Omid Scobie Endgame PART 5

[Mymilkshakebringsallthepapstomycar]

A continuing civilised and enjoyable discussion of all things relating to Endgame. Please keep posts on topic - I do not want to have to invoke Ross Gellar again!

Previous thread:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/the_royal_family/4957618-omid-scobie-endgame-part-4?page=1

I have American clients who ask for Happy Holiday rather than Christmas on work I do for them. I think as a cultural thing so as not to offend people so it an American 'thing'.

I'm so glad that I live in a country that is not afraid to acknowledge Christmas, Diwali, Eid , Chanukah etc.

Me to, the phrase "happy holidays" sounds like someone who speaks poor English. If you don't celebrate Xmas then fine, just don't bother rather than use this inarticulate, demeaning phrase to those who value/practise the Christian religion.

From a British perspective, I do agree. Especially as Charles is Head of the Church of England and I would have thought celebrating Christmas to be part of Harry’s identity.

A quick google, however, would suggest that Americans have been using the phrase ‘happy holidays’ for well over a century and that the phrase is to incorporate all cerebrations around this time of year, including thanksgiving, Hanukkah, New Year etc.

From a British perspective, Happy Holidays may feel as though it has a political undertone. Conversely in the US, according to the links below, Merry / Happy Christmas has a political undertone, especially with a younger demographic. A guardian article published in 2013 suggested that the under 30s (Meghan would have been slightly over this) preferred the all encapsulating phrase and that at the time, 50% of Americans were unsure of using the more traditional Merry Christmas.

In essence. they are appealing to the US market.

https://www.grammarly.com/blog/happy-holidays-or-merry-christmas/
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/22/better-to-say-merry-christmas-or-happy-holidays

I’m actually surprised that is their Xmas card, I thought it was a fake. A spoof. Someone taking the piss.

I’ve no issue with happy holidays, it takes in all denominations. Similar to seasons greetings.

the card though doesn’t look like much thought went into it, it appears they are going for applauding those who supported them. Which is quite an odd take on a Xmas card. You can applaud people at other times.

although I do congratulate their efforts in making sure they got all their titles on there.

it does make me wonder if there was any truth in the rumour they planned to release one of the queen. And had it pointed out to them,how that would be a car crash, and did this quickly instead. They haven’t even paid for the usual photo of themselves. Just picked an existing photo, enhanced it and shoved it on a background with some text. Predominantly their titles.

when you need to keep pointing out your titles, you know you have a problem.

I think they may have been told no at the last minute, especially if reports are correct and the rights in that photo of the queen don't belong to them.

My issue with this card is that bloody font that they like to use for their names, it's so horrible and hard to read 😵‍💫

Because in his statement about the court case win for Harry and the others, Piers Morgan called Omid Scobie ,author of Endgame, a fantasist, when he questioned Judge Fancourt’s opinion that Scobie was a ‘straightforward and reliable witness’.

Piers isn’t taking this well.

It's not inarticulate and demeaning. There are many secular and religious holidays in the last couple months of the calendar, plus NYE and January 1.

I can't stand H&M but don't begrudge them the use of an inclusive and anodyne phrase.

It’s a bit odd when Harry has been brought up celebrating Xmas all his life and going to Church. Then suddenly he’s not religious at all. All that is forgotten and it’s just a ‘holiday’.

I’m pretty sure we’re the only other major religion to have a holiday close to Christmas and they released the card about an hour before Chanukah was over. I hate “Happy Holidays” because it makes it sound like we’ve been complaining about Merry Christmas or that people think we’re going to kick off if they say it. We don’t care. Merry Christmas!

'Happy holidays' is an Americanism - it was in common use when I worked there in the 1990s!

I assume not because anyone complained about people celebrating Christmas, but that there are a number of holidays at that time, and you either recognise all or none - and it is more convenient to just say Happy Holidays than send out a separate card for each major holidays happening at this time of year (let alone deciding which holidays should be included!).

It emphasises that their life is in the USA now.

I think it’s just Chanukah (and I guess New Year). I wish they wouldn’t because then you have a load of racists go “You can’t say Merry Christmas anymore because of you 👀 know 👀 who 👀” and I’d rather not have them set on me!

(we actually do say “happy holidays” but in Hebrew so I don’t think it counts as inclusive 😂)

Maybe this is off-topic though just a pet peeve!

“Happy Holidays” is very American and the PP is correct: the Sussexes are directing their activities towards the American market.

I think it’s fine to use Happy Holidays.Most of the recipients are probably American and as an American working in the US, Happy Holidays is most appropriate.

The curly font used for their names is jarring but they’ve used it before so not surprising. Last year’s card was also very corporate so playing it safe is actually the smartest thing to do if they want to keep options open for 2024 and beyond.

I wish they used a family photo I always like seeing them

My company and every company I know, or get a card from says happy holidays or seasons greetings. None say merry Christmas any more. And That’s in the uk. Merry Xmas is on personal cards. It is not aimed at America. It is aimed at all demographics, and is commonly used when addressing large swathes of people who may or may not celebrate Xmas. It is not a us thing. This card is aimed at many markets globally, not just America, and hence the term.

The man's head 😮😂it just looks so amateurish

I thought at first that "the man" referred to Harry but now I think you mean the head that appears to be attached to Meghan's right shoulder 😂

Surely this is not the card they are personally sending to friends and family, though. It’s their foundation card. I don’t think it would be smart for them to issue a personal card publicly at this time.

The 99p deal for Endgame must be having an impact. (Or he’s buying them up himself. 😂)

From Omid:
There is so much in this book that large sections of the press don’t want you to read, so it’s great to see new readers discovering #ENDGAME for themselves. I’m told there has been a big upsurge in e-book and audiobook sales this week, so thank you

Maybe you’re right and this is just the corporate one, that would make sense

(I’m still sad not to see it though 😆)

Piers is repulsive, but even he's not wrong in calling Scobie a fantasist

Not having been there for the case I wouldn't know what his submissions were like, but it doesn't scrub out all he's done already - though maybe, after being caught out so badly before, he thought he'd better be more careful this time?

Exactly, even when Piers is right or honest or objective about something (is he ever?) that doesn’t negate all of his other faults.

Why would saying his testimony in this case seemed reliable mean Scobie is always above reproach? Particularly since he has admitted lying in the past, and all but admitted he lacks objectivity about his subject.

I’m relieved, because it feels like they are learning and might be able to correct course. Although I have been disappointed before.

Yes, the man’s head should be edited out.

Does anyone else remember this film?