What Time You Got?!

There’s never time to do anything. There’s always an excuse to put things off – money; kids; work; fatigue – all valid, but all excuses in the end.

There’s never the right time to say important things. Chit chat, football, gossip, politics – no problem. Love, hopes, fears, insecurities – embarrassing.

Too much time wasted. Too many tv shows; too long procrastinating; too much time arguing, worrying, plotting. Too many beefs – too many lost to ego, too long in the struggle.

You can measure great distance with time.That’s amazing. Timing is essential to life: Release the clutch right on the sweet spot; counter strike or feint to shoot… Tell her the truth.

What does time mean really though? Everything is relative: 3 minutes waiting at the traffic lights is long but 3 minutes waiting for that reply text? That’s an eternity. An hour in a boring meeting is painful; any hour of escapism floats by.

Hate to wait. Hate to wait so that’s why I’m late. Hate waiting to leave. Despise airports. Don’t like traffic: lights, tailbacks, selfishness, cowardice, ignorance. Waste of time. Waste of energy.

Energy levels are affected by the moon and sun. We mark time with the moon and sun. Time affects energy. Check your energy levels before you get into a fight. Choose the right battles. Consider your real opponent -The Person or The Situation?

Tell the truth?! Tell who the truth? What truth? Who are you lying to really?

Robin Van Persie – The Full Injury List

So. It’s happened. Another summer, another captain leaves for the trophies they have failed to win and the money that failure has not eared them at Arsenal. I see both sides really, Arsenal have really under-invested in the team since moving to the Emirates. The rise of the billionaire plaything clubs has brought this into sharper focus as Chelsea, Man City etc buy the top stars paying ridiculous wages. Players win football matches and therefore titles, not balance sheets. I can understand players at clubs outside this select few feeling the need to validate their career with actual success. I can also see why clubs and fans get angry though: Van Persie was here when Fabregas and Henry were still at Arsenal and we were winning nothing. He was the first player to speak out about Nasri last year as well btw! Finally the club has strengthened the team ( after RVP released a statement that was effectively a transfer request) and he leaves to play for Manchester United. Gives Wenger “No Choice” but to sell him according to reports. Well, Robin – one of the main reasons we have won nothing while you’ve been here is actually showing faith in you. Wenger’s blind faith and “support” for one of the most injury-prone players I remember looked to have paid off when Van Persie banged in 37 goals last season. It looked to have blown up in his face though, when that same success for Van Persie made him forget that it is Arsenal that have been paying for the recovery of his injuries ( usually picked up with the International team!!) and not replacing him with a first choice striker so as not to “kill” his career and development.

Hopefully this is a lesson learned for Wenger. I’m sure this is his last contract in club football now, as a manager, anyway.

Below is the full list of Van Persie’s injuries incase anybody thought this was an over-blown issue that bitter fans would draw on for cheap satisfaction. *ahem*

Groin Strain 2012 February 29th
Ankle/Foot Injury 2011 August 7th
Knee Injury 2011 February 28th
Hamstring Injury 2011 February 22nd
Flu 2011 February 8th
Ankle/Foot Injury 2010 August 28th
Ankle/Foot Injury 2010 June 1st
Sprained Ankle 2009 November 14th
Knee Injury 2009 September 13th
Groin Strain 2009 April 18th
Groin Strain 2009 March 30th
Hamstring Injury 2008 October 6th
Ankle/Foot Injury 2008 August 31st
Thigh Muscle Strain 2008 May 2nd
Thigh Muscle Strain 2008 April 4th
Thigh Muscle Strain 2008 January 11th
Thigh Muscle Strain 2007 December 24th
Knee Injury 2007 October 18th
Metatarsal Fracture 2007 January 22nd
Ankle/Foot Injury 2006 November 19th
Hip/Thigh Injury 2006 September 14th
Ankle/Foot Injury 2006 February 10th
Ankle/Foot Injury 2005 December 22nd
Knee Injury 2005 October 17th
Ankle/Foot Injury 2005 February 5th
Sprained Ankle 2004 November 26th
Sprained Ankle 2004 August 27th

Norwood Lakes

I’m no naturist but there’s something calming about being by the water – it was a nice weekend to be fair.

Ann-Marie Lataille @ Soul’d Out 12th July 2012

Venue: Paradise Bar, London NW10

It’s taken me ages to do his review, mostly laziness, true. It does take ages to upload videos to YouTube though, in my defence.

