Six of the Best 352

"The big questions I'd like to hear answers to from people in politics and/or the media is what the point of such strange venues is and whose idea was it to 'neutralise' the political speech - politicians, their advisors or the media? I'd also quite like to know why a supermarket chain (Morrisons) has become the venue of choice for leading Conservative politicians." Max Atkinson mourns the further decline of political oratory in Britain.

Disgruntled Radical has some good arguments against a referendum on our membership of the European Union.

"We need to say to people, 'Use Facebook yes… Try all of the channels of communication available to you, but it’s good old-fashioned communication on the doorstep that voters value the most'." Polichic... explains why Facebook won't win you an election.

Commander Chris Hadfield proves he is the coolest astronaut ever by singing David Bowie's "Space Oddity" in space, says blastr.

Days after Hitler’s suicide a group of American soldiers, French prisoners and German soldiers defended an Austrian castle against an SS division - the only time Germans and Allies fought together in World War II. Andrew Roberts tells the story for The Daily Beast.

Richly Evocative enjoys the Parkland Walk, which occupies the trackbed of the old line from Finsbury Park to Highgate.