Modern British Life

Not Just Geeks

2010-04-10T09:58:00.001-07:00

When it comes to knowing what we’re spending our money on, most of us are pretty good. In fact, some of us are really good: not a penyy gets past us without us knowing all about it. If we buy food in a restaurant we always check the bill, don’t we? If we buy online then we inspect the final total diligently and make sure we’re not paying for anything we won’t get. But there is one place in our lives where we are not paying attention. It’s with our energy consumption, of course. Due to an out-of-date system invented about the same time that chimney-sweeping was all the rage, many of us have next to no idea how much we are spending every month. The wost part? Ee only find out when the bill comes through the door some weeks or months later–

This and more is pointed out at this link

Of course, it is all quite boring, and that’s whyt we let it slide. After a full day’s work, the last thing you want to do is check your meter, right? Which is why Enigin can be of assistance to you in a very big way. At their blog you’ll find out about a device they have which, uniquely, enables you to see exactly how much energy you are consuming at all times! That’s right! No more waiting for months on end to discover that you’re insulation is allowing precious energy out. With this device you’ll find out in no time, and armed with that new information you’ll actually be able to do something about it.

Notting Hill Carnival

2010-03-26T05:51:00.001-07:00

The Notting hill Carnival, held every year on the first bank holiday weekend of August represents so perfectly the complex and often self defeating attitude many Londoners, and the British in general have toward their own country.

The carnival itself is a wonderful celebration of multiculturalism and ethnic diversity. The Notting hill area being one of the most culturally diverse spots in the city, with a huge afro/ Caribbean population, as well as Spanish, Latin American and Portuguese, is turned into a procession route for sound systems, food stalls and costumed revelry. All of these elements come together perfectly in a flash of brightly coloured kaftan tops, and a celebration of food dance and music.

The carnival however is often a yearly target for those who wish to comment on the decline of values and respectability. The annual cost of the carnival is often cited as a sore subject, as well as the damage caused, and the consequent clean up. The cost is around £8 million . What people fail to recognise however is the annual profit of £95 million, the massive influx of tourism, and the city being viewed, as a result of the carnival, as a generally progressive and accepting place to live whatever ethnicity you happen to be.

This uniquely British sensibility, in which it is seen as good form, necessary even, to be so critical of the city, even the country you live in is at times infuriating. The city of London is possibly one of the most progressive and culturally diverse places on earth. There are few cities where so many races and religions rub shoulders together, the carnival is the pinnacle of this, a celebration. It falls prey all to easily to those select few belligerents who would claim that Britain is better place for remaining racially pure. Unaware that the multicultural aspect of the city is the thing that has kept the country afloat long after most of our industries have collapsed.

Tea: Please Drink It Right

2010-03-22T10:02:00.001-07:00

Tea, it’s not a game! It’s not simply a case of making tea and drinking it willy-nilly. Even after the ridiculously complex tea-making process is mastered—something which can take as long as five years, depending on the intensive nature of the course and the specific prowess of the instructor—there comes the pouring and drinking: mess these up and all that hard work will be for nothing–

I don’t know if there are statistics to back this up, but I am willing to bet that hundreds, if not thousands of individuals every year, are turned away from the delight that is tea drinking after rishing in like a bull in a china shop and accidentally drinking tea too quickly. Now, a burned mouth for me, a true and experienced tea-lover, is nothing. But I can see how this may seem to the tea amateur. It may look like a sign. And it’s such a shame that this one event can lead to a future without tea. What a waste of a life that must be! The very thought sickens me to the core and turns my world upside down and back to front–

Now, there’s a line, of course. If you drink the tea too hot then you’ll get burned. Wait too long for it to cool down and you’ll experience a truly horrendous thing: yes people, the tea will be too cold to enjoy. All that goodness will have vanished and you’ll be left with the polar opposite taste of what you should have had–

I know these things because I have a confession to make: as a child I drank tea when it was too hot. It nearly scarred me mentally for life, but somehow, and with the encouragement of my mother, I gave it a shot. The result? A great life with tea. I would and could never go back!

Amazing news everyone, Clive who sometimes contributes to this page just got a makerting placement with a company that sells that fancy new green travel pillow and other travel supplies, I expect free stuff!

Decent And Personal

2010-03-19T08:16:00.001-07:00

Have you any idea how much stress it is to employ someone specifically to write fun things about a company? Let me tell you: it is STRESS. First of all, you have to take someone away from a job which could potentially make the company even more money, then you have to put up with watching them smile all the time as they write about fun things. It’s not fun watching them! Only kidding (well, maybe), but it’s certainly true that many companies place personal blog posting as low down on their list of priorities. They just don’t see why they should have to connect with the customer in such a way. Sadly, in the world of business, the words ‘fun’ and ‘personal’ just don’t fit in. It’s always been that way, and there is no sign of it changing any time soon.

This isn’t true with every company, of course. There are some out there that either employ people specifically to speak out to the consumer, or allow their employees some slack (and time away from making YET more profit) to sit at the computer and smile. Enigin are one of these more friendly firms. Proof of this attitude can be seen for yourself.

But there is a serious side to these more personal blogs, as well. Customers really do like to feel as though they can take a walk around the company and familiarize themselves with the way they do things. This means that there is a better customer-business relationship. In turn, like with energy-saving gurus Enigin, this translates to a more efficient business process and a tidy bit of profit.

Tea Love

2010-03-17T03:23:00.000-07:00

I can’t stand people who don’t do the classic British things right. I’m not talking about the everyday things which are of no consequence, I’m talking about the things which make our world go round. And what most people don’t realise is this: it all has a knock-on effect. Consequently, whole streets can be contaminated by bad habits. One of these bad habits—a polite way of putting it I think—is drinking tea so quickly that it doesn’t touch the sides.

I blame our drink culture. Down it, Down it! All that palava. It’s made our British eyes convert the image of an intensely lovely things—TEA—into an image of any old hot-drink. But tea is not Ovaltine, people. And tea is not hot-chocolate. While these two evening staples have never become a part of daily life, tea wasn’t so lucky. It got in with the wrong crowd, was mistreated, and by the early 90s was more often seen in a plastic cup as an appropriate packaging solution than the mug it deserves.

Speed-drinking tea is despicable. There is not other word for it. And the problem has spiraled out of control now to such an extent that the magical recipe of outstanding tea—brewed for NO LESS THAN EIGHT MINUTES—has been replaced by new-fangled vending machine methods which pervert the process, encouraging office workers to indulge in a cup of something the original tea inventors wouldn’t even recognize.

Also despicable is the idea of using powdered-milk in tea, a crime so heinous that many victims truly believe that this is the way tea should be, and what’s more, they keep coming back over and over again! And that is the cruel fact. We have strayed too far from the quality tea path now to pretend that getting back on it will be an easy thing. It will take dedication, people, but it’s never too late to start trying.

Wined Up

2010-03-01T08:33:00.001-08:00

Come on now, how much do you love wine? Don’t lie. I despised wine until I was eighteen, citing my hatred for conforming to the whole holding-the-glass-correctly thing, and then I gave in, so I know for a fact that there are more people in the world who like to scrub in the shower using extra-rough sandpaper than who actually, really, despise wine. And why shouldn’t you love it? It comes in red, white, and in a myriad of drunken-inducing concoctions! But hang on now...What if I told you that wine could soon be a thing of the past; not because of the level of consumption on UK council-estates--although that’s helping--but because of the whole Global Warming thing? Click the link if you dare enter the fascinating (and disturbing) reality of there being less wine on the planet than there currently is.

So this is the way I see it: Blogs like this can’t be a bad thing now, can they. I mean, if it starts to make people conscious of doing their bit for the environment—even when they should have been all along...ahem—then a bit of fear might do us all good. What’s more, all those rich and powerful people couldn’t possibly go for more than a week without their incredible 1000-year-old wine, so they might even take heed of the warning too.

If you ask me, though, the minute beer starts to suffer then people (in the UK and definitely Germany) will be on their best behaviour. Not to mention the whole thing and Hen parties–How would women get by without barrels of red wine?

Can Young People Cope with Modern Life in the UK?

2010-02-22T08:30:00.001-08:00

Modern life in UK has become more competitive. People give more time to their professional life than personal life. Many people are childless in the age of 30 or more. Many people are also unmarried in the age of 30 or more. People want to earn enough before they get married so they can live a happy life and do not have any financial problem in their married life.

People who are childless and married and are less than 30 years of age are searching for better job or business opportunities. UK people who are unmarried have less responsibilities and so they have more chance to switch to a different job or move to some other location where they can have more opportunities. Young and unmarried employees are more preferred by the companies that need employees capable of working more than 10 hours a day.

Young people can cope with the modern life in the UK in a better way because it is easier for young people to survive in the modern competitive life of UK. People who are yet to achieve their target can work for more number of hours or reduce their rates whereas the situation is different for old age people. Old age people have more responsibilities so they can be less flexible in their professional life. Young age people can be more flexible in their professional life. The speed of learning and developing new skills is more in young people as compared to old age people.

Young people have more energy and can also labor more than old age people. Because of all these reasons, survival of young people is not difficult in the modern life of UK.

Modern life is much more technology driven than before and most your persons are well abreast of the new technology and its usage. This renders them prepared for the world of work, communication, and socialization.

People from other developing countries are also moving to UK in search of job opportunities because the advancement in technology has shown new opportunities. So I think that it is amazing that I keep hearing about this enigin scam. I really didn’t think it was that big of deal, but then it turns out there are actually quite a lot of people who are commenting on it saying that it is actually a complete scam. From what I see, there are legitimate stories on both sides. But see what you think for yourself.

Macintyre Syndrome

2010-02-22T04:18:00.000-08:00

The world is probably going to be at my throat for this but what the hell, you only live once so here I go: Michael Macintyre gets my goat! He is a goat getter of massive annoying voice proportions, and goodness only knows how many herds of goats have been got and will be got in the future by this one man comic supposed super-force! Yes he can sometimes be quite funny, but is he really that hilarious? Well OK, yes, I have to admit he is often very funny as well, but that’s not really my point.

OK, I must own up now, because having a go at the man is actually starting to hurt me inside! I am a secret Macintyre fan, there, I said it! I started this article attempting to slate him, and then a few of his jokes popped into my head and I just didn’t have the heart.

Right, now I’ve got that out of the way I can continue.

Macintyre, I don’t know, there’s just something about him. He has a silly looking face for one thing—no offence Michael but it is a bit chip-munky, is it not?—and his voice–well–his voice cracks me up without even saying anything of any substance! And then there’s his repertoire: somehow, and I have no idea quite how, he manages to turn the daftest mist mundane situations like shopping for designer kitchen accessories into really quite hilarious set pieces. If I was stuck in a desert dying of thirst I think that I’d want to have Michael Macintyre with me: that way, in my last moments, staring into the giddy and awful jaws of death, at least I’d be laughing my head off. It would almost be beautiful!

Four Charged In Expenses Scandal!

2010-02-18T07:03:00.001-08:00

In a further blow to the reputation of Parliament it was announced today that three MPs and one member of the House of Lords will face criminal charges over their expenses claims.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Keith Starmer, confirmed that Labour MPs Elliot Morley, Jim Devine and David Chaytor will face charges under the Theft Act along with Conservative peer Lord Hanningfield. Lord Clarke, a Labour peer, has been told that he will not face any charges but a case against a sixth politician is still under investigation.

Mr Starmer stood outside the Crown Prosecution Service headquarters in London to announce to the large media presence assembled there: "In four cases, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges and that it’s in the public interest to charge the individuals concerned."

It has been a tumultuous period at Westminster since The Daily Telegraph published leaked results of expenses claims made by MPs. There was public fury at claims made for items such as duck houses, luxury kitchen accessories, kit kats and paper clips. An audit of the claims, under the auspices of Sir Thomas Legg, was released yesterday and has resulted in 390 MPs having to pay back over £1.1m. The pending police enquiry, however, had been looming over Parliament like a black cloud and the announcement made by the DPP today will come as a hammer blow to the reputation of MPs of all parties.

The three MPs who are being charged quickly released a joint statement in which they said that they refuted all of the charges and that they would defend their position robustly. These charges have not been brought lightly. They are without precedent in modern political history and are the result of a detailed enquiry by senior lawyers within the CPS and "an external and highly experienced criminal QC."

The charged MPs say that they are "extremely disappointed that the charges have been brought". It is thought that they believe, after consulting with lawyers, that their actions should be covered by the protocol of Parliamentary privilege which guarantees immunity from slander laws. The CPS however remain firm in their belief that the criminal acts with which the MPs are charged are not protected by Parliamentary privilege and are looking forward to testing this in court.

With the legal arguments likely to rumble on for a long time before any court appearances are made then it seems that the expenses scandal is going to run and run.

The Sorry State Of Britain

2010-01-18T02:46:00.000-08:00

Great Britain has always been famous for its ’stiff upper lip’ and ’bulldog spirit’, a coolness of character and a repression of emotions. In today’s Britain, however, it seems that we have been learning a lesson from our cousins across the Atlantic, the confessional television of Jerry Springer and Ricki Lake having seeped into our collective consiousness, and there is nothing that we like better than a good apology!

In the character of Brits today I must say sorry if those words have offended anybody, but even say sorry if somebody bumps into us without looking and if we ever pluck up the audacity to point out shoddy service or a sub standard meal in a restaurant we always begin our interjection with ’I’m sorry to somplaint but...’

This week has brought three high profile apologies to our nation, but some cynics out there may feel that they are less heartfelt than they are an attempt to save face with the nation by joining in its favourite pastime of saying sorry.

The week started on a bad foot for Tom Hicks Jr, a high profile director of the countrys most successful football club Liverpool FC. Hicks and his father have suffered a prolonged campaign from a faction of Liverpool fans called ’The Spirit Of Shankly’ (after their legendary manager of yore) who believe that the Hicks’, and their fellow American George Gillett, have little love for the club and have laden it with debts instead of providing investment.After an exchange of emails with one of these suporters however Hicks Jr’s patience finally snapped.and fired off an email branding the fan, Stephen Horner, an ’idiot’ and closed with the charming phrase ’Blow me f*** face. Go to hell. I’m sick of you.’

This was received in predictably poor fashion until Hicks Jr fired off his unreserved apology followed by his resignation. Although Jr fell on his sword, Hicks Sr and Gillett have remained in power and the initial furore has subsided.

All is not rosy in Liverpool at the moment. The football club’s manager, Rafa Benitez, has endured a barren patch on the pitch this season. Despite being pre-season favourites to lift multiple trophies his side are languishing in 7th place in the Premier League and are out of the European Champions League. An unexpected defeat to lowly Reading in the FA Cup on Wednesday led to many previoulsy loyal fans, as well as ex-players, to call for his head. Rafa has been in Britain long enough to know what to do next. In a rare act of humility for the self-assured Spaniard called a press conference to read a long statement apologising to the fans for their poor season so far. Whilst some fans remain to be convinced this public contrition may have earned Rafa a stay of execution.

N-Dubz, one of the leading young groups in Britain today, and their charismatic singer Dappy found themselves in hot water this week after an appearance on the Chris Moyles radio show. A member of the public,Chloe Moody texted the show and ungraciously announced to the world that the band were ’losers’ and Dappy himself was ’repulsive’.

Unfortunately for Ms Moody, Dappy was not one to take this slight lying down. The next day Moody began to get calls from an unknown number. She then received a text saying ’your (sic) gonna die’ and another text stating ’U sent a very bad msg towards Ndubz on The Chris Moyels Show yesterday morning and for that reason u will never be left alone!’ When Ms Moody subsequently answered one of the calls she was amazed to hear Dappy himself ranting at her. As the singer has recently fronted a campaign against ’cyber bullying’ and warned his fans never to threaten people by text messages then his management quickly realised an apology may have been required! Dappy soon came up with the platitudes but it is hard to tell whether his offer to give Chloe Moody a VIP ticket to their next gig is an olive branch or another threat!

So now we see how businessmen, football managers and pop stars love to apologise, just like the citizens of Britain, but for one group of society the ’s-word’ is less forthcoming: politicians. With both Gordon Brown and Tony Blair soon to come before the publicly held Iraq Enquiry it may be that, for some, sorry seems to be the hardest word! Regardless of your stance on the war and the biodiesel invovled.

What's that white stuff?

2010-01-13T02:17:00.001-08:00

In these days of global warming, or is it now called climate change?, we could all be forgiven for a sense of wonder, even foreboding, as we watch that ’white stuff’ spiral slowly from the sky, it is starting to become slightly reminicent of the chalets val d isere.

Yes, to paraphrase the great writer James Joyce, ’snow was general all over Britain’ and don’t we inhabitants of this sceptered isle know it!

After years of mild winters and relatively cool and wet summers it was getting harder to differentaiate one season from another but 2010 has hit Britain with a vengeance. The warning signs had been evident since December 2009 but on January 5th the British winter struck with a ferocity not seen for more than thirty years.

In common with many of my countrymen I opened my bedroom curtains on that fateful morning and gasped with surprise: snow was falling, and not just a few token flakes but great gouges of it! The UK, Great Britain as it is sometimes euphemistically called, was once famous for its ’stiff upper lip’ and a ’bulldog spirit’ honed by genes passed down from people who spent six years in air raid shelter eating powdered egg whilst listening to crackling reproductions of Vera Lynn records.So how did the UK react to this unexpected snow storm? Read on and discover a nation emasculated by tiny, cold flakes!

I was determined to get to work but not having a car I struggled through the blizzard to the local bus stop - I waited there until my hands, and other more important organs, turned blue and then headed home. I attempted to phone the bus company hotline to be told that I was number 112 in the queue. I then phoned one taxi company after another to be told that they were all closed for the day in case their cabs got stuck.

Faced with a day off I put the kettle on, turned the heating up and sat down to watch the news and for the whole day I watched picture after picture of the snow falling, At first I could undersatnd this, it was a rare event in our ever more temperate climes after all, but hour after hour and day after day the news has remained the same: Britain’s news has for over a week shown nothing but clips of people slipping over, snowmen of all shapes and forms, shops with their shelving stripped bare by panic buyers and feral children throwing ice packed snowballs at grimly smiling reporters. I am convinced that the same news is actually shown on every single day but that the populace of Britain hasn’t realised it yet and that the journalists and broadcasters have actually abandoned London for a month and gone to Jamaica until the sun pops back out.

