“Top o’ the Mourning” - London 2 - Dublin 1. Went down to Book Club last Friday to see the Secret Wars Euroleague QF first leg clash, with the home team facing three of Ireland’s finest. For those of you unaware of the original format, two combatants have a blank white canvas, 90 minutes and a generous supply of black marker pens to win the crowd (and judging panel)’s affection - think Rolf’s Cartoon Club meets 8 Mile. In its latest incarnation, teams of three representing major European cities (plus Southampton*) having been battling à la Champions League to be crowned Kings/Queens of Europe. London will be be heading over to the Irish capital this Saturday (28th) for the crucial second leg - click the photo for details of this and all future fixtures…

[*sorry southamptonians, gratuitous, I know]

A little bit of Croydon - detail taken from Stephen Walter’s ‘The Island’ 2008, which I could look at for hours. And probably have done. Awesome.

If you’ve got some serious time to kill then make sure to visit the interactive version on the British Library site, and expect to emerge about 8 hours later.

On Saturday night I chanced across the opening of Yātrā, the debut exhibition by young Irish photographer Ronan Gallagher.

Yātrā opens 8th of May 2010 and explores the magnificently distinctive warmth of India’s people and the unique, charming society that exists within it’s boundaries. The exhibition provides a fascinating insight into the diverse sub-cultures spread across the country and captures a cross-section of the dynamic tradition and celebrations that Ronan encountered during his journey.

He’s clearly got quite a bit of talent, and judging by the number of people at the event, quite a bit of buzz behind him. Especially loved the huge blow up of the above image - sadly have no idea what it’s called, but it’s on the left in the middle of the gallery!

Check it out until Thursday at Blackall Studios | 73 Leonard Street | EC2A 4QS

Lloyds of London building / Gherkin. Thursday 30th June 2009.

Just bought quite possibly my favourite ever postcard. It will be a lucky person who receives it. I’m already jealous of them.