Things we like in May: Hamburgers, The Sunday New York Times, Heathrow's Terminal 1 and middle-of-the night alcohol delivery. A good life!

Thursday, 31st May

If you need some humour (or a reason not to move back to the US), visit Conservapedia (“The Trustworthy Encyclopedia”), and then Wikipedia. Check out what each says about the other, then enjoy Conservapedia’s entries on Kangaroos (descendents of the two from Noah’s Ark, who made their way to Australia after the flood), Halliburton (an oil company, that’s all), and Heaven (the place where God dwells). At least they are very specific about when Earth was created (6 pm, Saturday October 22nd, 4004 BC), which means the following Wednesday saw the arrival of Adam and Eve. And that is home-schooled class dismissed.

Wednesday, 30th May

The Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park has opened, come rain or shine (or both, as the case may be these days). Booking opened months ago when we couldn’t imagine sitting in a park, but tickets are still available for the five performances (and selected extras) which run through September. They’re also hosting a proper Midsummer Concert, which follows the performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with radio personality and trumpeter Humphrey Lyttelton. I’m Sorry, I Haven’t a Clue…where the rest of the champagne went!

Tuesday, 29th May

Compared to the US (but not to the Continent), the UK isn’t that “convenience friendly.” But that’s not all bad – we walk more, rush less and want for more. Hmm, want for more – is that good? beverageheaven 24/7 doesn’t really think so, so these two great guys have started an alcohol delivery service that’s at your beck and call from 8 p.m.-4 a.m. Sun-Wed, and 8 p.m.-6a.m. Thurs-Sat. Which is actually super convenient. That’s one more point for us.

Friday, 25th May

If you’re getting married in the UK, you will no doubt have friends (possibly from different continents) wanting to give you gifts. Wrap It makes this easy – you visit one of their showrooms, get plied with sparkling wine, and go through their stock (physical and online). Your assigned consultant helps you put together a registry, and low and behold, you find a million things you just must have. Your distant friends buy you something online, it gets mailed to you and as the story goes, everyone lives happily every after.

Thursday, 24th May

In case you’re an expat returning home – or anyone who loves the streets of London – this one’s for you: Stephen Brook. The London native does acrylic paintings of people and places around the West End and they’re beautiful, moody and not at all cheesy. Often one of London’s famous sights is included – a black cab, double-decker bus, a red phone booth – but the atmosphere they invoke is of the London you know, not the one the tourists know.

Wednesday, 23rd May

Bebel Gilberto’s third album came out a few weeks ago, and continues the Brazilian singer’s foray through a world where bossa nova, electronica, pop and samba mix to create relaxing, romantic and sultry soundscapes. If you’re new to her music, start with Tanto Tempo, and then her first, Bebel Gilberto. This one, Momento, does not quite live up to expectations, but is still a lush, lovely CD.

Tuesday, 22nd May

Unless you have a friend living in Maida Vale, you might not find a reason to go. But it’s worth a trip to see it alone. It’s quaint, quiet and the canals make it feel like another city. Since you’ll no doubt get thirsty on this expedition, visit the Warwick Castle for a pint and admire the beautiful bar stools. Next visit The Waterway, a beautiful restaurant on the canal. The burgers are good, and the risotto is even better. It’s cozy in cold weather and downright fabulous in good weather.

Monday, 21st May

One of the best things at Borough Market (aside from the German stand selling bratwurst with sauerkraut) is the gigantic stack of brownies from Flour Power City Bakery. A single brownie is enough for a whole meal, but in case you need more you can buy a tray for £10. Put them in the freezer (these, like many sweet things, are even better cold) and cut off slivers whenever you need a fix. You can also find them at other markets and stalls around town, thank goodness.

Friday, 18th May

Ah, the allure of the urban beach. Some sand near some water against a backdrop of buildings. But sun is sun, and once you add some music and a fruity drink you could be anywhere. Perhaps one of these summers London will get one, but until then, there’s The Grove. This year, the hotel (located just inside the M25) unveils a beach inside the Walled Garden. It’s got a volleyball court, a beach bar and cute little beach huts filled with entertainment for when you need a break from those pounding rays (of rain).

Thursday, 17th May

Here’s a reason to get to Heathrow’s Terminal 1 early: not only is there a Manicure Express, there’s also a branch of Urban Retreat (found at Harrod’s and Harvey Nick’s). You can get a massage, a facial, highlights, take a nap in a MetroPod or just hang out in the quiet room. They also offer a great 15 minute/£15 treatment that prepares your hair and face for the drying flight ahead. And if you can’t get to the airport early, just remember – no alcohol and lots of water. Boring, but good.

Wednesday, 16th May

In anticipation of the 1 July smoking ban, at least one restaurant is ready. Pearl, in the Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel, has created a cocktail to help those in need a non-smoking, inside-drinking existence. It’s called the Nicotini (inspired by similar tonics in Florida), and it combines tobacco-infused rum and sugar. And as long as it comes with SPF 30 (or 5), we want it (even though we don't smoke anymore).

