All that glitters...
I have just got back from a trip to the colonies across the Atlantic. Los Angeles to be precise. I have visited on business and worked in the 'States several times over the last however many years, and have actually been pleasantly surprised by most of it. Well with the exception of Las Vegas, which was just not of this Earth. However Los Angeles, and more specifically Beverly Hills was, to be honest, a bit of a disappointment.
Beverly Hills is, in one form or another, over 300 years old apparently, and has had a starlit recent history and is inexorably linked with the movie glitterati.
Now whilst I am sure the old school sparkle still exists, Rodeo Drive perhaps, they do now exist cheek by jowl with a very strange cocktail of retail and service outlets that populate some of Beverly Hills most famous street names.
Our USA offices are on Wilshire Boulevard, at the Beverly Hill end of the road. All the signs proudly proclaim themselves as part of Beverly Hills. And, yes, the back of our office does look onto 'Lambourghini, Beverly Hills' and a short walk in the other direction is the 'Academy of Motion Picture Science And Arts' - the people behind the Oscars. But these places exist next to run down and derelict properties. Or it would seem Pawn Brokers. Beverly Hills Aston Martin and Bugatti is next to what appears to be a discount drink shop. Which was, I have to admit was a bit of a let down.
I am not a snob about such things. I am as comfortable eating in the stalls in Malaysia, as I am in Nobu, London, however I really expected Beverly Hills to be a little different. Perhaps the inexorable pull of the glitter is what brings the wannabes back year after year, hoping that all that glitters is really gold. Not just overpriced real estate with a sinister next door neighbour.
The Cause and The Cure
The one thing that did make me smile out there, were the number of cosmetic surgery clinics there were. They claimed specialisms in everything possible, and several I hadn't realised were possible, or even required. Anal bleaching anyone? However most seemed to be advertising body sculpting of one sort or another. Liposuction, liposculpture, augmentations of everything, and reductions of most as well. All seemed to be fabulously plush and staffed by people who had come out of the jelly mould. This just gave the impression thhat there was a catalogue available where you could choose the person you wanted to be, and for an initial downpayment, monthly instalments for a millenia, and your first born child, you too could look like every other plastic person who wants to be famous.
The best part was that most of them had some sort of fast food outlet within walknig distance, and some were above fast food outlets. "Feeling guilty after overeating at lunch, no problem, just pop upstairs and we'll fix you right up!" There is a combined business opportunity there I am sure of it.
The other one which was kind of ironic, was the proximity of some of Los Angeles's most famous tattoo parlours, as frequented by all the best rock stars, to the tattoo removal specialists.
LA summed up in one block
My journey to the office each day, took me almost the full length of Wilshire, and I knew I was getting close when I cold see a full size bronze statue of one of Hollywood's most iconic sons. john Wayne. Seated on a horse, naturally, proudly placed outside a rather fabulous looking office block. What a fabulous tribute to one of the men that made Hollywood what it is. However the building in question rather highlighted the other end of the spectrum for Hollywood, and the route that I am sure a lot of hopefuls, who aim for the stars, end up going down. The building in question housed Larry Flynt Publications. For those of you that don't know who he is, Larry Flynt is probably one of America's biggest porn kings. LA in one block.
In and Out
OK, in order to end this post on somewhat of a higher note, the best thing about heading back to LAX after visiting California, is the one burger outlet that I would drive to find. The one outlet that shames McD and BK.
In and Out.
The In and Out burger is, I am afraid to say a thing of wonder. Not especially big, but perfectly formed. It is not just about the beef, it is the combination of all ingredients that make it almost perfect. Flavour, quantity, quality all perfect, and priced below what we would pay here for a burger from the 'big 2'. Fries that obviously came from a potato, as they taste of, well, potato.
And then there is "Animal Style". This adds special sauce and sauteed onions to the mix, and there you have it. The perfect fast food burger. If you go to LA, you must hunt down the In and Out burger chain. Go for the double cheese, animal style. And if you are in need of a spuiritual lift after your burger, turn over your drink cup and follow the reference... Never dissapointing.
Unlike, of course, Beverly Hills.
Cheers
Diggy
(must try harder to post)
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Monday, 22 March 2010
Cheer Up!
