Things that might be spoofs…

…and that aren’t on this website. First, the story about the woman being age checked at a supermarket in Coventry for buying quiche. Was this some comedian honing their provocateur persona from the checkout, like the ones on radio and reality shows?

Second, The London Weekly. This supposed new freesheet is being talked up as an elaborate spoof, although it doesn’t have the bite you’d expect of something from Chris Morris.
It seems to be an almost parodically OTT commercial proposition, although whether that is down to intent, disorganisation or understaffing is anyone’s guess – the website certainly looks like a lot of work, but when you go into it there’s not as much there as it appears. Many of the people involved seem to be musicians. This fakeable email seems to suggest it might be a spoof, but who knows. Anyway, enough of our speculation: James Ball has a more tirelessly factual approach to the investigation. Look here first, as a primer. It’s like All The President’s Men.

Still, if The London Weekly is real, the world will seem a less colourful place. What front, enterprise and energy it would take to mount such a hoax – could a new satirist be rising among us to rival Morris? It’s worth being caught out, for that.

Footballer ‘rides naked’ for sake of impoverished oiks

The footballer Ashley Cole is awaiting sentencing after riding his horse naked through Coventry city centre, in protest at an oppressive tax regime. The husband of X Factor judge Cheryl was spotted by revellers at 5.30am on Sunday December 27, as he marshalled the steed in a full-throated gallop several times around the city’s famous cathedral.

Mr Cole’s actions are said to stem from the proposed introduction of a tithe upon citizens to fund his wife’s wardrobe for future series of the X Factor – a show said by many disgruntled peasants to be the modern equivalent of the ducking stool – a move that has earned him the honour of a statue from grateful city fathers.