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Most Talked About Independent Stories

The slave who spoke from beyond the grave

independent.co.uk — More than two million people have already read the missive by Jourdon Anderson to "my old master" Colonel Patrick Hennessy Anderson since it appeared on the cult website LettersOfNote.com five days ago and became endlessly repeated on Twitter and Facebook. It was written in 1865 with the help of a lawyer in Dayton, Ohio.
Michele Norris Host, All Things Considered, NPR @michele_norris
RT @ebertchicago Letter from a former slave to his master has gone viral. last sentence is perfect turn of the screw. http://t.co/vzacK8rP
Roger Ebert Film Critic, Chicago Sun-Times @ebertchicago
This letter from a former slave to his old master has gone viral. The last sentence is a perfect turn of the screw. http://t.co/PhNsPPOF

Ousted Tunisian leader Ben Ali's 34 cars and 48 yachts are seized

independent.co.uk — Among the confiscated items this week were 34 cars, 48 yachts, shares in 117 companies and 233 property deeds, according to officials quoted by the TAP news agency. Mr Ben Ali's lawyer, Akram Azoury, said last month that he was planning to challenge the seizures.
Sarah Jones Freelance Journalist @SarahJReports
Ousted #Tunisian leader #Ben Ali's 34 #cars and 48 #yachts are #seized http://t.co/HRTiDiyt #tunis

Adrian Hamilton: Egypt's generals will soon hear the final whistle

independent.co.uk — If the British tend to believe in the cock-up theory of history, in the Middle East it's the opposite. Barely had the first casualty been recorded in the Port Said football riot on Wednesday night than the airwaves were filled with the suggestion that the whole disaster had been encouraged, if not actually orchestrated, by the military government.
Mona Eltahawy Freelance Journalist @monaeltahawy
RT @nadaskandar: Adrian Hamilton: Egypt's generals will soon hear the final whistle | The Independent http://t.co/ohBhGdmz via @msimaika

It's a Mini disaster! BMW sponsors deadly cold front

independent.co.uk — The death tolls were highest in Poland and the Ukraine where at least 40 people have died and more than 500 needed hospital care. Temperatures have plummeted as low as -33C since the weekend, as the cold front from Siberia has extended westwards over central and south-eastern Europe.
James G. Cobb Automobiles Editor, New York Times @NYTjamescobb
What could go wrong w/ BMW paying to name European weather system after Mini Cooper? Storm ends up killing dozens. http://t.co/7WUf3V9e
Joshua Hersh Foreign Policy Reporter, Huffington Post @joshuahersh
incroyable MT @nytjim BMW/Mini paid €300 for rights to name weather system "Cooper." That system has killed 70+. http://t.co/qPrMT3BO
Carolyn DiPaolo Business Editor, Palm Beach Post @carolyndipaolo
RT @nytjim: BMW/Mini paid €300 for rights to name weather system "Cooper." Trouble is, that system has killed 70+. http://t.co/2jpchuoO
Seth Fiegerman Reporter, MainStreet, The Street @sfiegerman
Terrible marketing idea MT @nytjim: BMW/Mini paid €300 to name weather system "Cooper." Trouble is, it has killed 70+ http://t.co/mjrAu8OW
Jim Roberts Associate Managing Editor, New York Times @nytjim
BMW/Mini paid €300 for rights to name weather system "Cooper." Trouble is, that system has killed 70+. http://t.co/2jpchuoO

Pakistan PM to be charged over corruption case

independent.co.uk — After many hours of debate and exchanges with the Prime Minister's legal team, the court ordered Mr Gilani to appear on 13 February, when the charges will be formally presented. If convicted, he faces up to six months in prison and could be forced from his position.
Sarah Jones Freelance Journalist @SarahJReports
#Pakistan #PM to be charged over #corruption case http://t.co/WQ4RtUXB #news

Howard Jacobson: A question neither I - nor anyone - could answer

independent.co.uk — I read that a public service television channel in Turkey has marked Holocaust Day by showing Claude Lanzmann's great documentary Shoah. Apparently this is the first time Lanzmann's film, or indeed anything like it, has been shown on a public station in a Muslim country.
John Rentoul Political Columnist, Independent @JohnRentoul
Although the headline is ungrammatical: "A question neither I – nor anyone – could answer" http://t.co/0TPajWia
John Rentoul Political Columnist, Independent @JohnRentoul
I was going to read Ed M's speech on banking reform over lunch. So I read this instead http://t.co/0TPajWia

