Prince Charles's voice of moderation and understanding charmed Muslims gathered at a gala dinner organised by Islamic Relief on 17th December 2009

It is not often that an Archbishop of Canterbury visits the Trade Union Congress. The Church of England is sometimes described as the Conservative Party at prayer – but its present head is sufficiently his own man to be respected across the political spectrum. Dr Rowan Williams delivered the first keynote address of the day at the TUC conference ‘Beyond Crisis’ on 16th November and his erudition seemed to have a calming effect on usually rumbustious trade union gatherings where guest speakers can be given a rough ride.

Ken, one Cricklewood household salutes you, what you stand for, and your achievements for London. The clock on progressive politics in London has been turned back two decades.

Salaam blogger's own Islamophobia watch: quotations by 'leaders of society' about Muslims in Britain - statements that serve to promote misunderstandings and prejudices...

Time Out’s latest cover story is all about Muslims in London – go out and buy! Cricklewood blogger gives a rave review....

Cricklewood Blogger has been particularly interested in three big stories last week - the Government decision on the BAE–Saudi slush fund, Celebrity Big Brother and the Channel 4’s Dispatches. The first of these is of neighbourhood interest: one of the Saudi dissidents blowing the whistle on the corruption of Saudi princes lives within shouting distance of Gladstone Park. The others bring to mind the ‘six degrees of separation’ theory – more on this later.

Cricklewood Blogger’s link with gangsta rap is a tenuous one, but the story begins with an event organised by the local youth charity, Amal Trust. In the last fortnight he has learnt about Bloods and Crips, and this man they call 2PAC Shakur….

Cricklewood blogger and his daughter meet kindred spirits aboard the 8.12 from Euston

Saturday evening, 22nd June: stopped to buy a packet of haldi at Food Ware on Dudden Hill. One customer, by the newspaper rack, was in the middle of an invective against the US and Bush....

And on Friday morning I drive past Ken Livingstone.....