A View from England

Blog Action Day 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:07:00 +0000

Today is Blog Action Day that unites the world’s bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day with the aim of sparking discussion around an issue of global importance.

This year's theme is Climate Change.

Recycling more has been one way I'm trying to make a difference. And just in time for this year's theme, our local council has started to encourage better recycling by providing more collection services for various items to be recycled. We already had two wheelie bins, one for garden waste (which we hardly used since we have a compost pile for grass clippings, etc.) and one for items such as plastic and cans - items that didn't get recycled. We also had a green box for newspapers and glass. Now the council has provided an additional box for items made of plastic and also cans/tins - that the council will recyle. We were also given a "slop bucket" for kitchen waste that can now be emptied into the brown wheelie bin. However, I've got a compost pile in our garden and I will continue to add my kitchen waste to that rather than give it to the council.

What is recycling like in your area? Do you find it easy or difficult to recycle?

The National Trust: You Tube Channel

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:37:00 +0000

This is cool. Thanks to twitter, I found out that The National Trust has a You Tube channel:

The National Trust charity's Channel

The latest video:
Learn how to make a seasonal fruit crumble with the National Trust's chef Richard.

You can follow The National Trust on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nationaltrust

And here's another interesting tidbit of news about The National Trust:
New Monopoly set gives everyone the chance to own a stately pile
The National Trust has launched its very own Monopoly set – becoming the first ever charity version of the game to be created - on sale from Thursday 1 October.

The Hoxton Hotel: October £1 Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:59:00 +0000

It's time again for the famous £1 sale at The Hoxton Hotel:

Thursday 1st October at 12.00pm (midday)

500 rooms at £1 & 500 rooms at £29 Available 1st Nov 09 - 31st Jan 10

Hoxton Hotel
81 Great Eastern Street
London
EC2A 3HU

Good Luck - this sale is very popular!

Please note: I have no connection with The Hoxton Hotel - I just like to pass along information about a great deal when I can!

Julie and Julia: movie review

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:59:00 +0000

My husband and I saw Julie and Julia over the weekend. I knew my husband wasn't looking forward to the movie at all - and it didn't help when the young man who we bought our popcorn and drinks from asked us what movie we were going to see and grimaced when I told him, and he said, "It's a cooking movie" as he rolled his eyes.

Fortunately, it is more than just a "cooking movie" and it's not just a silly "chick flick" either - in fact, it's a wonderful feel-good movie based on two different true stories but woven seamlessly together.

One story is about how Julia Child, a famous (in the USA) American TV chef, began her path to her new career in the cooking profession by studying at the Cordon Bleu academy in post Second World War France. Julia Child was famous for her height (6ft 2in) and her distinctive voice which Meryl Streep manages to re-create so perfectly. The actess even manages to look much taller and ungainly, so she resembles the famous Julia Child in appearance too.

The other story is about Julie Powell (Amy Adams), a young woman living in New York who decides to cook all 524 recipes from Julia Child's cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, during a single year, and to blog about it. Her blog was turned into a book - and then into this movie. It was interesting to see how she faced the challenge and I can see why her blog became so popular.

The best bits of the movie were the scenes with Julia Child (Meryl Streep) and her husband, Paul Child (Stanley Tucci). They were utterly devoted to one another and the way their loving relationship is portrayed is absolutely delightful to watch.

My husband and I both really enjoyed the movie. And even though my husband had no idea who Julia Child was (as indeed most British people wouldn't know), he said it was better than he expected. It was a lot funnier than I expected. Meryl Streep was brilliant. I highly recommend it.

