August 20, 2006: Look out for Parkour

I've recently been introduced to the powers of YouTube. Having this awesome video resource at my fingertips has really excited me. All the good music videos you can think of are there. The Big Brother 7 (UK) audition tapes are there.

I was going to blog about the Crazy Bike video, because of the amazing human skill. But then I saw Top Gear and I started to type Parkour in to the search. What I've found here is really amazing. Parkour or 'Free Running' as it's known in England is a new sport which consists of running, jumping, back-flipping, wall-running, spinning and summersaulting from great heights, at speed, usually in urban areas.
I saw a show on UK TV about 3 years ago called Jump London which studied the activity. A little research led me to discover that its founders are Frenchmen Sébastien Foucan and his friend David Belle, who appear in the blockbusters Casino Royale and Luc Besson's, District 13 respectively. So watch out for them in these.

I've picked out a few which I think are particularly good. So click, sit back and prepare to be amazed. Anyway, the closest I'm going get is playing Prince Of Persia.

August 18, 2006: Secret garden

Secret garden near Farringdon tube station
I've noticed a secret little garden in an obscure place. Just before the westbound platform at Farringdon. You can't see it from the platform, only from the tube as you're about to get there. It's right in the middle of several tracks, next to what looks like a small office or signal box. It stands out as it's such a well-kept space right in the middle of an commuting hub. There are sunflowers, garden gnomes, and is surrounded by a type of racing track red and white curb. I'll try and get a better picture of it, it's quite difficult with a phone-camera.

August 08, 2006: Boil an egg with no water

I was just watching last weeks episode of Dragon's Den. I love this show. Anyway, one guy who did get an investment was James from Staines with his invention that boils eggs without water.

He's got two models. One looks like a little Dalek and the other looks like two sun-beds for eggs. Deborah didn't think it was a good idea at all, but I think she couldn't be further off the mark. What a great idea!

How accustomed are we to toasters these days. Do you know anyone who doesn't have a toaster? It's easier to put a slice of bread under a grill than it is to find a pan, boil some water and get the timing just right for that perfect egg. I will certainly buy of of these when they're available. Furthermore, I reckon they'll be almost as common as toasters within 10 years.