Painting days with words

Videos

2011-11-17T13:21:00.001Z

Check out these two little videos I made:

Music For A Winter's Night II

2011-11-04T19:10:00.002Z

Beautiful Poster eh?

Well, join us for a what is exactly described within... Music, mince pies, mulled wine and little Christian innuendo in what is likely to be one of your most memorable outings. Click here for the Facebook event and more information.

NASA releases stunning images of Earth

2011-11-03T15:33:00.000Z

Itamar Ziegler - Suck

2011-06-26T10:49:00.001+01:00

&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://itamarziegler.bandcamp.com/track/suck"&amp;amp;amp;gt;Suck by Itamar Ziegler&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Loving this song...

Last Night on Stamford Hill

2011-06-20T22:25:00.001+01:00

My Roof Garden Spring/Summer 2011

2011-05-30T14:20:00.005+01:00

Well, it's that time of year when I feel inclined to show off my roof garden a little... It really is an oasis amidst the concrete urban jungle surrounding it and this year I am hoping to have some hot chillies again, as well as some tomatoes! Most of the below is self explanatory, including a little note that Thea left on the oregano pot in the kitchen!

Sunrise at TLV's New Port - Early April 2011

2011-05-01T18:13:00.002+01:00

More photos here.

Three Pieces of News

2011-03-15T09:49:00.000Z

The news has been devastating this month. The news reports on the brink of a Libyan, Sudanese and Middle Eastern civil wars… Yet, not many reports on the people living through this nightmare. Refugees fleeing their families to safety in neighbouring countries and European leaders openly concerned about the possible rise of north African refugees into Europe – where is our humanity?

Further to the above, an earthquake to the Richter scale of nine hit the north east of Japan on Friday, not only causing earthquake damage but creating a huge tsunami, which hit the Japanese coast soon after, destroying everything in its path.

I won’t elaborate on the above any more, since every single news network and newspaper are feeding us the news and updates by the hour, spoonfuls of disasters and catastrophes, guns and warfare.

In attempt to not forget that I am well, healthy and not under a dictatorship (or so I think), I wanted to try and start spreading alternative, educational and sometimes positive news in the means that I can.

Firstly, I found an interesting article on 10 Greek Filmmakers to watch.

Secondly, I thought I’d remind you that spring has arrived in the northern hemisphere; a beautiful and positive time of year.

And thirdly, one of my best friends and colleague has made me a delicious lunch today!

In attempt to be positive and not flippant, I hope this news finds you well.

My heartfelt positivity, “prayers” and love are sent to all my human brothers and sisters on this planet, who are going through these trials and tests. I hope you find the courage and strength to let life teach and not deprive you of freedom and happiness.

International Women

2011-03-09T21:09:00.003Z

International Women’s Day yesterday and a week of events unfolding through London, the significance of which bore less significance than that of pancake day; somehow.

In an attempt to revive the 100th anniversary from the day IWD started being noted and celebrated, I have compiled a list of women who have inspired me in the past 27 years.

My mum: My creator.

Ani DiFranco: A poet, guitarist, songwriter and activist

Jeanette Winterson: A writer whose books have made me smile and made me cry

Kaki King: One of the best guitarists

Inga Muscio: Writer, activist, feminist

K. Stavroula: My sixth grade teacher

Me'Shell NdegéOcello: One of the best bassists

My Nana: The oldest and strongest person I know

Arundhati Roy: Inspirational writer

Frida Kahlo: Painter

To name a handful.

I am grateful to my foremothers and foresisters for the fights and strength it has taken for me to be working, voting and being an (almost) equal in Europe today.

My photographs in Tel Aviv/הברזייה אוכל ושתיה

2011-02-24T11:50:00.007Z

I am quite delighted to announce that four of my photographs, that were originally picked from my flickr, are now hanging in a restaurant in Tel Aviv!

Parked bicycles under a bridge in Amsterdam.

From Top left:
1. My art book and bicycle in my room.
2. The London Eye in black & white
3. A bmx boy in Middlesbrough

The Birziya (הברזייה) is a new restaurant: 51 Geula Street, Tel Aviv

Portrait of Beth Dariti

2011-02-24T11:45:00.003Z

A few months ago Tom Rowland suggested he did a portrait of me. Not knowing what this entailed and having nothing to lose, we spent a few evenings in London's Royal Festival Hall, in crisp winter nights. I sat still for a while while being sketched and photographed by Tom, drinking wine and looking at the lights sparkle across the Thames River.

Well, a few months later, the multi-talented Tom put all the sketches and photographs into an oil paint and thus my first portrait!

You can view it here.

Max Brenner's packaging use, once chocolates have been consumed. (Part 2)

2011-01-06T21:26:00.004Z

This is a continuation to this blog post.

...

S'know

2010-12-18T10:03:00.005Z

The few snowflakes that did hit London yesterday, 17/12, caused much joy and many smiles. Despite the disgruntled glances outside windows, with the fear that the city would be grounding to a halt, snow is beautiful!

Here are some moments from a roof in Muswell Hill, London, N10.

Max Brenner's packaging use, once chocolates have been consumed.

2010-11-28T23:33:00.005Z

So I finished the chocolates and have been left with beautiful packaging. This is one way to store your paper clips!

Documenting Progress

2010-10-30T14:45:00.004+01:00

I spilled my peppermint tea in the shape of a seahorse...

