The EU has recognised parody as 'an autonomous concept of EU law' that must be interpreted uniformly in all EU countries. The Court solemnly addressed itself to the question of whether parody had to contain an element of humour or mockery and (unfortunately for those whose fanfic disclaimers state that their work is one of parody) decided it did: ' ( Read more... )

My mother's house sale and purchase were meant to complete this morning, but her solicitor couldn't get the confirmation that the money from her buyer had arrived. So I've been hovering all morning, waiting to see whether I needed to go and help unpack, or whether I should expect her to arrive here in a state of distress. Now we find out (probably ( Read more... )

My widowed mother, aged 80, is in the process of moving from a large farmhouse in Cheshire to a small house in Northamptonshire. She's been giving away, selling and donating stuff for months, and is now in the miserable surrounded-by-boxes state common to the last few days before a move - rendered even more miserable as it has become clear that the ( Read more... )

How to talk posh: a rarely marvlous glossary (from The Guardian).

Son 1 just got given an early birthday present bought from this lady. A truly amazing (if creepy) level of skill.

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Perhaps they should supply old pennies to use in this.

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