British Town tries to shake off Ali G link!

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   JKennyposted 11 years ago

   http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-18118309
   
   The town of Staines has changed its name to Staines Upon Thames to try and boost its image and shake off its unwanted link with Ali G

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      denisemaiposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Why would they want to distance themselves from Ali G? That show was hilarious!

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         CMHypnoposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Surrey is in the Home Counties Stockbroker Belt.  As far as they are concerned AliG is common and they probably think that it is tarnishing their good name and pulling property prices down.
         
         I don't know if you ever got it in the US, but try and catch a British comedy show called 'Keeping Up Appearances' that has a character called Hyacynth Bucket in it - will tell you every thing you need to know about attitudes in over here in suburbia!

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            JKennyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Hahaha! Keeping up Appearances was hilarious, Hyacinth used to think she was the queen, but most of her family were slobs that lived in a council house. Had to feel sorry for Richard, her poor old husband. Oh! And remember its pronounced bouquet.
            
            While Hyacinth is very funny, its an attitude that's very common among many middle class Britons, particularly those who have worked their way up from nothing. For all their disposable income and fine china, they have not an ounce of charm or grace. Mostly, they are arrogant and downright rude.
            
            I work in a garden centre on the outskirts of a village in the Midlands, so I see a lot of Hyacinths, particularly among the older generations.

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               CMHypnoposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               Must be nice working with the plants and flowers though   I have a part time reception job just north of London, and although most people are still very polite and charming it is some of the middle class, newly wealthy who can be the rudest as they feel they have the right to talk down to the person answering the phone as they think it makes them look important.
               
               'Made In Chelsea' probably epitomizes it best - no true member of the aristocracy would be seen dead on the programme, as it just isn't classy to parade your love life, and bitchy fallings out with friends on prime time television for money

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                  JKennyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  It's not too bad, and the majority of people I see are nice, and the fact that I'm in the countryside surrounded by greenery and birdsong is a bonus.
                  
                  I haven't actually seen 'Made in Chelsea' but from what I've heard, its definitely a show that seems to be corrupting the minds of younger people especially. From what I hear, the people are on there are all like Paris Hilton, the offspring of rich businessmen who have nothing better to do than simply show off.

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      Shinkickerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hilarious! :-) Sacha Baron Cohen still creating havoc even when he's not there. I'll have to catch his new movie. LOL

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      twosheds1posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I can see where they would want to. It seems every character SBC creates makes fun of Arabs or Muslims.

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   ElizaDooleposted 11 years ago

   Great thread topic.
   
   I can't forget The Good Life - forever associated with Surbiton and British environmentalists everywhere!
   
   Yay.

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      JKennyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Oh yes, Eliza! Another great British comedy. Speaking of Felicity Kendal; did you happen to catch that programme she did about travelling back to her Indian roots. I watched some of it, and found it to be utterly compelling. Made me want to pack my bags tomorrow.

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