Category Archives: News
Bees at Top Shop
This is the craziest story I’ve read in awhile. Crazier than this.
A swarm of 5,000 bees hit London’s Top Shop on Victoria Street this week.
5,000 bees? Were they shopping for a cocktail dress or just hoping to score a deal on a new handbag?
No confirmation on what has drawn the swarm to this particular location, but it appears the seasonal sale had something to do with it.
RIP Sue Townsend
It was very sad news to hear that British author Sue Townsend passed away this week. Her series of books featuring teenager Adrian Mole have been legendary (I suppose she’s the British Judy Blume?!).
If you haven’t had the privilege of reading any of her writing, I’d suggest starting at the beginning with “The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4.”
In the meantime, check out some of Adrian Mole’s best moments, courtesy of New Statesman.
International Pillow Fight Day
Oh, London! I love you for your utter whimsy! Check out the celebration that took place this weekend in Trafalgar Square to mark International Pillow Fight Day. Organised by Urban Playground Movement, the fight rules were simple: don’t hit anyone with a camera and don’t hit anyone without a pillow.
The pitfalls of marrying an American woman/British man
In light of the Gwyneth and Chris Martin split, the Daily Telegraph has taken it upon itself to do some deep digging into the British man/American woman match, which I touched on last week. I absolutely ate it up!
Here’s journalist Sally Peck’s piece, “Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin split: The pitfalls of marrying a British man.”
And here’s writer/comedian/British husband Tom Cowell’s piece, “Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin split: The pitfalls of marrying an American woman.”
Woo! Enjoy 🙂
A 5,000 year old forest on a beach in Wales
Lest anyone think that Buzzfeed is only good for useless round-ups of top 10 tips and stuff like this, check out this prehistoric forest that has been uncovered on a beach in Wales following all of the storms and gale force winds that have stripped away the sand. These photos were posted to Buzzfeed.
These are ancient oak trees that date back to the Bronze age, between 5,500 and 3,500 years ago.
And I would never have known about this without Buzzfeed!
4.1 earthquake in Devon?!
The British Geological Survey (BGS) is reporting that an earthquake measuring 4.1 hit Devon at 1:21 p.m. BST today.
Tremors were felt in areas including Dartmoor, Bristol, Taunton, Swansea, Llanelli, Barnstable, Gloucester and South Molton.
What in the world is going on? I’m still trying to get over Devon images like this. Waves hitting our favorite quiet seaside Devon town of Teignmouth:
And the flooding in Dawlish:
* Sigh *
Classical music piece enhances Roald Dahl’s ‘Dirty Beasts’
Interesting story on NPR yesterday — although children’s author Roald Dahl died nearly 25 years ago, he continues to inspire musical adaptations of his work.
No Pants Sunday
Rex Features via AP Images
Many London Underground riders went pantsless on Sunday as part of No Pants Subway Ride, which originated in New York City. Since pants mean underwear in the U.K., Brits were careful to clarify that trousers were optional, knickers weren’t. According to the group’s Facebook page, 250-300 people participated this year!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving! I want to take a moment to thank you for reading and following this blog. It’s been a trick to keep it going with all of the other things I have going on in my life, but it’s been a joy and I’m thankful for your support!
Enjoy today! I hope it’s filled with delicious food and laughing with those you love! See you back here tomorrow!
Happy 11/11/13
Photograph: Cate Gillon/Getty Images
Happy Veterans Day … or for the Brits in the room, Happy Armistice Day! A big thanks to all of our veterans for their service and sacrifice.
BRITRISH.COM 