Notes from East London

2010-08-05T16:58:00.003+01:00

Notes from East London will be coming back! We've found ourselves a couple of authors from the East End to update us on the upcoming events, travel news, hottest new places and social scene in this part of London. Stay tuned.....

Qype: A Box in London

2009-02-02T00:06:00.001Z

London

This is not just one place it’s many. All over the country, in fact all over the world you’ll find them. Shoe boxes, big boxes, open topped boxes, boxes with holes cut in the side. And inside, a cat, looking very smug. Especially if they don’t actually fit.

If you have two playful cats they’ll have endless fun play-fighting there way in and out of a box. A more sedate cat may find it a great place for a sleep, warm but not too soft. Many cats just plain love them. They seem to find a special satisfaction in cramming themselves into one that’s nearly too small. They’re good for scratching too. I had a cat with a passion for tearing up paper and scratching wallpaper. We reached a compromise: a box full of screwed up brown paper that she could tear to her heart’s content. Another large box with a small hole often had one cat inside, scratching, and another outside, also scratching!

Meanwhile the expensive toys are ignored…
Check out my review of A Box - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Victoria Park in London

2009-02-02T00:00:00.005Z

London - Arts & Entertainment - Parks

From Mare Street a short walk along the canal bank brings you to the Western end of Victoria Park. It’s quite a traditional park and well cared for, with open lawns, trees and beds full of bushes and roses. Walk further in on the South side and you’ll come to the park’s main lake, where there’s a café and toilets. Also lots of water birds waiting for a feed. I once counted a flock of over a hundred coots: black birds with white foreheads which are usually fiercely territorial! Beyond that is a road… but you are not finished. In fact Victoria Park is large enough to have a road running through it. The Eastern end of the park opens out, with sports fields, tree-lined walks, and in the centre a childrens’ play area and enclosure with deer.

All in all, the park is nearly 3 miles round. It’s the venue for fairs, and several good running events. The Victoria Park Harriers have their clubhouse at the East end of the park. Though I’m not a member of the running club I do enjoy the running. Runners have made their own tracks on the grass all the way round (good for those of us who tend to get sore knees on hard paths…) and there’s always someone out for a run. There’s also lots of dogs and kids, but everyone’s well behaved and friendly. You might also get to see mounted police schooling their horses. Victoria isn’t anything earth shaking, but it is a very nice, civilized sort of park.

Check out my review of Victoria Park - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Greenwich Foot Tunnel in London

2009-02-02T00:00:00.003Z

London - Arts & Entertainment - Landmarks

Built over a hundred years ago this is one of London’s less visible attractions. It runs between Island Gardens on the Isle of Dogs (South of Canary Warf) and Greenwich (right by the Cutty Sark) and was built to take workers from the South to the Northern docks. At the surface all you can see is two strange round buildings. If you didn’t know better you might expect to see an old telescope sticking out. Inside though there’s a choice of lift or stairs. If you choose the stairs it’s a long way spiralling down. You might want to check for signs saying if the lifts are working before you go down! Anyway, the lifts are an experience… One minute you are standing on the river bank, next you could be in some posh department store. The lifts are huge, wooden panelled and complete with an operator sitting on a chair!

After that the tunnel itself is a disappointment to be honest. It’s pretty much like the tunnels found in many underground stations. It goes down a bit… then goes up a bit. That’s it. Fairly grotty and dull really. Ah well, that’s not the point. The experience is more about the idea, if you get what I mean. There’s not many places on Earth you can walk under a major river. Don’t forget when you re-emerge to look across the river and spot where you came from, especially if you have kids with you. They’ll love it.

Check out my review of Greenwich Foot Tunnel - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Middlesex Filter Bed Nature Reserve in London

2009-02-02T00:00:00.001Z

London - Arts & Entertainment - Day Trips

Ever been out in the country somewhere, and found an old ruin? A few walls, overgrown with grass and bushes. A place to wander, and wonder. This place is like that. It’s tucked away out of site behind a high wall, between waterways and other parks. You can get in through a gate in the wall along the River Lee Navigation, North of Hackney Marshes. Inside old concrete pathways lead you past mysterious stones and great round pits, now full of marsh and young trees. It looks deserted and wild, but is actually well tended as a nature habitat by local conservation volunteers. Once the source of clean water for large parts of London, it’s now a place to relax and watch life go by. If you want to, there are notices to read. There’s also a good chance you’ll see wild birds. On one visit I got to watch a heron perched over the river. Another time I was lucky enough to see a flock of long-tailed tits. These little birds announce themselves by their twittering in the bushes. Look closely and you might just be able to see them, maybe only inches away but hidden in a thicket. They have the most beautiful pink, grey, white and black plumage. There are no facilities within the reserve, but apparently there is a café and toilets nearby: see the signpost at the Southern end. Well off the beaten track, but a magical little place, that I found quite by accident.
Check out my review of Middlesex Filter Bed Nature Reserve - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: London Fields in London

2009-02-01T23:59:00.003Z

London - Arts & Entertainment - Parks

Hundreds of years ago London Fields was on the edge of London, and was the site of plague pits: mass burials during the Black Death. Though there’s no visible sign of what lies underneath, this park still has the same type of peaceful but mournful atmosphere found in cemeteries, with its London plane trees and resident crows. At the South end a dried up concrete pond is presided over by some intriguing mosaic pearly king and queen sculptures. In the North things are a little more cared for, with a well-used children’s play area, a popular pub and the newly re-opened lido: a 50m open air swimming pool.

On sunny days the park transforms as the locals come out in force and it becomes crowded and noisy as a seal colony. At other times you’ll find a school sports day, or maybe some small event like a recycling fair. But mostly it’s the place people pass through on the way to or from work or the shop. If you run you could find worse: once round, cutting the corners a bit, makes roughly a mile, largely on grass. It’s also lacking in toilets, so unless you are visiting the lido or pub, you may not wish to linger too long.

Check out my review of London Fields - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Haggerston Park in London

2009-02-01T23:59:00.001Z

London - Arts & Entertainment - Parks

In spite of living near by it took me years to discover this place. I think I had it labelled as the grounds of a nearby school. I’m glad I eventually found my way in, because this park packs a lot into a small area. The Northern end is mostly surrounded by a high brick wall, with only one gate onto Whiston Road. Inside there’s gardens, with geometric pits in the grass suggesting there was once much more. There’s also football pitches. Pass through a square arch in the wall and into the South and you’ll find sports courts, a wood chipped play area and a nature area with a real wood. There’s also a bmx track and even a city farm. Though not generally crowded, Haggerston is an active park: there’s usually a game of football, or kids playing or people using the courts. For running it’s a strange place: all the changes of scenery, level and surface make it interesting, but not practical for time trials! But it’s definitely a good place for getting some exercise in: you won’t be the only one.
Check out my review of Haggerston Park - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Runners Need Ltd in London

2009-02-01T23:58:00.001Z

London - Shopping - Sport

So you need some running shoes… First thing to do is find your way into the shop. Which means walking through the bike shop. Once in, forget browsing the shelves. You need help. No seriously. Fashion is out the window. All that matters here is that you get shoes that fit and suit your gait. The assistant will inspect your current footwear for wear patterns (so it’s best if you wear something old). They’ll then suggest a shoe. If you are very lucky you might even get a choice. But please don’t comment on the colour. Next you get to try them out: maybe on the treadmill, maybe running up and down the pavement outside (yes, in public). If they do the job, you are going home with them. If they’re ugly you’ll just have to get them covered in mud quickly. Clean shoes are not cool in running circles anyway…

Seriously though, the point of coming to a place like this is to get properly fitted. Assistants in many of the chain ‘sports’ stores actually have no idea about the mysteries of gaits and arches, and could well sell you a shoe that can lead to injury. I have especially hard to fit feet (unusually small and broad) and they struggled to find me a shoe first visit. I ended up getting a discontinued shoe from another shop, but what I’d found out at Runners Need helped. Since, with my gait having changed somewhat as I’ve got fitter, they’ve been able to sort me out no trouble. Though it’s strange coming to a shoe shop and being told only one shoe suits your foot! Certainly speeds things up for a terminal ditherer like me.

Of course, you can also get other stuff here, like socks, bum bags, water bottles and sports bars. But it’s the shoes that are the main thing…

Check out my review of Runners Need Ltd - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Lock 7 in London

2009-02-01T16:15:00.001Z

London - Cars & Bikes - Bicycles

Great little shop next to the canal. I’ve not actually bought a thing so far, but have popped in to browse on more than one occasion. They combine a café and a bike shop, with lovely friendly staff. The range of accessories available isn’t as huge as some places, but they also do a repair service (including drop-in) that seems to be always buzzing. Apparently you can hire bikes too.

The most interesting section for me is the second hand bikes for sale. At another shop I asked if they had second hand racers, and they replied that ‘people tend to hang onto them’. Well, maybe they are all ending up here! You can find everything from vintage bikes, through basic bikes, racers, and even the latest trendy fixed-wheel bikes for sale. Though the latter will cost you a few hundred even second hand!

This is the sort of shop you could feel comfortable coming to whether you are riding a sit-up-and-beg with flowers painted on it or the latest model. Really must find the time for at least a coffee at some point…
Check out my review of Lock 7 - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Growing Life in London

2009-01-31T23:03:00.001Z

London - Shopping - Garden Centres

Really unique little shop. Everyone I’ve mentioned it to immediately thinks of growing something dodgy in the bedroom closet, but, well, that’s enough said about that! What this shop specialises in is the means to grow plants hydroponically (in water rather than soil), and/or without natural light. The range of stock is actually larger than you might think and rather interesting, including different soil replacements, some nice seeds and a fish tank which grows plants in the top (fish fertilize the plants with their poo, plants put oxygen in the water for the fish). A lot of the stuff claims to be actually rather ‘green’ too.

Somewhere to visit if you are environmentally aware, a technology junkie, or looking for something cool for a dark corner of your top-priced Islington home. Quite a range of potential customers too then…
Check out my review of Growing Life - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Pavement Barrier in London

2009-01-30T23:43:00.001Z

London

I recently wrote about a new barrier in Hackney, that seems to be intended to protect pedestrians from bikes, but is in fact resulting in people walking in the road. This one is probably less dangerous, but, if anything, sillier.

It’s situated in a pedestrianised side street that provides a nice cut through to Upper Street next to the Town Hall. What’s really clever is that in this case one side of the alley is marked as a bike lane. But whoever positioned this barrier put it across the lane, so the only (staggered of course) gaps are on the pedestrian side. So cyclists have no option but to go through the gaps for pedestrians…

The people who plan these things drive cars all the time don’t they?
Check out my review of Pavement Barrier - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Appetite in London

2009-01-30T23:29:00.001Z

London

Part of recent updates to the buildings around Hackney Town Hall, this is opposite the rather ugly addition to Hackney Empire, nestled under the corner of new Museum building.

In the past I’ve gone in and decided against, feeling it a little pricey. I’m not sure if the prices have actually gone down, or I’ve just got a little richer and used to Islington prices… but they seemed fair on my last visit. They do a good range of fresh sandwiches (including paninis ready to be heated), salads etc. They range from £2 or so upwards. I went for a Chicken with lemon and spring onion. I was worried that the onion would be overpowering, but I’m glad to say it wasn’t. The taste was lovely and fresh, with the chicken holding it’s own.

They do have seating outside, though I don’t think the setting is exactly the most picturesque in London. Never mind, they do provide quality at reasonable value.
Check out my review of Appetite - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Dominic Crinson in London

2009-01-29T01:11:00.001Z

London - Home Services - Interior Designers

I don’t want to look at the prices… the ones I’ve glimpsed are scary… Oh well. This shop is just gorgeous. Fabulous and unusual tiles and wallpaper. The sort of place where one look through the window starts you planning a whole houseful of rooms around feature walls featuring the stuff… if I ever had the money. Some of it is crimson (notice that is not quite the name), but loads of other colours featured too. Influences from Indian glowing colours to modern cool. Great eye candy and window shopping… unless you can find the money for at least that feature wall!
Check out my review of Dominic Crinson - I am moonrising - on Qype

Bus Stops, Loos and Overpasses

2008-12-12T09:56:00.004Z

I have a bit of a history on Qype, for reviewing strange places. These include several loos, walls (OK, those usually have Banksy’s or other art on them), pavement furniture and an overpass. I’m rather glad when I find someone else at it. So thanks to Char-lotte who added her own review of Clissold Park Toilets to mine, and also did this rather fabulous review of a set of bus stops. Actually I know the one’s she means… I feel a review coming on…

Other reviews of note I’ve found with a quick browse: Mornington Cresent, and a cellar. I think I like the off-beat ones the best.

Qype: The Real Greek in London

2008-12-03T22:13:00.001Z

London - Restaurants - International

I headed down here on Sunday, equipped with a 2 mezedes for 1 voucher. On a very glum afternoon it was empty. But then it is the edge of the city, so I guess it will probably be busier in the week. I didn’t fancy sitting in there on my own, so I went for a takeout and had a good look at the building while I was waiting. It seems to be some kind of old industrial or public building. Floors are a mix of wooden, woodblock and tile. Walls include wooden panels, glazed and painted brick. Colours soft browns, accented with lots of little lights everywhere. Very pleasant. Toilets would not have been out of place in an old school building, but OK.

I was promised my order in about 10-15 minutes, and that’s what it took. Staff were lovely and friendly (and seemed very glad to have a customer!). My dishes came in little plastic tubs and cardboard boxes, all in a rather smart paper bag. I ran home over a mile, but it was getting a little cool by the time I got there!

I can’t comment on how ‘authentic’ it all was. But generally it was tasty, and different to much of the food I usually eat. I had Dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with rice, nuts and sultanas): moist and full of flavour. Tiropitakia (feta and spinach parcels): I was doubtful about the inclusion of leek, and I did think the result was a little gloopy, but would be fine if you like leek. Kalamari (squid): only second time I’ve had it, and was much the better of the two, so I’m not sure if the weird texture is how it’s meant to be! The honey and paprika juices were good though. Loukaniko and Gigandes (giant beans and spicy sausage): wonderful. Real cold weather comfort food. On the whole I did find the food a bit rich and could have done with some plain potatoes, salad, fruit juice or maybe alcohol to cut it.

I was happy paying £9 for that with my voucher. Would I have paid twice as much? Hmmm, certainly not every day… I think I might be tempted back for the beans and sausage though.
Check out my review of The Real Greek - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Longdan Express in London

2008-12-01T23:51:00.001Z

London

Vietnamese, Chinese and oriental supermarkets seem to be getting quite common these days. Generally they have a wonderful assortment of stuff, all crammed onto shelves that look like they came second hand from Woolworths after a refurbishment 20 years ago. Pretty they are not.

Longdon is different. It’s posh. All the shop fittings are new and ‘designed’. And at the same time the range seems to be even greater. They have freezers full of frozen fish and sea foods, dried stuff, sweet stuff, pot noodles with labels I can’t read, etc. They also have a very tempting array of hot stuff right by the checkout (I fell for a dumpling with a lotus seed filling: never had one hot before, but it was great). And they have food from other ethnic groups too. One lot I’m pretty sure was Polish. There’s even some English stuff. As I left I spotted some signs advertising ‘bubble’ drinks that looked intriguing. Have to try them next time…

I also sort of like the fact they’ve called this ‘Express’. Competing with Tesco perhaps?

Wonderful shop.
Check out my review of Longdan Express - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: The Pet Shop in London

2008-11-30T23:35:00.001Z

London

This is the sort of shop that gets me very emotional, as it sells live creatures of many kinds (mice, kittens, birds, reptiles, fish…). I do believe pet shops shouldn’t sell live animals. It can be the cause of too much suffering and impulse buying. (For the danger of impulse buying, just read reviews of pet shops on Qype. For the dangers of suffering read pet rescue websites, such as this one). Especially dangerous is when people buy because they feel sorry for the animal stuck in the cage. Of course by doing so they are paying the shop keeper to get another animal to stick in there. The right action if you are upset by the conditions in a shop is to complain to the local council (who licence pet shops) or RSPCA. On the other hand being an animal lover I can’t help being drawn to a place like this, and it was hard walking out after finding myself drawn to one particular kitten…

So, trying to be objective… On the plus side, this place does has a massive range of stuff you’d need to look after all kinds of animals. Crammed full in every corner. The animals are well looked after, in clean cages. The staff seem to care about them. The shop’s own cat is a little grouchy (good thing if you ask me, as a little reminder of how those cute kittens might grow up!). Kittens are kept in Perspex sided pens, so reducing risk of cross infection. They have bedding and toys as well as the basics in their pens. Kittens are priced at £100-£150 pounds which will hopefully put off some impulse buying.

On the negative side (and please note this is true of any such pet shop really, and not just this one in particular…) kittens are being sold unvaccinated at 8 weeks. Ideally they should be sold at 14/15 when they are fully vaccinated and more ready to leave mum (but of course are beginning to get less cute…). It’s all too easy to imagine the impulse buyer who might just raise the £100 and not have the extra for vaccination, microchipping and neutering… They are also advertising multiple breeds of pedigree cats and dogs. As most responsible breeders of pedigrees handle the selling of their litters privately (and the advice is always to see your puppy/kitten with mum…) this suggests they may be coming from puppy/kitten farms with all the problems that involves (mum and dad may spend their lives in pens). Legitimate breeders are also likely to have checked their breeding animals for viruses (eg FLV and FIV in cats, which are potentially deadly and may not show in kittens), and congenital disorders. These could well be present in the ‘accidental’ moggies etc ending up in pet shops.

I’m sure the majority of kittens etc sold from here do end up with nice people (such as the ‘tempted’ person, you maybe, reading this review right now). Just please remember that owning an animal is more than the price on the cage and the time when it’s a cute baby. You may be taking on an animal that will live many years (20 for a cat, maybe longer than you for a parrot), may have hidden health problems and the costs that goes with them, and you will be paying for another to take it’s place in the pet shop pen. If you are not happy with that then just buy your food and toys here, and resist the live stock.

I’ve given it 3 stars as a compromise between my dislike of places selling pets from cages, and the fact that of its type it is a well above average example.
Check out my review of The Pet Shop - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Hackney Peace Carnival Mural in London

2008-11-30T11:59:00.001Z

London

Very cheerful mural, on the north side of Dalston Lane close to the junction with Kingsland High Street, facing towards the High Street. It was painted between 1983 and 85, but in spite of it’s age is still in good condition. I’m not too keen on crowds of people, so a picture of one isn’t my favourite subject. But it certainly looks a friendly, fun crowd! Lots of people enjoying themselves. Lots of characters to look at. You can’t help but be drawn in the more you look.

This page gives a better run down of the subjects and history of the mural, but, in brief… It contains many familiar images of peace and left wing movements of the time: anti-nuclear, multicultural. Historical figures are included, plus representatives of groups such as miners. This is against the background of a time when Maggie Thatcher was in power, and strikes and riots were recent history.

What’s nice is that it’s not all imaginary, iconic images: the mural is based on sketches of a real peace carnival in Dalston in 1983. It does bring back some memories!

It’s close to the area where a lot of stuff is currently being demolished to make way for the development of the new tube line, station and ‘Dalston Square’. I think it’s safe, might even be visible from the new Square! Hope so, as it would be a shame to lose this landmark.
Check out my review of Hackney Peace Carnival Mural - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Pavement Barrier in London

2008-11-29T11:57:00.001Z

London

These days they are taking down a load of railings along city streets. They’ve realised that actually keeping cars and pedestrians strictly ‘in place’ is counter productive. It encourages drivers to relax, assume people won’t be walking in front of them, maybe speed up a little… and BAM.

I guess somebody who used to plan the barriers must be getting frustrated. Because where there was a nice wide pavement with plenty of space for all, they’ve now put up a set of 3 staggered barriers, so that everybody passing has to walk back and forth across that width and through a narrow gap.

I suspect the idea is to stop cyclists speeding along the pavement. I don’t think I’ve actually seen a cyclist near it since it went up… but is it really worth inconveniencing every person who passes, just because of the occasional 2-wheeled plonker? Hmmm, maybe it’s part of the redevelopment for Dalston Square. If they have these monstrosities all round that I will not be happy! Anyway, actual result… since it’s right by the crossing I come over from the Supermarket, I tend to walk along the road, and rejoin the pavement after it. Great result that. No speeding bikes. Pedestrians on the road. Brilliant.
Check out my review of Pavement Barrier - I am moonrising - on Qype

Gone But Not Forgotten

2008-11-28T17:48:00.002Z

Thought I’d share this bit of poster art that appeared briefly (and has already gone) on Curtain Road.

In case you can’t read it, the captions says ‘I’m so glad my money’s in a Banksy’. An interesting take on the recession…

PS: since I mentioned filming the other day… this evening they were filming ‘Ashes to Ashes’ on the canal off Southgate Road. Anyone interested… you are probably too late! But you can still play spot the scene when it comes out…

Filming

2008-11-17T18:45:00.000Z

Film crews are loose in the East End! Actually I’ve seen them quite a few times. Anyway, tonight they are doing some night filming for a new ITV series called, if I heard right, ‘Fix It’. A drama show apparently. The vans are parked up off the bottom end of De Beavoir Square, though I was told they’d not be filming there. The guy pointed towards Kingsland Road. In which case I’d guess they’ll be doing it very late!

Wish them luck in not getting drenched!

Kitten to Cat Event

2008-11-14T16:54:00.000Z

As part of my work as an alternative cat burglar I recently got invited to a free cat behaviour evening, arranged by the wonderful Kitten to Cat vets practice. It was something of a trek for me, being way over in Richmond, but I’m keen to learn what I can about cat behaviour.

The evening started with a tour of the vets (see my review), then it was across the road to the hall. It was a nice informal venue, with everything needed. School type chairs, clean toilets in odd corners, PowerPoint presentation to go with the talk and trestle table of goodies at the back.

