case you dont have your list ready, or maybe some holes in their somewhere, have a check of mine...

Friday there are some organised fancy Kites flying on Hampstead Heath and while you are up there, check out this pub. It is where Ruth Ellis shot her boyfriend dead, and the bullets are still embedded in the wall. This may be a lie, but the bullet holes are still there. It also has a four pint rating from fancy a pint, which means one must try it.

If you wanted to combine art and musicm then head to the southbank for free perfomances of Ujino and the Rotators. He calls them sound scupltures, which sounds cool! This is on Friday and Saturday.

Then for Sunday, the Lock Tavern has some cool djs and calls it Sensible Sundays!

Or maybe you want to spend your way out of this so call recession, and take advantage of all the amazing art out there?

For a Full list of Easter Egg hunts

OK, the rest of my list is sectioned up so just have a browse.

Photo Ops

Aren't birds brilliant? Regent Park has daily tours of the bird life that hang out in the gorgeous gardens, especially the Herons that rest in their ponds. Herons walk really slow, but fly really fast.

Walking club offers a wide range of walks this weekend.

Football on Hackney Marshes http://www.hackneyandleytonfootballleague.co.uk/

Bricklane bike polo Every Sunday 1pm, corner of Brick Lane & Shacklewell

Spring at Kew think bright spring bulbs, and avoiding the children hanging out by the farm exhibition.

harness horse parade (?)

The "why would I ever go south of the river" walk

Things I havent done yet and it could be a chance through the weekend

Treasures of the black death!

Little Italy at the Islington Museum

Shunt

Geffrye Museum

Markets

North African and Arabic foods
slow food market (and easter egg hunt on Sunday)
Wierd farm market

Gigs

Friday and Saturday at the Buffalo Bar includes the usually awesome twee as fuck

Friday at the Camden Barfly(can be on the guest list for Arrows for Love so let me know

Monday at Rough Trade

Full List of all the big gigs in the city

Grindago go will be good in Bethnal Green
Sleepy Sun (with Fuck Buttons DJing) Sunday should be pretty cool as well.

Film

And God Created Woman 11th and 12th
The 400 Blows various times
Nighthawks Various
Stop Making Sense 9th and 12th
I for India Five pound Mondays!
Tony Manero Five pound Mondays!
Point Break and Top Gun double bill
Let the right one in starts on the 10th.

Lets not forget that the Arsenal play wigan away this weekend, so keep your ear to the radio!

Happy Easter everyone! Cheers Jesus for all the chocolate. Now lets dance.

Friday Fry Day

2009-04-03T14:00:00.002Z

I sit in my empty office early Friday morning, and I can hear bird song coming in through the windows. I would say the sweet sounds of the thrush but I have no idea what they are. Not pigeons, magpies or starlings. But I just read about a photography competition held by TFL.
Here the London underground is encouraging commuters to take photos of birds within a five minute walk of a tube station. Hey, it’s something to keep in mind right? The competition finishes on the 31st of May.

In other news, today in history the ice cream Sunday was invented, using of all flavours in this fair planet- Cherry? Quite an interesting story in the end. I love ice cream sundaes, and ice cream sodas.

Its another lovely day in London!

April May in Film (London)-

2009-04-01T09:43:00.005Z

So as I said in the last post, more cinema is the order of the day. I am still training on the Hitchcock films (so far we have watched sabatuer, shadow of a doubt and rope) but no matter how comfy the couch, dvd's are not the same as cinema.

Here is my outlook for the next two months.
BFI
April 9th Stop Making Sense
April 11th And God Created Woman
21st April Special Mention! Cool Hand Luke with a discussion with George Kennedy
37th April Breathless

Prince Charles Theatre Monday Double Bills!
April 13th Point Break Top Gun Double Bill
April 20th Highlander Mad Max 2 Double Bill
April 27th Little Shop of Horrors, Rocky Horror Double Bill
April 28th Special Mention! Seven Samurai!
May 11th Wierd Science, Ferris Bueller double bill

ICA £5 Tickets on Mondays!
April 3rd-9th Tokyo Sonata
April 10th-30th Tony Manero April 10th Q&A With the main actor
April 10th, 11th & 18th Kandahar
April 10-13th I for India

Sci Fi Film Festival
30th April Special Mention Hardware with conversation with 2000AD legend Kevin O'Neil
3rd May Anime All Nighter!
2nd May Star Trek All Nighter!