Long escalators in National Portrait Gallery.

Beautiful bicycle on Charring Cross Road, London.

Off-the-radar

2010-07-14T00:27:00.002+01:00

I wanted to add at least one more update before heading out of the internet-zone for a while...

My Rooftop Garden

2010-06-15T22:37:00.009+01:00

Maybe I did go a little trigger happy this evening...

Swans Queue vs People Queue

2010-06-10T12:52:00.003+01:00

I was flicking through the Metro (London) newspaper yesterday and among all the bizarre news it reports, the below picture depicted a family of swans crossing the street... (awww)

Later on, after a nightmare of a bus journey to Finsbury Park, it was evident from the below queue, that everyone was having a travelling nightmare!!!

Yesterday we also worked on a coupla new songs of Adrian's in practice...

And I published my third Spotify Playlist :)

It's summer tomorrow

2010-05-31T20:58:00.002+01:00

Yes, "meteorogicaly" tomorrow (or June 21) marks the beginning of summer... An event worth blogging about.

Naturally, T and I started off this grand celebration with a visit to London's Royal Botanical gardens of Kew! What a splendid event that was; you can see some of my photos here.

Jack Johnson - To The Sea... was released today and I am currently listening to it on Spotify; summer music.

My roof garden is blooming beautifully and my scarepigeon (which incidentally is a dummy crow-look-a-like) is swell.

Happy beginning of a great season! :)

Brick Lane

2010-05-23T22:48:00.001+01:00

Today was a huge cycling day, the sun shone down on us all weekend, and I feel ready doe the summer!

It's all relative.

2010-05-21T21:51:00.002+01:00

Ikea Flats?

2010-05-19T22:13:00.002+01:00

The Ikea-lego-looking apartments off Charring Cross are almost completed... and so is Spring.

Weekend Spring Evening

2010-05-17T07:46:00.004+01:00

Listening...

2010-05-15T10:23:00.002+01:00

I bought a whole bunch of old jazz albums last week, to educate myself further... I am loving Wes Montogomery and Christ Grant! I love how timeless yet current jazz sounds... It could be from any time, even though these albums were recorded in the 50s!

On 2010 album, I have been listening to:

The National - High Violet
Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record
Caribou - Swim

I love music.

Bike for Sale

2010-05-13T13:50:00.002+01:00

As I am running out space now for bikes, I am selling my old but new but old, Dutch-Style push bike!

Check it: Bike 4 Sale

Bicycles...

2010-05-09T10:45:00.007+01:00

It's started, I have already found a bunch of photographic opportunities to show you some beautiful London based racers!

Outside Waterloo station.

Between Waterloo and Southwark.

Southbank of Thames River.

Right is the Millenium Bridge and behind St. Paul's Cathedral!

This is going to be fun...

A blog with no theme...

2010-05-08T10:32:00.002+01:00

I know, I am well aware... but I have so many things I want to mention, can't just narrow it down to one!

However, I do have a Hipstamatic lovely app. so maybe I will start collecting photos of lovely bikes I pass, without seeming dodgy with a large camera. Yesterday, for instance, there was a matt black Surly fixie locked up two doors away from my work.

Then, the day before, a beautiful red Fuji with white wheels (2010 model I think)

...

I miss summer and carefree days...

Spring Coffee

2010-05-08T10:30:00.003+01:00

Ένα σωστό Φρέντο για σήμερα το πρωί...

Living simply...

2010-05-04T20:50:00.002+01:00

The elections are in two days and everyone is fearing a David Cameron, Conservative government coming into power...

A long May Day weekend has just passed...

I have been enjoying The John Butler Trio's new album heaps!

And finally you can see some new photos here.

I Speak Because I Can

2010-04-07T22:32:00.002+01:00

OK, I know Laura Marling's new album is not fresh news, but I love it all the same. Despite her growth in media awareness, she has remained true, honest and beautifully melancholic; yes, all good things!

I have been to the cinema so far in 2010 way more than I did last year. I have cycled only 3 times and I still hate Muswell Hill (the HILL). The sun has shone a little, the clouds have shed their water, I have seen two Australian films and got into Single Malt Whisky.

Musically however, I at least recommend the following:

Laura Marling - I Speak Because I Can
Krystle Warren - Circles
Anais Mitchell - Hadestown
Piers Faccini - Tearing Sky
Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
Vampire Weekend - Contra
The National - The Virginia EP

..I do have more, but really I wanted to add a few to keep people going. In fact, this blog entry is dedicated to my dear friend Niko; good luck in Ethiopia!

I have created two Spotify playlists so far, which can be found via my Facebook.

Remembering the days of a non freezing London

2010-01-08T20:49:00.002Z

Soon I hope to be back on my bike, whizzing through the streets of the city...

Last of 2009

2009-12-31T17:03:00.002Z

While this year has seen a range of natural and economic disasters hit our planet, our economy and jobs; I have had a pretty good year. Good music, great festivals. we (ARtE) released an EP, played the Jazz Cafe and Dingwalls, visited the southernmost part of Europe (Gavdos), started Uni, watched my yucca grow even more, met some wonderful people, spent more time with wonderful people, received heaps of love and got myselg a Charge bicycle!

Overall, it's been amazing! So my wishes and love are extended to you all, wishing you peace, love, happiness and above all - health! My resolution is to try and be more focused.

