Ive just checked out todays' BBC report on the Jean Charles Case which is going on at present.
Worryingly one of the features of the failings of the met which has come out is that Police Radios dont work on the tube, yet this was a known operational problem following the 1987 Kings Cross Blaze.
Two serious implications come out of this a) police on the tube in another situation, may have to make a decision in future which could have the same outcome as the de menezes case.
B) what about the British Transport Police? I am making an assumption they have radios- if not, how do they communicate and if they are in a problematic situation, what would they do without the support of colleagues on their way?
Perhaps masts for mobile equipment on the tube is not such a bad idea afterall.
Thursday, 8 November 2007
Monday, 5 November 2007
Radcliffe Smashes it
A short entry from me to say Radcliffe literally smashed it.
The woman beat her longstanding opponent in the New York Marathon by a credible 23 seconds - a race she had hoped to win for a long time, but what amazed me was that she went training intensively whilst pregnant.
Well done Radcliffe.
However it does seem to me to be unlikely that she will be able to compete in the 2012 olympics at 38 as looking at other athletes a lot of them retire by this point.
Maybe Im wrong, but I think that time will take its toll on the body by then and that her involvment will be more on the personality front than the track.
The woman beat her longstanding opponent in the New York Marathon by a credible 23 seconds - a race she had hoped to win for a long time, but what amazed me was that she went training intensively whilst pregnant.
Well done Radcliffe.
However it does seem to me to be unlikely that she will be able to compete in the 2012 olympics at 38 as looking at other athletes a lot of them retire by this point.
Maybe Im wrong, but I think that time will take its toll on the body by then and that her involvment will be more on the personality front than the track.
Sunday, 4 November 2007
I know where 'Britishness' lives
Has anyone ever been to Frinton On Sea?
Well if you want to know what England was like fifty years ago, get yourself an £18 return from London Liverpool street and jump onto a train to a place turned back in time.
To get there, you speed through all the essex wonders- romford, chelmsford and witham before the scenes outside change to rural, villagey type places next to the railway tracks until you reach marshey areas with run down mills and desolate single platform stations.
Once you get to Frinton you hit the main high street which leads down to the seafront and like lots of old seaside towns such as Bexhill on sea you feel like its the 1950's.
Why?
Because there are no ethnic faces, no immigrants, no chav boy racers, no chain massive superstores, unique one off shops, charity shops by the dozen and clothes shops especially for old people. It is a place untouched by time.
True to it's charm, one of the nice touches of the town is that a lot of the shops sell local fruits, veg, meats and are very traditional in their interior layout its almost like being in a museum of time, but for real.
On the downside Im told that a lot of the people are not comfortable with foreign faces moving in and foster attitudes the BNP would lap up.
However when there are discussions about what it means to look for Britishnees I'd say that Frinton On Sea is a good starting point, as Im sure there are a lot of places around the country like Frinton which hold onto the old way of living, the Queen's England even if some of the political opinions are a little pre-historic.
Well if you want to know what England was like fifty years ago, get yourself an £18 return from London Liverpool street and jump onto a train to a place turned back in time.
To get there, you speed through all the essex wonders- romford, chelmsford and witham before the scenes outside change to rural, villagey type places next to the railway tracks until you reach marshey areas with run down mills and desolate single platform stations.
Once you get to Frinton you hit the main high street which leads down to the seafront and like lots of old seaside towns such as Bexhill on sea you feel like its the 1950's.
Why?
Because there are no ethnic faces, no immigrants, no chav boy racers, no chain massive superstores, unique one off shops, charity shops by the dozen and clothes shops especially for old people. It is a place untouched by time.
True to it's charm, one of the nice touches of the town is that a lot of the shops sell local fruits, veg, meats and are very traditional in their interior layout its almost like being in a museum of time, but for real.
On the downside Im told that a lot of the people are not comfortable with foreign faces moving in and foster attitudes the BNP would lap up.
