Urban Fox

Friday Track

2012-01-27T19:00:00.000Z

I am a bit late ot the party on this one really. The album was out last year on Sumerian Records and I have only just discovered it. The Remix album however was released at the end of last year and one of the songs from that has been getting a lot of airtime on Daniel P Carter's Rock Show.

As there are two version of the track, and incredibly different, I have put both on for your listening pleasure. The first, the original, will please the metallers among you whereas the remix will appease the cheese fiends and dance heads. I'm not sure which is my favourite as they are both so different. See for yourself and judge which version of Asking Alexandria - A Lesson Never Learned you prefer.

Asking Alexandria - A Lesson Never Learned

Asking Alexandria - A Lesson Never Learned (Celldweller Remix)

New year Aim #3

2012-01-24T22:17:00.000Z

New year Aim #3 - cooking a recipe from all my cook books

From the Good Food 101 Healthy Eats - Lemon and Pea Risotto.

Lemon and Pea Risotto

Great Recipe this - quick, easy, minimal ingredients. Just what I needed on a Sunday after a day of feeling sorry for myself after drinking to much the night before. I love the Good Food 101 range and many thanks to Mummy Fox for giving me this one from Christmas.

New Years Aim Update

2012-01-22T16:46:00.000Z

So far I am off to a good start on my New Year Aims. The sewing course is booked, I have finished the first book on my list of books to read and am onto the second one, I am cycling nearly everyday to work (it's not always convenient to cycle so sometimes I need to resort to public transport) which is in turn saving money and helping me try to loose weight.

For all the good stuff though I am having a nightmare on the weight front. I have been using the Wii to track my progress but so far it is up and down like a yo-yo. Every time I think I have done well and am starting to loose weight by the next time I get on the scales it is up again. I've been tracking my calorie intake on My Fitness Pal and cutting down on sweet stuff and alcohol but at the moment it is taking it's time coming off. I guess though it is early days and normally these things take a while. I just need to keep at it.

I've been looking at language courses. I thought about learning Danish what with spending a lot of time in Copenhagen but trying to find courses or decent books is harder than I thought. Not to worry. I am going to look at refreshing my French with my flat mate (another from the 28 list) and try and pick up my Spanish again.

Cooking wise - I'll be honest I haven't started yet but I have been trying to use up food I have already in the freezer and cupboard but I hope to make a start on that aim tonight.

The debt is coming down, slowly but surely. I am waiting for the sales to finish before having a listing frenzy on eBay. I have a fair bit that has gathered up in the corner of my room again. I hate my room looking a mess so it has to go sooner rather than later. On current projections I should hopefully be debt free in April. I just have to hope no more awesome gigs are announced in the coming weeks (already it looks like I will double the amount of gigs I went to last year in the first half of this year).

I'm waiting to hear from work when the PRINCE2 course will be running this year. I hope it is soon as I want to crack on with as many aims as possible now rather than end up trying to do loads towards the end of the year. Also,I am really keen to learn stuff at the moment (I'm a freak I know) so best to start while I have some enthusiasm for it.

As I am trying to be good I haven't made any cakes but I have free weekend soon when both my flatmates are around and others are too so I have cake testers to hand. I have also noted a cake decorating course on one of the voucher websites so I will be looking into that later today.

On the last two I have to be honest I haven't actually looked too much into it. I have an idea for the last aim and I am waiting for details on London to Brighton this year as well as a few other events. I might have a closer look at it next weekend as at the moment it looks rather free.

Overall, three weeks into the month and I am not doing too bad. I feel I am already making better progress than I did last year at least. And if the 12 aims I already have aren't enough I am thinking of adding a bonus one.

Due to formatting nightmares on blogger I have been increasingly writing my blogposts via the html composer. I have got to grips with the basics in html code but I want to learn how to do it properly and be able to make the site look awesome. I have looked at a few books and will be trying to pick one up in the next month or so. At worst HTML for dummies in on my birthday wishlist. I will keep you posted on my progress on that one as well as the other New Year Aims.

Friday Track - Download Special

2012-01-20T16:15:00.000Z

On Monday Download Festival announced 9 more acts to join headliners Metallica, Black Sabbath and The Prodigy this year for the 10 year anniversary of the festival at Donnington.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I was bouncing up and down in my chair as I read each announcement on Twitter and actually screamed a little. Last year was very lacklustre on the gig and festival front. This year is already more than making up for it.

If Biffy Clyro, Trivium, Machine Head, Chase N Status (odd one but there is always a questionable cross over band on any festival line up), You Me At Six, Lamb of God, The Devin Townsend Project and Anthrax weren't enough Tenacious D are playing! And even bigger than than SOUNDGARDEN!! I could not be more excited if I tried.

I saw Tenacious D back in 2006 at the Hammersmith Apollo and they blew me away. For someone who is now considered a Hollywood actor, Jack Black is an amazing musician. I love the first album but have to admit I haven;t got round to watching the Pick of Destiny as yet. I'm putting it on the list to watch before June!

What can you say about Soundgarden. Another of the recently reformed groups from the 90's, They have been touring America and all in the Urban Fox urban family have been keeping a close eye on ticket websites and music sites for any UK dates to be announced. Last Friday @mattlutch, @Annnushka, Andy and I were trawling gossip sites to see who might be at Download. We all squealed a little when we saw Soundgarden on the rumour list and also noticed a convenient gap in their touring schedule.

Needless to say, Download is looking pretty awesome this year! I couldn't just play one song this week so here are two tunes for you.

First up is Tenacious D with Tribute.

Second track is from Soundgarden. I don't know anyone who doesn't love Black Hole Sun.

Friday Track

2012-01-13T09:00:00.000Z

I love Led Zeppelin. Generally any covers of their songs are sacrilege and murder of song of the best rock songs EVER!

But do you now what - someone has gone and done a rather decent cover and one that I actually really like. At least when I say someone, that should actually be three people. One I don't know but the other two are from bands that are fairly successful in their own right.

Fittingly, this song is from the soundtrack of the new version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo which I am hoping to see next week. There isn't an official video as far as I can see but there is this AWESOME bond-esq title theme to the new film. So, this week's Friday Track - Immigrant Song by Karen O, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.

Cycling - two birds with one stone?

2012-01-11T21:00:00.001Z

It's a New Year and further to purchasing a proper cycling jacket in the winter sales I promised myself I would start cycling to work again.

Surprisingly there have been loads of cyclists taking to the roads this January. It could be the unseasonably warm weather we have been experiencing, it could be the drive to get fit in the new year or it could be that the cost of travel in London now is so bonkers (thanks Boris!) that more people are taking to two wheels to get about.

Either way, the roads are busy! Sadly every day this week and most of last week too, I have heard of someone on their bike being hit. A friend of mine was almost flattened by a van on Monday. Thankfully he is ok. His bike isn't but at least it is fixable. After being in Copenhagen last week, it makes me sad how behind we seem to be when it comes to cycling. I could write a very long post on the pitfalls and dangers of cycling in London but I shan't bore you with it now.

Why was I writing this post again? Oh yeah. Back to Boris and his fare hike. Two of my New Year aims are: 1. Get down to 61kgs and 5. Get Debt Free.

The fare hikes in January have hit most Londoners hard. I wouldn't say I have been hit hard as such but after using only public transport in November and December I've realised just what a drain it is on my wallet.

So step up my trusty bicycle. Today I have been looking at how much money I can save cycling to work. Let's take the past two days as examples. Yesterday if I had got the tube to our central London office it would have cost me £5.40 in total (two peak journeys at £2.70. Last year would have been £2.50 each way). Today if I had got the train to work it would have cost £4 (two peak journeys at £2. Last year would have been £1.90 each way). So in two days I have saved £9.40. That a few drinks down the pub!

If I cycle, lets say 4 times a week (Fridays is pub day) and only go to Streatham, not central London, that's £16 a week. Over four weeks that is £64. That is the cost of my jacket back in 4 weeks!

Savings like that will well and truly help me get debt free and work hard at that aim and as I will be doing lots of cycling, if it doesn't help me loose weight, I'm doing something wrong. Two birds, one stone. Result!

On the cash side, at the end of each week, whatever I have saved I am transferring to my savings account and eventually will use the money to clear my debt. Sorted.

So fellow Londoners, if you want to save some cash and get fit doing it, I highly recommend taking to two wheels.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

2012-01-09T21:46:00.000Z

As part of my New Year Aims I have vowed to read all the books on my bookshelf that I have either not read or started. First up - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

I found it hard to get into the book at first. I started it on holiday in October but then failed to pick it up again once I got home. But I decided to start again at Christmas and within two weeks it was finished.

On the book itself, the story was dark and twisted and portrayed a dysfunctional family desperately trying to cover up their dark pasts. I loved the character of Lisbeth Salander even if she was unbelievably unorthodox. She is strong, yet fragile. She is alternative and doesn't fit in with the norm yet she is brilliant and respected.

I'm looking forward to reading the next instalment in the series which is sitting in our front room but for now I have another 21 books to get through.

On the back of finishing the book, Andy and I watched the original Swedish version of the film on Saturday.

Noomi Rapace and Michael Nyqvist play both lead characters fantastically however sadly the film deviates from the book too much for me and therefore a lot of the brilliance of the book is lost. Don't get me wrong, it's still good and still follows the basic plot line but too much is missing and too much is also added that for me disrupted the plot and made it harder to believe they came to the conclusion they did.

It's a shame and I expected the Swedish version to be truer to the book. I have heard that the American version which came out a few weeks ago actually follows the plot line of the book better than the Swedish version. I'll have to see it to believe it.

Friday Track

2012-01-06T09:00:00.000Z

A New Year and a new batch of tracks to write about.

This week's track is from this band's up and coming debut album. First heard on Daniel P Carter's Rock Show towards the end of 2011 and one that instantly grabbed my attention. The opening reminds me both of Coal Chamber - Loco and The Vines - Get Free but I love the track. I've check out a number of other tracks and I am already looking forward to the release of the album.

So, kicking of 2012 I give you Bury Tomorrow - Royal Blood.

Urban Fox New Year Aims 2012

2012-01-03T11:19:00.000Z

Happy New Year all. I hope so far 2012 is being kind. Shame about the weather.

Like last year I wanted to set myself some New Year Aims in a bid to set myself some targets for the new year that I might actually achieve. I have carried over some from last year but I also have some new ones for 2012.

They are fairly in-keeping with last year, things I have wanted to do for some time or things that I want to do to better myself. And this year I have turned to my twitter and blog followers for some help in deciding what to do.

1. Get down to 61kgs
Ok so this is one that I carried over from last year. I failed miserably and was so annoyed at myself. Andy and I have made a pact to go to the gym more often and cut down on the drinking (hopefully that will save some monetary pounds as well which will be helpful to another aim). My starting weight is just under 65kgs which means I need to loose the equivalent of 4 bags of sugar to reach my goal. Wow - that is a lot when you think about it like that!

2. Learn to Sew
Another carried over from last year. Although I didn't complete this last year I did purchase a voucher for a basic sewing course and this year I will be doing it.

3. Cook a Recipe from all of my cook books
This is a slightly amended one from last year. I tried to cook two recipes from each of my books last year but realised that it would mean cooking two a week which although would be fun does become hard when you have some much else on. After receiving a few more books for Christmas I wanted to continue to make the most of the books but at least use all of them once.

4. Give Blood
This was part of my 28 list but also an idea put forward by my good friend Tadders. The thought terrifies me but I know how import it would be to do it so why not. If I can help one person I should.

5. Get Debt Free
I am really close on completing this but it will still require some work. I have more items on my floor for eBay and will be looking to sell them once the sales have ended and people turn back to the internet for bargains.

6. Complete the PRINCE2 Qualification
As I am now working in Project Management and realising how much I am enjoying it, I feels like a good time to do a project management qualification. Hopefully I will be starting this early in the year.

7. Learn a Language and be able to have a simple conversation
This one comes courtesy of @The_Thismeister aka Andy's sister. I'm always annoyed that I cannot even have a basic conversation in another language. I'm keen to address this as part of my aims. And it will be a new language rather than just a refresher of my French (although I might do that as well).

8. Read all of the books on my bookshelf that I have not yet completed or read
I have a number of books that I have never got round to reading. I want to address that this year and read everything on my shelf that I haven't read. I'm starting with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo which I started in Corfu but didn't pick up again once I was back.

9. Get my best friend a lovely boyfriend
A bit of an odd one I guess but my best friend has been single for a while and I, and no one else I know can understand why. So this year I want to do what I can to help her out - girls nights, introductions, whatever really that may help her find someone who can make her as happy as I am with Andy.

10. Bake cakes and learn how to decorate them
I love making cakes but decorating is a skill that I am yet to perfect. I would love to be able to make awesomely decorated birthday cakes so this year I will perfect decorating.

11. Complete 2 charity runs and a charity cycle ride
I missed running for charity last year. It gives me something to focus on and aim for when going to the gym or doing any running. I love cycling and really want to do London to Brighton again. This year I hope I can do it with some friends too.

12. Do something new for Charity
This comes courtesy of @Themgrahame on Twitter. Admittedly he also added "and raise £5k" but I like to be realistic in my aim and as much as I would love to raise £5k for charity I somehow doubt I know enough people to raise that much. But should I find something new I would like to raise at least £1k. Now to think about what to do. I'm thinking at the moment that the Lakes might feature. Hmmm.

So there you have it. 2012's aims. All very doable and I hope this year I can complete all my aims and not have any to carry over to 2013.

Urban Fox Review of the Year

2011-12-31T14:34:00.003Z

I've seen a number of blogpost from those I follow on Twitter reviewing the year and thought it would be a good idea to do something similar. After all I failed to actually explain what I had been up over the summer.

January marked two very memorable events. Andy's nephew Leo was born and I moved into a nice flatshare.

Leo, bless him, waited until we left the Lakes to make an appearance but resulting in a return trip to the Lakes almost as soon as we got back. It was worth it to see the little man.

Although moving is not my favourite pastime, however something I seem to do more frequently than I would like, this was one of the first times I couldn't wait to move. My ex-flatmates, although nice enough people, were not the type of people you wanted to live with at 29. Maybe 19 but definitely not 29. I had no idea what my new place was going to be like. I gambled and moved in without actually meeting either of my flatmates. But it was a gamble that paid off and I couldn't ask for better flatmates.

Lastly, January saw the birth of the New Year Aims, a list of aims for me to complete over the course of the year instead of a single resolution.

Hmmm, not much seemed to happen in February. We went to two gigs - Kylessa at the Camden Underworld and Foo Fighters at Wembley as part of the NME Big Gig thing as part of the NME awards. I also progressed on my New Year Aims mainly due to lacking in space at my new flat and desperately needing to sell some items on eBay to ensure I could walk around my room.

March saw us travelling to Edinburgh for our friend's Matt and July's wedding. A beautiful setting and fantastic service. The first wedding I have been to that was a humanist service, it captured everything a wedding should be about as far as I was concerned.

We also paid a visit to the Imperial War Museum in March and our first trip of the year to Joe's Kitchen in Borough which has now become a regular hang out for breakfast.

April was a massive month. I turned 30 and in the process had a night out at St Moritz which was sadly a flop but made up for it with an amazing birthday party the following week at The Miller with an 80's rock theme.

We also watched the marathon around Tower Bridge, went to our third gig of the year at Islington Academy for Rival Schools and Trail of the Dead, headed back to the Lakes for a long weekend over Easter and then celebrated the Royal Wedding in style - champagne breakfast followed by a walk from Little Venice to Camden and a Camden pub crawl.