There’s something to the theory that the gigs most difficult to get to are often worth the effort – Ann-Marie made sure this was true on this occasion.

After a powerful opening a Capella the experienced performer eased into her 1st song with charm and an honesty that is almost now trademark with AML performances

Next up was a song I think I’ve heard before but it was just @MissLataille solo. This time she had an artist featuring, unfortunately I didn’t write his name down at the time though. I also dont know the official title of the song – I call it “So High”

Final entry from the sultry songstress had my hairs standing In-between the
Goosebumps. Perfect end to a great performance. Almost made the 15 minute walk through the torrential rain that night ( twice ) worth suffering for

Encore…

Follow @MissLataille for updates on new releases and performances.

Love Life – Live Music

Best choice

Went to a friend’s engagement party Saturday night. Nice venue actually “KC Reign” 540 Streatham high road – friendly staff and good food. Prices not too shabby and there is a Shisha area as well. About 20 yards away from the restaurant is an off license / chicken shop with a cash machine inside. Incredible levels of opportunism bearing in mind the chicken shop is open until about 2am. In south London, very few businesses have proved recession proof. Don’t be surprised to see more combi-shops opening up in those empty units that litter high roads from Brixton to Bermondsey. Picture it now: The local bookies says, “hey, you can pawn your jewellery and valuable items here too. Save yourself some time…”

South Norwood sings the Blues

Random: mini festival on the bits. Ghetto as hell but people having fun

Londoners Fail their Feet

I’m not sure how we’re going to cope this next couple weeks in the capital…

The increased footfall – yep. Ok the transport network will be stretched, it’s true.

Prices in the capital are set to sky rocket in the next 2 months – we don’t do sly ‘native price’ here. Everyone pays the premium. On everything.

None of that is what’s worrying me as much as 1 thing though: – how are all those deck shoes, espadrilles
and plimsolls gonna hold up in the wet weather?

The Musings caught up with some commuters, London’s heartbeat:

Tara from Harrow: “I’m not trying to be racist but these foreigners don’t know abaat designers and that do they!!? I see some of em in some weird clothes (lol) – seriously though, I’ve just had my toenails done and I’m gonna show em off whether it’s raining or not. They should have tubes for English people only – for us to get to work and go out n that without getting our pedicures destroyed by size 9 feet -that’s just the women ffs!? A bit of lip threading wouldn’t kill em either, y’know!”

Hugo from Chelsea seemed less riled up. Very much relaxed about the whole thing : “I’m looking forward to a few dirty muddy footprints on my new coke-white Vans. Im quite big news on the used / grunge / tramp-chic scene actually.. ” after scanning for sarcasm, we delved deeper..

The Musings: sorry? Did you just call me a tramp? Also – how do you feel about the hoody clampdown being mooted by the style authorities?

Hugo: I tend to just offer them cocaine if they come home with me tbh. I do like a good, dirty, kappa slapper but clamping them down seems a bit strong, ya?

The Musings: thanks Hugo

We spoke to some tourists in town for Wimbledon:

The Musings: hi first time in London? Have you heard anything about the style fail epidemic?

Tourists: hi! Yeah 1st time here – really? We heard London was style capital of the world!? Y’all really love your fashion!?

:Actually we’ve just been clothes shopping

The Musings: Nice! Pick up any decent bits?

Fanny: I went to Superdry to get some sandals and thongs – I think y’all call ‘em flip-flops or something like that. Chet likes Jack Wills..

The Musings: don’t we all… Tell me, Chet, whats your plan to deal with the weather here? There’s an old south London saying that goes: “it’s too fucking wet to be wearing sandals, you fool” that, personally, I live by..

Chet: huh? I have wet feet sure, but, y’know, “when in Rome..”

The Musings: Splendid. Thanks guys.

On the way back to South London we bumped into Steve, an Edmunton native who seemed a long way out of his comfort zone, judging from body language.

The musings: excuse me sorry to bother you – I just had a few questions about your… Are you ok?

Steve: Fuck Me!? Drop me out mate I’m just trying to get back to civilisation!

The musings: where are you headed?

