A quick jog through Lawns and it's back down to the library for my usual net-fest. I arrived before the inner doors were opened. The security guard, as usual, waited with professional calm for the exact second to stroll toward the locks, and I do suspect he enjoys the process immensely. It doesn't really matter of course, there's still a selection of books available for perusal and... Hello... What's that notice board over by the window?

It seems our councils have decided to pursue another makeover opportunity for Swindon. They've been making quite a few grandiose schemes over the last few years, some of which resemble those city-scape matte paintings in Star Trek episodes, but this time they've decided to upgrade Regent Street, one of the pedestrianised shopping streets in town.

On the face of it there's little to suggest a huge improvement. The artists impressions, a mixture of photography and renderings, looked all very tidy (and notice the 'after' pictures with lots of happy people being sociable and content in Post-Madeover Swindon), yet it was hard to see why all the effort of ripping up the pavement to replace it with a duller pattern is really necessary.

One point I did approve of was the exposure of the old tramway tracks. They're still there? Apparently so, buried under pavement, and it's good to see that after all these years Swindon is starting to appreciate it's heritage. On the other hand, Swindon has always been more comfortable with future ambition and the makeover shows all the hallmarks of modernist thinking. They intend to install neon lights in the pavement so our happy citizens can tell which parts of the street are fit to be happy in. It probably won't suprise you, but the artists impression of bright electric blue lamps in the footwalk doesn't exactly thrill me at all.

It's a very cheap and tacky idea, gentlemen. Welcome to Nightclub City. Ugh.

Leaner, Fitter Me

I woke this morning feeling none too bad for my energetic hike yesterday. Heck, I even went for a jog this morning. Hang on though... Am I imagining things, or am I genuinely losing weight? Oh ye gods, my spare tire has become partially deflated. I have lost weight! Seriously, I'm in danger of becoming unbearably smug. At least until I realise I can't make jokes about being officially fat anymore.

I have to say though that these fat-burners only work if you burn fat, or in other words, exercise, and eat sensibly. It isn't a quick fix for obese walrus types. If my weight loss continues at this pace, I'll need bouyancy aids in the bathroom.