Billingsgate Seafood Training School London

We start the day with an early morning escorted market tour. You will be shown a wide variety of fish and shellfish species and how to assess their quality. At about 8am we serve you a cooked breakfast. The main ‘hands on' part of the session then begins with you preparing a range of seafood, followed by learning how to cook them with CJ and her team.-Practical Fish Cookery Course.

Taking a day in London to learn how to cook fish sounds like just the kind of thing I would like to do. It looks like most of the For Food Lovers courses cost around £195, with the more professional courses costing a bit more. Being more of a tourist kind of person myself, I would stick with the Food Lover classes.

There are a lot of options, and the For Food Lovers section appears to have a class to fit just about any schedule. I like the look of The Sushi Class, I do like a bit of sushi now and then. Of course, I like just about all seafood, so any of the courses would be of interest to me.

I did have this fantasy of becoming a Chef at one point, now I have resigned myself to just cooking the occasional meal and watching Gordon Ramsey yell at people. I still like the idea of cooking though, and taking a few classes while on holiday in London sounds like a nice way to kill to two birds with one stone.

Billingsgate Seafood Training School is located in the famous market in London’s Docklands, Billingsgate Market, Trafalgar Way, London, E14 5ST, United Kingdom‎ - 020 7517 3548‎

Portrait Prince Harry and Price William

Artist Nicky Philipps, 45, shows the princes at their official residence, Clarence House, London, and said she hoped the painting captured "a behind-the-scenes glance at the human element of royal responsibility and to emphasize their brotherly relationship."

The portrait shows Princes William and Harry wearing the dress uniform of the Household Cavalry, as worn for the Queen's Birthday Parade.

As a Portrait Photographer, I find this image a bit odd. The awkward postures and the off center composition make the portrait look more like a family snapshot than an official image. But then, it is a Portrait of Price Harry and Prince William, a couple of fairly un-Royal Royals. An oil painting is more art than a photograph, so it has to leave some room for interpretation. The first double portrait makes one more bit of history for the Royal Family.

My London thoughts are happy that this portrait of Prince Harry and Prince William was painted in Clarence House, which stands beside St James's Palace. It was built between 1825 and 1827 to the designs of John Nash for Prince William Henry, Duke of Clarence. He lived there as King William IV from 1830 until 1837. During its history, the house has been altered, reflecting the changes in occupancy over nearly two centuries.

Clarence House is open to the public.

Opening hours

The Summer Opening of Clarence House will be 31 July - 1 September 2010. Further dates may be added.

10:00-16:00 (last admission 15:00)

Timing your visit

A typical visit lasts 45 minutes. Entry is by timed ticket, with entrance every 15 minutes.

Admission by guided tour. All tickets are timed and must be pre-booked.

The guided tours will start promptly at the time stated on your ticket. Please note that late-comers cannot be admitted.

As Clarence House is a working royal residence, opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.

Admission prices

Adult £8.50
Over 60/ Student (with valid ID) £8.50
Under 17 £4.50
Under 5 Free

The Middle Temple, London

Legal history: The Middle Temple Gardens, London, has had lawyers rushing around its beautiful buildings for centuries.

Middle Temple is one of the four Inns of Court which have the exclusive right to Call men and women to the Bar, ie to admit those who have fulfilled the necessary qualifications to the degree of Barrister-at-Law, which entitles them, after a period of pupillage (vocational training) either to practise as independent advocates in the Courts of England and Wales or to take employment in government or local government service, industry, commerce or finance.-Middle Temple

Lots of dark woods and white plaster ceiling and portraits of important people. In short, another one of those wonderful places that takes you back in time to the London that was. The Middle Temple Hall was built during the reign of Elizabeth I, in 1576, as a dining and assembly hall. The Middle Temple Garden is a lovely spot as well, with all those windows and all that fine brickwork as a backdrop.

Being a bit of a bibliophile I was interest to find out that The Middle Temple has a Rare Book and Manuscript Collection with over 7000 early printed books, and approximately 200 Manuscripts. Access to the Collection is by appointment only, but if you are interested legal documents this is worth seeing. The regular library holds about 150,000 books of one sort or another, again mostly legal in nature.

Library Opening Times:

Monday to Thursday - 9.00 am to 8.00 pm
Friday - 9.00 am to 7.00 pm
Saturday - 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (every 4th Saturday)
Monday to Friday - 9.00 am to 5.30 pm
The Library also opens every fourth Saturday on a rota with the other Inn libraries from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm

As with most places in London these days there is a Virtual Tour of The Middle Temple which lets you see the site without the bother of actually going there.

Among the good things the Middle Temple does is help to provide for the next generation of London barristers by offering Scholarships and Prizes. Well, if there's one thing the world needs, it's more lawyers, right?

