The 12 most-read blogs of 2011

2011 has been a fantastic year for the blogs. With many new, talented writers being taken on board, we’ve seen a plethora of insightful and challenging views on a myriad of topics. Personally (and I’d like to think I’m not too biased…), I think blogging is a superb platform for writers to discuss and debate the news with honest opinions, and a connection to their readers.

So without further ado, here’s a selection of the most read articles, as well as my own Editor’s Choice.

1. Prince Charles is an “eco-hypocrite,” film-maker claims, by Guy Adams

Guy Adams directed readers to a film by Phelim McAleer, who specialises in pointing out the hypocrisies of celebs who advocate green living, but fail to follow their own advice with eco-friendly lifestyles.

“Prince Charles, hypocrite” highlighted some of the inconsistencies of the wealthy royal, who lives in several palaces, but expects his subjects to “live with less.”

2. 11/11/11: The Day Which Most Closely Resembles Corduroy, by David Newbury

As a practising fan, David Newbury describes what exactly he loves about sporting the traditional look of corduroy.

Praising how it’s elegant, stylish, comfortable, noticeable, soft to the touch, pliable – not to mention sexy – fans all over relished when their day of appreciation finally came.

3. The Banned List: Top 100, by John Rentoul

We all have pet-peeves when it comes to writing. John Rentoul decided to make a collection of those age-old expressions that litter articles and here are his top 100. Many of you got involved adding your own, which led our Chief Political Commentator adding an extra 50 for your pleasure.

To any aspiring journalists… take note.

4. UFC: Bisping – “There’s only one person who’s going to be laughing on the night and that’s me”, by Adam Williamson

UFC fighter Michael Bisping was left furious when his fellow fighter Jorge Rivera posted a YouTube video mocking him. In the clip Bisping’s accent and his propensity to talk in the third person were highlighted. The video somewhat backfired for Rivera though, as when the two met in the cage, a pumped-up Bisping soundly beat his opponent.

5. Top 10 Worst Lyrics of All Time, by John Rentoul

When John Rentoul first called for readers to get involved by posting their worst Christmas lyrics, he had no idea of the response he would receive. With lyrics such as:

“I don’t want to see a ghost/It’s the sight that I fear most/I’d rather have a piece of toast.” and “I’m serious as cancer when I say that rhythm is a dancer.”

Rentoul faced a big task. Here are his top 10, with many readers adding their own below – so if any come laughable lyrics come to mind, feel free to comment.

6. RIP Amy Winehouse, by Ilona Catherine

Sadly, Amy Winehouse’s death was long-predicted and joked about on the web, but the very real tragedy came in July, when the 27 year old singer lost her life at home in her Camden flat. Thousands of mourners paid their respects, and her new album Lioness reached the top of the charts earlier this month.

7. Warwick Davis: People who judge the show just aren’t getting it, by Laura Davis

(Yes, it’s me, and no, I didn’t sneak it in here…)

As one of the most funny and friendly people I’ve interviewed, Warwick Davis couldn’t have been further from his character on Life’s Too Short. Although the show has received mixed reactions, he argued that those who criticise the programme for mocking short people are missing the point.

8. Censored: Natalie Portman’s Oscar frock horror, by Guy Adams

When Natalie Portman won Best Actress at the Oscars this year, it was her dress that was stealing the headlines. As the face of Dior, many would’ve expected her to adorn herself in a designer frock from the collection, but instead she chose to wear Rodarte. A reporter asked Portman if her choice was anything to do with John Galliano’s anti-Semetic remarks, but her PR representative promptly intercepted. Our LA correspondent elaborated on the press conference where the question arose…

9. Christopher Hitchens 1949-2011: A thank you, of sorts, by Oliver Duggan

Tributes have poured in as literary critic and journalist, Christopher Hitchens, passed away at the age of 62 earlier this month. Known for his outspoken views, Oliver Duggan thanked the author for his work and inspiration.

10. Skepta’s new video: a step too far?, by Sam Moir

Amongst one of our many interesting music blogs this year, Sam Moir looked at Skepta’s rather raunchy music video for ‘All Over The House’. As Skepta warned fans ‘Today I’m starring in my 1st adult movie,’ before filming, it’s safe to say that nobody expected the video to feature full-on porn in the background. A step too far for the industry, or a masterstroke in promotion?

11. Super Mario – Balotelli fights crime and gets the girl, by Simon Rice

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli often seems more like the creation of a tabloid editor’s dreams rather than a Premier League footballer. The Italian hit the headlines so often for his misdemeanours, whether throwing darts at fellow players or giving wads of cash to the homeless, that his actions were worthy of this round-up.

12. The actual plans for Bin Laden’s “pucca” house, by Andrew Buncombe

The killing of Osama bin Laden during a raid by Navy SEALs on his hideout in Pakistan was the top news story of 2011, according to The Associated Press’ annual poll of US editors and news directors. Before his death in May, he’d been the world’s most-wanted terrorist for nearly a decade and details of his whereabouts in Abbottabad had been kept secret. Andrew Buncombe revealed the architectural plans and details of his compound in Pakistan.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Money: or, “speeding ahead to the cliff’s edge” , by Musa Okwonga

We’re all very aware of the troubled economy in which we’re living, where employment figures are low and inflation is high. Musa Okwonga, our extremely insightful and passionate blogger, pens a very personal account of his own struggle to achieve his dreams.

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• http://heddinout.com/ Agent Weebley

  Wow, Laura.  Nice list but there are a few missing . . . and how about blovels?  Google “Agent Weebley” and/or “MetaPhoria,” if you dare bypass the autofill suggested rice pudding sites. Ours has a nice blob of jam in the middle.

  Merry Christmas!

• TarquinBroxted

  Where is Jody McIntyre?