Anointed at the top table

Sunday went to the Marathon; though i now know that East Smithfield is near Tower Hill and not in Smithfields, Farringdon. The Hash House Harriers Beer Table (Knights of the Round Table) is indeed a table at mile 22 just outside Oddbins that gives out beer to runners; i thought it was a table reserved in a pub. Because it's near the finish the body absorbs any fluid and you don't get a stitch Fa tbastard told me. He's a hasher which is essentially social running; hashing began in Malaysia in 1938. The Harriers describe themselves as 'a drinking club with a running problem'. I love the many meanings of hash. To make a balls up, corned beef and narcotics. One of the runners had some beer and put the rest over his head before running off again. It's probably the most well earned beer you'll have. There were cans of DAB (4 for £4), Cains.

Then to the Cock in Smithfields, the real one, to see Rangers win their competitive League. Their fans were exultant; the guys kissing me on the cheek. One of their songs is to the refrain of Mike and the Mechanic's 'the Living Years'. They have a close affinity with Chelsea, similar kit colours, who were winning 5-0 later to become 7 against Stoke.

My expat friend from New Jersey was in town so walked up to Holborn; was excited, couldn't hold a thought in my head a la Shawshank. Hadn't seen his son. Great to reunite with Shivvy who used to live in..Walsall. We went for dinner. Afterwards me and Helen went for one more drink.

Mon- saw the Palace game with Sheff Wed. We're on the BBC on Sun; the match of the weekend. Hopefully the Sunday lunch will go down well and we won't go down.

Tues- did a hospitality job in Beckenham; being good with people isn't a problem. We had free popcorn, a Coke, saw Date Night and finished 45 mins early; walked back, fantastic sunset.

Wed- the X26 Heathrow bus took 1hr 15 mins from East Croydon- Kingston, and it was limited stops, 'express'. The Kingston complex, hitherto unvisited, is quite nice, with restaurants. Hot Tub Time Machine wasn't bad; preferred it to Date Night which you forget about the moment you leave the auditorium. Took the train back this time, saw Inter v Barca which i'd recorded. What's Jose like? Ok he's more than 'the translator' that Barca call him but you'd think he'd won the World Cup. He wouldn't like it if a Barca fan came on the pitch to get him yet he winds up. Then saw Jamie in Stockholm; good memories. He did smoked salmon marinated in schnapps for 48 hours; served with sour cream, dill and a wedge of lemon. Must try fermented herring which expands in the tin; well the gas does. Bypass the smell and just enjoy the taste. Crayfish is yum.

Yesterday Thurs took the train to Charing Cross; i like trains with tables. Me and Scotty went to Costa; high backed sofa chairs. My brother joined us to see the first showing of Iron Man 2; a week ahead of the States. Liked the action. Not many people for the midday screening. Ate at the Crown and Anchor, Covent Garden. Then went to Lowlander; fine Belgian stuff, i had a barley wine Piraat. Belushis and Be@One followed, nice Quilmes there. Had hoped to see Alasdair at the Olde Cheshire Cheese for one but wasn't there; next time. Walked to Camden from there; saw a taxi driver threaten to fight another motorist outside the tube there. The venues don't take cards. It was eventually 8 of us; 4 couples. We maybe should've gone to the Leccy Ballroom a bit earlier. DJ Krush was slightly self contained; didn't really go for it the former Yakuza member. Good Mixer after; good enough for Amy Winehouse.. We didn't get to trash Dodge's hotel bar. Cabbed back.

Have the place to myself; Helen gone caving in Wales. No plans tonight nor tomorrow; may go to Deadmau5 late nighter Sun in Brix.