The expert, Francesca Riccomini, didn’t have her talk brilliantly timed and went well over. But I don’t think anyone minded. I think I need more experience before I decide if I agree with everything she said (for instance she said absolutely never try to discipline a cat, doesn’t work, but I think there maybe some very rare circumstances where a quick calm reprimand is appropriate, though maybe only a stop gap?), but I certainly learnt a lot, and also helped me get some stuff I already know into focus. Useful stuff: cats are naturally active at dusk and dawn (so accept it!), cats like to go up high. Not only do cats not like being fed and having their tray close together, but many prefer not to have their water next to their food either. Cats like vertical texture on their scratching post, not horizontal. And as ‘stropping’ is part of their wake-up routine, it’s best to have a post near where they sleep, as well as on major ‘junctions’ where they may wish to ‘mark’. Cats are desert animals, and prefer litter that is granular and clumps (like dessert sand). Cats don’t have dominance/submission systems, and are basically solitary (though they may have ‘friends’ or close lasting bonds with relatives). There was also stuff on problems like inappropriate soiling and over grooming… too much to go into!

At break I got to chat with a load of interesting people: some from another cat sitting service, and a cat breeder. The food was also lovely: fresh green salad, bread, meats, savoury biscuits, chocolate biscuits (and posh ones too…). Hot drinks were available but I went for juice, of which there were several kinds. At the end our expert got a queue of people asking advice and opinions! And my journey home was quicker than expected… Well done to everyone involved! Everyone was calling for follow-up events!

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October Thoughts

2008-11-02T22:58:00.001Z

OK, it’s now November, but I’ve been looking back over October, and hasn’t it been a strange month? I can hardly believe only a few weeks ago I was doing the Nationwide Swindon Half Marathon, and chucking water over myself to keep cool. Yesterday I was shivering my way round my catsitting rounds, soaked to the skin, face feeling scalded by the freezing rain. This month I had my first break from the job to head out to relatives in Marlborough and do that half. I had time to explore Wootton Bassett, and revisit Longleat (and nearly managed to use up my passport ticket… only the butterfly garden to go!). Coming back I had a couple of days free from my 7 day a week job. And found I got depressed and bored… 7 days a week is bind sometimes. But I guess it actually suits me…

Everyone is depressed over the credit crunch. Meanwhile I have a better job and more money than I’ve had in years. I don’t want to think it might not last.

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The Original Mountain Marathon

2008-11-02T22:00:00.000Z

They do say you can’t believe what you see on TV. A case in point has been the coverage of the Original Mountain Marathon this week. According to the TV show 8 Out Of 10 Cats it was the 5th most talked about subject this week, and (if I’ve got this quote right) ‘100 mph gales and horizontal rain made this year’s event the funniest ever’. Strangely that may have been some of the most accurate reporting.

My first contact with the story was late on Saturday night, when I saw a report on BBC news 24 that thousands of runners in a charity run had been stranded by bad weather in the Lake District. As many as 2,000 were unaccounted for, and hundreds were taking shelter in barns, and maybe camping out. I hadn’t heard of the event, but with hundreds of events each year that’s not surprising. I was as horrified as anyone at the idea of runners, maybe dressed in shorts and brief tops, caught out in gales and heavy rain in the mountains in October.

Unlike many folks though, I checked out the OMM website. I soon found out that the event was a 2 day one, with folks expecting to spend the night out on the hills in bad weather. In fact they hold it in October to get bad weather. Entrants were in teams of 2, with at least one in each pair expected to be experienced in mountain conditions. All competitors had a kit list including tent, food for 36 hours, spare dry clothes and a cooking stove. Many competitors were themselves mountain professionals, including members of the mountain rescue service. Those unaccounted for were not lost or in trouble, just not yet reported in. Many competitors were delighted with the challenge of rough conditions, disappointed that the race was called off, and bemused to find people had thought they were in trouble. There were injuries, but probably no more than expected during any running of this very tough event. And no deaths, unlike some ‘safer’ events such as Great North Run… One of the worst injuries, a woman who was stranded on an island for a couple of hours (with tent and hot drinks set up by other competitors…) before being airlifted out, is already planning to enter next year.

Over the weekend a total of 17 people attached to the OMM needed ‘rescuing’, including the woman’s helpers who were airlifted out with her. Meanwhile there were 22 separate incidents of other people needing help that were nothing to do with OMM.

Nobody was ‘forced to take shelter’ in barns, schools etc. They expected to sleep out, and many commented that they’d have happily camped in the intended campsite, in spite of it being flooded, if there hadn’t been alternatives. The barn was at the flooded campsite, and open sided and half built, so only suitable for those well kitted out. No ‘taxpayers money’ was spent ‘searching’ for those ‘lost’. Nobody was lost. Those rescued after injury were picked up exactly where they were expected to be. Mountain Rescue is paid for by donations, not tax. The RAF would have had to make up a training exercise to spend the money on if they hadn’t had the opportunity for a real bit of experience flying their helicopter around.

It would be impossible to summarize the posts I’ve been following on the OMM website… Highlights include ‘balloon beds’ popping in the barn, requests for the return of a map last seen disappearing at 80 miles an hour, and a thread calling for the banning of helicopter commuting (a dig at the slate mine attraction owner who earned gratitude by giving folks shelter, then pissed them off by starting the whole media circus with comments about the Lake District being turned into a morgue).

They’ve also debated what to overprint the official T-shirts with. ‘Unaccounted For’ was a big favourite. The eventual choice was ‘You had to be there’. Having been entranced all this week, I rather wish I had. Maybe one day.

In a society where life is very much about playing safe, finding someone to sue if you get hurt, and never being without your mobile, it’s refreshing to find a gang of folks like this. Testing themselves with great good humour, and ready to sleep in a bog and get themselves out of trouble if that’s what it takes.

Qype: Lidl in London

2008-11-01T13:39:00.003Z

London - Food & Drink - Supermarkets

Fair sized branch of Lidl. They have a car park out front. Inside it’s definitely more spacious (and therefore less tense!) than the Finsbury Park branch. Usual eclectic selection of European supermarket goods, usually labelled in a range of languages, and specials of all kinds.

Even though this place is quite close to me, it’s sort of off my usual paths. And for me it’s the sort of place to drop in to see what they’ve got, rather than make a regular trip for the weekly shop. I always enjoy a look when I am passing though. First stop is to look at the ‘offers’ board outside. The other day I spotted a fleece scarf, hat and gloves set for a fiver and got all excited, and was disappointed not to be able to locate it inside. Though I was tempted by timer sockets for a couple of quid each…

They also currently have some really tempting Christmas sweeties and biscuits…

Back outside I realised the board was advertising specials for next week… I think I may be back!
Check out my review of Lidl - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Recycling on Downham Road in London

2008-11-01T13:39:00.001Z

London

Yep, now I’m reviewing a street corner. And a pretty bleak one at that, at the junction of Downham and Kingsland roads. Though that’s partly due to the building work going on: warehouse apartments overlooking Kingsland Basin which will probably be much in demand!

Meanwhile… recycling facilities are, I’m glad to say, springing up all over the place in Hackney. This lot includes bins for glass, cans, plastic bottles, paper and clothing. It’s notable to me as they’ve also got some brand spanking new bins for ‘beverage cartons’ aka tetra packs. I had a bag full I was intending to take over to Islington. This is still a bit of a trek from home, but nothing like that far!

Now they just need to bring in recycling of cardboard and compostable waste for us none-street level folks. I’ve been told it’s coming…
Check out my review of Recycling on Downham Road - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype Party and Ghost Walk: the photography event

2008-10-29T11:44:00.001Z

Once again Qype have produced a great little event to entertain us. An evening based at the very pleasant Hop Cellars, and including a potter around London’s riverside with some bloomin good stories. Click on the links for my Qype reviews of the event and the venue. I hope to do a separate review of the walk later…

A great evening, and no real complaints, but for me the amount of photography going on did end up being an annoyance. I don’t really want to come out ‘against’ it, as I know many people enjoy the pictures. Plus, heck, Qype lays on these events, and it’s good for them for there to be loads of pictures. But it did become an annoyance for me, and I can’t help wondering if I was the only one? It would be a shame if some folks ended up keeping away from these events because they don’t want flashes going off in their faces every few minutes.

I’m sort of agnostic about getting my picture taken. I don’t mind the odd one, but when it comes to Qype I do sort of like to be a bit anonymous. That’s why I don’t have my picture on my Qype profile. It reduces the chance a venue is going to recognise me the moment I walk through the door (as if they would! Maybe I just like playing the big reviewer!) Also when taking pictures myself I’m careful about other people. Sometimes you can’t avoid getting them in (I do try…), but if you see someone actually featured in my pictures then I’ve asked if they mind being on a website. I think it’s common courtesy and I sort of expect it of other photographers too.

So on this night out I found myself constantly moving to avoid the lens of one photographer in particular. At times it felt like he was actually trying to catch me out. Maybe just being a little obsessive on my part, but if true then really out of order as far as I’m concerned. I also felt for the guy leading the walk, though he didn’t complain. Every place we stopped he had flashes in his face several times. Then the camera would be turned on the crowd. I mean, did the picture really change that much according to which brick wall folks were standing against? I can understand taking pictures of locations. But nope, this guy just wanted to take pictures of people at every stop. Obsessive, catalogued, recording rather than art if you ask me. OK, I know that the more pictures you take, the more chance of getting that really good one. But sometimes it really is better to get a few pics then relax and enjoy, and actually experience, an event.

Remember too that this is outside at night. Of course with streetlights everywhere it wasn’t too dark. But I still feel that camera flashes are not going to help with any possibility of adjusting to the dark and seeing into dark corners. Low lighting makes the flashes more unpleasant too.

You could fairly argue that any Qype event is a media event and anyone there is fair game for the Qype papparazi. Yep, though it’s a point I think bears discussion. What do the folks attending really want? For or against constant heavy photography? It’s seems to be becoming more and more socially accepted that certain categories of people are fair game for photography, whatever they say. Including all celebrities and attendees at some events. On the other hand I’ve been to quite a few SF conventions with actors attending, and at those it’s not considered polite to blind the guests. The general rule is that during talks flash photography is allowed just for the first few minutes. If you see a guest in the corridors you ask before taking a picture. At autograph sessions pictures may be with the guest only, permission only, or totally banned. Maybe we need some ground rules at Qype events too? Discussion welcome…

Nationwide Swindon Half

2008-10-19T12:57:00.001+01:00

Last Sunday was my third time at this event, and I really didn’t know what was going to happen. Recently with my job I’ve been travelling long miles every day (and I do mean 7 days a week), on foot, bus and bike, and suffering with my knees. Except for a little on my rounds I’ve not really been running. So coming into this I was sure I had the endurance, but no idea how my body would react to running. I wasn’t too sure how my knees would hold up. I also felt a little off colour the day before and on the morning.

As per usual it was a fabulous event. I wouldn’t have minded too much if the morning mist had persisted. Instead it largely cleared and the sun beat down. For most of the way I was carrying two bottles: one of the energy drink provided, and another of water to splash myself down with! Last year was also hot, and two people collapsed in the last mile, so I wasn’t taking any chances.

I set out taking it fairly easy. Pushing a little, but not expecting too much. At halfway I was doing OK so I started to push on a little, overtaking several people along the way. And in the end… well, I didn’t get a PB for the half marathon, but I did get it for this event. 3:13:23, which is around 2 minutes off the best I’ve done at Swindon before.

Reasonably happy. As I build more running into my rounds at work I think I could see some definite improvement.

My thighs were extremely sore for several days. Not used to the running motion… especially up and down hills!

Useful

2008-10-10T18:27:00.000+01:00

Well I’m back in the East End Outpost in Marlborough again. Just had to post something that creased me up in Sainsbury the other day. I was looking for glucosamine in among the vitamins and minerals. One tub had a very useful label:

“This package contains a security device that is not microwaveable”

So there you go. If you are going to nick glucosamine please don’t microwave it.

Qype: Spitalfields Market in London

2008-10-08T14:39:00.001+01:00

London - Shopping - Markets

So the old building has completed it’s makeover, and on the whole I like it… I think other’s have covered the market really. On my most recent visit I only had eyes for the surroundings. To the nice old hall they’ve added brushed metal ligh fittings in the ceiling. And various elements in pastel-lighted glass. It sounds like it would all clash, but actually it works. The glass work is rather lovely, with panels of glowing colour at the gates, a lift shaft with moving images and another building covered in writing in subtle, but glowing tones.

On the downside: one of my memories of this place is having my first Mexican at one of the slightly ramshackle stalls they had in a food court area. That area seems to have been lost, and replaced by new, posh restaurants. I think they have a sushi chain coming in… Nothing against chains, but I’d have liked to have kept those old informal and individual food stalls.
Check out my review of Spitalfields Market - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: De Beauvoir Town in London

2008-09-30T12:31:00.001+01:00

London

De Beauvoir Town covers an area, formally an estate owned by the family of that name, stretching from the canal to Ballspond Road. In 1821 William Rhodes acquired a building lease, without stipulations of what was to be built. He planned a layout involving a grid pattern, with a central Octagon and with streets going out to four circular squares around that.

However development was piecemeal and there were legal problems with the De Beauvoir family. As a result only parts of his original plans came to fruition, with some roads visible on the diagonal to the general grid, and De Beauvoir Square, originally intended to the be South East square, being the only one that actually exists. I’ve put the flag on what would have been the octagon. Though many of the streets have lovely old houses of various ages, size and design (a favourite for those that want the prized N1 postcode, while appreciating Hackney rather than Islington prices), to the South are some of the most depressing council estates around.

It’s a lovely area to wander around, as long as you stay North of Downham Road. Northchurch road is closed to through car traffic, but not bikes, so can be full of whizzing commuters at certain times of day! St Peter’s Church, on the corner of De Beauvoir Square, has a café in the crypt. The N1 Garden Centre is definitely a hidden gem.

A much more in depth story and maps can be found at the website given. Another slant on the story is given at http://www.benyonestate.com/page.jsp?ID=2

Only just written, but just had to add… this area was also until recently home to the Mole Man: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2006/aug/08/communities.uknews and was apparently used in the filming of 28 Weeks Later.
Check out my review of De Beauvoir Town - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: McDonald's Restaurant in London

2008-09-30T12:10:00.001+01:00

London - Restaurants - Take Away

Visited recently, though to be honest I can’t remember what I had. Probably a double cheeseburger grabbed on the way to an appointment…

What I did notice was the décor. While this has had a makeover to the new McDonald’s colour scheme, it’s rather noticeable that there’s not a comfy sofa or posh chair in site… Is that a comment on what McDonald’s expects of Hackney central? LOL
Check out my review of McDonald's Restaurant - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: The Plant Room in London

2008-09-29T23:57:00.001+01:00

London

Funny the things you discover a road somewhere as you are passing… In this case it’s one of the major roads coming into Old Street, but not a very pedestrian one. I was walking along, when beyond the speeding cars I noticed firstly some rather good graffiti art, and secondly a load of plant pots around the bottom of a billboard hoarding. I nearly passed on, but was just too tempted, and braved the crossing.

On closer inspection I found a little corner of land, enclosed with a high wire fence, and in the shadow of a huge hoarding. Here rows of shelving have been set up, holding row on row of large pots. Those pots contain a massive variety: some are empty, others contain flowers, other vegetables. I wasn’t sure what I was looking at: a garden centre maybe?

A sign on the fence revealed all. It’s actually a clever twist on allotments, with local residents being able to hire a row of pots to grow what they like. What a great idea!
Check out my review of The Plant Room - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: International Cheese Centre in London

2008-09-29T23:56:00.001+01:00

London

Fabulous little shop specialising in cheese of course. If you want to get some Stinking Bishop or a genuine Swiss fondue kit this is the place. Or for some bloomin good Cheddar…

They don’t just do cheeses though. They have a mouth watering selection of chutneys and preserves. Loads of pates (including Fois Gras… I’m hoping it’s the ethical version… I don’t want to ask…), port, and even Kendal Mint Cake. If I had to sum up this place I’d say it was a British Deli, if such a thing exists, and allowing for the occasional Swiss and French cheese…

They also do an excellent range of sandwiches. With the exception of a token turkey sandwich they all include cheese. And of course it’s not just cheese, but specified types of cheese, whether cheddar, brie or soft, in ploughman’s, with chutney, with ham… etc. All fresh cut and simply wrapped in clingfilm. Prices start under £3, so very competitive too.
Check out my review of International Cheese Centre - I am moonrising - on Qype

A Brief Diversion On Food

2008-09-28T11:28:00.000+01:00

Having discovered a few old favourite ingredients (see review of The Grocery, below), I thought I’d write down a couple of favourite uses for them. I should make clear I am not Gordon Ramsey.

1) Take a mug, half fill it with raw couscous. Crumble in two thirds of a Kallo tomato and herb stock cube. Nearly fill with boiling water. Stir. Add a few chunks of nice rich flavoured cheddar. Stir again. Wait till the couscous absorbs the water then eat with a spoon.

2) Make a sandwich with hearty brown bread (one with bits in is ideal), avocado, miso and raw garlic.

I did say I wasn’t Gordon Ramsey… That first one is the equivalent of a pot noodle (and I wouldn’t be surprised if someone told me it’s no healthier). The second one is a lot better than you might be thinking, though not suitable before a night out of course! (I also got it off someone else).

I also used to make a stew with the stock cubes, though it’s a while… If I remember correctly the ingredients were the stock cubes, potato, plantain and unsweetened crunchy peanut butter…, and probably some garlic? (and yes, I do mean ordinary potatoes not sweet potato or yam! I am English…). Potatoes sautéed off a little before the rest was added, plantain a firm one so it didn’t turn to pulp. Maybe when I have a cooker…

Qype: The Grocery in London

2008-09-28T11:25:00.001+01:00

London - Not yet categorized

I’ve several times looked around here, then, being flat broke, gone out empty handed. Being a little richer this month I was at last able to buy… bliss! I came out with three things on the ‘I haven’t had that for ages’ list: Kallo tomato and herb stock cubes, chocolate soya desert and jar of barley miso (complete with instruction not to worry if stuff grew on the top!). Wonderful! Yes, the prices are not exactly cheap, but I’m still not exactly rich, and I found a few things…

The store is also lovely. Old white supporting columns, brick walls and woodblock floor. They have a little café area where apparently you can get a massage several days a week (I think it was £10 for 15 minutes). There was also a cat wandering about. Any place that has a cat gets extra points from me.
Check out my review of The Grocery - I am moonrising - on Qype

Once You’ve Started You Can’t Stop

2008-09-26T11:06:00.002+01:00

I’ve been poor for a while. On the whole I think it’s not so bad as people make out. People with the money to buy big cars and houses just end up struggling to find the money to repair them. Maybe it’s better to go around on public transport and live in a council house really.

But being really, seriously poor (well, by our country's standards anyway) does result in a wearing out of pretty important stuff eventually… I’ve been living for a while with the fridge with an ice monster that periodically wedges the door open and melts all over the floor. The loose screw in my glasses is held in with selotape (and when you are basically blind without them, that’s an issue). Then there’s the cold tap in the kitchen that won’t turn on, and the hot tap in the bathroom that won’t turn off, so that I have to keep the water heating turned off unless I actually need it. (OK, that’s not actually a money issue, being in a council flat, but getting them fixed means time off work, when I’m trying to save to sort the rest…). Not to mention the microwave that works, but makes and extremely loud noise crossed between whale song (and remember whale song travels thousands of miles…) and a car being crushed.

After a totally mad August in my new job as an alternative cat burglar, I’ve finally got a little money and a little time. At which point both my cooker and my computer broke down in the same week… New glasses and fridge will have to wait! And I’m wondering how long it is before the neighbours ask why I’m crushing cars in my flat, as the microwave is my only way to cook.

So anyway… I got the hot tap fixed on an emergency evening call. And a new computer is working well and looking good. My new tower, keyboard and mouse are natty black and silver. Unfortunately my old screen and printer are yellowed cream. There’s also the issue of my old speakers… Plug them in the back and play, right? Wrong… After plug in the computer presented me with a nice little menu of options. Definitely not a mic…. But were my speakers side speakers? Tried… no… next hole. This time I tried ‘Centre/Sub Woofer’. Now, personally, in my opinion the only excuse anyone has for having a sound system that makes the ground shake is that they are providing it for deaf people, or are mad enough to want to become deaf themselves. I have no intension of ever deliberately being in possession of a sub-woofer. However with only one cable, maybe ‘centre’ was the appropriate position for my speakers? Nope… still nothing coming out.

So I scratched my head, and thought a little about what has only one cable going to two sound-producing units… tried the option. Embarrassingly it worked.

Yep, I have speakers so crap my computer thinks they are headphones.

And I’ve added a new screen to ‘The List’.

The List will never die.

Qype: Planet Organic in London

2008-09-24T18:16:00.001+01:00

London

I had to check out this new shop, just opened on Essex Road. There was a problem though… I had my bike with me. I looked around and the only place to secure it was a lamppost right on the edge of the curb. I’ve seen too many such lampposts with attached bikes that have fallen into the road and been mashed to be happy about that… I looked back at the shop. Nice wide aisles, not too crowded… and decided to take the bike in with me. Something I have done in other shops with mixed results! It’s sort of not done is it? But when have you ever seen a ‘no bikes’ sign?