More updates to come, but when you start looking into it, London has an awful lot of films showing at any given time.

Birthday Blog

2009-04-01T09:03:00.004Z

I hit 34 on Monday and had a great time doing it. L. made me eggy crumpets with bacon and maple syrup oh yeah, she also bought me cool shoes, a party cd and the excellent Joker graphic novel. B bought me a great t shirt, R some delicious wine, got phone calls from the family and then out and about in London.

Went to the bar in the Hilton on the 28th floor, with amazing views and delicious wines...

Then China Tang, which was amazing! Now, I did want to jump on my soap box a little bit here. London has some great places to eat and drink, and it has some mediocre places to eat and drink. I bought a bog standard pint of peroni last week for £4.05! They had burgers on the menu for a tenner. China Tang offers a set lunch at £15 pounds, which was a basket of dim sum, some noodles with meat and a glass of wine. Sorry there are no photos but this was a delicous lunch a large glass of wine and a fantastic ambiance. All I am saying is be careful with your pound. Don't settle for flat beer when it is expensive to buy.

Anyhow, we then caught a double decker bus over to the BFI had some more wine, there was a gay/lesbian festival on so everything was booked out, but I bought two tickets to Stop Making Sense, the talking heads film. Then we bought some cream charges headed home to drop some stuff off and went to the cinema to see the Watchmen for the second time. It is still a great film on the second viewing and I am pleased I got to see it again on the big screen before it finished its ciruclation.

I want to watch more cinema, and I think it was a resolution earlier in the year. But watch this space!

ideal day out in London

2009-03-27T17:44:00.003Z

So its counting down to my birthday, and I need to get myself a plan or else I could just sit on the couch playing video games all day… wait a minute…

No- I plan to do my ideal day out in London. It amazes me I haven’t thought of this before as a topic.
OK, so it means on Sunday night I am not drinking, so I don’t wake up with a hangover, and that means that 08:00 on a Monday morning is a sleep in!

Breakfast at the breakfast club. This place looks cool! A see a long drawn out breakfast with coffee and sun streaming through the window to halo our waitress who is bringing us bottomless coffee.

Now I will make my way via some record stores and a walk around soho- hyde park, its time for Lunch!

this place looks mean! And we will get some bloody mary cocktails (which will be the start of my newly revamped bloody mary blog). So because there are not so many people going out places like these are doing excellent priced lunch. More on this in the following blog.

Then a walk around to the south bank to either the Tate, and/or the BFI

And at the risk of doing too much on the day, here are some other things I want to do
Caledonian Canal Walk
Blues Jam
Lounge lover

And that’s it, another year beginning!

other people born on this day
VVG

Paul Verlaine
High-heels were struggling with a full-length dress
So that, between the wind and the terrain,
At times a shining stocking would be seen,
And gone too soon. We liked that foolishness.

found a photo

2009-03-23T11:55:00.002Z

On a woodshed in East London.

Latest Bloody Mary Recipie

2009-03-23T09:53:00.003Z

I heart the bloody mary. I plan to kick start the old blog into it as well, but I have discovered that there are only two ways to get a good bloody mary in this town; pay enough money for the bar tender to be proficient and if this is going to be a blog I really can only pay for two drinks a month... or make it yourself.
This recipe is per glass and this is the order each ingredient goes in;
two ice cubes
enough cucumber vodka to cover the ice
One shot of port
half a lid of brandy
two pinches of celery salt
juice from half a lime
6 drops of tobasco sauce
a dash of worcestor
the best fresh tomato juice you can find, although if you have time make it yourself! I have only done this once, and to be honest it tasted a lot like tomato soup. I will let you know next time I do it...
Stir well
garnish with celery and a sprinkle of pepper.

If I had some fresh horseradish I would use this, but alas I did not.

Great Comedy Moments

2009-03-17T15:41:00.003Z

Last week in Photos

2009-03-17T15:16:00.004Z

Hello! Had a nice week last week all in all. Good football results for everyone! as long as they are gooners haha. and Liverpool fans it must be said.

L. K. and I went to Hackney Marshes for a bike ride in the fantastic London weather. Here is the speed demon L. in action!

These are some much slower bikers in the park we stopped for a beer.This Banksy hit all the blogs last week as the stencilled one hit Hackney. Conversely it was "defaced" by some graffitti hoolagan, and so someone has come back, cleaned off the unsitely graffitti so Hackney can still have some art. Ooh the irony.