Middle Temple Lane

London

EC4Y 9AT

Open: 10am-11.30am and 3pm-4pm Mon-Fri

London's Blue Plaques

The blue plaques scheme has been running for over 140 years and is one of the oldest of its kind in the world. The idea of erecting ‘memorial tablets’ in London was first proposed by William Ewart MP in the House of Commons in 1863. It had an immediate impact on the public imagination, and in 1866 the Society of Arts (later Royal Society of Arts) founded an official plaques scheme for the capital. The Society erected its first plaque – to the poet Lord Byron – in 1867. In all, the Society of Arts erected 35 plaques; today, less than half of them survive, the earliest of which commemorates Napoleon III (1867).-English Heritage

Blue plaques seem to be everywhere in London, and with about 800 blue plaques floating around it's no wonder. The London Blue Plaques are sort of like The Hollywood Walk of Fame-except they are a tad more prestigious. There are a couple of books on London's Blue Plaques and there is a website where you can go and make your own Blue Plaque. There's also a pretty nice blog dedicated to the topic of Blue Plaques, called Blue Plaques of London. Like a lot of Blogger taking on a large topic he seems to have slowed down a bit.

There is also a nice little Blue Plaque Map of Central London where you can click on the shadows and pull up buildings that have Blue Plaques. Clearly a work in progress, but I like what they have done so far. This is a fun way to while away the odd moment. In real life the Blue Plaques are a little on the subtle side and it is easy enough to walk past them all without noticing them. That's when those handy people with umbrellas called Tour Guides come in handy, they point out the little Blue Plaques and tell you who they are for.

Blue plaques are placed on buildings - occasionally grand, often ordinary - where famous people lived and worked. Sigmund Freud lived and worked in fashionable Hampstead; Charles Darwin in central London’s university campus; Isaac Newton in Soho; Charles Dickens in private street of Camden; Mozart composed his first symphony in the elegant neighbourhood of Chelsea. As with all fame, of course, many of the Blue Plaques of London commemorate people the average person don't know. British Heritage has kindly composed a list of the many names and a brief bio for those interested.

So be sure to look up for a bit of blue once in a while in London, you might see a Blue Plaque telling you that someone important once lived there.

The London Pass Top Ten London Attractions

Top 10 Attractions

The Tower of London

The ancient stones reverberate with dark secrets, priceless jewels glint in fortified vaults and pampered ravens strut the grounds. The Tower of London is one of the world's most famous fortresses and has seen service as royal palace, prison, armoury and even zoo! It is still home to the Crown Jewels and Beefeaters.

To celebrate the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's accession to the Throne, a stunning exhibition of the famous monarch's personal arms and armour ever shown in the UK is included in your admission to the Tower. Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill includes original artefacts never previously displayed in the UK and is included in admission until 17 January 2010.
Normal Entry Price: Adult: £17.00
Normal Entry Price: Child: £9.50

Thames River Boat Cruise

A Thames river cruise is without doubt one of the best ways to see London, weaving through the heart of the city and past so many of its most famous attractions. See and experience the sights and splendour of this great city from the relaxed comfort of a City Cruises modern, all-weather boats with open upper decks and spacious lower saloons with panoramic windows.
Normal Entry Price: Adult: £11.50
Normal Entry Price: Child: £5.75

St Paul's Cathedral

Come and experience the majesty and glory of St. Paul's Cathedral, it's iconic dome dominates the London skyline. Built between 1675 and 1710, St Paul's Cathedral is widely considered to be crowning achievement of the glittering career of Sir Christopher Wren.

The Whispering Gallery at this London cathedral is famous for its acoustics and is 30 metres above the cathedral floor, while below, in the elegant and spacious crypt, are the tombs and memorials of such historical luminaries as Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke Of Wellington
Normal Entry Price: Adult: £11.00
Normal Entry Price: Child: £3.50

Windsor Castle

A must see for London visitors, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and official residence her majesty the Queen. The magnificent State Apartments are lavishly furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection, including masterpieces by Rubens, Holbein, Brueghel and Van Dyck. You can get there from London Paddington in around 30 minutes
Normal Entry Price: Adult: £15.50
Normal Entry Price: Child: £9.00

Tower Bridge Exhibition

One the most impressive structures and sites in the capital, Tower Bridge in London has stood over the River Thames since 1894 and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

Learn about the history of the Bridge and how it was built. Interactive displays and videos provide an entertaining and informative guide to Tower Bridge in London and its place in the history of the River Thames.
Normal Entry Price: Adult: £7.00
Normal Entry Price: Child: £3.00

Kensington Palace and The Orangery

Generations of royal women have shaped this stylish palace and elegant gardens from Queen Mary to Victoria and, more recently Diana, Princess of Wales.

