Category Archives: News
The world’s first watch cat is British
The toys in the warehouse of UK-based toy company Bandai are now safely being protected by Millie the cat. The story has been reported in several UK newspapers and I thought it was some sort of April Fools-style joke, but no. Behold, Millie! She’s not only the security detail at Bandai but ridiculously photogenic and looks adorable in cat clothes.
UK-based Bandai has employed the world’s first watch cat. Photo credit on all photos: Metro UK
Patrolling at night.
She’s apparently quite happy to patrol at night and is being paid in cat food and fish. Who needs a watch dog, when you can have Millie? Added bonus: She’s got nine lives.
I’m sure it will be turned into a Hollywood blockbuster in no time.
(Apologies for the cheese factor in this story…)
Swimmers banned from Thames
Actor David Walliams swam the length of the Thams River for charity and lived to tell about it.
Put away your swimming costumes (translation: swimsuits) and goggles.
The Thames is officially closed to swimmers by the Port of London Authority.
Whose idea of a good time involves swimming in the polluted, not to mention freezing waters of the Thames (I know, I know, it’s not as polluted as it used to be …)? Well, there are “wild swimmers” who do enjoy fighting the strong currents and whirlpools of the Thames. Now they’ll need a permit for the pleasure.
I think I’ll stick to the swimming pool.
The world’s ugliest dog is British
Meet Mugly, a Chinese Crested who was crowned World’s Ugliest Dog, at the Sonoma-Marin Fair held last Friday. The Peterborough-based pooch competed against 29 other dogs from around the globe for the illustrious title that comes with a trophy, a $1,000 prize and a photo shoot.
Banned at Royal Ascot
Photo credit: BBC News
Yesterday was the first day of the Royal Ascot and the new dress code is in effect and causing quite the stir.
Under the new rules, no fascinators or cravats are banned in the royal enclosure. Strapless dresses are outlawed. Waistcoasts and ties are required, as are skirts and/or dresses that are just above knee length or longer. Personally I am a lover of a good fascinator and cravat and am sad to see them both go.
Someone might need to stage a “Footloose”-style intervention…
Severe weather warning this weekend
Flood warnings have been issued by the Met Office as high speed winds and heavy rains are forecast to hit England, Wales and Northern Ireland this weekend. This is June, right?
I found this on the UK’s Nice ‘n Easy Facebook page and it’s so fitting:
Rain, rain, go away!
There is no sign that truly summery weather will arrive before the start of July. Photo credit: PA
You’ve heard that the rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain. But this year, it seems that the rain in England stays mainly … well, everywhere.
Last month, the country reported a record heatwave. Now, only a few weeks later, they’re calling it “European monsoon” weather, with hurricane-force winds and heavy downpours.
Experts are already predicting that this weather will continue through June. Summer, it seems, will be postponed until July.
When it rains, it pours …
This London skyline brolly (translation: umbrella) becomes colorful when it’s wet. Photo courtesy of Squid London.
This comes after the wettest April the country has seen since 1910!
Let’s all send some sunshine and warm weather their way – puleeze!
Wizards use the London Tube, too
I kind of love this.
For the uninitiated, oyster cards are travel cards for the London Tube and there is a little chip in them so you can just tap them over the card reader instead of sliding your card through. Or indeed, attach them to a wand and tap away!
Thanks, Lise, for posting this!
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter! Check out our eggs – we blew out the middles!
Have a wonderful day – I’ll see you back here on Tuesday!
Don’t hate her because she’s beautiful
Oh, Samantha Brick, let's be clear. You are no Kelly LeBrock.
Have you heard about the self-centered musings of one journalist Samantha Brick, who claims to be all that and a bag of chips?
Well, you can read the infamous head-swelling Daily Mail column here that has the British media and its public going for her jugular (which isn’t an attractive jugular, I should add).
You can also view her photos and make up your own mind. (Personally, I say we offer it up to the Ugly Meter iPhone app and let it decide.)
BRITRISH.COM 