Before going to the movies last week L and I stopped in for a drink at 5th View. The tables were seperated by books to brouse, the table service was slow but friendly and they had a wide range of world beers. Considering the madness downstairs at Piccadilly Circus it was very calm and refreshing!

At Rough trade records I found this Lost poster. I am always intrigued and slightly saddedned by these. But I snapped away like an emotion tourist. If you have seen Jack let him know he is loved! Maybe give him one of these.

This is the bus restaurant in Brick Lane. I miss the old routemasters. Jumping on was always cool! And how you could pretend to be asleep for a free ride. Oh well.

Spittlefields, why have I never walked through here at night before?

I just joined up with my local library. Isnt it amazingly romantic in an old fasioned way. Things wont be like this for much longer.

words? WTF?!

2009-03-13T09:30:00.001Z

After turning this blog into a bit of a photo journal, I thought I would take a step back from the vision, and revert to words backed up with links.

Taking photos is becoming an obsession, one that started over 25 years ago when I first began buying secondhand old cameras, taking them apart and making periscopes with the mirrors. L. bought me this book last night which has step by step lessons around your camera, which is reinforced by a series of projects at the end of each chapter. Good fun!

For a more hands on experience I found this in the Tate: Whats on April-May booklet. The Shoot Experience organise treasure hunts, workshops but the idea that caught my idea as the Tate shoot.

Teams are given different parts of a story and sent into the local streets to
find inspirations and take photos that respond to or represent each phrase or
word. At the end of the day all photos are collected and compiled to make an
unique photographic story board that will be projected onto the big screen in
the Turbine Hall.

You need groups of 4 and its 50 quid each group to enter. How about it?

St Patrick’s day this weekend. Trafalgar Square should turn green, but in light of the recent military clashes Boris is hoping to dedicate the festivities to Peace. With a parade and a festival I certainly hope this ends up being a very peaceful and festive day.

I however shall miss all of this and go for a walk along the Thames Path.

Another week, another blossom shot

2009-03-12T10:05:00.003Z

The thing about London this time of year, is that nature offers tantalising glimpses of Summer, with punishing reminders of Winter. No one ever knows what to wear in London, is it raining or is it shining, oh great- its both. However There is nothing like, after a week of rain and grey, walking in the morning with a blue sky above you, your jackets collar turned up against the rain, and the streets lined with the first years blossoms. Its a good way to start a working day.

Protected View Series

2009-03-12T09:54:00.005Z

On a burial mound deep in Richmond Park, is King Henry's Mound. It has a protected view all the way across one of the most sprawling and constantly developing cities in the world. I know you cant really see it in the pictures (*!) but trust me, that fuzzy grey area is St Paul's Cathedral.

Richmond Park Guided Walk 2

2009-03-12T09:40:00.002Z

We were up early for our guided walk around Richmond Park, but we had a chance to catch an egg and coffee and hash browns at the River Cafe opposite Putney Bridge Station.

There were about 60 of us in all, the average age probably about the same number but there was a polite friendliness going around. The talks concerned park management, soil nutrition, rhodadendrons and herons.

We saw wild deer, heard great spotted woodpeckers and saw pipe smoking tweed cap wearing naturists.

The weather was changable, with looming clouds making way around the blue sky. Although it was cold it soon became obvious that beer oclock was looming.

And we saw a live wild rabbit, munching on the park like it was one big salad bar.

The Seven Sisters Road

2009-03-12T09:20:00.006Z

The streets of North London were just starting to fill again after the football.

The local team had just won due to a penalty shoot out and the sound of car horns rang into the night.

The neon signs of take away food joints projected the promise of shadowy nourishment.

I walked with my camera down the Seven Sisters Road.

photos of the day

2009-03-06T10:40:00.000Z

A walk in the park

2009-03-02T16:20:00.003Z

We gathered at the Hampstead Heath Museum for a guided walk called "reading the landscape". It was taken by the author David McDowell who has written walking books including the Heath and Richmond Park.

In a very geological minded walk we discovered that 60 million years ago this part of the world was under the ocean, which is why so much sand sits next to the London Clay, and that pebbles washed up were from a giant river that flowed from Devonshire 40 million years ago.

Interspersed were some interesting stories about how the landscape was cut away from the heath to make bricks (1860 circa) or how the viaduct was to be the start of a handsome avenue but the good members of the public who wanted to keep the heath as it was stopped this by some canny land purchases which prevented drainage. All quite dry yet interesting information. We found parts of the Heath we had never seen, but as we should, stopped into a pub at the end!(NB This is an awesome pub but you have to book for sunday roasts! (imagine!) we got a seat but watched many people leave dissapointed.

