This is for a MAIL ROOM job.

Points you may be thinking:

1. Its a low end job. Thats why everyone's applying for it. The masses of unskilled workers.
WHY you may be wrong: Same for upper level jobs; managers, accountants...There is a reason why there are postings for TEMP Ad Executives and TEMP Director...no one can afford a yearly pay for these people, plus benefits.

2. Its the internet. Thats why. Get up and get out there.
WHY you may be wrong: Most companies have agencies who do the legwork for their hiring process (and in turn, post on the web to make THEIR job easier). In fact, many companies either prefer online apps (because they are routed over to the human resource dept at corporate anyway) or demand it.

3. Its like that in the US too. So stop whining.
WHY you may be wrong: The US is called the land of opportunity for a reason; true, if you are in a dense city like NY then yes, its probably really hard right now. But with the advent of spread-out cities and counties, especially in California, your commute radius allows for a lot more employment possibilities. People in a packed metropolis are stuck to a roughly 10-20 mile radius -- there just isnt much else outside, unless you go far out. To another city/town.
Additionally, the US is the flagship of many things innovative -- But yes, many people are flocking to Asia for a reason, and there is immense technological growth and development going on in China, Taiwan, India, etc....but they aren't the ones calling the shots for the development and coding of programs and contracting out menial customer service and paperwork jobs for THEIR business; they're at a stage of serving US-business needs. The businessmen and chiefs callign the shots are on US soil, in whatever county in Southern California offers them the best business breaks and compensation. While the UK is a highly developed and corporate entity, its still not the same country that is running the biggest, most profitable websites or international organzations.

a gift from a friend + hacksaw blades and boom: handlebar choices. go ahead, make some pink/feminine jokes.

The place has a lot of character. Unlike my previous flat, this place has a communal kitchen/living room area. It also has friendlier people and a place for me to keep my bike. And my own closet.

Free food is the key to any starving young man's heart. There is someone reading this, right now, who needs to remember that.

Hot Water has to be pre-heated before use! Thats a little different. Although I have visited flats that use a pre-paid top-up USB chip to access gas for heating.

Shower slowly and with low pressure, not only to avoid a freeze, but to not stray outside the splash zone, or the single half-pane guard.

Washer has no built in dryer, and there's no oven fan, but it has all the necessities. As advertised, a simple place, but homey. I mean, it has internet AND cable tv, with the only channel I watch, current.tv. I havent watched any tv since I left LA -- but I cant tell you how often i "work" in the living room with the TV on now.

its a nice feeling.


The desk is something I'm very proud of. Found some drywall scraps lying around (they're doing construction in the complex) that looked like a PERFECT fit for my room. And indeed it was. The white square-dreser table thing in the pic above is another piece, stacked on top of my suitcase. Hopefully no one notices or needs those pieces. LONG LIVE DIY.

thought my last trip to the new flat would be pretty light, but wow, I've never packed that rucksack so full before. Its' normally half that size. still getting settled, but will get up stuff soon.

This was on my flatmate's door. In a room where I never went in, and on a door i knocked on less than five times since I've been here. But yea, apparently she wants to make sure NO ONE starts playing the drums on her door or something. Or maybe it was a subtle way to ask for english tutoring.

yea...right. Apparently I am a Strong Communicator or a forward thinker, depending on WHAT SEATS ARE AVAILABLE
My favorite quote from the article: "Travellers who automatically head for the rear downstairs are said to be risk-takers who like to sit on elevated seats because it makes them feel important." Hilarious. Seriously, how about someone who doesnt want people rustling around at every stop, or someone who wants to keep an eye out for everything in front of them?

but wanted to do the first load by bike. don't worry. its all clothes. still put up quite a sweat though.

...the equivalent of a food-for-less. Finally.The sign/logo does not make the store seem at ALL like it sells food items. For the longest time I thought it was a car/autoparts shop or chain. Or a jiffy-lube like place. Just look at the colors and the logo. I still think I'm gonna run into a barrel of oil when I step inside.
On the plus side, dirt cheap and discount brands. I guess the savings from not providing bags (most markets will limit the amount of bags you can take -- you do all of your own bagging everywhere. But this place...you have to pay .03p per bag).

but sad my account is not getting fed. unemployment blues or struggle?


dont let the cool colors and angles fool you -- that unisex changing room reeks. My fists are shaking just thinking about that underbelly.

details of the actual tunnel

DIY fixed gear, new handlebar, stem, fork....the reason why money in my "transport" column in my checkbook is higher than I anticipated.

mario cart?
metal gear?
war of the worlds?

figured out what it was last month when I saw Hercules and Love Affair there; its basically a huge dome-island that is a uber-luxury shopping centre with its own underground tube stop -- and is complete with its own metal detector and pat-down security at the doors, an array of clubs and nice restaurants, as well as its very own indoor skiing hill.

Especially for Nicka and Bank. Went exploring one night after work to get some shots, ran into this about a minute away from the corporate headquarters of the UK's largest banks, supermarkets, and telecomm companies. Really odd location, especially given its by a lake reservoir, right next to the Thames.