[CARTOON] Vader and me

London Marathon 2012 Wk 14: Olympic Park Circuit

Run of the week was a "circuit" (of sorts)  around the London Olympics

2012 Park in Stratford.

I ran from Forest Gate to the Greenway at West Ham. The Greenway was blocked off at the High Street. I tried to rejoin via Blaker Road but this was fenced off. So I went along the canal to Marshgate Lane and eventually came back on the Greenway, stopping off at the view tube to take pictures of the Olympic stadium and the Orbit (see right).

The Orbit at the moment does remind me of the monster aliens from HG Wells "War of the Worlds". But I have little doubt it will eventually become a poplar icon.

Past the Second World War pill box and anti-tank defences then Old Ford Canal Lock.  Do you remember Chris Evans and "The Big Breakfast"? It was filmed here at the Lock Keepers cottage. I use to cycle into work along the towpath and wave at Chris and his guests filming in the garden (they never waved back).  I ran along the towpath (the area has totally changed - there are now Art Galleries, cafes and residential blocks) until the Eastway.  Then there was a long bit of road and pavement towards Spitalfields Market.

I wasted time trying to find a way to cross the A12 at the Asda Retail Park (there isn't one). There were groups of people at the retail park being taken on a guided view point tours around the Olympic site. Eventually made it back to Forest Gate past Leyton Underground and West Ham Cemetery. I was supposed to be running for 90 minutes but it took me 2 hours. It was a good run but a bit of a slog from Leyton onwards. I will post other pictures from the run on FaceBook.

I am running the London marathon in April 2012 sort of using the official advanced training programme and will be raising funds for Homeless Youth charity "Alone in London". Click here to sponsor me.

David Oliveira's wire sculptures and drawings

I just came across with David Oliveira work and I'm enchanted by his sculptures made of wire.

David's art makes me think that all of his drawings escaped from his sketchbook and run away to live their lives. They are deep and some of them reminds me of expressionists creatures.



I wish I could see one of his exhibitions because it is clear that photography is incapable of showing his art or the picture must be able to show the sculptures in way that they don't look like drawings.



"I think better in wire. Alexander Calder"... "...me too." answer David Oliveira



images: via designBlog Global

Poda Podi New Still,Poda Podi Wallpaper Movie

Malaysian blues

This was shot at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia but the author is unknown. I did a post with two photos of Malaysian  sky here and felt like sharing this one too.

Hot Trend: Butterlies

Everywhere I turn I see butterfly prints on home accessories. It is obviously the hot trend of the season. Whimsical and endearing, it seems it's all about nature and pretty bugs at the moment. Here's a look at some of my favourite designs out there...

Probably one of my favourite designs, this 'Bugs & Butterflies' wallpaper from Ella Doran is exquisite. Now who thought I would be saying that about bugs?!

I came across this Brand Matilda at Home London on the Dezeen stand. I was immediately captivated by the Chrysalis collection which are these decorative wall butterflies made from recycled fine bone china saucers. Delicate and so feminine, a complete winner for me!

Adore these pretty cushions from the 'butterfly collection' from Natural History. 

Love this new wrapping paper from Prey, Butterflies on Flowers. The perfect combination it seems.

An all time favourite brand of mine, The New English is also on trend with some butterfly action. Here we have the Lepidoptera Maximus Platter by Maxim.

I have just discovered Helen Morris from the Stencil Library and wow I love her work! Especially this butterfly stencilled project with the Queen's head - fabulous!

FlutterBy by Julien MacDonald for Graham & Brown, very pretty indeed.

Ken in Newham

This evening I joined Labour Candidate for London Mayor, Ken Livingstone and his team as they visited the historic Theatre Royal in

Stratford.

Ken had been in Newham all day and had already gone on a Housing enforcement visit with Council officers and Newham Mayor Robin Wales in the morning. He then had a briefing with local Councillors and a Q&A with students at Newham College, as well as a “walkabout” in Green Street.

With Ken was Assembly member Val Shawcross (who is standing for Deputy Mayor) local Assembly member John Biggs and Newham’s finest, GLA Candidate, Councillor Unmesh Desai (who is also East Ham Labour Party Agent).

At the Theatre Royal there was firstly an informal meeting with staff and local actors (whose first break had been in the Theatre) in the “Green Room” followed by a brief tour of the theatre and a visit to a Performing Arts class to observe a lesson on “improvisations”. Which was simply enormous fun to watch. Afterwards there was a very relaxed discussion between staff, the young people and Ken, Val and John about the future of performing arts, dance and further education generally. I think the photo above is great. 

