A New Saffron Dawn in Indian Politics

‘The world’s largest democracy’ cast more than 500 million votes over five weeks to decide who would win and take India roaring into the future and Narendra Modi came out on top with a huge majority.  India has spoken. Decisively.

For the first time in 30 years Indian voters helped create a majority government blasting the incumbents to an insignificant minority.  Right wing and Hindu nationalist Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) had long been tipped to win the election but most Delhiites I spoke to last month were sure that they wouldn’t have an outright majority and would inevitably have to form a coalition of sorts.  My goodness was everyone shocked, it was time for a new generation.  Even former MPs that had held on to their safe seats for 15 years or more were ousted for the first time. 

Letters From a Prince

Earlier this week the Guardian newspaper won a nine year court battle with the UK government in order to see letters sent by Prince Charles to UK ministers under the Freedom of Information Act.

The letters apparently show evidence of the prince lobbying senior government ministers to change policies that he is unhappy with.

Trend Report Part 1/4: NY Spring/Summer 14

Zac by Zac Posen

Fashion, flash bulbs and lots of flapping around.  You probably heard all the fashion weeks started a few weeks ago.  I left it til near the end to summarise what you need to know as consumers (this article is part 1 of 4). For all the attention that the official fashion weeks get, they are nevertheless trade events and not open to the public. They are extremely photogenic events to pepper media cycles routinely filled with political scandal and daily humdrum.

Michael Kors

Do you have a global style or are you very British/American/European in your dress sense?  My sis is very preppy Ralph Lauren despite being British

Go To Jail For Drug Mules

When I first heard the story of the two British women caught with 11kg of cocaine in their luggage in Peru I felt so sorry for them.  They had been forced to, innocent victims, could it happen to any of us? Then my cousin who is about their age walked in and was certain they did it.  She said girls get duped on holiday resorts as they think it’s glamorous and that they can get rich quick.

Michaella McCollum Connolly, who lives in Northern Ireland, and Melissa Reid, from Scotland  have made guilty pleas in order to

The Most Overpaid Apprentice in the World

HRH Prince Charles, the world’s longest serving and most overpaid apprentice, has been making MPs nervous with his increasing desires to meddle in British politics.  The Guardian newspaper reported over the weekend that Prince Charles has seconded two of his staff to government offices, one was even in the cabinet! 

Rihanna 1 Topshop 0

Nice to say something nice about Rhianna that doesn’t include her bum cheeks. (On that note, put them away Rhianna I’m trying to eat my cocopops).

She won her case against Topshop for using her image on their T-shirts. Topshop tried to argue that the photographer owned the copyright in the photo (correct)

I’m Off To Co-op

Oh my god! The Co-op supermarket has given lads’ mags 6 weeks to clean up their front covers or they will no longer stock them.

I can’t believe it. I remember as a very young girl feeling hugely uncomfortable

Handsome Enough To Tempt Us To Spend!

What wonderful news that Jane Austen is to be commemorated on our new £10 notes. Shock, horror, can campaigning really work?

The glorious Bank of England announced that it was going to replace Elizabeth Fry, the only female historical figure on a banknote, with Winston Churchill.  This sparked a huge campaign

Halal And Kosher Meat Available Here

My mother is mortified that I’ve been a veggie since about 2006. She has only just recently accepted that chicken is still meat.  I told her once that even if I did ever eat meat again (yuck) I would not touch halal meat because I find the procedure cruel and inhumane. Yes, personification of an animal but can you truly say an animal does not feel distressed when she knows she is bleeding to death?

Jews and Muslims

Little Kitty on the Underground

1,2,3, awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww I want one!!!!!!!

This adorable little kitten was found in a box at Victoria tube station

Chipped Nails For Privacy

The Guardian reported today that the Russian government has placed a new order for typewriters for its top secret correspondence.  Russia’s Federal Guard Service has sighted electronic data security concerns and believes that old fashioned pen and paper etc is the best way to stop spying.

