Hapening in the U.K. in hair

Regular readers will know that I blogged a bunch in the wake of my trip to the U.k. for a hair show this past fall. You will recall I said no more blogs on that trip this year... but... A friend in the U.K. refered me to this site for a great way to keep tabs on what is new, hot and happening in the hair industry over there. I am sharing it with you cuz I think it is cool and you will like it. Go surf now!
TY
CG

http://www.ukhairdressers.com/style/index.asp?month1=361

Clipper vocabulary - F

Wednesday in the blog is Andis clipper cutting vocabulary day.

F is for Fade
Fade is a term somewhat interchangeable with "taper". Fade is typically used in the textured market. Fading does not have to be limited to the perimeter of a clipper cut style. A fade can occur higher up the head at the crestline or beyond as well. A fade is characterized by a look that is higher and shorter with a lighter overall finish. The best phrase to use to describe a fade is a "seamless, progressive transition of lengths in a clippered style". How is that? Be on the lookout for a fade video from Andis and me coming to YouTube really soon.

Here is the Andis FadeMaster clipper:
http://www.andis.com/USA/productsPopUp.asp?SP=Y&Product=Clipper&Div=Professional&ID=01690
Here is the Andis 00000 BG series fade blade:
http://www.andis.com/USA/BladesAndMore/BladesPopUp.asp?ID=70
Here is a fun video on YouTube of a guy cutting a fade on himself... not easy as many a barber can not cut a good one on another's head much less do their own...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9My64fnRkrI

Clipper Tip #8

Tuesday is here again. Right after Monday. Tuesday is Andis clipper tip day.
Clipper Tip #8
Be Selfish
Never share your tools. Everyone needs to own, bring, use and maintain their own tools.

Have you ever tried to borrow a wrench from a mechanic? They will chase you out of the shop just for asking. Have you ever driven a rental car? How do you treat someone elses equipment? Shop tools are a bad move too. Shop owners who provide tools will spend a lot of time and money replacing damaged tools. Respect yourself and your craft. Buy your own stuff. Look out for a rookie. Hand down your old tools so they have something to use and do not ask to use yours. Help them. They do not know better. It is your job to train the next generation.

Go here to buy tools:
http://stores.atlantabarber.com/StoreFront.bok
Go here for a rental car:
https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/index.jsp?targetPage=reservationOnHomepage.jsp&refererUrl=http://search.msn.com&searchString=hertz&id=1150&LinkType=HZLK
Go here for a good mechnaic: They have a mechanic finder on this site. it is good.
http://www.cartalk.com/index.html

KC, MO

KC, MO
I went to KC, MO for the clipper cutting. While I was there I made the most of the BBQ. 2 nights in town and 2 BBQ dinners. Can’t beat that. Arthur Bryant’s one night and the next. I highly recommend either (or both) on your next trip to town. The crew at Evelyn’s beauty supply were great hosts for the Andis class and hands-on workshop. We just do not do enough hands-on workshops. These are a lot of fun to facilitate and likely the most real useable education for your dollar and time opportunity out there. Would you like a hands-on workshop in your area? let me know. If I get sufficient interest for any markets we will find a way to set one up and get it done. I would love to come to your area. Espicially if your area is known for BBQ!

Monday - Queation of the week

The Andis Company takes a holiday break from just before Christmas until just after January... But the blog blogs on.

Monday is question of the week. This weeks question:

Which is better, the Andis BGRc clipper or the Andis Excel 2 speed?

These are both Andis BG series detachable blade clippers. Both can drive the full range of BG blades both CeramicEdge, ceramic cutter blades and UltraEdge steel blades. The BGRc is upgradeable to cordless and is basically 1 speed, high speed. The Excel 2 speed is just that, a true 2 speed model. Both share many of the key features that make Andis detachable blade clippers great. Nylon housings. Good power-to-weight ratios, long cords, state of the art ergonomic design, etc.

Have a look at the links to learn more.

Here is the BGRc:
http://www.andis.com/USA/productsPopUp.asp?SP=Y&Product=Clipper&Div=Professional&ID=63965
Here is Excel 2 speed:
http://www.andis.com/USA/productsPopUp.asp?SP=Y&Product=Clipper&Div=Professional&ID=22315
Go here to buy them:
http://www.householdappliance.com/andis/
or here:
http://stores.atlantabarber.com/StoreFront.bok

Clipper Tip #7

Tuesday is Andis clipper tip day. We are getting back on track form my lack of laptop.