The latest internet craze: the Lying Down Game

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:10:00 +0000

Have you heard about the latest internet craze? Photos of people lying down in random places are posted on the social networking site Facebook. In my opinion, it's silly and ridiculous and a total waste of time. I can't imagine taking part myself but can see where the trend might appeal to bored teenagers or university students. I certainly would never expect this behavior from people while they are at work and especially not from health-care workers but unbelievably, it has occurred within the NHS:

Seven NHS staff suspended over Facebook 'Lying Down Game' picturesSeven doctors and nurses have been suspended from duty at a hospital accident and emergency department after taking part in the latest internet craze: the Lying Down Game.
(link via timesonline)

What on earth were they thinking? They are supposed to be professionals. I am appalled. There is no excuse for their outrageous behavior while at work in a hospital.

It makes me wonder about the future of society when doctors and nurses think it's okay to take part in a silly game like the Lying Down Game while they are at work.

What do you think about the Lying Down Game? What do you think about this incident?

Specsavers Postman Pat Advertisement

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:38:00 +0000

Have you seen the new advert for Specsavers using the cartoon characters from Postman Pat, the British animated children's television series? When my sons were little, they loved the programme and the books, and I enjoyed them too so I adore the advert:

Obama school speech

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 22:38:00 +0000

Barack Obama has been accused of attempting to indoctrinate America's children with "socialist ideology".

His plan for a televised address to be shown in classrooms when children return to school next week provoked sparked complaints from parents and fuelled the growing conservative backlash against his leadership.

Critics alleged that the address planned for Tuesday was another example of state interference and so-called "big government" by the Democrat president following his record financial stimulus spending and plans for health care reforms.

Officials across the country fielded irate calls from parents after it was revealed that the federal education department had encouraged schools to make children watch the 15-minute address.

Districts in states including Texas, Minnesota, Missouri, Virginia and Illinois have declined to show the speech, which the White House said would be about no more than the need to work hard and finish education.

(link via telegraph.co.uk)

It sounds like parents are afraid to let their children listen to a speech by the president. Why?? Am I missing something? What is wrong with listening to President Obama extoll the virtues of education? Why is this controversial?

The graphic road safety film that has spread virally on the Internet.

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:46:00 +0000

Made in Britain for just a few thousand pounds: The graphic road safety film that's taken the world by storm

A low-budget Welsh road safety film about the dangers of sending text messages when driving has become an international sensation.The hard-hitting four-minute short - created by Gwent Police in South Wales for 'just a few thousand pounds' using amateur actors - has been viewed by more than six million people in the last month alone.

(link via dailymail.co.uk)

"Texting While Driving PSA” (Warning - contains graphic content):

Outbreak: 70 years ago today, the start of WW2

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:01:00 +0000

I just watched an excellent documentary on ITV called "Outbreak" to mark the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the Second World War. It's a fascinating, hour-by-hour account of the day's events on 3rd September, 1939:

To mark the 70th anniversary of the start of the Second World War, this programme tells the story of that fateful Sunday 3 September 1939, hour by hour, chronicling the ultimatum, the declaration of war and the King's radio broadcast.
Witnesses to the event share their memories, including Richard Attenborough, George Cole, Tony Benn, Vera Lynn, Betty Driver, Nicholas Parsons, Peter Blake, Lady Soames, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, other relatives of the main players and members of the public across the world.
http://www.itv.com/TVGuide/?intcmp=NAV_TVGUIDE3

I find programmes like this particularly interesting because my mother is from England. She told me lots of stories about what day-to-day life was like during the war. And while watching this show, when I heard the sound of the air raid sirens, it reminded me of the sound of the sirens used for tornado warnings in Minnesota so I could certainly understand why my mother always says she is reminded of the war when tornado season starts and the sirens are sounded.

Excellent documentary! Did you watch it?

Top 10 RomComs (romantic comedies)

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:01:00 +0000

After reading this article titled Top 10 romcoms of all time (via The First Post), I just had to share my own list of top ten romcoms:

Bringing Up Baby (1938) - Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant
This old-fashioned screwball comedy is also on my list of top ten favourite movies. It's a very funny movie about an eccentric woman and her pet leopard called "Baby" and a harried paleontologist (Cary Grant). If you ever feel depressed, you should watch this movie. It is guaranteed to lift your mood and make you smile.

