
Are selfies ruining museums? One reader thinks galleries should ban photography
Do you agree with our readers? Have your say on these MetroTalk topics and more in the comments.
I was saddened to read about the clumsy visitor to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence who ripped a 300-year-old portrait by Anton Domenico Gabbiani while trying to take a selfie (MetroTalk, Wed).
On my first visit to Florence recently, any gallery or museum visit was ruined by the number of people who didn't seem to want to look at the incredible paintings but get as close to the canvas as they could to take a selfie. I think the galleries should ban photography. Mary Maguire, London
So Brad Pitt says he's 'missed out on having a gay experience' (Metro, Thu). Get yourself to London, Brad, and sample some. More than willing to show you round. Bob Jones, Kidbrooke
To those like Ken (MetroTalk, Tue) complaining about the heat on the buses in the summer, here's a radical suggestion: ride a bike and avoid congestion. Geoff, Oxford
As the dry spell continues, I have noticed more and more sad, wilting trees and shrubs in public places.
Councils and office owners spend so much on trying to make public spaces attractive but sometimes don't bother to follow up by watering regularly.
If any of us notice this happening, as well as bringing attention to it, we can actually do things ourselves even if 'it's not our job'. Geoff Cosson, London
London mayor Sadiq Khan has been bounding around proclaiming that the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street has received the support of the overwhelming majority of Londoners. The claim is based on a consultation that had just over 6,000 respondents – two-thirds (66 per cent) of whom saying they were in favour.
London has a population of 9million – 6,000 people does not constitute the voice of London residents and owners of businesses who operate there.
Yes, 66 per cent is a majority but absolutely not an overwhelming majority. Two-thirds of 6,000 is 4,000. In a population of 9million, 4,000 does not constitute a mandate. Jee Wode, London
To the teacher in hi-vis at Loughton station in north-east London on Monday morning who reprimanded me for pushing through a 'herd of buffalo' mass of schoolkids who stampeded onto the Tube carriage in a cacophony of infantile screams and shouts.
I had to push through as they obviously ignored my attempt to alight from the train. I would have been trapped in that carriage if I'd permitted that army of underage stormtroopers to gain an extra inch.
I'm not sure by their body language whether they even acknowledged the existence of a 61-year-old man with a herniated lumbar disc and an impaired left leg – that was me – who was simply trying to get off the train.
By shaming me for doing the common sense and practical thing, you only shame yourself and your profession. It was your job to corral these kids into line and request them to let people off the train first – and you failed.
You told me they were 'only children'. From what I could see, they were roughly 11 years old and old enough to obey instructions. More Trending
And unlike me, they have young bones impervious to wear and tear and injury. William Barklam, Erith
May I add to your silly joke submissions to lighten the mood? Two eggs boiling in a pan of water, one says to the other, 'Phew it's hot in here.' 'Wait until they take you out,' says the other, 'that's when they bash your head in.' Pat, Whitefield
A good friend of mine – the local blacksmith – died. I adopted his dog.
When I got him home, the first thing he did was make a bolt for the door. Peter Meyers, Bromley
MORE: Bowling, burgers, fries and drinks: 10 unmissable Time Out deals
MORE: Look cute on the court this summer with H&M Move's new racket collection
MORE: Porn sites to make major change to who can watch x-rated videos

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Metro
a day ago
- Metro
Spies, arrests and kissing Trump - meet the world's #1 Kim Jong Un impersonator
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Being followed home, having his house raided, getting his hair cut weekly and being deported from Vietnam are all occupational hazards for Howard X. When Kim Jong Un first entered the scene in 2011, taking over the role of supreme leader of North Korea from his father, Howard immediately thought 'he looks a lot like me'. 'Other people started saying the same thing, and I thought I should do something with this,' Howard explained, and so in 2013, using a suit he already owned he took pictures of himself as Kim Jong Un pointing at various items in supermarkets. He uploaded them to a Facebook page, which exploded in popularity, and within two weeks he'd booked his first professional gig as an impersonator and was flown out to Tel Aviv Howard, who is in his mid-40s and originally from Hong Kong, had been interested in global politics, especially that of dictatorships like North Korea, for many years. Combined with his enjoyment of satire and comedy, the music producer realised that becoming a Kim Jong Un impersonator was his ideal job. Speaking to Metro, Howard said that while interest in his work fluctuates depending on current events, he can see himself continuing his activism for many years to come. 'Whenever Kim launches a missile, my phone is ringing off the hook,' he explained. 'But I don't wait around for him to do something. I've noticed that the best way for me to get work is to do my own projects. 