Clipper Tip #7 - Summer Camp

Just like mom did with your socks and underwear for camp, put your name on all your tools. An engraving pen will keep all your tools yours.

Label everything. No sharing of tools. Respect your investment and that of others.

Links:

Buy an engraving pen:
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=94688-353-290-01

Monday - Question of the week

Monday here in the blog is Andis ask the expert question of the week day. I feature a question form the prior week that I know many more are asking or wondering about.

I have had a lot of questions this past week asking me to recommend Andis tools as holiday gifts. This is hard to do as you do not know the intended users plans for the tool. And you can not ask if it is a gift. My fall back recommendation is that a pro tools in a home use application is always sure to pass the test of time and durability. Go pro. make no apologies for a tools that is slightly tougher, larger, more powerful and built to take the rigors of 50 haircuts per day. This way even if the gift receiver is a professional the tool will be more than up to the task.
Insist on the best. Insist on Andis.

Links this week are links to great places to buy your Andis gifts all year around.

Household appliance:
http://www.householdappliance.com/andis/
Atlanta Barber and beauty:
http://stores.atlantabarber.com/-strse-Clippers-fdsh-Trimmers-cln-Andis/Categories.bok
Bowman Barber Supply:
http://www.bowmanbeauty.com/store/shop.mvc?page=BBS/CTGY/2-1000

Back on line

My computer is back and things should be back to normal... just in time for the holiday break.
TY
Ivan

Clipper Business Tip - 4

I am catching up.
This is from last week on Fri.

This is week #4 for the Andis / ClipperGuy business tip. Rock your clipper cutting world!
We have slipped a few weeks due to my lack of a laptop. I am trying to catch up.
Week #4 Tip - Get Caught Sanitizing
Sanitizing tools and work spaces is required by law. The high visibility implementation of sanitizing procedures makes for strong marketing tactics. Change the solution in your wet sanitizer often to maintain the crystal clear, vivid blue color that says "clean". Dump the jar often to lose the hair ball in the bottom too. Have a can of Andis Cool Care 5inONE sanitizing spray on your counter top in plain sight. get caught using it every client, every time. Word will spread and bacteria will not. Good sanitizing procedures are just good business.

Buy a sanitizer jar:
http://stores.atlantabarber.com/-strse-196/Barbicide-Disinfectant-Jar/Detail.bok
Buy a can of Andis Cool care 5inONE spray:
http://stores.atlantabarber.com/-strse-426/andis%2C-cool%2C-care%2C-spray/Detail.bok
Buy a jug of barbacide disinfectant:
http://stores.atlantabarber.com/-strse-397/barbicide%2C-plus%2C-disinfectant/Detail.bok
Buy an ultraviolet sanitizer:
http://stores.atlantabarber.com/-strse-201/Marvy-Sanitizing-System/Detail.bok

Wednesday is Andis Vocabulary Day - E

Wendesday is Andis Clipper vocabulary day.

E is for Ear arc
The curved hairline around the ear from the sideburn to the rear quarter panel.

This can be an especially tricky area for many clipper cutters. Getting the arc clean, smooth and crisp without notching the hairline is a learned skill. Of course, I have a training tip for this. Look at the ear like it is a clock. 12 O'clock high is the top of the ear. Cut from 9 O'clock to high noon... then from 3 O'clock to high noon. Do not try to trim it in a single pass... this will cut in too far on one side. Turn the finished side to the morror and use it as a template to cut side 2.

No computer! :(

My laptop is sick and at the laptop doc.
My home internet, phone and cable is out due to the weather...
so I have limeted web access...
I had to go to the library to get on line.
Yikes!
I will be back to the daily blogging very soon. Please be patient. I have a lot to say... and it is backing up!
TY
Ivan

Thursday - Featured Andis item

The Andis Company photo shoot ran waaaaaaaay late today. I am blogging late. Better than not blogging.

This weeks featured item is the Andis PhatMaster clipper (01750).

