The £1 sale at The Hoxton Hotel: 2nd July, 2009

It's time again for the famous £1 sale at The Hoxton Hotel: Thursday 2nd July @ 12:00pm (midday) 500 rooms at £1 & 500 rooms at £29 Available 1st Aug - 31st Oct 2009 Hoxton Hotel 81 Great Eastern Street London EC2A 3HU This sale is very popular! Good Luck! Please note: I have no connection with The Hoxton Hotel - I just like to pass along information about a great deal when I can!

British Court Rules Against Blogger Anonymity

I twittered (posted on Twitter) the link to this story in the Guardian yesterday: Publish and be named: Police blogger NightJack loses anonymity High court says detective constable had 'no reasonable expectation of privacy' in landmark ruling for bloggers I thought for sure there would be a debate on Twitter about the repercussions of this case but I was disappointed at the lack of response about it. Perhaps people don't realize the implications. Personally, I prefer to blog anonymously just because I don't think it's necessary for everyone to know my full name but if I did have to reveal my identity it wouldn't be any big deal. However, there are many other bloggers who are posting about their professions and are servng as vital whistleblowers when they expose injustices and wrong-doings. If these bloggers no longer have a right to privacy and feel threatened, I would expect many such blogs will suddenly disappear. In fact it should come as no surprise to learn that the NightJack blog has now been deleted. What are your thoughts about this case? Do you agree with the ruling? Do you blog anonymously? Would you continue blogging if you had to reveal your identity?

Retro Tea Party: Covent Garden, London 25th June 2009

This event sounds like a lot of fun: Covent Garden Tea Party Giving you the chance to treat yourself to freshly brewed tea, Prosecco cocktails and cream cakes while listening to 1920's themed music, the Covent Garden tea party will be taking place on the East Piazza as part of the Covent Garden Real Food Market. Visitors to the Covent Garden tea party can indulge in some freshly brewed tea and cream topped cake for £5.00, or go for the Prosecco option for £8.00. A highlight of the event is bound to be the tea dance, which starts at 6.30pm and will feature the Lindy Hop, the Wlatz, and other retro dances. The Covent garden tea party runs from 5pm - 7pm, Thursday 25th June 2009. Tickets cost £5.00 - £8.00, and will be available on a first come, first served basis from 4pm on the day. (link via ViewLondon.co.uk) Isn't that a cool idea? I bet it will be very popular!

Should Allotments have rules about flowers?

What's wrong with an allotment plot full of flowers? As long as you look after your allotment, shouldn't it be yours to do what you please with (link via guardian.co.uk) I think it's absolute madness that Chris Smallbone - Dig My Plot - has been given a Notice to Quit by his allotment council officer, supported by his allotment society because he filled his plot with flowers! I wonder what those of you who have an allotment, think of this judgment? Do you think it's wrong to have an allotment full of flowers? Do you have to follow strict rules about what you can and can't grow on your allotment?

A Blackbird called "Swoops" attacks people in San Francisco

I saw a report on the news last night about this blackbird: SF Bird Attacks Causing Big Flap A blackbird in San Francisco's Financial District has gained international attention and is attracting crowds in the city for repeatedly swooping down on unsuspecting passersby. (link via News10.net) A website called Attack Bird Chronicles has even been set up! It's amusing to see how one bird can terrorize so many people and become a world-wide attraction in the process.

Americana - new programme on BBC Radio 4

Americana - a new half-hour magazine show about America on BBC radio 4 From coast to coast, Matt Frei presents an insider guide to the people and the stories shaping America today

The programme started on May 31st but (silly me) I forgot all about it and missed the first two episodes so I caught up by listening to the first two shows via BBC iPlayer.

The first programme started with a discussion with Amy Dickinson, an "agony aunt" (like Dear Abby) called "Ask Amy", a popular advice columnist. Amy said the glass is still half-full in the USA. The materialistic society is changing and people are looking for ways to find time to spend with their family that doesn't cost money.

The second part of the programme was about former US troops who, having tortured prisoners, suffer with guilt and post traumatic stress disorder. It's very sad and disturbing to listen to the report told by a psychiatrist.

The last story in the first programme was about New Orleans which still has a shockingly high murder rate ("some things never change") but it boasts some of the lowest unemployment figures in the USA. New companies are being encouraged to start up in New Orleans with tax incentives from the Louisiana state government and the availability of federal funds and through Trumpet ("...connecting businesses to opportunities").

The second programme (broadcast on June 7th) mentions the celebration of the unveiling of the statue of Ronald Reagan in Washington D.C. Matt Frei discusses the Republican party with two young Repubicans.

The next report is about Greensburg, Kansas which was flattened by a major tornado in 2007, and their decision to rebuild the community based on an eco-friendly design.

The final story is about Kareem Salama, a Muslim country singer. He was born and raised in Ponca City, a small town in Oklahoma, but his parents were born and raised in Egypt.

After listening to the first two episodes, I have mixed feelings about the show. I think it has potential to be a very interesting series but I wonder if most of the stories will really be of any interest to British listeners.

I enjoyed it but I think the subject matter is more likely to appeal to Americans more than Brits. Perhaps, I'm wrong though.

If you listened to the series so far, what are your thoughts about it?

Matt Frei presents Americana every Sunday evening at 7.15pm on Radio 4

The Big Lunch: a street party throughout the UK on Sunday, July 19th

What is The Big Lunch? Basically, it's a party in your street, in everyone's street. On 19th July we're asking the people of Britain to stop what they're doing and sit down to lunch together. Why? Well for lots of reasons really but mainly to put a smile back on Britain's face. The Big Lunch - hints and tips on getting started I think it sounds like a cool idea - and a great way for everyone to get to know their neighbours and encourage community spirit. I will have to check with my neighbours and see if anything is being planned. To organise an event such as this one takes a lot of time and effort so I'm sure there will need to be a lot of meetings to work out the details. What do you think of the idea? Do you think your street will take part?

Inn England: Celebrate England's best pubs

Enjoy England have created a new website - Inn England - to recognise and celebrate one of the country's most important National Treasures, the English pub. They have partnered with The Publican to build a database of fine pubs and inns around the country. Each month Enjoy England will feature a selection of Top 10 pub and inns. I'm impressed with the website. It's not just about searching for your favourite pub. They are asking people to rate the pubs on the site and to leave comments. And if you've recently discovered a pub you want to recommend, you can add it to the website and leave a comment about what makes the pub or inn special. Where's your favourite pub?