Today a unique collection of dresses worn by Princess Diana, including some never before displayed at Kensington Palace are shown in Diana Fashion and Style, an exhibition that charts the early days from the 1983 silk evening dress by Donald Campbell to the full blown style icon, demonstrated by the sleek black Gianni Versace cocktail dress, worn in 1995.
Normal Entry Price: Adult: £12.50
Normal Entry Price: Child: £6.25

Hampton Court Palace

The flamboyant Henry VIII is most associated with this majestic palace, which he extended and developed after acquiring it in the 1520s. Its many royal occupants have ensured the palace has fabulous furnishings, tapestries and paintings. It is set in 60 acres of formal gardens, which include the famous maze and the Great Vine.
Normal Entry Price: Adult: £14.00
Normal Entry Price: Child: £7.00

London Bridge Experience and The London Tombs

The London Bridge Experience is a two-part tourist attraction situated within the arches of London Bridge.

Firstly enjoy a fascinating trip back in time as the London Bridge Experience delves through the history of the bridge, from Druids through to Victorians, meeting Vikings, Romans, and some creepy medieval characters along the way. Featuring real life actors, stunning special effects and animations, this is unique interactive adventure really does takes you back in time.
Normal Entry Price: Adult: £21.95
Normal Entry Price: Child: £16.95

Churchill Museum & Cabinet War Rooms

The Churchill Museum & Cabinet War Rooms are dedicated to the life of the ?greatest Briton', Sir Winston Churchill, and the secret underground headquarters that were the nerve centre of Britain's war effort.

The first London museum of its kind, the Churchill Museum covers all ninety years of Winston Churchill's life, divided into five chapters: his early year's as British Prime Minister starting May 1940; his later years; his childhood; his early political career and the period famously known as the ‘Gathering Storm’.
Normal Entry Price: Adult: £12.95

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tour and Exhibition

London sightseeing visitors can enjoy a trip back in time with a visit to the spectacular Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Situated on London's Bankside, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre reconstruction the original building that housed Shakespeare's theatre in London, an open-air playhouse where the playwright penned many of his greatest plays.
Normal Entry Price: Adult: £10.50
Normal Entry Price: Child: £6.50

Would you like to Save Money While Visiting London? Check out the London Pass

London Barge Living

With its well presented accommodation, substantial upper deck and scenic canal side views, this 55' steel hulled, two berth barge, offers both a peaceful and unique living environment .

And it only cost £140,000-which for London is not too bad a price, is it? Of course, there are numerous fees of one sort or another that go along with a narrow boating lifestyle. Some of the estimates I have seen say that you could live on a barge with a £14,000 annual income-so long as barge expenses don't go up too much.

I was watching Last Comic Standing last year, and one of the finalist was a Londoner who lived on a barge. This was a wonderfully odd idea to me. I live in a fairly dry part of the world and have not seen too many barges in my day. There was a travel show that was called Barging Through Europe, so the idea of travel by barge was not new to me. But living on a barge? That seems a tad odd though. There is something kind of romantic about the idea, if not the actuality.

One of the more unusual spots in London is the remarkable Garden Barge Square where a community of barge owners live right next to Tower Bridge. These historic moorings date back 200 years or more. Gardens have been created on the decks of many of the barges to form a kind of floating garden square. As with the rest of London, the Thames can be cold, damp and grey in winter-and the cabins are cramped.

Much more modern visions of barges were recently on display in a show called Barge — breathing new life into Docklands. Many of these barge designs are ultra modern and sort of hip-in a sci fi kind approach to barge design. They mostly remind me of the kind of free formed watercraft that have been popular around the San Francisco Bay area for the last fifty years or so. These barges would stayed where they are put, as they could never make it through the narrow passages that a standard issue canal barge has to navigate.

As with all my London thoughts, living on a barge would require my winning a lotto and landing a job with the BBC. But I do like the idea of living on the water. The brisk air would be good for a Voice Over artist, wouldn't it? It might inspire a writer as well. And I'm sure it would just a tube ride away from a discount portrait studio-where I would surely have my only real job. I wonder if a discount portrait photographer in London makes £14,000 a year?

Shakespeare's Globe

The model was made from details found from historical etchings and prints of the original Globe Theatre. This required quite a bit of research as there were actually three Globe Theatre buildings, and inaccuracies abound. This model represents the Globe as it probably looked around the time that Shakespeare's plays were presented there (1599-1608).-Paper Toys.