We spent 2 years developing the special blade on this tool. The Phat Master is the classic Master clipper with our first-in-the-world Phat blade. The Phat blade adjusts from 1A to 2 blade lengths. No need of the use of guards 0, 1, 2... You can cut farther up the head at longer lengths. An amazing tool.

Links:
Here is the PhatMaster on the Andis web site:
http://www.andis.com/USA/productsPopUp.asp?SP=Y&Product=Clipper&Div=Professional&ID=01750

Here is a YouTube vid featuring the PhatMaster clipper:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am1BsE5GOtI

Silk and Classy video shoot

Silk and Clazzy barber college was the site of a great remote video shoot this past week. Kenny Williams is always a source of great clipper education and inspiration. I asked Kenny if we could come to his school to shoot some clipper cutting educational footage. It is time to let a few of our talented associates shine in our videos. How much do you really want to see me anyway? Glen Martinez starred as one of Kenny’s models for our high bald fade clipper dvd. Glen, who was a student at the time, is now graduated and cutting hair. Glen did a nice job of showing off our Phat Master clipper and our nano silver magnetic guide combs on video. Look for these videos as well as the afro shaping video that Kenny did for us on YouTube really soon.

Wed. is Vocab day - D

Wednesday is vocabulary day

D is for Dead Muskrat
A form of undercut hair style in which the interior is uniformly layered to a length of approximately two inches. Gets its name from the idea that when tousled to style, the hair on the top of the head resembles road kill. A lifeless, funny shaped furry thing, just lying there.

Links:
This is the best site for looking at pics of guy haircuts and clipper cuts. Check out their gallery.
http://www.haircutsformen.org/index.html

I could not find an ideal pic of the dead muskrat cut... this one could be tweaked a bit to look like ti... just need to undercut the perimeter close with a clipper. mess up the top some more.
http://haircutsformen.org/buzz/haircuts/buzz146.htm

This is an ideal clipper for creating looks like these... the set of guards will be important. One of my faves right now...
http://www.andis.com/USA/productsPopUp.asp?SP=Y&Product=Clipper&Div=Professional&ID=24145

Clipper Tip #6

Clipper Tip #6 - Protect Your Investment

Save the purchase reciept. Do not forget to fill out and mail in the warranty registration card packed in with your clipper.

Take good care of your tools. Take the needed measures to do so. Andis makes great stuff... but sometimes there will be the need for service. We have authorized service centers located throughout the country. There is a link below to the list on the andis.com web site for the service center nearest you. You can also send the tools to the factory service center from wherever you are.

Andis service centers:
http://www.andis.com/USA/service/authorizedServiceStations.asp

Be an Andis All Star

How good do you cut hair?
How god do you talk clippers?
How good do you sell clippers?
Do you want to get up on stage and show the professional barber and beauty industry just what you can do? Would you like the chance to do it at one of the largest beauty events in the country?

Have a look at the information below. Get in touch with me to get involoved.

Andis Education -- Be An Andis All-Star

Do you have what it takes to be an Andis all star?

This is your chance. Andis is offering licensed barber and cosmetology professionals and students the chance to clipper cut live on stage at the largest event in America. The February 2009 Bronner Brothers International Hair Show will be the place for you to showcase your barbering talent.

Review the details and the rules listed below and contact Ivan Zoot Andis director of education and training to register and be one of the few to have the chance to show the world and the professional beauty industry what you can do.

The Details:

The three 8 hour days of the Bronner Bros. show February 21, 22, 23, 2009 are to be divided into 24 one hour time slots for presentations on the Andis stage at the Atlanta Barber and Beauty booth. World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA

Each one hour time slot will be filled with a different independent haircutter to present 50 minuets of educational programming.

Time slots will be “sold” for a $100 charitable donation. 100% of this “slot fee” will be donated to a local Atlanta barber school chosen by the management of Atlanta Barber and Beauty.

