Europe needs to get real on defence; Britain needs to get real on Europe
13 February 2025
Post
22 February 2009
3 minute(s) read
Recent Posts
178. Gavin Newsom: The Next President Of The United States?
What happened on a ridiculous midnight phone call between Donald Trump and the Governor of California? Why does Gavin Newsom believe the President will be crushed in the mid-terms? What is Newsom’s ... Continue2 March 2026
Posted by Alastair Campbell
507. The Ayatollah Is Killed – REACTION
With the confirmation of the death of Iran's Supreme Leader confirmed, where does this leave the regime? Who is being targeted in Iran's retaliation attacks and how have Iranians reacted? Is Trump's b... Continue1 March 2026
Posted by Alastair Campbell
506. Trump Attacks Iran: What Happens Now?
As Tehran launches retaliatory strikes against Israel and US military bases, how dangerous is this moment for the Middle East and the wider world? Are the attacks an attempt by Trump to shift attentio... Continue28 February 2026
Posted by Alastair Campbell
505. Are Trump and Putin Underestimating Ukraine?
On the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, what's the reality on the ground? Why is Trump still calling the shots on negotiations with Russia, given the huge withdrawal of U... Continue25 February 2026
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Alastair Campbell’s diary: I’m in Ukraine, a nation let down by America
But on the fourth anniversary of the war, Ukrainians want more than just warm words. They want real help to end this war. Trump isn’t going to give it – so it’s down to us... Continue24 February 2026
Posted by Alastair Campbell
504. Is Trump Losing His Tariffs War? (Question Time)
Will Trump escalate his global acts of aggression in response to the dramatic Supreme Court ruling? How will the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor change the course of British royal history? Will L... Continue24 February 2026
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Alastair Campbell’s diary: Trump’s Ukraine delusion
After four years of war, Putin isn't winning. So why does the president insist he is?... Continue23 February 2026
Posted by Alastair Campbell
23 February 2026
Posted by Alastair Campbell
I canonly assume the double appearence of the name Jade only refers to the one?
You see when I hear the name Clint, I automatically think of Clint Mansell from Pop Will Eat Itself 😀
I think Manny, Baron Shinwell of Easington, deserves posthumous inclusion in your list of recognisable first names.
Barack
Roger and Rafa. Especially when a couple!
You forgot Cilla, Pelle and of course Maggie tho I do wish I could forget Maggie
Prince!
Mum 😉
What about Axl?
Very amusing exercise. Personally I agree with your choice of Napoleon Bonaparte who I guess is known 90% by his Christian name and 10% by his surname. The only other historical figure (that we were considering and who actually have more than just one name) who runs him close to being recognised just by one name is Winston Churchill, but he is nearer to 50/50.
I should imagine that there would also be a strong case made for Jesus although, on reflection, I think he too should be bracketed (only for the purpose of this exercise – before they get even bigger headed!) with Bono and Sting and others whos one name really is unique.
Did you have any thoughts on the “Actor born to play this Role” idea?
btw. Engelbert Humperdink was a real person (composer 1854-1921), he just isnt the one most people FIRST think of, who ‘borrowed’ both the original’s names. Very cheeky, but probably the basis for another game……!
Cleopatra unless of course she was called Mabel(Or Phylis ) Cleopatra and Ive got it wrong !
Have to say all I can think of when I think of Cleopatra is either carry on Cleo (infamy infamy everyone has it infamy) or Morcambe and Wise (cough -ARSENAL!) .Amused me anyway
Alastair
The baguette was not invented by Napoleon. It’s a myth. Napoleon’s army travelled with mobile bakery units and wore uniform trousers which would not be suitable for transporting bread! The baguette became popular after French labour laws were changed in 1920, meaning that bakers could not make bread before 4am. The baguette bakes more quickly than other loaves, which was a godsend for bakers.
Incidentally, Napoleon’s great grandson, Juan Bonaparte, lived in my ward, Streatham South in Lambeth, at 11 Fontaine Road to be precise.
Mark