Head Down, March On
OK, what is it with Londoners? You barely even acknowledge that any other human could possibly exist, that wasn't out to get you on some way. Now I am not talking about real Londoners - your genu-ine cockerney, nor am I talking about people that have come to London to find work, well not most of them anyway. What I am talking about are that part of the London wildlife that thinks they are better than everyone else around, probably from Surrey or Berkshire, somewhere like Croydon.
You all walk with your head tilted slightly downwards, ensuring that you always have about 3 feet of space around you, and God help anyone that tries to say 'Good Morning'. They are greeted with a look that you think is disdainful, but just makes you look like you have overdosed on Sugar Free Alpen, and you need the toilet, quickly.
The Fear
Perhaps its just fear. Perhaps because of the tabloids, and headline grabbing sensationalism, that we all now think that anyone who talks to us that we don't know is some kind of wierdo, or lunatic. Definitely going to kill me and eat my children.
Get a grip...
Granted there are nutters out there, but per head of population are there really any more than there ever were? Or because of our thirst for the macabre, our need to read about other people's transgressions, is it just that everything is now just reported more widely? Is our need to read this trash, actually fuelling it.
People seem to be driven by fame now. Whether it is for good reasons or bad. Speak to anyone in schools nowadays, and Pop star, model or actress are all seen as a viable career alternative for anyone, not just the genuinely talented. They see X-Factor, they see American Idol or Britain's Got Talent (now there's an oxymoron), and they think that they can do it, as "my Mam's, Gran's, Auntie's, daughter's dog, thinks I can sing" or "I'm singing for me dead budgie, you've gotta let us through to the final". But perhaps its this fame addiction, this need to read and watch about Jordan's latest toenail extension, or her fake marriage / face / personality / boobs (tick as appropriate), or to see who is dating who, that drives us to seek the attention however it is generated. Good, bad, indifferent or evil, there's probably money in it, a book deal, or reality TV.
Perhaps Lily Allen was right:
I want to be rich and I want lots of money
I don't care about clever I don't care about funny
Hmmm.....
Right Here, Right Now
OK, what is it with Londoners? You barely even acknowledge that any other human could possibly exist, that wasn't out to get you on some way. Now I am not talking about real Londoners - your genu-ine cockerney, nor am I talking about people that have come to London to find work, well not most of them anyway. What I am talking about are that part of the London wildlife that thinks they are better than everyone else around, probably from Surrey or Berkshire, somewhere like Croydon.
You all walk with your head tilted slightly downwards, ensuring that you always have about 3 feet of space around you, and God help anyone that tries to say 'Good Morning'. They are greeted with a look that you think is disdainful, but just makes you look like you have overdosed on Sugar Free Alpen, and you need the toilet, quickly.
The Fear
Perhaps its just fear. Perhaps because of the tabloids, and headline grabbing sensationalism, that we all now think that anyone who talks to us that we don't know is some kind of wierdo, or lunatic. Definitely going to kill me and eat my children.
Get a grip...
Granted there are nutters out there, but per head of population are there really any more than there ever were? Or because of our thirst for the macabre, our need to read about other people's transgressions, is it just that everything is now just reported more widely? Is our need to read this trash, actually fuelling it.
People seem to be driven by fame now. Whether it is for good reasons or bad. Speak to anyone in schools nowadays, and Pop star, model or actress are all seen as a viable career alternative for anyone, not just the genuinely talented. They see X-Factor, they see American Idol or Britain's Got Talent (now there's an oxymoron), and they think that they can do it, as "my Mam's, Gran's, Auntie's, daughter's dog, thinks I can sing" or "I'm singing for me dead budgie, you've gotta let us through to the final". But perhaps its this fame addiction, this need to read and watch about Jordan's latest toenail extension, or her fake marriage / face / personality / boobs (tick as appropriate), or to see who is dating who, that drives us to seek the attention however it is generated. Good, bad, indifferent or evil, there's probably money in it, a book deal, or reality TV.
Perhaps Lily Allen was right:
I want to be rich and I want lots of money
I don't care about clever I don't care about funny
Hmmm.....
Right Here, Right Now
Everything is seen as demeaning now as well, unless it is high profile, cool or exciting. Everything has to be bought now, not saved for, but now, now, now. People take out loans with no intention of repaying them, and seem to revel in the steps they take to avoid having to pay them back. Get a job, and while we are at it, working in a burger restaurant is not demeaning its an opportunity.