However when there are discussions about what it means to look for Britishnees I'd say that Frinton On Sea is a good starting point, as Im sure there are a lot of places around the country like Frinton which hold onto the old way of living, the Queen's England even if some of the political opinions are a little pre-historic.
Saturday, 3 November 2007
Birdseye view by a hostess
Thursday night turned out to be an unusual one for me, as I played a 'hostess' for the first time at a Charity get together in Victoria.
My role was essentially to be a 'paid presence'- Ie stand there for 5 hours not doing alot but looking alert- but not to be sniffed at.
The pay was good, but what was even better, was the insight into how Londons' wealthiest men and women spend their week nights out entrtaining themselves.
The affair was attended by mainly people of 35+, wearing not particularly nice clothes in the royal Horticultural Hall which had been stylishly set out with white drapes and neon lights. Most of the people looked like they were from another world in which overdrafts dont exist, they had perfect teeth in place by the age of ten and just spend money on any whim.
They were not the new, celebrity rich- these people represent the very upper escashalions of londons traditional class structure, with names like those who sailed first class on the Titanic- they had a wealth which I could not put my finger on- something like the people who appear in Harpers and Queen.
Once the guests had all daintily sipped their champagne and checked each other out, to find their closest rich mates- they were ushered into the banqueting area to enjoy the 'entertainments' of 2 acrobatic performers wearing lycra all in one body suits, writhing through hoops suspended in the ceiling.
Having spent a summer working in a Spanish nightclub with circus acts like this, it wasnt a surprise to me, however, the elite farts politely watched on - intrigued by the nubile spectacle before them before tucking into dinner.
The best bit of the entire night was the auction in which two tables of female egos competed for 'garden consultations'and celebrity chef cooking sessions. What I couldnt believe was that despite, the age of the women and the assumed education they have probably had they were all spending their old husbands money.
I was fascinated by the way they would ask if it was ok to go above 2 grand and the men would wave them on as though it was tuppence.
Call me cynical but it was like peering into another world- although generous in shelling out for a good cause I didnt like the ease at which they chucked money around to outdo each other.
Def a good night as the irony was that I got all the perks of being there, through the entertainment and food wihtout having to sit on a table of balding, colgate teethed plonkers.
My role was essentially to be a 'paid presence'- Ie stand there for 5 hours not doing alot but looking alert- but not to be sniffed at.
The pay was good, but what was even better, was the insight into how Londons' wealthiest men and women spend their week nights out entrtaining themselves.
The affair was attended by mainly people of 35+, wearing not particularly nice clothes in the royal Horticultural Hall which had been stylishly set out with white drapes and neon lights. Most of the people looked like they were from another world in which overdrafts dont exist, they had perfect teeth in place by the age of ten and just spend money on any whim.
They were not the new, celebrity rich- these people represent the very upper escashalions of londons traditional class structure, with names like those who sailed first class on the Titanic- they had a wealth which I could not put my finger on- something like the people who appear in Harpers and Queen.
Once the guests had all daintily sipped their champagne and checked each other out, to find their closest rich mates- they were ushered into the banqueting area to enjoy the 'entertainments' of 2 acrobatic performers wearing lycra all in one body suits, writhing through hoops suspended in the ceiling.
Having spent a summer working in a Spanish nightclub with circus acts like this, it wasnt a surprise to me, however, the elite farts politely watched on - intrigued by the nubile spectacle before them before tucking into dinner.
The best bit of the entire night was the auction in which two tables of female egos competed for 'garden consultations'and celebrity chef cooking sessions. What I couldnt believe was that despite, the age of the women and the assumed education they have probably had they were all spending their old husbands money.
I was fascinated by the way they would ask if it was ok to go above 2 grand and the men would wave them on as though it was tuppence.
Call me cynical but it was like peering into another world- although generous in shelling out for a good cause I didnt like the ease at which they chucked money around to outdo each other.