The Independent | Errors & Omissions

independent.co.uk — In a time when nobody is ever held personally responsible for anything, and all we have to do after any disaster is "make sure that the lessons are learnt", the word "scapegoat" has undergone a change. Bad mark: "Monday marked the six-month anniversary of Winehouse's death," said a news story on Thursday.
Simon Usborne Feature Writer, Independent @susborne
If you write you should read Guy Keleny's excellent weekly Errors & Omissions. Deserves a book deal http://t.co/X28MeOgk

Contest of Names

blogs.independent.co.uk — I have several confessions to make. I am not interested in Private Eye's letters from people with made-up names. Or in nominative determinism, in which clever people find it amusing that the Lord Chief Justice of England is Igor Judge.
John Rentoul Political Columnist, Independent @JohnRentoul
Contest of Names: I have several confessions to make. I am not interested in Private Eye’s letters from people w... http://t.co/qEjX4dMQ

Errors & Omissions: If you're looking for a scapegoat, make sure you are in the right place

independent.co.uk — This week everybody, including this newspaper, has been calling the de-knighted Fred Goodwin a scapegoat. He has been singled out for punishment, the argument goes, when there are many others as guilty as he. He has thus been "scapegoated". No such thing. We have forgotten what a scapegoat is.
John Rentoul Political Columnist, Independent @JohnRentoul
Top #pedantry from Guy Keleny on "scapegoat"; can't believe he let off "a truth universally acknowledged", though http://t.co/3nlxfmqu

Drums of war beat louder as Iran and Israel step up rhetoric

independent.co.uk — Iran's supreme leader threatened to attack Israel yesterday in retaliation for Western sanctions against the Islamic Republic, warning that "threatening Iran and attacking Iran will harm America".
Harriet Alexander Foreign Affairs Reporter, Telegraph @h_alexander
Frightening stories in the papers this morning about Israel stepping up plans to attack Iran - http://t.co/9c06sGDP

Robert Fisk: An attack on Tehran would be madness. So don't rule it out

independent.co.uk — If Israel really attacks Iran this year, it – and the Americans – will be more dotty than their enemies think. True, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is a crackpot, but then so is Avigdor Lieberman, who is apparently the Israeli Foreign Minister. Maybe the two want to do each other a favour.
Scott Peterson Istanbul Bureau Chief, Christian Science Monitor @peterson__scott
RT @Lattif: Robert Fisk: An attack on #Tehran would be madness. So don't rule it out - http://t.co/sKbz39LF #Iran #Israel

Search for 'cruise-fall' Briton

independent.co.uk — The 30-year-old man was seen falling over the railings by another passenger on the Allure of the Seas, the Royal Caribbean International cruise line said. He could also be seen falling over in footage from an onboard video camera.
Simon Usborne Feature Writer, Independent @susborne
Another cruise ship fall http://t.co/yhS1zbvf See @jonronson's fascinating http://t.co/WxBYYJCv

24-hour Room Service: Nira Alpina, Silvaplana, Switzerland

independent.co.uk — Few places have become as synonymous with affluence as a resort where even the dogs are sometimes seen in fur coats. St Moritz emerged as a sparkling winter playground for rich Brits 150 years ago and still wears its exclusivity on its mink-cuffed sleeve.
Simon Usborne Feature Writer, Independent @susborne
And my review of a new hotel in St Moritz http://t.co/ZuYB3WdJ

Burma back on the map: Tourism returns to South-east Asia’s forbidden land

independent.co.uk — I arrived in Yangon – or Rangoon, as the British knew Burma's old capital – half expecting not to make it beyond the airport. I'd heard stories about interrogated journalists and swarms of all-seeing secret police. I had a tourist visa and had listed my profession as "management" but my bag contained a laptop and note pads.
Simon Usborne Feature Writer, Independent @susborne
My piece - Burma back on the map: Tourism returns to South-east Asia’s forbidden land http://t.co/WOMtH3O1

Harriet Walker: Could a taste for crime fiction over romantic fiction add up to social decline?

independent.co.uk — Given the explosively pungent mix of economic disquiet, social unrest and general misery, it's little wonder we're burying our noses in books. You'd think we'd all be ramming on the rose-tinted spectacles and pretending we live in gentler times, but the Public Lending Right reveals that the 10 most popular library books of last year were crime novels.
Harriet Walker Fashion Editor, Independent @harrywalker1
My column today on why people don't read romance anymore: http://t.co/7QsrQx1a