Happy New Year/Καλή Χρονιά (χρόνια πολλά)!!!

Top something...

2009-12-11T21:10:00.001Z

I was given the difficult task today of compiling a list with my Top 10 albums of all time. At first I hesitated, but then went with the flow of what came out… The list is a selection of albums that I love now, loved when they were out and can imagine myself loving in 20 years time. It’s a strange process:

Ani DiFranco – Not a Pretty Girl
Counting Crows – August and Everything After
Jeff Buckley – Grace
Bob Dylan – Desire
Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon
Bright Eyes – I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning
Radiohead – OK Computer
Ben Harper – The Will to Live
Joni Mitchell – Blue
Elliott Smith – Figure 8

A few more albums I have been listening to heaps and recommend...

2009-11-13T21:31:00.002Z

Paul Dempsey - Everything Is True
Krystle Warren - Circles
Ah Holly Fam'ly - Reservoir
Golden Silvers - True Romance
Erin McKeown - Hundreds of Lions
Joan as Police Woman - Cover
Meshell Ndegeocello - Devil's Halo

It really has been a brilliant year (for music).

Bicycle Talk?

2009-11-11T19:25:00.002Z

Really do...

More about my sunflower

2009-09-19T12:44:00.004+01:00

As you can see, it just keeps growing and I am constantly amazed at how this can be happening in autumn! The rest of the roof garden is looking just as grand...
Might I add that the seeds were courtesy of Guerilla Gardeners.

It's all Greek to me

2009-09-18T11:15:00.001+01:00

Having taken note of recent ‘name observations’, with most English names around me ranging between 4-5 letters (especially abbreviated) it is no wonder that English people think Greek names are endless [long]. A surname averaging at five syllables and first names being a minimum of 5 letters long!

It’s not all about size however; I reckon Greek names have a far more equal consonant to vowel ratio, making the pronunciation a lot easier to slide off one’s tongue.

I’m not being biased.

It’s interesting to observe our habits in speech and pronunciation of words. Living in such a multicultural city as London, leaves us no choice but to hear all names, nationalities and languages. Leaves with 5 letters combined which can be verbalised in 5 different ways.

Note; ignorance is not bliss.

And no, my surname is not a disease!

bloom in autumn

2009-09-10T11:55:00.004+01:00

Whoever heard of flowers blooming in autumn? Well, one of my sunflowers finally looks like one! It went through a rather sun-less summer... to a summer-like autumn.

Cats and Dogs

2009-09-10T08:31:00.003+01:00

Sadly, there is no metaphor in that title whatsoever. I received a very sad e-mail from my brother yesterday, explaining the departure of his beautiful white cat from this world. She got chased and attacked by a pack of dogs in the neighbourhood. The thought of her struggling against big dogs is shocking and saddening, but when I think about the "natural" cycle of life and how humans [metaphorically] live in a dog-eat-dog society; survival of the fittest... and all these pseudo motivational words, then I guess Beawa's departure from this world really was nothing but an act of nature.

As close as we had grown towards her, as beautiful as her three little kittens are...

R.I.P. Beawa.

"be the change you want to see"

2009-08-26T13:09:00.001+01:00

Today is the highly anticipated “Climate Camp”, where environmental protesters and generally conscious people unite to share one worry; the earth and its climate change!

Due to the G20 protests in London getting out of hand, with a tiny number of people resulting in vandalism, police have been taking ridiculous measures to control any form of public speech! It’s not only worryingly oppressive, but resembles the attitudes of an unsuccessful communist rule as opposed to our supposed “democracy”.

Police are now going to be photographing the activists (as seen on Guardian article ), almost depicting the situation as criminal. The idea is apparently to keep a close eye on repeat protesters. (My blood boils with anger as I write this!)

Live “Climate Camp” updates can also be found here.

Best of...

2009-08-24T20:36:00.004+01:00

Since the birth of this blog, I have been wanting to compile a list of some of (if not all, you can count on both hands) my favourite companies, as I feel that we often don’t give enough emphasis on all the great and positive things in life and concentrate on everything that goes wrong. I am not being paid to promote these companies, they are just genuine, down to earth business...

Howies - for their cool and organic (on the sporty side) clothing! Not only are they great, fun and friendly, but I love their blog and their headquarters are in Wales!

Rootmaster - for their delicious, almost gourmet, vegan food in the heart of hip London, on an old routmaster red bus...

Patagonia - for their ethical sportswear, innovative ideas and all around positive impact in the business world.

Pieminister - the most scrumptious veggie pie with mash that I have ever had the privilege of tasting! Good and honest ingredients...

Charge - a UK based, innovative bicycle company with bikes that I cannot afford...

Cole Clarke - an Australian acoustic guitar making company using sustainable materials and wood. Love 'em, but can't afford them yet...

The FleaPit - a very cool little bar(?) in Shoreditch. It had me at "Eco Warrior"

...I am sure I will think of more, but there's some for now.

I guess...

2009-08-15T15:09:00.000+01:00

The probability of chance being a possibility, is very likely.

Be

2009-08-13T19:20:00.002+01:00

In the plethora of mindless news fed to us on a daily basis, I was surprisingly engaged by the content of the London Paper (Free Publication in London) today! Despite my still lacking knowledge on celebrities, sometimes there is something for everyone...

