In what most be the least surprising legal ruling of all time, a British court found that people cannot be detained without access to food, water, shelter, or toilets without cause.

The practice, known as Kettling is an increasingly common tactic used by police at protests. That the tactic is illegal in a country where citizens have the right to protest and the right to due process under the law seems obvious.

The police are appealing; they should drop their appeal. They should be protecting the people, rather than fighting for permission to abuse us.

Photo is of the I Fly Like Paper installation by Dawn Ng.
Webcomic is Mr. Lovenstein by J. L. Westover.

On November 26th — while the Big Bad Blog was unfortunately huddled in a dark, internet-free world — Christopher Hitchens and Tony Blair had some sort of free-for-all WWE-style smackdown in Toronto. While the details are hazy, as we were not in Toronto, and did not have Internet, some matters of faith were discussed.

Should you be interested in what might have been said in such a discussion, the transcript is here.

(by Sebastian Errazuriz)

Here is a long interview, with many photos, about vintage toy robots.

Given last week’s post about education cuts, you might think that the Big Bad Blog is sympathetic with student protesters. And you would be somewhat right — we sympathise with their cause. But whining about police tactics used at student protests is a bit much. The first protest was surprisingly violent. Police officers were hurt. Buildings were damaged. And the force was embarrassed.

If you were surprised, angry, or hurt by the police tactics employed during the following protests — and particularly if you chose to bring young children to them — you really need that education. Here at the Big Bad Blog, we have a hard time feeling bad for you, though we do feel a little sorry for your kids.