Virtual Insanity

Private Eye is a satirical magazine that carries a mix of cutting edge journalism and very, very funny bits. A regular feature is "Solutions" - reader submissions of euphemisms or newspeak descriptions of businesses. When I saw this on a door in Jermyn Street, it took me a couple of seconds before I realised that a virtual reception was an entryphone. It amused me.

Les Rosbifs

I do hope the French enjoy being called "frogs" as much as I enjoy being called "rosbif". Allow me to present to you the roast beef of Old England. Sunday roasts are a great tradition, and this rib of beef was in my kitchen on Sunday (actually, it was last week I had everyone round). Roast beef and yorkshire pudding, with the potatoes cooked under the meat. Is there a better meal? I doubt it.

Visiting London

Look! nothing to steal! This parisian driver has fitted in well to London life and knows how to look after his property. A Range Rover just out of shot had its rear window smashed.

Bit windy lately

It really was windy in London this week. When I saw this deceased umbrella, it struck me that it was such a versatile "rorschach blot" type shape. Looks a bit like a cave painting or a bullfight, maybe an ultra modern chair. What can you see? Oh alright, you want more links about rorschach... including a test you can take? OK.

Bleeding Hearts

  

Today,I'd like you to venture into Bleeding Heart Yard with me, to find the Bistro and Restaurant there. Nearby to the Mitre, you will congratulate yourself as a true Londoner for finding this little cobbled cul-de-sac and useful restaurant. The story goes that the street is named after Lady Elizabeth Hatton who was murdered there. More history here.

Another Mystery

I didn't think I was going to post another in the "Bloghuh?" series. Turns out that I am. On the day that Presibent Bush commits yet more lives to the disaster in Iraq, I bring you a picture of the American Embassy in London.

There are so many mysteries here. From, "why the heck did we get involved?" through to "what do we do now?" The biggest one is "how can such attrocities be perpetrated in our name?" or even "When will we know the truth?" Sure, there was death and destruction with Sadaam in power but at least it was his mess. This is ours.

The photo is in black and white. The problem isn't.


Read more about things that mystify others at participating Bloghuh? blogs this week by clicking on these links: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12
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Why not join in bloghuh yourself?

The Mystery

In one part of the wider non-photo led blogosphere, a small corner has been turned over to Bloghuh? - a communual blog on the mysteries of life and the universe. I thought I would join in.

This picture tells a London story - but what story? Why would a pink teddy bear end it all in Euston Centre - a place so dismal and anonymous you can hardly find it on a map? Failure in love or business? Jetisoned after years of care as a result of adolescence? Was the colour pink fearfully significant? The puddle was shallow - maybe it was just a cry for help gone terribly, terribly wrong? The mystery is profound.

Read more about things that mystify others at participating Bloghuh? blogs this week by clicking on these links: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12
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Why not join in bloghuh yourself?

Eduardo Paolozzi

Further along high Holborn, a sculpture by Eduardo Paolozzi. For all the Italian name, a Scot.

The sculpture is called "The Artist as Hephaestus" - the only Greek god to do any work, he is the patrol of all craftsmen, especially those working with metals. Here is a more general view of the statue.

Roll up to Old Holborn

If you want to have an idea of what London looked like 500 years ago, you have to come here to Staple Inn in High Holborn. Built in 1586, as far as I know it is the only building of its type still survivng from before the Great Fire of London in 1666. Barring a small hiccup involving a flying bomb in WWII, it is still intact. History is here.

The Hogfather

Turns out Santa's transport was a little more sophisticated than a push bike......

You can't see it, but Rudolph's nose flashes.

I promise - no more Santa stuff till next year.

Bye Bye Santa

Today is the Feast of Epiphany, ignored in England but quite a big day in a lot of other countries. I confess I don't know much about it, but you do say goodbye to Christmas for another year. Sorry for the camera shake, but when I saw Santa riding down Curzon Street I had to grab the shot.

Ede & Ravenscroft

Back in the 17th Century, Cromwell led his zero-haired roundhead army against the long haired cavaliers. When the dust had settled, what better way to bridge the differences than to put all judges in wigs? Well, we still do it, and Ede & Ravenscroft in Chancery Lane is the place to get them - they have been making them since the 17th Century.

Beau Brummell

If you say "Beau Brummell" people - if they think of anything - think of an overdressed dandy. It was he, after all, who was the very first dandy. However he was, in fact, the master of understatement. He is widely reputed to have been the instigateor of men wearing suits. His life story is colourful as well.

This statue of him is in Jermyn Street.

