What’s On

Please note that the event with Mehmet Simsek has been canceled.

Taking a break from the usual diet of Indian and Chinese economic growth contrasted with American and European recession, why not have a look at the economy of Turkey? In a lecture entitled ‘Future Prospects of the Turkish Economy‘, Turkish Minister of State Mehmet Simsek will evaluate the challenges and opportunities facing Turkey.

When, Where: Tuesday at 5:15pm in the Old Theater

As some of you may recall, there was a bit of hands-wringing in parliament last year about what exactly constituted ‘Britishness’. Well as the amusing proposed mottos showed, it may well be there there is no such thing as a unified British identity – and probably not the least at the LSE where some postgrads may spend their entire year in Britain seemingly without meeting any Brits. Well if you disagree, let your voice be heard at this week’s debate on Britishness.

When, Where: Tuesday at 6:30pm in the Old Theater

The LSE Orchestra and Choir Spring Concert will be taking place this week at the St. Clement Danes Church. The event, sponsored by the LSESU Music Society and featuring students, staff and alumni, will play several pieces including Faure’s Requiem and Brahms’ Symphony No.2. Tickets are available at the SU reception and at the booth on Houghton Street.

When, Where: Wednesday at 7:30pm, St. Clement Danes Church (The Strand)

McCain at the LSE?

The Times revealed on Saturday that the Republican presidential candidate John McCain had considered giving a speech at the LSE as a part of his European and Middle East tour later this month, although it said that aides have downplayed the likelihood of any visit taking place.

Given the LSE’s tendency to heckle this year, it probably is not a bad idea to forgo the speech, although McCain has a history of taking his generally conservative agenda to hostile left wing audiences. Arch-conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia also spoke at the LSE this term before a respectful audience of students who mostly disagreed entirely with him, so it can be done. Given that the visit will take place during the upcoming holiday, McCain might have a hard time getting an audience, although that wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing.

[EDIT: If you were crestfallen to hear that Senator McCain was likely not going to bring his Republican credentials to the LSE, fear not! Care of the Houghton Street Review, we can tell you that you will be able to scream your derision at a bona fide intolerant right wing (former) senator, Rick "That's Latin for Asshole" Santorum at an upcoming LSESU Tocqueville Society lecture. Sure, he's no Presidential candidate, but he did inspire a new word to add to your lexicon. Email su.soc.tocquevilleisi@lse.ac.uk for tickets.]