Shakespeare's Globe is one the sights of London that I saw as a floated by on a boat. It is an interesting looking building, but to be honest Shakespeare's plays have never been my favorite. There is a little too much Old English for me, I tend to get lost in the soliloquies.

I like this little paper model of The Globe, it reminds me of those 3D jigsaw puzzles that were all the rage a few years back. It does take a bit of skill with a pair of scissors and a careful hand with the folding.

Bill Bryson wrote an excellent little book about Shakespeare, which talked about how little we actually know about the man. There are not plans or images for the actual theater that Shakespeare's plays were preformed during Shakespeare's time. No one knows how Shakespeare spelled his name, not even, it would seem, William Shakespeare himself. And it seems that William Shakespeare would have disappeared like all the other playwrights of his time had not a couple of gentlemen decided to publish a book of his plays. This has lead to all manner of debate about who wrote the Shakespeare plays and if Shakespeare was just a brand name like Warner Brothers. Good old Will is a source of infinite debate and argument.

As always, things are going on in the current incarnation of the Globe Theatre. Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition and Theatre Tour will be open throughout the Autumn half-term (26 –30 October) and is a perfect destination for families wishing to discover more about Shakespeare and the London in which he lived and worked. During half-term regular live demonstrations such as swordfighting and costume dressings will give families a stimulating introduction to one of the world’s most iconic working theatres.

Open throughout the year, Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition and Theatre Tour is housed beneath the reconstructed Globe Theatre on Bankside. The exhibition explores the remarkable story of the Globe, and brings Shakespeare’s world to life using modern technology and traditional crafts with a range of interactive displays and live demonstrations exploring costume, music and special effects.

Also included with the exhibition ticket is a tour of the Globe Theatre that will bring the extraordinary home of Shakespeare’s theatre to life. The Guide-storytellers will take you on a fascinating half-hour tour of the auditorium, vividly recreating colourful stories of the 1599 Globe and the reconstruction process in the 1990s, and of how the wooden ‘O’ works today as an imaginative and experimental space.

Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition: Open all year round
Venue: Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition and Theatre Tour, SE1
Opening Times: 10am – 5pm (Last theatre tour is at 5pm)
Tickets: Adults £10.50; Children (aged 5 – 15) £6.50; Students (with valid ID) £8.50; Family (up to 2
adults and 3 children) £28

5% off the retail price of the LONDON PASS with this code: londpas05

London Duck Tours

General Motors Corporation built more than 21,000 amphibious DUKWs (pronounced ducks) during World War II. An original six-wheel-drive DUKW ran on water at 6.4 mph and tooled across land at 55mph.The craft hauled troops and supplies ashore during the D-Day landings in France.

I missed this one when I was in London, so I don't have any firsthand experience of a Duck Tour in London. But I have ridden Ducks elsewhere, namely Hot Springs, Arkansas. These are tall, rough riding, windy vehicles. It's traditional for the drivers of these amphibious tour buses to crack stale jokes, often in a delivery that is well worn and deadpan. They are still pretty funny, but may not be to everyone's taste.

The London Duck Amphibious Vehicle Tour starts from Chicheley Street located behind the London Eye. The tour then passes by London hotspots Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and the Houses of Parliament before being launched into the River Thames. Some other places that you can admire while on a Duck Tour include the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Lambeth Palace. Sounds like fun to me.

My own experience with Duck Tours has been exciting and a good way to see things from a different prescriptive. You really need to see London from the Thames to get a good feel of the city. So taking a London Duck tour sounds like a good way to see to bits of London that you might not see otherwise.

London Duck Tours have created an exciting adventure for visitors to London taking in the sights by road and river. The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes. 45 on the road and 30 on the river However passengers are advised to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure as they can make no allowances for missed departures as tickets are non transferable and non refundable.

Adult £20
Children £14
Concession £16
Family £58

Cleopatra's Needle, London

Cleopatra's Needle is the popular name for each of two Ancient Egyptian obelisks formerly in Alexandria and re-erected in London and New York City during the nineteenth century. -wikipedia

Cleopatra's Needle is one of the countless little odds and ends that can found in and around the city of London. Statues and monuments litter the city and it is easy walk past Cleopatra's Needle and think it is just one more bit of art in a city overflowing with art.

The needles are genuine Ancient Egyptian obelisks, though they are somewhat misnamed as they have no particular connection with Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt-they were already over a thousand years old in her lifetime.

The London needle is in the City of Westminster, on the Victoria Embankment near the Golden Jubilee Bridges. Cleopatra's Needle was presented to the United Kingdom in 1819 by Mehemet Ali, the Albanian-born viceroy of Egypt, in commemoration of the victories of Lord Nelson at the Battle of the Nile and Sir Ralph Abercromby at the Battle of Alexandria in 1801. Although the British government welcomed the gesture, it declined to fund the expense of transporting it to London.

