Fan Fare, What's New, Pussycat?
Here’s where you’ll find TJ photos and stories that don’t fit into any other categories. It is, as its name says, just for fans — and, hopefully, for fun.
“The Times” (London) Again Proves How They Trash Their Own; Will Someone Please Tell Us Why?
Sunday, July 8th, 2007The Times Online keeps up the UK tradition of trashing their own.
Giving the Concert for Diana three out of a possible five stars, the reviewer noted (correctly, we think) that “…there are probably some good reasons why Diana isn’t remembered for her record collection.” He singled out Duran Duran’s Simon LeBon.
In the next paragraph (incorrectly — but with wit — we think) he said, “Tom Jones — a man who covers other people’s songs in much the same way that bears cover other bears’ territory — told us that the Princess loved his version of Kiss. Sounding like a Blues Brother with bronchitis, he then flattened Arctic Monkeys’ I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor. ”
We love the UK fans who visit our site….they are loyal, devoted and smart. And we love the UK. But, tell us, what’s the deal with your press? They can trash someone better than the New York Post can. And the Post is no slouch in that area. (After all, it is the New York Post that regularly and unapologetically persisted in calling Paris Hilton a “skank” and “a pig in a pokey.” And that’s about the worst we’ve read in the US.)
Photo (from left) Prince William, Natasha Bedingfield, The Most Gifted Singer at the Concert, Joss Stone and Prince Harry.
July 8th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Trash unfortunately sells…but what a great picture! On closer observation, note that “The Most Gifted Singer at the Concert” appears to have his hand on Joss Stone’s posterior.
July 8th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
I think it’s on her waist actually but never mind……
As for the UK Press, well I don’t have an answer except that it appears to have become de rigeur over here to be mean-spirited and snide in an attempt to be funny. It doesn’t help either that many so-called journalists are lamentably ill-informed and often not very bright. It’s all a symptom of the general ‘dumbing-down’ that seems to so endemic. “The Times” used to be a highly respected broadsheet but then it was bought by Rupert Murdoch, went tabloid ( they say ‘compact’ but who are they trying to kid?) and has been on the slippery slope ever since. Tom actually fares no worse than many other celebrities and often a lot better than most – it’s “Tall Poppy Syndrome”. you see: how dare these people be more successful/talented/ rich than me? Let’s just slag them off and then we’ll feel better……..very sad.
July 8th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Yes, we did notice that, Nancy, but chose to ignore it….maybe she had an itch and couldn’t reach it herself and he (giver that he is) was helping. Or, maybe, the photo doesn’t tell the entire story or the angle causes it to look like that. Also, she’s 5’10″ tall and he was likely putting his arm around her waist.
July 9th, 2007 at 6:41 am
If Tom’s grabbing her bum, it looks like he and Prince Harry must have a cheek each.
July 9th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
The Times Online needs to be re-named The Talking Turds and their news snippets called Turd Alerts. Honestly, Tom is too good for these blokes and they make my arse tired. Sorry….having a bad day, but don’t like to see our Tommy belittled.
July 10th, 2007 at 2:48 am
That’s as good as having a bunch in their britches, Laura C. Thanks for the giggle.
July 10th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
My pleasure, mharding. You have certainly supplied me with plenty of belly laughs!!!
July 20th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
I dispare of our press,we used to wrap our fish and chips in newspaper.but now we don’t,the reason there is so much s–t written in them,you can’t use them. sorry but I get angry how they treat tom.
July 22nd, 2007 at 3:20 pm
What would you do? “Posterior.” I have seen Joss. She’s hot!