Fresh eyes on London

Climb Inside Cut the Rope

2012-01-28T08:02:00.010Z

A treat today. A game you can really get into. Cut the Rope is a physics based video developed in 2010 in Russia for "handheld" gaming devices. The object of the game is to feed candy to a little green monster called Om Nom by cutting the ropes that hold the candy. Simple .. no! There are 25 difficulty levels in this game - so stealing candy from a baby this is NOT!!
The Microsoft team have developed the game so anyone can play it on-line in IE8 and above. If you want to get into the game go to Spitialfields Market this weekend and step into virtual reality just like these guys.
Take Om Nom's picture somewhere..anywhere.. in a real life setting, then upload your picture to the Internet explorer facebook and you are in with a chance to win a prize - toys, t-shirts, sweets and even a laptop are up for grabs.

The Mouse Trap

2012-01-27T08:25:00.003Z

Now in its 60th year, this is the longest running show in the world. just goes to show how we all love a good who dunnit

Aussie Day

2012-01-26T09:18:00.003Z

What a week of parties. Today is Australian Day and here in London they're getting ready for the parties. Believe me the Aussies know how to party so don't rely on Aussies being at work tomorrow. A beach party planned at this Aussie Bar. If you're planning on going to a down under party you'll need to don your flip flops, grab your mates pick up a few sheilas sink a few handles and the night'll really go off.

Burns Day

2012-01-25T09:30:00.002Z

Another party today. Burns day. To partake you'll have haggis for supper, which will of course be piped in by men in kilts. Then you'll recite a few poems. You'll finish the evening singing Auld Lang Syne and perhaps a wee dram of whiskey.

Year of the Dragon

2012-01-24T09:02:00.002Z

The celebrations for the Chinese New Year have already begun in Soho London. On the eve of the year of the dragon there were the usual dragon dances as seen at most Chinese festivals, there are all manner of dragons on sale as well. I was rather taken with this gold dragon hat the man above is wearing.
This weekend there will be a big parade in Chinatown and lots of festivities in Trafalgar Square.

London's Most Desirable Room

2012-01-23T08:56:00.003Z

A room for London looks like a boat perched on the roof of the Queen Elizabeth Hall at the Southbank Centre. The installation a collaboration between architect David Kohn and artist Fiona Banner will rest here for all of 2012. The room was available for anyone to book at £120 for the night. It was harder to get a reservation here than buy a ticket to the Olympics. Bookings sold out within 12 minutes.

It is hoped that it might perch on other sites around London in the future. Maybe I might get lucky and get a chance to see inside when it does.

Nigerian Independence Day

2012-01-22T10:33:00.001Z

A colourful and glamorous service was held at Westminster Cathedral yesterday to celebrate Nigerian Independence Day.

Colourful Architecture

2012-01-21T09:30:00.001Z

Colourful buildings in Holborn.

Huggers set new world record

2012-01-20T09:22:00.005Z

Another reason London is the best city in the world. Hugging couples have set a new world record at St Pancras Station. I popped along last night to see how the hugging couples were faring. With a little over 8 hours under their belts at that stage and still full of enthusiasm that they would go the marathon distance and pass the 24 hrs 34 minutes of the previous record. I've just checked their progress all those taking place at the time I photographed them were all still there a few minutes ago. Yahoo!

Small Pub - Big Choice

2012-01-19T09:42:00.002Z

It may be a tiny pub but it punches way above it weight in both selection of beers and interesting surroundings. This was one of the two lodges that sat either side of the grand arch that lead into Euston railway station. The grand arch was demolished during the redevelopment in the 1960's causing a huge public outcry at the time. Much of the original arch has been recovered from where it was dumped and there is a rumour it will be rebuilt as part of the next redevelopment of the station to accommodate the new fast rail.
In the meantime enjoy a boutique beer at this quaint drinking establishment.

The Artist

2012-01-18T09:27:00.002Z

London is a truly wonderful city to be an artist in. Every day there is something new to see. The Victoria and Albert museum inspires on many levels, not only the exhibits but it's a great place to practice your art as well.

After the Rain

2012-01-17T09:36:00.000Z

Street reflections after the rain.

Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park

2012-01-16T10:48:00.002Z

A view from the grounds surrounding the Imperial War Museum looking out toward Elephant and Castle. The Imperial War Museum was previously a mental hospital but as far back as 1329 a hospital for the treatment of mental disorders existed here. During Victorian times 'asylum's' were moved to more rural areas. The last hospital closing in 1926. The freehold of the site was bought by Vicount Rothermere in 1930 to be made into a public space known as Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park in memory of his mother.

