Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Enya : Caribbean Blue | Official Video
Marlene Dietrich : Lili Marlene | deutsche Version | Reupload
Rauchen werden die Politiker nie ausradieren können. NIE! Rauchen ist viel zu sexy. Es is auch cool. Es ist immer cool gewesen und wird immer cool sein. Kein Politiker kann diese Tatsache ändern. Möglicherweise wird das Rauchen von Zeit zu Zeit aus der Mode fallen, aber seien Sie sicher, es wird immer wieder in die Mode kommen. Eine Kippe zu rauchen ist für viele ein Hochgenuß. Kein wohlwollender Politiker kann diese Tatsache ändern. — © Mark Alexander
What Is Everyone Talking About This Week: (Whisper It) Is Smoking Back?
COUNTRY LIFE: You’d be forgiven for thinking that young people are a bunch of mopes, who refuse to drink, go dancing or have sex and are ruining British nightlife for all — but you're wrong, says Will Hosie.
Listen to the media (not me, mind) and you’d be forgiven for thinking that young people are a bunch of mopes, who refuse to drink, go dancing or have sex and are ruining British nightlife for all. Rejoice, then, for the tide is turning. A recent book by Norwegian sociologist Willy Pedersen argues that binge drinking in one’s youth can improve career prospects. People have taken note: The Hart in Marylebone, is rammed every night.
Although there’s something to be said for correlation over causation — those who can afford a £7 pint have likely had a leg up in other parts of life — this hasn’t stopped columnists from extolling the virtues of hard living. ‘My generation,’ wrote former British Vogue editor Alexandra Schulman in the Mail on Sunday recently, ‘drank our way to the top.’ With pride, I daresay.
Teenagers addicted to vapes are now using cigarettes to wean themselves off'
They smoked, too — several packs a day. To the chagrin of doctors, nurses and vape lobbyists, the habit is back with a vengeance. Riding the success of her culture-lassoing album, West End Girl, Lily Allen graced the runway last month for 16Arlington sporting a glamorous Holly Golightly-style dress and the ultimate style accessory: a Vogue. » | Will Hosie | Monday, December 8, 2025
ITVX: Smoking to be banned for future generations in Wales as landmark bill voted through: People turning 18 from 2027 will never be able to legally buy cigarettes in Wales. / That's after the Senedd voted to pass a landmark Bill affecting anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. / From 2027, it will become illegal to sell tobacco to anyone who is 18 years old. »
MAJORCA DAILY BULLETIN: Last orders for smoking on bar and restaurant terraces in Spain: Government gets tough as tobacco prices increase again »
No wonder the far right is gaining in strength right across the continent (including in the UK). Politicians have lost all common sense. They sweat the little things whilst the continent is under existential threat from Russia! Are simple pleasures and fun to be outlawed for future generations now? These bans MUST FAIL. They will HAVE TO BE OVERTURNED! And these ridiculous politicians must be kicked out of office.
By the way, I write this as a non-smoker. As an ex-smoker to be precise. In fact, I notice that it is the tenth of December. That being the case, it is precisely THREE YEARS AND EIGHT MONTHS since I smoked my last cigarette. Naturally, as I had been a lifelong smoker, I am very proud of my achievement. In April, it will be exactly four years that I will be smoke-free.
However, smoking gave me years and years of pleasure so, just because I have quit, I do not expect the rest of the world to quit with me. I do not wish to deny others one of life’s greatest pleasures: smoking a fine cigarette, especially with a quality drink.
Were I to be in the position of doing so, there are many things in this world that I might consider banning, but that certainly would not be smoking a humble cigarette.
The western world is turning into a madhouse! — © Mark Alexander
Listen to the media (not me, mind) and you’d be forgiven for thinking that young people are a bunch of mopes, who refuse to drink, go dancing or have sex and are ruining British nightlife for all. Rejoice, then, for the tide is turning. A recent book by Norwegian sociologist Willy Pedersen argues that binge drinking in one’s youth can improve career prospects. People have taken note: The Hart in Marylebone, is rammed every night.
Although there’s something to be said for correlation over causation — those who can afford a £7 pint have likely had a leg up in other parts of life — this hasn’t stopped columnists from extolling the virtues of hard living. ‘My generation,’ wrote former British Vogue editor Alexandra Schulman in the Mail on Sunday recently, ‘drank our way to the top.’ With pride, I daresay.
