Crow had a great idea in the 'are you British enough' thread in the social causes forum, and I wanted to run with it -- I said I was a huge British culture fan, everything from food to music to literature to TV to comedy, etc etc. So this thread is wide open. I know I'm not the only one! What British stuff do you absolutely love? Let's talk! :D
As I mentioned in the other thread, the Young Ones is one of my all time favorite shows. I also love Red Dwarf and the British Office.
Doctor Who, of course. I used to like Monty Python a bit more, but had that ruined by spending too much time in geek subculture. And, yes, The Young Ones was just brilliant.
The Pythons, Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett, The IT Crowd, Red Dwarf, Black Books, Men Behaving Badly, Ab Fab, QI, Simon Pegg, Bowie, The Stones, Beatles, Pink Floyd, Beth Orton, Nick Drake, Orwell, Alistair Reynolds, Patrick Obrien, Roald Dahl, Darwin, J. K. Rowling, Tolkien, David Attenborouh. The Bridget Jones type genre of rom-coms. Lawrence Durrell and Aldous Huxley were important in my formative years, I haven't revisited them, I've heard people who've reread Durrell being underwhelmed.
I'm a bit dubious about the food, crumpets are nice with honey, messy though.
Beer should be cold.
Cars are best left to the eccentric who don't mind not getting where they're going.
Government/Legal system, the BBC, liberal society.
Nigella, Amy Pond and Lara Croft.
I suppose some of the Irish are British. If I was a Brit I'd claim Oscar Wilde.
There are historical figures like James Cook and Elizabeth I and on and on.
I just spent all week watching Dr. Who and Merlin. I don't know where I would be without BBC!
I also love union jack and music from the 70's. Grew up with The Clash, Bowie, Sex pistols.
Also gotta love Vivienne westwood's jewelry *___* .. <3
Black Adder, Red Dwarf, Life of Brian, Bottom, Pink Floyd, the BBC, Douglas Adams, Arthur C. Clarke, Iain M. Banks, Roald Dahl, Dad's Army, Fawlty Towers and much more...
Ronald Dahl is british? That is awesome! :)
OK, my list in no particular order (and it's likely to be revised as more comes to mind):
Dr. Who, Black Adder, Terry Pratchett's Discworld books, Red Dwarf, just about anything from Monty Python, Douglas Adams, Waiting For God (sitcom set in a nursing home), Mulberry starring Karl Howman (BBC production), Brush Strokes starring Karl Howman (also BBC), On the Buses starring Reg Varney, anything with Simon Pegg in it, Death at a Funeral (British version obviously), Rowan Atkinson, Fawly Towers, George Orwell, Roald Dahl, also the Bridget Jones' Diary/Imagine Me & You type of British rom-com's, Aldous Huxley, Sweeney Todd (play, etc), The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Herman's Hermits, David Bowie, Coldplay, Adele, the old radio programme ITMA (it's that man again), Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Goons (Peter Sellers etc), Whose Line Is It Anyway (love this show!), Are You Being Served (haha, Mrs Slocum and her 'pussy', and crazy hair), The Thin Blue Line (police comedy with Atkinson), Little Britain (comedy sketch show)... so, so much awesome stuff.
And I haven't even gotten to the British poets, famous literature authors, etc -- that'll be another post later maybe, but the list would certainly include a ton of folks including Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Dickens (huge Dickens fan), the Bronte sisters, H.G. Wells, Tennyson, Shakespeare, the Brownings (poets), and so on and so forth. :D
Benny Hill-German Professor (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=GfuY5Q0BSBM)
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on February 24, 2012, 02:53:22 AMI'm a bit dubious about the food, crumpets are nice with honey, messy though.
Beer should be cold.
The best fish and chips I've ever had, I've had in the UK. Also: steak and ale/steak and kidney pie, superior Cornish pasties, and cream tea. The full English (or Scottish) breakfast is simply amazing. Eating one probably takes a day off your life, but it could be argued that it's worth it. :-\ On the negative side: For some reason, the beef in the UK (when it's served as a roast or steak) is generally rather tough, even very nice cuts.
Beer is served cold in lots of pubs these days, though I admit it's not ice cold the way many people elsewhere like it.
the four things I like best about the UK as a Brit are beer (we make the best beer in the world), cheese (particularly vintage cheddar), curry houses (we also have the best curries I've ever tasted, although I've yet to go to India!) and secularism.
on the culture side we have produced lots of good stuff, though I think we produced better stuff in the past than we do now. I love our folk music, particularly stuff like Pentangle, the Avengers (John Steed is the archetypal British gent), Gerry Anderson's creations of the 60s and 70s, Rising Damp (Rigsby's a legend), the Bonzos, the League of Gentlemen, Hammer and Amicus horror films, the Wicker Man (I'd love to live on Summer Isle), Aldous Huxley and Lewis Carroll.
British curry is just indian curry. I would still love to try some though *__* sounds yummy.
Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest
Quote from: Sweetdeath on February 24, 2012, 04:56:29 PM
British curry is just indian curry. I would still love to try some though *__* sounds yummy.
Oh no it isn't! British curry is very very different from Indian curry. Indian curry AFAIK is much milder than some of the curries you can get in the UK. My father in law first had curry in India and really liked it. When he came home to England he went to a curry house and it nearly blew his head off!
I forgot Pratchett. He's easily my favorite modern writer.
Quote from: statichaos on February 24, 2012, 05:36:53 PM
I forgot Pratchett. He's easily my favorite modern writer.
I've read all his books at least 3 times and some, like Guards Guards and Going Postal, many times. The Sky TV production of Going Postal (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4VlX9cMEbw) is absolutely brilliant.
Whoever cast Claire Foy as Adora Belle Dearheart really knew what they were doing.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimage.com.com%2Ftv%2Fimages%2Fprocessed%2Fdefault%2F8c%2F69%2F323696.JPG&hash=c150c3f7c69a8c15d4bfe8515b812c12f7728e5b)
Quote from: Tank on February 24, 2012, 05:43:13 PM
Quote from: statichaos on February 24, 2012, 05:36:53 PM
I forgot Pratchett. He's easily my favorite modern writer.
I've read all his books at least 3 times and some, like Guards Guards and Going Postal, many times. The Sky TV production of Going Postal (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4VlX9cMEbw) is absolutely brilliant.
Whoever cast Claire Foy as Adora Belle Dearheart really knew what they were doing.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimage.com.com%2Ftv%2Fimages%2Fprocessed%2Fdefault%2F8c%2F69%2F323696.JPG&hash=c150c3f7c69a8c15d4bfe8515b812c12f7728e5b)
Sounds like you and I have similar taste in books, at least in this regard! A personal favourite of mine is Wyrd Sisters. It's brilliant. ;D
And thanks for sharing that trailer, I love Going Postal, I really want to see that now!
Quote from: Tank on February 24, 2012, 05:15:55 PM
Quote from: Sweetdeath on February 24, 2012, 04:56:29 PM
British curry is just indian curry. I would still love to try some though *__* sounds yummy.
Oh no it isn't! British curry is very very different from Indian curry. Indian curry AFAIK is much milder than some of the curries you can get in the UK. My father in law first had curry in India and really liked it. When he came home to England he went to a curry house and it nearly blew his head off!
that's the impression I've got from friends who've been to India. I had a very nice chicken tikka jalfrezi a few weeks ago that had about 25 little birds eye chillies in. I think the chef must have made a mistake and accidently put too many in. I ate the whole lot but needed to follow it with three pints of water to try and put the fire in my mouth out!
Sounds good to me!! The spicier, the better. I put cayenne pepper on almost everything.
Quote from: Too Few Lions on February 24, 2012, 06:07:13 PM
that's the impression I've got from friends who've been to India. I had a very nice chicken tikka jalfrezi a few weeks ago that had about 25 little birds eye chillies in. I think the chef must have made a mistake and accidently put too many in. I ate the whole lot but needed to follow it with three pints of water to try and put the fire in my mouth out!
In a Jalfrezi!? Damn that must have been a surprise. It always seems to be pot luck how spicy a curry is I usually order a madras (as I prefer very spicy food) and they can vary greatly from mild to hurt your organs spicy.
Quote from: Crow on February 25, 2012, 01:10:49 AM
Quote from: Too Few Lions on February 24, 2012, 06:07:13 PM
that's the impression I've got from friends who've been to India. I had a very nice chicken tikka jalfrezi a few weeks ago that had about 25 little birds eye chillies in. I think the chef must have made a mistake and accidently put too many in. I ate the whole lot but needed to follow it with three pints of water to try and put the fire in my mouth out!
In a Jalfrezi!? Damn that must have been a surprise. It always seems to be pot luck how spicy a curry is I usually order a madras (as I prefer very spicy food) and they can vary greatly from mild to hurt your organs spicy.
yeah, I'm a bit of a jalfrezi junkie, and they can definitely vary from curry house to curry house, but they're always pretty hot. I like them best because they have fresh onions and capsicum in, as well as fresh green birds eye chillies. I find madras and vindaloo don't have the fresh green chillies in that I love.
I'm pleased I'm not the only hot food freak on the forum, it's good to see you and SD are too!
I was born in San Diego. We use jalapenos as baby food, and they use tequila to wean us from our mothers' teats.
Quote from: statichaos on February 25, 2012, 01:52:20 AM
I was born in San Diego. We use jalapenos as baby food, and they use tequila to wean us from our mothers' teats.
So you have no sense of taste at all now?
I love Fawlty Towers and Death at a Funeral (the original British version obviously).
