Insofar as civilization's collapse is something we're bringing upon ourselves with a little help from world powers, Martin and his readers might relate to radical environmentalists or peak oil environmentalists, who subscribe to the theory that there is a date when petroleum production will max out and decline rapidly.

CNN: Apocalypse believers' big finish predictions vary

Both the big powers are taking sides between Chambliss and Martin, and this can be a very important race.

NPR: Political Junkie: Clinton, Lieberman and Holder

As regards trying to repatriate powers to Westminster, the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, said it would be a "drawn out and cumbersome negotiation" involving long and complex procedures.

BBC: Very different ideas about Europe