A Monday walk into work

2009-03-02T10:20:00.004Z

A beautiful Monday morning this morning. Springtime in London hits hard! Took my time coming in and took a few snaps for your perusal!

I liked how the over exposed sky turned out? seems like a polaroid half way thru developing or something?

By Kings Mall in Hammersmith every Thursday there is a market. Looks like these guys have got here a little early, this man was setting up some leather belts.

And here though they look delicious, it was a bit early for me to be eating olives.

plynth out city

2009-02-26T17:12:00.003Z

I know I have been useless about the morning photo a day. but they havent been very good.
heres my one from today.

And yesterday

But that is not the best thing about this post. No. I have saved that until last!
As you all know Anthony Gormly had the brainwave of making people art, but its not until today that you can enter! so please, enter now and become the fourth plynth in Trafelgar Sq.!

Getting to work in the Springtime

2009-02-23T17:19:00.002Z

Thats right! I said spring time, when these little beauties arrive I think its the very begining of the herald of spring. Which made me think that I will try and take a photo everyday of my way to work. I am meant to be biking tomorrow so it will be of different london locations. it might be too borring to make it to the site, or I may have to start another blog for it, but at the moment, just this one for now!
Above is Pimlico and below is ravenscourt park.

Raclette!

2009-02-16T20:37:00.002Z

Know it sounds funny
But I just cant stand the pain
Girl Im leaving you tomorrow
Seems to me girl
You know Ive done all I can
You see I begged, stole
And I borrowed
Ooh, thats why Im Cheesy

Cheesy like sunday moooooorrrrrrrrrrning

Delicious Drop of Goodness

2009-02-16T14:28:00.004Z

Had a nice weekend, all in all and especially enjoyed watching a bit of tv with L. sharing a bottle of "The Crossings"

We watched masterchef, being human (spoilers!) and the dark knight.

a click and this smile is yours

2009-02-12T12:00:00.004Z

Well, a collector of smiles.

I trawl this web of ours like a relentless fishing vessel, bringing up the choicest cuts of information for you, and lay them out on my hastily made sales counter. Here are my wares now, just a click away.
Do not think about SFW (of course it is) or how much energy is required of the universe to transport you from this site to that. Just apply weight to your pointing finger. There are no muscles in your fingers. A simple tensing of the tendon will push you towards a smile and a feeling of happiness within your own belly. No matter how big or flabby, or hairy, or toned that belly is. No matter if you don't have the cash for food, this will fill you with a priceless meal of some not insignificant worth. This link below is one that will take you to something that will make you think- i wish i came up with that! I wish I was more creative! Wait, I could still do this!

CLICK ME

the blurring of the line between criminal and creative photography

2009-02-11T12:25:00.001Z

Personally I don’t mind too much.
Western society does need to be aware of the possibility of bombs in public places. So if the police take down your name and details for taking photos then I think it’s a small price to pay to ensure that they have records of who did what. But if it comes to more than that, if they are intending to hold people with nothing stronger than suspicion, then I do have a problem. Especially as the gvt can hold you with out charging you.
So for this part of the civil rights issue that I defend and publicize and may attend this flash (heh) mob protest. The plan is to turn up to New Scotland Yard this coming Monday 11am and take photos the day this ambiguous law is passed. The law basically says

you are within your rights to take a photograph anywhere that is public property. Unless a policeman says you are not allowed, and then you are not.

On the same issue, Conservative MP Dr Rachael Joyce is on my side in this, but misses the point somewhat. She is annoyed that under the same law, PCSO’s have stopped her and a friend while taking photos outside Harrow Bus Station. She says

we were clearly not terrorists

as if there is a standard template of people who constitute terrorists. She seems to be saying that the police are wasting their time taking down the name of these particular individuals based on their physical- which must also incorporate their genetic- attributes.

Bob Marleys Birthday

2009-02-06T15:44:00.001Z

Its Bob Marleys birthday . 64 you know. And its not that old. I will be 64 in 2039 which I personally find intimidating, motivating and inevitable. OF course I am so rock n roll I may not last the night!

