Roll Up, Roll Up!

Anything from the top shelf! The ride yesterday is part of a very self conscious effort to turn the corner of green by the London Eye into a mini Colney Island. The cost of the rides is a little off putting (a couple of minutes on the high roundabout costs £7) and your chance of winning anything at this stall is as likely as at any fair, but I have to confess the cooking at the food stalls really smelled good.

Round and About

This vertiginous ride can be found up near the London Eye at the moment, I'm told the views from the top are fantastic.

Smarten Up Your Act

The problem for Leyton was that they expected the world to show up on their doorstep, (at Leyton Station) from where the route to the stadium took you through a shopping centre where all the smaller shops had shut up. So, what to do? The answer was to brick them up and paint cheerful shop frontages over them. Crafty, eh?

Wheelchair Tennis

Bringing the shots from the Paraalympics to an end is this from wheelchair tennis. Again, it shouldn't be possible. The rules are as normal tennis, except that the ball is allowed to bounce twice. It doesn't take long before you almost forget about their disability and concentrate instead on the entertaining sport. Anyone that feels at all sniffy about the quality of the sport at the Paralympics, that only means you haven't seen it.

The Shape of Dreams

I was most taken with the visual impact of the Basketball Arena, all the more so since it is a temporary structure. They're not quite sure what they are going to do with it next, though. You can see a time lapse video of its construction here and a less mucked around with image here.

Slam Dunk!

Still rolling with the Paralympic photos, the wheelchair basketball was a thing to behold. The team players are graded according to mobility and given a handicap value, there is a maximum value any team can field at one time. These guys roll and shoot, mostly with stunning accuracy, and play the game with 100% commitment. If you thought disabled sports would not be as engaging and thrilling, think again.

Keep it Quiet!

Several of the parlympic games and events had to be played in silence, where the players are blind and rely on their hearing to locate the ball. The organisers achieved this very effectively by these video hushes - where the severe instruction was made acceptable by a smile at the end. It worked.

New World Records

The world records in the Paralympics were tumbling like ninepins, 251 in all. Everybody has a theory as to why this was, I think it has more to do with the relatively recent understanding by disabled people that they can compete, and the way many more people are now participating. Add to that the power of the crowds and wonderful things happen to human performance; mostly these athletes get to perform in front of a handful of people - here there were thousands. And that's another record for which London can be proud - 2,700,000 people visited the Paralympics.

Murderball Action

This image is from the Wheelchair Rugby, one of the most full-on contact sports you will ever see. The player's chairs have different designs, too. Attackers have round bases, like most, defenders have very square shopping-trolley style (like the right hand player) used for blocking in attackers.

The Flame Burns Bright

The Olympics, Paralympics are over; probably the most exciting event London will stage in my lifetime. Inspirational is the single word I'd choose to describe it, and I feel a little sad now it's over.

So, for today, as we hand over the torch to Rio in 2016 my image is of the Olympic cauldron burning bright.

(and no, I'm not finished with the images from the games by a long way....)

He shoots... he scores!!!!

Blind five-a-side footbal is different from teh normal game. This game is played with blind footballers and a ref that CAN see, as opposed to the normal game.

Actually the difference is that in the blind version, the goalie is sighted, there is no offside and there are unlimited substitutions. In addition, a player coming in to tackle must shout "Voy!" (spanish, I'm coming). That's it. This game should be impossible, with only the gaolie, a guide down the far end and the coach to shout instructions and a ball with a bell, you should not be able to run, tackle and shoot.

If you ever get a chance, go to watch a game, it is an education.

This is TEam GB playing off against Turkey for 7th place, GB won.

Paralympic Cycling

The Velodrome has probably the best reputation of all the venues for the atmosphere. Only 6,000 in there, but all sat close to the track and able to raise the roof. The atmosphere in there was fantastic, really very special. And the athletes? Guys like this, riding with one leg only, complete the 500m time trial at a speed averaging over 50 kph. To read more about the venue experience, I'd direct you again to Diamond Geezer

Goalball

One of the different games for the Paralympics is Goalball. Played by by the blind or those losing their sight, there are three on each team. The object is for one team to roll the ball with a bell inside into the other goal. This is Team GB defending against Brasil, a hard fought match won by GB. And if you think this is incredible, you should see a penalty being taken. And saved.

Diamond Geezer covered Goalball yesterday if you want to read more, a few more photos showing a play are here.

The Bladeruner

I was at the Olympic Stadium again on Wednesday evening and I saw Oscar Pistorius and the South African team win gold and set a new World Record in the 4 x 100 relay. It was a thrilling action packed race (several teams ended up disqualified), a monument to his addage: "You're not disabled by the disabilities you have, you are able by the abilities you have." I think I will forgive his South African turn of phrase.

Two more shots (actually, off the big screen at the Stadium) are here.

The Golden Girl

This image of is of Jessica Long, just after she had won Gold in her 100m Butterfly race and just before she pulled on those prostheses and walked away. Want to know what she looks like out of the pool? This is she.

