Sunday, December 14, 2008

Switzerland – An Overview

Sarah and I are now back in the UK, after returning here from Zürich on Friday evening. Our sincere thanks and gratitude is once again extended to Tom and Gillian for their generous hospitality, which was often punctuated with delightful and thought-provoking conversations across the dining table.

Snow had swept across much of Switzerland during the final three days of our visit, providing a very traditional wintery picture postcard look to the Swiss landscape and beaming smiles to anyone who may possess a pair of skis or a snowboard. While plenty was seen through the camera viewfinder and captured on memory cards, much more was observed by the naked eye and indelibly imprinted upon the grey matter resting within the recesses of my cranium.

Switzerland is a textbook study in contrasts; the very contrasts that truly make life interesting and made our 10-day working holiday all that more enlightening and enjoyable. Natural and architectural beauty abounded everywhere we looked, from the pristine snow-capped peaks of the Alps towering above the Bernese Oberland to the cathedrals and fresco-covered public buildings found in Bern, Luzern, Basel, and the many other towns that we visited. In a country that has long taken pride in order and cleanliness and invests a large percentage of its public tax monies towards that end, too many buildings were not adorned with ornate carvings and colourful storytelling facades, but defaced instead with graffiti left behind by self-proclaimed anarchists preaching a twisted homily advocating societal disorder. In one of the most highly educated and sophisticated countries in all of Europe, tobacco smoking is very prevalent regardless of age group and is permitted in restaurants and other public places; very reminiscent of how Paris and the rest of France used to be until just a couple of years ago, and with no indications of any changes occurring in the immediate future.

Street merchants sell their wares ranging from hats, scarves, and traditional folk art to paper bags filled with warm, sweet-tasting roasted chestnuts all along the same Bahnhofstrasse which also provides a home to Prada, Gucci, Cartier, Salvatore Ferragamo, and the offices of Zürich’s many private bankers. Standing alongside these temples of opulent consumption is a McDonalds where a Big Mac can be purchased for 12CHF (Swiss Franc), which is the equivalent of $10.15 (U.S. Dollar) or £6.80 (British Pound). The venerable banking institution Credit Suisse has not found itself immune to the current global financial crisis which does not recognise national borders, all while the fur coat-attired matronly women of Zürich’s cafe society promenade along the street below and meet for lunch in an oblivious existence reminiscent of the Phoney War period (called the Twilight War by Winston Churchill) during the opening months of World War II. Is this wrong? Am I making value judgements through my red, white, and blue-tinted glasses? Not necessarily. Call it Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be), Life Goes On, or simply an attitude of Don’t Worry, Be Happy. Maybe the Swiss actually recognise and know something that the rest of us don’t (or refuse to).

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

We Love British Telecom (Not!)

Due to technical difficulties with my BT Openzone account which normally allows me the convenience of logging in online from practically anywhere in the world to check email and post my daily blog journal entries, I've inconveniently been incommunicado for the past two days. We're now back in Zürich, and my dispatches from Monday and Tuesday (Rheinfall and Stein am Rhein plus Bernese Oberland) have now been filed.

Bernese Oberland

The town of Interlaken, lying between the Thunersee and Brienzersee lakes, seems to serve just a single purpose: being a way station or jumping off point with two separate train stations for the skiers, snowboarders, mountain hikers, and climbers heading into the nearby Swiss Alps that tower high above the Bernese Oberland region. There is even a Hooters restaurant here where we grabbed a hamburger and bottle of Heineken beer shortly after our arrival. Staying in a hotel that seemed to specialise in tour groups from the People’s Republic of China, it was here that Sarah and I based ourselves for two days.

On the north shore of the Thunersee and the River Aare is the town of Thun (pronounced toon, as in cartoon). While a very beautiful town with its very own castle (Schloss Thun), in many ways is was an exact carbon copy of the town of Luzern, which we had visited last week. The catchphrase that Sarah has come up with is “medieval buildings, big church, Christmas market, on the river. Check.” Though quite enjoyable, the true highlight in this leg of our Swiss adventure was our early morning excursion to the nearby mountain area of Jüngfraujoch.