Which leads me to the thought that life really is what you make of it. You wake up in a certain way and it pretty much stays with you for the whole day. If each day is a metaphor for each life; let's not stick to that one thought we were given when were growing up, that one ideal, that stigma.

Be free.

I go shopping with my bike now

2009-08-13T19:12:00.002+01:00

Stickers from my mum, probably not used as intended...

I do heart my bike and my new basket (thanks homie)

Not-Bored At Work...

2009-08-08T09:25:00.000+01:00

ask yourself III

2009-08-07T00:55:00.001+01:00

ask yourself II

2009-08-07T00:52:00.000+01:00

ask yourself I

2009-08-07T00:50:00.000+01:00

Inconclusive rant about CCTV (Part I)

2009-08-06T16:03:00.001+01:00

“This is a public announcement. This station is constantly monitored by Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV)”; a robotic female voice proudly announces every morning at Finsbury Park station. Followed by “Cycling, skateboarding and ball games are not allowed at this station”, which to my ears might as well translate to “No fun allowed”.

It is a human rights law to make someone aware if you are filming them or recording their telephone conversations. What better way to comply with monitoring people, by making it all to a) monitor them and b) even tell them! But lets face it, it impossible to miss the huge cameras plotted around the city, circulating and monitoring… what?

I am not paranoid, really. I don’t feel I have anything to hide, but it’s all getting far too strange.

A funny conversation this morning brought to my attention how so many people in London are opposed to having ID cards; fair enough. But what about all the cameras following everyone around? What’s next; thought police*? (*George Orwell – “1984”)

London has the most CCTV cameras in the whole of Europe. There’s even a CCTV camera by my flat door. Someone knocked to now be facing the ground sideways and in over 6 months no one seems to have noticed, so perhaps the bulk of what we see is a fear tactic. (or the particular camera owners are a bit slow)

Whether or not you fear the Orwellian predictions or are simply cynical about the excessive use of CCTV in London and the UK, there is always the countryside…

Sarychev Peak Volcano

2009-08-06T10:58:00.000+01:00

Some amazing photos from the recent Sarychev Peak Volcano eruption...

click here

Wallis Bird - To My Bones

2009-08-04T16:28:00.001+01:00

You just can't help but love this lady!

More random images from daritius

2009-06-27T09:44:00.002+01:00

I got this bottle of water free at Finsbury Park... Random and blogged!

This is how Nrab eats his cereal every morning...

And I am off for a while...
Blog you soon.

peg crocodile

2009-06-18T00:12:00.002+01:00

On the note of blogging random daily events, here's the peg that Nrab created to be a viscious crocodile today... Graaaarrr.

head home

2009-06-17T23:51:00.004+01:00

I often want to walk home, the idea is more a romantic thought of walking through meadows, rather than the realistic view of tar streets and concrete buildings and blocks of flats leading the way to our place.

Nonetheless, the other night I didn't really have the choice. I had to abandon my date with Murakami and embark on the walk to my house from Finsbury Park; a bus wasn't coming anytime soon. Many others had the same idea, and this is what we came across!

Helicopter in Finsbury Park on 16/06/09

VOTE!

2009-06-04T14:23:00.002+01:00

We all have a similar sob story; “I remember being 17”. I am sure…

Because, I remember being 17. I couldn’t wait to turn 18 and exercise my right to vote. I really couldn’t wait. It therefore really throws me when people don’t bother voting, don’t bother caring about the decisions that are being on their behalf.

Admittedly, when I was 17 I had a much more naïve take on life and the feeling that I could ‘conquer all’ and that ‘love is all we need’ unfortunately faded and was somewhat tainted by the strangely grim office environment I found myself flung into 3 years ago. What have I learned? Making the boss coffee and sandwiches keeps your job. Fake smiles and back stabbing gets you promoted and unfair treatment of different workers is completely acceptable.

Today though, we should all be voting for British parties entering the European Parliament, in numbers of seats. Not voting for leaders, not voting for a handsome Obama, true. But we are voting for decisions that are being made every week that affect every one of us. Wouldn’t you want to remotely trust a person inputting their ideas? The biggest campaign that most civilians of [at least] London are trying to achieve, is to oust the BNP (British National Front, which is an openly Fascist and Racist party, disguising their views as “Patriotism”, despite obvious praise of Adolf Hitler and close friendships with the Ku Klux Klan). The though of the BNP sends uncomfortable shivers down my spine and makes my stomach turn. Much like the Nazi party did, after WWI, the BNP are using the economic crisis to their advantage and blaming the corruption on the system to lack of fascist policies in the current government.

Below is the list of candidates. VOTE!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8040446.stm

fruit

2009-05-09T09:56:00.001+01:00

I hate it when i can't remember which I prefer:

Mandarins,
Satsumas,
or Clementines?

sometimes we do best, going slower...

2009-05-06T00:24:00.000+01:00

the slow movement

Um.bre.lla

2009-04-16T11:37:00.002+01:00

British Weather = April Showers, May, June, July, August showers. Then autumn and winter!

In a sentimental mood

2009-04-14T11:01:00.002+01:00

Good ways to spend a sick day

2009-04-14T09:37:00.002+01:00

...if you have a laptop, and so... from bed!

Sip coffee

Listen to new music on last.fm

Read in depth about the Cyprus and Macedonia disputes.

