England

Crosstown Lightnin' played their first gig in a while, the first of many more the way things are looking.Charles Shaar Murray, Buffalo Bll Smith, Marc Jefferies and Pete Myles were tight as a gnat's bum and rocked the swanky new W14 venue, Black Velvet, with their punky blues. Bex Marshall headlined with her 4-piece blues band. She has an amazing textured voice — from gravelly and snarling to sweet and melodic, and she wields a mean resonator. It's an awesome full-blooded BIG sound from a home-grown Brit.Special mention to her backing singer who gave a soaring gospelled up acapella "New York, New York".Some pix here. Videos of Crosstown Lightnin' to come.Madam Miaow says ... visit Anna Chen's website here: http://www.annachen.co.uk/ Anna's food blog here: http://annacheneats.blogspot.com/

If you love Battersea Power Station, there's currently a rare opportunity to visit. Not visit properly, there's no getting inside the boiler house or turbine hall. But you can wander up close to the northern façade, to the area between the power station and the Thames, somewhere there's been no free public access for years. It's all part of the Chelsea Fringe festival, a three week artistic intrusion taking place capital-wide. And it's also part of the developers' masterplan to soften up the populace so that they welcome the impending luxury transformation. Later on expect high-end stores, restaurants and health spas. But for now there's a pop-up park with freshly-laid turf, artistic huts and a van selling crumpets. Do come. You approach from the southern end of Chelsea Bridge, near the entrance to Battersea Park. The apartments alongside are part of Chelsea Bridge Wharf, a glass carbuncle which hints at the development to come on the adjacent site. Normally the path below the railway bridge is sealed off, but now at weekends a security guard will open up and beckon you through. All the trains out of Victoria rumble overhead, indeed there's a wonderful view of the power station immediately after you cross the river. It won't last. The first phase of the new development involves the construction of an arc of apartments called Circus West, rising up to seventeen storeys in height, and they'll block off the direct line of sight. You won't be moving in. The main Circus West building snakes along the western edge of the Power Station, wrapping its art deco industrial splendour in a refective glass skin. All of the apartments have enclosed winter gardens that provide outside space that is useable all year round. The penthouses have rooftop terraces and private gardens that will have spectacular views of Chelsea, the river and the Power Station – truly remarkable spaces. The residents of Circus West will also have access to a private garden and a 5,000 sq ft private residents’ club. Entered through a triple height lobby area, it is home to a private bar and private dining space, as well as a library, business centre, private cinema and a host of additional amenities for the benefit of residents.At present Circus West is an expanse of rubble awaiting transformation, so it's fortunate most future buyers live overseas where they can't see it. The riverside park beyond looks considerably greener, probably because all the grass has recently been brought in from elsewhere. A dry garden has been planted, with tufty stems and wispy stalks emerging from gravel - quick, easy and effective. Elsewhere are some extremely attractive planters, and an audio hammock, plus a trio of stone petal seats you can buy for a few grand. On the ground you'll find a mass of pink building blocks, entitled Bloom, which last saw the light of day in Victoria Park during the Olympics. Elsewhere some hollowed-out wooden blocks have been installed, permitting visitors to step inside and stare out through coloured filters at a confined view of the power station. Because oh yes, it's the power station you've come to see. A sheer brick edifice rises across the lawn beyond a protective fence. Two ribbed chimneys scrape the sky, far higher than they've looked from further away these past few decades. The developers tell us they'll have to come down and be rebuilt, and we probably believe them, don't we? Iron struts run between the towers, the intermediate windows long blown out allowing sight of the empty boiler house interior beyond. Within a few years you'll be able to buy haute couture and tapas in there, in a kind of Westfield Plus that the new local residents will adore. For now the place echoes with silence, except for every couple of minutes when a plane flies over, which isn't something you'll see mentioned in the penthouse brochures. An element of considerable character is provided by a couple of cranes on the waterside. They stand at the end of a jetty