How I long for a major world incident, President Obama wrestling with Hugo Chavez for instance or Iraq saying ’yes, you were right - we did have weapons of mass destruction’ if only to take these relentless snow stories off of my TV. Failing that, is a bit of sun too much to ask for?

Why The Tories Are Not Trusted

2010-01-06T09:25:00.001-08:00

Once again the British political landscape has changed and moved. It was not so long ago the Prime Minister Gordon Brown was just about down and out close to the eighth count with his fate set to be a miserable one. Many pundits were predicting a Labour loss at the polls and the Tories were being touted as forming the next government. The leader of the Tories was being hailed as the next prime minister.

What has happened is that the political directorate has somehow come to the realisation that what is likely to happen in an election is a hung Parliament which basically means that neither party will hold a majority. This shift has come about due to polls that showed that the lead the Tory had enjoyed of close to 20% has now dwindled to about 6%. This kind of lead is surely not significant enough to ensure an election victory. Keep in mind that the way political ins and outs work, there may be another shift again in a week’s time or even a month so nothing is set in stone.

Although David Cameron has worked hard and well to present the Tory as a unified organisation that is a political force to be reckoned with and that is credible. He has been guilty of succumbing for being just like most politicians who are more about themselves and photo opportunities and are not truly considering the public and their perception of him and the party. There are simply too many off these disrespectful behaviour towards the public.

Voters are increasingly looking at the Tory leader suspiciously and many believe that he and his part do not have a solid plan for the country. Different sectors of voters are not getting clear answers from the Tories which make them very cautious.

One last thing, I have just found a really informative blog on Enigin Scam . It has all sorts of enlightening energy saving schemes and promotions, and some pretty delightful posts as well!

Wheels

2009-12-22T04:20:00.000-08:00

The wheels start turning on a crispy cold autumnal morning. It is barely light and I jump on the saddle to take my daily commute to work. I love cycling. For many reasons, it makes me smile so much. The feeling of being free, free from public transport, free from the crush of the daily commuters stinking of last nights alcohol, free from the thud of music you don't want to listen to. I really enjoy the fact that every single day I get a seat. No pushing and jostling to perhaps squeeze on to a seat before the other dozen passengers battling for the 12" square of material, and that's if you're lucky to get the whole seat. These days there is more likely to be an overweight commuter sitting next to you squashing their bulk into the seat and overlapping yours. No thank you. Not for me. Sure I get a little cold some mornings, but that's only for the first mile or so. I've got the right gear and it actually, unbelievably, doesn't rain on that many days of the year. So, I shall continue commuting as long as I live in London. Trains suck and I can't stand cars, cycling is for me! Actually the other day I was cycling round London and saw something, what do you make of the B&A photography on the Silhouette thread lift webpage, You can hardly make anything out. I recon this is sending people away.

Working From Home - It Comes With A Complete Package Of Perks

2009-12-22T03:47:00.000-08:00

Working from home is not all about being able to do a job inside the walls of your house. Oh no, there is much more to it than that. Working from home allows you to shut your alarm clock off (forever), take a shower when you want to (or don't take one...who is going to smell you), take a break when you want to (take 20...your the boss), save on gas and play with the kids while you work.

Working from home allows you to work in your PJ's (or naked), work at 10 in the morning or midnight, talk to people on the phone while you are doing your laundry and hold team meetings right from your home computer. It really amazes me why everyone doesn't work from their home.

Modern British Housing

2009-12-21T01:30:00.001-08:00

Many housing options are available for British residents. These options include: flats, semi-detached houses, terraced housing, commercial property, detached houses and even couch surfing. Prices have got higher and higher in previous years, London prices having got particularly expensive. With the addition of the home information pack to add to the cost of selling or buying a home, things haven't gotten any easier for the home buyer. However, at the end of the day people will always need somewhere to live, so that hasn't deteered people from moving forward with moving into a new place.

The most common housing choice in the UK is the flat, which is very similar to apartments in the U.S. This means that they contain several individual housing units within a larger building. These units consist of private bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms. The only exception is if a flat is a ‘bedsit,’ which is more like a dorm. Residents live in a large room while sharing bathroom and kitchen facilities with other residents, (who have their own rooms as well).

Semi-detached and terraced houses work differently, (despite being part of a larger unit). Semi-detached houses only connect two houses while terraced houses contain a row of homes, (like townhouses in the U.S.). In either case residents usually have access to a small yard and a garden, (as gardening is a very popular pastime in British culture).

Next on this list is the detached house, which offers the most freedom for British homeowners. They are independent of other houses, and tend to contain even larger yards and gardens. Some may even have historic value, as Britain has quite a few detached homes that are centuries years old.

Oasts are a variant of detached houses that also have historic value. But they differ from traditional detached homes because they started out as farms where hops were produced. Some of them are also bigger than modern detached homes.

In conclusion, British housing comes in an interesting array of choices. Some of these choices are very familiar to fellow Westerners, while others are unique because they give residents a chance to feel the spirit of history. True, the inside might be modern, but the outside tells a different story as it shows the architectural styles of yesteryear.

Say No To Smack.

2009-12-04T03:58:00.000-08:00

After I read, ‘How I Handled My Child’s Tantrums’ it left me hoping that more people think like this. I hate hearing about kids getting a good ‘tanning’ when all that is necessary are a few stern words.

I don’t know why it is, but some parents automatically want to smack a child when they are naughty. If kids are brought up like this then it is only a matter of time before they become immune to it. Also, by smacking children, you are sending out confusing messages about violence being justifiable sometimes. This is not a good way for kids to learn.

Onto a bit of work related news, I have finally finished the changes for the tattoo removal stockport webpage. I am rather confused how I feel about this one, any criticisms are welcome!

By George, Orwell Was Right!

2009-11-13T09:21:00.000-08:00

Out of all of the science fiction books ever written, George Orwell’s ‘1984’ is still just as brilliant today.

In many ways it can now be seen as being even more relevant to the time in which we live. Many people have called Orwell a visionary because of the startling similarities between his novel and our society.

We may not have Telescreens in our homes but we are certainly watched wherever we go. When the book was written there were no such things as CCTV cameras yet George Orwell saw the possibility for them.

In 1984 the English language is slowly being replaced by ‘Newspeak’. This (in his book) is seen as a ‘necessary’ devolution of English which will make things far easier to understand. If something is bad it is ‘ungood’ and if it is really bad then it is ‘doubleplus ungood’. The idea of our language being replaced in the real world may sound a little far-fetched... until you remember the psycho-babble that we are adopting from Americanisation and European regulation on a daily basis. There is, for example, a large emphasis on ‘compliance’ in our modern language and other words are also being used far more often; ‘social interaction’, ‘24/7’ and ‘mindset’ are just a few. Is this merely a normal shift in our language or are there more sinister reasons for the high use of certain words?

Orwell also featured a ‘national lottery’ in his book that was played religiously by the lower classes in the hope of becoming rich. He even mentioned people who were convinced that they had a ‘special system’ for choosing the winning numbers; and we have all met people like that.

There are many chilling comparisons between the novel and our society; the class system, the propaganda of war and the controlling of the masses. In my opinion, everyone with an interest in social issues should read this novel as it can make you far more aware of what is going on in our world.

So before I go, and while we are talking about TV I have something to admit. I love Sylar (sorry Clive). I was going through the most recent Heroes season on dvd well into the night and the acting was excellent! I would highly recommend this one to all of you..

The Dilemma of School.

2009-10-29T10:33:00.001-07:00

As this post points out, sending the kids back to school can stir up a variety of emotions and have several different effects. Sure, now you can get everything done around the house; but you do miss them as well, don’t you?

When they are at home you wish they were at school and when there are not at home you want them back.

It is a similar paradox for the children as well. In the holidays they are ‘bored’ and have ‘nothing to do’, but when they have to go to school they wish they could stay at home.

Sigh. Such is life.

The Over-Activity of Parenting.

2009-10-22T04:19:00.000-07:00

I was very interested to read this blog about ADHD because a friend of mine has a child with the condition. ADHD children really can be hard work and this post is very informative for anyone who doesn’t know very much about it.

When I read through the list of this child’s symptoms it was just like listening to my friend talking about his son. I suppose that these things are familiar to anyone who has a child who has been diagnosed with having ADHD. Being a parent can be really difficult as it is without having this condition to cope with as well.

It amazes me how many people have children with conditions like this, and the general ignorance of society in general. There are a lot of really good organizations that support parents and the children like this, however most of them are run off charitable donations. So next time you plan on spending a little bit of money on botox, think again about putting that money towards something like these organizations, I promise you won't regret it!

Impro Comedy Show!

2009-05-15T08:29:00.001-07:00

went to a comedy show the other day, had such a good time. there were loads of up and coming stars (apparently) doing their funky stuff on stage. the night started with some fun and games for the audience, we had to suggest loads of ideas about really good but very weird inventions, write our suggestions down on a piece of paper and they were put in a hat. then the guys on stage acted out a scene, it was of a couple madly in love having an argument about where to get married.

I must say, i was most impressed by the speed at which they could just make up their lines on the spot. then at random moments the lead guy would pull out a suggestion and hand it to one of them. absolutely hillarious, but they managed to get some genius ideas linked in to their argument rather well indeed. this sort of Improvisation is always funny, not only do the guys have to make up a story, which is completely in their control, and I guess to some extent can be thought of in advance before getting up on stage, but then to be handed some completely random line from a member of the audience and link it in to their story, its absolutely amazing.

well, by the end of the scene the audience were in fits of laughter, this is a great ice-breaker for both audience and actors because the audience actually feel like they're participating in the show. next came the questions only scene, I'm sure you can work this one out, but basically the guys on stage have to only speak in questions, which is far harder than you can imagine. they do this in pairs, with another pair standing to the side and when one fails to speak a question they are buzzed out. genius. and a hillarious end to a laughter filled night.

London Marathon - lossing weight for charity!

2009-04-27T07:28:00.000-07:00

Yes, the time has come again where people of all shapes and sizes are donning their running shoes and preparing to run 26.2 miles around one of the most iconic cities in the world. For those spectating, this is a fantastic time to sit back and watch what happens. They have probably just realised that it is going to be going on in late April and are going about their daily business. The runners have a slightly different perspective.

They decided many months ago to head off on a trail of hard graft, of body fat reduction. This is weight loss without the weight loss clinic. There are many ways in which to improve your body- liposuction is a great one to get rid of fat easily and quickly, tummy tucks are indeed favoured by the rich and famous, but there is no better, longer term and more painful way than to commit yourself the the grind that is training for and subsequently running a marathon. Close to sixty thousand people have been getting up early, eating porridge and running miles and miles, pounding pavements and grass, with an accumulated milage well into the millions. Some may even have had breast reduction surgury to help them on their way to getting better times, better positioning, or even just to help them run. At the end of April, this will come to a head and a pounding, writhing mass of humanity will wend its way through the Capital, being cheered on by those who have been drawn to the event. Maybe these people, electrified by the atmosphere will also get the bug. Maybe they too, will dust off their running shoes and look to the horizon. I suspect that there will be a fair number of them who will not. I know for a fact there are many who certainly will stand by and watch.

They will use this time as an opportunity to take photographs for online photography competitions, using the images of a heaving sweating mass as a subject in the continental drift section- however, everyone who goes there, be they running, spectating, photographing, drinking or simply gaping at the generic idiocy of that many people running through a city, will have a jolly good time.

Education in Britain

2009-03-19T06:26:00.000-07:00

Education has been a prominent aspect in British life ever since the Medieval period, when the Church provided academic instruction to virtually every socioeconomic demographic. However, the instruction was not always free, (unless a person was really poor). It also wasn’t a legal requirement for children and teens. This wouldn’t happen until the late 1800s, when British education evolved to what it is today.

Now, children are required to attend school until 18 years of age, a change that was recently reflected in the Education & Skills Act of 2008, (as before the minimum age was 16). During this time they can attend public schools, (where there are no tuition costs), or private schools. There is also the option of attending state-run boarding schools, where parents only have to pay for room & board.

In terms of grade levels, there is first school, middle school and upper school. First school is like elementary school in the U.S. It teaches children who are 5 to 9 years old. Middle-school teaches more advanced instruction to children ages 10 to 12. Then, from ages 13 to 17, children attend upper school, (which is like American high school).

However, it should be noted that in Britain the terminology is different for children in their last two years of upper school. In the U.S. they would still be in high school, but in Britain, 16 and 17 year-olds are in Sixth-Form College.

After high school, young adults after receiving their home information packs and filling out the necessary paperwork, can move onto University, which can either be private or state-run. If it’s the latter, there’s a £3,145 cap for tuition. This can be paid after a person graduates, provided that they meet the necessary income requirements. If they don’t, (and they are considered a poor citizen), the state will cover their expenses.
On the other hand, if a person decides they want to advance and gain a Master’s or a Doctorate degree, they will have to pay their own way, (regardless of their income level).

How British Healthcare Works

2009-03-09T05:39:00.000-07:00

The British healthcare system is one of the best in the world. It’s free, and relatively easy to get. And, by the fact the British healthcare system is controlled by the National Health Service, (a governmental entity), there’s less chance of fraudulent activity. Ultimately, if you go to a British hospital, let's say for migraine pain relief or even weight loss surgery, you won’t have to worry about getting denied treatment because of an insurance company’s red tape.

Of course, to many Americans such a concept is difficult to understand. They believe that universal healthcare is Socialist and is bound to cause problems, especially for the middle-class. But nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, when it comes to British healthcare, EVERYONE gets top-notch treatment. Whether you’re rich, poor or in between, you don’t have to worry about a hospital denying you life-saving treatment.

So, who ends up flipping the bill for British healthcare? Everyone, since the system is paid for by the nation’s taxes. And, contrary to popular belief, these taxes are really no different than what Americans pay. In some cases it might even be better.

However, this does not mean that private healthcare is non-existent in British society. Like America, the British can get private health insurance through their jobs. And, should they get sick, they are free to use this insurance over the one provided by the government. There are many organisations in place to regulate private medicine, such as the BACD. However, each person will have to pay a premium for the privilege of the private care.

Okay, I know what you might be thinking. Why would someone opt for private health insurance when the government provides those services for free? Well, it’s more of a personal choice. If you pay for coverage, you have more freedom with who you can see. You also don’t have to worry about any waiting periods, as you can get coverage whenever you want.

British Views 101 (Britain vs America)

2009-02-24T02:02:00.000-08:00

What is the common mindset in Britain? As the world becomes more multicultural, many people wonder this question. This is especially the case for Americans, who are becoming more exposed to the lifestyle through British movies, music and other forms of media.

Well, first off, in comparison to Americans, the British people are very liberal. But for them, the term liberal takes on a different meaning. How? Well, in British culture, liberalism relates to a more progressive way of thinking. This means that the Brits place a heavy emphasis on multiculturalism, environmentalism and other convftcerns that better both their country and the world in general.

As far as morality, it’s not as much of an issue in British politics. In fact, according to the article Anglo-Saxon Attitudes, British conservatives are actually MORE secular than American Democrats. So, why are they considered conservative? It’s because of their views of how much the state should be involved with people’s affairs.

In terms of general culture, the British resemble America and other Western nations when it comes to social equality. Women are not just about Beauty PR as they have the same rights as men when it comes to working and various –isms, (such as racism, etc.), are looked down on. In addition, common men can work their way up to success. Ultimately, no one has to stay on the same level if they don’t want to.

Of course, the views become profoundly different when one considers international relations. With the U.S. the view tends to be to force everyone into a Democratic way of thinking. For the British, multiculturalism is the preferred approach. However, if there is a terrorist threat, they will take the necessary action.

In conclusion, the British viewpoint is one that is very interesting. Not only is it progressive, but it also encourages other people to be themselves, whether it’s on a personal level or an international one.

(Interested in the reverse? For a view on america from a british prespective, check out this other blog america from the outside)

How does the British Government Work?

2009-02-11T08:23:00.000-08:00

For both British and non-British individuals, there are a lot of misconceptions regarding how the British government works. Some believe that the House of Commons controls everything while others believe that the British operate under a monarchy. In reality, the English government is considered both a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy.

What does this mean? Well, the democracy aspect comes through the elected officials responsible for overseeing the British government. These elected officials can be found in the House of Commons, which is often considered the Parliament. In truth, the House of Commons is only a portion of the Parliament as there are two other political bodies: the House of Lords and the Monarchy.

Members of the House of Lords are either Archbishops, Bishops, life peers or descendants of Lords. Meanwhile, the Monarchy consists of just one entity: the King or Queen. In either case, such positions are usually granted based on royal lineage, an element that helps preserve England’s rich history.

As far as governmental roles, each Parliamentary body works together to maintain order, though their functions are different. For instance, the House of Commons is responsible for passing the laws, while the House of Lords serves a judicial role, (like the Supreme Court in the U.S.). The Monarchy serves as a head of State as he or she elects Prime Ministers, approves legislations and makes war decisions, (with the guidance of the other members of Parliament). The Monarchy also serves a prominent social role.

In conclusion, the British government offers a very interesting mix of political approaches and Soft skills. The democratic element allows the common man a chance to govern, while the Monarchy element offers a great deal of cultural value without giving one person too much power. This is in contrast to other countries, where politics take an all-or-nothing approach. Indeed, by using different approaches nothing gets lost in the political process, which is why England has been able to preserve both her culture and government for such a long period of time.

A Look at Interracial Marriage and Multiculturalism in Britain

2009-01-26T03:52:00.001-08:00

There are many that erroneously believe that America is the number one land for diversity and multiculturalism. However, there are many other places around the world where people of all races converge, even if there is one race that is the majority.

Great Britain is an example. Approximately 8% of its population consists of minorities, including Blacks, Asians and mixed-race individuals. And among each of these groups one can find thousands of individuals who have reached the pinnacle of success.

In addition, there appears to be more tolerance when these groups intermix with White Britons. And the evidence for this can in the country’s history, especially in relation to Indians. During the 17th century Indian men came over in large numbers due to the East India Company. They ended up marrying local English women because there weren’t enough Indian women around. And, even though there were many who didn’t like these unions, in general the relationships were accepted because there weren’t any laws against interracial marriage.