Each participating haircutter will get an Andis gift package valued at over $150.00

Participants must register in advance including payment in full of the “slot fee donation” by contacting Ivan Zoot Andis director of education and training. Ivan will slot and manage the stage presentations on-site. expert@andisco.com or call 800.558.9441


The Rules:

All participants must be licensed barbers, cosmetologists or barber or cosmetology students with proper proof.
All participating haircutters and their models are required to sign a release to participate.
Only Andis tools are permitted to be used on the Andis stage. Haircutters must provide all their own tools and equipment.
The use of straight razors is prohibited.
Business appropriate clothing is required and must be free of licensed logos (eg: sports teams, clothing brands, hair care brands, etc.)
Haircutters must use an Andis cutting cape as provided.
Haircutters must start and finish on time. Haircutters will have 5 min before their segment begins to set up and 5 min at the end of their segment to clean up. The segment ends promptly at 50 min past the hour regardless of the state of the haircut demo.
Any display of inappropriate language or behavior will result in the immediate end to a haircutters segment.
All haircutters are responsible for their own transportation to Atlanta, accommodations and ticket for access to the show.
All haircutters must provide their own models. Models will need paid tickets for access to the event floor as well.
Haircutters will be provided the following: Electricity via a power strip, haircutting chair, small table for tools, headset microphone. All other equipment and supplies are the responsibility of the haircutter.

expert@andisco.com

Monday is Question of the week day

Monday is Question of the week day. I will be positing on Monday the best question of the week from the prior week from Ask the Expert at the Andis web site. It will be deemed best either in its freshness and “I have not heard that question before” ness… or in its broad based applicability to many readers. If it helps them… it just might help you.

One of the most popular ask the expert Q’s over the past few years has been “I want a tool to use to dry shave because I cannot use a blade because I am prone to razor bumps.” “Which Andis tool should I buy?”

Great question. Andis is the world leader in trimmers. The Andis HeadLiner model LS (29605) is a great home use tool. It is made in the U.S.A. to Andis’ highest standards. It is available at an affordable price and will do a great job. It has been specifically designed for dry shaving of the face and the entire head. I also have recommended the Andis T-Outliner for those who want a tool from our professional line. It had the world famous T-Outliner blade an a classic look, feel, size and shape. Dry shaving is more popular than ever and these 2 tools lead the pack in this category.

Another great tip is to follow up the use of these tolls with a splash of witch hazel. Witch haze is inexpensive. It is available at all drug and discount stores. It provides a fresh, crisp and clean feeling and is a light astringent for the skin. Try this tip with your Andis tool for the best dry shave.

This is the tool I recommend in my answer:
http://www.andis.com/USA/productsPopUp.asp?SP=Y&Product=Trimmer&Div=Consumer&ID=29605
This is info on witch hazel:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch-hazel
You know how much I love Wiki pages....
This is the other tool:
http://www.andis.com/USA/productsPopUp.asp?SP=Y&Product=Trimmer&Div=Professional&ID=04710
This is a great place to buy these tools:
http://www.householdappliance.com/andis/

Inspiration - Final U.K. posting

Inspiration
Travel is inspiring. I can’t believe the wealth of information I took in while in London for the salon International show. The first time I went to London everything was new. There was just too much to see, absorb, process and hope to understand. Last year I was aware of the fact that I was seeing and learning much more because I was able to tune out or disregard much of what was so new the time before. It was as though my vision had improved. I noticed much more likely because there was less to notice more intently and more to be seen by looking. Did that make sense? Basically, I could skip stuff. For instance, the whole idea of driving on the other side of the road. I was over that on my second trip. There was no longer a need to give that any thought. Except, just as you step from the curb. By trip three I was instinctively looking to the proper side to avoid certain death. I am sure there must be a point of diminishing return. Otherwise one would continue to see and learn more right at home in ones own environment. I am sure that is not the case. At some point as you become even more familiar you begin to not look at things, not see new things and not see breaks in the patterns you have come to take for granted. I am also finding myself thinking about how best to retain things I have seen or avoid losing the inspirations I feel. Specifically, as this relates to haircuts. The things I have seen are quite exciting. I saw many haircuts that left me thinking… wow! Why do I not think of these things. I saw not a single haircut that I could not easily duplicate. It is no surprise that my technical skills are at that point. But I saw many haircuts, style ideas and creative application of our art that I would likely never have come up with on my own. I have to identify a way to fuel this mental engine on home turf. I made this basic observation on my first trip and it is even more glaring now. America is positioned as the land of the free, but we are way too tied down to the ideas of others. Hair in America is all about following the trend and the crowd. Women’s hair is about following the current look… Matching to some unattainable ideal. Men’s hair is about just trying not to be different. Be sure not to attract attention. Fit in. We have a lot to learn here. I will be taking more notes and looking for more inspiration.