TV Where do we start? Let’s start with Alien Bodies. Alien Bodies is an Eighth Doctor novel by Lawrence Miles. I’m about to spoil the book so if you haven’t read it and have any intention, I’d shift your gaze downwards five paragraphs. As you know, or you will by the end of this sentence, Alien Bodies is about the Doctor attending an intergalactic auction with its single lot of a relic containing his final remains. As with The Name of the Doctor it’s a very funerary piece of work that’s also extremely funny and ultimately changes our view of the character because it gives him a finite end albeit one that’s presumed to be very far in the future. Like The Name of the Doctor it also references a Time War, one which is revealed in future novels to include the destruction of Gallifrey, an act which actually negates Alien Bodies from happening in the same way because it stops the Doctor’s relics from existing in quite the that form. Part of the story arc involves an alternative version of the Time Lord, the Grandfather Paradox, who has a coincidental resemblance to the Ninth Doctor, but whose actions in actively continuing the war are what the Eighth Doctor is fighting against when he destroys his own planet (as it turns out for the first time). Why that’s interesting in the context of The Name of the Doctor, is that it too features an alternative version of the Time Lord, the one, we must assume now, who destroyed Gallifrey, and because as we know now he can't be an old version of Eighth or Ninth (see far below), absolves them of the action in quite the way it’s been portrayed over the past eight years on television and in some of the books. In AHistory, Lance Parkin makes a pretty good argument for both destructions of Gallifrey being the same space-time event seen from different points of view, that perhaps the Grandfather Paradox regenerated into the Ninth Doctor. Even now the climax makes me giggle. Not since The Stolen Earth's surprise regeneration have we had a conclusion this “sexy” and so much metafictionally about the language of tv though in this case it’s one based on we the audience finding out a piece of information rather than something particularly happening to the Doctor who knew about this all along. The fact that John Hurt is somehow playing the Doctor has been heavily spoilt in advanced already, thanks to a tasty set photo ala those early shots of Rose from Partners in Crime and the words coming out of John Hurt's own mouth. It’s the somehow which is interesting (again see below). Was Alien Bodies and its ensuing arc in the novels rattling around Steven Moffat’s head when writing this series of Doctor Who? Let’s look at the evidence. As I noticed in 2008 when coincidentally reviewing The Forest of Dead (of which this is a semi-sequel), Moffat was an avid reader of the books including the Lawrence Miles material. Alien Bodies also includes the concept of the Doctor’s then companion Sam having alternative versions and in the Time/Space sketches, the Doctor talks about the TARDIS entering “conceptual space”, a Lawrence Miles invention from Alien Bodies (see this review of that here). So if you want to infer all of this, you can. But and this is a big but, designed especially for those of you who skipped the past five paragraphs (hello again!), The Name of the Doctor is one of those episodes. A glance at the TARDIS Datacore page for it shows that like similar season finales, and more-so thanks to it being an anniversary year, narrative stuff from across the franchise’s half century of existence, and although most of it’s on the nose animated gifs and wav files, some of the underlying html, java and python is notable for those of us who spend more time than we should pouring over Lance Parkin’s AHistory, TARDIS Datacore pages and other reference “works”. See also something Paul Magrs has noticed from his own work. Did I enjoy it? Yes! Is it any good? Well … I suppose having sai

The Tate Modern has a lot more than this Lichtenstein, but this has to e one of the more accessible pieces of art.