'I've always been political, I've always gone to protests for various causes I believe in, and I found that this is a very useful tool to satirise dictators.' Howard spoke to Metro from The Hague where he protested outside the Nato summit venue earlier this week. Posing with an inflatable nuke with 'Europe, my troops are already in Ukraine. Where are yours?' written on the side, it's safe to say his political views are clear. Howard said: 'People enjoy my satirical take on world events, and being in The Hague with all the action happening here it's been good for my career – unfortunately.' But this has got him in trouble in the past. After taking part in the Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong in 2014 as Kim Jong Un, Howard's house was raided and he was arrested. Although the charges were dropped, he felt he had to leave Hong Kong for his own safety. From Donald Trump's inauguration to Olympic opening ceremonies, Howard has been all over the world to make a statement, but not everything has gone smoothly. He has previously been deported from Vietnam and detained in Singapore for his protests, and he says he was even followed and assaulted by North Korean agents. Thankfully, as he has Australian citizenship, he's been able to set up a secret base down under. In fact, the most bookings he's ever had came after he documented being kicked out of Vietnam. Howard explained: 'I knew my notoriety in the press would give me some protection, and even when the cops came in Hong Kong they said 'we're big fans, but our boss told us that we had to come'. 'I had to leave a life behind in Hong Kong, I miss getting some proper dim sum, but I have the privilege of being an Australian citizen, so I figured that since I have this privilege, I need to use it to speak up. 'We have two dictators now basically controlling the world, we've got Trump on one side and Xi Jinping on the other side, and everybody else is caught in the middle. 'I think for a lot of people who are not Trump supporters, they get sad and frustrated when every time they turn on their TV they see this idiot spouting his garbage. 'That's why I decided to satirise it, because the only way you can deal with that psychologically is to point out how ridiculous it is and make a joke out of it, which is extremely easy.' From Sacha Baron Cohen's The Dictator to political satire show Spitting Image, Howard has a wide variety of influences. He also rates Frank Sanazi, a comedian who impersonates Adolf Hitler singing the songs of Frank Sinatra. But how effective is satire at bringing about change? Howard argues it's vital. 'If I was just one protester with a sign, I would be ignored, it wouldn't have much of an impact, so I decided to use this impersonation to draw eyeballs to the cause of democracy, and it's very effective,' he explained. 'I think that's why dictators are so sensitive about it. All dictators fear being made fun of. 'A lot of protesters will be very angry, and a lot of people will get very turned off by that very aggressive way of protesting. 'If you're making a joke out of it, it's a gut reaction so people cannot look away, and the people you're making fun of, they feel they lose face. More Trending 'If you can make people laugh, it takes away the fear. 'I've even made supporters of China laugh, and as a protester and political activist, you not only want to get your side to be united but you want to change the minds of the supporters of the dictatorship, so I think it's very useful.' And if he was to ever come face to face with Kim Jong Un, he already knows what he'd say to the dictator. 'I'd say 'go kill yourself and make me the leader, I'll free your country',' he said. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: 'Epic' sci-fi series returns to streaming — and four more shows to binge in July MORE: We fear for the life of waterslide tourist who nearly soaked Kim Jong Un MORE: Favourite British comedian forced to cancel shows after saying he's quitting stand-up


Metro
a day ago
- Metro
What benefit cuts has Sir Keir Starmer backtracked on?
Sir Keir Starmer will mark his first year in government in eight days. But one of the Prime Minister's largest – and most controversial – policy plans is in tatters. Sir Keir hoped to save money and incentivise work by passing a bill making deep cuts to welfare, such as restricting who can access Personal Independence Payments (Pip). Disability and anti-poverty campaigners told Metro the plans would push more sick and disabled people into poverty, while 120 rebel Labour MPs have refused to vote for it. Yet the PM has been forced to do a humiliating U-turn after meeting with key rebels last night. The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill would tighten who can receive Pip, which is designed to support disabled people, whether or not they are in work. Pip is a two-part benefit – a sickness-related daily living component of at least £73.90 a week and a mobility component of at least £29.20. The former helps people who struggle to do tasks like cooking meals, using the toilet or washing and bathing. The Government wanted to limit who can access the daily living payment by increasing the eligibility requirements from November 26. Universal Credit, a bundle of various benefits, would also have been restricted under the plans. Claimants who have limited capacity to work because of a disability or long-term condition can get an extra top-up worth £423.27. The proposals would have restricted eligibility to those aged 22 and over. All in all, the measures would have seen 1,200,000 disabled people lose up to £6,300 by 2030. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall told rebel MPs that now, Pip and UC claimants will continue receiving what they currently get. Instead, only future claimants will face the higher eligibility requirements. A review into the welfare system involving disabled groups and a package of employment support measures has also been promised, according to The Guardian. A Downing Street spokesperson said: 'We have listened to MPs who support the principle of reform but are worried about the pace of change for those already supported by the system. 'This package will preserve the social security system for those who need it by putting it on a sustainable footing, provide dignity for those unable to work, supports those who can and reduce anxiety for those currently in the system. 