Category Archives: TV
Adele at the Golden Globes
Did you catch Adele’s winning thank you speech at the Golden Globes last night? Loved it! She was so gorgeous and real and refreshing and hilarious!
Check it out if you missed it!
Radio Times Christmas issue
There are few words to explain the allure of the Radio Times Christmas issue, which is on newsstands in Britain now. It’s just one of those traditional symbols of the season for Brits. Think TV Guide but bigger, better and packed with all of the juicy details about the Christmas programs that will be airing on British TV during the holidays.
Maybe it has something to do with the fact Brits only have five main TV channels (if you don’t have a Digibox) or the fact that British TV shows typically are limited runs (compared to American TV shows that continue on for years … I’m talking to you, Simpsons!), but there is genuine magic when Christmas rolls around and many of these shows that had ended (ie. “The Office” or “Only Fools and Horses”) have a Christmas episode (a reunion with our old friends on the telly!). This Christmas, there will be Christmas episodes for “Downton Abbey,” “The Royle Family,” and “Doctor Who,” as well as a new sequel to “The Snowman.”
There’s always the usual parade of Christmas movies and children’s programming and even the glorious cooking shows (Delia, Nigella, Jamie Oliver, etc.) serve as a tasty reminder of the season. The Radio Times details them all so you don’t miss a bit. It’s an enduring British tradition that I love this time of year.
English trifle with a side of comedy
For dinner parties and entertaining during the holidays, my husband will often make a trifle for dessert. Ladyfingers, fresh raspberries, jam with lashings of cream and sherry (or cointreau).
But every time he makes it, I can’t help but be reminded of that episode of “Friends” when Rachel prepares a very unusual “traditional” English trifle.
ASDA’s Christmas advert
I’m sorry. I’m borderline obsessed with British adverts during the holidays. They just feel so festive. Case in point: this year’s ASDA advert:
Thanks to Sarah from Newbie Science for this!
John Lewis’ 2012 Christmas advert
Here it is!
It is called “The Journey” and follows one snowman’s quest for the perfect gift for a loved one. Again, whimsical, sweet and like no department store commercial we have in the U.S.
Remembering Mr. Belvedere
This weekend, my husband and I were basking in the glow of 1980s nostalgia, after stumbling upon the theme song to the “Golden Girls” on YouTube.
Where would we all be without YouTube and its endless supply of retro remembrances? After listening to the theme songs from “Charles in Charge,” “It’s Your Move” and “Benson” (which my husband used to watch in England), the YouTube genies suggested “Mr. Belvedere.”
“Ever watch ‘Mr. Belvedere’?” I asked, interested to hear his take on this Briton-in-America story.
But no. Never saw it. Or couldn’t remember it if he had.
I’m not sure why “Mr. Belvedere,” a little comedy about an average middle class family employing a British butler, never made it across the pond. But good news! It’s available now on Amazon.co.uk for Brits who are interested. I know I’d like to see it again.
Frosties
Photo credit: consumeropinionreviews.blogspot.com
I don’t know about you, but I am fascinated when I see brands in other countries that we as Americans know and love. It’s a strange yet familiar sight. Case in point: Frosties.
You know it as Frosted Flakes, but Brits recognize it as Frosties and I do think that the name “Frosties” is a much more cheerful, albeit more American cheerleader name for the cereal. By comparison, Frosted Flakes sounds almost clinical. Don’t you think?
And if you were wondering, their Tiger also is called Tony and yes, he also thinks “they’re grrreat!”
John Lewis’ latest advert
I’ve blogged before about British retailer John Lewis’ adverts and how well done they are. Well, they’ve done it again.
Check out their latest advert, which launched last Friday.
Great concept and lovely cover of INXS’s “Never Tear Us Apart” sung beautifully by British singer Paloma Faith. *Sigh*
What Americans missed – London Paralympics
Here’s what Americans missed – the Paralympics closing ceremony with Coldplay.
If you’ve been wondering why I haven’t blogged about the London Paralympics, it’s simply because I haven’t seen any of the games. And I’m not alone. There’s been such limited coverage of the games that it’s been nearly impossible to catch any of it here on TV in the U.S., despite the fact that NBC has been contracted to air the games. Newsflash, NBC – Americans do care about the Paralympics and would like the option to view them with the rest of the world!
Congrats to Team GB for scoring third in the London Paralympic Games, after China and Russia. Well done!
Connery plays Queen in Bond sketch
Did you see the madcap skydiving scene with Daniel Craig (as James Bond) and the Queen (as herself!) in last Friday’s opening Olympic ceremony?
Well, I loved the concept – and the fact that the Queen was happy to play along! Of course, it occurred to me that the Queen didn’t throw herself out of the plane and parachute into Olympic Park and that they did employ a stunt double. But for some reason, I wasn’t even thinking that it would be a guy in the fascinator and pearls, nor would I have imagined that he would have the last name of Connery (yes, as in Sean Connery!). Read more about him!
Thanks to my friend and fellow blogger Layla of TheSmudge.com, who gave me this story tip. Here’s her take on it!
BRITRISH.COM 