Although ridiculed and being called old fashioned

77 Year Drought Ended!

Wowwwww, Murray the Champ and I was there! I won £250 and got a pea-sized photo of Andy with his trophy (damn my rubbish phone!!)

What a fabulous day it was.  We drank champagne, ate bland sandwiches for £10 and we burned and burned in the searing heat. But it was all worth it

Murray Mania!

77 years since a Brit won Wimbledon men’s and it’s 7/7 today, 7 July!

I have two tickets (eek!) and am blogging from Wimbledon – champagne, elderflower, picnic from Fortnum & Mason.

A Perfume for a Little Princess

Quintessential British heritage brand, Penhaligon’s, is launching a new Eau de Parfum on Monday called Vaara, inspired by the Royal House of Marwar-Jodphur in Rajasthan. The scent came about after His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II desired a scent to commemorate the birth of his granddaughter, Vaara (as one does).

Created by Master Perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour

Snowden’s Snowballs

If you were going to make the USA your biggest enemy, shhhurely you’d plan your travel arrangements a little better?  One way ticket to Mars anyone?

Edward Snowden’s grand whistleblowing revelations have not saved lives and were not super urgent so why did he not fly to a safe country before  making his announcements?  He could then skip along to the respective embassy that he would apply for asylum  and hey presto, relief and a new start while the USA initiated life-long legal proceedings for extradition.

Whilst Edward Snowden’s revelations have

What Does A Male Feminist Look Like?

The Guardian today published a lovely article written by Australian comedian Ben Pobjie addressed to Australian men about the embarrassing sexist attitudes reaching international media attention, particularly as it is directed at Australia’s female prime minister.  I was only just gearing up to write about the disgusting menu presented at an Australian fund raiser for their opposition party where the Australian PM’s body parts were described when today another news story broke.  This time the Australian PM was asked whether her hair stylist husband was gay.

Whilst the article makes for an interesting read and I’m glad to see Australian men upset at the behaviour of other Australian men, the most interesting part of the article for me was a tiny paragraph in the middle of the article:

But I understand the urge to deny that sexism is happening, because I’m a man and I hate talking about sexism: it makes me feel guilty and self-conscious. It is, frankly, awkward.

So now I turn my post away from Australian men to men in general. Why does sexism make you feel guilty and awkward? 

Eh? Did Beckham Play Football?

David Beckham retired from football yesterday?

Excuse me, did he play football? Still? I thought he was just a deliciously fit H+M model (thank youuuu H+M for selling your crappy £3 pants on the yummiest bod ever!) And he won us the Olympics, but wasn’t that because of his cute smile? And isn’t he World’s Best Dad or some rubbish?

I used to think he was a bit overrated with his naff hair and spotty face and then all of a sudden, he kissed a frog and turned into a prince! 

Jolie Good!

I never thought I’d ever be saying this, but well done Angelina Jolie, you are a superstar.

I thought you were just a beauty with patronising UN ambassador quotes about “African orphans” blah blah but wow!

Wow, indeed!

You decided not to risk breast and ovarian cancer by having a double mastectomy.

Foot-in-Mouth

Only yesterday, I was declaring Sepp Blatt to be a knobhead and within minutes we have a new knobhead of the day.

Today’s coveted award goes to Osaka mayor, Toru Hashimoto, who said that there is no proof that thousands of Korean women that were the sex slaves

Fashion Victims and Villains

Top by new ethical fashion brand, sketch london.

Left-leaning newspapers have been running a series of articles ever since the Bangladesh garment factory collapsed.  The death toll has now sadly passed 500, mostly women, but why are consumers and fashion brands being made to bear the majority of the guilty burden? That fingers have been pointed at some brands was inevitable and fashion is regularly targeted for being a poison of the world: the very sick and visible face of capitalism and greed.  In Bangladesh and India the tragedy is being reported as a corrupt failure of building regulations not a story about Evil Fashion Brands.

