Of Romanovs, strippers, Purdey, historic stones, a beetle, gunpowder and Totty of the Day

Another snippets post today, dear reader:

• Baubles news: Among the most important surviving gemstones associated with the Russian imperial court, the 197.80-carat cushion-shaped, rose-cut Romanov Sapphire [pictured above] - once owned by Empress Maria Feodorovna, and now set in an Art Deco bracelet by Cartier - is coming to auction at Sothebys in Geneva on 11th November. It is expected to sell for around £1.5 million (more than $2m). It is on my Xmas wish list already!
• No dicks allowed news: A Magic Mike-inspired male strip show that was due to appear at local venue Brangwyn Hall was cancelled without notice by Swansea Council, much to the dismay of the ladies-of-a-certain-age who had bought tickets. I have been to Swansea. And seen penises there. Maybe the Puritans took over since those days..?

• Hairdo news: RIP John Frieda, hairstylist to the stars - everyone from Twiggy and Jackie "O" to Madonna to Princess Diana - who famously created Joanna Lumley's iconic 1980s "Purdey" haircut for The New Avengers [above]. He was also married to [another] "national treasure" Lulu for fourteen years - and created a range of popular hair care products including Frizz Ease.
• Monumental mystery news: The geological source of the "Altar Stone" at the heart of Stonehenge still remains a mystery - as scientists ruled out the long-held theory that it originated in Northeast Scotland once and for all. Probably aliens, then.
• Meet the Beetles news: A rare beetle that oozes slime from its knees if attacked, and whose larvae piggyback on solitary bees to feast on the bee's own stash of pollen, has been rediscovered in a remote site in West Wales after nearly 60 years, conservationists have reported.
• And finally - Totty on Wheels news: 20-year-old Italian racing driver Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history. I'd help him out with his gear-stick!

[click any pic to embiggen]

...oh, and... Happy Bonfire Night!

Guy Fawkes, Fireworks and Eczema Cure in the Gunpowder Plot Song [Horrible Histories, CBBC]

And the weather? For a change, it's not raining just as people are outside trying to light fireworks in their back gardens! Getting colder, though.