Dom, switch, sub; the TFL characters (including non-main characters like Ino, Shoko, Yuki) 🤔

BET.

Gojo is an obvious switch, at least for the reader since he’s so downbad. But he’s like a dominate switch if tht makes sense :)

Suguru is dom but he does has his subby moments, they’re rare tho.

Choso my loverboy is the epitome of a switch. He can literally be either or, I think he goes based off the reader and how she’s feeling

Nanami’s a soft dom, I think. Get him riled up enough & he’ll be 100% dom ><

Sukuna is just dominate. The chances of getting that man to be submissive is the same chance a snowball would have in hell.

Toji is similar to Sukuna like, tht man is not being submissive to no one🙏

My baby Ino is giving very much switch buuut more on the sub side, especially given his interactions with the reader

Shoko my LOVER😩 she’s similar to Suguru I think. Like most of the time I could see her dominate & taking the lead but she may slip up and get submissive

Yuki my woman is 100% dominant & there’s no if ands or buts about it. & I just know this woman talks you thru it too😖

Naoya is trash.

☺️

Transport for London (TFL) – the government arm responsible for travel across Britain’s capital city – has banned white people from applying to internships. The organization – whose chairman is London Mayor Sadiq Khan – now only accepts applications from only ethnic minorities.

The organization’s website states, to apply to the Stuart Ross Communications Internship, “you must be of Black, Asian and minority ethnic background, defined as having some African, Afro-Caribbean, Asian or other non-white heritage.” (x)

It's not even a "new" thing either

(From TFL's Annual Diversity and Inclusion Impact Report 2019/2020)

Deadline: February 1st, 2024 Payment: $25.00 - $50.00 for fiction, $5.00 - $10.00 for poetry Theme: Story must begin with: Mr. Morton needed a new pair of shoes. We love that writers around the world are inspired by our first lines, and we know that not every story will be sent to us. However, we ask that you do not submit stories starting with our first lines to other journals (or post them online on public sites) until we've notified you as to our decision (usually four weeks after the deadline). When the entire premise of the publication revolves around one sentence, we don't want it to look as if we stole that sentence from another writer. If you have questions, feel free to drop us a line. Also, we understand that writers may add our first line to a story they are currently working on or have already completed, and that's cool. But please do not add our first line to a previously published story and submit it to us. We do not accept previously published stories, even if they have been repurposed for our first lines. And, just to be clear, we do not accept simultaneous submissions. One more thing while I've got you here: Writers compete against one another for magazine space, so, technically, every literary magazine is running a contest. There are, however, literary magazines that run traditional contests, where they charge entry fees and rank the winners. We do not - nor will we ever - charge a submission fee, nor do we rank our stories in order of importance. Occasionally, we run contests to help come up with new first lines, or we run fun, gimmicky competitions for free stuff, but the actual journal is not a contest in the traditional sense. Fiction: All stories must be written with the first line provided. The line cannot be altered in any way, unless otherwise noted by the editors. The story should be between 300 and 5,000 words (this is more like a guideline and not a hard-and-fast rule; going over or under the word count won't get your story tossed from the slush pile). The sentences can be found on the home page of The First Line's website, as well as in the prior issue. Note: We are open to all genres. We try to make TFL as eclectic as possible. Poetry: We do accept poetry, though rarely. We have no restrictions on form or line count, but all poems must begin with the first line provided. The line cannot be altered in any way. Non-Fiction: 500-800 word critical essays about your favorite first line from a literary work. All Submissions: Writers should include a two- to three-sentence biography of themselves that we can use in the journal should your story, poem, or essay be accepted. Multiple Submissions: We don't mind if you want to submit multiple submissions for the same issue. However, it is unlikely we will use more than one of your stories or poems in the same issue. Four-Part Stories: If you think you are up to the challenge, you can write a four-part story that uses the spring, summer, fall, and winter sentences (five parts, if you are brave enough to include a fifth story that ends with the last line). However, all parts must be submitted at once (a single e-mail or snail mail) before the February 1st deadline. (If selected, each part will be published in its respective issue.) Submissions: We prefer you send manuscripts via email to submission (@) thefirstline (dot) com. We accept stories in MS Word or Word Perfect format (we prefer attachments). Please do not send pdf versions of your story or links to Google docs. Make sure your name and contact information, as well as your bio, are part of the attachment. Stories also can be sent to The First Line's post office box. No manuscripts will be returned without an accompanying SASE with sufficient return postage. Here is the submission schedule for 2024: Spring: Mr. Morton needed a new pair of shoes. Due date: February 1, 2024 Summer: "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today." Due date: May 1, 2024 Fall: When she was eight, Alice Henderson briefly held the world record for filling her mouth with marbles.

Due date: August 1, 2024 Winter: The parking lot was empty. Due date: November 1, 2024 Notification: We don't make decisions about submissions until after each issue closes. We typically send notices four to five weeks after the issue's deadline to everyone who submitted. You can also check the website's home page for each issue's production status. Payment: We pay on publication: $25.00 - $50.00 for fiction, $10.00 for poetry, and $25.00 for nonfiction (all U.S. dollars). We also send you a copy of the issue in which your piece appears. You'll receive your money and issue at the same time. Note to our international writers: Postage cost for sending author copies overseas is a little high, so we are reducing international author payment by the amount it would cost to send one author copy overseas. However, if you would like to receive an electronic version of the issue (PDF) instead of a hard copy, author payment will not change. Via: The First Line.

"The demands came from TfL’s European debt recovery firm Euro Parking Collections. Despite EPC being registered in Islington, she said it wrote to her from Uzbekistan – and told her to pay the money into a German bank account."

"TfL issues hundreds of thousands of Ulez penalty fines to drivers of non-UK registered vehicles each year, the Standard has learned.

It relies upon DVLA records to check UK-registered vehicles – but as there is no single system for non-UK vehicles, owners are required to notify it in advance if their vehicles are Ulez compliant."

TODAY I FOUND A POST OF JANUARY 31ST 2019. I READ IT... THEN, THIS YEAR LOOKED SOOO LONG AGO, UP TO NOW ! I AM, YES, EXHAUSTED ! NOT FINALLY, BUT MY FEELINGS ARE THAT WE WON. I LOVE YOU ALL MJ FANMILY ! – Nora 🤗❤️😘

“AN OPEN LETTER TO THE MICHAEL JACKSON FAN COMMUNITY”.

“Please forgive me for not being as thorough as I would like in the content below. Like many of you, I am having to ‘fight the fight’ during working hours, and time is of the essence. The lengths we will go to for the big man, eh? Firstly, please note, that I am simply a fan like you, this message comes from a good place and it’s only my advice, please do not mistake it as dictating or trying to lead. I fear some fans will use this as a means to twist it’s content and start bickering, but there really is not any need. It’s all for L.O.V.E.

