mcgillianaire | "Capitalism kills more people everyday than Hitler did. And he was crazy." -Red Ken (Reply)

DID YOU KNOW? -- 55% of the London Underground network is actually above the ground!

The UK is/was under imminent attack this weekend, but you'd've found it difficult to believe the same on the ground. I traveled around the city by bus, train and even underground, but there wasn't any noticeable increase in security, or decrease in passenger volumes. If anything, the tube journey from Kings Cross to London Bridge on Saturday morning/afternoon, was busier than usual. Life goes on.

=====

The ATM celebrated its 40th anniversary on June 27th. What's really cool is that the world's first ATM was installed at a Barclays Bank branch in Enfield Town. And who banks at Barclays Bank in Enfield Town? Me and my family! As it happens, the first ATM my dad ever used (in 1980) was the same one installed by John Shepherd-Barron in 1967. (Well, not exactly the same ATM, but the updated version in the same location). I have also opened my first British bank account at the same Barclays branch and what's more, its historical ATM is the only one I've used since arriving here. Each time I use it, I feel like I'm a part of (its) history. (See pic below)

=====

Thanks to living in the UK now, I've been able to watch Wimbledon LIVE, online, and for free! And it's not just one match, but three separate live streams. There's even a separate stream for watching specific-day summary capsules. How cool is that? Apparently, the Beeb relays all its sporting broadcasts for free online, but it's a pity they don't have a monopoly on British sports anymore. That said, Channel 4 has a free online service as well but I don't think they show sporting stuff. Either way, with a new registration at UK Nova and the existing free services, I can delay getting a Tele and paying those damn license fees.

=====

Last weekend, I went out with some friends to Central London. We ate dinner at this American Steak House called Bodean's. I recommend it for anybody who loves meat and American sports. They show all major NFL, NHL, MLB and NBA games LIVE. It's just off Soho. Later that night we went to a nightclub off Oxford Street called Mo*vida. It's not your typical nightclub as entrance is either members-only or £20 ($40). Luckily for me, one of my friends saved the life of the owner's son last New Year's (no joke) and got a year's worth of free membership. The membership normally costs £500 ($1000). My friend can take one guest for free and it happened to be me that night! Anyways, usually when you pay such a high cover, you expect the drinks to be somewhat reasonable. Not Mo*vida. Heineken's are £5 ($10) each and a shot of tequila is £8.50 ($17). It's expensive but classy and very popular with celebrities. On the night we went, I saw Michelle Yeoh and Jesse Metcalfe. Stupid as I was, I spurned an opportunity to hit the VIP room just as we were waiting in line to get into it. What was I thinking? Prince William could've been there. He's known to hit it up from time-to-time!

And finally, as I had promised some weeks ago: the first installment of pictures I've taken from around the world. The theme for this post is Dubai which my family and I visited at the end of last year! In the next installment, look forward to some Shanghai!

Till then, Cheerio!

I know this is technically not from Dubai, but it's still pretty cool.

The first view of the Dubai skyline as you drive in from Oman. In the center is the up-and-coming Burj Dubai.

Another view of the Dubai skyline as you drive in from Oman. 15 years ago, this view did not exist.

The Burj Dubai. When complete, it will be the tallest structure in the world.

I can't remember what buildings these are but I think it's one of the nicer shaped ones.

Sheikh Zayed Road. The buildings here are basically the same ones you saw in the earlier skyline picture.

The Emirates Towers. One of the two buildings is currently Dubai's tallest. But for how much longer?

Dubai World Trade Centre. For nearly two decades it was the tallest building in Dubai!

The next few pictures are to reassure you that there is more to Dubai than just silly skyscrapers.

If you look closely to the right, there's a place called the Advance Hair Fixing Centre!

Getting together with family friends.

Sorry, more structural delights from Dubai. This is on Sheikh Zayed Road, looking back at Dubai on the way to Abu Dhabi.

On the way you pass the "New Downtown" and the Burj Dubai, 4th from left (the free standing building).

Damac is one of the property companies here. This billboard shows what they've got planned for Dubai.

And this is another view on Sheikh Zayed Road, looking back at "New Dubai".

One part of New Dubai is the Dubai Marina, a man-made development with 200+ skyscrapers.

We spent the day at the Jebel Ali beach house of the Sheikh who owns Wafi City Centre. As you would expect of a Sheikh, he lives a comfortable lifestyle and as this photo illustrates, drivers should beware of peacocks while entering his palatial premises.

The beach house used to be ideally located but not anymore. One of the three Palm Islands is coming up right next to it.

So as you can see, the view of the sea has been interrupted by a man-made monstrosity.

We played some cricket at the beach house. Here's one of my sister batting. She was the only girl amongst us but that didn't deter her. If I remember correctly, she was the top-scorer! Not a bad achievement for someone who was coached by none other than yours truly on the dusty cement alleyways of Muscat, Oman!