Today I learned…

Here’s a link to a previous post which explains the origin of this idea.

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… that the magnificent British sense of humour has found a way to deal with the outbreak of right-wing idiots who’ve been painting things in the street (roundabouts and the like) with red crosses – or the cross of St George. This is the English (as opposed to British) flag, which has long been hijacked by racist groups – bizarrely so when you consider that St George was Turkish. But wonderful members of the public are dealing with this by painting the squares in alternating shades of bright yellow and pink so they now resemble a Battenburg cake instead. This made me proud 🙂

… that there is a thing called a Hairbrella, which purports to be a satin-lined waterproof scarf, with hood. When in my twenties, I was dubbed “Meryl” because when it rained, I wore a shawl wrapped around my head which – apparently – gave me the look of a hooded Meryl Streep in the film The French Lieutenant’s Woman. My hair is no longer curly and so less inclined to be troublesome if caught in the rain, but I cannot deny being mightily tempted by this – except the advertisement is on Meta, and we all know what a load of rubbish they tend to be.

… that David Reddish, political commentator at Occupy Democrats, is not only sharp and funny, but really knows his British biscuits. Somehow, mid a monologue about Trump visiting the British King, he slipped in his personal preference for Hobnobs. Now I don’t have a sweet tooth, but I do love a Hobnob. In my mind, this specialist knowledge has elevated him above all political commentators. Shallow – moi? 😉

… that TV advertisements for incontinence pads for men apparently insist on their models either having a significantly large appendage or stuff a bulky pair of socks down the front of their Y-fronts. I didn’t sign up for viewing men proudly parading their manhood at every ad break so the fragile male ego can remain untarnished by said medical issue.

… that Bryan Brown (the Aussie actor) who was a most attractive young man, is no longer so easy on the eye. But his good friend, Sam Neill, who wasn’t quite as attractive when a young man has aged like a fine wine – potentially as fine as that from his magnificent Two Paddocks vineyard. BTW, I can only assume his wine is magnificent as it’s won a lot of awards, for it’s far too expensive for my blood 🙂

… that the pharmacist at our local outlet takes a lunchbreak between 1.30 and 2pm each day. I’ve been here 7 months and, despite collecting prescriptions twice a month, this is the first time I’ve clashed with her absence. I guess you could say I’ve been jolly lucky. But now I know, I wonder how long it will take me to remember.

… that the blogsphere has lost not only Ally at The Spectacled Bean who has decided to wind up her blog on WordPress and to take some time deciding what form any future online presence may take – but also Jane from Robin Robin’s Journey who has reached a point when finding the words to say while her country of birth goes up in flames is a losing battle. I know I won’t be alone in saying how much I will miss the unique voices and contributions of these two wonderful bloggers of longstanding.

Do you have a favourite biscuit or cookie? Was there someone you thought was gorgeous when you were both younger but now find yourself having your head turned by someone unexpected? What’s given you a chuckle recently?

© Debs Carey, 2025