Re: That little flashing barcode that used to be in the top right corner of TV programs

No, it was so that regional ITV company technicians could line up their local ads when retransmitting. Channel 4, I believe had a teletext based recording system which allowed compatible VCRs to pause during breaks using those very codes, but it was withdrawn pretty damn quick at the request of <ahem> well, nobody at all, really, C4 simply decided it would be wrong to deprive viewers of the commercials.

Re: Commercial stations...

I've been timeshifting programs for the specific purpose of skipping ads exer since IQ (that's Sky+ for the Brits) turned up in Oz. Before that I'd simply record stuff on the HDD recorder and start watching 20 minutes in.

Here in Oz we already get the half screen in programme banners advertising programmes you wouldn't watch with a gun to your head, but they're pretty much limited to two broadcast channels at the moment. TBH, they're more irritating than the constant commercial breaks (Channel 9 can get an hour of commercials plus two sports updates into a 90 minute film), precisely because they're so intrusive.

Timeshifting is here to stay, and the industry needs to look for some way to raise revenue other than spamverts, maybe a subscription model.

The title is in 2027 and will be along any minute

THAT makes your head hurt? Time to reread 'Rotating Cylinders and the Probability of Global Causation Violation' just to be reminded how far the universe is prepared to go to stop this sort of thing.

Mine's the one with the anti solar flare goggles in the pocket'

Flames for upcoming massive causal violation penalty flare, natch

The Swedes Can't Charge - They'd look stupid

An EAW is supposed to be issued in cases where charges have been brought or sentence has been passed and the miscreant has fled the country. Assange didn't flee the country - he made sure that Swedish prosecutors had closed the case and let him know he was free to go.

And then you have the charge. This is not rape, this is essentially incondiderate sex. if Assange is found guilty on all counts, he could face a fine of up to 7,500 kronor. Extradition is not seriously considered unless the charges brought against the individual carry a penalty of 3 years or more in proson.

So they can't charge him without being laughed out of court. So why are they making all this fuss? Inquiring minds would like to know.

I'll happily STFU about parenting

.. as soon as parents STFU about how it's *my* responsibility to bring up *their* sprogs.

It's always this way. "It takes a village to rear a child", but doG help the villager who tries to criticise *my* child. Parents want me to simultaneously disrupt my entire life for the sake of 'duh childrynn', and also never even dream about commenting on the kid's behaviour, manners or inappropriate presence at the expensive restaurant/pub/betting office/whatever.

The Intertubes were built by adults FOR adults. Brittneagh and Snotleigh don't belong there. you can keep your playgroups and coffee mornings, we'll take back our pubs, restaurants, betting offices and webs, thanks very much

Title? What Title?

on-line Torrents *TOMORROW*? Methinks you have been sleeping. Also, most of them are available as ISOs or lossless FLAC rather than pissy mp3.

Sorry, but ten quidlets for a 45 year old album encoded with the lossiest codec known to man seems like less than a bargain.

<cue series of "I love my MP#! You want lossy, try codec X" posts>

Beatles? Weren't they a popular beat combo around the time of Queen Victoria or something?

This Title is alarmed (well, maybe slightly startled)

Great idea. Take the train. I'll remember that next time I do the London to Stockholm trip.

The train now standing at platform 3 appears to be full of water and drowned commuters.