And before I forget - no you don't get my respect just because you are carrying a knife, or because you're 12 and think everyone should respect you.
Is this it then? Are we all doomed to a self imposed solitary confinement, never trusting, or really never allowing ourselves to trust? Wanting everything that the man next to you has, and more, so much more. Not me mate. London is a great city, I truly believe that, for all my complaining. London is a place of infinite opportunities. If you want to stay in your little box, fine by me. However I will be ignoring all self imposed perspex, and you better look out, as there is a 'Good Morning' on its way, regardless of how much Alpen you had this morning!
Cheers
Diggy
(I know this one drifted around a bit. Sorry)
Cheers
Diggy
(I know this one drifted around a bit. Sorry)
Saturday, 13 March 2010
Not exactly to plan
Travels far and wide
OK, so not a great start to the blog - all fied up, but no where in London to go. Last week was Suwon, South Korea - big meeting with one of the worlds largest companies, talking 'bidniz'. This week Mexico City talking to the one of the companies owned by the World's Richest Man, about a potential project. So London has taken a bit of a sideline these last two weeks and I pretended to be an international business man.
Korea
Interesting county and people, well what I saw of it through the widnows of my cab. Company was completely security mad - a bit far to be honest. On arriving all electronic devices had to be logged at reception. All cameras on phones, laptops and ipods were covered with tamper proof stickers. CD drives were also covered, and USB sticks were also put into a security sealed back, that had to be shown on the way out. Very odd - I guess protection of intellectual property is king, with the Korean electronics market being so cut-throat they may have a point, just.
However the craziest part of the whole journey was as follows:
15 hours to Korea
6 hours of meetings
17 hours back from Korea (via Hong Kong)
No hotel, no stayover, in and out in a day! Boy was I shattered.
However what a revelation London City Airport was. Flew out of there on Lufthansa. Easy check-in, easy boarding, but the take off, well...
The plane taxied to the end of the runway, put on the brakes, ramped engines up to max, and then let the brakes off! It was like being in a dragster, however with such a short runway it would appear to be the only way to do it, fun, if a little unexpected.
Mexico
Mexico was again another in and out flight - however this time with an overnight stop. But the timezone meant that my body wan't going to let me sleep when we did eventually get to the hotel. The saving grace was that we flew business class, on Mexicana Airways. Never flown with them before, but really good. Great service, almost flat seats that were very comfotable. Didn't sleep much on the way out, but crashed out like a baby on the way home Bliss. It may also have had to do with the 5 or 6 Tequilas we had before boarding, who can tell?
Anyway this time I got to stay in a hotel for a whole evening. Very pleasant hotel, great rooms, food OK but couldn't sleep. Oil problems at home. Anyway will have to deal with that one when I get back.
Any deals done - not sure, early days, but its good to be back.
London - Home
The hike from London to Home is never a great one - I can fly to Italy, France or Germany quicker. However in their infinte wisdom Transport for London, have decided over the next however many weeks, to undertake Engineering works over the weekends. Not at a convenient time for commters like 1am to 5am, no all day. So when I got off the wonderful Gatwick Express and miandered down to the tubestation, there was absolute chaos. District and Circle had been shut, and so there was absolute chaos. 20 deep trying get through the barriers, and then the platforms, and the tube itself. Lets put it this way, sardines have it easier.
Then the joys of Mr Branson's train company (Virgin) who never quite make the connections you expect them to. Just 2 minutes too late, making an extra 1 hr journet time. These companies should personally pay for these things. I bet if he ever usewd them then they would soon get fixed.
Anyway I am on the way home to my fabulous family, andback down to the smoke again on Monday.
More posts then I hope - but we shall see.
Cheers
OK, so not a great start to the blog - all fied up, but no where in London to go. Last week was Suwon, South Korea - big meeting with one of the worlds largest companies, talking 'bidniz'. This week Mexico City talking to the one of the companies owned by the World's Richest Man, about a potential project. So London has taken a bit of a sideline these last two weeks and I pretended to be an international business man.
Korea
Interesting county and people, well what I saw of it through the widnows of my cab. Company was completely security mad - a bit far to be honest. On arriving all electronic devices had to be logged at reception. All cameras on phones, laptops and ipods were covered with tamper proof stickers. CD drives were also covered, and USB sticks were also put into a security sealed back, that had to be shown on the way out. Very odd - I guess protection of intellectual property is king, with the Korean electronics market being so cut-throat they may have a point, just.