I also really like the most of the Monty Python movies, in particular, Quest for the Holy Grail.
I also drink NewCastle beer sometimes, though the Germans and Americans have the British beat in the beer department. Not American cheap beer, but the microbrews mind you.
Added: The Streets music I enjoy as well.
I'm going to have to say fish and chips and Top Gear.
Quote from: ThinkAnarchy on February 25, 2012, 09:43:45 PM
Americans have the British beat in the beer department. Not American cheap beer, but the microbrews mind you.
Absolutely no chance.
Quote from: Crow on February 25, 2012, 10:00:36 PM
Quote from: ThinkAnarchy on February 25, 2012, 09:43:45 PM
Americans have the British beat in the beer department. Not American cheap beer, but the microbrews mind you.
Absolutely no chance.
Come to Colorado and taste some of our microbrews before you make up your mind. I hate 99% of all beer out on the mass market, but the brewers here know what they're doing.
Quote from: Ali on February 25, 2012, 10:47:23 PM
Come to Colorado and taste some of our microbrews before you make up your mind. I hate 99% of all beer out on the mass market, but the brewers here know what they're doing.
Im not saying its bad, not by a long way but in my opinion British craft beers have the American ones beat, however I think the Japanese craft beers are by far the best I have tasted.
Quote from: Budhorse4 on February 25, 2012, 09:50:38 PM
I'm going to have to say fish and chips and Top Gear.
Have Americans finally started calling chips chips?
A crisp is also a chip.
There needn't be a dictionary entry for fries, they are just skinny chips.
Well I'm glad that's sorted out, now for the advanced stuff
jelly (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ft3.gstatic.com%2Fimages%3Fq%3Dtbn%3AANd9GcSASKF2i9R5UwhsUDi0ZXYuX5AzD01BXjw8Ll1_c-9QOlbigmr5xXKGiZqt&hash=38f49c28cd669bc68a7b96bce321471e89df7f81)
jam (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ft2.gstatic.com%2Fimages%3Fq%3Dtbn%3AANd9GcTZdBqmLlVMqGOl3v2AQT5oSK7d_fxsMKXXbm2VH2aRBatLvjgiFZX5mHMS&hash=aea286a904c68b348c1a6f60ca19b9b36f96fbb6)
Jello is an unnecessary word (unless you're a dead Kennedy) and jelly is totally inappropriate for sandwiches.
Why would anyone mix peanut butter and jam anyway?
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on February 26, 2012, 03:12:02 AM
Quote from: Budhorse4 on February 25, 2012, 09:50:38 PM
I'm going to have to say fish and chips and Top Gear.
Have Americans finally started calling chips chips?
A crisp is also a chip.
There needn't be a dictionary entry for fries, they are just skinny chips.
Well I'm glad that's sorted out, now for the advanced stuff
jelly (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ft3.gstatic.com%2Fimages%3Fq%3Dtbn%3AANd9GcSASKF2i9R5UwhsUDi0ZXYuX5AzD01BXjw8Ll1_c-9QOlbigmr5xXKGiZqt&hash=38f49c28cd669bc68a7b96bce321471e89df7f81)
jam (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ft2.gstatic.com%2Fimages%3Fq%3Dtbn%3AANd9GcTZdBqmLlVMqGOl3v2AQT5oSK7d_fxsMKXXbm2VH2aRBatLvjgiFZX5mHMS&hash=aea286a904c68b348c1a6f60ca19b9b36f96fbb6)
Jello is an unnecessary word (unless you're a dead Kennedy) and jelly is totally inappropriate for sandwiches.
Why would anyone mix peanut butter and jam anyway?
Eh.. no. The only time you hear the British version of chips is when you actually order the fish and chips meal. I know, it confused me as well. Along with a few waitresses who brought me crisps and received the 'WTF is this' look.
Just to stop any confusion.
Chips
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdenmark-street.co.uk%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2009%2F03%2Ffish-and-chips3.jpg&hash=2f35801f4dd7209cc901eb7387a4e1e18c16b282)
Crisps
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffelixker.com%2Fwp-content%2Fimages%2F2007%2F09%2Fpotato_chips.jpg&hash=48ab52ff4529a42c5a61e96914ca1570d0f854d6)
French Fries
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rosieleescafe.co.uk%2Fimg%2Ffries.jpg&hash=0f32046ff57f93cbdc7cf4992663692951869b40)
So chips are basically potatoe wedges?
Btw, I do love fish and chips. :)
Quote from: Sweetdeath on February 26, 2012, 08:35:11 PM
So chips are basically potatoe wedges?
Not really as that are square in cross section not triangular. They are also plain, with no seasoned coating. The potato is also peeled.
Quote from: Tank on February 26, 2012, 08:41:01 PM
Quote from: Sweetdeath on February 26, 2012, 08:35:11 PM
So chips are basically potatoe wedges?
Not really as that are square in cross section not triangular. They are also plain, with no seasoned coating. The potato is also peeled.
No seasoning? Oh, you plain Brits <3
Quote from: Sweetdeath on February 26, 2012, 08:49:10 PM
Quote from: Tank on February 26, 2012, 08:41:01 PM
Quote from: Sweetdeath on February 26, 2012, 08:35:11 PM
So chips are basically potatoe wedges?
Not really as that are square in cross section not triangular. They are also plain, with no seasoned coating. The potato is also peeled.
No seasoning? Oh, you plain Brits <3
:D We add salt and vinegar to taste. Also curry sauce.
Quote from: Tank on February 26, 2012, 08:51:22 PM
Quote from: Sweetdeath on February 26, 2012, 08:49:10 PM
Quote from: Tank on February 26, 2012, 08:41:01 PM
Quote from: Sweetdeath on February 26, 2012, 08:35:11 PM
So chips are basically potatoe wedges?
Not really as that are square in cross section not triangular. They are also plain, with no seasoned coating. The potato is also peeled.
No seasoning? Oh, you plain Brits <3
:D We add salt and vinegar to taste. Also curry sauce.
It must be the American way of making them, but the chips that I've eaten had way too much pepper.
The perfect British chip should be deep fried in beef fat.
Quote from: ThinkAnarchy on February 25, 2012, 09:43:45 PM
I also drink NewCastle beer sometimes, though the Germans and Americans have the British beat in the beer department. Not American cheap beer, but the microbrews mind you.
We call Newcastle Brown Ale "Dog" for a reason. That's how you will feel in the morning.
I'm a great fan of British beer, but it has to be kept right. I don't know the technicalities, but the same beer tastes different depending on the pub. I drink bottled ale too, Spitfire or Bishop's Finger or Tangle Foot or Old Speckled Hen. Hmm. Pub.
Don't write British beer off because you've tried it and didn't like it. You might have been given Boddies, which tastes of dishwater.
I like the weather, and the Beeb, though I can feel a bit cocooned in BBC smugness at times.
Quote from: Sweetdeath on February 26, 2012, 08:35:11 PM
So chips are basically potatoe wedges?
Btw, I do love fish and chips. :)
Do you still have that 'Long John Silver' chain in the States? It's the best approximation I've seen over there but still not quite there. Maybe NYC has more and better of this kinda thing.
BTW fish and chips as we know it was an Italian imigrant invention after WW1.
Quote from: ThinkAnarchyI also drink NewCastle beer sometimes, though the Germans and Americans have the British beat in the beer department. Not American cheap beer, but the microbrews mind you.
Maybe its just a personal taste thing, but I don't think you can beat a good English ale (and I don't include Newcastle Brown Ale amongst them). For those of you with access to it, Ubu beer from Warwickshire is my most favourite available on-tap, but there are hundreds of good microbrewers aswell as larger high-street names equally quaffable. I know that not many of you are exposed to good English ale (we don't seem to export the good stuff), but don't knock it until you've paid it the attention it deserves.
Quote from: Scissorlegs on February 28, 2012, 04:22:21 AM
Maybe its just a personal taste thing, but I don't think you can beat a good English ale (and I don't include Newcastle Brown Ale amongst them). For those of you with access to it, Ubu beer from Warwickshire is my most favourite available on-tap, but there are hundreds of good microbrewers aswell as larger high-street names equally quaffable. I know that not many of you are exposed to good English ale (we don't seem to export the good stuff), but don't knock it until you've paid it the attention it deserves.
You are correct, we do not have a lot options for English beer imports. I had the misconception it was due to a lack of selection, but based on the responses, that isn't the case. Personally, I don't think U.S. microbrews get exported to many countries either. I can find a large selection of German imports, but not British. I will have to keep an eye out for some of the ones mentioned in this thread though.
Quote from: ThinkAnarchy on February 28, 2012, 06:28:24 PM
You are correct, we do not have a lot options for English beer imports. I had the misconception it was due to a lack of selection, but based on the responses, that isn't the case. Personally, I don't think U.S. microbrews get exported to many countries either. I can find a large selection of German imports, but not British. I will have to keep an eye out for some of the ones mentioned in this thread though.
There are a few places near me that sell American microbrews the main place I go too has a ridiculous selection of American craft beers (they stock Anchor, Anderson Valley, Ballast Point, Bear Republic, Brooklyn, Buckbean, Caldera, Cigar City, Coronado, Dark Horse, Dogfish Head, Duck Rabbit, flying dog, Goose Island, Grassroots, Great Divide, Green Flash, Indigo IMP, Jolly Pumpkin, Kona, Left Hand, Lexington, Maui, Odell, Ommegang, Original Sin, Port, Rogue, Sam Adams, Saranac, Sierra Nevada, Stone, Sudwerk, The Bruery, The Lost Abbey, Uinta, Victory. And have pretty much every beer those brewery's' produce) but have only really tried about a quarter of them and not every beer they produce. There are quite a few places that focus on just craft/microbrew beers in the UK but you need to know where they are and can cost an arm and a leg if your not careful.
