John cleese mocks woke culture in joke about microaggression

It’s a helpful shorthand, ready at the tip of the tongue for when discussing the rot that is overwhelming our culture. “Woke” – that one syllable – seems to describe the whole problem: the fixation with identity, the bad faith assumptions, the aggressive historical vandalism, combined with moral superiority and absolutism. The word has been immensely helpful in allowing us to highlight the pattern of ideological creep that is threatening our institutions. Sometimes a phenomenon is just too big to explain in detail every time we call attention to its consequences. Research from King’s College London, released this week , showed how widely the usage of “woke” has spread, with a rising awareness of the term. But there is also a danger inherent in the popularisation of “woke”. Increasingly, the word is becoming a casual short-hand for things that we don’t like – an insult to be thrown at whatever fresh politically correct lunacy has emerged from universities, politics or business. … [Read more...] about ‘Woke’ is more than an insult, it’s a threat to our freedom

Ricky Gervais tackles religion in Netflix comedy special Sign up for the big storylines FIRST , star interviews and exclusive access SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Ricky Gervais begins his new Netflix stand-up comedy special by making fun of cancel culture with jokes about trans people, Hitler and AIDS. Speaking on Steve Wright’s BBC Radio 2 programme, Ricky addressed potential backlash to the series by pointing out some “people want to be offended”. Related articles Barry Manilow's appearance on This Morning sparks frenzy BBC has Twitter in stitches over 'Manchester United are rubbish' ticke Steve asked: “Do you ever get fed up Ricky with having to explain yourself? “I did see yourself … [Read more...] about ‘People want to be offended’ Ricky Gervais hits back as woke brigade slam Netflix special

They're taking on the role of comedy legends Laurel and Hardy in their new film Stan & Ollie. And John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan certainly didn't disappoint when they took to the red carpet at the movie's photocall during the Rome Film Festival on Wednesday. The actors wasted no time getting into character, making onlookers laugh as they played up for the cameras. Comedy duo: John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan certainly didn't disappoint when they took to the red carpet at the Stan & Ollie photocall during the Rome Film Festival on Wednesday Joined by director Jon S. Baird - best known for his work on Filth - at the festival, the pair delivered an animated and engaging performance. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Made In Chelsea's Olivia Bentley looks almost unrecognisable... Katie Price EXCLUSIVE: Star's decrepit £2million mansion... Kimberley Walsh offers fans a glimpse into her plush north... Made In Chelsea's Louise … [Read more...] about John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan lark about at Stan & Ollie photocall in Rome as they get into character as Laurel and Hardy

John Bartlett, who has died aged 94, was the civil engineer responsible for building the Victoria line in London and for designing the British side of the Channel Tunnel. He was also the inventor, in 1964, of the Bentonite Tunnelling Machine (BTM), a device which allowed the excavation of tunnels in loose soils that would previously have been difficult and costly (or even impossible) to dig, and developments of the concept enabled a rapid increase in tunnel construction around the world. Before the BTM, tunnelling in soft soil involved the creation of a sealed box pressurised with air, from which workers would dig the tunnel, with the tunnel face needing continuous support. It was dangerous work, not only because there was a constant risk of groundwater flooding the works causing instability, but also because workers in such conditions often suffered health problems such as “the bends” and bone necrosis. It is no accident that most of the London Underground network was developed … [Read more...] about John Bartlett, Bentonite Tunnelling Machine inventor whose work included the Victoria Line and the Dartford tunnels – obituary

Ricky Gervais has defended joking about taboo subjects after mocking trans people in his new Netflix special SuperNature. The comedian, despite claiming he’s supportive of trans rights, made several controversial gags in the newly released special, including saying that ‘old-fashioned women’ are ‘the ones with wombs’. He also joked about transitioning to become ‘Vicky Gervais’. Joining Jermaine Jenas and Alex Jones on The One Show on Tuesday night, Ricky was asked whether he’d always worked on creating a ‘feeling of tension’. ‘Well, I think that’s what comedy is for really, to get us through stuff and ideally taboo subjects, because I want to take the audience to a place hasn’t been before even for a split second,’ Ricky replied. ‘And you know, most offence comes from when people mistake the subject of a joke with the actual target, so it starts there. “What’s he gonna say?” I tell the joke. They laugh.’ ‘You know, it’s like a parachute jump,’ Ricky continued. … [Read more...] about Ricky Gervais defends taboo jokes after mocking trans people in Netflix special: ‘I think that’s what comedy is for’