However the craziest part of the whole journey was as follows:
15 hours to Korea
6 hours of meetings
17 hours back from Korea (via Hong Kong)
No hotel, no stayover, in and out in a day! Boy was I shattered.
However what a revelation London City Airport was. Flew out of there on Lufthansa. Easy check-in, easy boarding, but the take off, well...
The plane taxied to the end of the runway, put on the brakes, ramped engines up to max, and then let the brakes off! It was like being in a dragster, however with such a short runway it would appear to be the only way to do it, fun, if a little unexpected.
Mexico
Mexico was again another in and out flight - however this time with an overnight stop. But the timezone meant that my body wan't going to let me sleep when we did eventually get to the hotel. The saving grace was that we flew business class, on Mexicana Airways. Never flown with them before, but really good. Great service, almost flat seats that were very comfotable. Didn't sleep much on the way out, but crashed out like a baby on the way home Bliss. It may also have had to do with the 5 or 6 Tequilas we had before boarding, who can tell?
Anyway this time I got to stay in a hotel for a whole evening. Very pleasant hotel, great rooms, food OK but couldn't sleep. Oil problems at home. Anyway will have to deal with that one when I get back.
Any deals done - not sure, early days, but its good to be back.
London - Home
The hike from London to Home is never a great one - I can fly to Italy, France or Germany quicker. However in their infinte wisdom Transport for London, have decided over the next however many weeks, to undertake Engineering works over the weekends. Not at a convenient time for commters like 1am to 5am, no all day. So when I got off the wonderful Gatwick Express and miandered down to the tubestation, there was absolute chaos. District and Circle had been shut, and so there was absolute chaos. 20 deep trying get through the barriers, and then the platforms, and the tube itself. Lets put it this way, sardines have it easier.
Then the joys of Mr Branson's train company (Virgin) who never quite make the connections you expect them to. Just 2 minutes too late, making an extra 1 hr journet time. These companies should personally pay for these things. I bet if he ever usewd them then they would soon get fixed.
Anyway I am on the way home to my fabulous family, andback down to the smoke again on Monday.
More posts then I hope - but we shall see.
Cheers
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
Train Chaos
Love it, hate it
You know the best thing about living in and around London is the great public transport network. You know the worst thing about lioving in London is the public transport network. I know, I know I can't have it both ways, but bear with me. London is supremely connected, and moves millions of people around its roads and rails every day, and this can't be denied. However it also pays scant regard to how it affects peoples lives when it goes wrong.
Take this morning. I had a meticulously planned out route to get me to London City Airport, to fly to Korea for a meeting. However when I got to teh starting block I found out that the pivotal point for the journey - London Bridge - was not going to be stopped at by my train this morning...
No alternatives were offered, no advice on how to get there from whatever station I was going to end up at. Nothing.
I know these things happen, but to just assume that everyone is OK with the situation, and will find their own way across is a little presumptious. Of the small number of travellers that were getting on the train at that point, most were going to London Bridge. However staff seemed to know little about what was going on, and care even less.
Compare this to the fabuous little Wrexham & Shropshire Railway that I come down to London on each week. If there is ever a problem, someone comes through the train to explain what is going on, what is being done about it, and how they can help. It doesn't take much, and the greatful thanks of the commuters goes a long way to cementing the reputation of a travel company.
Come on Boris, your guys can do better than this, surely!
You know the best thing about living in and around London is the great public transport network. You know the worst thing about lioving in London is the public transport network. I know, I know I can't have it both ways, but bear with me. London is supremely connected, and moves millions of people around its roads and rails every day, and this can't be denied. However it also pays scant regard to how it affects peoples lives when it goes wrong.
Take this morning. I had a meticulously planned out route to get me to London City Airport, to fly to Korea for a meeting. However when I got to teh starting block I found out that the pivotal point for the journey - London Bridge - was not going to be stopped at by my train this morning...
No alternatives were offered, no advice on how to get there from whatever station I was going to end up at. Nothing.
I know these things happen, but to just assume that everyone is OK with the situation, and will find their own way across is a little presumptious. Of the small number of travellers that were getting on the train at that point, most were going to London Bridge. However staff seemed to know little about what was going on, and care even less.