Look at pictures of your home country and make your heart ache

Subsequently, listen to your home's bands

Check your e-mails and actully start replying to them

Twitter something, anything... everything!

Blog (tick!)

Read a book

חג כשר וסמח

2009-04-09T09:12:00.003+01:00

(Chag kasher ve'same`ach)
or... Happy Passover!

"It’s your life”

2009-04-03T10:48:00.003+01:00

I found this by my foot, on the bus this morning, when I sat down. It caught my eye and I knew instantly it was going to be something intriguing, being the religious cynic that I am. Despite the possible dirty bacteria the pamphlet would have accumulated, I decided to pick it and read through it. As expected, an evangelical booklet on “believing”.

I wanted to scan it through and share with you, but we found a link which explains all.

Brace yourself: http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/1101/1101_01.asp

NB: For the record, in no way do I advocate this way of thinking.

An ode to my friends…

2009-03-19T16:37:00.000Z

Been here, been through here, are here...

Athens, Caracas, Worthing, Durham, Hampshire, Norfolk, Stoke-on-Trent, Larnaca, Nea Makri, Crete, Cardiff, Melbourne, Malta, Macedonia, Minnesota, Tennessee, Colchester, Grimsby, Manchester, Zimbabwe, Cape Town, Tel Aviv, Rome, Yorkshire, Guernsey, Lisbon, Quebec, Strasbourg, Berlin, Krakow, Jordan, Beijing, Poole, Shropshire, Vienna, Swansea, Edinburgh, Istanbul, Sydney, Tampa, Toronto, Chicago, San Francisco, South Korea, Dubai, Lisbon and many more!

Thinking of you…

Lá Fhéile Pádraig

2009-03-17T13:06:00.003Z

or... Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Mixin' it up a little...

2009-03-13T22:34:00.001Z

This guy is pretty spectacular. "Kutiman" takes videos from YouTube, mixes up the audio and visual tracks to create a whole new song... Check it!

Adrian Roye & the Exiles - Telephones & Traffic Lights EP Launch!!!

2009-03-09T15:51:00.000Z

Had to share...

2009-03-06T12:08:00.000Z

Green custard thrown at Mandelson:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7927668.stm

(Thanks for the link tip VA!)

Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus

2009-03-01T11:02:00.003Z

or... Happy St David's Day

eARTh

2009-02-21T19:03:00.000Z

Musically...

2009-02-13T23:24:00.002Z

...following on from the "summer" theme and the fact that I haven't recommended music all that much (other than pointing you towards my last.fm, this evening I discovered this wonderful UK band, filled with world fusions and has such lifted my [already high] spirits!

You can also listen here.

Have a swell weekend!

Rich in antioxidants

2009-02-11T12:22:00.001Z

On the bus in this morning, after a long wait and a struggle being pushed onto the bus by convent school girls, I was then sandwiched at the very back of the upper deck, between a pseudo business man and a pseudo chav/”rude boy”; I was thankfully accompanied by Augie March on my ipod and the thought that very soon I would be sipping a delicious cup of coffee and having a slice of the vegan banana cake, I’d hoped wasn’t getting as squashed as I was, in my bag.

I had time to assume people’s professions… The rude woman pushing like a school girl, almost definitely worked for the council – unsympathetic and ignorant. The shy-trying-to-look-cool boy to my left was probably finishing his GCSEs and filled with teenage angst.

Most importantly, I imagined us all acting out what we did, on the bus. A singer singing, an artist sketching, an author reading… a woman with her calculator was obviously an accountant, while the man bored of his nine to five was staring into space. I’d like to think that the man in his twenties, wearing baggy corduroys was a skateboarder, but he was most probably a web designer, who surely skated in his youth. A part-time DJ engrossed in the beats in his cans…

Yes, it was a 7 minute journey turning into 30!

What would you be doing on this bus/tube to represent you?

I think I was doing it all! Observing while listening to music… if only I had space to open my book.

~

And to spice up the blog a little, here’s a very cool link that my very cool friend/colleague sent me this morning: http://www.anightlessordinary.org.uk/

* * *

Also, if you find yourself in South London, somewhere near Stockwell tomorrow, I am playing at The Cavendish Arms around 20:00.

Speaking of dreams

2009-02-10T12:42:00.000Z

My mind’s all over the place… I’m thinking in past perfect but writing in future continuous. This surely is evident enough to grant me a holiday, outside my 22 allocated. Fully paid with guaranteed relaxation.

There will be a summer festival there, my loved ones and my bicycle. Everyone will be smiling. The wood on my guitar will be mellow from the warmth; my fingers will be flowing to the melodies they long to release. In peace, sipping pineapple juice out of a coconut.

Think about it…

~

Songs for today include:
Kaki King – Happy As a Dead Pig in the Sun
Jon Redfern – I Love the Sun
Joseph Arthur – In the Sun

(You catch my drift)

Bob Marley – Sun Is Shining
Kings of Leon – Milk
Brandi Carlile – Josephine

And

Ani DiFranco – Slide

Just because.

Oh, and then I woke up.

A very helpful guide in these troubling times...

2009-02-09T21:27:00.000Z

Economic Models Explained with Cows

SOCIALISM

You have two cows.

You give one to your neighbour.

COMMUNISM

You have two cows.
The State takes both and gives you some milk.

FASCISM

You have two cows.
The State takes both and sells you some milk.

