The Blurb: September 2009

In the book, and approaching o'Groats

Friday 18 September 2009  11.44 am

It seems like only yesterday that I was congratulating my brother Sam on breaking the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance covered on a unicycle in 24 hours - back in September 2007 on a track at Aberystwyth University.

Well he's finally made it big, and if you look on page 88 of the 2010 Book, you'll see his picture in pride of place.  I have to admit I was the only one queueing outside Waterstone's Clapham Junction for my copy at 9.00 am on Thursday, but it had to be done.

As I write, Sam and his friend Roger are busy attempting their next world record - the fastest time from Land's End to John o'Groats on a unicycle.  Looks like they're in line to smash that one from 12 days to a cool seven.  Fabulous.

Update: They made it to the end, completing the trip in 6 days, 8 hours and 43 minutes - congratulations once again!
 
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Vertigo

Saturday 5 September 2009  5.08 pm

When I was in Shanghai recently, I noticed that they had taken to bulldozing most of the old buildings around there and tall new Western ones were busy being erected.  An ideal vantage point to watch all this going on was from the remarkable Oriental Pearl Tower, and in particular its viewing gallery.  Which is (and I quote from the sign), "composed of glass floor and wall with great stimulation."

The sign goes on to warn that "those who have acrophobia or aren't suitable must be carefull".  I think probably I was suitable.  It's always hard to tell from the inside.

As you can see, a handy "Wet Floor" sign was also provided.

It's good to know the Chinese have health and safety nailed, even if their English has room for improvement.
 
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