I Always Fall Into the Trap

Even luxury grocers are offering budget ranges and special deals now. Here's one of the latest M&S offerings. A meal for four for £3.

Before you dismiss this as a bunch of processed food that could be bought for £1 at Tesco, remember it's Marks and Spencer. Its bread is lovely. Its pasta is fresh and the sauce delicious. I already have salad in the fridge so I've got the makings of a nice home cooked meal--for only £3.

Unfortunately, I didn't stop there. The main reason I go the M&S is that the fruit and vegetables are superior to the ones available at Morrisons, Tesco or Sainsburys. However, I didn't by a single item of produce. Instead I want crazy and bought all this. I would have bought more but I had to limit myself to what I could carry on the underground. My shopping went from £3 to £17 in the time it took me to walk through the store to the cash registers.

The Letter C

Congestion Zone, Notting Hill.

The tube is skewed west. You can travel quite far west and still be within zone one or two. Accordingly there is a greater choice of tube lines, more stations and more transit overall than in the traditionally poorer East side of London. However residents of Kensington (zone one) and Chelsea (zone two) objected to the western extension of the congestion zone, and successfully campaigned to have the mayor drop the charge in their neighbourhoods. They want all the benefits of multiple transit options without having to pay the additional price of living somewhere so convenient.

Our conservative major placated them. In fact, eliminating the western extension was one of the pillars of his majoral campaign.

ABC Wednesday

I'm Reviving Typically English Tuesday

Kiddie Gambling for Age Three and Up. Spotted at Wilkinsons.

Gambling seems to be the national sport. I've got a bookmaker less than a block away from my front door. There are at least five gambling venues on the local high street. When I called business licensing at Haringey council to complain about a new betting office that has applied for a license to open up shop across the street from a competitive betting office I was told that I could only lodge an objection following three criteria:

1. Unfair betting practices
2. the business has proven to be a magnet for crime or anti-social behaviour
3. The business has proven to take advantage of children or other vulnerable people.

In other words, "too many gambling dens in one area" is not a valid objection.

Graffiti at Central St. Martins

I'm glad that London hasn't succumbed to the commissioned mural. Graffiti like this is so much more creative.

No Shoes, No Pants, No Service

Apparently the way some shoppers are showing up at Tesco has caused some of its stores implement a dress code. Shoes are now required and pajamas banned. This policy is now turning into a class debate. Here's the complete article in the Times. Take a look at the reader comments. It's certainly hit a nerve.

Goodbye London

Cute video of Camden. I love the imgaes. The music's not bad either.

B is For...


ABC Wednesday