The infamous IPod

For those who don't know me, I am an Anglophile - I'll freely admit it. I've been reading about the gift the Obamas gave Her Majesty yesterday, and for some reason many people are SHOCKED that they would give her an IPod and a rare book.

First, HM loves her present IPod, and has been seen listening to it while walking the dogs and there are rumours that she listens to it when on trips. She loves music, especially musicals. So the gift, which had musicals already loaded and the pictures of her recent trip to the US, was a thoughtful, personal gift. The rare song book? Her library collection is one of the largest "private" collections (it belongs to the head of State, and will be passed on intact upon her death" and is one of the treasures of the State. She takes an active enjoyment in it, so a rare book, signed by a great American Songwriter - very suitable.

What do these people want to give her? another framed picture? GWB gave her a statue - not exactly a personal gift - although the box of letters from the archives was a nice one. Another sterling silver box? a little redundant, don't you think? These gifts are supposed to be personal, not an exercise in "look what I'm rich enough to give you"... She, one of the richest people in the world, gives a picture in a frame.

As for those who talk about the President's answers to reporters being stuttering and stammering - please, remember last year... GWB making up words and babbling inanely. Even you, the faithful, cannot say the man could actually parse a coherent sentence.

LAW