I know, this is a testing time for all of us. It feels like 1993’ and 2003 combined and on steroids ! The huge difference this time however, is that Michael Jackson is not here to defend himself, so his Army, it’s more important now than ever before, we have to come together and protect His legacy. Friends and family may not understand, and work colleagues may think you’re bonkers, but we have been here before and we can win this battle once again. As Michael famously reminded us, ‘You Are Not Alone.’ I know that the fan community is huge and there are lots of different groups of us. However, I think it is vital that we present an united front to the extent that we can, and try to take an unified approach in how we deal with this latest attack. I’m going to break the following down under separate headings, as there are several issues that I feel need addressing.

RESPONDING TO CRITICS/HATERS/MISINFORMED...

It’s very easy to get wound up, angry and defensive when faced with those who will believe the lies and fall for the nonsense and want Michael to be guilty. DO NOT STOOP TO THEIR LEVEL.

Let’s not fight fire with fire and instead extinguish it with Truth, Facts and Logic (think TFL, which will be handy for the Londoners amongst us as it refers to our local travel system). We have truth and evidence on our side and ultimately they cannot refute that. It is a fact that Wade Robson ardently defended Michael many times over the years. All the things they have claimed about Michael are simply that: CLAIMS. Furthermore, those claims are not supported in any way whatsoever by the EVIDENCE available. If you are struggling to answer questions in a hurry – DON’T. Instead, locate the answers from another fan who you consider to be more knowledgeable, or copy easy-to-understand responses from other Tweets etc – I’ve done it loads of times before. It’s better to do that than come across as a person lacking the correct information as that could just damage our credibility. Not having the answers is OK.

•Why did he settle in 1993?

•Why did he allow children to sleep in his room?

•What role does Bubbles have in all of this? 🤭

The entire subject matter is a minefield and you’d need a “PhD in Michael Jackson” to fully grasp the entire backstory. So, spare a thought for the misinformed and uneducated; it’s easier for them to decide MJ was guilty, because having to explore the research and truth is complicated and time-consuming. So, let’s respond with snappy straightforward facts – this includes Links, here are a couple of good ones:

https://www.mjvibe.com/its-time-to-fight-back/

https://themichaeljacksonallegations.com/

My other suggestion is to replace photos of Michael from your Social Media (unless it’s a necessity to the name/group). I know some of you will be conflicted with this, but trust me, from being a long-time supporter, you are taken much more seriously from the ‘other side’ when you have a picture of yourself or a neutral image, rather than that of MJ. You’re more likely to viewed as obsessive, blinded or non-objective, if they think you’re a big fan. My experience has been that being genuine and using a measured and friendly tone has a lasting impact and encourages people to listen, giving you the chance to explain the truth. DO NOT FORGET, there are future Moonwalkers out there waiting to join us, but we MUST be relatable. AND REMEMBER, not everyone can be convinced nor wants to be. It’s easy to spot those keyboard warriors, early on. BLOCK them and channel your energies elsewhere. Michael DOES NOT need those people as his fans. It’s definitely a case of picking your battles wisely.

• IS THERE A LARGER FORCE AT WORK HERE ?

So I have read on many forums about a ‘conspiracy’ against MJ. We know they exist and the latest one has been in refence to Sundance/Harvey Weinstein/Oprah/David Geffen/HBO etc… Let’s not go there right now – It’s complicated and can take us down a very deep rabbit hole, distracting from the necessary action that’s required in retaliating against the #LyingAboutNeverland MOCKumentary. We can deal with the ‘bigger picture’ when the time is right. The general public do not care, or rather have the time to listen about conspiracy theories involving Michael Jackson. On top of that, because of the nature of such things, conspiracy theorists are widely viewed as a bit outrageous and those that promote them are often seen as bonkers. We have to deal with being seen as crazy just because we are Michael’s fans. Let’s not add to that and give them any further ammunition!

• CHANNEL 4 :

The executives at Channel 4 are rubbing their hands with glee at the reaction to ‘LN’ . From what I gather from the inside, they are loving the attention the fans are giving to the show ! Remember, these networks are expected to create controversial subject matters, regardless of the truth, as long as it generates hysteria. You know in the Kanye West and Jay-Z song ‘N*ggers in Paris’, there’s a part where it comes to a crescendo and you can hear the actor Will Ferrell say the words “its provocative it gets people going” – Well that’s what they are hoping for. For us, as fans, it poses a complicated dilemma: on one hand, do we stay silent and not give it any attention for fear of indirectly promoting it to people ? Might that seem as though MJ’s supporters are small due to his declining popularity ? Or, do we stand up and beat our drums so loudly in response, and in doing so, cause waves of free promotion for the network? “Dammed if we do and dammed if we don’t” springs to mind. It’s not up to me to tell you what your decision should be; that’s your prerogative. Just don’t forget the silent majority of MJ supporters that do exist amongst us. Although there is no definite date as to when the show will air, it’s likely to be in two parts at the beginning of March (in the UK). In my opinion, it will be catastrophic, and we must expect the worst outcomes imaginable. I’m sorry, but it will be a difficult time and we will be challenged. I know there are many of you who are divided on this matter, ranging from ‘it will blow over, we have experienced worse’ to ‘this is the end of Michael Jackson.’ Whatever your view, we should all prepare for the worst and formulate a plan of action so we are ready to go once this thing airs. If it turns out that it is not as bad as I fear then great but let’s be prepared for all eventualities.

•PEACEFUL PROTEST :

There is currently a peaceful protest scheduled for outside the Channel 4 headquarters,on Wednesday, 6th March, from 8am onwards. We need MASSIVE numbers! I’ve already booked the day off work. Please no MJ costumes or anything that they can use to label us as crazy fans blind to the truth. The protest will be at:

— 124 Horseferry Road, London SW1P 2TX —

• PLEASE, DO ALL YOU CAN TO ATTEND ; it will be shambles if only a couple hundred turn up. Although that is a fairly decent amount, the reality is that just like Michael’s album sales, if the numbers are not record breaking, we are seen as pitiful. Let’s Unite in Abundance and show these bastards we are not messing.

• SOCIAL MEDIA GROUPS : Like many of you, I am part of various social media groups on Facebook and Whatsapp. I struggle to keep up. This means that some great information can get lost easily and it can become a technological minefield with information overload. My advice is to take a break from it all often! Since the news broke about the MOCKumentary I have not slept properly, I feel angry, my fitness has slipped and I am eating crap – this isn’t me. I have had to take a step back to reflect on my mental health throughout this and recalibrate everything.