Compare this to American society where interracial marriages amongst any group were illegal until 1964. And even after that there were areas in the South that encouraged bureaucratic segregation in schools. An example is Bob Jones University, a Christian college that forbid its students to date interracially. It wasn’t until 2000 that they abandoned this policy. And even then it was because of their own free will, not from force by the government.

The British never officially instituted anything so ignorant. This is not to say there weren’t attempts in earlier history, as there were legal scholars that tried to enact anti-miscegenation laws. However, the British government during a Corporate event denied these legislations.

Today, approximately 2% of all British marriages are interracial. This stat is very similar to the U.S., despite the fact that Britain has a greater white population.

British Housing: Many options.

2009-01-05T06:01:00.000-08:00

Job hunting - from commecial property jobs to horse insurance

2008-11-23T04:33:00.001-08:00

I hate my job right now. This is not always the case but right now, this week I really really hate my job. So for the first time I decided to get up off my behind and do something about it. I went out and got me some interviews.
The first thing that was a bit of a shocker was how easy it was to get the interviews. I've always known that I was well qualified, but I never realised how easy it was though! I just went in the internet, went on a bit of a treasure hunt to try and find a couple of good sites - but when I did the results sure did come in quick! So within a few days I had interviews set up.
What I wasn't prepared for was how difficult the interviews were going to be. The first one was for a property agent that specialises in commercial property in London. I went along in my best suit with my portfolio of work in hand feeling very positive, I came out the room depressed and miserable. Now I am good at my job, I am good at writing emails, I am fairly okay on the phone - I am not very good in person. The problem is.... well we'll come back to that in a bit.
The next one was for a company that does horse insurance. I thought brilliant, after the last interview the insurance people aren't going to care if I'm the personality of the year as long as I work hard and can do the job. How wrong was I.

See I’ve come to realize that people don’t want to employ someone only because they can do the best job, they want to employ someone because they want to work with them and spend time with them. It’s like being part of a popularity contest back at school, and it sucks.

So I’m back at my normal job. No body here knows that I went for these interviews, so at least I’m safe there. It has led me to appreciate one thing about my job. At least here everyone leaves me along to do the job.

Credit Crunch Time in Britain. What Now?

2008-10-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

Perhaps I’m missing the point, perhaps everything is ok and things will be back to normal in a few weeks, or months? Wherever I look, I see signs of the credit crunch and how it's affecting Britain. The highest unemployment figures for years, retail revenues substantially down, bizarre wealth indicators like reductions in the number of plastic surgery operations being carried out are all signals of an economic downturn. Even through all this though, at least in my own experience, it seems like Britain has naturally fallen back into its old stiff upper lip stereotype; we’re carrying on as usual.

It seems to have been generally accepted that it's now impossible to sell property. It seems to have been generally accepted that food will cost more than ever. It seems that households are going to have much less spending money next year, but is Britain’s’ reaction appropriate? Or are we seriously underestimating, and in doing so, mismanaging our own futures?

I'm not one to be coerced by the increasingly tiresome scare tactics that politicians use as routine to bring in change nowadays. No, I’m far more worried when everything coming out of our political establishment seems to be sculpted in such a way that it sidesteps concerns and contradicts what might be the public’s natural and perfectly reasonable response to the threat of long term economic recession. Panic!

Perfectly respectable economists and business people are coming forward and speaking to reporters, business and government about what could very well be a global recession of unimagined severity. These masters of trade and finance are concerned enough about our economic outlook that they are telling their news to anyone willing to listen, but are we buying it?

I do wonder when I see people on the streets, doing what appears to be a relatively normal shopping trip, or heading out to the pub and buying drinks and other luxuries. Do they understand that we might be facing food shortages, massive unemployment, rioting and unchecked crime? When Bush was pushing for the $700 billion bill, he threatened dissenting senators that a failed vote might force him to declare martial law. Is this just national malaise just good old stiff upper lip seeing us through the hard times, or is it a foolhardy and re-assuring covenant, preventing proper preparation for what might be ahead? Carry on as usual, but will it go away if we ignore it?

Email Marketing is Driving Me Nuts!

2008-09-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

In the modern British world, the days of door to door salesmen is long gone. Email marketing is now a great way of getting your product to the attention of a huge amount of people with minimum effort. See I do get it! For many businesses it’s a way of positively procrastinating about doing a real job of marketing a product using professionals who know how to target the right kind of demographic. I also understand how good they feel going home thinking that they’ve managed to “contact” hundreds of thousands of potential clients that day. But I have to say their “marketing” is driving me nuts!

I haven’t given these businesses my permission to contact me. I haven’t ticked any boxes, completed any forms or telephoned their sales force asking for information about their product. So why is it that my inbox is full of marketing emails that advertise anything from the ultra-mundane to the most bizarre? It’s frustrating, especially when I haven’t been able to get to my email for a few days, there are thousands of emails downloading and somewhere amongst them is probably something important from a client but it’s lost in this seemingly endless list of virtual rubbish.

One of the most annoying things, aside from the fact that I haven’t requested this information – not to mention the fact I don’t WANT it – is that most of this junk mail is offering me stuff that if anyone bothered to check the email address they’d realize that I have no use for. I don’t need enlarged in parts of the body I don’t possess. I don’t need dates with hot chicks.I’m not interested in “chatting” with lonely girls. My name is 100% female, and it’s part of my email address. It’s a dead giveaway if they read it they’d know immediately that I have no use for Viagra or other “performance enhancing” drug or gizmo.

Sometimes I do silently seethe as I delete these emails, pondering how many sales actually come from sending out spam – sorry employing email marketing software – but mostly I just wish their computers would develop a fatal virus and die on them!

Britian's work - life balance

2008-06-03T04:59:00.000-07:00

Have we here in Britain lost sight of what is and isn’t important in our lives? Has modern British life lead us to the point where we are no longer living and are merely just existing?

Currently the average person’s day begins by waking up. You brush your teeth, have some breakfast, kiss someone good bye perhaps, then go to work. You spend 8 hours working, probably sitting fairly stagnant at a desk without much physical movement or exercise. For the majority of people, whilst they don’t hate their jobs, they certainly wouldn’t list it as one of their passions. There are exceptions to this, some people have jobs that are also their hobbies and love doing it, others truly hate their jobs but feel they have no way. It is fair to say that most people are in the middle of being fairly ambivalent.

Once they finish work, they go home, kiss someone hello, make/eat some dinner and watch a little television. By the time this is all done, they rarely have the energy to go out and do anything. As it is they probably have jobs to do in the house whether that is cleaning or paper work.

This goes on from Monday through to Friday. On a Friday or Saturday night, in Britain one of the traditional things to do is to go out on the piss. This is considered great fun, but means you loose half of the next day recovering. Sunday morning generally involves a lie in to recover from the week, and a late night is out of the question given that you have work the next morning.

In Britain we are a time starved people who live for the weekends. Again, I am making generalisation here, you may be reading this thinking what is he talking about. I urge you then to look at out current set up. We have little time to do anything during the week but work and rest. We have so little time, we have in fact built infrastructure to allow us to do normal things quicker. If you’ve ever bought a book or CD on the internet rather than go to the shops because it is quicker and easier you will know what I am talking about. We have no time to interact to meet partners so we have invented email marketing software to allow us to contact multiple people in a very short space of time. We have little time to get to know and bond with our colleagues, so company now run team building events in order get their worker to know each other. Why do they do this though? So that the people are more productive.

We have become a work driven people here in Britain. I’m not saying we should change our ways – but is this really living?

Diana the Conspiracy Theory Can't Now Die

2008-04-20T15:53:00.000-07:00

Why? Well simply because unless the Duke of Edinburgh had taken the stand to prove himself inept at personal relationships but innocent of being party to any conspiracy, the theory must remain. To have allegations that the Duke was in any way part of the situation and then for the powers that decide such things decide that he needn’t face his accusers questions in a court situation raises more questions than the silence answers in my opinion. It’s a well known fact that the Duke of Edinburgh is more than capable of putting his foot in things, and is one of the UK’s most high profile politically incorrect people (he was once rumoured to have said that cosmetic surgery was a good thing). By his not taking the stand looks as if his advisers were afraid that he may say something that whilst not implicating him directly in Diana’s death, certainly would place him in a negative light. As a UK native however, as well as a royalist, I fear that his lack of a courtroom appearance doesn’t absolve him of any responsibility – despite what the jury have been advised. Rather I believe if he was innocent of anything which was relevant to the charges made, he ought to have had the grace and dignity to stand up in court as any other British subject would have had to do. The Duke’s failure to be interviewed in court means that this inquest is nothing more than a crowd pleaser. Something to wave in front of the conspirator mongers to say “we held an inquest and you were wrong.” Unfortunately they didn’t go the extra step that would have given more credence to any outcome the inquest may have, and so the conspiracy theory will continue to burn long after the courtroom clears. Finally we have had progress with the website.Noela has redesigned the botox injections London page

Why? Well simply because unless the Duke of Edinburgh had taken the stand to prove himself inept at personal relationships but innocent of being party to any conspiracy, the theory must remain. To have allegations that the Duke was in any way part of the situation and then for the powers that decide such things decide that he needn’t face his accusers questions in a court situation raises more questions than the silence answers in my opinion.

It’s a well known fact that the Duke of Edinburgh is more than capable of putting his foot in things, and is one of the UK’s most high profile politically incorrect people (he was once rumoured to have said that cosmetic surgery was a good thing). By his not taking the stand looks as if his advisers were afraid that he may say something that whilst not implicating him directly in Diana’s death, certainly would place him in a negative light.

As a UK native however, as well as a royalist, I fear that his lack of a courtroom appearance doesn’t absolve him of any responsibility – despite what the jury have been advised. Rather I believe if he was innocent of anything which was relevant to the charges made, he ought to have had the grace and dignity to stand up in court as any other British subject would have had to do.

The Duke’s failure to be interviewed in court means that this inquest is nothing more than a crowd pleaser. Something to wave in front of the conspirator mongers to say “we held an inquest and you were wrong.” Unfortunately they didn’t go the extra step that would have given more credence to any outcome the inquest may have, and so the conspiracy theory will continue to burn long after the courtroom clears.

Finally we have had progress with the website.Noela has redesigned the botox injections London page

The Jose Effect

2008-04-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

If Jose Mourinho was my boyfriend I would never stop following him around, and I would be proud to do this. Some guys you imagine yourself with and you imagine yourself all cool and content; the fantasy is not so much about the guy as about the identity you would assume if he was in your life. On the days when I pretend I am Tim Robbins’ girlfriend it’s because I’m feeling a bit political and serious. I went through a bit of a David Mitchell phase a couple of months back, and at the time I was all into erudition, British reserve and humour. I love Ray Liotta because I think I would make a great gangster. Or I would have done in 1990, he’s getting on a bit now.

But Jose is different. I never imagine myself to be anything other than needy and tearful with Jose and... And this is the crucial part– LOVING it. There’s something about the way he nonchalantly shrugs in post match interviews, regardless of the outcome. Like, even though it’s his job, the whole world is somehow irrelevant, it is beneath him. It makes me dream of the morning he kicks me out of bed because he has to go and be moody about football somewhere. I can imagine coming home having just had my breast uplift uk in an effort to impress and please him, only to have him not even notice. With Jose I fantasize about unreturned phone calls, stroppy silences in glamorous restaurants, crave the sheer unrequited tantalizing “you’d-love-it-if-it-was-yours-but-it’s-just-out-of-your reach” of it all.

This is weird right? I mean, yearning for the opportunity to yearn? How low does this rate me on the self esteem scale? Or is it just an attraction to challenge? The idea that if you try hard enough, if you jumped through all the right hoops, ticked the right boxes and had a very expensive face lift you might, just might, one day, earn approval from the object of your desire. (And in the meantime the responsibility lies with them) But there are no guarantees, and no explanations as to what “there” even is. Only that if it’s unobtainable it must be delicious. And if it’s a fantasy, it’s under control, and it’s safe. Jose if you’re reading this, it’s probably easier for both of us if you don’t call.

Cabbies and Angels

2008-03-17T13:47:00.001-07:00

I’ll admit I was drunk.

But I like to think that had I been sober the conversation wouldn’t have gone much differently, and that is why I love cabbies in this city.

His name was Mark and I had been in the back of the taxi about ten minutes when the story turned to his ex wife- the trauma and heartbreak they had endured together, the eventual demise of their relationship, his reluctance to move on. The conversation meandered into more general relationship stuff, how do you know when it’s right, how far should you go for that one special person, should I let my girlfriend have botox injections and so on, all the way home. Then we moved on to childhood events, past conflict, his last memory of his father setting up treasure hunts in the garden for them to play together. I think we even touched on Ireland. I don’t know how much of it was true. Maybe it was all lies, maybe he held me in contempt for listening so intently. I like to think that he didn’t, that it was as pleasant a chat for him as it had been for me. I don’t care. Moments like that are what they are and you should do whatever you feel happiest doing with them.

%more%

My favourite was the cabbie who picked me up from the supermarket a few years ago. I’d bought too many beans and couldn’t get them all home.

“Seen any angels today then?” He said, very matter of fact as I settled down in the back.

I’ll admit I was sober.

“I just had one in the back of my cab” he went on. “seriously, an angel. His wings were so big, yeah, I had to open the sunroof”

That instinctive, British need to respond with polite relevance kicked in. I replied,

“Well, it’s a Sunday today isn’t it? I guess it’s their busiest time”

He paused for a moment then burst out laughing.

“Yes! That is brilliant!” He said. I was flattered in a way, but sort of half hoping he could laugh while at the same time maintain a safe driving speed.

He then picked up the mic and radioed back to his office

“Sheila! Sheila! There’s a girl in the back right–and she said Sunday must be their busiest time!”

The intercom crackled with what I assumed was laughter. I still wasn’t sure what I’d wandered into but I felt as though I’d passed.

Brilliant.

Londoners and their Facebook

2008-02-15T03:48:00.001-08:00

The phenomena known as Facebook has swept the country and nowhere more so than London, which is now officially the most Facedbooked place on the planet. More people reside in the ‘London’ network than on any other within the Facebook system. It seems that London is a city filled with Super Pokes, Flying Sheep and Fun Walls. The growth also seems exponential. It shouldn't be long before we'll see people throwing each other botox injections and buildings. People join everyday and so the list of friends grows longer.

It is all the more surprising considering how antisocial London actually is. Any visitor to the city quickly finds out that Londoners value their privacy and keeping their private lives private. So it is surprising when looking on the updates how many people become single, divorced, married in a relationship or even change their sexuality. For such a private city, Facebook provides the perfect antidote to its clammed shut nature.

The poke system is also perfect for the London psyche. Not too ostentatious to be taken in anyway other than a harmless piece of fun. If you are poked back then great, it means just as much as when you were the poker. Also the charms that can be read into poking in such a battle can let the dull life of the office whizz away into an afternoon of Facebook fun.

However, there is something to be said when it seems that part of a functional relationship can only take place through Facebook or other social networking sites. Try poking, flirting or hugging someone on the streets of London and if you are not arrested then you would still not get a pleasant response. No matter how connected we are in the world of Facebook, it seems that when we get back into the real world, London remains as it has always been. Isolated, lonely and thoroughly dysfunctional. Despite being its most connected city, Facebook has not become the social revolution we all hoped for. The friends that we never really liked still remain that. The people you met at random remain so and such is the life in the city. People come and go, only Facebook remains.

The company has just come up with a new scheme, now anyone can get treatment at a cosmetic surgery clinic

with a hefty discount. Abbie should probably do us all a favour and take advantage of it! Good luck to her!

The cultural difference of London

2008-02-04T03:19:00.001-08:00

Today’s London can be described as the crossroads of the world. From all corners of the globe, people come from far and wide to work and set up home. This collision of culture has made London into the vibrant city it is today. Step into any neighbourhood in the city and there will be cuisine's from around the world, shops selling fruits from the tropics and spices from the east. No other place in the world reflects the diversity of London. This is in part due to its geographical position. The Pacific Ocean is the antipodal point for the UK and so all land masses are in equal reach of the city. Added are its status as a transport hub and its position as Europe’s leading financial centre, the mix only seems certain to grow.

What is amazing is how the demographic changes, when leaving the city’s boundaries. On leaving London and crossing to the commuter towns of the surrounding Green Belt, it feels like another world. The shops are all neat and tidy, the accents are less rich in slang and none of the exoticness of the city seems to have made an impact beyond its borders. Traditional England has held sway despite the rapid change that has occurred in the city just a few miles away. The faces are also different from that in the city. Not just homogenised, but also different in their outlook. The frantic pace of the city has been replaced by the sedate calm of suburban contentment.

It is these two very different cultures that sit side by side within the same country. The engine that drives the economy of Britain is fast paced, haphazardly planned and yet seemingly successful. While the well laid out land beyond its borders are economically insignificant but yet are financially dependent on the chaos of the metropolis.

London is also a city that sits uneasily within the UK. Traditionally it has always been an outward looking city and in today’s world it is especially so. While the culture of England remains vital to its inhabitants, that same culture seems alien to its capital city. The crowds that may converge at Wembley when the national team play are more likely to originate beyond the capital than within it.

Long may this divide carry on. It is part of the dynamism that makes London a cut above the rest of the country. Annd something that has worked very well so far...

There's this sculptra clinic near us, and the boss came into today beaming like he

had this treat for us... Was it a raise? No. Was it discounts on getting cosmetic surgery treatments? Yes. Great, just what I looked for in a company. Well lets face it, we can't all be as beautiful as I am!

Our addiction to Oil

2008-02-04T03:18:00.001-08:00

In the Twenty-First century, human beings have exceeded the boundaries of civilisation faster than at anytime in the history of mankind. Our lives have now become an electronic wonderland, of MP3’s, video streaming and wireless interaction. The tasks that were once tedious have been made streamlined with the dishwasher now as common in the British household as the washing machine and the dryer. Even the luxuries in our lives have become more extravagant. TV’s have become wider, clothes more plentiful and as always. the prices have been falling as we as a nation have been able not just to consume more, but better.

However, this miracle of modern British society has been supported by only one thing The availability of plentiful supplies of energy, in particular oil. For the only reason that these goods are so cheap is that they have been shipped halfway across the world from China. All these new luxury goods that we have enjoyed in recent years are made primarily from plastic, a by-product of the oil refining process. The big question that should be on everyone lips is what do we do when the oil runs out?