It was a quiet start to May, a few pub crawls and our first ever Yo! Sushi experience. But the end of the month was rammed with two bowling trips (thanks Groupon), our friend's Graham and Ruth's wedding in Sussex, a number of birthday celebrations and my first trip to Craven Cottage for the London Legends Cup (still bemused by the Michael Jackson statue there).

June saw my brother's birthday and a trip to the Wyndham's Theatre to see Much Ado about Nothing staring David Tennant (yum). In addition we went along to a comedy night with work (where the headline act was delayed due to tube problems but the support were good enough!). We also checked out the fantastic Korean BBQ pub near me, The Old Justice. It is criminal really that we haven't been back as yet.

We also travelled to Nottingham to see our friend Ash at his new flat. Nottingham is an awesome place to go for a night out. That weekend we tried a number of different pubs, went to a live music night at the Maze (14 bands, 3 rooms - winner) and had a night cap at a place called Spanky Van Dykes.

The carnival was in town in July and with the nice weather, Andy and I took to wandering a lot around London and to various different bars in and around London Bridge. Again, we also saw Foo Fighters, although this time outdoors and up in Milton Keynes (never the easiest gig venue to get to and from). We celebrated Andy's birthday with a trip to Thorpe Park. We did attempt to branch out on our pub crawls and headed North of the river but to be honest the South Bank just has far better pubs.

In the middle of the month, after deciding our livers were not punished enough we headed over to Ireland for a long weekend to catch up with the guys from our Irish office and some culture and pub crawling in a different country. After all that drinking we rounded off the month with a trip to Go Ape! I've never done anything so a) terrifying, b) exciting and c) painful the day after. And on the way back we got to welcome little Imogen, my friend's Nic and Dan's little girl to the world.

Continuing the healthiness into August, I went away for a Yoga and Vegetarian cooking weekend down in Dartmoor with my mum. My peace and tranquillity was brought to an abrupt end the next day with the worst day of the London Riots. We had meant to be going bowling but Tadders was confined to her road in Hackney while we were continually hearing reports things were moving our way.

Another trip to the Lakes to see little Leo, who by this point was less little and able to move un-aided which certainly increases your wits, followed by the postponed bowling trip, and another gig, this time Deftones at Shepherds Bush Empire. We also attempted a trip to the cinema for Tadder's birthday but due to the awful service at the O2 cineworld, we had to abandon it and go to the pub instead.

A quiet start to September followed by a hectic end. First stop Nottingham for a catch up and drinks with Ash, followed by a visit to the Lakes, followed by a holiday to the beautiful island of Corfu. We had a wonderful holiday. For once we chilled out a lot and sat around the pool sunbathing but we still managed to fit in some touristy things, with a trip around the North of the Island (Kavos is in the south therefore best avoided), a day out at Aqualand which we pretty much had to ourselves, and watching the sunset at Sunset Beach.

Ah, October. A crazy month for me. I finally completed my New Year aim to get a new job and with it a hectic working schedule. It also meant my first trip to Copenhagen. At the end of the month we headed to a friends for a Halloween party, I went to my first Speedway meeting of the year (oh how I have missed the smell) plus I got to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the cinema.

November consisted of early Christmas shopping and lots of work but little else.

And, so we arrive at December. As is traditional for December, the Silly Season this year was intense. The month seemed to be a continual stream of dinners, drinks and parties. Leaving London for the Lakes couldn't have come sooner. On today, New Years Eve, I have completed 8 of the 12 aims I had set out in January and this afternoon we are celebrating little Leo's 1st birthday although he won't officially be 1 until the 4th January. It has though been brilliant sharing his first Christmas. I'm not sure if he understands what is happening but either way he seems to have had a wonderful time, as have I.

So to sum up the year - it's been pretty awesome. But next year I feel will be even better. To all my readers, have a wonderful time tonight whatever you are doing, and here is to the New Year. I'll be making the most of the alcohol tonight before a self imposed detox in January!

Merry Christmas....Next Year is just around the corner.

2011-12-27T19:00:00.000Z

Merry Christmas one and all. I hope you are all enjoying the festive period!

It's coming up to the New Year and I am starting to think about my New Year aims for 2012. I didn't do too bad this year. In fact I did a lot better than I have done in previous years. Here's a recap:

1. Loose half a stone or get down to 61kg
~~2. Get a New Job~~
~~3. List the pile of clothes and accessories on my floor on eBay~~
~~4. Throw an awesome 30th Birthday party~~
~~5. Pay off my Graduate Loan~~
~~6. Regularly running between 5k and 10k a week~~
~~7. Learn to knit~~ and knit my other half a scarf
~~8. Save up enough for a holiday~~
~~9. Complete an application and the London Marathon for Cancer Research~~
10. Cook two recipes from all my cook books
11. Learn how to use a sewing machine and make at least one item
12. Spend Christmas in Australia with my Dad and Andy

8 out of 12 ain't bad. I'm annoyed at myself for not completing number 1. The New Year will see me in the gym a lot more and now I have some new trainers too I will be continuing with number 6.

I still have a scarf to knit and a beginners sewing course to attend so completion of some of the others are still to be had.

But what for 2012? Apart from those not completed, what else can I do this year? I want a list of 12 again as it made it far more challenging for me. I had a couple of ideas - pay off my debts, complete the PRINCE2 qualification and sell the new pile of clothes on the floor on eBay, but what else?

There are a few items outstanding on my 28 list which I am keen to do however they feel separate from the New Year aims. Time to get my thinking cap on but if any readers have some suggestions, let me know by commenting below.

Top Ten Albums 2011 - No.1

2011-12-25T09:00:00.000Z

Wasting Light - Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters 7th studio album certainly packs a punch! Described by Dave Grohl as their "heaviest album yet", it doesn't disappoint. From the riff-tastic opening of Bridge Burning to the fantastic Walk, there isn't a track on the album I'm reaching to skip.

Live the album tracks will have you jumping up and down like a lunatic and may leave you slightly deaf but it's beyond worth it. The only other band to feature in the top 10 this year who I managed to see live this year, and luckily for me I got to see them twice.

I have already featured a number of tracks from the album as Friday Tracks so I am picking my favourite. The video for this is worth watching again. So here is Foo Fighters – Walk.

Top Ten Albums 2011 - No.2

2011-12-24T09:00:00.000Z

The Hunter - Mastodon
It was difficult to see how Mastodon could top the amazing 2009 Crack the Skye. But not only did they bring out another sensational album I would even go as far as to say that I loved it even more than Crack the Skye. There isn't a song I dislike.
I cannot wait to see them in February perform the new album live. So excited!! As I have already had Black Tongue as a Friday track which remains my favourite track from the album enjoy my second favourite: Mastodon – Curl of the Burl.

Friday Track

2011-12-23T12:00:00.000Z

It's nearly Christmas and I really wish it could be Christmas everyday!

Top Ten Albums 2011 - No.3

2011-12-23T10:30:00.000Z

Unseen - The Haunted
This album has been on heavy rotation on my iPod. I cannot honestly say why I love it. I just do!
This was the first track I heard but there are so many other good tracks on the album. Sadly no official videos: The Haunted – Disappear

Top Ten Albums 2011 - No.4

2011-12-22T09:00:00.000Z

Birth, School, Work, Death - Hyro Da Hero

The first single from the album, Ghetto Ambiance grabbed my attention back at the end of 2010 with it's heavy guitar riffs and Rage Against the Machine style lyrics. Second single Beam Me Up Scotty was a jumpy little number and eventually in April I got the album. Again there are more Rage style tracks with poignant lyrics.

As we have already had Ghetto Ambiance as a Friday Track, here is my second favourite track from the album: Hyro da Hero – Sleeping Giants.

Top Ten Albums 2011 - No.5

2011-12-21T09:00:00.001Z

Fake History - LetLive.
I've been told the lead singer of LetLive. sadly is a bit of an idiot however I can't help but like this album. Refused esq. with a great mix of shouty vocals and harmonic vocals, I can't help but love it.
My favourite track from the album is LetLive. – The Sick Sick 6.8 Billion. Enjoy!

Top Ten Albums 2011 - No.6

2011-12-20T09:00:00.001Z

England Keep My Bones - Frank Turner

I remember seeing Frank Turner back in the days when he was in Million Dead. I never thought I would have liked his solo stuff as it is a lot mellower but I have to say I love his punk folk. The songs are catching and the live show is amazing.

Sadly my favourite song on the album hasn't been released as a single as yet however there are a number of good tracks so here is Frank Turner – I Still Believe.

Top Ten Albums 2011 - No.7

2011-12-19T09:00:00.001Z

Pedals - Rival Schools

One of only two bands on the list who had album's out this year that I bought and that I also got to see live. The live show is loud and will have you jumping around to classic tracks as well as new ones. This is mellower than some of the albums on the list this year but every time I listen to it, it feels like summer and makes me smile.

The stand out track from the album for me is Eyes Wide Open. An amazing live track and incredibly catchy.

Top Ten Albums 2011 - No.8

2011-12-18T09:00:00.001Z

Cerebral Ballzy - Cerebral Ballzy

This was an album I discovered through Daniel P. Carter's Rock Show on BBC Radio 1. I am a punk rocker at heart and this album has the raw energy of early 70's and 80's punk but somehow make it sound fresh in 2011. The album is fast and mental and will haven you wanting to jump around the room like a lunatic.

This is the song I heard early in the year and sums up the album well: Cerebral Ballzy – Cutting Class

Top Ten Albums 2011 - No.9

2011-12-17T09:00:00.001Z

Solsikk - Solsikk

For a self release this album is amazing. I love Vikki's vocals. It's nice to have a female lead vocal in a metal band that isn't operatic. I love the edgy-ness of the album and there are a number of catchy tracks.

I highly recommend checking this out and downloading it if you haven't already got the album.

They only have one video so far so I know this has already featured as a Friday track but enjoy again Solsikk – Viridescere

Friday Track

2011-12-16T12:01:00.000Z

Continuing with the Christmas theme, this week it's a time for reflection and an opportunity to think of those less fortunate at this time of year.

I was only 3 years old when this came out but I vividly remember watching a taped version of the Live Aid event. In 2005 I was fortunate enough to get tickets to Live 8. It never stops shocking me the poverty experienced in some third world countries especially when I see how easy it is for us to have whatever we want and need at our finger tips.

I'm not about to shout "Gimme your F-ing Money" but what I would say is, at Christmas, a notorious time of excess, please remember those who are not so fortunate to partake in the traditional Christmas dinner - from the homeless in the UK to those in war torn countries. And if you are able to give a little to a charity helping those less fortunate this Christmas, please do.

This week's Friday Track - Band Aid - Do they know it's Christmas.

Top Ten Albums 2011 - No.10

2011-12-16T09:00:00.002Z

Thrice - Major/Minor
I love Thrice. They have had some amazing albums over the past decade or so. Admittedly I was late to the party and only got into them just before Beggars was released but exploring their back catalogue has been fantastic.

This album is good but it hasn't got the hook of some of the earlier albums. There are some fantastic tracks such as Yellow Belly below but it lacks something for me that prevents it propelling itself further up the list.

Sadly though this is likely to be the last album from Thrice as they are now on "indefinite hiatus" or in my eyes, the cool way to break up a band (don't tell fans it's over but allow them to cling onto that possibility you might get back together - it did happen with Blink 182 I guess).

Now onto my favourite track from the album - Yellow Belly. Enjoy.

The albums that didn't make the Top Ten

2011-12-15T09:00:00.000Z

I bought more new albums than normal this year and as a result ended up with a quandary as to what albums to put in my Top Ten this year. After a year of minimal gig action it is easy enough to think this years music offering were just as sparse.But this year has spawned some of my favourite albums ever, something that was reflected in my difficulty to pick five older albums I have been listening to this year. I haven't bought or listened to much back catalogue this year instead it has been all about the new releases.

Alas, with such a glut of decent offerings at my disposal this year (and this was just the albums I bought - I discounted all albums listened to on Spotify this year)there were those who missed out on a Top Ten finish

Sucker Punch OST - Various

Great little album with some amazing covers. But I am a slight purist and do not like to add compilations into my Top Ten, therefore this one finishes out the Top Ten.

Edge of Earth - Sylosis

A brilliant metal album but misses out on a Top Ten finish due to the number of tracks on the album that fade out. Fade outs are a pet hate for me. I feel bands just cannot thinking of an ending so fade out as a bit of a cop out. It's a shame as this is a good album.

Tighter - MSI

I love MSI but I didn't love this album as much as "You'll Rebel to Everything" and "If". Without a stand out track for me it failed to grab me enough for a place in the Top Ten.

Weightless - Animals as Leaders

I love this instrumental number but again it wasn't an album that grabbed me enough for the Top Ten. I missed these guys when I went to see Deftones as they were the first support band. Hopefully I will get to see them in 2012.

Gravitas - Furyon

Technically this was released in 2010 but this year was re-released as a covermount on the December issue of Metal Hammer. This album should be in the Top Ten but the absence of Disappear Again by far my favourite track left it just outside.

So they are the ones that didn't make it and from tomorrow you can see what did.

Nail Art

2011-12-12T14:12:00.006Z

I am not a girly girl but this year I have really got into nail art.

It started back in the summer with a purchase of a matte finish top coat and spiraled from there.

I've experimented with a few looks this year including nail tattoos and crackle nail varnish. My new obsession at the moment is magnetic nail varnish. I've tested a number in the shops and hoping Santa Claus brings me some for Christmas.

I've bought more dresses this year than any other and now all this nail stuff. I'm worried about me!

Friday Track

2011-12-09T12:23:00.004Z

It never feels like Christmas until I hear this song. For a song that captures an argument between a couple on Christmas Eve with the ever loving line "Merry Christmas your arse, I pray God it's out last!" for some strange reason it leaves me feeling nothing but happy and excited about the holiday season.

So for your listening pleasure, The Pogues feat. Kirsty MacColl - Fairytale of New York.

Friday Track

2011-12-02T14:09:00.005Z

Well, it's December already! I know I haven't done one for ages but as the festive period is now well under way every Friday from now until Christmas Eve Eve Friday Tracks will have a festive feel. And I promise to add one each week!

First up is my favourite Christmas track from last year - Corey Taylor's X-m@$. Enjoy!

Starting on the 15th each day there will be a blog listing my Top Ten Albums of the year with the number 1 announced on Christmas Day.

Is it nearly Christmas already?

2011-11-29T08:00:00.001Z

Oops. So it's nearly December and the last time I updated was back in September. September! Where has the time gone?

But I have been incredibly busy - both at work and outside of work.

A quick New Year Aim Update:

1. Loose half a stone or get down to 61kg
~~2. Get a New Job~~
~~3. List the pile of clothes and accessories on my floor on eBay~~
~~4. Throw an awesome 30th Birthday party~~
~~5. Pay off my Graduate Loan~~
~~6. Regularly running between 5k and 10k a week~~
~~7. Learn to knit~~ and knit my other half a scarf
~~8. Save up enough for a holiday~~
~~9. Complete an application and the London Marathon for Cancer Research~~
10. Cook two recipes from all my cook books
11. Learn how to use a sewing machine and make at least one item
12. Spend Christmas in Australia with my Dad and Andy

A few more off the list now.