Just missed the train

2012-01-15T09:57:00.001Z

It's only 5 minutes until the next one but somehow that sems like forever.

Bell Frames

2012-01-14T08:58:00.002Z

Another image from my recent visit to the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. The frames needed for bells that will hang in a bell tower somewhere. The double spoke in the middle is to enable the frame to come apart to get up the narrow staircase of the majority of bell towers. The rope will wind around the outside then be bound around the rectangle piece in the middle so it is perfectly balance and controllable for the bell ringer.

Dick Whittington - The Legend

2012-01-13T09:38:00.002Z

As promised yesterday, here is the story of Dick Whittington and his cat as retold by Rohini Chowdhury:

Long, long time ago there lived a poor boy called Dick Whittington. He had no mother and no father, and often nothing to eat. One day he heard of the great city of London, where, said everyone, even the streets were paved with gold. Dick decided to go to London to seek his fortune.

London was a big and busy city, full of people both rich and poor. But Dick could not find any streets that were paved with gold. Tired, cold and hungry he fell asleep on the steps of a great house. This house belonged to Mr. Fitzwarren, a rich merchant, who was also a good and generous man. He took Dick into his house, and gave him work as a scullery boy.

Dick had a little room of his own where he could have been very happy if it had not been for the rats. They would run all over him as he lay on his bed at night and would not let him sleep. One day Dick earned a penny shining shoes for a gentleman, and with it he bought a cat. After that Dick's life became easier - the cat frightened away all the rats, and Dick could sleep in peace at night.

One day Mr. Fitzwarren called all the servants of the house together. One of his ships was leaving for a far-off land with goods to trade. Mr. Fitzwarren asked his servants to send something of their own in the ship if they so desired, something which could perhaps be traded for a bit of gold or money. Dick had only his cat to send - which he did with a sad heart.

Dick continued to work as a scullery boy for Mr. Fitzwarren, who was very kind to him. So was everyone else except the Cook who made Dick's life so miserable that one day Dick decided to run away. He had reached almost the end of the city when he heard the Bow Bells ring out. 'Turn again Whittington, thrice Lord Mayor of London' chimed the bells. Dick was astonished - but he did as the bells said and went back to Mr. Fitzwarren.

When he returned he found that Mr. Fitzwarren's ship had returned, and that his cat had been sold for a great fortune to the King of Barbary whose palace had been overrun with mice. Dick had become a rich man.

He soon learnt the business from Mr. Fitzwarren, married his daughter Alice, and in time became the Lord Mayor of London three times, just as the bells had said.

Whittington's Cat

2012-01-12T09:06:00.003Z

I found Whittingon's cat everywhere at Archway yesterday. Why is this cat so honoured? A bit of research and I discover that the cat probably never existed at all, the story of Dick Whittington and his cat was born in the 14th century and became increasingly elaborate. He was not a poor boy but actually quite wealthy and never owned a cat. It is thought that maybe the legend of the cat arose from the type of boat he used for trading known as a cat or from the French word "achat" meaning purchase.
However the story is a lovely one with several possible origins. I will tell you the legend tomorrow with another Whittington cat.

New Look BT

2012-01-11T07:37:00.003Z

There is something different about the appearance of the BT Tower and it's not the count down to the Olympics. The satellite dishes have gone. The skinny bit in the middle used to be covered in giant dishes. Now that fibre optics has replaced the older microwave technology the dishes were redundant and because of their age a potential danger in falling. During last year they have gradually been removed. The last one coming down in December. A nicer looking tower now don't you think? See here for more information on the removal of the dishes.

Nik the Vampire Bat

2012-01-10T09:35:00.002Z

London has it all, vampire bats, ghosts, magic and these can all be found in London's oldest occult bookshop. The Atlantis bookshop in Bloomsbury has been around for 90 years weaving their spells and magic.

Eisenhower Centre

2012-01-09T09:51:00.002Z

Off Tottenham Court Road, this centre was an underground shelter during WWII. It also was used as part of Eisenhower's headquarters in London and D-Day communications centre with direct links to the Cabinet War Rooms.
Now it is used for security storage. Its recent paint job makes it stand out a bit more especially with that lovely sky scaffolding cover draped behind it.

