A case currently progressing through the courts illustrates the lengths some police officers go to prevent drivers from alerting others about speed traps. Flashing headlights to notify fellow drivers of potential dangers on the road is a widespread practice. In West Virginia, an officer is facing a lawsuit after stopping a driver for flashing his lights. Other similar occurrences indicate he is not alone in taking offense across the country. While road rage, obscene gestures, and other aggressive forms of communication are common today, one action stands out as a gesture of goodwill. When a driver flashes their headlights at oncoming vehicles, it serves as a subtle yet clear warning: be cautious of what lies ahead. Whether signaling a block on the road, an animal crossing, or a speed trap, the act of flashing lights is a considerate one. However, it seems not every police officer appreciates this gesture, and at least one may result in significant costs for his county. Are Headlight Alerts Considered Free Speech? Officers frequently object when a driver warns others about an upcoming speed trap. Despite the assumption that police would appreciate drivers slowing down, this is not always the reality. As early as 2012, this issue emerged in the judicial system in Missouri, where a judge affirmed that flashing headlights as a warning to other drivers is protected under the First Amendment as free speech. Despite that ruling and others like it since, this remains a contentious topic. A case in Smyrna, Delaware, brought to light an incident involving Anthony Jackson, who warned drivers similarly. According to USA Today, "A different Smyrna police officer on patrol observed Jackson flashing his headlights and quickly performed a U-turn to stop him." The officers cited him for improper use of a turn signal, indicating their shaky legal basis. When Jackson contested the ticket in court, the officer was absent, leading to the dismissal of the case. The ACLU subsequently sued the department, which resulted in a settlement involving significant policy revisions, additional training, and more. Arrested for Laughing at an Officer In a West Virginia incident shared on Youtube by The Civil Rights Lawyer, which was captured on both the police cruiser’s dashcam and the officer’s body camera, the department might face repercussions beyond simple policy changes. A man who was pulled over for flashing his headlights to notify other drivers of a speed trap was taken into custody. This occurred after a largely friendly interaction with Deputy J.D. Ellison, who appeared offended by William Iannacone's actions. When the officer threatened to arrest him over an unsigned registration card, the driver laughed, “seemingly finding this suggestion ridiculous,” according to the lawsuit. The officer then removed him from his vehicle and handcuffed him but eventually realized the situation and released him with a ticket for improperly flashing lights. Current Status of the Case This ticket is still outstanding as the driver has filed a lawsuit against the department for infringing on his rights. The judge has denied the department's motion to dismiss the case and to grant the officer qualified immunity. While the trial remains in the discovery phase, it is evident that not all officers are supportive of drivers flashing their lights to alert others about potential road conditions. Though it might be one of the most compassionate actions a driver can take, it's wise to be cautious about when and where it is done.

      On September 20, British luxury soft toy brand Jellycat opened its pop-up Café at China World Mall. According to the somewhat scarce information I found online, it will remain in the mall until the end of this month, unless it gets extended due to its popularity. And oh, has the Jellycat Café been a hit! It's amusing to me that the brand decided to set up in this high-end mall, located between Jintaixizhao and Guomao, considering I first discovered Jellycat at a nearby night market a few years back. Very little in that mall is inexpensive, and this is no different. During my initial encounter with Jellycat, I thought: 1. how cute, and 2. there’s no way anyone would spend a minimum of RMB 200 on these charming teddies just for them to meet the loving chaos of young kids. So, who is Jellycat's target audience?

      In my opinion? Mostly adults. And why not? Finding joy in today's world can be quite challenging (gestures dramatically at everything). However, I’ve recently noticed that we’ve become more accepting of the little quirks and whims that add even a slight happiness to our lives—even if they’re a bit childish. I'm not suggesting that little Timmy Rockefeller won't find a pricey stuffed bear under his Christmas tree this year. What I mean is that cuteness sells exceptionally well in East Asia (and perhaps even further afield), and Jellycat is quite prominent in r/plushies (usually in groups). And let’s not forget, my own bed is filled with inexpensive soft toys. So, when a high-end, absurdly niche version of this cuteness hits the upscale stores, and you can find a plushie shaped like a Camembert wedge, a toilet paper roll, or a Parisian macaron, forgive me for guessing it’s your inner child seeking that companionship, potentially affecting your monthly budget.

      But I digress. Jellycat Café! China World Mall! I was eager to visit as soon as I accidentally found out about it, and naïve me thought I could simply show up and stroll in. Ha. Wrong. Reservations are necessary. Okay, that’s simple enough. I went to the brand's WeChat mini program (search: Jellycat) ... Ah, they also had a pop-up in Shanghai, which ended on October 12 (more on that shortly). Alright, Beijing. Scrolling down the booking screen ... alright, my name, my phone ... and I pick a date ... oh? Everything’s booked?

      While Jesus may have assured the thief on the cross of paradise today, no one can guarantee a visit to the dreaded Jellycat Café. And how many opportunities will you get? I got mine, and here’s what you should know. There’s no official closing date provided by Jellycat on their verified channels. What we do have is an October calendar indicating that bookings open on Tuesdays at noon for the following days. Considering Shanghai’s pop-up opened bookings last on October 6 and closed on October 12, I’m betting that the Beijing Jellycat Café will wrap up at the end of October, because tomorrow (October 21) is the last day bookings will be available for the month. As of now, there were slots open for October 20, 21, and 22, and the establishment operates from 10 AM to 9:30 PM. However, tomorrow will see additional bookings, so I hope that helps!

      So what’s the Jellycat Café all about? Coffee, sweet treats, and of course, plenty of plushies? Well ... not quite. You can squeal or groan, but it turns out there’s no actual food or beverages at the venue. Instead, it’s more of an interactive experience where you begin with a showcase of soft toys. After that, it’s time to reach into your wallet at the cashier. Then the (pretend) café segment begins! In the second and final room of the Jellycat Café, cheerful waitstaff will “prepare” your purchase for “consumption”: They may sprinkle imaginary sugar on your chosen Jellycat or if you prefer pretend cream, they’ll douse it on your plushie as well. They might even sing Happy Birthday for you, if needed. I heard them do just that—three times. I wonder how often this happens throughout the day and what thoughts go through their minds after each encore. But sure, let’s say this is all just for kids.

      I visited on Monday, October 13, and here are my impressions. Reservations are in one-hour slots, but the numerous rules at the entrance state that customers should not stay longer than fifteen minutes in the actual café. While enforcement depends on the crowd, the 60-minute slots account for the mandatory queuing. Make sure to arrive a bit early; China World Mall is large and can be somewhat confusing to navigate if you’re

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