I love cycling. This past Saturday myself and some fellow cyclists took to the roads of London to campaign for safer streets for anyone on self propelled wheels, organised by London Cycling Campaign genius' http://lcc.org.uk/articles/lcc-announces-the-big-ride-uks-biggest-ever-mass-cycle-calling-for-safe-and-inviting-streets-for-cycling. I say some... I mean 10,000 people. It was freezing cold, wet and miserable (classic British weather), but this didn't stop a super-friendly (in London, really?) carnival atmosphere. Warmed up by some lentil soup and delicious chocky milkshake after at Lookmumnohands cafe, in Old Street.

With the London Mayoral elections coming up on Thursday, the movement wants the candidates to sign up to the Dutch attitude towards cycling (and ergo making the roads safer), and this protest was well timed for that. Boris Johnson has taken some steps towards encouraging Londoners to cycle more by introducing the Barclays bikes and painting some blue lines on major roads (!!). In reality, it's a half-hearted effort (which cost a fortune) which made some good headlines. His continuing Mayorship definitely seems to have no inclination to make roads safer for pedestrians or cyclists (from what has been reported this afternoon at the Mayoral Hustings where Johnson seems clueless and uninformed along with a flippant attitude showing his true colours).

The other candidates Ken Livingstone, Jenny Jones and Brian Paddick all have a much better attitude towards making cycling in London actually safer. Boris' attitude seems more about getting headlines, but fails miserably in making the roads a safer place to be and saving lives.

Sarah, Tamsine, Bindi and Johnny.

Ok, so it really isn't cricket to be educated about music via a high street travel agents advert, but, I am glad I have been on this occasion. (Plus, I am a sentimental goon!)

The original version "Where is my Mind" was written & performed by the Pixies in 1998 (equally great), and was used in the closing credits of Fight Club (thought I'd heard it before).

However, here it is re-arranged by seasoned and accomplished composer/musician, Guy Farley, (http://guy-farley.com/biography.htm) who re-recorded it with a 39 string orchestra whilst playing the piano parts himself for the Thomson holiday advert. Step aside John Lewis Christmas ad, there's a new goosepimpler in town...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8B1ZNv9m4s

Family time

Musings of the Squiggles

I take Auntie responsibilities seriously. None moreso than when educating T (4yrs) on the finer details of Star Wars. On discussing Chewbacca over a cup of water and a rice cake, he & I debated whether Han Solo's razor shy First Mate was named Chewie or Chewbacca. T was adamant on Chewie, whilst I attempted to convince him it was just an abbreviation. But no, T was steadfast in his opinion. We called in a 3rd party (T's Dad) to supply the deciding opinion on the important matter in hand. No children or adults were harmed in the resolution of this debate.
Go forth little one and keep learning the way of the Jedi.

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