Pay TV - Wednesday, October 21

Blood, Sweat and Takeaways BBC Knowledge, 9.30pm Banged Up Abroad Nat Geo Adventure, 9.30pm The Fashion Show Arena, 8.30pm

Kangaroos Hold The Trophy And May Keep Cup

THE next World Cup may again be held in Australia, despite an international schedule published on the official England website stating the United Kingdom would host it. Rugby Football League representatives are in Australia with a bid document for the 2013 World Cup, a year after the London Olympics, but Sin Bin has been told the tournament has proved such a success it could be held here again unless the Brits come up with a superior deal. As for the rest of the international schedule on ...

Let's Beat Brits: Games Head

AUSTRALIA can "beat the Brits at home" with a huge medal haul at the London Games, Australian Olympic Committee chief John Coates says.

Silver Lining

Despite the emergence of a new sporting world order, Australia's medal tally is on track to meet expectations. The Brits, however, aren't reading the samescript.

New Old-fashioned

Two young Brits have the spirit of the '60s on a string, writes Bernard Zuel.

The Colourful Life

The Colourful Life Cajun Dance Party Forget about the band name; they're not Cajuns but Brits. Nor do they play Cajun music, rather a quite catchy style of indie-pop.

Facebook Losing Favour In Britain

IT SEEMS some Brits are getting sick of updating and sharing their online profiles - and Australians might soon follow.

Brits Pull Rank On Star Iraqi Despite Mess In Homeland

The British government scored a spectacular own goal last week, denying a work permit for star Iraqi player Nashat Akram. The 23-year- old, who starred at last year's Asian Cup, was offered a contract by Manchester City but rejected for a work permit because - get this - Iraq's average ranking over the past two years is 72 in FIFA's ranking system, two places outside the top-70 rating that the Brits demand for import players. Perhaps if Iraq had a functioning domestic league and its national team ...

Howard's Lost Opportunities On Greenhouse

To the Brits it may have had a touch of Little Britain. On March 28, Sir Nicholas Stern and his secretary were in a corridor of Parliament House. Suddenly Alexander Downer descended to enunciate: "So you're the economist who is telling us we're all going to hell in a handbasket."

Their Finest Hour: Why Brits Celebrate The Blitz

OUR nine-year old was giddy with anticipation. At last the day came.

The Trip Of A Lifetime

One million Brits took part in a unique migration, writes Larry Schwartz.

Uk Is Round The Curve

THOSE fun-loving Brits will have a go at anything, so when website 4Car and performance car motor show MPH'07 launched a web poll asking visitors to name their dream car and dream passenger the results were bound to be interesting.

On The Green

When Steely Dan hit the stage in the Hunter Valley last weekend, Mercury photographer KIRK GILMOUR was there to face the music. It was a day among the vines and for many ticket holders a big day on the wine, with iconic Aussie band Gangajang, classic-sounding Brits World Party and '70s American rockers Steely Dan providing the tunes for a sell-out crowd of 6000.

Corn Flakes Whipped Up To Pour Cold Milk On Serial Sinners

SOMEHOW I can't see Uncle Toby succeeding in his current scheme to transform the breakfast habits of a nation. Have you noticed how he's spending millions to promote a new product called Oat Brits?

It's Too Old School At Wimbledon

'TIS a quaint olde tournament, is Wimbledon - or The Championships, as the Brits call it.

In Parky We Trust

The Brits set a high standard when it comes to mediocrity. Parkinson ABC, Saturday, 10.20pm Robin Hood ABC, Saturday, 7.30pm Showbands ABC Find Me a Family: Adopt a Granddad ABC, Thursday, 9.25pm

We'll Grab Harry And Make Brits Beg: Iraqi

AN Iraqi militia commander in the Mahdi resistance army says he has soldiers who will be specifically trying to capture Prince Harry if he goes to Iraq with the British Army.

Brits Wild On Kylie's Pants

UNLIKE a certain Frenchman, the Brits can't seem to get enough of our Kylie.

Spare Us The Juicy Details: The Word On Our Limp Sex Scandals

Australian pollies can't compare with the titillation provided by the Brits, writes Jason Koutsoukis. The question is - why not?

Mail Is Guus In No Rush To Defect To Chelsea

AMID the recent frenzy suggesting Guus Hiddink is poised to quit Russia and replace Jose Mourinho at Chelsea (or return to lead Australia), an email dropped into Parrot's inbox all the way from Holland. "Whatever you do, don't write a story about Hiddink leaving Russia and that he wants another job!" the message suggested. "The stories in the British press are based on an interview with a Dutch newspaper. They are very wrong." Parrot's pal suggested the Brits shredded a reasonably factual story ...