539. Embezzlement, the Mandelson Texts, and Hasan Piker’s UK Ban
4 June 2026
Post
22 February 2009
3 minute(s) read
Recent Posts
539. Embezzlement, the Mandelson Texts, and Hasan Piker’s UK Ban
What does the SNP embezzlement case reveal about how scandal-ridden British politics is? Is the banning of prominent left-wing American commentators Hasan Piker and Cenk Uygur a sensible decision or a... Continue4 June 2026
Posted by Goalhanger
538. The Pope’s AI Warning and Alastair Reacts to Blair’s Attack
Is Pope Leo’s encyclical the most important contribution to the AI debate so far, and is he doing more to hold Silicon Valley to account than any Western government? What did Alastair say to Tony Bl... Continue3 June 2026
Posted by Goalhanger
191. Is It Already Too Late to Control AI? (Anthropic Co-Founder, Jack Clark)
Why is one of AI's most powerful insiders scared of what he's building? Who's really in charge of the technology reshaping our world? Is it too late for governments to regulate it? Rory and Matt Clif... Continue1 June 2026
Posted by Goalhanger
177. Olaf Scholz: Putin, Power, and Far-Right Populism
Does the former German Chancellor think that Germany was wrong to rely on Russian gas in the run up to the war in Ukraine? What does Olaf Scholz think is behind the rise of the far-right Alternative f... Continue23 February 2026
Posted by Goalhanger
23 February 2026
Posted by Goalhanger
503. Andrew’s Arrest: What Next?
Why has the disgraced Andrew Mountbatten Windsor been arrested? How damaging is this unprecedented moment for the royal family? How effective was King Charles’ response? Join Alastair and the forme... Continue19 February 2026
Posted by Goalhanger
502. How Nigel Farage Gets Away With It (Question Time)
Why is Reform UK's leader not being properly challenged by the press, and how does he get away with it? What does this reveal about the international populist playbook? How can our democracies be bett... Continue19 February 2026
Posted by Goalhanger
176. How Close Are We To War With Iran? (Robert Malley)
How does the former US Special Representative for Iran think US-Iranian relations will improve? Is there a method to Trump’s madness when it comes to foreign policy? Why does Robert believe the “t... Continue16 February 2026
Posted by Goalhanger
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