The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate: A New Sky-High Perspective on London

Three London bloggers recently visited The Lookout, a free viewing gallery atop the newly constructed 8 Bishopsgate skyscraper in the City of London. Here's a summary of their experiences:

Diamond Geezer's Take

Diamond Geezer provides a comprehensive overview of The Lookout, highlighting its unique features and visitor experience. He notes that the 50th-floor observation deck offers stunning panoramic views, second only to The Shard in terms of public access height. The blogger describes the booking process, security measures, and the L-shaped gallery with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Key points from Diamond Geezer's visit:

- Open daily from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with extended hours on Mondays and Fridays

- Free entry, but advance booking is required

- Limited to 50 tickets per half-hour session

- Provides toilets and function rooms for private events

- Offers views of iconic London landmarks and distant horizons

Ian Visits' Perspective

Ian Visits was one of the first to report on The Lookout's opening. His article focuses on the practical aspects of visiting the venue and its place among London's skyline attractions. He emphasizes the free nature of the experience and the building's unique architecture.

Highlights from Ian Visits' article:

- Describes 8 Bishopsgate's distinctive "Jenga-like" design

- Mentions the building's height of 204 meters (50 floors)

- Notes the 360-degree views of London, including St. Paul's Cathedral and the Thames

- Explains the booking system and security procedures

About London Laura's Experience

Laura from About London Laura offers a more personal account of her visit to The Lookout. Her blog post combines practical information with her own impressions and tips for visitors.

Key takeaways from Laura's blog:

- Emphasizes the need to book well in advance due to high demand

- Describes the security process and lift journey to the 50th floor

- Highlights the unobstructed views of London landmarks

- Mentions the availability of binoculars for closer observation

- Suggests visiting at different times of day for varied experiences

Consensus and Recommendations

All three bloggers agree that The Lookout offers a unique and free opportunity to view London from a spectacular vantage point. They emphasize the need to book early, as slots fill up quickly. The bloggers also note the excellent views of London's skyline and landmarks, particularly to the west and south.

For visitors planning a trip to The Lookout, the key recommendations are:

1. Book well in advance, especially for weekend slots

2. Allow plenty of time to take in the views

3. Be prepared for security checks upon entry

4. Consider visiting at different times of day for varied perspectives

The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate has quickly become a popular addition to London's sky-high attractions, offering a free alternative to paid viewing platforms and providing visitors with a new perspective on the city's ever-changing skyline.

Proof: Sitcom set designers never speak to establishing shot makers

It is obvious that the people in charge of the set design of a sitcom, and those who produce the exterior establishing shots NEVER speak to each other. They don't just never speak, but are totally uninterested in the job of the other team. How would it be otherwise possible that an exterior shot of the house shows a radically different arrangement than the set itself. 

Here's an example from The Odd Couple. In the first shot, the Empire State Building is towering above Oscar's apartment building, just a block or two behind it. Then, in the apartment, the same building can be seen a mile away.

The other example is from King of Queens, a show that had 9 seasons from 1998 to 2007. Apparently even in ten years nobody had bothered to fix the obvious error, where Doug and Carrie's house has a door and a window in the external shot, and has a door in the middle with windows on both sides in the actual set. (Not to mention the stairs vs. patio contradiction.)

There's one thing I don't understand: even if these two teams never speak to each other, such obvious mistakes are clearly revealed in the editing phase, in the first season. This should be the best moment to re-shoot the one-second exterior shot, and use the new one instead.

But obviously they just can't be bothered...

Pepsi Diet becomes Diet Pepsi

Maybe I read Diamond Geezer too much, but I have just noticed a rebranding and, what's new, a change of recipe I wouldn't normally have.

Pepsi Diet is now Diet Pepsi!

In some local convenience stores you may still find both.

Along with the rebranding, Pepsi has changed the ingredients as well.

Nutrition Information per 250ml	Pepsi Diet	Diet Pepsi
Energy	6.3kJ (1.5 kcal)	8kJ / 2kcal
Protein	Trace	0g
Carbohydrate	0.3g	0g
of which Sugars	Trace	0g
Fat	Nil	0g
of which Saturates	Nil	0g
Fibre	Trace	N/A (not in list)
Sodium/Salt	Trace	0.13g (as Salt)

This looks strange, as apparently it is now healthier as it contains less of everything, except for Energy which it contains more.

Enjoy!

The Hammersmith & Fulham Council Parking Ripoff Scheme

It might have been going on for years, but I just noticed it during the winter holidays while shopping on Kings Road.

There are Pay at meter parking bays in the area at an hourly rate of £2.80 and a minimum amount of £1.40 for half an hour.

HOWEVER the machine does NOT give you pro rata minutes, only multiples of 30 minutes and just keeps the rest of the money. How does it work in practice?

You need half an hour, so you must insert £1.40 for that. You only happen to have a £2 coin so you insert it hoping you get around 40 minutes. But no! You get the same parking time as for £1.40.

I'm no expert in legal terms, but I would call it a 60p unlawful income for the council straight away.

Say you find another 50p coin in your pocket, so you insert it hoping you get nearly an hour? Or at least 45 minutes? Wrong! You still get 30 minutes, as you can't afford a whole hour for an exra 30p. This is £1.10 the Council has now stolen from you.

Now imagine this for every hour, every day, every week on every bay. There should be thousands of pounds of unlawfully collected money in LBHF's accounts.

How clever.