Cleopatra's Needle is one of those Free Things to do in London.

Absolut IceBar London

ABSOLUT ICEBAR LONDON is the first permanent bar made of ice in the UK located in the heart of Mayfair in London. Experience the extreme - ABSOLUT ICEBAR LONDON is kept at minus 5 degrees all year round and everything inside is made out of crystal clear ice transported especially from the Torne River in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden. -Absolut Icebar London

I've always been a big fan of odd little dodads that can be found on the web. One such bit of silliness allows you to put whatever you want-well, the spaces are limited- on an Absolut Vodka bottle. London Thoughts fit nicely, don't you think? Which got me to think about London and Absolut Vodka, so-

Absolut IceBar London

Consisting of a single chamber, guests are allocated 45 minute slots inside the Icebar, which is entered through an air locked entrance specially designed to maintain the –5 degree centigrade environment.

The Atmosphere
Inside the chamber everything is constructed of ice imported from northern Sweden. Guests mingle, protected against the chill thanks to the silver capes, gloves (and even warm shoes, if requested) which are provided at the cloakroom. The other worldly atmosphere of the Icebar is complemented with chill out music piped through speakers which are set into the walls of ice.

The Pub
Absolut vodka cocktails are served in an oversized ice cube of a glass by ski-suited barmen from behind a visually stunning ice bar. Capable of inspiring a sense of wonder in even the most hardened of cynics, part of the Icebar’s appeal lies in quality drinks served up in dramatic surroundings. Guests relax on ice stools dotted around tables made of ice whilst enjoying artwork nade, of course, from frozen water.

The Drinks
Appropriately named cocktails include Absolut Icy River, Absolut Aurora Borealis and signature cocktail Absolut Below Zero, although non-alcoholic cocktails are also available. The only deterrant to trying the entire list is the price. Entry costs £15.00 per person and includes one free drink but after that, shots priced at £6.00 (£3.00, non-alcoholic) can quickly mount up to a sizeable bar tab-but hey, how often do you get to be in a bar made of ice?

ABSOLUT ICEBAR LONDON
Mon - Weds 3:30 pm - 11:00 pm,
Thurs 3.30pm - 11.45pm,
Fri 3.30pm - 12.30am,
Sat 12:30 pm - 12:30 am,
Sun 3.30pm - 10.15pm

LOCATION
31-33 Heddon Street
London W1B 4BN
Heddon Street is located just off Regent Street and is a 5 minute walk from either Piccadilly Circus or Oxford Circus tube stations.

Big Ben Happened in London 1859

what happened in London on September 7th 1859

You gotta love Google Trends-this is just the type of oddball thing that pops up from time to time. When those Recite Song Lyrics Shows were all the rage a while back, you could count on all the songs being in the top ten of Google Trends. Lots of games show type questions end up on Google Trends.

The Clock Tower owes its existence to a fire in 1834 that destroyed most of Parliament. A commission was set up to choose a new building design from 97 submissions and a clock tower dominated Charles Barry's winning plan. The clock swung into action in 1859.-UK Parliament

What happened in London on September 7th 1859, the next logical questions is who cares? Well, it seems the answer is that Big Ben started keeping time on this date. Or about that time anyway. The 1859 part seems to be fit, the September 7th-not so much. But I like the whole idea that London is on Google Trends. By the way, Big Ben is not the clock's official name, the proper name for Big Ben is the Great Bell.

What happened in London on September 7th 1859 was number two on Google Trends and must have been a trivia question on a game show or a morning show. Of course, with all the Trendy blogger such as myself looking for something to blog about-we are keeping this silly question on Google Trends and not finding any answer to the question.

What happened in London on September 7th 1859? Beats me.

Westminster Abby London

Poets were buried or memorialized around Chaucer in what became known as Poets' Corner. These include; William Blake, Robert Burns, Lord Byron, T. S. Eliot, Thomas Gray, Gerard Manley Hopkins, John Keats, John Milton, Nicholas Rowe, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Thomas Shadwell, William Shakespeare and William Wordsworth.-Wikipedia

As a photographer I was a bit disappointed with many sites in London. The rules for Westminster Abby are much like the rules for other Royal or Historic Sites in London-Photography and filming (pictures and/or sound) of any kind is not allowed in any part of the Abbey at any time. Which makes it kind of hard to get those cool shots of the statue of Shakespeare in the Poets Corner. You can buy postcards with pictures of just about anything you would want. But that is never exactly the same as taking your own image, even if it is the same as a million others who have come before you.

