Tidemill School

Somewhat surprised this morning to switch on BBC Breakfast and the salary of my local school's head was the top national story! Surely there must be more important events in the world to report even on a Tuesday morning? Happily a more balanced report has just appeared on the BBC website.

Whilst not wanting to give the story any more prominence than it already has (Darryl at 853 has just done an excellent post setting out the facts and a debate is going on at Kate's Brockley Central blog) my gut reaction was what has he done to deserve being plastered over the media like this? He's done absolutely nothing wrong - unlike many individuals who I shall refrain from naming who have been rewarded much more handsomely for doing much less worthy jobs.

My personal impression of Tidemill (and I admit the only occasion I actually visit it is as a polling station) is of a school providing a good education, which given its age and location is something which should surely be praised rather than criticised?

A Night at the Jane

I spent my first night in NY at the Jane Hotel in the Meatpacking District. It was probably the only hotel offering rooms at (just) under $100 on New Year's Eve, not en-suite of course but what do you expect at that price?

Added to the attractive price was an attractive history. Back in 1912 surviving crew members of the Titanic were billeted here when it was a sailors' hostel. The maritime theme continues in the tiny "cabins" though widescreen TVs, Wi-Fi and iPod docks are concessions to the modern age.

Sure the odd death happens every now and again but that's life... I'd have been happy to stay longer but having booked another keenly priced room at the Chelsea Garden Inn it was time to move on - but I just remembered to grab a shot of the impressive entrance lobby as I left.

New Year in New York

Happy New Year!

I was lucky enough to spend the first week of 2010 in the Big Apple. Arriving on an icy New Year's Eve I eschewed the ball drop in Times Square as being a little too touristy and headed for the fireworks, concert and midnight run in Central Park. The fireworks actually started a few seconds before midnight and continued for 20 minutes, leading up to an awesome finale - my photos don't really do them justice but there are several videos on YouTube.

Just before the end of my trip I returned to Central Park - despite a slight thaw the frozen lakes presented many opportunities for wintry photos. These were taken in and around the Ramble:











































The restored Bethesda Terrace Arcade, reopened in 2007 after a painstaking reconstruction of its Minton tile ceiling. They are fond of dogs in the Big Apple...