Londoners Life – Overheard by Phil Ryan

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My new column is starting to write itself. This week was nearly from a guy shouting into a phone outside West Hampstead tube. He had on an exaggeratedly baggy slightly shabby black suit. I noted his white shirt was stained in places around the collar. It looked like tomato sauce. His general demeanor could be summed up as sleazy. So here’s just one priceless fragment from his ten minute one sided conversation while I was waiting to meet a friend? He was using a wired earphone set clutching the little microphone near to his mouth. “So I’m in the club when boosh this geezer smashes a bottle over this other geezers head. I don’t know what to do, do I? I mean I’m not trained like you. But I’m security right. So I shout stop that but they don’t. And now it’s really kicking off. So I legged it. Yeah I know I’m not supposed to but these geezers were going at it man I tell you. I nearly shit meself (much of this was punctuated by effing and c’ing) I know but I didn’t have a clue Robbie not a clue brother. I’m not cut out for this door work really I’m not. I’m a coward d’you know what I mean? No really brother. My pants were damp you know what I’m saying?”

However it’s not that conversation. Compelling at it got. It’s this one. I had to go into town the day after the Olympic ceremony. So I’m grabbing a cup of tea locally when at the next table I hear this:
Plump middle aged well-dressed woman with bouffant hair and similar looking companion. “Well I was offended. I’m sorry but it’s just not on” her friend looked anxious “Really but I like Paul Mcartney he’s wonderful”. Her friend bridled “But what a thing to sing about” her friend looked taken aback. The bouffant hair lady shook her head vigorously “We put up with a lot but how they let a man like that get away with such offensive language I just don’t know. If that’s supposed to represent Britain well…..” her friend looked seriously contemplative “What did he say?” the bouffant woman’s voice rose to a very loud whisper. “He sat there calm as you like and sang Hey Jews. Can you imagine it on live world television. In front of millions. Mocking us” her friend’s voice changed “Sorry did you say he sang Hey Jews?” Bouffant lady whispered loudly again ”Yes I nearly choked on my biscuit. I shouted by Alby was upstairs. Calm as you like he was the cameras were very close and you could see every word coming out of his mouth. Hey Jews this hey Jews that. I’m surprised people didn’t boo. What a thing I mean what a thing” Her friend sounded uncomfortable now “Er I don’t think that’s what he said dear” Bouffant woman was into her stride “I turned it off I just couldn’t bear it” her friend coughed “No darling the songs called Hey Jude. It’s a boy’s name” Bouffant woman suddenly sounded slightly confused “What?” her friend gently continued “Yes dear it’s an old Beatles tune called Hey Jude. (She enunciated the words very carefully emphasising the D) Kimmy learned it at school last year in the choir. It’s Hey jude” Bouffant woman made a disbelieving sound in her throat “Oh. Well his hair looked terrible”

Thank you god. Perfect.

Olympics Day 1 – Team GB Round Up

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It was a fairly disappointing opening day as Britain failed to win any medals but it is still very early days. Over a million people turned out to support Mark Cavendish and the rest of the British team in the men’s road race but they struggled and failed to win a medal. The British team did very well in the early rounds of the rowing and there was a promising start in the boxing, gymnastics, football and table tennis. There were no medals for team GB in the swimming but the best prospects are still to come.

 

 

There was no medal for Mark Cavendish in the men’s road race.

Andy and Jamie Murray lost in the first round although Elena Baltacha is through in the singles.

The men’s archery team lost in the first round

British middleweight boxer Anthony Ogogo beats Junior Castillo Martinez of the Dominican Republic 13-6 and is into the last 16

Mary King is ranked third in individual eventing after the dressage

Sophie Troiano was beaten 12-9 by Great Britain team-mate Natalia Sheppard in the round of 64

Great Britain women seal their place in the quarter-finals of London 2012 as they beat Cameroon 3-0

In the gymnastics Great Britain’s men are second after the first of three men’s qualifying sessions with 272.420 marks, behind the United States on 275.342 Louis Smith will challenge for pommel horse gold after scoring 15.800 in a superb qualifying routine

Ashley McKenzie is out of the Men’s 60kg judo

All the rowers qualified in their opening heats with a particularly strong performance from Helen Glover and Helen Stanning who qualified in an Olympic record time.

In the swimming there were no medals. Britain’s 4x100m freestyle women’s team finished 5th as did Hanah Miley who will be disappointed not to do better after winning her heat.