NAZISM

You have two cows.
The State takes both and shoots you.

BUREAUCRATISM

You have two cows.
The State takes both, shoots one, milks the other, and then throws the milk away.

TRADITIONAL CAPITALISM

You have two cows.
You sell one and buy a bull.
Your herd multiplies, and the economy grows.
You sell them and retire on the income.

SURREALISM

You have two giraffes.
The government requires you to take harmonica lessons.

AN AMERICAN CORPORATION

You have two cows.
You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of four cows.
Later, you hire a consultant to analyse why the cow has dropped dead.

ENRON VENTURE CAPITALISM

You have two cows.
You sell three of them to your publicly listed company, using letters of credit opened by your brother-in-law at the bank, then execute a debt/equity swap with an associated general offer so that you get all four cows back, with a tax exemption for five cows.
The milk rights of the six cows are transferred via an intermediary to a Cayman Island company secretly owned by the majority shareholder who sells the rights to all seven cows back to your listed company.
The annual report says you own eight cows, with an option on one more. You sell one cow to buy a new president of the United States , leaving you with nine cows. No balance sheet provided with the release. The public then buys your bull.

THE ANDERSON MODEL
You have two cows.
You shred them.

A FRENCH CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You go on strike, organise a riot and block the roads, because you want three cows.

A JAPANESE CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. You then create a clever cartoon image called 'Cowkimon' and market it worldwide.

A GERMAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You re-engineer them so they live for 100 years, eat once a month and milk themselves.

AN ITALIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows, but you don't know where they are.
You decide to have lunch.

A RUSSIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You count them and learn you have five cows.
You count them again and learn you have 42 cows.
You count them again and learn you have two cows.
You stop counting cows and open another bottle of vodka.

A SWISS CORPORATION
You have 5000 cows, but none of them belong to you.
You charge the owners for storing them.

A CHINESE CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You have 300 people milking them.
You claim that you have full employment, and high bovine productivity.
You arrest the newsman who reported the real situation.

AN INDIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You worship them.

A BRITISH CORPORATION
You have two cows.
Both are mad.

AN IRAQI CORPORATION
Everyone thinks you have lots of cows.
You tell them that you have none.
No-one believes you, so they bomb the **** out of you and invade your country. You still have no cows, but at least now you are part of a democracy.

AN AUSTRALIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
Business seems pretty good.
You close the office and go for a few beers to celebrate.

A NEW ZEALAND CORPORATION
You have two cows.
The one on the left looks very attractive.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

2009-02-03T12:48:00.000Z

The snow fell.

It was so swell.

Everyone smiled and played and we were off work.

Children sledged and adults baked.

It was our February’s Christmas Day!

Blog-Standard Fame

2009-01-26T19:56:00.002Z

I just got an e-mail from Adrian saying we were featured on a blog... What else could I do but - blog it!

ill and ancient

Obamad!

2009-01-20T16:15:00.007Z

Everyone’s got it… Started in November and today reaches its finale (I hope) and will maybe start to calm down. A “president elect” (very soon to be "president") has turned into perhaps the most mass media advertised icon since The Beatles! (Don’t quote me on that, I am speculating; though I wouldn’t be too surprised if that’s a fact)

From pens to hats, magnets to coffee mugs, coffee blends to fonts! Every design-freak (you know who you are!) is creating their version of support for the first black American president of the USA; Barrack Obama. They are joining in the craze and perhaps helped convert thousands of people into being “Obama-mad” with their quirky, creative and innovatively eye catching designs.

But is posing him on graffiti as a muscle superman perhaps weighing far too much pressure and expectation on someone who after all is only human and doesn’t grow on kryptonite?

I am not even in the States today and feel quite happy and lifted that Obama is due to be sworn in this afternoon. I nearly even rescheduled my lunch break to coincide with this moment. He’s handsome, he’s smart, he can articulate himself and has ideals and goals that I mostly agree with. He is liberal, handsome (did I mention that already?), was on the Ellen show and was even filmed painting the walls in a homeless shelter yesterday! There’s absolutely no doubt that he’s exceedingly cool…

Let’s not forget, change takes time, time needs patience and patience requires unity. Now, let’s take some weight off his [handsome] shoulders and take a look at these great images! (Yes, all courtesy of the internet, via Apples Anonymous!)

Daritius’ Zen (Part 2)

2009-01-13T11:11:00.001Z

Don’t judge others on your own actions, sometimes use ‘benefit of doubt’.

There’s no “I” in team, but there’s not “team” in I either; look after yourself, no one else will.

Find a blog you like and bookmark it (now!)

Don’t take yourself too seriously.

Don’t knock it ‘til you try it - Marmite rocks! (Spread thinly)

Listen to your favourite album this week.

Watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” this month.

“A tidy ship is a happy ship” – if you don’t have a ship, use this metaphorically. If you live on a boat, even better, what an appropriate saying!

Make tea not war! (http://teaappreciationsociety.blogspot.com)

Make a map of where you’re going, a map of where you’ve been… Just make sure you notice, where you are in-between.

Barrack Obama

2009-01-09T14:32:00.002Z

(sung in Michael Franti's catchy tune)

Go Wales!

2009-01-08T10:47:00.002Z

I love Wales, the Welsh, Welsh mountains, Welsh waterfalls, Welsh cakes, Welsh sheep (alive), Welsh music, Welsh road signs, Welsh Festivals.