The Making of Bells

2012-01-08T09:46:00.004Z

Those of you who did my monopoly tour last year may recall how excited I was to find the Whitechapel Bell Foundry (see here) and that I applied for a visit. You apply each September for tours the following year.
Yesterday I went on my tour. Wow where to begin.
Bells are still made in much the same fashion as in medieval times. Who would have thought goats hair and horse manure played an important role! Not me that's for sure. How are bells rung? Well the English stand alone in ringing them the hardest way possible, by pulling a rope. To have any control over this method an elaborate hanging system is required. This has to be assemble a bit like lego as bells tend to hang in very small places generally up an extremely narrow winding staircase. I learned that copper and tin two very soft metals produce a hard metal and the more tin you put in the harder the metal. Put too much in and the bell will shatter like glass. A revelation to me.
Then there are the hand bells, a large part of the business now. Well bells last a good 150 years so you don't pop out and buy one every day. There are only seven bell foundries in the world. Whitechapel Bell Foundry is the oldest and has always been family owned. Truly this visit is worth the effort.

Never Be Bored in London

2012-01-07T09:23:00.005Z

Just released by Tired of London Tired of Life the book from the blog of the same name. Tom takes you on a new adventure every day in London. This is not just another book with the same old tourist attractions. Tom said "I set myself a challenge to discover new things to do, and secretly began to form my own collection of hidden delights". Now Tom is sharing these delights with all of us, like for example "sit on the bench that ended slavery", touch a meteorite, and follow it up with a drink in a Victorian Gin Palace".
This is a book for anyone who wants to see more than just the usual sites of London - visitors and Londoners alike.
I was lucky enough to grab the very last copy at the launch last night. Make sure you grab your copy here before they all race out the door .

Grape?

2012-01-06T09:43:00.002Z

Oxford Street has been a work sight for what seems like forever, however the other day I saw some of the results. A wider pavement. That might not sound much if you've never tried to battle your way along this street before, but believe me it's a bruising experience. The fruit vendor was a welcome sight rather than another obstacle to negotiate as a result of the wider pedestrian way.

Baubles in the Sky

2012-01-05T09:32:00.001Z

The lovely bright Xmas baubles at St Christopher's Place brighten an otherwise very grey day.

Minature Gnome

2012-01-04T09:06:00.000Z

Even Gnomes come in apartment size.

Night Sky

2012-01-03T09:55:00.002Z

We had a beautiful clear sky last night. Literally the calm before the storm. Today is grey windy and raining. Storm warnings have been issued.

Station in the Crypt

2012-01-02T10:25:00.003Z

The City has so many fascinating stories. This entrance (the right arched door) to Bank Tube Station leads you into what was once the crypt of St Mary Woolnoth crypt.
This spot has always been used for religious purposes. Bronze age man worshipped next to the holy spring that existed back then. The Romans built a temple here. In 1211 a Norman Church was built on the site. In 1711 coal taxes were used to build yet another church.
However in 1900 the church had to sell the crypt to the railways for the underground railways. The sum paid of £340,000 was a fortune back then. The railways built the fancy facade with the two reclining women figures. The woman on the left represents Electricity, surrounded by billowing thunder-clouds and shooting lightning bolts from her extended finger. Mercury reclines on the right, representing Speed. Scrolls above the figures where originally intended to bear the name of the company.
In the 21st century a Starbucks arrives alongside the entrance. What new religious purpose will appear in another 100 years do you suppose?

January 2012 - Best of 2011

2012-01-01T08:21:00.004Z

Traditionally on the first day of the New Year those of us at CDP post a copy of our best image of the previous year. I don't know that this was my best but it was one that you all seemed to like. I'll probably be looking a bit like this after my Bollywood dancing last night - pink that is! I have preposted this as I have no intention of getting up early today. Besides I'm probably still out on the town kicking up my heels, and welcoming in 2012.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Bollywood

2011-12-31T09:16:00.000Z

I'm off to a Bollywood party to see the New Year in. I've learnt my dance moves - turn the light bulb, pat the dog. Have my finery. See you next year.
Where ever you are I hope you have a lovely New Year and thank you all for dropping by. Hope you'll stay with me in 2012.

British Cusine

2011-12-30T09:21:00.001Z

Enough to have a French Chef throw their hands in the air.

Saying Good-bye

2011-12-29T09:35:00.003Z

Seeing friends off at Gatwick airport. I do find this airport friendlier and easier than Heathrow.

The Invisible Smoker

2011-12-28T08:41:00.000Z

Caught my eye passing by.

Boxing Day Sales

2011-12-27T09:31:00.002Z

I must have been crazy to venture anywhere near the shops yesterday. Queuing began at dawn, elbowing the norm, arms loaded with bags. I need a coffee just thinking about it.
Tradition has boxing day the first day of a three day sale bonanza. Then the rest of January is sales. Economic crisis? Hard to imagine if you were any where near Oxford St.