Teenagers addicted to vapes are now using cigarettes to wean themselves off'
They smoked, too — several packs a day. To the chagrin of doctors, nurses and vape lobbyists, the habit is back with a vengeance. Riding the success of her culture-lassoing album, West End Girl, Lily Allen graced the runway last month for 16Arlington sporting a glamorous Holly Golightly-style dress and the ultimate style accessory: a Vogue. » | Will Hosie | Monday, December 8, 2025
ITVX: Smoking to be banned for future generations in Wales as landmark bill voted through: People turning 18 from 2027 will never be able to legally buy cigarettes in Wales. / That's after the Senedd voted to pass a landmark Bill affecting anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. / From 2027, it will become illegal to sell tobacco to anyone who is 18 years old. »
MAJORCA DAILY BULLETIN: Last orders for smoking on bar and restaurant terraces in Spain: Government gets tough as tobacco prices increase again »
No wonder the far right is gaining in strength right across the continent (including in the UK). Politicians have lost all common sense. They sweat the little things whilst the continent is under existential threat from Russia! Are simple pleasures and fun to be outlawed for future generations now? These bans MUST FAIL. They will HAVE TO BE OVERTURNED! And these ridiculous politicians must be kicked out of office.
By the way, I write this as a non-smoker. As an ex-smoker to be precise. In fact, I notice that it is the tenth of December. That being the case, it is precisely THREE YEARS AND EIGHT MONTHS since I smoked my last cigarette. Naturally, as I had been a lifelong smoker, I am very proud of my achievement. In April, it will be exactly four years that I will be smoke-free.
However, smoking gave me years and years of pleasure so, just because I have quit, I do not expect the rest of the world to quit with me. I do not wish to deny others one of life’s greatest pleasures: smoking a fine cigarette, especially with a quality drink.
Were I to be in the position of doing so, there are many things in this world that I might consider banning, but that certainly would not be smoking a humble cigarette.
The western world is turning into a madhouse! — © Mark Alexander
«Ne pas voir Carla m’était insupportable» : les confidences de Nicolas Sarkozy sur son quotidien en prison
MADAME FIGARO : Dans son ouvrage Le Journal d’un prisonnier, paru ce mercredi 10 décembre aux Éditions Fayard, l’ancien président de la République confie avoir eu beaucoup de mal à vivre sans son épouse, Carla Bruni, pendant ses trois semaines de détention à la prison de la Santé.
Sa séparation avec Carla Bruni restera l’une des conséquences les plus douloureuses de ses trois semaines passées en prison. Inséparable de son épouse depuis leur coup de foudre en novembre 2007, Nicolas Sarkozy a vécu leur éloignement comme un déchirement. «Ne plus voir Carla au quotidien m’était aussi insupportable mais je m’interdisais de trop y penser, écrit-il dans son nouveau livre, Le journal d’un prisonnier, paru ce mercredi 10 décembre aux éditions Fayard. Si je défaillais, toute la solidité de l’édifice familial risquait de s’effondrer. Et je pouvais défaillir». » | Par Solene Delinger | mercredi 10 décembre 2025
Sa séparation avec Carla Bruni restera l’une des conséquences les plus douloureuses de ses trois semaines passées en prison. Inséparable de son épouse depuis leur coup de foudre en novembre 2007, Nicolas Sarkozy a vécu leur éloignement comme un déchirement. «Ne plus voir Carla au quotidien m’était aussi insupportable mais je m’interdisais de trop y penser, écrit-il dans son nouveau livre, Le journal d’un prisonnier, paru ce mercredi 10 décembre aux éditions Fayard. Si je défaillais, toute la solidité de l’édifice familial risquait de s’effondrer. Et je pouvais défaillir». » | Par Solene Delinger | mercredi 10 décembre 2025
Trump in a ‘Very Bad Mood’ as Europe Helps Ukraine Push Back against Him | Steven Erlanger
Dec 10, 2025 | “This touches this deeper annoyance or anger at Europe for getting in the way of Trump's efforts.”
Trump's recent comments on Europe and London can be explained by his anger at Europe for encouraging Ukraine to resist his pressure, says chief diplomatic correspondent for the New York Times, Steven Erlanger.
Trump's recent comments on Europe and London can be explained by his anger at Europe for encouraging Ukraine to resist his pressure, says chief diplomatic correspondent for the New York Times, Steven Erlanger.
