Category Archives: News
How much are you hated by the Daily Mail?
Ah, I did laugh at this one. If you’ve never read the Daily Mail, be grateful for little mercies. If you have, then you might enjoy this little online quiz!
As it turns out, I am hated by the Daily Mail. Quel surprise!
When a technical glitch gives you a Hitler mustache …
I did laugh at this: A pixelation glitch at BBC Studios gave Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party, a Hitler mustache today, while he was on the channel talking about the need to limit immigration.
This comes after Farage was accused by a former teacher of singing Hitler youth songs while in school. Coincidence?
The BBC said in a statement “The big screen is owned by MediaCity UK, not the BBC. The fault has been reported to them and they are working to rectify it as soon as possible.”
Ode to John Oliver
Jon Stewart has returned to “The Daily Show,” after leaving the show in John Oliver’s very capable hands for the past 12 weeks while he shot a movie. I’ve really enjoyed John Oliver’s British spin on the news this summer. He’s a great comic and will be sad to see him go (don’t get me wrong, I still love Jon Stewart!).
Here’s a mixtape of John Oliver’s best “Daily Show” moments!
Curses!
The Times of London reports a government source has called Ed Miliband a ” f****** c*** and a copper-bottomed s***”.
Cursing has been top of mind this week and I’ve been thinking a bit about the differences between British and American sensibilities around bad language.
I had just read Threec’s entertaining blog post, “Is ‘bloody’ really a swear word?”, which successfully argues that Americans are just more buttoned-up about bad language than Brits. And then I read this amazing little Daily Beast report about yesterday’s House of Commons vote against military action in Syria:
“Embarrassed by his failure, [David] Cameron’s team lashed out at opponents of the intervention. A government source told The Times of London that Ed Miliband, the Labour leader, was ‘a f****** c*** and a copper-bottomed s***’ for withdrawing support for military action.”
Whaaa? My first thought: Was this quote actually in the newspaper? Did The Times of London really spell out a f****** c*** and a copper-bottomed s*** without the asterisks? I love the color and candor of such a quote! I clicked on the link to the Times story, but sadly it requires a subscription to view in full.
However, it’s safe to say that I can’t see any reputable American newspaper ever publishing that anyone was a f****** c*** and a copper-bottomed s***, with or without asterisks. Can you?
“My favorite country would combine the best of the U.S. and the U.K.”
Gatsby’s ‘extraordinary capacity for hope’ could be useful in Britain, says Sophie Heawood. Photograph: Courtesy of Warner Bros
Check out Sophie Heawood’s column in the Guardian about her favorite parts of the U.S. and the U.K.
She starts, “If you’ve lived between the US and the UK, as I have done in recent years, it can be hard to pin down which country you love more. At times, I yearn to go back and live on the West Coast, where the smiles were wider, the sun was brighter, and everyone believed in the dream of a dream at least. At other times I’m greatly relieved to be in London, with the cold comforts of sarcasm and rain, the reassuring presence of doctors who don’t ask to see your credit card, and the absence of cheerleaders and the NRA. (And cheerleading for the NRA.)”
Too true, Sophie! After returning from vacationing in Disneyland last week, I’m reminded of the bold and unapologetic optimism that surrounds such a place. It’s so American! Read on…
A cock(erel) in Trafalgar Square
London mayor Boris Johnson and artist Katharina Fritsch with one big cock(erel). Credit: Ray Tang, Rex Features
What’s 14 feet high, ultramarine blue and standing on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square?
A giant cockerel, designed by German artist Katharina Fritsch!
The cock’s creator Katharina Fritsch told The Guardian newspaper: “I think the English have a great sense of humour. I know they like to play games with language. They like their double meanings. So I wanted to play around.”
I kind of like how blue and bright it is! What do you think?
Make your own royal paper doll
In the spirit of our times, dress up your very own royal baby, which I found on Pinterest thanks to Patz Freeman. (I particularly love the corgi on wheels.)
Royal Baby Name Generator
At last! It’s happening! Best of luck to Kate and Will!
And while we wait, try this Royal Baby Name Generator! I’m getting Agnes Frances Angela Louise for a girl or Edmund Alfred Philip Michael for a boy.
How about you? 🙂
Niagara Falls in pink or blue?
Isn’t this gorgeous? Canada has plans to illuminate Niagara Falls in a pink or blue light when Will and Kate’s baby is born.
Wait. Did I say baby? I meant to say daughter because I’m so convinced that she’s having a girl. What do you think? Will Niagara Falls be blue or pink?
Thanks to Lillie for sending me this news bite!
And the Royal Ascot Gold Cup goes to …
Congrats to Queen Elizabeth’s horse Estimate, who won the Gold Cup at Ascot today. I particularly enjoyed Buzzfeed’s blow-by-blow photo stream of the Royal Family watching the race.
It’s the first time in the race’s 207-year history that a monarch’s horse has won!
BRITRISH.COM 