tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90083472445590574922024-03-05T06:46:56.645+01:00The Evil Style QueenEvil Style Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001686810994351436noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-50457561996534229372022-09-08T20:25:00.001+02:002022-09-08T20:25:26.228+02:00This is the moment history stops; for a minute, an hour, for a day or a week; this is the moment history stops. <p style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Queen Elizabeth II" class="ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0" height="640" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/EF74/production/_126600316_c6ca9716-be10-471c-987f-a68dfc31e20d.jpg" type="image/jpeg" width="520" /></p>The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-12480244022564663952021-04-10T12:40:00.000+02:002021-04-10T12:40:21.744+02:00Rest in Peace, Sir!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg677Pb74oQ8BGEDN1nNgnJuGE-WIsPviNvJaLLKZhTlzkO9fvTYNsT9chHKXGf12S8EWiaevRJQ1aN0BjycEKP2CxqQ_x-nplw0gGnfNYv5sBKfkWzmzqT89UdMXMEfcbc1fyfFNTYicU/s375/IMG_5761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="375" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg677Pb74oQ8BGEDN1nNgnJuGE-WIsPviNvJaLLKZhTlzkO9fvTYNsT9chHKXGf12S8EWiaevRJQ1aN0BjycEKP2CxqQ_x-nplw0gGnfNYv5sBKfkWzmzqT89UdMXMEfcbc1fyfFNTYicU/w467-h274/IMG_5761.JPG" width="467" /></a></div><br /><p></p>The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-75792716837498121612020-04-29T12:42:00.008+02:002023-02-28T14:09:13.141+01:00The Evil Sibyl - Part Three<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Because there is no end to the antics of "Meghan and Harry" (I might as well write about it later) I hereby re-post my blog entries about this, well, recent addition to the Royal Family with a few updates added. My point in doing so is that everybody could have known "it".</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I don't consider myself smarter than others (in the American sense of the word - I DO, however, consider myself smarter in the English sense of the word than others*), so how could it happen?</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
What I did NOT expect, however, was the depth of depravity, shown by the disregard for Just-Call-me-Harry's very old grandparents, specifically during a global pandemic, and for the pandemic itself and the many people who have died from it and the millions who are suffering under its conditions.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">
* <span style="color: #999999;">[tongue-in-cheek alert for the slow!]</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
So here it goes:</blockquote>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-little-mole-and-prince-fairy-tale.html">The Little Mole and the Prince - A Fairy Tale</a></h3>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2P9D48QWZheEWaQX7QJKYfsOAgPYfnY9erexRJ1HnSQvJ7cM_uXoZ2V4flfqSoRrrH1I-uCsfR0_Qg8oYv6RZKkOmVknLs8cuH65ohFNdn45Hy7fy-jVMwrKoqrDZEU8l0U9C8De8ngM/s1600/meghan2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="320" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2P9D48QWZheEWaQX7QJKYfsOAgPYfnY9erexRJ1HnSQvJ7cM_uXoZ2V4flfqSoRrrH1I-uCsfR0_Qg8oYv6RZKkOmVknLs8cuH65ohFNdn45Hy7fy-jVMwrKoqrDZEU8l0U9C8De8ngM/s400/meghan2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGP-7uwJbgTgtOxTvHivtKRdDrsw83I60-KWiL4xCcki78jISMA3CyEweMD7VOumDSlxufsW7HKj_Urzy6-Y597Hpoe_icQt3NyGIaxievZkfrWHHFj-t9snRw0wqesfKgWmdgVw4_o0/s1600/meghan3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="209" data-original-width="320" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGP-7uwJbgTgtOxTvHivtKRdDrsw83I60-KWiL4xCcki78jISMA3CyEweMD7VOumDSlxufsW7HKj_Urzy6-Y597Hpoe_icQt3NyGIaxievZkfrWHHFj-t9snRw0wqesfKgWmdgVw4_o0/s400/meghan3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The above picture is the cover page of a German children's book called<br />
"About the Little Mole Who Wanted to Know Who Crapped on His Head".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Once upon a time there was an only just young-ish woman from a faraway country who stood for everything good and noble and thus won heart and hand of a handsome prince overwhelmed by the goodness of her heart.<br />
<br />
Her goodness was so zeitgeisty and her demeanour so impeccable, that it even melted the cold heart of an evil queen<br />
<br />
Well, it wasn't quite so.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mM2pOrYvh1fpjMpp-HpvdnL7UNKY5Zp1HGyY1ZLJLRP7d36N_SnoUaM4dIb1r7b6MFFDr7wkx5P89YnpJQ7Hk369PJKXjvFa8R83zM5eTdm3pXNgvdqyCzLSmAenbrbKj_hibP8YsA0/s1600/NINTCHDBPICT000374817759.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1079" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mM2pOrYvh1fpjMpp-HpvdnL7UNKY5Zp1HGyY1ZLJLRP7d36N_SnoUaM4dIb1r7b6MFFDr7wkx5P89YnpJQ7Hk369PJKXjvFa8R83zM5eTdm3pXNgvdqyCzLSmAenbrbKj_hibP8YsA0/s400/NINTCHDBPICT000374817759.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<br />
Behind the scenes, too, our princess-in-waiting made all the wrong moves, causing the tabloid press in Britain to dub her "Princess Pushy", an epithet first applied just as aptly to the (albeit in a different way) equally preposterous Princess Michael of Kent.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdG3SkWkNKa_6g5gVUmT4pTxfPUh4GbJwACUX7uPdLN0M51wAye5sakPO6pn3vQdY26NMrokH50eMm7SHjfJVFSsFbQwABFO8kqlEt2zunRukE5iJ2MObGoNe7uYkl9Fn-SMr5pf2bL-w/s1600/3cc7e1a866a43c3454cb8965bda1755b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdG3SkWkNKa_6g5gVUmT4pTxfPUh4GbJwACUX7uPdLN0M51wAye5sakPO6pn3vQdY26NMrokH50eMm7SHjfJVFSsFbQwABFO8kqlEt2zunRukE5iJ2MObGoNe7uYkl9Fn-SMr5pf2bL-w/s400/3cc7e1a866a43c3454cb8965bda1755b.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can it get any more embarrassing than this? The poor, poor Prince<br /> reduced to a bit of cuteness!<br />
(Btw, I hatch a pet theory which says that the more, well, colourful<br />
the past of a bride is, the more coyly covered up she'll appear at her<br />
wedding. <a href="http://royalwatcherblog.com/2018/01/31/wedding-of-archduke-karl-and-archduchess-francesca-von-habsburg/">Francesca von Habsburg</a> and <a href="https://www.pinterest.de/pin/101823641550984253/">Grace Kelly</a> come to mind.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />But back to Pushy Mark II.<br />
<br />
The Trump-hater, who likes to think of herself as a "leftist activist", was spitting mad over the prenup her prince, or rather Her Majesty, asked her to sign. Then, there's Pushy's tantrum over the Obamas, demanding Barack and Michelle are on the guest list, and at that point the Queen took control, slapping the little mole hard with a "brutal surprise".<br />
<br />
The young-ish bride was allegedly caught screaming at Prince Harry over the <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/meghan-markle-prenup/">prenup</a>*, unknown so far within the Royal Family, livid that the Queen would require her to sign it, and the altercation was leaked to the media, something that doesn't sit well with the monarch.<br />
<br />
The SUN, this paragon of journalistic ethos, reported, "Harry and fiancée Meghan Markle have told aides they want the former US president and wife Michelle at their big day on May 19. The young Royal couple’s dislike of the new president is well known."<br />
<br />
Not really. Prince Harry's like or dislike of President Trump is not known at all. In fact, it's imperative that all members of the British Royal Family never make their own opinions on politics known. It goes back to their official role as figureheads, as goodwill ambassadors, who must stay neutral at any time. (To what extent and how often the new addition to the royal family will publicly embarrass her future in-laws is speculation, but my money is on "cringemaking-" and "frequently". Women like her can't help it.)<br />
<br />
However, it's not Harry's, but Little Miss Mole's "dislike" of Trump that is "well known", and if she lives up to her as insulting as apt nickname, we can safely assume that she has given Harry already an earful, peddling every liberal fake news there are about President Trump.<br />
<br />
There's every indication that Her Majesty is not overly fond of the Obamas. Of course, she won't (and can't) speak out publicly, but only recently, Nile Gardiner**, a former aide to Margaret Thatcher and close friend of the Queen, spoke out about why the Obamas will not be invited.<br />
<br />
What Mr. Gardiner said is, in a nutshell, that Barack Obama very obviously hated Britain and made no effort to hide it and that the former President used to be disrespectful to the British people and their queen. Remember, Obama sent back the bust of the Queen’s favourite prime minister, Winston Churchill, but that's not all. When Prime Minister Gordon Brown gave President Obama the charming present of a penholder made from wood of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Gannet_(1878)">HMS Gannet</a>, he got in return a couple of DVDs, Queen Elizabeth was graced with an iPod with Obama's own speeches, and surely the Queen hasn't forgotten that Obama was fond of complimenting African countries on their independence struggles against Britain, never mentioning once that it was mainly thanks to the Royal Navy that the slave trade stopped.<br />
<br />
But whatever, Princess Pushy can go ahead and scream all she wants about her liberal activism and her love of the Obamas, the Queen isn’t buying it. The Obamas will not be invited, so Gardiner. Case closed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgph4TG-3G4_Y7sOOtK58ZeI6zjGU7Rd9SA5G3TJ0s7M-Go54zXxwPmWPKvQUJhjldd3EqjHY6G9ueEylLtNBSFNJwpdFE43GXZZ9FrkqtKIFRiBl7pcZEXbnCP7QsbxeAeVXD-aNf2uPc/s1600/meghan-michelle-elizabeth.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgph4TG-3G4_Y7sOOtK58ZeI6zjGU7Rd9SA5G3TJ0s7M-Go54zXxwPmWPKvQUJhjldd3EqjHY6G9ueEylLtNBSFNJwpdFE43GXZZ9FrkqtKIFRiBl7pcZEXbnCP7QsbxeAeVXD-aNf2uPc/s1600/meghan-michelle-elizabeth.jpg" /></a></div>
I don't think, by the way, that Michelle O's backrub (one doesn't paw royalty) played a big part for the Queen in the process of her assessment of the Obamas. The old lady is used to badly brought up and rude people and presumably she only smiled forgivingly in retrospect. SHE was WELL brought up, after all.<br />
<br />
Interestingly, <i>Backrubgate </i>didn't meet with much disapproval, at least not from the usual suspects, the same usual suspects who, on the other hand, fainted in horror and shock over President Trump's breach of protocol when he kindly and wellmeaningly informed the elderly wife of the young French President that she was "in great shape". Had he denied the Holocaust it wouldn't have been quite so bad.<br />
<br />
But I digress.<br />
<br />
When it comes to the wedding, the Queen is treading gently. If Pushy presumed she'd be getting hitched at one of the grand places for royal weddings, Westminister Abbey or St. Paul’s Cathedral, she presumed wrong. The Queen gave approval for second rate digs at Windsor Castle, not more.<br />
<br />
The old lady also let the princess-to-be know that she'd have to be formally baptised and take religious/moral instruction and receive confirmation before she could marry Harry. That is another "brutal surprise" and doesn't, quite understandably, go well together with Pushy's "liberal activism".<br />
<br />
Poor Pushy. A prenup, no Westminster Abbey or St. Paul's Cathedral, no Obama, and all that degrading religious and moral instruction stuff. Looks to me more like a tragedy than a fairy tale.<br />
<br />
I like Harry. The guy is a tough cookie and that always impresses me. Moreover, he comes across as a seriously nice guy, and who can forget the haunting image of the little boy walking behind his mother's coffin. But what amazes me is his choice of armpieces which suffers from a <a href="https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/g12251344/prince-harry-ex-girlfriends/">predilection for vulgarity</a>, so far unknown in the family. (If we count Uncle Andrew out, that is.) And although my own "dislike" of his mother is "well known" as well, it is a fact that she never was, in spite of all her other shortcomings, vulgar, even not when her "English Rose" looks had long changed to "as hard as nails".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsDzRSsIf8E-bSwx3szBz_WGUG6qCdSwnHtI9egDrykfqijvYYo2N_FE9uC_XkwbM7edid5KLXf_K-yZv1WO6wDsspdY6NN8FWq-Zi8kJ3cO3t0Y8WaZwRf1IRHKzgjLPylfZUWz6hqs/s1600/meghan-GLASTONBURYCRESSIDABONAS-620x930c.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsDzRSsIf8E-bSwx3szBz_WGUG6qCdSwnHtI9egDrykfqijvYYo2N_FE9uC_XkwbM7edid5KLXf_K-yZv1WO6wDsspdY6NN8FWq-Zi8kJ3cO3t0Y8WaZwRf1IRHKzgjLPylfZUWz6hqs/s1600/meghan-GLASTONBURYCRESSIDABONAS-620x930c.jpg" /></a></div><p>
Harry's one really long relationship was the one with Chelsy Davy (sorry, but the first name IS rather cringeworthy), and although the young woman DID come across as a tiny wee bit, well, common, she's a lawyer now and not some tinpot American actress with a sleazy past and long past her prime. Chelsy didn't feel up to the role. Clever girl!<br />
<br />
Harry's other long-ish relationship used to be the one with the lovely, well connected and very upperclassical Cressida Bonas (here at Glastonbury Festival with Harry). This young woman, too, didn't feel up to the role. Girls from such a background usually know, different from Hollywood sluts who think that the Queen wears a tiara in the lavatory, how the royal family functions and what it means to be part of it.<br />
<br />
Yes, maybe poor Harry has "finally found his true love", to use one of the insufferably maudlin labels of which the gutter media and the little mole's adoring female fandom are so fond. I'd call it more prosaically, and you may call me bitchy, that he seems to be sadly reduced to scraping the bottom of the barrel by now.<br />
<br />
A fondness for vulgarity may happen to the best of men and even to a prince. Here we have an officer and gentleman, a soldier who served in Afghanistan and passed the rigorous Apache flying test and who is now jeopardising his own respect and that of his eminent family for a piece of cheap arse. Please explain men to me.<br />
<br />
Why did the Queen allow it? Well, we are in the realm of conjecture here. Maybe she remembers her fatal decision to confront her sister with the almost unbearable choice either to remain a member of the royal family or to marry Group Captain Peter Townsend. Maybe she remembers the fatal first marriage the family forced upon the heir to the throne. Townsend was a divorced man, at that time an unthinkable choice for the daughter and sister of the supreme governor of the CoE, whilst Camilla Shand, although from an upper class background, may have been considered not quite "royal material" back then.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, her youngest son and the one of her grandsons who may one day be king, married young women from the middle classes and her eldest son in second marriage his back then not quite eligible early love - all notably successes. That may have been part of the decision as well - one could speculate.<br />
<br />
Or did the Royals fear that their name would be mud had they not submitted to the Prince's wishes? After all, the bride-to-be has an (albeit hardly visible) smidgeon of "black" genes and, after all as well, the accusation of "racism" has become, whether justified or not, a razor sharp tool in the hand of the proverbial ape, i.e. the judgemental politically correct public and media.<br />
<br />
But maybe she's just too old and tired to stand up against the modern tide of events in a world that has become increasingly dirty and debased.<br />
<br />
May God Save The Queen.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">First published January 30, 2018.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">* By now, there seems to be a common accord among the public that there had been no prenup. If you have a look at <a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2020/04/because-there-is-no-end-to-antics-of.html" target="_blank">my entry about the wedding</a>, you will see that very probably a prenup WAS signed on the spot. <br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666;">** Interestingly, the source has been taken down and Gardiner has heavily backpedalled since then. Why, is open to speculation.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br /></p>The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-27257598893121392422020-04-29T12:34:00.002+02:002023-02-28T14:10:19.432+01:00The Evil Sibyl - Part Two<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Because there is no end to the antics of "Meghan and Harry" (I might as well write about it later) I hereby re-post my blog entries about this, well, recent addition to the Royal Family with a few updates added. My point in doing so is that everybody could have known "it".</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I don't consider myself smarter than others (in the American sense of the word - I DO, however, consider myself smarter in the English sense of the word than others*), so how could it happen?</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
What I did NOT expect, however, was the depth of depravity, shown by the disregard for Just-Call-me-Harry's very old grandparents, specifically during a global pandemic, and for the pandemic itself and the many people who have died from it and the millions who suffer under its conditions.<br />
* <span style="color: #999999;">[tongue-in-cheek alert for the slow!]</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
So here it goes:</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; font-size: 20px;"><a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-duchess-of-delicacies.html">The Duchess of Delicacies</a></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The Duchess of Sussex invited a friend, namely her "makeup artist", to afternoon tea at <strike>Kensington Palace</strike> wheresoever.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GIRJsFBTvFGMcAdm2snVOemMRUxyPJaWRk4WDey5uk0PWIb3IBPdvZupZhYlpn1DhDwAu-HD_JCJZXu4b_hZ68evo7aY5n3xdz_D4wdiUKLqYlg8kKSsK1nLALUEc4SJmhdJE69sBmc/s1600/tea5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="251" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GIRJsFBTvFGMcAdm2snVOemMRUxyPJaWRk4WDey5uk0PWIb3IBPdvZupZhYlpn1DhDwAu-HD_JCJZXu4b_hZ68evo7aY5n3xdz_D4wdiUKLqYlg8kKSsK1nLALUEc4SJmhdJE69sBmc/s400/tea5.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's he, so you know.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As a close and trusted and therefore per definitionem classy friend, he lost no time informing the world about what goes on behind the walls of Kensington Palace, so we know now, too, what treats had been waiting there for him.<br />
<br />
I let <a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2018/12/german-musings-about-manners-and-england.html">William Hanson</a>, here in the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6614737/Meghan-Markles-afternoon-tea-Daniel-Martin-featuring-avocado-toast-silver-plates.html?fbclid=IwAR0k3G0RoVPQ_2jESzmKd_lSAJgp2Wzdel5IwhjHZaWlqgYH3ZSYTHzwWME">Daily Mail</a>, take over. He fights with a foil, I with a sledge hammer.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
'However, I am a great believer in the "your house, your rules" school of thought so if HRH The Duchess of Sussex wishes to serve it at her teas then good luck to her.<br />
<br />
'I’m sure it was followed up with a delicious granola and hemp vegan scone.'<br />
<br />
Fittingly, the chocolates are Fortnum and Mason's £13.95 Sandringham Coffee Truffles, which were served directly from the royal retailer's distinctive blue box.<br />
<br />
The crockery was elegantly mismatched, with a brushed blue ceramic tea pot and cup sitting in contrast with the formal scalloped edged silver saucer and side plates. </blockquote>
What was it about?<br />
<br />
This:<br />
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And because William Hanson is much too polite to utter what he REALLY thinks - no let me rephrase that: because he is a master of voicing his opinion with subtle irony, let me translate:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
'Do what you like in your own house, but don't be amazed about the reactions from the polite part of society.<br />
<br />
'And I'm sure what followed was bound to be even worse' or rather '...even worse New Age crap'.<br />
<br />
It is, and we are not amazed, the bottom of bad manners to serve expensive chocolates (or anything else, really) from the box. What will be next? Tupperware?<br />
<br />
To match cheap and ugly ceramic tableware with formal looking pieces [Style Queen's note: I think it's pewter, not silver] is tacky beyond belief.</blockquote>
I may be wrong, after all, I'm no mind reader.<br />
<br />
But let's talk about the tables at Kensington Palace as well. Have they switched to raw timber lately? And to fringed floor cloth napkins? This doesn't seem to have taken place at Kensington Palace at all. My money is on Soho House, Markle's favourite bolthole, Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds here, to be precise. With their, as <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/las-soho-house-turns-5-784025">The Hollywood Reporter</a> puts it, policy of "studied resistance to ostentation… [and] cultivated status signifiers" (the operative word is "studied") and preference of "moral values over financial success" (that's why the then two year old toddler daughter of actor Jude Law had to be briefly hospitalised in 2002 after having swallowed part of an ecstasy pill she found on the floor of Soho House London) they have set new standards of <strike>hypocrisy and faux</strike> progressive egalitarianism.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIYN1JEZ-EM1BZEn0IRqRK7Q9Pdl9AxJEWtpTyMMfGvAEaAdbWpNXpGEbjNeajNshDzsRJEqfU2l8PqjJkdteUKqX59eTEnodX3rasq_HplXlF_jwFE5cTRwk9gwnfNM3qtbVRVYrOyg/s1600/soho-house-farmhouse-members-club-michaelis-boyd-architecture-interiors-retreat-great-tew-oxfordshire-uk_dezeen_936_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="936" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIYN1JEZ-EM1BZEn0IRqRK7Q9Pdl9AxJEWtpTyMMfGvAEaAdbWpNXpGEbjNeajNshDzsRJEqfU2l8PqjJkdteUKqX59eTEnodX3rasq_HplXlF_jwFE5cTRwk9gwnfNM3qtbVRVYrOyg/s400/soho-house-farmhouse-members-club-michaelis-boyd-architecture-interiors-retreat-great-tew-oxfordshire-uk_dezeen_936_10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, Soho Farmhouse it was!</td></tr>
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The merchandising site "Meghan's Mirror" (no link), which has of course NOTHING to do with Markle, confirms my suspicions.<br />
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<br />
But whatever, at least some of the reactions from the usual Besotted-with-Meghan-Suspects had been quite favourable in the usual retard-meets-sycophant style.<br />
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No it doesn't. It looks disgusting and if I see epithets like "fabulously outrageous" (which translates to "tacky") and "healthy carb", I go sick.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEwS2UCjlFXkksKKO50zd5Y7cFnoDlOiwpgVFYuoQeC44rY46lAl8qUgPVJU83UGkKAahwpD_zPWZ26KCTF8Xtj9Ovh9IyCg5pN79f7K_Oy-ogfcGjzmAEwZytTo_C9V71gvMSiF2AYA/s1600/tea2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEwS2UCjlFXkksKKO50zd5Y7cFnoDlOiwpgVFYuoQeC44rY46lAl8qUgPVJU83UGkKAahwpD_zPWZ26KCTF8Xtj9Ovh9IyCg5pN79f7K_Oy-ogfcGjzmAEwZytTo_C9V71gvMSiF2AYA/s1600/tea2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Well, they are from F&M. Can't be too difficult to find them.<br />
<br />
Dear sycophants, ANY of the 20-odd Soho Houses wouldn't even let you have a look at their <strike>studiedly non-ostentatious</strike> fabulously outrageous avocado sandwiches.<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
And no, this is NOT "down to earth" and "charming" either. Let me tell you why from a general etiquette point of view:<br />
<ul>
<li>A table arrangement like that may be alright in undergraduates' digs. In other circumstances, not just in Kensington Palace, for guests, one brings out one's best china, silver, tablecloth and napkins according to one's means and apropos to the occasion. It is only polite.</li>
<li>One serves whatever food there will be in the most appealing and appetising form, not carelessly splashed about. It's, I repeat, only polite. (I wonder whether the Duchess made those sandwiches herself or whether she told the <strike>Soho House</strike> Kensington Palace staff: "Throw together some avocadoes and whole grain toast. Make it look home-made, healthy, charmingly down to earth and spontaneously combustible... errr... improvised.")</li>
<li>Traditional English afternoon tea is one of the most charming (yes, in this case "charming" IS applicable) ways to entertain a guest. So she deprived a visitor from abroad of such a unique treat. Why? BECAUSE IT FITTED HER AGENDA TO COME ACROSS AS "DOWN TO EARTH" AND "CHARMING" TO THE UNDISCERNING MASSES.</li>
<li>And no, I don't "know" that, but I bet the last remnants of my Royal Copenhagen and KPM Berlin china, as well as those of my family silver, that it HAD BEEN so.</li>
</ul>
From a royal etiquette point of view I'd say that one doesn't invite somebody of whom one can't be 100% sure of not spilling the beans. But that was exactly what she intended, wasn't it? (Again, I wager my china.) And to hell with hospitality, etiquette, good manners and the reputation of the eminent family into which she married and of which she has made laughing stock already only too often.<br />
<br />
And the Best-Comment-Award goes to:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
What sort of guest gets invited into someone’s home, photographs a meal served to them in kind, and as if that wasn’t non-u, goes blabbing about it to the media? Right! The kind who deserved whatever this is. I hope she spat in it too. ??</blockquote>
To be honest, it wouldn't amaze me.The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-56847664984444365232020-04-28T20:16:00.000+02:002020-06-21T21:23:38.037+02:00Hampton's StyleEverybody who reads my blog knows that I am an <strike>inferior</strike> interior decorator at heart.<br />
<br />
I've lived in my native Westphalia, in Bavaria, now in the Ore Mountains and for a while in England, but never anywhere near the sea. By chance, I came across the "beachy" Hampton's style. It is defined by "cool, classic and sophisticated designs that meet rustic, casual beach vibes". Coastal and casual, the Hamptons interior design style - originally inspired by a group of villages called The Hamptons on Long Island, New York - has come to represent elegant and relaxed coastal living.<br />
<br />
I, personally, am more of the school of "cluttered country house" style, but I am most amazed myself, of all people, that I really like "Hampton's".<br />
<br />
Just a few preliminary remarks, This old scholar of socioeconomic history can't help it.<br />
<br />
The Hamptons comprise a group of villages and hamlets in the towns of Southampton and East Hampton, which together form the South Fork of Long Island, in Suffolk County, New York. The Hamptons form a popular seaside resort and one of the historical summer colonies of the northeastern United States.<br />
<br />
Historically, the area had been devoted to agriculture and fishing. Many farms are still in operation. There are three commercial vineyards operating in the Hamptons as well.<br />
<br />
Given the area's geographic location, it maintained strong commercial and social links to New England and the nearby states of Connecticut and Rhode Island. Many of the original settlers were from and most of the trade links were with communities in Connecticut. Indeed, much of the older architecture and aesthetics of the villages in the Hamptons resemble New England. This is especially true for East Hampton Village, on which the main focus of this article will be.<br />
<br />
The villages and the hamlets of the area are distinguished by their significant population increases during the summers, although the Hamptons have increasingly become a year-round destinations for New Yorkers seeking a refuge on weekends.<br />
<br />
Residential real estate prices rank among the highest in the US. Closeness to the ocean is as a marker for land valuation and, of couse, social standing. We are in America, after all .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkBIDxeY7aRxTXYbFONfr2lnTs-jtI4iI_RWOnI6zICqtVm93FobVNLYXIHpLG_C9_srEeUcrIJ_ek9ALOZU7uUuZ6wskKtpv8OuKzLzc0pbEdMMEYXydmp1H5UIgrdb0l7DDGTBl41s/s1600/The_Hamptons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkBIDxeY7aRxTXYbFONfr2lnTs-jtI4iI_RWOnI6zICqtVm93FobVNLYXIHpLG_C9_srEeUcrIJ_ek9ALOZU7uUuZ6wskKtpv8OuKzLzc0pbEdMMEYXydmp1H5UIgrdb0l7DDGTBl41s/s400/The_Hamptons.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfUQHoxsX4fs8Srqds_N-FfXJThM7zmxPKmAo6TV4r2uRQFcWC0rIsRFhfeU_Togd7Ce2zDS5GRPmFZM3EUolCAwGCznoc8RMuEl0H2mZHNSnXSYzfiqBIBKtf80u_gmMx9Gz1-UM1hk/s1600/1280px-Eh-sherrill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfUQHoxsX4fs8Srqds_N-FfXJThM7zmxPKmAo6TV4r2uRQFcWC0rIsRFhfeU_Togd7Ce2zDS5GRPmFZM3EUolCAwGCznoc8RMuEl0H2mZHNSnXSYzfiqBIBKtf80u_gmMx9Gz1-UM1hk/s400/1280px-Eh-sherrill.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Sherrill Farmhouse, built in 1857, is a frame Greek Revival/Italianate residence in East Hampton, New York and listed on the</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Register_of_Historic_Places" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080;" title="National Register of Historic Places">National Register of Historic Places</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">(<a href="https://www.blogger.com/By%20Americasroof%20-%20Own%20work,%20CC%20BY-SA%203.0,%20https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6146646">Credit</a>)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgr_RQ1RHOXv4hT3pIeyOH4kB8ixwY9HYJFLFoIr9_F1990cbie3gQkxrDbk9vfBrWkBSRcvs8Hib1G4NsXUVSUsj-vaXFR_0MkR4opRbCvQYVN81rQ-S66hIF3-geR1fXPpIiB1Ky9tI/s1600/sherrilhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgr_RQ1RHOXv4hT3pIeyOH4kB8ixwY9HYJFLFoIr9_F1990cbie3gQkxrDbk9vfBrWkBSRcvs8Hib1G4NsXUVSUsj-vaXFR_0MkR4opRbCvQYVN81rQ-S66hIF3-geR1fXPpIiB1Ky9tI/s400/sherrilhouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Credit as above.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vzahkuJBCjnC3YBVC3R6x-NPYFr1EL0tQZIug0xxORJZ1DgNgcZUGhqRN-begXCsKtK-3HjvtXe6BLGGBFntSuytxwLET1fasIUufsmPG3k4hZmclW4Xmhb_ZsNEpzXeVBH-EnmAY4M/s1600/Northwest-dolphin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vzahkuJBCjnC3YBVC3R6x-NPYFr1EL0tQZIug0xxORJZ1DgNgcZUGhqRN-begXCsKtK-3HjvtXe6BLGGBFntSuytxwLET1fasIUufsmPG3k4hZmclW4Xmhb_ZsNEpzXeVBH-EnmAY4M/s400/Northwest-dolphin.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Dolphins at East Hampton's first port- Northwest Landing, 2007 (Credit as above).</span></td></tr>
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To give you an idea of the socioeconomic scale, here is an East Hampton house that I (and I may be wrong) would place somewhere in the upper mid-range. Interestingly, its interior is only a faint approximation of the eponymous Hampton's style, maybe because the owners put beauty and comfort above textbook "interior decoration" and maybe they had no - harrumph - interior decorator to cramp their style.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWkL2-vMdAj9Tiv6POPu2pJFeIfi8y-VgesC4PGchNN9kFmW9VDCvElEpzZTiXLSUSO1W0ohwEsjiw6k45e92Vdjxc3-ESy0hO9cbJTuWWSBbU2T7NDP1kufLGpIxhgaDiFS_n5Ylkfo/s1600/hamptons-style-beach-house-sydney-australia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWkL2-vMdAj9Tiv6POPu2pJFeIfi8y-VgesC4PGchNN9kFmW9VDCvElEpzZTiXLSUSO1W0ohwEsjiw6k45e92Vdjxc3-ESy0hO9cbJTuWWSBbU2T7NDP1kufLGpIxhgaDiFS_n5Ylkfo/s400/hamptons-style-beach-house-sydney-australia.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hampton's style seems to be hugely popular in Australia as well. This would be<br />
a typical Australian "Hampton's style" beach house. I like its simplicity and clear, uncluttered lines.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMzLXMzYE0YKV6HCPd57GN9XCnHJGVSxkKa7Sb11enzQpvsiApObF3Tf6rgAn726orMU8GIESoNBnM6XsJALSoZ37XJFI5iomevqDomG-WkA-2jfdFsNxf4lDk4PFto3MdJ18QnbYl-E/s1600/berniemadoff018_04_roth-estate-cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMzLXMzYE0YKV6HCPd57GN9XCnHJGVSxkKa7Sb11enzQpvsiApObF3Tf6rgAn726orMU8GIESoNBnM6XsJALSoZ37XJFI5iomevqDomG-WkA-2jfdFsNxf4lDk4PFto3MdJ18QnbYl-E/s400/berniemadoff018_04_roth-estate-cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bernie Madoff's modest shack in the Hamptons lists at $21M.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Generally, the houses at the Hampton's range from very nice...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp1KRP8eZRZCEzpapiXfJl1Zmb4dQGGUe0jLDZiaekgV39RtwKe8itFTbmES0r2erZ54yz7YxlRXzRAqj0nHxbo1wCtD10xOHKyAV0YiwGH-0gC0OzmCEPaOINofYi8YZo3wJokEeB3w/s1600/ca7faf18c9bcfc24d6eea94428613705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp1KRP8eZRZCEzpapiXfJl1Zmb4dQGGUe0jLDZiaekgV39RtwKe8itFTbmES0r2erZ54yz7YxlRXzRAqj0nHxbo1wCtD10xOHKyAV0YiwGH-0gC0OzmCEPaOINofYi8YZo3wJokEeB3w/s400/ca7faf18c9bcfc24d6eea94428613705.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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...to bloody awful....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX-sn58ndGdxul3WNxB-DA0M83uixspqDhph2F72UsLRoge83RzvwfX7IYrzj7P2QXN1zJ5b3lSH02vBiIOJVGmCxIhmAj2HjkvrPQfFgzeIa3rvY0VizM6R9X3jRwhrUhJyoXfnC26c/s1600/home-design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX-sn58ndGdxul3WNxB-DA0M83uixspqDhph2F72UsLRoge83RzvwfX7IYrzj7P2QXN1zJ5b3lSH02vBiIOJVGmCxIhmAj2HjkvrPQfFgzeIa3rvY0VizM6R9X3jRwhrUhJyoXfnC26c/s400/home-design.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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...and the interior from grand...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaodF8qQAFyAcc6BT9QbOwyOg04ja1HRG1cN4ZZ08W0Df5ydJIf9WzV7BuG80YgPuE11GESD1AvRZ5BBfXZZwUXmMQCzN1HrVfJrp6Zq2u7X6yhTloJtEXm2VWbEOFwGcN4SHfiQ5W5iI/s1600/NATALEE-BOWEN-Mindarie-High-Res-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="660" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaodF8qQAFyAcc6BT9QbOwyOg04ja1HRG1cN4ZZ08W0Df5ydJIf9WzV7BuG80YgPuE11GESD1AvRZ5BBfXZZwUXmMQCzN1HrVfJrp6Zq2u7X6yhTloJtEXm2VWbEOFwGcN4SHfiQ5W5iI/s400/NATALEE-BOWEN-Mindarie-High-Res-26.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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...to rustic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLzoyDWkgGEoKV-b-H7gOXKd69addgmnzH1-5ovfB3Sp29qHMU2YgLCbJULVdTeVNuv4xAhBXrQSJxhQ3HCeqTw5Jq1wd7lq_ldUhbGoXiwprWyvOV6PZTA52JoM8-HbIGK-iTqgiDhA/s1600/intrim-mouldings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLzoyDWkgGEoKV-b-H7gOXKd69addgmnzH1-5ovfB3Sp29qHMU2YgLCbJULVdTeVNuv4xAhBXrQSJxhQ3HCeqTw5Jq1wd7lq_ldUhbGoXiwprWyvOV6PZTA52JoM8-HbIGK-iTqgiDhA/s400/intrim-mouldings.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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But now I'm done with all that (I hope not) boring socioeconomic and historic lowdown, let's finally have a look at the core of this topic - the Hampton's interior style.<br />
<br />