Banksy

A good start to the new year in London has to be a Banksy, this one is at the top of Hatton Garden. I like what he did with Paris Hilton

New Year's Day Parade

Today, a bit of American glitz at the New Year's dayLondon Parade. there was a lot more on the parade, but I like the idea of these kids travelling around the world to show us how it's done.

Happy New Year - The Daily Photo Theme Way

Today's worldwide Daily Photo theme is "My best photo of the year", I finally decided on this one from February 3rd. There were ten runners-up

52 Daily Photo sites are participating in the 1st January theme, please use the links to below to visit them.

Due to time zone differences and other factors, the theme photo may not be displayed until later if you are viewing early in the day.

1 (Porto (Portugal) ) -2 (Albuquerque, NM (USA) ) -3 (St. Paul, (USA) Kate ) -4 (Greenville,SC (USA) ) -5 (Stayton, OR (USA) ) -6 (Szentes (Hungary) ) -7 (Hyde (UK) ) -8 (London (UK) ) -9 (Dubai (UAE) ) -10 (Buenos Aires (Argentina) ) -11 (Shanghai (China) ) -12 (Nelson (New Zealand) ) -13 (Twin Cities, MN (USA) ) -14 (Joplin MO (USA) ) -15 (Stavanger (Norway) ) -16 (Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) ) -17 (Not Strictly Seattle, WA (USA) ) -18 (Jakarta (Indonesia) ) -19 (Auckland (New Zealand) ) -20 (Sharon, CT (USA) ) -21 (Evry (France) ) -22 ((Aust) John ) -23 (Newcastle upon Tyne (England) ) -24 (Paris (France) ) -25 (Bandung (Indonesia) ) -26 (Brussels (Belgium) ) -27 (Minneapolis MN (USA) ) -28 (Aliso Viejo, CA (USA) ) -29 (Seattle, WA (USA) ) -30 (Budapest (Hungary) ) -31 (Singapore by Zannnie (Singapore) ) -32 (Tenerife (Spain) ) -33 (Santa Clara, CA (USA) ) -34 (Houston, TX (USA) ) -35 (Sydney by Nathalie (Aust) ) -36 (San Diego, CA (USA) ) -37 (Vancouver, BC (Canada) ) -38 (Singapore by KeropokMan (Singapore) ) -39 (East Lansing, MI (USA) ) -40 (Sydney by Sally (Australia) ) -41 (Tucson, AZ (USA) ) -42 (Nottingham (UK) ) -43 (Sequim, by Norma ) -44 (Hong Kong ) -45 (Vantaa, Finland ) -46 (Kyoto (Japan) ) -47 (Tokyo (Japan) ) -48 (Chattanooga ) -49 (Santiago (Chile) ) -50 (erlin (Germany) ) -51 (Trondheim (Norway) ) -52 (Delta, CO (USA)) -

Need a party bag?

Need a party bag? You should have thought of it on Saturday and gone dah'n the Roman. Bast wishes to all for the new year - I'll be back from the French Alps in the New Year.

Tomorrow is another worldwide theme day on the Daily Photo sites.

Busking on the Underground

Coming up to New Year, it might be useful to earn a few pennies to help pay for the holiday excesses. In typically British fashion, busking used to be frowned on and banned (we like banning stuff). Then, in still more bizzare manner TFL decided to license buskers, who have to pass a quality test - the costs are borne by the sponsor. Sort of misses the point in my opinion. (posting a little early tonight!)

Found Art

I found this scene in an alcove in a derilict site in Great Eastern Street and it struck me that if it was in a Gallery, it would be considered art. What do you think?

The Most Hidden Pub in London

This pub has the distictionof being probably the oldest and best hidden in London. Even people working nearby may not know of it. It's in Hatton Garden, in a tiny alley between numbers 7 & 9 - look for the sign on a lamp post. Originally built in 1547, the Bishops Mitrewas built by the Bishop of Ely and it is well worth hunting out.

A Mural

Still withut much time for commentary, here is another picture I rather like, that of a mural.

A sundial

Because I've had too much to eat and drink, here's a picture of a sundial in St Katherines Dock to keep you going. Hope your Christmas was a good one.

Happy Christmas to you all

Happy Christmas to you all, here are the Salvation Army carol singing in the streets in the run up to Christmas. There is little quite as comforting as the round sound of brass to warm a cold winter evening.

I'm in Val Thorens for the rest of the week. I'll bring you some more pictures as the week goes by.

Party time!

Having a fancy dress party? You need to go to Bermans & Nathans, the theatrical costumiers in Shaftsbury Avenue. I could tell you the story about how - when I hired a 17th Century pirates costume - I tried to argue my way into Claridges where the doormen are in 17th century livery but they wouldn't le me in - but that's a longer story.