Quote from: Crow on February 28, 2012, 07:49:33 PM
There are a few places near me that sell American microbrews the main place I go too has a ridiculous selection of American craft beers (they stock Anchor, Anderson Valley, Ballast Point, Bear Republic, Brooklyn, Buckbean, Caldera, Cigar City, Coronado, Dark Horse, Dogfish Head, Duck Rabbit, flying dog, Goose Island, Grassroots, Great Divide, Green Flash, Indigo IMP, Jolly Pumpkin, Kona, Left Hand, Lexington, Maui, Odell, Ommegang, Original Sin, Port, Rogue, Sam Adams, Saranac, Sierra Nevada, Stone, Sudwerk, The Bruery, The Lost Abbey, Uinta, Victory. And have pretty much every beer those brewery's' produce) but have only really tried about a quarter of them and not every beer they produce. There are quite a few places that focus on just craft/microbrew beers in the UK but you need to know where they are and can cost an arm and a leg if your not careful.
I live around 5 German style beer gardens with huge selections, but it's mostly U.S. microbrews and Germen imports. Granted, I hardly ever venture into their bottled beer selection, because like you, it can cost a fortune. I also prefer German beers like Oktoberfests and Spatan Optimator, though I'm positive the British draft selection is lacking. Some of the bottled imports can top $25 USD. I know their selection of draft beers from the U.K. is very limited, but I will have to look for a reasonably priced one.
I also don't personally consider Ommegang to be an American brewer. I think technically they are, but I believe they are simply an American based expansion of a Belgian brewer. I personally love Ommegang though.
Also the places you mention seem to have a larger selection of American microbrews than the beer gardens around me. Abita is the most common in my area, but simply because it's the states best micro.
Also, to get a little side tracked, if you want to try a great Canadian beer, try and find Maudite. I find it absolutely delicious.
Also I just pulled up their menu and for draft they offer NewCastle Brown and Bass Pale Ale.
Quote from: ThinkAnarchy on February 28, 2012, 08:15:11 PM
I live around 5 German style beer gardens with huge selections, but it's mostly U.S. microbrews and Germen imports. Granted, I hardly ever venture into their bottled beer selection, because like you, it can cost a fortune. I also prefer German beers like Oktoberfests and Spatan Optimator, though I'm positive the British draft selection is lacking. Some of the bottled imports can top $25 USD. I know their selection of draft beers from the U.K. is very limited, but I will have to look for a reasonably priced one.
I also don't personally consider Ommegang to be an American brewer. I think technically they are, but I believe they are simply an American based expansion of a Belgian brewer. I personally love Ommegang though.
Also the places you mention seem to have a larger selection of American microbrews than the beer gardens around me. Abita is the most common in my area, but simply because it's the states best micro.
Also, to get a little side tracked, if you want to try a great Canadian beer, try and find Maudite. I find it absolutely delicious.
Also I just pulled up their menu and for draft they offer NewCastle Brown and Bass Pale Ale.
I will have to keep my eyes out for Maudite. Good British microbrews can be stupidly expensive even in the UK so I wouldn't be surprised if they cost close to $40 - $80 in the US for a bottle, but I would say the normal priced US beers seem to be better than the normal priced UK beers.
On topic: QI (http://www.qi.com/tv/). I don't think that it would travel well to the US. I know that there's a version in the Netherlands, and that doesn't surprise me. I've only really had experience with two northern European counties, the UK and the Netherlands, and could see QI working there. I read one American's description of the show as "too precious" to work in the US, and that may be it, but I think that really it's more about the anti-intellectual element in the society of the US.
Quote from: Recusant on February 28, 2012, 11:18:52 PM
On topic: QI (http://www.qi.com/tv/). I don't think that it would travel well to the US. I know that there's a version in the Netherlands, and that doesn't surprise me. I've only really had experience with two northern European counties, the UK and the Netherlands, and could see QI working there. I read one American's description of the show as "too precious" to work in the US, and that may be it, but I think that really it's more about the anti-intellectual element in the society of the US.
It sounds like I'd love it. I wish I could see it here in Canada. Stephen Fry is great, and it doesn't surprise me at all that John Lloyd produced it, considering Blackadder and Not the Nine O'Clock News were awesome.
Quote from: Budhorse4 on February 26, 2012, 09:09:06 PM
Quote from: Tank on February 26, 2012, 08:51:22 PM
Quote from: Sweetdeath on February 26, 2012, 08:49:10 PM
Quote from: Tank on February 26, 2012, 08:41:01 PM
Quote from: Sweetdeath on February 26, 2012, 08:35:11 PM
So chips are basically potatoe wedges?
Not really as that are square in cross section not triangular. They are also plain, with no seasoned coating. The potato is also peeled.
No seasoning? Oh, you plain Brits <3
:D We add salt and vinegar to taste. Also curry sauce.
It must be the American way of making them, but the chips that I've eaten had way too much pepper.
I put pepper on everything, but most americans prefer way too much salt :(
Quote from: Sweetdeath on February 29, 2012, 05:54:12 PM
I put pepper on everything, but most americans prefer way too much salt :(
I'm bland. XD I prefer most things unseasoned.
Most of my favorites have already been mentioned but I must second Doctor Who. I've been a fan since a wee little Beachdragon at 16 years old.
Also, jelly babies are a favorite. I love the currant ones the best.
I'm also a fan of hard cider. I drank some in London when I went in 1997 and it's been love ever since, LOL.
Quote from: Recusant on February 28, 2012, 11:18:52 PM
On topic: QI (http://www.qi.com/tv/). I don't think that it would travel well to the US.
Ye but US niche status is equivalent or better than mainstream acceptance in other markets.
Some here might enjoy Outland, it's not a Brit thing.
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/outland/
Quote from: Beachdragon on February 29, 2012, 07:32:52 PM
I'm also a fan of hard cider. I drank some in London when I went in 1997 and it's been love ever since, LOL.
What's hard cider? I know about scrumpy and mainstream ciders. Is scrumpy hard cider?
Quote from: Willow on March 01, 2012, 06:29:25 PM
Quote from: Beachdragon on February 29, 2012, 07:32:52 PM
I'm also a fan of hard cider. I drank some in London when I went in 1997 and it's been love ever since, LOL.
What's hard cider? I know about scrumpy and mainstream ciders. Is scrumpy hard cider?
No. It's the floor that's the hard bit of
Hard Cider. Why do you think scrumpy comes from the country side where there is a high probability you'll land on grass when you fall over? :D
Quote from: Tank on March 01, 2012, 06:40:39 PM
Quote from: Willow on March 01, 2012, 06:29:25 PM
Quote from: Beachdragon on February 29, 2012, 07:32:52 PM
I'm also a fan of hard cider. I drank some in London when I went in 1997 and it's been love ever since, LOL.
What's hard cider? I know about scrumpy and mainstream ciders. Is scrumpy hard cider?
No. It's the floor that's the hard bit of Hard Cider. Why do you think scrumpy comes from the country side where there is a high probability you'll land on grass when you fall over? :D
LOL! :D
My local grocery used to sell this and I alway bought it because it made me laugh.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.picturescream.com%2Fimages%2F090909spotteddick.jpg&hash=fa3ce667bae0283fe15bf0ba9c53d66363408b05)
I thought it was much too sweet to eat on it's own so I used to soak it in milk.
I don't think I'm gay but I have a huge gay man crush on Stephen Fry.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.picturescream.com%2Fimages%2F5955777oco.jpg&hash=796f2a7d374bce26400dcc8506363e800a3ffa7e)
I'd show him the true meaning of Anglophile.
Quote from: Tank on March 01, 2012, 06:40:39 PM
Quote from: Willow on March 01, 2012, 06:29:25 PM
Quote from: Beachdragon on February 29, 2012, 07:32:52 PM
I'm also a fan of hard cider. I drank some in London when I went in 1997 and it's been love ever since, LOL.
What's hard cider? I know about scrumpy and mainstream ciders. Is scrumpy hard cider?
No. It's the floor that's the hard bit of Hard Cider. Why do you think scrumpy comes from the country side where there is a high probability you'll land on grass when you fall over? :D
I've heard of "Singing cider" "Sleeping cider" and even "Fighting cider" but never "hard cider".
Crocoduck, thank you for a much needed laugh regarding Stephen Fry. That's too funny. :D
I loves me a Martin Amis novel. Although I've been sleeping on reading The Pregnant Widow for a couple years now.
Quote from: Crocoduck on March 02, 2012, 12:05:09 AM
No. It's the floor that's the hard bit of Hard Cider. Why do you think scrumpy comes from the country side where there is a high probability you'll land on grass when you fall over? :D
I've heard of "Singing cider" "Sleeping cider" and even "Fighting cider" but never "hard cider".
[/quote]
QuoteDistillation of alcohol was illegal in Lancre. On the other hand, King Verence had long ago given up any idea of stopping a witch doing something she wanted to do, so merely required Nanny Ogg to keep her still somewhere it wasn't obvious. She thoroughly approved of the prohibition, since this gave her an unchallenged market for her own product, known wherever men fell backwards into a ditch as "suicider."
Another for your list.
Just to put this out there right away:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7209%2F6799378122_0c622cc91e.jpg&hash=610c7e8fe160ef2c0635f38a94ba507d0cd64712)
Let's see.