Hampton's - from rustic to (only too often self-consciously) "elegant" - comes in many shapes. The pictures here are in more or less arbitrary order. They may well be from other coastal locations, Florida and California come to mind, we are dealing with a global beach icon here.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5mIt3Bc8zKf4jTJsiCb5-5XQZoqKY7ML5KHmrll3c9y_fiSm-5gcPEbjeyJX4mOSu6MVQb3DPla-qh-RBSUlOmr2qtjAmyYLFVoNrLLsUlMWoHdFRbPsx1E_VUAr2wvWAy3b_K5RNfk/s1600/capi_b435e5f75751d793049b81dacfdfc0b2_42d0cb6a1a73400c5e630fbeb2e3452d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5mIt3Bc8zKf4jTJsiCb5-5XQZoqKY7ML5KHmrll3c9y_fiSm-5gcPEbjeyJX4mOSu6MVQb3DPla-qh-RBSUlOmr2qtjAmyYLFVoNrLLsUlMWoHdFRbPsx1E_VUAr2wvWAy3b_K5RNfk/s400/capi_b435e5f75751d793049b81dacfdfc0b2_42d0cb6a1a73400c5e630fbeb2e3452d.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very nice, uncluttered, airy, light and beach-y, though not something I'd want to live in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDj9tU5kCvW-ooWR7-WAayKFpZQlFo90qru4yPGs67DDR2ajsZZgxoV_DSu1Iy8K6HsU8dQBi8MzJct8zYDYD9VbqzjDjr1ceo1NgIirztFkD1dEl0pRWwOKyVjCphx-iQa9h-lIix0gU/s1600/Screenshot+%2528754%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDj9tU5kCvW-ooWR7-WAayKFpZQlFo90qru4yPGs67DDR2ajsZZgxoV_DSu1Iy8K6HsU8dQBi8MzJct8zYDYD9VbqzjDjr1ceo1NgIirztFkD1dEl0pRWwOKyVjCphx-iQa9h-lIix0gU/s400/Screenshot+%2528754%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinoiserie goes well with Hampton's.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_6tj4cI3PkGFOLvLemw4IJNYkgy6ozZv95jiJaB1e46veuOtmKb1ziXa7gSpAr7Lmsdw4txBlc5d6Sm53-ttEG66aMjxlA7OaSHaJk33a5IHm-Qj57m0U3S097tTy-28Qn2CcO05YNY/s1600/Screenshot+%2528752%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_6tj4cI3PkGFOLvLemw4IJNYkgy6ozZv95jiJaB1e46veuOtmKb1ziXa7gSpAr7Lmsdw4txBlc5d6Sm53-ttEG66aMjxlA7OaSHaJk33a5IHm-Qj57m0U3S097tTy-28Qn2CcO05YNY/s400/Screenshot+%2528752%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AERcwh9UeixyGNa59qqjnecXoiq55eyBGoJcK8cT1o3moD2cmhSoMOlqMZUw1sQ6eCiPiuEoxDp9Zp22GIOQ35hXBMGsfCqeRd7UmxyU96mCqPD8McAahD564bckLSaXUpjlTfdvNoM/s1600/Header3-minim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AERcwh9UeixyGNa59qqjnecXoiq55eyBGoJcK8cT1o3moD2cmhSoMOlqMZUw1sQ6eCiPiuEoxDp9Zp22GIOQ35hXBMGsfCqeRd7UmxyU96mCqPD8McAahD564bckLSaXUpjlTfdvNoM/s400/Header3-minim.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit showroom-y, but apart from that - this is the general idea!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img aria-label="Photo – Landscape – 28 Apr 2020, 16:14:01" class="SzDcob" data-iml="12173657.68" height="317" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/kGihknL1rBzmHZhLGkrAtgfXvk4dr5fw1U31qkoY1xlBN1SWTup9j6PHWqRTp4blMXh36rcCXoYiNq_npNGWQKjHRyKQVe__8pTbbE-MzGoNXRACG4_Ce0FmegnZaYKJVDx-GgsURAmkedCV0lIApOxzR520jVk-DIiEXFCYYhg7zw3HNgw4JK2UW0cilKkdF5Fx3qgOqnk5cA5MBxsvbB-lFACzsW1R_xuaU5DOTWKmHUsybLhWw4u6zAaqkrKeP6TJG1jfeoCzUzqhOnLCPi3Sdo65o7HeOWB2Np_x6aZyr8vifQLSMtXYEY2h6-00kyOe30Lwz0EHPBQ8EZWb5QGIaCzOOTzrp0NUIVJpU34twtZ_uJ20760-T3w3IS1eAW5Y0XnrWqknIKNujDW_muF-oX5EwNfu0zaYmfPYU7LyLnLatzvy0-E79__IxKnxDQbn86ncEdkxXkdMAQyGKmnVsdxh-Vl7Utwec09rr1oa6phTbDcaWzC1d7LLpP2k4yQo8M51HZbe2z0VK_sPxwY9MBN3XjWJiX62xmp0ZlAQAQa9HYdDQLTpROlve4d5S39WloH0P_dNVuLy3joph_kveHeTSFvu8n4bQQ_A-F_hF7fSdq1Fsma6oSdCt7xS3Vo4RryLOGGfXBf7PUGCG5g56v_caoC-W5y4yejb2S2A01Ng-GLNIcldoDvUzA=w1099-h872-no" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If that weren't a showroom but a real home, I'd say that suburbia doesn't go well with Hampton's style,<br />
including the incongruous, awful chandelier. The driftwood table base would be fine, weren't it for suburbia<br />
and that lighting abomination.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY79PKgn7hAym_g6BZar1oWqRdPniUbRBfHJULNU9Ar7dTJVm62WoT4REedLWKsCvrZgJuTzIELSt2n0Tr8YtsNnb9DJeNtQU_xGh2oMPtI15H8HtKSleMnvXW8n_Wx9d-aaw7e16cdUY/s1600/c8f653fcbf3bab4e2f121468025acf1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY79PKgn7hAym_g6BZar1oWqRdPniUbRBfHJULNU9Ar7dTJVm62WoT4REedLWKsCvrZgJuTzIELSt2n0Tr8YtsNnb9DJeNtQU_xGh2oMPtI15H8HtKSleMnvXW8n_Wx9d-aaw7e16cdUY/s640/c8f653fcbf3bab4e2f121468025acf1c.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieumbFd9FiVeMCpKawAc_F2AzYc5FLts-JbpnKQYXKUiMCk3RjuWrzrpFoT0M7_rloeAcDn_PJvMjNyHXcXdQtLf-HQZ-TMz6xvNg3WGu-XMFG2kqHPegzchkEjKGXjEkomo6IKd_QT2o/s1600/Header2-minim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieumbFd9FiVeMCpKawAc_F2AzYc5FLts-JbpnKQYXKUiMCk3RjuWrzrpFoT0M7_rloeAcDn_PJvMjNyHXcXdQtLf-HQZ-TMz6xvNg3WGu-XMFG2kqHPegzchkEjKGXjEkomo6IKd_QT2o/s400/Header2-minim.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the pooch fits in. It doesn't always need to be blue...</td></tr>
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There are so many lovely "accent pieces" around that would go well with Hampton's without making it too showroom-y and <strike>inferior</strike> decorator-driven, that I am amazed that the Hampton's afficionados don't make more use of them. (But then, most what we see here are showrooms, not real homes.)<br />
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Just a few examples:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyaVCeXJK-le3XsBoY27F0QsCabd684Baj7gQz1-3_0rdyxqGIUvmY7acarSV3umZfxTML8-c3xa3Tq8FTfkfJHYUHEw1HHHQ7hgkOzh1Vw8Y5LdYEtYsl4hZB7XenRJv0tD4Lc1ki85o/s1600/Screenshot_2019-11-15+White+Wash+Distressed+Globe+Chandelier+-+Buy+from+the+French+Furniture+Specialist+Nicky+Cornell%252C+Shab%255B...%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyaVCeXJK-le3XsBoY27F0QsCabd684Baj7gQz1-3_0rdyxqGIUvmY7acarSV3umZfxTML8-c3xa3Tq8FTfkfJHYUHEw1HHHQ7hgkOzh1Vw8Y5LdYEtYsl4hZB7XenRJv0tD4Lc1ki85o/s400/Screenshot_2019-11-15+White+Wash+Distressed+Globe+Chandelier+-+Buy+from+the+French+Furniture+Specialist+Nicky+Cornell%252C+Shab%255B...%255D.png" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's the real thing, PUR-LEESE, never a chandelier, awful or not.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyUD-iH-xbHpyyGd51GMhpER8z9HU-6JuG-iO1XO_bxCEOmgeaDbY8KLreV_w04qIAl5K3-JJ4VD9cm0L4YqN5bW6b8TdUj74NOwGghh9F81lcpnmqjTfwwTS2OdwtkwXoBUNF21iJaY/s1600/41104645008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyUD-iH-xbHpyyGd51GMhpER8z9HU-6JuG-iO1XO_bxCEOmgeaDbY8KLreV_w04qIAl5K3-JJ4VD9cm0L4YqN5bW6b8TdUj74NOwGghh9F81lcpnmqjTfwwTS2OdwtkwXoBUNF21iJaY/s320/41104645008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A charming accent piece to break up the "showroom ambience".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2o5BgFKfv99CBhbDdlElucjw_wvAUXewvmgw2IeoFr8bd_iO6Z0j0bZFMtFL90OAXD32Yklfyyyg3i06cGb4l5cksczd6iVazlvZd0Rb7Hw9212ecd3LeZce7EaH5jRoQhCjYRMuEssw/s1600/Large-brass-reclaimed-ships-cargo-light-stainless-steel-pendant-.-Trinity-Marine12-510x510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2o5BgFKfv99CBhbDdlElucjw_wvAUXewvmgw2IeoFr8bd_iO6Z0j0bZFMtFL90OAXD32Yklfyyyg3i06cGb4l5cksczd6iVazlvZd0Rb7Hw9212ecd3LeZce7EaH5jRoQhCjYRMuEssw/s320/Large-brass-reclaimed-ships-cargo-light-stainless-steel-pendant-.-Trinity-Marine12-510x510.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original (or imitation) ship lights are a MUST!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5jEn1xwIrpmoQ8pWEIa8MQzKPxTEdgVB51byWT-7EjU8sLYSSPl-dd5lLsy0PElrBv2s99Zb1Meo2ZmHCqXHnmSLQcrq7KV9mdhMQHzxu6nqPDErRjSzpTM8A2hNDp0CqEbayVecMiE/s1600/il_1140xN.2100170707_p7ig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5jEn1xwIrpmoQ8pWEIa8MQzKPxTEdgVB51byWT-7EjU8sLYSSPl-dd5lLsy0PElrBv2s99Zb1Meo2ZmHCqXHnmSLQcrq7KV9mdhMQHzxu6nqPDErRjSzpTM8A2hNDp0CqEbayVecMiE/s320/il_1140xN.2100170707_p7ig.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Possible side tables. Everything trellis goes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBJuTmj_ZpHRM1-toBvbL3BQDeYIHwyV7kYeOp3Qi1t2ItP49quH5O_6c3wzDFwO-qH36qVZms2cK8BMLM32AIz2yqLweoU5UUAydZ-w79UR8jefGoU8tj8TyGDSEwVT2Ng5rziy1LCU/s1600/il_fullxfull.1463469285_1eb2_1024x1024%25402x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="282" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBJuTmj_ZpHRM1-toBvbL3BQDeYIHwyV7kYeOp3Qi1t2ItP49quH5O_6c3wzDFwO-qH36qVZms2cK8BMLM32AIz2yqLweoU5UUAydZ-w79UR8jefGoU8tj8TyGDSEwVT2Ng5rziy1LCU/s400/il_fullxfull.1463469285_1eb2_1024x1024%25402x.jpg" width="321" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As does the most Timeless motif.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtu_Mn_j4zHVUYuijI02aIse8WKpSNoWDsOLyxxXBg46hRcKo-NXRUnjm29i-I8Q6UFIGQyWzk1a1kPtaFUFqrUiGcLdATfPVL847TKDW5ZdnwGJ3YfwqDVXeFmVDiHiMr2egHVzcn68/s1600/411643538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtu_Mn_j4zHVUYuijI02aIse8WKpSNoWDsOLyxxXBg46hRcKo-NXRUnjm29i-I8Q6UFIGQyWzk1a1kPtaFUFqrUiGcLdATfPVL847TKDW5ZdnwGJ3YfwqDVXeFmVDiHiMr2egHVzcn68/s320/411643538.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another nice accent chest of drawers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3e0hDfdNzOt5uazf3TSB2Bn0_QfRkH_phXnIjJHTs-sHh7XbwEbA7WR4XHb-2mxclmK8ep4I60BrycyvQzIpO8clczpyJpVfijM5BnasyOZ3s1rjj1RvhOCE1RhfwwP6yXvVV7EW5S94/s1600/IMG_9570-510x510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3e0hDfdNzOt5uazf3TSB2Bn0_QfRkH_phXnIjJHTs-sHh7XbwEbA7WR4XHb-2mxclmK8ep4I60BrycyvQzIpO8clczpyJpVfijM5BnasyOZ3s1rjj1RvhOCE1RhfwwP6yXvVV7EW5S94/s320/IMG_9570-510x510.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mirrors that mimic portholes are THE thing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBs5X-0KM962nQBHGdniDURDwHcXA_S2QxuqJj7KmYuvu2vi1M9esSVHod6Z7q0DfYKCRVLaccEJMAUoU2xH8rUNOsOpE0YhD26yQTZouoNb5m5PsV6pwjsyt3yVrYyvfYLP1LU2lKOPg/s1600/5822233_master.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBs5X-0KM962nQBHGdniDURDwHcXA_S2QxuqJj7KmYuvu2vi1M9esSVHod6Z7q0DfYKCRVLaccEJMAUoU2xH8rUNOsOpE0YhD26yQTZouoNb5m5PsV6pwjsyt3yVrYyvfYLP1LU2lKOPg/s320/5822233_master.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As I said before, chinoiserie goes well with Hampton's.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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My theory is that Hampton's style is so pleasant, because it, as long as "designers" haven't messed with it, reflects the necessities of coastal life. There is a lot of wet, wind and salt around. thick carpets (specifically not of the "fitted" variety) are unthinkable , it calls for slate or tiles and plain, flat-woven rugs. Clutter ought to be avoided for the same reason. There is a lot of light, simple structures and bright colours are called for. Imagine a mountain hut done up in that style and - yuck! - you'll see what I mean.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBfOUWLXDYwlrYzxB7Mzc44E9OKcj_2_KE3Qd_668Dj83IinkYsi3b8KpJXek9mtrDUfRgcmigp53gHSFWpO9Ww2nORkE-PZhVfGLxdTcDVWHtqHfQR8GehRI7Gddc8hRUfzzuFemheQ/s1600/Hemsby-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="913" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBfOUWLXDYwlrYzxB7Mzc44E9OKcj_2_KE3Qd_668Dj83IinkYsi3b8KpJXek9mtrDUfRgcmigp53gHSFWpO9Ww2nORkE-PZhVfGLxdTcDVWHtqHfQR8GehRI7Gddc8hRUfzzuFemheQ/s400/Hemsby-2.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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Sanderson's Hemsby pattern - another excellent potential "Hampton's" accessory - is part of their <a href="https://www.stylelibrary.com/shop/fabric/port-isaac-fabrics/">"Port Isaac range"</a> (you may know the Cornish village Port Isaac as "Portwenn" from the epochal ITV dramedy "Doc Martin").<br />
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And now we're in Cornwall, here we have the pared down, simple coastal styling of a Cornish holiday cottage in Mousehole. It may not be called "Hampton's style", but there's no doubt it IS.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9TmPrvz8bUMr46ewFTBON-Zh36PfQfmzhOc9ILgPCwi1W6bJoFwe0Ln4PWUQyKMihDtGZO-iwv_YdbnSP33IyHs-ZDxn3qt_G8m5uQ648blHGPug9fTIX6inLkMl1BqVILDgS99MTzo/s1600/coastal-cottage-mousehole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9TmPrvz8bUMr46ewFTBON-Zh36PfQfmzhOc9ILgPCwi1W6bJoFwe0Ln4PWUQyKMihDtGZO-iwv_YdbnSP33IyHs-ZDxn3qt_G8m5uQ648blHGPug9fTIX6inLkMl1BqVILDgS99MTzo/s400/coastal-cottage-mousehole.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QAF-zbmg5mODNDaWq5X-7lm-T7QWJFgmDWQbeWlL_rBkw13lW_zIpl0ZQQpR4xADB9r26684iHzMogDenqb-SUd4Nz8R6eDZb3tCzFyWxmBi6KvFhRs-D5EJL9tIgWmcMVNpClbLVsY/s1600/oyster-catcher-mousehole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QAF-zbmg5mODNDaWq5X-7lm-T7QWJFgmDWQbeWlL_rBkw13lW_zIpl0ZQQpR4xADB9r26684iHzMogDenqb-SUd4Nz8R6eDZb3tCzFyWxmBi6KvFhRs-D5EJL9tIgWmcMVNpClbLVsY/s400/oyster-catcher-mousehole.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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<br />
I rest my case.<br />
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The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-15907554055617403242020-04-28T12:24:00.007+02:002023-07-28T14:17:03.285+02:00The Evil Sibyl - Part One<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Because there is no end to the antics of "Meghan and Harry" (I might as well write about it later) I hereby re-post my blog entries about this, well, recent addition to the Royal Family, some additional information included. My point in doing so is that I am sure that everybody could have known "it".</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I don't consider myself smarter than others (in the American sense of the word - I DO, however, consider myself smarter in the English sense of the word than others*), so how could it happen?</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
What I did NOT expect, however, was the depth of depravity, shown by the disregard for Just-Call-me-Harry's very old grandparents, specifically during a global pandemic, and for the pandemic itself and the many people who have died from it and the millions who suffer under its conditions.<br />
* <span style="color: #999999;">[tongue-in-cheek alert for the slow]</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
So here it goes:</blockquote>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2019/04/a-cringe-making-soap-opera-revised.html">A Cringe-Making Soap Opera Revised</a></h3>
<br />
<a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-little-mole-and-prince-fairy-tale.html">As expected</a>, this royal wedding wasn't like other royal weddings. Royal weddings are never zeitgeisty, never political and they follow since time immemorial a strict protocol.<br />
<br />
This one didn't.<br />
<br />
Not only did it do away with thousand years of tradition, it pushed a political agenda. It pushed it, for example, through the sermon by a clownesque black Episcopalian pastor swaggering folksily about "social justice" or a Gospel Choir embracing "diversity" to round out the picture of a Black Pride pageant.<br />
<br />
Why? Because the bride is "black". As a matter of fact, she isn't any darker than most South Europeans. Her mother isn't all that "black" either. The daughter hasn't got any negroid features, her hair is straight. (Should she have straightened it or have work done on her nose, it would be a deplorable case of "cultural appropriation".)<br />
<br />
Thus (and not just in this case) the despicable "one drop" rule from the times of slavery comes back with a vengeance IF IT BENEFITS A SELF-IDENTIFIED MEMBER OF THE "MINORITY".<br />
<br />
If I were black, I mean REALLY black, I would be disgusted by such a shameless attention-seeking travesty.<br />
<br />
So far for politics, but there are other aspects as well.<br />
<br />
The times when a bride with a royal background used to be conditio sine qua non are long gone. The groom's great grandmother wasn't royalty, but the daughter of a high-ranking Scottish nobleman. (The royal family probably hoped they might hit the jackpot again with Lady Diana Spencer because she came from a similar background. Well, they didn't.) In the meantime, the Queen's youngest son and the one of her grandsons who may one day be king, married young women from the middle classes, her eldest son in second marriage a lady with an upper class background and it worked all out splendidly. Her second son married a young upper class woman with a past which did, somewhat predictably, NOT work out well. So why bother in this case at all? Everything can happen, can't it?<br />
<br />
Why? Because there are limits. The upper middle class Rhys-Joneses and the middle class Middletons were and are perfectly respectable people and Pa Middleton was a picture of dignity when he gave the future queen consort of England away. His good-natured calm and heartwarming pride not just during the wedding ceremony, but throughout the entire engagement, had made him a hero figure to fathers everywhere, and rightfully so... <br />
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but... THAT? But whatever, clever girl found a way to get rid of him.<br />
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<br />
One more aspect? Here it goes.<br />
<br />
The times when a virgin bride was expected at such events are over as well, last but not least, I suspect, because this particular scheme didn't, again in the case of Lady Diana Spencer, work out as hoped for the royals.<br />
<br />
But what SHOULD BE required, so I think, is at the very least a modicum of respectability. This bride has ridden the cock carousel for about 20 years, has jettisoned her first husband with utter ruthlessness, jettisoned the man she was cohabitating with once she'd met Harry, her lauded acting career consisted almost exclusively of a supporting role in a Canadian cable-TV soap opera.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxU_JqTGeA_YS62uBmxK38lXzSfrtmwN62ewNOJeSEgaS1DfqE9WI5nqczAb58WMS9CMFOSrGyjshM0Qsh8i5oPlTYQ0fE1jsnzQAu4saKWHhMn-HJu0MmNvF5006DPL7DnozAJyHa-Wk/s1600/Meghan-Markle-726949.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxU_JqTGeA_YS62uBmxK38lXzSfrtmwN62ewNOJeSEgaS1DfqE9WI5nqczAb58WMS9CMFOSrGyjshM0Qsh8i5oPlTYQ0fE1jsnzQAu4saKWHhMn-HJu0MmNvF5006DPL7DnozAJyHa-Wk/s1600/Meghan-Markle-726949.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The Daily Mail regales us with this juicy bit of morsel. I spare you the pictures:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4308208/Meghan-Markle-seen-performing-sex-act-CAR-90210.html">This one's a bit dirty, Harry!</a><br />
<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4308208/Meghan-Markle-seen-performing-sex-act-CAR-90210.html">... her latest role revelation might make the Royal family cringe, as it's been discovered that she once appeared in a very raunchy scene that saw her character getting caught performing oral sex on a high school hunk on 90210.</a></blockquote>
This is not, repeat NOT, royal material.<br />
<br />
But whatever, let the show begin. The bride first, the others in no particular order.<br />
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<br />
She wore Givenchy. Many predicted she'd wear something unconventional. Of course she wouldn't. She's a clever girl. A mid-6-figure price-tag was rumoured. For much less than a tenth of that she could have gotten something REALLY nice from one of the upmarket prêt-a-porter lines some of which I've outlined <a href="https://boesestilmutter.blogspot.com/2018/07/manner-bitte-wegkucken.html">here</a>. But, IF one wears a fitted dress, shouldn't it at least... fit?<br />
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While white isn't anymore, and as far as we know never was, a symbol of bridal pureness, the veil undoubtedly still is. How a divorced woman, not to mention her sleazy past, could get away with it, mystifies me. As a Catholic, the "giving away" bit is alien to me. The oh-so-misogynist and reactionary Catholics don't do it To them, man and woman both enter a marriage as equals and out of their free will. (I think, though, it's a nice gesture if father walks his daughter down the aisle - as opposed to "giving her away" - if the bride is very young and marries the first time.) The meaning behind is, that the bride at that point leaves her own and joins the groom's family, a pointless exercise if the bride is middle aged and divorced, and I haven't even started to dwell on this bride's "strong feminist views".<br />
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I'm honestly trying not to be unfair, catty or snide here, but I think this middle aged face under veil and tiara looks …incongruous, to put it politely - with or without the cutesy "shy Di" charade. THAT ship has sailed, Meghan.<br />
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Not even the Duchess of Windsor <a href="http://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2007/12/beautiful-people.html">in all her shame- and ruthlessness</a>, who was, by the way, 41 and thus only 5 years older than our bride when she married the Duke, went to that length. The dress was powder blue by the way.<br />
Oh yes! And all those moronic equations between the two women get my goat and increasingly so. They were respectively are, both American and both tarts, but that's where it begins and ends. The Duchess of Windsor at least had been no CHEAP tart. She had impeccable taste, knew her etiquette and came from a RESPECTABLE American family.<br />
I'd never thought I'd ever say anything nice about that woman.<br />
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Her Majesty the Queen looking dejected in one of those awful neon green outfits she sometimes chooses.<br />
Reportedly, she wears those colours to stand out in a crowd, however, it wouldn't have been necessary here.<br />
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The Prince of Wales with the MoB. If I weren't convinced that he is a nice man anyway, I would it now. How he looked after the MoB without the slightest trace of condescension was touching - the essence of good manners.<br />
MoB's dress and matching coat by Oscar de la Renta were very nice and appropriate and she accessorised it stylishly with a diamond nose-stud and dreadlocks. Well, what can one say. The usual argument is that "it's her heritage", which makes it worse.<br />
I may be wrong, and it didn't occur to me when I wrote this the first time, but I think her mother was mainly invited to lend some credibility to the thin "bi-racial" claim. Different from the bride, one couldn't confuse her with a Caucasian, although her skin isn't all that dark and certainly not "black".<br />
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The Duchess of Cornwall, classy and elegant as always in a splendid light pink and with her lovely pearls. (There is a reason for mature women to wear necklaces like that, not necessarily pearls, but I won't spill the beans.)<br />
She overdid it a bit with that hat, though.<br />
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The Duchess of Cambridge three weeks after the birth of her third child with little Princess Charlotte as one of the flower girls. Classy, picture perfect, yet unassuming as usual. She wore a dress in which she was seen twice before not to "upstage" the bride. THAT is class!<br />
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It is on the record that Duchess Catherine cried during the dress fitting for the flower girls, the reasons given for that vary. Some say that it was about tights (Markle wanted bare legs, the Duchess, in line with protocol, didn't. "What Meghan wants, Meghan gets." Guess who won?)<br />
The second, and most unlikely, reason given for the disagreement was skirt length. I doubt that this would have been a reason for crying.<br />
So what could make a seasoned royal known for keeping her composure at all times like the Duchess cry? Here we come to the third, and to me most likely, explanation. According to one source, Markle had voiced her opinion that little Charlotte wasn't "pretty enough" to be a bridesmaid. To me, it is the most credible version. Why?<br />
<ul>
<li>Firstly, I wouldn't put it past her.</li>
<li>Secondly, because tights and skirt lengths are no reason for a royal professional to cry, not even within the postnatal period. This one, as any mother of a girl would understand, would be.</li>
<li>Thirdly, because it is more than probable that Markle was apprehensive that much-adored darling little Charlotte might take - even if only a tiny fraction - of attention away from her.</li>
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The "theory" was met with a lot of dissent, as the little Princess is so "adorable". Indeed she is. With the obvious sprightliness and intelligence in her little face, she is one of the loveliest little girls I've ever seen. However, she isn't (thank God!) <a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2006/06/love-purity-and-joy.html">"JonBenet-Ramsey-pretty"</a>, something Americans seem so to adore.<br />
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But whatever, we haven't been there, so let's behind any guesswork and get back to facts.<br />
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Markle reportedly said that she wanted "only the best". Well, the unimaginative flower girl dresses looked care- and lovelessly put together without a trace of originality or freshness. The same applies to the, well, footwear.<br />
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This is how flower girls ought to look and I took that photo from the royal wedding 2011 just for convenience. There are much, much less "grand" weddings that follow the same line.<br />
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The general consensus about "tightgate" was that Markle was right. It WAS a warm day, after all, although I'm sure 20 denier tights would have solved the problem (AND saved the little girls from chafing their feet), but what I found REALLY amazing was the fact that it wasn't obviously too hot to squeeze the page boys into preposterous little copies of the heavy Blues and Royals uniforms the groom and his supporter (that's royal jargon for "best man") were wearing.</div>
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But there is another aspect, although it's a matter of taste. As etiquette expert William Hanson puts it: "Trousers are for older boys and men, whereas shorts on young boys is one of those silent class markers that we have in England. Although times are (slowly) changing, a pair of trousers on a young boy is considered quite middle class–quite suburban. And no self-respecting aristo or royal would want to be considered suburban", as I've outlined <a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2019/04/a-contemporary-definition-of-shocking.html">here<span style="color: #b00000;">.</span></a><br />
Honest to God, I always hated the pathetic dinky little suits they put on roughly 10 to 11 years old boys for their First Holy Communion in Germany, decades before I learned about Markle's existence.<br />
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<br />But then, nobody has ever accused us Germans of having good taste. <br />
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You may say now that the page boys at Princess Eugenie's wedding wore long trousers as well. They did, but it wasn't QUITE so bad because their outfit was clearly for children, not 1:1 copies of grown-up garb and the same applies to the page boy uniforms at the royal wedding 2011 seen above.<br />
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And to come to a close, here we can see how it ought to be, to wit at Pippa Middleton's wedding to James Matthews May 20, 2017. Trust the Middletons to never put a foot wrong and flower girls not to die from heat stroke wearing tights at a May wedding.<br />
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Just one more and rather unrelated remark. The Middletons are a remarkable family. Here we have two daughters, close in age, with one married to a future King of England and, to top it, noticeably prettier and more charismatic than her sister. So why is that remarkable? Because given the female nature it is well nigh incredible that no jealous bickering between the sisters is known. And, believe me, should there have been even a tiny whiff of it, the gutter media would have jumped on it like vultures on a carcass.<br />
During the course of my now long life I have never - NEVER - come across a family, where a sister (or cousin), more favourably graced by nature or fate had NOT been the victim of sororal jealousy.</p><p>I am adding this specific wedding guest <i>a posteriori</i> here, because she played, I am sure, an extraordinary and special role at this wedding.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqJNF9at-LgJX_CXeSbsMoJbLMYYV-519xl431DwGcd_aHo_BDxjkYAw5K-4gKF2JA-koJEMp9j2jOEzrw1yLrNoYHUvT3vtGn1j9uKZ9jJSMrM9X-aZhhnEkv8YWBGXXhru5Elg5s3k_u6Ymj2iqFK-k6daSQSroJ-LCw4dC_sK0f68lkqhJHiDr/s1920/fiona-shackleton-gettyimages-960658934.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqJNF9at-LgJX_CXeSbsMoJbLMYYV-519xl431DwGcd_aHo_BDxjkYAw5K-4gKF2JA-koJEMp9j2jOEzrw1yLrNoYHUvT3vtGn1j9uKZ9jJSMrM9X-aZhhnEkv8YWBGXXhru5Elg5s3k_u6Ymj2iqFK-k6daSQSroJ-LCw4dC_sK0f68lkqhJHiDr/s320/fiona-shackleton-gettyimages-960658934.webp" width="213" /></a></div><p>This is Fiona Shackleton, divorce lawyer extraordinaire (and the royal choice, representing the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York in their respective marriage separations). Baroness Shackleton. To quote her in <a href="https://www.tatler.com/article/best-divorce-lawyers-in-uk" rel="nofollow">TATLER</a>:<br /></p><blockquote> 'I am a lawyer, not a magician' says Baroness Shackleton; although with such an acclaimed track record, one cannot be sure. One woman was so impressed after encountering Shackleton when she was representing her husband in their divorce that she hired her next time around. The client said: 'I knew that if I ever got divorced again, I would want you on my side.' Because she cares ('You can't fake caring'). She's also reassuringly expensive ('I regard myself as a couture service') ... Known as ‘the steel magnolia’ thanks to her merciless legal aptitude and charm, she is the woman you want on your side. </blockquote><p></p><p>As Baroness Shackleton can't be a close friend of the Royals (which would be unethical - I have to contradict TATLER when it comes to that) and not known to be a wedding guest at any other royal nuptials, I am asking myself why she attended here. Well, what about: contrary to all the dumb err... uninformed media reports, <a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-little-mole-and-prince-fairy-tale.html" rel="nofollow">readers of my blog know that the couple DID have a pre-nuptial agreement</a>. What better way to hide (and enforce!) it than to dress up a top lawyer as wedding guest and confront Markle in the vestry with the paperwork just before the signing of the register?<br /><br />Apropos dressing up as a wedding guest... as this is a later addition to this blog entry and I had chosen the best dressed top three already (Amal Clooney, Lady Kitty Spencer and that lovely black Suits actress), Baroness Shackleton is starting <i>hors concours</i> here otherwise she would have outclassed the three younger woman.</p><p>You go Fiona!<br /></p>
But back to the rest of the wedding guests.<br />
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Let's start with - of course - the Middletons, as usual perfectly apropos to the occasion, dignified and unassuming - royal in-law-material as it ought to be in spite of "humble origins".<br />
They did bring up their children well. <br />
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Sister Pippa with new husband and a VERY nice dress (£495 from The Fold) that echoes the spring feeling. <br />
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The Princess Royal with her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence. Nobody would ever accuse her of being well dressed, but... <br />
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...it could have been worse, MUCH worse. (Picture from the Royal Wedding 2011).<br />
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The Clooneys, in fact in spite of all the media-hype the only REAL Hollywood-A-listers attending.<br />
That woman would look good in a potato sack, but here she got it SO right. That yellow dress by Stella McCartney is perfect in each and every aspect, colour, material, cut, style and she is one of the few women who got the hat size just right.<br /><br />
But George! GEORGE! Did nobody tell you that a gentleman never, NEVER wears matching tie and pocket handkerchief? And wasn't a royal wedding, however tacky, important enough to get morning dress? You look cheap and out of your depth in your ill-fitting lounge suit, not to mention the shoes which look bedraggled and unpolished.<br /><br />
In the meantime I've become a follower of the (so far unproven, but likely) theory that people (and even crowds - there ARE "hire-a-crowd"-organisations) were paid to show appreciation for the new member of the Royal Family. The bride was no Hollywood actress, no previous connection with the Clooneys is known, the Clooneys own a house not very far from this fancy gathering. WHO was paying them (should they have been paid) is open to speculation. But isn't, as her followers are fond of pointing out, the bride very rich in her own right?<br /><br />
Just sayin'.<br /><br />
Since the wedding, the Clooneys have turned out to be dedicated champions for the bride who, that has become clear by now, hadn't been on their radar before. Can somebody spell "social climber"? <br />
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This is <strike>the Michelin Man in a condom</strike> Oprah Winfrey in Stella McCartney. Words fail me at least about that outfit.<br /><br />
Like with the Clooneys, there is no previous relationship with the bride on the records.<br />
However, it seems that she and the groom get on since the wedding like a house on fire, as they are making a<a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/10/entertainment/prince-harry-oprah-winfrey-mental-health-tv-series-intl-scli-gbr/index.html"> </a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/are%20making%20a%20documentary%20series%20about%20mental%20health">documentary series about mental health</a> together.<br /><br />On her eponymous talk show Winfrey routinely endorsed faux science and fake spiritual hucksters. In 2006, she commended one of the most anti-intellectual products of the decade: a book and video called "The Secret", which promises that anyone can have anything they want as long as they visualize it. It went on to sell 20 million copies internationally. In March 2013, Oprah's Next Chapter, Season 2, Episode 116, aired a televised show titled "John of God". Oprah travelled to Brazil to meet and talk to cult leader João Teixeira de Faria. In December 2018, Faria was accused of sexual abuse, rape and paedophilia by more than 200 women. After the allegations became public, Oprah deleted the interviews from her site and released a note stating that she hopes justice will be served.<br /><br />
Logic, reason and empathy don’t guide that woman, money does.<br /><br />
Another step this eminent family takes downward from royal- to celebrity status.<br /><br />
Good luck Your Royal Highness.<br /><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">Post-factum observation: That the couple invited Hollywood "A-listers" they'd never met before to their wedding lends credibility to the theory, that they'd planned their ill-fated escape to Los Angeles right from the start.</span><br />
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Here we have the lovely Lady Kitty Spencer, cousin to the groom, who came in my book a short second to Amal Clooney dress- and lookwise, in <span class="st">Dolce & Gabbana</span>. I specifically like that the accessories pick up the colour of the flowers.<br /><br />
Maybe Amal comes just a tad more unselfconsciously elegant across than Lady Kitty.<br />
(No idea who the baleful-looking thang with scraggy hair in the obviously home-crocheted horror is. Besides, ankle straps are unspeakably common.)<br />
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Lady Jane Fellowes née Spencer, aunt to Lady Kitty and the groom, reading at the service. She wears a <a href="http://www.shibumistyle.com/en/r1139-nehru-coat-in-duck-egg_cashmere---paris-boutique.html">Shibumi Nehru Coat in Duck Egg</a>.<br />
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Emilie Van Cutsem (first row, second from the right), widow of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_van_Cutsem">Hugh van Cutsem</a>, wears a <a href="http://www.shibumistyle.com/en/r979-delphine-coat-in-flame_raw-silk.html">Shibumi Delphine Coat in Flame</a>. The lovely Shibumi pieces are in a three-figure price range.<br /><br />
The van Cutsem family are long-standing friends of the Prince of Wales and his sons. Mrs. van Cutsem's sons William and Nicholas are godfather to Prince George and Prince Louis respectively. The van Cutsems are Roman Catholics.<br />
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Earl Spencer, who hasn't aged well something that often happens to serial adulterers, with a VERY self-consciously elegant version of the caped crusader or Cruella De Vil, i.e. the third Countess Spencer in a boringly monochromatic custom Pamella Roland outfit as his armpiece and a daft-looking matching tie round his neck.<br />
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Sir John Major, who HAS aged well, with his wife Dame Norma.<br /><br />
Sir John, whose father was a Music Hall tight-rope walker, was the only politician invited, because he was appointed special guardian of Prince William and Harry after their mother's death.<br /><br />
The couple couldn't have turned out better. Another prime example of how "little people" (which used to be the epithet for them when John Major came into office) can sometimes outshine their "betters".<br />
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I don't know who that is, but I sometimes feel a burqa isn't ALL bad. Keep her away from the buffet or she might spontaneously combust!<br />
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Serena Williams and husband.<br /><br />
And no, dear co-commentator, her "fitted Versace dress with the gathered detail at the waist", did NOT give her an "hourglass shape". It highlighted her enormous mammilae and natibus, which made me ask myself how she lugs them across Wimbledon court. As a tennis expert put it: "Things I'd rather do than watch Serena Williams play: A. Drink Bleach B. Take a bullet C. Lose all of my limbs."<br />
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The stylish and beautiful Cressida Bonas (29), <a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-little-mole-and-prince-fairy-tale.html">former girlfriend of the groom</a>, wore a fully bespoke cotton dress made by hand in the EPONINE Atelier in South Kensington.<br />