On coming back from holiday I had the second part of an interview for a position I had applied for internally and by the second day back I had been successful and started my new job the day after. It's a massive step up and I have been exceptionally busy as a result. I've often been working 10 hours days but I LOVE IT! I've moved into Project Management and never realised how much I loved it. It's only a secondment but it is making me reconsider my future career path.

I've started running in the evenings again and although I am no where near running half marathons or 10k in one go, I have done a couple of 5K's and have at least been running a fair distance each week. So far no back issues so fingers crossed it continues!

I've learnt to knit, well the basics anyway, and the scarf is a work in progress at present or more to the point, I need to get some nice wool to make it.

So the ones that I haven't completed:

My love hate relationship with food continues and rather than losing weight I have been gaining it which has annoyed me a lot. Upon getting my new job and realising I need some new smart clothes I also realised I had gone up a dress size. So drastic measures are now in place - no sweets (except those pre-ordered for Christmas meals) until Christmas, no alcohol until the 15th, extra exercise and a strict diet. I only started today so the results are yet to be seen.

I've lost track of what I have cooked and what I haven't now although I have had a good crack at all the cook books. I doubt I will accomplish this before the New Year but I am pleased I have been trying new things.

Although I haven't spent any time on a sewing machine as yet I have purchased a voucher from KGB deals for a basic course in how to use and operate a sewing machine. It's a start at least!

Number 12 is defunct on account of the fact my Dad isn't going to Australia.

So busy times!

I know I haven't done a Friday track in a while but have to admit some of this is down to not coming across tracks that I think have been worth sharing. I am keeping an ear out and when something cool hits my radar I will let you know.

I will desperately try to do a photo update of what the summer and autumn have been about for us soon.

Friday Track

2011-09-02T17:03:00.005+01:00

Another guest spot this week.

Wednesday saw my best friend Tadders, pictured above on the wall of shame at the Great British Beer Festival this year after failing to score on the roll the barrel pub game, turned 29. Therefore this week she has picked the Friday track. Here is why she picked it:

"This is James Morrison and an amazing beat boxer called Shlomo, recorded at BBC Radio 1’s “Fun & Filth Cabaret” tour at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year. James is singing stories from “real life” magazines such as “a poltergeist in my house made my lover gay” and the like. I laughed so much at this when I watched it on TV. I’ve always wanted to visit the Edinburgh Festival, and be able to watch a weeks worth of the performers on TV has made me want to go even more. So next year, I aim to go as part of my 30th Birthday celebrations."

One day I will sleep!

2011-09-01T13:47:00.004+01:00

So - the wish of sleep and ability to do stuff is still not coming to fruition. Grr.

But maybe that is a little harsh - I have done some stuff, just not as much as I would have liked.

My weekdays continue to be as full as the weekends although last weekend and the two coming are quiet in comparison to those before it!

Now Andy has a computer that works and doesn't take a day to start, weekend blogging can now resume which is a bonus! Who knows - I might even finally post the post on what I have been up to this summer!

Before I get ahead of myself I managed to fully complete another aim last week:

~~8. Save up for a holiday.~~

We are off to Corfu! I can't wait. I need a holiday as does Andy.

In other aim news - I am now down to 63kg which is a slight improvement. The weather has impeded my cycling ability over the past few weeks. It might be colder now but if the rain holds off I will be happy (it's not that I don't like cycling in the rain - I just don't have any water proof gear to keep me vaguely dry).

I have been incorporating some yoga moves into my morning routine in order to really stretch out my hamstrings. It seems to be working - I can now just touch my toes whereas 2 weeks ago I couldn't even get my body into a right angle - small progress is good progress. I am planning some light running training over the weekend and by the 16th I will know if my Marathon application has been successful. If it is I will really have to get my backside in gear! At the moment I cannot run 5K let alone 26.2 miles!

I've also been looking into sewing courses with the local council. I won't be able to start any of the full courses this side of Christmas but I will hopefully start one in the new year.

So apart from running and weight loss, knitting is next on my hit list. I may take my knitting needles on holiday with me (if anyone knows if they are a banned item for the purpose of flying please let me know! I'm not sure I can do much damage with a pair of 4's but you never know).

Oh, and as an aside, I have been in the kitchen a lot lately working through my cook books. I need to work out which ones I need to use still. I think there may be a few!

Friday Track

2011-08-26T14:07:00.007+01:00

Well actually this week it's Friday Tracks as I cannot decide which track I want to play so I will delight your ears with two!

Aren't I nice!

On Wednesday Andy, Anna, Matt and I headed over to Shepherds Bush to see Deftones at the Empire.

Before we got in I was asked to do an interview for Wink Ball which Anna later explained was a website where the interview is uploaded straight away from the special cameras they use. Needless to say I don't think I gave the most insightful interview:

Anyway, sadly I missed the first support act Animals As Leaders who I was quite interested to see as they sounded quite good. We did catch Pulled Apart By Horses who all of us were taken with. I think they may sell four more albums on the back of their performance.

But Deftones were who we were there to see. We missed out on seeing them at Brixton last year but managed to get tickets this time round. We did manage to see them at Download last year where they delivered an excellent performance (Andy may disagree as it was the first time I had seen them but he has seen them a number of times).

Wednesday was great although the sound quality wasn't as good as it had been at Download (which is odd as normally the sound quality is worse at an outdoor gig compared to an indoor one) but for me I loved it. The highlight for me was hearing Minerva played live after it was left off the set list at Download (and has been left off set lists at many previous gigs too apparently). But the tracks off the latest album were also amazing.

So this week I have opted for Minerva and Rocket Skates as my Friday Track(s). Enjoy!

Oh go on then - here's a third. Beauty School is release as a single this week!

Another one bites the dust

2011-08-25T13:41:00.002+01:00

I'm feeling proud of myself today! I can cross another aim off my list!

~~9. Complete an application for the London Marathon for Cancer Research~~

And not only did I complete it but I have also submitted it and I am now waiting to hear if I get a place.

I'll be honest - I am worried. I am suffering with a hamstring/hip injury at the moment for which I have no idea how I have got it. I can only assume that at some point I have over done it with the squats and stretches. I'm sure I will be back to normal in no time. Fingers crossed!

Friday Track

2011-08-19T13:41:00.005+01:00

There are not many albums due out this year that I have been majorly excited about but news that a new Mastodon album would be coming out in September has had me chomping at the bit. From what I have heard so far it should be A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

Apparently they have moved away from the psychedelic sounds of Crack the Skye and moved back to all out heavy and loud as heard on it's predecessor Blood Mountain.

See what you think - this weeks Friday Track: Mastodon - Black Tongue

The Hunter will be released in the UK on Road Runner Records on the 26th September 2011

New Year Updates

2011-08-16T13:51:00.006+01:00

I promise there is a blog post coming that does update on what I have been up to in the past few months.

It's been incredibly busy and this weekend will be no different. But on the horizon is a bank holiday weekend which due to a cancellation is now completely free! I aim to keep it that way or at least only fill it with something casual such as a riverside walk (weather permitting).

So - the New Year Aims look like this at the moment:

1. Loose half a stone or get down to 61kg
2. Get a New Job
~~3. List the pile of clothes and accessories on my floor on eBay~~
~~4. Throw an awesome 30th Birthday party~~
~~5. Pay off my Graduate Loan~~
6. Regularly running between 5k and 10k a week
7. Learn to knit and knit my other half a scarf
8. Save up enough for a holiday
9. Complete an application and the London Marathon for Cancer Research
10. Cook two recipes from all my cook books
11. Learn how to use a sewing machine and make at least one item
12. Spend Christmas in Australia with my Dad and Andy

Realising now that I have only completed three aims is a bit of a bummer. 1 is proving harder than anticipated, 2 is a nightmare but I am still sending out applications and being put forward for things by the job agency, 6 is now in progress but every time I get back to running my back or hip start playing up, 7 will be starting hopefully in a few weeks time as will 11 when I pick up the sewing machine from Mum, 8 is in progress - money is there just need to book something (so I guess in effect I have actually completed that one), 9 is also in progress and the form is now half completed, 10 is still in progress but I have a lot of books to work my way through, and 12 is having a rethink. I really want to spend Christmas in Australia but I am also conscious it will be Andy's nephew's first Christmas and first birthday early in the new year so we need to discuss that one further and perhaps modify it slightly.

Not great progress but progress none the less!

Friday Track

2011-08-12T14:06:00.001+01:00

Apologies for no track last week. I was in the depths of Devon on a yoga retreat (more soon) where phone signals was scarce and 3G non-existent.

I have held my tongue this week and waiting until now to comment on the weeks events which has been difficult whilst watching my beloved city ravaged by idiots.

The town I call home, Woolwich wasn't one of the worst areas hit in the London Riots but to see footage and pictures of my beloved old local being destroyed by flames upset me greatly. Darryl over at 853 perfectly described the destruction in Woolwich as 'kicking a drunk man when he's just staggering back to his feet again.'

Woolwich in particular has finally started to see the benefit of regeneration in the Royal Arsenal and the extension of the DLR service to the centre but I couldn't help but feel all the good work had been set back years. So many people I know either a) don't know where Woolwich is or b) know of it and think it is awful! I hardly think Monday's actions are going to do it any favours.

My only hope is like all the other properties damaged in the riots, it can be rebuilt and again provide jobs for locals. And in the other areas I hope people's homes can be rebuilt even quicker!

Trying to pick a song for today has been really tough. It's easy to pick a number of tracks for their association with riot but I more wanted to reflect the resilient nature of Londoners. It doesn't matter if it's the IRA, Al Qaeda or young people hell bent on causing destruction in their own communities, no matter what happens - if we get knocked down, we get up again!

Friday Track

2011-07-29T13:45:00.004+01:00

Today's track is linked in to a protest I am taking part in tonight at 6pm.

I'm not normally one for protests but since moving to a more central London location I find myself involved in two ongoing ones at the moment. The one I will be taking part in this Friday is being dubbed as the 'Battle of Blackfriars'.

I have mentioned before about the Blackfriars debate when Conservative London Assembly Members walked out before a debate on the speed limit for Blackfriars Bridge.

TFL are now pressing ahead with what is believed to be their original plans which, if it is the case, will make the bridge conditions for pedestrians and cyclists far worse rather than better.

Before you ask - I am not a militant cyclist and also as a driver I understand the notion of 'smoothing traffic flow'. After all every time I try to drive out of London it can take over an hour for a journey I can actually do faster on my bike (the reason I drive rather than bike in these situations is a) the total distance would not really be doable on a bike unless I was a Tour De France rider, b) Luggage and my bike don't really mix, and c) trains are ridiculously expensive unless you book months in advance which doesn't really bode well with my spontaneous nature). All I would ask is that there are provisions for cyclists to easily get around London. It's always baffled me that not all traffic lights have the advanced stop line or that most roads do not have cycle lanes.

The flashride across Blackfriars tonight is not a protest to say all roads belong to bikes but to make it clear to TFL that there are a number of us who want to cycle in London and do so safely. I think it is really sad that so many people, myself included, cycle out of their way to avoid junctions and crossings as they are so hostile to cyclists. Since I have been reading about the many different junction layouts many people have problems with, I have noticed far more that make it difficult for pedestrians to negotiate too.

I am all for smoother traffic flows as a motorist (I hate sitting in traffic) but not at the expense of everyone else. I'm not sure what the ideal solution would be that could benefit all road users but the answer is not to create Urban Motorways.
So for this Friday's track I have selected Queen - Bicycle Race because I want to ride my bicycle and I would like to ride it where I like - namely on the roads that get me where I need to go - safely!

If you are interested in joining tonight's ride across Blackfriars, it sets off at 6pm from outside Doggetts pub on the southside of the bridge and will finish up near Waterloo.

Friday Track

2011-07-22T13:27:00.000+01:00

Before you ask - I didn't forget last week's post. A trip to Dublin and the inability to post from an iPhone even when free wifi was found rendered posting a Friday Track impossible and the day before I left was it's usual manic self with seriously busy work stuff during the day and a staff do in the evening.

To make up for it this week I will delight your ears with TWO tracks. The other reason I am giving you two tracks is after saying how great one of the band was to our Irish friends and how they were a great band from Ireland and even though they were punk they were not like Dropkick Murphys I realised earlier today that they are actually from California and the lead singer who I met briefly at the Reading festival in 2006 is the only member from Ireland (phew - must remember to use full stops more!).

So the first band - the actual Irish band - I have picked for two reasons: 1. Andy loves them and has been asking me to feature them as a Friday track for a while and 2. they are performing in a record store that we actually visited when we were in Dublin.

The first track this week is Adebisi Shank - International Dreambeat filmed live at Tower Records, Wicklow Street, Dublin

They are not a massively know band at the moment but for anyone who is interested they are signed to the Sargent House label in America and Richter Collective in Ireland. For me they fall into the Mathcore bracket although I wouldn't say they are as heavy as favs of mine Dillinger Escape Plan or Rolo Tamassi.

Onto the next track. I love this band and was so convinced until 10 minutes ago that they were actually a band Ireland should be proud of, I feel a bit daft and hope our hosts never google it! Second Friday track therefore is Flogging Molly - Seven Deadly Sins

Mega BUSY!

2011-07-12T14:06:00.003+01:00

Normally I have time to breathe during the week and try and update the blog with things I hope people might find interesting. For the past month or so my weekdays have been as hectic as my weekends!

I'm never normally one to complain about a packed social calendar - who would? But when your bedroom starts to feel more like a hotel room and your to-do list starts getting longer and longer with no prospect of being completed anytime soon, you do start to long for a couple of free evenings/weekends.

Alas, the time for rest is coming but not just yet. I have a sort of free evening tonight (although I am trying to watch all the Harry Potter films before seeing Deathly Hallows Part 2 next week - sadly previously I have only ever seen bits of films rather than in their entirety) so may try to put some posts up with tales of recent fun stuff.

In the meantime here are some funny cats to amuse you:

Friday Track

2011-07-08T16:29:00.006+01:00

Happy Friday one and all. I wish the weather was as good as last week!

As it was Andy's birthday this week I have handed the Friday Track reins to him for one week only - and he has done me proud.

So here is Andy to explain this week's choice of song:

I don’t have time to write a full explanation but headlines are:

It was my birthday this week !!!
We saw Foo Fighters at Milton Keynes Bowl at the weekend which was amazing and got very drunk.
Been a Foo's fan for a long time, saw them play their first ever UK Festival at Reading 95 in a crazy Melody Maker tent set.
I have a passing resemblance (so I am told) to Dave G (NB - This is true and at the above gig at the weekend a group of lads mobbed us for photos with 'Dave'!).
The video is great fun. Typical Foo's style and is also based on one of my all time favourite films, Falling Down (starring Michael Douglas playing a man pushed over the edge with sometimes amusing but ultimately tragic results).

So I present to you this week's track - Foo Fighters 'Walk'

Friday Track

2011-07-01T13:54:00.003+01:00

It's been a very busy few weeks in the Urban Fox household so apologies for the lack of blogging. But I wanted to make sure I at least posted a Friday Track for you all.

This week's track has been stuck in my head for a while now so I wanted to finally post it.

I can only describe the band as Motley Crue meets Kiss looks wise and Motley Crue meets Avenged Sevenfold/Lostprophets sound wise. The band's lead singer is also called Andy Six very similar to Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue - I somehow doubt this is a coincidence.

But there is something about this track that I really like and it has stuck since I first heard it on The Rock Show. So this week's track is Black Veil Brides - Fallen Angels.