• We cannot GO TO WAR on this if we are out-of-shape (emotionally, mentally, physically), forgetful, angry, vengeful, tired. We need to be refreshed, focused and happy within ourselves that ‘WE HAVE GOT THIS.’ I have written up a specific Tweet that you can copy and paste below. I’ve left just enough characters so that it will give you room to ‘@’ someone at the beginning, or simply just Tweet or Pin to your profile/share on Facebook etc:

• EXCLUSIVE hidden details from the #MichaelJackson doc!

• WATCH: https://youtu.be/9yTTEwBLfUQ

• WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgSbSotJgUY

• READ: https://www.forbes.com/sites/joevogel/2019/01/29/what-you-should-know-about-the-new-michael-jackson-documentary/#72771961640f

• RESEARCH: https://www.mjvibe.com/its-time-to-fight-back/

• TAGS : #TheTruthToo #ConnectTheDots #LyingAboutNeverland #FactsDontLiePeopleDo #TheRightSideOfHIStory

• WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO ?

Right now, MJ’s Legacy is at risk. BUY HIS MUSIC ! I personally recommend that we purchase the song ‘SCREAM’ and make it go to number one all over the world. To anyone reading, feel free to set up a group encouraging this. I will strongly back the cause. I have seen today that the MJ Number Ones album is increasing in the UK charts. Brilliant ! Sadly though, I have seen Michael Jacksons place on Spotify fall sharply. He was 58th in the world last week and has slipped to 63rd as of today (31 Jan 2019). Get MJ on repeat via Spotify and other music streaming platforms. More importantly, REQUEST HIS MUSIC on radio – I know this seems like a full-time job, but every little does help. Maybe once a day send in a request via Twitter or radio stations’ Facebook pages. Michael’s music is a powerful entity and the best response to the hate. Remind people why they fell in love with his magic in the first place.

• PUT ASIDE OUR DIFFERENCES:

I know that rivalry within the MJ community exists and I’ve experienced it myself, unfortunately. Whether it’s fans supporting the Estate or believing the Cascio tracks are genuine or having some kind of superiority complex, whatever it is – NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO BE DIVIDED ! Put your differences aside and let’s be United; do not underestimate how much strength there is in numbers and that THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN’T BE DONE IF WE RAISE OUR VOICES AS ONE ! We are dealing with a serious matter here on a global scale. There are talks that Michael’s music and the impact he has had on society will eventually diminish and he will ‘fade away’ – WE CANNOT AND WILL NOT LET THAT HAPPEN. Simply put, we need one another now as much as Michael does.

• LET’S NOT FORGET :

Yes, our concern and loyalty are to Michael Jackson and the risk to his Legacy, but we CANNOT FORGET ABOUT THE GENUINE VICTIMS OF CHILDHOOD SEXUAL TRAUMA – It’s imperative that we drive that message in our retaliation. We MUST demonstrate that we are compassionate and serious about this matter, because MICHAEL DID NOT ABUSE ANYONE. Michael was a huge Advocate in the fight Against Child Abuse and he dedicated his entire life to helping others. If any one of us thought there was even a tiny bit of truth to any of these allegations, we would not be supporting Michael at all and WE NEED THE PUBLIC AND MEDIA TO UNDERSTAND THIS ! As a father myself, I ensure I drive this message across in every debate and rebuttal. Of course, in relation to the MOCKumentary involving Wade Robson and Jimmy Safechuck, feel free to also let people know that MICHAEL IS THE REAL VICTIM in all of this . Furthermore, DON’T FORGET to mention the impact this is likely to have on his three children and their future . That too is important.

• WHAT IS HAPPENING BEHIND THE SCENES ?

I am sure you are all aware that Michael’s nephew Taj is working on a Documentary in response to all of this. I’m not privy to the full details. I hope that this write up is provided to him so he is aware of the BLANKET message that I hope the fans will embrace as we move forward. When the news of this disgusting film was announced, Taj was settling into fatherhood and had planned to start 2019 changing diapers and being the best dad he could be. He should not be denied the joys of fatherhood and caring for his young child, by having to invest in fighting this project by Channel 4 and HBO. I witnessed Jermaine Jackson on British Television this week. I’ll be honest... I think he could have responded in a MORE forthright way. Right now, what we need from the Jackson family is a no-nonsense approach and real evidence that they are fighting this. We, the fans, can only do so much. They are the big machine in all of this. I worry that they DO NOT KNOW THE FACTS in the way that WE DO and I hope that we see more measured intelligent fans and supporters on radio stations and TV screens in response to the show, rather than Jackson family members who might be ill-equipped to deal with the questions. They are GRIEVING and HURTING, right now. Placing them in front of TV screens,with no deep understanding or energy to FIGHT is suicide ! KOWLEDGE IS POWER and I am in awe of the amount of rebuttal information that I read from the Fan Community ! Let’s use our skills to speak up in a way that will make doubters listen.

• HELP:

A few other fans and I have come up with the idea of having adverts placed in the press, on the sides of British buses, both in London and around the country . It will feature an image of Michael, kind of like the one in the flyer here. It was originally created by fan Nastyspaghetti7- To use as leaflet content given out at Sundance. It was very symbolic to the fight, so are going to use it for this too.

• WE NEED YOUR HELP. PLEASE GO TO : https://www.gofundme.com/MJ-INNOCENT

The Michael Jackson fan community is incredible ! The knowledge and dedication we have individually and as a collective is truly spectacular and I am so proud and blessed to be part of this magical and diverse community. The above are just my thoughts on how we can deal with the current crisis effectively and not intended to offend anyone so please don’t take it that way. I truly feel that if we conduct ourselves in a professional, polite and intelligent manner and present a unified front we can really influence others and get the truth out there, THANK YOU, Seány O’Kane (just a regular fan like yourself)

• Twitter: @SeanyOkane • InstaGram: SeanyOkane • Facebook: Seány O’Kane • LinkedIn: Sean O’Kane

• Categories: Media Spin, Michael Jackson WorldWide Commenorations, Michael News, Uncategorized

• Tags: #boycottChannel4inUK, #BoycoteDanReeddocumentary, #BoycotteHBOITV, #BoycotteJimmySafechuck, #BoycotteLeaving Neverland, #SupportMichaelJackson, #ProtestAgainstSlanderOfTheDead, #BoycotteSundanceFilmFestival, #DownWithWadeRobson

@swift-fated @mjslays @mj-confessions @mj-fans-alliance-blog @mjvideos @mjjproductionz @mjjofficial @mjjalways @mjjsourcesblog @mjjsecretlovers-blog @anneke-treasure @annievvv7 @annievvv77 @dirtydianamj1 @abc123doremi-blog1 @abc123doremiyouandi-blog @aplacewitnoname @auntiedoodoo @

The Insider's Scoop on Heathrow Airport Transfer Solutions

Heathrow Airport, one of the world's most busy global airports, functions as a major center for travellers coming both to and from United kingdom. Moving travel to and from Heathrow could be difficult, however with the best details, you are able to streamline your trip. Here's all you have to understand about Heathrow Airport Transfers Service. 1. Transfer Options: Heathrow offers various move possibilities, including cabs, personal hire cars, coaches, mentors, trains, as well as the iconic London Below the ground (the Tubing). Depending on your financial budget, destination, and private desire, it is possible to opt for the method of travelling that best suits your preferences.

