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
Introducing: The Rest Is Science
Forget what you think you know about reality. The Rest Is Science is a mind-bending new show from Goalhanger that tears down familiar ideas… time, randomness, beauty, it will reveal just ho... Continue2 December 2025
Posted by Alastair Campbell
164. Zack Polanski: Do The Greens Have What It Takes?
Why has Green party membership exploded since Zack Polanski became leader in September? What radical economic reforms is he fighting for? Why have the Greens stopped talking about the environ... Continue1 December 2025
Posted by Alastair Campbell
474. What Does the Budget Mean for You?
Was this 'the most leaked Budget' of all time? Has Rachel Reeves managed to balance the demands of the public, the markets, industry, and her party? Can Reeves turn around the Government’s ... Continue26 November 2025
Posted by Alastair Campbell
474. Does Reeves’ Budget Really Change Anything? What It Means For You
Was this 'the most leaked Budget' of all time? Has Rachel Reeves managed to balance the demands of the public, the markets, industry, and her party? Can Reeves turn around the Government’s ... Continue26 November 2025
Posted by Alastair Campbell
473. Europe vs. Trump: Competing Visions for a Ukraine Peace Deal (Question Time)
What happens to global leadership when the US ghosts the G20 and COP, and can middle powers really keep the world moving? Is Britain ignoring a major foreign-interference scandal? And, how cl... Continue26 November 2025
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Alastair Campbell’s diary: We expect politicians to lie – and that’s the problem
We have become too accustomed to figures like Donald Trump, who see misinformation as a weapon rather than a issue... Continue26 November 2025
163. Prison Reform, Masculinity, and Restorative Justice (James Graham and Jacob Dunne)
Jacob Dunne killed someone as a teenager, how did he seek forgiveness from his victim’s parents? What is restorative justice? How did Jacob’s experience of the criminal justice system com... Continue24 November 2025
Posted by Alastair Campbell
472. Is Trump’s Peace ‘Plan’ Forced Surrender for Ukraine?
Who is really behind the White House 'peace plan' for Ukraine: Trump or Putin? Why isn't Europe taking the threat from Russia more seriously, and doing more to protect Ukraine? How does all o... Continue23 November 2025
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