If it's raining, it must be Wimbledon

Yep - I finally get another opportunity to go to Wimbledon, and this is the view from our living room window...

Let's hope the forecast of sunny intervals in the afternoon is correct.

If not - Dad, this must be punishment for me trying to go again without you!

the Metro stole my headline

I was going to headline this 'All Change' - but the Metro used that already to mark Gordon Brown's first day as Prime Minister. I do still think it feels odd that without any sort of election or campaigns or lengthy battle for power (er, should I say, no lengthy official battle for power), this country has a new PM. Of course, big news here; only made it to item #3 on the New York Time's world pages -- better work harder Gord.

But rather than Gordon Brown, what the change really makes me think of is memories of 10 years ago, just after I decided to move to London. In preparation, I was obsessively consuming any item I could that had to do with the UK -- from CSPAN's coverage of Parliament, to old episodes of Monty Python. And as part of that, I followed closely the campaign and election of one Anthony Blair -- I can still see myself in my little kitchen in DC, reading a Newsweek article about how 'Clinton-esque' the campaign was...

Wow -- many changes in those 10 years - at least my hair hasn't gone as thin as Tony's! (though maybe as grey - I just cover it better...)

New favourite blog!

OMG - Ken Levine has a blog - fun read if you like TV (hmm - could that be me or anyone I know?) Come back to the Mariners, Ken!

Refugee Week

Thanks to TimeOut, I learned that this week is Refugee Week. And also thanks to TimeOut, I learned of a small friendly museum, tucked away in the East End -- dedicated to these refugees and immigrants to London. And so, thanks to TimeOut, I saw a little piece of London history I never even had an idea existed. (and no, I don't sell TimeOut, but at least glad I read it this week! ;-)

19 Princelet Street is a classic symbol of the various immigrant communities that have made London home at one time or another. Originally home to a Huguenot weaver, it then was converted into a synogogue in 1869. Sadly over time, as the Jewish community moved out of the East End, the house fell into disrepair. About 10 years ago (not that I can find the exact date), a trio of philanthropists / activists decided to attempt to preserve the house, as the Museum of Immigration.

It's still badly in need of funds -- and hugely deserving of them as well. The current exhibit -- Suitcases and Sanctuary -- is incredibly well done, having been created with local school children, as they learn about the immigrant history of the neighbourhood. Given the funding needs, the museum is only open a few days a year -- Refugee Week being the big push -- so we were lucky to get the opportunity to see it.

Unfortunately you're not allowed to take photographs inside, but I did buy some postcards! I was amazed by the memorial notices still visible inside of the synogogue -- complete with notations of how much of a donation their loved ones had given in their memory!

Mac or PC... PC or Mac

I've got, got, GOT to get a new laptop, and confess I'm being drawn to a MacBook. I played with one a few days ago, and love the 'Garage Band' application in iLife (among other. things) - and it does look so easy to use. But I wish Mac-olytes weren't so darn smug! I really hate those 'Mac vs PC' ads - more for their 'ooh, aren't we cool and PC users lame' attitude. Makes me want to buy a PC in spite of knowing that a Mac would likely be better for home use like photos, video, e-mail, media...

And the guy at the Apple store was so derogatory as well -- when I asked about my personal website, and mentioned I'd bought an out-of-the-box offering from Mr Site, he said 'see - with a PC you have to buy everything separately'. So I asked 'wow -does that mean that with the Mac I'd get my own URL and web hosting space for my site then?'

Mr Apple: 'no, you'd have to subscribe to .Mac, and if you wanted your own URL, say, www.planetwulfagar.com, you'd have to buy that too.'
Me: 'Um, so, you're not really convincing me of the positive differences here - it looks like I'd have to buy something in either case.'
Mr A: 'Well, .Mac is more than just web hosting'
Me: 'It's still an additional expense. So it's unfair to say only with a PC do you have to buy extras'
Mr A: (ignores me and moves on to demonstrate Garage Band, which did indeed distract me)

So -anyone out there want to advise? Watch this space!

brush with celebrity

OMG. So, I'm about to leave for work this morning, and as I casually glance out the front room windows, I see:

and of course, while there are no identifying marks on the vans (this was one of 2), it's clearly a film crew of some sort. So, in typical Lucy Ricardo, 'I wanna be in show business' manner, I start to head outside, real casual like, but with a big smile, ready to be talent spotted, which of course I will accept with nonchalant style and charm.

But THEN, just before I go leave... I see the star of the show, and realise that while, yes, an honest-to-goodness British celeb was right outside our building, there was no way they'd be choosing me for a part, extra or otherwise.

For it was none other than Mr Jeremy Clarkson, waiting to film the very popular, motoring petrol-head show Top Gear. So instead of asking to be in the show, I just asked to take his picture. Proof, y'know. And he somewhat graciously complied. Well, not too graciously -- but really, what was he going to do. Actually, it was neither gracious nor ungracious -- more neutral and a bit bemused more than anything. But that'll do. Should I send it to Heat? Hmm...

Once in a blue moon is when?

Huh. Turns out a 'blue moon' *isn't* the 2nd full moon in a month... Thanks, NPR!