Def a good night as the irony was that I got all the perks of being there, through the entertainment and food wihtout having to sit on a table of balding, colgate teethed plonkers.
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Halloween and Fire work dread.
With the grey sky out there and night time chill, its that time of year once again that Halloween is upon us.
The streets where I live on the Isle of Dogs in London are already decorated ahead of tonight, but I'm dreading the walk home as the street is one which I could imagine the BBC picked up upon this morning in the news,for being a hotspot of hallolween and bonfire night- anti social behaviour.
Maybe I'm just getting old, but I don't understand why kids think its funny to let off fireworks around this time of year, making trick or treating callers for adults more scary than the eerie night it'self.
The Isle of Dogs is very much a family area, particularly my street, yet the parents responsible for these night time devils dont seem atall bothered by their children letting off bangers, because if they did, then they wouldnt be out doing it- simple.
Call me an old fart, but Im too scared to even attempt to head out trick or treating around London for fear of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and being accosted by a gang of teenagers.
The streets where I live on the Isle of Dogs in London are already decorated ahead of tonight, but I'm dreading the walk home as the street is one which I could imagine the BBC picked up upon this morning in the news,for being a hotspot of hallolween and bonfire night- anti social behaviour.
Maybe I'm just getting old, but I don't understand why kids think its funny to let off fireworks around this time of year, making trick or treating callers for adults more scary than the eerie night it'self.
The Isle of Dogs is very much a family area, particularly my street, yet the parents responsible for these night time devils dont seem atall bothered by their children letting off bangers, because if they did, then they wouldnt be out doing it- simple.
Call me an old fart, but Im too scared to even attempt to head out trick or treating around London for fear of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and being accosted by a gang of teenagers.
Tuesday, 30 October 2007
Ministry of Sound
Hello
I have been away from my blog and now I am back!
Just a short one from me today- I have started my work experience at Ministry of Sounds' office which is huuuge! There is about 100 people housed in the office there all working for the daddy of commercial club brands.
The best thing abotu Ministrys office is the musuem type area which has all the classic albums etc and current merchandise available in perspex boxes- which I thought was a nice touch.
The Iconic hed kandi girls are everywhere too- it has to be one of the best offices Ive been in.
More from me soon- but I cant be arsed tonight.
I have been away from my blog and now I am back!
Just a short one from me today- I have started my work experience at Ministry of Sounds' office which is huuuge! There is about 100 people housed in the office there all working for the daddy of commercial club brands.
The best thing abotu Ministrys office is the musuem type area which has all the classic albums etc and current merchandise available in perspex boxes- which I thought was a nice touch.
The Iconic hed kandi girls are everywhere too- it has to be one of the best offices Ive been in.
More from me soon- but I cant be arsed tonight.
Friday, 19 October 2007
Stoning of Mr Norton
I've just read the BBC's online report of the sentencing of the youths responsible for the manslaughter of Mr Norton, stoned to death whilst playing cricket with his son.
Reading about the incident I was saddened and moved by the comments of his family about the unprovoked attack and it struck a real chord with me as I also an close to my dad and can not imagine how terrible this must of been.
It leaves me wondering exactly how those teenagers made the mental decision to behave the way they did and how the son of Mr Norton would of felt witnessing such a horrific attack on his father.
Like many people out there I felt glad that for once justice had been served on the idiots who caused the 67 year old to have a heart attack. Today in many instances we see people getting away with crimes, yet here justice has been brought about quite rightly.
My heart felt sympathies to the Norton family.
Reading about the incident I was saddened and moved by the comments of his family about the unprovoked attack and it struck a real chord with me as I also an close to my dad and can not imagine how terrible this must of been.
It leaves me wondering exactly how those teenagers made the mental decision to behave the way they did and how the son of Mr Norton would of felt witnessing such a horrific attack on his father.
Like many people out there I felt glad that for once justice had been served on the idiots who caused the 67 year old to have a heart attack. Today in many instances we see people getting away with crimes, yet here justice has been brought about quite rightly.