Anyway I got most of the way round the shop, looking at the veggies, the hot food counter… found myself a jar of miso (so much more practical than sachets) when a woman came up and asked me to take the bike out, as it was a health and safety hazard. I asked her how exactly it was a health and safety hazard, was it going to attack someone maybe? Unable to come up with an answer, she disappeared into the back…

I was feeling sort of devilish, so when a guy appeared I was up for a good argument. I was informed that they just didn’t allow bikes. ‘You wouldn’t take it into the supermarket would you?’ Erm, actually my bike has been in Tesco, and anyway, as far as I could see I was actually in a supermarket right that minute. ‘You wouldn’t take it into a bank!’ Too right I would if there was no-where to park it. ‘It’s a health and safety hazard: if the pedal hit someone’s ankle we’d be liable’. I was being careful, but at last a halfway valid point. I did however point out that pushchairs, in that case, were just as much of a hazard. He shrugged, apparently seeing I also had a half valid point.. ‘You can’t leave a pushchair outside though’. Yes you can, you can take the child out and lock the chair up outside… (maybe I should have asked what he’d do about a bike with an occupied child seat…)

Anyway at that point he decided to stop arguing and just ask me firmly to take the bike out. I wasn’t quite done though, as I asked him how come a store that was supposed to be ethical hadn’t catered for bikes. He claimed they are applying for planning permission for bike racks. Seems a bit strange to me that they left it till after the store was re-built. Anyway, I calmly handed him my jar of miso and left, saying I’d be back when they got the bike racks. And spent quite a while after giggling to myself…

I don’t hate them for banning my bike, and I only argued because I was in the mood for a good debate. But it is a good point I think: what is a store like this doing without provision for bikes? Even the Tesco’s just down the road has loads of bike racks (where my bike has waited for me on several occasions). So one star lost.

What I really hate is stores that won’t let me go in with my cat in her basket…
Check out my review of Planet Organic - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Newington Green in London

2008-09-24T17:34:00.001+01:00

London - Food & Drink - Fruit & Veg

What a fabulous shop! I only went in for a peep, soon found myself buying stuff, and wasn’t unhappy with the bill! Prices were much cheaper than the supermarket.

In many ways it’s a traditional fruit and veg shop. Great mounds and trays of stuff, from which you can choose as much or as little as you want. But the variety is wonderful. All the basics of course, but they also sell bunches of herbs (and trays of herb sprouts), just about any fruit or veg you could come up with, and probably some you hadn’t thought of too. I got some fresh dates, which I’ve never had before. I was able to buy just a few to try (which is good, as I found them OK but not wonderful!)

It’s also environmentally friendly. Very few items are pre-packed, and they encourage you to bring your own bag. They’ll sell you a biodegradable bag if you don’t have one. Of course much of the produce is organic too.

The position on the map is close but no gold star. Start at Newington Green itself , and walk along Newington Green Road on the side with the shops (opposite the flag in fact…) and you’ll find it.
Check out my review of Newington Green - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Tesco Express in London

2008-09-13T16:01:00.002+01:00

London - Food & Drink - Convenience Stores

Updated Below....

This is a small, new branch of Tesco, but with a very well chosen stock and a location which seems a bit in the middle of nowhere but is actually good. It’s on the route for those walking or getting the bus from the city (and even better in a few years when it will be right next to a new tube station… clever…), and in an area which doesn’t have major supermarkets close by. The well chosen stock even includes some things that bigger stores don’t have: e.g. my favourite Tesco mid range yoghurts including a hazelnuts flavour which actually tastes of hazelnuts, not caramel like some do.

All of which is a bit annoying, because it’s a bit of a lottery if you are going to get your shopping out in one piece! All’s fine until you get to the checkout. They are those tiny little things with nowhere to put your own bag and I always seem to get a server who insists on packing for you and hasn’t got a clue. If you’ve got a nice soft loaf of bread or bag of salad that goes in the bag first (I actually asked once, and was told their system is largest thing first, duh). Heavy tins and a carton of juice get dumped on top squashing it nicely and sticking out at angles so the carton threatens to pierce the bag. A lasagne goes in on its side, so all the layers fall down and can’t be smoothed back so when you cook it you end up with a pool of sauce one side and dry leather pasta the other. Then they take those nice yoghurts and literally throw them in, landing on one of the protruding edges of the carton and ending up with a hole in the foil top. I’m not kidding, all this has happened, though admittedly not all at once... Then when I stop at a free checkout to repack they look daggers at me like I’m doing it just to annoy them.

For some reason I try and avoid this place. But it’s just too convenient. Arrrrgggghhhh!

*****UPDATE********

I wasn’t exactly delighted by this place originally. It scraped two points because it was convenient and stocked yoghurts I like. Well they’ve stopped stocking the yoghurts, and I now find it very inconvenient that they are occupying the space a better store could be using. I’ve also narrowly avoided being seriously short changed on 3 occasions. I managed to raise a fuss and got my money on all occasions, but it’s too much.

First time I was given change for a fiver instead of a tenner. Second time involved mis-labelled Pringles. They had two types on the shelf, but only one price label, just over a pound if I remember correctly. So I went for the ‘normal’ ones to be sure of getting the low price. Needless to say at the till I found myself getting charged about £2… I raised hell, thinking I was getting charged for the expensive type, only to be told the label was an old one from a promotion and wrong for both types of Pringles and I’d have been charged even more for the others… LOL! I did end up getting shelf-advertised price. But check out this blog…

Final incident I was expecting to get £6.03 change from £10. I was not happy when I got handed 3p….

I can’t help wondering how many times I’ve been ripped off without realising!

I quite like some Tesco stores… but I never want to enter this one again.

Check out my review of Tesco Express - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: The Offside Bar in London

2008-09-12T15:53:00.001+01:00

London - Pubs & Bars - Bars - Sports Bars

I think sports bars are for people who like football. I don’t like football. I once tried very hard to like football because someone I like likes it. I watched two whole half games. One was very boring as it just involved people running backwards and forwards after a ball and not very much happening. Really rolling a ping pong ball around in a tray would have been as much fun. The other had lots of fouls and was much more interesting. I can’t help but think that if a game is more interesting when people cheat, maybe something is lacking from the game.

I have a strong suspicion that for most fans it’s more about the other fans than the game. It’s a group ritual. More specifically, it’s a generally a male ritual.

So there’s me, stopping off to top up my phone on the way to the Qype 1 year birthday party. So while I was there I asked if they knew the Offside Bar. Yes they did… ‘You mean the sports bar?’ in a tone that said very clearly that I did not look like the regular clientele. Having confirmed I was indeed going in the right direction I headed on. I bet they thought I was a kissogram or something.

Anyway, the bar… City Road is pretty bleak. The bar has bright green bits outside. Bright green has a tendency to remind me of the Tommy Knockers (as in Stephen King). Here it also has absolutely nothing, as far as I can see, to do with the Irish. Inside the bar is verging on bleak as well. If it was empty it would be a huge gaping space, with bar at one end and a raised area with comfy seating at the other. I have no idea how full it usually is, but for us it was ideal. That big space was full with lots of tables. Most folks got seated, which is good for a pub if you ask me.

I only actually visited the bar once. I had my doubts when they said they were out of cider… but the staff seemed nice, and did rustle up a can of Diamond White, which was nice. They also put on a massive spread of food. Quite varied too, with stuff for fry fans (e.g. onion rings), via posh (prawns on sticks), sandwiches (ham and pickle) to salad. I think some of it came out of packets, but if so they were good quality packets and very tasty. The ladies loos had seen better days, with one door being minus a lock and loo roll on the top of the cistern rather than in the holder. Clean though.

As to the famous photographs… Yep, very good. I’m not a massive sports photography fan, but some of the photos were interesting. I did have a bit of a laugh over some in the loos. They have mirrors with pictures superimposed. E.g. one with some footballer, sprawled seductively, with his ball resting between his legs. LOL

I’m not exactly qualified to award stars to a sports bar, but I have to try… To be honest coming back here on a normal day to watch football appeals about as much as eating gravel. But on our night the atmosphere was great, the staff was friendly, there was plenty of seating (yes, we ran out, but there was more proportionally than you’d get in many pubs I reckon), and the place has individuality thanks to the photography. So I’m giving it a 4…

Check out my review of The Offside Bar - I am moonrising - on Qype

Back It Up!

2008-09-08T15:03:00.004+01:00

Things I have learnt this week:

As soon as you get out of the habit of backing up your files, you'll get the dreaded 'master hard drive fail' message. Bye bye files...
Libraries are quite useful for emergency internet access.
That message doesn't always mean the hard drive has actually failed...

In my case it looks like it may actually be the motherboard, and I may be able to plug my old drive into my new computer, and get the files off. But the message is the same: go back up your important stuff NOW!

Meanwhile, sorry for the silence while I wait for my new computer to arrive...

Perspectives

2008-08-31T11:34:00.002+01:00

It’s amazing how a mode of transport can change your perspective. We all create mental maps of environment. Change the way you move, and suddenly the map has to change too.

I’ve always been a walker to a certain extent. I don’t have a car, so for years I’ve been limited to going where I can walk or maybe, just occasionally, get a bus or the tube. A few times as a youngster I did walks across London, probably up to 10 miles, maybe more. But in time my footsteps began to carve regular, shorter, tracks.

Starting running was the first thing to open up my world. For the first time I discovered the local parks and canals which at most I’d walked through or over before. It got even better when I started doing long distance. Travelling 15 miles on foot is an amazing experience. Places that were once isolated dots, connected only by a string of tube line, suddenly become parts of a whole. And you find yourself seeing places you’d never venture otherwise.

Of course, even a long distance runner can ignore these possibilities. I’ve always been, perhaps, a little naughty with my tendency to stop off at a museum or two on a long run, rather than keeping going straight on. I don’t reckon it spoils the impact of that training distance really though.

A whole new perspective has come with the addition of a bike. In many cases I’m going to the same places, but with a whole new way of looking. Looking for green traffic lights instead of red, and the difficulties of turning right. Or the places where a road goes through a dip with the pavement high above. Places that were far away, whether by foot or public transport, brought closer. And looking for railings to lock my bike to… I still get to feel superior to car drivers as I wiz down bike lanes and between bollards set to keep them out. Suddenly even rush hour has a positive. Gridlocked cars are easy to ride past, and actually make turning right easier. I’ve never moved so fast at 5.30 pm in London.

I read some years ago that some massive percentage of people never goes more than 100 feet from their car. When driving up mountains they’ll park, maybe walk a little up a path, take a few pictures and head back. They never go somewhere unless there’s a car park. I’m even more gobsmacked by some runners, who, having done a run, then go out and measure it with their cars. It is possible to measure a run online or get a gps system… Besides rather undoing any ‘good’ from running by going round belching out car fumes, it must make their runs a lot less pleasant than mine. Confining themselves to roads where their car can go? Maybe breathing in the exhaust fumes of some other runner measuring their run? Why, when they have the option of so many more possibilities with the car’s needs left behind?

Whatever form of transport you use, and personal rules you impose, the world takes on a different shape, and even looks different.

Not Left Behind By The Cat

2008-08-26T14:15:00.000+01:00

Since I became an alternative cat burglar (I let myself into people’s houses when they are away, and play with their cats), kitties have featured large in my life. I have a feeling in coming months I may be posting on different breeds, different types of litter… but this tale only really features cats as an aside. The punch line has little to do with them. Honest.

Some years ago when they were emptying the then infamous Holly Street estate, with the intention of knocking it down and building it better, I found an abandoned cat, crying outside a row of boarded-up houses. I took him in, thankfully keeping him separate from my own cats, as it turned out he was infected with the rather nasty cat virus FLV (which can be vaccinated against…). He was also elderly and had a failing liver (which in cats can be caused by a few days without food…). After a few weeks I had to take the hard decision to have him put to sleep. On my way home from the vets I found a wooden box, just right for a planter for outside my flat. I carried it home, the red stain on it covering my hands. In my head it will always be Amos’s box.

It did get planted with flowers a few times. But money seems to have got shorter and shorter. So like many people I ended up with a box of empty soil sitting outside. It was not to stay empty… a neighbour’s cat starting using it as a toilet. Cleaning it out was not a nice job, and including throwing out a lot of the soil. After which I covered it with a board and forgot about it once more. A few times I noticed the ‘lid’ knocked half off and cursed other neighbours coming by as I pushed it back on.

Then those neighbours complained about the smell... Actually I suspect their toddler took the top off (she’s into everything…) and they were horrified. Because it’s somehow acquired another load of poo. Maybe the cat got in those times the lid was half off… but I’m not totally sure. Anyway, another round of cleaning up, another layer of soil chucked. And here’s where it gets strange. Because along with those distinctive red rubber bands from the post man (maybe he was the one left it open… don’t you just love it when the postmen leave litter?) there was, buried quite deep, an unopened 3 pack of condoms, expiry date 2006.

I did wonder if it was some subtle insult to myself. But then it would have made more sense to put them through the door. Or did some teenage lad plan a tryst outside my door, hiding the goodies for his girl. Or maybe there’s a pervert around with a thing for leaving condoms in plant pots. We’ll never know. But I think I’m going to throw out all the soil and start with fresh…

Qype: Vancouver in Welt

2008-08-17T12:46:00.001+01:00

Welt

I rather wanted to have the first review of places in Vancouver on Qype. I was waiting for it to be added to the database of places… and got beaten by the Germans, who didn’t wait. Sniff. Never mind, here’s the first ENGLISH review for Vancouver. I think I’ll stick to the German convention of placing Vancouver, Canada in Welt, Germany. It’s sort of amusing… Welt is both a real place in Germany and the German word for ‘World’.

First a little questionnaire for you:

1) What environment will you find around Vancouver?
a. Tundra
b. Rainforest
c. Desert
2) What two main languages will you find spoken in Vancouver?
a. English
b. German
c. French
d. Chinese
3) Which of these was filmed in and around Vancouver?
a. Stargate SG1
b. X-Men movies
c. X-Files
d. Smallville

Answers to be found in the following text… Vancouver is the unofficial capitol of British Columbia (the official one being Victoria, which is, quite ironically, on Vancouver Island). It’s built on a river delta, with nearby Richmond (officially a separate town now, but locals aren’t precious about it) and the airport actually being on low-lying flat islands. The climate is not the ice and snow associated with Canada. In fact it rarely snows in Vancouver itself, though rain is frequent. However it’s surrounded by high mountains where the rain gives way to snow, making for good ski-ing very close to town. These mountains are also covered in temperate rainforest. Huge red cedar trees, dripping with moss and ferns.

Vancouver has a large Chinese population. In many areas street signs are in both English and Chinese (Cantonese is the most common dialect apparently). If you like Chinese food you’ll find plenty! The Dr Sun Yat-Sen Garden is also reputed to be the only authentic classical Chinese garden outside China. Diverging a little, food is generally excellent, often superb quality, including local seafoods, and reasonably priced.

Not forgetting the First Nations: this being the largely preferred term to refer to the local native/indigenous peoples. Totem poles greet you at the airport, and their stylised representations of eagles, ravens, orca, salmon etc are common motifs on T-shirts and more.

Another population that’s influenced Vancouver is the influx of American draft-dodgers during the Vietnam war. There’s now quite a few aging hippies live in Vancouver! On the positive side Vancouver is very lively in terms of culture and arts, and has a thriving gay scene. On the negative side there are areas with major drug problems. Avoid the Downtown area if you don’t want to be pestered by beggars supporting drug habits (and possibly worse if you get unlucky or stupid). This area is centred around the junction of Main and Hastings (and is easy to wander into if walking between the tourist areas of Gastown and Chinatown). Some advise avoiding Hastings east of Cambie Street. Pender Street is generally considered a safer route.

These days Vancouver is also popular as a film location for Americans looking for somewhere a bit cheaper to film than LA… Everything listed in (3) was filmed here! (Smallville is nearby Cloverdale) If you wander around downtown you’ll usually find at least one film crew somewhere!

For the tourist Vancouver is a great place to visit. Locals are very friendly and service standards are high. It’s not somewhere for those that want sun, sand and boozing. But if you’d like stunning natural scenery, water sports and winter sports, wildlife (whale watching is a must), good food and culture, (including First Nation culture of course…), then it’s amazing. UK visitors will find exchange levels to their advantage. But look out for tax… prices in shops etc do not include this, and it will be added at the till! You should keep receipts for large purchases and accommodation (not other services unfortunately) and claim back this tax (forms at the airport, allow time to get them and get your receipts stamped when you leave, services that offer to do it for you aren’t really worth it: it’s easy).

Public transport is excellent: I’d recommend you don’t hire a car unless you are driving well out of town.

More reviews of places in Vancouver and the area coming up…

Check out my review of Vancouver - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Organic and Natural in London

2008-08-13T13:25:00.001+01:00

London

Clapton is not always the nicest area. Though it has some very nice houses around, it also has a main street with many run down and in some cases derelict buildings, and some of the local pubs have a very bad reputation. Recently there’s been moves made to bring it up to scratch: the overhaul of Clapton Pond being one.

Organic and Natural is either desperately out of place, or a foretaste of what’s to come. It’s the sort of shop you might expect to find in posh Islington. A very fine wholefoods store, selling not just the basics, but stuff you might also find in an upmarket delicatessen. As well as the dried beans and meat-free stuff they also sell organic meats (including a sausage that’s apparently been voted second best in the world), an incredible range of seasonings, fresh breads and premium chocolate truffles.

They also have a snack bar in the back, selling coffee and baguettes (e.g. one with thick slices of proper brie and grapes. I always think brie looks like what you get on the top of a cup of a milky drink forgotten in a teenager’s bedroom, but those who do like it may want to take note).

Prices are not cheap, but favourably compare to what you’d pay in Islington. I think I may be heading up to this shop for a few presents this Christmas…

Check out my review of Organic and Natural - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Butlins in Bognor Regis

2008-07-31T23:35:00.001+01:00

Bognor Regis - Travel & Hotels - Holiday Parks

I visited this camp a couple of years ago for an SF convention. I won’t go into that (it had its own problems), but the venue was a nightmare.

I was sharing with a friend who uses a wheelchair: she can walk short distances, but has chronic severe pain, is sensitive to cold and has sleeping problems. On arrival at the station we found out that the ‘accessible’ taxis could only take folding chairs, not her powered one, so we had to make our own way to the camp. Not too much fun with heavy bags to carry.

We’d been told that the convention goers would have their own area of villas, well away from other groups using the camp that weekend. Our ‘accessible’ chalet was tiny. Getting the chair in and out was like doing one of those puzzles where you slide bricks about and it had to be left, basically, in the way. It was cold (yes, it was winter, but we’d been told the heating would be up to it) and the sliding door to the loo had to be lifted up so my friend couldn’t close it unless I was around to open it again for her. (We also discovered we both snore, and spent the night alternately keeping each other awake, but I guess that’s not the venue’s fault… except we’d had to push the beds together to get the chair in…)

The second day we did get moved to a newly built accessible two bedroom chalet, which was much nicer. 2 bedrooms, HUGE bathroom, (wet room style so the shower could be used with a chair or a fold-down seat), living room with kitchen. Pretty amazing! (Though I did have to pin some towels over the bathroom windows: staff gave me the pins!). Unfortunately it’s there we discovered the other major problem…

The other big group there that weekend was for Butlin’s own ‘adults only’ weekend. Basically stags, hens and others up for mayhem. Don’t get me wrong, SF fans can party. Some of us even drink, and miss the morning talks because we’ve been up all night. And people have been known to get injured while dancing to ‘Star Trekkin’ (I’m serious, someone had to go to hospital at one con I went to, and I’ve had bruises myself). But generally we party in the party area, are fairly quiet on the way back to our rooms, don’t play loud music there and shut up if asked.

Anyway, we basically got kept up every night after by upstair’s loud music and what sounded like acrobatic displays complete with thumping and cheers (though they were too drunk for that), and had to call security several times to shut them up. We didn’t have the energy to ask for another move. And it probably wouldn’t have helped… Back in the SF con’s allocated accommodation area they had people from the other group passing through on their way home. Shouting, screaming and banging on all the doors as they went. Very scary apparently. Some friends came back one night to find a couple banging on their doorstep, and in this case I don’t mean knocking.

If that wasn’t enough, we shared some venues. Our talks hall was used for their disco at night. One day I went to kneel in the aisle to take a picture and felt a wet patch. Though it had been slightly cleaned there was still enough vomit in the carpet to leave a lovely pink patch on my jeans. On the last morning I did actually (not politely) ask someone I saw coming out upstairs if they minded they’d wrecked our weekend, to which the (also not polite) response was that no, he just wanted to get laid (he put it somewhat less delicately). Though they were a load of louts, I have to lay the blame with Butlins. They’d come expecting to be able to ‘live it up’ all weekend, so being told to shut up must have been annoying. They’d also been giving a list of venues available to them, some of which were actually used by us in the evenings, so they’d got short changed on that too.

As for general facilities… the swimming area was open, but only the same hours as con talks were on, so I never got to use it. For food there were some fast food type places, a supermarket, and a canteen where we got some meals included. I thought the canteen wasn’t bad: a bit institutional of course, but a good range of food choices. Some people hated it, but I’ve had a lot worse. The outside attractions were closed. The big fun fair / amusements type area was open, and was often the quickest route to other places. Clever! While Butlins might be cheap to stay at, this was a total money trap, with coin slots everywhere! Parents taking children, beware…

Generally I found the staff absolutely lovely, and it’s thanks to them this place scrapes 2 stars. (Added note: I did write this before seeing the other reviewers were ex-staff!) However I did rather get the feeling that they knew we’d been screwed, and there was nothing they could do about it. Head office didn’t care.

Check out my review of Butlins - I am moonrising - on Qype

Headlines

2008-07-29T10:45:00.000+01:00

Like many people I get a lot of spam emails. The ones offering to increase the size of my member, or from cute Russians who saw me online and really want to meet me, have got just boring. Offers of rip-off watches and mails pretending to be from bank accounts I don’t have always were. I have been rather impressed by some headlined with fake news stories this week though. I’ll admit to even checking the BBC just in case on a couple of them… So here’s a selection, with just one genuine story, from the Hackney Gazzette. Can you spot it?

