Olympics day one

as it happened...set your alarm for 23:30 every day.

Britain tops the olympic medal table in '08

1908 that is. Yep, I even resorted to stealing the BBC's joke this time.

Anyway, don't forget the Olympic games opening tomorrow night at 7. Apparently the pollution problems are "sorted" as extraordinary efforts have been made to ensure... at best not a danger to the health of athletes. That's nice then, what about the less fit and healthy spectators? Apparently it's fog, not pollution, so that's fine then, we just might not be able to see the games?

ed. I was only six hours out...

Blogs to watch (err, read)

I just came across this blog on the BBC site which looks great. The author is trying to avoid using plastic for a month. I'm really into recycling as is Chunky - not that into it though - so I'm looking forward to following this one and seeing how it turns out.

I've also recently been introduced (shamelessly by the author himself) to this really witty, interesting and intelligent blog, so go read it if you haven't, and this is not because I was buttered up by an offer to link to my blog...OK.

More hope

It looks like there's been some success in using patients own immune system to prevent organ transplants being rejected, rather than having to suppress the immune system by using drugs. Having to suppress the immune system must be more likely to mean infections and other illnesses can get hold easier, in addition to the side effects of the drugs themselves. Early days but promising.

Bullet Proof Bra

A Policewoman in Germany has designed a bra to be worn under bullet-proof vest (and a shirt of course) as an alternative to normal underwired bras.

"The impact of a bullet can push the metal and plastic bits of the bra into an officer's body, causing serious injury"

This bra is like a sports bra and has no metal so will prevent that.

Good on 'er I say, Carmen Kibat (the woman who invented this). I mean from the picture they're not exactly attractive, but are sports bras ever? and they are optional, so I'm all for it. Here, have a ChunkyBetty Honours Degree in ingenuity.

Neither End Bites

I thought you police peeps would have learned by now. Now listen carefully, all you have to do is remember this simple motto "Don't offend the offender"

How hard can it be?

"Police dog handlers have been told to consider whether criminals could be frightened of dogs before using them in raids or searches...'The traditional shout of "stand still or I will set the dog on you" will presumably now have to become "excuse me, my police dog is quite hairy and might cause alarm as he sinks his fangs into your right thigh -is that all right with you?" '"

Shave the dog, put a muzzle on it, and away you go, it won't be half as scary or dangerous, and no-one has to get sued. Simple.

The first ChunkyBetty Dunce Cap has now been plonked firmly on the head of whoever came up with that insightful cog in the masterplan. (Peter Vaughan perhaps?) They'll be able to use it to protect their bottoms from dog bites.













Photograph by Arthur Tress