Pretty Piccadilly

2011-12-26T09:53:00.001Z

The art deco Piccadilly Arcade in its Xmas frock. Take a deter from the busy main street and wander through this lovely arcade and do a bit of leisurely window shopping.

Marry Xmas

2011-12-25T09:18:00.000Z

Merry Xmas to all

Xmas Decorations

2011-12-24T08:28:00.001Z

Where do they finds these decorations?

China Town

2011-12-23T09:47:00.001Z

Bright and busy with no Santa or angel in sight.

Sweets

2011-12-22T08:22:00.001Z

A childs delight. A dentists nightmare.

Brixton Market Leads the Way

2011-12-21T08:29:00.004Z

Shopping Queen Mary Portas was challenged by the Prime Minister to come up with a solution to resolve the decline and slow death of the High Street. Her solution? Treat them like small businesses and incentivise them accordingly.
Did you take a look at Brixton Market Mary? It has already happened here. A mixture of pop-up stores, small cafes, artisan boutiques, take a look if you haven't been there for awhile you will be pleasantly surprised.

Dressed for Xmas

2011-12-20T09:22:00.000Z

Matching Santa outfits for an outing at the Xmas markets.

Blackfriars Bridge

2011-12-19T10:12:00.003Z

A progress report on work on the new station at Blackfriars Bridge. Due to finish late next year the finished station will be the first to have entry and exit from both sides of the river. I know it will be great and the new station entrance on the north side is beginning to take shape however I can no longer see Tower Bridge from here. Maybe we will be able to see from the inside of the new concourse.

Vigil for Manning

2011-12-18T09:35:00.003Z

Yesterday Bradley Manning turned 24 he spent the day at a Military Court in Fort Meade Maryland. He has been in prison since 25 May 2010 for allegedly passing state secrets to wiki Leaks. Supporters for Manning in London held a vigil in Oxford St and outside the American Embassy. For an update on the proceedings here is the Guardian report.

Rudolph is a Myth

2011-12-17T09:14:00.003Z

I don't want to be a spoilsport at Xmas but I have to tell you Rudolph is not real. How do I know this? Remember recently I had a behind the scenes visit to the Natural History Museum, well another of the gems I learnt that evening is that male reindeer lose their antlers in winter. However the girls don't lose theirs until spring. So Santa's sleigh is really led by Clarisse. Go girls!

Wellies for the Wet

2011-12-16T09:22:00.003Z

Forget the Jimmy Choo's give me a brightly coloured wellington to slosh about in the rain thanks.

Lego Xmas

2011-12-15T09:22:00.002Z

Ok it's now close enough to Xmas that I am now going to bring Xmas images. This year it began in October! Way to early for me. The giant Xmas tree in St Pancras Station is entirely made of lego. One way of being green I guess. It's a hit with the tourists as they arrive on the eurostar.

Live Art

2011-12-14T08:53:00.001Z

A grand master spied running down the road.

Street Music

2011-12-13T09:35:00.000Z

Busking Xmas songs

A Glimpse of the Way it Was

2011-12-12T09:24:00.002Z

As the regeneration of Kings Cross continues these places will be forgotten. I'm not sure what the deadline for this building is or what the plans for it are. I will endeavour to find out and keep you posted. At present this brick building in Pancras Rd still has a couple of businesses in it. Antiques, A mirror store and a gallery.

Beautiful Music

2011-12-11T09:37:00.006Z

One of the many things that I love about London is the variety and sheer volume or arts and culture that is happening every day. Much of it very affordable to enjoy, if not free in many cases. Last nights event was the London Gay Symphony Orchestra performing Weber's Overture To Der Freischutz. Mozart's Clarinet Concerto and Brahms's Symphony No 1.

Calthorpe Project

2011-12-10T09:30:00.003Z

The Calthorpe Project is a small community garden that describes itself as “An inner city oasis – a community garden and centre where people grow and learn together taking care of each other and the environment.” Like everything at the moment they have been affected by funding cuts. They are now trying to raise funds to be able to continue. Surely we should be putting more money into places like this that provide spaces and activities for local communities, especially the young and old.

Preparing for Spring

2011-12-09T08:56:00.001Z

Planting daffodils in preparation for Spring.

