The week that was

Here are some of the posts made on Spectator over the past week:

Peter Robins sifts through the local and regional newspapers for his first Local Interest post. You can follow The Spectator's Local Interest feed on Twitter here.

Fraser Nelson watches Ed Balls' bloodlust get the better of him, and observes that Britain now has the worst inflation in Western Europe.

James Forsyth explains why the battle of the bins matters, and sees Ed Miliband relieve the pressure on himself.

Peter Hoskin says that Miliband borrowed from the Cameroons for his most substantial speech so far, and observes that Danny Alexander is not for turning.

David Blackburn reports on the latest NHS developments, and tests the pressure at the pumps.

Jonathan Jones reviews this week's major Republican Presidential debate.

Daniel Korski urges the unions to bring on the strikes.

Martin Bright links to a new conservative blog.

Nick Cohen rails against some establishment thinking.

Rod Liddle wonders what's in a dog's name.

Alex Massie revisits Mars and Venus.

Melanie Phillips announces her new blog.

The Spectator Arts Blog has a treat for everyone.

And the Spectator Book Blog delves into the mysteries of spin.