Edinburgh Gets A New Tram
Edinburgh has now got a new tram, that apparently could easily be run up and down Princes Street, which is more than the new electric ones can do.
The trouble is that it’s a replica of a nineteenth century Edinburgh horse tram, which was made from a garden shed. Read about the full story here.
I know the budget for the new tram is a bit tight, but isn’t this taking things a bit too far to save money.
The View Of Assange In The Press
This article on the BBC, gives a summary of what the world’s press has said about Julian Assange’s press conference yesterday. The Guardian, which would have been considered to be a likely supporter, said this.
“At around 2.30pm Assange emerged on to the balcony, a pallid figure dressed in a business-blue shirt and maroon tie. There was an enormous roar. Assange managed a thumbs-up, then tapped the microphone and inquired: “Can you hear me?” This, perhaps, was the moment for someone to shout: “‘E’s not the Messiah! ‘E’s a very naughty boy!”
The Independent, another possible supporter, was in a similar mood.
“A competent image consultant could have warned him not to emerge into the public eye looking as he did. Far from giving him a Churchillian look, his blue shirt, crimson tie and cropped hair created – as one wag pointed out on Twitter – a curious resemblance to John Inman, from the 1970s’ sitcom Are you Being Served?
“But what was much more serious – the elephant in the room, so to speak – was Assange’s wilful failure to say anything about the actual reason that the Swedish police want to question him.”
But The Sun, which seems to be an increasingly serious paper these days, was similar in tone to The Independent, without the theatrical references was quite matter of fact.
“Odious Julian Assange loved every second of his pompous balcony rant. His speech was long on egotistical claptrap, but oddly failed to mention what this extradition case is actually about — the rape of one woman and sexual molestation of another.
“If Mr Assange really does believe in the importance of transparent justice in a democratic state, he should subject HIMSELF to it now and get on the first plane to Sweden.”
Moving to Assange’s home country of Australia, the Australian takes a more practical approach.
“Assange is an Australian and Australia is a staunch US ally. If Assange’s legal future became a major talking point in this country, you could probably expect a bit of nationalism to intrude. It’s likely, though not certain, that Assange would be seen as wearing the white jersey and the US perceived as wearing a black one. In other words, it probably wouldn’t transpire as a US public relations triumph.”
It’s a mess and the sooner it’s cleaned up, the better.
EggsMilkButter Opens Tomorrow!
I’ll soon have a nice cafe opposite for coffees and snacks called EggsMilkButter. It opens tomorrow.
I wish them every success.
Romney’s Sin
Coffee, as is alcohol and cigarettes is banned to Mormons. However this didn’t stop Mitt Romney from having a scoop of coffee flavoured ice-cream.
Why Is There So Much Religious Bigotry About?
Two stories have dominated the BBC’s most read list this weekend; the arrest in Pakistan of a disabled girl from a Christian family for blasphemy and the breaking off of talks by Cardinal O’Brien with the Scottish government over gay marriage.
Are those behind the bigotry trying to outdo each other?
With regard to the second story, I suspect that there must be quite a few gay Roman Catholics in Scotland.
The New Dallas Is On Channel 5
The BBC is giving a plug to the new series of one of the silliest television programs, ever to appear on British television; Dallas.
Why?
The original programs were crap, and this one is probably crap too as it’s on that broadcaster of crap; Channel 5.
I’ve just sent this e-mail to the BBC.
I don’t pay my licence fee to have you promote rubbish like this on Channel 5! It gives me a good break to have a shower.
Let’s hope they are being paid well for the plug!
I shall not be watching!
Do These Scams Still Work?
I got this e-mail today with a title of Heir Information.
Greetings, I am Norman Wong, Chief Auditor Hong Leong Bank. I got your contact email from an online directory; I would need your assistance in re-profiling funds belonging to my late client who shares similar surnames with you. Contact me on my private email for more detailed information.
Regards,
Norman Wong
I still get the occasional one, so sadly they must still bring in the odd mug. The e-mail actually came from Iran, although it may have been routed by South Africa. Could the Iranian connection, indicate it was sent more in hope than expectation? The spelling and grammar are good, which shows a certain level of education.
British Cycling – The Crux Of The Success
If you want to go faster, you have to cut drag to a minimum, as any racing car designer will tell you. But with cycling, it’s just a bit more difficult! Or it was until Crux Product Design of Bristol got in on the act and came up with futuristic streamlined helmets. The story is here on This is Bristol. There are also some great pictures on the Crux website.
It just shows how redesigning something as mundane as a cycling helmet can reap big rewards.
What other simple things need to be redesigned? Or should it be designed properly for once?
The Anonymous Widower 