Talk:Michael Howard

Is Howard his birth name? Just wondering if his Romanian Jewish father had the name of Howard. RickK 01:28 11 Jul 2003 (UTC)

That's a good question. His father's surname was originally Hecht. I had assumed that the change was made before Michael was born, but a Google search turns up this page, which says he was born Michael Hecht. I'm not sure this is a very reliable source, however. --Zundark 15:01, 31 Oct 2003 (UTC)

Hmm. While one expects the Telegraph to be OK, most of the other hits I get on this are either far-right BNP-type sites, or radical Islam sites, both complaining about "the evil Jewish conspiracy", etc. If Michael Hecht was his birth name, you might expect more reputable hits... Evercat 15:17, 31 Oct 2003 (UTC)

That article also says his family is Lithuanian, not Romanian - which is it? (I am also reminded of Lord Stockton's jibe about the Thatcher Cabinet containing more Estonians than Etonians.) Adam 15:19, 31 Oct 2003 (UTC)

Bah, can't trust even the broadsheets. :-) [1] from the Guardian says Romania, and says "The family name of Hecht was anglicised to Howard" though doesn't clearly say whether that means Michael was born Howard or Hecht. Probably not worth worrying about... Evercat 15:32, 31 Oct 2003 (UTC)

The BBC seems to stick with Transylvanian (and hence Romanian) on each mention - which seems to help the comedian's "he's a vampire" thesis (assisted by the "of the night" quote, naturally) -- Finlay McWalter 18:36, 1 Nov 2003 (UTC)

I was just going to ask this same question as to whther he was born Howard of Hecht. Anyway I've put in the original family name in a way that leaves it ambiguous. Mintguy 09:38, 1 Nov 2003 (UTC)

According to Rulers [2] he was born Hecht. And according to Have I Got News For You, and Radio 5.

Alun Ephraim 10:55, 1 Nov 2003 (UTC)

Found a more accurate link (which actually works), HTH Phil 15:09, Nov 11, 2003 (UTC)

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I think it looks a little anachronistic to describe Sandra Paul as a super-model. She worked as a model in the 1960s. Did celebrity escalation set in so early in that sector? I will change this to 1960s model if no one objects. -- Alan Peakall 17:54, 13 Nov 2003 (UTC)

There were famous, even celebrity, models long before the term "supermodel". Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton spring to mind. But "supermodel" does sound anachronistic in this context. Perhaps "noted model", "famous model", or "successful model"? -- Finlay McWalter 18:06, 13 Nov 2003 (UTC)

Go for it, doesn't bother me. "Supermodel" was merely the term used in the various news reports I read. Phil 08:56, Nov 14, 2003 (UTC)

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"The comment was taken as a bitchy reference to his dour demeanour, which she was implying was sinister and almost Dracula-like, as well as linking in to his Romanian ancestry." (my emphasis)

I might be crazy, but isn't it rather in bad taste to refer to a statement made by a member of the British government regarding a member of the Cabinet as "bitchy"? Barring that, it seems rather blatantly POV, which is not at all acceptable for a man who may end up being asked to kiss hands in a year or two. Wally 19:27, 20 Mar 2004 (UTC)

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Is it right to describe Paxman's questioning on Newsnight as a 'filler' to extend the interview? A video of the interview can be found here. The interview continues for about 2 minites after Paxman gave up this line of questioning. Was he really filling time? Mintguy (T) 10:07, 22 Aug 2004 (UTC)

The next item wasnt ready, and the producer was telling Paxman to fill in time... I had thought this had been discussed somewhere, though I must admit I now cant find the link. Iainscott 10:31, 22 Aug 2004 (UTC)

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Moved here from article:

Howard's non-standard pronunciation of the word people, concluding on a 'Dark L', adds depth to the caricature for students of phonetics. Many also find humor in his unique pronunciation of certain words, such as "skeyuill", for school, and "incredibull", for incredible.

I'm not sure where this can really fit in... Evercat 18:19, 28 Aug 2004 (UTC)

Quotations

I like to have the odd quotation in a biog, but I know if I put this in by itself it will be regarded as POV. So, I'll rest it here, and then when there's a range of quotes maybe it will make it in (crosses fingers).--[[User:Bodnotbod|bodnotbod » .....TALKQuietly)]] 18:20, Aug 31, 2004 (UTC)

• "[The poll tax] was a bold and brave experiment but it didn't work, it was a mistake, I've apologised for it before and I'm happy to do so again." - BBC - December 2003 [3]

"Jewish faith"?

The article says "given Howard's Jewish faith". I don't believe its shown here (or elsewhere, for that matter) that Howard is of the Jewish faith (indeed, I can't find any mention of his religion, if he has one). Perhaps this should read instead "given Howard's Jewish ancestry". - John Fader