2. Taxis and Individual Hire Automobiles: Taxi cabs and personal work with automobiles are handy alternatives for front door-to-doorway services. Licensed black cabs are readily available at designated stands outside each terminal, although private work with vehicles could be pre-reserved or employed on the spot. Ensure that you use certified operators in order to avoid frauds and make certain protection. 3. Buses and Mentors: Several shuttle and trainer solutions function between Heathrow and other destinations in the uk and beyond. These services are often more spending budget-friendly than taxi cabs and personal hire vehicles, even though travel occasions could be longer due to several halts. Nationwide Communicate as well as other operators supply repeated professional services to major cities and communities. 4. Trains: Heathrow is well-connected to London's rail community through the Heathrow Express and TfL Rail services. The Heathrow Express gives a non-end experience to United kingdom Paddington in only 15 minutes, rendering it the easiest alternative. TfL Rail provides a less expensive choice with a lot more halts along the path. 5. United kingdom Below ground (the Pipe): The Piccadilly Line of the London Subterranean gives immediate assistance between Heathrow and central London, uk. While the Tubing is usually the most affordable solution, it may not end up being the most convenient for travelers with large luggage or in the course of maximum several hours when trains can be crowded. 6. Preparing Your Transfer: When preparing your Heathrow airport transfer, think about factors like your vacation spot, price range, luggage, and time limitations. Pre-scheduling specific services, like taxis or personal work with autos, will help reduce tension and make certain an easy transition in the airport in your last location.

7. Ease of access: Heathrow Airport prioritizes availability for passengers with decreased flexibility or unique support needs. Committed guidance providers, which includes wheelchair-accessible vehicles and help employees, are for sale to assist in effortless Transfers for all tourists. Conclusion: Navigating Heathrow airport Transfers doesn't really need to be difficult. By familiarizing yourself with the different transport possibilities, thinking ahead, and contemplating your personal requires, you may guarantee a pressure-free of charge journey through the airport to your ideal location.

Joel Roubouchon, Las Vegas // 9-1-2023

Well, it is a special occasion.

After a turn of major life events, I recently had the opportunity to experience a fine dining opportunity I had only imagined in the back-pages, which was a chance to experience the arguably best restaurant in Las Vegas and generally flagship location of the titular Chef of the Century in the US. While the Michelin Guide has not covered Las Vegas since 2009 or so, this restaurant had earned 3 while it had, thus, I still grant it the weight of its earned title. With that being said, here is my express take on a dining experience.

Arrival:

I should preface that I did not have the smoothest arrival, as our day had been complicated by flight delays, monsoon storms, airport and road flooding and construction traffic that cut out much of our relaxation and prep time and even cut our pre-dinner show. It is one thing to prepare for a lifetime experience at a relaxed pace; another entirely to have to change in the ladies room to shed your rain-soaked sneakers.

JR LV used to be known to send out a gold-plated stretch limousine to retrieve its guests not staying at the MGM grand; as noted above, my arrival was by foot, given my friend and I were already heavily delayed via a 1.5h+ length Uber ride from just down the strip due to the aforementioned complications. The restaurant's face is gorgeous -- towering rounded windows reminiscent of both Beverly Hills and Harry Potter -- however it is smack dab in the edge of a casino floor, next to the Ka theatre. While we were offered a slot up from our late night reservation last minute, we declined (30m notice was not enough time to get there), however were seated promptly upon arrival 10 minutes prior to our new reservation time.

We were initially seated in a secluded Green Room filled with fake hedges, and daytime outdoor lighting; as someone who had dressed in rich jewel tones to match the famous amethyst dining room, I was grateful that the staff quickly reseated us to join the warmth of the main event. I think the satellite space is perfect for couples or business partners seeking privacy, but personally, the harsh lighting and intense quiet would have significantly compromised the ambiance.

Service:

Overall, spectacular. Aside from the somewhat curt hostess (who remained gracious yet seemed mildly frustrated that we declined the earlier seating yet still arrived ten minutes early, and even more so that our welcoming butler expressed our desire to be moved...) every single person we interacted with did such a stellar job at convincing you that you personally made their evening delightful that for a moment you'd start believing it. Every single staff member treated us with courtesy and grace. No subtle disappointment at our non-drinking; nothing but warm smiles when asking for translations; polite, prompt, and attentive service; an earnest commitment to making all guests feel special. These are the things abstractly promised by fine dining but rarely delivered with the ease given here; a warmth I have not felt at such a caliber since TFL. My needs were rarely unnoticed, nor did I feel studied. My friend may have requested slightly more attention to their water glass.

Ambiance:

Once in the main dining room, perfect. I felt like a doll that had found herself inside a magic jewelry box; rich, lush violets everywhere; warm, maintained velvets; glittering golds and chandeliers without feeling overbearing (note: given my background, my personal barometer of 'exactly enough chandelier' may be more lenient than most). I am rarely one for modern art as a first choice and yet every piece was moving. The main walls hosted one piece with a figure atop concrete; another, bold, gigantic, canvas painted textured black with streaks of gold breaking through the void. Truly, it embodied the dining experience itself, shining through an otherwise dark and pouring day. The best way I can describe it (with humor, as a SoCal native with limited exposure to any such square footage) is 'all the pomp of the formal living room, with all the comfort of the family room.'

Presentation:

As you'll come to see, JR would not earn recognition for abstract plates, which should be recognized. They have classic, bespoke dishes and silverware (and I mean truly silverware) that compliment the meal but allow the food itself to shine. The food appears like food (for the most part) and the artistry is more through flavor and texture than evocative shape, though some dishes would shine just through sheer difficulty of plating alone (let alone the spectacular taste!). There's some dry ice, but overall, you're getting real food, on real plates, with real cutlery, and there are no mind games.