Jane Austen
Derek Jacobi
bangers and mash
trifle
William Shakespeare
The Beatles
The Rolling Stones
Eric Clapton
Elizabeth I
the BBC
Ralph Vaugh Williams
making an entire meal about tea
the pronunciation of "raspberries"
Judy Dench
Maggie Smith
Simon's Cat
Men named Evelyn
There's more, and I'll think of it after I have a good night's sleep.
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on March 02, 2012, 03:54:31 AM
Quote from: Crocoduck on March 02, 2012, 12:05:09 AM
No. It's the floor that's the hard bit of Hard Cider. Why do you think scrumpy comes from the country side where there is a high probability you'll land on grass when you fall over? :D
I've heard of "Singing cider" "Sleeping cider" and even "Fighting cider" but never "hard cider".
QuoteDistillation of alcohol was illegal in Lancre. On the other hand, King Verence had long ago given up any idea of stopping a witch doing something she wanted to do, so merely required Nanny Ogg to keep her still somewhere it wasn't obvious. She thoroughly approved of the prohibition, since this gave her an unchallenged market for her own product, known wherever men fell backwards into a ditch as "suicider."
Another for your list.
[/quote]
So hard cider is stuff like White Lightening?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Lightning_%28cider%29
I didn't even drink that when I was a teenager.
Re: Hard Cider
Strongbow (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strongbow_(cider)) is really big in Newfoundland, I only just discovered it's made in England! (makes sense). I'd also love to have some authentic UK fish 'n chips. What kind of fish is it usually made with over there? It's all cod on The Rock, but I thought you guys use something else, usually. (FYI, in Newfoundland, the best fish n' chips always comes from Ches's (http://www.chessfishandchips.ca/). Anything else is blasphemy!)
I think hard cider is Applejack
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Applejack_(beverage)
The fish used in fish and chips is regional. In London and the South it's usually cod while in Yorkshire it's haddock (which I prefer). However by far the best fish, if you can get it, is called Huss or Rock Salmon, it's actually dog fish (small bottom living type of shark) it's gorgeous! It has an additional benefit, no small bones. There is a spine but it's cartilage and big, about the diameter of a thumb, so you can eat around it. The meat is quite sweet and the texture is quite different from bony fish. If you see it try it!
Hmm! Interesting!
Real ale. No other country can compete with British Ales so far. But... you never know....
Quote from: Stevil on February 24, 2012, 04:57:19 PM
Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest
Don't forget Saxon! Hell yes!! ;D
Quote from: Ali on February 25, 2012, 10:47:23 PM
Come to Colorado and taste some of our microbrews before you make up your mind. I hate 99% of all beer out on the mass market, but the brewers here know what they're doing.
I hear good things about some of the US microbreweries. Sounds like there is a lot of positivity in that area and I don't think it will be long before we'll get some of their stuff over here to try. I'm interested. Bring it!
Quote from: Crocoduck on March 03, 2012, 12:30:54 AM
I think hard cider is Applejack
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Applejack_(beverage)
We call this scrumble and my friend sometimes makes it in his freezer. It's lovely and sweet and appley, but it will flatten you, particularly because freeze distillation concentrates impurities.
Hard Cider is basically apple cider that is alcoholic. Woodchuck is a good brand with a lot of different flavors. I like the regular flavor. And I had a lot of draft cider when I went to England over 10 years ago. Gah, it's been 10 years. *sigh*
Quote from: Beachdragon on March 07, 2012, 03:11:37 PM
Hard Cider is basically apple cider that is alcoholic. Woodchuck is a good brand with a lot of different flavors. I like the regular flavor. And I had a lot of draft cider when I went to England over 10 years ago. Gah, it's been 10 years. *sigh*
I think the U.S. is the only place that calls non-alcoholic apple juice cider.
Quote from: Crocoduck on March 07, 2012, 03:22:53 PM
Quote from: Beachdragon on March 07, 2012, 03:11:37 PM
Hard Cider is basically apple cider that is alcoholic. Woodchuck is a good brand with a lot of different flavors. I like the regular flavor. And I had a lot of draft cider when I went to England over 10 years ago. Gah, it's been 10 years. *sigh*
I think the U.S. is the only place that calls non-alcoholic apple juice cider.
But there's a difference between apple juice and non-alcoholic cider!
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.howtolearn.com%2FHTL%2Fmedia%2Fapple-juice.jpg&hash=857cbe7dd0c1b915d993ac45269637690351cbf6)
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.englishforum.ch%2Fattachments%2Ffood-drink%2F21545d1291838296-non-alcoholic-apple-cider-spiced-apple-cider.jpg&hash=6e337194f7ecdec33b087dc10b04e86a42370d5a)
I don't really like apple juice, but I love apple cider. Nom nom.
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on March 08, 2012, 02:17:32 AM
Quote from: Crocoduck on March 07, 2012, 03:22:53 PM
Quote from: Beachdragon on March 07, 2012, 03:11:37 PM
Hard Cider is basically apple cider that is alcoholic. Woodchuck is a good brand with a lot of different flavors. I like the regular flavor. And I had a lot of draft cider when I went to England over 10 years ago. Gah, it's been 10 years. *sigh*
I think the U.S. is the only place that calls non-alcoholic apple juice cider.
But there's a difference between apple juice and non-alcoholic cider!
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.howtolearn.com%2FHTL%2Fmedia%2Fapple-juice.jpg&hash=857cbe7dd0c1b915d993ac45269637690351cbf6)
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.englishforum.ch%2Fattachments%2Ffood-drink%2F21545d1291838296-non-alcoholic-apple-cider-spiced-apple-cider.jpg&hash=6e337194f7ecdec33b087dc10b04e86a42370d5a)
I don't really like apple juice, but I love apple cider. Nom nom.
There can be a difference but not always, it's a gray area.
According to wiki
QuoteIn the United States, the difference between apple juice and cider is not well established.[3] Some states do specify a difference. For example, according to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, "Apple juice and apple cider are both fruit beverages made from apples, but there is a difference between the two. Fresh cider is raw apple juice that has not undergone a filtration process to remove coarse particles of pulp or sediment. Apple juice is juice that has been filtered to remove solids and pasteurized so that it will stay fresh longer. Vacuum sealing and additional filtering extend the shelf life of the juice
Sometimes the difference isn't so clear.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.picturescream.com%2Fimages%2Fmccutcheonsapplioto.jpg&hash=b03f9bc556a5292f1c6eb661c77765cb26ace076)
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.picturescream.com%2Fimages%2F025pgp.jpg&hash=de9852a64d6da982a62b86fc1c5d92b0532551c6)
I find wherever I go outside of Somerset, all they sell in pubs is Strongbow, which isn't cider. It's treacle in a glass, with a slight appley after taste. Cider should be shamelessly cheap, opaque, and so dry it turns your tongue into a prune after the first sip. THIS is cider:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.molesbrewery.com%2Fsite%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2009%2F05%2Fblack-rat-cartons.gif&hash=cc0cd5b480ef0411f43c26669da5db6642ecc586)
Apple systemic fluid then! :D
Quote from: Melmoth on March 08, 2012, 06:36:42 PM
I find wherever I go outside of Somerset, all they sell in pubs is Strongbow, which isn't cider. It's treacle in a glass, with a slight appley after taste. Cider should be shamelessly cheap, opaque, and so dry it turns your tongue into a prune after the first sip. THIS is cider:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.molesbrewery.com%2Fsite%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2009%2F05%2Fblack-rat-cartons.gif&hash=cc0cd5b480ef0411f43c26669da5db6642ecc586)
I love how it comes in the same kind of jugs as anti freeze does.
Quote from: Melmoth on March 08, 2012, 06:36:42 PM
I find wherever I go outside of Somerset, all they sell in pubs is Strongbow, which isn't cider. It's treacle in a glass, with a slight appley after taste. Cider should be shamelessly cheap, opaque, and so dry it turns your tongue into a prune after the first sip. THIS is cider:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.molesbrewery.com%2Fsite%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2009%2F05%2Fblack-rat-cartons.gif&hash=cc0cd5b480ef0411f43c26669da5db6642ecc586)
That's a cider! it looks more like Tango.
I'm getting bloated from all this cider. Someone has already mentioned Simon Pegg, but I believe Nick Frost also deserves a mention as well as the gunfight scene from Hot Fuzz (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMT2RwFFs_g). All of Hot Fuzz deserves a mention, but that gun battle in the middle of a sleepy English village between upstanding citizens and the world's best cop is one of my all time favorite scenes.
My husband and I are going to Ottawa's comiccon and will be seeing Sir Patrick Stewart! Squeeeeeee!!!
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on March 14, 2012, 02:55:49 AM
My husband and I are going to Ottawa's comiccon and will be seeing Sir Patrick Stewart! Squeeeeeee!!!
There will be pictures later, yes?
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on March 14, 2012, 02:55:49 AM
My husband and I are going to Ottawa's comiccon and will be seeing Sir Patrick Stewart! Squeeeeeee!!!
You are the luckiest person on the planet ;__;~~!!!
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on March 14, 2012, 02:55:49 AM
My husband and I are going to Ottawa's comiccon and will be seeing Sir Patrick Stewart! Squeeeeeee!!!
Don't let Scissorlegs near him.
Squeeeeeee!!! is that good? I'm picking up intense enjoyment and the sublimation, ah whatever, just don't mention the hair that isn't there. The cruel dehumanising Borg possession is safer territory.