For the record, her time was 1'10". Which, for those interested, was the time for the able bodied women's world record back around 1960. Isn't that simply fantastic?

This is NOT a Freak Show

The unique aspect of the swimming is that, whereas with all other Olympic sports, the athletes appear to compete together with their mechanical and cosmetic aids such as those running blades, wheelchairs, you name it; in swimming they appear, then divest themselves of all those things that help them cope on land.

So they line up, the shriveled, the lame, the amputees - not that long ago that would only have happened in a freak show. Disability was something to hide away, something families were ashamed about. But here they are, Olympic athletes whose dedication is second to none ready to compete in front of us. This takes the phrase "differently able", wrenches it from the hands of the politically correct and shows us all what it truly means.

Spasticus Autisticus, the shout from thirty years back, echoes down the years; sung in the opening ceremony (on C4 here, starts at 8 mins in, an excellent piece on the song here and a warning here)

Tomorrow I will share my favourite image from the games on the same theme.

Me and the Olympic Torch

We interrupt this Olympic coverage to bring you a picture of me and the (an?) Olympic torch. This was the free kicker at the BP exhibition a few weeks back (I've just managed to collect it), please try to ignore the VERY strange background that has been photoshopped in, but me and the torch are real.

Olympic Park at Night

I've got more to say about he swimming, but I was back at the games today, and going to be tomorrow again (I said I had loads of tickets, didn't I?) so in the interest of speed I'll leave you with a picture of the park at night, which is quite jolly.

A Golden Moment

This is the very moment when Jonathan Fox won his gold medal for the 100m backstroke (you can see the light indicating his win). And, I have to tell you, that the noise, atmosphere and sheer exhilaration of being in that Aquatic Centre was a once in a lifetime experience. Nothing you see on the TV can match being there. If any of you have ever been to rugby at Twickenham or Arms Park (as was) you have some idea.

The Welcome is the Same

The Paralympics are here and, unlike the main games, I've got lots of tickets. Tonight was my first visit and I am pleased to report that the atmosphere and welcome was the equal of the main games, despite the lowering, threatening sky. More to come over the next days.

The Angel of Peace Descending

This is the Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner, and depicts the Angel of Peace descending on the chariot of war. I know this from the Wikipedia Entry which includes the fascinating snippet: One half of the arch functions as a ventilation shaft for the London Underground network. This causes on average three emergency calls each year to the London Fire Brigade from people believing there to be smoke coming from the arch when in fact it is warm air and dust from the underground network. So now you know.

Holiday Snapshot - Slovenia

Hi all, I'm back, and this is where I was - Slovenia. One of the very most beautiful places, I had a fantastic time. Here's my picture postcard to you all. If you are unlucky I might show you another ;-)

Olympic Hydra

This fiery sculpture in the middle of Hyde Park reminds me of nothing more than a Medusa head, I'm afraid, but it is quite jolly.

I'm off on hols again, in between these games and the Paralympics, see you all soon. Posts should continue daily.

Traffic Jam and Braid

The Olympics brought some very different traffic onto London's roads....

I'm off on hols again, in between these games and the Paralympics, see you all soon. Posts should continue daily.

Yuri Gagarin

Somewhat strangely, outside the British Council is a statue of Yuri Gagarin. I rather like it though.

I'm off on hols again, in between these games and the Paralympics, see you all soon. Posts should continue daily.

The Royal Opera House Joins In

The Royal Opera House decided to put on an idiosyncratic exhibition of the Olympic Games history which was quite fun, contained some amazing relics (Greek urns 3,000 years old) and provided a free opportunity for a photo with the torch. If all goes well, I will post that when I get back.

I'm off on hols again, in between these games and the Paralympics, see you all soon. Posts should continue daily.

Paris comes to London

A little cheeky this, but fun all the same, can be found behind the Royal Festival Hall.

I'm off on hols again, in between these games and the Paralympics, see you all soon. Posts should continue daily.

Baobab Tree

This Baobab tree in the Southbank is made of fabric from around the world. I can never look at one of these trees (in any guise) without thinking of the genius that was the bool The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince)

I'm off on hols again, in between these games and the Paralympics, see you all soon. Posts should continue daily.

Climbing on the Southbank

We're at the Southbank for the next few days, having a bit of fun.

I'm off on hols again, in between these games and the Paralympics, see you all soon. Posts should continue daily.

Squeezing out Religion

There's probably something significant about the way the old churches that have been standing for hundreds of years are being squeezed for space. This is St Michael's Church in Cornhill.

I'm off on hols again, in between these games and the Paralympics, see you all soon. Posts should continue daily.

Mighty Oaks Grow

If you needed reminding how old London is, this young cypress oak in Gresham Street was planted to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the mayoralty of London. I sat here a while, and couldn't help thinking about what this tree might see over its life.

I'm off on hols again, in between these games and the Paralympics, see you all soon. Posts should continue daily.

Southbank Festival

The Southbank Centre is running a festival that has as its theme the "Festival of the World", bringing thoughts and ideas from around the world to London. These simple wooden shapes serve as a canvas for the wide range of words, pictures and sounds they have assembled. Make your way down if you can, it's free.