Friday Track

2011-06-24T14:32:00.004+01:00

Tomorrow marks the two year anniversary since the King of Pop Michael Jackson died. I remember the day well as a close friend of mine is a big fan and predictably she was utterly devastated by the news.

It's odd how certain points in history are etched on your brain forever and you can remember exactly where you were and what you were doing. The 9/11 and 7/7 bombings and the passing of Ayrton Senna and Princess Diana to name but a few events where I can remember exactly what I was doing and where I was when they happened.

So this week I give you Spycatcher and Remember where you were when Michael Jackson died.

Korean BBQ

2011-06-23T13:52:00.000+01:00

Back when I moved into my new flat Andy, Tadders and I decided it would be a good idea to check out what the local pubs had to offer. We started at the Mayflower, had a swift half in the Ship, walked down to The Angel and eventually stumbled upon The Old Justice.

Now from the outside we were unsure of the place. The neon open sign suggested it might not be a nice real ale pub but Tadders and I were already leaving Andy still pondering and heading for the entrance.

What we didn't expect to find on the other side of the door was a Korean BBQ. After a faux par at the bar by mistaking bottles of Korean wine for beer we sat down and vowed to come back one day and try the food which looked amazing.

So last Friday we finally met up with the addition of our friends Anna and Matt to sample the delights they had to offer.

The set up is simple. You sit at a table with an electric grill in the middle. You order food and you cook what you want. So you can elongate the meal for as long as you wish. There is no rush. The atmosphere is really laid back.

Anna often travels to Korea for work so we relied heavily on her knowledge to lead the way on the food choices.

As you will see from the picture above the main is basically meat, but good meat it was and there was loads of it! We also had soup served with the main (a tofu based one as Andy is not a fan of fish). For our starters we had some Korean pancakes and dumplings which were divine. No need for desert as we were so full from the main course.

Now I have had Kim Chi (traditional Korean salad) in Wagamama and have never been a fan but the one here was gorgeous. Extremely fresh and tasty.

In total it cost just £16.99 each which for the amount of food was very much value for money. A bargain in my mind.

So if you are ever in the Bermondsey/Rotherhithe/Tower Bridge area I highly recommend a walk along the Thames Path to this hidden gem.

Happy Fathers Day

2011-06-20T09:49:00.003+01:00

Ok - a day late but that was because yesterday Andy and I took my dear old Dad to The Wharf in Dartford for dinner. He loved it as they serve real ale and also had pork and ale sausages.

The other bonus of the day being that the weather cleared up allowing us to sit out by the lake watch Coots, Swans and Signets swimming around in the water next to us.

Happy Fathers Day Dad!

Friday Track

2011-06-17T15:18:00.003+01:00

The weekend just gone saw the start of the UK festival season. This year after much deliberation, Andy and I opted not to go to Download. It was tough but the line up, although amazing in places, just wasn't good enough to entice up to Donnington for the whole weekend.

I am slightly gutted now after hearing the highlights and remembering what a great time we had last time but given the weather I'm glad I stayed south and indoors!

There was one act though I would have braved the rain for and listening to the highlights I forgot just how good they are live. I haven't seen them live since 2005 and they have been on hiatus since 2006. I only hope new material and a full tour will be on it's way soon.

In the meantime please enjoy my favourite track of their's which you cannot help but sing along to and headbang (as I have done on numerous occasions most recently at a friend's wedding).

So this week's track is System of a Down - Chop Suey!

Homity Pie

2011-06-16T13:32:00.000+01:00

We are having a freezer clear out at home at the moment so we can defrost it. It's proving fun. Last week we had a Mexican Night of Fajitas and Coronas to use up some of the chicken in the freezer.

This week I opted to use the pastry in the freezer to make a Homity Pie. Where I work there is a local vegetarian restaurant, Wholemeal, that makes amazing Homity Pie which I love. For ages now I have been wanted to have a crack at making my own. It's relatively simple. The main ingredients are mash potato, onion, garlic and peas.

So this is my first attempt.

It is no where near as good as the one from Wholemeal but it is tasty for a first attempt. Once I get it right I will post a recipe.

Friday Track

2011-06-10T13:30:00.004+01:00

It's Friday!! Yay. Shame the weather is not as great as last week.

This week I have a guest picker for the Friday Track. As it is my little brother's birthday this weekend he has selected this week's track:

So - in his words why he choose this song:

"I chose this video because of all the music I have listened too, no band has stayed with me as much as Radiohead and no other band has soundtracked the best times of my life so consistently. I remember buying OK Computer in a 2 for £22 deal with Be Here Now by Oasis (which, I admit, was my main purchase for that day) at Menzies in my local town centre just on the basis of the wonderful video to Paranoid Android (yet another side note, I used to watch the cartoon that Paranoid Android was based on on Channel 4 late at night...if anyone can remember what it is called I'd much appreciate the answer). Suffice to say one of those albums has not been played for over 10 years.

I remember buying The Bends in HMV in Liverpool during a secondary school rugby tour after watching a storming version of The Bends on Jools Holland, and getting Kid A on the first day of Uni and being delighted when the staff at MVC (I think) showed us the hidden booklet underneath the CD. I remember going to see them before they launched Hail To The Thief at the Manchester Apollo and seeing one of the gigs of my life (I think there were 3 standing ovations for Fake Plastic Trees alone). And I still remember the giddy excitement I got when they just announced their last album was done and you could get it at the end of the week.

And this brings me on to Lotus Flower. Radiohead remain one of the biggest rock bands in the world, but they do not suffer under the influence of their predecessors. They are not the new Nirvana, or the new Led Zepplin, or the new Stones or even the new Beatles; in the end they are only Radiohead (and now for the hyperbole), the band that best represent the possibilities of modern music. Upon seeing them live you are as likely to hear music that has been compared to U2 as you are music that has been compared to Aphex Twin and Autechre and you will almost certainly hear this song; one of the best intros in the past decade followed by some wonderful dubsteppy mirco-beats and a gorgeous, yearning melody. And most important of all, a man in his mid-40s, wearing a bowler hat, dancing (beautifully) like a loon."

Annoyingly since I asked David to do this for me, Radiohead have prevented people embedding the video. Grrr. So this week there will be a link which hopefully you can link to with no problems:

Radiohead - Lotus Flower

Things that irritate me No. 4 - Politicians

2011-06-09T12:30:00.000+01:00

I try not to discuss politics on the blog as it is the easiest way to encourage a barrage of abuse and criticism. I know this from on the odd occasion of having a go at the Mayor of London on Twitter when the Jubilee line isn't working properly (again). His faithful are quick to defend and although he isn't directly responsible for the maintenance nor does he do it, at the end of the day it is his responsibility overall to ensure London is keep moving and us Londoners do not have to endure endless delays and closures (which do appear to have increased under the current administration).

Generally, I have a dislike for politicians. None of the parties in my mind seem to be capable of promising something during a manifesto and sticking to it (The Lib Dems demonstrated an outstanding case for this after going back on their tuition fee stance to support the Conservative motion to triple fees for students) and all seem to change their stance on things depending on what is hot with the public that week.

Hence why I take manifestos are something I generally take with a pinch of salt. They promise lots but often fail to deliver. Why they can't be honest from the start I don't know. Personally I think a lot of people would be more likely to vote for someone who was honest rather than having to take a gamble on who is lying least come each election, or back whoever the national media are backing.

I digress slightly. What spurred me to write this post and what really irritates me are politicians who throw their toys out the pram when things don't go their way. This was demonstrated yesterday by the Conservative London Assembly Members when they walked out of the Greater London Assembly right before a debate on a 20mph limit on Blackfriars bridge.

The background to the Blackfriars bridge issue is thus - Blackfriars Station is currently under redevelopment and as a result the road bridge is also being redesigned to take into account additional footfall from passengers using the station.

The original plans submitted by Transport for London (TFL) included an additional lane of motor traffic, the removal of a cycle lane and not much in the way of additional crossings for pedestrians.

After a number of responses from disgruntled cyclists (myself included) the removed cycle lane was reinstated but no additional provisions to make cycling across the bridge safer were introduced. TFL also proposed to reinstate the 30mph speed limit which had been reduced to 20mph during road works on the bridge and junction on the north side of the river.

Personally I find cycling over the bridge quite scary. I'm lucky in that I have a road racer bike therefore I can at time keep a similar pace to the traffic through the 20mph zone. As I never have to turn right at any point from travelling North to South of the bridge, I never have to worry about cutting across the numerous lanes of traffic. Sadly, some cyclists do need to do so and sometimes with serious consequences such as Dr Clare Gerada experienced recently.

So in short - the bridge is not particularly safe for cyclists (or pedestrians for that matter) and a fair proportion of the London Assembly wished to debate the speed limit on the bridge in order to try and make it safer for everyone using it.

The Conservative members of the London Assembly yesterday walked out of the Greater London Assembly leaving the meeting inquorate and thus unable to debate the issue or vote on it.

The Conservatives claim the reason they walked out was 'part of ongoing action that the group is taking in response to the Labour, Lib Dem and Green party groups voting en-block to prevent Conservatives from taking up the proportional number of committee chairmanships, thus depriving the 40% of Londoners who voted for us a voice.'

So the other 60% don't deserve a voice then?

Even more galling through this action is from my point of view the association of the Mayor. Boris Johnson is a Conservative. He is the Mayor. He claims to be pro-cycling and has a dream to turn London into a cycling city.

I have my own doubts on whether or not Boris is actually pro-cycling or merely trying to look as though he is but not actually doing anything worthwhile to enhance the safety of cyclists in London (this could be a whole other irritated post on cycle superhighways so I'll save my rant for another day). But in my mind the Conservative AM's have scored Boris a bit of an own goal here. The majority of the Assembly wanted to pass the motion for a 20mph limit on the bridge and even a major motoring association has said the bridge needs to be improved for cyclists.

Politicians therefore irritate me when they cannot be fair and vote democratically on an issue that is important because they might lose. What exactly are they there for in the first place if not to vote on keys issues our behalf? Personally if any of the Conservative AM's were claiming to represent me I would be giving them a piece of my mind.

As for the bridge, in my honest opinion although the 20mph limit would be good I don't believe it would go far enough to offer increased safety for cyclists. TFL needs to look more at how roads could be improved for the benefit of all using them. I can think or a number of examples on my commute where the introduction of a cycle lane could assist cyclists getting around the capital without being detrimental to cars on the same road.

And for anyone reading this and thinking I am anti-motorist, I drive too but I have never seen the point in driving in London unless I am trying to get out the other side and onto a motorway (and even then, if trains were cheaper I would be more inclined to use them than the car. Alas for now driving still works out cheaper for longer journeys). The bike for me is much quicker for getting around London.

But as a cyclist, motorist and pedestrian at times, I would like to think that those in power who make decisions on how safe my journey around London on all modes of transport will be are debating and voting fairly on how this can be achieved rather than protesting and sulking because everyone else is ganging up on them.

Ok - so there will never be a Utopian society where everyone agrees what is right and what should be done. We are never all going to like whoever is in power either locally or nationally but in the absence of that can we at least discuss the issues that are raised and ensure we are making decisions based on evidence?

One can only hope!

Wednesday Track

2011-06-08T14:32:00.005+01:00

A break from tradition (and two blogs in one day) but as I have a guest picker for this week's Friday Track I am bringing you a Wednesday Track as this is too good not to share!

Secretly I am a fan of the Pop Queen and how could I not love the metallers in this mash up. So get your ears round 'Lady Judas'

Urban Fox for Mobiles

2011-06-08T09:17:00.004+01:00

Blogger have updated the settings for blogs recently so now you can easily read Urban Fox on your mobile. Yay!

It certainly works well on the iPhone. If you have another smart phone please let me know how you are finding it.

Job Hunting Update

2011-06-07T08:49:00.005+01:00

Now I know, I don't mind blogging about it. I had an interview recently for a job. Sadly I was unsuccessful.

Getting the right balance in interviews does seem to be something I struggle with. Annoyingly I never seem to be able to put myself across as well in interviews as I come across in day to day dealings in my role.

It's rather annoying but I did get some feedback and getting something constructive is always better than a brush off.

For Aim 2 so far then - it's been 4 job applications, 2 interviews, no job offers. In the current climate that isn't too bad. Ideally I am going for positions at a higher level to what I do now which sadly are few and far between and when they do come up the competition is fierce.

As the job hunting goes - the CV is looking good, I seem to be getting the hang of cover letters. I now just have to perfect my interview technique. Easier said than done as nerves often get the better of me. Sales has never been my strong point so therefore trying to sell myself in an interview has never come easily.

Next steps - well, back to the drawing board (or jobs board to be more precise) and try to practice interviewing techniques. Hopefully I can get the balance right next time.

Friday Track

2011-06-03T14:03:00.004+01:00

It's that time again! Again I am struggling for videos (either I am choosing songs too far in their infancy or artists just don't think music videos are as important as they were in the heyday of MTV).

Alas, I could go on but let's stick with positives. It's Friday after all.

Last weekend I had a bit of a CD buying (yes I am still old skool) frenzy. This was in part due to the fact HMV had a sale on and I picked up a few titles for £3, and because suddenly a number of really, really good albums have started to come out. Andy picked up a few that are definite contenders for the 2011 Top Ten Albums list.

Now due to hard drive space issues I haven't had a chance to put mine on my iPod so instead this week I will assault your ears with a track from the forthcoming album 'David Comes To Life' which I am looking forward to being released later this month.

Again no official video so only an audio track this week. So, this week's track is by F****d Up - The Other Shoe:

Really must try harder!

2011-06-02T13:35:00.003+01:00

At the start of each week I think 'I must write a blog post this week and not just the Friday Track as there are things I have done which I wish to share'. However things get in the way (such as impromptu trips to the pub and The Apprentice) and it's Thursday lunchtime and suddenly I realise it's almost Friday Track time and I haven't written the bloody post.

One of my 28 was not to procrastinate. I am not doing well.

So what have I been up to?

Well I have actually completed another New Year Aim. The pile of items for eBay have now been listed and sold. Woo Hoo. It's nice having floor space again!

As for other tasks:

A couple of weeks ago on the advice of my physio I got myself a Wii Balance Board. It is helping me in a number of ways. Firstly I can now monitor my weight more effectively (so far I have lost 4 lb and now hover just above the 63kg mark), I can do balance tests to make sure I am not over compensating muscle wise (apparently I am out of balance a bit which is why I am having back problems) and I can use it with EA Sports Active to increase the amount of exercises I can do.

In addition to the above I am cycling more and more, still going to the gym and taking part in pilates. I also have been trying very hard to be good on the diet front and eat healthily and not drink as much.

So I am getting there on the weight aim and working up slowly to the 5 and 10k aim.

Cooking wise I am not doing so well. I've been out a lot so haven't been using the cook books nearly as much as I would like.

There are plans afoot on some of the other aims too but I will bring updates on them as and when I have something interesting to report!

Friday Track

2011-05-27T14:45:00.005+01:00

*Warning - this week's track includes naughty words and scenes of a violent nature!*

Since hearing it on Daniel P Carter's Rock Show I cannot stop listening to this track. It mixes two loves for me - rock and dirty dance beats (yes - I do still have an affinity for dance music). I'm not a massive fan of the band per se apart from their cover of Cameo's 'Word Up' but I cannot get this song out of my head!

Now, again I have not been able to find an official video (bands - if you release a track be kind and put a video on You Tube too). So this week I have two videos of the same song - the official music only still and one to please the lads with women dressed as the vixens from Mortal Kombat (ah - Mortal Kombat! I remember the days of wasting time after school in the indoor market in Bexleyheath where Primark now stands playing said game and trying to learn each characters death move which meant your opponent met a gruesome end).