Natural History and More

2011-12-08T08:21:00.001Z

Following on from yesterdays post at the MC priceless evening at the Natural History Museum here is one of our behind the scenes treats. Ok it is a little scary but not as scary as it would be in the wild. Do you know what it is? I'd never met one before. A wolverine. Those jaws are capable of chomping through your thigh bone. Yikes keep out of its way. His fur is very desirable for around the hood of your hat. Why? Because it wont go icy. A combination of its fur type and density means you can just brush the ice off. Pretty important at minus 40. Our behind the scenes tour with the professionals in each field was magic. Dinosaurs, meteorites, plants, animals and gems of information not on any brochure. I even got to hold in my hand a meteorite from Mars. Beat that!

Priceless

2011-12-07T09:08:00.002Z

The other night I went to a fabulous evening at the Natural History Museum organised by mastercard as part of their priceless campaign: Winter Wonderland: We were treated to an exclusive journey through the depths of the museum to view its hidden treasures and rare treats. Meeting the scientists and getting up close and personal with their favourite exhibits. (more tomorrow). It really was a great event.
However nothing competes with a special moment like this. I didn't get your names but there is no doubt your Xmas will be special. xx

Christmas Carols

2011-12-06T08:53:00.002Z

Lovely Christmas cheer at Paddington Railway Station. An ensemble comprising of musicians from LGSW and singers made up of by friends and supporters of the David Adams Leukemia and current and former patients of the Royal Marsden Hospital entertained travellers on Saturday afternoon.

Day Out

2011-12-05T08:47:00.000Z

Zipped down to Brighton for the day for a friends birthday. Happy Birthday Lizzie.

Reading Room

2011-12-04T09:59:00.003Z

Most book shops don't encourage reading before you buy but the Victoria and Albert Museum bookshop in Thurloe Place combined with a wine bar encourages you to read the quality books with glass of wine or cup of coffee in the intimate rooms with high ceilings and floor to ceiling bookshelves.

Folklore Pop-Up Store

2011-12-03T09:33:00.002Z

Want to find a Christmas present that's a bit different? I found the pop -up store for The Museum of British Folklore. Just open until Christmas in a basement on the corner of Thurloe Place and Exhibition Road. I found myself a great little book on May Day celebrations around the country. I'm busy marking all the quirky festivals I'll be going to.

Robotville

2011-12-02T08:52:00.003Z

If you want to know where robot technology is at present go to the Science Museum for the Robotville Festival (on until 4 December). Geeks with their robots are there to answer all the questions you can throw at them. Some I found a little scary, one or two had "technical issues" and others just wowed. I decided to show you Kasper. Kasper is a robot who is successfully being used to assist children with autism. The official website for Kasper is down this morning but you should be able to find information from the University of Hertfordshire. Also a youtube here with Kasper at work.

December Theme Day - Action

2011-12-01T09:13:00.002Z

First of the month is theme day in the City Daily Photo community (CDP) with today's theme being action.
Yesterday thousands of public servants throughout the UK took action against the proposed changes to their pension.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Burnt Car

2011-11-30T09:51:00.003Z

I guess you wouldn't be too happy if this was your car.

Bargain Hunting

2011-11-29T09:14:00.003Z

I was trying to find some pieces for a photograph project I am putting together, it was the stalls on the side streets off Bricklane that were the best. You can find anything here. I can report my bargain hunting was hugely successful and cost me all of £1.

Real Fish & Chips

2011-11-28T10:08:00.002Z

Transport yourself back a few decades to Poppies at Spitalfields. Real fish and chips. These have not been sitting in a warmer for hours. Cooked to order, fresh as fresh. Eat in or take out. If you eat in you will feel as though you have stepped back to the 40's/50's. The walls are covered in memorabilia from the period, as is the music. While you wait for your order you can learn a bit of cockney. Hand written around the wall are many rhyming cockney phrases such as Vera Lynn - gin. Trouble and strife - wife.

Light

2011-11-27T09:11:00.002Z

I was passing by a little shop that had several workman inside busy with major renovations. I saw the light on the wall and knocked on the door to ask to be let in to take this photo. When I left they were standing looking admiring the light themselves.

A Visit to Aldwych

2011-11-26T08:35:00.004Z

Those of you who follow this blog will know that I get very excited at any opportunity to visit closed and secret places underground. Yesterday the chance to see the closed station of Aldwych tube (formerly The Strand Station) had me leaping out of my sick bed.

Opened in 1907 it was never really a success as a station as the original rail plans for this area never really took off. The most significant use of this station was as a bomb shelter during WWII. To start with 300 people took shelter but as the war continued and more Londoners (especially those in the east End) were made homeless, a reluctant government had to install chemical toilets and bunk beds. By then 1500 people were sheltering in this station.
After the war a very limited service was reinstated to the station. It was not on any main route, but a branch of its own from Holborn Station, known as a spur. Finally closing in 1994, it is now a Heritage II site with very limited public access.

