In a giant step forward for western cultural imperialism the BBC reports that the Arab version of Big Brother has just commenced. Filmed in Bahrain, the only changes made to the standard format of the show that anyone with a ounce of taste has avoided in their own country is that there are segregated sleeping quarters for men and women. There is also a prayer room and a separate women's lounge in addition to the mixed-sex communal area.

Approximately one third of the worlds population has now seen this show, which is probably about everyone who has access to a television. Is this the end of civilisation as we know it?