'Our reforms are underpinned by Labour values and our determination to deliver the change the country voted for last year.' The rebels, for one, are relieved. One told The Guardian: 'They've offered massive concessions, which should be enough to get the bill over the line at second reading. Another added: 'We always wanted to protect the most vulnerable, not to destroy the bill or cause the government trouble. We always hoped there would be an off-ramp, and that's what we have now.' The selling point of the bill was simple – save £5billion. But the turnaround means that about £3billion will be saved instead, which economists warn won't give Chancellor Rachel Reeves much wiggle room in her Autumn statement. Tax rises or cuts elsewhere, they said, might be needed to plug the gap. Campaigners, however, had mixed feelings about the news. Ayla Ozmen, director of policy and campaigns at anti-poverty charity Z2K told Metro: 'It's right that the government has protected current PIP claimants, but we still have very serious concerns about the plans. 'The risk of trying work for current claimants could become even greater, as if it doesn't work out, people may risk being pushed into deep poverty with no way back. And for future claimants, the system will offer even less protection from poverty.' 'Instead of focusing on fending off a rebellion, the government must do what is right for disabled people and go back to the drawing board.' Charlotte Gill, the head of campaigns and public affairs at the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, however, was ALSO unimpressed. She said: 'Instead of meaningful action, all they're doing is kicking the can down the road and delaying an inevitable disaster. 'Down the line, these cuts will still push more people into poverty and worsen people's health. We urge MPs not to be swayed by these last-ditch attempts to force through a harmful bill with supposed concessions. 'The only way to avoid a catastrophe today and in the future is to stop the cuts altogether by halting the bill in its tracks.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: I was punished for not telling my boss about my disability MORE: The secret choice Starmer has already made to save the UK from nuclear war MORE: If Britain went to war I wouldn't hesitate to enlist


Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
Are selfies ruining museums? One reader thinks galleries should ban photography
Do you agree with our readers? Have your say on these MetroTalk topics and more in the comments. I was saddened to read about the clumsy visitor to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence who ripped a 300-year-old portrait by Anton Domenico Gabbiani while trying to take a selfie (MetroTalk, Wed). On my first visit to Florence recently, any gallery or museum visit was ruined by the number of people who didn't seem to want to look at the incredible paintings but get as close to the canvas as they could to take a selfie. I think the galleries should ban photography. Mary Maguire, London So Brad Pitt says he's 'missed out on having a gay experience' (Metro, Thu). Get yourself to London, Brad, and sample some. More than willing to show you round. Bob Jones, Kidbrooke To those like Ken (MetroTalk, Tue) complaining about the heat on the buses in the summer, here's a radical suggestion: ride a bike and avoid congestion. Geoff, Oxford As the dry spell continues, I have noticed more and more sad, wilting trees and shrubs in public places. Councils and office owners spend so much on trying to make public spaces attractive but sometimes don't bother to follow up by watering regularly. If any of us notice this happening, as well as bringing attention to it, we can actually do things ourselves even if 'it's not our job'. Geoff Cosson, London London mayor Sadiq Khan has been bounding around proclaiming that the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street has received the support of the overwhelming majority of Londoners. The claim is based on a consultation that had just over 6,000 respondents – two-thirds (66 per cent) of whom saying they were in favour. London has a population of 9million – 6,000 people does not constitute the voice of London residents and owners of businesses who operate there. Yes, 66 per cent is a majority but absolutely not an overwhelming majority. Two-thirds of 6,000 is 4,000. In a population of 9million, 4,000 does not constitute a mandate. Jee Wode, London To the teacher in hi-vis at Loughton station in north-east London on Monday morning who reprimanded me for pushing through a 'herd of buffalo' mass of schoolkids who stampeded onto the Tube carriage in a cacophony of infantile screams and shouts. I had to push through as they obviously ignored my attempt to alight from the train. I would have been trapped in that carriage if I'd permitted that army of underage stormtroopers to gain an extra inch. I'm not sure by their body language whether they even acknowledged the existence of a 61-year-old man with a herniated lumbar disc and an impaired left leg – that was me – who was simply trying to get off the train. By shaming me for doing the common sense and practical thing, you only shame yourself and your profession. It was your job to corral these kids into line and request them to let people off the train first – and you failed. You told me they were 'only children'. From what I could see, they were roughly 11 years old and old enough to obey instructions. More Trending And unlike me, they have young bones impervious to wear and tear and injury. William Barklam, Erith May I add to your silly joke submissions to lighten the mood? Two eggs boiling in a pan of water, one says to the other, 'Phew it's hot in here.' 'Wait until they take you out,' says the other, 'that's when they bash your head in.' Pat, Whitefield A good friend of mine – the local blacksmith – died. I adopted his dog. When I got him home, the first thing he did was make a bolt for the door. Peter Meyers, Bromley MORE: Bowling, burgers, fries and drinks: 10 unmissable Time Out deals MORE: Look cute on the court this summer with H&M Move's new racket collection MORE: Porn sites to make major change to who can watch x-rated videos