So here is one of my favorite songs that I think rings true in this day of uncertainess and living with the wages of greed. I am going home to blast a bit of Bob Marley before I go out. All this “doobie doobie do” is motivating as well. Ride Natty Ride. *(my hair is free from nattyness, lets be clear)

'Cause now the fire is out of control,
Panic in the city, wicked weeping for their gold!
Everywhere this fire is burning,
Destroying and melting their gold,
Destroying and wasting their souls.

Go ride, Natty, ride!
Go deh, Dready! Go deh!

Tell you what: now the people gather on the beach
And the leader try to make a speech,
But the Dreadies understanding that it's too late:
Fire is burning;
Man, pull your own weight!
Fire is burning;
Man, pull your own weight!

Slim Jim's Liquor Store

2009-02-06T11:36:00.004Z

Went to this lovely bar on upper street last week. "Slim Jims Liquor Store" good music, good atmosphere, I dont think there was a place for loads of people so it was more of a place for 1 or 2 at a time! worth it though if you are around upper street soon.

I really just wanted to post these photos hahaha

indulgent youtube nostalgia for Waitangi day

2009-02-06T10:52:00.001Z

So its Waitangi Day, and although it has finished in NZ I thought I would include a whole bunch of NZ utube goodness.

this is my family btw

British people look out for Phillip Scofield in his NZ personality.

This is awful. Only for NZers 30+ high on nostalgia

My Furry Friends.

2009-02-03T14:36:00.006Z

1 in Five people in Britain took yesterday off due to adverse weather. You are reading the blog on one of those one in fivers.
The snow is melting away, which if you are a Londoner you will know that means pain. Tubes cant handle being wet either. The fall is worse on ice, than it is on snow.

This is a picture of the park down the road from work. nice isnt it? I spent an hour in the snow taking snaps this morning and the sun rose. it was nice!
I made two friends. One is a robin.

and the other is a squirel

the egg layers and the spawned

2009-01-26T13:57:00.003Z

You guys know what a Tuatara is right? These awesome little fellas are making news all over NZ at the moment.
Apparently one that is 111 years old just had babys!. And its not just going on in the zoo's but eggs have been found in the wild, for the first time in 70 years!

This rather clumisly brings me to another piece of news that caught my eye this morning, that the FDA is lifting its ban on stem cell research applied to humans. The embryonic stem cell can adapt to change into any kind of cell in the human body, which is an amazing thing when you think about it. Geron (an american company) has had its plans to test on patients with injured spinal cords due to injury. Its worked on the rats! But previously where the Bush administration has condemned the practice, the FDA has stood firm, now there is a more liberal administration the FDA has allowed what may turn out to be another historic milestone in American history. The FDA have denied that this white house shift has anything to do with anything, but well, its a coincidence and a half!

Conversely, you can isolate your own amniotic cells at home with any placenta you may have hanging around. This way you can beat any monopoly Geron may have in the future.

Crush and Lovely- 50 people one question

2009-01-13T08:40:00.002Z

Fifty People, One Question: Brooklyn from Crush & Lovely on Vimeo.

Just found this. Its very nicely shot and quite inspirational. By crush and lovely apprently there is going to be a london one coming up soon, so check them out at a later date. You know these are one of those ideas you just want to steal for yourself!

Cross Continent Biking fun, the breakfast club and a restaurant in the trees

2009-01-09T10:54:00.003Z

Thanks to L. for this heads up but PoPW has just heard about a new and exciting development appearing on the back of the Olympics. No I am as scared as the next person at how cringeworthy the “we will rock you” dancers trading off with “the Saturdays” version of “God Save the Queen”- and I am annoyed at each weekend disruption being essential engineering works due to a last ditch attempt at stop gapping problems on tube lines … but I am pleased as punch at the idea of a cycle route between Paris and London!

It seems almost the entire 211 mile journey will miss out roads entirely from St Paul’s Cathedral to Notre Dame, utilising disused rail lines. How fantastic is that!

A Church in West Sussex is claiming the representation of a dying Christ is scarring children. Imagine. Its like the church censoring itself. Maybe they should have chosen a less sinister emblem then, like some broken loaves, or Christ with fish hooks in peoples mouths, or a net of people slung on his back as the fisher of men... But seriously there is something to think about with the changing face of the church in todays society

Hmmm, I don’t really get it other than it looks amazing, is a tree house restaurant and they found the builders from the yellow pages? Hmmm, that’s it isn’t it. But hey, nothing like a bit of hype and what a great idea to get funding from the yellow pages, that you would use any way. Other than just asking your mates I suppose. Its a fun website though, click through that link to see treehouse getting made, then go outside and make one.