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on March 14, 2012, 04:43:15 AM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on March 14, 2012, 02:55:49 AM
My husband and I are going to Ottawa's comiccon and will be seeing Sir Patrick Stewart! Squeeeeeee!!!
There will be pictures later, yes?
I hope so! My husband collects Star Trek cards (yes, we're huge dorks) and he's hoping to get one his Jean Luc Picard cards signed.
Pudding, this may help you:
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=squee (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=squee)
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on March 14, 2012, 08:12:54 PM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on March 14, 2012, 04:43:15 AM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on March 14, 2012, 02:55:49 AM
My husband and I are going to Ottawa's comiccon and will be seeing Sir Patrick Stewart! Squeeeeeee!!!
There will be pictures later, yes?
I hope so! My husband collects Star Trek cards (yes, we're huge dorks) and he's hoping to get one his Jean Luc Picard cards signed.
Pudding, this may help you:
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=squee (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=squee)
I saw Sir Patrick on stage in New York many years ago. He did "A Christmas Carol" all by himself; no other actors, very few props (a table and chairs) and some simple lighting effects. Just him playing every single character. One of the most amazing things I've ever seen.
That. is. so. cool.
When I posted on Facebook about going, one of my friends posted this scene (http://youtu.be/Fg_cwI1Xj4M) from "Extras". I saw it ages ago, but it still makes me laugh every time.
Saw Patrick at the Yorkshire Playhouse in Johnson over Jordan (http://www.thepsn.org/psn/playtitle.asp?playid=22) he just commanded the stage.
Prince Harry in Brazil: I can't find love, says royal (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-17377034)
I'm not a Royalist but I've warmed to Harry over the last few years. When Diana died she willed all her wealth to Harry and none to William as she knew that William would always have an income through his position and what he would inherit through his father. Even though Harry is independently wealthy he's no slouch when getting out and doing what's needed. He did a stint in Afghanistan, which was cut short by a moron reporter, and is now a gunner in an Apache AH64-D so will be doing another tour at some point.
I we're really lucky Charles will die peacefully in his bed from a heart attack before his mum and we'll get William as the next King.
Quote from: Tank on March 15, 2012, 07:30:45 AM
I we're really lucky Charles will die peacefully in his bed from a heart attack before his mum and we'll get William as the next King.
Treason! ;D
I agree.
Me,too!
Perhaps he'll disrobe Camilla without turning the light off. That should provoke a heart attack.
Honest question about the whole Camilla/Charles thing.
I assume that there was some reason (maybe she wasn't royal enough or something) why Charles didn't just marry Camilla in the first place. So why, after going through the whole Diana charade, is Camilla allowed to be his companion or whatever she is now?
Quote from: Ali on March 15, 2012, 07:53:35 PM
Honest question about the whole Camilla/Charles thing.
I assume that there was some reason (maybe she wasn't royal enough or something) why Charles didn't just marry Camilla in the first place. So why, after going through the whole Diana charade, is Camilla allowed to be his companion or whatever she is now?
??? because he's allowed to be happy in a relationship with who he wants to be with, just like the rest of us. I must be in the minority of Brits here but I prefer Charles to prince William, but I'm also a republican (in the true sense of the word) so I'd get rid of the lot of them anyway.
Speaking of Patrick Stewart, I watched a film from the late 70s with him in a few months back and he had a really bad Bobby Charlton style combover back then, he looked hilarious.
Quote from: Too Few Lions on March 16, 2012, 10:58:42 AM
Quote from: Ali on March 15, 2012, 07:53:35 PM
Honest question about the whole Camilla/Charles thing.
I assume that there was some reason (maybe she wasn't royal enough or something) why Charles didn't just marry Camilla in the first place. So why, after going through the whole Diana charade, is Camilla allowed to be his companion or whatever she is now?
??? because he's allowed to be happy in a relationship with who he wants to be with, just like the rest of us. I must be in the minority of Brits here but I prefer Charles to prince William, but I'm also a republican (in the true sense of the word) so I'd get rid of the lot of them anyway.
Camilla and Charles had an early brief 'encounter' before he was encouraged away from Camillla by the establishment - she wasn't a suitable wife-of-a-King. Charles was young and naive, but in love with Camilla. She knew the establishment would never allow her into the circle (and neither did she particularly want to be part of it) so she went off and married Andrew Parker-Bowles - then divorced in 1995.
Meanwhile Charles and Diana - both socially awkward and emotionally repressed - agreed to enter into an establishment-sanctioned marriage. They both needed emotional nurturing which neither could provide. Of course the marriage was a farce.
After Diana died they had to wait a 'respectable' while before it was deemed acceptable for him to remarry - especially to the person he had loved throughout his marriage to Diana. By this time, he'd also developed a thick enough skin (and sufficient backbone) to go against the advice of their PR team.
I think Charles is an awkward, unimaginative, spineless, out-of-touch, emotionally retarded buffoon. (Of course I don't know him personally!). What a travesty to allow him to 'rule' this country. If he knows what's good for the future of the royal family he'll find a way to pass the baton. Otherwise, I suspect they will lose the fragile support they currently enjoy.
William, on the other hand, seems to have a handle on reality - at least he knows how to enjoy himself and talk like he's in touch with the human condition.
I personally hold no support for the royal family beyond their benefit to tourism in this country. They're just people - with issues and duties and money and a pomp above healthy levels. There's a reason they lost respect and power to the 'commons' through the 18th century...
...in case you were interested in my opinionated commentary...
Thanks Scissorlegs. That helps.
Lions, I wasn't trying to imply that I think that Charles shouldn't have a happy relationship. I just always thought that the story went something like "Charles fell in love with Camilla but wasn't allowed to marry her, so he married someone else." That's why I was confused that he is allowed to now; like, did they change the rule or something? Why now but not then? Why couldn't he have been with the person he really wanted all along?
Keep in mind that most of my impressions about the rules surrounding royal marriages come from fairy tales and children's movies. In my mind, it usually goes something like this:
(Prince Humpty-Hump and Serving Wench Doodah run into the throne room holding hands.)
Prince Humpty-Hump: Mother, Father, Serving Wench Doodah and I are deeply in love and we wish to be married immediately.
King Thingamajig: Humpty-Hump, you're a prince. It's your royal duty to marry a princess. This has always been our law.
Prince Humpty-Hump: But I love her! I'll give up my throne if I have to, but I will marry Doodah!
King Thingamajig: Now you see here-
Queen Whatsherface: Thingamajig, you're the king. You can change the law!
King Thingamajig: I can? I mean, yes, I can! I'm the King! And as the King, by royal decree, I say that the Prince can marry whoever he wants!
(Much cheering and clapping and dancing by anthropormophized mice and pumpkins)
Quote from: Ali on March 16, 2012, 03:29:47 PM
Thanks Scissorlegs. That helps.
Lions, I wasn't trying to imply that I think that Charles shouldn't have a happy relationship. I just always thought that the story went something like "Charles fell in love with Camilla but wasn't allowed to marry her, so he married someone else." That's why I was confused that he is allowed to now; like, did they change the rule or something? Why now but not then? Why couldn't he have been with the person he really wanted all along?
Keep in mind that most of my impressions about the rules surrounding royal marriages come from fairy tales and children's movies. In my mind, it usually goes something like this:
(Prince Humpty-Hump and Serving Wench Doodah run into the throne room holding hands.)
Prince Humpty-Hump: Mother, Father, Serving Wench Doodah and I are deeply in love and we wish to be married immediately.
King Thingamajig: Humpty-Hump, you're a prince. It's your royal duty to marry a princess. This has always been our law.
Prince Humpty-Hump: But I love her! I'll give up my throne if I have to, but I will marry Doodah!
King Thingamajig: Now you see here-
Queen Whatsherface: Thingamajig, you're the king. You can change the law!
King Thingamajig: I can? I mean, yes, I can! I'm the King! And as the King, by royal decree, I say that the Prince can marry whoever he wants!
(Much cheering and clapping and dancing by anthropormophized mice and pumpkins)
Almost right.
Actually it was a change in attitudes that helped, both socially and within the royal family. The death of Diana was a watershed for the royals. They were forced to alter their deportment and reconnect with the public because we had expressed our horror at the way they had carried on - with such outdated and unfashionable aloofness and pomposity. The Queen was wise enough to see that their very survival was dependant on being accessible to the man in the street - so the barriers of regal pride and tradition needed to come down. And with that, came the freedom for Charles to marry his true-love, and for the prodigal sons to express themselves in much more human terms.
From the outside looking in, Diana always seemed like the most "human" of that cast of characters. I think that's why she was so beloved around the world. Not that I have anything against the Queen, or Charles, or any of them, but we just don't feel the same sort of connection to them that we felt to Diana. I remember exactly where I was when I heard that she died - I can't say that about too many people that I'm not personally connected to. And seeing the pictures of her sons at the funeral, gods! :'(
Quote from: Ali on March 16, 2012, 04:49:09 PM
From the outside looking in, Diana always seemed like the most "human" of that cast of characters. I think that's why she was so beloved around the world. Not that I have anything against the Queen, or Charles, or any of them, but we just don't feel the same sort of connection to them that we felt to Diana. I remember exactly where I was when I heard that she died - I can't say that about too many people that I'm not personally connected to. And seeing the pictures of her sons at the funeral, gods! :'(
Agreed. Some people attribute the current 'renaissance' of the Royals to Diana - I agree. She certainly did much to slap the royals into taking a good look at themselves. That's one of the reasons that the 'establishment' wanted to shut her up and distance themselves from her. Alas, she was the mother of the future king so not too much they could do. And her invovlement with AIDS charities and other patronages really brought the Royals to the people.
