Proving that there is no idea so unoriginal that it can't be rejuvenated by making it bigger, Beijing has announced plans for a colossal Ferris wheel. This, it is claimed, will be larger than both the famous London Eye (destroyed by the Fantastic Four in a recent movie, I recall) and the Singapore Flyer, which Imagethief has often fantasized seeing break free from its moorings and roll across the straits to Batam.

From 208 meters above Chaoyang Park you are guaranteed a spectacular view of, well, Chaoyang Park. But to tantalize you, the China Daily has included this 3D rendering of the proposed wheel of joy pictured before a suspiciously clear sky:

In fact, it's so suspiciously clear that I did a little digging, and sure enough, have found this other, well hidden rendering that depicts the wheel in actual Beijing conditions:

Fun!

Unfortunately it will only be finished in 2009, so you won't be able to use it to get a free look at the Olympic beach volleyball matches scheduled for Chaoyang Park. Fortunately, Imagethief wouldn't have to resort to any such skullduggery, as he has already been awarded tickets for the beach volleyball in the first ticket lottery. It ain't the opening ceremony, but, heck, you take what you can get for a chance to experience the Olympic magic. Especially in a skimpy outfit.

Note: Imagethief apologizes for curmudgeonly posting. It's been a very long two weeks.