Ok, so it’s the weekend coming up. And I have already given you a list of free things!
But heres a couple more. Tonight the National Portrait Gallery scratches your Bulgarian Folk Music itch…

Music from the court of the Holy Roman Emperor - Maximilian I - and new pieces based on traditional English and Bulgarian folk music. Supported by the Arts Council's Escalator Scheme

And Epping Forrest Lakes are Frozen! So head down and walk around this winter wonderland. Singing loudly "theres only onnnnnnnne Denis Bergkamp"

(Cough)

But heres a story from last year that I have only just discovered, but a fantastic one so worth reliving. Apparently for fun some guy (Darren Hoyt) goes and checks out his pool filters for fun. Even brings along his girlfriend. After three days of rain he takes her down the back to check out whats down there. And as he puts it

a turtle, exhausted and barely able to stay afloat any longer, supporting a frog on its back while a spider clung to the frog’s head to avoid drowning.

This inspired a tattoo amongst other things (see his update).

Excellent use of resources. I thought the frog might turn into that fox and eat the spider, but no- they all just- apparently reluctantly went off on their separate missions. Reminds me of the end of Breakfast Club.

Londons Not as Expensive as they tell you!

2009-01-07T11:01:00.004Z

In face of the cold and gloomy front that full my mornings in the form of news reports and papers I feel fantastic about this year. And to celebrate the fact that we are all alive and even if we want to tighten our belts a little we can still enjoy ourselves I am bringing yet another list to you.

This time of things to do that wont require you to bring out the hammer to the piggy bank.

For those of you not in London, (or who commute daily!) I will try and do all that’s on the list and bring you back my findings! I do this for you.

Danny Wallace creates a podcast and signs copies of the Yes Man at the Apple Store tomorrow night. Should be ok, hes pretty funny!

The Natural History Museum is holding Londons first Ice Sculpting Festival this weekend. You can even learn how to do it in Free Masterclasses. If once there you are wanting to spend money, there is an ice rink, a Darwin Exhibition and the Wildlife Photographers exhibition on show next to the amazing, outstanding and free permanent exhibits. Don’t forget the lichen exhibit, its just as important as the dinosaurs.

Light Graffiti
Here are a bunch of flickrites who are going to meet up on the 17th of Jan to take night photos of light. This looks fun.

Shameless Photoclub Plug although in exactly the same place but in two weeks after and at the completely unsociable hour of morning time, the first actual meeting of photoclub, Borough Market 31st Jan 09:00.

£5 Films at Vue Cinemas.
You have to order before 16:00 on the chosen day of viewing, so it really is for those last minute choices, and with Che part one on and My Bloody Valentines 3D coming up, it’s a good offer. Actually Its one of my new year resolutions is to see more film. And with this year being the year of 3D, I couldn’t be more excited. 3d film in Real D and sky TV going 3D 2009 it might be worth sending two and a half grand to japan to get the sort of telly you need, to project the polarized view. I am into it I think, but will just go to the pub to watch the 3d games!

Of Course 5 pound films are not as good as free film.

Free photographic portrait exhibition at the NPG

Ok that should do you for a fortnight of getting out and about for less than a tenner. I think the much have purchase is a hip flask so you can get rid of all that left over whisky for a winter warmer.

Sharing the tree dressing people, sharing the tree

2008-12-25T21:43:00.002Z

Deck the halls my friends

101th entry- Good idea for next year- or two

2008-12-16T17:32:00.003Z

Hello small but loyal readership!

Before you is the 101st post on this site. I am strangely proud of this. There you go. I wasnt going to drink tonight, but if I do I shall dedicate it to you. and the entry. hmmm it better be good then.

And it won't be full of links, and photos or videos. No. Not the lazy posting tricks of looking back on 2008 and giving awards for best film or singles. no. Oh No.

Instead I shall share with you my genius, like its a secret shared. In fact, I will give you two.

First;

I was reading the guardian insert this morning, and there was one article per month that stood out. And its really interesting. Its a good way to look back on the year. Anyway next year i will do that. Well this year really starting with Dec. So from Dec-Dec. So this time next year- you know knocking wood we are both still here {knock knock}- you can look back and see how it all worked out. If this credit crunch falters out, how arsenal won the league against all odds, and how in one year one simple idea transformed a mild mannered presentation supervisor into a London phenomenon. Phenomenon
Oh sorry. I said I wouldnt do that.

