So, I've just got home from some time in Cornwall. With the help of some steroids (for my asthma and hayfever) I was actually able to get out. Had a nice time, although I had to resign myself to watching the world collapse around us on TV.

Live8: Great stuff... Missed the start though, I had a crappy portable radio (free gift sort). Highlights had to be the Who and Pink Floyd! Rock on...

Olympics: Great that London won the bid, but I'm sceptical. The Olympics have harmed a number of hosts in the past, and I am not sure that London can really take the extra strain... anyone been on a tube train in summer? Crikey!

London Bombings: It was going to happen sometime, and what was pulled off was shockingly sophisticated, 3 almost simultaneous train bombs and a visible symbol with a bus bomb. This is a very good sign of al Qaida affliates' media savvy. My condolensces to all who lost someone. My immediate impression was that the bus bomb must have been relatively low yield with the bomb near the front (note how the front is relatively intact). Going by suicide bus bombings in Israel, it's a miracle anyone survived, luckily it would appear that the design of the lower floor of the double decker actually funnelled the blast rearwards and up the stairs, the paths of least resistance.

G8: Disappointing, but what can you expect? The US won't budge on climate change, it has too much at stake, and agricultural subsidies are hardly going to be abolished outside EU meetings (issues with UK rebate). We need less of this aid-mentality too. Sure, we can relieve the short-term hunger pangs, but we need to build up the intellectual and skilled infrastructure in the continent (see last week's New Scientist).

That's all for now, almost finished sifting through my email... too many!

James

Right, like Andy I should start getting back into this during the summer. Got a few things I want to say about films, TV and stuff... mini reviews, I guess.

Saw Star Wars when I got home on Wednesday. I wasn't expecting to be as impressed as I was. To be honest, I really liked Attack of the Clones, it was a good yarn and obviously was putting the pieces in place for the rest of the story, but Sith was right up there with Empire! Perhaps the one thing the prequels could have done without was Phantom Menace, Lucas could have introduced us to Anakin in the same way we met Luke back in the 70s: grown up. Of course, the acting was a little stiff, but that's the Lucas way. I'm happy with what I saw, and thank you, George.

But I have more... oh yes! Standalone Complex 2nd Gig is as fantastic as ever, and I have grown to love the end theme, although Rise is still the weakest of the bunch. I recently watched episodes 13 and 14, the Pazu and Saito episodes, and they were really interesting. I hope that we see a 3rd season, Shirow's works can be taken further.

The finale of Desperate Housewives was great, really tied up loose ends and left enough open for a Season 2. The writing and humour is superb, and the cast really pulls off a believable performance. The same can be said for Season 2 of Nip/Tuck. Both had me hooked, and the loss of each has left my weekday TV wide open. 24 is the only series left for me to watch right now.

I watched Stephen Chow's Kung Fu Hustle last night, that was pretty funny. Chow handles the comedy nicely, and the effects make it anime-ish at times. It's good though, the fights aren't gritty, but that's not the films style. From what I gather, if you liked Shaolin Soccer, you'll love this.

Started some Samurai Champloo, just the first episode, but god it looks great. The editing is cheesy, but its a nice take on history, can't wait to watch more. Also, the J-Drama I've been watching, Koukou Kyoushi is drawing to a close, and a damn good story it is. I recommend you hunt this down on bittorrent. It's a bit soppy and soapish, but it is a heartwarming tale about love.

Finally, Xbox games: DoA Xtreme Beach Volleyball is the business. I could spend all day arsing around on it. DoA3 is bloody good, I've taught Miyuki how to fight and we're having some nice bouts now. Anyway, those are the main games of late.

Gotta go, but until next time: bye bye!

Last exam, here I come... T-40 minutes.

Been in Aber since Saturday (incidently my birthday, nothing big, not even a PSP... it's delayed until my finances are sorted). Before that I've been nursing the dog, who still has another let to be operated on, and no doubt more mischief to pull. Just been a lazy few weeks, but this past 4 days have been especially lazy... I propose this:

Brightness of day + warmth from sun - cloud cover is proportional to the requirement of a nap

I swear, I've been sleepy constantly even when I slept well. I hate summer! Not to mention the expense of anti-histamines. Bah... I got a 30 pack of 3 a day Boots things... probably just sugar pills for all I know!

Going to see Star Wars with Miyuki and Jonathan (an old friend recently back in touch), which is good because Momo and I prepared ages ago by watching all the others. Also got to keep working through Standalone Complex 2nd Gig (hurry up LaughingMan, please...), and finish the drama Koukou Kyoushi... which I highly recommend.

Anyway, I'm living the dream :-\

Bye for now!

I am an emotional, stressed wreck right now. For the second time this year, my exams are coming while one of the dogs has had an operation. Kai's had his knee fixed, although it does appear to be the wrong leg. I can't stand to see him suffer and I am shook up and dreading the coming hours when Miyuki and I are left to look after him.

I'm not cut out for this...