Kidney Stealing Ring Busted
Arnold Says I’m Gay Too!
Monkeys Taught To Handle A Gun
Hospital Handwash Stolen To Make Moonshine
Plucky Pensioner Discovers Hitler In His Local Starbucks
Police Open Fire On Elderly In Iowa
Orgy In Public Park
Scientists Prove Landing In Mars Staged
Flu Outbreak Kills Thousands In Mexico
Girl Attacked By Pirahnas In Georgia
Geek Turns Into Hot Babe

Some funny, some definitely not, but I think they all have that hint of ‘could be…’. I’ve opened a couple (definitely not replied, or clicked on the links inside…) and they contain more stories. The Mexico Flu outbreak contains a link purporting to be to a story on global warming causing cancer. Interested in gay Arnie? Inside is a link to ‘Courtney Love Vows To Wear Clothes’. Are the two stories linked? Anyway, if you want to know… the genuine East End story is the hospital one. Yep, apparently people are stealing the newly-introduced bottles of mediscrub in the corridors… It contains alcohol you know.

A Strange Old Week

2008-07-28T11:16:00.001+01:00

It’s been one of those weeks where things happen. I could probably have got a few blog posts out of it if I hadn’t been too busy to write them.

Sunday was a low in one way and a right of passage in another. I’ve recently started working as a cat sitter. On Sunday one of my charges bit me while I was pilling her, hard enough to draw blood. First time I’ve ever had a ‘proper’ cat bite, so I guess it had to happen sometime. Anyway, it’s almost healed now, without infection. And I’ve found that the cat responds well to a bit of Ttouch massage and now purrs during her pilling and massage session. Hmmm, I think I will post on pilling cats at some point.

Sad to report I’ve been having trouble with my knees, due partly to the mileage I’ve been covering for work, and partly the fact the bike is too big and putting strain on them. Tuesday I decided to walk my rounds. Two visits only most of this week, unfortunately near Kings Cross and up in E5. Actually I’m rather glad I choose that day to start walking… It was Ant Day!

As I left my Kings Cross visit I noticed the winged ants gathering around the entrance of every nest in huge numbers. In one place I had to explain to a mystified bloke what was going on (for anybody that doesn’t know, it’s mating flights, co-ordinated by weather conditions). The nest he was looking at was especially impressive: a wooden post by the entrance was totally coated by especially large winged ants, glistening as they moved. As I walked through Angel people were beginning to jump and swat. Along Essex Road they were pelting you constantly: I’ve never seen such numbers. At times it was like a horror film at the point just before someone starts screaming ‘help, they’re eating me!’

Wednesday was my birthday, but still a work day for me. A high point was stopping off at Mucho Mas for a burrito. I will definitely go there again! Thursday I measured my walking mileage, and with the addition of the dog walk I do that day, it made twelve miles. Friday I saw a physio, and confirmed the bike is not helping. I vowed I’d not use it again, then found myself running late and had to. And of course I misjudged squeezing round the back of a lorry, hit the curb and fell over it, adding some lovely bruises to what was the knee that was less painful, as if I wasn’t in enough trouble with them!

Still, I think the aches are decreasing, and the King’s Cross booking has now finished. Lovely cat, but it’s a relief to have less distance to do! A brief respite before the storm, as everyone seems to want a cat sitter in August…

Writing for the Perfect Hazelnut Yoghurt

2008-07-24T10:44:00.000+01:00

When I write I tend to do a rough, spelling mistakes and total junk and all, then come back later to polish. Just occasionally there’s something in the original, lost later on, that makes it worth saving for later. Maybe a witty comment that didn’t quite fit in the final version, which I hope to use one day elsewhere. Something like that…

Further down this blog you’ll find a review I just posted on Qype. I was thinking of posting it anyway, even before things got strange. I’m pretty busy at the moment. A few nights ago I was feeling very tired, but decided to do just a bit of writing before I headed off to bed. So I started writing about hazelnut yoghurts. As I typed my eyes closed, and I guess my mind wandered, maybe I even fell asleep and dreamed a little? Then I jerked awake, opened my eyes, read what I’d written and decided I really had to go to bed, right that minute… Here’s what I wrote:

I remember the hazelnut yogurts you usee to get. Cheap, plain
yogurts. Each with a sprinkling of the real nuts. I was told to be
strict with the dog. Who comes out and socializes on a regular bowl.

I can’t help noticing my spelling improved while I was typing nonsense.

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Qype: Tesco Express in London

2008-07-24T10:32:00.001+01:00

London - Food & Drink - Supermarkets

Recently I’ve been on the look out for a good hazelnut yoghurt. I guess my model is the old, cheap hazelnut yoghurts I got as a kid. Back in those days quite likely full of junk and definitely not live… but… I used to love the milky, clean flavour with the little bits of real nut. On the whole I love the trend to more ‘luxurious’ flavours in yoghurts. Creamy lemon curd or Greek with honey… yum! But it seems that if you try to improve hazel, what you end up with is something that tastes of caramel, rather than nut. And don’t even get me started on the brazil yoghurts that have replaced them in some places. I love brazils, but put them in a yoghurt and the milkyness of the nut is hidden by the yoghurt itself and all you get is sickly sweetness and the bitterness of gone-off nut. Ik.

My local Tesco used to do a good hazel yoghurt. Milky rather than creamy. Generous with the ‘bits’. I didn’t blame them when they (and the lovely black cherry that was also part of the same line) disappeared, replaced by another line. I believed it was head office’s fault, the line was discontinued, and I mourned.

I was wrong. This branch has them! (And I’ve included a picture should anyone want to try them). I will have to go and take a star off my local branch…

Anyway, as to this branch… It’s largish for one of the smaller Tescos (come on, you know what I mean…). So lots to choose from. Not often visited (though maybe now I will!), but never had a problem. And they did some awesome reductions on Christmas Eve this year: I had oven ready ‘posh’ stuffed pheasant at Christmas for £3 thanks to them.

PS: ironically, in these yoghurts caramel is listed in the ingredients. What can I say? They’ve got the balance right in my opinion.

Check out my review of Tesco Express - I am moonrising - on Qype

When Is A Run Not A Run?

2008-07-16T13:59:00.001+01:00

I’m an honest person. I’ve done three marathons and numerous other events, but I don’t like to claim I’ve run them. I’ve run large parts of every one, but whenever possible I explain I’ve used a run/walk strategy, and in some of the longer races it’s been more walk than run. If I don’t have time to explain I’ll say I’ve done a marathon, or run IN a marathon, both of which are true, while saying I’ve run a marathon could be argued not to be. I’m proud of being able to cover marathon distance as a run/walker. Heck, we keep the effort up for twice as long (or more) compared to the fast runners. And since I take longer to cover the distances, I’ve probably trained longer hours than many up the front of the pack. I’ve not been feeling I’m a ‘real’ runner though.

Over the last year I’ve begun to do regular runs without walking. I’ve made a load of running goals, including running various distances, without walking. But, being an honest person, I’ve been careful about my wording. For 5 and 10k my aim was to run the whole way without walking (both of which I have now achieved, Yay!). For half and full marathons though that poses a difficulty. I do like to have the odd toilet stop, and somehow I don’t think jogging on the spot while trying to use a portaloo is going to work. So the goal I’ve made is that I’ll run the whole way. My interpretation of that wording is that I’m allowed to stop and use the loo, or get a stone out of my shoe, but I won’t walk any of the course. If I need to do something that would require walking, then instead I’ll stop dead. If I need to go off the course to the loo I’ll start running again at the exact same point. I will cover every inch of the course at a running pace, but not totally without stopping. Seems fair to me.

Then I did my 10K without running recently… Generally as you pass the water station there’s someone there waiting to hand you a bottle of water. But on my last lap they were clearing up. Jogging on the spot I asked a man if there were any left. He pointed to some on the ground. I realised that picking up something on the ground while jogging on the spot was not possible, and had to ask him to hand it me… I wonder if he thought I was nuts?! Hopefully he understood! (Especially as it turned out I hadn’t spotted the people still holding out bottles further up the track…)

Thinking about it since I’ve realised I’m setting a higher standard for myself than most runners do. Most would have stood still and picked up the bottle themselves. They would have seen it as annoying, but not as cheating on their part. Some experts recommend that even top marathon runners take breaks. Certainly nobody accuses Paula Radcliffe or the like of cheating if they stop to relieve a cramp. Most runners you see out and about will stop at crossings etc. Annoying to be delayed, but not cheating…

I think I still want to do a half and a marathon running all the way, in line with my personal goals. It’s still an aim worth fulfilling. But last weekend I went out on a 5 mile run. I stopped at a crossing and for a loo break. And I’m still calling it a 5 mile run. I’m definitely a real runner now. I don’t need to doubt myself or feel it dishonest if I don’t keep that running motion going 100% of the time.

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East End Round Up, July

2008-07-11T13:24:00.000+01:00

Thought it was time for a little round up of a few things I’ve heard of going on…

Firstly the excellent stationary shop, Cards Plus, in Dalston is having a ‘closing down sale’ with everything half price. They told me it was going on for a couple of weeks, but as that was a couple of days ago as I write, I’d guess anyone interested should be getting down there before everything goes. I think I got the last metallic covered notebook… Good news is that they are not closing permanently, just for refurbishment. So you can go and grab some bargains without feeling sad and guilty.

My Create08 booklet is also advertising some gems. Lloyd Park, Walthamstow is hosting the Fellowship Art Challenge Exhibition, with over 1500 exhibitors, including art from a South African township, an Irish farm and an Italian Playgroup. Running on afternoons from 10 to 27th July. Lloyd Park is also the venue for the Green Fair on 20th July, 2-7pm. Both events are free.

If you like carnivals, Newham’s is on Saturday 12th (Start and finish, Central Park, 2-4 pm), and Walthamstow’s is on Sunday 13th (Start Lloyd Park, 1pm). Both have other stuff going on in the streets/park over the whole weekend.

Personally I might be heading down to the Geffrye Museum on Sunday 13th. Their Summer Sundays series (also on 10th August) feature fun, crafts and music for the whole family. The bit that interests me is a sale of unusual herbs and plants. Free…

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Qype: Blasted Heath in London

2008-07-06T11:59:00.002+01:00

London

OK, I don’t think this is actually called Blasted Heath, but it’s not named in my A-Z and I have no intention of a return visit to look for signs.

In fact I probably wouldn’t bother reviewing it, but it’s been way too long since I started reviewing and I still don’t have a single star review, and I thought it was about time. And since open spaces are sort of my speciality…

I came across this while visiting Banksy’s Yellow Line Flower Painter just across the road. From a distance it seemed tempting: converging pathways leading up to a towering circle of poplars. Closer up it turns out the pathways are more broken glass than anything else, and the poplars surround a group of sorry looking boulders daubed with graffiti which has been added over and badly cleaned so many times it’s just a mess, with not so much as a word readable, let alone anything of artistic interest. Add a group of surly teenagers glowering at you, and it’s just depressing.

I feel sorry for the trees.

Check out my review of Blasted Heath - I am moonrising - on Qype

Square Dancing

2008-06-30T23:48:00.001+01:00

What make a square a square? I’ve been thinking about that question, as I’ve reviewed rather a lot of them for Qype.

I think when most folks talk about squares, they mean the grand, open, paved type like Trafalgar Square. But that’s not really the typical square in London. For me reviewing squares started with the Eastenders archetype, in the shape of Albion Square: a pretty garden with railings, surrounded by houses. Or another similar example: Fassett Square, the square that nearly got used to film Eastenders.

Of course, a square doesn’t have to be square. Those last 2 mentioned are rectangular. And I’d argue you could include circles (Arnold Circus), or ovals (Thornhill Square).

What makes a square then? Is it a meeting place and focal point (It would be hard to beat Arnold Circus with its mound and bandstand)? Or a pretty garden to sit in, or a war memorial (picturesque Thornhill Gardens needs a look-in on both those counts). Or a convenient strip of grass to eat your lunch in the centre of London (Soho and Argyle squares come to mind). Is the best square one that has grass, flower beds, a small hill, a playground and grand houses and a church overlooking it (Thornhill Square). Or is that going too far and becoming a park?

There is certainly more to squares than just being square.

T-Shirt Rant

2008-06-30T12:50:00.002+01:00

I was walking through Kingsland Shopping Centre the other day, when I saw a T-shirt. The slogan was ‘If being ugly is a crime, you’re in deep shit’. It’s witty enough as a put-down line, but I couldn’t help wondering who the heck would wear it. You can’t exactly turn the sentiment on and off at will. So that is going to be the first thing anyone that sees you sees. A totally equal opportunities insult, being beamed at every person you meet.

I guess it’s made for someone who prides themselves on attitude, who no doubt sees themselves as the king/queen of wit, always ready with the sharp line, admired for their style. But really, does the wearer really believe they are the only good looking person in the world? Or is it a defensive, hurt before you get hurt, type thing?

Does it only apply to people approaching them, moving in the opposite direction? So their friends, walking alongside, are within the ‘wall’ of the T-shirt’s defence, looking out at the ugly world around, assumed to be gorgeous. Or are they going to carry a little sign around with them, so when they meet someone cute, someone they’d like to get to know a bit, they can raise their little lollipop saying ‘I didn’t mean you, honest!’

I’m going to have to keep my eyes out for folks wearing it…

Plant Watch June

2008-06-29T23:16:00.000+01:00

I was standing in the garden the other day, having a chat with the owner of the place. She was saying she’s really impressed, and how loads of things are flowering that have been there years and never flowered before. It’s true it’s looking pretty lush. But personally I put a lot of it down to the weather. A mix of hot and wet weather has really brought lots of plants to their best.

As I pointed out, the story isn’t so good with my share of the plants there… My plantings of coriander, rocket, fennel and spinach have been rather reduced. There’s a fair bunch of rocket, but no coriander, and one plant each of the others (though having survived the seedling stage, they are now looking strong). My single marrow plant, which was kept at home until it really couldn’t be kept on a windowsill any more, is getting well and truly attacked by the snails in spite of beer traps all over the place. The peas are just a memory.

On the other hand, the squash are still surviving being half eaten. They’re actually looking quite lush now, and I spotted the first fruit set. Nasturtiums are flowering. The globe artichokes took their time getting established, and have been mildly nibbled, but are now growing strongly. And the sweet corn is flowering and setting cobs… a bit of a surprise as it’s only about 3 feet tall! Never mind, each stalk is thickening with what looks like it’s going to be 2-3 cobs each. Not complaining! The clouds of pollen that come off the male flowers at the top when you shake it are quite amazing, and the cascades of thread from the top of the cobs, ready to catch it…

Meanwhile back home is all the stuff that was intended for the garden but ended up staying. I’m enjoying meals with side salad of mint, lemon balm, chives, parsley and basil. The tomatoes went a bit yellow, but applications of some Baby Bio I’ve had hanging around for years seem to be helping. There are masses of tomatoes set (I guess the vibrating worked!) and more flowers coming. I’ve had to nip out the tops to stop them outgrowing my windows. Some of the tomatoes have passed cherry size now, and are heading towards golf balls…

Bike Wrestling

2008-06-26T23:53:00.000+01:00

As I mentioned a while back, I got given a bike. Rather cool… Though it has taken a bit of getting used to. Years ago I had a lightweight tourer, a fast, easy to handle bike. This one is a bit of a contrast. It’s a mountain bike, and, I’m told, meant for someone about 6 ft 6 tall! I can only just get my feet on the ground when I’m on it and at first it felt like I needed the whole width of the road to turn in. Not something that can be counted on to be available in London… My first experience of getting up to the 2nd floor with no lift was also, well, interesting… I still have the bruises! Wrestling indeed.

Anyway, my first trip out was to a ‘cyclists’ breakfast’ run as part of Hackney Bike Week. Breakfast in the park (croissant, porridge, fruit, coffee and juice), nice folks to talk to and the chance to get the bike checked and registered. My bike passed it’s MOT with flying colours. Though it’s been in a shed for several years, and has a few rust spots on the chrome, it’s basically a new bike. I finished off the trip by riding round the park a few times, get a feel for it. Then rode home, getting off at each junction…

2nd trip out was to join a ride around the Hackney boundary. Bit scared of the idea, but I decided that yes, I was going, with only 15 minutes or so to get to the Town Hall for the meet up. This time I rode across some of those junctions… I arrived with a couple of minutes to spare. But no sign of other bikes. Waited a while, before heading home. Turned out it was on Saturday and I’d gone on Sunday. Duh. At least it gave me another practice. I believe they run regular rides. I think I’ll have to look into going on another some time.

A real solo distance ride had to be put off until I’d got locks. I finally got a set, courtesy of Argos, and I was off! For the first time using my bike to ride to a work appointment over Islington way. I knew late afternoon/early evening (i.e. rush hour…) wouldn’t be considered the best time. But actually it wasn’t too bad. Large parts of my route were along back streets, some of which are bike only. It’s great zooming along in the company of other bikes with the whole width of road to use. On the major roads cars were near gridlock and moving slowly, though I did decide to pass on a right turn off Essex Road and got off and walked that bit! I even met with a few hazards: a kid swerving on front on his skateboard and a driver not giving me my right of way on a junction (I had to do an emergency stop and turn my wheel to let him pass). It was scary, but I also found the ride exhilarating. Back home I lifted the bike on my shoulder and carried it up the stairs…

I think I’m sort of in control now, and rather enjoying having a bike…

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Dandruff Divas

2008-06-23T14:23:00.001+01:00

You see them all the time. Maybe made up for the evening. Dressed up, hair teased into some fabulous creation. Or maybe in day gear, still sprayed on tight. Either way wearing attitude like a shield as they strut up the street.

It’s not just the girls, or the young. It could be the boys trying to look mean to impress the girls. Or a middle aged bloke. Slightly paunchy. Looking like a used car salesman and acting like he’s the biggest businessman in the world as he talks on his mobile. Or a couple in a car who probably don’t know what a pavement is.

Whoever it is as they move up the street big white flakes fall from them like dirty snow. They walk, drive or strut along, ignoring the world around them, acting like they are the only thing of importance. All the time casually moulting. Not all the flakes are white. They could be grey, brown, green, red or blue. Small or huge. I’m not, of course, talking about actual dandruff. I’m talking about litter.

They don’t even bother to look around for a bin. There could be one within inches, they wouldn’t know or care. They think whatever they are doing is important. And being important people someone will clear up after them. If they didn’t drop litter, someone would be out of a job wouldn’t they?

Never mind it looks a mess. Never mind it’s a hazard to animals. Never mind the plastic could blow out to sea. Never mind that sharp glass and metal could cut a car’s tyres or a child. Never mind that the council could be letting that street cleaner go and using the money to employ someone on a more constructive job. Someone else will deal with it.

I doubt they’d care if someone told them off for it. So I just laugh at them. It really does look like giant dandruff. No matter how much they’ve teased their hair or how many big deals are going through their phones, it’s not a flattering look to be shedding flakes.

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A Good Day

2008-06-17T13:22:00.002+01:00

Sunday was my attempt at running all the way in a 10K. I was pretty worried, having had a rough time of it doing 5 miles (10k = 6.2 miles). It was also bright sunlight in the morning, looking like a scorching day ahead, with the race happening over mid day… Well, it was indeed bright and sunny. However occasional cloud kept the temperature down a bit, so, with the help of throwing water all over myself, I was able to keep cool!

And though it was tough I managed to find my rhythm and keep chuntering along. I had my lap timer on and pressed the button every kilometre, and it’s since confirmed I kept a pretty even pace. As I reached the last kilometre mark I realised I had a chance to reach a second personal target of a PB by 4 seconds per mile. I kicked on hard… finally reached the end and staggered down the finishing chute! Later checking of the saved lap times (I was too dazed to operate it properly at the time!) has confirmed that I’ve well and truly smashed that PB target! And even on the official time, which is slower as I started at the back, I’ve done it! Well pleased! Anyone wants to sponsor me…

I've got my name on the list for a medal to be sent to me, as they ran out. Hoping it will be a proper one, as at the end they were giving out some well manky rusty ones from another race!
In spite of running all the way for the first time, I was feeling reasonably fresh after a good rest, so decided to go home via the garden. In London Fields I noticed a sign up about some free bike events as part of Bike Week, and wished I had a bike... Then found some metal mesh stuff I can use to protect seedlings in the garden. Result! Wouldn't have found it if I hadn't decided to go straight to the garden, as it was down a road I wouldn't normally be on.

Then on my way home from there I had a chat with someone I often say hello to as I pass. Telling him about my new job, how I'm going to be doing a lot of walking until I can afford a bike. So he gave me a mountain bike he happened to have hanging around... I'm going to those bike events after all! How's that for a lucky day?

Plans for an East End Sunday

2008-06-15T08:51:00.002+01:00

I’ve been up for a few hours, in spite of going to bed late. When I’m insomniac at both ends there must be something happening. Today I’m hoping to do my first 10 K run without any walk breaks. That’s a total of 6 miles and will take me over an hour. Not bad for someone who less than 3 years ago could run for about 20 seconds! Besides feeling tired I’ve got aches all over, but hopefully it’s just nerves! I have done 5 miles before of course, but it was tough, and it is going to be a struggle to run that extra mile. I’m praying it doesn’t get too hot, or I might end up with heat stroke.

The event is the Barts and the London Charity 10 K, in Victoria Park. Should anyone want to join me entry on the day is available, with the race itself starting at 11.30 am, costing £10/12 depending on affiliation. There are also shorter fun runs, starting earlier. Registration is open from 9 am, at Molesworth Gate towards the South East end of the park.

Meanwhile some local private gardens are being opened to the public to raise money for charity. In the Albion Square and London Fields area 5 gardens are open. Price is £5 or free for kids.

There are also a couple of gardens open near De Beauvoir Square for £3.50.

Details can be found at http://www.ngs.org.uk/ by using the Garden Finder (sorry, direct link doesn’t work). Times for all these gardens are between 2 and 5.30 pm. I think I may be relaxing in a bath!

