We were happy, last week, to welcome Queen Elizabeth II to town. The trip was her first the colonies States in 16 years, the occassion a commemoration of the founding of the Jamestown settlement in 1607. Hundreds turned out for her appearance, demonstrating once again America’s fascination with British royalty, despite throwing off the yoke of their rule over 200 years ago. Perhaps the American interest in the monarchy stems from wondering about what life might be like had we not fought for independence, and we were still British subjects. Who knows, had we not gotten ourselves out from under the royal thumb all those years ago, we might never have established for ourselves certain rights the monarchy didn’t see fit to bestow upon us. You know, like no taxation without representation. Basic stuff like that.

Also, apparently, with our independence we gained the right to spend tens of thousands of dollars on higher education while remaining woefully ignorant of the ABCs of American history. As a great Russian philospher once said about the United States, “What a country!”

Quote of the Week

In the American University dining hall:

Frat boy #1: “I don’t understand why they are inviting the Queen of another country to help us celebrate the 400th anniversary of Jamestown. Like, what the hell does England have to do with it? This is fucking America, man!”
Frat boy #2: “Yeah, it’s like they’re trying to steal our glory.”

After the jump, children always see through cinematic trickery, words beginning with “D”, and personal grooming tips for the banking industry.

The right to free public speech also comes with a right to free public eavesdropping. Exercise the rights your revolutionary forefathers fought so valiantly for, and send your quotes to overheardindc (at) gmail (dot) com.

Photo by Flickr user Cary Scott Photography.