Compare this to the fabuous little Wrexham & Shropshire Railway that I come down to London on each week. If there is ever a problem, someone comes through the train to explain what is going on, what is being done about it, and how they can help. It doesn't take much, and the greatful thanks of the commuters goes a long way to cementing the reputation of a travel company.
Come on Boris, your guys can do better than this, surely!
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
Welcome One, Welcome All
Quick intro
This is a blog about London, the people of London, the sights in London, the food of London and whether working down here is all its really cracked up to be. (Well, maybe other places I go as well - updated 5th October 2010)
Why do it?
No its not a dig at the Nike commercial, but an explanation of why I will write this blog... I have been down here for just over 12 months as of the date of this blog post, and I have sampled the a small part of the life down here; from the highs of wining and dining in some of the best restaurants and night clubs, through to the desparation at the homeless situation. Moments of self-vindication and times of utter loneliness. This is going to be a frank assessment of our proud capital city and how it affects those that choose, or are forced to live and work here.
Will you have the time?
Who really knows but as I work down here on my own, with my family at the other side of the country, I would like to think I will post regulary, however it is morelikely to be infrequent. Some may be short, some will have photos, but they will not be a calculated and processed view in order to elicit an emotional response. It it going to be truthful, it may well be brutal, but that is how London is.
Who are you?
Just another 'Joe Normal', you proably walk past me or somone like me, every day of yor life. But you wont know it, one of the problems with London is that everyone lives in a 1m square box, and no one is allowed to intrude. You walk with your head down, you don't want anyone to bother you, and you ignore those things that you find disturbing. You want to get back to the safety of your home, you miss the great opportunitites that London has to offer you. Most people who live and work in London haven't visited a quarter of the free monuments, museums, building and sights that are right in front of you every day. I don't think this blog will neccessarily change any of that, but perhaps you will be come more aware.
Why London?
Why not. I am here, I have time, and I see things most people miss. People would rather ride the bus than walk 2 minutes more, as an example, my walk this morning took in Soutwark Catherdral, The Golden Hinde, Shakespeare's Globe, Millenium Bridge, Saint Paul's Cathedral, the Old Bailey and Smithfields Meat Market, with several more in between - however this will no doubt form one of my forthcoming posts.
Take time, you can afford 5 minutes extra, no matter how busy you believe yourself to be, look around, take time, walk. That 5 minutes might make a bigger difference than you think.
Cheers,
diggy
This is a blog about London, the people of London, the sights in London, the food of London and whether working down here is all its really cracked up to be. (Well, maybe other places I go as well - updated 5th October 2010)
Why do it?
No its not a dig at the Nike commercial, but an explanation of why I will write this blog... I have been down here for just over 12 months as of the date of this blog post, and I have sampled the a small part of the life down here; from the highs of wining and dining in some of the best restaurants and night clubs, through to the desparation at the homeless situation. Moments of self-vindication and times of utter loneliness. This is going to be a frank assessment of our proud capital city and how it affects those that choose, or are forced to live and work here.
Will you have the time?
Who really knows but as I work down here on my own, with my family at the other side of the country, I would like to think I will post regulary, however it is morelikely to be infrequent. Some may be short, some will have photos, but they will not be a calculated and processed view in order to elicit an emotional response. It it going to be truthful, it may well be brutal, but that is how London is.
Who are you?
Just another 'Joe Normal', you proably walk past me or somone like me, every day of yor life. But you wont know it, one of the problems with London is that everyone lives in a 1m square box, and no one is allowed to intrude. You walk with your head down, you don't want anyone to bother you, and you ignore those things that you find disturbing. You want to get back to the safety of your home, you miss the great opportunitites that London has to offer you. Most people who live and work in London haven't visited a quarter of the free monuments, museums, building and sights that are right in front of you every day. I don't think this blog will neccessarily change any of that, but perhaps you will be come more aware.
Why London?
Why not. I am here, I have time, and I see things most people miss. People would rather ride the bus than walk 2 minutes more, as an example, my walk this morning took in Soutwark Catherdral, The Golden Hinde, Shakespeare's Globe, Millenium Bridge, Saint Paul's Cathedral, the Old Bailey and Smithfields Meat Market, with several more in between - however this will no doubt form one of my forthcoming posts.
Take time, you can afford 5 minutes extra, no matter how busy you believe yourself to be, look around, take time, walk. That 5 minutes might make a bigger difference than you think.
Cheers,
diggy
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