You can stick it

How Barclays spent that £500m tax-dodge

2012-03-02T21:49:00.001Z

The new VIP permit for Athletics teams

2012-02-22T23:46:00.002Z

Ideal gift for adventurous children

2012-02-16T01:32:00.007Z

Build Your Own Universe

So that's what RBS means

2012-02-03T22:55:00.002Z

Those Bankers! Time for a protest sticker

2012-01-27T16:57:00.001Z

Some lines on the London mayoral race

2012-01-23T22:57:00.001Z

Who killed the Routemaster?
I, said Ken, with a stroke of my pen
I killed the Routemaster.

Who let it die?
I, said Hendy, for the bus that is bendy,
I let it die.

Who wants it back?
I, said the aptly-named Johnson
Thought it may be my swan-song
I want it back.*

*only it won't look the same or be half as good.

That Scottish Independence ballot paper

2012-01-19T11:51:00.004Z

Salmon farming - time for a protest sticker

2012-01-13T11:06:00.005Z

Xmas sick heralds soft landing for UK economy

2011-12-27T10:19:00.004Z

My research programme this December predicts that the the UK economy will shrink by around 8% during 2012. While this certainly points to difficult times ahead, it may not be the severe 'hard landing' that some economists have feared.

The prediction about the future of the economy is based, as usual, on the amount of seasonal vomit found on the pavements in Westminster during the month of December up to Christmas eve. Perhaps surprisingly, this measure has proven to be a very reliable indicator of the size of the UK's gross domestic product (GDP) in the following year, as the graph shows.

Some economists have queried why there should be any relationship between sick and GDP. My answer is that the piles of vomit are a clear 'lead indicator', reflecting the underlying confidence of Londoners as they face the year ahead. When businesses provide generous Christmas parties at which the food and drink flows freely, we see the results on the pavement the next day. And when people are more confident, carefree and uninhibited, this is reflected in their drinking behaviour in pubs and clubs - with predictable (and measurable) results.

How nice - a card from the Bankers!

2011-12-21T09:35:00.002Z

Season's Warning - you can't be too careful

2011-12-15T19:39:00.004Z

A great book (and for once it's not mine)

2011-12-12T22:49:00.004Z

If you haven't come across Terry Border's work, you're in for a treat. He is the chap who uses household items and bits of wire to create another world. For instance:

Sheer genius. A new book of his creations is out now: 'Bent Object of My Affection', in bookshops and on Amazon UK and USA. His blog is a fine place to visit, too.

Spot the art reference in these Xmas stickers?

2011-12-09T14:21:00.012Z

You won't be able to resist slapping these stickers on your top-of-the-range gifts. Just 4 of hundreds of peelable stickers in my book 'You Can Stick It'. Now in bookshops, on Amazon UK and USA.

Can you identify the reference to a famous painting in these stickers? First 3 correct answers win a London VIP lane windscreen permit, shown below. Email: pk_munroe AT yahoo DOT com

Xmas danger on the Serpentine

2011-12-02T00:40:00.006Z

This sinuous lake in the middle of Hyde Park in central London is well known to locals and tourists as a pleasant place to take a break. There are a great many ducks and other waterfowl on the lake; unfortunately they are so accustomed to being fed by tourists that they are quite unable to forage for food themselves, and each year many of them perish during the brutally cold winter months.

Worse, much of the bread thrown to the ducks by visitors sinks into the lake, where it goes to feed a large population of wild carp, some exceeding 30 pounds in weight. In their search for food some of the bigger carp have become predatory, and if you spend long enough at the Serpentine you are almost sure to see these leviathans preying on ducklings and other small water birds. The only indication of an attack is a sudden swirl in the water, followed by a brief cry from the unfortunate bird as it is pulled under.