OK?

(image borrowed from www.howies.co.uk)

Daritius' Zen (Part 1)

2009-01-08T10:41:00.000Z

(And a Happy New Year...)

~

If there are going to be exceptions to rules, then they shouldn’t be called “rules”.

“ ‘I’ before ‘e’ except after ‘c’ ”… what a lie!

Don’t complain about meaningless things; deal with your own insecurities before piling it onto others.

If you’re cold, wear an extra layer. You’d be amazed at the amount of heat fabric captures.

Take more photos. There’s only so much your memory can hold.
Buy a new hard drive to store your photos. You never know when your computer will crash.
Don’t upload your photos onto Facebook; that’s so last week…

Try not texting too much when spending time a friend. Time and friendships are precious.

Offer a chip from your pack to your friends, rather than greedily gobble them up in front of them. (You never know when their last meal was)

It’s no one’s fault but your own for being late; there’s always traffic! (Get a watch)

No one likes a constant moaner… Get a grip.

~

Ok… peace!

Eat. Sleep. Folk.

2008-12-29T21:35:00.001Z

Christmas holidays are upon me and thus less blog posting... I do apologise, it's mostly visual.
Loved this!

...Season's Greetings

2008-12-24T21:26:00.002Z

For Alternative Christmas Ideas

2008-12-15T14:30:00.001Z

Click Here

Greek Solidarity Demo at Dalston Kingsland Station

2008-12-15T11:17:00.000Z

Yesterday was an historic moment in my life, of attending the grave of my English great-grandmother, near Waltham Forest, with my grandmother and mother. A grave that has perhaps not been visited in 60 odd years, sunk under the mud of a British cemetery. I helped my grandmother struggle across the water logged path and helped her throw a bouquet of flowers onto her mother’s grave. Sullen, we laughed at the scene of mud as I was stood by the bloodline of my British heritage. There, by muddy stones.

Meanwhile, Solidarity demos were being held across East and North East London, for the anarchists in Greece (my other bloodline. Greece, not the anarchists). It was only when returning from Brick Lane and trying to make the simple 100 metre walk from one side of Dalston to the other, to reach Stoke Newington that we were informed by a police officer, that there was a protest outside the station and that no one was allowed through. When another pedestrian asked what the logic in that was, he replied that he was merely following orders from high above.

While we jokingly commented on the inconvenience of this, while walking through the meat market (of all places), I wondered how the demo would help either the Greek government or the anarchists in Greece, as I was sure this wouldn’t be publicized in any mainstream media or get half as much attention as it perhaps deserved. Crowds of Greek and non Greek people swamped Hackney on this Sunday afternoon and I was almost glad to feel some kind of revolutionary spirits in the London air.

I found a first hand report on this on the following blog: http://revolutionaryboredom.wordpress.com/2008/12/14/a-quick-report-on-the-greek-solidarity-demo-at-dalston-kingsland-station-141208/

While everyone has their views and qualms on the accounts in [mainly] Athens, I known that there are hundreds of protests happening around the world, I however mention this as it’s happening in my home city.

According to the above blog, the minimal demonstrators were also not allowed to vacate the area.

Further info: http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/12/415276.html

Friday

2008-12-12T11:35:00.001Z

Thanks to “Anonymous” for sending this lovely image.
There’s always something romantic about the rain; just not being caught in it!

Pee Pee Pee

2008-12-02T15:46:00.001Z

Many things worth noting other than the weather.
Many things worth dwelling on than time.

December is here and my birthday approaches.
I am playing a fundraising gig tonight at a vegan café in Hackney. (check “no borders London” in the links section.)

I watched “Jesus Camp” last week… a really scary, nightmarish documentary. The gist of it is a selection of fanatic Christians, brainwashing children from a very young age into preaching extremism and hatred. Turned my stomach… but then the excessive consumption of alcohol probably didn’t help.

It’s all about P.P.P.

Weather Talk...

2008-11-22T00:25:00.001Z

...again. Yes! It's 3 degrees Celcius tonight in London!
I am still wrapped up in wool, scarf and hat as I type this...

Good luck for the weekend, I'm off to Greece.

While you read this...

2008-11-17T13:42:00.001Z

…there’s an amazing band playing to a beautiful sunset; a song is being written; one of your friends is probably lonely and would appreciate your call; someone is sleeping deeply and having a wonderful dream; someone else got soaked by a car driving through a big puddle.

Somewhere else, the sun rose to a gloomy Monday morning, still trees, chilled wind and the sound of duty calling. Not here, although there’s something wonderfully eerie about London’s winters.

The fog, the rain, the damp.

You are probably sitting, looking at a screen... I thank you, but go for walk.

Piece of [my] Mind...

2008-11-13T11:15:00.001Z

Surreal.
I thought I was dreaming
But I never fell asleep
Counting flying tofus
Cause vegans don’t count sheep
Flickering memories
As I flicked through texts
Seeing pictures of
A man I never met…

They make hole punchers
A hole that fits every binder
And I see each leaf unfold
With each year growing older
Trees get wider…
So do roads
My hair gets longer
As do my days…

Here, I sit again
And spin just one more time
This year at least
I hope I find
Some sense of peace of mind…

Another day, another $

2008-11-06T12:10:00.000Z

Not sure if it was my imagination, or whether everyone was walking with more of a swing in their stride this morning. It’s the dawning of a new era, a positive light at the beginning of winter and above all – hope. Hope is what drives us to achieve, to move on forth. Makes us realise that change is possible and that we just need to unite.
One person makes a small change, but 10 people make an even bigger impact.