Steve: as far North as this bus goes mate!? Fucking nutcases live ’round here. Touched in the head, the lot of ‘em. They even dress like nutters.. *shaking head slowly*

The Musings: that’s what I want to ask you about tbh. I noticed your outfit and assumed you’d not bumped into the style police just yet. It’s possible you used the brylcream to give them the slip I suppose but I digress; where do you get your influences from, fashion wise? I notice you have on some pumps, for instance. Its actually flooded right here where we are now – do you regret he decision to wear soft nylon,Well, plimsolls – if we are being honest.. How do you decide what to wear on your feet of a day time?

Steve: I see that Mark wright wearing low-cut v-neck tops and Ugg boots – he gets loads o’ fanny.. It’s too hot for boots so I got some converses on today

The Musings: can you explain the leggings briefly?

Steve: mate they’re brilliant! Elasticated waist, look like jeans, but they’re lighter and the hem sits lovely on mi pumps

The Musings: is that a popular look for men in your area then? Don’t see too many guys in leggings where I live..

Steve: to be honest, I’m at that ‘level’ when it comes to clobber. You know.. I don’t really follow people in my area. They’re still wearing Burberry caps and that. Its shocking..

The Musings: indeed. Have you been interviewed by the style marshals or?

Steve: (laughs) nar bruv, I told you – I’m up there with JLS and Mark Wright..

London resident ‘x’ didn’t want to be identified. She cites reality tv for the level of fashion fail in London and, by extension, The World.. “it’s all these metrosexuals and closet gays” she proclaimed. “problem is, these idiot young girls love effeminate men! The more pastel colours and threaded eyebrows, the better – it seems. I remember a time when men smelt terrible and basically needed a make over for you to face em every morning.. Now you can’t get in the bathroom and if you do – you catch him waxing his chest or putting on guy-liner and nail-polish…”

Brixtonite Coleen had a refreshing take on the fashion scene and the imminent cull: mi nuh bodda wid dem deh fuckery marma man. Mandem fi favour MAN, you nuh see it? Bounty Killah done talk – bad man nuh dress like girlllllll! (starts dancing) we nuh bore nose and nuh wear tight pants and… We nuh wear drop curlllllll … ” I’m sure, in fact I know – this kind of sight is common in Brixton. Sadly, the people at St Paul’s took exception to the profanity and, after some resistance, Coleen was promptly arrested.

My favourite ‘interview’ was a guy named “D-Rock” who hailed from Camden. He didn’t like my line of questioning I guess..

The Musings: hey, I’m just doing some research for my blog. It’s on fashion in London and I..

D-Rock: *scoff* this should be good.. (looks me up and down)

The Musings: er.. Thanks .. So I noticed your outfit, especially your..

D-Rock: Yeah, it’s not a big deal really I live in Camden, so..

The Musings: sorry?

D-Rock: don’t apologise, you weren’t to know where ya! Yeah …I’m quite relevant, you know? Camden, as I say..

The Musings: Quite. Can I just ask you about footwear especially with the rain etc at the moment – I notice you’ve got the white hi top converses on today. I love hi tops but I also notice you’ve been caught in a puddle or two..

D-Rock: I’ll stop you there. These are actually vintage. From like ’83. They’ve literally been worn in Brooklyn. New York?!. Thanks..

The Musings: erm.. Ok. You’ve had a good wear out if them then. Did you buy them in Brooklyn you’re saying?

D-Rock: are you taking the piss or are you just dense??! I got them down the exchange at Brick Lane. Obviously. I was about 7 in ’83 you idiot.

The Musings: (lol) forgive me, my mistake. So… Checked shirts buttoned up to the top and a body warmer.. Skinny jeans notwithstanding, is that look still ‘relevant’ as you say, then?

D-Rock: Look, fuck off, yeah. Just because you cant afford a bit of Hollister and Abercrombie won’t let you in their shop – don’t be bitter!

The Musings: yes, you’re right. I should face up to myself and my jealousy at not being able to fit in with the truly cool people in this city.. Nice earring btw, I hear hoops are back…

I thought I’d give up for the day and got the train to Croydon on the way home. At the taxi rank I got talking to some people and met a man whose name I forget now.

Taxi stand man: the thing with me is, I like buying new gear. Love a new pair of trainers, got a nice bit of trapstar today actually. I like the ‘Unique’ look bruv!

The Musings: (sarcasm scan) did you just tell me there’s a look people subscribe to that’s actually called ‘unique’? Isn’t that an oxymoron or something? How can it be unique if lots of people dress the same..

