The Date

Yesterday I went on a date. Readers to my blog may notice this is a relatively unusual occurrence but I think I actually dated the person who probably dates less than I. I think it went rather well, all things considered and hopefully there will be the chance of that fabled ‘second date’ that I have heard so much but rarely encountered. In one afternoon we ate, had coffee, watched a movie, walked to Brooklyn, sailed down the River Thames and had more coffee. It was all rather nice, although the mood I am in I felt I wanted to jump him at several points throughout the day - it's been a while. Naturally I am far too much a gentleman for that. We shall see.

New York Knights

In New York, everybody appears to be a cavalier, boldy attacking boundaries in their field to achieve success. Ralph and Tyron go from strength to strength as make-up artists. Ava is heading over here again in her bid to conquer the fashion world. Nomi is already here, taking the London Music scene by storm. Then there is Brian, who fortunately still knows how to flirt outrageously whilst wearing purple and keeping a lip line sharp; Hans' Interior Design; Florencio the muralist; Andy the model....the list goes on. Such a lovely last evening together in Williamsburg - Brooklyn's answer to Camden.

Today, I am back in London. It is raining, the washing machine is on and me Julie has done her best to not be annoyed that I had flung everything on the floor and slept for 24 hours. The garden has had some changes and my sunflowers need to be re-planted. Tomorrow I have to settle back into the idea of deadlines, 2 plays this week and start planning a few battles on the front myself.

Lets hope for a long hot summer.

The Telectroscope

It is very difficult to explain, but the Telectroscope is an 'installation' set up both at Tower Bridge in London and Brooklyn Bridge in New York. At its simplest, it is a fibre-optics transmission between two continents allowing each to view the other in real-time - a bit like a large webcam. What makes this special is it's marketing. It's being sold as a Jules Verne-esque style tunnel from one to the other and is dressed as a large, brass, electronic telescope.

As I say, difficult to explain, but great fun. Whilst I messaged all and sundry to come along and wave hello, nobody managed to make it, but there again, it is the sort of thing that needs to be seen to be understood.

I have made plans for a 'wave' with my buddies over here sometime soon.

I'll give it a week before the first trans-Atlantic moon!!!!! Go Howard!!!! LOL

A Moment Away From My Story

Waking up in Brooklyn with a vague hangover and several messages to this site - are they mixed messages?

A Rumble In Chelsea

On this particular morning I got to the pool in good time to discover that it was warm and relatively empty. Sliding into the water I decided to go into the fastest of the three lanes as there was only one guy in there and I knew I could keep up with him - even though for some reason he was swimming in an anti-clockwise direction around the lane. For me, one length went well until I managed to punch the guy in the face from my over-swing. It really hurt my hand so God knows how it hurt him. Naturally I burst into an immediate apology, this kind of thing always happens in pools - but that wasn't good enough. Oh the language!!!! Get the f**k away from me you f**king dumb f**king mother-f**cka!!! Sorry? F**king sorry? You think sorry is f**king good enough?

I honestly thought he was going to hit me. I was so scared I swam an extra 10 lengths because I wanted to make sure he wasn't waiting for me in the locker room. Oddly I had the lane to myself all through the session? Perhaps I now have the reputation as the mean swimmer.

Freezing temperatures followed by warm spells later.

The pool was absolutely freezing today. So cold, in fact, that even after the initial rush I didn’t warm up. Very scary! Finally I worked out that 1 mile at the Tony Dapolito Recreation Centre (pictured above) pool is actually 74 lengths. It’s a push as it’s so shallow I grated my knee and it’s over subscribed so I really have to slow down sometimes. But the staff are friendly and it's clean. Michael suggested I was very 'street' for finding it, whatever that means - tight, probably as it costs $37.50 to join for half a year. That's almost £5.00!!!

After a little wandering around and a visit to the trade show and the Temptu offices I returned home to realise that Ralph & Tyron are not back yet. If they were still on the shoot, then they must be knackered!!! I logged on, got some information and headed down to the View Bar for Woof! Apparently this is a regular Monday night feature and includes free food (I steered clear) and a PA from a popular Porn Star (we chatted, he stripped!)

I rather liked the atmosphere of this place. The clientele were cute and friendly, the drinks strong and the music – actually the music was really good. I know I can be a little backward when it comes to “happnin beats” but I liked their old school mix of cheese and classics immensely. I finally staggered home at 1.00am and fell into a deep sleep, clutching my picture of Ed :-)

Museum Shmuseum

Why does everybody keep insisting I tour the city? I realise that there is loads to see here Statue of Liberty et al, but I really have no desire to do so. I wander the streets, quite happily without the aid of a tour-bus or running commentary. I have seen the bits that I really wanted to see – Grand Central, The Rock, The Empire State Building previously. I certainly have no intention of going to see a Broadway Show. I get so much more joy becoming a regular, first thing at the Diner at the end of the next street, where I get a coffee. The girl, who looked so scared when I first wandered in at 6.00am, now greets me with a smile, has my coffee ready and encourages everybody to say ‘Cheers’. I am on holiday, leave me alone with my coffee and a preference for walking 10 blocks rather than riding the subway.