I was in bed with a German girl (whose real name escapes me, but I unaffectionately called 'Melonhead') when I got the news. Where were you all?
Quote from: Scissorlegs on March 16, 2012, 05:15:45 PM
Quote from: Ali on March 16, 2012, 04:49:09 PM
From the outside looking in, Diana always seemed like the most "human" of that cast of characters. I think that's why she was so beloved around the world. Not that I have anything against the Queen, or Charles, or any of them, but we just don't feel the same sort of connection to them that we felt to Diana. I remember exactly where I was when I heard that she died - I can't say that about too many people that I'm not personally connected to. And seeing the pictures of her sons at the funeral, gods! :'(
Agreed. Some people attribute the current 'renaissance' of the Royals to Diana - I agree. She certainly did much to slap the royals into taking a good look at themselves. That's one of the reasons that the 'establishment' wanted to shut her up and distance themselves from her. Alas, she was the mother of the future king so not too much they could do. And her invovlement with AIDS charities and other patronages really brought the Royals to the people.
I was in bed with a German girl (whose real name escapes me, but I unaffectionately called 'Melonhead') when I got the news. Where were you all?
I was standing in my parent's living room messing around with their dog when the news came on the TV. I rushed to call my mom and tell her (she was out, can't remember where.) We cried.
^^^
I was laying in bed watching tv when they interrupted what I was watching with the coverage. Even then I didn't really know why people were making such a big fuss about it. I didn't think Royalty did anything in today's world other than flaunt their massive estate and money.
What political power does the Royal Family still maintain? I thought their existence was nothing more than a figure head type situation now.
Errrmm, I was 12. My mom said "Lady Diana passed away" and I said "Oh, that's sad." But I didn't know who she was.
I do now, of course.
I don't remember hearing the news at all, but I do remember being annoyed that every channel on TV was taken over by the funeral so I couldn't watch cartoons, then having fun channel switching laughing at the sentences you could make up due to the time delay, then getting bored very quickly and went outside to play.
I was 17 and my mom had always been really interested in Lady Diana, so I definitely knew who she was. If I remember correctly, I think I found out when I got up the morning after it happened, so I think my mom must have been at work.
Man, you guys are making me feel old!
Just learned that Alan Moore is English. And I was all like "Damn. Do they have a monopoly on ALL the great creative minds?"
Apparently.
Quote from: Scissorlegs on March 16, 2012, 04:32:12 PM
Actually it was a change in attitudes that helped, both socially and within the royal family. The death of Diana was a watershed for the royals. They were forced to alter their deportment and reconnect with the public because we had expressed our horror at the way they had carried on - with such outdated and unfashionable aloofness and pomposity.
To be honest, I felt sorry for the royals that they couldn't handle it privately and had to make awkward, lying speeches in order to placate the public. Reserve was something I admired in the Brits.
Quote from: Crow on March 16, 2012, 09:06:57 PM
I don't remember hearing the news at all, but I do remember being annoyed that every channel on TV was taken over by the funeral so I couldn't watch cartoons, then having fun channel switching laughing at the sentences you could make up due to the time delay, then getting bored very quickly and went outside to play.
Same thing here. It was a really weird time in the UK that people in the US won't be able to appreciate. There was such an overkill on the TV and in the papers, I felt like the public was being manipulated, and I could see how dictators manage to do that sort of thing in other countries. It made me realise just how much a population can be manipulated into believing certain things and acting certain ways, and the sheer power of modern media.
The UK TV was just running news on Diana's death and comment and nothing else for days on all the channels, the papers were just running Diana stories and little else, Tony Blair was constantly on TV calling her 'the people's princess' - I mean really, she wasn't a poor commoner from a terraced house. Personally I never gave a toss about Diana, for me she was a toff from a wealthy background who seemed to be very good at manipulating the press and public opinion. But you never saw a single person express any thoughts similar to that after her death, or even suggest she was anything less than saintly, it was like you had to be in mourning, and that's all that was allowed. Yet no-one I knew actually gave a toss about Diana or her death.
Quote from: Too Few Lions on March 18, 2012, 11:41:50 AM
Quote from: Crow on March 16, 2012, 09:06:57 PM
I don't remember hearing the news at all, but I do remember being annoyed that every channel on TV was taken over by the funeral so I couldn't watch cartoons, then having fun channel switching laughing at the sentences you could make up due to the time delay, then getting bored very quickly and went outside to play.
Same thing here. It was a really weird time in the UK that people in the US won't be able to appreciate. There was such an overkill on the TV and in the papers, I felt like the public was being manipulated, and I could see how dictators manage to do that sort of thing in other countries. It made me realise just how much a population can be manipulated into believing certain things and acting certain ways, and the sheer power of modern media.
The UK TV was just running news on Diana's death and comment and nothing else for days on all the channels, the papers were just running Diana stories and little else, Tony Blair was constantly on TV calling her 'the people's princess' - I mean really, she wasn't a poor commoner from a terraced house. Personally I never gave a toss about Diana, for me she was a toff from a wealthy background who seemed to be very good at manipulating the press and public opinion. But you never saw a single person express any thoughts similar to that after her death, or even suggest she was anything less than saintly, it was like you had to be in mourning, and that's all that was allowed. Yet no-one I knew actually gave a toss about Diana or her death.
I disagree with your 'manipulation' angle. I just think the media was expressing what many, many people felt. The whole mood of the country was quiet pensiveness for several days - partly out of respect, but also out of the numbing realisation that our great institutions are mortal - and all that implied. It was not just about the death of a much-loved princess, it was a country mourning it's innocence.
Quote from: Scissorlegs on March 18, 2012, 12:16:19 PM
I disagree with your 'manipulation' angle. I just think the media was expressing what many, many people felt. The whole mood of the country was quiet pensiveness for several days - partly out of respect, but also out of the numbing realisation that our great institutions are mortal - and all that implied. It was not just about the death of a much-loved princess, it was a country mourning it's innocence.
obviously you experienced it all from a different angle than me, and that's fair enough. I wouldn't deny that there were plenty of Brits who were genuinely affected by Diana's death, but there were also many people who didn't care about it and didn't think it should be treated any differently from the death of any other individual. Plenty of us didn't consider Diana or the royal family generally as 'a great institution', just overprivileged people.
What we got was an overkill of a Dianathon where absolutely nothing else was shown on the TV and radio and papers for several days and all we heard was exactly what you've just said above for days on end. Not all of the country felt that way by any means, but according to the media and the politicians we all did, and we all had to. Personally I found it really weird, surreal and quite frightening, and all of my friends did too, because none of us felt that way.
While I'm sure it was worse in the UK, there was definite overkill about her death over here too. All due respect to those of you from the UK, but I personally have never understood the fascination with the royals and why the institution continues to exist when they effectively have no power. I know they have some official duties, but let's be honest, it's largely symbolic. Why the continued fascination with every bit of gossip about them? It seems like such a frivolous waste of time to me. This is not a personal judgement against them as people; Diana seemed like a good person overall. But when people were going on and on about her death, as well as the royal wedding, I felt the occasional urge to yell "Who cares???" There's so many more important things going on.
Quote from: Firebird on March 19, 2012, 12:55:05 AM
All due respect to those of you from the UK, but I personally have never understood the fascination with the royals and why the institution continues to exist when they effectively have no power. I know they have some official duties, but let's be honest, it's largely symbolic.
I've wondered if it was a largely sentimental thing? Otherwise, supporting a royal family just seems like an unnecessary strain on the ecomony.
QuoteWhy the continued fascination with every bit of gossip about them?
To be fair, we do that just as much in America and we don't even have real royals. The other day I saw a news item about some actor seen dining alone. and it wasn't even a slow news day. Tho I'm not sure there could be any news day slow enough for that to qualify as truly newsworthy.
What is the Queen's role in modern time? I dont get it. :<
Quote from: Sweetdeath on March 19, 2012, 07:26:45 AM
What is the Queen's role in modern time? I dont get it. :<
Well some would say 'Not a lot', but they wouldn't necessarily appreciate what the Queen does in terms of diplomacy. The queen is an apolitical figurehead. Which is actually very useful. The other thing the Queen brings to the world of politics is unequalled experience. She was crowned in 1953 and has had apolitical contact with all the UK Prime Ministers and US presidents since then. In addition she has a lot of experience in the commonwealth (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_II).
While I have a lot of respect for the Queen her son Charles is an almost complete waste of space. If the Monarchy ended with QEII I wouldn't be upset because Charles is going to be an absolute pain in the arse. But I would love to have William as a young King.
Quote from: Firebird on March 19, 2012, 12:55:05 AM
While I'm sure it was worse in the UK, there was definite overkill about her death over here too. All due respect to those of you from the UK, but I personally have never understood the fascination with the royals and why the institution continues to exist when they effectively have no power. I know they have some official duties, but let's be honest, it's largely symbolic. Why the continued fascination with every bit of gossip about them? It seems like such a frivolous waste of time to me. This is not a personal judgement against them as people; Diana seemed like a good person overall. But when people were going on and on about her death, as well as the royal wedding, I felt the occasional urge to yell "Who cares???" There's so many more important things going on.
You are right on all counts. Its a sentimental tradition. The fact that Harrys latest fart is splashed over the cover of every rag is as annoyng as every other celebrity non-news. reported here. In fact they would likely be pushed to the second page by Chris Martins latest fart.