Course 0: Bread Service

We got the Degustation menu, which is the largest tasting menu JR currently offers. Originally they capped at 16, but our dinner featured 11 listed courses and 2 additional carts-courses (Bread Service and Tea) not endorsed but offered. The Mignardise (dessert) cart was listed. I would come to learn that JR loves Carts.

Our first cart was bread service, aka. the moment I transcended earth and entered a heaven in which all varieties from Basil to Saffron to Rosemary Garlic to Puff Pastry and Croissant were wheeled by for our selection. These were served alongside a separate Butter Cart in which what looked like an actual frosted cake of butter (flown in from France daily) sat next to the tastiest olive oil (flown in from Spain, less than daily) before being dolloped generously onto some serving dishes. I selected many, and took many half-eaten bites (only spared due to the 11 dishes) home as a midnight snack. I neglected to catch the butter, but got a photo of only the top of 3 racks of bread.

Course 1: Le Caviar Imperial

"Ossetra caviar served atop of lobster in a crustacean gelée dotted with cauliflower purée"

This is the only spoiler I had before dinner (as it was seeing a video of Executive Chef Christophe de Lille plating this that convinced me to experience JR in the first place) which is a travesty as I did not know of the existence of the JR chocolate souffle (guess I will have to return). It lived up to the hype. The visual presentation was stunning. The caviar, delicious. The gelee took me back to private parties in Russian restaurants with my high school bestie's family, yet this meat Jell-o was the first I've actually enjoyed. The lobster base slightly overpowered the caviar, though, which I feel was a missed opportunity to split them into two bites - with caviar so delicious and flavorful on its own, it felt like the seafood equivalent of serving wagyu with a thick peppercorn rub -- both of these go well together, but why drown a star ingredient? 9/10.

Course 2: La Tomate

"Tomato candies invigorated with gazpacho and lemon virgin olive oil"

I am a picky eater. I do not generally gravitate towards raw tomato. I generally find competing explosions of vegetable flavours overwhelming. And yet, I took delight in this vegetable course. Every single structure, filling and garnish was made of tomato. On the left, a clean slice, candied unto itself and glazed as if a creme brulee of pure flora welcomed the steak knife and fork. On the right, bonbons made of hallowed tomato filled with more tomato and gazpacho and topped with a crisp made of, you guessed it, tomato sat atop tomato puree adored with tomato accompaniments and tomato plant blossoms. And yet, I was not seeing red. Biting into the bonbons felt like mega-sized popping boba jellies; my brain was confused at the textures and flavors but impressed at the execution. 7/10 mainly due to my flavor prejudices.

Course 3: Le Poireaux

Grilled leeks, shaved foie gras, curls of Parmesan and wasabi whipped cream

This dish is 'a salad,' though I guess salad in the most metaphysical way in that there were greens but the star of the show really was the fois gras. You may be familiar with my conflicting feelings on the delicacy, but I can say one thing I was not in doubt of was the masterful execution in what was the greatest fois gras of my life. This course was to goose liver what wagyu is to regular steak. I have no notes. The serving was just right; the flavors, all in harmony. 10/10.

Course 4: La Langoustine

Seared a la plancha, zucchini, turmeric emulsion

Our server described this fish(?) as a hybrid between a prawn and a lobster, but what it was was delicious. I'm not sure the meat was the tastiest thing I've ever had, but the turmeric foam, carved nutty topping (was this zuchinni? it tasted like a nut?), and texture profile made it excellent and delightful if not slightly over-served. This was the first course in which I felt like my utensil options might have been slightly sub-optimal for the dish served, but still, overall delightful. 8/10.

Course 5: Le Homard

Poached Maine lobster, sugar snap peas, creamy polenta, spicy shellfish and ginger jus

Ah, the actual lobster. Also served impressively in yet another foam. I want to recognize the chefs for taking what has become a meme of the fine dining world and actually creating emulsions and foams that push the boundaries of what a soup or au jus could be. The sugar peas were delightful; the ginger notes, excellent. The lobster itself was ever the slightest bit chewy for me, but I am not a fan of lobster on its best day. 6/10 by fine dining standards only in an otherwise great meal.

Course 6: "Le Saumon*"

I am not sure we actually got this dish, as our server mentioned something about the dashi flakes typically served with it as containing an allergen and the words "sea bass" came out with our supposed replacement. My souvenier menu will still cite salmon, so, alas. This dish was delicious, inoffensive, and unmemorable. 8/10.

Course 7: La Canette

Spit-roasted duck with five spices and sour cherries

Ah, the duck. How do I count the ways...? I have had many birds, from chicken to geese to pheasant and quail; and generally find myself least excited to see a duck menu outside of Thai cuisine. That being said, I moseyed right into one of the tastiest single tasting courses of my life. The meat was excellent. It was duck, but it wasn't Duck, as its gamey companions of finer meals past had led me to anticipate. It was duck of the highest order, both Red Meat and Bird in one fell... flutter? The dark cherry compote and bites delivered a surprising yet immediately ah-ha pairing the likes of which I haven't experienced since throwing some pomegranate onto pumpkin pancakes during grad school. This duck joins Providence's wagyu bite as a just-as-surprising pinnacle of tasting menu execution, a true 10/10.

(side note, they did, in fact, give me the right utensils for this one)

Course 8: Le Joue de Boeuf Wagyu

Braised beef cheeks with red miso and eggplant caviar

Listen, I know that they sourced genuine likely Japanese high grade Wagyu beef. I know they painstakingly cooked the beef cheeks to perfection. I admired the root vegetables that seemingly crowned the dish. However, be it a combination of exhaustion from some other slightly excessively generous preceding portions, or my own recollection of certain enemies from The Last of Us, I could not get behind the beef mousse that was served to me for this one.

I just couldn't do it. The texture was that of a cafeteria mashed potato, which is distinctive, as it was served with the actual famous Joel Roubouchon Mashed Potato, a dish that had the consistency of the fluffiest cream-of-wheat and is notably 50:50 potato and butter. I'm not sure if if it was just too much, or it felt like foraging a wooden fungi, or even the bleeding appearance, but I had to leave half behind in anticipation of dessert, and I have no regrets.

I think it suffered from the same thing as the caviar earlier, in which a sublime ingredient was lost in a sea of equally impressive and yet somehow lesser-than-its-parts competing flavor profiles.

Course 9: La Fraise

Harry’s Berries sorbet with basil granita

There is nothing quite like welcoming the fall season with the last bastion of summer confusingly yet amusingly plated atop a bed of dry ice, giving your summertime ice cream finale the conflicted evocation of a Halloween cauldron. This dessert was fine. I was overall impressed with the delightful flavor and texture, and was tickled to see the 'grass' underneath was shaved ice, seemingly also made of both strawberry and basil. I LOVED the candied (possibly freeze-dried?) berry bits underneath. The flowing smoke was a cute touch. I love double-walled glass bowls. But were the textures all they could be? This dish could be improved with a crumble, or a pillowy textured something underneath. 7/10 because the simple yet nearly flawless sorbet had its texture challenged by a less than pleasant bed of ice.

