- Newsnight lead presenter Jeremy Paxman said, “Do I think it’s a man’s world in television? That is the most ridiculous question I have been asked all week. The worst thing you can be in this industry is a middle class white male. If any middle class white male I come across says he wants to enter television, I say ‘give up all hope’ – they’ve no chance.” Oh boo-hoo. Who knew TV’s most tenacious interviewer was so victimized? Hmm, what’s that sound? That’s me not giving a flyin’ f***. (BBC)
- Jamie Oliver did not hold back in an interview with a French (!) magazine about the ills of British culture – the drinking, the bad food, the whole nine. “The people I’m telling you about have huge TV sets – a lot bigger than mine! – they have state-of-the-art mobile phones, cars, and they go and get drunk in pubs at the weekend – their poverty shows in the way they feed themselves….I found the cooking of the inhabitants of the slum in Soweto in South Africa a lot more diverse than ours. It’s true! I’m going to be harsh, but I think a lot of English people’s food lacks heart. It’s bland.” I’m surprised he didn’t mention the poor dental care…(Telegraph)
- Maybe Jamie has a point: the British have gotten a reputation for being drunken, unruly, and violent all around Europe. (New York Times)
Another week, another boring-ass top 10 on the UK charts: Scottish band Biffy Clyro provided the only new entry this week with “Mountains” at No. 10. Otherwise, we’re still dealing with Katy Perry and Kid Rock in the top 3.
1. Katy Perry – I Kissed a Girl
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Download Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl”
2. The Script – The Man Who Can’t Be Moved
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3. Kid Rock – All Summer Long
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4. Rihanna – Disturbia
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Download Rihanna’s “Disturbia”
5. Madcon – Beggin’
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6. Dizzee Rascal and Calvin Harris – Dance Wiv Me
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Download Dizzee Rascal and Calvin Harris’ “Dance Wiv Me”
7. The Verve – Love Is Noise
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Download The Verve’s “Love Is Noise”
8. Noah & the Whale – 5 Years Time
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Download Noah & the Whale’s “5 Years Time”
9. Jordin Sparks ft. Chris Brown – No Air
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Download Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown’s “No Air”
10. Biffy Clyro – Mountains
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Kevin Wicks
Kevin Wicks founded BBCAmerica.com's Anglophenia blog back in 2005 and has been translating British culture for an American audience ever since. While not British himself - he was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri - he once received inordinate hospitality in London for sharing the name of a dead but beloved EastEnders character. His Anglophilia stems from a high school love of Morrissey, whom he calls his "gateway drug" into British culture.View all posts by Kevin Wicks.
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