The Philadelphia Story (1940) - Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, James Stewart
This movie is another one that is also on my list of top ten favourite movies. The storyline is about a wealthy divorced woman about to get married again and how she ends up torn between her fiancé, her ex-husband, and a reporter. The sterling performances by the three lead actors make this delightful movie one of the best ever romantic comedies.

French Kiss (1995) - Meg Ryan, Kevin Kline
This movie is a perfect romantic comedy in my opinion. The movie has the perfect balance - it is very romantic but also very very funny. And it's another movie that is on my list of top ten favourite movies. The chemistry between Meg and Kevin in this movie is incredible. The biggest surprise is that Kevin Kline (an American actor) plays the part of a Frenchman and he is very, very convincing. Plus it's filmed in France - definitely a bonus for any romantic movie! And there is a lovely, evocative soundtrack with the best song saved for last as the credits roll - Charles Trenet's "La Mer", performed by Kevin Kline in French. The perfect finishing touch to a perfect movie!

Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) - Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell, Simon Callow, John Hannah
This British movie is popular with everyone and for good reason. It's romantic but also laugh-out-loud funny and also quite poignant. The famous scene where Gareth (Simon Callow) is having his heart attack and Charles (Hugh Grant) is desperately looking for Matthew (John Hannah) always gets to me. And then the funeral...when Matthew makes his speech and recites "Funeral Blues" by W.H. Auden.

Notting Hill (1999) - Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts
This British movie is a sweet and funny story about a very rich and very famous American movie star and a British bookshop owner who works and lives in Notting Hill and how they meet and fall in love despite their hugely different lifestyles. The characters are played to perfection against the backdrop of London.

Sleepless in Seattle (1993) - Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks
This charming movie has the perfect stars and a sweet and totally believable romance, which is engineered by the young son of a widower played by Tom Hanks. The movie has all the right ingredients for a genuine romantic comedy plus one of the best movie soundtracks with songs such as "As Time Goes By" and "Make Someone Happy" by Jimmy Durante and "Stand By Your Man" by Tammy Wynette.

While You Were Sleeping (1995) - Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman
I love this movie because all the characters are so darn loveable - not just the main characters. It's about a young woman who saves the life of a man and while she visits him in the hospital, his family mistakenly assume she is his fiancée. I adore the interaction between the characters of the man's family. It's very believable and also very funny.

Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) - Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth
This British movie is based on the novel of the same name written by Helen Fielding. The author admitted that her novel was based upon Jane Austen's book, Pride and Prejudice and also the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. So it's a nice little "joke" and a bonus that the actor, Colin Firth was cast as Mark Darcy since Colin Firth played Mr Darcy in the BBC production. Bridget Jones is a loveable character and her being romanced by two handsome men who are also very opposite characters makes for a very funny and very sweet romantic story. And the American actress, Renee Zellweger is impressive in her role as the very English Bridget Jones. Her accent is perfect.

Overboard (1987) - Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell
Goldie Hawn plays the part of a rich, spoiled woman who ends up developing amnesia after a fall (as you do in movies!) and being tricked into believing she is married to a widower (Kurt Russell) and mother to his four very badly behaved children. It's a predictable romantic comedy but it's still very funny and good family entertainment. And the chemistry between the lead actors is very real since Goldie and Kurt are a couple in real-life.

Something's Gotta Give (2003) - Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton, Keanu Reeves
Who would have thought that Jack Nicholson could play a romantic lead and be believable? Well he did and he is. I was also surprised by the chemistry between Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton. It really works. I love this movie because it shows an older couple in a romantic movie and it's not insulting or demeaning in any way. In fact, the characters are lovable and quite believable. I also love the way the movie portrays a younger man (Keanu Reeves) falling in love with an older woman. Again, it's quite believable. And why not? This is just a delightful romantic comedy.

What do you think of my list? Which romcoms would be on your top 10 list?