Course 10: Le Papillon

Smooth hazelnut milk chocolate crémeux and praliné ice cream

My friend was obsessed with this one, and I was ambivalent. The cremeux was tasty, yet homogenous; the hazelnut flavor rich, fresh, yet lost in once-again what I felt (in the desserts) was a lack of commitment to texture. The candy lace was made with such perfection it almost felt fake, stamped, and less like the painstaking golden-pearl-dust monstrosity my inner baking enthusiast knows it to be. This was a perfectly serviceable and pretty dessert. But it reminded me too much of neon beta aquariums, and I felt it would have been dramatically enhanced with the offering of tea or coffee before its delivery (this would follow, and I certainly could have asked). 6/10 but I want to give it bonus points for the gorgeously sculpted bonsai tree branch in the edible biosphere. For creativity and visual, much higher.

I will note my own bias for both these desserts that I am usually a fan of the hot / cold contrast, thus love my hot crumbles a la mode and my sorbets with a side of biscuit or cake. Maybe these bites were just too pure for my tasting in that moment (also a side effect of aforementioned slightly too generous portions from the 'savory' categories).

Course 11: Tea, Surprise Birthday 'Cake,' and Chariot de Mignardises

At some point after Papillion we were offered our choice of tea (from a listing of Black, Green, and notably White) via verbal description and soon came delivered a perfect delicate tea steeped exactly right that was almost a Silver Needle in profile but nearly certainly a steeped Jasmine (+/- actual tea). I will say I noticed an herb cart up front that others cited as the source of teas usually snipped and steeped at tableside, and we seemed to be moving through our dinner at a faster pace than most other diners. We don't drink, and while we likely could have asked for longer pauses between courses, I did feel ever so slightly rushed in that tastings were not given room to breathe... as quickly as a plate would be retrieved, another soon replaced it, arriving via silver platter, staged nearby and served meticulously in unison with a team of suited waiters.

Not to say anyone actively rushed us... but, I envied slightly the laid back gossip of the tables surrounding us--our plates came so quick we barely had a chance to speak and enjoy (though we of course, very much, enjoyed!). Just upon leaving and realizing we'd breezed through a meal most describe as taking 3-4 hours in just two and a half, we felt it.

We had a quick kitchen tour in which I gushed over Chef de Lille himself and the pastry team before saying goodbye to one of our many spectacular hosts of the night, Andrew (the expert charge on 'make us feel like he's actually delighted to have us'). After which, upon returning to our table, one of the gigantic silver platters came by bearing a gorgeous gigantic chocolate sculpture next to which was a sparkly decoration and a small and beautifully decorated birthday cake. The cake, they told us, was for me; the sculpture, for show. What we were served was a perfectly tiny bite of said cake (we laughed, yes, The Cake in its entirely would be absurd) made of guava, passionfruit, and the unique choice to replace buttercream with perfectly baked hard crusted meringues.

Finally, the famous Dessert Cart. I did not know of this much before friends told me of social media reels boasting its offerings. We made strategic selections as to not seem too greedy but later would see the diners around us held no such reservations and appropriately piled their platter to their hearts content given that every petit four, eclair, bonbon and cake was made fresh daily and thus, would have gone to waste otherwise. This was one of the most visually striking and undeniably tasty aspects of the meal and I am still sad I did not have the courage to call back and request an addition perusal for the ample room my dessert stomach had managed to conjure. 9/10 only because this stage too felt ever the tiniest bit truncated.

Conclusion:

Joel Roubouchon is an old school, yet not in any way outdated, tenement to classical French fine dining. Each dish is executed with love and care for both the ingredients, the guest, and the art of cooking itself--no envelope-pushing of molecular gastronomy was missed in a mealtime so generously adorned with delicious, perfectly flavored cooking. I would assume today, the reviewers at Michelin may dare to suggest 2* only perhaps due to the current trend in favor of US restaurants posing more difficult questions to its diners, with a greater emphasis on geometry than classic, simple foods made extraordinary, but from me, it's a 3-star, with perfection from nearly every front except for perhaps our pacing. I don't doubt a return visit would shine even brighter, as I now know of the existence of a souffle, and of my own preference for a longer pause between bites. The hospitality, kindness and warmth went a long way to elevate an already spectacular selection of foods. Until next time.

Coalition against ULEZ expansion stands strong ahead of Judicial Review

The coalition of councils opposed to expansion of the ULEZ to outer London is optimistic of success on the first day of its legal challenge.   Representatives from the five councils – Bexley, Bromley, Harrow, Hillingdon and Surrey - met on the steps of the High Court in central London today (4 July), ahead of the opening day of the Judicial Review the coalition has brought against TfL and the Mayor of London, over planned expansion of the ULEZ to outer London.   Through the new proposals, anyone driving a non-compliant vehicle in the expanded zone after the scheduled start date on Tuesday 29 August, would stand to be charged £12.50 per day - whether the journey is a 30-mile commute, or a short trip for essential groceries.   The hearing is scheduled to last for two days, with a ruling from the judge expected to follow at an unconfirmed date but expected ahead of the courts break for summer on 28 July.   #coalition #againstulezexpansion #ulez #expansion #judicialreview Read the full article

WAIT SO GOJO TELLING US THE TRUTH AND CHOSO STILL MARRYING US IS CANON SINCE THAT WHAT IF IS MARKED AS CANON?? SO CHOSO AND READER WILL BE MARRIED IN FTL??

New anon btw !!

– ❄️

This is always a bit tricky to explain buuut not exactly…

The sequel is only for the alternate ending & based on that…. We don’t know if Cho & the reader remain together. Everything the events of the Alt ending, would be considered “non-canon” to the fic beforehand. Though, there will be backstory there that is considered canon.