Vibrating Tomatoes and Pussy Pictures

2008-06-08T13:38:00.001+01:00

It’s been an unusual week. For a start I’ve run my first ever 5 miles without stopping to walk! Might not be much to a lot of people, but it’s a long way from being able to just about manage 20 seconds to keeping going for 1 hour 6 minutes. And yes, many people would consider that slow… I have been known to do it a little faster with walk breaks! This is in the run up to my 10k: I’m hoping to do the Barts and the London 10K in Victoria Park on 15th June. I’ve actually missed entering via post, but should be able to enter on the day. Fingers crossed! And you can still sponsor me…

Meanwhile, the second bed in ‘my’ garden is still not ready, which means that some plants are still at home. And the tomatoes like it on my windowsill thank you very much, so they are now tied up, re-potted, and staying there. They are even flowering. Which I realised could be a problem… Most plants are pollinated by the wind, or insects, neither of which are available on my closed windowsill. So I looked into doing it myself. It turns out that tomatoes are not your average plant when it comes to pollinating! Apparently us humans have, without even trying, been selecting for self pollination, having taken tomatoes away from their favourite South American bumble bee. A light breeze or a gentle shake of the plants may be all that’s needed. But the more seeds per fruit, the better the shape and size. So if I want nice juicy round tomatoes I have to do something about it.

Tomatoes are buzz pollinators. When their favourite bee comes around, they hold them vertically, and buzz to encourage the release of pollen. So, if you want to pollinate tomatoes, you have to get buzzing. Apparently they used to have people going round greenhouses with vibrators… And my plants are in my window where all my neighbours can see… Actually I’m making use of a massager that my sister gave me. I don’t think it looks rude… Though I guess anyone looking up will wonder what the heck I’m doing rubbing my plants with what looks like some ‘alien machine’ prop off a SF show.

Meanwhile I’m starting a new job soon, as a cat sitter (and maybe occasional dog walker). This involves getting a picture for the website of me, with cat. So I spent about half an hour practically lying on Lizzie, setting camera on delay, holding it out in front of us, pressing the button, waiting for the flash… then, it being low on charge, it would do a tortoise into shell act and I’d have to turn it off and on, check the pic, set it up again… I must have managed about 20 goes, including lots out of focus, only showing one of us, or a nice close up of Lizzie’s chin… Finally I had something, and the batteries weren’t going to stand it anymore. Lizzie seemed to find the whole thing vaguely interesting, enough that she couldn’t be bothered removing herself anyway!

Of course the boss now wants one without cat for the dog walking website. I’m using batteries all over this week. Got to go find some spares…

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Banksy is Back

2008-05-31T23:57:00.001+01:00

So here am I, thinking how Banksy hasn’t been around for ages, and isn’t that a shame, and it turned out I just hadn’t managed to hear about his new pieces in London… Duh!

First a false alarm thanks to Hackney Gazette. A few months back they posted a story about how some people thought a piece of stencil art, showing a policeman with a pig's snout, round the back of Kingsland Shopping Centre, was a new Banksy. Yeah right. It’s an OK piece of political art, but lacks the wit of Banksy. It’s also just plonked in the middle of a wall, where his stuff tends to ‘live’ within its environment, with figures appearing to stand on ground, windows positioned in the middle of walls, etc.

Meanwhile I was speculating about a fabulous piece down near Old Street. Loving it and wondering who it was by, since it didn’t seem to quite fit anyone I could think of. I never even thought of Banksy! But apparently it’s his… to be fair, it’s not typical. It’s as thought provoking as ever, but, being a memorial piece to another artist, it has a very different mood to much of Banksy’s work. Review and more information here.

And then I hear there’s a new piece on Essex Road too! This time it’s classic Banksy, and a great piece of work poking fun at Tesco. (Again, I've done a review on Qype, including map...)

Apparently there’s also quite a lot of his work down at the Cans Festival, a tunnel full of art down in Central London. I’m going to have to get down there soon…

Things to do in Wiltshire

2008-05-31T02:26:00.001+01:00

I’m beginning to think maybe I should rename this blog ‘Notes from East London and Wiltshire’. Or maybe I should just come up with a better name all round. Anyway, I’ve finally finished writing up reviews from my trip out that way to do the Neolithic Marathon (for which you can still sponsor me by the way…). To make things easier I’ve got two main categories for which I’ve created lists. So here they are: Longleat and Lacock.

Qype Party and Tales of Adventure on the Bus

2008-05-30T15:55:00.001+01:00

Yep, I actually finally made it to a Qype party. It’s a while since I’ve been out in the bar and drinks sense. I’m more of a walking round museums or watching something kind of person. And venues with wall to wall loud music have long lost their appeal. I used to go clubbing, many years ago it seems now. I got tired of the silence under the noise. Not being able to talk properly to people because it was such an effort to shout over the music, and maybe half the time there wasn’t much to say anyway once you got past ‘having a good time?’ ‘Yeah, it’s great!’

So I was a little worried I might find myself in a horror of pumping music and trendy youngsters still at the ‘Yeah it’s great!’ stage. In fact there was loud music. And there were pauses at the start when I found myself staring round the room wondering if any of those faces was PLEASE anyone I knew online, and digging into a pile of munchies and a free drink to distract myself (which, by the way is no comment on the person I was talking to at the time. He was great. I was nervous. Sorry I never got to say goodbye). But that didn’t last long. Pretty soon I was chatting away with lots of friendly people, some of them turning out to be people I knew off Qype, some newbies feeling even more nervous than me. And a great mix of people of all ages and all walks of life. I even had to discipline myself not to talk to the same person all night but to move on and circulate, and was glad I did as I found more people I’d already ‘met’ online, that it was great to meet in person. And of course others just as interesting, some not even on Qype but dragged along by others, and promising to join!

I’d told myself I’d not stay to the end, but of course I was one of the last out. Shortly before I left I somehow ended up telling someone how I’d come to London, and been homeless for 3 years living in squats. She thought I must be ‘well hard’! I did try and tell her they were, on the whole, very nice squats (I knew squatters who sanded and varnished all their window sills…) and I’d never been on the streets. She should have heard what I was to hear later… Anyway, finally I was leaving and wondering how I’d do a review of the venue since my eyes had been on people not it all night. A quick trip round including a diversion into the basement toilets took care of that, and you’ll find the review here.

Outside I walked off towards Tottenham Court Road, where I’d be able to catch a bus directly home. I diverted into Chinatown, to see if a sudden craving for a red bean paste bun could by any chance be fulfilled. I had my doubts and it turned I was right. Plenty of restaurants open, but no buns, or any other Chinese food you could just grab and eat as you walked. Gap in the market there maybe? Anyway, I was lucky and the bus came fast. I climbed aboard and upstairs, smiling at the group exclaiming with pleasure as they got the front seats.

That group continued to talk loudly, and even though I was halfway up the bus I soon found myself tuning into their conversations. One of them was talking about a mate who’d hitch hiked to Everest Base Camp. There was some debate as to whether it was possible, but apparently there’s a road all the way now. More tales followed… one woman had been in a remote cave with only a piece of corrugated iron for a door and either a bear or a mad man (she couldn’t say for sure which), attacking and growling at it. Two guys had spent a week alone up a remote Himalayan trail with nothing but some potatoes and a 3 foot long white carrot to eat (the girl enlightened them that it’s called mooli). Apparently now Nepal doesn’t let anyone go around without a guide. Though as one of the guys pointed out, you’re just as much in trouble if you get lost in the Pyrenees. As they once did… they found themselves walking up past people with ice picks and then scaling sideways along a wall with their backpacks on.

The conversation moved on, as one guy told about his experiences in Africa (and I looked round and saw that everyone else on top of that bus was listening too). He’d paid $50 to some dodgy guy to take him down the Zambezi in a canoe ‘they’ll do anything to get money down there’. Of course it’s the hippos that are really dangerous, crocodiles aren’t scary… Loud exclamations from his companions… well, crocodiles are scary, if you fall out of the canoe they’ll take your arm off, but they won’t attack a boat, hippos will.

He went on to talk about a place he’d been where (‘they’ll do anything to make money’) they took people walking with lions out into the bush. Not adult lions, but nearly full grown, and they want to play. They gathered them together before hand and warned them. They wouldn’t attack you, but they might try and play with you, and they might tear an arm off, just playing, not being nasty. You had to assert your authority. They gave each of them a big stick, and if any of the lions tried to play with them they had to hit the ground with it, and the lion if they had to. He said he had a picture of himself with this lion with this huge head, and his stick pointing at it…

After that things went quiet as the girl got on the phone with people they were trying to meet up with. I guess that story just beat them all. Or maybe they’d realised they had an audience!

And if you are doubting it was all true… the guy actually gave the venue of his lion walk, Antelope Park in Zimbabwe. I looked it up and it exists; http://www.antelopepark.co.zw/ Maybe one day… I am supposed to be ‘well hard’ after all.

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Still in Training...

2008-05-29T13:39:00.000+01:00

I’m feeling pretty pleased with myself after my recent marathon. After my first marathon I could hardly walk for a week, and had nasty aches and pains for 6 weeks. Unsurprisingly I didn’t train during that time, and by the time I was running again it was at a lower level. Second year I recovered faster and was able to do a very stiff, short run within a week of my marathon. But I let myself rest up, and once more my fitness slipped back and I had ground to make up by the time I started seriously training again.

This year I’ve made a big effort to dig my heels in and get out there in spite of feeling tired and having niggling pains. And it’s working. A month on I’m feeling pretty fit and actually making progress in some areas. It’s not easy. I do frequently go out stiff and achy to start a run, as I do have arthritis. But with me I now have learnt that often the run will actually help the stiffness. Other times it will make it a little worse. It’s hard to know, and in the past I’ve been perhaps too cautious, but on the whole I know running helps manage the chronic pain I have. Anyway I’m working to increase my speed over short runs. Last Monday I did 6 miles in the rain as well. Aching like mad to start (rainy weather…), but it was great fun to go out and not bother about getting wet, and dodge puddles and mud patches.

Another factor is that I HAVE to train as I already have another target. Or rather 2 targets in one! If you’ve read my fundraising website you’ll know I have 4 targets to complete by my birthday towards the end of July. I’ve done 2, and I’m hoping to tick off another 2 at a 10k in a few weeks. I’m hoping to both get a personal best by 4 seconds per mile, and run the whole way! For many I know running the whole 6.2 miles wouldn’t be a major target. But considering less than 3 years ago I could run at most 20 seconds at a time its major progress for me! I’ll be running for over an hour. I’ve also tended to do a run/walk strategy for the simple reason that as yet I go faster like that. As such if I do get a PB as well it will be amazing. I do admit to a back up plan… I’m pretty certain I’m going to make the running all the way bit, but I will be able to fit in a chance at a 5K PB if I don’t get the 10K PB…

I am certainly working bloomin hard to make both happen at once though.

Still collecting sponsorship…

Things to do in East London

2008-05-28T23:43:00.001+01:00

I picked up a booklet in a local council office this week called the ‘Five Boroughs Festival Guide’. Apparently 5 London Boroughs have got together to advertise a load of festivals and stuff (Create08) as a lead up to the Olympics. Not sure about it as a theme, but the booklet has details of lots of interesting stuff over the next few months!

First up is Paradise Gardens: a free outdoor festival in Victoria Park on Sat 24 and Sun 25 May. Music, street theatre, children’s activities, a steam fair and (paid) circuses. Information at www.paradisegardens.org.uk

If galleries and museums are more your thing, there’s several on now:

City of Stories: How do you make nail soup? What makes the mango wondrous? A new exhibition featuring fantastic legends and folk stories from London’s East End communities. Watch out for chairs that tell stories, magic furniture and hidden worlds. Discover, 1 Bridge Terrace, Stratford E15. Weekends and School holidays, 29 March to 31 August, 10am to 5pm, adult/child £4, www.discover.org.uk

A Century of Olympic Posters: Museum of Childhood, 17 May to 7 September, 10am to 5.45pm, Free

(There are more in the guide…)

And… Spitalfields Festival runs 2 to 20 June, over multiple venues, with tickets free to £32. Information at www.spitalfieldsfestival.org.uk

Moving away from the East End, this is also the week for the Qype Party: everyone is invited for some free booze on Thursday 28 May at the Theodore Bullfrog: http://www.qype.co.uk/place/144827-Theodore-Bullfrog-London

And finally, The Anthony Nolan Trust is holding a clinic for people who want to register for bone marrow donation on 31 May at Tiger Tiger, 28-29 Haymarket, Piccadilly, London from 1100-1600.

Erm, I don’t think I’m going to fit it all in…

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Plant Watch May

2008-05-27T13:41:00.000+01:00

Yep, I’m still gardening away… Most of my plants survived my few days away. It was a problem deciding what to do with them as the slightest sun on my living room window means they bake and need pints of water. On the other hand the other side of the flat is a black hole. So they endured 5 days of deep shade… Two marrows succumbed. Some lupin seedlings have also given up one by one over the last few weeks. I don’t think they like the heat or the dark! And of course, out at the garden the snails have had the marrows… I now have only one marrow plant surviving and am going to have to plant more!

Still, the tomatoes are thriving on my windowsill. So much so I think I’ll keep them there. They are starting to produce flowers. I’ve also got basil and thyme growing well. A new addition is some wild strawberries brought back from my travels. They are a weed in Marlborough and I can see why. The one little pot has put out about 20 suckers already! It’s also got fruit ripening and flowers still coming. Another one with a permanent place on my windowsill I think, though the suckers will be getting planted out. Luckily the garden owner likes the idea of strawberries going mad all over it!

Out in the garden I’m now got all the sweet corn and peas planted out, plus some spinach, coriander, fennel and rocket planted directly in the ground. The globe artichokes and nasturtiums are also well established. The existing plants are putting on a show. It’s a mass of flower, domestic and wild. Pink, yellow, white, red and blue. I’m putting off mowing the lawn as it’s a mass of buttercups and white dead nettle. Even some gorgeous blue flag iris are out in the pond. Apparently it’s the first time they’ve flowered.

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East End Wildlife

2008-05-24T23:48:00.001+01:00

I won’t go into how I got here in the first place, but I’ve been thinking of leaving the city for years. One of the reasons being I simply prefer more ‘nature’ around me. I’m not a lover of concrete and tarmac. Of course, one of the ironies is that if I ever do I’ll probably miss the wildlife. Out in the country animals and birds are often pretty shy of humans. It’s a joy how easy it can be to watch them round here. Here’s a few tales:

Walking along the canal side recently I noticed some coots with young. To my surprise as I came closer they gave me a quick glance then totally ignored me. I was able to stand directly above them on the bank as Mum and Dad repeatedly dived for titbits for their chicks. I could see every downy feather and wrinkle on the chicks, and follow the parents as they dived down, getting mistier the deeper they went. After a while a father and son human joined me peering over the edge at them.

After a bit coot Dad (well it may have been Mum, but I find myself thinking Dad), came up with what seemed to be a medium sized water snail. He offered it to a chick, who finding it too big, dropped it. Dad dived down and retrieved it, offering it again. Again the chick took it, then dropped it. Dad dived again, and offered it to another chick. Same result. Long suffering and by now distinctly frustrated Dad dived and retrieved it again. He tried time and time again to get one of his ungrateful chicks to swallow that delicious snail, but they all rejected it without a moment’s thought, casually dropping it. Finally he came up from a dive to find Mum in front of him. Seemingly without thinking he offered it, Mum took it, swallowed it and we on the bank all laughed. Problem solved!

Another day not long before along the same stretch I watched a heron in a slow motion stalk through shallow water on the other side of the canal. Slowly inching forward, then striking, and coming up with a flash of silver. How wonderful to see such a rare sight.

And then there’s the foxes… I heard them often during my childhood in a small, rural town, but never saw one till one time out hunt sabbing! (Yes, it got away…). In Hackney sometimes it feels like you are almost falling over the things! The front of my flat overlooks the intersection of several walking routes for them. If I hear them at night and head out there there’s a very good chance of seeing them. One year I saw them 10 nights in a row. Sometimes I just get to see them sauntering past, but I’ve also seen them curled up asleep on a garage roof, or watching humans passing by oblivious, in pairs interacting together, or interacting with cats. I’ve also seen them quite a few times in broad daylight. One notable time I was walking along the front of my block at 4 in the afternoon when suddenly over a high garden wall came two foxes chasing each other. I guess they were in the middle of a territorial dispute, and came within inches of crashing into me before disappearing at speed round a corner. You don’t get to see country foxes that close!

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Neolithic Marathon 2008

2008-05-20T14:30:00.002+01:00

It’s about time I wrote about the Neolithic isn’t it?

Well, I came pretty close to messing it up for myself. After being good and resisting heavy gardening at home, guess what I did at my parents? Yep, a load of digging and a clump of bamboo trimmed with heavy cutters held at arms length and strange angles. Back killing me the day before. On the day I didn’t feel too bad, but there’s no doubt I was more tired than I should have been.

Anyway I got off to a good start. As per last year most of the field was gone in a flash, but I actually spent most of the first couple of miles with another bloke. After 2 miles I checked my time list and found I was well ahead of target and disciplined myself to slow down. Last year I learnt my lesson, ending up with jelly legs after the first row of hills and the first steep decent. This year I enjoyed the views and the song of skylarks. I let the guy pull ahead gradually, and last saw him as I went into the loo at Cannings Cross. Twice the distance before I lost everyone compared to last year!

Across Pewsey Vale I was still feeling strong, but the rain came in. Glad of it in the cowfields where the hoof marks were soft and not as treacherous as last year. But a good soaking and wet muddy feet began to chill me and slow me. I was feeling fairly miserable as I pulled up Redhorn Hill and onto Salisbury Plain. I made what I think is the half way point barely ahead of 7 hour pace, and knew I’d have to really push on to beat last year’s time. It didn’t help that for some reason there were now no distance markers. I had to keep pushing and pushing, feeling blind to whether I was really making up the time or slipping further behind again. Mile after mile, gradually drying out, then getting wet in another band of rain. The tank tracks were mostly packed solid, but towards the end they developed a surface layer of sticky mud and stones that balled up on my heels. Every few minutes I had to scrape it off, only to be walking funny again seemingly within seconds. Last year I had the company of walkers all the way, but it supose many had been scared away by the rain, and I was on my own much of the way. I was also pissing blood. No I’m not joking. Actually a pretty harmless condition called march hemoglobinuria (march as in soldiers on long forced marches). A little alarming though, and has got to prove how hard I was working!

At last I reached the landmark of the Bustard Inn, and could check my progress. 4 miles to go, slower than I’d have liked, but in sight of a target! By then I felt so tired I’m sure I wasn’t walking straight, but I knew I had to keep pushing, or I’d end up slower than the year before. So I trudged on. Every time I thought ‘I can’t do it’ I’d take a short run as punishment. Those runs were frequent. The last run down was an unbelievable relief. I held my mobile phone ready to stop the stopwatch… and it started ringing! Someone with impeccable timing ringing to see if I’d finished! Not once, but twice. And in my fuddled state though the phone had stopped ringing at the finish I still managed not to stop it. Grrrr The chip timers seemed to have left the building… would I get an official time? I was assured someone had noted my time, but it was a bit of a cock up!

I passed on another trip to view Stonehenge from inside the fence rather than outside, but still not close up. I did pay for a massage: incredibly painful, and only partly distracted by petting the masseur’s lovely rotweiler who socialised while I was on the table! Both my feet went into cramp after, lucky I had an expert there to help! We also picked up my free food, and bought hog roast: absolutely delicious pork, apple sauce and stuffing in a bun.

And so… my official time is 6:56:00. I have a feeling that is exact to the minute not the second, but it will do. Personal best by 5 minutes! I’d have liked to do better of course, since I am still unspeakably slow by most folks standards, but I’m telling myself I’d have been a lot faster without the gardening. The week after I was not as stiff as I’ve been after previous marathons, but so tired! A few days after I walked 5 miles round trip to pick up Lizzie’s pills, absolutely nothing to me normally, and actually had to stop to rest on the way back. Still I’ve now run up to 4 miles, and progressing! I’m hoping this year I won’t lose too much fitness in recovery, allowing me to build on it, rather than ending up practically back at the start again!

Subtle hint time: sponsor me by clicking on the Justgiving gizmo on the right…

Heading for the Neolithic

2008-05-01T00:04:00.002+01:00

Well, I’m off to do my Marathon tomorrow. It’s not actually until Sunday, but visiting the folks… I thought I’d paste in an account I wrote of doing the same race last year. I think it might not be so dry this time!

And did I say… SPONSOR ME! Click the justgiving widget on the right…

Well, that turned out to be harder than expected… much harder than London last year. London is flat and on tarmac roads the whole way. Neolithic Marathon takes you over a couple of rows of hills and on some of the worst surfaces you could find! I had to negotiate deeply rutted tracks, rabbit holes, sheep paths along the side of a very steep hill, stiles, a wobbly plank bridge… At one point we reached what looked like a lovely green grassy field. Unfortunately it seemed at some point it had been muddy, and walked all over by cows, leaving nothing but holes and ridges in between. Which had then been baked over several weeks of hot weather… all with that lovely grass over meaning you couldn’t see where you put your feet. We had several fields of that. Then there was the second half on Salisbury Plain: all on tracks, which, unless I’m much mistaken, had a concrete base. Concrete is ten times as hard as tarmac, and believe me, going that far you feel it in every joint. And all covered in drifts of sharp stones and dust…

Then there was the wind… over the first row of hills it was strong enough to nearly knock me off my feet a couple of times, and felt like chlorine in my face it was so strong. On Salisbury Plain if it wasn’t coming from the side and getting my hair loose and in my eyes and nose, then it was from the front. And all the time it was raising the dust. You could see dust devils and great clouds of it when a vehicle went past. I was coated with it by the end.

Then the final laugh was the last run to the finish… one of the most tussucky fields I’ve ever seen. They had a loudspeaker announcing my arrival and commentating (lol!) so I had to try and run: very carefully down an animal path! Heaven help anyone who wanted to have a last race down there…

On the other hand… have to say the organisation was fabulous, with lots of water stations and loos out along the route. And I did get a fabulous welcome, lots of free food at the end, and free entry into Stonehenge . And much to my surprise considering how painful that concrete was, I’m in better nick than I was after London last year. One minor blister, combined sun/wind burn on my face, and (of course…) very stiff and sore. But much more able to walk than last year… I’ve even had a gentle jog yesterday.