Pimping for Paul - Nevada brothels back the libertarian contender

independent.co.uk — There, in a dimly-lit world of red satin and inexpensive perfume, a cigar-chomping entrepreneur with a bald head and a smile as wide as the desert sky politely informs visitors that he and his employees intend to spend the coming months: "Pimpin' for Paul".
Guy Adams LA Correspondent, Independent @guyadams
Pimping for Paul... how the GOP race looks from the all-important vantage point of Nevada's brothels (my piece) http://t.co/G11NJLwU

Britain steps up its claim to the Falkland Islands

independent.co.uk — The details of the Britain's territorial embrace of the islands going back to 1765 and the ejection of an Argentine garrison in January 1833 are laid out in a letter delivered by the British ambassador to the UN, Sir Mark Lyall Grant, to the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, and seen exclusively by The Independent.
Guy Adams LA Correspondent, Independent @guyadams
Back in your box, Argentina, say Brtitish diplomats http://t.co/gMD1w5H9 a fine scoop from @dusborne

Stoke Newington is UK burglary capital

independent.co.uk — It is closely followed by Apperley Bridge in Bradford and West Bromwich in the West Midlands. In all three areas, just over three homes in every 100 has been hit by thieves in the last 12 months, according to research by comparison site moneysupermarket.com.
Jonathan Freedland Columnist, Guardian @j_freedland
The Indie describes Stoke Newington as "relatively upmarket and slightly gentile". What can they mean? http://t.co/W4tPelGm
Dave Hill Journalist, Guardian @DaveHill
RT @HackneyBookClub: #Stoke Newington #N16 - the burglary capital of the UK: http://t.co/0nndkRMk

Mitt Romney faces competition for Nevada’s Mormon vote

blogs.independent.co.uk — The outcome of tomorrow's Republican caucus in Nevada is likely to be decided by a spectacular turnout from local Mormons, who make up around 7 percent of residents but (as I reported this morning) are expected to cast 30 percent of votes.
Guy Adams LA Correspondent, Independent @guyadams
Mitt Romney faces competition for Nevada's Mormon vote (my blog) http://t.co/rnpXiWfU

Philip Hensher: My solution to the Falklands problem: sell them

independent.co.uk — With the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War, tensions are rising once more between the owners, Britain, and the islands' nearest continental neighbour, Argentina. In 2007, Argentina restated its claim to the Falklands, which have been British since 1833.
Will Jordan Producer, Al Jazeera English, Al Jazeera English @willjordan
Interesting idea from Philip Hensher: Sell the #Falklands / #Malvinas http://t.co/GJ5nFNak

Did Banksy's latest work bring misery to a homeless man?

independent.co.uk — This is a story about an elephant. A metal, metaphorical elephant that for two weeks grazed beside a dual highway next to the Pacific Ocean in an upscale neighbourhood of Los Angeles. It was created last month by Banksy, the elusive British street artist.
James Anthony Freelance Journalist @jimboeth
Wow. "Mint Currency" can eat a bowl of dicks. 'Did Banksy's latest work bring misery to a homeless man?' http://t.co/ki2JzR2H

Crystal Renn: Fashion's biggest model on why size matters

independent.co.uk — The painfully hip New York hotel bar in which I am supposed to be meeting Crystal Renn is full. The skinny young host (fashionably draped in black and looking like a medieval pageboy) assures me there is not a table to be had for love nor money.
Harriet Walker Fashion Editor, Independent @harrywalker1
seeing as everyone's on about her weight again, i'm re-posting my interview with Crystal Renn: http://t.co/4l14Zi35 she was proper nice

The 'ghost bike' revolt: Families demand action on cyclist deaths

independent.co.uk — Families of the cyclists killed in crashes accused politicians of "not listening" as they prepared to join cyclists in central London on Sunday as part of a campaign to improve road safety.
Simon Usborne Feature Writer, Independent @susborne
Criticised for offering "instructions to the weaker party on avoiding being a victim". That was the plan! (scroll down) http://t.co/d0mwzJZv