Cho & the reader are married after TFL but we dont know if they’ll get to that point in FTL since it’s an alternate timeline…

Hope that makes sense ><

Hèrmes Wins MetaBirkins Lawsuit Update 2/8/23: After over a year of litigation, Hérmes has won its lawsuit against the creator of the NFT project MetaBirkins, Mason Rothschild. The company was awarded $133,000 in damages and jurors found that the MetaBirkin NFTs were not art protected by the First Amendment.Original 1/18/22: Things are getting messy in the metaverse. Over the holidays, artist Mason Rothschild posted an open letter on Instagram to address an alleged cease and desist sent to him by Hèrmes. The issue at hand? MetaBirkins, a collection of 100 virtual Birkin bag-inspired non-fungible tokens (aka NFTs or a blockchain's digital assets) that Rothschild created and launched for sale.The Fashion Law has been doing an incredible job covering and keeping up with the saga from a legal perspective (yes, it's been going on for months). To recap, we broke down the main talking points and laid out how things escalated over the past year between the French luxury brand and the digital creator, which ended up in a lawsuit. We'll continue to update as more events unfold.May 2021: Mason Rothschild Launches "Baby Birkin" NFTBefore the MetaBirkins went viral, Rothschild launched a single "Baby Birkin" NFT through a collaboration with Eric Ramirez, listed at the time as "an ironic nod to the iconic Birkin bag by Hèrmes." The NFT, which featured a 40-week-old fetus on top of the transparent (virtual) bag, was launched on the curated social and shopping platform Basic.Space and sold and then resold for just under 13 Etheruem (a form of cryptocurrency, second only to Bitcoin in market capitalization) which equals to about $23,500. The project did not face any pushback from Hèrmes.November 2021: Mason Rothschild Launches "MetaBirkins" NFTs and Instagram Account100 MetaBirkins are introduced and sold through the online marketplace OpenSea, each rendered in bright colors and faux fur and some with artworks like the Mona Lisa and Van Gogh's Starry Night. The rapper Future sings its praises online. But this time, Hèrmes makes their thoughts known. “These NFTs infringe upon the intellectual property and trademark rights of Hermès and are an example of fake Hermès products in the metaverse,” the company told the Financial Times.December 2021: Mason Rothschild Addresses Alleged Cease and Desist Letter From HèrmesThe artist takes to Instagram to respond to an alleged cease and desist he received from the French luxury brand. "The First Amendment gives me every right to create art based on my interpretations of the world around me," he wrote. "MetaBirkins is a playful abstraction of an existing fashion-culture landmark. I re-interpreted the form, materiality and name of a known cultural touchpoint." He also took issue with OpenSea removing MetaBirkins from its platform. For now, Rothschild is selling them on Rarible, another NFT marketplace.January 2022: Hèrmes Sues MetaBirkins Creator Mason RothschildHermès officially files a trademark infringement and dilution lawsuit against Mason Rothschild. In the complaint filed in a New York federal court on Friday, January 14, as reported by TFL, Hermès alleges that Rothschild is a "digital speculator who is seeking to get rich quick by appropriating the brand MetaBirkins for use in creating, marketing, selling, and facilitating the exchange of digital assets known as non-fungible tokens."In response, Rothschild published an open letter on the MetaBirkins social media accounts, saying that the brand's claims are "groundless" and they he and his lawyer look forward to defeating them in court. See the full statement, below. See on Instagram Photo via Rarible https://www.papermag.com/hermes-metabirkins-lawsuit-2656217210.html

Deadline: May 1st, 2024 Payment: $25.00 - $50.00 for fiction, $5.00 - $10.00 for poetry Theme: Story must begin with: "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today." We love that writers around the world are inspired by our first lines, and we know that not every story will be sent to us. However, we ask that you do not submit stories starting with our first lines to other journals (or post them online on public sites) until we've notified you as to our decision (usually four weeks after the deadline). When the entire premise of the publication revolves around one sentence, we don't want it to look as if we stole that sentence from another writer. If you have questions, feel free to drop us a line. Also, we understand that writers may add our first line to a story they are currently working on or have already completed, and that's cool. But please do not add our first line to a previously published story and submit it to us. We do not accept previously published stories, even if they have been repurposed for our first lines. And, just to be clear, we do not accept simultaneous submissions. One more thing while I've got you here: Writers compete against one another for magazine space, so, technically, every literary magazine is running a contest. There are, however, literary magazines that run traditional contests, where they charge entry fees and rank the winners. We do not - nor will we ever - charge a submission fee, nor do we rank our stories in order of importance. Occasionally, we run contests to help come up with new first lines, or we run fun, gimmicky competitions for free stuff, but the actual journal is not a contest in the traditional sense. Fiction: All stories must be written with the first line provided. The line cannot be altered in any way, unless otherwise noted by the editors. The story should be between 300 and 5,000 words (this is more like a guideline and not a hard-and-fast rule; going over or under the word count won't get your story tossed from the slush pile). The sentences can be found on the home page of The First Line's website, as well as in the prior issue. Note: We are open to all genres. We try to make TFL as eclectic as possible. Poetry: We do accept poetry, though rarely. We have no restrictions on form or line count, but all poems must begin with the first line provided. The line cannot be altered in any way. Non-Fiction: 500-800 word critical essays about your favorite first line from a literary work. All Submissions: Writers should include a two- to three-sentence biography of themselves that we can use in the journal should your story, poem, or essay be accepted. Multiple Submissions: We don't mind if you want to submit multiple submissions for the same issue. However, it is unlikely we will use more than one of your stories or poems in the same issue. Four-Part Stories: If you think you are up to the challenge, you can write a four-part story that uses the spring, summer, fall, and winter sentences (five parts, if you are brave enough to include a fifth story that ends with the last line). However, all parts must be submitted at once (a single e-mail or snail mail) before the February 1st deadline. (If selected, each part will be published in its respective issue.) Submissions: We prefer you send manuscripts via email to submission (@) thefirstline (dot) com. We accept stories in MS Word or Word Perfect format (we prefer attachments). Please do not send pdf versions of your story or links to Google docs. Make sure your name and contact information, as well as your bio, are part of the attachment. Stories also can be sent to The First Line's post office box. No manuscripts will be returned without an accompanying SASE with sufficient return postage. Here is the submission schedule for 2024: Spring: Mr. Morton needed a new pair of shoes. Due date: February 1, 2024 Summer: "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today." Due date: May 1, 2024 Fall: When she was eight, Alice Henderson briefly held the world record for filling her mouth with marbles.

Due date: August 1, 2024 Winter: The parking lot was empty. Due date: November 1, 2024 Notification: We don't make decisions about submissions until after each issue closes. We typically send notices four to five weeks after the issue's deadline to everyone who submitted. You can also check the website's home page for each issue's production status. Payment: We pay on publication: $25.00 - $50.00 for fiction, $10.00 for poetry, and $25.00 for nonfiction (all U.S. dollars). We also send you a copy of the issue in which your piece appears. You'll receive your money and issue at the same time. Note to our international writers: Postage cost for sending author copies overseas is a little high, so we are reducing international author payment by the amount it would cost to send one author copy overseas. However, if you would like to receive an electronic version of the issue (PDF) instead of a hard copy, author payment will not change. Via: The First Line.