Britain did well in the table tennis as both Paul Drinkhall and Joanna Parker qualified for the second round.

Live Olympic Updates – Men’s Road Race

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Mark Cavendish – the major British hope for the race

The British team (max of 5 men in a squad)

David Millar, Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome, Mark Cavendish and Ian Stannard the other members

And there off.

Wiggins is of course just back from his famous victory in the Tour de France but his job today will be to help Mark Cavendish who is the major British hope.

They’ve just gone over Putney bridge. Cavendish will be a big favourite if he can be there at the end, he has the best sprint finish of any of them. But can he stay there, the other countries will do there best to be clear of him before then

There 145 riders in the race in total

10km gone and no major attempt to break away from the field yet or peloton as it’s called in cycling

Bernhard Eisel the Polish rider off his bike. A member of the Sky team.

Coming up to Richmond gate in Richmond park now. This is amazing for me to watch as it’s very close to my childhood home. We’re watching the first attack now and the field is starting to string out. A couple of riders have broken clear.

Oh no a dog in the road! No fallers luckily

Another aggressive attack coming, there really starting to string out now!

A sizeable group has broken clear led by the Australian Stuart O’Grady

Huge crowds all the way. Brilliant to see. There coming past Hampton Court Palace

No British riders in the break away. It’s a mix of many different countries but still very early in the race.

The British riders lead the peloton with Bradley Wiggins no 15 in the front. The commentators seem very nervous the gap to the leaders is now 3 minutes

Wow almost a 4 minute gap to the leaders already with 214km to go. We should remember though this is a very long race. Longer than any stage of the tour de France and there are 9 laps of Boxhill to negotiate which will be very tiring.

4.20 now the advantage

The breakaway bunch includes France’s Sylvain Chavanel, Italian time trial specialist Marco Pinotti, Spain’s Nicolas Castroviejo (the man who replaced Samuel Sanchez), Belgium’s Jurgen Roelandts, Norway’s Alexander Kristoff and Russia’s Denis Menchov and Australia’s Stuart O’Grady.

The lead keeps growing almost six minutes now

With around 195km left to go of the men’s road race, the gap to the front 12 is still around four-and-a-half minutes. These riders have another 70km or so to go until they get on to the Box Hill circuit.

The British riders seem to be making a move.

The peloton is too far away now with just 10 km to go the medals will come from the leading group. There will be no medals for Mark Cavendish or team GB.

Gold – Alexandr Vinokurov – Kazakhstan
Silver – Rigoberto Uran Uran – Columbia
Bronze – Alexander Kristoff – Norway

Robert Pattinson ‘Not Talking To Kristen Stewart’

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Robert Pattinson is no longer in communication with his girlfriend of three years Kristen Stewart after she had an affair with married director Rupert Sanders. Sanders directed Stewart in Snow White and the Huntsman. Sanders also directed his supermodel wife and mother of his two children, Liberty Ross, in the film. She played Stewarts mother. Awkward.

Stewart issued a public apology to Pattinson after US Weekly pictured her kissing Sanders and driving from the home she shared with Pattinson to a car park, where she picked up Sanders. Sanders was seen ‘kissing her all over her body’.

Stewart said in an statement:

“I’m deeply sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I’ve caused to those close to me and everyone this has affected. This momentary indiscretion has jeopardized the most important thing in my life, the person I love and respect the most, Rob. I love him, I love him, I’m so sorry,”

Sanders said in a statement:

“I am utterly distraught about the pain I have caused my family, My beautiful wife and heavenly children are all I have in this world. I love them with all my heart. I am praying that we can get through this together.”

Pattinson has moved out of the house the couple shared in Los Feliz. The two are schedules as presenters at the MTV Music Video Awards in September. Should be a fun night.

And They’re Off! The Olympics 2012 Starts

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Starting from today, London is the most exciting place in the world. The Olympics has started and Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle’s opening ceremony is underway.

Evoking Britain’s green and pleasant land, choirs sang the national anthems of each country in the United Kingdom with their respective flowers which were: Danny Boy, Flower of Scotland, Bread of Heaven and England’s rose, Scotland’s thistle, Wales’ daffodil and Northern Ireland’s flax. There was even 70 sheep, 12 horses, 10 chickens and nine geese.