Europe is too emotional about fracking, says Shell chief

independent.co.uk — Mr Voser said Shell would invest $6bn (£3.8bn) to appraise, explore and develop gas and oil reserves contained in rocks this year, as it looked to significantly expand the volume of hydrocarbons it produces.
Tom Bawden Energy and Resources Correspondent, Independent @BawdenTom
Shell's chief executive, Peter Voser, calls for a rational debate on fracking - good idea http://t.co/q1QEEs03

Market Report: 'Glenstrata' deal has some worried about missing out

independent.co.uk — The heavyweight miners may have been largely buoyed by the possibility of a wave of consolidation across the sector yesterday, but not everyone was cheered by the prospect. After years of speculation, the news that "Glenstrata" looks set to become a reality sparked fears over who will be left out in the cold by the deal.
Toby Green Business Reporter, Independent @greentoby
Today's Indy column on what is next for the miners with 'Glenstrata' set to finally become a reality - http://t.co/8ZAOBh6R

Ashcroft case 'a threat to free speech' court told sues Independent for 'defamation'

independent.co.uk — A "fundamental bulwark" of free speech could be lost if The Independent is denied the right to defend its decision to publish extracts from a letter written by a Turks and Caicos politician alleging that Lord Ashcroft posed a threat to democracy on the islands, a court was told yesterday.
Stephen Foley Associate Business Editor, Independent @stephenfoley
Lord Ashcroft case 'a threat to free speech', court told http://t.co/KIwVB6Jr

$100bn - are you kidding?

independent.co.uk — So, about that $100bn figure ... Partly it is because of the breathless anticipation we saw ahead of its flotation prospectus, partly it is because it's such a delicious, round number, but Facebook has failed to dampen expectations that it could hit a $100bn valuation – either when it sells shares to investors over the coming weeks or on what will surely be a frenzied opening day of trading.
Stephen Foley Associate Business Editor, Independent @stephenfoley
$100bn – are you kidding? http://t.co/0MonCZNh #FacebookIPO

Worth the risk? UK goes for broke with supercasinos

Sam Skolnik Deputy Editor, National Law Journal @samskolnik
Britain goes on casino binge http://t.co/JbkhnrC8 Says one commentator, "The figures speak for themselves: problem gambling is on the rise."

Mormons sense victory for their man in Nevada

independent.co.uk — Mr Romney received a significant boost yesterday when he received the backing of billionaire businessman and former candidate Donald Trump, scotching rumours he was to endorse Mr Romney's rival Newt Gingrich.
Guy Adams LA Correspondent, Independent @guyadams
Mormons scent victory for their man in Nevada (my piece) http://t.co/KoU1XMsU

Evolution or revolution? In an age of media struggles, Esquire and The Atlantic are thriving

independent.co.uk — One of America's most venerable magazines, The Atlantic, likes to compare its journalism to hurling rocks. Every day it's casting stones that create ripples of activity on the internet: tweets, links, Facebook likes.
Jared Keller Associate Editor, The Atlantic @jaredbkeller
Evolution or revolution? In an age of media struggles, Esquire and The Atlantic are thriving http://t.co/9aIp7Qpd cc @nraabe
Ian Burrell Media Editor, Independent @iburrell
How smart magazines are working with the Internet http://t.co/MJ7gulqi

Ashcroft knew of 'culture of immorality', court told

independent.co.uk — David Price, who is defending The Independent's former publishers Independent News and Media (INM) in a libel action brought by the former Tory deputy chairman, told a panel of judges the company's case is that Lord Ashcroft was controlling firms which profited from a short-lived construction boom on the islands fuelled by corruption.
Stephen Foley Associate Business Editor, Independent @stephenfoley
Lord Ashcroft knew of 'culture of immorality', court told http://t.co/kOChB51Q

Exclusive interview with The National's Dessner brothers

independent.co.uk — Aaron and Bryce Dessner, identical twin brothers and twin guitarists for their band The National, are so in synch that their dialogue can, apparently, be difficult for outsiders to understand. Aaron and Bryce Dessner, identical twin brothers and twin guitarists for their band The National, are so in synch that their dialogue can, apparently, be difficult for outsiders to understand.
Tim Walker Features Writer, Independent @timwalker
Interview with Dessner bros of The National about multimedia show The Long Count, @BarbicanCentre 3 nights from tonight http://t.co/sRTIHKpY