Walmart apologized Tuesday for releasing a “Juneteenth” themed ice cream after woke backlash from critics on social media. The retail giant issued a statement Tuesday apologizing for the “celebration edition” ice cream released by its Great Value brand, a red velvet cheesecake flavor created to match the celebratory red, yellow, green, and black colors used for Juneteenth. “Share and celebrate African-American culture, emancipation and enduring hope,” the label reads. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in June 2021 after President Joe Biden signed a law establishing it. One Twitter user called @KevOnStage shared a TikTok video to his Twitter Sunday night account criticizing Juneteenth-themed products being sold by Walmart. “Apparently Walmart has Great Value Juneteenth celebration edition ice cream, swirled red velvet and cheesecake flavored ice cream, and this is what happens when you commercialize federal holidays,” KevOnStage said in the video. “It just became a federal … [Read more...] about Walmart Releases ‘Juneteenth’ Ice Cream, Then Cancels It Because Of Woke Backlash | The Daily Wire

Khloe Kardashian has had her say on sister Kendall Jenner ’s cucumber cutting techniques, and she’s not impressed. The supermodel went viral after a recent episode of the Kardashians , when she attempted to make herself snack while chatting to momager Kris Jenner. In one scene, the 26-year-old grabbed a cucumber and struggled as she attempted to cut it into slices, with social media having an absolute field day with the footage. Despite appearing to make light of the clip on Twitter, Khloe revealed that Kendall was actually ‘not happy’ with the wild fan reaction. During an appearance on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast, the 37-year-old got on the topic of the viral video, and her sibling’s unconventional kitchen skills. ‘She’s, like, not happy about that…,’ the Good American star said, before mocking her for not being able to ‘cut a f**king cucumber’. The mom-of-one continued: ‘I feel so… I’m like, “Kendall, God is fair. You’re the most beautiful human … [Read more...] about Kendall Jenner ‘not happy’ with jokes over viral cucumber video after Twitter roasts model’s bizarre knife skills

Photo: Maya Robinson and Photos by Getty and Netflix This week, Vulture will be publishing our critics’ year-end lists. 1. Chelsea Peretti, One of the Greats Chelsea Peretti has the most singular comedic voice of any stand-up of this generation. Over years of doing comedy, writing on shows like Parks and Recreation , and owning social media, Peretti has separated herself from her peers. I’ll it put this way: If every comedian is playing a character (himself or herself), Peretti’s is the most complicated and richly rendered. Onstage, she’s a tangle of contradictions: silly and cutting; earnest and ironic; broad and subtle; and, most important, confident and insecure. All of this is perfectly captured in One of the Greats , Peretti’s first hourlong special, which premiered on Netflix in November. Instead of normal audience-cutaway shots, One of the Greats cuts to fictional audience reactions — of a dog; of Peretti dressed as a clown; of a guy shouting, “You’re … [Read more...] about The 11 Best Stand-Up Specials of 2014

Much derision was directed toward aesthetes in the late 19th century who, led by Oscar Wilde , declared their devotion to beauty in all its forms. That moment in the history of men and their fashions is remembered today because of the fate of Wilde, imprisoned for what was then the crime of “gross indecency”. But this was not the first sensational trial of a high-profile homosexual. That had happened long before, such as in the notorious “macaroni” case of 1772. Over the centuries, all manner of dandies have attempted to make their place in society. Wilde’s predecessor, George Bryan “Beau” Brummell became an arbiter of men’s fashion in Regency England despite his obscure social origins and lack of interest in women. Part of the secret of his success was his cultivation of a refined but understated style that avoided the kind of flashiness that could get a man condemned for “effeminate” flamboyance. In the 1760s and 1770s, there was an explosion of public interest in the … [Read more...] about The ‘macaroni’ scandal of 1772: ‘gay’ trial a century before Oscar Wilde

Julia Roberts recently discussed her first time meeting Harry Styles during a recent interview and it has gone viral When speaking with Variety , Roberts laughs with Jack Lowden and Shelia Atim at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival as they talk about Styles . Atim has never met the singer, Lowden was in Dunkirk with Styles, and Roberts met Styles backstage at a daytime talk show. The popular clip of Roberts speaking highly of Styles has over 100,000 views and 20,000 likes. The interviewer questioned, "Wait, how did you meet Harry Styles?" "I don't think I should divulge that," Roberts began. "I'm just kidding. It was backstage at The Ellen Show and he was the guest going on after me. He was as sweet and charming as a young man could be. I was quite taken with his fine manners and he was very charming." Fans were quick to share their thoughts on Roberts and how the two stars met. "an icon supporting an icon," one said. "She is stunning," commented another. One … [Read more...] about “Sweet and charming”: Julia Roberts remembers first meeting Harry Styles