Music for Christmas

2011-11-25T08:18:00.001Z

While I've been laid up all week with a nasty cold I have been listening to the beautiful voices of Libera. Simply divine.
The boys aged 7 to 16 who make up the vocal band Libera have been described as “normal” and “ordinary”. However, as their recordings and performances demonstrate, the music they produce is truly extraordinary. With shimmering, mystical chords and ecstatic harmonies, they are unlike any other group you have ever heard. These are truly sounds to lift the soul. Celestial sounds for a new time.
I wouldn't disagree with that. A perfect album for Christmas. Also if you are able to get there they are performing tonight at: St George's RC Cathedral, London.
Here's another link to a youtube preview of the Christmas album.

Super Purple?

2011-11-24T10:20:00.002Z

Super Purple doesn't sound right does it? Not sure what his name is. He was promoting a new gym in the area. He disappeared as quickly as he arrived. I think not because of supernatural powers but more to do with how silly he felt.

Sugar

2011-11-23T10:20:00.002Z

The sweet stall at Winter Wonderland. As you pass by the food stalls the familiar smells of a fair fill the air, spun sugar, frying chips and onions.

Hidden Beauty

2011-11-22T11:06:00.003Z

I love seeing the working side of buildings, pipes, wires basements. All I find have beauty rather like sculpture really. Do any of you share my fascination?

Photographers and Image Makers

2011-11-21T11:02:00.002Z

Vision 11 was a two day festival for photographers and image makers organised by the British Journal of Photography and Computeractive magazine (both great magazines). Now in its 13th year the festival gave an opportunity to look at and test drive the latest in equipment and software. Several seminars were held over the two days giving a wonderful opportunity to hear what how some of the industries greats work.
One of the seminars I attended that I thought would be of particular interest t0 many of you especially those of you in the UK was that of your rights as a photographer. The London Street Photography Street Festival group have put together a small film showing most security guards do not know the law. Another link I'm a photographer not a terrorist where you can download a pdf pamphlet on your rights.

Winter Wonderland

2011-11-20T10:33:00.002Z

This is not just a whizz of blue colour it is the snow jet ride at Winter Wonderland. I can't believe I actually went on it. I usually stick to something nice and gentle like the ferris wheel!
Each year it seems better than before. This year the ice-skating rink is bigger and fabulous right in the centre. Rides, food, Xmas stalls, music, all in all just a heap of fun.

Excess Food

2011-11-19T10:56:00.002Z

While millions starve around the world wealthy nations waste food. Yesterday in Trafalgar Square "feeding the 5000" , an organisation set up to hightlight this waste, invited the public to a free lunch made with food that would otherwise have gone to landfill or pig food. They handed out a booklet of recipes on how to make delicious meals with left overs, invited you to pat a pig and invited you to join the pledge on their website to reduce your food waste.

New St Martins Opens

2011-11-18T09:39:00.003Z

Central St Martins university of arts previously in Charing Cross Rd officially opened the new campus in Kings Cross last night. The £200 million project includes the transformation of the grade II Victorian Granary buildings. The three-storey building is based around an internal street, naturally lit through a translucent roof and consists of 10 acres of floor space.
From Kings Cross and St Pancras stations a new path way with funky lighting leads the way into the university.
Previous students of Central St Martins have included: Colin Firth, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and Yinka Shonibare. Hang around here to see who the new stars coming out of this university will be.

Heron

2011-11-17T09:58:00.002Z

In 1949 it was thought London would never see herons, or several other bird species again. How things change. In 1968 the first pair of herons made their nest in Regent's Park. By 1970 this had increased to 10. The efforts of those who work to keep the parks green and the waterways clean plus keeping areas for the birds and wildlife free from us humans has seen the population of herons increase to its current 27 pairs.
This one was very wary of me while at the same time wanting to know if there might be a tasty morsel in my bag. A camera was not appreciated.

Aromatic Basil

2011-11-16T09:12:00.003Z

I've introduced you in previous posts to the work of Global Generation, a non profit organisation that gives young people an opportunity to play a part in creating a sustainable future. One of their projects is a garden in Kings Cross. As they all take part in building their new site others prepare a meal from vegetables and herbs they have grown themselves.

Behind the Scenes

2011-11-15T10:15:00.002Z

The annual Lord Mayor's show was held last Saturday. There has been a Mayor of the City of London since 1185 in times when the King had to be wary of his Earls and Barons and probably anyone else in a position of power, including the church, King John granted a charter in 1215 to the people of London allowing them to elect their own mayor each year. In return the Mayor, who later became known as the Lord Mayor was required to make the journey to the city of Westminster and swear allegiance to the sovereign. This journey continues every November.