The Serpentine has long been a favourite of London bathers, including a hardy breed who swim there on Christmas day every year. But bathers, too, have been the subject of unwanted attention from the larger fish. While the carp rarely cause serious harm, they can certainly alarm swimmers by latching on to hands or feet with their cavernous mouths. For this reason it is advisable not to swim in the Serpentine without wearing flippers and rubber gloves, which can be rented by the hour (kiosk just outside the Serpentine Gallery).

Twice every summer an ‘open day’ is held for anglers to fish out as many carp as they can using any legal method (baits, lures, nets, snares on long poles, etc) which attracts fishermen from all over the country. Most of the carp are sold to local French restaurants. The dates are only announced a few weeks in advance, so ask at your hotel for further information. Watching the sport is certainly an entertaining day out, but you should arrive early to ensure a place, as the crowds can become quite large and boisterous.

More recently, some of London’s notorious practical jokers have been feeding the carp on corn, pasta and other fattening foods. The declared aim is to see how big the fish can get, and whether they can one day ‘take down’ a swimmer. However, such irresponsible behaviour is unlikely to impact on your enjoyment of the Serpentine as a bathing venue, at least for several years.

~ ~ ~ ~

Taken from my new e-book 'How Not to Be a Tourist in London'
Available for the Kindle in the UK; and in the USA
And in other e-book formats.
You can read an extract here

Your chance to win a tortoise (sort of)

2011-11-25T17:58:00.006Z

Here's your chance to join the celebs next Summer in their exclusive Olympics VIP road lane. This highly credible VIP Permit looks just the part, and comes with a low-tack holder to fix to your windscreen.

For a chance to win a permit, simply answer this tortoise-related quiz question: What is the name of this famous author?

1. WH Auden

2. W Somerset Maugham

3. PG Wodehouse

email your answer to: pk_munroe AT yahoo DOT com First 3 correct answers win a VIP Permit!

Let's hope Sepp lasts until the Olympics

2011-11-19T12:30:00.004Z

Why do London's cabbies dislike tipping?

2011-11-18T09:49:00.003Z

Want to know the reason why so many London cabbies
disapprove of tipping? Find out in my new e-book
'How Not to Be a Tourist in London'
Available for the Kindle in the UK; and in the USA
And in other e-book formats.
You can read an extract here

Is this the future for the Health Service?

2011-11-10T09:48:00.001Z

Image from my new e-book 'How Not to Be a Tourist in London'
Available for the Kindle in the UK; and in the USA
And in other e-book formats.

So you think you know London?

2011-11-03T10:24:00.013Z

Think you know London? Be prepared to think again! My new e-book, How Not to Be a Tourist in London, is published today and is available for download to the Amazon Kindle for just £2.88.

Even Londoners will discover dozens of insights and secrets about their historic capital! Did you know, for example:

- Which new Olympics structures are said to be haunted?
- How to ask restaurants for the best local produce 'off menu' ?
- Where swimming in a London pond might make you rich?
- Why so many cabbies don't like tipping?
- How to tell when you are being given bogus directions?

Packed with insider information, this e-book is essential reading for locals and visitors alike. Read some extracts here.

See the book on Amazon USA
PS. Ready for Sony and other e-readers soon

This is what we really do

2011-10-27T18:45:00.004+01:00

Doors open and close simultaneously

2011-10-20T17:50:00.007+01:00

Wouldn't it be nice?

2011-10-13T21:04:00.015+01:00

What crisis?

2011-10-09T18:47:00.000+01:00

When you're cycling, everything's green

2011-10-05T08:12:00.002+01:00

New road sign for Olympic 'Zil lanes'

2011-09-28T09:03:00.003+01:00

Where is the economy going? Ask Barclays

2011-09-27T10:01:00.006+01:00

With McDonalds sponsoring the Olympics...

