London Times

Saturday, April 4th.

Flew into Heathrow Airport about 7:30 after about a 10-hour flight. Took a shuttle with about a dozen or so other passengers and we slowly made our way to the city as our very friendly driver proceeded to point out the various sights along the way. Anytime you hear, “Built in the 15th Century”, you realize you ain’t in Kansas anymore.

Arrived at Erika’s flat and really understood the true meaning of a small London flat. I’m not saying this flat is small but,

a) I had to go outside to change my mind
b) All the mice were hunchback
c) I put the key in the keyhole and broke a window.

Other than the size, a lovely place and very well located.

One of the things you notice immediately about London is the fact that it is one of the most walkable cities that I have ever been in. As we walked around the neighborhood, I noticed the many public parks or gardens with people enjoying the beautiful weather, spread out on blankets, walking their dogs or pushing the baby strollers. 

This is St. George's garden. This was two former cemetaries that was converted into a garden.

Some of the actual grave markers line the outside walls.

Of course this stunning weather contradicted the wool coat, gloves, hat, scarf and thermal underwear that I had packed.

After getting the tour of the neighborhood, we walked down to the British museum that is famous for the Elgin Marbles and the Rosetta Stone. Amazing pieces.

After that it was the neighborhood grocery store and home as the jet lag was in full effect and I actually nodded off over my plate of food.

Sunday April 5th,

Beautiful weather once again as we headed to what I think is one of the greatest museums in the world, The Natural History Museum. We had packed a lunch and decided to take the scenic route to the museum. Walking through Trafalgar Square

 

to St James Park (where the sandwiches were consumed), then up to see Buckingham palace, then on to the museum.

Now I had been to London once before many years ago as a child and I remember one of two things: 1) The Tower of London and 2) The Natural History Museum and the impact has never diminished. I love this place.

After the museum, we took the tube (Subway) back to the neighborhood and a visit to one of the many pubs in the area. Did I mention I love this neighborhood? A bottled American beer now feels like a rinse cup your dentist gives you after experiencing the pint. Love the pub.

More later.

s

A true legend.

Well the news just came down that the great Paul Newman has passed away. Stage, live television and film, Newman could do it all. No one played the likable rogue better (not so fast Kevin Costner). Find me an actor today that has his body of work, drives race cars, opens summer camps for ailing children and owns a hugely succesful charitable business. You throw down, "Hud", "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", "Cool Hand Luke", "The Hustler", "The Verdict" and of course, "Slap Shot", then you contributed. He will be missed.

s

wow

I didn't get a chance to watch the Katie Couric / Sarah Palin interview when it originally aired, but because of the wonders of this "internet" thingy I have been able to watch several of the exchanges. Like this one:

It would appear that everyone's favorite beauty queen/

sports reporter/faith healer/vice-presidential candidate had a tough time of it.

So you wanna vote for a guy who voted for her? 

Good luck with that.

s

Bush spoke to the nation last night. Let me give you the breakdown, although by now we should all know the tune.

"If we don't BLANK (fill in hastily thrown together, questionable plan of action) now, then we will most certainly BLANK (insert any fearful image here, mushroom cloud, another 9/11, economic collapse)". 

But like the American auto makers will tell you, you can only sell a crappy product for so long before the public just stops buying.

s

News Flash...

Stop the presses!

That's one more off of my list of unanswered questions...Whew! Now I can get on to the other 700 billion more important issues we have to deal with.

s

Do what now?

Whew...

I've written a few large checks in my life, back taxes, back child support, back massage, but I can only imagine what signing a 700 billion dollar bailout check would feel like. What do you put in the "Memo" line? Do you sign with red ink? So many questions.

Apparently the deal isn't going done as smooth as Bush and Paulson had hoped. One reason could be a small section of the agreement..32 words as a matter of fact.

"Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency."

Really? We give you 700 billion dollars and do what, wave goodbye? Hope for the best?  All of this happens on your watch, all the while you're telling us things are fine, and then once the walls start to crumble you not only want a large check but also absolute immunity? Really?

s

le view

You know for a show that quite honestly I cannot stand, "The View" finally did something today that I have to give them props for. John McCain dropped by today for what I can only assume he thought would be the usual fluff fest and a chance to score some easy women votes.

The girls had other ideas. (watch videos)

I love to watch noted right wing nut, Elisabeth Hasselbeck as she grinds her back molars into chalk while her candidate (as well as his wife) are actually being called out right in front of her. Earlier this month, Hasselbeck had hosted a luncheon for Cindy McCain and I'm sure they both thought today's show was going to be more of a cake walk.

Good for you ladies. Respect.

s