My heart felt sympathies to the Norton family.
House Hunting
In the last two weeks I have been on a mission to find a new home to move to.
Thanks to the availability of hundreds of houses on gumtree I started my hunt quite relaxed, logging on each day, clicking on houses which took my fancy and then sending a few emails, only to very quickly find out the houses had already been filled.
The Panic set in.
Within 48 hours I'd suddenly learnt the London flat rental market is a competative sprint to see who can a) get to the house first b) make a decsision on the spot about taking it.
There is no time for 'sleeping on it'- if you see it, take it and dont hesitate.
I have lived in London for 7 years, but this is the first time I have come across such a heated pursuit for a roof and a bed.
So far I have seen 4 properties all of which promised views of canary wharf, ten minute bus journeys to the city or friendly housemates.
The reality was dank rooms, in houses with closed doors and fifteen minute walks to travel.
My advice to anyone room hunting is take a day off work and sit by the computer with your phone beside you ready to see call the landlord straight away, get in and get out of the houses- join the race kids to find a decent room.
Thanks to the availability of hundreds of houses on gumtree I started my hunt quite relaxed, logging on each day, clicking on houses which took my fancy and then sending a few emails, only to very quickly find out the houses had already been filled.
The Panic set in.
Within 48 hours I'd suddenly learnt the London flat rental market is a competative sprint to see who can a) get to the house first b) make a decsision on the spot about taking it.
There is no time for 'sleeping on it'- if you see it, take it and dont hesitate.
I have lived in London for 7 years, but this is the first time I have come across such a heated pursuit for a roof and a bed.
So far I have seen 4 properties all of which promised views of canary wharf, ten minute bus journeys to the city or friendly housemates.
The reality was dank rooms, in houses with closed doors and fifteen minute walks to travel.
My advice to anyone room hunting is take a day off work and sit by the computer with your phone beside you ready to see call the landlord straight away, get in and get out of the houses- join the race kids to find a decent room.
Monday, 15 October 2007
Friday, 5 October 2007
student travel discount fiasco
Has anyone else had major problems with logging onto TFL's site to register for the discount student travel? If so, you aren't alone.
Much to my annoyance I have tried three times at varying times of the day and night to sign up for my 30% discount and the site crashes, it seems as problematic as trying to buy tickets for the Spice Girls.
Earlier in the week I saw that the problem had made the news on BBC London, which provided me with some consolation that it wasn't my inept IT skills letting me down.
However, it's not good enough, as fares are steep even If i buy them on a week's travel card I'm shelling out £33 a week- ouch.
Transport for London sort it out.
See www.tfl.com
Much to my annoyance I have tried three times at varying times of the day and night to sign up for my 30% discount and the site crashes, it seems as problematic as trying to buy tickets for the Spice Girls.
Earlier in the week I saw that the problem had made the news on BBC London, which provided me with some consolation that it wasn't my inept IT skills letting me down.
However, it's not good enough, as fares are steep even If i buy them on a week's travel card I'm shelling out £33 a week- ouch.
Transport for London sort it out.
See www.tfl.com
Sunday, 30 September 2007
Today I met my friends for the first time in 4 years
Today I went to meet two of my former University friends for the first time in four years.
Walking to meet them at Canary Wharf was more nerve racking than I had expected it to be, maybe because there was two of them and one of me and I wasn't sure what I'd say to all their questions.
We had spent 3 years living together, studying, cooking, getting ready to go out, bitched and argued whilst studying at Goldsmiths, which abruptly ended over a row to do with housing. So would I be met with frosty stares or controlled conservatism?
On arrival...
When I got there, we headed to Paul's patisserie and began the formulaic - so how have you been then? After a while, thanks to a few jokes about uni and the ice was broken.
In two hours we tried to recount our lives spent in the absence of each others company.