2011-09-23T10:23:00.005+01:00

Seasonal regulations for building sites

2011-09-19T09:49:00.003+01:00

Good advice for the athletes

2011-09-06T14:28:00.001+01:00

Better than organic tomatoes

2011-09-05T22:40:00.000+01:00

Banks get tough with cash machine fraud

2011-09-01T10:42:00.005+01:00

Warning sticker near places of worship

2011-08-26T16:25:00.000+01:00

Nike, the rioters' footwear of choice

2011-08-19T15:59:00.008+01:00

Blackberry's logo after the riots

2011-08-17T10:15:00.004+01:00

Adidas brand before & after the riots

2011-08-14T16:36:00.012+01:00

Top Tweets about the riots

2011-08-10T13:23:00.055+01:00

@thewritertype The best way to stop young kids from rioting is for their parents to join in and make it totally uncool.   #londonriots

@MadamMiaow Police can't break into Blackberry BBM messages. Have they tried News International?   #londonriots

@mslulurose The Youth of the Middle East rise up for basic freedoms.The Youth of London rise up for an HD-ready 42" Plasma TV #londonriots

@r_karim Great quote from Waterstone's employee on the news: "We'll stay open, if they steal some books they might learn something"   #londonriots

@modernmod   I keep wondering, what is Kate Middleton wearing during all this? #londonriots

@TheWaffer My son went to Clapham Junction for the #riotcleanup today. Can you please ask him to do his bedroom next

@thewritertype Clapham crowd gave Boris and Theresa May a broom. Boris pretended to sweep, then Theresa flew home on it. #Londonriots

@JeremyJHardy Some of these kids out nicking trainers look young enough to have made them.

@garyadweir the broom is mightier than the sword http://yfrog.com/kj5oewj #riotcleanup

The Fergie Hairdryer

2011-08-08T23:55:00.002+01:00

A notable money-making idea from The Pub Letters. Read a free chapter here

Foodie warning

2011-07-30T16:30:00.002+01:00

Back To Film School - useful stickers for those movie posters

2011-07-22T22:13:00.000+01:00

Ideal for your Kindle, although maybe not for your grandma's

2011-07-15T22:47:00.002+01:00

ebook, only 99 cents.
Read a free
chapter here

Nurse stickers

2011-07-04T10:00:00.000+01:00

Getting ready for the beach

2011-06-30T07:59:00.000+01:00

London lies for tourists

2011-06-24T09:44:00.000+01:00

See Twitter #londonliesfortourists. These are my ones so far.

Warning for the workplace

2011-06-18T23:25:00.002+01:00

Sarah Palin is visiting Sudan

2011-06-12T23:46:00.002+01:00

Let's ask Earth Mother nicely

2011-06-08T21:36:00.000+01:00

More good advice

2011-06-03T23:43:00.000+01:00

Good advice

2011-05-28T16:14:00.000+01:00

London Transport gets picky

2011-05-18T21:53:00.002+01:00

Fashion police labels

2011-05-15T19:37:00.002+01:00

Ironic

2011-05-06T13:09:00.002+01:00

Beermat designs. What's wrong with those brewers?

2011-05-02T21:46:00.001+01:00

Supermarket food labels

2011-04-19T23:39:00.001+01:00

NO SMOLTING cards now available

2011-04-13T22:56:00.000+01:00

You can get this card on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PKMunroe

OK, who wants a special invite?

2011-04-06T09:22:00.001+01:00

Under the Local Industry Achievement Reward scheme, I am empowered (in a manner of speaking) to offer each customer at my Etsy shop a personal invitation to an Important Upcoming Event:

To get YOUR personal invitation, just visit the shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PKMunroe and buy some fun greetings cards, or a banker mug!

Royal Shedding

2011-03-28T13:39:00.003+01:00

Transform your old shed into a garden hideaway fit for a Royal, with these delightfully realistic transfers!

Mugs and Cards

2011-03-19T11:27:00.001Z

Now available on Etsy, the online craft store

Brown Nose Day

2011-03-15T22:23:00.006Z

Read LORD PEABODY'S views on the matter

Another charming Royal Wedding gift

2011-03-09T22:23:00.005Z

Royal Oven Gloves. Show your class.

