I like the choices

St George's Day tomorrow, and at least one of my neighbours was flying the English flag this morning.

I've mentioned before that I think of myself as British more than English, and that I am very cautious about patriotism, but I can get behind both the celebration of Shakespeare's birthday, and the celebration of good food. Fortunately for me, this matches up very well with the official festivities on offer tomorrow.

Neither of my favourite cheese stalls from Borough Market' are on the list as being at the Festival of English Food, which will be conveniently located close to work, but I'm sure Neal's Yard Dairy will provide. Some excellent cheese, a hunk of good bread, a crisp English apple, maybe a sweet juicy tomato or two(1) - what better lunch could there be? If the weather holds like it is today, I may even be able to picnic in St James.

(1)(The tomato stall's also not on the list, so no midweek oak smoked tomatoes of bliss for me)

Today is where your book begins

I have been remiss, and totally failed to mention the Get London Reading project, the physical events of which are almost over.(1)

However, the Books In London map will hopefully be sticking around, as it looks to be a fascinating way of getting to London-ish books.

It's also going to grow, as people add books to it - I just need to check when I get home tonight which street in Upton Park to use as an anchor for Benjamin Zephaniah's Face, and I'll start putting my contribution into the hat.

(1) (just a week to go - if I could get out to Barking tonight, I would very much do so for Kate Mosse. Unfortunately, I can't, but I am going to the Simon Armitage reading tomorrow. Hurray for free things!)

Her perfume smelled expensive and sweet

It was my birthday last week, and as a joke present one of my friends sent me a can of Impulse "London" , because it's purple and London related and thus made her think of me. I am amused.

(also, unlike the 'London Vibe' spray that was around a couple of years ago, this one actually smells pretty nice, although not, I would have to admit, particularly London-y. I'm not sure what I'd say London smelt like, but 'sort of like Thierry Mugler's Angel' isn't it.)

Doctor who-oh, doctor who*

Things that make life easier and better, the way technology's supposed to : The BBC iPlayer

(Specifically my unoriginal but genuine pick for the week: iPlayer - Doctor Who: Partners in Crime )

* I know. I'm sorry. It had to be done. If it makes you feel better, I have got it stuck in my own head, too...