The major benefit these days is in tourism. It's worth a lot. And for a country whose only real export of value is selling arms to bastards, it's important income.
Quote from: Scissorlegs on March 19, 2012, 08:09:22 AM
The major benefit these days is in tourism. It's worth a lot. And for a country whose only real export of value is selling arms to bastards, it's important income.
I think we'd still get plenty of tourism without the royal family, there's plenty of history and things to see in the UK. Plus if we retired the royal family we could open up Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and other royal residences for tourists to walk around and see in full, just like the French have done with Versailles and the Louvre. Being a republic hasn't hurt the tourism industries of France (the most visited country in the world), Italy or Germany.
The monarchy costs the UK taxpayer something around £150 million a year. Given that the Queen's wealth alone is supposedly around £300 million, I really don't know why we have to fund their overprivileged lavish lifestyles at all. It just seems like an outdated vestige of our feudal past to me.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finances_of_the_British_Royal_Family#Estimates_of_costs_and_wealth
TFL. I agree we don't need the Royals as such to exploit our Royal heritage. Personally, at the moment, I'm glad we have the Queen so we don't have a president. I dread to think what will happen when Charles gets the throne.
Totally off topic from the Royals, but I've thought of a new thing that I love about the Brits.
I'm (half) listening to one talk on a conference call, and I love the way he says "Yeah?" after everything, meaning "You understand?" So freaking cute.
^ I do the same thing a lot. :D
^^ Well then, consider yourself so freaking cute. :D So sayeth Ali.
Quote from: Ali on March 19, 2012, 05:13:23 PM
^^ Well then, consider yourself so freaking cute. :D So sayeth Ali.
Ahh, I didn't realise being freakin' cute was so easy. If only I'd have known...
I suppose it's all in the delivery, right?... Yeah?
(How'd I do?)
Quote from: Ali on March 19, 2012, 03:43:13 PM
Totally off topic from the Royals, but I've thought of a new thing that I love about the Brits.
I'm (half) listening to one talk on a conference call, and I love the way he says "Yeah?" after everything, meaning "You understand?" So freaking cute.
I agree! this is super cute!
Quote from: Scissorlegs on March 19, 2012, 05:27:16 PM
Quote from: Ali on March 19, 2012, 05:13:23 PM
^^ Well then, consider yourself so freaking cute. :D So sayeth Ali.
Ahh, I didn't realise being freakin' cute was so easy. If only I'd have known...
I suppose it's all in the delivery, right?... Yeah?
(How'd I do?)
Very well. ;)
I also wish "Oi!" would catch on instead of "Hey!" in North America. But people here already think I'm weird enough with my "Newfie-isms" that I don't push the other foreign lingo.
Quote from: Too Few Lions on March 19, 2012, 02:15:04 PM
I think we'd still get plenty of tourism without the royal family, there's plenty of history and things to see in the UK.
England's the first place I head for if I had the money. I'd start with a reading tour, visiting all the sites of literary significance, and then go on a tea tour. After that, who knows? (I'm imagining I've won the lottery)
Quote from: Tank on March 19, 2012, 02:27:50 PM
Personally, at the moment, I'm glad we have the Queen so we don't have a president. I dread to think what will happen when Charles gets the throne.
Doesn't the PM already do what a President does? What would change if you were royal-less? And can't the Queen name any successor she wants, or at least anyone in the royal line?
Quote from: Ali on March 19, 2012, 03:43:13 PM
Totally off topic from the Royals, but I've thought of a new thing that I love about the Brits.
I'm (half) listening to one talk on a conference call, and I love the way he says "Yeah?" after everything, meaning "You understand?" So freaking cute.
And how about the way some Englishmen call women in general "love"? I know it doesn't actually mean anything, but it's still nice to hear.
I love different culture's little habits. I use "ne" and "hah(?!)" a lot thanks to my asian gf. I also have a really bad habit of bowing more often now. ^^;
I don't respond to "hey!"
I think it's rude. I usually reply "hay is for horses."
Quote from: Too Few LionsThe monarchy costs the UK taxpayer something around £150 million a year. Given that the Queen's wealth alone is supposedly around £300 million, I really don't know why we have to fund their overprivileged lavish lifestyles at all. It just seems like an outdated vestige of our feudal past to me.
Their needless displays of wealth, castles, posh accents and so on are definitely a bit vulgar. Still, they make us more money than we spend on them, even if you ignore tourism. They turn over the profits from their land, £200 odd million a year, in exchange for being on the civil list.
The Prime Minister isn't elected as the PM. There is an election and then the queen asks somebody (usually the leader of the winning party) to create a government. It's the Queen's government, not the people's government. What has happened all but once in my life is that one party (Labour, Liberal, Conservative) has won an outright majority (>50%) of the seats in the House Of Commons. So the leader of that party has been asked to form the government. However this last election neither of the traditional parties (Labour, Conservative) got a majority so the Liberals formed a coalition with the Conservatives to oust the encombent Labour government. As the Conservatives had more seats than the Liberals the Queen asked their leader David Campbell if he could form a government, he could, so he became Prime Minister.
Tony Blair was not voted in as the head of the Labour party. The election was won by John Smith who died of a heart attack just after Labour won. Margrett Beckett took over as she was deputy and the party had an internal election to find a new leader. Which turned out to be Tony Blair.
So our head of state is the Queen, not the PM. So the Queen is constitutionally closer to a president than a PM although her actual power is theoretical as Charles the 1st discovered to his cost. Ironically the Queen is probably the best politician we have! :D
Sometimes I honestly still wish the Queen had more power in Canada so that she could call Stephen Harper on his bullshit. The senate is useless over here and our current majority government think they're untouchable gods. Even with new scandals being discovered every day.
Bah >:(
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on March 20, 2012, 03:50:05 AM
And how about the way some Englishmen call women in general "love"? I know it doesn't actually mean anything, but it's still nice to hear.
That is endearing. At the recent conference I went to in Vegas, we had our fair share of Englishmen. Most of them called my friends and I "Sweetheart." I couldn't tell if they were being condescending or if it was just a British thing, but on the other hand I thought that it had a sort of Bogartesque flair to it, so I smiled pretty and let it go.
Quote from: Ali on March 20, 2012, 05:11:29 PM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on March 20, 2012, 03:50:05 AM
And how about the way some Englishmen call women in general "love"? I know it doesn't actually mean anything, but it's still nice to hear.
That is endearing. At the recent conference I went to in Vegas, we had our fair share of Englishmen. Most of them called my friends and I "Sweetheart." I couldn't tell if they were being condescending or if it was just a British thing, but on the other hand I thought that it had a sort of Bogartesque flair to it, so I smiled pretty and let it go.
The 'love' thing is a Northern expression and it isn't limited to men/woman it is completely asexual and quite acceptable man/man or woman/woman.
Quote from: Tank on March 20, 2012, 06:45:31 PM
Quote from: Ali on March 20, 2012, 05:11:29 PM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on March 20, 2012, 03:50:05 AM
And how about the way some Englishmen call women in general "love"? I know it doesn't actually mean anything, but it's still nice to hear.
That is endearing. At the recent conference I went to in Vegas, we had our fair share of Englishmen. Most of them called my friends and I "Sweetheart." I couldn't tell if they were being condescending or if it was just a British thing, but on the other hand I thought that it had a sort of Bogartesque flair to it, so I smiled pretty and let it go.
The 'love' thing is a Northern expression and it isn't limited to men/woman it is completely asexual and quite acceptable man/man or woman/woman.
This is also big in Newfoundland. Everyone is either "love", "maid" or "b'y".
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on March 20, 2012, 06:51:59 PM
Quote from: Tank on March 20, 2012, 06:45:31 PM
Quote from: Ali on March 20, 2012, 05:11:29 PM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on March 20, 2012, 03:50:05 AM
And how about the way some Englishmen call women in general "love"? I know it doesn't actually mean anything, but it's still nice to hear.
That is endearing. At the recent conference I went to in Vegas, we had our fair share of Englishmen. Most of them called my friends and I "Sweetheart." I couldn't tell if they were being condescending or if it was just a British thing, but on the other hand I thought that it had a sort of Bogartesque flair to it, so I smiled pretty and let it go.
The 'love' thing is a Northern expression and it isn't limited to men/woman it is completely asexual and quite acceptable man/man or woman/woman.
This is also big in Newfoundland. Everyone is either "love", "maid" or "b'y".
Interesting :)
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on March 20, 2012, 06:51:59 PM
This is also big in Newfoundland. Everyone is either "love", "maid" or "b'y".
You got any of the others such as lar, lad, lass, lid, kiddah, mate, squire, darlin'?
Quote from: Crow on March 20, 2012, 10:13:48 PM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on March 20, 2012, 06:51:59 PM
This is also big in Newfoundland. Everyone is either "love", "maid" or "b'y".
You got any of the others such as lar, lad, lass, lid, kiddah, mate, squire, darlin'?
I love "mate" the most :D
Quote from: Crow on March 20, 2012, 10:13:48 PM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on March 20, 2012, 06:51:59 PM
This is also big in Newfoundland. Everyone is either "love", "maid" or "b'y".
You got any of the others such as lar, lad, lass, lid, kiddah, mate, squire, darlin'?
Darlin' yes, no to everything else.
Though we do have "Me Ducky", "Me Trout" and "Ye", as well. And kids are usually referred to as "youngsters".
Like anywhere, it also depends on what part of the Island you're talking about. There's the "Irish loop" in Newfoundland that has a strong Irish influence, but it also has a "French shore" where there are french sayings (or so I'm told, I've never been there).
