h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Well then, I've learned something about the world today...

Ben,

Azerbaijan elections In a word rigged. The lack of democratic representation and good old corruption are the biggest obstacles in the way of the country becoming rich and successful on the back of its independence from Russia and Caspian oil.

I had an Azeri colleague who said to me "I wish you guys could take over our country until it's working properly and not corrupt and then give it back to us." Puts a different slant on empire doesn't it.

Well, that was the theory of Empire, of course, and the practice too for a lot of people.

The problem was that for every imperial administrator or soldier, acting with integrity and honour, there were any number of colonials and others simply seeking to line their pockets. Not to mention the Bad Eggs sent out to the colonies to rot discreetly out of sight.

Don't be mean WA - give us more. How long were you there. What sort of tea do they drink. Do the sewers work. What are the loos like. What do they eat for breakfast. Do they put jam in their coffee?

Yeah, but you'd look like a bit of a dick - like you'd stepped out of Pilgrim's Progress...

Oops, issed a page turn there - that was in repsonse to bondage bean bags.

I'm just glad it was 'peed off' rathen than an alternative

Want to see if you can identify UK cities without their most famous landmarks?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5255908.stm

I got 7/10 - mainly through guesswork...

Hmm, 9/10 on the missing landmarks quiz. I didn't get the Newcastle. Some were guesses, others I knew

Ha - I *knew* there was some odd fact about Azerbaijan lingering somewhere in the backwaters of my brain - Thor Heyerdahl believed Azerbaijan to be the place of origin not only for Caucasians, but also for the Aesirs:

http://www.azer.com/aiweb/categories/magazine/31_folder/31_articles/31_thorazerconn.html

3 out of 10, a perfect score when all you're doing is clicking randomly.

And here is a photography competition around the theme of 'shelter'. I know quite a few salonistas are keen snappers so which is your favourite?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/5256204.stm

3/10 which is a bit pants

6/10. Hmm, okay I guess.

Clicking randomly awarded me 5/10

I kind of think that photo 1 best fits the theme, but I like photo 8 the best.

*bounces slowly up and down on the balls of her feet, flexing tendons and generally looking eager*

*looks round, wondering if he can tie his leg to Ben's without her noticing *

G'day all.

I think I like picture no.7 the best - I like her umbrella!

Roll up, roll up. Two winged Albatross looking for a partner. No seagulls need apply. Owls apply at your own risk. Best offer you've seen this week. Roll up, quick.

Off to take my finals. Wish me