We should remember just how dependent that we as a nation are on oil. In the west especially, we have spent years on a constant treasure hunt for more and more oil. Transportation and power generation are two very obvious areas in which oil dominates. Even with biofuels for larger vehicles, how will all the cars run without normal petrol? However it becomes more basic than that. How will we eat. The UK has to import food, the growing season is not long enough to feed the current population. And it also goes much deeper, as all our farms are mechanised, how will the machinery such as combine harvesters and tractors run without oil.

Oil is a finite resource. It will run out. As a society we have yet to address the problem which would be far more drastic than global warming. For we would starve before the rise in sea level. As a nation, and as a society, we must start to think of ways to combat our addiction to it, as sooner or later we are all going to have to learn to live without, oil.

Gridlocked Britain

2008-02-04T03:11:00.001-08:00

The growing chaos of Britain’s transport system has become apparent over the past few years. The railways are expensive and overcrowded, yet still attract record profits. The motorways are in need of dire repair and fuel prices have risen through the roof, yet the roads get more crowded. A record number of people are now cycling to work within London, yet the roads of the city are still gridlocked. The airports are bursting at the seams yet no one wants to build that extra runway for fear of loosing out on votes at the next election.

Britain’s population unlike the rest of Europe has kept growing throughout the twentieth century and is set to hit 75 million by the middle of the century. Yet the powers that be, seem hamstrung in actually catering for this unprecedented boom. And this boom is due to the fact that Britain has seen unparalleled rates of economic growth over the past decade.

A brave person will be needed in which to deal with the mess that has become the British transportation. For no matter what the NIMBY’s keep saying, there will need to be a revolutionary change in how we deal with our own transport problems. Decades of fudging and under investment have left a country that has become the laughing stock of the Developed World. While we can deploy troops half way across the globe and keep an economic bubble from bursting, it seems beyond any sense of reality to get a train running on time.

It will also take money, a word that is uttered in hushed tones whenever it is needed. But the reality of the situation is that since the second world war, the rate of infrastructure supply has not kept up with the demand. The last new runway to be built in the UK was at Manchester, which now makes it as capable as Heathrow despite the fact that the latter has been operating at full capacity for the last twenty years. Real money is needed in order to update not just for today’s standards but for the planned future growth and prosperity of the UK. After all, it is only a matter of time before permanent gridlock sets in.

The High Street, going bust?

2008-01-25T03:12:00.003-08:00

Spend, spend, spend! That has been the mantra of the last few years. The heady days of Blair, Cool Britannia and the Millennium led to an unprecedented boom for the UK economy. Ten years of growth have led to cash bonanzas for millions. The influx if cheap goods from China has also meant that our choice in lifestyles have changed. While ten years ago, wide screen televisions were all the rage, it was so superseded by flatscreen. Now everything is in HD and Digital Ready. Ad each time, the consumer has spent like there has been no tomorrow.

Now tomorrow has arrived. As 2007 ends and 2008 begins, the retailers have realised that the consumers do not want any more. And not for want of trying. Debt levels in the UK per head are amongst the highest in the world. However, it does not matter how flash that mobile phone is or how great the pink MP3 player looks on my new sweater. The fact is quite simple. The buck stops here, there is no more money in the bank and no amount of discounting will get the consumer back into the shop.

About time too. The last decade has been an orgy of greed for the British High Street. Despite the word ‘sale’ on every shop window, Britain has still remained an overpriced country in which to shop. Visitors from these shores to America or the continent still marvel at how retailers manage to keep their prices so low. Higher labour costs can barely be justified as there are few companies on the high street that pay their staff above the minimum wage. The simple fact that time after time, the profits have been scalped without any thought to where the money was coming from.

The next couple of years will prove interesting as retailers try to convince their shareholders that it is just a passing storm. And they are right, but as in all patches of turbulence, ships sink. The British High Street will be no different. Companies will fail and new shops will be born from the ashes. But remember, that they if they could not plan for the lean times, than it is only their own fault. And for any bargin hunters out there, expect a few in the coming months.

A New Bank Holiday

2008-01-25T03:12:00.001-08:00

The Bank Holiday situation in England and Wales have to constitute some of the stingiest in the Western World. From being the country that invented the notion of having a day off to celebrate various feast days, Britain now lags behind much of Europe and North America in terms of the amount of days given off and the spread of the holidays.

First of all is the notorious gap in holidays. From the end of August until the Christmas season, there are no public holidays to look forward to. That means, during the lengthening nights of winter, there is nothing in which to take away the doom and gloom alongside the cold and rain that afflicts these isles during these months. No wonder the British never smile...

Secondly, the amount offered is a rather paltry amount. Only one day at New Year, a couple at Christmas, a couple at Easter, inexplicably two in May and one in August allows for eight official days off granted by Parliament. No wonder the Brits are a nation that is officially stressed out.

I suppose there is a lot of self blame for this. The lack of religious conviction means that a new holiday cannot be introduced on the grounds of deeply held beliefs. Also, the fact that we actually do need money means that too many days off would actually constitute a crisis in our own wallets.

However, it would be nice to have another day off. Recently put forward by our current government is the idea of a ‘British Day’, something to encapsulate the essence of Britishness that is lacking in our nation. An inoffensive excuse to be patriotic - sounds ideal, when is it happening!

It seems that the British will probably not get that extra day off. For so long the idea has been mooted that it will stay in a committee until one day, a government needs a few swing votes and decides to appeal to the masses by granting the extra day off. Well, it worked in 1971 (New Years Day) and it could be just the trick that is needed now.

British Food

2008-01-20T02:34:00.001-08:00

As a nation, Britain is not famed for its food. Jokes about the state of cuisine ring far and wide both at home and abroad. Many people have stated that the food is not fresh and yes, there is a good point in that as this is an island with a short growing season. Also many people complain that the food is too stodgy, but in the winter, that is exactly what is needed. Many people do not have the time to cook at home any more and bemoan the rise of the TV dinner.

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But there is also an argument to be made for the cause of British food. As its capital, London is lucky enough to have some of the most eclectic cuisine in the world. Snobs may bemoan the authenticity of Vietnamese food on Shoreditch High Street, or the availability of genuine Teff in Ladbroke Grove, but the fact is that whatever you want, you can find it in London. And compared to other cities around the world, it is often inexpensive and frequented by the ‘locals’ – expats from those countries who know what good food is.

Some say that the British Empire was built upon trying to get a decent meal, and they could have been right as now, every British high street will boast a curry house and a Chinese restaurant. Greek and Turkish food are also common fare throughout the nation while many people will have delighted themselves on Mexican Tortillas, Spanish Tapas and Sushi prepared by Japanese hands. These foods are not unusual tastes for the British, but something that has become a part of the culture. Also, British people when travelling are also more adventurous with the food. Well, with names like Toad in the Hole and Spotted Dick to gain inspiration from, anything else must be quite tasty.

When travelling abroad, the same eclectic nature of food is rarely found in other countries beyond the big cities. Every Chinese town will have great bowls of noodles but not one place to buy a decent curry. Italy is filled with wonderful pasta houses but sometimes only a kebab will do the trick. And has anyone tried to get a decent hamburger in Sri Lanka? While in any town in Britain, you are never too far away from a red Thai curry–

Queen who?

2008-01-20T02:33:00.003-08:00

Britain’s Royalty has a funny place in the hearts and minds of the public. Everyday we see the Queen’s image on money and stamps. The word ‘Royal’ is second nature in which to describe our companies, our institutions and even our place names. And yet, Britain is not particularly patriotic. Or maybe it I should replace the word patriotism with ‘bothered’. For although there is a strong sentiment for republicanism in many Commonwealth Realms, Britain remains healthily ambivalent towards the whole subject of kingdom or republic.

Even though we no longer kow-tow to the Monarch, in fact it doesn’t seem out of place to mock her openly. But the fact is that despite the mood shifts over Queen Elizabeth’s reign, one thing does seem certain. No one really wants to get rid of her in a hurry. Republican Groups are actually quite marginal and usually seen as the rant of idealistic twenty-somethings, fresh from their first dip into the theories of Engles and Marx. However, groups of outright Royalists also seem to be a rather strange sight. Smells of tweed jackets and a behaviour akin to 1930’s suburbia does not really sit easy with the majority of people in Britain.

So what is the general view on Royalty in the UK. Well, I hate to disappoint the many people that fly from across the world to take photographs of Buckingham Palace, but many people in the country really do not care about the Monarchy. The attitude of ‘if it ain’t broke...’ is probably the best way in which to describe the majority of people’s attitudes to our Sovereign. After all, the Queen herself pays her taxes, keeps quiet on government affairs and stops the tedious job of having another politician on the payroll.

And that is probably the reason why the monarchy will stay for a lot longer than it is actually needed. Britain has a strong enough character to forge ahead with or without a Monarch. But the thought of having a ‘President’, another greasy politician ready for the trough is what will probably keep the idea of republicanism at bay. After all, apathy as it is in the UK, would anyone actually bother voting for a President?

2008 - The Year of the Bankruptcies?

2008-01-20T02:33:00.001-08:00

The city always gets busier at Christmas. People milling around the shops, presents and food bought by the barrel load. A great stock up on gifts as well as fillings for the stomach. And why not? After all, in a country as far north as the UK, there are still three more months until a decent amount of daylight can remove the SAD from our minds.

However, the spring of 2008 looks a little more chilly. Although far off on the horizon, it is the economic outlook that does not bode well for many people in the UK and especially London. As prices have risen, debts have increased to help bridge the gaps. But the earlier troubles at Northern Rock has finally awoken everyone to the actual trouble that many people will find themselves in the coming year.

Anyone in London over the winter months would have noticed the lack of crowds. Of course there have been winter shoppers and even the sales have had a good start. But there has been no madness at the tills and the queues of shoppers waiting patiently for bargains on Boxing Day failed to materialise. Even bars and clubs have been emptier. These may be subjective observations, but already the figures seem to show a big down turn on the usual spending binge at this time of the year.

So will Christmas ‘07 be remembered as the last hurrah? A final goodbye to the good times before the belt tightening of the upcoming year? It seems like everyone is preparing to batten down the hatches and get ready for what will be a rough few years. It has been nearly twenty years since the last full blown recession, but people have not forgotten what happened last time.

Is it all too little too late, however? Interest rates will probably have to rise and quite simply, living costs are through the roof. Rents and mortgages are sky-high as well as increases in petrol and therefore food also adding to the strain. It seems so different from the mood a couple of years ago, but as they say: what goes up, must come down. Whatever will happen in 2008, be prepared for a bumpy ride.

Failed Asylum Seekers

2008-01-16T11:13:00.000-08:00

Britain’s migration laws are some of the most complex in the world. A mixture of the economic reality to fill the skills gap and to keep prices down, and the political kow-towing to Middle England who believes in a utopian land filled with a homogenous populace. Without migration, our lives would be very different, not as comfortable or affordable and most importantly, our economy would not be amongst the best in Europe.

There are one group of migrants in the UK whose status leaves much to be desired. That of the Failed Asylum Seeker. Instead of having common sense migration policy to fill the gaps in the job market (something that business is crying out for) we instead force people to legally enter the country as refugees. If the individual’s case is found to be worthy of asylum, he or she is granted leave to remain. For those whose cases are found not to be worthy, they are ‘failed’ and are then ordered to leave the country within a set time, usually less than a month.

Many applicants for asylum come from countries which have genuinely unsavoury regimes such as Zimbabwe and Iran or from countries that are experiencing conflict on an unprecedented scale such as Sri Lanka or Iraq. Not exactly countries on anyone’s holiday lists, yet the government routinely orders the citizens of these failed states back to them.

Our treatment of Failed Asylum Seekers should bring shame to anyone who wishes to call Britain a civilised country. One of the biggest mistakes is not allowing people claiming asylum to legally work. They are forced onto benefits and many of them supplement their meagre incomes by taking jobs on the Black Market for less than minimum wage. Once an application fails (often as they are given poor legal advice) their only legal source of income is stopped. They are also denied access to the NHS and become invisible from the system. In effect, they no longer legally exist, so who cares?

By the government’s own figures it would cost £3 billion to forcibly remove all the failed asylum seekers remaining in the UK. And yet the economy is screaming out for more skills. Think about it, if someone from the Congo can afford to travel half way across the world to enter Britain, then he or she must have had some sort of skill to pay pay for passage. Doctors, engineers and crafts people are amongst the thousands that are living in limbo and yet have a usefulness to contribute to our society. Unfortunately, the swing votes of a few Daily Mail readers and a spineless government that does not admit to economic reality, makes the lives of thousands a complete misery.

On a more positive note I'm taking part in a London treasure hunt. If you get a chance come down and join in!

London's glistening Infrastructure takes shape

2007-12-31T09:38:00.001-08:00

For those in London in recent months, there seems to be an energy about the hustle and bustle of moving around the city. Seven years after the introduction of the Greater London Authority and the mandate it had to reform London’s transport, things seem to be rapidly changing.

This year has seen the opening of the new St Pancras station. In addition, a substantial portion of the rail network has been handed back over to public ownership, new stations have opened on other tube lines and the Thameslink route is to get a new Central London interchange replacing the horribly inadequate King’s Cross.

This year is revolutionary but it has already been joined by last year’s extension to the Docklands' Light Railway and by next year’s opening of Terminal 5, a project that itself has received its fair share of controversy. We must not also forget the initialisation of Crossrail, a much delayed project that has finally received the backing and (more importantly) the money from the Treasury. After years of chronic under investment, London seems to be rolling ahead to a better future.

These projects have been long in the pipeline. Due to the legal issues as well as the density of the urban area, these projects do take time to complete. Thankfully, many of these projects are aesthetically pleasing. More than before, architects are aware of trying to create a visual impact on the skyline that marries sophistication with practicality. The new pieces being bolted onto London have ann appeal that goes far beyond their obvious uses.

For the first time since the Second World War, the powers that be are finally trying to implement some forward thinking into the improvement of London’s infrastructure. There will be storm clouds ahead as Heathrow tries to build a new runway, as the Thames Gateway gets developed and whether or not there will be a fully orbital railway around London. And of course our current infrastructure still needs a lot of work done. It is hopeful however that we are now seeing the results starting to kick in. The city is expanding and thankfully, everyone now seems aware of it.

Ever heard of a rhytidectomy clinic before? Well I hadn't until recently. It's

basically where you go to have a face lift... And the company I'm working for has just got us a heafty discount for any employee who wants to have one done! Cora says her mum might be interested! I don't want to know.

Oxford Street

2007-12-07T07:55:00.001-08:00

Oxford Street is the main shopping thoroughfare of London. Famed across the world as a Mecca for all things retail, the reality can be a little disappointing. Crowds mixing with lost tourists and the sheer number of vehicles (virtually all buses) that inch their way up and down this particular stretch of road. To many, a visit to Oxford Street is a little bit overrated but once past the age of 21, most Londoners also give the place a miss.

However, its popularity as a retail experience must owe more than to the fact that it is in the heart of the city. For we also have nearby Knightsbridge as well as the delights of Kensington High Street. Let alone the dozens of major shopping areas in London’s suburbs. There are a few shops of note on the road itself. And nearby Bond Street and Regent Street also add to the variety of the strip itself.

There are plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street. Of course, this will take aeons before a solution is found. But the fact that virtually every bus route in Central London funnels itself down this sopping thoroughfare is unpleasant for the shoppers and also for their riders. There are far too many of them and they run down the street mostly empty. Anyone with any local knowledge of the area knows that it is quicker to walk than to sit in traffic along Oxford Street.

One of the many questions often asked is if Oxford Street is dying a slow death. It has already been replaced by Bluewater (a shopping complex on the edge of London) as the retail zone with the highest turnover. And the ‘McDonaldisation’ of the street itself has left it looking like many other shopping areas up and down the UK.

However, there is something frantic about the energy of the place. The fact that you are surrounded by so many young people, as a magnet to try out new tastes and sounds. Oxford Street has a vitality that is simply not present at a shopping centre on the edge of town. Youth however will not save the street from itself. Eventually it will build a up a negative reputation, unless it acts now.

Pedestrianisation would be a good thing. And the encouraging of individuality along the road would also help. It would be sad to loose London’s grand shopping plaza to a row of coffee shops and accessory joints that are no different from the suburbia that its clientele is trying so hard to escape from.

Christmas in London

2007-11-30T09:04:00.003-08:00

As Christmas comes ever closer, we begin to see the streets filled with shoppers, decorations on the houses and different tunes played over the radio. Once a year, the people of London become slightly fuzzier in their outlooks. Those films which at other times of the year would make any grown person sick actually become enjoyable and may even bring a tear to the eye. While it does not usually snow in December, the cold nip in the air brings on the feelings that the seasons have really changed. The bare trees have lights draped upon them and you could swear you saw that person smile to himself on the train just thinking of the season.

Christmas does give a fantastic lift to the city. Decorations along the streets, people partying for longer. While we all know that it is only temporary, it makes the long nights of winter far more bearable. We are only building up to an event that lasts a day, but somehow it does not matter. Despite the hassle that we put ourselves through, it all seems worthwhile.

A lot may say that they partake in all the Christmas madness for the children. But it is well known that the birth rates are falling and so this is becoming a less viable excuse. Many people get involved in the Christmas rush as they want to follow the crowd, but as evidenced by the lack of people that take part in Valentine’s day or Halloween (despite the media hype) this also does not really seem to ring true.

You know what I think. Secretly, deep down inside, under that tough exterior, a lot of Londoners enjoy Christmas and everything that it is. Maybe they look at it from a religious point of view, maybe they look at it from a nostalgic point of view. But deep down, it does feel good to let yourself go and just get into the spirit of festivities.

So roll on Christmas, despite all the commerce, stress and pointlessness of the event. Sometimes, a little bit of futility goes a long way. And to all those getting ready for the last minute shop. Do not worry, you are not alone.

A mixture of religion and tolerance in London

2007-11-30T09:04:00.001-08:00

The UK is a broadly secular country. Although there is an official state religion, it is not necessarily rammed down anyone’s throats. As Alastair Campbell famously said during Tony Blair’s tenure, ‘We do not do religion’.