Taxi stand man: Look mate, I dunno about subscriptions or nuffin’ I ain’t been doctors in years. I’m just pissed off my brazilian espadrilles look all manky now. These ankle socks are pissing me off as well now tbh.

So, as I feared.. It looks like London is going to have a big problem this ‘summer’. My advice: scotch-guard your plimsolls; make sure your converses have a back-story and, most importantly: Men and Espadrilles should stay apart.

Mosaic fire place

Random plug for my aunty. She did this for me years ago with broken bits of tile. Used to be a fire place but was blocked up long ago now it’s a piece of art. Contact me for quotes on commissions..

Young People in ‘Positive Behaviour’ Shocker

I liked this. Doing my half yearly sprint through Croydon high street and heard the steel band. ‘Liberian girl’ by MJ. As I got closer I realised it was all young people. Rarely see these kind of positive youngsters highlighted so I’m just doing my bit in he name of fairness.

The Real Energy Crisis part 2

These are troublesome times.. Aside from the terrorist threats and the wars. Notwithstanding the dangerous teenage hoodies or the identity thieves. The water shortages and the floods ( in the same country btw) are just a distraction from the price of everything and the crumbling economy. This is all before you’ve had time to be disappointed with your own appearance or status and any relationship problems you can squeeze in..

Crisis is the key buzzword at the moment. It’s in good company, with bail-out collective and way of life slash interests. It’s like a code, you see.. Certain words (down to the guttural and plosives sounds with which we say them) evoke certain reactions from people. Sometime this is a physical reaction. I’m saying some words can actually start the chemical chain of events so that you are physically and noticeably frightened or at a heightened sense of alarm.

Focus should switch then to the language we are exposed to on a regular basis. News reporters, printed press, tv adverts, staged footage etc. If we call these words ‘alarmist’ rather than try to name all of the – I’m of the belief that we are generally kept in a state of constant alarm. Going back to the theory that the only 2 real emotions are fear and love – Alarm is, obviously in the ‘fear spectrum’ Fear clouds decision making. It’s difficult to focus on anything when you are panicking.

When you are scared

– you seek comfort.

We all know the various things we use as crutches to ‘get us by’. Whether that’s a significant other or significant drug problem – we all seem to require these emotional boosts to ‘cope’ with the inevitable stress of life.

I’m suggesting that it’s possible we are being manipulated into this emotional frailty. I think people are so scared of so many different things that they want really important decisions to be made by someone else.. From parents expecting the school to raise their children to people not bothering to vote for who is in Government – there is a general level of apathy toward anything in the news that doesn’t directly affect us (well, that’s how it’s always presented). We want to know about cheaper petrol and which celebrity is cheating on which other celebrity and who with. Try and talk about social issues with people and they quickly tire of it – I’m the same a lot of the time but my passion for the subject usually gets me through..

We basically want people to look after the big stuff while we follow new American tv shows and attend festivals on the nights we’re not out smashing a full litre of alcohol for no apparent reason. Let someone else babysit, god forbid I miss out on a night of banter just to spend time with my child etc.

Sometimes, usually when I’m worrying about some other bullshit, I hear the odd soundbyte like “centralisation of economic and political policy” or “umbrella group” or “privatisation” and I’ll suddenly focus.. These phrases scare me for reason I can’t be bothered going into now but more to the point – they always remind me that the rest is bullshit, that I’m actually losing sleep over things I have no control of. I’ve got more chance of dying from heart disease or crossing the road than I am of suffering in a terrorist attack. Identity fraud!? Please. I’d probably make money out of that in the end. I’m more worried about how my son will interact with the world after being subject to my world view..

The real problem with the economy is the rich people are happy for poor people to cover for their tax breaks – but don’t want to pay to keep them alive. They would rather donate a few thousand to charities chaired by their golf buddies than actually pay for health benefits or wage rises for their staff. Money that could actually get into pockets you intended it for. Almost as if the generous donations are only made in order to save paying tax.. Tax that could go a long way in the country’s coffers.. And maybe keep a youth club or playground open for a few more years or give working parents some tax breaks of their own.

How many natural disasters have there been in the last 6 or 7 years? It’s weird.. Now some people believe in the Mayan prophecies, some believe we are in the times describe in the bible. Some people believe these disasters are being triggered by technology called HAARP

Seriously though -I do believe there is some kind of agenda at work if not several. Apart from ‘control’ whatever you think that is – the only thing I can suggest is focus.

Just. The. Important. Things People.