Author: Moli

Invasion Scum…

Moli

Greetings,

The east end of London has been my home since birth. It has seen many changes with its identity and outlook and the changes have come in some very small ways and some very big ones. The big changes can be seen in the London Docklands area, which was once a centre of commerce bringing fruit, tobacco and alcohol into the capital. The docks and the river Thames also had a reputation for bad smells. However, the transportation of cargo into docklands came to an end when Tilbury docks opened and adopted the newly invented container system of cargo transportation. This ultimately caused the docks to die in the late 70’s and early 80’s leaving an empty wasteland that has was resurrected in the 90’s into a place for international finance and a great place for me to live. However, the smaller changes are the more concerning. I’m not talking about immigration, as this has always been a founding element of the east end and Throughout history, the area has absorbed waves of immigrants who have each added a new dimension to the culture and history of the area without destroying the existing culture around it. However this has started to change recently. Robins Pie mash shop in East Ham has closed down after trading since 1890.

Robins

This is not the first pie mash shop to close as Goddard’s in Greenwich closed down after trading for nearly 150 years being replaced with a burger chain. However, where Goddard’s closure was as a result of a greedy landlord and a cracking rental offer from Gourmet Burger, Robins was due to it’s location being infested with what can only be described as scum. The shops are indicative of this scum being populated with pound shops, stalls selling corn in a pot, international calling cards, Dixie fried chicken shops, pizza by the slice and several Kebabish kebab emporiums. It’s no surprise that Marks and Spencer pulled out years earlier and I doubt that these institutions will return to the area any time soon. Subsequently a traditional east end pub called ‘The Hammers’ has now closed down.

Hammers

This however maybe more due to the economic crisis but I’m sure the changes in the area did nothing to aid business and is yet another nail in the coffin for the traditional east end.

I’ve decided now to never go back to East Ham. It’s a disgusting place and I like many others surrender it to the hordes of scum that have taken over. I wonder where the line will be drawn?

On a lighter note, Today I noticed a Tate and Lyle truck with a spill kit attached to the side…. What does it contain? Tea and a dash of milk?

Until next time,

M

Dead Christmas Trees…

Moli

Dead Christmas Tree, originally uploaded by MOLIBLOG.

Hello reader,

Sorry it’s been ages since I last uploaded a blog. Like all good New Year’s resolutions this one didn’t last very long. I wanted to write at the end of January but things just got so silly that I never had the time.

As January came to an end, I started to have chest pains and felt weak. I decided to go along to the doctors and get it checked out. With Fleur away in Australia I had nobody to discuss my condition with and all manner of things came to mind. A Heart Attack was the first of the many terrible conditions that I could be torn apart with and I began thinking about my legacy and all the lovely things I’d never get to do again or for the first time. While waiting in the doctor’s reception the electronic sign beeped and displayed the next patient to be called in. Now, some things are unavoidable, such as spontaneous laughter or having an uncle bill. While staring at the board, a name beeped into life. “Next Patient, Mr CockHead.” I burst out into childish laughter and the man sitting right in front of me was not looking too impressed. Anyway. My time finally came. Not in the death sense but to be examined for the chest pains. After a short explanation from me, she immediately grabbed her phone and started to call for an ambulance. I asked her, “why?” She said I was having a heart attack and I needed to go to the hospital. Now my heart was really beating fast. My first thought was Holy Fuck… My second was a little more controlled. Really? I refused to go to the hospital in an ambulance but I did promise to drive myself there. I booked into A&E and was given a name tag with the words, Mark Oliver, NUTS. This I’m glad to say refers to my allergy and not my mental state. At least I hope so!!! Anyway, after various tests, x-rays, screaming children throwing up everywhere and an ECG it turns out that I wasn’t having a heart attack after all. I can’t tell you what a relief that is. Not dying is such a joy. Needless to say I decided to go back to the doctor and ask for a second opinion which fortunately meant seeing a better doctor who was able to realise that not every chest pain is a heart attack. It turns out that after having a year of shit in 2010, a busy Christmas and not much fun I was suffering from stress. It all sounds so simple when you think about it. It has been a tough year and I need to learn to switch off and relax. Something I’m told I really need to do or I’ll end up having a heart attack and be deader than all those brown Christmas trees in the basement.

You would imagine then that I needed to avoid stress. Well I do, but the universe has other ideas. While driving back my car decided to do what I fortunately didn’t. Die… The most expensive part of a Super Charged Mini to go wrong is the bloody Super Charger and that’s what happened. The man from Green Flag was very good and said he would arrange for it to be taken to a garage for a quote. He said that I should normally wait with him but I he felt I didn’t look too well and should just get myself home. Everyone’s a critic!!! Well, the repair bill came in at £2000 and I’m still stressed. However, the car drives like a treat.

Not long after I got the car back but my HTC HD Desire phone decided to join the choir invisible. I paid £500 for it and while it’s away for repair I have a phone from the 1980’s that barely sends a text message. Deep joy. Will I ever catch a break? I already hate 2011 and it’s only February. All in all, I could do without all the stress.

One thing I’ve done to help me relax is learn how to make a website for all my favourite pictures. Check it out and tell me what you think.

www.mark-oliver.co.uk

Before I sign off, here is a little insight into my working day.

A man comes up to me while I’m standing next to the SatNav counter. “Can you tell me where the SatNav’s are?” I said, “Turn around when possible. You have reached your destination”

Take care,

Moli

Happy New Year…

Moli

Happy New Year….

It’s 2011 and I wonder what will this year bring for any of us?

I’m glad 2010 is over. It was a horrible year for me. Losing my Dad and having to fight for survival at work all within a short period of time really pushed me to the limit of stress and emotional stability.
I’m so glad that I had people around me to support me. Fleur and my mum were invaluable in getting me through that tough time and I will never forget that.

When I look back at 2010 it’s difficult to remember all the good things that happened. It would appear to be defined by a few land marks. I had a three of nice holidays, Fleur moved in with me and we bought our first Christmas tree…

It doesn’t sound much really. But oh what fun it was. Sadly I remember more about where I went for great food and drinks, I visited,

The Punch Bowl, The Last Running Footman, The Narrow, Cocoon, The Wolseley, Yo Sushi, Wahaca and Claridge’s…

I froze in the long long winter and watched Doctor Who and was disappointed. I spent time in the park during the warm, warm summer eating Movenpick Icecream and playing with my iPad in between. I watched some great films and a lot of terrible ones. I didn’t read enough books or visit galleries as I promised myself I would.

I could have been a better boyfriend and a better son. I could have thought more about others and been stronger in heart and mind.

I guess this year will only bring to it what I bring to it. I need to make it happen and make it a good one…

M