One train ride, coupled with a rack railway and three separate cable gondolas, found us atop the mountain peak of Schilthorn (9,744 ft) affording us a panoramic view of most of Switzerland, stretching to Germany’s Black Forest and the adjacent Eiger (13,025 ft), Monch (13,448 ft), and Jungfrau (13,642 ft) peaks (L-R in photo). This particular trip was also a bit of a pilgrimage for us because the Schilthorn and its Piz Gloria restaurant was the location for much of the principle location filming for the James Bond motion picture On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The film’s signature song, We Have All The Time In The World (sung by Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong) was played at our marriage ceremony and has become “our song” ever since. Another Hollywood spy thriller, The Eiger Sanction (starring Clint Eastwood and George Kennedy) was shot in this area, as well.

On the gondola ride back down from Schilthorn to Mürren, we met two fellow journalists who were writing a piece about the James Bond connection to Schilthorn for a French-language newspaper in Lausanne. They were thrilled to meet someone who is a bit of a 007 aficionado and was able to discuss the film for their article.

Today we depart Interlaken for the northern Swiss town of Basel and back to Zürich later in the day. As I peer out of the window of our train, a very heavy blanket of snow is evident everywhere across the countryside; it has begun snowing outside our hotel around 10:00pm last night. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, this truly is a winter wonderland that we’re travelling across. What a way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Rheinfall and Stein am Rhein

Accompanied today by Sarah’s cousin Gillian, we experienced a “two for one special” on Sunday by visiting one of Switzerland’s natural wonders plus a monastery town dating back to Roman times. Near where the Rhine River flows into the Bodensee (Lake Constance) forming an aqua border between Switzerland and the adjacent countries of Germany and Austria, lies the town of Schaffhausen and the majestic waterfalls known as the Rheinfall; the largest of its kind in Europe. While not of the size and magnitude of Niagara Falls, a constant damp mist still hung over us as we trekked to various vantage points to view and photograph the falls. Almost oblivious to the crashing waters just a few hundred yards away from them were two men in their respective small boats contently fishing away.

Boarding our second train of the morning, we continued up the rail line to the medieval town of Stein am Rhein, with its 16th century half-timbered buildings and houses painted with elaborate storytelling frescoes along the banks of the Rhine River. As with the many other cities and towns throughout the country, Stein am Rhein had a Christmas market taking place within its central square when we arrived. After feasting upon a lunch of calves liver and rosti (double-fried grated potato formed into a cake) washed down with a glass of the local Swiss beer, we began our exploration of the town that is overlooked by the former hilltop Benedictine monastery Kloster St Georgen. During the afternoon, a local brass band serenaded all within listening distance with a cheery blend of jazz standards and seasonal Christmas carols.

I am composing this journal entry from the comfort of the Swiss inter-region train which is transporting Sarah and I from Zürich to the capital city of Bern. From there we will be boarding another train which will whisk us to our destination of Interlaken, where we will be spending the next two days in the Bernese Oberland region and under the shadow of the Eiger, Monch, and Jüngfrau peaks.

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Bern

Sarah and I purposely took it easy yesterday, where the highlight of the day was our joining our hosts for an evening at Zurich's Opernhaus (Opera House) for a ballet performance of Peer Gynt. Afterwards, we treked across the street for a very tasty bratwurst, served to each of us wrapped in a paper napkin.

Today's adventure took the two of us to the capital city of Bern. With a picturesque setting on the River Aare and finely crafted buildings lining the cobbled streets of its medieval Old Town, this is one of the most stunning of Switzerland's many historic towns. Even though we were nearly soaked by a downpour of rain, Sarah and I still managed to stroll through the town's Christmas Market before eventually taking refuge within the modern art filled Kunstmuseum. Despite an overabundance of items of dubious artistic merit within its collection, we also had the opportunity to view works by Monet, Klee, Kandinsky, and Piccaso. Venturing back out into the market after the the rain had let up some, we had a lunch of very authentic Mexican soft tacos, served to us from a booth by two young women who actually moved to Switzerland from Mexico.

As we approached the Munster St Vinzenz (Cathedral of St Vincent), we happened upon Santa Claus accompanied by a very friendly little donkey named "Speedy." Going nose to snout with him, Doctor D (as Sarah often refers to me) exchanged pleasantries with the pint-sized equine that ended with a farewell nuzzle before we had to finally continue on our way.

Tomorrow we shall be traveling to Shaffhausen and Stein am Rhein to see the spectacular waterfalls of the Rheinfall, along with the Bodensee (Lake Constance) which provides a natural border between Switzerland and Germany.

