There’s no getting (a)round it… August 15, 2010

I have received a question in the form of a comment on my article British English v American English (which is by the far most popular post on this blog, as it turns out). Here it is: I am confused about the word “round” and “around” When do you Brits use them and how are [...]

The King and M August 13, 2010

Another “How they are related” snippet: Dr Miriam Stoppard is Oona King’s aunt: OONA King, the former “Blair babe”, has a secret weapon up her sleeve in her bid to become Labour’s next London mayoral candidate — the unswerving support of celebrity agony auntie Miriam Stoppard (Miriam’s sister is Oona’s mother). This is London (London [...]

Rip, mix and burn December 5, 2009

Mixed metaphor ‘Mr [Tobias] Ellwood [Tory MP for Bournemouth East] said: ‘For Des Browne [the then Defence Secretary] to hide behind the smokescreen of red tape is totally unacceptable’. London Metro, 14 September 2007,  ”Cover-up’ row over wounded’ Mr Ellwood gloriously mixing his metaphors here.

How they are related (continued) November 27, 2009

‘Elisabeth Murdoch, her husband PR maestro Matthew Freud, and Ruth Rogers, owner of the dining room for everyone important, the River Cafe [and wife of the architect Lord (Richard) Rogers], pooled their impressive address books to organise an inauguration party yesterday afternoon.’ The Guardian, 21 Jan 2009, ‘[Richard] Curtis [screenwriter] leads Notting Hill celebrities in raising [...]

Myrobella November 27, 2009

‘The constituency home of Mr Blair when he was MP for Sedgefield.’ London Metro, 9 October 2007, ‘Blair security to be stood down’ (The article relates that ’2 sergeants and 23 constables provided round-the-clock security at Myrobella’.)

The Church of Bow Bells February 12, 2008

St Mary-le-Bow Church ‘This church, built in 1680 by Sir Christopher Wren and restored after war damage in 1964, replaced the 11th century church which was burnt down in the Great Fire. The Norman crypt, in which is found the Court of Arches, still survives. The tower and steeple are among Wren’s finest achievements and [...]

You’re beaoutiful (sic) November 30, 2007

James Blunt’s real name is James Blount. He attended Harrow public school (which isn’t public), Sandhurst (an élite military academy for officers) and served in the Household Cavalry (a socially prestigious regiment in the British army). The Times magazine, 17 September 2005 More singing squaddies: Jimi Hendrix, 101st Airborne division (but wasn’t exactly a model soldier)

Pass the Duchy November 30, 2007

Money raised from the Duchy of Lancaster goes to the Queen, while the Prince of Wales profits from the Duchy of Cornwall. BBC News, 17 July 2005