Comics know that it is their job to be rude about important people, even ones that they may have voted for.

ECONOMIST: Blair and the comedians

This is not a method that would pass muster in scientific inquiry few orchestral players would be rude in print about their chief conductor but it yields some insightful results.

ECONOMIST: Conjurors

As the volume of information in the public domain continues to grow, it may come to be seen as rude to do a web search about your neighbour or a casual acquaintance.

ECONOMIST: Through a glass darkly

In the world of sport, England cricket captain Mike Atherton resigned after being beaten by the West Indies, two directors resigned - temporarily - from Newcastle United FC after being extremely rude about their fans, and Jane Couch became the first woman in the UK to be awarded a boxing licence.

BBC: From prisoner to president, from president to...