Then the set was stage as a volunteer cast of two and a half thousand people acted out the Industrial revolution. The cast are dressed like peasants and rich men from another era gave the audience a history lesson to the rousing beat of the drums. The theme of the opening ceremony is the Isles of Wonder, inspired by William Shakespeare’s play The Tempest. Mark Rylance had to drop out of the main part performing a monologue from The Tempest as his step-daughter died. Our heart goes out to him.

Direct descendants from the suffragette movement also took to the stage. Then there was a moment of silence for all of those who have sacrificed their life for their country. The epic opening ceremony cost £27 million

Then there was a splash of colour for the 60’s. 60,000 people inside the stadium watched the spectacle and another 4 billion watched on TV.

Molten Olympic rings were forged by craftsmen and then rose from the ground, creating an amazing spectacle. An emotional moment. The Olympic rings represent the five continents.

Then Daniel Craig as James Bond went to Buckingham Palace to get the Queen (yes, that one) with the corgis snapping at his heels. A helicopter ride later across London’s landmarks lead to The Queen and James Bond parachuting from a helicopter.

The Union Jack was then carried in by servicemen from the RAF, Army and the Navy.

Then the NHS and achievements of children’s books were represented while Mike Oldfields played ‘Tubular Bells’. This included Peter Pan and JK Rowling was there. NHS was then displayed in lights. Kids jumped on beds while nurses danced. Then children’s nightmares were represented by Lord Voldemort, Cruella De Vil and child snatcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Then a few Mary Poppins were dancing on stage and the nightmares were chased away. 10,000 people have taken part in the Opening Ceremony in total. The audience roared as the homage to the NHS ended. All of the nurses and doctors were real NHS workers! They all rehearsed for 350 hours.

Then Rowan Atkinson (as Mr Bean) played along while the National Symphony Orchestra during Chariots of Fire. Then scene from the film were played with Mr Bean cut into them. Very funny.

Then a typical British household was represented along with British TV shows and music from the past. Gregory’s Girl, Charlie Chaplin, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Who and David Bowie were all represented. Every audience member was taken through their childhood.

The Sex Pistols, texting, Soul II Soul and The Eurythmics played as the dancers rocked out and an actor and actress texted each other and then kissed. Famous kisses were then played in the background. Including that of Kate Middleton and Prince William. The journey of music and dance was told from the 60’s to the present day. Danny Boyle even got Trainspotting, the film that made him famous, in.

Then East London’s Dizze Rascal took to the stage. Dizzie was a good choice and then Amy Winehouse played. A homage to the singer who died last year.

The inventor of the internet Sir Tim Berners-Lee appeared and was paid homage to as everyone cheered. David Beckham, East London boy, brought the torch to the Olympic Stadium.

There was a minute silence for those who have passed away and then Emile Sande then sang Abide By Me. The dancers were amazing and there were some brilliant Tai Chi moves.

Then the athletes arrived. The athletes from each country arrived at the stadium carrying their flag as their country was called out.

The opening ceremony was full of British in-jokes and fantastic performances. Frost Magazine are proud to be British and will constantly be blogging about the Olympics. Let us know your opinions and thoughts.

New attractions and experiences website, GoSeeDo, goes live

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New attractions and experiences website, GoSeeDo, goes live

– Provides platform to help families experience ‘firsts’ together

– TV Presenter, Jeff Brazier, announced as brand ambassador

– Introductory sale to celebrate launch

GoSeeDo, a new and exciting ticketing website, launched today, providing consumers with a fun, inspirational, informative and accessible platform to find, research and book the best travel experiences in the UK and all over the world.

Founded by Attraction World, the UK’s leading attractions supplier to the travel trade, GoSeeDo promises to turn good times into great times, offering unmissable experiences and things to do whether on holiday or closer to home.

From Disneyland Paris, afternoon tea at Harrods to city tours in Barcelona and hot air balloon rides in Orlando; from the towering heights of the Empire State Building to football stadium tours and children’s Ferrari driving experiences, GoSeeDo has it all with a global reach that spans the continents.

As well as showcasing adventure, culture, family fun and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for all, the website aims to help families experience those all-important ‘firsts’ together.

Research especially commissioned by GoSeeDo prior to its launch, has shown that nearly 70% of people surveyed have experienced more firsts when on holiday and 50% of all parents have experienced their children’s firsts when away from home, including trying new food, going on a boat trip, going to a waterpark, diving and visiting a historical site or ruin.

