The Spectator

Gym

From our UK edition

‘It’s great: renewing my gym membership online means I never have to set foot in the place.’

Bookcase

From our UK edition

‘It’s tough to admit that now I will never own a bookcase which springs open to reveal a hidden room.’

Classroom

From our UK edition

‘You failed to answer a single question, Richardson. Are you planning to become an MP?’

Letters | 29 November 2012

From our UK edition

Too busy for terrorism Sir: The Islamisation of countries surrounding Israel may not necessarily constitute an increased threat to the Jewish state (‘Israel under siege’, 24 November).
The reluctance of Hezbollah to open a second front in Israel’s north in the past weeks may be due to the recent economic recovery of south Lebanon following massive

Barometer | 29 November 2012

From our UK edition

Local elections in Catalonia, which could lead to an independence referendum, put the region in a race with Scotland to be the world’s next new nation. Some other contenders: NEW CALEDONIA A collectivity of France governed by a high commissioner and a 54-seat territorial congress. Rejected independence in a referendum in 1987 but will hold

Portrait of the week | 29 November 2012

From our UK edition

Home Rotherham Borough Council took away three children from foster parents because they belonged to the UK Independence Party. ‘If the party mantra is, for example, ending the active promotion of multiculturalism I have to think about that,’ said Joyce Thacker, Rotherham’s Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services. Rochdale Council said that 12

Why The Spectator won’t be part of a state licensed media

From our UK edition

Anyone picking up a newspaper in recent days will have noticed that the press has been writing a lot about itself. Lord Justice Leveson’s inquiry into press practices and ethics has created anxiety at a time when newspapers were already haemorrhaging sales and influence. David Cameron’s government’s response to the report is nervously awaited, and

Hospital

From our UK edition

‘Would you mind if some students watch while you seethe with irritation at the long wait and staff shortages?’

Nice

From our UK edition

‘All I’m saying is that despite going to Eton, working in the oil industry and being a Christian he may turn out to be quite a nice person.’