London itself has always been known as a Godless part of the country. The big city belched out capitalism and pollution in equal measure, not brotherly love and faith. If there was one part of the UK destined to eternal damnation, it could only be (as Dickens described), ‘The Modern Babylon’.

However, recent figures show that this assumption is just that. Far from being a city of non-believers, the numbers of people attending some sort of formal worship is actually rising in London. This is in complete contrast to the rest of the country, where religious services are going the way of the dodo. The influx of new religions into the UK over the past 60 years has meant that the adherents to Islam, Sikhism and Hinduism have remained strong. However, even the Christian denominations have benefited from rising numbers on the pew benches and with the recent EU expansion, many of these have come from the more pious parts of Europe.

The merits and demerits of organised religion can be debated forever. Ultimately it is a matter of faith. What is comforting is the sheer amount of tolerance within London. It has been over twenty-years since any major race riot in the Capital and while there have been attacks over religions, there have actually been no riots attributed to faith, something that a city as diverse as London can be proud of. Maybe it is something to do with the general British attitude of keeping faith a private matter.

A recent poll has stated that nearly three-quarters of Londoners pray. And one of the prayers that have been answered is that of a peaceful city. The Capital has many faults but one of its virtues has always been the tolerant attitude of its residents. Londoners have a bark but generally do not bite. Its openness and acceptance of religions coexisting side by side is something to be proud of.

Our latest company 'perk' is that they've made a deal with a chain of clinics that means we now get a hefty discount on any cosmetic surgery that we have

done! Thats right, I too can go and have a botox injection. Harley street is

the only clinic that our branch is alowed to use but hey! We get a discount right! Myah says her boyfriend Charlie has said he'll chip in some money as well to make it even cheeper. If you've ever met her or seen a photo of her, you'd know why!

ID Cards and Our Privacy

2007-11-28T08:54:00.001-08:00

The accumulation and transference of data in today’s society is now second place. Anyone making a transaction over the internet or obtaining a contract for a mobile phone may have to hand over relatively large amounts of their own lives onto a computer screen, over a phone or through the mail. You do not know the postal worker, the phone operative you are talking to or even the programer in charge of maintaining the computer systems that you type in your details to. And there is now a lot of data flying about. In the UK alone we have numbers for our National Insurance (tax), Driving Licence, Passport, NHS, Birth/Naturalisation Certificates as well as plenty of personal numbers including bank details, phone numbers and e-mail accounts. Without a thought, these are transmitted when we need something for ourselves. There is a lot of trust riding on the system and all it takes is one person...

One person recently misplaced over nearly half of the UK’s personal details. Amongst this are the details of virtually ever child in Britain. Although this one person has resigned from his post in Her Majesty’s Customs and Revenue (the UK’s tax office), how was he allowed access to so much information, considering that he was meant to be only a junior operative. He was made a scapegoat, but in the first place, who authorised that information in his hands? And how come the information was not encrypted? If those discs are ever found, who knows how many times they could have been duplicated.

More worrying is the insistence of the introduction of ID cards by our present government. One of the advantages of the current system is the plethora of numbers needed to proceed normally in your life. It actually stops incompetent episodes such as the misplacement of a couple of discs. The National ID Card system aims to replace all the numbers with just one. A single one for your tax, driving licence, passport and anything else significant that you could think of. You would need your ID card for anything financial and so it would be intricately linked to your private life.

Does anyone else think that this is not exactly a good idea?

Linda has faxed us to request that we do something more with the botox for sweating part.
I just don't think it's worth our time to... Never mind, I think what I need to do, is win the lottery next week, eh?

From Waterloo to St. Pancras

2007-11-20T06:44:00.001-08:00

On November 14th the first trains to the continent will leave the newly redeveloped St Pancras International. This massive project taking the best part of a decade is impressive in all accounts and now that the scaffolding has (mostly) been removed from the outside of this grand termini.

But what about Waterloo? The original destination for trains to and from the Channel Tunnel. No longer will it be international, the most exotic destination on offer being Surbiton, ‘Queen of the Suburbs’. Suddenly a large chunk of the station will lie empty and lifeless.

While everyone has focused their attention north of the river, this major commuter station has lost a lot of its sheen. It didn’t get the multimillion pound redevelopment, but a bolt-on for Europe that now seems to serve no further use. The services that Eurostar had promised to run out of Waterloo are now gone. All the chic that was once the South Bank has now faded away...

It will be an interesting time for the business in the station. Suddenly the need for luggage will drop and money exchanging facilities have probably got their St. Pancras branch open already. Those bilingual signs on the tube network at Waterloo are now just a reminder of its past glories rather than serving its current clientele.

But what will happen to the old international platforms once Eurostar leaves? Waterloo is a desperately busy station and anyone using it in the rush hour knows how overcrowded it can get. This is despite it is London’s largest railway termini. It would such a massive waste to leave the platforms lying idle for any length of time, but given the current ineptitude of the government and the incumbent railway company, South West Trains, it seems that many of the commuters will stare enviously into the vacated space.

One thing that will be missed will be the gaggle of tourists pouring onto London’s premiere art zone - The South Bank, just a stone’s throw from Waterloo. While St Pancras in itself is a destination to behold, the surrounding area of Sommer’s Town leaves a lot to be desired.

London's Olympic Legacy

2007-11-13T04:44:00.001-08:00

The Olympics are coming to town and after next year’s events in Beijing, all eyes will turn on London to see how and what it can deliver in time for 2012. A vast swathe of East London is already under the bulldozer and parts of the Lea Valley are to be transformed into something completely unrecognisable. It has to be remembered that since the plans of a 2012 Olympics in London was first mentioned in 2003, the city has come a very long way.

It looks like there seems to be some sense in what the Olympic Delivery Authority want to achieve - a sustainable future. The Olympics are basically a fortnightly party that appears every four years in the city it chooses. The host town has to find the money to cater for such an event, which on the scale it now is, requires a huge cash injection. But what happens once the party fades away and the hangover begins?

It seems that the planners have really begun to think long term about the impact that the Olympics will have on the area. Anyone familiar with this part of East London knows it as a mixture of industrial land and wasteland. It may not be pretty, but it is functional and jobs are provided. One thing to ensure is that there is an economic as well as aesthetic future to the area.

The plans to reuse the stadium in a reduced capacity, once the games are over, is one of the most sensible outcomes of 2012. Building a permanent ground for 80,000+ spectators is not viable in a city where we already have Wembley and Twickenham. The Olympic Village to be used as housing once the games have finished and is also one of the best uses for the land, located close to the improved transport links that will serve the games.

However, the greatest legacy to London and in particular to the East End will be the opening up of the area as a Natural Park. One thing that the redevelopment of London’s Docks in the 1990’s failed to do was to provide a central open space. London is a remarkably green city, and despite its large population is home to many large parks. The east of the city has often been poorly served by such recreational facilities. But the legacy of the Olympics seems sure to change this part of London for the better.

Disturbing the Peace, Guy Fawkes style.

2007-11-11T07:10:00.001-08:00

London can be a very loud city. But surprisingly, there are some very stringent laws on noise levels. Between 11pm and 7am, you cannot disturb your neighbours. Music, a party or even a loud television will elicit a response from the police if called upon. No other country on Earth has such a rapid response to ‘Disturbing the Peace’.

Come November, this all changes. All for the celebration of one event - Guy Fawkes Day. Remember, remember every 5th November and it is an event that is done so with much gusto. Unlike many other countries, there is no national day or independence day in Britain where we have an excuse to use fireworks at will.

So what is a more appropriate way to more appropriate way in which to use that wondrous Chinese invention, than to celebrate the thwarting of a 17th Century terrorist plot. While its origins may be dubious and to be honest, not that politically correct, Guy Fawkes is great fun, and a legitimate way in which to disturb the peace of the land. The bonfires are also a handy way in which to get rid of the excess leaves in the garden.

From children holding sparklers in their back gardens and the one or two fireworks let off over the roofs of suburbia; to the great displays put on by the local authorities. The ‘Bonfire Nights’ organised by local authorities throughout the city are a great way in which to spend a winter’s night. Anywhere in London during early November, many of the heaths and commons dotted around the city hold the crowds who watch in awe the wonders that light up the sky. A five hundred year old tradition that still holds strong.

And there is something magical, gazing into the sky at the different patterns and colours created. Despite the advent of CGI in films and the fact that we have access to computer graphics that can defy the mind, there is something quite magical about the whizzing of rockets into the air before bursting overhead in a blaze of colour. That whiff of sulphur and the cold wind blowing through the air, nothing beats Guy Fawkes Night.

The London Overground

2007-11-07T05:22:00.001-08:00

After the privatisation of the railways in the mid-nineties, the number of people using a train in order to get from A-B has seen a massive increase. Sections of the railways are franchised out to the highest bidder - railways are big business in Britain. After meeting their minimum service requirements, they are then left free to set fares and service patterns as they require. In some ways, it has been a good thing. Newer trains, new services and the increase in passengers show that the companies must be doing something right. Unfortunately, the steep rises in rail fares is something that has not been addressed, partly as a franchise gives a company an effective monopoly over an area for a fixed period.

The overground network in London has become a bit of a cinderella service. London requires high frequency services in order to serve its population effectively. For the train companies serving the capital, these services will not really make that much money. The short distances, plus the capping of fares guaranteed by the Travelcard, in effect limits the profits that can be made. Also, there is a higher rate of crime on the rail services in the capital, which requires higher policing and vandalism costs. The density of the station network in London also means higher staffing levels. And so while the long distance rail network coming into London has been vastly improved, much of the capital’s trains date from the 1980’s. Any improvements to the service within London is usually no more than a fresh lick of paint (and a new coffee shop) for the station. There has been little if any improvements to the overground railway network in terms of frequencies and only two new stations have opened since privatisation.

From the end of this year, TFL will be taking over a significant portion of London’s railway network, branded as London Overground. And there maybe something of a renaissance in the railway network of London. As for the first time in over ten years, Londoners have been promised lower fares (as part of the oyster card), new trains, staffed stations and an increase in frequencies. Something that has been sorely lacking from the other operators of London’s train services.

Ruth has IM'd me asking if we can improve the click through rates page.
ARGH!!! One of these days I'm going to... Must remember I'm being paid for this, I shouldn't let it get me down though, aye!?

Sunday Trading

2007-11-06T05:59:00.003-08:00

Sundays, the traditional day of rest, the Christian Sabbath and what is normally the quietest day of the week. The trains run poorly, the shops are open for only a few hours and the population lives in tranquil idyll, resting before reengaging themselves on Monday morning.

Yeah, right.

Sundays is a manic day in which to get anything done. Because there is a distinct lack of public transport, everyone jumps in their car and so making Sundays one of the worst days in trying to get anywhere round London. Due to Sunday trading laws, we have only six hours in which to get any shopping done and so a aisles and tills are filled with even more stressed out people as on their only day off, they are shopping. And feel something for the poor workers. Rest on a Sunday is therefore a things of the past.

Sunday is probably the most schizophrenic day in the week. All is quiet until 11am when suddenly people flee from their homes towards the shops. Six hours of mayhem follows and then all is quiet again for the rest of the evening.

I do not understand why trading laws are not overturned. It is the primary reason why there is such a mad, manic rush on Sunday that has made it one of the more unpleasant days in which to leave the house. The argument that it is a day of rest is no longer valid, it is now a day of stress. So what to do?

Simple. Make Sunday, just like any other day. Ease the restrictions, and allow people the freedom to choose. The arguments that non-stop will become the norm fall flat on their face. We are in an age of the internet and non-stop shopping has only been held back by archaic trading laws. The fact is that in today’s 24-hour society, a restricted Sunday is no longer a viable option. People are willing to work on a Sunday (it usually pays more) and people also only have Sunday as their only free day of the week.

But there’s one important thing to follow up if the Sunday trading laws are relaxed. The so called Sunday service on the trains, another archaic reminder of our past.

It's good to talk?

2007-11-06T05:59:00.001-08:00

London is a noisy urban conglomeration. Traffic exists 24/7 and there are a range of sounds from sirens to stereo systems that adds up to a city where peace and quiet are far from the norm. But arguably, London is a quiet city. Conversation between people (not using a mobile phone) is not something that is conducted loudly. And in fact, conversation in general is something that is becoming more and more scarce. Londoners value their privacy. Some may call it a shield, but striking up a conversation with a complete stranger is a major faux pas.

However, is this individuality a good thing? Many people in London do not even know the names of their neighbours. Support networks, which are vital to the vulnerable as well as newcomers to the city are virtually non-existent. The lack of conversation between strangers, while maintaining the sanity of the average city dweller also leads to a lonely existence. There is a vast number of singletons in London, all too shy to take the next step and say hello to someone that they like.

All in all, it can lead to a city that is a lot less pleasant. Depression and less frequently suicide can be the end result of such solitude. There are horror stories of the elderly dying in their homes and remaining undiscovered until the neighbours detect a smell in their own homes. Also, with the lack of talk, we often are living close to people with unsavoury practices and it is shocking that people can get away with crimes such as abuse in a city as crowded as London.

It takes more than an article to change the mentality of a city. But there is something unnatural about the lack of conversation that permeate the lives of many Londoners. It only takes a bit of courage to say ‘Hi’ to someone. And you never know, maybe that person wanted to also greet you, but never had the courage to do so. If nothing else, it will put a smile on your face. After all, what is so scary about the word, ‘hi’.

The Thames Gateway Bridge

2007-10-29T09:10:00.009-07:00

Crossing the River Thames in East London can be a frustrating experience. From London Bridge until the M25 (London’s Orbital motorway) there is one bridge, two tunnels and a part time ferry. West from London Bridge to the M25 there are a total of twenty bridges. Part of this disparity reflects the engineering difficulties of crossing a large estuary. Part of this also reflect the population density towards the east of the city. And part of this also reflects the historical importance of the Thames as a busy waterway.

However, all of these factors have fast disappeared or are disappearing. With the Channel Tunnel and Humber Bridge in place, crossing the Thames is no longer an engineering hardship. With the growth of London mainly focused in the east of the city, there is severe pressure on its existing infrastructure. And the Port of London has long since moved downstream towards Tilbury.

There has been one plan that has been around for a while, but it now seems to have been shuttled back to the planing process yet again and that is the East London river crossing. Situated between Thamesmead on the southbank and Beckton on the north, it has been proposed as a crossing to alleviate the problems on the other East London crossings in particular the Blackwall Tunnel. However, a spate of nymbism has struck yet another delay to this essential piece of infrastructure.

The main argument has been that a virtual motorway is going to end up in East London. The fact of the matter is that they are right. The chronic shortage of crossings across the River Thames means that this bridge will be filled from day one, despite the plans for tolls to be levied. However, it must be realised that the roads that connect to the new crossing will be the North Circular and the Eastern Way - two already very busy roads. There will be some local traffic, but most will be the long distance type using those major trunk routes. Also doing nothing is not an option. Any regular visitor to the East End during the rush hour knows of the regular snarls that take place in the Blackwall and Rotherhithe tunnels. And the queues for the Woolwich Ferry are unbearable.

The plans will eventually win through. Ultimately the East London River Crossing will have a major economic impact not only in London but for much of the South East. But hopefully one thing will come about from the reapplication and that is the provision for more public transport. The bridge promised to have dedicated bus and cycle lanes. However, there was no concrete hints about a rail crossing to be incorporated. Hopefully the planners will build the bridge with the ability to have real public transport use in mind. Then the crossing will truly become beneficial to Londoners as a whole.

A way to ease the property crisis

2007-10-29T09:10:00.007-07:00

The high price of property in London is nothing new. Due to its position as the economic engine of the UK, it has always attracted people, hence its large population as well as high costs. Over the past fifteen years, there has been uninterrupted growth in both the population of the city and the price of property. Add to the mix restrictive planing laws and the constraints of the Green Belt around the city, there will be an inevitable upward trent in property prices.

One thing that springs to mind is why the builders themselves have not increased their efficiencies. Many of the properties put up today consists of two types. ‘Luxury Apartments’ or the normal ‘two up-two down’ properties that were prevalent in the 1930’s. There is very little in the variation of any of the buildings now being erected by the building industry. The houses today reflect a demand for something that was needed in the past but that is unsuitable to today’s modern lifestyles. The density of many of these developments are often quite low, with a lot of space given over to car parking. ‘Apartment buildings’ are no more than four stories high and all houses have only two stories.

To help overcome the problem of the housing shortage, the building companies need to start building denser developments. High Density does not necessarily low quality as is evidenced by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the area in Britain with the highest population density. What it needs is a lure away from the identikit building styles and a move to something more progressive in order to suit the demands placed on the housing in London. Houses that incorporate basements would instantly offer extra storage or an extra resource such as a study or a kitchen. Adding an extra storey on top of a building would allow for extra bedrooms on the same plot of land. Apartment blocks need not mean deprivation. Since being taken into private ownership, many of the worst estates in London have been transformed with hotel style lobbies and excellent securities that have allowed their resident to live in peace.

Unfortunately, the builders would loose out. Building higher means digging larger foundations and a move away from the uniform buildings currently erected means greater expenses. Also, the fact that high rise developments have been traditionally associated with deprivation means that few of these are granted planning permission. A change in mentality is needed by all partakers of developments. Otherwise the sceptre of overly high prices seems set to continue.

Lisa has faxed us to request that we have another look at the thread veins section.
ARGH!!! One of these days I'm going to... Must remember I'm being paid for this, who am I to complain, eh?

The hidden romance of the Thames

2007-10-29T09:10:00.005-07:00

Listen to songs in the charts and you will hear lyrics telling you about the time ‘they last walked along the beach’. Watch some MTV and there is always a beach scene. Films cannot seriously mark themselves out as ‘romantic’ unless there are waves lapping at the sea shore. Such is the Californiacation of our life>Brighton. The shingle on the beach and the cold winds coming off the channel convinces many of the visitors that the beach is not a romantic area.

Conversely, when it comes to romantic setting in the capital, then nothing beats the Thames. For a date to have any chance of success, then a stroll along the banks of The River surely allows for a successful start to a relationship. Even on the coldest of nights, there are couples walking hand in hand along the South Bank taking in the views of Parliament, St Paul's and of course the appropriately named St Brides upon which the Western wedding cake was modelled.

