in a new york minute...

have just survived first day back at work upon return from the land of shark, where she and her TH looked after me most splendidly - she beat me to blogging about it, tho I think she had a distinct unfair advantage given I was on a different contintent from my laptop at the time...

Anyway, suffice to say, I had an absolutely amazing time; all contraband was successfully delivered (with not a bag search in sight and only a 1.5 hour queue at immigration to impede arrival) the empire state building was successfully scaled in express time, sights were seen, bridges crossed, stores shopped in, suitcases filled, and much fine food and music were enjoyed, not to mention the new Harry Potter movie - not bad going for a short (almost) 5 day trip!

Couple of pics below:



others at usual spot, here

and so its now back to dreary sharkless London (the
model version looked far more welcoming!) and I know its a cliche, but where has the year gone?! I renewed my monthly oyster doodah today and realised it lasts until after Christmas - most scary! They just don't make time like they used to...

cos we like the moon....

the moon song

A big thank you...

...to codenamelizzy for inspiring me into an early morning saunter into Brockwell Park, as I've had the loveliest start to my day for a long time - her blog is in no way lying in description...and Lizzy - you should feel very honoured cos I wouldn't leave the warmth of my bed at that time of the morning for just anyone!

I tried, as requested, to capture the scene, and failed somewhat, but here's probably my favourite of the attempts...
- the others can be seen here...sadly I had to go back and shower before the blue sky appeared...

What did also strike me about the park this morning was the lack of jogging types - not one did I see in the 20mins or so I was out there...clearly fairweather joggers populate our fair neighbourhood!

...and all that jazz

Have just returned home from the second of two very fine nights of music.

Tuesday night's offering was courtesy of a shark reccommendation, being personified in the form of the very lovely jeff taylor, who's over on a short visit from New York. Superb singer/songwriter, great lyrics and very fine guitar playing at the 12 Bar Club- turned into one of those lovely nights where you meet lots of random new people and your faith in the friendliness of London is restored....

and now, I've just had the pleasure of being at steve's latest venture at darbucka. First on was the superb Trip Wamsley - although I've heard many great things about him, this was my first experience of seeing/hearing him at work - I was not disappointed... Jeff then appeared to do a couple of songs, and then Steve and Theo took up their headlining spots on stage. Jeff also rejoined to do some very fine vocal improv Bobby McFerrin stylee with them...all in all a very fine night, complete with shisha pipe...

All this of course has meant I haven't seen much of the jazz festival thus far, but I intend to rectify this on Friday!

Eh-oh....?

So I was sent this press release today about the upcoming development of the Jubilee Gardens on South Bank...now this can only be a good thing, as for a few years now, this has been a rather boring patch of grass, dissolving to mud in times of raininess...

West 8's concept is an organic, lush and green park with soft undulating hills as well as beautiful trees and flowers. They have now refined their initial concept and the organisers would like your feedback on their revised design.

Reading this however, it became immediately clear to me from where the designers had drawn their inspiration - click and drag around the picture and you'll see what I mean!

the new jubilee gardens?

hurrah!

Finally, after over a month, the flat is now fully wi-fi'd up, broadband is fully functional, and there is much rejoicing!
Less importantly all server problems at work are now fixed too...

Friday night was very splendid - fire works aplenty in Brockwell Park...:









This was followed by chilli (made by my own fair hand!) and wine for all back at the flat...there ended up being triple the number of poeple we were expecting, but hey, that's all part of the fun!

Live music supplied last night by the fabulous white stripes who were on top form in their eccentric way- tempted to go again tonight but sensibly should have a night in methinks...

Anyway, off shopping in Brixton with Bec now....ensuring I'm back in time for Lost ofcourse!

technological breakdown

have finally managed to hack on to the internet following complete server meltdown at work...this is bad enough in itself, but as I am the company IT department it does not bode well...am awaiting help from a flotilla of engineers allegedly winging their way to us as I type...meanwhile I am surrounded by hordes of frustrated co-workers (who would be somewhat more irate if they discover I've managed to secretly hack online...heh heh heh!).

On the upside, broadband has now been installed at home, tho wireless is not yet working...hopefully this will be fixed by the weekend and I can resume my full virtual life as I knew it (or something...)

Meanwhile, back in real life, my live music fix yesterday was supplied courtesy of the stunningly beautiful mariza, who performed to a sold out Barbican...was superb gig, even if fado isn't your thing (I wasn't convinced it was mine) you couldn't fail to be won over by her charm, quirkiness and amazing vocal talent...the set also included a stunning cover of Billie Holliday's 'Summertime'...

Was also rather nice to go to a civilised sit down concert, after all the drunken rock n' roll of recent weeks....a good prelude to the forthcoming jazz festival...

Rockiness will however be revisited on Saturday, as I have the joy of seeing the
white stripes at Hammersmith...yay!

Anyway, back to the joy of computer engineers now...