So this week's Friday Track is Korn feat. Skrillex - 'Get Up'

UPDATE - Korn have now released an official video through Road Runner Records. It's not massively exciting but at least you will now have something to look at!

Never Ending List

2011-05-25T13:56:00.003+01:00

My to do list seems to be getting longer and longer. On top of the New Year Aims I am struggling to find time to do stuff - both at work and home. There really are not enough hours in the day.

Last night I thought I would attempt to complete all of the points on my list. In total I really only completed one and even that wasn't fully. So my LPC folders are now in a slightly more comprehendible order and a much neater pile but it will take me ages to scan in all the relevant documents so I have everything on a hard drive which fits into the palm of my hand rather than a stack of folders which take up too much room space (I can't even fit them on the bookshelf as there are too many). I also wish at the time I had typed my notes and done more on the laptop rather than write things out. I guess I am a little old school in that respect.

I also made a start on my photo box. I have a rather large box of photos collected from a time before digital cameras. The only problem is I have HUNDREDS of them. And some of them are blurry and a fair chunk you can't even tell what the picture is of. So I began the mammoth task of sorting through the photo shop envelopes finding some highly amusing photos in the process and a number which left me puzzled as to why I had taken such an obscure photo (although the ones I found of Welling High Street, although bizarre, were for a geography project).

I labelled up what I looked at (Uni, Christmas, Speedway, Random etc) and though I was making great progress, until I looked into the box and saw how many more there were. Humph. At 11pm I called it a day and decided sleep would be a good idea. Looks like I have a project for the Bank Holiday!

I am sure by Monday though I will have thought of at least another 5 items to add to the list!

Bad Urban Fox

2011-05-24T09:19:00.002+01:00

I know, I know! I have been bad. Two weeks have passed since I uploaded a Friday track and I haven't updated the blog much (except to rant about eating out and portion sizes - as an update to that I managed to find a healthy option and swapped deep fried chicken breast for grilled chicken breast. It's nice that restaurants can be accomodating).

Anyway, I have got some updates to come and apologies for the lack of blogging. In my defence blogger was down the other Friday when I went to upload a track and this Friday I was at a wedding but it's not the best excuse!

So watch this space - I promise there are updates coming - honest!!

Am I the Only One...

2011-05-17T10:25:00.002+01:00

...who finds it hard to stick to a daily calorie intake?

Given the startling numbers being diagnosed as obese I would probably say no. But why it is so hard?

I am a calorie counter and when as I am at the moment, in weightloss mode, I can become quite obsessed. I know what foods are good and I know what foods are bad. I make most of my own lunches and dinners in order to control portion sizes and what my food is cooked in but what happens when I eat out?

It can bring me out in cold sweats and panic attacks - what if there isn't a healthy option? How big are the portion sizes? I'm eating out again in the evening what should I have for lunch to counter it?

It's a dilemma I am finding myself in today. Tonight I am off bowling and food is included in the deal (not great food I add - typical fast food fare hence the need for a healthy lunch). It's a colleagues birthday and after much deliberation the floor decided on the local Japanese/Chinese restaurant.

Normally I wouldn't mind - just have something small off the menu and be done with it. Except this place has a lunch menu and the portion sizes are enough to feed a family of three. As I am not one to waste food I hate leaving food on my plate and also if I have paid for it why should I throw it away. It's not massively cheap (£6.50). So what to do?

I had opted for Pizza Express as although slightly more expensive I know they do pizzas for under 500 calories and most of the rest of their menu has calorie information. Other chains have recently followed suit and more and more places now can give you a rough idea of what the calorie content is or let you know what the healthy option is.

But even following what you instinctively think is healthy can see you adding up the calories. Salad is a major culprit. Salad is great. Dressing however can see the calories pile up. And even vegetarian fare can be bad if excess salt is added to enhance flavour.

Even if you do go for the healthy option - so grilled chicken instead of breaded/fried, ramen instead or noodles - you can still be racking up calories on portion sizes alone.

A slight rant - for which I apologise. Perhaps being money conscious and healthy don't go together!

Friday Track

2011-05-06T15:23:00.004+01:00

Woo Hoo! I'm actually bringing you a Friday track on a Friday! How good am I?!

This week I have mostly been listening to radio shows, scouring them for new music as to be honest release schedules are looking a bit disappointing on the rock side at the moment. I normally listen to the Rock Show with Daniel P Carter on Radio 1 for my fix of new stuff (I found out about Hyro Da Hero that way and a few other bands) but this week I decided to go back to my roots (ah Roots - a fantastic [spunge] song) and check out the Punk Show with Mike Davis. Such a trip down memory lane.

He was announcing the Lock Stage line up for Reading and Leeds. It reminds me of 2006 when I went and saw Capdown, Flogging Molly and Reel Big Fish. It looks like it will be a good one if you are going!

But one track played seem to fit it with it being Friday and the sun shining in London Town so this weeks summer sunshine track is Bedouin Soundclash 'When the Night Feels My Song':

Apologies for the video but I cannot find the official video and the only half interesting looking video doesn't allow for embedding in other media. Boo! :(

New Year Aims for Urban Fox - No.4 - Dude Looks Like I'm 30

2011-05-01T20:39:00.016+01:00

As I stated in the last Aim update I had completed another one of my aims in April.

4. Throw an Awesome 30th Birthday Party

Now, without being big headed I am quite renowned for my parties - there was the 19th Birthday party where Tadders and I passed out after drinking sambucca through straws up our nose (seriously do not recommend!) and the party finished at 7am when I regained consciousness, the leaving party for when I went to uni that saw everyone dress up and have a blast, the 21st birthday party which had lots of dancing and awesome cake, and numerous BBQ's (where it generally rained) with plenty of good times either Wii related or jagermeister related.

But it had been a long time since I had thrown a big party and being 30 seemed like a great excuse to do so.

So after a drink with Andy in the Jungle bar in Lanzarote with the slogan 'Welcome to the Jungle' the concept of an 80's party was born and once we had mentioned it to Ash, Dude Look Like I'm 30 was born!

The concept was simple - I was born in the 80's and I love rock music so 80's rock it was. Dress code - 80's rock or at the very least an 80's band t-shirt.

The venue for the night was The Miller in Borough. A great venue it has to be said and it was free which was even better. The guys there were fab and were very kind to answer the endless questions I had for them.

So what of the night? It was amazing and everyone had a fab time. But the best way to describe it's awesomeness is through pictures so here you are (massive thanks to my friend Chantel for taking the majority of my photos for the night)!

So recipe for a successful party? Inflatable instruments, glow sticks and lots of people unashamed of dressing up and a great DJ!

Thank you to everyone who was there, Andy and Sarah for helping me organise and set up, and the people at the Miller for allowing me to hold the party there.

And lastly MASSIVE THANKS to Ash Bird who DJ'd all night and kept the party goers on the dance floor. Without you I couldn't have achieved this aim!

Sunday (Friday) Track

2011-05-01T19:36:00.002+01:00

I know, I know. It's Sunday, not Friday. But as I was drinking bubbles and toasting the Royal Couple on Friday before heading out for a stroll along Regents canal I kinda forgot to post (again). But rather than deprive you this week, I am bringing you a new track this week - even if a couple of days late!

So this weeks track is from Furyon. These lads are friends of a friend but Andy and I first came across them after being handed an EP of theirs from our good friend Ash a while back after he had seen them down at the now closed Engine Rooms in Brighton.

We've both been big fans since hearing the EP and they finally have a video for me to share with you. So hear is Disappear Again. I hope you enjoy!

New Year Aims for Urban Fox - Update

2011-04-27T22:00:00.004+01:00

First and foremost a quick apology. I know there has been no Friday track this week and really sorry for that. I've been away and for some reason I can bring up the blogger site on my iPhone but I can't actually type in the text which is weird.

Oh well - back to the actual post. I completed some aims in the past couple of weeks. Yay!

5. Pay off my Graduate Loan

It has been a long slog but I have finally paid off my loan. This is a major mile stone for me. I now only have my credit card to go. With the loan cleared it frees up some cash to clear the credit card. If I am lucky I might be able to clear my debts by the end of the year.

I have also completed another aim but I will talk about that in a separate post.

Updates on some of the others:

2. Get a New Job

The applications have been sent for a number of roles but only one interview has come from it so far and I didn't make it past the first round sadly. So the search continues.

3. List the pile of clothes and accessories on my floor on eBay

I am really making progress with this one and now only have five items left to list.

6. Regularly running between 5 and 10k each week

A few weeks ago this was looking promising but a bad turn with my back has seen it set back again. I was starting to get back on the treadmill but a muscle spasm made walking painful and running a no-no. I'm pretty gutted as the recent warm weather has been perfect running conditions.

The lack of exercising ability is also affecting some of the other aims - namely weight loss and applying for the marathon. I have every intention of completing my application (although the ballot closed before I could make an application) but if I am in no fit state to run I feel bad about applying for a place I might not be able to take. As I have missed the ballot and closing deadlines for Cancer Research are not until the end of August I have some time to assess if I could run the marathon next year should I get a place with Cancer Research. If not I will be going for a place in 2013.

That is most of the significant updates for now. I have an update on the party which I will post soon.

Friday Track

2011-04-15T16:31:00.002+01:00

I was hoping to have more time to bring you this weeks Friday track with full review of the album it is from but my week is quickly coming to an end and I have a million and one things to do before the Saturday.

In short - new Foo Fighters album came out this week - it is AWESOME. Therefore my favourite track at the moment from the album and I love this video!

So this week's track - White Limo by Foo Fighters.

Things that irritate me No.3 - Attitudes to Cycling

2011-04-14T09:15:00.008+01:00

I am a cyclist. I am a motorist. I am a pedestrian.Being all three I feel gives me an upper hand when I do one as to the behaviour and rules of the others.

Yesterday I was reading an article on the BBC entitled 'Is dangerous cycling a problem?' The article was discussing the introduction of a private members bill into parliament to create a new law of Dangerous Cycling which would include the offence of 'death by dangerous cycling'.

The bill centres on a case of a cyclist only receiving a £2,200 fine and escaping prison after killing a 17 year old after calling out that he was not going to stop. I have to admit that I find it hard to believe that is the only punishment he got. I seem to remember there being a law of manslaughter in this country which could surely have been used in this case. Why would it not just because he was on a bike?.

Criminal law is not my specialist area clearly but I wonder if this is really a necessary law to be brought into existence when there are other issues that are far more pressing.

But the article is not what irritated me. It was the comments left by members of the public at the bottom.

There is a lot of hate for cyclists which may explain why I find myself dicing with death more often than I feel I should on my daily commute. But I fail to see why there is so much animosity for cyclists. Why do motorists hate them so much?.

Jumping Red Lights

I stop at red lights. I have no desire to risk my life by trying to save a few minutes by continuing across junctions into the path of oncoming traffic. There is suggestions in the article that cyclists jump red lights from fear of the traffic behind them. I find this a very hard argument to justify and if anything it is the lack of fear that propels those across the white lines duly dodging any traffic with right of way.

I am irritated by it myself. When driving I have had near misses with cyclists who have jumped red lights. As a cyclist I have been yelled at by another cyclist for being in their way because I stopped at a red light.

I think there is only one time you could argue it is ok to run a red light and that is at a pedestrian only crossing PROVIDING there are no pedestrians on it. Even then, if people cannot use their common sense and not stop when they should then there are no circumstances where a cyclist should run a red light.

At the same time though I think pedestrians should respect the red man too. Too many times I have almost collided with pedestrians who no longer see any cars and step out to cross the road even though the red man is still displayed and I have a green light. It works both ways.

Riding on the pavement

Again I don't approve of any cyclist being on the pavement and I have yelled at people when I have been walking and they have come towards me on their bikes.

But this is a confusing area. On my commute there is a shared use path with a dedicated cycle lane and walkway. Often there are people walking on the cycle path forcing cyclists onto the walkway. But there are also parts of the path that are shared use but not segregated. It's confusing for all involved and therefore either needs some education of both users or much clearer marking.

Breaking the Highway Code

Judging by the comments on the BBC you would think only cyclists break the Highway Code rules. I have lost count of the number of people who have turned in front of me both when cycling and driving who have not indicated, the number of cars I see stopped in the cycle bays at traffic lights, the number of cars who do not give enough space to cyclists and the number of drivers who go up the wrong lane to cut in front of a queue of traffic.

No one is perfect and we all have a little lapse of concentration but from a cycling and driving prospective I would say motorists break the rules more than cyclists.

When I first started cycling in London I remember stopping in the cycling bay of some traffic lights in front of the right hand turn only lane as I wanted to turn right. A 4x4 came up behind me. I thought nothing of it until the lights changed for the traffic to the left of me to go straight on. The 4x4 started beeping it's horn at me and revving the engine. I was bemused as the lights to turn right had not changed and were still red. I yelled as such to the driver who then drove his car at me, clipping my leg and drove past me, and across me to go straight on. He hadn't wanted to go right, he was just cutting up the outside lane in a bid to avoid the queue of traffic going straight on. He just hadn't expected to find a cyclist in front of him patiently waiting to turn right.

One-way streets are another confusion point to add to the shared use pavement issue above. Some have cycle lanes coming down in the opposite direction. Some don't. I can understand why any cyclist may get confused and come down a one-way street they shouldn't. Without uniform rules across all one-way street how can you tell straight away? Either all one-way streets should have cycle lanes going in the opposite direction or none should. It would make life a lot easier for all. Cyclist will know they can go down them, motorists will not be confused and cursing at cyclists coming towards them and pedestrians will know to look both ways.

The fixie argument

A few comments picked up on the increase of 'fixie' bikes. For those not in the know, fixie bikes are fixed gear bikes. The pedals always turn so you can't coast like you would do on other bikes.

In the UK all bikes should have front and back braking ability but as the fixed gear bike can be stopped with resistance applied to pedals in order to slow, they only need a front brake in order to comply.

As fixie bikes are more fashionable now I think even I question their safety. In inexperienced hands breaking suddenly could be quite difficult. Had to admit the jury is out for me on that one until I have done more research but that could also tie in with more cyclists going through lights - perhaps they just can't stop!

Insurance, testing and a yearly bike MOT

Almost 10 years ago I passed my driving test and since then every year I have bought insurance and made sure my car is road worthy. In fact I continually check my car throughout the year. Nothing annoys me more than a light out or for safety reasons I ensure my brakes are ok and my tyres are not worn.

Of course cyclists though, they don't have any regard for safety and as they don't have a yearly MOT they venture out on the road on unsafe vehicles waiting to cause a nasty accident. Or at least that is what some of the comments on the article would have you believe. I NEVER leave the house without checking over my bike. Lights working - check. Brakes working - check. Tyres pumped up and no problems - check. The minute there is a problem with my gears, tyres, or anything on the bike I am having it serviced. No offence but I don't do it for other road users. I just enjoy living and if my bike was dangerous in any way I would be more likely to kill myself rather than anyone else so I see no merit at all in any argument cyclists should have a certificate for the safety of their bike each year.

Regarding insurance, most cyclists will have some form of insurance be it theft insurance, public liability insurance either specific or through house hold insurance or both. Again I think this is a weak argument put forward by motorists who clearly do not understand cyclists.

Lastly - testing. Now, I am probably not going to make myself popular here but I actually think it is a good idea. Being a motorist as well as a cyclist I feel I have an advantage over those who have not taken a driving test.