SHOULD her intention have been, which I can't believe as she is in a totally different league, to upstage the bride, she did it successfully and in the most classy and reserved way and that's why she gets a second picture.<br />
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The Beckhams. Victoria wears her usual pout and one of her own creations. I like the latter. It's modern yet chic and classy. She got a lot of flak because of both, the pout and the dress, although some other women wore dark blue as well. I've got a lot of time for that woman because she comes across as competent as businesswoman as well as as wife and mother, AND because she isn't the kissy-huggy-type who craves for approval. AND because she has been married to the same man for donkey's years now, whilst living in the scumbag world of "celebrities". <br />
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But, dear David, you committed the mortal sin to wear your pocket handkerchief in a straight line on top. That's a BIG no no, even though Prince Philip wears it that way! <i>Quod licet Iovi, non licet bovi.</i><br />
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This is some polo player whose name I didn't catch. He is wearing a quarter pint of salad oil in his coiffure and an ill-fitting double breasted (DOUBLE BREASTED! YUCK!) lounge suit. Maybe he couldn't find a buyer for that pony so he couldn't afford morning dress. His tie is tied crookedly and he's committing the same mortal sin as David Beckham with his pocket handkerchief. His armpiece either wears a nightdress or the bedroom curtains.<br />
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I had to look up who that is. It's a disc jockey called Idris Elba who didn't seem to have funds for morning dress either. Maybe he needed a new turntable. However, different from the case above, his entire lounge suit outfit is impeccable and his partner's Gucci accoutrement, accessories included, very nice, albeit a bit "wintry" for a spring wedding.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjebOE8rIw_msgJ8S-pNCCunUo2SxDxmhgwcQFY0mPLaJYBmOIX0DwIWH8q1PzHC6UGpi3L9pJwI1idSLE_2Dvjtx7BpbtLYppbC7lAjwmeWsZlVYg7YoVOLtWsrxQvJJs7EDje3LiY4/s1600/royal-wedding-2018-Best-Dressed-Guests-thekit.ca-Gina-Torres.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="460" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjebOE8rIw_msgJ8S-pNCCunUo2SxDxmhgwcQFY0mPLaJYBmOIX0DwIWH8q1PzHC6UGpi3L9pJwI1idSLE_2Dvjtx7BpbtLYppbC7lAjwmeWsZlVYg7YoVOLtWsrxQvJJs7EDje3LiY4/s400/royal-wedding-2018-Best-Dressed-Guests-thekit.ca-Gina-Torres.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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Somebody from Suits (I guess). Unconventional and striking. Nice smile, lovely dress in very becoming colours, well cut and with just the right skirt length. Third place after Amal Clooney and Kitty Spencer as far as I'm concerned.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQg5B9cuo-h23-2sxfyTUNQAM4iyqvw76Ljha6zUXx97uR1kXugruYgilb8etC2RR1k-cG9nQcbuo98kUFOgo1gIhhtbMuYRE2umXOk13Wazo8P4LePNpMZWPznomekkw0D6EFeQd__tU/s1600/royal-wedding-2018-Best-Dressed-Guests-thekit.ca-Jacinda-Barrett-Gabriel-Macht.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="460" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQg5B9cuo-h23-2sxfyTUNQAM4iyqvw76Ljha6zUXx97uR1kXugruYgilb8etC2RR1k-cG9nQcbuo98kUFOgo1gIhhtbMuYRE2umXOk13Wazo8P4LePNpMZWPznomekkw0D6EFeQd__tU/s640/royal-wedding-2018-Best-Dressed-Guests-thekit.ca-Jacinda-Barrett-Gabriel-Macht.jpg" width="362" /></a></div>
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Again no idea who that is, so I guess they're from the Suits cast as well. His vague approximation of morning dress is almost - on second thoughts, no, REALLY - endearing, and she must be admired for finding a way to show her tits whilst wearing a high-necked dress. The bordeaux cloth, cleverly partnered with black accessories, is jolly and exudes spring vibes.<br />
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I went deliberately for a photo IN church, so that nobody could say: "But surely she covered herself up during the service." Words fail me. (I looked it up, that's an English television personality whose name I refuse to remember and that happens when royalty mix with <strike>scum</strike> celebrities.)<br />
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After that, even Sarah, Duchess of York comes across as personable and dignified in a navy suit dress with pink piping by Emma Louise Design, a Windsor based designer, which would be very nice if worn by somebody else, no matter who, even the stable cat.<br />
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Well, what can one say? Maybe they wished to have at least SOME old queen crying at the wedding.<br />
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Here we have Tom Inskip, Prince Harry's former trusted and ultra-loyal "wingman" since their time at Eton together with his wife, The Honourable Lara Hughes-Young. What a lovely redhead! However, her dress, whilst perfectly correct in general, is boring, even drab and not what one would expect at a royal wedding. It is reported that "Skippy" has been frozen out by Harry at Markle's request and the couple wasn't invited to the evening "do" at Frogmore House. However, the two got their own back. Whilst most people would bend over backwards to have a prince as godfather for their child, Harry wasn't asked when their son was born in May 2020. Hat off to the Inskips!<br />
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The much overlooked Countess of Wessex, absolutely perfect in every respect in her satin weave skirt with embroidered grey top by Suzannah with a matching Jane Taylor hat. It was a bit difficult to find a picture. I guess because she isn't within the "glamorous" league anymore and not vulgar.<br />
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Zara, Mrs. Michael Tindall, the Queen's pretty granddaughter, with her rugger star husband Mike a couple of days before the birth of her second child. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlPXfDYyBAOoPtDKgYwQRcLOs1Rml8RQwfUlN5dHz05-UZsrawRCM_O8zmQZ4p-NsBmY2q6wqo0UMp6VSEMKF9PDgT9KMbKyKXLDtixstrXVFWUrHDPXIjGQQa6KGYMGhb5gmsPe0DHc/s1600/zara.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="214" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlPXfDYyBAOoPtDKgYwQRcLOs1Rml8RQwfUlN5dHz05-UZsrawRCM_O8zmQZ4p-NsBmY2q6wqo0UMp6VSEMKF9PDgT9KMbKyKXLDtixstrXVFWUrHDPXIjGQQa6KGYMGhb5gmsPe0DHc/s400/zara.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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Nobody would her, like her mother, accuse of being particularly well dressed, however, her hilariously funny account of the wedding in the <a href="https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/728368/Meghan-Markle-Prince-Harry-Zara-Tindall-Royal-news-wedding-Princess-Anne">Daily Star</a> beats that of all other attendees hands down. To summarise, Zara Tindall didn't enjoy the wedding, because she was uncomfortable, and she was, she said, particularly unimpressed with the Episcopalian bishop, even admitted she couldn’t wait for the sermon to end. "I think my face was probably caught at the point when I thought: 'Right, he's going to finish now', and then he went off on another little story, and it was like, 'Really'?" Explaining how the seats weren't very wide, the heavily expecting mother added: "My bum sort of slid over either side and Lena [the baby] kicked the hell out of me for an hour. It just wasn't comfy at all and it probably showed on my face." <br />
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Zara is, like her mother used to be 40 years ago, one of the best three-day-event-riders of her generation. She runs a professional eventing stable and is, again like her mother, a thoroughly tough cookie.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWwqKQ9pz1mMI6EuX2X4F6-2nmF8HZPxmMiKUaX6sSDRl9uQc-ADWfgpoyz1NAbLseQV70x8QkFKjxw4Sl-HQhwZbvbFbzY9e6mS4skgK3kJ0k_n2F0903LKWyTw07ooDY-OUzM0anWo/s1600/Screenshot+%2528713%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="476" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWwqKQ9pz1mMI6EuX2X4F6-2nmF8HZPxmMiKUaX6sSDRl9uQc-ADWfgpoyz1NAbLseQV70x8QkFKjxw4Sl-HQhwZbvbFbzY9e6mS4skgK3kJ0k_n2F0903LKWyTw07ooDY-OUzM0anWo/s320/Screenshot+%2528713%2529.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here she is, the mother, on the Queen's Goodwill, at Badminton Horse Trials 1973. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bkY6w-AEOoFTLGsPVNda-6V4b6Ncr2c05yB7X9WxpqlMCUZEnU9mNKOkumaJInRv0PugZvJNyFnJzz7yg6uxvSiRVkQeLqjxLxRuIE0Aa4vbIUkiVrgWLtOtutTk0yNIV72b4C9v4Ck/s1600/zara.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="649" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bkY6w-AEOoFTLGsPVNda-6V4b6Ncr2c05yB7X9WxpqlMCUZEnU9mNKOkumaJInRv0PugZvJNyFnJzz7yg6uxvSiRVkQeLqjxLxRuIE0Aa4vbIUkiVrgWLtOtutTk0yNIV72b4C9v4Ck/s400/zara.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p>
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At her own wedding, Zara wore an indeed lovely <b>off-the-peg</b> ivory silk dress designed by Stewart Parvin.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXtM5I7ZuJCIWRVHG1YavJeFsOKrt7_FBirbTS6v7lcV9WiIRDpfU_G8_16GJH1U6Os9PskhVD-9U4bepCr5YqT7G2vtPVDpMEky5eUiAhGASeRL3M7Xh-CJUAVjWjFQGJ3fa1AM3ADjMIfQJ0qKgSknK4lxy_TLnM3rSEZPuDvBOwHRUSenqbx3N/s932/IMG_1152.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="615" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXtM5I7ZuJCIWRVHG1YavJeFsOKrt7_FBirbTS6v7lcV9WiIRDpfU_G8_16GJH1U6Os9PskhVD-9U4bepCr5YqT7G2vtPVDpMEky5eUiAhGASeRL3M7Xh-CJUAVjWjFQGJ3fa1AM3ADjMIfQJ0qKgSknK4lxy_TLnM3rSEZPuDvBOwHRUSenqbx3N/s320/IMG_1152.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMHan1cnvn0iie_cTpaj4HRhBh7hPAEwnZWZsbXQcL5UphVm1T9A_UK0l09Il2EkX8_u4FRTDRgX_1JuJaqWWpdGFavXW4to_hcmDe2lcN08XG2rlYyN1zQ6unxhG28csS8EHYloofwBs8aeTRbtZ8kx-97aswsMpud9kCmfsjvo8Wylf38eIxrt1/s642/IMG_1159.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="634" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMHan1cnvn0iie_cTpaj4HRhBh7hPAEwnZWZsbXQcL5UphVm1T9A_UK0l09Il2EkX8_u4FRTDRgX_1JuJaqWWpdGFavXW4to_hcmDe2lcN08XG2rlYyN1zQ6unxhG28csS8EHYloofwBs8aeTRbtZ8kx-97aswsMpud9kCmfsjvo8Wylf38eIxrt1/s320/IMG_1159.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><p>Natalia Grosvenor, the Duchess of Westminster (as her son is not married yet, so yes, she still is the Duchess, not the Dowager), with her daughters. The Duchess is one of Prince William's godmothers. I refuse unwaveringly to find out what they are wearing here.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexViPHuTqKq6iBnH5SI1Rg1Kp4kp-4kp-cVjoJ4l98Wawoj-hL3s_jaHj9PBLrb-uKL3wi8WZxTGQMjqknoKkPyhbuoDSb2RuMcp2TI61aaQdcJwvWQ90s8GM3R7QcOUc0hPaCdE3GqsVJhbGH8tmIjIS2DxpAPV6UOhrUcNQrtPboc1N_hkUnQko/s1324/hughgrosvenor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1324" data-original-width="1324" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexViPHuTqKq6iBnH5SI1Rg1Kp4kp-4kp-cVjoJ4l98Wawoj-hL3s_jaHj9PBLrb-uKL3wi8WZxTGQMjqknoKkPyhbuoDSb2RuMcp2TI61aaQdcJwvWQ90s8GM3R7QcOUc0hPaCdE3GqsVJhbGH8tmIjIS2DxpAPV6UOhrUcNQrtPboc1N_hkUnQko/s320/hughgrosvenor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />And to do that family justice, here is a picture of her son Hugh Grosvenor. The young Duke is one of Prince George's godfathers and a runner up to a young Prince William in the "Most Handsome Male Models Stakes".<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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No, dear glossy magazine gutter scum, this is NOT Sofia Wellesley, the grand-daughter of the 8th Duke of Wellington, with some singer as her armpiece, this is James Blunt, an officer, gentleman and close friend of the groom who happens to be a singer now with his armpiece and wife Sofia Wellesley.<br /> <br />
Her Red Valentino dress isn't exactly butt ugly, but with its textured macramé-embroidery it looks like something to survive a harsh winter in and wow - DO I hate the coy Peter-Pan collar. Some idiot fashion commentator (a tautology if I've ever seen one) said: "This look is very sophisticated... she gets it just right for a spring wedding." Yep! For a spring wedding in Siberia.<br />
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Above the Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie of York with their father The Duke of York. Eugenie in a bespoke Jackie-Kennedy-esque dress by Gainsbourg and pillbox hat to match, her sister went in the opposite direction with a bespoke turquoise Roksanda Viola dress with billowing transparent sleeves and a hundredweight of little beads.<br />
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Nobody will ever accuse them of being well dressed either, although it could have been much, much, worse if you look at the above picture from the royal wedding 2011.<br />
Point made and that's it. Targeting those girls would be shooting sitting ducks. I'll save my snide remarks for the Hollywood exhibits.<br />
<br />
Some more fashion commentator idiocy?<br />
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When Meghan's friends arrived there was a definite sense that here were some ladies who meant business.<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">[You bet your arse they did.]</span><br />
<br />
With their bold tailoring and confident struts there was an unmistakeable non-Britishness going on.<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">[I guess one can put it like that. Good that somebody noticed.]</span><br />
<br />
"I loved all the American glamour-zons <span style="color: #666666;">[Gosh, how embarrassingly punny!]</span>, who showed up. They were just so much better groomed than everyone else."<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">[Words fail me.] </span><br />
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Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra wore a pale lavender Vivienne Westwood skirt and blazer and Suits star Abigail Spencer [left, NO relation] stood out in her forties-inspired polka dot tea dress.<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">[The one on the right looks like another Michelin Man in a condom with an overflowing icecream cone on top, the one on the left looks at least not vulgar, just ridiculous. (Notice the ankle straps, the very epitome of vulgarity.)] </span><br />
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"Abigail Spencer looked just divine in her Alessandra Rich dress... Polka dots never go out of style, and she just nailed the look."<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">[Yep! As the divine Schoolmarm Goddess of Frumpyness.]</span><br />
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Predictably, the media gushed about all this but virtually nobody seemed to notice that particularly the royal family, maybe with the exception of the Duchess of Cornwall, markedly dressed down. The men, apart from the Duke of Cambridge as best man and the groom, didn't wear uniform, the Prince of Wales' morning dress was of the variant where all parts (coat, waistcoat and trousers) are of the same colour and material, which is considered less formal.<br /><br />
Her Majesty wore nothing she wouldn't have worn at any less formal event, the Duchess of Cambridge wore a thrice-recycled outfit.<br />
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Another marked difference at this wedding had been … THAT:<br />
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Neither red nor blue for this bride. I hadn't noticed it. Cordial thanks go to the <a href="https://bananabaroness.home.blog/">Banana Baroness</a> blogger! <br />
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Apart from members of the Spencer family, the Grosvernors and Sofia Wellesley, I haven't spotted many entries from Burke's Peerage or Debrett's, but maybe that is because the glossy magazine gutter press was too busy covering the antics of the Hollywood dregs to notice some boring, fuddyduddy old gentlepeople.<br />
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To stress my point, here is a video of the wedding of the Duke of York to Sarah Ferguson at Westminster Abbey [sic!] in London 1986. As fourth in line at that time there wasn't a higher probability of Prince Andrew inheriting the throne than in the case of Prince Harry, who is sixth. However, the difference in the staging of the two weddings is stunning. Just a few glimpses at this almost three hour video ought to be enough.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/By_ch5CrlJ0" width="480"></iframe><br />
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As an aside, I was amazed how likeable and genuine the young Sarah Ferguson comes across in an interview early in the video. But that's an upper class young lady for you, who hasn't attended "acting school", whatever hash she may have made later of her marriage.<br />
The other marked difference, and this must be obvious to everybody with functioning eyesight, was, that for Sarah it was all about her man.<br />
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This part of the guest list from Wikipedia is interesting as well. Granted, Prince Andrew is the son of the Monarch, Prince Harry the grandson, the difference is still stunning.<br />
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<br />
But back to our latest wedding, glossy magazine gutter press and showbizz dregs.<br />
There was much brouhaha about all the Hollywood A-listers attending. I'm not "into" this sort of entertainment anymore, so I may be wrong, but apart from George Clooney I didn't spot any A-listers and I'm not into "celebrities" generally, but according to many comments in the social media, it seems that there is no credible previous connection between the bride and Oprah Winfrey either. I am wondering now, how many of those superfluisms (I made that word up not to decline to vulgarities) had been paid to attend.<br />
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There are, as far as I can make out, two British "leading etiquette experts" of ubiquitous media presence. None of them seems to find, apart from little details like, for example, "Meghan's" style to wave at the public (it has got room for improvement) anything objectionable about the latest addition to the royal family. One even had the nerve to gush over her "adorable giggle" (yes, that of a woman fast approaching 40) and that, of all things, just after he had appreciatively mentioned in the previous sentence that she went to, yes, "acting school". Maybe they couldn't, in their professional capacity, dare to be more censorious, but somebody please explain men to me.<br />
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Why all this could take place at all I have discussed <a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-little-mole-and-prince-fairy-tale.html">here</a> already.<br />
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Now, after the fact, I'm additionally asking myself why it could happen in the way it did. Did the royal family fear that their name would be mud had they not submitted to every whim and fancy of the bride-to-be? After all, the accusation of "racism" has become, whether justified or not, a razor sharp tool in the hand of the proverbial ape, i.e. the judgemental politically correct public and media.<br />
<br />
When all is said and done, it seems that the more traditionally minded part of the public does NOT seem to be so enamoured with all this (at the peril of being accused of racism). I wonder whether the Royal Family have chosen their side wisely.<br />
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Is this really all that important? Let the gutter media lie about how wonderful the wedding had been, how heart warming and "inclusive" the service, what mega-important people had been there, how glamorously even the most vulgar obese old trout had been turned out. Why not, after all?<br />
<br />
Well, I'm afraid all this is part of a larger picture. Looking at it with dispassionate eyes, it seems to be of rather secondary importance whom and under what circumstances the nth in line to the British throne marries. But as a spectacle like this finds huge public attention worldwide and because people are dumb, gullible and in search for a vicarious life, it IS interesting how such an event is handled by an increasingly manipulative, politically correct and "progressive" media that sees itself (maybe not even always consciously - here we have the dreaded "zeitgeist" again) more and more on the social-justice-warrior-side and not on the side of someone whose job it is - to report.<br />
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This gushing approval of everything that goes against tradition, established, proven and tested values, dignity, common decency and good taste, THAT is the frightening bit.The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-90486204598495370442020-01-28T12:27:00.000+01:002020-06-21T09:54:34.692+02:00Melvyn Hayes and "It Ain't Half Hot, Mum"<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-weight: normal;">(You will probably notice that there are still a few pictures missing, a deficiency that will be put right as soon as time and technology allow.)</span></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">A Nostalgic Look Back to More Ingenuous Times</span></h3>
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Only the Brits, and specifically the writing duo Perry&Croft had been able to make a sitcom with a side-splittingly funny character like "Gloria Beaumont", who is at the same time poignant, touching, stirring and deeply moving.<br />
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The man behind "Gloria" was Melvyn Hayes.<br />
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The sitcom is It Ain't Half Hot, Mum, a BBC production about a Royal Artillery concert party, set in Deolali, India and later in the jungle of Burma, during the last months of the Second World War. It was written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, who had both served in similar roles in real life. It was first broadcast on BBC 1 between 1974 and 1981 in eight series totalling 56 episodes. Each episode ran for 30 minutes.<br />
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The title comes from the first episode in which young Gunner Parkins (Christopher Mitchell) writes home to his mother in England.<br />
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"Gloria" (we never learn his real first name) is a heavily effeminate actor (he considers himself the only "real artiste" among the bunch) who revels in wearing women's clothes. His favourite dame is Ginger Rogers.<br />
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It is at no point of the show implied that "Gloria" is homosexual. He is instead a classic example of a drag queen. Media accounts, stating that the show is "full of homoerotic innuendoes" are simply not true. All the other young men, most of them butch, some even hunky, are deeply embarrassed by having to wear drag, a point from which the show draws a lot of its hilarity. The troupe treat "Gloria" like a little sister, and indeed his effeminate act is that of a little girl, not that of a sexually aware woman, which makes it all the more endearing. When he gets complimented for his performance - usually by the officers - he responds with girlish coquetry and delight or sulks and pouts.<br />
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I believe the episode <b>"Ticket to Blighty"</b> carried the intention to clarify the matter about "Gloria's" sexuality once and for all. To get the "ticket" out of the army and home,"Gloria" pretends that he believes to be a woman and will thus hopefully be considered "psychological unfit for service", a euphemism, of course, for "homosexual". He resents the thought, but getting the "ticket" is more important.<br />
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The performance of Melvyn Hayes here is so incredibly, side-splittingly, hilariously, oddball-ish, freaky-ish funny, that I simply HAVE to ask you to watch the entire episode. It has a surprising end, but I won't spill the beans.<kbd></kbd><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9BlnPlgxIu4" width="459"></iframe><br />
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The other star of this episode is the indomitable Mavis Pugh (who was in real life married to John "Gunner Graham" Clegg) as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auxiliary_Territorial_Service">ATS</a> Chief Commander (Lt. Colonel) who disciplines her "gals" with an iron fist.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oimMUNzpuOhjBjJMKvqWE4Xx9J4cPIXUC5OjyLki6NihQ8XEAlOOFMvI533U-RT-C4zXnXm-HYFMwbBaYGe6O_vGiaBm0cL92-I32l8ifm9Nj2CEk7F83oSVPZvcRCEXd6AFCvns6Gk/s1600/Screenshot+%2528201%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="477" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oimMUNzpuOhjBjJMKvqWE4Xx9J4cPIXUC5OjyLki6NihQ8XEAlOOFMvI533U-RT-C4zXnXm-HYFMwbBaYGe6O_vGiaBm0cL92-I32l8ifm9Nj2CEk7F83oSVPZvcRCEXd6AFCvns6Gk/s400/Screenshot+%2528201%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"My gals are settling in nicely."</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> "Good heavens! What on earth are THEY? Rejects? Keep them away from my gals! I've quite enough to worry with the normal men." When she sees the troupe performing their "physical training".</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> "I'll report you to Madam, my commanding officer!" When the BSM calls him once again a "tart".</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ac0NydH1bIzHAeRA6_kGuYqr5c4Mjom84JHi-H6n1Q6Sy8_9H-D1FYiTvvzFmobWJy3x7PFHh8j85ilirbhGf20YEQgsElKFFEdxjZSn9JVMb550LdvAokFSXUuDXtS8OLUSuESJ9SA/s1600/Screenshot+%2528222%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="489" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ac0NydH1bIzHAeRA6_kGuYqr5c4Mjom84JHi-H6n1Q6Sy8_9H-D1FYiTvvzFmobWJy3x7PFHh8j85ilirbhGf20YEQgsElKFFEdxjZSn9JVMb550LdvAokFSXUuDXtS8OLUSuESJ9SA/s400/Screenshot+%2528222%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Too much lipstick! And you are not wearing a brazière!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOsjQV_NLxrUHKrrnpT7xjRAU1vOLU24qIY_gWj7EQPnsKT9bNR0fbHp22NmHMuYZvFdpWsdEBSEwSQKKxjDmpwXnxq42CdpxZsvS7qewZSi6nRiyNv7496MtlFG1nrM9jU39YoqLl2g/s1600/Screenshot+%2528227%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="482" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOsjQV_NLxrUHKrrnpT7xjRAU1vOLU24qIY_gWj7EQPnsKT9bNR0fbHp22NmHMuYZvFdpWsdEBSEwSQKKxjDmpwXnxq42CdpxZsvS7qewZSi6nRiyNv7496MtlFG1nrM9jU39YoqLl2g/s400/Screenshot+%2528227%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You savage! You simian brute! You're an animal!" (To the hapless BSM who tried to get the bombardier out of the ATS and into his regular uniform.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-XCdrdSSBeV_kQDBJz8gifKqepeIBpU9_GG37dcBYu8GxxKYA9fS_lR1mZq0OaBnhWZhbLl2ENPZPEUtKqSRHND_Bhh4FkQqAHwIEk9i-e6coc9dlTuh8iI22IvxZdUIyuDL8hwettI/s1600/Screenshot+%2528229%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="501" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-XCdrdSSBeV_kQDBJz8gifKqepeIBpU9_GG37dcBYu8GxxKYA9fS_lR1mZq0OaBnhWZhbLl2ENPZPEUtKqSRHND_Bhh4FkQqAHwIEk9i-e6coc9dlTuh8iI22IvxZdUIyuDL8hwettI/s400/Screenshot+%2528229%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"He wants me to wear MEN'S CLOTHES!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKy4Y7Zxr0TDNUN6U9doe3xm5enuq51NhaR773to3h4u7bxbHl_NdTujOUxQYbtu1rTK2QmxJH_hwgvBmt8fL_HMvEfw46MfSdVkg_x-79UjDGkkaQXOczQNrxnUObFjH_HOSSY2jZQgo/s1600/Screenshot+%2528232%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="496" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKy4Y7Zxr0TDNUN6U9doe3xm5enuq51NhaR773to3h4u7bxbHl_NdTujOUxQYbtu1rTK2QmxJH_hwgvBmt8fL_HMvEfw46MfSdVkg_x-79UjDGkkaQXOczQNrxnUObFjH_HOSSY2jZQgo/s400/Screenshot+%2528232%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"How disgusting! To think I put my arms around a MAN! And a common soldier at that!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcmsgyjcEHxLZW0FkH9P-wCM_GQvnblyHdm9I2oTEdYomiGpXOhdMb9GDxnB0OA-WVXIdC2psohl3iKryZUx3L3AcJhDhFxkpMbTZtWktDW3FtU8rU4U9MhyphenhyphenVPTfw_HhmZ9SmpJ-NUGg/s1600/PDVD_037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="576" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcmsgyjcEHxLZW0FkH9P-wCM_GQvnblyHdm9I2oTEdYomiGpXOhdMb9GDxnB0OA-WVXIdC2psohl3iKryZUx3L3AcJhDhFxkpMbTZtWktDW3FtU8rU4U9MhyphenhyphenVPTfw_HhmZ9SmpJ-NUGg/s400/PDVD_037.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Later, Mavis Pugh played the part of Lady Lavender in Perry&Croft's comedy You Rang, M'Lord, the mother in law of the eponymous lord. Another class act, this time as a stubborn old lady who isn't quite as gaga as people think she is.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Melvyn Hayes once said: “Playing Gloria all those years meant some people assumed I was gay. If anyone asked me if I was a homosexual I’d say ‘Ask one of my six children!’”<br />
<br />
He had never performed in a similar role before. Melvyn recalls: "David Croft said early on, 'You're playing this very camp.' I said, 'My character is called Gloria and I'm wearing a dress. How else should I play it?'"<br />
<br />
He did it with sheer and undiluted genius.<br />
<br />
The premise of the series is that the troupe's nemesis, Battery Sergeant Major Williams, is constantly threatening them with posting to the front line because he is ashamed of being Sergeant Major to "a bunch of poofs", which drives the humour of the series from the very first episode. In the opening credits, the Sergeant Major is standing watching the men perform and one can clearly see him mouthing the offensive word. It will make a regular occurrence and is one of the reasons why the series isn't re-run anymore.<br />
<br />
Maybe It Ain't Half Hot, Mum plays even more heavily on class distinctions and tensions as most British sitcoms do anyway.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">The cast:</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JyKxSnOiySAc5E3Qpg61pzqWYJImMGqkd2b9GPwTwZTjxY7UwMT9vL435oGzV1adU9VBSipK-rf60GLwMJ7TlIKmCRY2aKUFPLyZ0sVlX-sLjAMrQLYLcZaeGB3-MjkwpeHHJt1QQK8/s1600/556c03f5648faf066bd3bb79e948e5d6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="599" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JyKxSnOiySAc5E3Qpg61pzqWYJImMGqkd2b9GPwTwZTjxY7UwMT9vL435oGzV1adU9VBSipK-rf60GLwMJ7TlIKmCRY2aKUFPLyZ0sVlX-sLjAMrQLYLcZaeGB3-MjkwpeHHJt1QQK8/s400/556c03f5648faf066bd3bb79e948e5d6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Front row (sitting) LTR:<br />
<b>Char Wallah Muhammad (Dino Shafeek)</b><br />
Muhammad walks around the camp all day, selling cakes and tea from his urn. We also hear him sing the "musical interruptions" between the scenes, which are mostly contemporary popular hits, accompanied by a sitar. At the close of the end credits he starts to sing "Land of Hope and Glory" only to be interrupted by the Sergeant Major shouting "SHUT UP!!!"<br />
<br />
<b>Bearer Rangi Ram (Michael Bates).</b><br />
Rangi Ram is the concert party's native bearer and effectively the lead character of the series. Rangi is a lovable but devious individual, who can often manipulate the situation for his own ends (usually money). He always speaks of himself as "us British" and of the other Indians as "damn natives". The Sergeant Major shouts at him more than at anyone else, but Rangi bears it with equanimity, the more as he is also the one the Sergeant Major confides in when he wants to talk about problems (which Rangi, although always sworn to secrecy under the threat of a faith worse than death, invariably and immediately shares with Muhammad and the Punkah Wallah). Rangi is the only character to "break the fourth wall" and often regales the audience with a tongue-in-cheek "old Hindu proverb" at the end of the episode, mocking British silliness. He disappears without mention after series 5 due to the death of Michael Bates.<br />
<br />
<b>Punkah Wallah Rumzan (Barbar Bhatti).</b><br />
Rumzan the punkah wallah always sits outside the battery office, pulling a string that is attached to a large fan indoors. He comments on everything in Urdu, and always adds a few words in English at the end. Rangi often tells him to "sit up straight while you are punkah-ing" and not to "be such Clever Dickie". He is far more intelligent than the others give him credit, and much of what he observes early on is often borne out in the end, but no-one notices. He disappears after Series 7 without mention.<br />
<br />
The Indian camp staff are always subtly and tongue-in-cheek-ish taking the mickey out of their British "superiors". From time to time they have to muck in with the show,<br />
<br />
Second row (sitting and standing) LTR:<br />
<b>Gunner "Atlas" Mackintosh (Stuart McGugan)</b><br />
"Atlas" Mackintosh does the strong man act in the show, which involves tearing telephone directories in half and bending iron bars. He is rather short-tempered, especially when Beaumont calls him a "great, big, butch, hairy haggis". He is the one with the strongest male pheromones and speaks with a broad Scottish accent.<br />
<br />
<b>Gunner "Lofty" Willy Sugden (Don Estelle)</b><br />
Gunner Sugden is the tiny, rotund, timid lead singer of the concert party usually seen in an old-fashioned pith helmet. He has an angelic tenor voice which even the Sergeant Major cannot resist when he sings. Unfortunately, he is always picked out by the Sergeant Major as a "volunteer" when there is a particularly nasty or dangerous task to be carried out, which he touchingly bears with his own brand of quiet dignity. When all is said and done, he is the pluckiest of the whole bunch as well as a deep-down-decent guy. Like "Gloria", another character as tragic as funny and Don Estelle lends it amazing depth. Surprisingly, Lofty is on his third marriage.<br />
<br />
<b>Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Reynolds (Donald Hewlett)</b><br />
Lieutenant-Colonel Reynolds is the most senior officer in charge of the concert party and enjoys their shows immensely. He thinks army life in Asia is very hard, and, whilst he isn't a coward, all he does is sit around sipping pink gin and dining with the elite. He is having an affair with the wife of a fellow officer. He is a stereotypical British Army Officer, very stiff upper lip, prim and proper. He treats Captain Ashwood with mild contempt because the latter hasn't been to public school and lives in a part of London (Richmond) Reynolds considers inferior. Ashwood's utter stupidity often infuriates him, but he is basically goodnatured and tries at all costs to avoid losing the easy life he has. Reynolds is a solicitor in civilian life.<br />
<br />
<b>Captain Jonathan Tarquin Ashwood (Michael Knowles)</b><br />
Captain Ashwood is an even bigger fan of the concert party, especially when they dress up as girls. He is very, very stupid, and often unknowingly ruins other people's plans, especially the Sergeant Major's. He has absolutely no military bearing, mindset or knowledge, which makes it easy for the Sergeant Major and the others to manipulate him into using his authority to achieve their own ends. Like Colonel Reynolds, he isn't a coward either, although probably too stupid to be one. Ashwood is exceptionally devoted to his wife, Fiona, seriously disgusted by what he perceives as sexual libertinage and a keen gardener.<br />
<br />
<b>Bombardier "Gloria" Beaumont (Melvyn Hayes)</b><br />
<br />
Back row (standing) LTR:<br />
<b>Gunner "Nobby" Clark (Kenneth MacDonald)</b><br />
Gunner Clark does a whistling act and bird impersonations in the show and plays the banjo. He is goodlooking, soft-spoken, goodnatured, likeable and a bit stupid.<br />
<br />
<b>Gunner "Nosher" Evans (Mike Kinsey)</b><br />
"Nosher" does a rather awful paper tearing act. He is always eating something, resulting in spraying the contents of his mouth all around him when he speaks (usually about "grub") which annoys his comrades and which the Indian camp staff have to sweep away.<br />
<br />
<b>Gunner "Paderewski" Jonathan Graham (John Clegg)</b><br />
Gunner Graham is the concert party's pianist. His appearance - bald and bespectacled - marks him out as a stereotypical boffin. He is an Oxbridge man, has a degree in English literature and comes from a "good family". He speaks with a very upper-class accent, which sometimes irritates the officers because they think it's not befitting for an enlisted man or that he may be mocking them. This is, too, why the Sergeant Major always sneeringly repeats what he says (which makes him wince) as well as addressing him as Mister La-De-Dah Gunner Graham. The others (even the Sergeant Major and the officers) often rely on his intelligence to get them out of awkward situations, which he often does.<br />