April… Tipping it Down

2008-04-30T12:15:00.000+01:00

April is coming towards the end and I’m going nuts again! I’m off in a few days to do another marathon, and that means a few things to put in order. I think I’ve got my budget just about balanced. The plants though… with going away everything’s got to be either planted out, fitted into the dark kitchen (it’s hot on the living room window sill, so there they need watering every day, and won’t survive while I’m away), or found new homes. So I’ve been freecycling again. And if I thought the frame was bad… this time I’ve got nearly 30 replies. And all want different combinations of various plants and seed. I just know in the end half of them won’t turn up. But I’ve made a local community garden my waiting list so hopefully that will work out!

Nasturtiums and globe artichokes have joined the rest in the garden. I’m just hoping all goes well with them. One of my marrows has already been well and truly munched by snails out there. Half of its stem has been chewed away for several inches. Strangely it didn’t look too wilted though, so maybe I’ll come back to it still alive!

I think I got the culprits too… I’ve been gathering snails from the garden for a while now and keeping them in yoghurt pots in the kitchen. Apparently they are edible. I think I’ll tell that tale in full at a later date. But for now they are going to have to go in the fridge while I’m away, so they go dormant in the low temperature and don’t need feeding and cleaning (yuk!). Today I planted out the last few plants in pouring rain. Came back soaked and with a few more snails in a tub. Two of them were mating when I picked them up so just in time!

I found time to write a few more reviews, see the Qype panel on the right. Unfortunately I didn’t make it to a Qype event: a gourmet chocolate tasting for Advanced Insiders. If you want to hear about it look up reviews for Melt. Arrrgggghhhh! I can’t believe I couldn’t go. Oh well, off now for a long walk and a bit of Qyping.

Win Beer

2008-04-26T15:31:00.003+01:00

How did I manage to miss this? I heard ages ago that Qype was going to be doing this promotion, but managed to miss the announcement. Never mind. I reckon there is still time…

Basically it’s for newbies to the website Qype. Get yourself to 250 points in the next few days and you get a big load of beer delivered. My plan for success:

1) Join Qype using this link: http://www.qype.co.uk/people/moonrising?inviter=moonrising

2) Write some reviews. Shops, museums, parks, regular events (like races…) or pubs!

3) Take loads of pictures of the places you review for more points

4) Get your mates involved and build a ‘contact’ list on Qype. Each contact gets you points and the easiest points are the ones your mates give you by clicking the feedback buttons.

More information on the promotion is at: http://www.qype.co.uk/booze_for_reviews But do join by using the link in (1) above: it gets you your first contact: me! And I'm a good clicker...

Of course, I’m an ‘oldie’ on Qype these days so I can’t win. That’s OK though, as I’m not really a beer drinker! Good luck to everyone that is…

Seed Watch VII

2008-04-26T11:26:00.004+01:00

How things have changed… my windowsills were overflowing with young plants. Now they have finally burst… and the otherflow have been sent off to new lives planted out, some in ‘my’ garden, some with other people. It’s like sending your kids to school. I even took some last pics before sending them off!

It’s also been rather hard work… I managed to properly dig out half of my vegetable plot. That involved digging away the top layer of soil, then digging and turning the sand and gravel below, and taking out more large lumps of concrete and brick. It’s still not exactly brilliant, and there’s still loads of building rubble down there, but at least the plants no longer have a pretty solid layer of concrete less than a foot down! The big pipe I found is a little deeper than that… and very solid I’m glad to say!

I’d like to be getting on with the other half, and building a raised bed near the pond… but I’m so stiff and sore! I’d do it anyway, but I do have a marathon in just over a week… It’s frustrating, but I’ve had to ban myself from any more heavy work until that’s done with, as I should be resting. Plants due to go in those beds will have to stay on the windowsill a little longer.

This will be the final Seedwatch for now… I’m probably still going to plant a few more of my freecyled peas as I’m short of them, and seeds have been planted straight in the garden, but germination is pretty much in the past. Ah the memories… did I ever talk about the chives? Starting as tiny spikes, then mysteriously splitting along their length, one side curving out like a bow. Finally the mystery revealed as one end pulled free of the earth. Or the joy of seeing the first little prickles on an artichoke’s downy leaf. Anyway, It’s all about plantwatching now.

In fact, and here’s a surprise, even the mint has germinated now… I’d given it up, but gave it a last go on my sunny living room windowsill, and I guess that did the trick. The pot is speckled with tiny green leaves.

A Freecycling Tale

2008-04-23T23:08:00.000+01:00

I did say I’d tell the story… Me well and truly having the hoarding gene I have a habit of accumulating stuff. It’s even been know for people who can’t bear to throw something away to give it to me knowing I’ll be even less able to sling it than them. As such Freecycle is sometimes a real blessing, as it makes it easier to part with things knowing they are going on to be used. There’s too much perfectly good stuff going into landfill, and I hate to contribute.

So, the other week I made up a ‘various’ list with a whole list of miscellaneous junk. There must have been 15 or so items in all. Sadly nobody wanted the old radio alarm clock, the freebie CDs, napkin rings or blue glass candle holders. I guess some of those will be off to Oxfam. The tray with a pattern of basketwork, leaves and fruit in red, green and gold did get one taker, but it fell through at the arrangements stage. The person emailed me to ask if I had a dog. I said no, but there was one next door, which she was unlikely to see if she came round. She was not heard from again.

But, as there often is, there was one item that caused a huge response. I found myself deluged with enquiries about a huge old-fashioned gold picture frame, which judging by the label once held a print of an old master. After wondering if I should have sold it (and slapping myself and reminding myself how many wonderful things I’ve got off Freecycle) I started on the task of choosing a recipient. I don’t like to do the ‘first person gets it’ thing (being a hoarder it’s often difficult enough to give things up! I want to know the person getting it really appreciates it!). But it seemed almost impossible to choose: artists, student and otherwise. People decorating shops and homes. So many people longing for the elusive gold frame. I eliminated those who’d simply said ‘I’d like it’, and sent out a picture and a little more info to those left. Unsurprisingly, this being Freecylce, half the originals didn’t get back to me. But there was still no making the decision… and in spite of me asking for no more applications I had a photographer begging to be considered.

It’s at that point I had a crazy idea. I’d already decided that the frame’s future home would just have to be chosen from the deserving by picking a name from a hat. But I also noticed a whole list of those applying wanted the frame for upcoming art shows. It occurred to me that maybe it would be possible for the frame to go out on a rota? How wonderful if before going to its final, permanent home, it could help out a whole list of people. How wonderful it would be to visit it at show after show. Maybe the artists would even be inspired to share what other frames they managed to find…

It’s at that point I mentioned it in this blog, caught up in the wonderful future the frame was going to have. Of course, my list of artists didn’t get back to me… After all that I was left with only one temporary booking (the latecomer photographer) and about 4 permanent home offers, out of which an artist looking for frames for her work won out.

Meanwhile I’d also put out a ‘wanted’ for pea seeds, got multiple replies, gone got them, planted them, and had them sprouting. Ah well, such is Freecycle! And it’s nice to know the frame is helping not one, but two people.

More April Showers

2008-04-18T02:28:00.000+01:00

Last Saturday as planned I headed out on my last long slow session in marathon training. First of all I headed down the Greenway towards Beckton. What a great discovery! Like the Parkland Walk in North London it’s a green route that allows people on foot to cut across miles of London, out of the way of traffic and pollution. In comparison the Greenway is straighter and more open. On Saturday this allowed me to fully enjoy the spectacular skies. Sure I paid for it with periodic soakings, but I soon dried out in between, and travelling along in sunlight while watching the dark clouds with their skirts of rain progressing across miles of London is a rare sight.

I spent a while exploring Beckton’s parks before heading to Excel for the London Marathon Expo. I’d had my doubts about going on the last day, but it turned out to be a good move. Crowds weren’t too bad, and everyone was trying to get rid of their freebies. I even got one of the runner’s freebie bags at the exit, though they usually reserve those for people actually running. It was actually off a palette being packed up and wheeled away, so it was probably a good thing I ‘saved’ it! Cat’s Protection also gave me a catnip mouse for Lizzie. I had my doubts as at 18 she doesn’t really do chasing things. But she actually loves it. Standing on all 4 feet play is still out, but she rolls around with it quite vigorously.

From there I started the slog home with my heavy backpack of freebies, including several drinks! I hadn’t been sure if I’d be able to go over the Lower Lee Crossing on foot, but after climbing the wrong overpass and finding my way down via a dizzyingly high staircase I found that yes, there is a footpath, and soon I was at the top of the Isle of Dogs and heading home… By now I’d banned myself from taking any more photos in order to get home before dark (Mile End Park was on my way home, but will have to wait again for its moment of fame…).

At home I found much to my surprise that I’d still managed a time in line with a massive improvement on my previous marathon time! And my bag of freebies and kit weighed a stone. Just to be clear, I really do mean 14 pounds, as I actually weighed it! I actually only did 16.2-17.2 miles (for the longer distance I’m assuming I walked about a mile inside Excel). Heck, I only did 15 miles longest in training for my previous 2 marathons, so having done 3 at 17+ I’m pretty well set up.

April Showers

2008-04-10T00:23:00.003+01:00

Besides the unseasonable heavy snow a lot seems to be falling on me at the moment, most of it positive, but still rather hectic, so sorry for the lack of posts. I’ve had a day out with family members going to the Tutankamum/pharaohs exhibition at the 02/Millenium Dome, which was good though I feel the advertising is a little misleading. Afterwards we headed over to Chinatown and grabbed various buns, then to Yo! Sushi at Paddington (the place you play catch your plate off a conveyor belt) before they caught the train home.

Back home I’m struggling to find window sill space for seedlings (and have run out of soil to move those that need it into larger pots, and don’t have the cash for it right now!). I’d be moving them outside but, in spite of digging out a stump and more rubble, and moving several perennials, the plot is still not ready. And considering that snow I’d like to leave it a bit longer. There’s also the lesson of my mixed leaves. They’ve survived the snow fine, but have been heavily damaged by pigeons, just as they were beginning to look like leaves not seedlings. The bigger my seedlings are when they go out, the better.

I’m also approaching the peak of my marathon training. No, I’m not doing London (I’d be resting up now if I was!), but the much harder Neolithic at the start of May. I’m supposed to be doing my longest training session - 20 miles - this weekend. Unfortunately this grumbling bug I’ve had the last few weeks means missed sessions and it’s going to be a real struggle to make the distance. It’s annoying, as I got to 18 miles ages ago, and should have been coasting round my second 20 miler this week. Instead of which I’m just hoping I haven’t lost too much condition since that 18 miler! But I guess I have to make the most of it and remind myself that I’ve achieved more in training than the last 2 years. I’m still feeling under the weather, but I just have to hope my trip this week (I’m planning on heading down to the FLM Expo and back), will do the job and I’ll be raring to go in 3 weeks time.

With all that going on I have a stack of reviews to do for Qype and pictures to edit. Then I went and advertised a picture frame on Freecycle… but I’ll tell that story when it’s completed!

Seed Watch VI

2008-04-04T00:56:00.000+01:00

I got round to planting another lot of seeds on Sunday. Meanwhile the squash and marrow, having taken their time, are now going a bit nuts. A couple of days ago I had a good look at the little strip peat pots they are planted in. At the time each group of 4 had two seedlings emerged and a third just showing. But roots were pushing out all over. One marrow (if I’ve identified them correctly…) had a root 3 inches out of the pot. What’s more there were actually roots coming out of all 8 pots… yep, 2 days before those seeds actually stuck their heads up they were already breaking out of the pots! I’ve now potted them all on to larger pots, even though two have really only sprouted today. The tallest is about 4 inches tall already, outstripping the older seedlings of other species. If I have 100% germination with my new seeds I’m going to be overgrown with squash and marrow!

Group 1, Day 21:

Thyme: 70+
Tarragon: 45+
Basil: 29
Mint: 0
Dill: 14
Parsley: 30+
Chives: 17
Sweet corn: 2
Squash: 4
Marrow: 4
Globe Artichoke: 3

Group 2, Day 5:

Tomatoes: 0
Lupins: 0 (25 planted)
Nasturtiums: 0 (25 planted)
Globe Artichoke: 0
Marrow: 0
Squash: 0
Sweetcorn: 2

Only 4 days and the sweetcorn is already growing! I now have the makings of a proper clump :-)

Meanwhile I’ve been digging up lawn for vegetable plot. Unfortunately I’ve also found where the builder’s rubble went. The soil looks good but it’s amazing how many bits of brick and broken concrete there are a few inches down. So much I’m having to dig it out or it’s going to be a real problem for the plants. There’s also snails all over the place that have woken up from their winter sleep. Time to gather them up and do a Gordon Ramsey on them I think… bit scary.

Marching Out Of March

2008-03-31T23:38:00.001+01:00

So, in spite of my cold I’ve finally got off my butt and taken a bit of a stroll around the East End this morning. It’s true much of it is decidedly unpretty. But there’s also many hidden gems. For example museums: today I visited Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood. Recently I was at the Geffrye Museum. Both very unique and excellent museums. The sort of place you can dip into as you pass, or take a longer, more thoughtful visit. I’m hoping to visit Sutton House soon as well.

Of course there’s also parks. My fave Hagggerston is not the only decent park. There’s everyone’s favourite Victoria Park. Today I discovered Stepney Green. Not a competitor in my view, but still a nice local park. I must get round to reviewing Mile End Park sometime too. Quite unusual!

And then there’s the mix of old and new. One minute you’ll be walking through post war housing estates. The next you’ll be on a street of lovely old houses, like around Columbia Road, or find a little gem like St Dunstan’s Church. I enjoyed today…

Seed Watch V

2008-03-30T14:39:00.000+01:00

Sorry for the long break for anyone that’s been following this, but considering my last post I thought it appropriate to let that stay at the top at least a couple of days. Anyway… not a massive amount has been happening. I’m currently pretty much stuck in at home not doing much, as I have some kind of grumbling bug which has been making me feel vaguely fluey for days but not really getting on with it. So no chance yet to check out the sights of East London on an 18 miler as I had planned…

One thing that has happened among the seeds in my kitchen is a bit of a drama… I’ve transplanted the dill as it was clear that if they remained in the pot much longer they’d be hopelessly tangled. Long leggy plants with presumably long leggy roots to match. So I spent an evening making cardboard dividers for a tray so I could give each plant it’s own little cell. Then a very tense hour or so transplanting the amazingly delicate hair-thin 3 inch high plants. The roots did indeed turn out to be very long. To be honest I might have been better doing it sooner when there was less of them to feed into a planting hole. Or maybe it would have been better for nature to take its course and allow the stronger plants to crowd out the weaker... Anyway, so far the results don’t look especially successful, and I think the majority of the dill seedlings are in the process of dying. I think I’ll end up with 10-20 survivors out of 60 or so plants. The thyme pot is also now very crowded, but I’ve decided to let be. I’m hoping they’ll soon develop the wiry character of their species, making transplanting them an easier procedure.

I’ve also realised I’m going to have to try and find places around my flat for the seedlings to grow on, as the kitchen is too dark for them to continue there really… And I really need to get a second wave planted. If I can find the energy!

Day 16:

Thyme: 70+
Tarragon: 45+
Basil: 29
Mint: 0
Dill: 60+ to 20 ish, L
Parsley: 30+
Chives: 17
Sweet corn: 2
Squash/marrow: 2
Marrow/squash: 1
Globe Artichoke: 3

Well, there you go… checking the pots for the list, when I went ‘what’s that white thing in that pot…’. Turns out I have a total of 3 squash/marrow seedlings coming up. And also have to admit I didn’t mark and have forgotten which set of pots was which! LOL. I may be able to establish which is which once they are fully out as the seeds were slightly different shapes… Guess that means the temperature has gone up to their germination level. I’d given up on them! Only mint has yet to show any germination…

Murder in Matalan

2008-03-28T20:01:00.001Z

Walking out of Sainsbury in Dalston a couple of days ago I noticed Matalan was closed. There was a small crowd, and police at the entrance. I guessed there’d been some disturbance, and people were waiting to go back in. Actually it was more than that. It turned out the store had already been closed a few days, and the people were holding vigil at a shrine that had been set up. Jamie Simpson, the manager of the store, had been stabbed in the neck and killed as he cashed up the day’s takings. The shrine was the usual mass of flowers, pictures, cards. Being inside there were also lots of candles. Also a scattering of cigarettes and a bottle of fresh orange juice, two of his favourite things apparently. Three people were caught on CCTV, and one person has since been arrested.

Of course, talking about murder I wonder if I’m adding to people’s fear. I can talk about the shrine having ‘the usual’ components because I’ve seen enough of them. In a crowded, deprived area it’s not too surprising if tensions sometimes bubble up, and someone gets hurt. Recently there’s been way too many gang-related murders of young people.

But… it wasn’t the first time I’d seen a shrine that week. The other was in polite Dulwich, along a busy road of big, expensive houses, marking the spot where someone else had died, victim to a car driver this time. Funny how these shrines are always to murder and road accident victims isn’t it? Our publicly mourned forms of death…

And of course the news has been filled this week with the trial of the teenagers who kicked to death a young woman simply because she was dressed in a way they didn’t like. All in Bacup, the sort of little town people scared of the East End want to retreat to.

I don’t have the statistics handy to see if there’s actually more killing per head of population in one area than another, but, whatever, it seems humans are quite capable of killing each other wherever they live. I have this feeling that at some deep level all the cases above are linked. You could summarise it as human nature. Maybe it’s all a matter of dividing into ‘us’ and ‘them’, whether it’s outright hatred of ‘them’ or just lack of concern. So, with lack of concern we kill the person who gets between us and the cash we want, or run over the person outside our speeding metal box. When it’s hatred then you get gang war, whether that is colour based, postcode based (as happens among the youngsters here in the East End) or based on how a person looks.

Those who live out in the ‘nice’ places might think themselves beyond all that, but they are wrong. Bacup shows that. I experienced it myself as a child growing up in a small town. I do think the more humans are crowded together, the more tension is likely to be caused. But it’s a balance of factors. Come to a crowded area like where I live and the flip side is you’ll find people more tolerant of each other than they tend to be in a small town. I live in a block that’s about as mixed race as it’s possible to be, and on the whole we get along pretty well in spite of the thin walls. Do I want to live in a place where someone on my income level can only hope for a tiny box with thin walls, or do I want to move out where I have more space, but people have strong and sometimes bigoted views on who they’d like as neighbours? It’s actually a difficult choice.

Of course, these days even the small towns are not so small. Back gardens and every other spare space in the cities are being built on. More and more people, whether born here or imported I don’t care, means we are living closer and closer together with less and less green breathing space. ‘Us’ and ‘them’ with less and less chance of moving apart. Of course, if our population continues to grow, most will learn tolerance, but I wonder if there’s some point when it when it gets too much? Experiments on rats showed that the more crowded you kept them, the more the normal rules of society broke down. I wonder if humans are really that much different?

Update: I made my regular shopping trip to Dalston today, pausing only to pay my respects at the shrine before heading into Sainsbury. While I was in there I walked round the corner of an aisle to see a disturbance going on. A woman was surrounded by store detectives. I heard her cry out ‘You can’t arrest my son for something like that. We’re decent people’. I moved on. Later I saw her, still very upset, accompanied by a man, apparently trying to get her head round doing the shopping while too distraught to think straight. Crying as she tried to decide whether to buy milk or not. Of course I wondered what her son had been accused of. Shoplifting? But not inside the store… I didn’t even know if he had actually been arrested. Was the man her son, or was he gone? As I left the store I heard the rumour going round that another of Jamie’s killers had just been arrested in front of his distraught mother. I didn’t see an arrest, or even any police. I guess they’d left by the time I got on the scene. But I have since heard on the news that two more people have been arrested for Jamie’s murder. Good news of course, but I really feel for the woman I saw. Another victim I guess.

Seed Watch IV

2008-03-26T02:01:00.000Z

I’ve decided to drop this to every other day for now, as there’s less happening. It’s not over though…

Day 11

Thyme: 60+
Tarragon: 30+
Basil: 24
Mint: 0
Dill: 50+
Parsley: 3
Chives: 8
Sweet corn: 2
Squash: 0
Marrow: 0
Globe Artichoke: 3

So, it’s mainly a picture of increase in numbers, with the only new entry being the parsley. Glad to see more chives. My single seedling was on it’s own for what seemed like an age. Glad I’ve got the makings of a clump, though they are tiny teeny spikes as of yet.

I’m guessing the temperatures in my kitchen have been too low for the squash and marrow (the packets do confirm they needed higher temperatures to germinate than some of the others: 20-25 C rather than the 15-20 C range I guess my kitchen has been at! Mint germination time is described as ‘erratic’. I looked at a packet of catmint the other day that said that could take up to 30 days. Since mint is of the same family I guess I could be in for a long wait!

It’s fascinating to see the different forms. From the biggest: chunky-leafed artichokes and the thrusting spires of the sweetcorn, down to the tiny round-leafed thyme, and spiky chives – so similar in form to the sweetcorn, but so tiny and delicate. The thyme, which started so tiny, is growing faster than the tarragon and dwarfing it now. Meanwhile dill is very much doing its own thing. I thought at first they only had one leaf: starting off bent over with heads in the soil, by the time they straighten they are already tall compared to their neighbouring herbs, each slender stalk toped by a jaunty slash of leaf, out to one side like the top of a musical note. It was a while before they were revealed as actually being two leaves, only reluctantly parted. The dill have turned into a forest now, still slim and criss-crossing, baffling the eye when I try to count them.

I’m waiting for warmer weather to plant the second wave... maybe I’ll actually post about something else tomorrow!

