Christmas

Santa's shopping is in full swing. Peak season for what I consider child abuse, family abuse and democracy abuse -- marketing to children. I'm of the baby boomer generation. When I was a kid, there was Tony the Tiger hawking Frosted Flakes and little elves selling me cookies, but marketing to children was peanuts -- well, probably Cracker Jacks. Everything has changed, and changed gradually on such a scale that we are paying an enormous price -- in kids' physical, mental and emotional health, and in the health of our families and our democracy.

Allowing customers to stay connected while on the move became a big priority for retail and leisure organisations in 2006. Wi-fi became more common in London pubs - so much so that silicon.com created a guide to help thirsty road warriors get online.