Time Freeze Lasers and Drooping eyelids: What You Should Know

Time freeze lasers are a type of cosmetic procedure that uses lasers to treat various conditions, such as drooping eyelids. The laser energy helps to stimulate the skin and underlying muscles, which can help to improve the appearance of drooping eyelids.  Freeze laser treatments are generally safe and effective, but there are a few things to know before you undergo the procedure. In this blog, we'll cover the top 5 things you should know about  freeze lasers and drooping eyelids.

 

What is a Time Freeze Laser Treatment and What Conditions Do They Treat

A time freeze laser treatment is a type of laser therapy that uses light to stop or reverse the effects of aging and other skin conditions. It is usually used to treat wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of skin damage.

Freeze laser treatments are especially good at treating drooping eyelids because they help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles around the eyes. They work by stopping the production of collagen and elastin, which leads to drooping eyelids.

What is the Typical Procedure for a Time Freeze Laser Treatment?

The typical procedure for a  freeze laser treatment is as follows:

1. The patient is examined and discussed with the doctor.

2. A custom-made device is used to measure the size and shape of the eyes.

3. The patient's eyes are then carefully positioned on the device, and the laser is activated. 

4. The heat from the laser causes a temporary reduction in blood flow to your eyes, which freezes the fat cells around your eyes in place. This results in a decrease in drooping eyelids and a more youthful appearance.

 

Top 5 Things to Know About the Time Freeze Laser Procedure for Drooping Eyes

If you're looking to restore the appearance of your eyes, then a  freeze laser procedure may be the solution for you. Here are five things you need to know about this treatment:

1. The time laser is a highly effective method for restoring drooping eyelids. It uses a laser to freeze the muscle tissue in the lid, so that it can no longer droop.

2. The procedure is relatively painless and rarely requires any medication or anesthesia. You will only feel a slight discomfort after the procedure, which should disappear within a few hours.

3. Results depend on how good the skin around your eyes is in terms of elasticity and hydration. Achieving optimal results requires regular treatment over a period of several months or even years.

4. There are no long-term side effects associated with  freeze laser treatment, except for occasional mild redness and swelling in localized areas where the freezing occurred.

5. Time Freeze Lasers (TFL) is one of the most popular types of lasers used for eye correction because it is non-invasive, fast and relatively affordable compared to other methods like surgery or glasses usage

Conclusion

The Time Freeze Laser Treatment is a great option for those looking to improve the appearance of drooping eyelids. The procedure is quick and easy, and there is minimal downtime. However, it is important to note that the results are not permanent and you may need to repeat the treatment every few years to maintain results.

TfL запускает собственный книжный клуб. За £4,99 в месяц его участники смогут ежемесячно получать доступ к книжной базе, новые книги будут добавляться каждый месяц. Первые книги в списке, из которых могут выбрать члены книжного клуба, — «Брошенный» (Thrown) ведущей Radio 2 Сары Кокс, «Шаг за шагом» (Step by step) Саймона Рива и «Повреждения от солнца» (Sun damage) Сабин Дюррант. Каждый месяц организаторы клуба будут рекомендовать художественные и научно-популярные книги, которые помогут скрасить время в метро, и даже завязать беседу со случайным попутчиком. В Лондоне действуют тысячи книжных клубов, и зачастую они помогают успеху новых изданий или возвращению забытых книг в списки бестселлеров. Один из самых влиятельных был создан телеведущими Ричардом Мадли и Джуди Финниган в 2010 году. ��есятки никому не из��естных писателей сделали карьеру благодаря тому, что их книги попали в списки для чтения. TfL Book Club является одним из многих способов, с помощью которых мы улучшаем сервис в метро Лондона. TfL launches book club to get commuters reading It is asking commuters to pay £4.99 a month to join with new titles added at the start of every month and split between fiction and non-fiction. Культурные новости Великобритании. ONLYWAY NEWS

Good morning! I hope you slept well and feel rested? Currently sitting at my desk, in my study, attired only in my blue towelling robe, enjoying my first cuppa of the day. Welcome to the working week although, for those of you in the NHS, welcome to just another day!

Many thanks to everyone that listened to ‘The A-Z Of Mi-Soul Music’ on Saturday. Glad so many of you enjoyed it! The Letter H Part Six is this Saturday at 1.00 p.m. The Letter H concludes at the Margate Soul Festival.

The Trouble and the kids enjoyed their Saturday coach trip to Bournemouth. The coach left Wembley at 10.00 a.m. When you went on coach trips with your parents, did the coaches not leave earlier?

I picked up my free copy of ES magazine on Thursday and read it on the journey down to the studio. My favourite section is My London, in which Londoners, former Londoners and people from around the world talk about their favourite London shops, hotels, restaurants and “What makes someone a Londoner?” Good question. Friday’s subject was the ageless Malcolm McDowell, star of two of the most iconic British films, ‘A Clockwork Orange’ and ‘O Lucky Man!’ He now lives in California but he has great late-sixties/seventies memories. For me, the most amazing page in last week’s magazine was the first photo on the Style page, a Lady Dior micro bag in lime pixel zodiac print, retailing at £2800 from Dior Accessories in Harrods. It reminded me that ES magazine is not published for me or people like me. Its audience are people so wealthy they can afford a small handbag costing £2800. Do you know people like this? Do you work with people like this? This is the huge gap between the have and the have-nots. The kind of woman that would purchase such a bag probably doesn’t work and never looks at the price of anything! In a way, it felt quite insensitive. While most Londoners are struggling to pay their basic bills, struggling to stay cool, struggling to get medical care, struggling to find love and struggling to be heard, we are being told that this week’s ‘Object Of Desire’ is a small handbag costing £2800. Naturally, I know that high fashion is glamourous and aspirational. The eye-watering price tags are necessary. If the great designers can’t stay afloat, the red carpet is a non-event. I get it. But, right now, London is not about a £2800 handbag. If people had disposable income, London retail would be booming, but our spending money has been taken away from us. The economists don’t seem to realise that.

You expect white racists to blame ‘immigrants’ for everything but Kemi Badenough? Really? What is her agenda?

Today is scheduled to be 38 degrees Celsius, which is just over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. I got an email from TFL saying, “We’re strongly encouraging customers not to travel on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 July unless your travel is essential.” Well, I have to get to work, and I wouldn’t drive if you paid me, so I shall be on the TFL website this morning seeing what’s running. If the Overground service has over-heated, I will be going underground, and keeping my mask on!

If you’re going through some stuff at the moment, I send you a virtual hug of friendship; we’ve all been there. If you’re feeling low at the moment, I hope you get some good news to kill those blues. Have a marvellous and momentous Monday. I love you all.