Seed Watch III

2008-03-24T01:43:00.000Z

I just went onto Qype and found I have a ranking of 180 with 2001 points. Well I thought it was cool…

Meanwhile, day 9:

Thyme: 50+
Tarragon: 20+
Basil: 16
Mint: 0
Dill: 30+
Parsley: 0
Chives: 1
Sweet corn: 2
Squash: 0
Marrow: 0
Globe Artichoke: 3

So I now have one solitary chive! It’s just a tiny little spike at the moment. Still waiting for mint, parsley, squash and marrow. I’m planning to plant some more seeds soon, and may plant more of the big seeds as I’m presently a little short!

Seed Watch II

2008-03-23T00:11:00.000Z

So, is my single sweetcorn seedling destined for a life of celibacy? Will the squash and marrow ever sprout? Hold on for some of the answers… maybe! The weather here is still cold. It’s amazing me that seeds are sprouting at all in my kitchen, which feels frigid to me. Anyway, here’s the latest on Saturday night, day 8…

Thyme: 35+
Tarragon: 7
Basil: 3
Mint: 0
Dill: 8
Parsley: 0
Chives: 0
Sweet corn: 2
Squash: 0
Marrow: 0
Globe Artichoke: 3

So… the basil have arrived. Dill has overtaken tarragon. Globe artichokes are doing me proud with the biggest percentage germination so far among the big seeds. Thyme seedlings may be gifts to everyone I know. And my sweetcorn seedling is no longer alone! I’m still a little worried though… while the artichokes are in a nice little group, the sweetcorns that have sprouted are diagonally opposite in their little block of pots. Hope this doesn’t mean they don’t like each other. And the squash, marrow, mint, parsley and chives are still notably absent. Come back soon for another thrilling instalment…

Seed Watch

2008-03-22T01:26:00.001Z

The last few days I’ve become totally obsessed with my seedlings, and I thought it was time to share it! A week ago I planted a sprinkle each of some second-hand herb seeds, 4 each of squash and marrow, and 6 each of globe artichoke and sweetcorn. Small amounts maybe, but it is a small garden. I was hopeful that with brighter weather predicted after the rain it was the right time, and I’d be seeing them in the 7-10 days most of the packets seemed to predict.

I got worried as the weather turned colder. Would any sprout? Then after only 5 days I spotted the first seedlings. Tiny teeny thyme plants, three of them, and so small I had to stare closely to be sure. Next was one solitary tarragon seedling, also small, though not so teeny as the thyme. The next to arrive, early on day 6 was something of a shock. A great spear thrusting up, announcing the arrival of the first sweetcorn seedling.

Today (well, yesterday now if you want to be picky, since midnight has passed) was a day of little new. The thyme seedlings multiplied, reaching 15+. Tarragon climbed to 3. Still only 1 sweetcorn though and nothing new. I was especially worried by now about the globe artichokes, since mould had developed on their pots, surely not a good sign. And 1 sweetcorn? I think they are not self pollinating, so I need at least 2!

Scores on the pots this evening:

Thyme: 15+
Tarragon: 3
Basil: 0
Mint: 0
Dill: 0
Parsley: 0
Chives: 0
Sweetcorn: 1
Squash: 0
Marrow: 0
Globe Artichoke: 1.5

Yep, no need to worry about the mould it seems! One big strong seedling thrusting up, and another pot’s soil cracking in a way that surely indicates a plant pushing upwards (hence the 0.5!)

Stop Press: just checked and there’s two dill seedlings now… More tiny seedlings, long and leggy with their heads still buried in the soil and long stems bent double. Time for bed! Wonder what will be there in the morning?

Going to see the Dinosaurs

2008-03-21T13:31:00.000Z

Wednesday I finally got out on my long run. It was supposed to be Sunday… but well, these things happen. And I did do a short run then… I also have to admit that it involved very little running. Something that I’d planned as I knew I’d planned far too many distractions along the way, and the speed I go it doesn’t make a massive amount of difference! Anyway, I headed off for an adventure down South.

I know my patch is more North East London, but I’d decided to go and explore the South East a bit. I’d been promised bright sunny weather, but the threatening clouds hadn’t heard that. Sun only broke out occasionally, it was cold, and the pictures I took are not as good as I’d hoped to get. Never mind. I started off in Brixton, where I used to live years ago. It looked pretty much as I remembered it to be honest! From there I headed through Brockwell Park, and into the unknown. To think, when I lived there I hardly ventured out except to head North!

Dulwich turned out to be surprisingly pretty and posh. I cancelled my visit to the Picture Gallery though as they expected £5 to look at even their permanent collection and it didn’t appeal enough to me. Past Dulwich Park I took an unplanned diversion up Cox’s Walk to Dulwich Wood, then had to turn back to my next stop... The Horniman Museum and Gardens was even more distracting than expected. It’s an excellent museum, and I had a hard time pushing myself through in even twice the time I’d planned!

Then it was on over the hill to Crystal Palace. By the time I reached the top of that park it was heading towards dusk, the road was crammed with speeding cars tooting horns at each other, and there was no sign of a crossing. It took a while to get over, and then I had to decide which way to go to try for an entrance to the park. I decided to walk down past the transmitter, and eventually found a way into the North side of the park. There were no signs with maps, so I wandered along the top until I came to the North West entrance, where there were a few formal beds. Still no sign. I wandered down, taking in the terraces, great sweeps of lawn and sphinxes. All fenced in as they are dangerous till renovated. Still no signs. I was of course looking for the dinosaurs, but when I asked locals they seemed a bit vague. I was directed back to the corner where I’d first met the park boundary and told to turn right… Past a fence, I guess marking the parts of the park under renovation, with signs on about events, but no sign with a map… Onwards and ever onwards I was directed. Down and down (knowing at some point I’d have to come back up…). Past a weird windowless building thing in a lake (I eventually worked out it was a stage). I explored a maze (nice, though the branches were bare at this time of year), and on to the bottom of the park. At which point I realised I was going too far and trekked back across the corner of a open grass bit that turned out to be a near swamp. Finally I found myself facing a fenced area with lakes. And there was a map! I walked on… and on… those lakes seemed to go on for ever.

At last I found the dinosaurs… There were a lot more of them than I remembered (visited once as a small child…), and not just dinosaurs as well. There’s ancient early mammals as well. I also remember them being half hidden in vegetation, and being able to go up and touch and climb on them. Today they are, of course, fenced off. Still they are, as a group, impressive and a lot of fun. They’ve got good signage up too, with comparisons of the inaccurate way they were made, compared with modern versions. To be honest, on a one against one basis I think I prefer the Stonebridge Park serpent. But as a group they are well worth seeing.

I paused only to use the loos (graffitied, scrawl, not art), decided to give the information centre a miss and walked out. Past another sign I think. There were signs with maps all over the place down there… it’s almost like the guys who put the signs up had said to each other ‘look, let’s not bother climbing that hill, no-one will notice…’ and put all the signs down the bottom. Rather like those leafletters who leave leaflets all over the floor of the entrance of a block of flats thinking their boss will never know they haven’t delivered them properly.

Meanwhile, I headed off up the streets round the park and back up the hill… bloomin eckers it was steep. Then I decided I didn’t fancy walking back to Brixton and walked and ran to Clapham instead. Rush hour was in full flood, and you could feel the frustration like a dark miasma coming off the cars. Moments like that I’m so glad to be on foot. It was going dark as I walked along the crest of the hill. There were great views out over London, and the sky was a mass of steel blue and red. I tried to take a picture, but got the red light of a full card. Sunset pics rarely come out well anyway. After that it was a long slog on protesting legs (sometimes meandering slowly is harder on them than a fast run, and they were feeling my long day). It was gone 9pm by the time I got home.

I have now got a massive job writing reviews for Qype and editing all the pictures. I’ve been editing pics 2 hours already and a tonne to go… I’ll add the links and pictures in here later. Might actually get round to measuring my distance travelled at some point too, as I currently have no idea!

I’ve got a little list…

2008-03-19T01:10:00.003Z

I’ve developed a fetish. Well, OK, I admit it, I’ve always had it. But recently I’ve been able to enjoy it to the max and make it public. All thanks to Qype. What is it? Well, it’s making lists. There’s a certain satisfaction to gathering things together and putting them in order. From the real places that inspired ‘Eastenders’ to London Loos, I’ve been listing them all. If you’d like to share some lists, including mine, check them out here. Then why not create your own!

Hmmm… really should get together a list of favourite places… now that’s hard to choose!

Garden Flowers

2008-03-17T13:14:00.001Z

I’ve been largely at home feeling depressed miserable and achy this week. Think it’s the wet weather. However not all is lost. I’ve managed to drag myself out to run and done some decent times. I’ve also cracked on well in the garden. It’s actually looking like it might be planting time soon. And I’ve got the seeds sown ready in pots in my kitchen, thanks to the wonderful range at North One Garden Centre.

There’s a grass verge near me that’s currently covered in wild violets. I’ve been looking at it longingly, wondering if I dare ‘transplant’ a few with all the CCTV there is in the area! Not sure the council would look kindly on nicking the plants. Of course, since then some guy on a mower has been and mown them all down… guess the council have not got the violets on their ‘keeps’ list. Sigh. The plants are OK, but most of the flowers are gone.

Still, I have acquired a few broken pipes and bricks from a building site, and have plans to build a feature. With the change in the weather things are looking up.

Nochex Nightmare and the Neolithic

2008-03-13T14:06:00.002Z

They say money can’t make you happy, but it certainly makes things less complex. Having sorted my cash flow crisis I was feeling all relaxed. I’d decided I’d go ahead and enter my half marathon (gum was healing nicely after the extraction). I also needed some ink for my printer (which, as my printer is ancient, I can get at a fraction of the shop price if I order from the internet). So late one Sunday night I sat down at my computer, armed with credit card.

I decided, unwisely it was to turn out, to enter the Half first. The organisers had set up an account with a credit handling company called Nochex, so I was directed to their site. I happily typed my details into their form and submitted it. Form returned with a red notice saying my address couldn’t be confirmed, please check with my credit company that it was exactly as written on my account details and try again. I checked my credit card statement, found a slight difference (one that hasn’t made a difference before I should add) and re-wrote the address. Same result. I deleted it all out and made sure it hadn’t got any stray gaps… same result. Tried again… same result. Maybe I’d got the security number wrong? (It’s faint on my card)… same result. Maybe they wanted all my initials, not just the one on the form? … same result. Maybe it was a temporary fault with the site? Wait a few minutes… same result. By now I was reeling with tiredness and headed off to bed.

Next morning I got up groggy from lack of sleep, and hoping ‘the fault’ had cleared, I tried again. First go I made a genuine mistake and forgot to alter the ‘valid to’ date. Second go I got a message saying my card was now blocked… Rang up my credit card company and found that not only had payment apparently gone through, in spite of the Nochex site asking me repeatedly try again because it hadn’t gone through, but it had gone through on EVERY attempt I made and my card was now over limit and blocked for 10 days because of the suspicious activity. And no they couldn’t do anything about it: the money was in limbo and I’d just have to wait to see if it would reappear.

Needless to say I contacted the event organisers, and sent a choicely worded email to Nochex as well. Apparently Nochex replied to the organiser’s own enquiry within a day, and told them no payment has gone through. Nochex have yet to reply to me.

So, no half marathon… no card to try again (as if I would..) and no way I was going to pay an extra £7 to enter on the day. But that wasn’t the end of it… I had of course stupidly taken my card to Nochex before my regular ink supply website… And I now had a printer out of action. Besides needing regular printing for work I do from home, I also had another event entry, for the Neolithic Marathon, which needed to be done by post (entry form to print out…) and quickly as it was approaching a deadline for that. So I had to get on the phone to my mum and ask her to order ink for me! I bet Alan Sugar never has to ask his mum to order his ink for him…

So, I have several days worth of scruffy hand drawn record tables for work. The ink did arrive (thanks mum). And my Neo entry did get sent. Still can’t use my credit card, and it still remains to be seen if my money will reappear.

Meanwhile… ‘my’ garden has had pond cleaned out (somewhat yucky job!), has survived the storm nearly intact, and my first seeds (some mixed salad) is just pushing up a few first shoots. Serious planting in trays at home this week!

A Dental Diversion

2008-03-02T22:50:00.002Z

It's a little bit lazy of me, but here's my review of Guy's dental service which I wrote for Qype. Follow this link if you want address and someone else's point of view, but my review's the same!

Perhaps I shouldn’t admit this, but I recently had a very unpleasant few days, panicking and in pain. You see, I’d somehow got the idea that you couldn’t get NHS dental treatment if you are working. My excuse is I’ve always previously managed to time my dental emergencies to coincide with periods of unemployment. And I’m also used to getting glasses, where you either pay or get a voucher to help if you can’t, and there’s no help for those that can. So anyway, there I was, with a suspected abscess in one of two teeth competing for one place in my gum, working, but with a cash flow crisis, and thinking I couldn’t go to this place…

Then I found I could actually get help with dental costs as long as I got an NHS appointment at a dentist (and the fees suddenly seemed very reasonable considering I’d been expecting a couple of thousand…), but my local dentist didn’t have NHS appointments for months. So it was off to this place, with the worst of the pain over by this point!

I visited the walk in clinic. Actually my second visit, but my first was many years ago and involved having an impacted wisdom tooth and part of the surrounding bone removed under a local: not something I’m keen to remember, though that wasn’t their fault. I was advised to arrive about 8 am to queue for the doors to open at 8.30. Thanks to busses it was actually 8.30 when I arrived. After quite a long wait at reception I was actually seen more quickly than expected (I think I may have been lucky), and there’s a stunning view from the waiting room: the clinic is on the 23rd floor. The walk-in treatment room is a large room with many bays. The walls of the bays are half height: high enough that patients are out of sight when lying down in the chairs (except those opposite you…) but not fully private. I was seen by a 3rd year student to take my history. She then ‘presented’ to a tutor, and I was sent along the corridor to x-ray. Another wait there, then back to wait again… This time I was seen by a student in her final (5th) year, who would be treating me. They actually have notices up saying they don’t do permanent fillings and extractions in the walk-in clinic (usually you’ll have to come back or go to another dentist), but I was offered the chance to have the tooth extracted that day, as the extraction looked strait forward and the tooth was causing me major problems. I said yes, but since it was dinner time by then we agreed after lunch!

After fortifying myself with a good dinner I was escorted into a private room for the extraction. My student was great about waiting for my mouth to become fully numb and giving me a top up (dental anaesthetics seem to work badly on me and I’ve had many experiences where I’ve only become fully numbed up after leaving the dentist…). A tutor was not present in the room, but within earshot and was called in several times to check decisions and progress. I felt quite safe. She did try several different instruments before finding one she could get between my teeth, but then the tooth was out before I realised it. I was surprised to not be given antibiotics since I’d been told it was badly infected: apparently the infection comes out with the tooth! It does feel fine today.

Afterwards I felt lousy of course (not being able to wash the blood out is horrible… and I think worse with a front tooth than a wisdom). A few tips on leaving… if you came in via London Bridge Station (there’s a pedestrian walkway from there by the way: ask station staff), then remember that you entered the Hospital on the 2nd floor. Taking the lift down to the ground floor is a very good way to get yourself totally confused. Also do not go to Borough Market. All those lovely food samples are just a way of torturing yourself. Finally, I’d advise you do go to Southwark Cathedral. Perfect place to relax and take your mind off a sore mouth.

Overall, excellent. I actually wouldn’t feel too outraged about paying NHS charges now I could feasibly find the money, though free is nice. Of course many will find the fact that its treatment by someone not yet qualified scary. And there’s the lack of privacy, and the waiting around… still, a bloomin good service.

What I Learnt This Week

2008-02-27T00:34:00.001Z

I can run for an hour without stopping. (Haggerston Park, the flowering wood has survived the frost and the scent was heavy on the air)

Dental treatment is not paid for by the same system as glasses (only wish I’d found out sooner I can get help even though I’m working: I’ve been putting up with pain while trying to get an exemption form. And don’t get me onto how unfair things are for people with poor sight)

It’s a toss up which is more painful: a dental abscess or ear infection. Not sure how I managed to run so well this week actually!

Putting a plastic bag over your hand does not stop nettles stinging you. (It’s been a painful week!)

If you run long distance with worn out shoes you will end up with shin splints.

When you really need the money it will get delayed (hence lack of new shoes, gardening gloves and drugs/treatment).

Meanwhile, for my long run this week I got my ancient A-Z out and looked for unvisited green space in East London. Then headed towards Wanstead Flats. On the way it was interesting to find out that the ODA (Olympic Delivery Authority) think that plain blue hoardings will do for pedestrians along the canal, but speeding cars along the new fast roads need fancy pictures and writing. Really doesn’t make a lot of sense to put them where there’s hardly any pedestrians, as surely people in cars aren’t going to be able to read them?!?

And thanks to said ancient and now inaccurate A-Z and the brain freeze I get when running I took a wrong turn and ended up on Lea Bridge road several miles north of where I should have been… Well it got me a diversion through pleasant back streets. Where I got lost again... High Road Leytonstone seemed to be full of drunks (hmmm, so much for avoiding Finsbury Park on a Saturday!), though Harrow Green was a pleasant surprise, looking lovely with trees and borders in bloom. Then it was down past some of the ugliest housing blocks I’ve ever seen before I made it down to the Flats. It was nice to see that, unlike the football pitches on Hackney Marshes, the ones there were in noisy use (and before someone protests, I’m willing to believe the Hackney pitches get used, just I’ve never seen it). I headed north along the edge and picked up what was marked on the map as a horse ride. You could make out the remains of an avenue of trees, and one solitary set of hoof prints, but it was basically a footpath. As I went on it plunged into woods.

I crossed a road and headed on into Wanstead Park, past one lovely natural looking pond and then some with artificial banks. According to a notice board Wanstead Park is officially part of Epping Forest, and I really felt I was on some kind of border when saw a teenager with a pitbull type AND a Labrador. The park is what remains of the gardens of a stately home. Besides the many concrete-edged ponds there’s avenues of trees and old buildings, though the house itself is gone. And overgrown woods with impenetrable brambles and deadfalls all over the place. Wonderful.

On the way back I was a little worried about negotiating all the new roads where I’d got lost before with evening closing in. But it turned out that on the correct route it wasn’t so ‘remote’ and pedestrian unfriendly as I’d dreaded. There were a fair few folks about too, walking back from Leytonstone to Hackney and seemingly not unpleasantly drunk. 18 miles in all for me, slow, but still more than I’d intended and not bad with all the stops to look at maps! Like I said before though, I now have shin splints… hope the money turns up for shoes and my legs recover in time for me to enter the half I’m supposed to be doing in 2 weeks!

Oh yes… what’s on locally… The London Word Festival is on in various East End venues. See http://www.londonwordfestival.com for details.

Blossoming

2008-02-16T00:39:00.003Z

My tip of the week: if you are looking for something this weekend, then this might be a good one to head down to Hackney City Farm (and maybe Columbia Road Flower Market if it’s Sunday), and then go for a walk in the wood in Haggerston Park afterwards. I was down there this week and was astonished when I saw the wood. Most of the trees are laden down with white blossom. The pictures I took today do not do it justice. All they need is a few bluebells to make it a real fairy wood.

Not so nice is the current state of the River Lea. Apparently local housing is supposed to have separate drainage for rainwater (from gutters etc) and for sewage, but some builders have been connecting it wrong. According to the Hackney Gazette as many as 400 houses may be currently discharging raw sewage into the Lea. Well, at least they’ve realised there is a problem and are getting it sorted. Nowhere near Haggerston Park so don’t be put off!

Singer and pianist T J Johnson and his band are performing at The Globe pub, Morning Lane, Sunday afternoon 12.30 to 3.30, free entry. Bluesy vocals, rocking piano, rhythm and blues, roots and swing. Apparently recommended for a traditional jazz audience. Not to my taste unfortunately, but I like to pass these things on!

On the personal side… I did my 15 mile run last week in a time which puts me well on time for a cracking (for me!) improvement in my time next marathon I do. Very pleased. I’ve run well this week on short runs too, including the one that led me to discover all that lovely blossom.

Gardening this week led me to war on spiders. I was cleaning out the shed, and found it swarming with them. Little fat ones with short legs that reminded me of ticks. Creepy leggy skeleton ones. And huge, big, black garden spiders. I know spiders are a good thing, but I can do without that many of them. So far gardening has been stressing my nerve more than my muscle! But next I tackle the weeds… if I can work out which plants are weeds. They have different weeds in London than the ones I knew as a child!

I’ve also added some pictures of the pancake race in the report below. Behind with my picture editing *G*

East End Round Up

2008-02-08T23:34:00.001Z

As planned I went down to the Spitalfields Pancake Race on Tuesday. It turned out to be a fairly small affair down a side street, though that was fully lined with an enthusiastic crowd. The event was well stewarded by some folks in clown costumes, though rules were bent all round. Several of the teams had made an effort with costumes, and put full effort into relay races up and down the road, with a few people ending up on the floor!

I think most of the teams were from local offices etc, and most of the spectators were their friends. That was reflected in the catering: I was very disappointed to find a pancake would put me back around £4! That might be OK for yuppies wanting ‘crepes’ but they really needed someone churning them out at £1 a go. It was good fun, and raised money for charity, but I decided against celebrating the day with an overpriced pancake and went round the corner and for £2.50 bought some rashmallai (Indian sweet) instead.

I spent my first session in ‘my’ garden demolishing a dead bush and cutting back the live one underneath. Very satisfying! Also discovered massive numbers of snails. I’m contemplating following Gordon Ramsey’s instructions on turning them into lunch.

