It is supposed to handle images according to this: "SuperMemo makes it possible to learn knowledge represented as text, pictures, sounds, video, HTML and more." The first screenshot on the above link is of a human brain divided into regions, asking what one is called.

Re #2: "Some well directed civil disobedience is well in order to stop this madness."

Since a group of photographers wouldn't even be breaking the law, we need to call it something else. Civil obedience?

WRT volunteer policemen. I did some googling and discovered that this is not a new thing. People used to be forced into this role on occasion by being sworn in by a magistrate. They've been wholly volunteers since 1835 though. Yes, this role has existed for the best part of two hundred years.

Educating the public, the regular police force, and the special volunteer police force alike on our rights would seem the most useful strategy at this point. [Although flash mobs sound like a fun way to do this.]

The deadline to enter the competition the site is holding is the 20th April. I hope they continue to keep accepting submissions (for display, rather than entering comp) as this is totally cool!

I wonder if I have any baby pics of me?

The "cop" was a special constable, which means they were a volunteer. They still have all the powers of a regular cop, but perhaps we can give them a little more leeway when they screw up?

I'm still pleased that the photographer complained and got this incident highlighted. I'm fairly astounded at how common this seems to be. The more press this issue gets, the more educated everyone will be about their rights.

Oh, the BBC article mentions a petition that British residents and expat British citizens can sign on the Downing Street website. It has gone from 900 odd signatures earlier today to 2000 now. :)

"After all, a British license-payer who records a digital video-stream from the Beeb's broadcast towers can store the recording forever, can watch it on any computer or TV, and can otherwise enjoy all the freedoms that we've had since the VCR was legalized."

This implies that it is legal in the UK to record TV (e.g. on VCR) and keep it forever. I have a feeling that you're technically only allowed to record for the purposes of time-shifting and only to keep the copy for something absurd like a week.

I don't think people are hunted down and prosecuted for taping shows though, you know, so this is more a point of order than a serious objection to the point you're making. [In fact, hasn't the Beeb appealed to members of the public to send in copies of old shows when they've lost or destroyed the masters?]

Invisible vote!

*coughs*

I've seen leaf plates on sale in the UK via surfing for sustainable living/ethical/green things. Here you go:

20 for a fiver.

The same site has a few photos of their production.

1906: facial hair is in!

There seems to be some influence from national costume/dress involved here too. To leave out the Scotch Highlander would be to miss an excellent tartan opportunity. Ditto bullfighters.

Including "Sheik" and "Raja" makes more sense if you consider "race" as conflated with professions/ranks which are associated with traditional/stereotypical costumes.

Kilroy-Silk just emailed me to say:

"Thank you for you email regarding 'Intellectual Property'. As a matter of principal I vote against all EU directives."

Hmmmm.

My stepmum had some of these. You can get them at Lakeland (UK): saucepan separators.

#4. Here's a "you wouldn't steal a car" original on YouTube. This particular one says we shouldn't BUY pirated movies (i.e. down the local market). They have a point in that you're passing money to criminals who might (or might not?--I don't know the statistics) be involved in more serious criminal concerns.

When I saw this advert in the cinema a guy said very clearly "No, I download mine instead," which got a good laugh from everyone.

None of the British peeps are representatives for my particular constituency, so I emailed them all.

My message was no where near as lucid or cogent as those above, but every voice counts I hope.

As an aside: I was sort of charmed by their names (Heaton-Harris, Wise, Dover, Kilroy-Silk, Honeyball). I think I need to bring more imagination to bear when naming characters/imaginary people. No more "Mr A N Other" for me. :)

That's next year's hallowe'en costume sorted. Bonanza!

The manufacturer is Fun Factory who make a whole range of gorgeous toys.

http://www.funfactory.de/ (in English despite the .de)

I don't know if I would buy a vibrator made by anyone else. I love the designs and the high quality of everything I've bought from them. They were also very helpful when I emailed and asked about what type of rechargeable batteries were most suited to vibrators (didn't really want to email Uniross that question).

Even the packaging is superb. ("Look inside" panels secured by magnets = the future.)

Or you could check The Straight Dope who debunk the above etymology:
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/000512.html

The Falkirk Wheel is also featured on one of the new (bridge-themed) Bank of Scotland banknotes: Specimen note. (BOS is one of three issuing banks in Scotland.)

I've never actually seen it "in the flesh" or even a video of it before, despite living nearish, so thanks for that.

I have heard that the cafe does good jacket potatoes though./full of useless information

This immediately reminded me of an advert on the back cover of New Scientist from the other week. It was entirely unexpected and freaked me out. I shall boycott the manufacturer! (Mostly because I have no money.)

Ears for Eyes