Stickers for your new computer

2011-03-02T12:16:00.000Z

Royal Bedding

2011-02-22T17:01:00.004Z

If you're looking for a wedding gift for April 29, look no further. This bold yet tasteful design includes his 'n' hers pillowcases featuring hyper-realistic images of the happy couple, and a regal duvet cover - all in rich royal red.

Another Buddhist bumper sticker

2011-02-15T19:17:00.000Z

Stickers for that special Valentine's gift

2011-02-09T17:08:00.008Z

Baby on Board variations

2011-02-07T23:23:00.000Z

Free 'Vodafone' lapel stickers

2011-02-01T22:36:00.005Z

Email me for some free lapel stickers! pk_munroe at yahoo dot com

New vodafone message for us

2011-01-28T15:01:00.001Z

Building site safety stickers

2011-01-23T23:04:00.002Z

Airplane stickers

2011-01-19T00:08:00.000Z

Let's get behind the bankers!

2011-01-12T11:18:00.008Z

If banks were a Charity case (?) here are the lapel stickers:

More wine labels

2011-01-10T12:35:00.000Z

Health and Safety stickers (2)

2011-01-08T19:35:00.002Z

Something for the 4x4 driver in your life

2010-12-30T17:33:00.000Z

Just the things to stick on a trad Santa card

2010-12-21T01:14:00.001Z

Indoor plant stickers - ideal for home or office greenery

2010-12-15T11:14:00.001Z

DVD stickers

2010-12-10T23:34:00.002Z

Book cover stickers (2) - ideal for Xmas gifts

2010-12-07T00:25:00.001Z

Ideal for the Christmas gift CD

2010-12-02T23:17:00.000Z

Another ideal Christmas book

2010-11-28T22:40:00.004Z

An image from the book 'Bent Objects' by Terry Border. Available in the UK in good bookshops and on Amazon. You can see more material like this (don't miss the vomiting can of sweetcorn) on Terry's blog, Bent Objects.

More CCTV stickers

2010-11-25T01:00:00.004Z

Public transport stickers (2)

2010-11-20T00:01:00.002Z

Andrew's numberplate?

2010-11-16T22:14:00.001Z

Blue Plaque stickers

2010-11-13T23:09:00.002Z

new Vodafone logo?

2010-11-06T16:48:00.017Z

No Smoking variations

2010-11-03T18:49:00.002Z

'No Smolting' greetings cards now available on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PKMunroe

Lift (elevator) stickers

2010-10-30T16:47:00.001+01:00

Free offer - get your genuine, peelable, Anti-Banker charity lapel stickers here!

2010-10-20T11:55:00.004+01:00

To get a free set of real, peelable 'Bankers' stickers, simply become a follower of this blog and email me your street address [pk_munroe @ yahoo . com], which I promise not to keep, show to anyone, make fun of, etc.

Is nothing sacred?

2010-10-14T16:09:00.005+01:00

Windowpane stickers

2010-10-11T17:29:00.002+01:00

Toilet warning

2010-10-05T11:56:00.021+01:00

Boris bikes

2010-10-03T16:51:00.006+01:00

Click here to see the full range of Boris bikes pictures:

Xmas gift stickers

2010-09-21T09:27:00.012+01:00

Speed camera stickers

2010-09-17T11:09:00.010+01:00

Hazard warning stickers

2010-09-15T18:23:00.008+01:00

Quiet zone stickers

2010-09-12T18:53:00.007+01:00

Buddhist bumper sticker

2010-09-03T22:22:00.005+01:00

CCTV stickers

2010-08-25T00:02:00.005+01:00

Fridge door stickers

2010-08-14T20:55:00.003+01:00

Washroom stickers

2010-08-04T09:34:00.002+01:00

Cash machine stickers

2010-07-28T21:54:00.002+01:00

You can't do that

2010-07-19T23:19:00.001+01:00