GREAT EXPECTATIONS..

The diplomatic badinage flying between London, Berlin and Brussels is reaching new heights with the claim and counter claim concerning the UK and the renegotiation of its membership of the EU. Today we learn that German Chancellor Angela Merkel is not prepared to consider any changes to the free movement of EU `citizens` between EU countries, whereas UK Prime Minister Dave Cameron is pressing ahead with the misguided notion that such change is not only achievable and also crucial to Britain`s continued EU membership. 

In response, Frau Sauer, to give Mrs. Merkel her proper name, is shrugging her Teutonic shoulders and allegedly declaring that she would rather see Britain leave the EU than compromise the principle of free movement.   Seems like a  game of bluff and counter bluff as much as claim and counter claim and it remains to be seen who blinks first.

Somehow it reminds me of that memorable scene from Goldfinger, when British hero James Bond is tied to a table with a laser beam heading inexorably towards his nether regions.   The German villain, Auric Goldfinger, played with admirable menace by the late Gert Frobe, looks on dispassionately whilst Bond`s prospects appear to lessen as the laser creeps unerringly on its threatening journey. 

Bond says as coolly as he can, "So, you expect me to talk, Blofeld?"

"No, Mr. Bond.  I expect you to die!!"

Here it is:-

Today`s interpretation might go something like this:-

"So, Mrs. Merkel, you expect me to back down?"

"No, Mr. Cameron.  I expect you to obey!!"

A CALL TO HEAD OFFICE..

Not long after his surprise announcement calling for a referendum on the EU bailout package, it was reported  that Greek Prime Minister George Papandreaou had been "summoned" to an emergency meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President  Nicolas Sarkosy, presumably so he could explain what on earth he thought he was doing.   Cue the naughty step.  

Now here`s a curious thing about Angela Merkel.  In 1977, the then Angela Kasner married physics student Ulrich Merkel. The marriage ended in divorce in 1982. Her second and current husband is quantum chemist and professor Joachim Sauer who has largely remained out of the media spotlight. They first met in 1981, became partners later and married privately on 30 December 1998.  

So why isn`t she Angela Sauer?   One can only surmise it`s to avoid being labelled by certain sections of the tabloid press as Mrs. Sauerkraut?   Sauerkraut can be eaten raw, which has many vitamins and minerals. However, if you are not used to the high amount of lacto-bacilli found in raw Sauerkraut, it can easily upset your stomach.   So mind how you go, George.