Any way- this idea I speak of is point the second;
I am going to start a photo group! hey! I will advertise on the net- in photo magazine forums, dps, flickr, shop windows and record stores. The advertising will all point to a blog in which this months theme and location will be. Then we all meet at the said location at the golden hour- which is early!!! Or could be the afternoon. So say its Hampstead Heath- with the theme of Close Up. So then you meet at the place, take photos for an hour then head to a pub. Then you talk show photos, drink, and send me your two best photos by that Wednesday. Then I put them up. Obviously I think that you should all put a fiver in and in that month you all vote for the best photo and that person gets it! what do you think?

craft day

2008-12-08T16:15:00.003Z

Saturday night. Four young people sit around drinking and talking, listening to rock and roll and... making crafts!

heres my first attempt. Its an oystercard holder dont you know. and its rock.

Aids Day Concert

2008-12-05T10:59:00.002Z

Proud Gallery Camden held Aids Day Staying Alive concert sponsored I think by MTV. Three newish bands played there.

I Blame Coco.
Although there was a feeling that these guys had just been swept together from some music school and moulded around the famous by proxy singer- is her name coco?
The youth surrounding us certainly liked them, and so did I. actually the more I listen to this song the more I really like it.

We Have Band
Its all about three name bands here it seems. These guys were good fun. It wasnt just we were a bit drunk by this time. honest.

The Plath Play

2008-12-05T10:44:00.002Z

Not enough poetry on this site is there? To be honest I havent really checked into poetry for some years, but the upcoming opening of the Plath Play "Three Women" has reminded me. This is the first airing of this in the UK for thirty years or something, and though you dont expect it to be "Mama Mia" its surely a good night out.

Herr God, Herr Lucifer
Beware
Beware.

Out of the ash
I rise with my red hair
And I eat men like air.

Lady Lazarus by Sylvia Plath

Each virile bachelor dreads paralysis,
The old maid in the gable cries all day:
Never try to trick me with a kiss.
...
Sooner or later something goes amiss;
The singing birds pack up and fly away;
So never try to trick me with a kiss:
The dying man will scoff and scorn at this.

Never Try To Trick Me With A Kiss by Sylvia Plath

xmas hits work

2008-12-04T17:06:00.002Z

yuletide mother fuckers!

Crystal

2008-11-27T16:47:00.005Z

Had to mention this place. Coming home from Dylan Moran and I was H*U*N*G*R*Y. Now it must be mentioned I live above a perfectly good Kebab shop, but when needs must, its down the road and around the corner for me to Crystal Kebabs.
Now not only do they over do the delicous bread, vege and meat stews and delicious lamicuns but they also drop in a couple of free rice puddings.

I know.

Free. Rice. Pudding.

Art Alert

2008-11-26T09:39:00.003Z

Extended but absolutely going to end this weekend is a third form science project gone horribly wrong! Its going to be a long wait, you have to shed your own boots in favor of theirs and its south of the river but... it looks ace!

Roger Hiorns presents Seizure his most ambitious transformation yet to create a crystalic wonderland from a former dull old estate house.

To quote

British artist Roger Hiorns makes exceptional use of unlikely materials: detergent, disinfectant, perfume, fire and copper sulphate crystals. Transforming steel poles, car engines and cardboard architectural models into crystalline forms, Hiorns effects surprising, physical and aesthetic transformations on found objects.

Weekend Round up: Tinselworms, Pies and Pandas

2008-11-24T10:14:00.003Z

Monday already! How to buffer myself from work/play? BLOG!
Yes its a bit early, but I bet there are people out there who want to know what I have done this weekend... surely?

Went for dinner at the old HK Diner, it had good write ups, and all in all not dissapointing, L's hot pot (pork Belly) was the best, then F's prawns was second, my duck was the worst but still quite tasty! Then we went to Bill Bailey

Which was ace, he was less absurd than I expected. And you could tell he was on the back of his American tour. But his best joke was distintly English, (Spoiler alert not too high though./.._) and the joke was about him cringing from the future about how embarrasing the olympic ceremony is going to be! haha, true bro...

Saturday and we tried some pies. Now as I am sure you know the UK is sadly lacking in decent pies, so when I see them I am always torn between running in fear, or running for the promise of savory goodness withing those thin pastry walls. So when at Broadway Market on a freezing Saturday I saw them- I went for it!

"Thanks, can I have a chilli steak pie and a steak and cheese please>?"