Die Elblandrevolte: Der Neonazi-Nachwuchs von Dresden | SPIEGEL TV
Ist das die Art von Europa, die Trump sich für uns vorstellt? Ist das die rechtsextreme Hölle, die er in Europa sehen will? — © Mark Alexander
The US Is Not Just Europe’s Unwilling Ally, But an Adversary Steeped in Far-right Ideology
THE GUARDIAN: Don’t say you weren’t warned: Trump’s new national security strategy seeks to destroy liberal democracy as we know it
On the same day that Donald Trump received his made-to-order “peace prize” from his newest pal, Fifa president “Johnny” Infantino, his administration published an equally gaudy national security strategy. The relatively short document oozes Trump and Trumpism. It starts out with the typically modest claim that the president has brought “our nation – and the world – back from the brink of catastrophe and disaster”.
Even if the strategy mostly formalises the ongoing actions and statements of Trump and his administration, it should be heeded as a warning for the world, and Europe in particular.
The document espouses an aggressive form of foreign-policy interference in which the US explicitly sets itself the goal of “promoting European greatness”. Its language could have been directly lifted from Viktor Orbán’s speeches during the so-called refugee crisis of 2015-16: “We want Europe to remain European, to regain its civilisational self-confidence.” Even more ominously, the document claims that Europe’s “economic decline is eclipsed by the real and more stark prospect of civilisational erasure”.
The whole section on Europe is steeped in decades of European far-right ideology and propaganda. The EU and migration policies are held responsible for “transforming the continent and creating strife, censorship of free speech and suppression of political opposition, cratering birthrates, and loss of national identities and self-confidence”. According to the document, if “present trends continue, the continent will be unrecognisable in 20 years or less. As such, it is far from obvious whether certain European countries will have economies and militaries strong enough to remain reliable allies”. Indeed, the Trump administration believes that “within a few decades at the latest, certain Nato members will become majority non-European”.
Expanding on this theme in an interview with Politico, Trump claimed this would make these countries “much weaker”. » | Cas Mudde | Wednesday, December 10, 2025
On the same day that Donald Trump received his made-to-order “peace prize” from his newest pal, Fifa president “Johnny” Infantino, his administration published an equally gaudy national security strategy. The relatively short document oozes Trump and Trumpism. It starts out with the typically modest claim that the president has brought “our nation – and the world – back from the brink of catastrophe and disaster”.
Even if the strategy mostly formalises the ongoing actions and statements of Trump and his administration, it should be heeded as a warning for the world, and Europe in particular.
The document espouses an aggressive form of foreign-policy interference in which the US explicitly sets itself the goal of “promoting European greatness”. Its language could have been directly lifted from Viktor Orbán’s speeches during the so-called refugee crisis of 2015-16: “We want Europe to remain European, to regain its civilisational self-confidence.” Even more ominously, the document claims that Europe’s “economic decline is eclipsed by the real and more stark prospect of civilisational erasure”.
The whole section on Europe is steeped in decades of European far-right ideology and propaganda. The EU and migration policies are held responsible for “transforming the continent and creating strife, censorship of free speech and suppression of political opposition, cratering birthrates, and loss of national identities and self-confidence”. According to the document, if “present trends continue, the continent will be unrecognisable in 20 years or less. As such, it is far from obvious whether certain European countries will have economies and militaries strong enough to remain reliable allies”. Indeed, the Trump administration believes that “within a few decades at the latest, certain Nato members will become majority non-European”.
Expanding on this theme in an interview with Politico, Trump claimed this would make these countries “much weaker”. » | Cas Mudde | Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Is the Shift in EU-US Relations an Opportunity for Europe to Become More Self-determined? | DW News
‘What a CROCK of S***!’ Piers Morgan vs Nick Fuentes | Full interview
Dec 8, 2025 | For several months now there’s been no avoiding the subject of Nick Fuentes - and accordingly, Piers Morgan has spent a lot of time talking about him. And it doesn’t make much sense to spend all this time talking ABOUT Nick Fuentes - but not TO Nick Fuentes. And on that basis, he was invited to appear on Uncensored, and accepted.
Piers Morgan asks him about his most controversial past comments, on race, religion, women, Hitler, the Holocaust and his real thoughts on his conservative peers, from Tucker Carlson, to Candace Owens to the late Charlie Kirk.
Editor’s Note: On this platform only, we decided to cut out two short uses of the n-word - after the livestream ended - to ensure the interview remains accessible.
Piers Morgan asks him about his most controversial past comments, on race, religion, women, Hitler, the Holocaust and his real thoughts on his conservative peers, from Tucker Carlson, to Candace Owens to the late Charlie Kirk.
