In my latest endeavour to keep the big media outlets provided with free content - older readers will remember my encounters with CNN and the French daily newspaper, Libération - I found myself talking to Moscow.
I realise that there are many extraordinarily wealthy Russians around. Sadly, they do not appear to be represented among those in charge of the purse strings at Voice of Russia.
But I agreed to share my thoughts on Gérard Depardieu, his Belgian tax exile and now his Russian citizenship because the man asking me to do so is a former colleague (and I'm soft). I do not expect reward in heaven but could use a Soviet-style vision of plenty.
When I listened back to the extracts of the conversation chosen for the broadcast/podcast or whatever, I thought I sounded unbearably posh, which elocution lessons back in County Durham half a century ago surely failed to make me. I did have a heavy cold, but this explains only the mangling of the odd phrase.
Have a listen and a laugh, if you must, for yourselves: http://ruvr.co.uk/2013_01_03/Russia-Depardieu-tax-rate/.
They liked me so much or had so little else that they devoted two snatches of the tape to my comments.
But they cut out my suggestion that Depardieu's reported closeness to the Moscow hierarchy seemed odd since the actor, while conservative in his political outlook and protectionist in respect of his fortune, comes across as more a Pussy Riot sort of man than a Putin one.
Coincidentally, this outbreak of bogus poshness came on a day when I had been discussing such matters on Twitter with @LydiaJane13 and one other.
It went like this:
@LydiaJane13 Don't want to go home. Want to stay in my cottage in the Cotswolds and pretend I'm posh. Forever.
Me: But what do they make of cries of Ha'way the Lads in the royal ghetto?I think they would need a translator ...
Real posh is going back to the North East & being caught by friends asking for Earl Grey tea. I know the shame
... or asking for good quality balsamic in Asda Seaham...
Mme Salut once got startled looks asking butcher in Stanley for veal & not because they felt sorry for young cows
@shorty_dont
... people in Stanley get confused if you mention fire, or the wheel
Me again: And Seaburn hotel once got confused when Boy George asked for fresh steamed broccoli (he was up for SAFC v Charlton)
Lydia again:
there was just so much information to take on board in that tweet...
Just happened to be there when he was. I wanted to add that they offered him chips instead but that wd be unfair
As for Depardieu, I really don't mind where he calls home provided he doesn't sit next to me on the aircraft if we both happen to be going there.
Recent Comments