Unlucky again.

I am participating in a Euro 2008 Sweepstakes at work. When I drew, there were only five countries left in the hat. Three of them were later revealed to have been Spain, Portugal and Italy. But I drew ... (drum roll) ... POLAND. Sigh.

I hadn't realised Poland even made it to Euro 2008, but they've wasted no time in making headlines. I hope they have some skills to back up the trash talking. (As my football-savvy friend Julie pointed out, however, the Polish coach's last job was with Jamaica - not exactly a legendary team - so chances are slim.) The tournament is big news here even though England failed to qualify this year, and it's interesting how these old rivalries between countries come up (only partly good-humored - genuine bile is apparent at times). Without the agony of watching England fail to live up to inflated expectations I think I'll quite enjoy watching the matches. As long as I can wrestle the TV remote from Jeff.

I saw one of the contestants from the current season of Britain's Next Top Model on Portobello Road last Saturday. The annoying one who brought a cross to put on the wall above her bed and pretends she's phobic before every photoshoot so it looks as though she has courageously overcome her fears. But my friend trumped me (ha! that will soon prove to be a pun) by spotting Margaret, aide to billionaire businessman Alan Sugar, who occupies the Donald Trump role (see?) on the British version of The Apprentice. My co-workers found that much more impressive as they're all obsessed with The Apprentice.

Photos from our London Saturday:

Portobello Market


Can anyone tell me what this stick figure in peril is warning about? It was on a footpath in Kensington Gardens, near the Round Pond. It looks like a person being attacked by his or her shadow.