<br />
<b>Battery Sergeant Major Tudor Bryn Williams (Windsor Davies)</b><br />
The Sergeant Major is the only real, professional soldier among the concert party and its officers. He is bigoted in his views, making every effort to bully the Indian camp staff and reminds everyone of British supremacy in Asia. He has only one goal in life: to get his soldiers posted up the jungle and into action. He is disgusted seeing his soldiers prance about on the stage wearing dresses and make-up and frequently calls them a "bunch of poofs". Consequently, he dislikes all members of the concert party, apart from Parkins, whom he believes to be his son because he had had a fling with the latter's mother. He treats him much better than he treats the others, and keeps telling him - to Parkins' intense embarrassment - that he has "a fine pair of shoulders". The Sergeant Major is a true professional, not at all dumb and genuinely brave.<br />
<br />
<b>Gunner "Parky" Nigel Parkins (Christopher Mitchell)</b><br />
"Parky" is the youngest member of the concert party and has tried everything to become part of them, including being a ventriloquist, comedian, and singer, although he is very clumsy and stupid and never does anything right. Parkins is not Williams' son, but when the rest of the concert party discover what the Sergeant Major believes, Parkins is welcomed, as the Sergeant Major would then want to stop them being sent to the frontlines. However, Parkins is also genuinely liked by his comrades because of his good nature and helpfulness. He is the only one to volunteer for dangerous assignments, which the Sergeant Major always manages to nip in the bud by ridiculous excuses and to Parkins' disgust.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Premium award for the funniest line in the series: </span></h3>
In the episode <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voY-QoEjOgw">"Forbidden Fruits"</a></b> "the stuff they put into the men's [and the officer's] tea" has run out. Sexual frustration is rampant. Captain Ashwood, ever the devoted husband, tries to write to his wife and to cool himself down, empties a glass of water in his face.<br />
Enter Mrs. Waddilove-Evans having kicked the Punkah Wallah for "slouching".<br />
Mrs. Waddilove-Evans is the wife of Major Waddilove-Evans and Colonel Reynold's ghastly, libidinous (or, to put it more bluntly, oversexed) adulterous love interest and, I presume, a cartoon version of the British army wife in India.<br />
Ashwood introduces himself.<br />
Mrs. Waddilove-Evans: "Yes, I've seen you with the Colonel."<br />
Captain Ashwood: "How do you do."<br />
Mrs. Waddilove-Evans: "You're awfully wet."<br />
Captain Ashwood: "People always telling me that. It's just the way I am."<br />
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Michael Knowles (I admit I have a "thing" for him) with his tall, slim figure, his finely chiseled patrician features and his dark red hair comes across as the epitome of the British upper class gentleman. All the more funny are his parts as the proverbial upper class twit. In You Rang, M'Lord?, a later Perry&Croft sitcom, he got an even better opportunity to show his talent as The Honourable Teddy Meldrum, the eponymous Lord's totally useless and vain younger brother. Different from the part of Captain Ashwood, this one has an element of tragedy and "The Honourable Teddy" is one of the few in the series who comes out as a winner in the end, when he finally defies all confinements of his class, marries the servant girl he loves, instead of the overripe heiress his brother tried to foist on him and gets a job. <br />
(I may write about YRM later.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kdGsKICMBwqxdg6yFC1mSCQfmukqQBTpjB9Ud1us0d8LgLntBiUAl0vqh8dJq_dnycoIhZ9f8V_LfrGLdWTwN-KhhdOG8xuIqArAOrzKaBrbYjLgLp85hwoCqJ5kn0827eK6-YZEoiU/s1600/PDVD_280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="576" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kdGsKICMBwqxdg6yFC1mSCQfmukqQBTpjB9Ud1us0d8LgLntBiUAl0vqh8dJq_dnycoIhZ9f8V_LfrGLdWTwN-KhhdOG8xuIqArAOrzKaBrbYjLgLp85hwoCqJ5kn0827eK6-YZEoiU/s400/PDVD_280.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Straw hat and dinner jacket - the foppish Teddy's ultimate gesture of defiance in the face of his class.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Other highlights:</span></h3>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uqvJpXIORV4" width="459"></iframe><br />
<br />
When the Sergeant Major learns in <b>"The Grand Illusion"</b> about Gunner Beaumont's promotion to bombardier, he flips his lid. Apart from his choice of words, his over-forceful efforts to introduce an element of masculinity into his soldiers is not in line with modern military ethics either, another politically incorrect black mark on the show's record.<br />
<br />
In fact, the boys ("Gloria", ever the little girl, begging them for comfort and protection in dangerous situations) are always quite brave in the series and know how to handle their guns if the necessity occurs. They just want to live through the war in relative comfort and safety, precisely that what most young men would do in their place.<br />
<br />
The only, and self-admitted, real coward among them is Bombardier Beaumont. "I'm only a li'l boy! I don't wanna die!" (This is even more funny, because Melvyn Hayes was with over 40 considerably older than most of the other cast.) He is extremely squeamish, always bellyaches as verbosely as shrilly about the roughness, heat, "creepy-crawlies" and mosquitoes of army life in India, is prone to Oscar-worthy tantrums, bouts of shrieking hysterics and he faints frequently, sometimes as a means to his ends. His usual explanation is, that he considers himself "a sensitive artiste".<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/susYm-fdZq4" width="459"></iframe><br />
<br />
"Never has I seen such a display of blatant poofery", clip from the episode <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voY-QoEjOgw">"Forbidden Fruits"</a></b> where "the stuff they put into the men's tea" runs out. Sexual frustration is rampant, so are aggressions. <br />
<br />
<b>"Gloria's Finest Hour"</b> may not be the very best of the series, but it's certainly the most interesting one when it comes to Melvyn Hayes' performance. By a bump on the head "Gloria" is turned temporarily from an effeminate wimp into a bloodthirsty killer machine and - and this is the really baffling bit - Melvyn Hayes pulls it off with the same credibility he lends "Gloria".<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/x6vu7rl" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
Just watch it from 14:55 and remember that "Gloria" got a bump on his head, that's all one needs to know<br />
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The camp has run out of food because a Japanese mortar emplacement is blocking supply deliveries. After Bombardier Beaumont, as he insists to be referred to now, has enforced his authority over the troupe by shooting at them with an automatic weapon, he convinces the reluctant Sergeant Major to cover his back during a single-handed raid on the Japanese post where he intends "to strangle the Japs with his bare hands".<br />
<br />
And here it gets almost spooky. Body language, facial expression, voice, elocution style have all changed. It's as if we are watching a different person altogether (which, in a way, we are) and it isn't at all funny, just awesome.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9sMoW2w4ksIKXcD3IekX_mW5cCqx__ROPYG4K1xYWZPTGpC0vBsG74GDp6RX1OEENOtOBalwN92ziiKxQApZ5Sax2tJHoAlb95fLk0zL5kyUPUqRjdF_AN02KybOMdRRRlrWdkol9eg/s1600/Screenshot+%2528140%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="367" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9sMoW2w4ksIKXcD3IekX_mW5cCqx__ROPYG4K1xYWZPTGpC0vBsG74GDp6RX1OEENOtOBalwN92ziiKxQApZ5Sax2tJHoAlb95fLk0zL5kyUPUqRjdF_AN02KybOMdRRRlrWdkol9eg/s400/Screenshot+%2528140%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4PG32_hmIQoYORedkWt4E7_dNsmvKC8kH0_WBu3YKF6B_pxN6cqh9yJBW6StXatjX_V5nTKe8k9-xw7_CIWKE3JuM7MKT6LSOLYHJcaNPP-Jzm5gBwcdmkY3sFLBQC9NH_g3gDNlbhE/s1600/Screenshot+%2528142%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="365" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4PG32_hmIQoYORedkWt4E7_dNsmvKC8kH0_WBu3YKF6B_pxN6cqh9yJBW6StXatjX_V5nTKe8k9-xw7_CIWKE3JuM7MKT6LSOLYHJcaNPP-Jzm5gBwcdmkY3sFLBQC9NH_g3gDNlbhE/s400/Screenshot+%2528142%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlG53lGAoWJ5cKereKiGdBatSp6K13wCTrTiqyytUI4v3WHhfCbvZDganb_0_i-dwC15oumgXritoQYyYTKbODMc7ywjgb46bgiPRxS9t1kH7buufLW5DLpxE-SQu_fSPoz8fQmy7G9Q/s1600/Screenshot+%2528147%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="375" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlG53lGAoWJ5cKereKiGdBatSp6K13wCTrTiqyytUI4v3WHhfCbvZDganb_0_i-dwC15oumgXritoQYyYTKbODMc7ywjgb46bgiPRxS9t1kH7buufLW5DLpxE-SQu_fSPoz8fQmy7G9Q/s400/Screenshot+%2528147%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You nasty little pervert" he calls an unlucky Lofty after the latter has, to soften him up, suggested that, as Beaumont has confirmed that he will never wear women's clothes again, they could reverse roles in their Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler act.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOPL4Mosim9igYl4UqfVS_D96YNCwFrL8Qn69tttb3QQNs5zQdj5tYtbHZfY5bLKNc07J2XQmA6he7589dps4fDpcGMsQic0QMQ5yMeBqIcaOpjnKzEkiN8_Gwnc7QtoC01X2aK_lT0w/s1600/Screenshot+%2528157%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="279" data-original-width="375" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOPL4Mosim9igYl4UqfVS_D96YNCwFrL8Qn69tttb3QQNs5zQdj5tYtbHZfY5bLKNc07J2XQmA6he7589dps4fDpcGMsQic0QMQ5yMeBqIcaOpjnKzEkiN8_Gwnc7QtoC01X2aK_lT0w/s400/Screenshot+%2528157%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sergeant Major is at first bemused when asked to cover Bombardier Beaumont's back during a single-handed raid on the Japanese post, where he (the Bombardier) intends "to strangle the Japs with his bare hands", but he finally complies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdVRvbPcwHZ2OSaEpoZ-XFZ0xrhyphenhyphen7KDnbjW7yhT7NSAyntUMEXRJl-IB4lEXoSeIww4RV-t6jQV35dqL58kzs06f4HWA1-nOOj63F4yy1r6ZUCU5yQEuPjL1cz_OfAaAOFDFAjaQ3Tok/s1600/Screenshot+%2528159%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="377" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdVRvbPcwHZ2OSaEpoZ-XFZ0xrhyphenhyphen7KDnbjW7yhT7NSAyntUMEXRJl-IB4lEXoSeIww4RV-t6jQV35dqL58kzs06f4HWA1-nOOj63F4yy1r6ZUCU5yQEuPjL1cz_OfAaAOFDFAjaQ3Tok/s400/Screenshot+%2528159%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way they encounter a cobra. Williams is, understandably, shit-scared. The Bombardier...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGD16QB9U5o3J4cSsGz7uAYjwQV65_iJCsxURRtQzjrHTpzf2E9Zno-nr_3mdJI2iqNveWnnYwwi44hpk36VbZ5UFuqfARoQkxIteRx5WHPkLWOKHfn7d1ygYNdX6EcnQ1CwQrbkwfZo/s1600/Screenshot+%2528161%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="375" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGD16QB9U5o3J4cSsGz7uAYjwQV65_iJCsxURRtQzjrHTpzf2E9Zno-nr_3mdJI2iqNveWnnYwwi44hpk36VbZ5UFuqfARoQkxIteRx5WHPkLWOKHfn7d1ygYNdX6EcnQ1CwQrbkwfZo/s400/Screenshot+%2528161%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...is going "to strangle it with his bare hands", which...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgGwWjN6wCMG2rmwCKVKLMn5_jpHUD87xItJgcRDYzcuTMxDuWysIvSF6T7qB2lRzUo57U7MT2_smMAFpdFwTpgttW4DGY-MW6yTxQm8IlBnEyRGCB8-GXyRnBaZXtv_pfIGXMfaoyx8/s1600/Screenshot+%2528166%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="380" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgGwWjN6wCMG2rmwCKVKLMn5_jpHUD87xItJgcRDYzcuTMxDuWysIvSF6T7qB2lRzUo57U7MT2_smMAFpdFwTpgttW4DGY-MW6yTxQm8IlBnEyRGCB8-GXyRnBaZXtv_pfIGXMfaoyx8/s400/Screenshot+%2528166%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...indeed he does and then bites it behind its head to kill it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Z4Cbm9s31KbQylaWkZD4NtfapK1sHpVJ35EutntThPQovHDNEU3ydHpNoIWGYqY0HjNeO6GXYk4qU9Kc9Dm8Nj0EvbiLm3xDNF3NcxTEvp3HAKrjooocDx1FZKZr7RTkUKI6ycaAIys/s1600/Screenshot+%2528168%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="379" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Z4Cbm9s31KbQylaWkZD4NtfapK1sHpVJ35EutntThPQovHDNEU3ydHpNoIWGYqY0HjNeO6GXYk4qU9Kc9Dm8Nj0EvbiLm3xDNF3NcxTEvp3HAKrjooocDx1FZKZr7RTkUKI6ycaAIys/s400/Screenshot+%2528168%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They raid the Japanese post and then... (watch the video).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSBrypv9fvMx3AKinNRk0q8XThcxExdskuY8UJo6axGa4h1Ple_FI-cNkzu0VivsygJZ8Ke3cneOZDQ3fBO28RoNaFootMqbEpIZL5cofdCqrpbq3D2Q5hbAWhL_RYuVM1-7Kz1Oy5g0/s1600/Screenshot+%2528171%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="380" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSBrypv9fvMx3AKinNRk0q8XThcxExdskuY8UJo6axGa4h1Ple_FI-cNkzu0VivsygJZ8Ke3cneOZDQ3fBO28RoNaFootMqbEpIZL5cofdCqrpbq3D2Q5hbAWhL_RYuVM1-7Kz1Oy5g0/s400/Screenshot+%2528171%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When they learn that they've been recommended for the Victoria Cross...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQP8kLaH3rgSPpZh_yTssU5noshLkvaHLAq_qq0SIPkG5aU4QSgMBZ-VsncY76bOBWPP-PiyX57HyOMR9JXM0ojIlhzz2JQ7f8iHE9yY69GAL9w753dkK9TrXf7tTdEuw43kxs6ITssA/s1600/Screenshot+%2528176%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="442" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQP8kLaH3rgSPpZh_yTssU5noshLkvaHLAq_qq0SIPkG5aU4QSgMBZ-VsncY76bOBWPP-PiyX57HyOMR9JXM0ojIlhzz2JQ7f8iHE9yY69GAL9w753dkK9TrXf7tTdEuw43kxs6ITssA/s400/Screenshot+%2528176%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...which they are not getting. However, they are mentioned in dispatches and get the Oak Leaf Spray.<br />
"Bombardier Beaumont, you proved to us that you are a man. With unwavering resolve and iron courage."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1sg0BvRxkYYLIDWQt-yxwj4UiNrbZhO52rjuyAtgo28eaP0f3VBYusq68vFv_fG1C4pZs9abVD1XRQfQ4lst0WKNQ79A6Cm95Y-0Lr2226UoQdiS-_BIb6qyg-_DU6SDzOiWTEptmIE/s1600/Screenshot+%2528180%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="375" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1sg0BvRxkYYLIDWQt-yxwj4UiNrbZhO52rjuyAtgo28eaP0f3VBYusq68vFv_fG1C4pZs9abVD1XRQfQ4lst0WKNQ79A6Cm95Y-0Lr2226UoQdiS-_BIb6qyg-_DU6SDzOiWTEptmIE/s400/Screenshot+%2528180%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ow! You pricked me! That hurt!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGNcF7ty78dzhABDHbD40GCKPJzaZRRm_4cYccU1T5onRF6530GqwHinUJEY4k3HEHAzDfZOy8qnlU5uqdZpyG4G9o_Sy2qbM9txOrDwTlF4a9NGdrBD_UMuZ-u2PG6UjluNahfv7HgM/s1600/Screenshot+%2528181%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="376" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGNcF7ty78dzhABDHbD40GCKPJzaZRRm_4cYccU1T5onRF6530GqwHinUJEY4k3HEHAzDfZOy8qnlU5uqdZpyG4G9o_Sy2qbM9txOrDwTlF4a9NGdrBD_UMuZ-u2PG6UjluNahfv7HgM/s400/Screenshot+%2528181%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How dare you... I can't stand the sight of blood!" he berates a somewhat bemused Brigadier.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="376" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWOrgIrXFlefQ1J8rNvqP2xnT0ekh7rWr6jzMJIvmh49w1I2hCvVfY3n1lW8gIiWpPhVb3G4AnvukrVeXj3aEQRA1iGbTk40WWGPW1r8KIqXz3B687rRAHexkcZwnT30lTJg25B3ztso/s400/Screenshot+%2528183%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Gloria" is back. All's well that ends well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In the episode <b>"Class of 1945"</b>, the men encourage the Battery Sergeant Major to apply for an officer's commission to get rid of him. He does so, but fears all the social burdens that come with it, as he had been invited to a dinner with Reynolds, Ashwood and a Brigadier. The officers, snobbish to the core, clearly expect, even hope, that Williams will fail the "test" and embarrass himself, while Gunner Graham gives him etiquette lessons.<br />
In the end, we see a wonderfully humane Brigadier and two officers who come out as the asses they are.<br />
It's one of the few moments, the Sergeant Major comes across as vulnerable and touching.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8KnLkPJ9vCY" width="459"></iframe><br />
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<br />
The episode <b>"The Superstar"</b> is remarkable for quite a few more touching moments. We see a Beaumont, who gives up his one only real chance of stardom for the sake of poor little Lofty and a Rangi who has for once shed all deviousness. It was the second last episode in which Michael Bates starred. He died not much more than a month after the episode was aired. I may imagine it, but I think it's worth having a look at his eyes when he persuades Beaumont to give up his career prospect to save Lofty's happiness and maybe his life.<br />
<br />
<b>"Lead Kindly Light"</b> regales us with the funniest stage performance of the entire series.<br />
For once, the Sergeant Major has a reason NOT to have the concert party disbanded and for that he has to divert the attention of a nauseatingly sanctimonious army chaplain from one of the juicier numbers.<br />
He has to hold up the padre until the troupe has changed for a more chaste performance.<br />
What does he do?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8A-sNtJGCBMTVTyQ29N_rtEb5gs768vMzbnWgvJ6CGx_pWg-L7Z4G-A38rgBXa7yadOKyJ3EyI1_VCLk64nttsmBjGTervHovvdE7hX6bJ1izR0b1Kb5Cw1gKVahLEx3HNUU8HedZtg/s1600/Screenshot+%2528243%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="484" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8A-sNtJGCBMTVTyQ29N_rtEb5gs768vMzbnWgvJ6CGx_pWg-L7Z4G-A38rgBXa7yadOKyJ3EyI1_VCLk64nttsmBjGTervHovvdE7hX6bJ1izR0b1Kb5Cw1gKVahLEx3HNUU8HedZtg/s400/Screenshot+%2528243%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Lah-LnwZdaJjTaYYEZkEJMGBVnaNx3n3KzFBVP02G9aLqI4pyrRLGLKwbXbCiCtryqzfxv9rce_k48a-z3xLJ0nKHmpqKwCzYlNNEqeCljfwpFx6WalyqSj0J9m7Sk7fPsj5nLBHz5s/s1600/Screenshot+%2528245%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="476" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Lah-LnwZdaJjTaYYEZkEJMGBVnaNx3n3KzFBVP02G9aLqI4pyrRLGLKwbXbCiCtryqzfxv9rce_k48a-z3xLJ0nKHmpqKwCzYlNNEqeCljfwpFx6WalyqSj0J9m7Sk7fPsj5nLBHz5s/s400/Screenshot+%2528245%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hallelujah! I've seen the Light!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhao1SmYPTt2H-slBjABPr59dzyVxEb2aL82jvqpyOPz8NmrygL7vX9qPTOc8X2TrgRbbiys0aIlYLilWkHz4JBnGBNqji_DzVi5zqkF7v4BdH3ECdpOluSrEyR0Bda3dRop7ptkVbeq24/s1600/Screenshot+%2528246%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="489" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhao1SmYPTt2H-slBjABPr59dzyVxEb2aL82jvqpyOPz8NmrygL7vX9qPTOc8X2TrgRbbiys0aIlYLilWkHz4JBnGBNqji_DzVi5zqkF7v4BdH3ECdpOluSrEyR0Bda3dRop7ptkVbeq24/s400/Screenshot+%2528246%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">♪ ♫ ♪ "MY EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY OF THE COMING OF THE LORD" ♪ ♫ ♪</td></tr>
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And then he insist on confessing all his sins starting at age 6.<br />
In the meantime, the boys are ready.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHEcDAuTFIjnLRnZSgQvQVnsgSqSbEu4WFX_tM_SK6ViyNV-UTT6IhDAuFRVnGXw6YJ8FRaQN6A42TVf0tbhARsPoTXl3-PU3eXklpOTKMdwa6vNzi6y_lNcsycIx8n7vNjF0JS32l88/s1600/Screenshot+%2528255%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="485" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHEcDAuTFIjnLRnZSgQvQVnsgSqSbEu4WFX_tM_SK6ViyNV-UTT6IhDAuFRVnGXw6YJ8FRaQN6A42TVf0tbhARsPoTXl3-PU3eXklpOTKMdwa6vNzi6y_lNcsycIx8n7vNjF0JS32l88/s400/Screenshot+%2528255%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lofty's rendition of Schubert's "Ave Maria" is heartwarming...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6DmoRfU5RuGE6llaoTH7QqyXfQnfV72oCniSIW8L9GgWRvdqCgpnTtXFmRnrIFsvuQddpwoAL6st-xG1hLkCbww5FKVWx-j5WJaP098aLMhSfoZy3_bPeSmvafFiZwK_CdYGiziiQJI/s1600/Screenshot+%2528261%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="482" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6DmoRfU5RuGE6llaoTH7QqyXfQnfV72oCniSIW8L9GgWRvdqCgpnTtXFmRnrIFsvuQddpwoAL6st-xG1hLkCbww5FKVWx-j5WJaP098aLMhSfoZy3_bPeSmvafFiZwK_CdYGiziiQJI/s400/Screenshot+%2528261%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...less so his "chorus".</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkHSSeMvxxgOYf9jnw_iJi3q4BFMQzIzOk4R8jXEaBpiMfTT31_MQNrbMkqZmi1kkmpTZH64-szkSEb_E4go-m555kCIJdLkv4YYol3RkJ12ucMiIReut7BPHC_SpnpjUZmDlBR4MPtg/s1600/Screenshot+%2528265%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="497" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkHSSeMvxxgOYf9jnw_iJi3q4BFMQzIzOk4R8jXEaBpiMfTT31_MQNrbMkqZmi1kkmpTZH64-szkSEb_E4go-m555kCIJdLkv4YYol3RkJ12ucMiIReut7BPHC_SpnpjUZmDlBR4MPtg/s400/Screenshot+%2528265%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nobby.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8cfDdhlBfHV1jGK4NM3a68niGTxY1pdyul3Qv0ySgUC8KxuKteNYpa5PSO4W2ugfZBwTXli6dD12gBA9o7Dr3SkVHM4Rt6ePS4pbTecV2tGvq4Rhd9dyBMs9hZN74Ojzh8VUUGxpqT0/s1600/Screenshot+%2528267%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="491" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8cfDdhlBfHV1jGK4NM3a68niGTxY1pdyul3Qv0ySgUC8KxuKteNYpa5PSO4W2ugfZBwTXli6dD12gBA9o7Dr3SkVHM4Rt6ePS4pbTecV2tGvq4Rhd9dyBMs9hZN74Ojzh8VUUGxpqT0/s400/Screenshot+%2528267%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gloria.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaOI5xn93NZGpm1D8O8RMdynKabI_jkJgnigx2nVwkj_bCCICZUUxdZSG_eHlYtsh8j20Pl345Qk53s_LGilIS6jJT2o6aTGP1uyerqTaZR6wqW_8IdfOiRhH0yW5rd2T1XCgBxd9sCk/s1600/Screenshot+%2528268%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="488" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaOI5xn93NZGpm1D8O8RMdynKabI_jkJgnigx2nVwkj_bCCICZUUxdZSG_eHlYtsh8j20Pl345Qk53s_LGilIS6jJT2o6aTGP1uyerqTaZR6wqW_8IdfOiRhH0yW5rd2T1XCgBxd9sCk/s400/Screenshot+%2528268%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nosher.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8ep0LSxCxNm9oprWnAPQjRlghmAiVvYov-lTVrZtaE4NQPoDHTe5cL60S_9-UDInH5emR5N2YlmTpdzE9qCqM8Y1MmCxOMMzyxNfapKi8rbwQQf2CHsgZ4v3yDTFILhJ4P1Jih7uhco/s1600/Screenshot+%2528266%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="491" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8ep0LSxCxNm9oprWnAPQjRlghmAiVvYov-lTVrZtaE4NQPoDHTe5cL60S_9-UDInH5emR5N2YlmTpdzE9qCqM8Y1MmCxOMMzyxNfapKi8rbwQQf2CHsgZ4v3yDTFILhJ4P1Jih7uhco/s400/Screenshot+%2528266%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even Mohammed has to muck in. He doesn't seem to have any religious scruples.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnu3Nnp3Jpgdin2lbRsATwOzHP86zaAO1joMrqbAgbybqLUKHCnJ4H5bGsLXfcoE03QRigCyYJFoRPNFjhGrRWJJ6gz_3T3XtwTqFRAasch2pxKguu47Kauws8MMGFu-mrDfnT55rLPs/s1600/Screenshot+%2528256%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="489" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnu3Nnp3Jpgdin2lbRsATwOzHP86zaAO1joMrqbAgbybqLUKHCnJ4H5bGsLXfcoE03QRigCyYJFoRPNFjhGrRWJJ6gz_3T3XtwTqFRAasch2pxKguu47Kauws8MMGFu-mrDfnT55rLPs/s400/Screenshot+%2528256%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The padre is most delighted by the wholesome, innocent fun. Than he is ushered away...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxUUKhXxQchGwWwcTDgIGwcTgU2Vf5jwjEz44OMfHa70XYWzmvdaFMq0-Nb5UOZIXPU-NatSM_MfFJiP6Qa2xrVUvshAwSUvqObOTC5L-ViMD_xEJFU3t6Erw23b0SBGFABjfRS9sfSs/s1600/Screenshot+%2528272%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="489" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxUUKhXxQchGwWwcTDgIGwcTgU2Vf5jwjEz44OMfHa70XYWzmvdaFMq0-Nb5UOZIXPU-NatSM_MfFJiP6Qa2xrVUvshAwSUvqObOTC5L-ViMD_xEJFU3t6Erw23b0SBGFABjfRS9sfSs/s400/Screenshot+%2528272%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and the scene changes, from Schubert's "Ave Maria"...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqiW6Mb3vxxP9a85t-GemVqaei_Y_tIh3AGOijM2iFvxKdiTcQsNiIXvolDNQpPcjx2IXiLU7QybUrncoMWcGdB7AYOLeaZZzDhTW3APncUgOBY74EqMh1DuXfI0mQg3B3iyXAVvZJQg/s1600/Screenshot+%2528273%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="493" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqiW6Mb3vxxP9a85t-GemVqaei_Y_tIh3AGOijM2iFvxKdiTcQsNiIXvolDNQpPcjx2IXiLU7QybUrncoMWcGdB7AYOLeaZZzDhTW3APncUgOBY74EqMh1DuXfI0mQg3B3iyXAVvZJQg/s400/Screenshot+%2528273%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2HRD3nHoxAnSn-dBgyUejVKU996TcvQ6N-AbBCMx22YP36_BNW2-2uAW0Rsk9TeftsgVq6o4Wpqkw3yGtMZFLBFzmlWObWp02AvgPrt6oJTBJ9UkcK43daQZvetkuA-q7qcfe8ymL6o/s1600/Screenshot+%2528275%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="494" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2HRD3nHoxAnSn-dBgyUejVKU996TcvQ6N-AbBCMx22YP36_BNW2-2uAW0Rsk9TeftsgVq6o4Wpqkw3yGtMZFLBFzmlWObWp02AvgPrt6oJTBJ9UkcK43daQZvetkuA-q7qcfe8ymL6o/s400/Screenshot+%2528275%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... to "Infernal Galop" from Offenbach's "Orpheus in the Underworld, popularly known as "Can-Can"... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fGudUiz95he1Ij_QGqun0XpjipqJ_UILcwbfYPfUgS9iDzqfHkxs9vLmgNxtOkbluQpvead7UA9y_iqiTp2ECBfuOx3yKHvy4F3OfZo_G7TeU2MDqYV5lnGV9hGKhIqhYyTz9G5kQfI/s1600/Screenshot+%2528279%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="495" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fGudUiz95he1Ij_QGqun0XpjipqJ_UILcwbfYPfUgS9iDzqfHkxs9vLmgNxtOkbluQpvead7UA9y_iqiTp2ECBfuOx3yKHvy4F3OfZo_G7TeU2MDqYV5lnGV9hGKhIqhYyTz9G5kQfI/s400/Screenshot+%2528279%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Toulouse-Lautrec included.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The good outcome is, that the concert party will NOT be disbanded, the bad one, that the Sergeant Major will have to take religious instructions three times a week.<br />
<br />
<br />
The final episode <b>"The Last Roll Call"</b> is in a league of its own. We see the men sad, depressed and bedraggled in the awful English weather, we see a Battery Sergeant Major who bullies them more mercilessly than ever, we see two officers whose utter indifference towards their men rubs out all memories we had of the two likeable nitwits in India and Burma and we are glad to see them go.<br />
<br />
All the boys will make their way, after all, they are working class and will find jobs. Post-war Britain needs workers. They have families, little Lofty is married. Gunner Graham is on his way to his tutor in Cambridge, he needs mental stimulation after his long intellectual celibacy.<br />
They look incongruous, pathetic and touching in ther civilian clothes.<br />
The Sergeant Major had hoped firstly for a union with a widow in Wales, alas, she had gotten married in the meantime, secondly for a position as prison warden, but he is too old. He has nowhere to go, but then, an unexpected door to a (hopefully) better future opens.<br />
What will become of "Gloria" remains unclear.<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/x5qyhbf" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">To honour the actors who are not with us anymore:</span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_xoJIWYrYM543slH8-HXXU3FB4n2GVrqHfBJui1ZUi095vak_5FycEqeGZ6_CqPMTHej8RtJ9hkSp9YNKX-yjyDiWY5QHjZgHpGEioht9ctm6qnmMGpAuPhbj4O-ksEl54LJtCNaGw4/s1600/michaelbates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_xoJIWYrYM543slH8-HXXU3FB4n2GVrqHfBJui1ZUi095vak_5FycEqeGZ6_CqPMTHej8RtJ9hkSp9YNKX-yjyDiWY5QHjZgHpGEioht9ctm6qnmMGpAuPhbj4O-ksEl54LJtCNaGw4/s400/michaelbates.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwqxsIRPDUnTcbMXDBMdt53Ul2mUmpmKwWQHLI8363YyNeSTIAnsuJouMg-uaQDh0FW2YEV_d6x_HFRlThsA8KqWIJK2RJiY1zbBfla6MV6UTAutVqdcDtvk4B0OVtDbYcuVPkp9tmEg/s1600/michael_bates1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwqxsIRPDUnTcbMXDBMdt53Ul2mUmpmKwWQHLI8363YyNeSTIAnsuJouMg-uaQDh0FW2YEV_d6x_HFRlThsA8KqWIJK2RJiY1zbBfla6MV6UTAutVqdcDtvk4B0OVtDbYcuVPkp9tmEg/s400/michael_bates1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Michael Hammond Bates died on January 11, 1978 at the age of 57. His Rangi Ram simply disappeared from the show after series 5. Why the producers of IAHHM didn't find an opportunity to honour the man who was, in effect, the star of their show with a mention is beyond me.<br />
<br />
Michael Bates was Indian-born and raised, learned Urdu before he learned English, and had been commissioned in the Indian Army in March 1942. He served in the Burma Campaign as major with the Brigade of Gurkhas and was mentioned in dispatches in 1944.<br />
<br />
Sound perfect, doesn't it?<br />
<br />
It wasn't.<br />
<br />
Michael Bates was white. His performance is now considered "blackface" and thus beyond the politically correct pale. Melvyn Hayes said in an interview (audio below) that the ethnically Indian actors who had been considered for the part all said that they couldn't have done it as well.<br />
<br />
The last episode in which he took part was aired November 29, 1977. Bates died about a month later, on January 11, 1978 from cancer. In his last series, series 5, we see him walking with a stick.<br />
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RIP Soldier!<br />
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Donald Hewlett died on June 4th, 2011 at the age of 90. He played a very similar character like Captain Reynolds in the (again excellent) 1990 - 1993 Perry&Croft sitcom You Rang, M'Lord?...<br />
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...and again together with Michael Knowles as hilariously funny sidekick, his utterly useless brother.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UM1QCK2Dh5M" width="480"></iframe><br />
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The Welsh actor Windsor Davies died on January 17, 2019 at the age of 88, much bemoaned by a still huge fan base, because he had been, as Melvyn Hayes says in this BBC News interview, quite different from his on-screen character, a "lovely lovely man", generous to a fault, humble and quietly spoken.<br />
RIP Windsor.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59712606</td></tr>
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Don Estelle (Ronald Edwards), the little man with the voice of an angel, died on August 2nd 2003 aged 70.<br />
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Estelle had a powerful tenor voice, and a Number 1 hit in the UK Singles Chart in 1975 with a semi-comic version of "Whispering Grass", followed by a cover of "Paper Doll" which reached number 41, and a top ten LP, Sing Lofty (1976). All three were recorded together with It Ain't Half Hot, Mum co-star Windsor Davies.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/10dmK7O-KSY" width="459"></iframe><br />
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In his autobiography, Sing Lofty: Thoughts Of A Gemini, Estelle was very bitter about modern-day entertainment, attacking those who refused to rerun It Ain't Half Hot, Mum as "tight-crutched, white-trousered morons". According to his obituary in The Independent, "in recent years Estelle cut a slightly sorry figure, dressed in his "Lofty" outfit, setting out a stall of his tapes and singing to passers-by in shopping centres."<br />
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He died in Rochdale Infirmary and was buried in Rochdale with the oversized pith helmet he wore as Gunner "Lofty" Sugden.<br />
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"Gunner Parkins" Christopher Mitchell died on February 22, 2001 at the age of 53.<br />
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As an actor, he wasn't able to live up to his success as "Gunner Parkins" and mainly appeared in small and bit parts in sitcoms. <br />
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He died from liver cancer (bluntly put - he drank himself to death) one month before his father, the respected character actor Norman Mitchell (1918 - March 19, 2001).<br />
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Let us remember him as we saw him in the series, his handsome boyish face and his stately figure with the indeed "fine pair of shoulders". He did have star potential. Life can be a bitch.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Incidentially, Norman Mitchell appears in the episode <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz3XOMWnHok">"The Pay Off"</a></b> as a political officer. with an unexpected assignment for the troupe.)</td></tr>
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Likeable hunk "Gunner Nobby Clark", Kenneth MacDonald, died on August 6th, 2001 at the age of 50.<br />
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MacDonald was the youngest of the cast, being more than three years younger than co-actor Christopher Mitchell.<br />
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Born in Manchester in 1950, the son of a Scottish heavyweight wrestling champion, who died when Kenneth was 13, Kenneth MacDonald became one of British television's most appealing character actors in a career that spanned a quarter of a century. His greatest claim to fame was in the role of the publican, "Mike Fisher," in the hugely successful sitcom series Only Fools and Horses which ran for 15 years, 1981-1996.<br />
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Kenneth MacDonald died of a heart attack while on holiday in Hawaii with his family. Ironically and sadly, on the day his death was announced, it was reported that an additional series of Only Fools and Horses would be filmed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dino Shafeek in Young Winston</td></tr>
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Anglo-Bangladeshi actor Dino Shafeek (Gholam D. Shafeek) died on March 10, 1984 at the age of 53.<br />
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He became a household name as Char Wallah Muhammad, singing Land of Hope and Glory at the end of every episode only to be shouted down by Sergeant Major Williams' "Shut Up" and the "musical interruptions" between the scenes for which he got extra credit, mostly contemporary popular hits accompanied by a sitar<br />
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But this was not the only politically incorrect comedy he was involved in, as he also played Pakistani student Ali Nadim in ITV's Mind Your Language. The series was cancelled in 1979, despite attracting some 18 million viewers, as ITV executive Michael Grade considered the stereotyping offensive. [Sic!]<br />
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Later roles were harder to come by, save for a minicab driver in Minder and an immigration officer in 1978's Carry On Emmanuelle.<br />
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Shafeek died from a heart attack at his home in London in 1984 just days before his 54th birthday.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Melvyn Hayes </span></h3>
Melvyn Hayes had an impressive career in showbusiness. In this pleasant interview from 2017 he tells about his successes and glitches, his encounters with famous actors and about sometimes bizarre circumstances during filming, about It Ain't Half Hot Mum and about his special relationship with Jimmy Perry. Was he typecast after "Gloria"? Of course he was, he says, but he had been anyway because of his size of 5'10" and a half (about 1,61m), something that was only to be expected and about which he was - and is - very laid back.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QAhWEYJJAE8" width="480"></iframe><br />
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As the interviewer put it in a comment at YouTube: "Melvyn now lives with his family on the Isle of Wight and is thankfully as sharp as ever!" When the interview was perfornéd he was 82.<br />
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From Melvyn Hayes' <a href="http://melvynhayes.com/biography/">website</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Melvyn started in show business at the Comedy Theatre London in 1950 disappearing twice daily for £4.00 per week in Maskelyne’s Mysteries, performing The Indian Rope Trick.<br />
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After spending the next ten years working constantly in films, theatre and television drama, his first big break came in 1960, when he signed a seven-year film contract with Associated British Picture Corporation and starred in No Trees in The Street, Crooks in Cloisters and the Cliff Richard movies, The Young Ones, Summer Holiday and Wonderful Life.<br />
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Early work for the B.B.C. included the title role in the award winning drama documentary The Unloved, The Artful Dodger in Oliver Twist and Edik in The Silver Sword.<br />
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In the mid 60’s he played over a thousand performances of Bill Naughton’s Spring and Port Wine in London’s West End.<br />
Another lucky break came in the 70’s – Bombardier ‘Gloria’ Beaumont in television’s It Ain’t Half Hot Mum.<br />