I was reminded of Ani DiFranco’s [once again] prophetic words: “My city is bracing for the next killing thing. Standing by the bridge and praying for the next Dr. Martin Luther King.” (From the song “Hello Birmingham”/album “To The Teeth” © 1999)

Yes, I am still referring to Barack Obama… I think we’ll be talking about this for a long while…

The future’s bright, the future’s blogged

2008-11-05T12:20:00.000Z

I doubt there is any medium [of media] that hasn’t mentioned the triumphant win of senator Barack Obama being elected, not only as the next President of the United States of America, but also as the first black president in American history.
I shall make no exception; I am mentioning this in my blog as I feel quite chuffed for Americans today. I am happy for them and I am looking forward to change, by this influential nation which no doubt will also have a huge impact on my country of residence as well; the UK.

I will leave the well informed coverage about Mr Obama’s history to the press; however, here are some interesting facts:

~He won a Grammy Award in 2006 for Best Spoken Word Recording. It was for the audio version of his book Dreams from My Father .
~He doesn’t like ice-cream. He worked in Baskin-Robbins as a teenager. That’s where his distaste for ice-cream comes from.
~He loves playing Scrabble. He never commented on how good he is, though.
~He experimented with drugs. Back in his early years he tried marijuana and cocaine. According to his own words he is not proud of it and considers it a mistake as a young man.
~He smokes but wants to quit. After all, there is a non-smoking policy in the White House.

"No such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing."

2008-10-29T10:21:00.001Z

Indeed!

Puddle Dive

2008-10-29T09:46:00.001Z

After my friend’s spot-on predictions on the weather yesterday, I too have decided to now swear by the MetCheck.

In Sammy Cahn's words “Let it snow, let is snow, let it snow.”

The Big Green Bookshop

2008-10-28T09:58:00.003Z

With Christmas fast approaching and advertising campaigns bombarding us from all angles, I can’t help but feel the cynic in me creep through. While we are more likely to believe in Santa Claus than Jesus Christ, perhaps the true meaning and reason for us celebrating this day, is reflected better in our wallets than on the crosses we [don’t] bare.

I do recall times when Christmas was exceedingly exciting and finding stockings at the end of my bed when waking up on Christmas morning with my brother filled me with enormous warmth and joy.
That feeling was somehow recreated when I worked in a bookshop for two years. The retail build up, while tacky and commercial, was filled with the magic of hardbacks and paperbacks filling people’s stockings and wearing a Christmas hat while smiling at children getting their next instalment of magical dosage.

I was reminded of these times, while reading The Big Green Bookshop’s Blog which is now owned by two of the managers that ran the shop after I left (Tim and Simon of Ottakar’s Wood Green). (Needless to stay that the magic of Christmas build up was not enough to keep my interest in the majority of disgruntled customers with [mostly] no manners.)

But anyway.

Not only is this blog (TBGB) an exceptionally good read, it is also an insight on owning and running a successful business, just off the second busiest high street (after Oxford Street) in London, keeping it real and independent. With an array of events always going on and a wonderful shop name, I wanted to take this opportunity to evoke… something.

And on book talk, this is one of my favourite books; Language Older Than Words

Enjoy the last few days of October.
Leaves.
Autumn.

The God Delusion?

2008-10-23T10:11:00.002+01:00

Anyone familiar with Richard Dawkins’ book “The God Delusion” will know where this is going. If not, the book is vaguely based around the idea that god is not a higher being and has many chapters of arguing his point. (you can read a further synopsis here

I am not advocating the existence, however a friend threw an article onto my desk yesterday, which was published in The Metro (London) yesterday which she said “is linked to an old blog post of yours”.

The blog and the article

How delightful!

~ * ~

On another note, fingerprints on your monitor! Eh!
And in C#minor… I am inventing many new ways in pretending to work!

Furthermore...

2008-10-20T19:33:00.003+01:00

(Thanks to Viks for e-mailing the picture!)

I wish I’d stayed in bed.

2008-10-20T12:44:00.000+01:00

With another weekend kicking at my heel, I find myself fresh and anew, at the start of a new page turning over, letting the leaves fall and let some people spend hours each morning sweeping them up. The remnants of a season, sprayed across the city’s streets… across the dull morning sky and the heaviness of Monday morning.

I wish I’d stayed in bed.

This, however, made me smile: Honey

Howies® are officially my favourite company of [at least] 2008!

elgooG

2008-10-19T16:22:00.001+01:00

You've got to enterain yourself somehow...

elgooG

Only in America...

2008-10-17T09:30:00.002+01:00

Lawsuit against God:

http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7673591.stm

Unanimous Boredom?

2008-10-08T16:32:00.001+01:00

I have felt a little “blog-uninspired” lately. So I was searching through an eponymous search engine and decided to at least pass on some positivity through inspirational quotes; or something.

It’s easy to find humour [on eponymous search engine] and found this:

“If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried.” By Susan Ohanian

But really, my favourite was:

“If you wish to live wisely, ignore sayings including this one.” By Anonymous

That sure put me in my place!