As people I felt we had all changed a great deal, they were focused, placing their career central to their lives, whereas I live my life around my careerand am still developing my career.
It was great to see them and left on a good parting with cigarettes in the sun in Canada square, watch out for part two...
Walking to meet them at Canary Wharf was more nerve racking than I had expected it to be, maybe because there was two of them and one of me and I wasn't sure what I'd say to all their questions.
We had spent 3 years living together, studying, cooking, getting ready to go out, bitched and argued whilst studying at Goldsmiths, which abruptly ended over a row to do with housing. So would I be met with frosty stares or controlled conservatism?
On arrival...
When I got there, we headed to Paul's patisserie and began the formulaic - so how have you been then? After a while, thanks to a few jokes about uni and the ice was broken.
In two hours we tried to recount our lives spent in the absence of each others company.
As people I felt we had all changed a great deal, they were focused, placing their career central to their lives, whereas I live my life around my careerand am still developing my career.
It was great to see them and left on a good parting with cigarettes in the sun in Canada square, watch out for part two...
Thursday, 27 September 2007
Boris Johnson on LBC
I just heard a cracking interview on LBC with presenter James interviewing Boris Johnson, jubilant that he is now in the running for London Mayor.
James certainly has a direct way of interviewing and wasnt afraid to question the possible issue of the publics trust in the floppy haired, freckled one based on his private life and lack of policies set out for how he will better London.
In fairness to Boris he gave good reasons for not broadcasting his policies, but it makes you wonder what you are voting for fi someone won't say.
It's definately a great show (on around mid morning) and worth listening to, to hear someone who isnt afraid to ask the questions many of us want to know the answers to.
Check out this site to hear the show on www.lbc.co.uk
James certainly has a direct way of interviewing and wasnt afraid to question the possible issue of the publics trust in the floppy haired, freckled one based on his private life and lack of policies set out for how he will better London.
In fairness to Boris he gave good reasons for not broadcasting his policies, but it makes you wonder what you are voting for fi someone won't say.
It's definately a great show (on around mid morning) and worth listening to, to hear someone who isnt afraid to ask the questions many of us want to know the answers to.
Check out this site to hear the show on www.lbc.co.uk
Wednesday, 26 September 2007
Trains in the morning
This morning there was a definate feel of autumn with forecasters promising a chilly spell.
I have to get this off my chest- people that are space precious and selfish on the underground- why do the people who are stood in the middle of the seats not move down, leaving everyone else stood jammed in near the doors like cattle in a truck?
This morning there was a playright stood engrossed in her battered play completely oblivious to the sardines rammed in by the doors- one man even called her a dozy cow, but she didnt seem to notice thanks to Romeo and Juliet.
yesterday I couldnt work out if a woman was pregnant or not and she gave me a filthy look when I stood up for her.
I have to get this off my chest- people that are space precious and selfish on the underground- why do the people who are stood in the middle of the seats not move down, leaving everyone else stood jammed in near the doors like cattle in a truck?
This morning there was a playright stood engrossed in her battered play completely oblivious to the sardines rammed in by the doors- one man even called her a dozy cow, but she didnt seem to notice thanks to Romeo and Juliet.
yesterday I couldnt work out if a woman was pregnant or not and she gave me a filthy look when I stood up for her.
Tuesday, 25 September 2007
My first lecture with David - No Blog No Job
As a new student, I Anna Baker studying at Westminster I was introduced to david- a respected blogger.
So far Ive entered my first realm of nerdiness unbeknown to me before- dreamweaver, photoshop etc are about to become my new friends - apparently.
Everyone is looking quite intrigued by this prospect of blog = job- Ill let you know in 12 months if this has worked out.
So far Ive entered my first realm of nerdiness unbeknown to me before- dreamweaver, photoshop etc are about to become my new friends - apparently.
Everyone is looking quite intrigued by this prospect of blog = job- Ill let you know in 12 months if this has worked out.
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