You say the right thing when electioneering

Earlier this evening, while Helen and I were chatting about the questionable benefits of the continuing Space Programme, I began to question the value of democracy.
And lo I chanced upon an interesting page about the alternatives from the remarkable BBC:
Do we really need an election?

You can't say fairer than that, after the last derogatory post.

Most of them are scary. I don't know why I trust politicians more than random punters, because the evidence is that they'd auction their own children to the lowest bidder to gain power, but it'd probably all turn out like Northern Ireland where they'd pay themselves to do nothing. I quite enjoy the election run-up despite the lack of excitement for the last 3 goes; for the first time in the 4 or so years that I can vote I'm not really fussed. Perhaps it's because I'm in Scotland and although my vote actually might affect my life in some way (questionable) I don't have the same, 'I'd better vote for this person as a protest vote against the bigotry of the other candidates' feeling.
Politics, eh, who would have 'em?

Bring on the Major Leagues

I know football players are the new royalty but this article is taking the once-revered British Broadcasting Corporation to a new low:
Man U stars make Welsh chip stop
See especially 'Which Star Ordered What' highlighted box.
Yawn.

Mobiles chirp and mobiles wwwerk

Perhaps I've linked to this before, but some of these instruments have amazing names...the Telharmonium, the Dynaphone, the Pianorad. Goodness knows what they sound like, although I think a couple have popped up on some Radiohead stuff thanks to that eclectic noise-maker/experimenter Johnathan Greenwood.

120 years of Electronic Music

Lots of pictures at the moment, hope it brightens up the place...*blows off the cobwebs from around the edge of the screen*.

It Should Be Always Like This

Just a quick link to a good band from Belfast (I'm not about to say "The Next Big Thing"):
Fast Emperors
Fomerly known as Edgeweather.

In the Navy

Being paid to sit on a cruise ship for 4 months in the Caribbean with only a few sprained ankles to strap (well and the heart attacks), doesn't sound too bad.

From Ship's doctors - One of the more tricky situations...

"Back to Basics

'I once dealt with a passenger who was suffering from severe abdominal pain. He knew he had a hereditary illness but couldn’t remember what it was! I had to revisit my basic skills and clinical knowledge in order to conduct a diagnosis. A urine test was conducted and it was clear as the urine turned brown that this was a case of Porphyria.'
Doctor Sally Bell"

Anti-climax or what?

Inspiring, isn't it? 

Chicago!

Further to previous excitement: Sufjan Stevens releases his new album on the 5th of July...aah 2-3 days before my finals. Something for me to listen to in India...hm, I'm sure there something "wrong" with that, but I don't know what.
see Pitchfork: Sufjan Stevens Album Details Announced


Also: Happy Birthday to Pete - Notching up his 22nd year on Earth.

Bananas.