Unfortunately in popular culture today, the riverbanks really do not get enough popular press. Any visitor to LA can see why. But even our own artists seem to ignore the beauty of London’s blue strip. The last time the Thames was used in a memorable romantic scene was in ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’. The rest of the time, it still marks itself as a barrier to be crossed as fans of ‘A Clockwork Orange’ or ‘Trainspotting’ will testify. It seems that when any film maker in London wants a romantic setting they decamp to Primrose Hill. That’s all fine, but as most dates occur in the evening, a dimly lit park does not really provide a romantic setting.

Oh well, I guess the Thames will remain as London’s secret first date.

We're about to have our 10 year annual review by the senior partners, and to 'celebrate' the company is offering to pay 80% of the costs of going to a
HREF='http://www.Courthouseclinics.Com/treatments/tr_tattooremoval.Asp'>laser tattoo removal clinic for any employee who has a visible tatoo! Abagail says her mum might be interested! I don't want to know.

London now has to think about its rubbish

2007-10-29T09:10:00.003-07:00

The collection of the dustbins is a a ritual mostly suppressed in the subconscious on the British population. In London, there was one of three ways in which to dispose of your household waste. For those living on a main road, simply tie up your black sacks and leave them by the kerbside to be picked up in the middle of the night. For those in a block of flats, a chute down to the main dump is provided for each floor. And for those in suburbia, simply wheel your bin out once a week and it will be emptied. It was all very convenient and kept in with the British psyche of ‘out of sight, out of mind’.

Then someone realised that the space in Essex was finite. No longer could we use this large expanse of marshland as the great dustbin of the city. Suddenly recycling has become the latest hassle to hit the inhabitants of London.

The rest of Europe have been happily recycling for the last decade. Countries such as Germany have built up efficient industries around the concept of the reuse of their rubbish. In London, until recently, it has been a rather hit and miss affair. Recycling usually involved going to a central dump located in a car park and emptying all the accumulated cans, paper and bottles of the past week. As many people drove to these dumps, the environmental saving was probably cancelled out.

Now, recycling has become a priority for the councils, firstly, to lower the bills for landfills. As space becomes more scarce, the use of a site to dump rubbish becomes an expense that is slowly booming unviable. Second, the ability to cut down on collections now that multiple bins are being provided, has proved irresistible for the cash strapped local authorities.

Recycling is an inevitability. With an increasing population and decreasing land space, London cannot continue to simply throw away all of its waste. Recycling is a necessity for a healthier and better future for all of us. However, it will take some time to adjust the mindset of the city’s population. Suddenly, we have to think about what and how we are throwing away.

Barbara has IM'd me asking if we can do anything extra with the equine insurance UK section.
This all sounds a little familiar... But hey, no point in moaning, you know?

The neglect of South London

2007-10-29T09:10:00.001-07:00

Current and recent expansion in the London rail system can only be good for the city. The opening of St Pancras International, the increased capacity on the Thameslink service and the commence,ent of Crossrail should ensure London’s future growth and prosperity and prevent the system from grinding to an unbearable halt under the strain of overcapacity. Over the next fifteen years, half a dozen new lines should be opened, absorbing the natural expansion in London’s population as well as accounting for future growth in the city.

It is a shame however, that South London seems to miss out on a great deal of what is being offered as new public transport. The Channel Tunnel rail link only really helps East London. Crossrail will have two stations along its entire route south of the river. The expansion of the East London line through Peckham and Brixton towards Clapham has been put on hold indefinitely while the expansion to Thameslink mainly occurs north of the river and even the expansion of services to Elephant and Castle remains questionable. The only project set to bring benefits solely to South London is the extension of the Tram to Crystal Palace.

This does accurately reflect the balance of population of London. South London also has a lower population density and so will not receive the same attention as areas to the north of the Thames. But one thing must be made clear. Transport in South London is woefully inadequate. The majority of South London live nowhere near the underground network, so frequent high density services are not a reality for its inhabitants. Instead the same, low frequency services provided by the 150 year old rail network provides the best transport available to South London. But in the evenings and on weekends, the railways often do not deliver anything near what can be termed an adequate service. The backbone of the South London transport system is unfortunately the double decker bus.

Many of the councils in South London do not get their voices heard when it comes to getting money for transport projects. Much was made about the West London tram scheme (eventually dropped) but very little has been made for a tram around Kingston (not even reaching the drawing board). Expansion of the underground South of the river has long been an ongoing joke for TFL, but even the increase in rail services seems to struck down by the phrase ‘signalling difficulties’. If Hong Kong can manage to get past them, why can’t South London?

It seems that for residents of London South of the river, there will be a few more years of struggle to make just in order to get around from A-B.

Geraldine asked if its possible to go over the botox for migraines section.
I think the new design they're proposing is awful, Hai Ram! I shouldn't let it get me down though, you know?

Britain's debt culture

2007-10-26T08:55:00.005-07:00

Debt is a word that no longer conjures up the same fear as it did a generation ago. Today, in the UK the figure of debt is greater than the GDP and it continues to grow despite the increase in bankruptcies and the efforts of government to reverse this increasing tide. The doomsayers have predicted a collapse in the UK economy but the state of country has proved otherwise. So why has there been this sudden increase in the proportion owed by the British people?

The largest expenditure faced by the majority of individuals in the UK is their home. Since the 1930’s, buying a property has been accessible to all and since the 1950’s, the numbers of people moving from tenancy to ownership has rocketed. But the pace of building has not kept up with the demand. Fuelled by rising divorce rates and later marriages, more people are looking for their own place to live, something very different for the compact nuclear family of the post-war years. Added to that the constraints provided by modern planing laws and housing prices have been escalating at unprecedented rates.

There are also additional factors to the debt mentality that sweep the nation. The throwaway society that is the 21st Century has perpetuated an increase in purchases that have only been necessary by increasing levels of debt. Car ownership is probably the most visible way in which this has happened. New innovations such as larger televisions or better appliances for the home and more exotic holidays have fuelled the rise in what is bought. Added to this that many people of child bearing age no longer have children, then there is no need to leave a legacy.

But there is also one very important factor that has allowed debt levels to rise - the ease of access to money. There are whole companies, beyond the traditional high street banks that have moved into the supply of debt. The proliferation of personal loans, credit cards and hire purchase agreements has allowed parts of the population who have previously been denied credit, access to vast quantities of money.

At some point or another, the debts have to be repaid. And there will be many people who will file for bankruptcy, unable to meet their obligations. But debt has also added a dynamism to the population and an ability to move progress in ways that would not have been possible in the 1970’s. It remains to be be seen whether or not debt plays a positive or negative role in society, but it is a role that has changed the face of the country forever.

Lisa ate all the pies I swear its true. Fatty wants us to have another look at the cosmetic surgery section.
We keep going around in circles, but hey, no point in moaning, aye!?

The growth in Britain's population

2007-10-26T08:55:00.003-07:00

The increase in the population of Britain is something that has been a direct result of the ascendent economy of the country. Added to that, the ability for greater movement within the EU and today, Britain’s population has topped the 60 million mark. By 2030, the UK is expected to have a population of 70 million. Contrast this to many other developed nations that are set to see their populations drop including Japan, Germany and Italy. Much of the population growth is expected to take place in the South East of the country especially in London. By 2015, London’s population is expected to burst the eight million mark, making it one of the fastest growing cities in Europe.

There are many that bemoan the increase. Increased fertility is part of the reason why Britain’s population is growing. After years of decline, British mothers are beginning to give birth and there is an increase in children born in the UK. However, the main increase has come from immigration. Many people have loved to jump on this has a reason to shut down the borders and panic from the rooftops. However, that belies the fact that Britain is very much an important part of the world economy. The very fact that this country is accepting the brightest and best in order to do all types of work from the menial to the crucial should be seen as something that will help the economy expand even further.

How Britain deals with the increase in population will affect its ability to operate as a country well into the future. It will require leadership from both government and the private sector in order to accommodate the increased population. The UK is a densely populated country and particularly so in and around London. High Density need not necessarily mean deprivation. One look at Hong Kong, Japan or The Netherlands shows what can be achieved with forward thinking. It will need to be sensible growth, but nimbyism is no longer a viable option. There will be a need to relax building controls.

We must also look at the positives of an increased population. Britain is getting older. If people want to sustain a free health service and pension then there are two ways of doing so. Increasing the tax rate or increasing the number of tax payers. An increased population allows for such a life>An increase in population also allows for diversity in culture, something already evident in British culture today and if allowed to expand, will blossom tomorrow.

Honesty about Ariport Expansion

2007-10-26T08:55:00.001-07:00

The increase in air traffic is something that, in this day of green awareness, seems to be akin to the elephant in the room. Nobody wants to face up to the facts that the surge in air travel is not only unsustainable but will mean a future of global warming that could go from bad to catastrophic. It is not just the relentless use of fossil fuels but also the need to expand the inadequate airports that currently serve London. London has the busiest skies in the world and currently has five airports serving it. Three of them were built before the jet age with only Gatwick and London City designed with the use of modern aircraft. None of them were designed to cope with the serge in recent years due to the low cost airlines and the increase in globalisation.

Speak to anyone in London and most will agree that expansion of any of the current airports is a bad thing. However, they also expect to fly on their holidays whenever thigh please. The residents of West London who live under Heathrow’s flight path have been most vocal about the expansion of London busiest airport. However as a broadly wealthier part of the city, they have been instrumental in the surge in airline travel witnessed over the past decade.

Something is needed to be done in order to combat both increasing pollution and the overcrowding of London’s airports. Higher oil prices, while constricting to growth may actually be a necessity in order to start making short hop flights unviable again. Higher oil process have also made airlines and airline manufacturers keenly aware of the need to increase fuel efficiencies. The higher these prices go, the better the environment will be. The hidden subsidies in terms of low/no taxation and a lack of competition also supports inefficient systems and routes that have not been tolerated in the coach or rail industries.

However, there is a need to take a serious look at airport building for London. There is a need for more airports. Six runways is an inadequate total for both London’s current and future needs as an aviation hub. A great opportunity was missed in the recent airport white paper proposed by the government. Instead of building a new airport, the government has encouraged the expansion of current airports. More depressing was the lack of expansion signalled for Gatwick, London’s second busiest airport. While nearby residents may be happy, the orientation of Gatwick’s runway actually means that its flight paths are the least disturbing of all the London’s airports. Expansion here would have also been made more likely if BAA’s virtual monopoly of London’s tarmac was relinquished. However it has an interest in profiteering from Heathrow’s continued overcrowding.

One thing is needed above all. A little honesty in how we all use air travel today.

A public inconvinience

2007-10-24T01:56:00.007-07:00

Since the Victorian times, there has been a certain dignity allowed in London with the object of having to use the ‘facilities’. The ‘Great Stink’ of the 19th Century forced the authorities to act and since the opening of Bazalgette’s sewers, London has mercifully been spared the ravages of waterborne diseases. Added to that, the great network of lavatories both public and private dotted around the city, there was a civilised way for Londoners to carry out their normal daily functions.

So why in recent years, has their been a reduction in the number of public conveniences that are actually open to the public? The amount by which local councils have cut costs have left out a major facility that all members of the public need at some point in their lives. It has got to such a point in London that now the location of the nearest fast food restaurant can become the necessity between salvation and major embarrassment. It is an awful thing to remind visitors to this city to grab the use of a toilet while they can, otherwise a grand day out can become a race for something far more unpleasant.

The fact is that London is now suffering from a second ‘Great Stink’. The simple logic of ‘better out than in’ has now made parts of the city an open sewer. Especially at night time when a lot of the facilities and fast food restaurant close up, there are few alternatives than basically carrying out the necessary evils in a quiet corner somewhere. Unfortunately, being a city, quiet corners are few and far between in London. In some parts, particularly in the West End, the smaller streets and alleys are little better than streams of effluent flowing downwards under the spell of gravity. It is a disgrace that a world centre such as London has to suffer under conditions that are little better than the Dark Ages.

The demise of the public convenience has been one of the nastier results of cut backs to local authority funding over the past fifteen years. I say nasty, as such a vital system in maintaining the dignity and sanitation of a city has been thoughtlessly ripped out of the city’s fabric in order to save a few pence. I am a certain that a vote winning strategy in the upcoming Mayoral contest would be to reopen or install toilets that are freely available to all. However, this unfortunate problem is fairly low down the list of political will. But a little bit of will could make the city a far better place in which to live.

Economy Value Shopping

2007-10-24T01:56:00.005-07:00

Journey to any supermarket within Britain and the range of goods on offer is astounding. It is a symbol of the capitalist way in that choice is the hallmark of the British shopping experience. And all products are graded according to quality. On the shelves at eye level, there are goods that have a particular brand associated with them such as ‘Really Good Soap Powder’ or ‘Daisy Washing-Up Liquid’. A little bit lower on the shelves comes the supermarket’s own brand. And right at the bottom comes the ‘economy value’ brand, which at the price of a few pence, seems too good to be true.

There is something snobby about picking out ‘economy’ goods from the shelf. After all, the sparse all white packaging that encloses the goods and the large words ‘value’ and ‘economy’ will show you up in the queue for the tills as a person who can barely afford his or her own weekly shop. Added to that, the lower quality of the goods themselves. After all, why would the price be so low unless their quality was lacking somewhat.

Actually, are the goods lower in quality? Recently I was out shopping and picked out the ‘economy’ brand of dishwasher tablets. The other brands which had fancy inventions such as ‘powerballs’ or ‘gel packs’ were a fortune and I thought ‘what was the harm’ in the economy brand.

According to my family, everything. The number of arguments that raged upon picking the wrong brand of dishwasher powder made for an intolerable evening. Nevertheless, being the only brand in the house, it was popped into the dishwasher. The next morning, the dishes came out pristine, the glasses sparkling and the saucepans sterile. So what was all the fuss about?

There is an inherent snob factor in the British psyche about ‘value’ brands. Something that is considered unworthy when buying such goods at almost warehouse prices. What may seem a few pence to you or me adds up into millions of pounds for the large companies that price their goods at a marked up value. Ultimately, the capitalist way is what allows such differences in price. But it is the fool’s way that allows such practices to continue.

Helena is crusing for a brusing! Once again, can we have another look at the problem prone skin and acne page.
I just don't think it's worth our time to... Ah well, nothings ever going to change anyway, aye!?

The idiocy of Mineral Water

2007-10-24T01:56:00.003-07:00

We in Britain are extremely fortunate that we have access to clean, safe drinking water at any mains tap. Just open it and out flows water, ready to drink without the fear of contracting some nasty waterborne disease. For anyone travelling to the developing world, this is a luxury that is truly appreciated on return from there. More than any other innovation, the access to clean water has been shown to dramatically increase the health and well-being of a population.

In Britain, the notion of clean water is not served from the tap but from a plastic bottle. Mineral Water, once the preserve of a fancy night out in a restaurant has now become an omnipotent presence within today’s society. Mineral water is for sale everywhere in vending machines, fast food restaurants and newsagents. It is quickly supplanting soft drinks as the most convenient option to take away and its popularity shows no sign of abating.

Maybe this is understandable. Mineral water comes in a handy sized container that can be carried around and so unlike cans of pop, can be slowly sipped throughout the day. The awareness of our health has also led to a dramatic reduction in the consumption of canned syrup, otherwise known as soft drinks. And of course, when eating out, many people want to splurge out and feel embarrassed to ask for tap water, so bottled water is a suitable alternative.

The presence of mineral water in the home however, is a recent phenomena that has surprised me. The fact that people would actually spend good money on something that is already plumbed directly to them when tap water costs a fraction of what is used on bottled water. It shocks me that when visiting someone’s house, I am immediately offered bottled water over the fluid that flows from a tap. The inefficiency behind the whole concept of Mineral Water is astounding, but in your own home it becomes a shocking waste.

The the health benefits espoused by the Mineral Water companies is completely unproven, and anyone living in a hard water area (as most of Britain does) obtains the same minerals found in any bottle of still water. It is also insulting to the fact that we have perfectly safe and cheap water piped to our homes and available on demand. A luxury that many parts of the world still lack.

Do you know what a botulinum toxin clinic does? Let me tell you, it's a botox

clinic that does cosmetic surgery. Why am I telling you this? Because as our latest 'bonus' we now all get a discount on any treatment that makes us more

beautiful while having absolutely no medicinal value what so ever! Alexander is really keen for Adrianna to get involved. I wonder why...

Another Bank Holiday for the UK?

2007-10-24T01:56:00.001-07:00

The Bank Holiday system within England and Wales is notorious for being particularly stingy on the allowance given to us, the humble citizens of this country. We have a total of eight public holidays. New Years Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Mayday, Spring Bank Holiday, Summer Bank Holiday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Our holidays are also rather clustered together. Scotland and Northern Ireland fare a little better on the holiday front than we do, gaining an extra day over us. However, for most of Britain, October marks the halfway point between of our longest period without an official day of rest. Four months from the end of August right up until the Festive season.

During these four months we have to put up with the abrupt end of our summer holidays, the even more sudden switch in our weather and rapidly decreasing amounts of daylight. As we trudge our way to work, we struggle to keep our heads held up high and optimistic for the coming of winter.

There are many calls within the country for an extra day of rest, simply because we are all too exhausted to continue. A few, the patriotic are calling for St George’s day to become a Bank Holiday. While it would be lovely to have, I think if the government would dare grant us an extra day off it should not be in the midst of four other ‘days off in lieu’. The more sensible have called on Trafalgar Day or Armistice Day to become the additional holiday. A far more sensible suggestion as it would shorten the gap between summer and Christmas. As Remembrance Day is quite a solemn occasion, it would probably be better to remember Trafalgar Day which would be inoffensive to all, apart from the French.

Would the politicians actually grant us an extra day of rest? Despite the fact that they are allowed a generous ten weeks off, it seems that an extra day would be too much to give away. It would be a great vote winner and a sensibly placed holiday would do wonders for the general well being of the population. Surely it would be better to sacrifice a few pounds earned in one day for general happiness of the country?

Or maybe we should count our lucky stars for those precious eight days...

Advertising 'back home'

2007-10-23T02:53:00.001-07:00

The diverse population of London can be seen on a walk down many of the Capital’s high streets. A saunter down Wembley, Whitechapel or Wood Green reveals whole new cultures that have somehow bolted themselves onto the fabric of the city. Each unique neighbourhood has taken on a personality that not only serves its locals but has become a cultural focus for that particular community from across the country.