Cup of Coffee, anyone?

If you are in Covent Garden, one of the best places to have a cup of coffee is in the Monmouth Street Coffee shops, one of the remaining places they roast on the premises. The smell is divine. There has to be a business opportunity there for someone - a way to differentiate yourself from all the rest? As you an see, it gets crowded and people sit outside whatever the weather,

Take note of the wooden sculpture in the window - more about the sculptor soon.

Covent Garden Christmas Lights

....as brought to you by Miss Ham! I may be biased, but I liked it.

But I put money in....

Look familiar? Always a hazard when Christmas shopping, your local friendly traffic warden. This just cost her £50. But as she is driving a silly 20 mpg 4x4, I don't feel too sad. I've already made my feelings clear.

Please don't feed the reindeer

Is what the sign says, on the chain in front of this grouping of reindeer in Great Eastern Street. Don't know much more about it, sorry.

Dragon spotting

This week's TWWSI took me to West Smithfield, London's meat market. Here's a dragon from high up on the building. I could have made a series from dragons, but they are pretty commonplace in London. Elephants are more fun to hunt.

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire

There's nothing so reminiscent of winter in London as catching a whiff of chestnets roasting on a brazier. There are few left, this man runs a fruit & veg stall in Covent Garden

They got more than they bargained for....

I saw this crew filming outside my office and headed out with my trusted camera to capture a London moment. Turned out they were an ITV London crew, doing a "vox pop" on people's opinions of the Southbank. They advanced on me and asked what I thought of the monstrous concrete blocks like the IBM building (I've grown kind of fond of them) and whether they should be pulled down and a new hotel/leisure/shopping complex be put up in its place (NO! NO! NO!!!!!!!!). I think they may have got opinion than they expected.

Anyone sees the program (going out next year around March time) let me know please.

Ordinary Londoners

A group of ordinary Londoners at 9:00a.m. last Sunday morning. I stopped my bike and asked if I could take a photo. "Sure," they said. I asked them the reason for the garb. Mental instability, they told me. OK.

London's Elephants - No 12 in the series

This one is high up on Africa house in Kingsway - very redolent of the turn of the century. I'm not too sure about the guy with the rifle, though. All I can say is that the elephant still looks alive.

Click for No 1 in the series.
Click for No 2 in the series.
Click for No 3 in the series.
Click for No 4 in the series.
Click for No 5 in the series.
Click for No 6 in the series.
Click for No 7 in the series.
Click for No 7 1/2 in the series.
Click for No 8 in the series.
Click for No 9 in the series.
Click for No 10 in the series.
Click for No 11 in the series.
Click for No 11 1/2 in the series.

Cruciform Building

Today is another request day, this time for Emily, who asked for a picture of the University College, and particularly of the Cruciform building.

This old hospital is fascinating becuase until recently I could never have shown you what was so special about it. That is, until Google Earth. Here it is. (In case you can't make the connection - it is built in hte shape of a cross)

Now, the history makes no mention of it, but for years it was the Masonic Hospital and I heard tell that the shape was supposed to be esoteric. You make up your own minds.

Oggy Oggy Oggy!

This week, The Way We See It took me to the soulless wasteland that is Euston Square. This shot - the back of a West Cornwall Pastie takeaway - took my fancy, but didn't quite make the cut. This spied through an office window was my favourite.

The Cornish Pastie (an Oggy) is the original packed lucnch for the Cornish tin miners. A meat savoury through most of it, it was sweet at one end and the crimped pastry formed a handle that could be used by the men with dirty hands.

Oggy Oggy Oggy Oy Oy Oy! is a rugby chant. You had to be there.

Columbia Road

If you like flowers and live in or visit London, you really should pay a trip to Columbia Road flower market on a Sunday morning. The flower market started by selling off what was left from Covent Garden and Spitlafields markets on the Saturday, these days it is the best place to buy flowers and plants in London. The shops are also interesting, ideal if you are looking for a last minute christmas present. A view showing how crowded it gets is here.

Burnham Wood

Macbeth shall never vanquish'd be until
Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill
Shall come against him.

Macbeth, Act 4 Scene 1

Don't worry - this is not really a wood, it's some Christmas trees on sale in Colombia Road market. So what do you do when you want a BIG tree and you have a BIG car but a SMALL boot? Click here to find out. You just couldn't make it up.

I'll come back to Columbia Road Market tomorrow.

Sk8er Boi

DXBluey was reminiscing about the skateboard shop round the corner from the cheese shop in Neal's Yard, so I thought I'd show it to you.

Say Cheese!

