SwayBlog

SEMANTIC ENIGMASWhen did people start saying "Say again" when they wanted something repeating, instead of the "Beg your pardon" or "Sorry" I was brought up with? And where did the phrase come from? Paul Steeples, London UK haha, yeah I hear that seldomly most times I hear ...say what?! sounds rude...so I come back with this...'saywhatahuh?' nicely said and catches attention, beg ur pardon is totally for the ole school, I also say.

Jane Birkin This article is more than 5 years old'He was a great man. I was just pretty': photos tell story of Jane and SergeThis article is more than 5 years oldExhibition in Calais captures intimate moments from Birkin and Gainsbourg’s relationship The English singer and actor Jane Birkin met Serge Gainsbourg in 1968 when she was 22, and left the French singer and songwriter more than half a lifetime ago in 1980 – yet at 71 her name is still rarely mentioned without being bracketed with his.

OpinionPornography This article is more than 4 years oldA porn site tricked and degraded women – and that was exactly its pointThis article is more than 4 years oldMoira DoneganGirlsDoPorn defrauded unsuspecting women, a court found. But a successful $13m lawsuit won’t fix a culture of contempt In the ads, the women were clothed. Appearing on innocuous sites like Craigslist, they advertised modeling opportunities that paid about $5,000. There was no indication that nudity or sex would be involved.

Akara, London SE1: ‘The food here is hearty, rather than fancy, and doesn’t stand on ceremony.’ Photograph: Beca B Jones/The GuardianAkara, London SE1: ‘The food here is hearty, rather than fancy, and doesn’t stand on ceremony.’ Photograph: Beca B Jones/The GuardianGrace Dent on restaurantsFoodReviewAkoko’s new, more casual, younger sibling is a West African trailblazer in its own right On the edge of Borough Market, hiding slightly up a back lane and away from the £12 aubergines, the pork chops that come with CVs and the madding foodie crowds clutching their spirulina smoothies, is a new west African restaurant, Akara.

The ObserverGabriel ByrneInterviewGabriel Byrne: ‘I was never not conscious of being Irish’Sean O’HaganThe actor discusses the stage adaptation of his memoir Walking With Ghosts, playing Samuel Beckett in a new film – and making peace with being an exile There is a short video on YouTube of Gabriel Byrne being interviewed by the Irish comedian and actor Tommy Tiernan. “Do you think you’re a strange man?” asks Tiernan. “I do think I’m a strange man, yes,” replies Byrne without hesitation.

MusicalsReviewAdelphi, London From Cyndi Lauper’s score to impressive lead performances, this winsome men-in-frocks show puts its best foot forward This theatre seems to be specialising in factory-set musicals based on British movies. But where Made in Dagenham diluted its source, this show, which originated on Broadway, visibly improves on the 2005 film. Jerry Mitchell’s direction and choreography, in particular, give the show a physical dynamism that offsets the story’s feelgood factor.

Liechtenstein This article is more than 12 years oldLiechtenstein for hire at $70,000 a nightThis article is more than 12 years oldLiechtenstein rental scheme includes customised street signs, temporary currency and accommodation for 150Executives with cash to burn traditionally hire luxury yachts, secluded villas or expensive hotel suites to impress clients. Now they can take corporate hospitality to a new level by hiring an entire country, albeit a small one.

‘I enjoy playing characters who seem like they are barely keeping it together’: Lily Collins wears jacket and shoes by Mansur Gavriel and tank top by Re/Done. Styling by Danielle Nachmani at the Wall Group; hair by DJ Quinteroc; and makeup by Vincent Oquendo at the Wall Group. Photograph: Benedict Evans/The Observer‘I enjoy playing characters who seem like they are barely keeping it together’: Lily Collins wears jacket and shoes by Mansur Gavriel and tank top by Re/Done.

The Pink House on Loch Glass. Photograph: Stuart KennyThe Pink House on Loch Glass. Photograph: Stuart KennyScotland holidaysBBC show The Traitors featured beautiful glens, castles, forests and peaks as a backdrop for its scheming contestants. But where was it? As I arrive on the southern tip of the aptly named Loch Glass, the snow-capped ridge line of Meall Mór is perfectly mirrored in its still waters. “What a day for it,” I say to the only other group of hikers currently in sight in this silent corner of Easter Ross in the Scottish Highlands.