This is an interview with President Bush, by an interviewer in Ireland for broadcaster RTE. I think it’s the first time I’ve ever heard him being hit with real questions about Iraq, Europe and the Middle East. Reading this offical transcript gives you an idea of how well he can cope…
Archive for June, 2004
Battered Bush
Tuesday, June 29th, 2004The most pointless waste of time
Thursday, June 24th, 2004I live in the Kingston area. I’m a huge fan of cycling – I think it’s the most sensible way to get around by a long shot. I like cycle lanes. But I still think that this is a huge waste of time:
Painting lines on a cycle lane that’s only really just about wide enough for two bikes? Bikes don’t stop at junctions just because there’s a junction marker there. It’s a waste of time and I suspect purely to avoid lawsuits, but there’s a rant for another day 
Modular robots = cool
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2004MTRAN2 is the name of a robot made up of lots of similar modules, each of which can lock together. Think Transformers but without the laser guns (yet).
Well worth a look is the Simulations and Experiments section – especially the movies of the robot changing shape (eg. no 11 ([mpeg] / [real media])). Absolutely amazing.
The Land Rovers are Escaping
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2004Working in Canary Wharf doesn’t have many advantages. But the odd car show here or there is a bonus, especially if people like Land Rover decide to take it seriously.
They not only slap hundreds of their latest models throughout Jubilee Gardens…
… and have a rollercoaster-style ramp to show off…
… but they install an obstacle course so that they can give people demos of what one can do in a proper four wheel drive:
Go on, ask me anything
Monday, June 21st, 2004I noticed today on the tube an advert that grabbed my attention. It was for a service that requires you to text a number. Most of these advertise such puny offerings as phone ringtones or directory enquiries.
This, however, gives you the answer to any question that you choose to ask – “within minutes!”.
I thought of several that they might be a bit more hard-pressed to answer (any suggestions, mail me!). But it also occurred to me that this would surely be the most interesting job in the world – one minute you’re looking up the wingspan of a dodo, next you have to find out when the next train from Hammersmith to Ealing Broadway is. Apart from anything else, just think of the winnings you could make from pub quizzes. I wonder if I can apply?
Italy photos
Sunday, June 20th, 2004
Are now up! See the Gallery.
Changing the definition of picture-worthy
Friday, June 18th, 2004Camera phones changing the definition of picture-worthy is an interesting article about how photography is becoming more pervasive.
If I ever updated this page, you would also be treated to photos of mundanity in my life. Something to do this weekend, I think…
More British Museum Gubbins
Thursday, June 3rd, 2004
Can’t remember exactly how old this helmet is, but it looks quite striking so I thought I’d stick it in…
A Modern Stonehenge
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2004Found a link to this – the Astronomy Picture of the Day – which is quite fascinating. Worth keeping a note of if you’re in Manhattan on the 12th July…