The Cheerful Insanity of Me

I like this idea, even if the chances of it ever happening are slim to none.



The map represents a collaboration between beer tycoon Freederick Heineken and 2 historians to split Europe into states of fairly small population size (approx 5-10 million each) with the idea that larger number of smaller states would be easier to govern within a European Union. The states each have some historical basis and are generally ethnically homogeneous.

A full key to the states is given here

As far as I can see the main issue the EU faces is countries defensively promoting their own self-identity causing other countries to act similarly with the fear that the larger countries will have the loudest voices. Splitting these down somewhat may certainly help, although I can't see that it would eliminate the issue altogether and some of the splits will be controversial. One of the major ones I notice from the map above is that Ireland has been unified, which although it would please some, would be less welcome by others.

All in all, I'd be curious to see this happen, but don't think it ever would.

(via strangemaps)

To say I'm not a football fan is a bit of an understatement, I just don't get what all the fuss is all about. Inspite of this, I seem to be developing a habit of living near football stadiums.

I was always somewhat bemused by the fact that Crystal Palace don't actually play at Crystal Palace, but instead down the road in South Norwood.

However, I am now somewhat more amused by Millwall.

As far as I'm aware Millwall is here on the Isle of Dogs. Millwall's football stadium on the other hand is here in South Bermondsey.

erm... isn't that the wrong side of the river?

Are all football teams this good a geography?

A conversation with morganmuffle yesterday, got me curious where people think the North-South divide is, so a poll:

This is probably going to completely fail due to people jumping on stereotypes, but without really thinking too hard about it, if you had to put a north-south divide line on a map where would you put it?

[Poll #1350240]

The extent of the gnome habitat in Europe

Nice to know their seem to be plenty of gnomes in the UK, even if they don't appear to get as far as London.