It's another snippets post, dear reader:
- It wasn't me, Guv! news: Thieves have stolen a stunning 200-carat platinum necklace [above] encrusted with 673 diamonds, that once belonged to Queen Consort Nazli of Egypt, from a museum in Vienna. I could wear that!
- "No-no-Notorious" news: Royal Mail will issue a special set of stamps celebrating Duran Duran on 17th September. The collection features the band at different stages of their career, tracing their progression from early New Romantic origins to global chart success. I always fancied licking John Taylor, back in the day...
- How old is a kiss, and a splashback-free urinal news: This year's winners of the "coveted" (satirical) Ig Noble Prize have been announced, and winning research papers' subjects include Neanderthals kissing, a new design of urinal, the aerodynamics of nose blowing, and evidence that those in higher social classes are more likely to steal sweets from a child. So much more fun than the "real" Nobels...
[click any pic to embiggen]
- It's actually an embroidery! news: The much-hyped loan of the Bayeux Tapestry from France to the British Museum is finally here - its unveiling in situ was conducted by HM The King, the new PM and various notables as well as the press last night - and doors open to the first raft of ticket-holders tomorrow. Thanks to the brother-in-law The History Boy, we have ours booked (for December) - and it is already predicted to be the most popular exhibition in recent British history!
- RIP Gloria Steinem, doyenne of the feminist movement, who has burned her very last bra and departed, aged 92.
- Nature's way news: Italy has recruited an army of octopus into its waters to try and control the invasive blue crab, and Spain is thinking of following in its footsteps ["tentacle-steps", perhaps?]. Expect a glut of Pulpo Frito on the Costas once the octopus start to get out of control..!
- And finally: Farewell to the long-running BBC TV show Ski Sunday - and, in particular, to its absolutely unforgettable theme music!
And the weather? "Up and down like a whore's drawers" again...
...We've had some heavy showers this week. Yesterday felt quite chilly. Today - despite the strong gusts - it was warm and quite humid. Unless we get an "Indian Summer", however, sadly I think it's "goodbye to all that". The "Season of Death" is just around the corner...