Westminster Abby is more than a spot to take photo-its a totally amazing place with too many wonders to take in. The tagline says From 1065 to Today and that's a pretty long time. You used to be able to make brass rubbings here as well, but a thousand years of people making carbon copes has taken its toil on the brass plates. The Abby is still a working church and so there are Services here if you would like to attend one.

Westminster Abby is a London must see. The building is amazing and awe inspiring. Westminster Abbey is usually open to visitors from Monday to Saturday throughout the year. On Sundays and religious holidays such as Easter and Christmas, the Abbey is open for worship only. There are several types of tours available-Audio Tours, Guided Tours, and Verger-led Tours. Allow several hours & include seeing St. Margaret's Church & Jewel Tower. If you love architecture as I do, then make sure you don't miss a visit to the Abbey.

Davenport's Magic London

Davenports are a real magic shop, based in central London close to Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross station and the Strand. We were established in 1898 by Lewis Davenport, and are the oldest family run magic business in the world.-Davenports Magic

It's possible that you never wanted to do any magic when you were growing up-possible but unlikely. There is just something about making a coin vanish into thin air or sending a playing card flying that makes the heart skip a beat. At least, my heart anyway.

Jay Sankey is one of my all time favorite teachers of magic, his DVDs are just great. So great in fact, that watching a few of them makes you think you can do them as well as he can. It still takes practice to do an illusion correctly, even if you do know how it is done. Davenports has a lot of Jay Sankey stuff, well worth checking out.

Davenports Magic also has a Magic School, where a bit of person attention might just help smooth out the rough edges of your magic act. For me just hanging around and looking at all the different props and effects is a fun way to spend a couple of hours. Lots of accessories and books and DVDs to be found at Davenports.

Of course, learning how a trick is done can take the fun out of it. But once you realize that knowing how to do it is not the same thing as doing it-well, you still have to have respect for the pros. Magic is not as easy as it looks-but it is fun trying.

The NFL in London

"Last year was a launch, this year is about the Xs and Os of converting people to being lifelong NFL fans," Alistair Kirkwood, managing director of the NFL in Britain.

The BBC has a Sport Page that explains American Football to British Football fans. American football is not a game that makes a lot of sense, but I do enjoy watching it. The National Football League hopes that people in London will like watching it as well. On Sunday 26th October 2008, the NFL is coming back to Wembley Stadium as part of the National Football League’s International Series. This year's game will see the New Orleans Saints and the San Diego Chargers take to the Wembley Stadium turf. Tickets ranged from £45 through to £100.

The NFL London website has the story of the NFL's plans for world domination. I must say that I have mixed feelings about the whole NFL in London thing. The Dallas Cowboys are about the only sports team that I follow and outside of Manchester United, I haven't heard of any other British sport teams. So why should London sports fans want to see American Football?

London has a lot of American touches, from Krispy Kreme donuts to Kentucky Fried Chicken to the ever present McDonalds. London is an ever changing city and that is a good thing. I don't expect that the NFL International Series will turn London into Dallas or Pittsburgh, but I do wonder why the NFl wants more world wide fans. Is there going to be London NFL team? A Mexico City NFL team? Or do the plans call for whole new leagues to be created around the world? Will we see an NFL with Edinburgh vs London and the winner gets to play in The Superbowl? I can't keep up with the Teams in the NFL now, let alone a whole new world full of NFL teams.

Vast hordes of new NFL Franchises are off in the future-for now we just have the Football game being played in Wembley on Sunday. I am not a fan of the Chargers or the Saints-but I do like the idea of the Saint's Cheerleaders riding around in the London Eye.

Forbidden Planet London's Sci Fi Superstore

Forbidden Planet is the world's largest and best-known science fiction, fantasy and cult entertainment retailer. We specialise in selling action figures, books, comics, DVDs, graphic novels and toys and we offer all the best merchandise from the cult cream of movies and television.-Forbidden Planet

Fobidden Planet is the kind of shop I had dreams of visiting when I was a kid. My own local Comic shops were fun, but nothing like London's Forbidden Planet. Once upon a time Forbidden Planet was just a book store-a great sci fi book store. Now it is a megastore for all things science fiction and fantasy. Forbidden Planet contains a vast collection of the latest and greatest toys, DVDs, comics, trading cards, models, and lots of vinyl stuff.

The Wife is a big Star Trek fan and she has a lot of signed photos and action figures and the like. Many of Trek Nerd friends have rooms filled with posters, toys, and all kinds of collectibles. Forbidden Planet sells stuff that The Wife and her friends would love. I used to be a huge comic fan and still have a strong interest in the films made from comics. London's Fobidden Planet caters to all sides of the market with comics and DVDs and the countless other items made popular by Star Wars.

