London needs little introduction. Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, high tea at four o’ clock: even on the beaten tourist circuit, this city is a charmer. But it’s also a high-energy international center that manages to be old-world classy and cutting-edge trendy all at the same time. English-speaking and cute accents… how can you go wrong? What’s on in Londontown, after the jump… Keep reading »
Prince William’s longtime girlfriend Kate Middleton surprised us this week in a pair of yellow short-shorts and sequined halter top she wore to an ’80s-themed charity event she co-hosted. Typically, the 26-year-old wears dresses or suits of which the Queen would approve. What else don’t we know about her?
Who can resist the charms of glamour queen Dita Von Teese? Not even stodgy Prince Charles, which is why he introduced himself to the attractive alabaster stranger at a Cartier event. When the Royal asked Ms. Dita what she did, she replied that she was a “dancer.” When Prince Charles unwittingly asked the dancer to do a number at Prince Harry’s upcoming birthday party in September, he had no idea he’d get more show than he bargained for. After the damage, er booking, was done, an aide informed the culturally clueless Prince Charles about Dita’s contributions to the art of striptease and he was mortified. After all, what would his mummy think?! We think under those suits and floral hats, there’s a side to the Queen that likes to get down — or at least appreciate a woman who can. But we’ll have to wait and see if the real tassel-twirling burlesque show will go on at Buckingham Palace. [Daily Star]
In England, a welcome packet for Polish migrant workers advises them that a good way to start a conversation is to make a comment about the weather. One BBC writer tried out this bit of wisdom and found that in ten attempts at starting a conversation, only one person refused to answer his climate comment. Yes, weather is a good way to start off a conversation, because it’s universal and no one can really be offended when you say, “My, it’s awfully humid out,” now can they? But really, this piece of advice can be extended a bit further. I tend to start random conversations with strangers just by mumbling some observation half to myself, and some people think I’m talking to them and respond, while others just look at me like I’m a crazy person talking to her invisible friend. [BBC] Keep reading »
BBC News published an article on Britain’s “secretive “S&M scene” yesterday, saying that Max Mosley’s antics are really opening people up. (He had a sadomasochistic session with five prostitutes, with whom he engaged in a concentration camp scenario.) The comments in response to the story are great though, because many BDSM practitioners defend their chosen sex life. One even sort of confirms yesterday’s post about being born with the desire for S&M: “I don’t really indulge in S&M (it just hurts, frankly, which is a good way to tell if it’s for you).” Other commenters are upset with the BBC for printing the story: “It’s clear to me that England is becoming more Satanic in nature every day, and the people who work for the BBC must take some responsibility for that.” Let’s blame the war in Iraq on the BBC, while we’re at it. [BBC] Keep reading »
A 60-year-old man in England is freaking out, and if I were him, I would be, too. Terry Wright claims he started losing his hair and beard 10 years ago, and that over time, his skin has gotten softer, his breasts have grown, and he experiences hot flashes. Doctors found that he has really high levels of estrogen, but they can’t figure out what is causing it or how to reverse what has happened to him. Terry is a father of five and lives in Birmingham, England, and he said the neighborhood kids call him she-man. Kids can be so mean. [AHN] Keep reading »
Despite being, well, Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart has been denied a visa by British authorities because of her criminal convictions. “Martha loves England and hopes this can be resolved and that she will be able to visit soon,” a spokesperson for Martha told Britain’s Telegraph newspaper. Until then, she’ll have to stick to visiting the estates of Henry and Edsel Ford in Dearborn, MI. [Sydney Morning Herald, The Martha Blog] Keep reading »
