Scotland reveals stunningly dull new slogan

After six months of development and $282,000 spent on the project, Scotland has a new slogan:
"Welcome to Scotland" It's brilliant in its simplicity.

It not only makes me feel welcome, because it has the word *welcome* in the motto, it also lets me know what country I'm entering, which is great. The word *to* is a fantastic go-between word and more-than-adequately separates the words *Welcome* and *Scotland*. $282,000 to find this slogan is a bargain. I can only hope we in Belgium can come up with something equally as smart.

I've got it!! "Welcome to Belgium"! Make your check payable to Belgium STUDS

Announcer sacked over spoof messages

An official announcer for London's Tube system has been sacked after making spoof messages mocking American tourists, peeping Toms and sweaty commuters.
Voiceover artist Emma Clarke, 36, recorded the announcements in the same smooth tones that have warned millions of passengers to "Mind The Gap" and posted them on her Web site.
The messages include:
* "We would like to remind our American tourist friends that you are almost certainly talking too loudly."
* "Would the passenger in the red shirt pretending to read the paper but who is actually staring at that woman's chest please stop. You are not fooling anyone, you filthy pervert."

MORE ON RUETERS

Leterme throws in the towel

Yves Leterme, the Flemish Christian democrat who has been attempting to form a new federal Government, has asked King Albert to relieve him of his task.

Mr Leterme met with King Albert at the Palace on Saturday afternoon. The king agreed to Leterme's request.

FLANDERS NEWS

Hug a Hooligan

The EU has taken a step towards creating a European sport police force. Portuguese Interior Minister Rui Pereira announced that the EU Council on 14 December would adopt a text on better police coordination on exchanging information on racist or violent supporters, with European travel bans for these individuals and the creation of joint police teams in charge of operating during international events. He said, "It's a first step towards a European sport police."
Yeah why not, go ahead, hug a hooligan today. Show them you care.
READ THE TIMES

EU launches 'open skies' aviation pact talks with Canada

The European Union and Canada have launched negotiations on an aviation deal aimed at cutting fares and boosting access to more trans-Atlantic destinations, EU officials said Friday.

The pact could also lead to €72 million (US$106 million) in savings for consumers because of lower fares and increased competition on EU-origin flights to Canada.
The EU has already reached a similar deal with the United States. That deal will allow airlines to fly from anywhere in the EU to any point in the U.S. and it will take effect March 30 — five months later than originally planned after Britain won a demand for extra time before opening up London's Heathrow, the EU's busiest airport. READ THE TIMES