But most of Newfoundland has a random mix of English/Irish/Fisher-folk sayings. I always find it interesting how some UK sayings seem to have "stuck" there and others just never took hold.
Quote from: Tank on March 20, 2012, 08:13:38 AM
So our head of state is the Queen, not the PM. So the Queen is constitutionally closer to a president than a PM although her actual power is theoretical as Charles the 1st discovered to his cost. Ironically the Queen is probably the best politician we have! :D
Well, yes, she's the head of the state but isn't it a largely symbolic position with the PM (however he's chosen) actually running the country?
How God Made the English (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01dxrdz/How_God_Made_the_English_A_Chosen_People/) - I saw this program last night and thought it was pretty good, would be interesting to get some other English atheist opinions about the episode.
Here's the blurb:
QuoteThe first in a three-part series in which Diarmaid MacCulloch, professor of church history at Oxford University and presenter of the award-winning BBC series A History of Christianity, explores both what it means to be English and what has shaped English identity, from the Dark Ages, through the Reformation to modern times. Professor MacCulloch identifies three broad traits commonly associated with the English - the idea that the English think they are better than others, the idea that they are a specially tolerant people and the idea that to be English, quintessentially is to be white, Anglo-Saxon and Church of England Christian. He investigates whether these stereotypes are accurate and looks at what forces have shaped English identity - secular or religious?
In this first episode, Professor MacCulloch chronicles the roots of the idea that the English think themselves better than others and duty-bound to play a leading role in world affairs. He argues that the roots of this attitude lie in a tangle of religious motives. He traces its origins to the notion of a 'chosen people' - a Biblical idea which the monk and historian, the Venerable Bede, took lock, stock and barrel from the Jewish scriptures and applied to the early English.
Quote from: BooksCatsEtcWell, yes, she's the head of the state but isn't it a largely symbolic position with the PM (however he's chosen) actually running the country?
Indeed, except when there's an unusual political situation, as Tank described concerning the last election. Just suppose there were a coup or military takeover here, or an attempt by the EU to take us over. In such a case we'd see that the Monarch could wield enormous influence in all sorts of ways. Don't forget that our armed forces answer to her, not the government. Right now that's just in principle, but a day might come when it would be the critical factor.
Quote from: Crow on March 21, 2012, 01:04:42 PM
How God Made the English (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01dxrdz/How_God_Made_the_English_A_Chosen_People/) - I saw this program last night and thought it was pretty good, would be interesting to get some other English atheist opinions about the episode.
In this first episode, Professor MacCulloch chronicles the roots of the idea that the English think themselves better than others and duty-bound to play a leading role in world affairs. He argues that the roots of this attitude lie in a tangle of religious motives. He traces its origins to the notion of a 'chosen people' - a Biblical idea which the monk and historian, the Venerable Bede, took lock, stock and barrel from the Jewish scriptures and applied to the early English.
I saw the first half of it and gotta confess I thought what I saw was poor. I think many nations throughout history have seen themselves as a chosen nation or people at some point or other (the Greeks, the Romans, the French, the Germans, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, even the Americans!) there's nothing uniquely or inherently English about it. He kept pointing out the biblical motifs in the Palace of Westminster as some sort of proof of his argument, but that iconography is just what you'd expect given how religious and Christian everyone was back then. I imagine the same is true all over Europe.
Quote from: Too Few Lions on March 21, 2012, 04:19:10 PM
I saw the first half of it and gotta confess I thought what I saw was poor. I think many nations throughout history have seen themselves as a chosen nation or people at some point or other (the Greeks, the Romans, the French, the Germans, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, even the Americans!) there's nothing uniquely or inherently English about it. He kept pointing out the biblical motifs in the Palace of Westminster as some sort of proof of his argument, but that iconography is just what you'd expect given how religious and Christian everyone was back then. I imagine the same is true all over Europe.
I agree it has been seen in most cultures and countries and therefore nothing different, he takes the entire program to make his point though. As its all fictitious elements that have been created to create the English identity of the "chosen people" which was encouraged by the empire and monarchy, which took until World War 1 to dispel the mythological stories that have changed along the way to create new identities, therefore he states "don't underestimate the power of mythology" and that an English identity isn't a fixed concept. Obviously it is theologically inclined as he is a theologian but makes some good points, sadly they don't really start to appear towards the end of the program but at least unlike other theologians he doesn't call for the identity to go backwards to times of yore.
Quote from: Tank on March 20, 2012, 06:45:31 PM
Quote from: Ali on March 20, 2012, 05:11:29 PM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on March 20, 2012, 03:50:05 AM
And how about the way some Englishmen call women in general "love"? I know it doesn't actually mean anything, but it's still nice to hear.
That is endearing. At the recent conference I went to in Vegas, we had our fair share of Englishmen. Most of them called my friends and I "Sweetheart." I couldn't tell if they were being condescending or if it was just a British thing, but on the other hand I thought that it had a sort of Bogartesque flair to it, so I smiled pretty and let it go.
The 'love' thing is a Northern expression and it isn't limited to men/woman it is completely asexual and quite acceptable man/man or woman/woman.
No it's not. I have never heard a man call another man "love" outside a sexual context. I call people "love" to be friendly. Women call men and women "love" and men call women "love" but it doesn't work the other way.
Some people don't like it and it can be patronising in some contexts, but I don't mind at all if people call me love in a well intentioned way.
Quote from: Willow on March 21, 2012, 08:45:09 PM
Quote from: Tank on March 20, 2012, 06:45:31 PM
Quote from: Ali on March 20, 2012, 05:11:29 PM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on March 20, 2012, 03:50:05 AM
And how about the way some Englishmen call women in general "love"? I know it doesn't actually mean anything, but it's still nice to hear.
That is endearing. At the recent conference I went to in Vegas, we had our fair share of Englishmen. Most of them called my friends and I "Sweetheart." I couldn't tell if they were being condescending or if it was just a British thing, but on the other hand I thought that it had a sort of Bogartesque flair to it, so I smiled pretty and let it go.
The 'love' thing is a Northern expression and it isn't limited to men/woman it is completely asexual and quite acceptable man/man or woman/woman.
No it's not. I have never heard a man call another man "love" outside a sexual context. I call people "love" to be friendly. Women call men and women "love" and men call women "love" but it doesn't work the other way.
Some people don't like it and it can be patronising in some contexts, but I don't mind at all if people call me love in a well intentioned way.
When I joined a company in Leeds I had to spend 4 weeks in the warehouse picking and packing. It was a 'waster' to see who could stick it. That's the first time I'd been addressed as 'Love' by another bloke
ever, so it happens in Leeds I can guarantee that ;D
Quote from: Tank on March 21, 2012, 08:53:55 PM
Quote from: Willow on March 21, 2012, 08:45:09 PM
Quote from: Tank on March 20, 2012, 06:45:31 PM
Quote from: Ali on March 20, 2012, 05:11:29 PM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on March 20, 2012, 03:50:05 AM
And how about the way some Englishmen call women in general "love"? I know it doesn't actually mean anything, but it's still nice to hear.
That is endearing. At the recent conference I went to in Vegas, we had our fair share of Englishmen. Most of them called my friends and I "Sweetheart." I couldn't tell if they were being condescending or if it was just a British thing, but on the other hand I thought that it had a sort of Bogartesque flair to it, so I smiled pretty and let it go.
The 'love' thing is a Northern expression and it isn't limited to men/woman it is completely asexual and quite acceptable man/man or woman/woman.
No it's not. I have never heard a man call another man "love" outside a sexual context. I call people "love" to be friendly. Women call men and women "love" and men call women "love" but it doesn't work the other way.
Some people don't like it and it can be patronising in some contexts, but I don't mind at all if people call me love in a well intentioned way.
When I joined a company in Leeds I had to spend 4 weeks in the warehouse picking and packing. It was a 'waster' to see who could stick it. That's the first time I'd been addressed as 'Love' by another bloke ever, so it happens in Leeds I can guarantee that ;D
I've been called 'love' by some northern guys on a building site I was working on once. It was just a friendly term and had a good vibe about it.
Quote from: Scissorlegs on March 22, 2012, 12:16:20 AM
I've been called 'love' by some northern guys on a building site I was working on once. It was just a friendly term and had a good vibe about it.
That could be due to the fact you're a southern fairy ;D. But on a serious note I have been called 'love' by a few fellas and was meant in the same mannerism as 'mate'.
'mi baba' and 'mi luvver' are common greetings here in the west country
One of my favourite British things are Jaffa Cakes ;D
Oscar Wilde was a pussy. Of course, that's not a bad thing.
I like the english language, and all the english poets. Samuel Taylor Coleridge is someone that must be read before death, lest life be left a loss and failure...Amen.
Quote from: The Semaestro on March 23, 2012, 08:55:46 PMOscar Wilde was a pussy. Of course, that's not a bad thing.
The first sentence above manages to be irrelevant, inaccurate and asinine in equal measure. The second does nothing to redeem the first. I think I'm going to like having you around.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.friday-fun.com%2Ffiles%2Fsmilies%2Fgiraffe.gif&hash=10c3bbdc3364f9d4abe75169965d824126872059)
Quote from: The SemaestroSamuel Taylor Coleridge is someone that must be read before death ...Amen.
Agreed - it's so much easier than reading him when you're dead. ;D
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/391455_374271365937765_130810663617171_1220121_2117397508_n.jpg)
Any of you ever watch Coupling? Loved that show!