Our prediction that the ‘intelligence services’ would have to go back to using snail mail, following the revelations of the extent and relative ease of electronic interception, has been fulfilled. Yesterday the Guardian reported that the German government had bought a new consignment of typewriters, now cutting-edge technology in the war on snooping. Only problem is, they seem a little bit embarrassed at the fact that this news has leaked out…

We are a little late with the news of the waxwork image of Jane Austen that has been created with the help of a ‘forensic scientist’ working for the Jane Austen Centre in Bath. This is the closest ‘anyone has come to the real Jane Austen for 200 years’, according to press reports. Commentary feels superfluous here–let’s just be grateful, and head for the gift shop!