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Melvyn has more than fifty films, (including The Curse of Frankenstein, Operation Amsterdam, Santa Claus- the Movie, The Flesh and the Fiends and Carry on England), a dozen West End stage productions, (and many U.K. and Overseas theatre tours (amongst his favourites were, Play it Again Sam, Run for Your Wife, The Bespoke Overcoat and The Dresser), summer seasons, pantomimes and over five hundred television (from Quatermass, Billy Bunter and The Double Decker’s through to The Thin Blue Line, the last series of Drop The Dead Donkey, a stint in Eastenders, where he fell for the charms of Dot Cotton! that wonderful actress June Brown and Countdown!) and radio shows to his credit.<br />
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He is equally at home in cabaret or as an after dinner speaker and a familiar voice in television and radio commercials. He has provided the voice for several cartoon series, (including Superted, The Dreamstone, Alfred J Quack, Little Dracula and the Duchess of York’s Budgie) both in this country and for Walt Disney and Hanna Barberra in Hollywood.<br />
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He’s very proud to have been chosen for many Royal Variety Shows, and on 7th January 1981, whilst playing ‘‘Mate’ to Windsor Davies’s ‘Captain’ in Dick Whittington at the London Palladium, Melvyn was the subject of Thames Television’s This Is Your Life.<br />
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Recent work includes, two, six month UK theatre tours, CASH ON DELIVERY and RUN FOR YOUR WIFE, kids Television, THE LEGEND OF DICK AND DOM and THE SLAMMER, some guest appearances on THE PAUL O’GRADY SHOW, an episode of of the next series of BENIDORM, some one nighters – standup – (only he did them during the daytime) and several voice overs (amongst them were: a penguin, a spider, and a pair of shoes…).<br />
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He is very proud to be a Past King of The Grand Order of Water Rats.</blockquote>
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Equally impressive is his and his wife's career as foster parents. In <a href="https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/476241/Sitcom-star-Melvyn-Hayes-turned-superdad-to-more-than-50-foster-children">this 2014 interview in the Telegraph</a> he shares his memories:<br />
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<blockquote>
"We started going to classes to learn what was involved. There were about 20 couples and people were saying things such as, ‘What sort of children are they? We live in a nice area.’ When we had to discuss what constituted abuse some just left because they couldn’t deal with it. After a couple of months Jayne and I were the only ones left.”<br />
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That was 15 years ago.<br />
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Since then Melvyn and Jayne have fostered more than 50 children. Among the first were brothers Josh and Jordan who arrived aged three and two and never left.<br />
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Eight years ago four-year-old Toni, who had “all sorts of problems” including foetal alcohol syndrome, came for a week. She’s still with them too.<br />
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Melvyn and Jayne are the legal guardians of all three. When Josh, who has cerebral palsy, had an operation to straighten his back his first word on coming round was “dad”.<br />
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There’s a catch in Melvyn’s voice as he relates this. As an ambassador for Barnardo’s he is supporting its campaign to recruit 8,600 desperately needed new foster carers.</blockquote>
It is hardly ever mentioned that Melvyn Hayes is Jewish.<br />
<br />The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-85575453772298839692019-04-21T08:25:00.000+02:002019-04-21T08:25:13.262+02:00A Blessed and Happy Easter<br />
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Tucked away in a central Parisian museum that was once a railway station, there hangs an Easter painting quite unlike any Gospel masterpiece created before or after it. It is not painted by a Rembrandt or a Rubens or the patron saint of artists, Fra Angelico. The painting is the work of a little-known Swiss painter. For those who make a trip to see it, viewing the canvas is a special spiritual experience in their lives.<br />
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The work does not even show the risen Jesus. It merely portrays two witnesses, Jesus’ oldest and youngest apostle. The youngest who was the only man brave enough to stay by Jesus’ cross and the only one who did not die a martyr’s death as a result of it. The oldest apostle who first denied Jesus in fear, yet ultimately chose to be crucified upside down by the Roman authorities rather than deny Christ’s resurrection.<br />
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[More at <a href="https://www.crisismagazine.com/2014/the-greatest-easter-painting-ever-made">Crisis Magazine</a>.] The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-66225518536250283122019-04-19T14:47:00.002+02:002020-04-29T10:12:14.344+02:00Good Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Banna Strand</div>
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<a href="https://celtic-lyrics.com/artists/231.html" style="color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; z-index: 100;">Unknown</a></div>
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'Twas on Good Friday morning,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />All in the month of May,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />A German Ship was signalling,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />Beyond out in the Bay,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />We had twenty thousand rifles<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />All ready for to land,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />But no answering signal did come<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />From the lonely Banna Strand.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />"No signal answers from the shore",<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />Sir Roger sadly said,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />"No comrades here to meet me,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />Alas, they must be dead,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />But I must do my duty<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />And at once I mean to land",<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />So in a small boat rowed ashore<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />On the lovely Banna Strand.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />Now the R.I.C. were hunting<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />For Sir Roger high and low,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />They found him in McKenna's fort;<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />Said they: "You are our foe",<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />Said he: "I'm Roger Casement,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />I came to my native land,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />I mean to free my countrymen<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />On the lonely Banna Strand.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />They took Sir Roger prisoner,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />And sailed for London town,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />And in the Tower they laid him,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />A traitor to the Crown;<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />Said he "I am no traitor",<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />But his trial he had to stand,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />For bringing German rifles<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />To the lonely Banna Strand.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />'Twas in an English prison<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />That they led him to his death,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />"I'm dying for my country"<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />He said with his last breath,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />They buried him in British soil<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />Far from his native land,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />And the wild waves sing his requiem<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />On the lonely Banna Strand.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />They took Sir Roger home again<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />In the year of '65,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />And with his comrades of '16<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />In peace and tranquil lies,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />His last fond wish, it is fulfilled<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />For to lie in his native land,<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />And the waves will roll in peace again<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; z-index: 100;" />On the lonely Banna Strand.</div>
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Roger David Casement born September 1st 1864 to an Anglo-Irish family, known as Sir Roger Casement, CMG, between 1911 and 1916, was a diplomat and Irish nationalist. He worked for the British Foreign Office as a diplomat and later became a humanitarian activist, poet and Easter Rising leader. Described as the "father of twentieth-century human rights investigations", he was honoured in 1905 for the Casement Report on the Congo and knighted in 1911 for his important investigations of human rights abuses in Peru.<br />
<br />
Influenced by the Boer War and his investigation into colonial atrocities against indigenous peoples, Casement grew to distrust imperialism. After retiring from consular service in 1913, he became more involved with Irish republicanism and other separatist movements. During World War I he made efforts to gain German military aid for the 1916 Easter Rising that sought to gain Irish independence.<br />
<br />
He was arrested, convicted and executed for high treason. He was stripped of his knighthood and other honours. Before the trial, the British government circulated excerpts said to be from his private journals, known as the Black Diaries, which detailed homosexual activities. Given prevailing views and existing laws on homosexuality then, this material undermined support for clemency for Casement. Whether Casement had written the diaries or not remains still unproven. <br />
<br />
In the early hours of 21 April 1916, three days before the Easter Rising began, a German submarine had put Sir Roger ashore at Banna Strand in Tralee Bay, County Kerry. Suffering from a recurrence of the malaria that had plagued him since his days in the Congo and too weak to travel he was discovered at "McKenna's Fort", an ancient ring fort now called Casement's Fort, in Rahoneen, Ardfert, and arrested on charges of high treason, sabotage and espionage against the Crown. <br />
<br />
At Casement's highly publicised trial for high treason, the prosecution had trouble arguing its case. Casement's crimes had been carried out in Germany and the Treason Act 1351 seemed to apply only to activities carried out on English (or arguably British) soil. A close reading of the Act allowed for a broader interpretation: the court decided that a comma should be read in the unpunctuated original Norman-French text, crucially altering the sense so that "in the realm or elsewhere" referred to where acts were done and not just to where the "King's enemies" might be.<br />
<br />
Casement himself wrote that he was to be "hanged on a comma", leading to the well-used epigram. <br />
<br />
On the day of his execution, Roger Casement was received into the Catholic Church. He was attended by two Catholic priests, Dean Timothy Ring and Father James Carey, from the East London parish of SS Mary and Michael. The latter said of Casement that he was "a saint … we should be praying to him instead of for him". Casement was hanged at Pentonville Prison in London on 3 August 1916. He was 51 years old, his body was buried in quicklime in the prison cemetery at the rear of Pentonville.<br />
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During the decades after his execution, many formal requests for repatriation of Casement's body were refused by British Governments. In 1965 Roger Casement was finally repatriated to the Republic of Ireland.<br />
<br />
Despite the withdrawal of his knighthood in 1916, the 1965 UK Cabinet record of the repatriation decision refers to him as Sir Roger Casement.The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-79975840944583711662019-04-06T17:55:00.000+02:002023-02-28T14:11:24.621+01:00A Cringe-Making Soap Opera Revised<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>Because I'm very, very stupid I accidentally deleted all my entries with the<br />
label "Manners" - to wit 21.</i><br />
<i>Some of them could be retrieved via the cache and I will re-post them bit by<br />
bit near their original date, if I haven't already done so. <br />
However, as so many new information has surfaced since I wrote this the<br />
first time, I have added to it and publish it today.</i><br />
<i>Enjoy!</i><br />
<i>(April 6th 2019)</i></blockquote><a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-little-mole-and-prince-fairy-tale.html">As expected</a>, this royal wedding wasn't like other royal weddings. Royal weddings are never zeitgeisty, never political and they follow since time immemorial a strict protocol.<br />
<br />
This one didn't.<br />
<br />
Not only did it do away with thousand years of tradition, it pushed a political agenda. It pushed it, for example, through the sermon by a clownesque black Episcopalian pastor swaggering folksily about "social justice" or a Gospel Choir embracing "diversity" to round out the picture of a Black Pride pageant.<br />
<br />
Why? Because the bride is "black". As a matter of fact, she isn't any darker than most South Europeans. Her mother isn't all that "black" either. The daughter hasn't got any negroid features, her hair is straight. (Should she have straightened it, it would be a deplorable case of "cultural appropriation", because nappy hair is part of her heritage as any defender of the MoB's dreadlocks will be fond of saying.)<br />
<br />
Thus (and not just in this case) the despicable "one drop" rule from the times of slavery comes back with a vengeance IF IT BENEFITS A SELF-IDENTIFIED MEMBER OF THE "MINORITY".<br />
<br />
If I were black, I mean REALLY black, I would be disgusted by such a shameless attention-seeking travesty.<br />
<br />
So far for politics, but there are other aspects as well.<br />
<br />
The times when a bride with a royal background used to be conditio sine qua non are long gone. The groom's great grandmother wasn't royalty, but the daughter of a high-ranking Scottish nobleman. (The royal family probably hoped they might hit the jackpot again with Lady Diana Spencer because she came from a similar background. Well, they didn't.) In the meantime, the Queen's youngest son and the one of her grandsons who may one day be king, married young women from the middle classes, her eldest son in second marriage a lady with an upper class background and it worked all out splendidly. Her second son married a young upper class woman with a past which did, somewhat predictably, NOT work out well. So why bother in this case at all? Everything can happen, can't it?<br />
<br />
Why? Because there are limits. The upper middle class Rhys-Joneses and the middle class Middletons were and are perfectly respectable people and Pa Middleton was a picture of dignity when he gave the future queen consort of England away. His good-natured calm and heartwarming pride not just during the wedding ceremony, but throughout the entire engagement, had made him a hero figure to fathers everywhere, and rightfully so... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJL-bpSBY5mLeuQ9tKnYWGr76E5-r5aLK2nYxUihhWtgs20VTVc6W2ScFb-EorSMjdRJu6vJDnA73uVLmF5nfZs7iiBsiGhzb6DztQ8EtSSbgB-FU6hxMdExNUzM2faDWJgg0KCcSmAI/s1600/article-1382162-0BD3743E00000578-460_634x420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="212" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJL-bpSBY5mLeuQ9tKnYWGr76E5-r5aLK2nYxUihhWtgs20VTVc6W2ScFb-EorSMjdRJu6vJDnA73uVLmF5nfZs7iiBsiGhzb6DztQ8EtSSbgB-FU6hxMdExNUzM2faDWJgg0KCcSmAI/s1600/article-1382162-0BD3743E00000578-460_634x420.jpg" /></a></div><br />
but... THAT?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49UYK-h6phQz-lhGTHINU7WGXvOTYrYFuEzgUlDEhwjLwGcpIQXJtjtUqeZsXT7dZjIqq42XcUp78Mg40dOsbm3N55wv5cpIJ-5CFBzNO-QnlYGsXgvwmBYSByvAcWcBWbHPBXEvhJ68/s1600/thomas-markle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49UYK-h6phQz-lhGTHINU7WGXvOTYrYFuEzgUlDEhwjLwGcpIQXJtjtUqeZsXT7dZjIqq42XcUp78Mg40dOsbm3N55wv5cpIJ-5CFBzNO-QnlYGsXgvwmBYSByvAcWcBWbHPBXEvhJ68/s1600/thomas-markle.jpg" /></a></div><br />
One more aspect? Here it goes.<br />
<br />
The times when a virgin bride was expected at such events are over as well, last but not least, I suspect, because this particular scheme didn't, again in the case of Lady Diana Spencer, work out as hoped for the royals.<br />
<br />
But what SHOULD BE required, so I think, is at the very least a modicum of respectability. This bride has ridden the cock carousel for about 20 years, has jettisoned her first husband with utter ruthlessness, jettisoned the man she was cohabitating with once she'd met Harry, her lauded acting career consisted almost exclusively of a supporting role in a Canadian cable-TV soap opera.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_bX9w7zvEBgpCfTSx2CltL8OvEZQulj8Giq63KJ96CktX1-0qtbYqjiwtTJAzU-WOE8Tl3cx77KScjJVNKGcYLDDOyQhgBZ7XCXDsLejeIr-CgbuVtgOjsENSEgp1ZZIcsPuWzvgzYQ/s1600/DdWMk2NXcAAi0vT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_bX9w7zvEBgpCfTSx2CltL8OvEZQulj8Giq63KJ96CktX1-0qtbYqjiwtTJAzU-WOE8Tl3cx77KScjJVNKGcYLDDOyQhgBZ7XCXDsLejeIr-CgbuVtgOjsENSEgp1ZZIcsPuWzvgzYQ/s1600/DdWMk2NXcAAi0vT.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxU_JqTGeA_YS62uBmxK38lXzSfrtmwN62ewNOJeSEgaS1DfqE9WI5nqczAb58WMS9CMFOSrGyjshM0Qsh8i5oPlTYQ0fE1jsnzQAu4saKWHhMn-HJu0MmNvF5006DPL7DnozAJyHa-Wk/s1600/Meghan-Markle-726949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxU_JqTGeA_YS62uBmxK38lXzSfrtmwN62ewNOJeSEgaS1DfqE9WI5nqczAb58WMS9CMFOSrGyjshM0Qsh8i5oPlTYQ0fE1jsnzQAu4saKWHhMn-HJu0MmNvF5006DPL7DnozAJyHa-Wk/s1600/Meghan-Markle-726949.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The Daily Mail regales us with this juicy bit of morsel. I spare you the pictures:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4308208/Meghan-Markle-seen-performing-sex-act-CAR-90210.html">This one's a bit dirty, Harry!</a><br />
<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4308208/Meghan-Markle-seen-performing-sex-act-CAR-90210.html">... her latest role revelation might make the Royal family cringe, as it's been discovered that she once appeared in a very raunchy scene that saw her character getting caught performing oral sex on a high school hunk on 90210.</a></blockquote>This is not, repeat NOT, royal material.<br />
<br />
But whatever, let the show begin. The bride first, the others in no particular order.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDX_51OiQsoLimANwsBNgRWjlQoK2Iaq0Ox63vC_uZJGFmNZHSVm2EJj7b_X3LxCCsp0byasaQfEUoSG_DEIyZc3ub5LsJGeun7Hxf5XEacqExjA2fiPxhvSPytFtzbntiU49zIm5RS30/s1600/TELEMMGLPICT000164023396_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bq4WW-Rcu8eLw2tkZ691Fuma2A9JWjda1H2dZOz94Lfto.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDX_51OiQsoLimANwsBNgRWjlQoK2Iaq0Ox63vC_uZJGFmNZHSVm2EJj7b_X3LxCCsp0byasaQfEUoSG_DEIyZc3ub5LsJGeun7Hxf5XEacqExjA2fiPxhvSPytFtzbntiU49zIm5RS30/s400/TELEMMGLPICT000164023396_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bq4WW-Rcu8eLw2tkZ691Fuma2A9JWjda1H2dZOz94Lfto.jpeg" width="250" /></a></div><br />
She wore Givenchy. Many predicted she'd wear something unconventional. Of course she wouldn't. She's a clever girl. A mid-6-figure price-tag was rumoured. For much less than a tenth of that she could have gotten something REALLY nice from one of the upmarket prêt-a-porter lines some of which I've outlined <a href="https://boesestilmutter.blogspot.com/2018/07/manner-bitte-wegkucken.html">here</a>. But, IF one wears a fitted dress, shouldn't it at least... fit?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_i4SH-wshL9xGgKc_PME53NJzEI1xeu-RT1j2jGhtH0fUKehU6YUK90WXbEoFuRzzcn8Jk7Jwu4b7MAGrgzalirJgUeP9NjRl_HnuhXczArNU-qWhj09kdgeBKpB-gnhQpj2rUYJj_-k/s1600/prince-charles-meghan-markle-aisle-ftr.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="770" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_i4SH-wshL9xGgKc_PME53NJzEI1xeu-RT1j2jGhtH0fUKehU6YUK90WXbEoFuRzzcn8Jk7Jwu4b7MAGrgzalirJgUeP9NjRl_HnuhXczArNU-qWhj09kdgeBKpB-gnhQpj2rUYJj_-k/s400/prince-charles-meghan-markle-aisle-ftr.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
While white isn't anymore, and as far as we know never was, a symbol of bridal pureness, the veil undoubtedly still is. How a divorced woman, not to mention her sleazy past, could get away with it, mystifies me. As a Catholic, the "giving away" bit is alien to me anyway. The oh-so-misogynist and reactionary Catholics don't do it. (I think, though, it's a nice gesture if the bride is very young and marries the first time.) The meaning behind is, that the bride at that point leaves her own and joins the groom's family, a pointless exercise if the bride is middle aged and divorced, and I haven't even started to dwell on this bride's "strong feminist views".<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjq7NcXawxbpN2-eAjZhsVihp_hzQ6dB-waX9BDzmLNfnbHPonPCMXBAyfhOlDiRXhft5bjPNYLaKRpvVoPaO_58ua-RxOg0xTqilVd-xN-CruQDgP66eTeLTEtEdnwvct5OEw3iRo6pg/s1600/image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="746" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjq7NcXawxbpN2-eAjZhsVihp_hzQ6dB-waX9BDzmLNfnbHPonPCMXBAyfhOlDiRXhft5bjPNYLaKRpvVoPaO_58ua-RxOg0xTqilVd-xN-CruQDgP66eTeLTEtEdnwvct5OEw3iRo6pg/s320/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'm honestly trying not to be unfair, catty or snide here, but I think this middle aged face under veil and tiara looks ...incongruous, to put it politely.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57ewYB9piJ5L15RqAVww13Rp3J_ocYd9_U7AtWoI0xLHkhGFWtanmoWl122ZCytgDRWHSfPBQnWKbKvScrrBiut73gbqNB9vkAWwajdi1NEbGhvKMlA-kdmV4sTFxusNaQd6HZlz1k90/s1600/duchess-of-windsor-wedding-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="530" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57ewYB9piJ5L15RqAVww13Rp3J_ocYd9_U7AtWoI0xLHkhGFWtanmoWl122ZCytgDRWHSfPBQnWKbKvScrrBiut73gbqNB9vkAWwajdi1NEbGhvKMlA-kdmV4sTFxusNaQd6HZlz1k90/s400/duchess-of-windsor-wedding-1.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><br />
Not even the Duchess of Windsor <a href="http://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2007/12/beautiful-people.html">in all her shame- and ruthlessness</a>, who was, by the way, 41 and thus only 5 years older than our bride when she married the Duke, went to that length. The dress was powder blue by the way.<br />
Oh yes! And all those moronic equations between the two women get my goat and increasingly so. They were respectively are, both American and both tarts, but that's where it begins and ends. The Duchess of Windsor at least had been no CHEAP tart. She had impeccable taste, knew her etiquette and came from a RESPECTABLE American family.<br />
I'd never thought I'd ever say anything nice about that woman.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigATya4E0TBLJ_MUFCijN0FKxhfOxbZSdH39sFXWOiu_m3xJ6o6fUPHE-PtAPspsl3HeTMZ3dz7qMfiqK8OM9uyQEfVZ9amOFEzNLMZljqTGGTCIFax8q431HUBOScVwYzFv5OzWLUmGI/s1600/royal-wedding-2018-queen-full-outfit-1526728491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="213" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigATya4E0TBLJ_MUFCijN0FKxhfOxbZSdH39sFXWOiu_m3xJ6o6fUPHE-PtAPspsl3HeTMZ3dz7qMfiqK8OM9uyQEfVZ9amOFEzNLMZljqTGGTCIFax8q431HUBOScVwYzFv5OzWLUmGI/s400/royal-wedding-2018-queen-full-outfit-1526728491.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
Her Majesty the Queen looking dejected in one of those awful neon green outfits she sometimes chooses.<br />
Reportedly, she wears those colours to stand out in a crowd, however, it wouldn't have been necessary here.<br />
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The Prince of Wales with the MoB. If I weren't convinced that he is a nice man anyway, I would it now. How he looked after the MoB without the slightest trace of condescension was touching - the essence of good manners.<br />
MoB's dress and matching coat by Oscar de la Renta are very nice and appropriate, but dreadlocks and nose-stud... well, what can one say. The usual argument is that "it's her heritage", which makes it worse.<br />
I may be wrong, and it didn't occur to me when I wrote this the first time, but I think her mother was mainly invited to lend some credibility to the thin "bi-racial" claim. Different from the bride, one couldn't confuse her with a Caucasian, although her skin isn't all that dark and certainly not "black".<br />
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The Duchess of Cornwall, classy and elegant as always in a splendid light pink and with her lovely pearls. (There is a reason for mature women to wear necklaces like that, not neccessarily pearls, but I won't spill the beans.)<br />
She overdid it a bit with that hat, though.<br />
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The Duchess of Cambridge three weeks after the birth of her third child with little Princess Charlotte. Classy, picture perfect, yet unassuming as usual. She had worn a dress in which she was seen twice before not to "upstage" the bride. THAT is class!<br />
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The Middletons, as usual perfectly apropos to the occasion, dignified and unassuming - royal in-law-material as it ought to be in spite of "humble origins".<br />
They did bring up their daughters well. <br />
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Her sister Pippa with new husband and a VERY nice dress (£495 from The Fold) that echoes the spring feeling. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The Princess Royal with her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence. Nobody would ever accuse her of being well dressed, but... <br />
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...it could have been worse, MUCH worse. (Picture from the Royal Wedding 2011).<br />
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The Clooneys, in fact in spite of all the media-hype the only REAL Hollywood-A-listers attending.<br />
That woman would look good in a potato sack, but here she got it SO right. That yellow dress by Stella McCartney is perfect in each and every aspect, colour, material, cut, style and she is one of the few women who got the hat size just right.<br />
But George! GEORGE! Did nobody tell you that a gentleman never, NEVER wears matching tie and pocket handkerchief? And wasn't a royal wedding, however tacky, important enough to get morning dress? You look cheap and out of your depth in your ill-fitting lounge suit, not to mention the shoes which look bedraggled and unpolished.<br />
In the meantime I've become a follower of the (so far unproven, but likely) theory that people (and even crowds - there ARE "hire-a-crowd"-organisations) are paid to show appreciation for the new member of the Royal Family. The bride was no Hollywood actress, no previous connection with the Clooneys is known, the Clooneys own a house not very far from this fancy gathering. WHO is paying them (should they have been paid) is open to speculation. But isn't, as her followers are fond of pointing out, the bride very rich in her own right?<br />
Just sayin'.<br />
Since the wedding, the Clooneys have turned out to be dedicated champions for the bride who, that has become clear by now, hadn't been on their radar before. Can somebody spell "social climber"? <br />
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This is <strike>the Michelin Man in a condom</strike> Oprah Winfrey in Stella McCartney. Words fail me at least about that outfit.<br />
Like with the Clooneys, there is no previous relationship with the bride on the records.<br />
However, it seems that she and the groom get on since the wedding like a house on fire, as they are making a<a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/10/entertainment/prince-harry-oprah-winfrey-mental-health-tv-series-intl-scli-gbr/index.html"> </a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/are%20making%20a%20documentary%20series%20about%20mental%20health">documentary series about mental health</a> together.<br />
On her eponymous talk show Winfrey routinely endorsed faux science and fake spiritual hucksters. In 2006, she commended one of the most anti-intellectual products of the decade: a book and video called "The Secret", which promises that anyone can have anything they want as long as they visualize it. It went on to sell 20 million copies internationally.<br />
Logic, reason and empathy don’t guide that woman, money does.<br />
Another step this eminent family takes downward from royal- to celebrity status.<br />
Good luck Your Royal Highness.<br />
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Here we have the lovely Lady Kitty Spencer, cousin to the groom, who came in my book a short second to Amal Clooney dress- and lookwise, in <span class="st">Dolce & Gabbana</span>. Maybe Amal comes just a tad more unselfconsciously elegant across than Lady Kitty.<br />
(No idea who the baleful-looking thang with scraggy hair in the obviously home-crocheted horror is. Besides, ankle straps are unspeakably common.)<br />
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Lady Jane Fellowes née Spencer, aunt to Lady Kitty and the groom, reading at the service. She wears a <a href="http://www.shibumistyle.com/en/r1139-nehru-coat-in-duck-egg_cashmere---paris-boutique.html">Shibumi Nehru Coat in Duck Egg</a>.<br />
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Emilie Van Cutsem (first row, second from the right), widow of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_van_Cutsem">Hugh van Cutsem</a>, wears a <a href="http://www.shibumistyle.com/en/r979-delphine-coat-in-flame_raw-silk.html">Shibumi Delphine Coat in Flame</a>. The lovely Shibumi pieces are in a three-figure price range.<br />
The van Cutsem family are long-standing friends of the Prince of Wales and his sons. Mrs. van Cutsem's sons William and Nicholas are godfather to Prince George and Prince Louis respectively. The van Cutsems are Catholic.<br />
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Earl Spencer, who hasn't aged well something that often happens to serial adulterers, with a VERY self-consciously elegant version of the caped crusader or Cruella De Vil, i.e. the third Countess Spencer in a boringly monochromatic custom Pamella Roland outfit and a daft-looking matching tie.<br />
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Sir John Major, who HAS aged well, with his wife Norma.<br />
Sir John, whose father was a Music Hall tight-rope walker, was the only politician invited, because he was appointed special guardian of Prince William and Harry after their mother's death.<br />
The couple couldn't have turned out better. Another prime example of how "little people" (which used to be the epithet for them when John Major came into office) can sometimes outshine their "betters".<br />
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I don't know who that is, but I sometimes feel a burqa isn't ALL bad. Keep her away from the buffet or she might spontaneously combust!<br />
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Serena Williams and husband.<br />
And no, dear co-commentator, her "fitted Versace dress with the gathered detail at the waist", did NOT give her an "hourglass shape". It highlighted her enormous mammilae and natibus, which made me ask myself how she lugs them across Wimbledon court. As a tennis expert put it: "Things I'd rather do than watch Serena Williams play: A. Drink Bleach B. Take a bullet C. Lose all of my limbs."<br />
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The stylish and beautiful Cressida Bonas (29), <a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-little-mole-and-prince-fairy-tale.html">former girlfriend of the groom</a>, wore a fully bespoke cotton dress made by hand in the EPONINE Atelier in South Kensington.<br />
SHOULD her intention have been, which I can't believe as she is in a totally different league, to upstage the bride, she did it successfully and in the most classy and reserved way and that's why she gets a second picture.<br />
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The Beckhams. Victoria wears her usual pout and one of her own creations. I like the latter. It's modern yet chic and classy. She got a lot of flak because of both, the pout and the dress, although some other women wore dark blue as well. I've got a lot of time for that woman because she comes across as competent as businesswoman as well as as wife and mother, AND because she isn't the kissy-huggy-type who craves for approval. AND because she has been married to the same man for donkey's years now, whilst living in the scumbag world of "celebrities". <br />
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But, dear David, you committed the mortal sin to wear your pocket handkerchief in a straight line on top. That's a BIG no no, even though Prince Philip wears it that way! <i>Quod licet Iovi, non licet bovi.</i><br />
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This is some polo player whose name I didn't catch. He is wearing half a pint of salad oil in his coiffure and an ill-fitting double breasted (DOUBLE BREASTED! YUCK!) lounge suit. Maybe he couldn't find a buyer for that pony so he couldn't afford morning dress. His tie is tied crookedly and he's committing the same mortal sin as David Beckham with his pocket handkerchief. His armpiece either wears a nightdress or the bedroom curtains.<br />
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"Can somebody show me the way to the buffet? It's urgent!"<br />
Sarah, Duchess of York in a navy suit dress with pink piping by Emma Louise Design, a Windsor based designer, which would be very nice if worn by somebody else, no matter who, even the stable cat.<br />
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Well, what can one say? Maybe they wished to have at least SOME old queen crying at the wedding.<br />
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The much overlooked Countess of Wessex, absolutely perfect in every respect in her satin weave skirt with embroidered grey top by Suzannah with a matching Jane Taylor hat. It was a bit difficult to find a picture. I guess because she isn't within the "glamorous" league anymore and not vulgar.<br />
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Zara, Mrs. Michael Tindall, the Queen's pretty granddaughter, with her rugger star husband Mike a couple of days before the birth of her second child. <br />
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Nobody would her, like her mother, accuse of being particularly well dressed, however, her hilariously funny account of the wedding in the <a href="https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/728368/Meghan-Markle-Prince-Harry-Zara-Tindall-Royal-news-wedding-Princess-Anne">Daily Star</a> beats that of all other attendees hands down. To summarise, Zara Tindall didn't enjoy the wedding, because she was uncomfortable, and she was, she said, particularly unimpressed with the Episcopalian bishop, even admitted she couldn’t wait for the sermon to end. "I think my face was probably caught at the point when I thought: 'Right, he's going to finish now', and then he went off on another little story, and it was like, 'Really'?" Explaining how the seats weren't very wide, the heavily expecting mother added: "My bum sort of slid over either side and Lena [the baby] kicked the hell out of me for an hour. It just wasn't comfy at all and it probably showed on my face." <br />