Afterwards we went off to the Didsbury Centre in East Ham for the Newham “Tell Ken” event (sponsored by London UNISON Labour Link) which I will post upon soon.

Figure Skating Fashion Minute: 2012 US Figure Skating Championships--The Ladies

Figure Skating Fun:

Arrival Pose: Nick Verreos at the San Jose, CA International Airport

After blogging about the Figure Skating Fashion for the last 2 seasons here on my blog, I decided it was time to see some of these costumes "Up Close" and since the Nationals were almost in my backyard--well, almost--an hour away by plane in San Jose, CA...

I, along with my partner, David Paul (who LOVES himself some figure skating!) decided to make a weekend of it! Yes, we hopped on a Horizon/Alaska Airlines propeller plane at LAX and an hour later, we were in San Jose....to go to the 2012 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

Prudential 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, HP Pavilion San Jose California

This years Nationals were being held at the HP Pavilion and yes, we bought tickets for all of the weekend high-profile events--including the Ladies Finals, Pairs, Ice Dance and Men's short and Long Programs. This is like the "Miss USA" of figure skating...and very very important!!!

Skating Goddess: 9-time US National Champion, 5-time World Champion, 2-time Olympic Medalist Michelle Kwan, 2012 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships "Hall of Fame" Induction Ceremony

I was so excited to attend the Ladies Final Competition--which was held this past Saturday--and as part of the afternoon's event at the HP Pavilion, there was a very special (and a big highlight for me) Induction Presentation of Michelle Kwan into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame. She wore a bright silk satin mustard yellow top and black skirt during this ceremony and actually got teary as all the congratulatory video montages played on the HUGE overhead pavilion screens.

Now, let's get to the Ladies Final and The Costumes!!!

The Top Four: Left to Right--Alissa Czisny (Silver) Ashley Wagner (Gold), Agnes Zawadzki (Bronze), Caroline Zhang (Pewter), 2012 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships HP Pavilion

Gold Medalist Ashley Wagner: I LOVED Ashley's Free Skate costume. She skated to "Music from Black Swan" and yes, this is one of my favorite costumes of the entire season. The one-shoulder embroidered lace applique with beaded detail design is both elegant and directional.

Ashley Wagner--Short Program: For her Short Program, she skated to "Music from the Pollock Soundtrack" and wore a red halter neckline costume with rhinestones. It's pretty, it "pops" on the ice and appropriate for the music and theme.

Agnes Zawadzki--Long Program: Agnes was First Place after her Short Program but received the Bronze Medal after the Free Skate. For her Free Program, she skated to "Rhapsody In Blue" By George Gershwin and wouldn't you know it...she wore a royal/electric blue costume with a one-shoulder/band mock-neck silhouette design with yes, lots of crystals. On the ice, this costume really stood out and look fabulous!

Agnes Zawadzki--Short Program Costume: For her Short Program, Agnes skated to "Harlem Nocturne" and "Whatever Lola Wants" wearing a similar one-shoulder/band neckline costume--but in deep violet. I like that she knows how important these strong colors are, especially on "stage". Up close, these costumes do look about five minutes away from looking too "Figure Skating Betty" however, it somehow works on Agnes. The colors work really well against her skin tone and hair color. On that note, I love that she keeps her hairstyle in an elegant side-parted chignon each time.

Alissa Czisny--Long Program: OK, I will have to get this one off my chest right now: I wasn't a fan of this costume. There, I said it! Alissa--whom I love--and I was "pulling for her"--got the Silver Medal after her Free Skate to "La Valse Triste" by Jean Sibelius. The costume was a little too lingerie/corsetry-looking for my taste. It was "Trashy Lingerie"-ish. On a good note: it had "hints" of Rodarte--the much-praised High Fashion brand everyone and Anna Wintour just LUVS--however, it fell a bit short for me, in terms of impact. I am not a fan of the long skirts for Ladies Figure Skating and well, the entire look was not impacting enough.

Alissa Cizisny--Short Program: For her Short Program, she skated to "La Vie en Rose" from the Sabrina soundtrack and wore this elegant rose-pink boatneck sleeveless costume with all-over crystals. I liked this--it was classic and serene. And the thin belt at the waist is soooo "Red Carpet"-ready! The back is covered in Silver Crystals and is absolutely breathtaking. The photos do not do this costume justice.

Mirai Nagasu---Short Program: Mirai skated to "Danzarin" Tango Lorca to her Short Program. This costume looked like something one could buy off the rack--from one of the skating shops in the Arena. And kids, that's not a good thing--especially for the Nationals. She need to "Bring It On" and for me, she didn't. I can design--and sew this costume--in my sleep!

