Zombie

the pertinent fact in Orlando is that Mateen did not need an automatic, or a machine gun. Using his legally bought and owned semi-automatic he was able to keep on firing bullets into people, efficiently shooting them at a rate of around one bullet a second - more than enough to keep killing and killing and killing (repeat 49 times) fit and able adolescent and adult males and females without any individual or group of individuals being able to overpower him and stop the slaughter. Gun lobby supporters who trot out the same hackneyed response "it's not guns that kill people, people kill people" are wilfully diverting attention from the real truth: legally bought and owned semi-automatic weapons such as Mateen used make mass murders like this much more likely because they make it so EASY.

not many news items move me to tears, but this one did

Footprints to the edge. None returned.

Tonight's TV news had just one story. Never known that happen before. Ali was adored in the UK, even though he defeated our own Sir Henry Cooper - but only after 'enry had floored Ali and nearly knocked him out He was witty and intelligent, he did important work outside the ring for civil rights and he wrote his own epitaph - The Greatest

and many happy returns

this time? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mbMWnaD3fhI

yes, but apparently in the version shown in the US he was replaced by Sigourney Weaver who obviously has much more impressive wildlife credentials, having killed off all those alien critters...

David Attenborough is 90 today. The world's most celebrated naturalist, he's been making and presenting groundbreaking TV wildlife and natural history documentaries for over 60 years. Not only has he informed, educated and entertained generations of viewers worldwide, he's also worked as a senior TV exec. He became controller of the BBC's second TV channel when it launched in 1965 and he was responsible for taking the decision on commissioning new shows like Monty Python, and TV snooker - he chose snooker when colour TV began in 1966 as an obvious way to encourage people to buy colour TV sets And he's still travelling the world making new documentaries like the recent Great Barrier Reef series. It's a cliche to say someone's a legend in their own lifetime, but if anyone qualifies then surely he does. Happy 90th, Sir David, and long may you continue .

The world's biggest particle accelerator and most expensive scientific instrument has been put out of action by a small furry animal http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-36173247

The Queen revives her acting career in this promo for the 2016 games https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KuNcSp2T4Lw

Tom Daley: "I was heavily involved in the way the trunks were going to be cut, to ensure you're all in place when doing your dives and nothing goes awry..."

Redcoat is majorly p155ed at being totally eclipsed in the hotness stakes

someone had a good time fitting out the team with their cozzies...

I know a bank where the wild thyme blows, Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows, Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine, With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine

Happy birthday glitteryantlers! Hope it's been a good one

Meanie

hahahahaha! I can't take credit - when it died I did a search on the Google. I didn't believe it but, hey, the iPad was out of warranty so what did I have to lose?

Problem Dead iPad screen Consequence you feeling upset and sad or frustrated and angry Solution gently place the dead thing on a carpeted floor, screen down pick up a rubber-soled shoe aim right at the Apple logo then give it a damned good smack! Outcome 1. You will immediately feel better 2. The dead thing may come back to life *I've had this happen twice and it's worked both times*

older people love giving advice to younger people and younger people love ignoring it so what's the best / worst, most useful / useless, piece of advice you've given / received; wish you'd taken / ignored; or... whatever Me? Okay, let's kick this off never stick the fork in the toaster

There is a mindset in a good number of Americans that is still rooted in an outmoded eighteenth century outlook, values and way of life that migrated across the Atlantic with the first wave of settlers, largely from the British Isles, just as the speech patterns in some of the Eastern states have held onto the sound of English as it was spoken in the eighteenth century. Likewise some aspects of the US legal system and elements of the Constitution. You're right, a successful nation needs to look to the future not be hamstrung by a past that no longer exists, if it ever did in the way that some claim, and be able to adapt itself and be receptive to change. Change is a good thing. Who wants to drive a Model T when they can have a 2016 model Mustang

loved it when he was caught red-handed snorting cocaine in the toilets at the BAFTA awards http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2qzdkd

PrEP isn't a panacea. All drugs have side effects which may not become known for some time. One known side effect of PrEP is possible kidney damage. Also it should be used in combination with condoms. And for minors, who aren't going to get access to HIV prevention drugs anyway, sex ed is the only viable strategy.

young people have no memory of the past governments must mandate compulsory defined sex education for every child - no exceptions or opt-outs (parents do not own their children) - and continue to fund ongoing public awareness

hahahahaha!

go to Bhutan http://io9.gizmodo.com/5906187/in-bhutan-friendly-phalluses-painted-on-houses-ward-off-evil-spirits-nsfw if that's too long distance check out your local museum / gallery - you might be be surprised what the curators have popped into those innocent-looking display cabinets Jack of Hilton (13th century) Earthenware plate 1536