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Zara is, like her mother used to be 40 years ago, one of the best three-day-event-riders of her generation. She runs a professional eventing stable and is, again like her mother, a thoroughly tough cookie.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWwqKQ9pz1mMI6EuX2X4F6-2nmF8HZPxmMiKUaX6sSDRl9uQc-ADWfgpoyz1NAbLseQV70x8QkFKjxw4Sl-HQhwZbvbFbzY9e6mS4skgK3kJ0k_n2F0903LKWyTw07ooDY-OUzM0anWo/s1600/Screenshot+%2528713%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="476" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWwqKQ9pz1mMI6EuX2X4F6-2nmF8HZPxmMiKUaX6sSDRl9uQc-ADWfgpoyz1NAbLseQV70x8QkFKjxw4Sl-HQhwZbvbFbzY9e6mS4skgK3kJ0k_n2F0903LKWyTw07ooDY-OUzM0anWo/s320/Screenshot+%2528713%2529.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here she is, the mother, on the Queen's Goodwill, at Badminton Horse Trials 1973. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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At her own wedding, Zara wore an indeed lovely <b>off-the-peg</b> ivory silk dress designed by Stewart Parvin.<br />
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No, dear glossy magazine gutter scum, this is NOT Sofia Wellesley, the grand-daughter of the 8th Duke of Wellington, with some singer as her armpiece, this is James Blunt, an officer, gentleman and close friend of the groom who happens to be a singer now with his armpiece and wife Sofia Wellesley. <br />
Her Red Valentino dress isn't exactly butt ugly, but with its textured macramé-embroidery it looks like something to survive a harsh winter in and wow - DO I hate the coy Peter-Pan collar. Some idiot fashion commentator (a tautology if I've ever seen one) said: "This look is very sophisticated... she gets it just right for a spring wedding." Yep! For a spring wedding in Siberia. <br />
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Above the Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie of York with their father The Duke of York. Eugenie in a bespoke Jackie-Kennedy-esque dress by Gainsbourg and pillbox hat to match, her sister in a bespoke turquoise Roksanda Viola dress with billowing transparent sleeves and a hundredweight of little beads.<br />
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Nobody will ever accuse them of being well dressed either, although it could have been much, much, worse if you look at the above picture from the royal wedding 2011.<br />
Point made and that's it. Targeting those girls would be shooting sitting ducks. I'll save my snide remarks for the Hollywood exhibits.<br />
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So some more fashion commentator idiocy?<br />
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When Meghan's friends arrived there was a definite sense that here were some ladies who meant business.<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">[You bet your arse they did.]</span><br />
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With their bold tailoring and confident struts there was an unmistakeable non-Britishness going on.<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">[I guess one can put it like that. Good that somebody noticed.]</span><br />
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"I loved all the American glamour-zons <span style="color: #666666;">[Gosh, how embarrassingly punny!]</span>, who showed up. They were just so much better groomed than everyone else."<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">[Words fail me.] </span><br />
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Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra wore a pale lavender Vivienne Westwood skirt and blazer and Suits star Abigail Spencer [left, NO relation] stood out in her forties-inspired polka dot tea dress.<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">[The one on the right looks like another Michelin Man in a condom with an overflowing icecream cone on top, the one on the left looks at least not vulgar, just ridiculous. (Notice the ankle straps, the very epitome of vulgarity.)] </span><br />
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"Abigail Spencer looked just divine in her Alessandra Rich dress... Polka dots never go out of style, and she just nailed the look."<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">[Yep! As the divine Schoolmarm Goddess of Frumpyness.]</span><br />
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Predictably, the media gushed about all this but virtually nobody seemed to notice that particularly the royal family, maybe with the exception of the Duchess of Cornwall, markedly dressed down. The men, apart from the Duke of Cambridge as best man and the groom, didn't wear uniform, the Prince of Wales' morning dress was of the variant where all parts (coat, waistcoat and trousers) are of the same colour and material, which is considered less formal.<br />
Her Majesty wore nothing she wouldn't have worn at any less formal event, the Duchess of Cambridge had probably recycled again one of her outfits.<br />
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Another marked difference at this wedding had been... THAT:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRlf0GL4p6lZDjUA0AFZxL2ODkLAix50i0ZYThqmu0G-fznkHKGBeVInrNlkkyETiqQVlGDw9tlZ2FAqkNuV4b_e0zUMmHy_qTK1DqStADg2IcyBp555Ph734nfN47HrnSB_j3m6prN8/s1600/carpet+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1187" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRlf0GL4p6lZDjUA0AFZxL2ODkLAix50i0ZYThqmu0G-fznkHKGBeVInrNlkkyETiqQVlGDw9tlZ2FAqkNuV4b_e0zUMmHy_qTK1DqStADg2IcyBp555Ph734nfN47HrnSB_j3m6prN8/s400/carpet+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Neither red nor blue for this bride. I hadn't noticed it. Cordial thanks go to the <a href="https://bananabaroness.home.blog/">Banana Baroness</a> blogger! <br />
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Apart from members of the Spencer family and Sofia Wellesley, I haven't spotted any entries from Burke's Peerage or Debrett's, but maybe that is because the glossy magazine gutter press was too busy covering the antics of the Hollywood dregs to notice some boring, fuddyduddy old gentlepeople.<br />
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To stress my point, here is a video of the wedding of the Duke of York to Sarah Ferguson at Westminster Abbey [sic!] in London 1986. As fourth in line at that time there wasn't a higher probability of Prince Andrew inheriting the throne than in the case of Prince Harry, who is sixth. However, the difference in the staging of the two weddings is stunning. Just a few glimpses at this almost three hour video ought to be enough.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/By_ch5CrlJ0" width="480"></iframe><br />
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As an aside, I was amazed how likeable and genuine the young Sarah Ferguson comes across in an interview early in the video. But that's an upper class young lady for you, who hasn't attended "acting school", whatever hash she may have made later of her marriage.<br />
The other marked difference, and this must be obvious to everybody with functioning eyesight, was, that for Sarah it was all about her man.<br />
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This part of the guest list from Wikipedia is interesting as well. Granted, Prince Andrew is the son of the Monarch, Prince Harry the grandson, the difference is still stunning.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5u3hyLVeJquWWlGte15XdiT3gPrJRzdWoKfGCqb9Qc4nrN5e6XwSlz3KZ4WPmEiI_zCN2T4Gm1mVuF2HBz-2tzjC63kwBf2oJc95s_-hVs0aGmNNu00ob8IiWpIKFtW5cohdAMgwC-Q/s1600/Screenshot+%2528292%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="705" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5u3hyLVeJquWWlGte15XdiT3gPrJRzdWoKfGCqb9Qc4nrN5e6XwSlz3KZ4WPmEiI_zCN2T4Gm1mVuF2HBz-2tzjC63kwBf2oJc95s_-hVs0aGmNNu00ob8IiWpIKFtW5cohdAMgwC-Q/s400/Screenshot+%2528292%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dVCF67tK05jpbGD7c-Ucak5D_5DKpj7RrYeyavW1V3kOtWnbAZiG-lLxCzdhtvEUEyaaendPVfxAg0M6cW-0wgHZ827INtUhyUyymXJ6So6OM_eGXiVWAAb675RO9WBNCn00jKVBhsQ/s1600/Screenshot+%2528293%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="682" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dVCF67tK05jpbGD7c-Ucak5D_5DKpj7RrYeyavW1V3kOtWnbAZiG-lLxCzdhtvEUEyaaendPVfxAg0M6cW-0wgHZ827INtUhyUyymXJ6So6OM_eGXiVWAAb675RO9WBNCn00jKVBhsQ/s400/Screenshot+%2528293%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
But back to our latest wedding, glossy magazine gutter press and showbizz dregs.<br />
There was much brouhaha about all the Hollywood A-listers attending. I'm not "into" this sort of entertainment anymore, so I may be wrong, but apart from George Clooney I didn't spot any A-listers and I'm not into "celebrities" generally, but according to many comments in the social media, it seems that there is no credible previous connection between the bride and Oprah Winfrey either. I am wondering now, how many of those superfluisms (I made that word up not to slide down into vulgarities) had been paid to attend.<br />
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There are, as far as I can make out, two British "leading etiquette experts" of ubiquitous media presence. None of them seems to find, apart from little details like, for example, "Meghan's" style to wave at the public (it has got room for improvement) anything objectionable about the latest addition to the royal family. One even had the nerve to gush over her "adorable giggle" (yes, that of a woman fast approaching 40) and that, of all things, just after he had appreciatively mentioned in the previous sentence that she went to, yes, "acting school". Maybe they couldn't, in their professional capacity, dare to be more censorious, but somebody please explain men to me.<br />
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Why all this could take place at all I have discussed <a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-little-mole-and-prince-fairy-tale.html">here</a> already.<br />
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Now, after the fact, I'm additionally asking myself why it could happen in the way it did. Did the royal family fear that their name would be mud had they not submitted to every whim and fancy of the bride-to-be? After all, the accusation of "racism" has become, whether justified or not, a razor sharp tool in the hand of the proverbial ape, i.e. the judgemental politically correct public and media.<br />
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When all is said and done, it seems that the more traditionally minded part of the public does NOT seem to be so enamoured with all this (at the peril of being accused of racism). I wonder whether the Royal Family has chosen their side wisely.<br />
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Is this really all that important? Let the gutter media lie about how wonderful the wedding had been, how heartwarming and "inclusive" the service, what mega-important people had been there, how glamorously even the most vulgar obese old trout had been turned out. Why not, after all?<br />
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Well, I'm afraid all this is part of a larger picture. Looking at it with dispassionate eyes, it seems to be of rather secondary importance whom and under what circumstances the nth in line to the British throne marries. But as a spectacle like this finds huge public attention worldwide and because people are dumb, gullible and in search for a vicarious life, it IS interesting how such an event is handled by an increasingly manipulative, politically correct and "progressive" media that sees itself (maybe not even always consciously - here we have the dreaded "zeitgeist" again) more and more on the social-justice-warrior-side and not on the side of someone whose job it is - to report.<br />
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This gushing approval of everything that goes against tradition, established, proven and tested values, dignity, common decency and good taste, THAT is the frightening bit.The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-10994311033410741122019-04-06T09:59:00.000+02:002023-02-28T14:11:45.578+01:00A Contemporary Definition of Shocking, Weird and Bizarre or: The Slippery Slope<div style="text-align: left;">
We are lately, even more than usually and to an irritating extent, regaled with information about what "shocking", "weird" or even "bizarre" rules members of the Royal Family have to follow. (I have a hunch that is, to smooth down the countless gaffes of a recent female member of same family, but I may be wrong and, more importantly, that's not the point here. I may, however, use pictures of those gaffes.)</div>
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I'll leave out those rules that apply to the Royal Family only, such as, for example, who is allowed to wear a tiara, never to eat shellfish or how to curtsy, which aren't, by the way, "shocking", "weird" or "bizarre" either, but owed to tradition or common sense.</div>
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I have in the course of my humble research for this style blog never come across such blatant idiocy and make-up-your-shit-as-you-go-along-isms.</div>
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What are the reasons, or, more interesting, the intentions?</div>
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Well, there are several.</div>
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<li>To start with the simplest and most obvious one: Royalty is always good clickbait.</li>
<li>Then, to cater for classism, social jealousy and envy. A society with relative peace between the classes isn't one where crappy media are all that much read. </li>
<li>Thirdly, don't forget, dear reader, that this abominable drivel is almost exclusively written and lapped up by women. Dress (and it IS mostly about dress) isn't just a matter of outward appearance. It's attitude towards life, expression of one's personality, of how one wants to be perceived. Slut-media WANT women to be down, low, undemanding of the higher things, undignified, tasteless, undiscerning, fatuitous, footling and foolish. The same applies to manners generally.</li>
<li>Lastly, to chop down the tree of the Royal Family as a role model for virtue and style.</li>
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But let's get in medias res:</div>
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<b>How to Sit</b></div>
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How to sit is an important and much discussed topic. Female members of the Royal Family are not supposed to cross their legs at the knees, at least so we are informed.</div>
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However, that is exactly what every well brought-up woman and girl ought to and will do in public. Nobody wants to look at your private parts. It's not just a matter of decency, but of aesthetics as well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7q05m3DI9WB93tywapk_bDtKYdl7X1_XYNMeZKmsBsvFLV_8nijZM7uaytgvfQE628hiTBe1i9wIBeQF-2HxZMHNrb-q4tFWJsCZQ_oW4wOigY_JE_9bZY0Kx49CqmjMMc_da9AgYuuI/s1600/17308260-28071060--6-0-1510821493-1510821497-1500-1-1510821497-650-ef6b38160f-1511850646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="650" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7q05m3DI9WB93tywapk_bDtKYdl7X1_XYNMeZKmsBsvFLV_8nijZM7uaytgvfQE628hiTBe1i9wIBeQF-2HxZMHNrb-q4tFWJsCZQ_oW4wOigY_JE_9bZY0Kx49CqmjMMc_da9AgYuuI/s400/17308260-28071060--6-0-1510821493-1510821497-1500-1-1510821497-650-ef6b38160f-1511850646.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After all, very few female thighs stand up to time and gravity.</div>
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And to ram home my point, here we have <a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2017/07/how-to-keep-women-fatuitous-footling.html">Mme Macron</a> in her mid-sixties, paragon of feminist virtues, style icon, paradigm for the mature woman of the future and wearer of the worst wigs in the history of fashion at the funeral of Simone Veil, the grande dame of international politics.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0u17LY4oYdvM7yXKNf_claTudqg1pn7P-UBjRwjYmxIlpukdD8tCMTO_Szf8SBznnhbVs89c6_hefNUQi_HyP_jOsHLV11SxwhHbeghzI3ZMSKnMZaqTw5Jz-vRrNfKlPJK6X4C-8NY/s1600/20139633_1375880015794827_7756209175738459323_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0u17LY4oYdvM7yXKNf_claTudqg1pn7P-UBjRwjYmxIlpukdD8tCMTO_Szf8SBznnhbVs89c6_hefNUQi_HyP_jOsHLV11SxwhHbeghzI3ZMSKnMZaqTw5Jz-vRrNfKlPJK6X4C-8NY/s400/20139633_1375880015794827_7756209175738459323_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<b>How to Dress and Make Up</b><br />
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Most of those "rules" are just common sense coupled with a sense of what is dignified and simply good taste.</div>
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Cleavage at daytime is vulgar... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFBRO3Wj6phsZIGfw4VIdm5YJ0YKnAMWz-NoXst99WQMJBZrk0PIFDe6Dw7O7_VbtJUYNkQD7LNh_-04PBwhB47Fg3rqDliU52qZMYY5cB8QAhymflHXl1i2VwN-NOBt3kUILEZTNzC4/s1600/theresa-may.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471539070367033378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFBRO3Wj6phsZIGfw4VIdm5YJ0YKnAMWz-NoXst99WQMJBZrk0PIFDe6Dw7O7_VbtJUYNkQD7LNh_-04PBwhB47Fg3rqDliU52qZMYY5cB8QAhymflHXl1i2VwN-NOBt3kUILEZTNzC4/s400/theresa-may.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 261px;" width="261" /></a></div>
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...a notion which the woman who were to become Prime Minister later, obviously didn't know or must have found shocking, weird and bizarre, as she sported hers in the House of Commons.</div>
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You get my point? Good!</div>
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The same applies to garish nail polish royal women are shockingly and bizarrely not allowed to use.</div>
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Hats - again simply a matter of good taste. They are generally worn in polite society for specific occasions and at specific times of day, not just by Royals.<br />
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Excursus: How a woman wears a hat is another great class marker:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPmMio2N3cfsn5c57dXJndG98C8BhTV3BhgljRThuE6IO11wy6bfd4VO1HjkIvIJ72yy9cGcjr62YCnkelGHHaLZaU-72o1cX_j-jDGEIzoJTX1NXAcRt-7nSsJWOblait-_nK3_jNCo/s1600/Queen%252BElizabeth%252BII%252BJoachim%252BGauck%252BQueen%252BElizabeth%252B7KaelGUo-g8l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="600" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPmMio2N3cfsn5c57dXJndG98C8BhTV3BhgljRThuE6IO11wy6bfd4VO1HjkIvIJ72yy9cGcjr62YCnkelGHHaLZaU-72o1cX_j-jDGEIzoJTX1NXAcRt-7nSsJWOblait-_nK3_jNCo/s400/Queen%252BElizabeth%252BII%252BJoachim%252BGauck%252BQueen%252BElizabeth%252B7KaelGUo-g8l.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It is not - repeat NOT - worn like shown in this picture (taken during Her Majesty the Queen's state visit to Germany in 2015) by the then Bundespräsident's Madame Pompadour, who was firmly and funnily put into place outside the red carpet, while the woman united with him in wedlock was serving cake in a Rostock café.<br />
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Never say Germans don't know their manners and are NOT great sticklers for style.</div>
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Tights - another matter of decency and, considering most legs, aesthetics. Bare legs are for the beach.</div>
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Skirt length - exactly the same applies. Mini skirts are for teenagers - teenagers with a nice figure and good legs - at informal occasions.</div>
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Once you let your standards drop you'll end up like <a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2018/11/what-do-you-guess-turned-ordinary.html">those women at Aintree "Ladies Day"</a>.<br />
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It's called "the slippery slope".</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixYoMBnFdvc0KsVUayd6UHZ_jFhD4e1XfNjqoZuLVUAfHNc9tyUMJd_6y5rcc1deLx59AgR6pnN1BQZfEStkxo7ygyGWU2jmIlbD8jeFEN7ZxM9vpkeP4HnUIQvBSfa58P-Cy2AvCHRk/s1600/91a202c6cc6906acc13c2c31a3acb700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="396" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixYoMBnFdvc0KsVUayd6UHZ_jFhD4e1XfNjqoZuLVUAfHNc9tyUMJd_6y5rcc1deLx59AgR6pnN1BQZfEStkxo7ygyGWU2jmIlbD8jeFEN7ZxM9vpkeP4HnUIQvBSfa58P-Cy2AvCHRk/s400/91a202c6cc6906acc13c2c31a3acb700.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcM6ZNv7lR090k7QTdULi3d5TZtxe_eBwhyphenhypheneEpo4ZauO9cTFS5AkNIpVPF1YuMLIJxCnc3mo7m_l5X51PRV3FZYpiMu8hRMh_79e7qfUqnVT9o8fpimtAGH5J__sTEo6E0ku8ZkUbi4Q/s1600/276F96E200000578-3033363-image-a-468_1428680200359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="470" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcM6ZNv7lR090k7QTdULi3d5TZtxe_eBwhyphenhypheneEpo4ZauO9cTFS5AkNIpVPF1YuMLIJxCnc3mo7m_l5X51PRV3FZYpiMu8hRMh_79e7qfUqnVT9o8fpimtAGH5J__sTEo6E0ku8ZkUbi4Q/s400/276F96E200000578-3033363-image-a-468_1428680200359.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Care for another but different sartorial make-up-your-shit-as-you-go-along-ism? Well, here ist goes:</div>
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Allegedly, there is "a very strict rule regarding children’s clothes": pants can be worn by adults only, so the make-up-your-shit-as-you-go-along-brigade inform us.</div>
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Is there?</div>
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No, there isn't. Again it's a matter of class, not one of those shocking, weird and bizarre Royal rules. As etiquette expert William Hanson puts it: "Trousers are for older boys and men, whereas shorts on young boys is one of those silent class markers that we have in England. Although times are (slowly) changing, a pair of trousers on a young boy is considered quite middle class–quite suburban. And no self-respecting aristo or royal would want to be considered suburban."</div>
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Got it?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gKp_5TP8Su74Tl_oM5DqCiaTrViHoSBtlTKtOxOPINSqdtlDH96RWlfNLXf0dqFeJTxt_VPw3Hwv-IYlJrgsn1ssyv1UYMvIH5ay5isZlnKma4K3oKRtr10tvKzVc6sf3uK1wHitZ1A/s1600/gettyimages-611909784-master-1522442077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="938" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gKp_5TP8Su74Tl_oM5DqCiaTrViHoSBtlTKtOxOPINSqdtlDH96RWlfNLXf0dqFeJTxt_VPw3Hwv-IYlJrgsn1ssyv1UYMvIH5ay5isZlnKma4K3oKRtr10tvKzVc6sf3uK1wHitZ1A/s400/gettyimages-611909784-master-1522442077.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
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Should you still haven't twigged it by now, just imagine this adorable little fellow in jeans. It will help.</div>
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<b>No Public Display of Affection</b></div>
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Again a matter of good taste and manners.</div>
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When I was young, you'd be ticked off by the landlord for a little peck on the cheek in a pub, and that in a university town. Now we are one short step away from fornicating in the streets. Slippery slope anybody?</div>
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Why no PDA? As usual with manners it's how others feel about it and it may make others feel uncomfortable. It's maudlin, juvenile and tacky. Is the urge to show your affection really so pressing that you can't wait until you are safely within your own four walls and behind closed doors? You can't? You can, believe me.</div>
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For royalty even increased formality is called for. The thing about being royal is that it is a job, a job that demands a level of propriety increasingly uncommon today. R<span class="entry-content" itemprop="articleBody">oyals aren’t famous for being famous, they are not - repeat NOT - "celebrities". Their job is to support the monarch who, as the Royal Family’s website states, "acts as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and continuity; officially recognizes success and excellence; and supports the ideal of voluntary service." In the monarch, you respect the British people, that's why those supporting roles require a high level of solemnity - part of the monarchy’s survival mechanism and meaning.</span></div>
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I'm not British, but If I were I'd rather be represented by that than by...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWYfaF7iEFiji4sBJA8UX9eR5PmQd8ge_K6GRXZ_IVSNhW5YNhsVV_3NxWR1aQD39MMpvygace7T5iodxYhSIvsTV5E-gyIWV7mnbtZ7ggtrn1xXa-RBmLQhvhvbVrLFFWAqxV0cz2TU/s1600/howtoPDA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1321" data-original-width="981" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWYfaF7iEFiji4sBJA8UX9eR5PmQd8ge_K6GRXZ_IVSNhW5YNhsVV_3NxWR1aQD39MMpvygace7T5iodxYhSIvsTV5E-gyIWV7mnbtZ7ggtrn1xXa-RBmLQhvhvbVrLFFWAqxV0cz2TU/s640/howtoPDA.jpg" width="473" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrALprpM-qh0K__rURqcUMjS9dmWobP3tkqr4_edqDZutU3PrWC_kDEXqrBr-gt5lu2FUf1IPIROkbkMt2QrEQsZ1J2AwUzBZ7kxbzbGa6OV6Kt4-38WLegZrt-4K-b1o0AWJkY5Y5Zmc/s1600/octopus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1024" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrALprpM-qh0K__rURqcUMjS9dmWobP3tkqr4_edqDZutU3PrWC_kDEXqrBr-gt5lu2FUf1IPIROkbkMt2QrEQsZ1J2AwUzBZ7kxbzbGa6OV6Kt4-38WLegZrt-4K-b1o0AWJkY5Y5Zmc/s400/octopus2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
...a bally octopus.<br />
<br />
However, embarrassment is not limited to the British Royal Family or to royals generally. Again, the mid-sixty-ish <a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2017/07/how-to-keep-women-fatuitous-footling.html">Mme Macron</a> representing la Grande Nation, 24 years older than her husband, paragon of feminist virtues, style icon, paradigm for the mature woman of the future and wearer of the worst wigs in the history of fashion will help me again to stress my point even further. <br />
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Compared to her, even the Duchess of Sussex comes across as personable, unostentatious, well dressed, youthfully glowing, dignified and - above all - goodlooking in high heels, and THAT is really something. There is always room below.</div>
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<b>Enter the Room in Order</b></div>
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How shockingly bizarre! By the way, last time I checked it was the same with "ordinary people", at least "ordinary people" who still know their manners. For the etiquettewise challenged: old precedes young, female precedes male. Simple, isn't it?<br />
There is nothing like a hierarchy-free society.</div>
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<b>Hold Teacups Properly</b></div>
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Please tell me they don't mean that seriously. There are countless videos on YouTube which explain just that. Here's one from <a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2019/02/german-musings-about-manners-and-england.html">my trusted etiquette expert</a> and I doubt that he (and all the others) made them to teach etiquette to the Royals. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qq5RTI8WLVs" width="480"></iframe><br /></div>
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<b>Table Manners</b> </div>
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To summarize: Hold "utensils" (i.e. cutlery or silverware) in the correct hands, leave the table, if necessary, without a fuss, fold napkins in half. (I suspect we can be grateful, that they didn't say "serviettes".)</div>
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Again, we are shocked by the bizarreness of those rules. When I was five, my mother, who came from a working class family, had told me how to eat artichokes, not to speak of all the other weird rules outlined here. And I remember fondly how my ex-husband, who was in the unspeakably irritating habit to tell the world what he was going to do when he left the table, was stridently ticked off by his middleclass father.</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Dinner parties are heavily orchestrated–and involve tons of protocol. <br />
Seating at a royal dinner party is planned to a tee, and the Queen subtly schedules her conversations with the guests at her side–she spends her time speaking to the person on her right for the first course, and then engages in conversation with the guest on her left for the second. <br />
Also, if royals need to step away from the table before they've finished their meal, it's expected that they cross their utensils, so that the staff doesn't remove their plate. If they're finished, the utensils are placed side by side at an angle with the handles facing the bottom right of the plate.</blockquote>
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Oh oh! How oppressive and unbearable to remember what to do with all those fancy "utensils"! (Just another thing my mother - that's the one with the working class background - had taught me when I was five. But she wouldn't have called them "utensils" had her native language been English.)</div>
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Just a little anecdote about the "heavily orchestrated" bit. Before every dinner party, my very upperclassical friends (the age of my parents) used to brief me about the background of the other guests and what topics to avoid, something that was neither shocking, nor weird, nor bizarre, but served the purpose NOT TO HURT, which is the essence and the meaning of good manners.</div>
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<b>How to Shake Hands</b><br />
<blockquote>
Royals are expected to maintain strong eye contact throughout the duration of a handshake, and stick to two shakes maximum, to avoid touching commoners for too long or appearing to give preferential treatment to one handshake over another.</blockquote>
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Everybody ought to follow those rules, and never mind whether you are shaking hands with Royalty or rabble. This is so daft, I must have gotten it from an American website.</div>
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<b>Descend Stairs Gracefully</b><br />
<blockquote>
Chin placement is key. Royal women are instructed to always stand and walk down stairs with their chins parallel to the ground. When walking down stairs, their hands must always be at their sides as well.</blockquote>
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You don't say so! I conclude it's alright then for other women to descend stairs like a frumpy plonker. What a relief!<br />
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<b>Garlic Isn't Allowed In Buckingham Palace</b><br />
<blockquote>
Why? Simply because the Queen hates it.</blockquote>
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Oh yeah? Again, this has something to do with manners and manners only. If Her Majesty "hates" something, it's breathing garlic into other people's faces and expects the same from the other members of her family. But I guess "consideration" isn't part of the make-up-your-shit-as-you-go-along-brigade's vocabulary, so they have to think of a different explanation, however moronic. "Simply" of course.</div>
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<b>No Nicknames Allowed.</b><br />
<blockquote>
Royalty are expected to be addressed by their full, given names rather than nicknames given to them by their families.</blockquote>
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And here was I, going to call Her Majesty "Lilibet" next time we meet. How good of you to educate me! (Just try and call ME by my nickname if you aren't part of my family or inner circle of friends and you'll see what will happen to you.)<br />
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<b>Women Drink from the Same Spot of the Cup/Glass</b><br />
<br />
How shocking, weird and bizarre! Funny, I'm doing that without ever having been told so since I first used lipstick, which was about 50 years ago, out of consideration for the host and the other guests. Lipstick stains are neither nice to watch nor easy to remove. How oh how did I become such a shockingly weird and bizarre freak of nature?</div>
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<b>Vocabulary</b><br />
<blockquote>
There are certain words that royals will never utter, and they all have more proper substitutes. A "toilet" is always referred to as a "lavatory;" interrupting a conversation always requires an apologetic "sorry" rather than an interjecting "pardon."<br />
Couches are referred to as "sofas" and they are placed in "drawing rooms" or "sitting rooms" rather than "living rooms," "lounges" or "dens." Brits also call their parents by "mum' and 'dad," or "mummy and daddy" if they're feeling more affectionate. Also, someone's "perfume" is always referred to as their "scent," to make the smell sound more natural to the person.</blockquote>
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Yes, those pesky Royals with their shocking rules!<br />
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This is so bottomless, impregnably, rock-bottom, intransigently and irredeemably dumb (and obviously American), that words fail me. Read my precious piece <a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2009/04/an-intact-sense-for-class-distinction.html">An Intact Sense for Class Distinction Helps to Keep the Language Precise and Beautiful</a> instead.</div>
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That is all for now.</div>
The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-55838235293850166472019-04-05T12:08:00.001+02:002019-04-05T12:08:25.732+02:00You won't believe this!I have, out of sheer and undiluted mental retardation, deleted all my posts labeled "Manners" (21) and Blogger/Blogspot is rather unforgiving towards such idiocy.<br />
<br />
I HAVE been able to retrieve the most important ones, however, although I have to re-compose them from scratch, as text and pictures are not together anymore.<br />
<br />
Like I, really.The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-70316919345733287002019-04-04T19:49:00.001+02:002022-10-08T19:46:07.710+02:00An Unusual and Touching Lesson in HistoryThe true genius of British sitcom becomes first and foremost apparent in Rowan Atkinson's Blackadder. Only the Brits can make a sidesplittingly funny sitcom where one cries one's eyes out in the end and I know that not just I did.<br />
<br />
Produced 1989, Blackadder IV is set in the trenches of Flanders 1917. The premise of the series are Captain Blackadder's attempts of avoiding combat, which drives the humour of the series from the very first episode and he always succeeds or at least gets out of it unharmed.<br />
<br />
Not so in the end.<br />
<br />
In the final scene of the last episode Goodbyeee (title taken from a contemporary popular Music Hall song), the protagonists gather. The cynical career soldier Captain Edmund Blackadder, who deep down knew all the time what was coming to him and that he would one day run out of his luck, the coward Captain Darling who'd thought that he could ride it out on a cushy staff desk job, but was sent to the front line by his General, whose trusty "pyjama folder" he so far had been. (One has probably never seen a finer piece of acting genius than Tim McInnerny's when Captain Darling finally understands the truth - and, above all, comes to terms with it in the end.)<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirFS0Fm59CRaiNuYj5p-HhPn1YA42MpLIyIQ0Kn8f8IeetN1q9apZa4gA4gAGtD61aCZLnkRZ_5m535W1VIbDRRpVaD6Mg00dT7ARiQdhu3uK6Cqquh4LRzA1TAsUUowOtpKOCfTJuf4/s1600/PDVD_046+modified.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="576" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirFS0Fm59CRaiNuYj5p-HhPn1YA42MpLIyIQ0Kn8f8IeetN1q9apZa4gA4gAGtD61aCZLnkRZ_5m535W1VIbDRRpVaD6Mg00dT7ARiQdhu3uK6Cqquh4LRzA1TAsUUowOtpKOCfTJuf4/s400/PDVD_046+modified.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Made a note in my diary on my way here. Simply says, "Bugger.""</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The others are the naive and not very bright hooray-henry-ish young aristocrat Lieutenant The Honourable George Colthurst St. Barleigh and Private Baldrick, the touching eternal underdog from Cockney London. They are scared and, for the first time, say so, but then, maybe it hadn't occured to them before that they had a reason to be scared.<br />
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It shows as well what an excellent actor Rowan Atkinson is and how subtly the script deals with the situation. When Darling arrives at the trench, the Captains greet each other the first time without contempt, a premonition of things to come and when he throws his hat down on the suitcase we know that he has succumbed to his fate.<br />