The usual suspects of British ethical fashion have been carted out with the usual snippets of condemnation and hissing at the likes of Primark, GAP and so on.  Will consumers care they ask? Can they afford to I ask?  This could be a long article so please get a cuppa or a glass of wine.  I promise you will learn a thing or two.

Epic Pepsi Fail

Of course I haven’t drank Pepsi since their appalling behaviour towards Michael Jackson … (they ditched MJ when he was accused of being a paedo and I was too young to think eek, MJ is a little weird!!)

But if you needed a second reason to drop Pepsi from the shopping list it is this disgraceful advert for its gross green snot drink, Mountain Dew. An advert that glorifies domestic violence and described as “the most racist advertisement of all time”

Are You A Belieber?​

Justin Bieber reportedly wrote that he “hoped that Anne Frank would have been a belieber” on his recent visit to the Anne Frank Museum.

 

Great to know that the Canadian moron fully appreciates what the second World War was all about then! Nice one mate! He also thinks that Anne Frank was a “great girl”.  Marvellous! Are we to assume the dipstick can actually READ and has read her diary?

Who Deserves Military Honours?

Queen Mother’s funeral

Former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher will receive military honour for her funeral and this has caused great concern amongst some, especially (apparently) from Buckingham Palace.

That there seems to be huffing and puffing about an extraordinary Brit receiving military honours usually reserved for Royalty is astonishing.  Margaret Thatcher did far more for her country than the Queen Mother and Princess Diana

Legally Robbed

As I write, the Cypriot President is in Brussels trying to negotiate a deal to rescue his financially strapped country from bankruptcy.  The potential deal is thought to include a mandatory tax of 20% on those with savings over €100,000.  Last week the tax that was being agreed was 10% on all savings over €10,000 which amounts to legally sanctioned daylight robbery.

It’s an understatement to say people on the island are aren’t very pleased

New Sufi Skincare Range

Heralded as one of the finest hotels in Asia, the Imperial Hotel is one of my favourite relaxing destinations in Delhi.  It is the ultimate in refined and understated luxury.

The stunning Mughal inspired spa at the Imperial Hotel is called Sufi.  Two weeks ago on International Women’s Day I was invited to the launch of the Imperial Hotel’s exclusive Sufi botanical and organic skin care range.  Last year saw the launch of the divine Sufi eau de toilette and essential oils and now skincare…the brand is taking more and more space on my bathroom shelf!

I have been using three products from the new range (Daylight Moisturizer, Downpore Cleanser and Night Rose Moisturizer) for two weeks and highly recommend them. 

Chanel’s Yellow Mascara

Chanel has launched a yellow mascara!  It is part of this Summer’s butterfly inspired makeup range from the luxury fashion brand.

I can’t think of any worse colour to highlight my luscious

Nazi Salutes in 2013

I have a friend, bear with me as he will sound awful, who considers himself an expert in German history (an expert despite only having studying the subject to A-level) who moans and groans regularly about “the Jews” and “why they can’t shut up about the Holocaust”. His point, that he makes so badly, is that the Holocaust terminated amongst others, the disabled, the sick, homosexuals and more than any other ethnic group, the gypsies.

Well, there is no better reason than Katidis as to why Jews simply can’t stop talking about the war.

Mr Wonderful

Princess Diana’s ‘Mr Wonderful’ also known as Pakistani heart surgeon, Dr Khan is reported to be pursuing maximum damages from News International after Scotland Yard informed him it was possible his phone had been hacked.

Dr Khan is of course one of the 600 potential new phone hacking victims

High Pryce To Pay

Am I alone in feeling sorry for Vicky Pryce? She was sitting next to her husband whom she loved for almost 30 years and he turned to her and said it was over, he was with a younger woman, he wanted a divorce. And then he went to the gym.

Then the press find the whole thing hilarious because the younger woman had been in a relationship with another woman.

Zip Your Lips

At work we fell into two camps during and following the horse meat scandal.

