links for 2009-10-08

"A Tory party member has been arrested after he was accused of stealing a £150 bottle of champagne at the party's conference". This champagne meme is going to run and run, isn't it?

"In the end, then, the rusting shell of Google Groups is a reminder that Google is an advertising company — not a modern-day Library of Alexandria". [via Nigel Barlow]

From the comments: "...also, on this theme of people wanting content made available to all possible platforms/formats, can we have a comment or two on when the BBC is going to make all their FM radio stations available on the MW and SW spectrum so that everyone can receive these BBC's radio services - some people still have MW/LW/SW only radios after all, especially those who own classic/period cars or wish to listen from abroad".

"In general the competitive nature of the UK online news market has helped to breed an industry we should be proud of. And its success is being replicated abroad: over the last 12 months, US users visiting British news and media sites increased by 54%."

"I've recently been doing a bit of research on real-time, data-driven timelines. Here are a few of the solutions that generally fall into the news/search results category. These are less visual and more functional, but that's what I was after in this case". There are some really good extra links and discussion in the comments as well [via Konigi]

"Art aside, this is of course a rare chance to visit the Kingsway tram tunnel, and despite the brevity of the half-hour guided tours this is an opportunity that transport buffs, professional nostalgists, amateur spelunkers and the plain curious will not want to miss. Chord is open from October 8th until 8th November. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance."

"FOR Leeds United-loving residents of Cross Gates, it represents the ultimate kick in the teeth. The area's infamous 'crossed gates' sculpture has been repainted – as threatened – in the red and white colours of Leeds's arch rivals Manchester United". As a Leeds fan even I have to wince at the continued use of 'arch-rivals' here, as if we weren't in the Third Division and were due at Old Trafford any time soon