After watch the birdie, what else could I do? The Neals Yard Dairy is a great place for cheese - this is the Neals Yard shop, not in the original location but nearby. You can even do mail order from their site, how cool is that?

My Precious

Forbidden Planet is London's premier SF & Fantasy shop - you never who you will meet when you visit. The tinsel just sets off the rat, don't you think?

St Katherine's Dock

There is a little oasis tucked away behind Tower Bridge called St Katherine's Dock - The Way We See It location for this week. I'd recommend you visit if you haven't. I've been here before and shown you a Thames Barge, so this time watch the birdie!

Nelson Mandela

Today's picture is of Nelson Mandela, as sculpted by Ian Walters, a sculptor and art lecturer who gave up teaching to devote his life to producing memorials to important leftwing figures and died earlier this year. He also was responsible for one of my favourite London sculptures, that of Fenner Brockway.

Festival of Trees

Today is the day of the Save the Children Festival of Trees. For eighteen years, in London, trees are made and donated by companies and designers: this one is by Thomas Pink. These were on show in Coutts in the Strand for a while and they will be auctioned at a gala fundraising event tonight. While it is too late to see them live, you can still see all the trees online here.

An interactive picture...read on

Not many photographs let you join in - this is the exception. It is part of an interactive lomography photo wall outside the Royal Festival Hall called "Trading Places" As you run your hands over the photos, you change the sounds you hear. Switch on bluetooth and you get a picture on your phone. It all about the local area and ....ah, enough talk - you can join in yourself! here.

Happy Bin

It's a happy bin, what more can I say? Give it something recycleable to chew on.

Movie Movies

Walking the streets, as I do, I came across this rather novel marketing idea - a mobile video screen with full audio - this will take sandwich boards to a whole new level!

I do quite like this idea, though, I have a vision of a moblie video wall, tottering down Oxford Street. The people are Connect Everyone. If you look a the promo video on their site you will hear that it is the very latest thing in "face to face advertising". Sorry folks. I hate to argue, but this is face to arse advertising. Still, very enterprising and I wish them well.

Theme Day - "A Photo from the waist down"

This shot could only have been in London. This month the worldwide City Daily Photo Blogs theme is a photo "From the waist down". and this place is all about your feet. That's because this person has one foot in the eastern and one in the western hemisphere. We are at the Royal Observatory Greenwich - the place where time starts. Taking this type of photograph is essential for tourists.

There's so much here that I'll come back and tell you more another day.

52 Daily Photo sites are participating in the 1st December theme, "A Photograph from the Waist Down", please use the links to below to visit them.

Due to time zone differences and other factors, the theme photo may not be displayed until later if you are viewing early in the day.

1 (Porto ) -2 (Greenville ) -3 (Evry ) -4 (Queens ) -5 (Seattle, WA, USA ) -6 (Stayton , OR, USA ) -7 (Albuquerque, NM (USA) ) -8 (Joplin, MO (USA) ) -9 (Singapore (Raymond) ) -10 (Guadalajara, Mexico ) -11 (Santiago, Chile ) -12 (London (UK) ) -13 (Jakarta (Indonesia) ) -14 (Bandung (Indonesia) ) -15 (Melbourne, Aust (John) ) -16 (Phoenix, AZ (US) ) -17 (Twin Cities, MN ) -18 (Newcastle upon tyne(England) ) -19 (St. Paul, MN (USA) Carol ) -20 (Szentes (Hungary) ) -21 (Tuzla (BiH) ) -22 (St. Paul Kate ) -23 (Dubai (U.A.E.) ) -24 (Nelson (New Zealand) ) -25 (Sharon, CT USA ) -26 (Tenerife (Spain) ) -27 (Auckland (New Zealand) ) -28 (Budapest (Hungary) ) -29 (Sydney, Australia (Sally) ) -30 (Sequim, WA ) -31 (East Lansing, MI (USA) ) -32 (Vantaa; Finland ) -33 (Singapore (Zannnie) ) -34 (Paris (France) ) -35 (Kuala Lumpur ) -36 (Shanghai, China ) -37 (Sydney Aust (Nathalie) ) -38 (Hyde (UK) ) -39 (Akita City, Japan ) -40 (Tokyo (Japan) ) -41 (Rotterdam ) -42 (Manila (Philippines) ) -43 (Not Strictly Seattle ) -44 (Stavanger (Norway) ) -45 (Hong Kong ) -46 (Chattanooga, Tennessee ) -47 (Barcelona (Spain) ) -48 (Trujillo (Peru) ) -49 (Naples Florida ) -50 (Delta Colorado ) -51 (Buenos Aires, Argentina) -52 (Cheltenham, England) -