I would be interested to know of the cyclists killed every year on Britain's roads how many of them hold a UK driving licence.

Now let me make myself clear, I don't think it would be an answer to problems but it may afford those with no road training some insight into why lorries pull out to the right to turn left and why at some junctions you have to give way. Like I said before I feel knowing the rules of the road gives me an advantage when cycling and allows be to know what is coming and what to expect.

But I wouldn't stop short of only enforcing this on cyclists. EVERYONE should compulsorily have to take a theory test. Why? Perhaps if anyone knew the rules of the road we would be more understanding. Pedestrians would not step out into the road only looking one way or may remember cyclists more and also understand more about cycling lanes and shared use paths, motorists may have more respect for cyclists and cyclists may have more respect for turning lorries etc.

Like I said I doubt it's full proof but I do think it is worth looking into.

So in conclusion....

I think while everyone is rushing to get places their will always be conflict between all road users. We rush around taking small risks in order to shave those extra couple of seconds off our journeys in order to get where we are going that little bit sooner. But at what cost? Our actions may be small but they can have a butterfly effect. Jumping a red light might be a small risk if you just miss a turning car but their sudden braking could cause a car pile up as drivers behind slam into the back. Our reaction speeds are not all the same and although we may know we can stop in time, not everyone else will think the same.

No where is worth rushing to if you don't get there alive.

I think everyone - cyclists, motorists and pedestrians just need to start respecting everyone else. Motorists - give the cyclists some room and don't get impatient because they are not as fast as you. Cyclists - respect the rules of the road and appreciate cars have blind spots. And pedestrians - look before you walk out into the road and understand the red man is there for a reason: your safety.

Rant over.

Friday Track (a bit late)

2011-04-11T14:03:00.003+01:00

It was my birthday on Friday and I turned the big 30. And in the midst of celebrating I forgot to post a track on Friday. I also notice I haven't updated the blog for over a week as the post I did write had a number of html errors (another thing to learn perhaps). Initially I was going to go with the song that was number one the year I was born - Shakin Stevens 'This Ole House' but a) I can't find a decent video on youtube and it's not my favourite song. So from the number ones on decade passing birthday I bring you my favourite: Chesney Hawkes - I am the one and only (don;t despair too much - it could have been Emma Bunton or Jennifer Lopez instead!!).

Friday Track

2011-04-01T14:32:00.003+01:00

No new music has taken my fancy this week so I have been looking for a 90's classic to treat you with instead. I only say 90's as I started putting a playlist together and realised I had forgotten how great some tracks were. The song I chose is one of those tracks that before I really started getting into rock and metal was one of those tracks I played over and over again. I think I had it on a Now! compilation and I loved it. I haven't heard it for a while. I listened to a Breed 77 cover which was pretty good but the original is still the best in my mind. So this weeks Friday Track is The Cranberries - Zombie.

Balls!

2011-03-31T22:48:00.003+01:00

No - It's not some soft swearing. Dryer balls to be exact:

As regular readers will know I suffer a lot with back problems apparently caused by an imbalance in my lower back and leg muscle structure. On Tuesday just gone I was having a particularly bad day and in some incredible pain. No stretches seemed to be working and the pain killers were not strong enough.

My boss is a keen runner and had mentioned rolling a tennis ball under you leg on the hamstring whilst sitting down is an effective way of releasing the tension in your hamstring. I decided to pop across to the 99p shop to see if I could get something. I remembered reading about massage balls in my latest copy of Zest magazine and Andy mentioned dryer balls were similar. I thought if I could get some it would be worth a shot.

So over in the 99p store some dryer balls were found and I used them as described above. Shock and amazement is all I can say! Not only did the pain go but I had more movement on my bad side and was able to do bends and stretches I had found a struggle previously. Tonight after my pilates session I touched my toes with straight legs! I haven't done that in years!

So bad back pain caused by tight muscles? Don't spend a fortune on expensive gadgets - get some dryer balls!

Friday Track

2011-03-25T10:51:00.003Z

It's Friday (no not the awful song by Rebecca Black - the actual day). This week for my Friday track I have the pleasure of present Solsikk's official new video - Viridescere.

Matt C, the drummer in Solsikk is a dear friend of mine and although it is easy to be biased to friends the song and video are awesome! Their self titled debut album is due out at the beginning of May.

Imperial War Museum

2011-03-21T13:52:00.008Z

We had a sort of free weekend this weekend. So we decided to be cultural.

First stop was Joe's Kitchen in Borough for some much need breakfast after a big night out at the Intrepid Fox the night before. If you are ever near Borough Station I highly recommend popping in for their fantastic breakfast and brunch offerings.

Walking down to the IWM from London Bridge was quite straight forward and pleasant thanks to the rare glimpse of spring weather London experienced on Saturday.

The last time I went to the IWM I was still at primary school. I think I was around 7 or 8 - either way it was a while ago.

Upon walking in your are greeted by some impressive looking rockets, missiles and tanks. Something that caught my eye was a burnt out crumpled car. It was a new exhibit taken from the aftermath of a bombing in a Bagdad marketplace. More on that later.

We decided to start at the bottom and work our way up. The ground floor houses exhibits from World War I and World War II plus recent conflicts.

One of the most staggering facts for me was that there has only been one year since the end of World War II where British servicemen have not been in action. This was made even more real by the recent conflict displays. We couldn't help having a sinking feeling of how much bigger this part of the museum was likely to get as the years go on. As with the car that had caught my attention on arrival, it felt like the beginning of something that could in itself become as big a part of the IWM as the displays taken by WWI and WWII.

A sobering through made even more real by learning coalition forces had started to enforce the no-fly zone over Libya.

Something I found quite interesting was the recycling drive that took place during WWII. 'Make do and mend', 'Dig for Victory' and other initiatives to recycle rubbish, make the most of food and growing your own to survive. This was an attitude that underpinned the UK during the grip of war. I'm not sure it was ever completely lost but you do get a sense these days with recycling drives by local councils and the throw away culture that we have developed that it has been lost to a degree.

We spent 4 hours in the museum and only managed to completed the majority of the basement. We left planning a return trip and making sure we made a generous donation for our time there. And of course, we couldn't leave before visiting the gift shop. I think on my return I will be getting the little book of Marmite with some great little recipes. There are also a few others that I have my eye on.

In summary - if you haven't been, go! It's well worth it and free (although I would highly recommend making a donation).

(message from part of the Berlin Wall)

Friday Track

2011-03-18T14:59:00.003Z

Those that know me know I love my music so I thought that as Friday at work generally tends to be a slight wind-down to the weekend and a chance for us to play music at each other to get ready for the weekend, I thought I would share my Friday Track with you lovely people.

So here you go - the first track. Ghetto Ambience by Hyro Da Hero. I can't wait for the album release on April 3rd!

Pumpkin and Bean Spaghetti

2011-03-15T10:31:00.004Z

I'm on a roll this week. First the Thai green curry and now I present to you Pumpkin and Bean Spaghetti from 101 Low Fat Feasts by Good Food which was super tasty (even the left overs for lunch were yummy).

So three recipes from three different books so far. This weekend I hope to make it 5 recipes from 5 books (I sense there is some cake baking to be done - besides my birthday is coming up so I could do with the practice).

Somethings Cooking..

2011-03-13T21:32:00.005Z

As part of my New Year Aims, I planned to cook 2 recipes from all the cook books I owned. So far (although I have no photographs) I have cooked a chicken curry recipe from my Levi Roots book.

Given I have in excess of 35 cook books and we are already half way though March I thought it was time to get my skates on and ramp up my cooking efforts. So on Saturday after a trip to Borough Market I set about making a Green Chicken Curry from my Thai and Chinese Recipe cook book.

Ok - so the recipe is actually for turkey but we had chicken in the freezer rather than turkey so I slightly amended the recipe.

I have to admit I was quite impressed with the result as was Andy.

So 2 down. Another 68 to go!

In other Aims news, today I managed my first run in almost 6 months. No back pain and no knee pain so hopefully I can start building on it and start running regularly again.

Update on the 28

2011-02-28T20:05:00.005Z

Back when I turned 28 I listed 28 things I wanted to do before I turned 35. Admittedly looking back at the list now, my change in relationship status has changed some of the things on the list (although really only going on holiday on my own as to be honest I can't imagine going anywhere and not sharing it with Andy now).

But there was something that I did knock off the list back in the summer of 2009.

3. Get my dragon tattoo

I kind of really went for it too. I absolutely love it and am very proud of it. Frith Street Tattoo Parlour did a fantastic job and were really helpful in making sure I got what I wanted and that it looked so amazing. I cannot recommend them enough if you are thinking of getting a tattoo.

Now the question is - what next?

Things that irritate me No. 2 - Tons of Waste

2011-02-22T09:09:00.006Z

An article in the Evening Standard last night caught my eye and left me slightly irritated.

'Face up to the scandal of the food we throw away' was a story around the amount of food we personally throw away as well as the vast amount supermarkets bin every day.

According to the article we throw away 1/3 of what we buy. I remembered that morning having to throw away half a jar of pesto as the furry hat demons had got into the jar and only last week I had to dispose of a few carrots that had gone funny in the bottom of the fridge.

But I am not as bad now as I have been in the past. I changed my habits in order to plan my meals and make sure I do not buy more than I can physically consume in a week. Not only have I reduced my waste, I have also saved money by not overspending at the till and ended up with a fridge full of food that just cannot be eaten.

It's something simple that can be done but for some reason it is not something we are accustom to in the UK. We like to have a fridge and freezer full of food - why? Choice perhaps. The ease at which we are seduced by offers in supermarkets and the not-such-a-bargain 2-4-1 offers? Whichever why we continue to think it is ok to throw food away and why we feel the need to buy more than we need is something that baffles me.

So rather than waste food here are a couple of tips from me on how to prevent waste:

1. Plan - plan your meals. It might seem boring and it might seem a bit lame but by doing so you soon realise what you need and what you don't need. It's so easy to think 'oooh, I really fancy that, and that' etc and before you know it you have enough food for 5 meals when you only needed one.

2. Make use of your freezer - but don't just throw everything in together. I love a BOGOF offer but to make sure I don't waste further when defrosting I separate things such as sausages, mince and chicken into portions. That way you only have to take out what you need when you need it.

3. Make yourself aware of sell by dates - it's really easy when shopping to pick up what you need without looking at when it is due to go out of date. I remember once getting something from the shops only to realise once I was back in the office that it had gone out of date three days before. Make sure you get a longer shelf time if you are not going to be eating something straight away and also make sure you eat things in the order they go out of date so you don't end up throwing things away.

4. Excess Bread - bread used to be one of the main things I would throw away. It's not like France where there is a Boulangerie within walking distance so buying bread in bulk is quite common. My favourite thing to do with left over bread is bread pudding but you can also make bread and butter pudding - either savoury or sweet.

5. Excess Veg - If you can see you have too much veg and some is likely to go off before you eat it make some soup to put in the freezer to eat at a later date. You will use up your excess veg and put some healthy warming snacks in your freezer for a cold night quick snack or filling lunch.

6. Excess Fruit - if you prepare most fruit you can freeze it. The frozen fruit is great for making smoothies, putting in desserts, using to make cakes (blueberries are especially good for this) or as a previous flatmate of mine used to do, a great cold snack on scorching hot days.

Hopefully they will be some good pointers in the right direction.

The second issue raised in the article was regarding Sacha Hall from Essex who is being taken to court by Tesco for taking waste food thrown out by her local Tesco Express. Apparently what she did is a criminal offence call theft by finding. But surely Tesco are the bigger criminals here - throwing away good food as they overstocked their shelves in order to try and squeeze more money from the public?

Perhaps that is a little harsh but I am irritated by the fact a) Tesco believe this is worth pursuing (£215 of food was taken that was ultimately either going to the dump or a power company to burn as fuel neither of which I would assume Tesco would get money for), b) public money and court time will be taken up pursuing this.

I wonder what the jury will decide.

Sorry for being Slack - Updates on Aims

2011-02-21T13:41:00.003Z

I've been a busy bee of late. I'm not quite sure how to be honest but free evenings are few and far between at the moment.

Having said that my free time has been eaten up by attempting to complete some of the New Year Aims I set myself at the start of the year. So how am I getting on?

Loosing weight - hmmm. I would love to say I am doing really well at this but hectic social drinking, being ill and eating loads of ice cream and generally not eating particularly well is not assisting at all and I only have myself to blame. I was pleased at starting to cycle to work recently which would have helped me shed the pounds very quickly whilst saving them on not travelling on public transport. But I was then struck down with a nasty viral throat infection which has wiped my energy and ensure I spend my time wrapped up warm rather than wearing sporty attire on a bike. Alas, the infection appears to be going (although a lot slower than I would like) so hopefully I will be back in the saddle soon enough.

Getting a new job - I haven't been as active on this as I would have liked, not just because of a lack of spare time but also a lack of suitable positions to apply for. However I have been applying and more and more vacancies are starting to flow through the agency I am signed up to. No interviews as yet but I am hopeful something will come up soon.

Listing stuff on eBay - Now this is something I am pleased to report back is going rather well. Not having the same amount of space in my new place as I did previously is really spurring me on to list things. I have so far made about £50 which is great news and I have a number of items up for auction at the moment. I am hoping to have most things listed by the end of tonight or at the bare minimum prepared for listing.

Pay off my graduate loan - this is another positive. If I can raise some more money from eBay this month I could have this cleared on my April pay day. I'm quite excited about this as having my loan cleared is a massive milestone in clearing my debt.

And that is about it for now. It's not much but it is some kind of progress!

Things That Irritate Me - No. 1

2011-02-01T09:17:00.006Z

Andy believes I can dedicate a whole blog to 'Things That Irritate Me' but as I already have a blog I should probably make use of it to vent my displeasure.

So the first post on this is about buses that terminate earlier than they should after you have already boarded the bus and swiped your Oyster Card.

Example - this morning: Get on 133 at London Bridge. Traffic is a little bad but nothing out the ordinary. There is another 133 just in front. Get to Elephant and Castle and an announcement comes across the tannoy 'The destination of this bus has changed. Please listen for further announcements'. Eventually confirm that the bus is terminating in Brixton. I need to get to Streatham where the bus originally was going.

Admittedly this morning was slightly different as an accident on the A23 near Camberwell New Road had closed the road in both directions and the bus was diverted via Stockwell. However the above is not a rare occurrence. And it is also not limited to buses.

Trains and tubes are just as notorious for changing destination - 'This train is now running fast too' or 'This tube is terminating here' but when you are on either of those you are still tapped in with your oyster and all you have to do is wait for the next train to arrive.

Buses are slightly different. A few months back whilst travelling back to the office after a meeting I was turfed off a bus at Streatham Hill Bus Garage after it changed it's destination. Myself and another guy on the bus went to get on the bus behind that was travelling to Streatham only to be asked 'where is your transfer ticket?'

Now - how many of you know about transfer tickets and how often has a bus driver offered you one when you have been turfed off the bus? I have never been offered one but if you ask the driver you can get one. Thing is it's one ticket for everyone on the bus.

Travelcard holders will be unaffected as they can merrily touch in again without being charged. PAYG holders on the other hand need these tickets to stop them paying again.

I wonder if anyone at TFL has been to Brixton but terminating a bus at a very busy bus stop, giving one ticket for the 20-30 people on the bus and then everyone splitting up to get onto various different buses - having one ticket to validate everyone onto another bus can be a bit of an issue.

