November 30, 2006
by Nosemonkey
5 Comments
(An overly simplified, probably overly opinionated overview of the “Special Relationship”) Britain’s position in the post-WWII Europe was always envisaged by the Americans as the middle-man. They liked the idea of a united Europe after having (albeit belatedly) found themselves … Continue reading
November 29, 2006
by Nosemonkey
3 Comments
French Interior Minister Nicholas Sarkozy has, as expected, announced his candidacy for the conservative UMP party’s presidential nomination. With 70% support amongst the party faithful, in recent months it has looked as if the only thing that could lose him … Continue reading
November 29, 2006
by Nosemonkey
4 Comments
The always tip-top Jim Bliss has a follow-up to my post of yesterday, with some intriguing points about the constitutional implications of the Republic of Ireland’s apparent involvement with secret CIA flights: “An independent neutral republic not only has a … Continue reading
November 28, 2006
by Nosemonkey
4 Comments
Everyone’s focussing on the collapse of the talks about Turkish entry (Guardian, Independent, Times, Financial Times, Le Monde (in French), Le Figaro (in French), EU Observer, Deutsche Welle (German press review – in English), EurActiv) – but, let’s face it, … Continue reading
November 28, 2006
by Nosemonkey
1 Comment
That McKeating has a book out, a lovely roundup of the best of British blogging from the last year or so, give or take. It’s really rather good – even though I’m in it. In fact, it’s largely to spite … Continue reading
November 27, 2006
by Nosemonkey
14 Comments
Cleaner, less cluttered and – when I’ve finished going through all 1,400-odd posts in the archives – much easier to access what useful info there might be on here. (Actually, the advanced search feature will probably do that for you … Continue reading
November 24, 2006
by Nosemonkey
11 Comments
He really just doesn’t get it, does he? “A new contract between the state and the citizen setting out what individuals must do in return for quality services from hospitals, schools and the police is one of the key proposals … Continue reading
November 24, 2006
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on Italy overview
There’s a top-notch overview of the historical difficulties facing the new Prodi administration in Italy courtesy of the supremely readable Phil Edwards, up now at The Sharpener. More knowledgable and insightful analysis than anything else you’re likely to have read … Continue reading
November 23, 2006
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on Right-winger in favour of EU!
Via Jarndyce (yes, I know… I nearly fainted from shock…) I’ve found my first right-wing blogger in favour of staying in the EU! (Yes, I know… I nearly fainted from shock…) It’s about bloody time one of these cropped up … Continue reading
November 23, 2006
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on Meme time
Let’s get this out of the way sharpish. Via Not Saussure, ten things I’ll never do: 10) Slap a nun with a haddock 9) Travel faster than the speed of light 8) Shag Jean Arthur (damnit…) 7) Swim the Sea … Continue reading
November 23, 2006
by Nosemonkey
4 Comments
The Dutch elections are confusing me. Nanne has the results and is trying to work out potential coalitions, but no one is agreed on what’s going to happen next. The New York Times reckons the country will swing to the … Continue reading
November 22, 2006
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on Simon Heffer: Blogger
(Originally published on The Sharpener) Simon Heffer is not a columnist for whom I usually have much time – although his biography of Enoch Powell was relatively interesting, that was more down to the subject than the author. If anything, … Continue reading
November 22, 2006
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on Simon Heffer: blogger
A new little something from me over at The Sharpener.
November 21, 2006
by Nosemonkey
3 Comments
Yes kids, that’s right! It’s the most exciting day of the year – EU budget day! Weeeeeeeeeee! If you really, really must, EU Politix have a nice (mercifully short) summary of the usual potential issues – notably the spat between … Continue reading