Editor’s Note: On this platform only, we decided to cut out two short uses of the n-word - after the livestream ended - to ensure the interview remains accessible.
‘Openly and Explicitly Racist’ | Young Republican Right ‘Worryingly’ Trends towards Nick Fuentes
Dec 9, 2025 | “Trump, for all of his narcissistic tendencies and erratic nature, has more of a root in internationalism.”
The America First ideology to cut the US off from its allies would be “disastrous” for the country, says The Times’s Daniel Finkelstein.
The America First ideology to cut the US off from its allies would be “disastrous” for the country, says The Times’s Daniel Finkelstein.
Trump’s Attack on Europe ‘Plays Straight into Moscow’s Hands’
Dec 10, 2025 | “There are a lot of smiles in Moscow these days.”
Trump is undermining his partnership with the EU and emboldening Putin by pushing “an alternate reality” that ignores Europe’s actual security risks, says former EU ambassador to the US João Vale de Almeida.
Trump is a traitorous AH! Moreover, Trump is Putin’s stooge, and for as long as Americans tolerate this dangerous man in the White House, America should not be considered our true friend or ally. We Europeans had better get used to the idea that we are alone. We can no longer count on the Americans. Any hitherto perceived “special relationship” under Trump is dead. Furthermore, we need to stop bellyaching about why this is all happening. To me, there is no real mystery. Much has gone on between Trump and Russia in the past that has yet to come out. The result: Trump is Putin’s marionette; Putin, Trump’s puppeteer! But there is another important dimension, too. It is this: Trump is in a great hurry because he sees great opportunities ahead that his buddy Putin will make possible for him. Trump and his family will be able to profit greatly from an American rapprochement with Russia by bringing Putin in from the cold. Zelenskyy’s intransigence is a hindrance to future billions for the Trump clan. This isn’t rocket science. — © Mark Alexander
Trump is undermining his partnership with the EU and emboldening Putin by pushing “an alternate reality” that ignores Europe’s actual security risks, says former EU ambassador to the US João Vale de Almeida.
Trump is a traitorous AH! Moreover, Trump is Putin’s stooge, and for as long as Americans tolerate this dangerous man in the White House, America should not be considered our true friend or ally. We Europeans had better get used to the idea that we are alone. We can no longer count on the Americans. Any hitherto perceived “special relationship” under Trump is dead. Furthermore, we need to stop bellyaching about why this is all happening. To me, there is no real mystery. Much has gone on between Trump and Russia in the past that has yet to come out. The result: Trump is Putin’s marionette; Putin, Trump’s puppeteer! But there is another important dimension, too. It is this: Trump is in a great hurry because he sees great opportunities ahead that his buddy Putin will make possible for him. Trump and his family will be able to profit greatly from an American rapprochement with Russia by bringing Putin in from the cold. Zelenskyy’s intransigence is a hindrance to future billions for the Trump clan. This isn’t rocket science. — © Mark Alexander
French First Lady’s Insult Against Feminist Protesters Prompts Outcry
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Brigitte Macron used a slur to criticize protesters who had interrupted a show by a French comedian accused of rape in 2021, in a case that was dismissed.
Brigitte Macron, the first lady of France, faced widespread criticism on Tuesday after a video emerged of her speaking demeaningly of feminist protesters.
The video has prompted a growing outcry from French politicians and other commentators, in part because Ms. Macron’s husband, President Emmanuel Macron, has long presented the battle for women’s equality as a key priority.
The video showed Ms. Macron chatting privately on Sunday backstage at a theater with a French comedian, Ary Abittan, and using a term that roughly translates to “stupid bitches” to describe activists who had disrupted the comedian’s show the day before.
Ms. Macron used the term while jokingly vowing to protect the comedian if the protesters returned. The video of their conversation appeared to have been filmed by a bystander. » | Ségolène Le Stradic | Reporting from Paris | Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Vous trouverez plus d'informations à ce sujet en français ici.
Brigitte Macron, the first lady of France, faced widespread criticism on Tuesday after a video emerged of her speaking demeaningly of feminist protesters.
The video has prompted a growing outcry from French politicians and other commentators, in part because Ms. Macron’s husband, President Emmanuel Macron, has long presented the battle for women’s equality as a key priority.
The video showed Ms. Macron chatting privately on Sunday backstage at a theater with a French comedian, Ary Abittan, and using a term that roughly translates to “stupid bitches” to describe activists who had disrupted the comedian’s show the day before.