Other findings include:

– One fifth of parents experienced their children swimming for the first time

– 80% of children are more adventurous on holidays

– Almost two thirds of parents notice positive changes in their children when returning home after trying new things on holiday

GoSeeDo makes it easier for families to experience those all-important firsts. By pre-booking and pre-planning where you want to go and on which days, customers are able to avoid disappointment, skip the long queues and maximise time spent together at the chosen destination. What’s more, by pre-booking tickets online in advance with GoSeeDo, customers can also save money compared with buying at the gate or on the day.

GoSeeDo also makes it easier to make the most of your time on holiday by highlighting what other activities are available in the area.

To celebrate the launch, GoSeeDo is offering all customers 5% off all experiences available on the website,* so families, couples and friends can rest assured that they’re getting value for money, as well as value for time.

TV Presenter and GoSeeDo ambassador, Jeff Brazier, said: “As a busy father of two, I am always looking for new and fun-filled things to do with the kids in our spare time – whether at weekends or during the holidays. GoSeeDo offers inspirational ideas for places to go and sights to see, which certainly makes my life easier when trying to decide on a family day out! Spending time together as a family is incredibly important to me and being able to share treasured experiences and ‘firsts’ with my two sons allows us to create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.”

Paul Stobbs, GoSeeDo Managing Director said: “We have in-house travel experts working tirelessly to source deals and secure the best suppliers in order to deliver e-tickets to the world’s greatest destinations and experiences to our customers. Leisure time is an important commodity in today’s world and we hope that our expertise can help time-poor people out there to try something different and make the most of their free time, weekends and holidays.”

For more information or to book visit www.goseedo.com or call 0800 980 5551.

Maggie’s London Night Hike

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Registration is now open for Maggie’s London Night Hike 2012.

Now in its eighth year the 10 or 20-mile night time walk through London is now well established in the capital’s fundraising calendar.

Last year’s walkers raised more than £500,000 – enough to run a Maggie’s centre for a whole year and organisers are keen to beat this target this year.

The event which takes place on Friday, September 21 2012 and coincides with a festival run by Open House London, this nocturnal challenge gives you the chance to visit a number of landmark buildings and iconic structures.

Buildings confirmed include the Sterling Prize-winning Maggie’s West London centre, the London Eye, Roca, City Hall, Leadenhall Market and Royal Institute of British Architects, Royal Geographical Society and 20 Gresham Street among others.

Head of events Jo Dyson said: “The Maggie’s London Night Hike is an amazing experience. When would you normally get access to these incredible buildings whilst exploring London at night? I would really encourage anyone who is interested in taking part to sign up and help those whose lives have been affected by cancer.”

Maggie’s Centres provides free practical, emotional and psychological support to anyone affected by and type of cancer including friends and carers.

Beginning at 7.30pm, the Night Hike is a fun challenge with a great atmosphere, and an ideal opportunity to fundraise with family and friends and participants can expect food and entertainment at each of the featured buildings.

Registration costs £35 per person for those taking part in the 10 mile event, and £40 per person for 20 mile Night Hikers. Teams of four or more can make a saving of £5 per person.

The minimum fundraising target is just £185 for 10 mile hikers, and £285 for the 20 mile hikers. In return we’ll provide you with a fundraising support pack, regular newsletters with lots of ideas to help you reach or even smash your fundraising target.

To register visit www.maggiescentres.org/nighthikes or call 0300 123 1801.

Sell An Old Cell Phone

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Unfortunately the economy doesn’t seem like it is going to recover anytime soon. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t make money. Most people upgrade their cell phone every year so the number of old cell phones around your house will really add up. A large number of the population has old cell phones rattling around drawers. Some of these are top notch phones but technology moves so fast that when the new iPhone comes out you will want to take any old iPhone and sell iphone for cash.

You will want to get the best price for your old phone so check out price comparison service sellcell.com. You will be able to sell any old cell phone for the best price possible. Since most people have quite a few old cell phones there is money to be made.

When you Sell An Old Cell Phone you are not just putting some money in your pocket. You are also being good to the environment. The green movement has been going for decades but it shows no signs of abating anytime soon. Recycling is in. Old cell phones are really bad for the environment.

sellcell.com compares the leading US phone buyers to help you get the best price whilst helping the environment.

Sounds good to us!

Disclaimer: Sponsored Post.