There is also a nice section on Dr Who, Torchwood, and Sarah Jane-more Dr Who stuff than I would I ever want. But it is fun to look at. They have Plush Adipose-those cute little fellows made out of human fat. Lots of Dalek stuff, as well as all the other Dr Who villains. Dr Who does seem to spend a lot of time in London, saving it, mostly, most of the time.

A London must see for all the countless Sci Fi fans out there.

Forbidden Planet
179 Shaftesbury Ave
London
WC2H 8JR

Mon - Wed and Fri - Sat: 10:00 to 7:00
Thurs: 10:00 to 8:00
Sun: 12:00 to 6:00

Home House London

Home House is London's most exclusive 'Private Members Club' offering personal service in all areas of the House. The House, with a long and colourful history; offers members the opportunity of being part of something special in the heart of London. -Home House

Is there anything more British than a Private Club? In the U.S. a Private Club is usually a bar with exotic dancers and brass poles here and there. The closest thing that comes to mind in America with a British Private Club is something like the Masons or the Shriners-where there are various and sundry rules about getting in-or at least, there used to be.

Home House is old-the same as the United States-In 1776 James Wyatt was commissioned by Elizabeth, Countess of Home to build a house at 20 Portman Square. But it wasn't until 1999 that it became a Private Club for discerning clientele. There is said to be a very long waiting list to become a member of Home House and you do need to know someone who is already a member to join.

Home House seems to be one of those love it or hate it kind of places. My brother is one of those people that visits historic homes and says-Well, it was just an old house. I'm more easily impressed and I like the looks of Home House and the idea of a Private Club. The Home House website is fun to wander around in and I like Royal Alligator logo. There are meals to eat and rooms to rent at Home House, though you need to know someone to use them and I don't. Seems there are a lot of weddings and the like at Home House and if you happen to Rich and Famous you can always hire the place for a private party.

Home House London is one of the finest works of the 18th century designer, decorator and all-round architectural genius Robert Adam. Within the maze of 130 rooms you can sit quietly in a world of your own, discreetly talk business, or immerse yourself in a sociable buzz. At the hub of Home House is The Bison Bar – humming with news, views and gossip, and fueled by the energy of Europe’s greatest capital City.

You must be a member of Home House, or a guest of a member, to use any of the facilities. Just one more thing to add to list of things to do once I win the Lottery.

Terence Conrad Bibendum and More

While a great deal has changed since 1987, much too has remained the same. The restaurant’s original ethos of producing classic French food with a strong British influence, using the best quality seasonal ingredients continues today.- Bibendum website

Sir Terence Conrad has his own Empire in London and elsewhere around the world. Like Frank Lloyd Wright and all other successful modern moguls, Terence Conrad is not just a name, he is a Brand. The Conrad Shop has all those wonderful things that no home should be without-Conrad Furniture, Conrad Lighting, Conrad Entertaining. All designed with that wonderful Terence Conrad mix of Old and New.

Among the architecture of note is the recent Roppongi Hills, a new 11-hectare urban quarter in the heart of Tokyo. There is also the first museum in the world devoted exclusively to 20th and 21st century design, the Design Museum which opened in 1989. There also many hotels, homes, and other projects under the Terence Conrad banner.

Terence Conrad has also written a book about London. Terence Conran on London is a visual guide to the excitement and diversity of London life, seen through the eyes of one of the world's foremost designers, retailers and restaurateurs. He paints a fascinating portrait of London, its architecture and interiors, as well as the worlds of transport, work, shopping, eating, street life and culture.

London River Cruises

The best thing about London is that its on the way to Amsterdam.-My Brother Don

I write about a few travel related topics, and I have these plans of seeing more of the world one of these days. More of London in particular. So I get the occasional travel catalog. Oddly these travel brochures are seldom just tours of Britain or London-they are more often Grand Tours that trek the whole of Europe. With just the occasional stop over in London before you head off to Budapest or Cairo.

I don't know why I get most of the travel catalogs that I get. I am not like Hyacinth Bucket-pronounced Bouquet-and request every catalog on record for the QEII or African Safaris. Though if I win the lotto it would be fun to request a few. As it is I have signed up for a couple of contests here and there, and I think that is how my name has found its way onto these mailing lists.

My most recent catalog is for Viking River Cruises in Europe, Russia, and China. A fairly broad area to be taking river cruises to my way of thinking. Most of these river cruises are in the four to six thousand dollar range and seem to last about 10 to 16 days. If Viking River Cruises wants to give me and the wife a nice Cruise somewhere I'd be happy to write a few blog posts about it. Otherwise it will just be fun to look at the pictures.