Ms. Macron used the term while jokingly vowing to protect the comedian if the protesters returned. The video of their conversation appeared to have been filmed by a bystander. » | Ségolène Le Stradic | Reporting from Paris | Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Vous trouverez plus d'informations à ce sujet en français ici.
U.S. Plans to Scrutinize Foreign Tourists’ Social Media History
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Even visitors from countries like Britain and France, whose citizens don’t need visas, would have to share five years’ worth of social media.
Travelers visiting the United States from countries like Britain, France, Germany and South Korea could soon have to undergo a review of up to five years of their social media history, according to a proposal filed on Tuesday by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The change would affect visitors eligible for the visa waiver program, which allows people from 42 countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without a visa as long as they first obtain electronic travel authorization.
In a document filed on Tuesday in the Federal Register, C.B.P. said it plans to ask applicants for a long list of personal data including social media, email addresses from the last decade, and the names, birth dates, places of residence and birthplaces of parents, spouses, siblings and children. » | Christine Chung | Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Travelers visiting the United States from countries like Britain, France, Germany and South Korea could soon have to undergo a review of up to five years of their social media history, according to a proposal filed on Tuesday by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The change would affect visitors eligible for the visa waiver program, which allows people from 42 countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without a visa as long as they first obtain electronic travel authorization.
In a document filed on Tuesday in the Federal Register, C.B.P. said it plans to ask applicants for a long list of personal data including social media, email addresses from the last decade, and the names, birth dates, places of residence and birthplaces of parents, spouses, siblings and children. » | Christine Chung | Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Teacher in Hungary Facing Criminal Charges for Organising Pride Event
THE GUARDIAN: As Viktor Orbán tightens his grip in the country, rights organisations have called for the EU to intervene
A rights campaigner in Hungary has been placed under investigation and is facing potential criminal charges after organising a peaceful Pride march, in a case that campaigners have described as “unprecedented and dangerous” for the EU.
In early October, thousands flocked to the southern city of Pécs to take part in Pride. It was the fifth year that the march was held – the only other annual Pride gathering in the country besides that of Budapest – and was becoming a showcase of the city’s commitment to freedom, diversity and the coexistence of minorities.
This year, however, politics loomed large. In March the country’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán, and his rightwing populist party had voted to ban Pride events and allow the authorities to use facial recognition technology to identify and potentially fine those in attendance, a move Amnesty International described as a “full-frontal attack” on LGBTQ+ people. » | Ashifa Kassam, European Community affairs correspondent | Wednesday, December 10, 2025
A rights campaigner in Hungary has been placed under investigation and is facing potential criminal charges after organising a peaceful Pride march, in a case that campaigners have described as “unprecedented and dangerous” for the EU.
In early October, thousands flocked to the southern city of Pécs to take part in Pride. It was the fifth year that the march was held – the only other annual Pride gathering in the country besides that of Budapest – and was becoming a showcase of the city’s commitment to freedom, diversity and the coexistence of minorities.
This year, however, politics loomed large. In March the country’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán, and his rightwing populist party had voted to ban Pride events and allow the authorities to use facial recognition technology to identify and potentially fine those in attendance, a move Amnesty International described as a “full-frontal attack” on LGBTQ+ people. » | Ashifa Kassam, European Community affairs correspondent | Wednesday, December 10, 2025
New Donald Trump Rant: 'He Really Doesn't Like the UK' | LBC
Dec 9, 2025 | Donald Trump has branded European leaders “weak” in an explosive attack on the United States’ closest allies. Andrew Marr was joined by Simon Marks to respond.
Speaking in a wide-ranging interview, the US President said mass migration has caused Europe to “decay” as he blamed the continent’s leaders for failing to end the war in Ukraine.
“I think they are weak,” Mr Trump told POLITICO. “But I also think that they want to be so politically correct.”
The US President accused European leaders of “talking too much” and failing to deliver on the war in Ukraine, as he demanded Volodymyr Zelenskyy “get his act together.”
Speaking in a wide-ranging interview, the US President said mass migration has caused Europe to “decay” as he blamed the continent’s leaders for failing to end the war in Ukraine.
“I think they are weak,” Mr Trump told POLITICO. “But I also think that they want to be so politically correct.”
The US President accused European leaders of “talking too much” and failing to deliver on the war in Ukraine, as he demanded Volodymyr Zelenskyy “get his act together.”
Did Zelenskyy Just Spit on Trump's "Peace" Plan? Why Ukraine Won't Bend the Knee to the Kremlin
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