bikes and things

Now there’s been a lot of controversy about this I believe, but I’m not really about to comment on that (or that interested really). My attention was drawn to this via Lawrence on Twitter last night as Emma and I got back from a drink at the pub. She seemed to think it was a good idea to watch it so we did. What a performance! It’s so unbelievably over the top it hurts. The sight of a 54 year old woman dancing around the stage looking absolutely amazing is incredible and puts every other female singer out there to shame (Ga Ga etc).

Anyway, if you haven’t seen it yet.. sit back and enjoy it.

Oh and the closing scene is so cheesy it hurt.

Off to Wales tonight. Looking forward to throwing this around a few corners at Brechfa. Could have done without riding it from Peckham to Camden this morning without any air in the shock. Sllooooowwwww and the bars are far too wide. Think it’ll be much more fun on a trail.

…is here and looking lovely. Pleasantly surprised at how nice it looks. No garish graphics etc and looks like a similar feel to the Kobe in terms of size. Lovingly built by BC Bikes earlier and was waiting for me when I got in. I can imagine they enjoyed it as a change to the usual commuter bikes. All I had to do was cut down a seat post and we’re ready to go. Due to get a good test this weekend at Brechfa and Afan.

After Emma forwarded me a link to some free WordPress themes I’ve decided to give this place a bit of a facelift for 2012. I’ve had this domain since 2004 and I started out with a PHPwebsite install which was fairly basic, I then moved to WordPress in 2007 with the blue looking theme which was here until a few days ago. I can’t for the life of me find a screenshot to illustrate what the old one looked like which is annoying. For now I’m settling with this new theme which also supports a number of the new functions that WordPress have developed since 2007. A few bit were wonky earlier with the layout but fortunately I was able to call on some help at lunch today.

Great to meet up with Jim, Aleks, Paula, Sally, Richard and Simon for another photo walk on Sat – this time we went to Hackney to have a wander around the perimeter of the Olympic site. We also all agreed to do an A4 print swap but more on that later. We spent more time drinking coffee and chatting than walking and snapping but that was fine with me.

Next location Brighton apparently! Can’t wait.

I’ve been talking about it for a while but I’ve gone and bought a full suspension frame 2nd hand off eBay in apparently immaculate condition. I’ve been riding her since around 2004 time so counts as the longest time I’ve owned a bike. I can’t bring myself to sell or give away to anyone so she’s going in the loft to one day be used again perhaps. I’ve ridden a lot of miles on this bike and enjoyed every moment of it. From the Surrey Hills, Wales, Scotland and even to Les Arcs in France. All has been great fun.

Anyway, I think I need a bit of spring in the rear (snigger) these days to take the sting out of some of the trails. So here’s the last few moments in tasteful black and white – an excuse to use the camera really.

Been thinking about a trip round Europe to catch up on some old building friends – La Tourette, Ronchamp, The Unité (maybe some buildings not by Corb too) – dive into Switzerland for a bit perhaps?

I was reminded of La Tourette after seeing a few hits to Flickr on this old neg from 1998/99 time. Would really love to go back.

I sometimes feel I’m watching this effect with some of the bikes locked up on my commute to work. A particularly sad looking one on Waterloo Bridge at the moment.

Snapped earlier today, the barbers a few doors down has closed leaving this strange series of mirrors. Perfect for a reflection shot!

My desk at home where I spend a lot of my time. Enjoying working with a pen tablet for Photoshop work now. Really good.

A beautiful sky over London last night. Quickly grabbed the Nikon and the 85mm. Not as sharp as I’d have liked though as I didn’t have time to set the tripod up. Also made the Londonist Sunday page which is nice.

Books in the office – inspiration.

Oh and of course lots and lots of lovely Instagramming as usual. So much pleasure from seeing things, snapping and sharing. Much love for Instagram.

A few videos which have been keeping me amused this week.

Hello

Pingu – The Thing.

James Bond song

Computer games – Look around you

Angry ginger kid – scary

Otter’s pocket – BBC Breakfast