Daily Archives: 18, August 2011
Lucky Black Cats
Our black cat Poppy, who was named after Jamie Oliver's daughter Poppy Honey, has not been bad luck. Well, except for those who visit us. She hates visitors.
A happy belated Black Cat Appreciation Day, which was Wednesday. As usual, I’m a day late and a dollar short on the greeting, but better late than never.
And here’s one for the Bizarro World files: Black cats, which are traditionally bad luck in the US, are good luck in the UK. People actually seek them out and want to adopt them. It’s actually the white cats that are bad luck in the UK. Welcome to reverso-world.
Affectionate Anglos
If you’ve watched too many episodes of Masterpiece Theatre, you might get the impression that the British are all standoffish and Mr. Darcyish, with their top hats and stiff upper lips.
Not so.
Actually, I’m routinely taken aback by how very affectionate Brits are. They’re always greeting people with a kiss on the cheek, even those they might meet for the first time. That doesn’t happen in America.
And they’re always ending letters and emails with kisses (x = kiss, if you didn’t know). Sometimes two = xx. Oftentimes three = xxx. And even as much as four = xxxx. I’m not talking about schoolchildren. I’m talking about full-fledged adults. This is the way they sign off every letter. It’s downright romantic!
But what about hugs, I hear you asking … Well, what about them?! Brits can hug as well as the next Yank. Check out the new Hug London Facebook page that’s formed post-riots to heal the city. Hosted by Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centers, the community page invites anyone to send in photos of themselves hugging London landmarks. They will be gathering at 12:30 p.m. tomorrow to hug City Hall in London. So much for the stiff upper lip …
BRITRISH.COM 