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For the two syllables "Well, quite" alone, his reaction to the admissions of the others (he never says how he himself feels) he'd deserved at least an Oscar.<br />
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And in the end, "Good luck everyone", his final words and the last words in the series, are the first, not just in the episode, not just in this series, but in the entire show, he utters without cynicism.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9KLN7zYqQuyTbW2Www3Crhd5_kUR_SjyaUQkDJsdjZLqTGgaHLujfE5xg_07F0JbQ7vpK4W2OukJDyJ0WkbMXUZ-ho9q2I9KMunmYhvNKqYaIRwIu7Ptz-mxljAfROebWST88t5Xz4k/s1600/PDVD_064+modified.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="576" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9KLN7zYqQuyTbW2Www3Crhd5_kUR_SjyaUQkDJsdjZLqTGgaHLujfE5xg_07F0JbQ7vpK4W2OukJDyJ0WkbMXUZ-ho9q2I9KMunmYhvNKqYaIRwIu7Ptz-mxljAfROebWST88t5Xz4k/s400/PDVD_064+modified.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Godd luck everyone."</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>Historic parenthesis:</b> The only superficially funny figure of Lieutenant George is actually shockingly close to a tragic historic reality.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9kWgCOQFUm_DxkemqivjSKf0nxaLvM_VEDcmfK0tpmaG9rWKE3Rjg5g3ESVrqAVuK0AnjH6eHVYwurEeDw0akEWllciHxzf7H817fZlQ2bxspRC4PnuiUlLWAg0dZcVv8YSywL8q6s8/s1600/PDVD_047+modified.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="576" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9kWgCOQFUm_DxkemqivjSKf0nxaLvM_VEDcmfK0tpmaG9rWKE3Rjg5g3ESVrqAVuK0AnjH6eHVYwurEeDw0akEWllciHxzf7H817fZlQ2bxspRC4PnuiUlLWAg0dZcVv8YSywL8q6s8/s400/PDVD_047+modified.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Don't forget your stick, Lieutenant." </td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2010/01/english-aristocracy-201001">As Charles Spencer writes</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">When the First World War arrived, in 1914, the aristocracy welcomed it. They saw this as a chance to justify their position, by assuming the mantle of military leadership that had been the original role of many of their ancestors. But the war was disastrous for them: <b>frequently, the young lords were given junior commissions on the battlefront, leading their men with bravery in their hearts but only a pistol or a baton in their hands. They were first in the German machine-gunners’ sights.</b> While one in eight British soldiers perished during the four-year conflict, the ratio was one in five for the nobility... After peace, it seemed that the aristocracy was spent. As a political observer wrote at the time, “The Feudal System vanished in blood and fire, and the landed classes were consumed.” [<b>Highlighting </b>by me.]</blockquote>In the end, they go over the top, slowly vanish in the debris and finally in the mists of history.<br />
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The writer of these lines is a historian by training (not by profession and WWI hadn't been among my subjects). Still, although I've read (and hopefully understood) <a href="https://www.amazon.de/Sleepwalkers-How-Europe-Went-1914/dp/0141027827/ref=asc_df_0141027827/?tag=googshopde-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310692821705&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1613420943519095338&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=20239&hvtargid=pla-332914261433&psc=1&th=1&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=61258805185&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=310692821705&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1613420943519095338&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=20239&hvtargid=pla-332914261433">one of the probably best books on the topic of the "Great War"</a>, it had taught me less about it, about war generally and about soldiering (as far as a woman can understand it in the first place) than this little bit of TV genius.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IglUmgYGxLM" width="459"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Transcript:</b><br />
(Darling enters, wearing helmet)<br />
<b>George:</b> Sir! (salutes)<br />
<b>Edmund:</b> (hangs up the phone, turns) Captain Darling...<br />
<b>Darling:</b> Captain Blackadder.<br />
<b>Edmund:</b> Here to join us for the last waltz?<br />
<b>Darling:</b> (nervous) Erm, yes -- tired of folding the general's pyjamas.<br />
<b>George:</b> Well, this is splendid, comradely news! Together, we'll fight for king<br />
and country, and be sucking sausages in Berlin by teatime.<br />
<b>Edmund:</b> Yes, I hope their cafes are well stocked; everyone seems determined<br />
to eat out the moment they arrive.<br />
<b>George:</b> No, really, this is brave, splendid and noble! (hesitates) Sir?<br />
<b>Edmund:</b> Yes, Lieutenant?<br />
<b>George:</b> I'm scared, sir.<br />
<b>Baldrick:</b> I'm scared too, sir.<br />
<b>George:</b> I mean, I'm the last of the tiddlywinking leapfroggers from the Golden<br />
Summer of 1914. I don't want to die. I'm really not overkeen on dying<br />
at all, sir.<br />
<b>Edmund:</b> How are you feeling, Darling?<br />
<b>Darling:</b> Erm, not all that good, Blackadder -- rather hoped I'd get through the<br />
whole show; go back to work at Pratt & Sons; keep wicket for the<br />
Croydon gentlemen; marry Doris... Made a note in my diary on my way<br />
here. Simply says, "Bugger."<br />
<b>Edmund:</b> Well, quite.<br />
(a voice outside gives orders)<br />
<b>Edmund:</b> Ah well, come on. Let's move.<br />
<b>Voice:</b> Fix bayonets!<br />
(They start to go outside)<br />
<b>Edmund:</b> Don't forget your stick, Lieutenant.<br />
<b>George:</b> Oh no, sir -- wouldn't want to face a machine gun without this!<br />
(outside, they all line up as the shelling stops)<br />
<b>Darling:</b> Listen! Our guns have stopped.<br />
<b>George:</b> You don't think...?<br />
<b>Baldrick:</b> Maybe the war's over. Maybe it's peace!<br />
<b>George:</b> Well, hurrah! The big nobs have gone round the table and yanked the<br />
iron out of the fire!<br />
<b>Darling:</b> Thank God! We lived through it! The Great War: 1914-1917.<br />
<b>George:</b> Hip hip!<br />
<b>All but Edmund:</b> Hurray!<br />
<b>Edmund:</b> (loading his revolver) I'm afraid not. The guns have stopped because<br />
we're about to attack. Not even our generals are mad enough to shell<br />
their own men. They think it's far more sporting to let the Germans<br />
do it.<br />
<b>George:</b> So we are, in fact, going over. This is, as they say, "it".<br />
<b>Edmund:</b> I'm afraid so, unless I think of something very quickly.<br />
<b>Voice: </b>Company, one pace forward!<br />
(everyone steps forward)<br />
<b>Baldrick:</b> Ooh, there's a nasty splinter on that ladder, sir! A bloke could<br />
hurt himself on that.<br />
<b>Voice:</b> Stand ready!<br />
(everyone puts a foot forward)<br />
<b>Baldrick:</b> I have a plan, sir.<br />
<b>Edmund: </b>Really, Baldrick? A cunning and subtle one?<br />
<b>Baldrick: </b>Yes, sir.<br />
<b>Edmund:</b> As cunning as a fox who's just been appointed Professor of Cunning<br />
at Oxford University?<br />
<b>Baldrick:</b> Yes, sir.<br />
<b>Voice: </b>On the signal, company will advance!<br />
<b>Edmund:</b> Well, I'm afraid it'll have to wait. Whatever it was, I'm sure it was<br />
better than my plan to get out of this by pretending to be mad.<br />
I mean, who would have noticed another madman round here?<br />
(whistle blows)<br />
<b>Edmund:</b> Good luck, everyone. (blows his whistle)<br />
(Everyone yells as they go over the top. German guns fire before<br />
they're even off the ladders. The scene changes to slow motion,<br />
and explosions happen all around them. [An echoed piano slowly plays<br />
the Blackadder theme.] The smoke and flying earth begins to obscure<br />
vision as the view changes to the battlefield moments later: empty<br />
and silent with barbed wire, guns and bodies strewn across it. [A<br />
bass drum beats slowly.] That view in turn changes to the same field<br />
as it is today: overgrown with grasses and poppies, peaceful, with<br />
chirping birds.)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Captain Edmund Blackadder</div><div style="text-align: center;">ROWAN ATKINSON</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Private S. Baldrick</div><div style="text-align: center;">TONY ROBINSON</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">General Sir Anthony Cecil</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hogmanay Melchett</div><div style="text-align: center;">STEPHEN FRY</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lieutenant The Honourable</div><div style="text-align: center;">George Colthurst St. Barleigh</div><div style="text-align: center;">HUGH LAURIE</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Captain Kevin Darling</div><div style="text-align: center;">TIM McINNERNY</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Complete transcripts for the entire series and full credits <a href="http://allblackadderscripts.blogspot.com/">here</a>. </div>The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-88764391736932757252019-03-06T10:56:00.000+01:002023-02-28T14:12:08.286+01:00The Duchess of DelicaciesThe Duchess of Sussex invited a friend, namely her "makeup artist", to afternoon tea at Kensington Palace.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GIRJsFBTvFGMcAdm2snVOemMRUxyPJaWRk4WDey5uk0PWIb3IBPdvZupZhYlpn1DhDwAu-HD_JCJZXu4b_hZ68evo7aY5n3xdz_D4wdiUKLqYlg8kKSsK1nLALUEc4SJmhdJE69sBmc/s1600/tea5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="251" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GIRJsFBTvFGMcAdm2snVOemMRUxyPJaWRk4WDey5uk0PWIb3IBPdvZupZhYlpn1DhDwAu-HD_JCJZXu4b_hZ68evo7aY5n3xdz_D4wdiUKLqYlg8kKSsK1nLALUEc4SJmhdJE69sBmc/s400/tea5.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's he, so you know.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As a close and trusted and therefore per definitionem classy friend, he lost no time informing the world about what goes on behind the walls of Kensington Palace, so we know now, too, what treats had been waiting there for him.<br />
<br />
I let <a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2018/12/german-musings-about-manners-and-england.html">William Hanson</a>, here in the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6614737/Meghan-Markles-afternoon-tea-Daniel-Martin-featuring-avocado-toast-silver-plates.html?fbclid=IwAR0k3G0RoVPQ_2jESzmKd_lSAJgp2Wzdel5IwhjHZaWlqgYH3ZSYTHzwWME">Daily Mail</a>, take over. He fights with a foil, I with a sledge hammer.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
'However, I am a great believer in the "your house, your rules" school of thought so if HRH The Duchess of Sussex wishes to serve it at her teas then good luck to her.<br />
<br />
'I’m sure it was followed up with a delicious granola and hemp vegan scone.'<br />
<br />
Fittingly, the chocolates are Fortnum and Mason's £13.95 Sandringham Coffee Truffles, which were served directly from the royal retailer's distinctive blue box.<br />
<br />
The crockery was elegantly mismatched, with a brushed blue ceramic tea pot and cup sitting in contrast with the formal scalloped edged silver saucer and side plates. </blockquote>
What was it about?<br />
<br />
This:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7IGE4OUVqIFgn3y8hcNxsGkqmI0L-eO2CxHFsugN1pauBQzxNtdwYKdBz-k8tL0ZZlpgJ52NEN5WC_RjqDSJwUJzbdI5O7wNsKt2Nsj1NflzAE_JUECWMmAZnXKhoYXA8D9LNznlHI4/s1600/tea4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="317" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7IGE4OUVqIFgn3y8hcNxsGkqmI0L-eO2CxHFsugN1pauBQzxNtdwYKdBz-k8tL0ZZlpgJ52NEN5WC_RjqDSJwUJzbdI5O7wNsKt2Nsj1NflzAE_JUECWMmAZnXKhoYXA8D9LNznlHI4/s400/tea4.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
<br />
And because William Hanson is much too polite to utter what he REALLY thinks - no let me rephrase that: because he is a master of voicing his opinion with subtle irony, let me translate:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
'Do what you like in your own house, but don't be amazed about the reactions from the polite part of society.<br />
<br />
'And I'm sure what followed was bound to be even worse' or rather '...even worse New Age crap'.<br />
<br />
It is, and we are not amazed, the bottom of bad manners to serve expensive chocolates (or anything else, really) from the box. What will be next? Tupperware?<br />
<br />
To match cheap and ugly ceramic tableware with formal looking pieces [Style Queen's note: I think it's pewter, not silver] is tacky beyond belief.</blockquote>
I may be wrong, after all, I'm no mind reader.<br />
<br />
But let's talk about the tables at Kensington Palace as well. Have they switched to raw timber lately? And to fringed floor cloth napkins?<br />
<br />
But whatever, at least some of the reactions from the usual Besotted-with-Meghan-suspects had been quite favourable.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_fNcAEiVsnC-SNNZasROJEzIt5IZQosmF_ABfiKI-ZDJh2QaJgKNHUCo1gMvydIYPJd1rvt6e6nXXFn1sUNWq-YdDVDYs875eXb3JnS7lBYCK0d_mCrWxtzbOH85uB4OcmDc1nbOYbU/s1600/tea3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_fNcAEiVsnC-SNNZasROJEzIt5IZQosmF_ABfiKI-ZDJh2QaJgKNHUCo1gMvydIYPJd1rvt6e6nXXFn1sUNWq-YdDVDYs875eXb3JnS7lBYCK0d_mCrWxtzbOH85uB4OcmDc1nbOYbU/s1600/tea3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
No it doesn't. It looks disgusting and if I see epithets like "fabulously outrageous" (which translates to "tacky") and "healthy carb", I go sick.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEwS2UCjlFXkksKKO50zd5Y7cFnoDlOiwpgVFYuoQeC44rY46lAl8qUgPVJU83UGkKAahwpD_zPWZ26KCTF8Xtj9Ovh9IyCg5pN79f7K_Oy-ogfcGjzmAEwZytTo_C9V71gvMSiF2AYA/s1600/tea2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEwS2UCjlFXkksKKO50zd5Y7cFnoDlOiwpgVFYuoQeC44rY46lAl8qUgPVJU83UGkKAahwpD_zPWZ26KCTF8Xtj9Ovh9IyCg5pN79f7K_Oy-ogfcGjzmAEwZytTo_C9V71gvMSiF2AYA/s1600/tea2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, it says they are from F&M. Can't be too difficult to find them, sycophant dumbo!<br />
<br />
And no, this is NOT "down to earth" and "charming" either. Let me tell you why from a general etiquette point of view:<br />
<ul>
<li>A table arrangement like that may be alright in undergraduates' digs. In other circumstances, not just in Kensington Palace, for guests, one brings out one's best china, silver, tablecloth and napkins according to one's means and apropos to the occasion. It is only polite.</li>
<li>One serves whatever food there will be in the most appealing and appetising form, not carelessly splashed about. It's, I repeat, only polite. (I wonder whether the Duchess made those sandwiches herself or whether she told the Kensington Palace staff: "Throw together some avocadoes and whole grain toast. Make it look home-made, healthy, charmingly down to earth and spontaneously combustible... errr... improvised.")</li>
<li>Traditional English afternoon tea is one of the most charming (yes, in this case "charming" IS applicable) ways to entertain a guest. So she deprived a visitor from abroad of such a unique treat. Why? BECAUSE IT FITTED HER AGENDA TO COME ACROSS AS "DOWN TO EARTH" AND "CHARMING" TO THE UNDISCERNING MASSES.</li>
<li>And no, I don't "know" that, but I bet the last remnants of my Royal Copenhagen and KPM Berlin china, as well as those of my family silver, that it HAD BEEN so.</li>
</ul>
From a royal etiquette point of view I'd say that one doesn't invite somebody of whom one can't be 100% sure of not spilling the beans. But that was exactly what she intended, wasn't it? (Again, I wager my china.) And to hell with hospitality, etiquette, good manners and the reputation of the eminent family into which she married and of which she has made laughing stock already only too often.<br />
<br />
And the Best-Comment-Award goes to:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
What sort of guest gets invited into someone’s home, photographs a meal served to them in kind, and as if that wasn’t non-u, goes blabbing about it to the media? Right! The kind who deserved whatever this is. I hope she spat in it too. ??</blockquote>
To be honest, it wouldn't amaze me.The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-69007515313409509882019-02-13T15:55:00.000+01:002019-06-02T08:47:30.870+02:00Dread Lies Behind the BeautyI love the paintings from the Romantic period. "Our" <a href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caspar_David_Friedrich">Caspar David Friedrich</a>, of course, but the English school as well, above all <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Constable">John Constable</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._M._W._Turner">William Turner</a> (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Blake">William Blake</a> is too "mystical", vulgo: eerie, for my taste). I love the English <a href="https://boesestilmutter.blogspot.com/2018/03/john-everett-millais-ophelia.html">Pre-Raphaelites</a> as well, even though they are, although influenced by it, not really part of the Romantic period anymore.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPdm7_CPxRlhMSHLBrDjy8kf_bicI9WR1O1m-zC05CSmiaGd1JZtfg1L8HIQR9ECoCNZSQV-_RAjwABJeBD8j91zeYjPZb8K8xVOcbcq77yx7W4Uq3TXdPAkJh8pKnLJePj7Gv1Sp4osR/s1600/self-portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="863" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPdm7_CPxRlhMSHLBrDjy8kf_bicI9WR1O1m-zC05CSmiaGd1JZtfg1L8HIQR9ECoCNZSQV-_RAjwABJeBD8j91zeYjPZb8K8xVOcbcq77yx7W4Uq3TXdPAkJh8pKnLJePj7Gv1Sp4osR/s320/self-portrait.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self Portrait</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now I came by chance across Ivan Aivazovski (1817-1900). He, was a Russian Romantic painter who is considered one of the greatest masters of marine art. He was born into an Armenian family in the Black Sea port of Feodosia in Crimea and was mostly based there. His genius becomes obvious in his masterly compositions of light and shadow, of light effects on water, moonlight or fire, often softened by mist or sea spray.<br />
<br />
A primarily Romantic painter, Aivazovsky used some Realistic elements as well.<br />
<br />
Aivazovskis paintings don't correspond, similar to those of Friedrich and different from the English Romantic landscapists, to the familiar image of Romantic painting as (merely) aesthetic expressionism. The nightmare is lurking everywhere.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRDYgcmXm3tlf8m_XyR8TGY2eictImdMSL4IH6Io6fYt43FrowI21sbgJvlZTv2Hh11edztGcDbtXejsjTDhKJRPWy6f_SnaCkEGgJN3gT4v1xT2bXOINQUyko-XYgSIi9WHyBy0ZnCo/s1600/Black+Sea+Fleet+in+the+Bay+of+Feodosia%252C+just+before+the+Crimean+War.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1600" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRDYgcmXm3tlf8m_XyR8TGY2eictImdMSL4IH6Io6fYt43FrowI21sbgJvlZTv2Hh11edztGcDbtXejsjTDhKJRPWy6f_SnaCkEGgJN3gT4v1xT2bXOINQUyko-XYgSIi9WHyBy0ZnCo/s400/Black+Sea+Fleet+in+the+Bay+of+Feodosia%252C+just+before+the+Crimean+War.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Sea Fleet in the Bay of Feodosia just before the Crimean War</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGV1uBmeas___iksGrZnXUKuWdB85JZL7AtS7m9mHG0EydMtzgUakuSa3saXWI4IKLn5oQDGFTv9abj5K8O4CcIJVUUoLRdew0CyBkyA6Mf_h4AtBD52l7v4AYOPGFPk9hCH7ZsIkZfc/s1600/Fishing+Boats+In+A+Harbor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1100" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGV1uBmeas___iksGrZnXUKuWdB85JZL7AtS7m9mHG0EydMtzgUakuSa3saXWI4IKLn5oQDGFTv9abj5K8O4CcIJVUUoLRdew0CyBkyA6Mf_h4AtBD52l7v4AYOPGFPk9hCH7ZsIkZfc/s400/Fishing+Boats+In+A+Harbor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing Boats in a Harbour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5dI7kZ61ZYot9GHKbzYFwE8_xTbhXw-UHUuDYreLM4jwIb7B9VBZrwT62nnVHSd4IQk98Wtg_Hb4ojHr39zOTqd6ArL5JX4CJqDfYOT1H4yvqyV8am58yKDXoqLDMtjGx_SYURTK7GI/s1600/Gunboat+off+Crete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1600" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5dI7kZ61ZYot9GHKbzYFwE8_xTbhXw-UHUuDYreLM4jwIb7B9VBZrwT62nnVHSd4IQk98Wtg_Hb4ojHr39zOTqd6ArL5JX4CJqDfYOT1H4yvqyV8am58yKDXoqLDMtjGx_SYURTK7GI/s400/Gunboat+off+Crete.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gunboat off Crete</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5Je2EmGdBAXGQH3nF5oo0lx6tXXtC1VE6mmF1hj7ZLJ3NTQG2knQNaGzTInDMuoFLjx4vsCHDPwkjiMgxL-DYmmBOfcEhGIwnj8hvlx3P9ZZaOPiqIqsltHiaWb6VfvdaFYPWMajMFk/s1600/moonpath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1000" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5Je2EmGdBAXGQH3nF5oo0lx6tXXtC1VE6mmF1hj7ZLJ3NTQG2knQNaGzTInDMuoFLjx4vsCHDPwkjiMgxL-DYmmBOfcEhGIwnj8hvlx3P9ZZaOPiqIqsltHiaWb6VfvdaFYPWMajMFk/s400/moonpath.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moonpath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBH7EAJ5Ivhmzanpd5MdQENE5x7sY0tvu4nwZcLPYcEGruW1xCx9axZ_xOFZZGkALV3OnvKRLCSnDvM07xsWfbX5eDbvOm0L82BQefn_8HoFBh-CE9XXZGhv9ZwBWEooR02ZOzlKj-5s/s1600/Peter+the+First+to+light+out+a+watch+fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1032" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBH7EAJ5Ivhmzanpd5MdQENE5x7sY0tvu4nwZcLPYcEGruW1xCx9axZ_xOFZZGkALV3OnvKRLCSnDvM07xsWfbX5eDbvOm0L82BQefn_8HoFBh-CE9XXZGhv9ZwBWEooR02ZOzlKj-5s/s400/Peter+the+First+to+light+out+a+watch+fire.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter The First to Light a Watch Fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUn6OyeGpHdTb1xtjl3F3wyW17GcaRuQ4VjnWjzWSGvR-hP66TV1N9d8qV7dLB1tAO41dy05lLUg8HNr5hUCvzwL-ho0Lh8iVzOeQtxoCOnh0pj28iSSnG00-XpO5C3yRz-TRpKDTkI-M/s1600/Pushkin+at+the+top+of+the+Ai-Petri+Mountain+at+sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="1000" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUn6OyeGpHdTb1xtjl3F3wyW17GcaRuQ4VjnWjzWSGvR-hP66TV1N9d8qV7dLB1tAO41dy05lLUg8HNr5hUCvzwL-ho0Lh8iVzOeQtxoCOnh0pj28iSSnG00-XpO5C3yRz-TRpKDTkI-M/s400/Pushkin+at+the+top+of+the+Ai-Petri+Mountain+at+sunrise.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pushkin at the Top of the Ai-Petri Mountain at Sunrise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFOd2zSHU9vZy0viqx0hDx3kWtOME4-ry3XiUCsEsMBfLCMbu3bru3pmSwwO90dAgw9NXmNiaCp7uhxOxJCqO-Z9xIHoYUMM1aDJ7ggrPsWWO4Z2vrYR9T1_0GZb_NyB-qwd9pTmIhHQ/s1600/windmill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1000" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFOd2zSHU9vZy0viqx0hDx3kWtOME4-ry3XiUCsEsMBfLCMbu3bru3pmSwwO90dAgw9NXmNiaCp7uhxOxJCqO-Z9xIHoYUMM1aDJ7ggrPsWWO4Z2vrYR9T1_0GZb_NyB-qwd9pTmIhHQ/s400/windmill.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windmill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihewy-EgQt1H5HRB7zSSfNotxrYnnCRnqE6BgT6tzQCW-_h0u1p0RQB90MP1LR2BaszlFH8v1IClDkTh8jb9yMjxnReFpqgEBFH6lHTs3xrkqUKDruCsrC9Hhwsydi87O5bdI_FYn1kpA/s1600/baptismofarmenians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihewy-EgQt1H5HRB7zSSfNotxrYnnCRnqE6BgT6tzQCW-_h0u1p0RQB90MP1LR2BaszlFH8v1IClDkTh8jb9yMjxnReFpqgEBFH6lHTs3xrkqUKDruCsrC9Hhwsydi87O5bdI_FYn1kpA/s400/baptismofarmenians.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Baptism of Armenians</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGL58Nx4WIR_HX1Pj_Xm2J595Hjs0zXX2afNdzXj0eS0eYjdlkvPrnMYWZ73UfkKdzURqAGgVSxD4XbD9ThSuLp5f3G7W2pjkpoYFMJnk_W30RGklwWoAWMZ4k2naWrog4s2g8TEvYO_z/s1600/Aivasovsky_Ivan_Constantinovich_Moonlit_Seascape_With_Shipwreck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="760" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGL58Nx4WIR_HX1Pj_Xm2J595Hjs0zXX2afNdzXj0eS0eYjdlkvPrnMYWZ73UfkKdzURqAGgVSxD4XbD9ThSuLp5f3G7W2pjkpoYFMJnk_W30RGklwWoAWMZ4k2naWrog4s2g8TEvYO_z/s400/Aivasovsky_Ivan_Constantinovich_Moonlit_Seascape_With_Shipwreck.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moonlit Seascape with Shipwreck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXphXTEbKbvKzwPrnRflG8Adwj6Hobz4bSaHPfb6b86zd6Ry0QLDyRTgRPvPxIm9C8rdV3QXHIgfzL5Lt-czRZSaDi_JJbafKAH5DrHeQsrwS_0Awz1VgbHGoJ0j0Zk9NUfo0u9Pg6Aiq/s1600/Aivazovsky%252C_Ivan_-_The_Ninth_Wave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="800" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXphXTEbKbvKzwPrnRflG8Adwj6Hobz4bSaHPfb6b86zd6Ry0QLDyRTgRPvPxIm9C8rdV3QXHIgfzL5Lt-czRZSaDi_JJbafKAH5DrHeQsrwS_0Awz1VgbHGoJ0j0Zk9NUfo0u9Pg6Aiq/s400/Aivazovsky%252C_Ivan_-_The_Ninth_Wave.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ninth Wave<br />
(Probably Aivazovski's best known painting.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvrjllb1Mx2Q-FxQhPqFrBD4WpElQQu1XsUOrWbdUOzxuaLrlnjYeo9jJE8QGj25Exva0DqZkrvSZn_gX_saWfhNOC1igKd7GkAxiiQcVEsZDOkfr10KRBf4Qff3iH3r8wG3ZvjFLVEul/s1600/Battle_of_Sinop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="800" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvrjllb1Mx2Q-FxQhPqFrBD4WpElQQu1XsUOrWbdUOzxuaLrlnjYeo9jJE8QGj25Exva0DqZkrvSZn_gX_saWfhNOC1igKd7GkAxiiQcVEsZDOkfr10KRBf4Qff3iH3r8wG3ZvjFLVEul/s400/Battle_of_Sinop.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Battle of Sinop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8oq-7Qdq8WuhzKd9j1Vf2S99BQPIouCIzHLw4dytRukwrZxz7bV7GBCyUsL5sQLEsBg4iRjl2lt0PsWTxfHna84wqYoMO6IQzVbbKJQVArWJQg9yKD81kzgsRvrJfWF7UecpcqF-lMwF/s1600/332147.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1389" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8oq-7Qdq8WuhzKd9j1Vf2S99BQPIouCIzHLw4dytRukwrZxz7bV7GBCyUsL5sQLEsBg4iRjl2lt0PsWTxfHna84wqYoMO6IQzVbbKJQVArWJQg9yKD81kzgsRvrJfWF7UecpcqF-lMwF/s400/332147.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="st">Dante Shows an Artist Some Unusual Clouds</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGcxbsrFZYer6ZogV-3lC5ZPhFUKdt2vEshGHM2DXgHVc6MsgVZPUAz6QSDb4X4sxWJPVO4i4zB-LlwLLqHrRS87MNrcbzvRd4BJdcz23HAQWnlK4pbImm15-Oi2DE3XKPdu4x_-bffRR/s1600/KadOrdoPalaceVenicemoonlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1000" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGcxbsrFZYer6ZogV-3lC5ZPhFUKdt2vEshGHM2DXgHVc6MsgVZPUAz6QSDb4X4sxWJPVO4i4zB-LlwLLqHrRS87MNrcbzvRd4BJdcz23HAQWnlK4pbImm15-Oi2DE3XKPdu4x_-bffRR/s400/KadOrdoPalaceVenicemoonlight.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="st">Ca' d'Oro Palace in Venice by Moonlight</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bFnKk2kngmIbMj-M-nGiVA5uPfoLnZWdlLMAeaA9UPN-FZPXjx-9jUm67fhU63ImgPN0ql0EmuCD3Fhql272F6AELr0NbrZdS1xBdl1mDoaePcCYfsqZQO6lbo1bwD8Lu9OHjviBuXaA/s1600/battlenavarino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1199" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bFnKk2kngmIbMj-M-nGiVA5uPfoLnZWdlLMAeaA9UPN-FZPXjx-9jUm67fhU63ImgPN0ql0EmuCD3Fhql272F6AELr0NbrZdS1xBdl1mDoaePcCYfsqZQO6lbo1bwD8Lu9OHjviBuXaA/s400/battlenavarino.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Battle of Navarino</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hihTHBG8ip_-mc5uKpAdarQlMPx44SmrKqDLkL1loAK_8ElPHhQrRSO3XwTty6Cyho_gXdg3i-u437VhSFLlmxPMabI2kOzLOBFKynU9Izkv1sEwmqlCo-R68t2IZUdvksw-fG5wq7dd/s1600/downporinsudak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1000" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hihTHBG8ip_-mc5uKpAdarQlMPx44SmrKqDLkL1loAK_8ElPHhQrRSO3XwTty6Cyho_gXdg3i-u437VhSFLlmxPMabI2kOzLOBFKynU9Izkv1sEwmqlCo-R68t2IZUdvksw-fG5wq7dd/s400/downporinsudak.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downpour in Sudak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfhoI10cLq2uh-bcYSHIH6azZrZmoyIJ4GHrXOs8WVUD-nNTL8_H3lLFQMzegos8xP5KzGvZLKinm88Eb3aUSFh-0S4bZB3tsQCIHiS9ZCpZAd5jWZpRsVmcIcnr9CQyEpIjMyxX4GYwQ/s1600/explodingship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1200" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfhoI10cLq2uh-bcYSHIH6azZrZmoyIJ4GHrXOs8WVUD-nNTL8_H3lLFQMzegos8xP5KzGvZLKinm88Eb3aUSFh-0S4bZB3tsQCIHiS9ZCpZAd5jWZpRsVmcIcnr9CQyEpIjMyxX4GYwQ/s400/explodingship.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploding Ship</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaiOFEeCc51AHM-x4W5YBrlhFWQcWOiX8nNqG4XMBKWahJv8HkJ7cbUA9JSnGhWeaF4LKl5vIhuLofPpT5PT5-NNL6eD1nBH0m4KEu5mKOO58tHK3fFOxSbPe2qY4M4RYLwhGeEP6cGYKS/s1600/jesuswalkswater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="918" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaiOFEeCc51AHM-x4W5YBrlhFWQcWOiX8nNqG4XMBKWahJv8HkJ7cbUA9JSnGhWeaF4LKl5vIhuLofPpT5PT5-NNL6eD1nBH0m4KEu5mKOO58tHK3fFOxSbPe2qY4M4RYLwhGeEP6cGYKS/s400/jesuswalkswater.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesus Walks over Water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXdNRPenYLy5kBekIlAF_tCV9tZUk5LINnAMj3Pyc5cXsXHFgI_UpxaDME_V5wQhYROmcETgvWo0bUD4jlENuq5MRAJOf6I2UIbAyeX2-lUyYntlsFGuzBteh7hLDyspzZeHr-Dwd1pv5/s1600/lunarnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXdNRPenYLy5kBekIlAF_tCV9tZUk5LINnAMj3Pyc5cXsXHFgI_UpxaDME_V5wQhYROmcETgvWo0bUD4jlENuq5MRAJOf6I2UIbAyeX2-lUyYntlsFGuzBteh7hLDyspzZeHr-Dwd1pv5/s400/lunarnight.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunar Night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfGbVyB4LNjdpTeRlQIntnm3knA9LMDWHsk4A85WTVR_CIcBKJGYLQanOhlM7Y5Xqof7-gFyIlbF1HjqfmMVoXbzAJhCjHFydw8pK3hZ6GIGrRqj8zsa1Qen2epHxzzjx9DnvbkJpBOn-/s1600/lunarnightatspring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="994" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfGbVyB4LNjdpTeRlQIntnm3knA9LMDWHsk4A85WTVR_CIcBKJGYLQanOhlM7Y5Xqof7-gFyIlbF1HjqfmMVoXbzAJhCjHFydw8pK3hZ6GIGrRqj8zsa1Qen2epHxzzjx9DnvbkJpBOn-/s400/lunarnightatspring.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunar Night at Spring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFi3JcMNTVeCeH_uWIuQvqlkkL-XouPCl_hN-8E_aUfKbbWABXr9DATjpVCz4v3_UV6onKzRdc2rxeU-aOM86lbg_WcvYh_DQzW57JpOihqqucS7W0on1uACOwj9V5xNgZqMhM9hf9FqAv/s1600/mistymorningitaly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="684" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFi3JcMNTVeCeH_uWIuQvqlkkL-XouPCl_hN-8E_aUfKbbWABXr9DATjpVCz4v3_UV6onKzRdc2rxeU-aOM86lbg_WcvYh_DQzW57JpOihqqucS7W0on1uACOwj9V5xNgZqMhM9hf9FqAv/s400/mistymorningitaly.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Misty Morning in Italy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfk0cjoI9SJw2vkIl_PDnLmelIXOOsYbBEEgm5U53bITrBItCVB31IetPHexd6w72Jj-ip8CPTh9mfhc9skTTnivxcIPKSgpMfePC6cqmr70HgvuhxznDbx_85Ep9KHsapApapDFVwBEKw/s1600/moonlitnightnearyalta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1000" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfk0cjoI9SJw2vkIl_PDnLmelIXOOsYbBEEgm5U53bITrBItCVB31IetPHexd6w72Jj-ip8CPTh9mfhc9skTTnivxcIPKSgpMfePC6cqmr70HgvuhxznDbx_85Ep9KHsapApapDFVwBEKw/s400/moonlitnightnearyalta.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moonlit Night Near Yalta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwR9QrvBqfDdODIbLB6ylLDCNIw4ijvDTErODs7eH08y-R7qiNBU2sFf1Ss9bmiLdZtLJjJ_Qz-yIwSFaUEeeLLH_ROIMYL2GeimIC-QGQjYZQhXotzpraGiyetSOYD4ILLPdvHPfk-Cfw/s1600/sailingoffcoastofcrimeainmoonlitnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1000" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwR9QrvBqfDdODIbLB6ylLDCNIw4ijvDTErODs7eH08y-R7qiNBU2sFf1Ss9bmiLdZtLJjJ_Qz-yIwSFaUEeeLLH_ROIMYL2GeimIC-QGQjYZQhXotzpraGiyetSOYD4ILLPdvHPfk-Cfw/s400/sailingoffcoastofcrimeainmoonlitnight.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sailing off the Coast of Crimea in a Moonlit Night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyVOCUyOg2YVCqoekHyYYRh1eQJ0AcDqr-p5iM8MLNgsdjNbFolVjiianQ5ux60XoL_CqHUeWLyIHiFkO-Hgc-L87_KPA4JSEJSB3xcYOlk2ebm2OwlwlhMQ9ZdfpMJr4CTWP4bPi7-P-/s1600/shipwreck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1000" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyVOCUyOg2YVCqoekHyYYRh1eQJ0AcDqr-p5iM8MLNgsdjNbFolVjiianQ5ux60XoL_CqHUeWLyIHiFkO-Hgc-L87_KPA4JSEJSB3xcYOlk2ebm2OwlwlhMQ9ZdfpMJr4CTWP4bPi7-P-/s400/shipwreck.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shipwreck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkPYQEyNzZOjJo0-rxeJ0KmPnJomUfI7CaGU7ogU51iYeK2NrBQIg2AZhK0BtKe6ybguieV2-DIHSKQYXnA8bgAT2YhoJ0m4ylVM_HRS67Ovk7cMurpaNsrItnw6R8R0zYvgvFWRdC7gQ/s1600/stormysea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1000" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkPYQEyNzZOjJo0-rxeJ0KmPnJomUfI7CaGU7ogU51iYeK2NrBQIg2AZhK0BtKe6ybguieV2-DIHSKQYXnA8bgAT2YhoJ0m4ylVM_HRS67Ovk7cMurpaNsrItnw6R8R0zYvgvFWRdC7gQ/s400/stormysea.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stormy Sea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9dy9GR-H5wbns8t7ic7xMiKnBzlFh3epSv3vA6QiNpPOo6NCdu0XsC0vpNlSHyXoLa1DWWyxrDggvuIAx-9B2WXlr38KgH0pZsNKZAL9RVV7_ErQV7X2HXAvpeljdMSk4_yNJN_DHjGc/s1600/tempest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1103" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9dy9GR-H5wbns8t7ic7xMiKnBzlFh3epSv3vA6QiNpPOo6NCdu0XsC0vpNlSHyXoLa1DWWyxrDggvuIAx-9B2WXlr38KgH0pZsNKZAL9RVV7_ErQV7X2HXAvpeljdMSk4_yNJN_DHjGc/s400/tempest.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tempest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszFAZe3gAzkCNx4X_ZpW9zW8uuEBQj23rFcFJ4X281Z3dZ8C_O06RVHv8ceR2Vyv1h8BALb_YWHgSEZT5CnazBub2eNZgcUhW5q6HgMq_teT_tov6ROmlnEUon-zYhDRD84FcDNFjyW2b/s1600/wave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="1000" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszFAZe3gAzkCNx4X_ZpW9zW8uuEBQj23rFcFJ4X281Z3dZ8C_O06RVHv8ceR2Vyv1h8BALb_YWHgSEZT5CnazBub2eNZgcUhW5q6HgMq_teT_tov6ROmlnEUon-zYhDRD84FcDNFjyW2b/s400/wave.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSYvQAXlZgFAzvw4NB5tChZG_TMYbLp5nHCiHhZ_RhT-ARdG7yUib4H3z1cg9Df9NKeCxkQf79UIOFF9FH_ieKPQwqIgfFSP_vzLF7hQab9j9u80ipLHEMlvX-o1tiVBSur86bnRFjZ07/s1600/sunrisefeodosia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1000" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSYvQAXlZgFAzvw4NB5tChZG_TMYbLp5nHCiHhZ_RhT-ARdG7yUib4H3z1cg9Df9NKeCxkQf79UIOFF9FH_ieKPQwqIgfFSP_vzLF7hQab9j9u80ipLHEMlvX-o1tiVBSur86bnRFjZ07/s400/sunrisefeodosia.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise at Feodosia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sTH6BuP44k27zFiQMlGAoycpXKzDEw9ZEGrFdRlY2FS34p2nSHCLPELZ8dN6s4bQE-hS-lIzS1DXaw34DOj6oz3izDl9M9le2EJbHUCWkTIAssPGOmUwCGD48Elq_J-C5jgB9tuz-Cqe/s1600/wrathoftheseas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1200" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sTH6BuP44k27zFiQMlGAoycpXKzDEw9ZEGrFdRlY2FS34p2nSHCLPELZ8dN6s4bQE-hS-lIzS1DXaw34DOj6oz3izDl9M9le2EJbHUCWkTIAssPGOmUwCGD48Elq_J-C5jgB9tuz-Cqe/s400/wrathoftheseas.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrath of the Seas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcCbRny8_gB13RN9LT0q4JhImjMUkK7naNzUkTBDFInQLbOMtO8TYVE8fLjv84nuKprnj94MyphyphenhyphenMr3OZMf9vwDYMdRue8YXOmIMCKZBB2dXnEmxHdOgMdKg0Iqityfhy_hxpR45XTv0H/s1600/IMG_20190118_084701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="1026" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcCbRny8_gB13RN9LT0q4JhImjMUkK7naNzUkTBDFInQLbOMtO8TYVE8fLjv84nuKprnj94MyphyphenhyphenMr3OZMf9vwDYMdRue8YXOmIMCKZBB2dXnEmxHdOgMdKg0Iqityfhy_hxpR45XTv0H/s400/IMG_20190118_084701.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Lagoon of Venice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SGZ6ZeJ1ohHuc3rtv9eNiAb89LtH00vu9zWPG1v7z9zXuc6cPLzZZggntmZ__1pbQzbi_8q0SNv7_fJDxhMuK8qzeUUo6PABanDC5PSB2vkNofUxaPQUNM_a3-cVxLwljm4bldQpPKg/s1600/calmsea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="1000" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SGZ6ZeJ1ohHuc3rtv9eNiAb89LtH00vu9zWPG1v7z9zXuc6cPLzZZggntmZ__1pbQzbi_8q0SNv7_fJDxhMuK8qzeUUo6PABanDC5PSB2vkNofUxaPQUNM_a3-cVxLwljm4bldQpPKg/s400/calmsea.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calm Sea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uwJ0ffnxLIg2vD22kj-Q4has3dplT7iD7hqNxpMVl5YccyIO0FQ6rzFQnllwucztrxwhRK8yNF__NWEsJ15O6PJzuepdhFlC4NnMK7LPE9V9LOTH7hvSaX8Z2U4rozt3Ym3B1_SScr0/s1600/pushkinsfarewellblacksea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="825" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uwJ0ffnxLIg2vD22kj-Q4has3dplT7iD7hqNxpMVl5YccyIO0FQ6rzFQnllwucztrxwhRK8yNF__NWEsJ15O6PJzuepdhFlC4NnMK7LPE9V9LOTH7hvSaX8Z2U4rozt3Ym3B1_SScr0/s400/pushkinsfarewellblacksea.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pushkin's Farewell to the Black Sea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dOH4kKH0F3vsTSEEFfy5BVc_FzI6eYIr1K6gXWQBnnX6RmM58wktMt-W9H55ysrgmK8weDnlld7h9U5I3E2AOFwZRTxk3zJjfv-PgaqOO5hl8iHCRuTN05NtvUnzJQjPjmGBCMKl54M/s1600/viewfromlivadia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="795" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dOH4kKH0F3vsTSEEFfy5BVc_FzI6eYIr1K6gXWQBnnX6RmM58wktMt-W9H55ysrgmK8weDnlld7h9U5I3E2AOFwZRTxk3zJjfv-PgaqOO5hl8iHCRuTN05NtvUnzJQjPjmGBCMKl54M/s400/viewfromlivadia.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Livadia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzgNj8uWa93RXeLCLG4C9BnHp-GiVI3Bz42S4_EEEPwJ-vN9dWZWLydoFFYCwZfRMoBgOS5XZt531sftWvdz3sEF3BV_Q456fS-13cgq9MM-Nll3kgJ-ePKxxwf7TcMp0GIpobSsi5l4/s1600/landingsubashi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="1000" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzgNj8uWa93RXeLCLG4C9BnHp-GiVI3Bz42S4_EEEPwJ-vN9dWZWLydoFFYCwZfRMoBgOS5XZt531sftWvdz3sEF3BV_Q456fS-13cgq9MM-Nll3kgJ-ePKxxwf7TcMp0GIpobSsi5l4/s400/landingsubashi.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landing at Subashi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztnCcTbm6Ivbn3zpf3zw3KdKlp1PzM9N64ct7dIwKDdUcjvzuflcl9egTqeIZMuAlyZFL_i3expDWVGlR6MsTBN9GJSIeIgoEM-z7H9_-tiMaMkcvzU4bF2zrNw8MAP15rIcfFpWjn7gn/s1600/IA-DarialGorge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="1100" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztnCcTbm6Ivbn3zpf3zw3KdKlp1PzM9N64ct7dIwKDdUcjvzuflcl9egTqeIZMuAlyZFL_i3expDWVGlR6MsTBN9GJSIeIgoEM-z7H9_-tiMaMkcvzU4bF2zrNw8MAP15rIcfFpWjn7gn/s400/IA-DarialGorge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darial Gorge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxmsVYyz8EShPjWTSoG2HcwSJnhWwXETV0IvwoSI9zLyPMEDLpsqhw9jaUcHl6ZVY1YOOQXB0KerXaSRoEG9eDznwcjg6JXxf_PwKy_NOAnG2fWv0eBl-iWCxNFNpxADga95aMGfBOB0/s1600/IA-mistymorning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1000" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxmsVYyz8EShPjWTSoG2HcwSJnhWwXETV0IvwoSI9zLyPMEDLpsqhw9jaUcHl6ZVY1YOOQXB0KerXaSRoEG9eDznwcjg6JXxf_PwKy_NOAnG2fWv0eBl-iWCxNFNpxADga95aMGfBOB0/s400/IA-mistymorning.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Misty Morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And, to end it with a drumbeat:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRFNJWjEhyRwLowkj7P0c5dYK5QVbwg47GPSsm2Y5LKCiqQndGtyu3hgRTQWg4NFfZAGdZrpOc-vDMOT5TGvlPqj_8FZh32FtQ5l2nMX3FoUMWmQqENqLk-9XwU0ijC8RmF5FsIxOa_I/s1600/Battle+of+Cesme+at+Night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1501" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRFNJWjEhyRwLowkj7P0c5dYK5QVbwg47GPSsm2Y5LKCiqQndGtyu3hgRTQWg4NFfZAGdZrpOc-vDMOT5TGvlPqj_8FZh32FtQ5l2nMX3FoUMWmQqENqLk-9XwU0ijC8RmF5FsIxOa_I/s400/Battle+of+Cesme+at+Night.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Battle of Cesme at Night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-49843054366043577782019-02-13T10:24:00.000+01:002023-02-28T14:14:49.075+01:00German Musings about Manners and EnglandI recently watched a documentary about the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother whom I revere. It was well made, but the most poignant part was, to me, a brief interview with the actress Mia Farrow who had once asked Her Majesty what she considered the most important part in bringing up children. The Queen Mother was silent for a moment and Farrow, startled, realized that she may have made a mistake. One doesn't ask royalty questions. But the old lady was just pondering and then replied: "Manners."<br />
<br />
Meet William Hanson. He can boast an ubiquitous online presence as etiquette expert. Whether he really has a claim to any "leading" etiquette expert status I don't know. To me, he is.<br />
<br />
Some of his information seems, to me as a foreigner, a bit marginal at first glance, though interesting and by no means irrelevant (it IS more elegant and thus nicer to watch one's opposite to stir their tea as he suggests) which brings us to...<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qq5RTI8WLVs" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
...the very non-marginal bits. As William says:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Good manners are all about other people, they are self-less, not self-ish...</b></blockquote>
...which is the essence of good manners. (I recommend watching this entire video.)<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ByzUKxeX5so" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
But what I most like about WH are the vile reactions he triggers from the chip-on-the-shoulder-brigade. They don't understand the essence and meaning of manners, they don't understand the dry wit and the tongue-in-cheek-aspect and they are all - I bet - frightf'ly lower middleclass. One of my many pet theories is that one can draw a fine line between the working and the lower middleclasses by looking for that chip. The lower middleclasses have it, the working classes don't. (The same applies, by the way, to the line between the middle and the upper middle and upper classes. The former adore Princess Diana, the latter don't. Try it!)<br />
<br />
The most frightening bit for me was that they are coming across as so embarrassingly German and aren't we Germans, after all, a very, very lower middleclass country shaped by upstarts from the lower middleclasses.<br />
<br />
However, all that is just based on my very personal empirical value and I may be wrong.<br />
<br />
I first became intrigued in (or with - oh those pesky prepositions!) the English class system when I read <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jilly_Cooper">Jilly Cooper</a>. I had come to England first in 1983 (or had it been 1984?) to meet the people to whom I was going to lend my Trakehner stallion for their up-and-coming stud. A lifelong friendship ensued and I spent all my free time in County Durham and North Yorkshire from then on. And after a while, having by then read "Class: A View from Middle England" (1979), I came to the understanding: "My God, I KNOW all those people!"<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZAMvfVLRPf8rlKaquXHhOaW3pnq4lepTNdMjjmvrSFd_dXAvpLCB0-WLI3e-WVpmJm91eJhlyuhKbwoElFv5Wu7D_9-rjj5OVm8-PMgAlZV-NP1zlNApfuWSNK2pO5EOcSt3FO1MBxA/s1600/Nora_Nando_bw1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="320" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZAMvfVLRPf8rlKaquXHhOaW3pnq4lepTNdMjjmvrSFd_dXAvpLCB0-WLI3e-WVpmJm91eJhlyuhKbwoElFv5Wu7D_9-rjj5OVm8-PMgAlZV-NP1zlNApfuWSNK2pO5EOcSt3FO1MBxA/s400/Nora_Nando_bw1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not really topical but too handsome to be missed: Fernando, Trakehner premium stallion by Flugwind out of Freude II* by Gazal VII (Sh.Ar.) with yours truly in the early 14th century. (Photo Betty Finke.) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
However, I digress - I couldn't help it. Back to manners.<br />
<br />
When I first came across William Hanson and his videos I was amazed at what seems to be necessary of teaching those Brits. I come from two very German working class families. My father's was of the (as Jilly Copper put it in "Class") "rough and friendly", my mother's of the "tight lipped, respectable one on the verge of middle class" sort. My father did well in business and politics, we had live-in staff, I grew up with dogs and horses. When I was five I knew how to eat artichokes and, so they told me later, a great communicator with guests. When I watch those idiotic videos at YouTube (not WH's) which regale us with what oh-so bizarre, absurd, daunting, browbeating rules for "manners" dear poor darling Meghan now has to follow, I can't say but: "But that's the kind of behaviour any civilized family and their members would stick to, irrespective of class".<br />
<br />
In England, I had very upper-classical friends who used to hold an almost ersatz-parental status for me (long not with us anymore) who briefed me before any dinner party about the background of the guests and about what not to talk. Not that I would have anyway, but it showed me what manners are about. Not so much about holding knife and fork correctly, but about not hurting people and that my parents were right in my upbringing.<br />
<br />
Whatever, back to WH! I like that man. I like his dry wit and sense of humour, I like how he's using being camp as a "stylistic device", I'm sure he knows that he is probably the oldest looking man in his late twenties in human history, and I'm sure he doesn't give a damn. Enjoy this video and the two following ones where he makes mincemeat of his detractors.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ewc3ZZk_F2s" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
I don't know William Hanson personally and I won't get any kickback for this. But maybe you'll enjoy <a href="https://www.amazon.de/Bluffers-Guide-Etiquette-William-Hanson/dp/1785212389/ref=asc_df_1785212389/?tag=googshopde-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310939548661&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14789304563917624375&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=20239&hvtargid=pla-490203002841&psc=1&th=1&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=59941302937&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=310939548661&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14789304563917624375&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=20239&hvtargid=pla-490203002841">his book</a> as much as I did.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcOE9HbqN3Q_jegx-gHpZzjOYIhtOwaHBKtokJub82yTzI9ySHgquP6wbQHHsDiWsAwpwmOPJ6_BauE8omEMk_pnidAGruj8lrC6OWgsoW82m0XD-y2xrKP9ZW79DSWQl2QRumJr0SZw/s1600/e6LMy99PT2_305030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcOE9HbqN3Q_jegx-gHpZzjOYIhtOwaHBKtokJub82yTzI9ySHgquP6wbQHHsDiWsAwpwmOPJ6_BauE8omEMk_pnidAGruj8lrC6OWgsoW82m0XD-y2xrKP9ZW79DSWQl2QRumJr0SZw/s1600/e6LMy99PT2_305030.jpg" /></a></div>
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For me, it's not about being a social climber. I am not. But it's witty, funny and interesting. If you hate it, you're very probably lower middleclass. If not, you're not.<br />
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Addendum: I just came across this video...<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8PtIqG5WsaE" width="480"></iframe><br />
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... and I admire William Hanson's self control. I would have smacked that horrible woman if I hadn't done so already, simply for her first name.<br />
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"Please don't swear. I am not sitting here surrounded by expensive wallpaper for you to swear".<br />
Best putdown in the history of human communication!The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-65763461192217135262019-02-08T09:35:00.000+01:002019-02-11T14:43:38.470+01:00My Only Weakness<a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2018/03/the-tale-of-class-conscious-cur-puppies.html">You know about my proclivity for puppies.</a> Let me tell you another story.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpswrvqt811ZHFFlA1TFOMEbOOw2D9Qy6zVowCqwvtSqqGpk2F7O1TBv-99MvPPXAunU1fLaaR59tuglsaHRFTsx_PyvCq5OgIwIZbgQ6dB41svTFNCPJUDVF2veZo4DY1KHrdUh__mk4/s1600/MB1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1280" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpswrvqt811ZHFFlA1TFOMEbOOw2D9Qy6zVowCqwvtSqqGpk2F7O1TBv-99MvPPXAunU1fLaaR59tuglsaHRFTsx_PyvCq5OgIwIZbgQ6dB41svTFNCPJUDVF2veZo4DY1KHrdUh__mk4/s400/MB1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Long ago, when Pretty Boy* was still with us, we visited his breeder AND I WAS ALLOWED TO RUN WITH THE PUPPIES! I am the only nonDK**, no - make that the only nondog from that kennel, who was ever allowed to do that. Uncle R. (the breeder) said I was wesensfest*** enough.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaND_NLEGfWWoWMLtxZmQqFA-sLgLgF60_a3_2XLyNXmwWR0WsIwkPi-Tzd5tgkqx4a_ALMP84Q7FlCPQDkucwK3UC5-cSRxM-U_LImnTDtxcq2RBMTzygxwLs0hhp-x1A9swNt95-C-Y/s1600/MB3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1068" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaND_NLEGfWWoWMLtxZmQqFA-sLgLgF60_a3_2XLyNXmwWR0WsIwkPi-Tzd5tgkqx4a_ALMP84Q7FlCPQDkucwK3UC5-cSRxM-U_LImnTDtxcq2RBMTzygxwLs0hhp-x1A9swNt95-C-Y/s400/MB3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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No idea what that is, but because it's about me it's bound to be something complimentary. One little girl looked at me in horror and screeched: "WHO or WHAT is THAT?"<br />
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Girls!<br />
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Pretty Boy got his ear clipped because he was too rough-and-tumble with one of the little things. It screeched. I enjoyed that. The clipping I mean, not the screeching. Hehe...<br />
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I really don't know, why I like puppies. Basically, they are an uncouth bunch who pee and crap when- and whereever they feel like it.<br />
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Like Bitchboss**** and T&S***** really.<br />
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<hr size="1" />
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* I hated him. He always thought he was something better just because he had a title to his name. I eventually mobbed him out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikN13H4k_q7LJBLahjci52MMCOP9eJCLbYaZvjO2nHgMygNHVhSFNoM_IYIdCj6jlkzXZCI41YkUbS6E0g8pFJOicic1m5QCLAPshf_pN9Zlw9JIG30Nq6YEzJ4TeEF_mRh9SydzDG4K0/s1600/bjoerniundjack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="500" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikN13H4k_q7LJBLahjci52MMCOP9eJCLbYaZvjO2nHgMygNHVhSFNoM_IYIdCj6jlkzXZCI41YkUbS6E0g8pFJOicic1m5QCLAPshf_pN9Zlw9JIG30Nq6YEzJ4TeEF_mRh9SydzDG4K0/s400/bjoerniundjack.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making plans to get him already.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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**DK = Deutsch Kurzhaar - German Shorthaired Pointer.<br />
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***Bitchboss told me to explain that for my non-Germanophone readers. A dog is "wesensfest" if his character and temperament are impeccable.<br />
<br />
****My boss, the bitch.<br />
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*****My Trouble and Strife, who Bitchboss foisted on me. Makes my life hell. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3HBimVP2hrHhaLiv9bqr0Ewcs2iybjhwJurzKYdZ7WL0NMMtxZYWTCv5yGLcH2WKilf10cImZhw52eDUbNtyaneuTMg1lvT8bpohWf_sxtyhjrxAsoGQm7suBwY8g8LtYZ2cjOioJNY/s1600/J%252BJ_M-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1507" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3HBimVP2hrHhaLiv9bqr0Ewcs2iybjhwJurzKYdZ7WL0NMMtxZYWTCv5yGLcH2WKilf10cImZhw52eDUbNtyaneuTMg1lvT8bpohWf_sxtyhjrxAsoGQm7suBwY8g8LtYZ2cjOioJNY/s400/J%252BJ_M-10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See what I mean?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-16180671410555746312019-02-03T16:22:00.003+01:002019-02-03T17:58:59.224+01:00Confess Your Unpopular OpinionI love horses, I love the military and uniforms and I love Tschingderassabummtata! (The latter translates roughly to "Crash! Crash! Boom! Boom!".)<br />
<br />
So I have digged up three military marches for you.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Walk (Four-Stroke)</b> </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7KU3aEbd2Yk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7KU3aEbd2Yk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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AM III, 72 or AM II, 213, Des Großen Kurfürsten Reitermarsch by Cuno Graf von Moltke, arr. by Reinhard Lehmann, dedicated to Kaiser Wilhelm II, 1893.<br />
I could listen to it all day. It drives away any negativity I might feel, specifically the Larghissimo con spirito e maestoso "Boom-Boom-Boom-Dadadaa-Dadadaa-Dadadadadaa-Dadadadadadadadaadaadaaa...", even more so than <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SndPb5XohYM">Panzerlied</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Trot (Two-Stroke)</b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5LQrwe2ljmI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5LQrwe2ljmI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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HM III B, 42, Amboß-Polka (Anvil Polka) by Albert Parlow.<br />
And no, all you "Nazi" crying mountebanks, the banner shown is the banner of the Reichswehr 1921-1933.<br />
It is performed here by the Stabsmusikkorps der Bundeswehr. (It may be banned in the meantime by our Defence Ministerette and valiant fighter against "Nazism", though. I wouldn't know. Panzerlied HAS been banned. THAT I know.)<br />
I remember the Amboß-Polka from my time at the Westfälische Reit- und Fahrschule of which I am an alumna, which taught me the value of military discipline (specifically, but not exclusively in dealings with horses) - even and in particular for a woman.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Canter (Three-Stroke)</b></div>
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HM III B, 45 Galoppmarsch from the operetta "Leichte Kavallerie" by Franz von Suppé.<br />
The banner shown is the banner of the Reichswehrminister 1919-1933. So sorry, no Nazi stuff here either.<br />
Don't you want to start galopping straight away too?<br />
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(I'm glad I found videos featuring historical footage, thus sparing myself (and you) the embarrassing uniforms of our Bundeswehr.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Dedicated to a certain ex-officer and still veterinarian.</span> <br />
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<br />The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-75711467901348663072019-01-27T14:49:00.001+01:002019-04-19T17:17:27.674+02:00Shibumi - Simply WonderfulIn the course of my "royal watching" for this blog, I came by chance across the <a href="https://www.shibumistyle.com/en/index.php">Shibumi</a> range.<br />
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I am stunned!<br />
<br />
The items are exclusively made from silk and cashmere. The cut of the coats and dresses is markedly simple to go with the flamboyant colours and patterns of the dresses and coats.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEGkzS2zG9okL5fCW9um5bp_HZZBJVZzLQd6EK9Ai4CoJTqFPwyiMo9-jWetkVpyQtnyvHFiDWTL0cIGPF3SH4sglhsMnrZ68Y-jDNj1x42fSzH7twbISc_Ww05f-G-9XHfsdViw_o-8/s1600/301C301Cshibumi-black-cashmere-reversible-dressing-gown+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEGkzS2zG9okL5fCW9um5bp_HZZBJVZzLQd6EK9Ai4CoJTqFPwyiMo9-jWetkVpyQtnyvHFiDWTL0cIGPF3SH4sglhsMnrZ68Y-jDNj1x42fSzH7twbISc_Ww05f-G-9XHfsdViw_o-8/s640/301C301Cshibumi-black-cashmere-reversible-dressing-gown+copy.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dressing gown,</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjC90vWfAsimkav_4V1gfgWTIWob7nQKYAhWwXMBua_FL9wuSr6iqcsKFB-UJZ-GuV9og1ihTHe1PnFO1QE8no-J-ew6ymFqswjdfbVItiLcuq5MPuX1bT0IYnP8qSf6kwjobaIxJOzwY/s1600/small-282Cwomens-long-silk-coat-wedding-wear-uk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="310" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjC90vWfAsimkav_4V1gfgWTIWob7nQKYAhWwXMBua_FL9wuSr6iqcsKFB-UJZ-GuV9og1ihTHe1PnFO1QE8no-J-ew6ymFqswjdfbVItiLcuq5MPuX1bT0IYnP8qSf6kwjobaIxJOzwY/s640/small-282Cwomens-long-silk-coat-wedding-wear-uk.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An ankle length evening coat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2e4kgVu6QLo7iRf4kwDsMe3XH4qhJgd79HYKVoeh09Cgo4wtZE9EMj0ctNixc0hIEL1F5ifs1A7UxvNhzOdpuHfjxMlN6Zo-yF56pKSRboRh-JLcYkmNE1NOhn7U7treZ_ffNvh9Xio/s1600/small-390Cladies-smart-ivory-silk-coat-weddings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="310" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2e4kgVu6QLo7iRf4kwDsMe3XH4qhJgd79HYKVoeh09Cgo4wtZE9EMj0ctNixc0hIEL1F5ifs1A7UxvNhzOdpuHfjxMlN6Zo-yF56pKSRboRh-JLcYkmNE1NOhn7U7treZ_ffNvh9Xio/s640/small-390Cladies-smart-ivory-silk-coat-weddings.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A short coat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNg8zlXvanxfGlPZNa1VraRGBR4OAlvbPFjL0hJshyphenhyphenhX4nKUaU7P6BQz-aVyBnciBTZ3P4wfbUVikPoFSGIBsRNvcLLkmB5bKyULwiLX59G_j8x3T_YZO7RdYYx1TQOUDAoWQi4nN1FsQ/s1600/small-473Cnavy-cashmere-floral-birds-mother-of-the-bride-dress-coat-outfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="465" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNg8zlXvanxfGlPZNa1VraRGBR4OAlvbPFjL0hJshyphenhyphenhX4nKUaU7P6BQz-aVyBnciBTZ3P4wfbUVikPoFSGIBsRNvcLLkmB5bKyULwiLX59G_j8x3T_YZO7RdYYx1TQOUDAoWQi4nN1FsQ/s640/small-473Cnavy-cashmere-floral-birds-mother-of-the-bride-dress-coat-outfit.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A jacket coat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6-__gGkayhWajFYtQF7PQ87wFiFfzzq0TldwH05XaXA-CRythEqnj9zy2iZmIb6DRed96fnroSrfL4923jUUJL33P7VvC5QmR4wORf5G9NSrUgMe3O8ynB9P9KpkgVOOIxhyphenhyphenokZN0IY/s1600/403Cembroidered-silk-womens-devi-coat-detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6-__gGkayhWajFYtQF7PQ87wFiFfzzq0TldwH05XaXA-CRythEqnj9zy2iZmIb6DRed96fnroSrfL4923jUUJL33P7VvC5QmR4wORf5G9NSrUgMe3O8ynB9P9KpkgVOOIxhyphenhyphenokZN0IY/s640/403Cembroidered-silk-womens-devi-coat-detail.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUiogZGZm22oWB_lk7TEDuvWul_jzo_W26r3mXF7tzgsszKBEZKxb4qf2xL3TJlXxpNtyYz071Vns5QAKUbYMVGhw4nxncrPSHLWf45GLLqXRSX70b6vJzCoRrjmr3yW7qEiNoI_Jryo/s1600/403Csilk-devi-coat-cuff-detail-womenswear-shibumi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUiogZGZm22oWB_lk7TEDuvWul_jzo_W26r3mXF7tzgsszKBEZKxb4qf2xL3TJlXxpNtyYz071Vns5QAKUbYMVGhw4nxncrPSHLWf45GLLqXRSX70b6vJzCoRrjmr3yW7qEiNoI_Jryo/s640/403Csilk-devi-coat-cuff-detail-womenswear-shibumi.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLJI5hyphenhyphenTM5n39YGsIhM09QVi0-lQwLrehyRHmbrBtVzDuYzN60_4RFbqsvpfTF3Xv5SrlfEl4UUnvc4JpCXrb75vSHcU6WKCSr4Xz4G3o8pnamU5e2ymtuF3yi6jU5jAnyv4QhF6A_qo/s1600/403Cwomens-cashmere-devi-coat-narnia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLJI5hyphenhyphenTM5n39YGsIhM09QVi0-lQwLrehyRHmbrBtVzDuYzN60_4RFbqsvpfTF3Xv5SrlfEl4UUnvc4JpCXrb75vSHcU6WKCSr4Xz4G3o8pnamU5e2ymtuF3yi6jU5jAnyv4QhF6A_qo/s640/403Cwomens-cashmere-devi-coat-narnia.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very formal evening coat with its lovely details.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This selection reflects my own sartorial taste in colours, there are countless different ones. Just have a look at the <a href="https://www.shibumistyle.com/en/index.php">Shibumi</a> page.<br />
<br />
Being in the third trimester of my life now, I find it absolutely wonderful that there are such beautiful clothes for the err... more mature vintages, which are neither boring or matronly, nor too apparently mother-of-the-bride-ish, yet dignified and "proper". I'm not "into" garish clothes at all, but I would wear Shibumi any time at the right occasion, in fact, I never thought I'd ever like something like this.<br />
It is appreciated as well by me, that there are hardly any models who are not a day older than 40 and slim as a blade, as seen at other MoB-fashion couturiers.<br />
<br />
Not that it can't be worn by young, even very young, women as well. <br />
<br />
And they are worn at royal weddings as well, here <a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2019/01/addendum-to-embarrassing-soap-opera.html">the May 2018 one</a>. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaHd4DdRmCFiUNCITnM09o3mzQvDjMP6Wt2LgGchaND02ZrPN63G8nNYgp8i6BqOsJmBceOEPlPq_APA5DZFDRoUNJM1rj7WqfNkAwGrgQS5jJmgidx5XWdcarDQiGJV4Zd9U9BtAM6g/s1600/pp481Jane+Fellowes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="700" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaHd4DdRmCFiUNCITnM09o3mzQvDjMP6Wt2LgGchaND02ZrPN63G8nNYgp8i6BqOsJmBceOEPlPq_APA5DZFDRoUNJM1rj7WqfNkAwGrgQS5jJmgidx5XWdcarDQiGJV4Zd9U9BtAM6g/s400/pp481Jane+Fellowes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady Jane Fellowes née Spencer, aunt to the groom, who wears a Shibumi <a class="general-pages-links" href="http://www.shibumistyle.com/en/r1139-nehru-coat-in-duck-egg_cashmere---paris-boutique.html" target="_blank">Nehru Coat in Duck Egg</a>, reading at the service.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipd637W_K3aaurbt9iiIYw8rKhu9LOpFgAeYVhD8djGH2I6lwf-L4g9LVIQV5-7Q6tbkAWCJsw3W9tGKJILOOwX0v0nj1gNSTCm3QE_P1oDtQKe8FNmFcYarxJhsvejnttyDZwzVxGEbk/s1600/pp481Emilie+Van+Cutsem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="700" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipd637W_K3aaurbt9iiIYw8rKhu9LOpFgAeYVhD8djGH2I6lwf-L4g9LVIQV5-7Q6tbkAWCJsw3W9tGKJILOOwX0v0nj1gNSTCm3QE_P1oDtQKe8FNmFcYarxJhsvejnttyDZwzVxGEbk/s400/pp481Emilie+Van+Cutsem.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emilie Van Cutsem, widow of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_van_Cutsem">Hugh van Cutsem</a>, wears a Shibumi <a class="general-pages-links" href="http://www.shibumistyle.com/en/r979-delphine-coat-in-flame_raw-silk.html" target="_blank">Delphine Coat in Flame</a>.<br />
The van Cutsem family are long-standing frinds of the Prince of Wales and his sons. Her sons William and Nicholas are godfather to Prince William and Prince Louis respectively. The van Cutsems are Catholic.<br />
The lovely Shibumi pieces are in a three-figure price range.</td></tr>
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Yes, all items are below the 500£ margin. And no, I don't get any kickbacks from Shibumi, I genuinely like their lines.<br />
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Apropos lines - there are as well fabrics (available by the meter), bedspreads and sofa throws. And because I AM - in marked difference to my sartorial taste - "into" flamboyant interior decoration, this wins me over too.<br />
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And there's useful advice as well. Enjoy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZRjgDu5CoKI/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZRjgDu5CoKI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-9589800096925584532019-01-25T13:59:00.000+01:002019-01-27T16:15:08.619+01:00The Editrix about Style - Oldie but GoldieAn <a href="https://editrixblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/great-downlevelling-to-lowest-common.html">entry from Roncesvalles</a> dating back to 2008. Strong "style" aspect, still valid. So I re-post it here.<br />
<blockquote>Another snippet from the same thread at VFR <a href="http://www.amnation.com/vfr/archives/011260.html">Michelle's physique, cont.</a><br />
<br />
Lawrence Auster, having received criticism because he thematised Michelle Obama's appearance, wrote:<br />
<blockquote>Of course, in our society, it is considered unworthy or silly--beneath the level of serious intellectual discussion--to draw attention to or criticize the physical qualities and dress of public people.</blockquote>I replied:<br />
<blockquote>That is an interesting point and does apply not just to public people. I think it ought to be seen in a broader context because it is part of the sickening "we are all one anyway so what does appearance mean" philosophy that has gone a long way already to undermine our sense of what is proper and decent. Dress used to be one of the most important social markers, its details firmly codified by law within the European corporate system. Not more than three generations ago, even though it had ceased to be a legal requirement, traditions were still strong enough that, for example, a member of the middle classes would frown on a working class woman who left the house without wearing an apron. Anything like that has gone to the dustbin of history, but instead of arriving at a--well--decent and proper solution, we have come together <i>once again</i> at the very lowest common denominator, which is to appear as sluttish and yobbofied as possible.<br />
<br />
Female politicians are looking like personal assistants showing cleavage at any time of the day, nice girls are wearing tattoos and a ring through their nostrils. Would they, as they ought to, wear cashmere jerseys and pleated skirts, they'd come across more incongruous than a little green man from outer space, and when the upmarket hooker the French President married made an attempt to look ultra-respectable for meeting the Queen and ended up as the cartoon character of a coy schoolgirl, nobody laughed. Instead, the media, who wouldn't know style even if it hit them square in the face, went over the top to let us know how "she stole the show" from the octogenarian monarch. (Pictures <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiC8ZqakOcvtn6cPVqvTZSlN8y5g6aelIewaH4ZzDmR-NAwlr6LmanYkDM5hyXm_ZvBmBtFOaCrJQOG3BVFGJt5KA4h0REiux4TY8P9_WsBdDHI74WDEyL1Q5Vreia1El3kqh3JOqlp0q/s1600-h/Sarkozy4.jpg">here</a> and <a href="http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/03_04/lizmeetcarlaDM2603_468x683.jpg">here</a>.)<br />
<br />
A society that has forgotten what "embarrassment" is, is doomed.<br />
<br />
As Jacqueline Kennedy was mentioned in the course of the discussion, this <a href="http://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2008/01/megalomania-of-barely-not-ugly.html">blog entry</a> may explain further what I mean.</blockquote>It will never cease to amaze me how people can consider the discussion of appearance and deportment, of which dress is not an unimportant part, irrelevant, even shallow. Appearance and deportment is, first and foremost, an expression of how we see ourselves and wish to be seen by others, a statement of respect for those with whom we socialize and a manifestation of dignity. Those who find this irrelevant clearly state where they stand.</blockquote>This is, what a genius said about appearance and personality:<br />
<br />
<b>"People say sometimes that Beauty is superficial. That may be so. But at least it is not so superficial as Thought is. To me, Beauty is the wonder of wonders. It is only shallow people who do not judge by appearances. The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible."</b><br />
<b>(Oscar Wilde)</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Michelle Obama in this blog, <a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2010/05/jump-start-to-go-on.html">here</a> and <a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/2009/01/urge-to-make-aggressive-statements-at.html">here</a>.</span>The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-26290959828292985492019-01-19T18:35:00.000+01:002019-01-19T19:29:43.150+01:00Belated Musings on Boxing DayFox hunting is an activity involving the tracking, chase and, if caught, the killing of a fox by a pack of trained fox- or other scent hounds, and a group of unarmed mounted and foot followers led by a "master of hounds". <br />
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Fox hunting to hounds, as a formalised activity, originated in England in the sixteenth century, in a form very similar to that practised until February 2005, when a law banning the activity in England and Wales came into force. A ban on hunting in Scotland had been passed in 2002, but it continues to be within the law in Northern Ireland.<br />
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Fox hunting has inspired many painters and graphic artists over more than one century.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Bildergebnis für paintings prints fox hunting" class="irc_mi" height="252" src="https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/1/fox-hunting--full-cry-charles-bentley.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" tr-caption="" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full Cry by Charles Bentley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">York and Ainstey, engraved by C G Lewis after a picture by Thomas Slingsby.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Finest View In Europe by Snaffles" height="250" src="https://www.berkeleystudio.co.uk/acatalog/04651-VSL1.JPG" title="The Finest View In Europe by Snaffles" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Finest View in Europe by Snaffles</td></tr>
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Hunting is now reduced to drag hunting, where the riders hunt along the trail of an artificially laid scent with a pack of hounds. It is performed in a similar manner as fox hunting used to be. A drag hunt course is set in a similar manner to a cross country course, following a predetermined route over jumps and obstacles. <br />
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The sport is controversial, particularly in the UK. Proponents of fox hunting view it as an important part of rural culture, and useful for reasons of conservation and pest control, while opponents argue that it is cruel and unnecessary.<br />
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Oscar Wilde, in his play A Woman of No Importance (1893), once famously described "the English country gentleman galloping after a fox" as "the unspeakable in full pursuit of the uneatable." The revered Oscar was, for once, wrong. The fox IS edible and, so I'm told, not bad at all.<br />
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I am an avid supporter of fox hunting for several reasons, but I won't get into that here, though I'll gladly answer questions, should there be any.<br />
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Boxing Day, the 26th of December, is the apex and highlight of the hunting season. Nuff said. I just want you to enjoy the following photos and maybe answer the question which child is cutest.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, it IS "he"!</td></tr>
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<br />The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-485701663845152612019-01-02T10:52:00.000+01:002019-05-30T13:06:19.366+02:00To Clarify SomethingIn case you haven't realized by now that I'm a very well-connected upper-class little dog, there's the proof.<br />
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Here we have the Duchess of Cornwall's Bluebell. (Bluebell looks attractive, I'd like to shag her. Besides, her ears look just like mine.)<br />
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I guess from the way he holds her, Prince Charles is afraid of getting dog hair on his fancy suit. (Admittedly, we DO moult a lot.) But hasn't he got a valet? (By the way, I think double-breasted suits ought to be against the law. Only men who'd look good in a potato sack as well ought to be allowed to wear then and, as much as I like him, I'm afraid the Prince is not among them.)<br />
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By the way, his fondness for the likes of us has tradition. Here we have the Prince of Wales and a relative (of mine, not of the Prince) on the cover of a back number of the magazine "Town and Country". Love the outfit. My Bitchboss has an equally bedraggled Barbour, my favourite piece of her clothing because when she puts it on it means that we are going out. <br />
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Then there is King Edward VII with Ceasar. (Wouldn't have touched Ceasar with a bargepole. I'm VERY heterosexual, just like King Edward, really!)<br />
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I've added the picture of Pricess Elizabeth because I think it's sweet, although the dog isn't a Russell Terrier. I don't find Corgies (I believe this one was called Susan) particularly attractive, but I would have shagged Susan nevertheless any time.<br />
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You may address me as "Sir" now.The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-46439645932090568432018-12-25T12:22:00.002+01:002018-12-25T12:22:36.163+01:00On the whole, people don’t generally like to kill one another - A Christmas CarolChristmas Truce, Flanders, December 24, 1914.<br />
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Germans were warned that if they staged another truce, they would be shot. British soldiers were threatened with court martial. But many of the men who took part in the Christmas truce refused to fire on their opponents again until the day they were rotated out and other soldiers came to take their place. Many memorials in Britain remind us of it and it was widely publicised in the British press. In Germany it wasn't and there is no memorial.<br />
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"On the whole, people don’t generally like to kill one another."<br />
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The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-55956199437584735122018-12-25T11:34:00.000+01:002018-12-25T11:34:28.445+01:00A Blessed Christmas......to all our readers from <a href="https://evilstylequeen.blogspot.com/search/label/Jack%20Brinker%27s%20Musings">my co-author</a> and myself.<br />
Nora the Editrix<br />
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<br />The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008347244559057492.post-18330098632463905752018-12-19T11:15:00.000+01:002019-04-06T22:37:20.720+02:00Sheer and Undiluted MagicJust click <a href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipP2bKDvgy1e2Io77YCVjuEB1yteoAYPBQq58_KzRtb3qlijnU-XtkMzNr-Hfm6Wig?key=azV0S2J4WndMemcxUzA3OUdPLWlHMXJoOVZnMWFn">here</a> to see that I'm a star!<br />
<br />
Border Fine Arts, the renowned makers of animal-, country- and wildlife
figurines, have chosen ME as a model. Also, several manufacturers of fine
silver.<br />
<br />
I'd like to mention, that I'm not just handsome, but good as well. In fact, my only fault is my overdeveloped modesty. The_Editrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07529769143608862966noreply@blogger.com