It's a very grand occasion and the Lord Mayor travels in a gold carriage to the courts to take his oath. The day before the parade I popped along to see how preparations were progressing. As you can see in the image above the gold carriage was being polished and groomed for the occasion.

Balmy Autumn

2011-11-14T10:05:00.004Z

Walking through St James Park yesterday if it wasn't for the leaves on the ground it was hard to believe it is the middle of November and will soon be winter. So far it is turning into the warmest November on record, even some of the plants have been fooled into thinking it is spring and we've had a few spring flowers and an extended season for strawberries.
One of the things you will notice about the English if you spend any amount of time here is that they obsess about the weather. Most conversations will include some comment on the weather at some point. I recently made a comment, that perhaps we wouldn't have a white Xmas this year. I was immediately referred to 'an expert on weather' and specifically to his comments: I am fully expecting a significant and imminent pattern change
"I am fully expecting a significant and imminent pattern change...."
"I really won't have any of this talk about a mild winter, will the people who feel the need to email me every hour of the day trying to convince me otherwise, please stop this?"

What say you? Do you think I'll have a white Xmas?

Remembering and Honouring the Children of War

2011-11-13T08:31:00.008Z

In St Paul's Cathedral below the dome is this art installation created by Ted Harrison to draw attention and remember children who have been conscripted and fought in adult wars.
At ground level the work appears as a white disc onto which poppies appear to have been scattered at random. From above the poppies form an image of three armed children. A boy from the first world war, a boy from recent conflicts in Africa and a girl from Asia.

Although Britain no longer sends anyone under the age of 18 to war many other countries do. An estimated 250,000 children worldwide are currently under military orders. Some as young as 9 years old. One third are girls.

Under the Spotlight

2011-11-11T08:28:00.000Z

City Boys. What does that mean to you? How do they feel? Are they bankers or insurance brokers or restaurateurs, may be something else. What do you think about them or what they may represent?

Student Process

2011-11-10T08:40:00.002Z

Thousands of students marched through London yesterday is a relatively peaceful protest against cuts in education and increases in student fees. The protest march was flanked on all sides by 4,000 police directing the route of the students.

Dressed for the Occasion

2011-11-09T08:05:00.001Z

Yesterday I showed you the cars, today a glimpse of the importance of dressing for the occasion.

Vintage Cars

2011-11-08T09:27:00.002Z

Regent Street was given over to vintage and veteran cars on Saturday giving us the opportunity to examine them up close and even take a ride. Sunday morning the vintage cars set off on their annual London to Brighton rally. Would have been rather cold for most of them.

Cool Cocktail

2011-11-07T10:04:00.000Z

Oh the things I do for you dear readers, sampling the latest cocktails at trendy bars. It's a tough job but someone has to do it.

Those folks from down under (New Zealand) have created another fabulous cocktail with their pure vodka that they call 42 Below. So called because of the latitude where is was created, and of course coming from New Zealand it's made of good pure unpolluted ingredients. If you are London based you may have noticed the Antipodean coffee bar invasion and in particular "flat whites" on the menu. This is another import from the same latitude.

Now 42 Below have combined the two into a fabulous cocktail. They are currently promoting it at Callooh Callay bar in Shoreditch. A cool bar with a Narnia type wardrobe connecting the reservations only back bar to the front bar.

But for those of you that can't get there I managed to get you the recipe. Oh the things I do for you.

Our cocktail is a new twist on the classic and sadly often overlooked Espresso Martini…….. Ours is called the Flat White.

Ingredients

1 oz cold New Zealand Espresso

1 1/2 oz 42Below Vodka

1 1/2 Kahlua

1 oz white crème de Cacao

Instructions

Pour ingredients into shaker filled with ice, shake vigorously, and strain into a takeout coffee cup.... and enjoy.

Fireworks

2011-11-06T08:49:00.002Z

I didn't have my camera at the fireworks last night but managed to take this with my phone for you.

Before the Concert

2011-11-05T09:05:00.003Z

Warming up, preparing to go on stage.

Postbox

2011-11-04T09:04:00.001Z

Spotted this postbox the other day. You don't see too many like this around London.

Secret Tunnel

2011-11-03T08:37:00.002Z

I am always on the lookout to find you some of London's best kept secrets, and I know that at first glance this might not appear to be one of them. But, stay with me on this ...