Smug smirky looky-downy middle-classes who sneer “what do you expect! A Findus frozen lasagne hahahah and you think you’re eating beef? Come on!”

And…

Smug smirky looky-downy vegetarians who sneer “hang on you disgusting eaters of flesh! What is the difference between eating a cow and a horse?”

I fell into the second camp. “It’s a good week to be a veggie, hohoho” my fellow veggies and I chuckled.

Not so!  Do you like chocolate? And almond? I heart both.  And if you were in the Second Worst Place on Earth (Ikea), does your partner have to promise to buy you a chocolate almond cake to shut you up that “all the cool couples in the world are not in Ikea on a Saturday”?

Ikea have found poo

Student Debate Walkout

Have you heard the story of the Cambridge and Edinburgh university undergrads that went to Glasgow university for a debating competition? One of the women, at the adorable age of 20, is apparently a world leader as a debating genius. Hurrah!

Well, first of all they were told before they were up “not to be too funny” … Eh? It gets worse, however, as they were faced with awful heckling.

Rosa Parks Honoured

Earlier this week Rosa Parks became the first black woman to be honoured with a life-size statue in Washington.  The first statue commissioned in 140 years in the USA, President Obama said it was because of civil rights activists like Rosa Park that he is President.

In 1955 Rosa Parks was arrested

I Don’t Debate With Israelis

British MP George Galloway must only be second to Madonna as the best self-publicist.

Last week, George (a former Big Brother contestant) stormed out of a debate at Oxford University after a student stood up to ask him a question.  The purpose of the debate was to open a dialogue regarding Israel and Palestine.  George used his speech to condemn Israel but then went on to say he didn’t recognise the state of Israel.  Isn’t this contradictory?

I think that George planned his reaction in advance

NKOTB Back on Tour

But only in the USA!  For those of you that don’t know, NKOTB stands for New Kids On The Block.  They former boy, now man, band have teamed up with Boyz II Men and 98 Degrees (whoever they are) and will tour the whole USA in the coming year.

Whilst researching their website for their non-existent London tour dates

New Pill to Increase Common Sense

I wish it existed,  I despair when I read certain ”health news’ stories.  The latest pill to be presented to us is called Ateronon which will be prescribed to help cut risk of strokes, heart attacks and even cancer.  The magic ingredient… a compound found in tomato skins.  Why not just eat a tomato?

Judges, Not Mothers, Know Best

A woman, Sally Roberts, started a nationwide missing persons hunt for running away with her son, aged 7, as she did not want him to undergo surgery to remove a tumor on his brain.  The decision was finally given to a judge who ruled in the favour of the medical team and advised that her son be given the operation as soon as possible.

I have a seven year old niece and can only imagine the trauma the mother is going through.  It must be so incredibly

H & M Goes Green

H & M the fast fashion, budget clothing retail giant announced a global recycling initiative in order to reduce its negative impact on the planet.  The company explained that through this initiative, H&M’s customers can help to save natural resources and contribute to reduced environmental impact by avoiding textile waste.

Customers that participate in the recycling programme will be offered a 15% discount

Ravi Shankar Sitar Supremo

I woke up to sad news this morning that Ravi Shankar had passed away at the age of 92.  Ravi Shankar is credited for making the sitar the sound of India to the world.  Subsequently Ravi Shankar introduced Indian sound to pop music through collaborations with the Beatles

Untouchable Gypsies

A new genetic study has confirmed what was long-known: Roma gypsies are descendents of Indians but a new revelation is that they in fact share almost identical DNA with the untouchable caste of India.

It is believed that the untouchables fled India, the part of Punjab now in Pakistan, when Hinduism collapsed in the region over a thousand years ago.

The Death of an Iconic Villain

Larry Hagman passed away last week at the age of 81.  He will be best remembered in his role as JR Ewing, the Texas oil tycoon and villain that everyone loved to hate.  Who shot JR?