Caroline Zhang: Pewter Medalist Caroline Zhang wore on of my TOP costumes of the Ladies Final Championships. It was a black number featuring original beading detail under her bust and framing her torso. She skated her Free Skate to "Allegro Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104-1" in this and it worked seamlessly into the performance. Tres Chic Caroline!

Rachael Flatt: One of my favorite figure skaters, Rachael Flatt--skated to the "Firebird Suite" from The Firebird by Stravinsky for her Long Program/Free Skate. She changed her costume and showcase this new design at the US Nationals. Here is the one she wore before. I liked the multicolored beading that (I am assuming) was supposed to mimic feathers of a bird. The colors, design and crystals--they all looked well-made and expensive. But, the best part of her costume came at the end of her performance--during the "Kiss-And-Cry", when she put on a "Stanford University" (the college she attends) cap. Soooo CUTE! Go Miss Rachael!

Click Below for "Figure Skating Chat" with Jimmy Nguyen and Nick Verreos--Previewing the Ladies Final:

Click Below for "Figure Skating Chat" with Jimmy Nguyen and Nick Verreos--Recap'ing Ladies Final Competition:

Nick TV Minute: Nick Verreos, Tabatha Coffey, Camille Grammer on TV Guide SAG Awards 2012 Fashion Wrap hosted by Ali Landry TONIGHT!

SAG Awards Fashion Fun!!!!

TV Guide Fashion Wrap Panel Fab: (Left to Right) Tabatha Coffey, Nick Verreos, Ali Landry and Camille Grammer

Yes, kids, we're BAAACKK!!!!! It's Awards Season and next up is the 2012 SAG Awards, which were televised live last night. And that means only one thing: You HAVE to watch the TV Guide Network 2012 Fashion Wrap TONIGHT!!!! Why? Well, for starters, because I'm on it!! (he he!) And in addition, I'm with all my "Gal Pals": fellow panelists Tabatha Coffey of "Tabatha Takes Over" and Camille Grammer from "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" and our Hostess with the Most Beautiful Hair, Ali Landry, one of the stars of TV Guide's "Hollywood Moms Night".

We will be DISHING our thoughts on last night's SAG Awards red carpet and who we LOVED and who we think might re-think hiring their stylists for their next red carpet event. And yes, we will give our Top and Not-So-Top Picks. Watch and see if YOUR "Hits" and "Misses" made our list!

WHAT: TV GUIDE 2012 SAG Awards Fashion Wrap

WHEN: TONIGHT, January 30, 2012

TIME: premiere airing at 8 p.m. ET/PT, 7 p.m. Central--Click HERE for all the times.

WHERE: TV GUIDE Network, check your local TV/Cable Listings

** It will also repeat at 11pm and again on Tuesday Morning at 10am!!

18th Annual SAG Awards: Who Wore What? Angelina Jolie in Jenny Packham Fall 2011

Angelina Jolie in Jenny Packham Fall 2011: Once again Angelina returned to some of her favorite looks for the SAG Awards: Black, Halter Neck and a Blouson Waist.

Hey, when you are Angelina Jolie you can wear just about anything! But I think she is smart to have cultivated a look that is truly hers and gives us just enough fashion to keep us interested while leaving the focus on her stunning face and body....and her best accessory, Brad Pitt!

Also, coming off her knock out Golden Globes look, it would have been silly to try and top that. I love the iridescent shine of this black jersey fabric and the beautiful draping in the top and skirt.

What do you think?! Another Hit for Angie...or was it too simple for you?!

Orgasmatron the instant female orgasm device waiting FDA approvall

It is no longer science-fiction and the device was discovered in 1998 by accident by Dr. Stuart Meloy, anesthesiologist, when he was implanting electrodes in the spine of a patient who suffered from chronic leg pain.



He was surprised when after turning on the power "the patient suddenly let out something between a shriek and moan." and answered when he asked what was wrong:

"You'll have to teach my husband how to do that."



She had orgasm as "side effect" of the treatment of her pain. Dr. Stuart did a research on 11 women and 10 could achieve orgasm.

I've been searching and all that is being said about this device is the same in different medias:

"In a surgical procedure done in his office, Meloy implants two electrodes from this device into the back of the patient, at the bottom part of the spinal cord. When the electrodes are stimulated with a remote control, "the brain interprets the signal as an orgasm", he said. The device is about the size of a pacemaker and can be turned on and off with a handheld remote control.

Meloy conducted a study of 11 women that he has submitted for publication to the Journal of the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

"Six of them had never had an orgasm before," Meloy said. "Five of them had and then lost the ability. The results were promising in my mind. We were able to stimulate 91 percent of the women, 10 out of 11."