The net closes on cyber-snoopers

independent.co.uk — When new rules governing the way companies collect and use data about our movements online come into force, a little "i" symbol will appear on screen to reveal adverts generated by "cookies". Many internet users find these digital devices, which are used by websites to create personal profiles based on use of the Internet, intrusive.
Ian Burrell Media Editor, Independent @iburrell
There will be a big clampdown on Online Behavioural Advertising in June. Interview with Guy Parker of the ASA http://t.co/lavgT4qh

Steve Richards: Cameron isn't a lucky leader, but Miliband is

independent.co.uk — I have no idea who will win the next election, but I predict the contest and outcome will be as significant as 1945 and 1979 in marking a profound change with the past. Consider already how recent dramas will change the next campaign. There will be no overt wooing of Rupert Murdoch.
John Rentoul Political Columnist, Independent @JohnRentoul
Proof that counter-intuitive does not always mean right http://t.co/aWS0RZoS

Amol Rajan: Stressed at work? Spare a thought for the Chinese

independent.co.uk — A report out yesterday suggested that British workers are four times more productive than when the Queen's reign began in 1952. We still work roughly 920 million hours each week, but the value of our economic output is 60 times greater.
Amol Rajan Columnist, Independent @amolrajan
How Chinese are we prepared to be? Not very, basically. My @theipaper column: http://t.co/DyCs5WJi

Sophie Heawood: I'm having fun. They're coining it. Fine by me

independent.co.uk — With Facebook apparently readying its initial public offering papers this week, we will soon have some idea of what we are worth. Our flatteringly angled photos, our witty status updates, our angsty relationship changes. The noisy natter of us typing our lives into little boxes, documenting the days.
Sarah Phillips G2 Editor, Guardian @sarahlphillips
Great @heawood piece on our Facebook identities, especially the idea it's like having they keys to someone's house http://t.co/0wYZ69ip

Letters: Now bankers face a wave of sympathy

independent.co.uk — Had the Forfeiture Committee acted to annul Mr Goodwin's knighthood in 2009 when the full extent of the collapse of RBS became apparent, it might have had much general support. But in making this decision three years after the event, the Government has generated a wave of sympathy for bankers of which the British Bankers' Association could never have dreamt.
John Rentoul Political Columnist, Independent @JohnRentoul
Horrified that I almost support Quentin Letts for BBC director general. Luckily, he calls for return of Play for Today http://t.co/1BvhiIxj

Cyclo-therapy: 'You&rsquo;re at much greater risk if you drive or walk, than if you cycle'

independent.co.uk — As I type this in an airless office, people in short sleeves and sunglasses are frolicking among daffodils and buying their first ice-creams as they enjoy weather that is, I'll be told in tomorrow's papers (alongside photos of young women on Brighton beach), "Hotter Than Marbella!".
Simon Usborne Feature Writer, Independent @susborne
Me last year: Why fear shouldn't push you off your bike: http://t.co/MsHDUhR1 ...and what you can do to stay safe: http://t.co/zpLtHXLX

Deborah Ross: A belt is fine as long as it's wielded with tender affection

independent.co.uk — If you ask me, I am completely with the Tottenham MP David Lammy who has said parents should feel free to smack their children, and fail to understand those parents who don't put at least 10 minutes aside every day just for smacking although not, of course, to the point of reddening the skin, which is a bit of a drag.
John Rentoul Political Columnist, Independent @JohnRentoul
"That is not reddening. It is only vaguely pink, you dolt." Deborah Ross. Wicked. http://t.co/80yCURdQ

William Hague visits 'world's most failed state'

independent.co.uk — William Hague today called for a stepping up of the fight against Somali-based terrorism as he became the first British foreign secretary to visit the war-torn state for 20 years. His arrival in the capital Mogadishu amid tight security marked the start of a major diplomatic push to bring stability to a country he described as "the world's most failed state".
Juha Saarinen Freelance Journalist @juhasaarinen
RT @AltGovUK: RT @TheIndyNews: William Hague visits 'world's most failed state' http://t.co/msRxUH5o #NewsClub

Andreas Whittam Smith: Honours are odious and harmful, and it's time they went

independent.co.uk — If the honours system is going to be used to punish people as well as to reward them, then it has become a nonsense. Fred Goodwin, who has just had his knighthood removed on account of his role in the banking crisis when he was chief executive of Royal Bank of Scotland, has not been charged with any offence, let alone convicted of one.
Archie Bland Saturday Editor, Independent @archiebland
Good piece by Andreas Whittam Smith on why Goodwin business devalues honours system, and why we should dump it anyway http://t.co/SnQErLZH