Tuesday, 15th May

Such good news! Alice Waters, the American chef who co-created California Cuisine (and owns Chez Panisse, in Berkeley), will no longer be serving bottled water at her restaurant. Instead, the Michelin-starred restaurant will serve water with gas (carbonated tap water) and without gas for free. The environment says thank you, and we hope more follow suit.

Monday, 14th May

Every year, the countries that make up the European Broadcast Union compete in that wild and wacky competition known as the Eurovision Song Contest. It’s been going for 52 years, and countries perform on live TV and vote for each other. (They’re not allowed to vote for themselves.) As a result, the way the votes are cast is fascinating – if not predictable. The UK, Malta and Ireland almost always vote for each other, the former Eastern Block and Scandinavian countries vote for each other, and this year, everyone voted for Serbia, who made their debut in this year’s contest. But it was the camp Ukraine entry that was quintessential Eurovision, and you can watch it here.

Friday, 11th May

Now that Mr. Blair has announced the date of his resignation, it's time for a recap on how the British Government "elects" (and then elects) a new PM. The Queen will find a suitable replacement before June 27, Mr. Blair's last day. She'll choose the individual who has the greatest support in the House of Commons, and that person will be Mr. Brown (most likely). He will then be entrusted with forming a government until the time at which he asks the Queen to dissolve Parliament and call for elections (presumably as late as possible, which will be May 2009). At that point, anyone eligible to vote will vote for their local Member of Parliament, and from those results, the Queen will select the individual who has the greatest support in the House of Commons. This person will be Prime Minister. Any questions?

Thursday, 10th May

Will George W. Bush learn anything from Queen Elizabeth? The visit didn’t start off so well – he actually winked at her – and in reply she gave him a withering look. But later she made a joke of the matter, and went on to charm the rest of the country. And now that she’s back, Buckingham Palace is making a donation to offset the carbon footprint of the trip. It’s the first time an offset has been done for a state visit, and the estimated cost per person is a mere £14. Air Force One might not be so cheap, but it makes for great PR – and great leadership.

Wednesday, 9th May

Numerous websites reference the fact that the female automated voice that says “Mind the Gap” on the tube is named Sonia because she “gets on yer nerves”, according to the staff (get it? - she getSONIAnerves). Perhaps she’s too posh. Perhaps she’s just condescending. But she’s been sampled in at least two dance tracks (“Mind the Gap” by Lectrolux and Pumpin by Novy vs. Eniac), which is more than can be said for our favourite – the voice that sings “Willesden Green” on the Jubilee Line.

Tuesday, 8th May

Mozart Kugel is a ridiculously delicious candy that was invented in Salzburg in 1890. It consists of a small pistachio centre covered in marzipan, which is then covered in praline cream, and finally covered in an outer layer of dark chocolate. Several confectioners make Mozart Kugel, but the best by far is Reber. No trip to Germany is complete without the purchase of one (or five) tins filled with the delights, known in the plural as Mozart Kugeln. Because you will need more than one.

Friday, 4th May

And just in case you did want a copy of the New York Times on the same day, you could buy one at Compton News (58 Old Compton St, W1D 4UF). At only £3.99, it could almost be called a bargain. Just call them before you make the trip (no passport required).

Thursday, 3rd May

Part Two: Realising the importance of the burger joint (which is clearly a very large market), a number of mini-chains are springing up around town. Ultimate Burger and Gourmet Burger Kitchen have similar burgers – both come with a nice char-grilled taste and a somewhat sweet tomato sauce (which is good, but better on the side). UB offers onion rings which on a scale of 1-10 are a 7, but only has two locations (compared to GBK’s 17 in London). And then there’s Hamburger Union, which a friend loves, but says will never live up to that burger he had in 1989, at Bun Huggers in Flagstaff, AZ...

Wednesday, 2nd May

Part One: A good burger is hard to find. Thanks to McDonald’s burgers are easier to buy than the Evening Standard, but good burgers? A bit more like the Sunday New York Times – in London, on the same day. For a moment they were being served at the Milestone Hotel – an unlikely place perhaps, but then the chef changed. The Hospital Members Club also has a fine burger, but you have to be with or become a member. Although for this burger it might be worth it…

Tuesday, 1st May

Every Monday, a poet, editor and rare books dealer in Philadelphia named Ernie sends out an email newsletter called E-Verse Radio. It’s been going on since 1999, is a little rock ‘n roll and anti-establishment, more than a little bit random, but most of all, smart, fun and random. Each week features quotes, poems, an unbelievable film title and bad book cover of the week, interesting news articles and topics for analysis. This week: Why so many upwardly-mobile undergrads put “Reservoir Dogs” posters on their walls. Also worth mentioning – the BBC’s list of 141 inoffensive euphemisms for the being drunk.

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