The Economist: Is the EU the Holy Roman Empire 2.0?

A thought-provoking historical perspective on the current economic and political situation in the EU:
http://www.economist.com/news/christmas/21568659-old-empire-offers-surprising-lessons-european-union-today-european-disunion-done

Several such entities have been attempted in Europe through its long history, from the classical Roman Empire to today's European Union. Though the continent derives some unity from its vaunted Greco-Roman roots, it contains a great deal of diversity in terms of language, ethnicity, culture -- all the necessary components of national identity. There are, in fact, a number of key differences (some articulated in the above article, some not) between the current EU and comparable historical entities (interestingly, they all begin with 'c'). Here's my (history buff's) perspective (it's longer than usual, so I've put it under the cut):

Today

is the 130th anniversary of the completion of the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous monuments in Germany. It took 632 years to finish (with interruptions, of course).

It holds the distinction of having the largest facade of any cathedral in the world, as well as the second-tallest cathedral spires. The gothic vaulted nave, I've been told, is breathtaking.

I know a few of you are studying abroad in Germany; this is a must-see historical site. Take pictures (please?)!

NYTimes: Hitler's Art Collection

Hitler: dictator, mass murderer, sociopath, art collector.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/19/arts/design/19abroad.html?hpw

The story goes: if he hadn't been rejected from art school, the Holocaust might not have happened. His racial politics were in part fueled by his distorted perception of art history. The Jews, in particular, did not have much of a tradition of visual art, given their religious proscription of graven images.

Ironic, perhaps?