Category: Living in the UK

So now the ominous sounding date of 05/05/05 has been announced as the date for a General Election, and it is incumbent on us all to vote, even if its a resounding No to everyone on the list. I think that its important that everyone have a little think about who they want to run the country.

First thing you have to do is register and you can find out here at Aboutmyvote.co.uk which has all the necessary info. Once you’re elegible, you need to have a think about the issues, there’s lots of info out there, from places like The BBC’s Election 2005 site, The Blair Watch Project which is an Election blog by The Guardian, They work for you, which is superb, you can even put in your postcode and find out who you MP is and what they’ve achieved and how precarious they’re hold on power is.

Also worth mentioning is Rob’s Election Blog which is from the heart of a Libdem campaign office, regardless of how you want to vote it provides an interesting insight; Radio One‘s sister station 1Xtra has the lowdown at Xelect and finally, if you want to find lots more look at the Keele Uni site which has lists of Election sites.

If you don’t vote, then that’s a choice too, but you should reflect on the issues, just a little X on a card makes a difference, then you can get back to Important work and feel you did the right thing.

As the big day approaches, those in the know will have got a little invitation to a cracking weekend at Tipiwest in Wales. I know that I didn’t want to spend a weekend in town, with all it entails, but instead thought we’d opt for somewhere, a long way from home and all the better for it. I saw this on the Howies site (there’s a new catalogue out – if you want, I can lend you my copy, although its well thumbed). In fact I got a few things in the shop in Cardigan, including a “You are here” T-shirt for Chris. There are quite a few tipi’s at Tipi West, and the site sleeps around 20 people comfortably. If you want to have a look, hit the link above and you’ll get all the details. It’ll be a great weekend I know and I’m really looking forward to bedding down in a Tipi.

Just want to say a big thank you to everyone who has visited the site this year. Hope that you’ve enjoyed all the things you saw and all the places you were carried to. I won’t do anything as tedious as review the year, but I will tell you its been smashing. Everyone has been very kind and supportive of the site and its become a little mecca for illustrators and designers, which is a lovely thing. I have some big plans, including a great big new years re-vamp, also some fun things being organised to keep you all entertained.

Anyway…in honour of The Martin Family Christmas doormat – “Ho Ho Ho – Merry Christmas”

Back in the UK with lots to tell everyone about my travels and great to catch up with my loved ones. On Monday I got a little older and got some great birthday presents – Belleville Rendezvous and of course… School of Rock. I am very pleased, also new mitts, and I can’t wait to get out on the bike this weekend – I haven’t had a chance since getting back. Anyway, all were impressed at Tai Chi and the kids are coming down sometime for prezzies. Here’s a photo of the figurines collection, which expanded quite a bit – there’s the Michael Lau KISS piece and a couple of Army of Death figures, QeeBear and CIBoys. I have some more, but I have kept these for a rainy day, some may even find their way into the presents pile. Oh, and pride of place, Wai’s Worm Bank – which is the coolest gift – I was made up. So now I’m busy getting ready for Christmas…and I have washing up to do.

Some new links, go check out Yakuta for new imakethings mobile stuff – which reminds me – I have a new mobile number – if you ring the old one, you get the new one, or email me. You can buy original imakethings artwork too, just visit the site (I should get commission)

So sad to hear the news that John Peel has passed away whilst on holiday with his wife Sheila. His loss will be felt deeply by anyone who has ever listened to him on the radio. Personally, he was always a great comfort to me, a familiar voice when returning from abroad, when driving late through the night, or getting up on a wet saturday morning to listen to ‘Home Truths’. John also gave you a good feeling to know that there is an alternative to the sedate, sterile and souless culture around you, that lurking late night on the radio is a world of mad musicians, lost genius, and bonkers Japanese metal technoheads that can just fill you with all that is good about life. He will be missed.

Look…I know its early, and I know how much I complain about the Christmas stock being around now -before Halloween and the joys of pumpkin carving. Supermarkets have shelves to fill, and its just so boring when you see wrapping paper, card and strange Christmas themed kitchenware. Give me a break.

So try to remember that there are lots of other places to go – go seek out talented individuals who make things themselves; (look in these pages for ideas) buy items that are made to last a long time; buy from charities and don’t spend stupid money on electronic goods.

Met Eddie Izzard as I strolled down Curzon Street yesterday, did a quick double-take and turned around, half expected to see his back as he carried on his journey, but no, there he was looking back at me. Had a lovely chat, I felt a bit flustered, but he very kindly signed a small paper bag from my satchel. I must have looked a bit crazy, but shook his hand, wished him well as we parted company. Of course you always think of the should’ve’s – fancy a pint ? Could you write Azerbijhan on my bit of paper? etc, etc. Anyway, felt blessed and cheered up my boring ol’ day. Oh…I met Nadia from Big Brother too…on the same day – are the two events related? Was my celeb radar working rather well, usually I’m oblivious to everything when I wonder down the road. Been wanting to meet Eddie for years, and so pleased that when I finally did, it was a lovely, friendly and smiley moment.

Eddie has a lovely website, with a recent re-design it seems, go seek him here

Stefan Beyer, where are you? We got your postcard from Cornwall, and were surprised to hear of your new travel plans. We would like you to send an email We have very important news for you, and would like to speak with you. We’ve sent you emails, but we haven’t had any response yet. I know it might be difficult, if you’re in an internet cafe or something, so leave a comment by clicking the link below. Hope you’re well, and enjoying your adventures. take care,
sc+st

Had a wonderful day at Wimbledon on Tuesday, very lucky to see any play as Wednesday’s play was completely abandoned. Finally arrived at around midday and went to our seats on Centre Court to watch Serena Williams cruise her way into the second round. There’s so much to take in when you look around; Venus and Richard Williams in the player’s box, Alan Mills with his walkie talkie patrolling the area behind the court, the whole business of centre court is fascinating. After a short break to watch Tim Henman on the big screen and munch our sandwiches, we went back to watch another couple of games, have a wander around the outside courts, where you’re so close to the action as to feel you’re intruding somehow. We had the biggest serving of Pimms I’ve ever had, and had our photos taken in front of Fred Perry’s statue. The great thing about your tickets is that the seat is yours all day and you can come and go as you want to. We had a busy time in the shop and waved at Greg Rusedski as he walked across the gangway from Centre Court to the new Millennium Pavilion. When we finally left, it felt as if we’d seen all that we’d hoped to see, even the sight of the groundstaff pulling on the covers was a treat.

Yes I know, the only obvious title I could think of, and its quite fitting that I’m going with Brynn to watch the action on Centre Court on Tuesday. Still no order of play at Wimbledon.org, but there are lots of tips at the Guardian’s Wimbledon mini-site. I think we’ll stroll in about an hour before play, take some lunch with us and enjoy the games. Hopefully the weather will hold out – the forecast isn’t great, but hopefully there’ll be some play between interuptions. In any case, its my first trip, and I’m so lucky to get tickets in the draw. Photos and entry to follow.