Going back to the time I was asked for a transfer ticket and knew nothing of them, the driver refused to allow me and my fellow passenger on. Thankfully the driver of the bus behind wasn't as cruel.

Apart from the hassle of trying to get on another bus without being charged again the thing that irritates me with the destination change or termination or fast running of services across all modes of public transport is why they do it.

It's difficult to say for certain as I certainly do not have anything to back up my assumptions. Are the train companies and TFL massaging the figures by cutting stations or terminating services early so only x number of trains/buses reach their destinations late? Are they actually attempting to keep a regular service running?

Either way I find it very frustrating and if companies and TFL are going to continue to do so - please provide more information such as when the next stopping service will be along or how long we have to wait for the next tube that is going all the way to the end destination. And for the buses - give users more information on how to change buses without being charged twice especially for PAYG users.

Greenwich Market

2011-01-21T18:19:00.004Z

I read on The Greenwich Phantom and on 853 that the plans to redevelop Greenwich market have been given the go ahead.

Although I am no longer a Greenwich resident I find it very sad these plans have been approved.

I love Greenwich Market but I love it as it is. The food court (which I read is now no more), the little shops selling knick knacks and the fantastic stalls which have served me well for Christmas presents.

I have read about similar developments in Spitalfields Market which has ripped the soul from the place (although I cannot comment as a matter of fact as I have never been to Spitalfields). Whether this is true or not I hope this will not be the fate of Greenwich Market. The vibe and the uniqueness of the market is what makes it great.

I was always dubious when Camden Market was 'renovated' and the glass structure added. The first time I went I hated it as it felt like the essence of the market had been eroded but it now fits in nicely with the surround and the work done on the stables market has definitely been a change for the better.

My only hope is the development of Greenwich Market goes the same was as Camden and only improves what is already an amazing market.

What became of the 2009 New Year Challenges

2011-01-19T13:01:00.004Z

Hello Again. You must be feeling spoilt with all these updates!

Back in 2009 when I was last blogging on a regular basis, I set myself 10 challenges for the year ahead. Up until May I was doing a good job of letting you all know how I was getting on.

So what became of the challenges? Did I manage to complete any of them?

1. January Detox - This was completed although it was harder than it had been in previous years.

2. Sweet Detox - Having completed a month off the sugar in 2007 I thought 3 months would be more of a challenge. It it hard to avoid sugar completely as it is in so many things that we eat and drink and natural foods can have just as much sugar as processed ones. Smoothies are a great example of natural vs processed. However, after a shaky start to the detox in January which was eventually abandoned I managed to complete three months off the sugar and celebrated once I arrived in Majorca with Tadders. Ice Cream rocks.

3. Weight Challenge - The aim was to get down to 61kg and at the last time of writing I was down to 62.4kg. I did eventually get down to 61kg over the summer whilst training for a number of events however my weight did start to creep back up again and is currently sitting stedfast at 64kg. So it was achieve but not really stuck too.

4. Debt Challenge - There is good news and bad news with this one. I started the challenge with £13,477.45 of debt. By the end of 2009 I was making a dent however it wasn't really until 2010 when I sold my share in the house that I started to make some serious progress. I am not debt free yet but I am not far off now. My currently debt is around £5,300 and the graduate loan should be gone in the next couple of months.

5. House Challenge - As you know, PM and I split in March 2009. We decided he and his dad would buy me out of the house once the mortgage was up for renewal in February 2010. Once we split up we agreed that I would no longer contribute to any improvements to the house. In November 2009 a floor was finally put down. It did look good when I left and I do miss the house (mainly because my current house is no where near as nice or as warm). I think I'm officially allowed to say that this challenge was rendered void due to my change in marital status!

6. Training Contract - I'll be honest, once my relationship broke down, applying for training contracts was really pushed to the back of my mind. I never completed a single application which I am angry at myself for not doing. This year I am going to do it though. I need to start putting my legal knowledge and industry experience to good use.

7. Blog Updating - well, I well and truly failed this one. I admire anyone who can update regualrly. I tried but I failed - miserably. I think I set the bar to high and therefore from now on I will try and update at least once a week instead. Hopefully that will be more achievable.

8. The list - I'll be honest, I lost track of this one. Needless to say I don't think I achieved it. The cost became a problem and time did as well. I never achieved any of the bonus list points either. I am disappointed in myself and will try harder this year.

9. 10k Challenge - this was completed. I ran two 10Ks in 2009 and both were under an hour. I felt proud. The training paid off.

10. Challenges Challenge - In 2009 I ran the BUPA 10K, the Race for Life 10k, and Run to The Beat half marathon and cycled the London to Brighton route. The Run to the Beat half marathon was the hardest of all of them. I also ran it in 2010 and I haven't recovered from the injuries as yet. I think I might give it a miss in 2011. I'm thinking of doing some more body friendly charity events instead (although I might squeeze a couple of 5K's in there somewhere).

So - mixed results. Here's hoping I can complete this year's New Year Aims.

New Year Aims for Urban Fox

2011-01-10T23:28:00.003Z

Hello all.

It has been a while since I even looked at my blog and notice that my 'things to do before I am 35' needs updating! Some are completed. Some are perhaps not really relevant anymore but none the less I will update at some point.

In the meantime for 2011 I have set myself 12 New Year Aims instead of resolutions. I promise I will actually chart my progress on the blog.

1. Loose half a stone or get down to 61kg

This actually fits in with one of the 28 but after an injured knee following the Run to the Beat half marathon and back problems preventing me from running and generally exercising to the extent I would like, my weight has gone up a little from 62.4kg which was the last time I checked into the blog to 64kg.

I start physio at the end of January so I aim to really start chipping away at the weight soon. Already since Christmas, a healthy eating plan is making a difference to my waist line.

2. Get a New Job

I need a new challenge and I need more money. I don't think I need to elaborate more!

3. List the pile of clothes and accessories on my floor on eBay

It is an ever increasing pile but it is smaller than it once was. I am moving by the end of January and I don't want this pile to be taking up space in my new place so it needs to go!

4. Throw an Awesome 30th Birthday Party

I turn 30 this year so pretty self explanatory.

5. Pay off my Graduate Loan

I am really starting to get there with my debt and I am close to paying off the Graduate loan so the sooner I can get that paid off the better.

6. Regularly running between 5k and 10k each week

As stated above, injury has hampered my running lately but I am keen to get back into it as soon as possible.

7. Learn to knit and knit a scarf for my other half

I've promised Andy (the new man in my life) a scarf as I borrowed one of his and someone on the train took it. First things first, I need to learn how to knit.

8. Save up enough for a holiday

This may seem a little lame but when you are moving house, moving job, paying off debt and trying to loose weight by eating healthily, saving is not necessarily an easy task. Hopefully if Aim 2 is completed sooner rather than later this should be more achievable.

9. Complete an application and submit it to run the London Marathon for Cancer Research

Every year I start one, every year I don't complete it and am then not successful in the ballot. So this year I will submit the application. Fingers crossed I am able to run again by then.

10. Cook 2 recipes from all my cook books

This seemed quite easy to begin with. I need to extend my repertoire of recipes and I have lots of cook books. Only problem is I didn't realise how many. So far I have counted 35. So 70 recipes to be cook. Andy has offered to assist by eating whatever I cook.

11. Learn how to use a sewing machine and make at least one item

I have wanted to learn for a while now but have never found the time to get round to it. Increasingly I get annoyed when I cannot find clothes I like so realistically I should make my own. Once I know how to use the machine hopefully this is something I can do.

12. Spend Christmas in Australia with my Dad and Andy

Dad often spends Christmas in Australia and this year I would quite like to spend it out there with him. Fingers crossed as that is very dependent on completing Aim 2 and Aim 5.

Not massively challenging but I always read that you should start small and move on to bigger things later. Hopefully this will mean I will complete all 12 of these aims by 2012. After all, I will be 30 this year - an adult and therefore old enough to stop saying things and actually doing them instead!

It's Been A While

2011-01-06T11:50:00.002Z

2009 apparently was the last time I posted on the blog. And May 2009 at that.

With 2011 now underway and a list of New Year Aims, in order to better track my progress (especially as twitter only allows 140 characters), I am reviving the blog in order to give more details on how I am doing with my aims.

More to follow soon.....

Bells Birthday

2009-05-30T22:02:00.001+01:00

What better way to spend a Friday night than in Covent Garden?

I headed to the Roadhouse on Friday to celebrate Bell's Birthday.

It was then a short walk up to Soho for some more drinks including shots!

Bright Light Bright Light

2009-05-27T08:59:00.002+01:00

The day after the run Tadders and I headed over to the Hoxton Bar and Grill in the evening to see Bright Light Bright Light. Tadders had seen him before and tipped me off. The band had created quite a buzz with a fair few A&R guys there to see them, including an old friend of mine from my days at the Lion.

I really enjoyed them. Quite funky, great sound and I think they will go far. If you get a chance, check them out.

The next act up, Lisa Mitchell, we didn't stay long for. Apart from my tiredness I wasn't sure how good a girl whose outfit reminded me of Minnie Mouse was going to be. To be honest she wasn't bad but not good enough to keep me at the venue.

BUPA 10000 2009

2009-05-26T17:02:00.000+01:00

On Monday it was my first shot of the year at running a 10k in under an hour. The conditions were far better than the previous year although we did have a bit of a scare at the start when it started to spit with rain.

I was in the forth wave and found this year I wasn't held up by any slow runners which was great.

I wore my watch this year so I had a better idea of what time I was running to. At the first km marker I was pleased to see I had run it in 5.30 so I was on-course for the under the hour mark.

At 5km I was still making good time but at 8km I started to get sore feet and my back started to play up. But I pushed past the pain and kept up my pace.

Once I hit the 200m to go marker I somehow found a burst of energy and decided to go for a sprint finish. And the all important bit - the time......

The chip time is the all important one - 57.31!! I was really pleased at breaking the hour mark and I shaved 7 minutes off my time from last year. I also appear to have joined a running club called Thamesmead West.

Now the training starts for the London to Brighton cycle!

Surprise!

2009-05-25T17:02:00.000+01:00

Saturday night Mum and I headed down to the Running Horses in Erith for Cheryl's surprise party. The above was when she first walked into the pub and she quickly ran back out again.

Eventually she came back in.

A Day Up Town

2009-05-24T17:02:00.000+01:00

On Saturday once I finally awoke after Walpurgis Night I headed up to Embankment to meet Matt who was on a whirlwind tour of London whilst over from Jersey for a couple of days.

We started off in Starbucks next to Embankment before walking along the river to the Tate Modern. There was lots going on outside including a judo exhibition which brought back memories for me of those days many years ago when I used to throw people around in a quest for a black belt.

After checking out a few displays (it was ridiculously busy in all the galleries so we didn't stay long) we headed into Borough to the Southwark Tavern for a drink. Matt also showed off his purchases from the morning:

It was great to catch up and we went are separate ways in the early evening to different birthday parties.

Walpurgis Night

2009-05-23T17:01:00.000+01:00

Friday night was time for all things Gothic as myself and my friend Chris hit London Bridge's SE1 for The Last Tuesday Society's Walpurgis Night.

I got all corseted up for night

but Chris out-did me on the outfit front

We started the night off with a lecture on Necropolis: London and Its Dead which was an interesting insight into cemeteries around London.

We then moved onto some life drawing

There was a medieval feast complete with real pigs head

Chris took part in some pole dancing

While I constructed a super glider

Band wise there was plenty on offer but my favourite of the night was The Trans-Siberian Marching Band.

All in all it was an amazing night. I managed a staggering 7 hours in the killer heels. Chris and I finally got back to the house at 5am - 24 hours since I had woken up the morning before. Not that I am complaining. I just hope my legs have recovered in time for Monday.

10K Prep

2009-05-20T08:53:00.003+01:00

Its not long now until the BUPA 10000. This week I have been attempting to get my fitness levels up and ensure my body is ready for the task by stocking up on carbs via pasta intakes.

The only snag I have hit is my back playing up. This is my own fault as due to business at work I haven't been to yoga or pilates for a while and it is showing in my core strength. I am not sure if this can be remedied by Monday but I will try my hardest to make sure it is.

Time wise, I seem to be running around the hour mark which is good. I think the weather will play an important factor on Monday as to what time I can achieve. If the wind is anything like it was at the weekend I could be struggling but hopefully it will be fine.

So its back down the gym tonight for some cardio work and ab strengthening exercises.

And just an aside - I am running low on charity donations so if you can spare a couple of quid, please donate at the Urban Fox Challenge page by clicking here.

Nicola's Birthday

2009-05-18T09:14:00.005+01:00

Saturday evening a group of us headed to The Gurkha's Inn Indian Restaurant to celebrate Nicola's birthday.

Firstly - about the restaurant. It was brilliant. Possibly one of the best curries we have all been for in a long while! The service was fantastic and the waiter was good natured despite Dan trying to be funny with him. It was a pleasant evening and at the end of the night we were offered a round of free drinks. We will all be going back there!

Now for the japery. Dan decided it would be funny to re-piece his ear with one of Nicola's earrings. We are thinking of piecing together all the photos of Dan and Drew and making a picture book of loves young dream!

The Joy of Shopping!

2009-05-17T12:13:00.008+01:00

The tax man kindly gave me back what I was overcharged last month this month which meant I could finally treat myself to some nice new bits!

My first purchase was a bit of an impulse buy. I had headed round to mum's briefly Saturday morning and on the way back decided to pop into the skate shop in Erith to get an idea of what was on offer. Half an hour later and I was the proud owner of a new set of quad skates! This does go some way to helping tick off one of the 28 things to do before I turn 35. All I need to do now is get good again!

After the thrill of buying some skates I headed up to Camden to meet Tadders to go in search of a corset for a Gothic Ball I am attending on Friday. I did have a corset for the Venetian style ball I went to on New Year but where I have lost weight since New Year the one I had was too big!

I ended up buying two corsets - one for the ball from a shop called Burleska and one to go out in generally. I also bought a skirt for the ball and some shoes. The shoes make me a giant!

In addition to all this, I also bought this lovely moonstone ring and this strange plastic one which I love!

Now for some slightly more observant stuff. I haven't been to Camden to shop for about 4 years. I got fed up with it for one reason or another. But I have to say I love what they have done with the place!

The Stables Market has been re-vamped and where Cyberdog once was is now a maze of various stalls. But Cyberdog fans don't despair - it's now bigger and better! Tadders and I didn't want to leave. We wanted to stay and dance along with the girls in the cages (yes they have caged dancers now too).

But for me the biggest change was the Lock Market. Last year the Lock Market made the headlines as a blaze tore through the market destroying most of it along with many adjacent buildings including the infamous Hawley Arms. They have done a great job of re-inventing the place. There are so many more stores now and lots of food places. My favourite feature is the seating - made from old Lambretta Scooters! They are brilliant! Unfortunately I didn't get a photo as it was raining but I do recommend going up there and checking it out for yourself!

A Busy, Busy Week!

2009-05-15T12:12:00.005+01:00

Its been a very busy week for this Urban Fox!

Monday night was kicked off with a seminar on Music Publishing and the Recordiing Industry followed by a trip to the pub to see the second half of the Newcastle v Middlesbrough relegation battle. The score was important for me as the result had the potential to topple me from my Most Predictor Wins throne and thanks to Newcastle suddenly finding some form it did just that. I was hoping for an early night but as I popped off to the ladies I came back to a fresh round of drinks and my friend trying to look innocent. The early night went out of the window from there.

