For Immediate Release:

April 6, 2008 - According to the Committee in Defense of Mahmoud Salehi, Mahmoud Salehi, a well known and one of the most courageous labour leaders in Iran, was finally released today, Sunday, April 6, 2008 at 3:00 PM from the City of Sanandaj‘s central prison, where he had finished one-year jail term for his labour activities on March 23, 2008 but the authorities had refused to release him until today.

Congratulation and many thanks to all labour, progressive and human rights’ organizations and activists who have supported Salehi and called for his freedom and that of other jailed labour activists.

So far today: an attempt to grab the torch off a former childrens’ TV presenter/brazen hussy who said that she would wear a “Free Tibet” t-shirt on the day while carrying the flame … but didn’t; the discharge of a fire extinguisher; a score of arrests; and the usual cant, hypocrisy and utter bollocks from politicians including Tessa Jowell.

Another veteran Labour politician is standing with the protestors. Kate Hoey MP – talks shite on occasion, but unlike most of her colleagues the woman possesses a moral compass.

Oh, and in Trafalgar Square and elsewhere on the route – Chinese TV crews have been clearly seen staging pro-China micro-demonstrations, with beheadphoned directors leading the chants.

Jib - cut of - I like.

[I]t is my fervent hope that, somewhere along its London route, a brave protester - or, better yet, its bearer - takes the Olympic torch captive and extinguishes its silly flame in a puddle.

Via the Sedgemeister

Seen the new coinage for UK PLC yet?

The coinage of the United Kingdom is changing. Familiar designs that have served us well for almost 40 years will be replaced by a new set of designs, contemporary in treatment yet grounded in the traditions of the coinage. Now, in a new age, the time has come to rejuvenate the coinage by seeking designs that treat traditional symbols in an innovative and modern way. The series that has been chosen brings new life to the coinage and, like the decimal designs 40 years ago, draws inspiration from the very fabric of British history.

Aye — the same occurred to me comrade.