Rachelle's Reading List, Monday February 6th, 2012

Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee: A look back at her charmed reign [TheDaily] Tomorrow is the 60th anniversary of Elizabeth II taking over the throne. As the second-longest reigning monarch, she has quite the "diamond jubilee" to get started celebrating! - - - - More facts on the Queen from the Daily: The Queen's Astrological Sign: Taurus with queen-worthy personality traits like practicality and determination, albeit a stubborn streak Birthday(s) Because she’s a monarch, Elizabeth celebrates two: Her actual birthday on April 21, and her official birthday, which is celebrated in June (when the weather is more agreeable) with all the pomp and pageantry of the annual Trooping the Colour parade. Longevity Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee marks 60 years that she has been on the throne. To surpass Queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years and 216 days, she will have to reign until Sept. 10, 2015. Good to be queen She is the only person in Britain who can drive without a license, and she doesn’t have a passport. She can demote a footman for giving her corgis whiskey (she reportedly did so in 1999). Frugal fashion maven Even Elizabeth had to watch the pennies during World War II. She saved ration coupons to buy the material for her wedding dress, and the public sent her coupons to ensure she had the most exquisite gown. Four-legged friends Elizabeth’s favorite dog breed is the Welsh corgi. She received her first corgi, Susan, as a birthday gift when she was 18. She now has three of them, and three dorgis (the result of Princess Margaret’s dachshund mating with one of the corgis). Food no-no’s When the queen visited Italy back in 2000, she requested that no food be cooked in garlic, an Italian staple. She reportedly never eats raw shellfish.