Acting American

So I did this one haircut on stage at Salon International in London. When I was done I was approached by a woman who introduced herself as a sign language interpreter for a stylist in the crowd. She went on to explain that the stylist wanted to know if I would trim her hair. She was impressed with me and my techniques and wanted a haircut from me. The stylist, through the interpreter asked “are you from the U.S.A.” Without thinking I replied, can’t you tell by my accent?”. Of course she can’t. She cannot hear me. Her reply said it all. The interpreter said, “she said you act American”. I am not sure just how I act American or even what acting American means. I do know that from their perspective it means different and not necessarily better.

Clipper Business Tip - Week #3

This is week #3. We lost a week last week with the Thanksgiving holiday. By Thanksgiving next year you will be rolling in the dough if you have implemented these weekly tips.

Week #3 - Go Short
The best way to build a clientele of clipper cuts and short hair is to wear short hair yourself. Lead by example. Clients look to you for guidance and inspiration. You are the licensed and experienced professional. There are very few busy barbers who wear pony tails. Wearing short hair lets you use and discuss short hair styling products from a powerful perspective. Getting your hair cut frequently keeps you in touch with the client experience.

I go this one better. I pay for my haircuts. Getting a free cut from a co-worker is not a client experience. We are too close to the business. Getting out and sitting in a chair in another shop will provide some real perspective as to how you compare and what the client sees and experiences. You might want to invite another barber to your shop and share impressions and perspectives.

This is a great men's haircut resource site. Image gallery, message and chat forums, etc. Check it out.
http://haircutsformen.org/

More on the Obama cut

Here is the Link to the article in the Chicago Sun Times that has helped to fuel the interest in the Barack Obama haircut look.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/1279297,CST-NWS-barber14.article

Here is the link to our YouTube video that teaches the technical aspects of the cut:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfKJaly9pSk

Of course we put more clipper focus on it.

Salon International - The Team

The Salon International team 2008
MK and I have worked together a few times already. He and I strike a nice balance. Black and white, funky and VERY American, wildly creative and technically precise. We do well together. And then there is Kevin. Kevin is silent but highly skilled. He just quietly plugs away at the most amazing designs with clipping and trimming tools. Chris was added to the mix this year. He is a talented hair cutter. His area of specialty was layer cutting on mid length and long ladies styles. He was using a layering technique I have called scrape layering. Sections are combed out, held to the sides, evenly distributed. Chris was then using a carving or scraping motion in an arc from blow the section with a 3 _ blade. The extra length of the teeth provided him the ability to literally pick and choose which portions of the section he was to cut away. The resulting effect was a soft, highly mobile layering that was impossible to distinguish from a razor cut. All done with a clipper blade, a regular clipper blade. Not a T-24 or a funky texture tool.

As promised... only 1 more post about Salon Int 2008 tomorrow and then you will not hear about it until 2009.

Household Appliances

Have you ever googled Andis? Have you ever seen the free embedded google ads in many web sites? Have you seen the ads for Household appliances? I am sure you have and for good reason. These guys sell a lot of Andis. They offer good prices on our stuff and support the sale with good service. Many Andis dealers do all that but these guys are a bit of a web phenomenon... I do not know much about web search engine optimization but these guys must know a lot. Have a look at their site with the link below and get yourself some Andis.

http://www.householdappliance.com/andis/

Vocabulary Day - C

Wednesday is Vocabulary day - C

C is for Cadence
A rhythm developed in cutting with an over comb technique. This helps to maintain evenness and smoothness in the finish of a taper.

Have you watched good over comb cutting? Clipper over comb or shear over comb or blending shear over comb... any and all tools used in over comb benefit from smooth cadence and rhythm. Watch as you see the follow through. The barber Will seem to be cutting air as they move up and of the head as they come back around to the head. I have demonstrated this many times. Even pointed out the fact that as I come off of the head I am cutting nothing... just maintaining my rhythm and cadence as I work up the head. it takes time and work to develop cadence in this way but the investment pays off big in the quality of your work.