Back in the 1970's the Welcome Trust had buildings on both sides of Euston Road. Being good employers they very aware of the challenges for their staff of trying to cross that crowded race track on foot. So they built a tunnel under the road for staff to dash back and forth in total safety. Nowdays they don't have buildings on both sides of the road, and the tunnel is no longer in use, with a strong door locking each side about half way.

Although you can't get into the tunnel, you can see part of the exterior of it if you go onto the platform at Euston Square underground. Look carefully and you will see a a section across the roof of the tunnel above the tube tracks. This is the floor of the tunnel.

The Florist

2011-11-02T07:48:00.002Z

Ideas or maybe a work in progress?

Theme Day - Fences

2011-11-01T08:38:00.002Z

The first of a new month and therefore theme day in the City Daily Photo Community (CDP). This month the theme is fences.
My take is left on the fence.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Halloween Japanese Style

2011-10-31T09:38:00.001Z

Shibuya Restaurant getting into the spirit of halloween.

Rainbow

2011-10-30T08:44:00.002Z

The clocks have gone back, extra hours sleep welcomed. Our days will be darker for a few weeks so a lovely rainbow to add some colour to your day.

Pink Bra

2011-10-29T10:20:00.002+01:00

The sign says wear your pink bra on the 28th October to support breast cancer awareness. You could party in this one.

Man in a Box

2011-10-28T09:33:00.011+01:00

Ok now this comes under my bizarre category. Febreze, yes those people who make products to make your home smell lovely, are conducting an experiment at Westfield Stratford City shopping centre. The man has been in the see through sealed box since Wednesday. Hosted by TV presenter Stephen Mulhern encourages the public to assist him in creating even more smelly activities for the man to partake in. (you can vote via the febreze facebook page). Wednesday's challenge was grooming a dog. Thursday he is slicing a box of onions and peeling hard boiled eggs then tossing them into the bin, that will remain locked in the box with him. YUK.

He will be let out Saturday morning. Pooh!
Febreze will then go in and spray everything with their products.

Guess they have fingers very crossed hoping the experiment works. You can go down and check for yourself how bad it smells as they open the door.

To get to Westfield from London take the new fast train from St Pancras. It takes 7 mins! Although my journey came in slightly under that. Very impressive.

Protest Spreads

2011-10-26T22:09:00.006+01:00

A second camp in Finsbury Square set up nearly a week ago. Partly as there is no more space around St Paul's Cathederal and also to show this protest is not going to finish any time soon.
A recent update from the Daily Mail here.

Halloween

2011-10-26T09:38:00.000+01:00

The parties have begun

Siberian Singers

2011-10-25T10:46:00.002+01:00

Ayarkhaan the Siberian singers at the Bloomsbury Festival last weekend. Their vocal sounds replicate the wind, birds and horses.

Enjoying Waiting for a Train

2011-10-24T09:29:00.002+01:00

What a pleasant wait for a train. The art work that runs along the platform is by artist Clare Woods, influenced by the surrounding area, particularly the pools on the Heath.
A quick check and I found this map of art on the underground. A project looming to bring it all to you I think.

Bloomsbury Festival

2011-10-23T08:56:00.002+01:00

A three day festival in and around Bloomsbury. Arts and culture. Food and drink. My favourite yesterday was the stall run by the mathematics society, teaching us about probability not only did we have to work out who the murderer was but I'm sure I've got a better chance at winning the lottery. Well I may be able to up the probability from 1 in a million to 1 in 3/4 of a million.

The Royal Mail wagon encouraging us to visit the Postal Museum. That's definitely on my list to visit for you.
The throat singers from Siberia held us all spellbound. Lots more to see today.

Protest Update

2011-10-22T09:35:00.002+01:00

St Paul's Cathedral yesterday closed its doors to the public. The first time since World War II. The protesters gathered in the afternoon to discuss the letter from the Dean, in which he sited health and safety reasons for the closure and asked that the protesters end their occupation. You can read more on this discussion in the BBC's report here.

Small Pumpkins

2011-10-21T10:09:00.002+01:00

I read the other day the pumpkins for Halloween will be a bit smaller than usual because of the dry spring and damp summer. Spotted a few that looked OK. I guess if you want to carve your own pumpkin you'd better grab one soon. Although I don't think I've seen carved pumpkins in London, other than in stores.

Progress Report

2011-10-20T08:17:00.002+01:00

As promised a progress report on the Kings Cross building with the lighthouse on top. A day or two after this photo was taken the sides have been boarded up and scaffolding put up.
See my earlier picture here.