I'm off on hols again, in between these games and the Paralympics, see you all soon. Posts should continue daily.

I was there when the balloon went up...

Going through the city last Saturday, I was surprised to see this hot air balloon straining at the leash. It was clearly to promote the National Lottery funding for sport, without wish we would not have achieved anything like the amazing results we did at the Olympics.

I'm off on hols again, in between these games and the Paralympics, see you all soon. Posts should continue daily.

The Old Gate

The Olympic effect can be seen all about London, as here in Aldgate. This piece of art called the Palace of Pillars was inspired by the old Aldgate, where Chaucer lived in a house above the gate in the 14th Century.

I'm off on hols again, in between these games and the Paralympics, see you all soon. Posts should continue daily.

Olympic Planting

Bringing my coverage of my Olympic visit to an end, a picture of the fantastic planting that is all around the park. Chosen to be at its finest during the games, the rain and sun we've had lately have brought out the best. Gold medal for the planting.

I'm off on hols again, in between these games and the Paralympics, see you all soon. Posts should continue daily.

Mittal Orbit

Of course, the one piece of art that stands out is the Mittal Orbit by Anish Kapoor, here it is up close and personal. Read Diamond Geezer's account if you want to learn more about what it is like inside.

I'm off on hols again, in between these games and the Paralympics, see you all soon. Posts should continue daily.

Park Art

Inside the part there is some monumental art, like this piece extolling people to RUN. I wonder if it does embed itself into the subconscious?

I'm off on hols again, in between these games and the Paralympics, see you all soon. Posts should continue daily.

Enthusiasts

A lot of people went to a lot of trouble for the Olympics, like these Swiss supporters. The Swiss athlete (from synchronised swimming) is the one NOT in the cow suit.

I'm off on hols again, in between these games and the Paralympics, see you all soon. Posts should continue daily.

The Aquatic Centre

All the buildings in the Olympic Park are distinctive, none more so than the Aquatic Centre. The bold design added on those high wings to the pringle adding extra seating (with accompanying oxygen ;-) will be removed after the games, leaving a venue much easier to fill.

I'm off on hols again, in between theses games and the Paralympics, see you all soon. Posts should continue daily.

I'd Like to Volunteer an Opinion

That the Volunteers at the games add more than you can imagine too the enjoyment of the day. These people gave their time and effort to make everyone's day better and their enthusiasm and pleasure was infectious. Entirely unexpected, I had been a bit of a grump and thought that the volunteers were just going to be taken advantage of, I couldn't have been more wrong. To quote one chap I spoke to: "This week has been the very best I can remember". Thanks to all. A full size of this collage is here and the album here, if by chance you know any of these (and they came from all over) please let them know.

Barging in on the Party

I was quite surprised to see the Royal Barge parked up, but then Harry and Wills seem to have got luckier than the rest of us in the ballot for tickets.

Alternative Entertainment

One of the surprising things about the Olympic Park is that they have laid on quite a quantity of alternative entertainment, like this singer or a troupe of performers. A nice touch but unsurprisingly due to the pull of the events, those I saw failed to attract a large crowd.

Flying the Flag

On the day Team GB exceeded their medal total four years ago and proved the value of investment in sport, I reflect on the way it feels good when your country wins. Whatever the payload of jingoism, let's just enjoy the moment while we can.

Olympic Crowds

"Build a better stadium and the world will beat a path to your door" - that certainly seems to be what has happened here. When Ken Livingstone put the funding into London to bid, many said it would never happen. When we won the bid, over 50% of people thought it would be a disaster. Eat your words now, and I hope it gives you stomach ache. You won't find many these days prepared to remember how negative they were. Head over to Diamond Geezer, another (very) long term Olympic supporter for some excellent coverage.

...and yes, I was right, it is awesome.

Making a Splash

I finally got to the Olympic games this Sunday, and pretty damn good it was too. A lot more over the next days, for the moment two competitors in the synchronised swimming.

Cone-tentment

The entrance to the V&A Museum has been taken over by white painted cones. If I used the power of the Internet I could probably find out why, but I think I would rather just speculate that they had got bored with their confinement to motorways, and were on their way to world domination.

Where do you put this?

A "Gift From the Olympic Gods" .. one of a series across London intended to look as if they had just landed. Nice idea, but then I found the same thing in other places, and discover there are five across London. This is the page that shows all the different types and their locations.

Feeling in the Pink?

Fancy a porschen of cake? Peggy Porschen is very, pink. What is more, you can have a glass of champagne with your cake. Pink, of course.

From Landscape to Portrait

The current art installation in the Royal Academy makes the point of how perspective changes, dependent on the frame. A series of massive frames remind me of a Spirograph drawing, but make a good point.

Going Postal

There was a time when being a High Street representative of Her Majesty's mail meant something special, which is probably why they built buildings like this. Unfortunately, now the prevailing mood is to close them. This one was in the Kings Road, Cjelsea.