Snippets that caught my eye today, and my sage-like thoughts thereon:
A Very British Protest: Whilst hot-blooded southern Mediterraneans set up road blockades and arm themselves with sledgehammers in Greece, a very British protest is taking place on our more northerly shores. A Dorset pensioner, fed up at the ever-increasing traffic rumbling through his village, and frustrated at the lack of response from his local Council has taken the law into his own hands.
Tony Fuller and a few like-minded supporters are continually bringing traffic to a standstill by endlessly pressing the button at the automated pedestrian crossing that is situated in his village. The resulting traffic tailbacks can be as much as four miles long and Tony says the reaction of motorists ranges from beeping in support to a one fingered salute.
Oh how I love this country!
Madonna – ‘au naturel’: A new set of photos has been released of Madonna, taken by Mert Atlas and Marcus Piggot for the June edition of ‘Interview‘ magazine. Said to be non-airbrushed, they show Madonna with a body many 21 year olds would be happy with.
Completely free of the airbrush? Well, I have my doubts but, if you say so…. Good lighting? Yes definitely – the photographers have done a great job. Does she look good? Oh absolutely! Madonna can, and has looked a bit rough on occasion (don’t we all?) but you’ve got to admit that she looks just great in these shots. There is no doubt that her tremendous self-discipline and steely will is keeping that bod looking pretty darned fine.
Cinco de Mayo: Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone!
I know this isn’t a public holiday as such but it brings back another constant thought of mine: Oh how we need more public holidays and more reasons to celebrate in this country. If I ruled the world England would celebrate St George’s Day (April 23rd), and I’d throw in a couple more public holidays just for good measure. Ages ago I came across a league table that showed the UK and Ireland were bottom of the European chart for Public Holidays, with substantially fewer public holidays than countries like Greece. I know what you’re going to say: Look at the mess Greece is in. (But then that’s you just being a smartie pants). Seriously, we all work so hard now – I think we deserve at least two more public holidays. Now…who do I write to? …
Art:Rene Gruau
Art:Rene Gruau
Pushing the button repeatedly at a crosswalk? That is too funny and I bet brings lots of one-finger salutes.
Isn’t it great?! (Of course I can say that because I’m not stuck in the four-mile tailback).
I definitely agree about the holiday situation. Life would be so much more enjoyable if we had a good holiday, oh – every 2 weeks or so. Life should be celebrated!
We have 8 public holidays here (which include New Year and Christian festivals). I really do think that if we added just 4-5 more and shuffled around what *could* be shuffled (like the *2* non religious bank holidays in May) that we could wangle a day every single month when everyone would have a long weekend. Wouldn’t that just be so wonderful?
I’m *serious*!! I’ve given this a lot of thought. :p
I’m a little perplexed as to the “no airbrushing” if you can do that with lighting I must hire that photographer – stat!
the button story is kind of funny *evil grin*
Well ‘cynical’ is my middle name so I’m not really buying it either. She has, at the very least, very gnarly arms with alarmingly prominent veins. They *say* that clever lighting disguised this. Bottom line however is that she is looking very much better than me!
The button? I know. I couldn’t help but giggle. And the police are powerless to do anything as it’s a totally legal protest.
I’ll bet people caught in that back up were mad! No airbrushing? yeah, right! But if we had her money, we could probably buy bodies like that re:personal trainers and plastic surgery…she does look great! (even though I have never been fond of her person or her talent)
You’re so right. Given mega millions I’d hire a personal trainer, nutritionist and chef. You prepare it – I’ll eat it. You tell me these exercises are good – I’ll do them. It is easier when you can hire help but I do still admire her determination. She could equally say ‘I can’t be bothered’.
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
I have my doubts about that being airbrush free as well. But you’re right, she looks great!
Happy Cinco de Mayo to you! Crumbs I feel quite excited by the whole idea of Cinco de Mayo … even if it does commemorate defeating potentially a whole bunch of my ancestors. Let’s celebrate!!
[[I'll admit I only looked up the meaning of the day this ayem]
Yeah…the airbrush thing? I’m only repeating what was in the Press but really, I don’t believe that statement with anyone nowadays!
Ahhh, how I wish I had the time, money, trainers and incentive to look as good as Madonna. Sigh.
You and me both!
I want Madonna’s arms..
If they looked like this in real life I’d agree. As it is, I think you have much nicer arms!
More holidays sound like a great idea to me!
Hmmm. I’d love to look like Madonna but there is no way I want to work out as much as she must have to to look like that.
I agree – looking as trim as she does comes from a lot of hard work and I’m not sure I’d have that steel will!
Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
I’m having a hard time believing the photos aren’t airbrushed at all. Not even the face?
Y tu Mami.
(Hope that’s correct)
Airbrushing? Nice thought and all that but I think *every* magazine photo spread will have at least some PS work on it. That particular genie was let out of the bottle a long time ago now!
She does look great – I’d be happy with that bod, lol.
She and I are close to the same age and I can tell you that I do *not* look as good as that in bra and pants so, airbrush or not, I admire her!