Of course, my London thoughts tend to wander to Cruises on the Thames in London. My own London Cruising experience was a three and half hour ride down to Hampton Court, which was about three hours longer than we expected it to be. That was one way. It was an interesting experience though. We also took a short trip from one side of the Thames to the other at one point and got a bit of commentary on the London buildings lining the river.

The more serious London River Cruises offer diners and bars and lots of windows for seeing all of the wonders of London floating by. Below are some of the London River Cruise Companies that Google and Rough Guide like. Though to be honest, Google just likes the names.

Canal and River Cruises-London canal and river boat trip cruise, Private narrow boat charter for your exclusive use. The views provide a whole new perspective on the magnificient City of London

Crown River Cruises-Crown River Cruises offers luxurious cruises supplying meals and entertainment and also provides circular cruises for sightseeing.

City Cruises-City Cruises operates sightseeing cruises and evening dinner & dance cruises on London's River Thames all year round.

Viking River Cruises-Just hang out in London until the Grand Adventure of a long river cruise begins. The kind of stuff that dreams are made of.

Bateaux London-Offering fine food, breathtaking river views, live entertainment and professional service, a Thames lunch or dinner cruise provides the perfect indulgence.

Thames River Services-A visit to London is incomplete without a cruise along the Thames, either as an introduction to the many sights and scenes to be enjoyed during your stay or as a treasured memory of your visit. All year round, our boat service leaves regularly from Westminster Pier.

London River Cruises-London River Cruises can pick your guests up from any of the piers in or around the London area and take you to your destination while enjoying a drink crusing along the River Thames

Books for Cooks London

Books for Cooks was founded in 1983 by Heidi Lascelles. At that time, the whole venture must have seemed highly improbable. British cooking was a standing joke the world over, with London a highly unlikely location for a cook book store. Heidi was neither a trained cook nor professional bookseller.-Books for Cooks website.

One of my favorite films is Notting Hill, in which Hugh Grant owns a bookstore which sells nothing but Travel Books. It's the kind of Long Tail choice that seems unlikely to succeed in the Brick and Morton world, and Hugh's character was not rich or famous. Still, it did introduce lots of people outside of London to Knotting Hill's famous bookshops.

Across the road from The Travel Bookshop is Books for Cooks, another one note shop that seems to be doing very well with it's all cookbooks all the time programing.

I'm a sucker for books and I have to admit that I have soft spot for cookbooks. Most of the ones I buy are large and glossy and filled with beautiful photos. The handful of real cookbooks I own have battle won stains from time sitting on a kitchen counter while its owner zipped back and forth from cook pot to cookbook in mild to extreme confusion.

Which is where a stop at a Books for Cooks workshop would have come in handy. This bookstore teaches you how to cook, as well as selling you books on cooking. The list of workshops is pretty impressive. Everything from how to Taste Wine to how to Cook with Recipes. Truffle and Chocolate Making, that would be the one for me. I do love to make Truffles and I am always on the lookout for one more recipe to try.

The other bit that sets Books for Cooks apart from other bookstores is it's Test Kitchen, where great smells waft out to fill the shop and inspire the would be foodie to greatness. Of course, I would be more likely just to eat the samples and not really try to make them myself. I do love a good bookshop, and the hunt for just the right book is a great way to spend a couple of hours.

Books for Cooks 4 Blenheim Crescent, Notting Hill, London, W11 1NN

The OXO Tower-London

"That's the Oxo Tower, of Oxo bullion fame." The man guiding our boat across the Thames told us. But since we were a bunch of tourists from America, none of us had ever heard of Oxo.

The building was originally constructed as a power station for the Post Office, built towards the end of the 19th century. It was subsequently acquired by the Liebig Extract of Meat Company, manufacturers of Oxo beef stock cubes, for conversion into a cold store.

The London building was largely rebuilt to an Art Deco design by company architect Albert Moore between 1928 and 1929. Much of the original power station was demolished, but the river facing facade was retained and extended. Liebig wanted to include a tower featuring illuminated signs advertising the OXO name.

The Oxo Tower Restaurant is a bit pricey, as should be expected in a proper London eatery. Three courses £33.00 for lunch, while most dinners seem to be in the £20.00 neighborhood. As with a lot of London Attractions, there is a 360 degree view to be had online.
It looks like a nice enough place and the view certainly seems worth seeing.

London is a great town for recycling, and old power plants and post offices seem to always be on their way to being new businesses of one sort or another. The OXO tower with its nice tic-tac-toe logo and sharp art deco lines is a very nice building that houses art exhibitions and flats as well as a restaurant.

So when a tour guide points out the Oxo Tower to you, nod knowongly when he talks about Oxo Stock Cubes.

Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, South Bank, London, SE1 9PH