One thing that you will notice if you wander through London, are the sheer number of foreign language adverts. Bilingual commercials are also common place with one half of the advert in English and another in the language of the target audience. They are placed strategically as the normal mass advertising campaigns still have to reach out to the majority of people. In the Britain, there are many commercials which cater specifically to those who are foreign born or have distant connections.

Money transfers is one industry that has boomed with the economy of London. From Somalia to Sri Lanka, many people across the world depend on remittances from their diaspora in Europe and North America. It is something so lucrative that even the bigger financial institutions in the UK are trying to get in on the act on people sending their money ‘back home’. However, it is an area that has been dominated by two specialist companies along with a whole host of independents. And one thing that they all have in common, is that they advertise in languages other than English.

Phone cards, calling ‘back home’ is another big industry that also advertises in languages other than English. Bright, colourful adverts little the newsagents across the city and they all post the cheapest rates in multiple languages. And finally, the role of airlines, the companies that have bridged the gaps in world communication more effectively than any other. In local newspapers as well as events, there is usually the advert with the destination written the the local script urging the masses to take a journey ‘back home’, in order to visit relatives and friends and to show their children where they came from.

But in London, they have already arrived home.

Ever heard of a rhytidectomy clinic before? Well I hadn't until recently. It's

basically where you go to have a face lift... And the company I'm working for has just got us a heafty discount for any employee who wants to have one done! Well lets face it, we can't all be as beautiful as I am!

Another Bank Holiday for the UK?

2007-10-23T02:52:00.001-07:00

Enforcing the drug laws

2007-10-22T04:13:00.001-07:00

So the police are now using scanners and dogs to target drug users across South London. Bus stops, tram halts and train stations in the boroughs of Croydon, Wandsworth and Lambeth are being targeted by the Metropolitan Police (MET) in order to crack down and deter drug users. Mobile patrols and airport >Brixton. For of course, the MET police realise that Cocaine has destroyed far more lives than all the cannabis in the world. We have one failed state in South America, thousands killed and tortured every year as well as horrific injuries to the end user all as a result of snorting some white powder through a twenty pound note. Barbiturates are just as nasty a drug to the taker and of course they need to be protected from their own actions. And let us not forget the plainly nasty Rahipnol. Now a night out for a woman is now riddled with anxiety as she may be an unwilling partaker in a date rape.

Thankfully for the rest of London, these far nastier drugs have not yet filtered down through to the rest of us. Despite the depravation that exists, we have no need to metaphorically blow out our brains or force women into bed against their will. Hopefully the MET will be rolling out their drug enforcement program across the whole of London and across all layers of society. After all, I am sure after a week of hard-balling, there is nothing that a City Slicker would love better than to proclaim his innocence by passing underneath an airport style scanner surrounded by baying sniffer dogs.

Ellen has been on and on over the phone wanting us to have another look at the spain: overseas property for sale part.
HMph! It's enough to make me... Never mind, I feel like I'm a character from neighbours sometimes, aye!?

Doing our little bit for the Environment

2007-10-21T02:31:00.005-07:00

The environment is one of the more serious issues facing humanity today. While there are endless debates about just how much human activity is having on, the fact is that our life>melting ice caps and permanently changing weather patterns we may just throw up our hands in the air and think that nothing can be done about the problems of Global Warming.

As a city, I believe Londoners should be made very much aware of the problems that face us as sea levels rise. London is a sea level city, as evidenced by the tidal action of the River Thames. If the Maldives get wiped out, so does the Capital. After all, beyond Hampstead and Crystal Palace, there isn’t really that much high ground in the city. Any visitors to west London will notice how the river will regularly burst its banks during high tide. Warning signs exist to warn the public that the area close to the Thames is subject to tidal flooding.

There is a lot of responsibility that government and big business can and should do. But we should also realise that these are the people who firstly have vested interests in not really changing the system and secondly can afford to decamp to somewhere like Switzerland if things get really bad. No, I believe the responsibility lies with us.

And it is the little things that can make a big difference. Just how necessary is that car journey. Do you really need to switch on the motor to get a loaf of bread and a pint of milk or can you just as easily walk to the local shops. You probably have an old bicycle rusting away in the shed. Give it a good clean up and hop on it. You never forget how to ride a bike and London’s cycle network allows an array of cycleways set apart from the traffic of the city. Even just one or two journeys a week can save an absolute fortune on your fuel bills as well as helping the environment. And of course, one of the easiest things to do would be to switch to energy saving light bulbs. Just as effective as normal bulbs as well as saving vast amounts of electricity.

As a people, we have a huge problem to face. As a city in the developed world we also have a huge responsibility. It will take a lot of effort by people in power to really make a difference. But let’s not wait for them when it comes to safeguarding our own future.

Theres a new cosmetic treatment out called omnilux treatment. Why do I care? Well

our work have decided that in order to improve the 'beautiful to munter' ratio they are going to give us all discounts on cosmetic surgery treatments! Dalia says her boyfriend Joseph has said he'll chip in some money as well to make it even cheeper. If you've ever met her or seen a photo of her, you'd know why!

Why London is great for Independent Film Makers

2007-10-21T02:31:00.003-07:00

The independent film scene in London is one that is filled with more trials that a magistrates court. The word ‘difficult’ is an understatement when it comes to trying to breakthrough into the film industry. But for all the disadvantages of being based in London, there is nowhere else in this world I would rather be when it comes to making movies.

London is a great place for independent film, for three very important reasons. Firstly, the availability of film festivals. The big gatherings such as the London Film Festival and Raindance of course dominate the screenings. But there are a whole host of smaller film festivals dotted around the city, allowing your work to be seen on screen at many venues and allowing the independent film maker a chance not only to screen their work but also to view the work of other artists. The ability for emerging talent to be screened is one of the most important aspects of being based in London. Also is the ability to witness what is actually happening in the cinema. Too often, as a result of our own endeavours, we can become lost in the haze of our own work and attending a film festival can put a fresh perspective on what we ourselves produce.

Secondly, London’s diverse population gives a massive creative edge to the film makers based in the city. The fact that virtually every country on the planet is represented in some shape or form in this city allows for ideas and stories beyond the confines of out own borders. However, there is more to London that its cosmopolitan nature. The country’s top talent makes a bee line to the capital in order to pursue their work. As a film maker I am surrounded by very able individuals who are 100% committed to their craft and are indispensable to the making of great films.

Thirdly, the urban fabric of London itself. There is a lot more to the city than simply riding on a bus past Big Ben. A city of this size has a range of architectural styles as a backdrop to the stories that are told. London is also a surprisingly green city with parks, rivers, woodland and caves all within its boundaries. London’s polyglot nature of government and development has also granted neighbourhoods that contrast sharply from one district to the next.

To put it simply, London is one of the best cities in the world in which to be a film maker.

Brearley has asked me to go over the sculptra page.
HMph! It's enough to make me... Oi Vey! I shouldn't let it get me down though, eh?

The reason behind British Political Apathy

2007-10-21T02:31:00.001-07:00

How many Brits today actually bother to vote. At the last election, just over 40% of the country actually managed to find time in their busy lives to put a cross on a piece of paper. I myself was part of the majority, who had better things to do on that day. In fact, in my ten years of having the vote, I have only exercised it three times, and that was in the days of ‘my youth’ when having voting was a novelty to be exercised.

In the UK, voting is seen as a civic obligation, due to the fact that people have fought and died to get the vote. When I look across the world and see the state of countries that are ruled by forms of government outside the democratic process, I realise how fortunate I am to be in a country that has some sort of respect for personal freedoms. It is not democracy that I am against and I am sure all those non-voters such as myself, all prefer the ability to vote than to be denied it. So why the high number of non-voters?

Politicians, smugly, like to state that Britain is an economically well developed country and so people no longer feel the urge to vote. I would agree with that to a point. The policies of successive governments have since the First World War, have allowed Britain to remain a relatively prosperous country and has given its citizens lives of relative comfort. People also lead busier lives and that could be said to account for the drop in voting, but in my belief, with postal votes that excuse, ring hollow in my ears.

In fact, I do not really believe in political apathy. Whoever you ask, whoever you talk to, from all backgrounds, people do hold strong political views. In a city such as London with people from all walks of life, politics and political viewpoints are as diverse as the city itself and there is always a strong opinion on many subjects affecting the lives of its inhabitants.

The reason why I have not voted in a long time, and the reason I suspect why most of the country do not vote is simple. They are all the same. No matter what their political hue or opinion is, all politicians have the same lying, sneaky tongues. They will tell you what they want to get into power. But they are only there for one thing, to join that big fat gravy train.

There's this sculptra clinic near us, and the boss came into today beaming like he

had this treat for us... Was it a raise? No. Was it discounts on getting cosmetic surgery treatments? Yes. Great, just what I looked for in a company. Abril, the MD's secretary is thinking of having a boob job - and I suspect that the company will definatlely hold to their promise of providing a discount! Good luck to her!

The Blue Lungs of London

2007-10-20T12:28:00.007-07:00

The River Thames, threading its way through London, is probably London’s most famous asset. It is responsible for the existence of the city and its course has shaped London’s 2000 year history. It is the great divider of the city with one side proclaiming itself as ‘North London’ while the ‘South Londoners’ take pride in their status as the undiscovered country of the capital. However, the Thames’ most important attribute to the life of ordinary Londoners is its use as a recreational facility. As it threads itself throughout the city, The River can be easily reached by most of the population. The Thames path which runs along the river allows cyclists and walkers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the urban environment.

The Thames is not London’s only river. It has many tributaries that flow through the suburbs, and like the main river itself, they also provide respite from the capital’s hectic environment. Some of these small rivers such as the Tyburn and the Fleet have been covered up by the urban sprawl. However, many such as the Wandle, the Crane and the Lea remain open to the elements. There are also many canals that carve their way through the city, the Grand Canal being the most famous example.

London’s rivers and canals, including the Thames, were usually neglected by Londoners . Often polluted and used by factories, many of the towpaths beside the waterways were left in a state of disrepair especially by the middle of the twentieth century when London’s industrial base had all but fled the city. However, since the 1990’s, there has been a concerted effort by both local government and independent groups to return the rivers to the local people. Today London boasts mile after mile of restored waterways that provide shortcuts between the suburbs for walkers and cyclists alike.

Unlike London’s impressive parks, they often do not often get the attention they deserve. A shame as these blue lungs are just as important to the balance and well-being of the city as the green open spaces more regularly known and loved by the populace. By the nature of their geography, they provide threads of space within the urban environment. With plenty of vegetation they also provide a habitat that is just as important to wildlife as the great parks of Richmond, Greenwich or Hampstead.

The advantage to their little known status is that they provide ideal ground for exploring the city. For those with the time and a willingness to explore, London’s rivers are another world to themselves. They reveal a very hidden side to London, and are easily accessible throughout the city.

Ever heard of a rhytidectomy clinic before? Well I hadn't until recently. It's

basically where you go to have a face lift... And the company I'm working for has just got us a heafty discount for any employee who wants to have one done! Corinne says her mum might be interested! I don't want to know.

Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner...

2007-10-20T12:28:00.005-07:00

Compared to other cities around the country, Londoners are often not that proud of their home. We are a very regional bunch and instead of proclaiming ‘we are from London’, we often state that we are from one of its districts, such as the East End, Brixton or Bromley. We will often name a completely different county such as Middlesex as our place in the world rather than our actual city. And it amazes me as around the UK, people are proud of their own cities. There is a real civic pride from a Mancunian or a Glaswegian and a Brummie will defend their city to the hilt. So what makes Londoners so apathetic compared to the other conurbations?

It has to be remembered, that London was without it’s own centralised government for nearly twenty years until the establishment of the GLA in 2000. It is still a relatively new body and one that most of us do not really care about. In the 2004 election, only a third of the electorate actually bothered to vote for the mayor and the Greater London Assembly. Expect the same turnout for 2008.

We also have to remember the way that London is divided up. The postcodes for ‘London’ only cover the inner part of the city. The rest of London is still attached to their pre-1965 counties such as Surrey, Essex, Hertfordshire or Kent. ‘020’ the telephone code for London, does not manage to cover the eastern and south-eastern suburbs of the city. And there are even parts of London beyond the M25, the city’s great orbital motorway. Even London’s famed underground network, misses out six of London’s 33 boroughs.

Maybe it is this disjointed, half hearted nature of defining what London is, that has made us unsure of where our boundaries are. Of whether to call ourselves ‘Londoners’ or something else. But actually, I believe that this uncertainty makes us a far greater city. Having a complete London identity would probably mean a focus on the centre with the suburbs left to rot. London has quite a strong system of local government. The individual boroughs, centred on historic areas themselves carry a huge sense of attachment. It also gives a vibrancy to the city, and allows the capital to revel in its own, eclectic nature. In every part of London, there is a celebration of local talent, culture and art throughout the year, that is often not found in other cities around the country.

So while many Londoners may not be explicit about their own town, for this South Londoner, I think that it shows a confidence in who we really are.

I'm still not entirely sure what a blepharoplasty clinic is, but I know its some

kind of plastic surgery type thing. What's the relevance of this you may ask? Well, our great leader and Company MD has usefully gotten every employee a

discount for it! Dakota says her boyfriend William has said he'll chip in some money as well to make it even cheeper. If you've ever met her or seen a photo of her, you'd know why!

A Tale of Two Cities

2007-10-20T12:28:00.003-07:00

The greatest city on the planet, the modern day Babylon, the metropolitan. London evokes images of the grandiose and the spectacular. The name has an evocative ring to it. The images that flow from the mind when it is mentioned: The Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and the Changing of the Guard. Symbols of England and of the heritage of this fine city.

The irony is that London is not a very English city. It is a city that has attracted migration since its first inception by the Romans. As a place to make money it has been a magnet and with over 300 languages spoken in the capital, every part of the world is represented in this urban sprawl. So why are London’s most enduring symbols associated with England and not its own heritage and contemporary status as a bustling metropolis. Surely those abroad can think beyond the myths of the pea soupers rolling off the Tames and the blitz. Hasn’t London shown itself as a modern, vibrant and cosmopolitan city?

Evidently not. Type London into any search engine and watch the pictures that are displayed. Despite the modernity of our architecture, people still want that picture of Big Ben. The tourists are disappointed to see a distinct lack of Bobbies on the Beat (as are the local taxpayers) and even the famous weather lets people down. No rain, just greyish cloud, all the time.

As a Londoner myself I am in two minds about this. Of course when friends and family from abroad come over, I do take them to see the sights. They love it and I get to see the city again and gain an appreciation for its symbols. And I also enjoy taking them to see the less touristic parts of London, things that they do not expect to see when coming to the Capital. Riding through the East End on the Docklands Light Railway through to Canary Wharf always raises a few gasps. None of them expect the huge impact that finance has had on East London. Taking in the parks dotted around the city, people are surprised at how green London is. Or even getting some great food in places such as Tooting, Haringey or Shoreditch. Places well beyond the fare of Brick Lane or Chinatown, where you can get authentic food at great prices. London’s diet surprises them all.

While this fake London of imagery and icons satisfies the eyes, allow your soul to be captivated by the real London which the rest of us experience.

Liz ate all the pies I swear its true. Fatty wants us to go over the restylane clinic part.
I just don't think it's worth our time to... Hai Ram! Nothings ever going to change anyway, yeah!?

London's Picturehouses

2007-10-20T12:28:00.001-07:00

Grabbing a film in many parts of Britain is usually a thankless task. Rushed into the local multiplex, overpriced tickets and lousy popcorn. Added to that the fact that what is on the screen is usually a worthless promotion of pop culture brainwashing you into buying more. Zzz...

Thankfully in London, we have a little more choice in what we venture to when we choose the cinema as the mode of entertainment for the day (or night).

The repertory cinemas give us a breath of fresh air when it comes to the choice on screen. Subtitles no longer become an obscure art form, but a staple diet of the avid London cinema goer. the Genesis in Mile End the Rio in Dalston and the Ritzy in Brixton all pump out great films from across the world, expanding our tastes and sometimes, messing with our heads. And of course, the grandaddy of the Rep, the NFT on the South Bank. What a place to catch great films. There are many more fine cinemas, spread throughout the capital giving us a taste of something far more exciting than ‘Bugman 3’.

But I also have to commend the free market. London’s cosmopolitan population means that even the dreary multiplexes in the less glamorous parts of the capital will get a sprinkling of something other than LA. From Feltham to Wandsworth, the big cinemas will often serve up Indian fare from Bollywood, Kollywood and Tollywood, keeping the masses and their diaspora entertained. And let us not forget the Boleyn Cinema in Upton Park which specialises in Indian films everyday.

And it is the little quirky cinemas like the Boleyn that can make a cinema outing in London fun. The Gate Picture House in Notting Hill is a beautiful place in which to watch films and before the smoking ban was one of the last few places in London where you could spark up and watch a film. The outdoor exhibitions at Somerset House where a cushion is all that separates you from the stone floor is a great way to spend an evening. And my personal favourite, nestled away in Leicester Square, the Prince Charles Cinema. Probably the greatest cinema in all of London, this little picture house serves up great films and rock bottom prices.

Who ever said London was a rip off?

South London - The other half of the city

2007-10-20T11:41:00.001-07:00

South London is the poor, ignored half of the capital. All the tourist guides of this great city will go in depth about the attractions north of the river including Central London, Hampstead, Camden, Alexandria Palace, even the East End gets a fantastic write up with its mixture of artistic finesse and melting pot politics. North London, is London. South of the River Thames, we would be lucky to get a look in. Greenwich is mentioned and maybe the South Bank centre (an arts complex, across the Thames from Trafalgar Square), but that’s about it. The more adventurous guides will offer Brixton as ‘Alternative London’ but that’s really it. We also have our parks such as Oxleas Wood, Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common. We did have the Crystal Palace and we also have our fare share of ethnicity and artists known as Deptford.

Nothing epitomises the disparity between the two London’s than our circular road systems. The North Circular and the South Circular are a combined trunk route cutting through the suburbs with a radius of roughly ten miles from the centre of the city. The North Circular is a wonderful construction, grade-separated and linking to all the important motorways to the west, north and east of England. It’s fast and efficient by London standards and getting from A-B by car in North London is made so much simpler by its existence.