Hackney Freecycle included a note about some free gigs:

There is a free gig every Friday night with great local bands in atraditional east end boozer…on a rotating basis, with either Morning Bride - soaring country tinged pop, Brick Lane Boogie Boys - sun studio rock’n’roll, Slym’s Cyder Co - cajun country or Nigel Birch and The Flea Pit Orchestra -Brechtian cockney’n’roll. The Carpenters Arms, 135 Cambridge Heath Rd, E1. Tube: Bethnal Green. Bands on stage from 9pm till very late

Think I might check that out sometime, though too late this week! I have a long run on Saturday anyway. In the last week I’ve done one run of 55 minutes without stopping (1 hour here I come!) and an interval run (run 8, walk 1) on which I reduced my recent times to do 3 miles. It’s an annoying fact that right now the more I run the slower I go! My fastest times were done with running intervals of 5 minutes and walking 1 (or even less running on longer distances…). I’m hoping though that with persistence I’ll eventually be able to maintain reasonable running speed for more than short bursts!

Oh, and some good news… The ODA (Olympic Delivery Authority) has been allowing The Celia Hammond Animal Trust some access to the Olympic demolition site to rescue cats, including areas they’ve never been able to get into before. It’s good news, but not a reason to sigh with relief and forget about the whole thing as the ODA have made ‘gestures’ then gone back on their word before. I’d suggest anyone who hasn’t done so still signs the petition, says thanks to the ODA and ‘keep it up’. Let them know they are being watched! During recent access the Trust have rescued two pregnant cats and heard the sound of toms fighting: suggesting females in heat in the area. There really are only weeks to get the cats out if kittens on site again are to be avoided. News page and link to petition here.

In The Dark

2008-02-04T22:55:00.000Z

I’ve just scored on Freecycle. And I’m terrified! Thing is a nice lady is going to let me use her garden. For gardening that is. Thing is after years of bemoaning the fact that I don’t have any private outside space, and how much I’d like to grow herbs and maybe a few veg… now I’m wondering if I’ll actually be able to cut it! My record with houseplants isn’t the best, however much I used to blame it on having to keep them in the rather dark kitchen out of the way of the cats. And yes, we did have a huge garden with herbs and vegetables when I was a kid, but our neighbours used to come and trim our hedge ‘while they were doing their side’ because otherwise it never came up to their standard and would probably have fallen over from uneven growth. I loved our garden but it wasn’t conventionally tidy, nor did it have 50 hours a week put into it.

On the other hand I keep expanding my list of things I’d like to grow. Latest is jerusalem artichokes. Plus if I’m supposed to be representing East London, then I should be like Arthur off Eastenders and have an allotment! Bet he never grew jerusalems though.

Things are getting busy, with work, training and now this! I’ve actually gone as far as to draw up a weekly schedule. Of course I’ve already changed it this week so I can go to something… but that’s what flexible working is about. As to what I’ve got planned… It’s a trip to the Spitalfields Pancake Race on Tuesday. The location is Dray Walk in the Trumans Brewery Complex, between Brick Lane and Hanbury Street. Heats start at 12.30. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a pancake race!

It’s been a pretty boring week really. Nothing massively exciting unless you count finally getting my tax return done. That’s in spite of last minute panics. I actually rang them up on the 30th to ask ‘If it’s got to be in BY the 31st does that mean midnight tonight or tomorrow night?’

Well, I did start one of my runs late enough that I ended up running around in the dark. I wouldn’t have planned to run in London Fields in the dark. The light was fading when I started, and I decided to get in what I could of my run before it disappeared. As it happened there always seemed to be OK looking people around (quite a few walk along the better lit paths on their way home from work) so I stayed and finished. It was different and sort of fun, and I did a good run. Funny how being there as it got dark it seemed fine, whereas I’d never go into a park in the dark. Maybe something to do with my eyes adjusting. Or maybe it’s just my brain freezes while I’m puffing away!

Art, Guns and the Olympic Cats

2008-01-29T19:49:00.000Z

Saturday is long run day, and I decided to head by Victoria Park and then up the Lee Valley. First call though would be to pop into an art exhibition I’ve mentioned before which has been causing some controversy in the Hackney Gazette as it includes a gun which people are asked to pose with. According to the Gazette the artist, AK47, first became known for taking Banksy’s ‘The Drinker’ from where Banksy had left it. So I headed off to Vyner Street, which comes off Mare Street just south of the canal. It’s an industrial looking back street, with lots of small workshops with pull-down fronts and looking pretty grotty.

I nearly walked past a set of steel grey doors until I saw ‘Modern Art’ written in tiny letters on them. Inside the exhibition wasn’t quite what I expected. No sign of the reported coffin lid. It looked like someone had taken a trip to the states with a sketch pad along for the ride. A load of water colour sketches, many of them of a dark haired girl posing sexily and various western icons. Images of cowboys and Indians and modern commercialism. I noticed a rifle propped in a corner. Now I’d heard the gun was a Kalashnikov, which I didn’t expect to look like a rifle, but I’d also heard that had been seized by the police and replaced… still didn’t seem to fit. Sure enough, in spite of there being a gun, when I asked at the desk it turned out I was in the wrong gallery.

So I headed up the road and found the right gallery this time. The door had blue and white tape on it like police crime scene tape, and for a moment I thought maybe it had been closed. Then I realised it actually said ‘polite line’ instead of ‘police line’, and there was a receptionist beckoning me in. From there I went through a curtain into a very small room. There were roses scattered around, and in the centre an American flag laid out (surprised the American’s haven’t got in on the controversy, I hear they have a tradition that they burn any flag that’s been ‘despoiled’ by being allowed to touch the ground) covered with Perspex with a small coffin lid (no coffin) on top of that. Then the gun standing on top of that. Actually it didn’t look all that different to the rifle in the other exhibit to me. A bit bigger, some extra bit down underneath and a stand thing attached to the front. There was also a ‘Do not touch’ notice which on closer inspection actually said ‘please do touch’.

So I did the expected thing and tried picking it up (it was chained to the floor by the way!). And yes, it was very heavy, as I’d heard in the newspaper reports. It was also unbalanced: with that stand at the front it seemed to be meant to be propped on something, but there was nothing you could prop it on while looking in the mirror you were supposed to pose in… Holding it against my shoulder I could feel the stand dragging it down and wondered if it was actually ever meant to be used like that. It also smelt of oil and metal, and since I’m allergic to both I had to wonder if I’d be rewarded with a nice rash of blistering. Glad to say that was avoided! With all that going through my head I didn’t exactly feel I’d got the ‘posing with a gun’ experience.

That over with I stood and watched the film showing on the TV screen to one side. There was a notice onscreen constantly, calling for an end to the use of child soldiers (which fitted with the small coffin lid). Very worthy, but the films, showing in a small screen within the screen, had nothing to do with that. In stead they seemed to have a lot to do with Banksy, and what a sell out he apparently is. One section had a lot of written quotes and no commentary, with the display too small and fast to read. From the few words I made out I think it was something about how much art sells for. Then there was endless stuff on AK47’s theft/kidnap/acquirement of The Drinker. Some bits with ‘Art Kieda’ dressed up like terrorists seemed to be going for wit.

Overall, though there might have been a few good points in there, I found the show scattered and unfocused. All the competitive anti-Banksy stuff didn’t fit with worthy anti-violence stuff. I think the artist needs to forget Banksy and let his stuff sink or swim on its own merits.

For those that would like to check them out, ‘Rapid City’ by Brad Kahlamer is on at Modern Art, 10 Vyner street until 17 February. ‘Interaction’ by AK47 is also on until 17 February, though according to the Gazette it’s on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only. I think there was at least one other gallery down there but I had to get on with my run!

So, after that I started running… and feeling like I had concrete shoes on. Maybe it was partly I was getting distracted taking photos as well, but I don’t think I can blame it all on that. It was just a bad day. Still I struggled through Victoria Park and along the canals, documenting a few pieces of graffiti art along the way. Then I headed North alongside the Olympic demolition site. I still find it uncomfortable going that way, but decided it was worth it with my camera to take my own view of what’s going on. To recap, though some 160 feral and stray cats and kittens have been rescued from parts of the site, the authorities have not allowed rescue work to continue, or to reach large parts of the site. It’s been going on for months, and it’s likely that many kitties have starved or been crushed. The rescue organisation have been able to set up traps recently at some points and are finding some cats are arriving there, so there are obviously still cats around. Things will soon get even worse, as kitten season is coming, and any un-neutered females still on site will be having kittens, and therefore unable to move away and likely to die there with them if they have them in the wrong place. If you’d like to find out more go here for information, and click here to sign a petition.

As to what I could see… The site is surrounded by a high, smooth wall of hoardings, which most cats are unlikely to jump over. Even if they do, if they’ve come this way, they’ll find themselves on the canal bank with a very long walk to safety and cover.

At some places the authorities have kindly put windows (covered in plastic sheeting so no way out for the cats) in the fencing. As you can see this section is pretty much demolished, though there’s still a few places surviving cats could be lurking.

One place I did find a hole where the wall had been cut roughly around a tree. Though it would allow access to the canal bank, here’s what I could see through it on the other side.

It looks desolate, and it’s easy to understand why people would think the cats must all have gone. But you can see there’s still a few hiding places. And the trust have sightings, and are still picking up cats moving to where they have got rescue points. It’s horrible to think there must still be cats lost and starving in that mess, and so unnecessary when rescue workers are available.

And people go on about a few chunks of metal…

Anyway, I headed on, up through Hackney Marshes, the Middlesex Filter Beds Nature Reserve, Walthamstow Marshes… by which time it was getting to dusk, and rather than going home the long way, I cut across and dropped in at Tescos. I think I covered 11 miles or so in all, though only about 8.5 included running. Not as good as I’d hoped, but not too bad with lead legs.

Cluck Cluck

2008-01-25T16:31:00.000Z

I think it’s pretty much par for the course that as soon as you make plans, something is going to change them. Some changes are a little more unusual than others. Wednesday went as planned in many respects. Having been up late, I got up later than planned. I did however go out and run 50 minutes without stopping to walk, and took some pictures on my way home. Then after a bath it was out to do some Qype stickers. Gave that up when it started to get too dark for taking piccies. So far to plan, if running a little late, and only the tax return to go…

Here’s one of the pictures, of graffiti near Victoria Park, review on Qype:

If you like that, here’s some more.

I was walking past Stonebridge Park when I found myself doing a major double take. Yep, no mistake… it was a chicken. Strolling around, apparently totally unaware that with dogs being exercised, a high fox population in the area and busy roads alongside it wasn’t the best place to be. I tried to tempt it with some of the bread I just happened to have with me (having passed the supermarket on my way), but not interested. So I headed home, rang the RSPCA (who have an amazing series of number pressing choices to go through before you speak to someone) and returned armed with bread and my cat’s basket.

By then the chicken had decided to stroll out onto the road. I quickly shooed it back into the park. Seemed it didn’t intend waiting for a fox to take it, but thought a car might do better. For quite a while then I followed it up and down the fence (me on the outside as I didn’t want to go in and scare it into the road). But the bird wasn’t coming close. For one thing it seemed to be finding a few worms that were much tastier than bread.

Next on the scene was a woman with a tiny Yorkie. She’d apparently also rang the RSPCA and been told they wouldn’t come as chickens can fly up into low tree branches and out of the way of foxes. I’d got the impression they were coming, but now I was more determined to get it. Yes, chickens can fly a bit, but in that park there’s only low bushes or trees with branches high up, and I wasn’t convinced it would be able to get out of the way of a fox. This particular chicken wasn’t showing the least sign of flying either. Anyway, the dog turned out to be surprisingly useful. He was a little cautious of the bird (well, it must have been twice his height), but seemed to get the idea of going one side of a bush while his owner went the other, and I waited as the third point of the triangle to grab it through the fence. I nearly got it once. But the bird was getting upset and the dog was loosing his caution and getting a little too into the game. The chicken showed it’s displeasure by stalking away into the centre of the park, blowing itself up and calling loudly.

Then another guy turned up, with the advice that chickens like grapes. None of us had grapes. And a mother and child (the child tried tempting cluck cluck with breadcrumbs in case it was less wary of a small person). Then a couple of lads and a girl. One of the lads reckoned he had experience of chickens, so they headed into the park while the rest of us kept the fence line secure. A guy from the council parks department also turned up and didn’t say much. I think he’d actually come to lock the gates. He disappeared at some point. Anyway the lads were now diving into bushes, many of which were covered in thorns. They may have had chicken experience, but bushes were another thing, and Chicky turned out to be amazingly adept at finding any gap.

Then my phone went: it was the guy from the RSPCA, an hour away but heading in our direction, with somewhere else to go on route. He said he’d ring back for an update as he got closer. I think being the person getting called by the RSPCA gave me a certain cachet… Anyway within minutes the bird was cornered, caught and deposited in my cat basket, where it huddled in the furthest corner, apparently out of breath and feeling more secure in containment by the look of it.

So, for a brief time I had a chicken in my flat. I did show it to the cat as she’s an inside cat and I like to give her new experiences. Not as mad as it sounds as Lizzie is very elderly and doesn’t do chasing things. In fact she wasn’t interested until it clucked at her and then she just stared. Then it went, still in the basket, in my bathroom. From outside I could here it clucking to itself, a lovely sound. I also brought it water and food (bread, which suddenly became very popular) and discovered that it did not want to be touched, even now thank you very much, when I put some newspaper in. Though there was absolutely no way I could have kept it, I was still a little sad when the guy from the RSPCA turned up and I had to hand it over (by the way, I asked, and he couldn’t tell if it was male or female either, though I suspect male). He was on the way to a wildlife rescue with a fox, so he said the chicken would go there for now, maybe permanently, maybe to be rehomed on.

There was a box by the road that had obviously been the means by which the chicken had arrived at the park, but who’d brought it and why will probably remain a mystery. Apparently it had been in the park all day.

Of course it’s perhaps also slightly batty to save a chicken when we eat so many of them. I guess there’s a sort of logic though. Someone had abandoned it, we paid back the unkindness to chicken kind by helping it. Without that it might have come to a bad end. To be honest a fox might have been quick (assuming a city fox would know how to dispatch a chicken…), but it could have been hit by a car where it was, and possibly caused injury to humans that way too. It certainly gave us all something a little different to talk about.

Tuesday Qyping

2008-01-23T01:52:00.000Z

You may have just caught in my last post that after a morning hulking heavy bags I was mad enough to go straight out for a run. Well it did turn out to be mad… next day I woke up in pain in the area of a muscle tear I got 18 months or so ago, so I’ve been on the sick list again as far as running goes. I think it’s healed now though.

Been keeping busy though… besides my tax return (yep, really should have done it sooner, and currently wrestling with the mysteries of ‘basis periods’), I went out with a group of runners to dinner at Sartaj and a drink at The Crown. Good fun was had by all, especially with some frosted windows at The Crown (read the review…) I’ve also been down to the London office for Qype to meet one of the staff there, with reference to my role as ‘City Guardian’. I got to see some of the upgrades that are coming on site (some improvements to search facilities), and to hear about some upcoming promotions. Let’s just say the current wine and cinema tickets are not the end of things!

I also picked up some of the newly printed Qype stickers. The first of these had already gone up at a café used by Qype staff, but I’m pleased to say that as far as I know I got the honour of doing numbers 2 and 3. At The Crown and International Magic. I didn’t get to tell them at the Crown that it was my first, as I only talked to the manager on the phone upstairs as they were getting ready to go out to the cinema. Hopefully getting stickers in places in future will be more straightforward! I’ve got to admit to being lazy and trying only a few places on my first day. I’ll get serious with it back on home ground!

It’s a shame it’s still getting dark early as I got some stunning pictures down in Westminster, my favourite being this one of Westminster Abbey. Great sky.

It went dark though as I headed on foot back to Hackney. I did manage to take some by flash of graffiti near Old Street.

Plan for Wednesday (looks at time… that’s today… should be in bed!) is to run, take some more pictures, get some stickers out, and work on that tax return! Wish me luck…

Travelling and Floods

2008-01-18T18:04:00.000Z

I’ve been away in Wiltshire for a few days. The travelling could have been worse. The ticket problem was sorted out OK, but then the table seats I’d booked were for old-style trains and the actual trains were a different layout… Luckily a couple of people very kindly moved and let me have seats near the door. I was of course travelling with my cat. She was in her basket, on a trolley, which meant my huge bag full of heavy presents for family had to be carried on my back. I like to show off how strong I am, but with my centre of gravity thus raised I have no balance and a width to get stuck in any tight space. So, on the trains I was able to get seated before it pulled away. Buses were a different matter… my last trip of the journey was via a packed bus. I found myself crammed in the standing area, trying to balance leaning on the trolley (which is not stable), with my bag ending up on top of someone’s pram, which luckily did not have a baby in it. My back will be eternally grateful to the dad who didn’t mind me using it as a luggage rack! I’d probably have ended up flying across the bus several times without it. Meanwhile Lizzie enjoyed people watching on the trip, though she does get a bit miffed that people ignore her, even when she meows at them.

On the trip out I was pretty lucky actually. Though my train to Swindon was unaffected, from there people were going to have an interesting journey. Due to flooding quite a few stations were closed and trains diverted. There were a whole fleet of busses in the station car park waiting to take some passengers on by road. Living in London you sometimes end up a bit isolated from the problems of other parts of the country. Seeing the swollen rivers from the train really brought it home to me. I spent some time in Marlborough, and though there was no serious flooding there, I did go down and take some pictures by the River Kennet. Normally little more than a stream, with clear waters, where you can watch trout, that day it was lapping across its banks, filling up its bridge arches, and an opaque caramel cream in colour with silt. You could see the speed by watching the ducks. Swimming upstream they’d go very slowly. Then they’d relax and swoop downstream, spinning in the flow, going as fast as flying. One group seemed to be really enjoying it. Another group, seemingly exhausted, slept on the bank.

A little further down, near a new housing development, the river was within inches of crossing the path and entering the houses, only held back by a few pathetic looking sandbags the size of bags of sugar. On the opposite bank the water had stretched fingers across a park, meaning long walks round on the grass. Ducks were getting very excited as they dabbled in the swamped grass for drowned worms and insects.

Well, flood plains and water meadows have those names for a reason. If we are going to build on them, we have to expect the results…

Meanwhile, back in London, it’s wet, but except for a few localised areas of flooding I guess it seems pretty far away. People are still concreting over their gardens, helping to cause that local flooding and drying problems… and expecting the government to sort out any nasties and keep us safe from the big stuff.

After a morning spent lugging heavy bags around on my return I went straight out for a run. I am definitely addicted.

The after Christmas lull seems to have ended and there’s quite a bit on actually. An art exhibition featuring a gun is causing some controversy (Interaction by AK47, at AA Galleries, Vyner Street, Bethnal Green, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until Feb 9th). Since the artist apparently first became famous by nicking a statue by Banksy I think it’s fair to say he knows how to use publicity, though I have no idea if his art is any good! I think I might take a look.

Meanwhile ‘Jumblist Massive’, a charity jumble sale and music mash-up is taking place at 93 Feet East, Brick Lane from 1 pm till 10.30 pm. They’re hoping to have retro treasure to sell (£1 each, shoes and coats £5) and music from Short Circuit, JP Collective and more. Entry £2). Guess who’s working, grrrrr.

And… Club Cargo is celebrating its seventh Birthday next week. You can get free entry for the Wednesday night party by downloading a voucher at http://www.cargo-london/event.php?id=1056 I haven’t been to a club for years. As a very un-chic forty year old I wonder if I dare?

Running Uphill

2008-01-14T00:46:00.000Z

Saturday it was time for a long run, but I didn’t fancy a local one. I was feeling a call, and headed for the ‘Parkland Walk’: a secret little way along an old disused railway line from Finsbury Park to Highgate, then from there North to Alexandra Palace.

I took the bus to Finsbury Park Station, where I needed to buy a train ticket. I’m off to Wiltshire this week. Of course I’d forgotten it was match day. People in the queue were not pleased with me when I contributed to my server getting a lesson in how to select designated seats. Ah well, since I’ll be travelling with my cat, it would hopefully make things a lot easier on the day, and when I looked at my watch it looked like it actually only took about 5 minutes. Yeah right. I’ve since found she managed to sell me 2 tickets starting in London. A mess to sort out tomorrow…

I actually ran the walk of course, and it was just what I needed. Gradually uphill all the way it challenged me a little bit. I got to stop and explore a little on the way, as the route takes you through Highgate Wood and to Muswell Hill. Then I spent a bit wandering around Alexandra Palace, mostly on the outside.

Contemplating the way back was a little scary, as dark was threatening so there was no way I’d go back along the walk, and the alternative offered hills. No railway embankments and cuttings. In fact I surprised myself by taking Crouch Hill in my stride, and found myself back in Finsbury Park, now lightly but significantly populated by drunken hoards. I popped into The Madeira Star for a fishcake, but found it a less pleasant place to be. Not many in, but those that were seemed depressed and worse the wear. No fault of the venue, but remind me not to go to Finsbury on a match day… I was feeling OK, I didn’t fancy the bus… so I headed on home on foot. I stopped off in Tesco’s which turned out to be a mistake as I lost my ‘groove’ and staggered on after that. Still I picked up some books and videos which some kind person had deliberately left at a bus stop (I’ll freecycle them when I’m done). Checked my distance online and it totalled 11 miles. I only meant to do 10 and with the hills as well, I’m pleased.

Looking Ahead

2008-01-09T14:34:00.000Z

All those people in London Marathon reject gear the other day inspired me to write a review on Qype. Or rather a whole series of reviews when I realised I had way too much to write and lots of points around the course to write it about! If you want to read them, start here.

Meanwhile I got a free sheet through my letterbox. Apparently they are still thinking about re-opening Haggerston Pool. Realy wish they’d stop using money to do all sorts of feasibility studies and actually get it sorted. That place used to be brilliant.

They are also talking about making changes at Ridley Road Market. Increasing rents for the stalls and making them a standard size? I’m not sure I get the point of making the stalls a standard size if the stallholders are happy right now. Unless they want to make the place ‘pretty’ and that’s just misguided. There’s pretty markets elsewhere, Ridley Road needs to stay what it is.