Strictly Come Dancing 2009 CELEBS REVEALED

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:43:00 +0000

Find out more about the show at www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing

Follow @bbcstrictly on Twitter

You have until 6th September to apply for Strictly Come Dancing audience tickets at http://shows.external.bbc.co.uk/help/shows/Strictlycomedancing

England: Prescription Promise Campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:30:00 +0000

The British Heart Foundation has a campaign to fight for free prescriptions in England:

Gordon Brown promised last year to make prescriptions free for all those with long term conditions in the coming years so we have joined forces with 18 other charities representing people with long term conditions as part of the Prescription Promise Campaign.

Prescriptions are free in Wales and will be in Scotland and Northern Ireland by 2011.

Metropolitan Police Service: YouTube channel

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:05:00 +0000

I just discovered the Metropolitan Police Service has a YouTube channel. The latest video is about Aviation Security - The Metropolitan Police SO18 Aviation Command polices both Heathrow and London City Airport.

The Met is one of the largest police services in the world:

We employ over 52,000 Police Officers, Police Staff, Traffic Wardens, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and volunteers, who together form a wider policing family that looks after more than 7 million Londoners, over an area of 620 square miles.

You Tube - Met Police Service's channel

Addicted to Twitter - and it's down!

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:09:00 +0000

For those of you wondering why I haven't blogged lately, there are two reasons. Firstly, I have been suffering from bloggers block so I decided to take a break and secondly, and even more importantly, I have become addicted to Twitter. It's very easy to post your "tweets" on Twitter especially since you are limited to just 140 characters per tweet but it's definitely addictive!

As I post this right now, Twitter is down* and I can only imagine how many others like myself are going through the torment of wondering when it will be back up again. I can't believe how much I rely on Twitter for gathering news and information as well as sharing my own news and information. Also, it's just a lot of fun to read what people are doing or reading or discussing. It's a bit like going to a party or a pub and eavesdropping on lots of different conversations but you get to join in with any that sound interesting to you and/or start your own "conversation" by tweeting. A "tweet" is a post. Twitter is known as a micro-blogging service and that's exactly what it is, blogging but in micro-sized posts. Since you are limited to 140 characters, you have to be short and sweet. It's a great way to encourage concise writing!

Twitter was actually featured on BBC Newsnight last night. In his first British television interview, Ev Williams, CEO and co-founder of Twitter, was interviewed by Kirsty Wark:

Speaking on Newsnight, Evan Williams says use of the social networking site has "exploded" in the UK with London being the top Twitter using city.

So if you haven't tried Twitter yet, I say go ahead and give it a try (it's free). However, be prepared to become another Twitter addict like the rest of us!

*Site is down We are determining the cause and will provide an update shortly. (via Twitter blog: http://status.twitter.com/ )

US TV newsreader Walter Cronkite dead at 92

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:56:00 +0000

The legendary US television anchorman Walter Cronkite has died today at the age of 92.

Walter Cronkite was very much an American icon. I remember commenting about him once (after watching a clip of Walter Cronkite reading the news in a movie we were watching) to my English husband and he looked blank. Of course, he had never heard of Walter Cronkite! I remember being shocked that he didn't know who Walter Cronkite was. And then I felt silly because of course he wouldn't know about an American newsreader just as Americans don't know about British newsreaders.

Walter Cronkite had a reputation as "the most trusted man in America", and I think in so many ways he was. His distinctive voice and his sense of authority always gave weight to his words and it was always comforting to hear him end his reports by saying, "and that's the way it is".

President Barack Obama called him the "voice of certainty in an uncertain world". That's exactly how I felt when I listened to him. He was one of a kind.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: movie review

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:30:00 +0000

I can't remember the last time I've been so excited about a movie - probably when the last Harry Potter movie was released. Honestly, I couldn't stop grinning in anticipation of going to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince today. And I wasn't disappointed.

I have two words to say about it: Bloody brilliant!