Links:
Get a metronome like they use to teach music to hear a rhythm at a pace for you:
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=wittner+metronome&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=1149597101&ref=pd_sl_6e6yucy7bn_b

Here is the Wiki page on metronomes to learn about them:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metronome

Here is the Wiki page on cadence... More than you want to know:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadence

Clipper Tip #5

Tuesday is Clipper Tip day. Now that I am posting blog entries 5 days each week I am devoting one day each week to a clipper tip. This will be a Clipper Tip taken in numerical order straight from my clipper Tips book. Put these tips to work for you and accelerate your clipper cutting today. You can use them every day… not just Tuesdays! I have included related links as well. Surf on!

Clipper Tip #5 - Sock 'em

Transport clippers in large, thick socks to avoid chipped teeth, scratches and abuse.

I have done this for many years. I have "clipper socks" that have 1,000's of frequent flyer miles. I bought 3 pair (6 socks) at Walmart nearly 20 years ago and I have used them ever since. This is a small, 1 time investment that will last for years. I do not think I have ever washed them either. I bought the grey ones like they make the sock monkeys out of. They are big and fluffy. They work perfect. Slip the clipper in the sock and scrunch up the extra and wrap the cord around the entire ting. Clipper is safe and protected. This is ideal for those of us who travel with tools. Cutters who work in more than 1 shop or location or go out to cut shut-ins... this is a great tip. See the pic included.

Links:
Here are the socks I like:
http://workingperson.com/products/22_113_368/1/1254/Fox_River_Mills_Socks:_Monkey_2-Pack_Cotton_Blend_Socks_6851-2.html

Here is the site for making sock monkeys with the extras:
http://lennytaylor.freeyellow.com/Monkey.htm

Your finished sock monkey should look like this:
http://urbanfarmgirl.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/05/SockMonkey1.jpg

Certificates - Certified

Certificates - Certified
It is done. It is official. I have all 3 of the certificates from Guinness in my possession. It is sanctioned, blessed, certified, whatever. These are nice. The originals will be framed and displayed in my home office. I will make color copies for a few folks. One set will be framed and travel with me to shows around the world. Another framed set will be provided to Andis for their use. I will send copies to all who helped and supported me for the event. Rooster’s will get a set. So will American Haircuts in GA and Success barber school in IN. I will have to make a set for Lisa Penny to display in her shop in SC as well. I think it will be great to have them displayed in the businesses of friends and associates who had an active role in making the records a reality. I have made an extra set for my safe deposit box. Here is a pic of me with them. They will go nice with my belt buckle.

Links:

Here is the site for Guinness. Please go out and break my records:
http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/

Here is the site to order a trophy buckle like I did:
http://www.montanasilversmiths.com/

This is the site for the great Frame Up... These guys are framing my certificates:
They can frame stuff for you too.
http://www.thegreatframeup.com/

In your face in the U.K.

I hope you and your family had a very nice Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

I'm back!

I am still writing about the U.K. show from October. How odd is that? I guess there was a lot going on... plus... all the extra blogging has set me back a bit. After this week... no more U.K. stuff. I promise.

In Your face Education U.K. vs. U.S.A.

The first time I cut on stage in the U.K. it was very strange. In the U.S.A. we like our information and presentation “in your face”. We put it out there with energy and enthusiasm. We holler and yell. We tell people how it is and what to think and buy. In the U.K. this just does not fly. In pro beauty education it is a much softer sell. Over there it is more “show what you know”. There is a sense that “I will not listen to you or do what you say, just because you say it is so”. “I need to know that you have the talent and experience to back it up.” This is a very different way to present and teach. It is a different way to sell. It took me a few trips to figure out where my unique style and talents can find a good fit. This year I think we found that fit. I was able to draw and hold bigger crowds that I had done in prior years. I had attendees asking questions more so than in the past. I even had the post-presentation autograph seekers that I had not gathered at the U.K. show before. Who says that I am not trainable? Old dogs, new tricks.

Links I like:
This is the web site for London U.K. I will shut up about it. You go there for yourself now:
http://www.visitlondon.com/?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=us_ol_sem_0101029&gclid=CPChgrDZn5cCFQ7aDAodbiidJA

Cant go to London w/o a tube map:
http://www.afn.org/~alplatt/tube.html

Wow. This is cool. This is the official web site of the British monarchy: How cool is this? My monarchy will have a web site too!
http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page1.asp