The Great Debate

What a strange place the world is. And full of plonkers too.

I've been reading some quite unsettling stuff today about how George Bush may have been wearing a wire and earpiece during the recent election debates. Commentators (whatever that means) have noticed a pronounced 'bulge' on the back of his jacket, and this has got a few tongues wagging. To the conspiratorial mind it may seem that someone in the shadows was, in all probability, telling him what to say. Now, I don't know about you but I think this is ever so slightly worrying. The guy's obviously an idiot, but a very brave idiot methinks. What if the connection fails? What if the reciever pack on his back slips and comes off? What if he starts having a conversation with the fella he's listening to??? Only in America could this (I'll use the word again) plonker become president. Well maybe Italy as well. This bloke has set up a really interesting blog all about it. Definitely worth a read if you have the time.

I've also been finding out about the RIBA (Royal Association of British Architects) Stirling Prize 2004 awards. And before you ask, yes, I have had a bit of time on my hands today. Back to the subject, here are the details of all the building's that were nominated.

And here's the building that won.

Very pretty I'm sure you'll agree.

But the original designs for this place were way more exciting. There were trees cascading out from numerous open windows dotted about the exterior of the building. It looked really interesting, and a real departure for the City of London. So it's a bit upsetting to see that the architect, or whoever has decided "hey, no trees for this thing" has got their wish. Don't get me wrong, it is still a beautiful, compulsive design, and adds real excitement to the skyline (Natwest Tower anyone?). But the unanimous winner of this prize? I don't think so. I would have gone with the Libeskind building in Manchester, or the Business Academy, but not the 'Gherkin'. Seems like RIBA are going all populist and tabloidy on me. Shame. If anyone has any views on this please feel free to share them.

On a lighter note I've also been amusing myself by reading about idiotic dead people. Very enjoyable.

I have to say as well (!) that a major landmark occurred yesterday. My girlfriend, the wonderful Charlotte, picked up our pet bunny for the very first time. This may not sound like much, but having never had a pet as a kid or ever, the thought of risking laceration at the paws of a distressed lapin was not a happy one. So a significant personal milestone has been reached, and it is one which I think deserves to be recognised the world over, hence it's inclusion here.

Oh, and if anyone's into poetry or something slightly more intellectual than my ramblings, then check out my Dad's website and blog. The links are over on the left. It's all good stuff (top quality gene's in this family, oh yes).

Well, that was all extremely informative wasn't it? I think that'll do for now. See you anon.

Nb. In case anyone noticed, I've managed to work out how to attach pictures to this blog all by myself. No please, you don't all have to congratulate me at once...