David Lewis, the proprietor of London’s oldest ironmongers – specialising the coach-building trade and operating from the same location in the Hackney Rd since 1797 – is the proud custodian of this archive of photographs which illustrate the history of his business and some of its key protagonists over the past century. Originally opened as H. M. Presland & Sons, the business became W. H. Clarke Ltd in the eighteen-nineties and has traded as Daniel Lewis & Son Ltd since 2002 . In a rare and astonishing survival, the company trades from premises built to suit their purpose in the early nineteenth century, remaining largely unaltered over two hundred years later. Yet CCTV cameras enforcing parking restrictions have resulted in the loss of half their customers recently and as a consquence, this summer, they will be leaving the Hackney Rd forever. Timber components for assembling wagon wheels in the wheelwright’s shop, c.1900. This wheelwright’s shop is unchanged today, c. 1900. Mayor of Hackney, W.H.Clarke’s car parked outside his business in 1920. Mrs W.H.Clarke who managed the business on her husband’s behalf – she was a member of the businesswomen’s league and an active participant in many local social charitable projects. W.H. Clarke vans, 1930 Gwladys Lewis outside her grocer shop and dairy in the Hackney Rd with her son Daniel on the right. The gasometer at the rear of the premises next to the Regent’s Canal. Daniel Lewis and his dog in the yard with the bombsite of the Chandler & Wiltshire Brewery, 1945. Daniel Lewis at his sloped-top desk in 1953. Daniel & Audrey Lewis. The staff, 1950. Daniel Lewis outside the premises, 1963. Lewis Lewis, dairyman, outside his grocer’s shop and dairy in the Hackney Rd with his grandson David and daughter-in-law Audrey, nineteen sixties. Lewis Lewis and David in the nineteen sixties. Daniel Lewis with the Royal Carriage for which he supplied two-hundred-year-old-oak panelling from his stock for restoration, 1975. Arthur Hinton, shop manager, 1980. Shop staff, 1980 W.H.Clarke van, 1960. In the twentieth century. In the nineteenth century. Daniel Lewis & Son Ltd, 493-495 Hackney Rd, E2 9ED You may also like to read about At London’s Oldest Ironmongers Receipts from London’s Oldest Ironmongers

Top 100 players who are being targeted for moves in this summer's transfer window. Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts 100. Julio Cesar (Queens Park Rangers) The veteran Brazilian goalkeeper is likely to be on the move again this summer despite only arriving at QPR from Inter Milan a year ago. Arsenal are on the lookout for a goalkeeper and may turn to Cesar if they cannot land some of their other options. A return to Brazil has also been mooted for the 33-year-old, who will surely depart Loftus Road following Rangers' relegation from the Premier League, as his manager Harry Redknapp has admitted he is too good for the Championship. Perhaps some good news at last for Rob Green! 99. Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla) The Spanish international striker came close to joining Everton in January, and has admitted a liking for English football. Arsenal and Tottenham may move for him this summer as both are keen to sign strikers, but the 27-year-old could be persuaded to stay in Spain as Atletico Madrid are reportedly eyeing him up as a replacement for Radamel Falcao if he leaves. After showing his quality with 81 goals in the last four years with Sevilla, he may feel he has earned a chance at a bigger club next season. 98. Adil Rami (Valencia) One of the most solid defenders in Spain, Adil Rami is on the lookout for a move to a bigger club this summer to boost his chances of a starting place in France's squad for the 2014 World Cup. Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be the frontrunners for his signature, and he would certainly be a bargain at Valencia's supposed asking price of just £10million. 97. Andreas Weimann (Aston Villa) The young Austrian has been something of a revelation for Aston Villa this season, with some eye-catching displays to help Paul Lambert's side survive relegation. The attacking midfielder, who can also play upfront, has got himself on Liverpool's radar with his performances and his 12 goals in all competitions. His agent has admitted he is unlikely to stay at Villa Park, but wants a move to another Premier League club. 96. Aleksandar Kolarov (Manchester City) The £16million signing from Lazio has not really looked the part for City, and could be heading back to Serie A this summer with champions Juventus showing an interest in the left-back. With City offering Gael Clichy a four-year contract, it is clear that he has become first choice on the left side of defence, as Kolarov has not shown the same defensive discipline in that role, possibly operating better as a wing back, which would suit Juventus' 3-5-2 formation. 95. Bacary Sagna (Arsenal) Sagna's six-year stay with Arsenal could be coming to an end, as the right-back has reportedly refused to sign a new contract. PSG have shown the strongest interest in the 30-year-old, and he has not ruled out a move to the French giants. Monaco are also said to be interested, and Arsenal will surely choose to sell him this summer rather than risk losing him on a free next season - a similarly sticky situation to the one they found themselves in with Robin van Persie last year. 94. Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham) The Bulgarian forward only joined Fulham from Manchester United last summer, but is reportedly unhappy at Craven Cottage already. The 32-year-old has had a good season for Martin Jol's side, and his displays have attracted the interest of big-spending Turkish giants Galatasaray, who will to carry on their ambitious January spending which saw big names such as Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba join the club. Fulham may decide to take the reasonable £5million offer for an ageing player and reinvest in their squad to improve their displays next season. 93. Anders Lindegaard (Manchester United) West Ham are said to be monitoring the situation of Manchester United's backup goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard. The 29-year-old is unlikely to break past David de Gea in the pecking order, and could be tempted by the Hammers' offer of first tea