In a era where women implant silicone all over and surgery became a routine few would stop to think about implanting two electrodes to have a little kick from the remote.

Knowing how FDA, science and medicine has been regulating their treatments we know that the marketing of the device will be determined not on the health of women but on which will be more profitable.

Introducing Serpentine By Ligne Roset

I have fallen in love with the the Serpentine chair by Ligne Roset. There were many products that did catch my eye at Maison & Objet this year but for me this has to be one of my utmost favourites. Designed by Eleonore Nalet, a young French designer who is now working as assistant to Inga Sempe'. These outdoor chairs (which look great indoors too) are dressed with long coloured cushions that are entwined through the metal structure of the chair. I love their colour palette, perfect for these Monday blues I am suffering from... 

 At the Ligne Roset stand at Maison & Objet. 

A beautiful fresh colour palette.

Extremely comfortable...

18th Annual SAG Awards: Who Wore What? Jayma Mays in Reem Acra Fall 2011

Jayma Mays in Reem Acra Fall 2011: Jayma really brought it to the Red Carpet for the SAG Awards. I think this was one of the best dresses she has worn. She looked stunning in this Black high neck, cap sleeve, all-over beaded Gown with Lace Back Detail.


I almost could have done without the Lace Inset in the back. It might have been nice to see a bit of skin, but overall I think she hit it out of the ballpark!

What do you think?!

18th Annual SAG Awards: Who Wore What? Zoe Saldana in Givenchy Haute Couture Spring 2012

Zoe Saldana in Givenchy Haute Couture Spring 2012: Another actress lucky enough to wear Haute Couture at the SAG Awards was Miss Zoe Saldana.

She wore this white beaded gown with sheer top section, embroidered waist detailing and side slit. It seems that they made the dress slightly tighter at the hips to give it a more blouson effect, which works well on Zoe.

Was this the best she's ever looked? I'm not sure, but she certainly gets points for always being Fashion Forward and for wearing Haute Couture!

Let me know what you thought? Was she a Haute Hit or Haute Miss?!

18th Annual SAG Awards: Who Wore What? Natalie Portman in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 2012

Natalie Portman in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 2012: Natalie chose a dress hot off the Haute Couture Runway for this years SAG Awards. This dress has already racked up more Frequent Flier Miles then most of us this year!

Giambattista Valli is one of the hottest Couturiers at the moment and you can see why Natalie would be drawn to this stand-out collection. But this Deep Aubergine Chiffon Strapless Gown with Bust Bow Detail is a bit overwhelming for her petite frame. Besides the color being a slightly drab the bow detail is a bit much on her. It works for the 6'0" tall model, but not so much on Natalie.

Let me know what you think?!!

Monday's musings

The toilet seat in the downstairs cloakroom has just broken. (I'll spare you a picture!) We have had to buy a new one. Why? Because a washer – hardly bigger than this letter O – has broken and the screw which holds it on has corroded too much to be removable. So an otherwise perfect wooden toilet seat is consigned to the scrapheap. This is the third item in recent weeks that has had to be scrapped because of the failure of some tiny part or other. I do wish manufacturers would put as much effort into making the little bits as they do into the prettiness and complexity of their products.

Here's another creation with a design fault. It's a wonderful thing – a striker that creates a spark and can start a fire in any circumstances. But the handle is too small and holding it is made even more awkward by the positioning of the chain through the middle. Such a little thing and so easy to have got it right.

(Photo from the web - no copyright details known)

Having commented on books versus films the other day I did something most unusual and watched the start of a TV series of the book 'Birdsong' (ranked 10/10 in my book blog). I was curious to see if they could make it half as excellent as the book and to my surprise it was very good, not least because of the presence of Clémence Poésy as Isabelle. I appreciate beauty is very much in the eye of the beholder but in my view she is extremely attractive.

I am not sure how lucky we are to have fruit and vegetables all year round nowadays. It makes recipe planning a lot easier but I miss the anticipation of things coming into season. As children we used to look forward to the days of early July when the first West Country strawberries would arrive here on Merseyside. Mum's birthday in mid-July would often be celebrated with Scottish strawberries or those from the local Lydiate fields. Nowadays we can have strawberries all year round and they have lost a lot of their excitement and exotic feel.

And finally, a question. Why do we blokes get asked questions to which there is no sensible answer? After making a very weird statement the other day Partner-who-drinks-tea asked “Does that sound stupid?” Can anyone tell me what the appropriate acceptable answer might be?

Wordless Monday on rain