Soft Spot for London

It is encouraging to note that whilst some London institutions are closing their doors, others are expanding their operations here. Microsoft are to open a new research facility in the capital, dedicated to search technology. Chief Exec Steve Ballmer reckons that we have some of the world’s ‘smartest and most creative minds’ (well, actually he meant in Europe, but that kind of includes London too): flattery of course works wonders, and so we’ll sure they’ll do very well here. And if their research helps stray readers find Londonist even more quickly, it’s all good.