9 Jan 06 Brit TV & the American at the Lift
Days have been short and a bit chilly, so we’re enjoying some downtime relaxation sitting in front of the TV. Yesterday was a key example of this - we spent most of the afternoon inside with the heat turned high, remote control handy. It wasn’t so cold really, not much rain out, and the temp was still above zero. Just an excuse to veg. I think we’ve got five channels on our hotel TV, including a couple from BBC, so what are we watching?
The Collectors & Sellers
At least a show or two that we’ve watched features ‘experts’ who walk into people’s homes and rifle through their kitschy collections to pick out gems that might sell well at auction. The collector usually wants to make some money they can put toward the price of a new car, or cooking classes. Yesterday’s guy wanted a new Hummer. The auctions are kind of fun to see, and there are a few surprises when someone makes more money than expected.
The Buyers
Real estate.. property buyers are looking for a new home. One show has two hosts who each choose one property they think is suitable for the buyer (usually a family), and they both pick a ‘wildcard’ that for some reason doesn’t exactly fit with the buyer’s hopes. The buyers walk through each of the houses, guess the price and thats about it. Armchair house-shopping is the gyst.
The Athletes
Darts. Professional darts. Mullets. Really GREAT mullets! What more can be said really? Fantastic entertainment!
Footy
Lots of it. Again, what more can be said? It’s soccer, and it’s huge here.
The Stars
Celebrity Big Brother is captivating the masses at the moment. It airs every night and the biggest celebrity they’ve got is Dennis Rodman. Some brit actor, first name Michael, is the biggest celebrity on this side of the water apparently, but there’s also Pete Burns (of the 80s hit song You Spin Me Round fame) and George Galloway, a local MP, who is causing a stir in the headlines by skipping out on his parliamentary duties by appearing on the show. Now this is riveting TV! There are eleven ‘celebrities’ locked in a big apartment, all sleeping in the same room, for at least a couple of weeks. Throw in a goofy musician who calls himself ‘Maggot’ and a Baywatch babe and you’ve got a show!
The American in the Lift
Well it’s not on TV, but it probably could be. I said “hi” to a guy waiting for the elevator:
“Howdy,” he responded. “Are you American?”
“No, Canadian. But I just came from upstate New York. Where are you from?”
“Chicago.”
“Oh I love Chicago, great city.”
“Yeah.. The English hate Americans, have you encountered that?” he asks.
“Really? No, I haven’t, not at all…”
“You would NOT believe some of the shit we’ve come across here.”
I thought for a second.. “hmmm, have you been acting obscene, or what?” I asked.
He showed some offense to my question, kinda huffed and answered, “Not at all dude, we’re like totally chill.”
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GET FED:
Just wanted to say that I am a Chicagoan living in England. I am missing home very much. I have to admit I am kinda hooked on CBB and can’t wait to see who will be sent home.
Comment by Kelly — January 13, 2006 #