Friday, July 08, 2005

Holier than thou

My heart weeps for London, and I'm reminded once again why I sometimes hate people. In this case, I hate people who themselves are filled with a hate that leads them to do unconscionable things in the name of a higher power. That really pisses me off.

In the same week that saw a city jubilant with the announcement of winning the Olympic bid, and celebrating world unity during the Live 8 concert, London bore witness to another attention grabbing event. I was impressed by the calm response to this by my friends. I think I was more emotional about it than they were. I don't know what's worse, the actual bombing, or the fact that the British reaction to it was one that didn't terribly affect people in the same dramatic way that it would have here simply because city bombings are something that Britain got used to. No one should have to get used to something like that. Nevertheless, I love the fact that the general attitude is one of keeping the head held high, and reacting with grace and reserve rather than the over-reaction and 'git 'r done' attitude that would be so prevalent here. Just another reason why I love the UK so much.

I suppose I should attempt to switch gears on to a more light-hearted subject, although it seems that Sheep Are Great has become a place for me to express my discontent.

The Tour is on, and I really enjoy this time of year for that reason. I love watching the coverage, although after being fortunate enough to watch Eurosport in pub during the race last year, it's hard to come back to the Lance heavy OLN coverage. Still, beggars can't be choosers, and for that reason I'm happy to get any bit of tv exposure. Plus, I get to see Bob Roll, which as everyone knows is the center of my secret crush.

I'm back in Wisconsin for the weekend, but head out on Sunday to begin the drive back to the oasis of Boulder for another 3 weeks. Yee haw!

Still missing everyone overseas, and hoping to pay a visit in the near future.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

good to hear your having fun Chris :-)

Fat Lad said...

Mrs Fat Lad was in London on the train to Kings Cross when it all happened... fate has a funny way of dealing itself out, if she'd been on her regular train she would have been on the tube when the first explosion occured...

Someone is watching over us and we have realised just how lucky we are (in all aspects of our life)

Anonymous said...

Wow Lad! I'm really glad to hear that your missus is ok and obviously dodged a bullet there.

Anonymous said...

Chris,

Nicely expressed.

We all miss you - please shout up if/when you're around - and don't forget November 18/20th...

Anonymous said...

Steve say you have to come when Fairford Air Show is on and bring spare knickers. I'm not sure if thats advice or a request though ;o)

Anonymous said...

Chris, do make sure you are around when this event is on, my first ever air show and it was ace, apparently its the biggest military air show in the world, lots of stuff like B1's and B17's etc, the show never stopped for 9 whole hours !!

http://www.airtattoo.com/airtattoo/showcontent.asp

Anonymous said...

that was me BTW ;-)

Anonymous said...

I read this post and its nice to know that people thousands of miles away have been affected by the bombings. I lived in london for 10 years now and I wanted to say summat about what you said. The low key reaction to the bomb was not because Londoners got used to bombings entirely, that did contribute to it but I think the main thing is that as a city we refuse to let things/people f'#k with us. We are more likeley to say "Come and have a go if you think your hard eneough!!!" accopanied by a middle finger extension. We dont want to invite it, we sure as hell dont like when it happens but when it does the attitude is more like - "What the f*#k did you do that for you little sh@ts!" It angers us. Most of the conversations I've had with my mates have been along those lines anyway. What I would like to see is a failed bomber stuck in the middle of en east end market - He'd probably get the kicking of his life!!
Anyway - London is still a vibrant city and although everyone is a little more wary, we are just getting on with it.