The South Circular runs from Kew in the south-west to Woolwich in the south-east. On crossing the river, you immediately realise how bad the road is. Kew Bridge resembles a car park and as you proceed towards Woolwich the road narrows until you realise that people’s driveways are wider than the road you are actually motoring along. Along the way there are low bridges and weight restrictions, so how heavy goods vehicles get around South London, is a mystery to me.

But most of all, the road is not straight or even gently curving like its northern counterpart. You have to turn left, then right, then go back on yourself just to get around the suburbs. And what exactly does the South Circular link to? None of the major motorways and none of the big South London centres. The South Circular is not really a useful or even a helpful road, just a signposted route. So just how did we end up with such a useless road?

Maybe that is the reason why everyone ignores South London as it is impossible to get round it.

Glen is crusing for a brusing! Once again, can we do anything extra with the cat insurance section.
ARGH!!! One of these days I'm going to... Must remember I'm being paid for this, same old thing day in day out, eh?

The beautiful people?

2007-10-20T11:10:00.005-07:00

Camden Town is one of those hip fashionable London districts where all the beautiful people reside. Immortalised by the ska movement of the eighties and the alternative fashions of the nineties, today it represents an eclectic ensemble of the New European Youth, Suburban Rock Bands and of course die hard Arsenal fans.

I found myself, with a friend in Camden not that long ago. We were both hungry, we were looking for something a bit more fulfilling that our normal fast food fare and a little different from the regular charms of kebabs or pizza.

So while on our hunt for dinner, we walked through this most fashionable London enclave. And there was something that I noticed or rather noticed a lack of while I was there. Where were all the beautiful people? London is a city filled with diversity in its population. Hailing from all around the world and all with different ideas, hopes and dreams, there surely is something for everyone. But while walking past Mornington Crescent on my way to the town centre, I had to ask myself; why is everyone so ugly?

Whenever I go abroad, I notice the women. All are absolutely stunning, no matter which country you’re in. From Hong Kong to LA and everywhere else in between, the women are absolute stunners.

Then there is London.

Maybe it is the titillation of something a bit different, the exotic nature of these cities and the excitement of travel that puts a spin on the women far away from these shores.

But hang on. London too has the same exotic mix, something a bit different for everyone and isn’t this meant to be one of the most exciting places on Earth?

Then what is it that makes these women of far flung lands so attractive?

Simply one thing. Their smile.

So ladies of London. I implore you, I beg of you. Please, pretty please with plenty of whipped cream and sugar on top. Smile. Just a little. I guarantee you will feel better about yourself. Forget about all those fad diets, fashionable shoes or expensive cosmetics. That one action will make you stand out from the crowd.

Market City!

2007-10-20T11:10:00.003-07:00

Despite the ravages of modern-day consumerism, one London tradition still holds fast against the onslaught of faceless corporations and franchise opportunities. The humble market place is still one institution that can be found in every part of the city. From the tiny neighbourhood markets in London’s East End such as Chrisp Street and Watney Market to the full fledged draws of Portobello Road and Camden Town - London’s most popular tourist attraction.

As a part-time market trader myself, it is something that I am grateful for. London’s market places not only provide me with the goods and services that I am looking for, but also for my daily bread and butter. I have wandered through and lived in many parts of London. But one thing I was always close to, was a market place selling fresh, good quality food, as well as all other objects you could desire from books to jackets.

London has its fair share of big name stores and supermarkets. Walk down Oxford Street and if it weren’t for the buses and the taxis, it could be any other high street in Britain. Out of town shopping in the capital is also popular with the massive Bluewater and Lakeside to the east of the city. However the out of town shopping complexes close to other UK cities such as Sheffield, Nottingham and Newcastle are said to have knocked the stuffing out of them. How have the markets in London survived all this?

I think this may come down to size and with London being the biggest city by far, size matters. Take a closer look at the markets of the city, they are all different in their aspects. From posh craft and farmers markets to your basic everyday needs, London has a market for every occasion and the size of the city allows for such specialisation. London’s sprawl also means that even with a car, you will pass by many markets before coming to your out of town ‘shopping experience’. Added to the fact that many inhabitants of the city do not own a car, then getting to a local market is a lot easier than getting to Thurrock or Dartford.

However, there is probably one more thing in London’s favour, its multicultural make-up. Any travellers reading this article surely know about the size of markets abroad and that they themselves are not just a tourist draw, but a bona fide service provided to locals. The people who have moved to London, retain that tradition of buying goods in a market place. They are used to the hustle and bustle provided by the crowds. They have no qualms about the randomness of what is being sold. And thankfully for me, the market trader, they love a good bargain.

The Daily Commute

2007-10-20T11:10:00.001-07:00

The sprawling metropolis known as London was the first city in modern times to reach a population of over one million. Today, it stands as Europe’s largest city and unlike many other conurbations in the UK, it is still growing. A testament to its continued economic success.

So why do we make it so hard for ourselves to carry out one of the most basic needs of a city - the daily commute. More than the weather, the hot topic amongst the British are the trials and tribulations of the journey from their homes to their workplaces. And anyone that tries to experience the commute for themselves on a daily basis will agree with them. Taking a bus, train or tube is simply awful, while the car remains an expensive and unrealistically slow option between 6am and 9pm. The network is designed, at best, for traffic and passenger levels in the 1930’s and a lot of London’s transport infrastructure dates from the Victorian era.

Surely there must be a better way to get from A-B? The problem is that many people are using 21st century methods to get around an old city. What is required is an approach for which the city was designed. In Victorian times, no one had a car and the rail network was an expensive luxury. The majority of people either walked, or cycled.

This is something that many commuters have rediscovered in the past few years. The humble push bike is often the quickest way to work. Everytime I commute in the rush hour, I see drivers fuming in their cars while I poodle along past them. I am in work and at home before they are. I have had a little exercise and the journey has not cost me a penny. Unlike all those dreary commuters who have stumbled off the train, I have a lot more energy in which to face the day. And not a hint of road rage in sight.

Sure it is not all plain sailing. Cycling in torrential rain is an unpleasant chore and the odd puncture here and there makes repairs a mucky business. But I contrast that with the feel of the wind on my face every morning. The little lanes and parks that act as my shortcuts and divert me away from the rising exhaust fumes. And also that I don’t have to pay for expensive gym membership in order to keep healthy. However the biggest bonus of cycling to work, is getting in quicker than the driver in that flash Ferrari.

We now get a discount at a cosmetic surgery clinc for things like omnilux revive.

London is where the clinics based. Brilliant. Fantastic. Great. Just what I wanted in life from the place I work, some where that gets me discounts to

make myself more beautiful. Abigail, the MD's secretary is thinking of having a boob job - and I suspect that the company will definatlely hold to their promise of providing a discount! Good luck to her!

Seconds

2007-10-17T05:22:00.001-07:00

Hello my name is chesse

got a sec, check out some of my handy work. This is Norman's site oak masters of surrey, he made us a fantasic oak door . He makes them himself in a massive woodern barn out back of his house and he does it all to fund his nasty toy train set addiction. Really odd man, except you question his craftmanship.

Quick note, Alex in case your reading this, my mobile bust and I do not have your phone number anywhere could you ring me?

Search Engine Argument!

2005-12-31T04:01:00.000-08:00

Outgoing links; do they reduce you PR? Recently I have been involved in a rather painful discussion in a forum wether outgoing links reduce a websites Page Rank. The thread went on for days just repeating ourselfs mainly because chrishirst was wrong and refused to be beaten by a newbi, upstart like myself. He totally believed that:

PageRank doesn't;
leak, drain, bleed , dissipate, evaporate, leech or is otherwise reduced by out going links.

You can see for yourself here, you can see why I didn't want to quit. The line of though was maddening, even though I (nixies@yahoo.co) had all the proof and experts backing me up he still refused to admit that their may be a outside chance he hadn't understood the equation.

The thread hinged on this point; He could not make sense of how if the equation was based on incoming links how could outgoing links reduce the amount og Page Rank.

We stood our ground for quite a while, I tried to get make him understand that the formula was done from scratch each time, and it did not need to be minus in the equation.

I have now word out that it is very hard to understand the equation unless you understand these points about how google's page rank calulation works:

The equation is repeated multiple times.
The calculation is done for each individual page not site.
Each time the calculation is done it is done from scratch; no prior Page rank is worked in the equation.
The green bar shown on the toolbar is just a label given to a page depending on the group that the actual page rank falls into.

This is how it can be though about. Bear in mind this is highly simplified (also if you look at the actual equation the specifics are wrong, it designed to make it easier to understand like went you find out that everythign you learnt in GCSE physic was all a lie when you do A Level Physic).

Google assigns each indexed page a value of 1; part of this value is given as a vote which is divided between all of the pages that it links to. So a new value is calulated. Usually everyone is okay with this bit, pagerank is made up of vote from your inbound links.

This is where it gets tricky, the equation is repeated a least 40 times, so that the pages that have gained from the pervious calculation have more to vote. This process is repeated multiple times. So since you divide your vote between the pages that you link to, if you link to pages that are voting for you then in the next calculation (vote) you are going to get more back than if you have linked elsewhere.

And this is the main point if you link out of your site, to a site that does not link back. The pagerank is not coming back to your site so you are going to drain/leak/lose pagerank.

How much effect does page rank have on your sites ranking? That is a much more complicated question.

Here is some other killer stuff I have been procrastinate with! Here's a forum I have been hanging around in. A quick plug for a website I have done some work with recently court house cosmetic surgery.

Hay the Simpsons is on, I'm outta here.

The MIGHTY BOOSH

2005-12-27T13:47:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow night, I have just been informed that the Mighty Boosh are putting on a show at the pleasance. It's only eight pounds which seems crazy they are cult now. They can demand more that eigth meesly pounds, that walking around money not the kind of money you pay for the latest comedy cult wavering in a new era of comedy. It's insulting, I can't pay so little I will rain fury upon the the theatre and throwing fifty pound notes at them until they submit. 8 pounds is a insult.

To end with some great stuff I found. Just another plug for a friend of mines site a Injured and orphaned wildlife reserve. Every fancied getting some plastic surgery done? Check out these guys here

There now. That’s all my news for the day.

All improved out!

2005-10-27T00:15:00.000-07:00

We are about to have open session. Everyone who came to the performance was invited to the open session But I don't think I did a very good job of selling it. With any luck Kerry will join in but I'm sure Tom will be coming.We haven't really planned the session, which I suppose is rather unprofessional but after the performance we are all a little impro-ed out.

Welcome to Hell!

2005-10-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

Well Lou, Liz and frazer are converting their huge flat into the Bates Motel for one night only on the 29th October so we can praise our lord satan and generally spill innards in celebration of Halloween! I'm really looking forward to it. Me, Simon and Beth are thinking of going as a group. the only real issue is what to wear. I was considering something of the undead variety, maybe a Mummy, Zombie or a Ghost. We may even go as a group, that way we wouldnt need to think that much. I done a lot of dressing up at university, but Im always worried about over doing it, most fancy dress parties, to expect people to come dressed as a weather man or a movie star in a boring role and a smart suit made out of dead babies and I get thrown out.

They agree!

2005-10-18T03:20:00.000-07:00

Well I wrote a memo to everyone in the group basically stating the point that we are being a little unproactive and bizarrely everybody kinda agreed or at least didn't disagree. Diane said:

“our stance has always been that we are primarily a performance group and not a training one”

Not everyone has had their say yet however we are getting together tonight. The main reason I'm beign such a pain I want the rest of the group to have a opinion, Valeria is not really the main issue but doing it just because it would be harder to tell no is pitiful.

But this is more important

"I thought I'd begin by reading a poem by Shakespeare, but then I thought, why should I? He never reads any of mine."
- Spike Milligan

Now for some groovy sites I've been amusing myself with. Design your own comedy Aprons! Do you remeber Sonic the hedgehog? Well here is a online version of the game called ultimate sonic.

And it goodbye from me and goodbye from er me.

Damm I have to be the troll again.

2005-10-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine has asked to join the shrimps. Okay, everbody else has said that it is fine with them and now eveyone is waiting for my apporaval but the situation is like this. Everybody isn't okay with her, they want me to play the bad cop who makes the dicious if she can join or not becuase if we are going to be serious about this we shoudl be careful who we let join.

So I'm in a moral quandray (if thats a word), I've already told them that Sam can't join. Valeria is different though. . The thing that makes it harder is I'm not sure if we should let her join. but the situation is like this we only have room for one more person in the group So we really want someone who compliments us very well, the problem is Valeria does not, she plays the same role as Richard they are kinda of supporting characters.

But your not here to talk about me:

A death fetus, Fear him!

Just to complete your day how about some cool stuff I found. Here is a place wear you can buy the same hats that everyone else buys but at factory prices. Have you ever wanted to design your own personal rug? have a look at these ones.

Until next time. I leave you with a tear in my eye.

Weed related to heart problems

2005-09-27T16:25:00.000-07:00

Apperently Some so called health professionals have managed to find some medical evidence that cannabis can actually damage your health. In a recent study doctors have related smoking cannabis to heart attacks and strokes!

Now it has taken them long enought. People have been trying to find believeable evidence against it for ages and they just keep stumbling into reasons why it's good for you. Reduces stress and is a wonderful painkiller. People have been using cannabis as medicine for thousands of years,

It doens't reallt effect me much anymore I don't have to option to smoke it anymore. Not because of the law or medical implications but because it kills me creatively and I can't afford to be spaced out for a week any more .

Aparently though I have still managed to waste as incredible amount time:

"Hi vibrato sounded like he was driving a tractor over a ploughed field with weights tied to his scrotum."
- Spike Milligan

And now for some great stuff I found on my travels. I found this cool website and love it: walnutsmoothie career personaility test. Read the whole thing. Have you ever wanted to design your own personal rug? have a look at these ones.

And now the time is near and I must face my final curtain...

Learning to design images.

2005-09-15T17:33:00.000-07:00

I've created a whole of bizzare images with photoshop. I noticed this image on google image search and have been playing around with photoshop effects. It's capable of doing some amazing stuff.

Okay this was done for a laught:

The cut out effect:

I really like the half tone effect, play around with it:

I know you've all been waiting for the new sites I found on my travels. Design your own comedy Aprons! Well if your bored their a huge selection of online games on lunararcade.

Heard ntohing abou the job yet.

2005-09-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

God I have achieved nothign of note today. I haven't had a reply on the law firm job and The email still won't work. I personally have thought spent the day data entering. Don't you envy my exciting life.. Yep it was boring and I really am going to have to get used to it, support roleSS-I have a whole 3 day more of it.
But the weekend I'm helping with the wedding catering for Aqulia.

Still got my daily dose of webrubbish.

A death fetus, Fear him!

Last but not least some cool websites I found whilst surfing. Are you a fan of golf try out this poor internet golf game. Oooo why not suprise your mum with a birthday Tea Towels? Nothing says I love you like a tea towel!

I hope this was as good for you as it was for me, cheerio.

I've given in and got a job.

2005-09-08T15:25:00.000-07:00

I haven't managed to sort out the mail problem yet however, I do feel like I had a valuable day. I sent my CV in for a placement at a law office today, up in Town, It's flexie time, meaning I can still do all the other things I need to. I do but It's £13,000 + extras which would be great for a part time job. Also another strange thing in the adjacent house they are making a huge extension to their house and They have hired a new builder, a stunning young blonde girl, she makign it really hard for me to concentrate.

Still got my daily dose of webrubbish.

"I speak Esparanto like a native."
- Spike Milligan

Here's some groovy sites I found whilst surfing. Here'sa forum I have been hanging around in since, my mates do. Did you ever want to buy nut and bolts on bulk? A lot of my readed do, they say hey that stuff all funny but where can I get a shed load of stainless steel nuts and bolts on the cheap. Well here. Now leave me alone.

And it goodbye from me and goodbye from er me.

I hate all microsoft products!

2005-09-07T16:06:00.000-07:00

I have wasted yet another day in a sempiternal conflict with An email problem. The goal is to get a microsoft database programme to send emails automatically. It looked to be a wonderful project, but We have been held up by a problem now for two weeks and it's making me insane. Thanks god a mate Sham who is giving me a hand but I really think his patience is swagging.
Anyway onto silliness.

"I speak Esparanto like a native."
- Spike Milligan

I know you've all been waiting for the groovy stuff I found on my travels. Here'sa forum I have been hanging around in since, my mates do. Have you ever wanted to design your own personal rug? have a look at these ones.
I hope this was as good for you as it was for me, cheerio.

Shrimp rockets October show!

2005-09-06T17:45:00.000-07:00

At last we have set a date for our next performance for our improv troop. I think it's going to be the 1st of next month and afterward we decided we will have a open session on the Tuesday after because quite a few folks have just been turning up so we cut down all the other rehearsal to the core group.
But I've still had time to look at rubbish on the net.
But I was quite glad to find out on the internet:

Nixies's bits are best described as his "tireless salami".

And what about various cool sites I found by reading other blogs. Does anyone want a free gmail invite? Here'sa forum I have been hanging around in since, my mates do.
Hay the Simpsons is on, I'm outta here.

Quick post before I call it a night!

2005-09-05T15:22:00.000-07:00

I'm only going to do a little post today. I've been in the godstone office today. allSS-Not a mass you'll want to hear about today and I'm tired so I won't go into detail.
but to lighten the mood:

I got sent this by Diane what a lovely lady she is.

Just to complete your day how about some cool sites I found whilst surfing. Have you ever wanted to design your own personal rug? have a look at these ones. Does anyone want a free gmail invite?
And now the time is near and I must face my final curtain...

The Lord's day of rest

2005-09-04T15:17:00.000-07:00

Ahh a lazy sunday, I have spent all daytime just dripping around with the family. I feel very relaxed.
We installed a weird little log fire in the front room and my sis started doing internet dating, i find the idea quite odd but It's better than going out with someone you don't really like because it's easy.

But your not here to talk about me:

apparently I am laffy taffy what ever that is!!

I know you've all been waiting for the killer stuff I found by reading other blogs. Are you a fan of golf try out this poor internet golf game. Did you ever want to buy nut and bolts on bulk? A lot of my readed do, they say hey that stuff all funny but where can I get a shed load of stainless steel nuts and bolts on the cheap. Well here. Now leave me alone.

And this is me signing off!!