Now they had take away pies, that you could bring home- and they cost about £3.50 each. (NZ-ers will balk!) and to make matters worse- they microwave them! bah. But on a chilly day, it was a delicous, home made filling filled tasty treat.

And then Sunday we took a walk in Crouch End, where we found an excellent print shop, which just shows where our aspirations lie because we so wanted to bring home art. haha. This was one of my faves.

Mitch Mitchell RIP

2008-11-20T14:05:00.003Z

So its a bit late, but its one of those things that needs to be blogged about.
One of the best drummers ever, the connection between jazz and rock, and how to be everywhere on the skins without overbearing the guitar.
Mr Mitch Mitchell

Its neate ayhe Aunt?

2008-11-13T12:53:00.002Z

Adam Neate is turning London into an art gallery on Friday. A quick check into the auctions and one of his pics reached over 40k so even though he is going for a *ahem "Warholian" technique of not actually touching canvas there might be an investment to be made from walking around the streets of London at midnight scoping for free art.

“I’m interested in that Warhol idea of the brand as assisted readymade. Apart from creating the master image in stencil, I haven’t had to touch these works at any point in their production, even the signature is rubber-stamped – and although they’re multiples, each one is compositionally unique.”

Now although I am sure that this is not the reason why he is doing it, but I am sure I wont be the only night prowler!

My lunchbox gets all the girls to the yard

2008-11-11T16:34:00.001Z

How awesome is my home made cottage pie lunch box? Oooooohhhhh yeah...

pimp my loaf

2008-11-03T13:23:00.002Z

Annoyed at myself for losing stuff, there was nothing to do on Sunday but to break bread...
L made some (!) bread! it is delicous, with basil and stuff! but although she looked at it wearily saying "thats a lot of mix" she loaded up the oven, and made 6 loaves! I know! Like jesus! only hot.

Remedy for a Chilly Thursday

2008-10-31T09:22:00.004Z

I sat there wondering if there is really any point being there if I couldnt record it somehow for the blog. I mean sure I have a photo from the phone, but that lacks definition and obviously- movement and sound.

I thought of reviewers of the past and how they would rely on words and choice phrases to evoke the mood and setting of the night, but I think I can almost feel your eyes glaze over as my sentences grow...

But it was an old fasioned gig last night at the Old Queens Head. It was a lounge, with a glitterball; old leather couches; lushly upholsted lounging chairs and tables set up with plenty of room so you could sit and watch the band. It certainly is my new favourite venue. Even apart from the fact this was free it seemed to me had a real community feel to it, and I really enjoyed being able to sit back and listen to some live music! Each band had at least one amazing song, and although there was a screechy (and female singer) theme that ran between each band had stand out performances.

Here is my briefest take on the night
Young Paul
I mean they said it themselves when they said it was karaoke... Why is the mac the only thing I can hear? it's a common problem that the mac goes straight through the PA but the guitar just through the amp. At times I couldnt tell if it was plugged in. And I mean nice shirt and all but to me (and I know I am just being picky) wear your stage clothes all night, dont put the shirt on after soundcheck in front of everyone- wheres the magic? Stand out song was the one about the major chords.

Palpitations
Slightly wonky aethestic with guitarist and singer were glammed up and the rhytm section thought they didnt need to bother. However they held the band together with great restraint. Stand out song- the last one no doubt. I dont think its on their myspace? surely its a single. I was actually blown away by it (but I am a sucker for spectoresque intros)

The DeBrettes
"enjoy the show" she said, and I did- she was everywhere, however like a dog on a lead could only stretch as far as the lead would so we were safe, but I did think she shocked a rather sophisticated couple when she was on the table. Stand out song Rage was released at the start of Oct and produced by Gordon Raphael (BTW)

Chapter 24 rounded off the evening with surf guitar led choppy eccentric rhythms that would change without warning. I thought the singer was really cool for some strange sophisticate reason. Oh and young paul should note that the drummer wore his top hat all evening. oh and the girls were going to go until they turned the sign on- great little prop as with the teapot.

Hey and the website for the old queens head (which is really rather good) was apparently created by delete so if you want some, come and get it!

William Blakes Grave

2008-10-20T19:05:00.002Z

You know how it is, you get use to a place and then from out of nowhere peers something you have never seen? well we were heading to brick lane on Sunday, the clouds split just enough to leave dappled light on one of the best poet/engraver's in the world's grave...