Daniel Radcliffe's acting improves with each movie and I think he is outstanding in this movie. And Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley is excellent as always (I love his facial expressions and his comedic timing). Emma Watson as Hermione Granger is quite good too although I thought she was better in the previous movies.

It's uncanny how some of the actors seem like they were born to play the characters such as Evanna Lynch portraying the eccentric and quite endearing Luna Lovegood. I can't imagine anyone else playing the part. The same is true of course for the part of Severus Snape played so perfectly by the brilliant actor, Alan Rickman. He is perfectly cast as the dark and menacing Hogwart's teacher who bullies his students in Potions and Defence Against the Dark Arts. Another dark character is Bellatrix Lestrange as played by Helena Bonham Carter who is exceptional as one of the evil Death Eaters. Another outstanding performance is by Tom Felton as the wicked Draco Malfoy.

The story involves more than the battle against dark forces. This movie is also about the trials and tribulations of young love. And there are some very funny moments mixed in with the very serious story. And even though I have read all the books, I still nearly jumped out of my seat at one particular scene and felt quite choked up over another.

Seriously, I think it's the best movie in the whole series so far.

A must see movie even if you've never read the books.

The Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:45:00 +0000

I've been glued to the TV this afternoon and evening watching the MPs as they are discussing amendments to the the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill. The Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill transfers 4,500 HM Revenue and Customs officers to the UK Borders Agency and introduces a requirement for immigrants to earn British citizenship. It's also making important changes in the law to give British nationality to people born before February 1961 whose mothers were born in the UK.

This is the part of the bill that will directly affect me since my mother is British and I was born in the USA before 1961:

Children of British mothers - proposed changes to law on citizenship
A person who has a British mother currently has a right to register as a British citizen under section 4C of the British Nationality Act 1981 if:

he or she was born between 7 February 1961 and 1 January 1983; and
he or she would have become a British citizen if women had been able to pass on citizenship in the same way as men at that time.

The Government has proposed changes to the law, to allow people born before the 1961 date to British mothers to be registered as British citizens. These proposals are set out in the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill which is currently being debated in Parliament. If successful, this Bill will extend the provisions of section 4C of the British Nationality Act 1981 to those born before 1961.

This amendment should correct this discriminatory law, however in reality, it doesn't since there is a registration fee of £540 to claim my British citizenship by descent. If my father had been British and/or I was younger, I would automatically have been granted my British citizenship (without paying a fee) so why should I have to now pay a fee to claim what should be my right?

The bill is very convoluted with a lot of different issues, not just the particular one that I'm concerned about. The bill is so huge that it should have been divided up into separate bills. And there should be much more time allowed to discuss each point properly, rather than trying to rush through the reading in one day.

Phil Woolas (Minister of State for borders and immigration) outlined his proposals for the "transitional arrangements" for those already with Indefinite Leave to Remain (or having applied for ILR). The commencement date for the changeover from the present system to the new "probationary citizenship" pathway is July 2011. He proposed that those on ILR (or having applied for it) at that time will be able to apply for citizenship under the old rules.

I noticed that Chris Huhne (Shadow Secretary of State for the Home Department) made some very scathing remarks about this bill: "This bill proves that quantity does not equal quality" "...inaccessible and ill thoughtout" "...a pudding without a theme" "...it's piecemeal legislation that results in many anomalies and inconsistencies" "...jigsaw puzzle legislation" "Another trust me, I'm a minister bill" "...a hotchpotch of provisions." And Damian Green (the shadow immigration minister) said there was "Severe disappointment" about this bill. Indeed, I agree with that view!
This is the third reading of this bill. I listened intently to the discussion and after all that time and effort, at 10pm the speaker announced that there isn't supposed to be debate after 10pm. So it looks like they will have to continue the debate another day. It was obvious that they were really trying to rush the bill through today. It sure doesn't seem like the right way to go about making changes to laws.