Tuesday was the second part of the seminar - Music Publishing and the Live Sector. By the time I got home and started doing some stuff I didn't manage to catch up on the sleep lost from the night before.

Wednesday saw me down the gym attempting to run 5k on the treadmill in preparation for the BUPA 10000 on 25th. For some reason I always end up with a sore shoulder after running on a treadmill so only managed 2.5k before I had to stop and prevent sustaining an injury before the run. But it wasn't all bad. Where I haven't been to the gym for a while making use of the sauna and steam room was a welcome relaxation tool.

Thursday I had a meeting with one of my licensees in Covent Garden. We started the night at a martini bar called Christophers where I had the best cocktail I have ever had - a vanilla and blueberry mojito. After we headed over to Joe Allen - a favourite with the pre-theatre crowd. I highly recomend this place. The food was brilliant. I had Kentish Asparagus with poched egg and hollondaise sauce for starters followed by Venison Steak with herbed mash potatoes. All cooked to perfection. I was even more pleased to see fresh fruit salad on the menu so I could have dessert without breaking my sweet detox. After wards it was back to Christophers for more of those lovely cocktails!

Friday we all headed to Taylors for Neil Mac's leaving drinks. The sullen Scot is heading back home for a few month before travelling round America. It was a fantastic turn out and a great night was had by all.

So a very busy week and the last alcohol consumption before the serious training for the 10k starts.

Old School Catch Up

2009-05-11T12:09:00.002+01:00

On Saturday myself and Claire headed down to Dartford to see an old school friend who Claire had been conversing with on facebook.

Elaine was great fun at school. She was (and still is) an accomplished musician and taught me how to play twinkle twinkle little star on the violin. She also used to bring in some amazing food from China Town on Mondays the best being some sweets called White Rabbit. If you get a chance to try them - do!

Anyway, we went round to see Elaine and her 1 year old daughter Sophie who is just adorable. Also Elaine hasn't lost her ability to find cute kitsch items as was shown with her mammoth collection of Hello Kitty items.

No Money and training Makes the Urban Fox Rather Dull

2009-05-10T09:00:00.000+01:00

I wish I could say that the reason the blog has been so quiet this week is down to the fact that I have been too busy to update but sadly the opposite is very much the case.

It reached that horrible point in the pay month where there is very little money left so in order to conserve what money I have, staying in has been the new going out for me.

I am now quite well versed in Britains Got Talent, watched and listened to a number of football games (I would have been happier about that if the Gunners hadn't been knocked out the Champions League), and culling my wardrobe for stuff to sell on eBay.

Conclusion - no wonder I am in debt! I have bought so much stuff that just isn't me. And I have no idea why I bloody bought it. I am clearly really bad at impulse buying. Given that I would classify my style as tomboy, slightly gothic, punk-rock chick with a dash of beach babe in the summer I have no idea why I would even think to buy some of the items I am now getting rid of.

For instance - anything in Pink. Why oh Why would I ever buy something in pink? And baby pink at that! Shocking pink is slightly more acceptable.

So at the moment I am having a listing frenzy on eBay to try and raise some money from the pointless purchases I have made. It is even worse when you find stuff that still has the tags on and you really wonder why on earth you bought it!

My conclusion as to why I have so much stuff I hate is down to the fact that I am impatient. Rather than save for something I really want I tend to spend money on lots of things I am not overly keen on but just want the thrill of buying something. This in turn has got me thinking about my procrastination task - do I procrastinate or do I just get impatient and can't be bothered to finish something as I don't become good at it overnight?

I am starting to think it is perhaps more the latter.

How do you become more patient though? I have always had a bull in a china shop approach to most things and wonder if it is possible to change a habit of a lifetime.

Answers on a postcard please.

Challenge and List Update

2009-05-03T15:29:00.002+01:00

I thought it was about time I did an update.

Weight Loss - I am really chuffed on this one. I am still hoovering around the 62.4 to 62.8kg mark but on Wednesday I bought my first pair of size 10 jeans in 5 years! I am so pleased! I am still going to get to the 61kg mark but I am so pleased the few size 10 items I still have are starting to fit now as well. Only down side is the fact I have lots of items I bought last summer that are now miles too big for me. As a result I will be having a major listing frenzy on eBay this weekend.

Debt Challenge - I have to admit that I am finding this one quite tough. Being single again means staying in is not as appealing as it once used to be. But despite this I have managed to pay off just over £2,700 of my overall debt although I have added to this recently due to car insurance so in real terms I have paid off just over £2,200. I will clear another credit card next month and then I only have one left to clear before Christmas which is currently standing at £3,250. There is still a long way to go but I am getting there.

Challenges Challenge - I have finally got the all clear from the physio to start training for my 10k and I seem to need it! The first few runs I did I found really hard but yesterday I seemed to find my running legs and managed a good 3 and a bit miles in a good time but did suffer from a stitch which slowed me down. I am now more worried about the London to Brighton ride in June. I cycled to work last week for the first time in ages and really struggled. I ended up walking a few times on the way to work and once on the way back. So I need to get some serious training in over the next month or so. I also now have the sponsorship page up so please visit the Urban Fox Challenge Sponsorship Page. Sponsor for and event or for all events.

28 List - I have an application form for a place with Cancer Research for the 2010 London Marathon which I will be sending off next week, I am working on the design for my tattoo, and we are in the process of organising a night at the dogs. In addition to all this I am currently trying to sort out some travelling opportunities. Nothing is set in stone as yet but as soon as I have some more concrete plans, I will let you all know.

Girls Night Out

2009-05-02T14:53:00.005+01:00

Friday night Claire, Tadders and I met up for our quarterly gossip night. It's become a regular thing with us meeting in Holborn, heading to one of the Weatherspoons pubs for cheap drinks followed by pizza in Pizza Express.

Now obviously I can't tell you what we talk about on these nights. It's top secret. But we did discuss the challenges on the blog in particular the Sweet Detox.

Tadders has decided to join me on the Sweet Detox which will now start on the 5th May and will run until the 5th August. So in order to ensure we were ready, we made sure we had a nice blow out on Friday with some very indulgent desserts. Claire isn't doing the sweet detox but wasn't about to feel left out.

Dancing on Ice

2009-04-29T20:00:00.006+01:00

On Tuesday Tadders text me to say she had a spare ticket for her company's box at the O2 for Dancing on Ice. I've watched it a couple of times on the TV but never really got into it but it was free and I am never one to turn down a free night.

And I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised.

The night kicked off with some dramatic skating which ended with Torvil and Dean performing Bolero. Sad little secret of mine is that mum and dad had Torvil and Dean's 1984 performance of Bolero at the Sarajevo Olympics on tape and I often watched it. I think there was something else on after it but can't remember what.

I was very impressed with all the celebrity skaters. Given that none of them are professional skaters they were pulling off some complex moves. Kieran Bracken was the stand out for me with his back flip off a podium onto the ice.

Despite the cheese, I had a good time, even when Tadders went mad cheering for Chris Fountain who won on the night.

A Marathon Effort

2009-04-27T12:39:00.016+01:00

Sunday saw 35,000 people take to the streets of London to run in the annual London Marathon.

Years ago when I was a kid my parents would always take me up to the junction of Grand Depot Road and Woolwich New Road in Woolwich to see all the runners as they came up to the 3 mile marker. This year I made a similar journey so I could cheer on Andy P who was running the 26.2 miles for Teenage Cancer Trust.

I arrived just in time to see the elite men rush past (the guy in orange came second overall):

Not long after the masses came past:

I didn't see Andy P but saw some excellent fancy dress costumes:

These guys actually ran with this one:

Apparently these guys made it the whole way round the course. Well done to them!

Once the majority of runners had past and I had completed a few mundane house based chores, I jumped on the DLR up to St James park to meet up with some guys from work who were going to watch Andy P finish but he beat me too it so I jumped back on the tube and met everyone in The Phoenix behind Oxford Circus.

Andy was pleased to celebrate his sub 4 hour time with a well deserved pint:

After the celebration drinks, a number of us headed up to Islington to The Old Queen's Head to celebrate Jessie's birthday. Ah the fun you can have with party hats:

Well done to Andy P and Happy Birthday to Jessie!

Comedy Drinks

2009-04-26T12:39:00.006+01:00

Saturday night saw me out with the High Wycombe crowd in order to celebrate Helen's 40th Birthday.

I skipped the meal due to money saving and still feeling the effects of the drink from the night before but met with everyone (and my god there were a lot of them - it was a High Wycombe invasion in London that night) in The Comedy on Oxeden Street for the Soho Comedy Club's comedy night.

We were treated to 7 acts in total. Three stood out for me - Toby French who reminded me a hell of a lot of a guy I work with. He certainly made me laugh and got the biggest groan of the night for his sex in a cemetery joke.

David Mulholland was also brilliant. An American from the south who had no qualms with explaining to us Brits what red necks really are like, especially if they were to put speed cameras in Alabama.

Robert White is described as the only asperger (socially autistic), dyslexic, cross lateral, gay, quarter-welsh, ex-con, webbed toed comedian by the Guardian. For me he looked like Tin Tin and when he arrived on stage I was actually scared as he seemed to shout a lot and not make much sense but he quickly settled into his set and the quick wittiness of his jokes had me near tears as I laughed so much. Once the keyboard came into play the laugh were non-stop. Style wise he reminded me a lot of Lee Evans but I would say he was better (sorry Claire).

I highly recommend checking out the nights the Soho Comedy Club put on. It cost me £5 and was well worth the entrance fee. I can't wait to go again.

Sadly I didn't get to stay for much longer after the last act (why are last trains so bloody early in London?!) so I have no photos of the carnage that ensued after. But I understand that everyone had a wicked time!

Happy Birthday Helen!

Only One

2009-04-25T12:38:00.008+01:00

I am going to stop saying I am only going out for one. Every time I say it, one turns into about 10. Friday was no exception.

Linda in the Business Team was moving roles and floors so kindly took everyone down to Mint for drinks. Even more kindly, her and her husband bought drinks for everyone all night. As a result, it was pretty messy as the photos show. Enjoy.

Linda and some of Royalty Ops guys.

Cheesy finger pointing fun.

Group Photo.

And lastly - Tom tries to sell his 80's Dictaphone.

The Producers

2009-04-23T12:37:00.002+01:00

On Wednesday, Mum, Auntie Rita, Tadders and I took a trip down to The Orchard in Dartford to see the Dartford Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society's production of The Producers.

For those who have never heard of the Producers before a) where have you been and b) seriously, where have you been? Here is a quick synopsis:

A once big time Broadway producer Max Bialystock is facing financial turmoil after he latest play Fun Boy is a flop and closes on its opening night. He is visited by an accountant called Leo Bloom who is a wannabe producer who hatches a plan to make money by producing a Broadway flop. They search for the worst play they can find and settle for Springtime for Hitler written by an eccentric escaped Nazi Franz Liebken. They then get the flamboyant Roger De Bris to direct the play. What can go wrong? Well apparently it can be the best thing to hit Broadway!

I won't spoil the ending as I highly recommend going and seeing it if it is on anywhere. I really wanted to go and see it when it was on at the West End and Lee Evans was playing Leo Bloom. The guy from DAODS clearly picked up some of Evan's characteristics for his part but still put in a sterling performance.

Overall I was really impressed with the production. Given it was an amateur play it could easily have been professional. I came out with a grin on my face and felt the £15 spent on the ticket was fantastic value for money.

I hope to see a few more plays by DAODS. I even noticed in the programme that my old music teacher from Bexleyheath, Mrs Diggens, is the Musical Director for DAODS.

Birthday Bash 2009

2009-04-19T21:08:00.010+01:00

I haven't got much to say about this due to the fact that I am struggling today. All I will say is the best part of a bottle of Sailor Jerry, 3 Jagerbombs and a cocktail called Jelly Baby. Needless to say in was a messy night in Greenwich. I shall let the photos do the talking!

There is not much else you can do on a bus when it's stuck in traffic apart from have a pre-drink nap.

I always forget I shouldn't wear my heels when Hannah is out.

RAH! You are a tiger.

No drinking session would be complete without some drunken wrestling.

A sensible photo of the girls.

Oh dear - does look like the alcohol had got the better of me.

But it was merely appreciation for my handbag. It comfortably fitted my flats and my heels so I could swap at the appropriate moments.

And despite everything and waking with a monster hangover, I still managed to cook breakfast for 6!

No Good, Start the Dance

2009-04-18T09:17:00.003+01:00

On Friday I went to probably the best gig I have ever been to. No seriously! Even better than Muse. Now why you pick yourselves up after reading that I will explain why.

Due to a friend booking flights on Friday she had two spare tickets to see the Prodigy at Wembley Arena so myself and my friend Mike took them off her hands.

Prodigy's Jilted Generation was one of the first albums I remember having. It was a copy a friend did for me and I played it to death. I also had No Good Start the Dance and One Love cassette singles (very old school!) which also were destroyed by overplaying. I eventually replaced the album with the CD and also bought Experience (the first album) and Fat of the Land. I love each of them for different reasons. I was so keen on the album before the latest one as this was a Liam Howlett solo effort and was missing a lot of the edge of the previous ones. But on hearing Omen from the latest album, Invaders Must Die, I was expecting great things.

And I wasn't disappointed. But first and foremost - Dizzie Rascal was supporting.

I forgot how many songs he has done! But the stand out track was his latest - Bonkers. It had everyone up dancing and when the bass line kicked in, everyone went mad.

Following Dizzee we were treated to a DJ set by Kissy Sell Out. The track that stuck in my head was a mash up of SL2's On a Ragga Tip and EMF's You're Unbelievable.

When The Prodigy took to the stage I have never seen the whole of Wembley Arena jump to their feet, including those of us in the seated areas. And it didn't stop! No one sat down. The dancing was endless.

Omen was the first sing along song and the noise was deafening. Or at least I thought it was until some of the bigger tracks came on. Their Law was also great but the biggest one for me was Smack My Bitch Up.

The heat in the arena was immense. I have been to some really small intimate gigs that have not been that bad. Half way through my vest was drenched in sweat. The mosh pit was filled with half naked men and women dancing in their bras.

They ended the set with Outta Space which went down a storm but when the house lights came on they were met with boos from the crowd who wanted to dance more. A fair few songs were noticeably missing from the set including the title of this blog which was a disappointment but all in all I cannot believe I have not seen Prodigy perform live before now. They were amazing. I can't wait to see them again.

Sing for Absolution

2009-04-15T22:45:00.011+01:00

Tuesday was a packed day.

We had a team building day at work. The morning was filled with brainstorming but after lunch we had some fun time.

We boarded a Thames Clipper down to the O2. A cheesy tourist pic for you all:

And this one that amused us all:

On arrival at the O2 we went to the British Music Experience. Although I went last month it was great to go again as it gave me the opportunity to do the things that I hadn't done the last time I went such as the Dancing Booth and the Gibson Room where I had a quick tutorial in how to play guitar.

Afterwards we headed up to Leicester Square to K-Box for some karaoke. It took a while but the boys eventually got into it.

Myself and Tadders had to shoot off eventually as we had tickets to see Tommy Reilly at the Borderline.

It seemed a shorter set than at the Windmill but it was a much more polished performance. Clearly a record deal with a major label has its perks - Tommy now has a guitar technician called Keith and a drummer whose name I can't remember (far too much rum and coke by that point).

We also got some free vinyl at the gig.