The Market Report: Bloody nose for shortsellers as Ocado rockets

independent.co.uk — The short-sellers won't be happy, but there is no stopping Ocado at the moment. One of the most divisive stocks in the Square Mile, the online grocer continued its fantastic start to the year yesterday as yet more short covering helped it up to its highest share price for four months.
Toby Green Business Reporter, Independent @greentoby
Indy market report today on Ocado making the short-sellers squeal - http://t.co/uTU3OGbb

Sam Wallace: Why FA must stop Terry going to Euros

independent.co.uk — If the Football Association hierarchy is honest with itself the best news it could hope for this morning is that John Terry releases a statement saying that, given the severity of the allegations against him, and the profile of this summer's Euro 2012 tournament, he is withdrawing from international football until the case is resolved in July.
Jacquie Beltrao Sports Presenter, Sky News @SkyJacquie
RT @SamWallaceIndy: Today's Indy: Why the FA must stop Terry going to Euros http://t.co/sVV5to5s

Goodwin's honour was upheld in 2009.So what changed?

independent.co.uk — The revelation will fuel suggestions that Tuesday's move to annul Mr Goodwin's honour was politically motivated, with pressure being brought to bear on the committee - made up of senior civil servants - by David Cameron. Cabinet Office sources confirmed that the Forfeiture Committee discussed removing Mr Goodwin's honour in 2009 after more than 70 MPs signed a Commons motion calling for the move.
Polly Curtis Whitehall Correspondent, Guardian @pollycurtis
The forfeiture committee rejected stripping Goodwin of his knighthood in 2009 - adds to theory of political pressure http://t.co/ArzxGsRA

Facebook - eight years to make $100bn

independent.co.uk — Facebook last night launched the most hotly anticipated stock market flotation since the dotcom bubble burst more than a decade ago, promising to sell its shares to the public in a deal that will make billionaires of its founders and which could value the company as much as $100bn (£64bn).
Stephen Foley Associate Business Editor, Independent @stephenfoley
Facebook: Eight years to make $100bn http://t.co/oHqkcH64

Teacher accused of abusing pupils in game of depravity

independent.co.uk — For years, the veteran schoolteacher of seven- to 10-year-olds had been in the habit of asking students to put on white cloth blindfolds. He would then go on to feed them a succession of mysterious substances which they were challenged to identify. Sometimes, the children would also be asked to wear loose-fitting gags made from cloth or tape.
Cath Elliott Comment Is Free Writer, Guardian @CathElliott
RT @TheIndyNews: Teacher accused of abusing pupils in game of depravity http://t.co/w5xreb0d

Facebook floatation set to make bilionairres of Zuckerberg and backers

independent.co.uk — The social networking giant's 850 million-strong user base underpins what is expected to be the largest technology flotation in history, a stock market debut that could value the company at $75bn-$100bn and which was tonight generating the kind of investor frenzy not seen since the days of the dot.com bubble.
Stephen Foley Associate Business Editor, Independent @stephenfoley
What I wrote while I was waiting: Facebook to make bilionairres of Zuckerberg and backers http://t.co/9Zs2y4tN

Lakshadweep: All quiet on India's secret islands

independent.co.uk — Arriving at a tropical island can never be considered a hardship. But after a 16-hour ferry journey blighted by seasickness, pulling ashore at Kadmat seemed all the sweeter. In fact, as I sat in the shade of a palm gazebo – a calm, bright blue sea just metres away – I'd never in my life been so pleased to be handed a coconut with a straw in it.
Simon Denyer India Bureau Chief, Washington Post @simondenyer
Lakshadweep: All quiet on India's secret islands - Asia - Travel - The Independent http://t.co/vE3Cnwhu?

Dominic Lawson: Olympian-scale wastage that was predicted - and then ignored

independent.co.uk — There's a surprise: yesterday's edition of this newspaper had as its front-page exclusive the news that the London 2012 Olympic Games are set to lose the country billions of pounds of tourism revenue. Yes, I was being sarcastic. While the story is an important one, anyone who had investigated the experiences of recent host cities could have predicted exactly this outcome.
sally shalam Travel Writer, Guardian @sallyshalam
Love Dominic Lawson on the Olympics http://t.co/MNkaJ4eq
Mike McCarthy North of England Bureau Chief, Sky News @skynewsnorth
Interesting take on the Olympic legacy. http://t.co/yslwBQuv