Ok so its a favourite topic but I just discovered that Costa do christmas themed drinks as well. Their Spicy Ginger Latte rivals Starbucks, and their cups are not only red but tactile and keep your drink warm without the cardboard holder.
I really need something else to occupy my brain.
This morning on my way to work it was like the season had changed overnight. Gloves and scarves were out and then, crossing the road, I suddenly spotted - a red cup. Which pretty much equates to Christmas, despite it being November 1st and at least 7 weeks till the fat jolly one attempts to get down my chimney.
Of course this means I shall have to hotfoot it to Starbucks asap and savour that ginger glow. After all, Im a sucker for marketing gimmicks.
Lost Series 2 finale aired last night - wow - (Spoilers ahead)
MASSIVE outstanding questions - but also a lot sort of linked. Biggest one for me is who the hell is Libby?? She has now showed up as an incidental character in two seemingly un-related flashback scenes, both highly relevant to the existence of people on the island. My sister thought Walt was the central character (and to blame) - and enough hints were given that more will be unearthed on this ("we got more than we bargained for"?) - but Libby is now my main culprit. Has Charlie completely forgotten he had just been blown up? Why does the statue have four toes? Why is nobody concerned that half the cast is missing? Did I miss something about the nature of the round the world race? Having spent significant parts of series 2 losing interest, I am now once again truly hooked.
First of all, let me get one thing straight - Milton Keynes is not in London. In fact it took us from 10.15 (when Robbie stopped singing) until 1.30am to get back to my flat. Nice.
But that didnt spoil a tremendous evening. It was cold, there were 65,000 people, and from where we were standing RW was the size of an ant. But it was great. We sang along, jumped around, and fell in love with Robbie all over again. When he announced the hotel he was staying at (The Grove, in Watford, which isnt far from where my family lives), we even considered retiring to their bar there and then. A highlight was when Ant & Dec appeared on stage and 65,000 people chanted "lets get ready to rumble". Magic. I also surprisingly enjoyed the new one, Rudebox. Quite fun and catchy.
Best moment? The guard on the virgin train who played "Angels" over the tannoy system as the train pulled into Euston at 1am, and everyone on the train singing along like some wierd musical reality TV show. Thanks mate.
Link: London Underground Tube Diary - Going Underground's Blog.
Have just discovered the wonderfully funny London Undergound blog. I love the fashion pictures (there is always someone to stare at on the tube. Recently I was on the circle line on the last night of the Notting Hill Carnival. I sat and watched a man with a heart painted on his face sit on the floor of the tube eating a watermelon with his fingers. It was like a wierd music video).
I also love the comic response to the articles on the 2012 improvements.
Shiny Shiny http://www.shinyshiny.tv/2006/09/its_a_boy_i_mea.html have once again got great coverage of the latest Apple iPod announcements (with pictures). Check out the retro-mini styling of the new nanos, and the total funkiness of the new shuffle - gone is the white plastic Pez holder shaped box and enter the 21st Century aluminium mini thing. Hurray for new releases (now just get them in the UK shops please)
Link: ABC.com: The Path to 9/11.
We're getting this movie in the UK as well, and I watched the first part of it last night. As a Londoner, the events of 9/11 are still fresh in our minds, particularly in light of the July bombings last year, which touched everyone. At first I thought it was insensitive to do a host of made for TV telly around the event, but I actually learnt things watching this. I think anyone who works in the city is remembering today.
Link: http://citychick.typepad.com/photos/places/stingray.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/5314918.stm
I'm shocked to hear of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin's death. And even more surprised to hear it came from a Stingray - see the picture I took with a regular underwater disposable camera at Stingray City in Grand Cayman (one of my favourite ever pictures). Bizarre twists of fate I guess..
Link: Below Zero.
Here's the first of my new LONDON ITINERARIES... tried and tested!
Dinner at DimT near Goodge Street
Drinks at the Absolut Ice Bar on Heddon Street
Dancing at Strawberry Moons on Heddon Street
Indulge your senses with the Fire and Ice night out...start by indulging in Dim Sum and create your own noodle dishes at the gorgeously designed DimT. Then potter across to the other side of Oxford Street and experience the bizarre and wonderful Ice Bar at Below Zero - don a special cape and ski gloves and enter an ice cave kept at -5 to prserve the icy walls and shot glasses. Wicked fun (and we met footballers). Then warm up at the sweaty and kitsch cheesy madness of Strawberry Moons. Make sure you book in a hangover into your diary the following day!
Link: Milton Keynes - Home Page - MKWeb.
Ok, so Milton Keynes isnt strictly in London but Wembley isnt ready yet. So the concert of the year has been shifted, to the hugely glamourous Milton Keynes bowl. I have tickets for the performance on the 18th (hurray) so will report back in glory.