Another pub at the heart of a community is closing its doors. Mark Whittle (@markvsmedia) visits The Owl in Rodley. Shouldn't we be stopping this?

Old Trafford side set sights on White Hart Lane attacker. Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts Man United are set to launch a mammoth bid for Tottenham winger Gareth Bale as David Moyes sets about moves to bring in summer additions to strengthen his Old Trafford squad. CaughtOffside understands that the Premier League title holders have deliberately held back on expressing any concrete interest in the 23 year old Welsh international as the club had hoped to lure former attacker Cristiano Ronaldo back from Real Madrid. However secret talks between outgoing chief executive David Gill and Bernabeu president Florentino Perez appear to left Man United realising that such a move would be next to impossible. This has led United to direct their attention to Bale, with Sir Alex Ferguson advising his board to dig deep and make a substantial offer for the Tottenham star, especially now that the North London club have failed to secure a Champions League berth for the coming season. Buoyed by the completion of a number of big money sponsorship deals Man United's board are keen to bring in a 'Marquee' signing this summer as something of a statement of intent to help alleviate any talk of uncertainty at the club following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson after 26 years at the helm, moves to sign a big name are perhaps even more pressing given that Wayne Rooney has put in a verbal transfer request. Moyes has earmarked moves to bring in more effective wide attacking options given the fairly average campaigns the likes of Luis Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and Nani have had this season and the Toffees boss is keen to see Bale pursued by his new employers. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy would be loathed to lose his side's prized asset and showed he is more than capable of keeping hold of top talents as evidenced by the manner in which he held onto Luka Modric for an extra season before the Croatian was finally given permission to seal a move to Real Madrid. The White Hart Lane side's failure to secure a Champions League berth doesn't just cause a concern in relation to the disappointment this generates among their playing staff it also costs the club a massive sum in potential lost revenue and as such Levy may well have to consider sizable offers. Man United are ready to mount a bid of as much as £60m to sign the former Southampton man, such is the high-esteem they hold the youngster, but would prefer to offset some of the cost in the form of a player exchange plus cash deal. The Old Trafford side were willing to offer in excess of that sum to Real Madrid for Ronaldo and feel that such an offer for a player five years his junior, with the footballing world at his feet is an offer they feel is worth making. Such a move could see the likes of Nani, Anderson and Ashley Young used as makeweights though it's unknown whether such an offer would interest Levy or indeed Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas. Though Tottenham have publicly stated their intention to keep Bale Man United feel confident that once their interest in his services is publicly known the PFA Footballer of the Year will consider his future and may well then elect to force the issue by requesting a transfer. Bale is tied up to a long term contract and as such his value in the marketplace will be high but Man United are ready to make a big money offer for the player, who this season has scored 20 Premier League goals and attracted the interest of a number of Europe's 'Elite' after another excellent campaign. Man United will hope that the chance to follow in the footsteps of boyhood hero Ryan Giggs will be a prospect Gareth Bale will find impossible to turn down.

A goal from Coutinho secured Liverpool all three points from the visit of QPR to Anfield. Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

Kevin Nolan netted a hat-trick as West Ham eased past Reading to secure a top ten finish. Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts