Latest news with #Diary
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Guess the reason behind New York cabbie's claim to fame...
The Diary is now eagerly awaiting the Scottification of other notable works of fantasy. Very soon we are sure to be watching an improved movie version of C.S. Lewis's classic yarn… The Highland Cow, The Witch and the Wardrobe. And instead of hobbits travelling to the evil land of Mordor, there will be an iteration of The Lord of the Rings where a fellowship of small hairy men called the nesbitts make their way from Glasgow into the heinous kingdom of England. Of course, Scotland doesn't just specialise in fantasy fiction. We're also a dab hand at gritty realism, as you'll now discover by reading the following classic tales from our archives… Waterworks don't work A Canada-based reader visiting Scotland was on the train from Oban to Glasgow where two chaps were in a desperate hurry to get past the refreshment trolley in order to get to the toilet. 'After some shuffling and shunting,' said our reader, 'the Glesga wummin in charge of the trolley managed to let them past, interrupting her sales patter just long enough to announce to everyone in the carriage, 'Thae men – their prostates are a' gone', then carried on selling coffee and sandwiches.' Added our reader: 'I sat with my legs tight crossed until we got to Glasgow.' Foreign affairs A woman in a Glasgow coffee shop was heard telling her friend that she went to see her doctor about a back pain, and he recommended she see a chiropractor. 'I swear,' she added, 'for a few seconds I thought he was wanting to send me to Egypt.' The fame game An East Kilbride reader got into a cab in New York and noticed from the driver's licence that he was named Robert Burns. Making conversation, our reader said: 'That's a famous name you have.' 'It should be,' replied the chap, 'I've been driving a cab here for nearly 40 years.' Horsing around Will the poor folk at Tesco never catch a break? A reader told us: 'Seen leaving Lochgilphead last Saturday… the white articulated Tesco delivery truck with the additional text, graffiti-style, along the length of the trailer, hand-written in the traffic grime: 'Caution – horses in transit'.' The absolute goat A reader found herself living on the outskirts of New Orleans, and once glanced out the window and spotted a goat grazing in the garden. She chased it away, then a short while later a neighbour rung the doorbell and said: 'I know you're from a foreign country, so I thought I'd let you know that the animal in your yard this morning is called a goat, and it's relatively harmless.' Our reader thanked him kindly.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
A tip for you, JK: Harry Potter should be Scottish, don't you think?
He has thought about having a stern word with the bustling, buzzy beasties and demanding that they change their postcode. However, he gets the feeling that they aren't open to dialogue, so Graeme has concluded that he should change his address instead, and perhaps even retreat to foreign shores, to be as far away as possible from the enemy army. His wife is not persuaded and told him not to be a big dafty. After all, she adds: 'We're not talking about wasps. It's only bumble-bees.' An unrepentant Graeme tells the Diary: 'The problem is the word bumble, which makes the pesky varmints sound cute, when they're actually evil incarnate. 'The same thing would happen if you called the villain from Star Wars Bumble-Darth Vader.' MacMagic Congratulations to young Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin, who will star as Harry Potter in a new TV adaptation of JK Rowling's fantasy series. JK herself is, of course, also based in Caledonia, so the Diary is wondering if a more Scottified version of her famous books should be made available. Reader Don Lawrence suggests one of the novels should go by the title Harry Potter and the Goblet of Buckie. Bendy boozing Shopping in her local supermarket in Glasgow's south side, reader Jenny Miller noticed a poster advertising wine and yoga classes. Jenny was not enticed, and tells us: 'It seems like an awful lot of effort to get a glass of wine. I prefer my local pub, which is offering wine and no yoga classes. Far more civilised.' David Donaldson notes that this is the sort of car that would drive you to drink… (Image: Contributed) Read rage, revisited We mentioned a chap who stopped reading Anger Management Magazine. Diary correspondent Ian Barnett received a call inquiring why he'd cancelled his subscription to the very same publication. In reply, Ian snarled: 'Who wants to know!?' Food for thought Glesga gourmand Steven Hutcheson visited an Italian chippy with his wife, and bought a square slice of pizza. 'So should it actually be called a piazza?' mused his wife. Morning mourning Overheard in a café in Glasgow's West End by reader Claire Oakley. One young lady said to her gal pal: 'What part of your morning routine takes longest?' Without skipping a beat, the morose chum replied: 'Finding the will to live.' Mind your language Linguistically-limber Craig Garvey from Giffnock tells us: 'Sometimes I use words I don't understand so I can sound more photosynthesis.'
Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC releasing unmissable period drama hailed as 'greatest movie ever'
The BBC will be dropping the acclaimed movie soon The BBC is set to deliver a Regency drama that's certain to leave viewers weak at the knees, reports Surrey Live. Audiences have lavished praise on the period piece, with one eager fan sharing their Rotten Tomatoes review: "Seen this in a movie theater elevates it to another level. "The top of the top in the romance/drama/comedy genre, and one of the best movies of all times [sic]." Another elated watcher wrote a glowing second review: "I would have to say, personally, this is the greatest movie I have ever watched. "The story was so compelling, the characters like no other." Further praise came from a third delighted viewer who admitted: "I love every single minute of this movie." Joe Wright's cinematically gorgeous 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice is slated for arrival on BBC iPlayer this month, just in time for its 20th anniversary celebrations and synchronising with what would have been Jane Austen's 250th birthday. This cinematic rendition sparked debate among die-hard Pride and Prejudice aficionados, especially as it followed a decade after the BBC's much-cherished 1995 series featuring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle as the definitive Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. Firth's embodiment of Mr Darcy transcended the pages when he later mirrored the iconic role in Bridget Jones's Diary, amassing an even wider fanbase and solidifying his portrayal as the ultimate Mr Darcy for many. However, Matthew Macfadyen stepping into the prestigious shoes of Austen's beloved hero for the 2005 film did stir some dissent among admirers, especially as the actor was known then for his work on Spooks. However, his performance alongside Pirates of the Caribbean and Bend It Like Beckham star Keira Knightley, who played Elizabeth Bennet, managed to win over even the most doubtful critics. Wright's Hollywood rendition boasted stunning cinematography, featuring expansive shots of the English countryside, including a memorable scene of Lizzy perched on a cliff in the Peak District. Complementing the striking visuals was the enchanting score by Italian composer Dario Marianelli. For those unfamiliar with Austen's classic, Pride and Prejudice follows the spirited Lizzy and her sisters as they navigate societal expectations to secure their futures through marriage. Despite their mother Mrs Bennet's, portrayed by Brenda Blethyn of Vera fame, frantic attempts at matchmaking, several of the Bennet sisters do find a match. Amidst all this, Lizzy defies convention by seeking a marriage based on love rather than wealth. Her initial awkward interaction with Mr Darcy sets them both on a transformative journey that challenges their preconceived notions and changes them irrevocably. Pride and Prejudice boasted an impressive cast including Rosamund Pike, the late Donald Sutherland, Carey Mulligan, Talulah Riley, Jena Malone, Tom Hollander and Rupert Friend. The film is certainly worth revisiting before Netflix's upcoming adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, which will feature Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet, Jack Lowden as Mr Darcy and Olivia Colman as Mrs Bennet. Netflix has assured that the upcoming series will be a true-to-source, classic adaptation of the novel, with Dolly Alderton, author of Everything I Know About Love, handling the scriptwriting. Filming for Netflix's Pride and Prejudice is set to take place in the UK this year.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Video Captures Man Who ‘Doesn't Like' Foster Puppies Yet Does This
It is hard to resist the cuteness of puppies, and in this viral video, a foster dad did give in to the ones his wife brought home. The adorable clip racked up millions of views and thousands of likes in just a day. Moreover, netizens couldn't help but poke fun at the unwilling foster dad, who showered the canines with love when he thought his partner wasn't looking. Serena Denson took to Instagram to share her husband's antics whenever she brings home some fosters. The Denson Farm isn't a stranger to tending to animals, boasting horses, chickens, barn cats, and lots of dogs. In a video that has now gone viral, Denson captured her partner showering their foster puppies with some love in secret. The Instagram Reel has garnered more than 1.9 million views and 179k likes, with netizens finding it very relatable. One user wrote, 'The best relationships are the grumpy man and the dogs he didn't want.' Another pointed out that 'he knows he's about to have his heart broken letting those babies go.' The video began with Denson's husband walking down the side of their house with some massive sticks. The foster puppies clearly love the man as they surround him as he makes his way to the side of their property. However, when he tossed the sticks away, the pups couldn't help but stare longingly in their direction. A netizen pointed out, 'The way they looked on in horror when he threw those perfectly good sticks away!' In the next clip, Denson's husband can be seen interacting with the same foster puppies he is 'always annoyed' at. He first scares them away, with the little ones scattering all across the green patch. But he follows it up with some rubs, with all the pups huddled together as they sought their foster dad's attention. A commenter poked fun at the man, joking, 'Rolls eyes…Dear Diary, I can hardly believe it. MORE PUPPIES. I must maintain my cool exterior. But I'm sooooooo excited.' The post Video Captures Man Who 'Doesn't Like' Foster Puppies Yet Does This appeared first on DogTime.
Sydney Morning Herald
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
What's black tie and smart casual? The new dress codes
The time, date, address and request for dietary requirements are crucial components of any invitation, but the most important element is the dress code. Whether it's Vogue editor Anna Wintour's Met Gala or a colleague's backyard wedding, nailing the dress code demonstrates that you belong more effectively than a place card on the head table. Arriving at a formal work dinner in a tweed sports jacket, black-tie charity ball in a minuscule skirt or smart casual brunch in a sequinned slip dress can leave you feeling more exposed than Renée Zellweger in the original Bridget Jones's Diary film, wearing a fancy dress bunny costume to a garden party. 'We live in a world where people should be able to express themselves as individuals, but equally, they should have the knowledge to appreciate the subtle art and the nuances of how and when to do so,' says Bruce Keebaugh, founder of events specialists the Big Group. Keebaugh has co-ordinated black tie and beyond celebrations at the Melbourne Cup and royal occasions in Saudi Arabia. 'Dress codes help to reinforce these nuances at important social gatherings,' he says. 'Ignore them at your peril.' Over time, dress codes have slowly relaxed, with the lines between white tie and black tie, semiformal and cocktail blurring, adding further confusion. With few of us attending white-tie royal galas or state dinners, it's safe to leave it off the list. But with non-royal wedding season ahead, here are the modern-day dress codes to pay attention to. Black tie Men: 'Black tie for me is like athleisure wear for others; an easy go-to outfit,' writes Keebaugh in his book By Invitation Only. The problem arises when people mistakenly think athleisure is black tie. For men, it's rather self-explanatory. Black tie is a dinner suit, with a jacket in black or midnight navy with satin lapels, and black trousers with a single strip of satin or braid down each leg. Shirts should be crisp white, preferably with a pleated front and winged collar to accommodate a bow tie. 'When hosts specify a black-tie dress code they really want to see their guest dress up for the occasion,' says Joe Farage, founder of modern tailors Farage. 'I would always opt for a very well-fitted tuxedo with a crisp shirt and a hand tied bow tie – it must be hand tied.' A pre-tied bow tie is forgivable, if you're not at a Farage event, but muss it up so that the knot doesn't appear too perfect. Double cuffs allow men to inject personality with cufflinks, while a traditional dress shirt will also require studs in the place of buttons. Always go for basic black studs. Once you know the rules, feel free to bend them with a crisp, collared white shirt and solid black tie, but don't break them entirely by going shirtless. That's for the Grammy's. 'With shoes you're after a classic opera pump, but shoes in patent leather are difficult to come by,' says Sydney shoemaker Andrew McDonald. 'I find most men go for a simple black leather shoe with a bit of shine to it.' Women: Whether it's partying with the Kardashians and Hiltons in Beverly Hills, dressing royalty in London or attending charity events in Sydney, designer Rebecca Vallance understands the intricacies of black-tie dressing, without a tie. 'Black tie is all about true elegance,' Vallance says. 'It's floor-length gowns, exquisite suiting and timeless classic pieces. You can still inject your own style and personality, but black tie exudes refined sophistication. 'Of course, you need to be fabulous.' In short, black tie means long. Ballroom, floor-scraping dresses in evening appropriate fabrics such as chiffon, lace, velvet and silk meet the brief. Accessories should be elegant and understated, such as simple diamond studs, pearl necklaces or cocktail rings. While bigger is better for dresses, handbags should be small, with a preference for clutches. If it can carry your laptop in it, leave it at home. Shoes depend on the venue. Don't feel trapped into heels when there are plenty of stylish satin evening flats with pointed toes. With a long hemline, you can get away with stylish sneakers if they remain hidden from view. Oscar-winner Sally Field hid sneakers beneath a red lace gown at the 2013 Academy Awards. Formal Men: Paranoia surrounding bow ties can be dismissed with the formal dress code, a slight step done from black tie. Think of it as undoing your top button, without actually undoing it. You can still wear a dinner suit, with many people considering formal as 'black tie optional', but a plain black, navy or dark charcoal suit will pass muster. Steer clear of garish pin stripes, checks or sports jackets. Loading Bow ties are welcome, but a solid tie with a crisp white shirt will also work. Take advantage of the occasion and dip into the cufflink drawer to add sparkle. This time you can leave the tricky dress studs behind. Women: 'It's that strange space between black tie and cocktail where you can have just a little bit more fun,' says celebrity stylist Jess Pecoraro. Just not too much. Formal still suggests floor length, though you can get away with a hint of ankle. There is also greater flexibility to introduce separates, such as long sheer skirts or suiting. You can play with jewellery, so let those chandelier earrings swing or swap your tennis bracelet for a statement cuff. Cocktail Women: Fortunately, I speak cocktail fluently. Black tie is a martini, formal is a dirty martini, and cocktail is a spicy margarita. Smart casual is a craft beer or a glass of Pinot Gris, but we'll get to that. 'Cocktail is more open when it comes to the styles you can wear,' says Rebecca Vallance. 'You can have a bit more fun with cocktail by playing around with dress lengths. It's not serious, but still very chic.' Midi, tea-length or even a mini-dress will suit the occasion. Don't hesitate to channel your inner Carla Zampatti and break out a jumpsuit in silk, satin, brocade or velvet. Keep accessories elevated, including footwear, but trade your clutch for a bag with a shoulder strap. It's much easier for balancing cocktails and canapés. Men: While women play with hemlines, men can amuse themselves with complementary blazers or sports jackets and trousers as part of the cocktail dress code. You can ditch the tie and wear your shirt unbuttoned, like a politician on the election trail, or wear a matching T-shirt beneath your jacket in a solid tone or colour. Leave the slogans at home and introduce your T-shirt to a hot iron. Polished shoes, including boots, will have you on sure footing. Loafers are also acceptable, with or without socks. I suggest staying on trend and trying socks. Smart casual Women: Relax, but in a smart fashion for a smart casual dinner or party. As long as it's not a wedding, denim is allowed. Steer clear of acid wash, dramatic holes or excessive embellishment. 'It's a thought-out look that's effortless yet put together,' Vallance says. 'Smart casual can take you from day to night and can easily be dressed up with the right accessories.' You can wear sneakers, but once again, make sure they're clean. While you can dial down most aspects of your outfit, have one statement piece that shows you didn't just stumble onto the event on your way to pick up milk. A dramatic coat, polished blazer or slick leather jacket fulfil the 'smart' part of the dress code. Men: The same rules apply for men, but many need reminding that if you are going to wear sneakers, make sure they're not the pair you wear to the gym. Get the smart casual balance right. If you're wearing jeans, stick to dark washes in a regular or straight leg fit, and try a collared shirt or polo shirt. A tailored jacket will elevate most T-shirts, but this is still not the time for slogans or sports merchandise. 'A relaxed, tailored jacket works well with this,' Farage says. 'The jacket can have the structure of a suit jacket without the lining but still adds polish and shows that you have put thought into your look.' The basics Follow context clues. If it's black tie for a beach wedding, consider appropriate shoes and lighter fabrics for warm weather destinations. It's better to be overdressed. Unless you turn up in a ballgown or tuxedo at a barbecue, it's always better to aim higher. No one will complain if you look elegant. Do your best. If you're going to a black tie event, and you don't have a floor-length gown or dinner suit, just wear your best attire using the dress codes as guidance. Don't strain your budget for a new outfit. It's all about the intention of dressing as a sign of respect for your host. Making the effort to be your best self, and guest, is enough.