Related post from my blog:
Borders, Immigration and Citizenship Bill: Children of British mothers (lots of comments from people in the same situation)

ID Cards: the political spin about scrapping them

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:24:00 +0000

The recent announcement by Alan Johnson, the Home Secretary, that the Government would be scrapping plans for compulsory ID cards, was welcome news to just about everyone. And I think most people assumed the Government had seen sense at last and believed that it really was the end of the ID cards scheme.

However, people seemed to forget that their personal details would still be stored on the National Identity Register when they obtained or renewed a passport (and almost everyone in Britain has a passport). And today an article in The Guardian by Mr Johnson, reveals the real view of Government:

We need identity cards, and soon
Identity fraud costs the UK £1.2bn, and untold misery, each year. ID cards are a cheap and effective way of fighting back [Really? How does an ID card fight identity fraud? It's based on a central database and the Government doesn't exactly have a good record with keeping data safe!] and in the article, Mr Johnson declares that "...despite the headlines that would have readers think otherwise, I'm not scrapping identity cards...".

So there you have it. The real story is that nothing has changed - apart from saying the cards will be "voluntary" - and personal details will still be stored on a National Identity Register.

Edited to add this update:
This is an excerpt from PoliticsHome News today (Monday, 6 July, 2009)
The Home Secretary has insisted that rather than scrapping ID cards, the government is accelerating the introduction of the scheme, saying it would be "completely ludicrous" to abandon the plans.
"We haven't scrapped cards. What we're doing is acclerating their introduction," he said.

And please read the comments following the article. I agree with the comment that it is absolute madness for the Labour party to go ahead with this very expensive scheme in the midst of a recession. I also agree with the comment about how this is a spiteful policy by the Labour party to get the ID cards/database in place so that the Conservative Party who are against the scheme, will be forced to waste the money when they get into power and scrap it as they have promised they will do.

The £1 sale at The Hoxton Hotel: 2nd July, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:24:00 +0000

It's time again for the famous £1 sale at The Hoxton Hotel:

Thursday 2nd July
@ 12:00pm (midday)

500 rooms at £1 & 500 rooms at £29
Available 1st Aug - 31st Oct 2009

Hoxton Hotel
81 Great Eastern Street
London
EC2A 3HU

This sale is very popular! Good Luck!

Please note: I have no connection with The Hoxton Hotel - I just like to pass along information about a great deal when I can!

British Court Rules Against Blogger Anonymity

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:22:00 +0000

I twittered (posted on Twitter) the link to this story in the Guardian yesterday:

Publish and be named: Police blogger NightJack loses anonymity
High court says detective constable had 'no reasonable expectation of privacy' in landmark ruling for bloggers

I thought for sure there would be a debate on Twitter about the repercussions of this case but I was disappointed at the lack of response about it. Perhaps people don't realize the implications.

Personally, I prefer to blog anonymously just because I don't think it's necessary for everyone to know my full name but if I did have to reveal my identity it wouldn't be any big deal. However, there are many other bloggers who are posting about their professions and are servng as vital whistleblowers when they expose injustices and wrong-doings. If these bloggers no longer have a right to privacy and feel threatened, I would expect many such blogs will suddenly disappear. In fact it should come as no surprise to learn that the NightJack blog has now been deleted.

What are your thoughts about this case? Do you agree with the ruling?

Do you blog anonymously? Would you continue blogging if you had to reveal your identity?

Retro Tea Party: Covent Garden, London 25th June 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:02:00 +0000

This event sounds like a lot of fun:

Covent Garden Tea Party
Giving you the chance to treat yourself to freshly brewed tea, Prosecco cocktails and cream cakes while listening to 1920's themed music, the Covent Garden tea party will be taking place on the East Piazza as part of the Covent Garden Real Food Market.
Visitors to the Covent Garden tea party can indulge in some freshly brewed tea and cream topped cake for £5.00, or go for the Prosecco option for £8.00. A highlight of the event is bound to be the tea dance, which starts at 6.30pm and will feature the Lindy Hop, the Wlatz, and other retro dances.

