Christmas Quiz!

Christmas is almost here!

And it wouldn't be Christmas without a festive quiz, to tease those little grey cells. We are too full of mince pies and merriment to make our own, but luckily those clever people over at the Wellcome Trust have been a bit more proactive!

New Scientist magazine asked staff from the Wellcome Library to chose items from the Wellcome Image Library and also to create false descriptions for them.

We've had a go at guessing the real explanations behind the 10 objects offered - and have done pretty badly. Go on, see if you can do any better! In the meantime Happy Christmas, and see you in 2010.

Taster question:

Take a look at the picture above. Which of the following is its real purpose?

a). an ether dispenser

b). an enema syringe

c). a room fragrancer

d). an air pollution measurer?

Find out the answer, and play the whole quiz at: http://www.newscientist.com/gallery/curiouswellcome

Lambs Conduit Street - Christmas Shopping

Don't miss the annual Lambs Conduit Street winter fair, taking place this Thursday, from 4-8pm. Art, retail, mulled wine and Christmas lights... what more do you need?

Art and Craft where you least expect it!

One of the most sited 'great things about London' is the access to and sheer number of cultural venues and activities available only a short bus/tube/bike ride away. Well at the moment, the opportunity to take part in and / or enjoy some art or craft have sprung up in a couple of suprising places.

In the case of Kristy and Coralie's Christmas Cooler, the term 'sprung up' applies literally. Best friends Kristie and Coralie have set up their pop up shop in an old victorian bath house near Kings Cross on the Caledonian Road. They have trasformed the building with vintage furniture to create a perfect environment for some crafty Christmas cheer.

Everything is for sale and wherever possible it is handmade or secondhand, making it a great place pick up some distinctive Christmas presents over homemade soup, mulled wine or tea and cake. Their tagline is 'Drink, Shop and Do' and from 'Smack my Stitch up' (Upcycling your old clothes)to 'Play with clay, 80's style' (Lional Ritchie's video for 'Hello' is the 80's reference), there certainly are some great craft orientated events on offer in this very different socialising experience.

It must be said that their events are probably more aimed at those of you who have emotional reactions to handbags, heels and cute little cupcakes crafted out of colourful wool, but it certainly is a plug for a gap in the market. The resurgance in interest in the crafts such as crochet and knitting is testament to that. I think some jaded londoners looking for a new hobby, a chat and a bit of entertainment over a cocktail could have a wonderful evening or 2 at the Christmas Cooler. Full details of their events are available on their website.

Another unexpected art experience can be had at the St Pancras Hospital in the form of the Celestial Bodies exhibition. Artist Amber Garnet is exhibiting her illustrations on a planetary theme, which as well as being unusual artworks in their own right, the godesses portrayed have their own characteristics and personality traits. The hospital is far from a large gallery space, but any artists from around the area may be interested in sending in their work for consideration.

-Drink Shop and Do will be open 12pm to 12am, Thursday to Sunday for the three weekends in December (from the 3rd to the 20th)

9 Caledonian Road, N1 9DX

www.kristieandcoralies.com

- Celestal Bodies is showing until 18th February.

The Gallery Space, South Wing, St Pancras Hospital

St. Pancras Way, NW1 0PE

www.celestialbodiesexhibition.co.uk