#48 -- No, I think something in either Language Hat or Language Log led me to the quick brown fox.
Can't help with the Libyan punctuation, sorry. My Libya experience long predates url addresses. I remember there was a computer room at the colllege where I taught, with a sign on the door saying "Do not enter during sandstorm."
I've seen a couple of stories about 11 April 1954 but this one makes the point that occurred to me when I first heard the story: once a day has been identified as the least interesting day in recent history it immediately ceases to be the least interesting day in recent history.
You all may be familiar with the John Cage composition for piano solo called 4"33". An arrangement for a larger group of musicians, including Billy Bragg and Pete Doherty, is in contention for British Number 1 Christmas hit this year.
OUr local Art Museum recently re-opened after a big expansion program. The new building has a cafe, gift shop, meeting rooms, and other non-exhibit stuff on the first floor; the art is al on the secnd & third floors. There are signs at the elevator & stairs:
The first floor is food and drink friendly. The second and third floors are just friendly. Please, no food or drink beyond this point.
He looks like he should play Vlad the Impaler in a movie.
So many articles in the paper these days about political opposition being manhandled, arrested, beaten up, etc. And Putin is pretending to be a nice guy. I need a barfy emoticon here.
He's borrowed Ahmedinijad's trademark look, dark suit and shirt without a tie. Not a good look for anyone.
Just as an antidote to Putin's performance, here's another musical anomaly, done very well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tujga5JdP1M&feature=player_embedded
Music, the universal language!