The Covent garden tea party runs from 5pm - 7pm, Thursday 25th June 2009. Tickets cost £5.00 - £8.00, and will be available on a first come, first served basis from 4pm on the day.
(link via ViewLondon.co.uk)

Isn't that a cool idea? I bet it will be very popular!

Should Allotments have rules about flowers?

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 22:31:00 +0000

What's wrong with an allotment plot full of flowers?
As long as you look after your allotment, shouldn't it be yours to do what you please with
(link via guardian.co.uk)

I think it's absolute madness that Chris Smallbone - Dig My Plot - has been given a Notice to Quit by his allotment council officer, supported by his allotment society because he filled his plot with flowers!

I wonder what those of you who have an allotment, think of this judgment? Do you think it's wrong to have an allotment full of flowers? Do you have to follow strict rules about what you can and can't grow on your allotment?

A Blackbird called "Swoops" attacks people in San Francisco

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0000

I saw a report on the news last night about this blackbird:

SF Bird Attacks Causing Big Flap
A blackbird in San Francisco's Financial District has gained international attention and is attracting crowds in the city for repeatedly swooping down on unsuspecting passersby.
(link via News10.net)

A website called Attack Bird Chronicles has even been set up!

It's amusing to see how one bird can terrorize so many people and become a world-wide attraction in the process.

Americana - new programme on BBC Radio 4

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:05:00 +0000

Americana - a new half-hour magazine show about America on BBC radio 4

From coast to coast, Matt Frei presents an insider guide to the people and the stories shaping America today

The programme started on May 31st but (silly me) I forgot all about it and missed the first two episodes so I caught up by listening to the first two shows via BBC iPlayer.

The first programme started with a discussion with Amy Dickinson, an "agony aunt" (like Dear Abby) called "Ask Amy", a popular advice columnist. Amy said the glass is still half-full in the USA. The materialistic society is changing and people are looking for ways to find time to spend with their family that doesn't cost money.

The second part of the programme was about former US troops who, having tortured prisoners, suffer with guilt and post traumatic stress disorder. It's very sad and disturbing to listen to the report told by a psychiatrist.

The last story in the first programme was about New Orleans which still has a shockingly high murder rate ("some things never change") but it boasts some of the lowest unemployment figures in the USA. New companies are being encouraged to start up in New Orleans with tax incentives from the Louisiana state government and the availability of federal funds and through Trumpet ("...connecting businesses to opportunities").

The second programme (broadcast on June 7th) mentions the celebration of the unveiling of the statue of Ronald Reagan in Washington D.C. Matt Frei discusses the Republican party with two young Repubicans.

The next report is about Greensburg, Kansas which was flattened by a major tornado in 2007, and their decision to rebuild the community based on an eco-friendly design.

The final story is about Kareem Salama, a Muslim country singer. He was born and raised in Ponca City, a small town in Oklahoma, but his parents were born and raised in Egypt.

After listening to the first two episodes, I have mixed feelings about the show. I think it has potential to be a very interesting series but I wonder if most of the stories will really be of any interest to British listeners.

I enjoyed it but I think the subject matter is more likely to appeal to Americans more than Brits. Perhaps, I'm wrong though.

If you listened to the series so far, what are your thoughts about it?

Matt Frei presents Americana every Sunday evening at 7.15pm on Radio 4

The Big Lunch: a street party throughout the UK on Sunday, July 19th

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 22:02:00 +0000

What is The Big Lunch?

Basically, it's a party in your street, in everyone's street. On 19th July we're asking the people of Britain to stop what they're doing and sit down to lunch together. Why? Well for lots of reasons really but mainly to put a smile back on Britain's face.

The Big Lunch - hints and tips on getting started

I think it sounds like a cool idea - and a great way for everyone to get to know their neighbours and encourage community spirit.

I will have to check with my neighbours and see if anything is being planned. To organise an event such as this one takes a lot of time and effort so I'm sure there will need to be a lot of meetings to work out the details.

What do you think of the idea? Do you think your street will take part?