Mr Hancock was also the founder, in 1992, of Romnet, an e-mail discussion group for and about gypsies. (Address: www.rroma.com.) A transnational ethnic group and a global communications medium seem a perfect fit, and Roma websites both official and unofficial are proliferating.

ECONOMIST: Gypsies in America

In a statement, Royal Mail said it was in discussion with the union, but the implementation of the operational changes was a vital part of the modernisation of its business.

BBC: Royal Mail generic

Colligan sent an e-mail response to Jobs expressing his concern over the discussion.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

"We published our findings in the peer-reviewed scientific literature to invite discussion, " he said in an e-mail.

CNN: Thin is in, but fat might be better

If you had an interesting discussion with her and then you see a related article in a newspaper or magazine, e-mail the link.

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