Friday, December 05, 2008

Luzern

Yesterday found us taking a train journey lasting less than an hour to the city of Luzern (Lucerne). Both Britain and the U.S. could learn a thing or two from the Swiss in regards to a highly efficient and well thought out commuter rail system; this was one of the smoothest and most comfortable train rides that I have ever experienced, as well as convenient.

Originally built as a lakeside fortress, with a breathtaking view of the alpine Pilatus mountain peak, Luzern is now a medium-size city divided between the old and the new. After a quick stop at the tourism information office located adjacent to the vast train station, Sarah and I were on our way to visit and photograph the landmark Chapel Bridge and octagonal water tower. Within the roof line of the covered bridge are individual paintings illustrating Swiss and local history; many depicting battles and very graphic beheadings. The bridge's water tower has been used as an archive, treasury, and even a torture chamber. A few yards beyond the bridge is the Jesuit Church, with its Baroque architecture and very ornate pink marble interior.

While strolling about the town we happened upon a small outdoor service being conducted by one of the local Catholic priests. It was the opening day of the outdoor Christmas market, and a blessing of both the market and its Christmas Nativity manger was underway. After a performance of "White Christmas" by the musicians who were present for this event, we had a very cordial conversation with the priest, who in turn introduced us to the local transport minister and invited us to join the other guests for some complimentary white wine and finger sandwiches. Later, Sarah and I found a tea room where we had a warming lunch of sweet potato soup and a salami baguette.

Dusk was quickly falling upon us as we boarded our train for the journey back to Zurich. Upon our return, we joined our hosts for a traditional Swiss dinner of sliced cold meats and cheese fondue. A very pleasent way to end the day.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Zürich

With our Swiss Pass in hand, which guarantees us unlimited access to all modes of public transport and entrance to over 450 museums and other attractions throughout Switzerland, Sarah and I began our first full day in Zürich by taking a reconnaissance tour in and around this beautiful Alpine city. With a populace that is very cosmopolitan in its attitudes and lifestyle, serviced by a public infrastructure system that is by all appearances second to none, Zürich is also in many ways a contradiction coexisting with well-maintained and inhabited buildings, churches, and other forms of architecture that are hundreds of years old.

Strolling along the Bahnhofstrasse, which stretches from Bahnhofplatz to the edge of the Zürichsee (Lake Zürich), we passed the headquarters of several major Swiss banks along with upmarket shops such as Prada, Hermes, and Salvatore Ferragamo. While many symbols of opulent excess do abound within this city, the cobbled side avenues often led us toward sights which were more stimulating in other ways. St Peters Kirche, with a clock face that is reputed to be the largest in all of Europe, the Christmas market at Haupbahnhof train station, and the stained glass windows designed by Russian Jewish artist Marc Chagall at the Fraumünster (Minster of Our Lady) church were just a few of our stops. We paused long enough to join many of the locals in the food emporium of the Globus department store for a cheap and cheerful (yet very tasty) warming lunch of Thai Rad Na fried noodles and shrimp.

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Wilkommen to Switzerland

Leaving behind the near blizard conditions that most of Lancashire awoke to this morning, Sarah and I touched down at Zürich's Kloten Airport a few hours ago, beginning a working holiday amidst a gentle snowfall which will take us through many of Switzerland's many photogenic locales. Through the generous hospitality of a family member who maintains a home with a breathtaking view of the Zürichsee (Lake Zürich), this world-renown city of finance will be our base of operations for the next ten days as we explore the country for Christmas markets and other sights thoughout this Alpine winter wonderland. Immediately on our agenda are visits to Luzern, Interlaken, the Rheinfall near Lake Constance, plus anywhere else the Swiss rail system may take us.

A journal of our pre-Christmas winter adventure is also planned, so tune into this blogspot for your daily briefing.

Sunday, November 09, 2008

There's No One As Irish As Barack O'Bama

There’s a very talented trio of Irish minstrels who bill themselves as The Corrigan Brothers (formerly Hardy Drew and the Nancy Boys)that are currently making a name for themselves over here with their blend of traditional Irish folk music and tongue-in-cheek humour; so much so that they’ve got themselves invited to perform at one of the many parties taking place in Washington D.C. on the eve of the presidential inauguration of Barack O’Bama in January.

Barack O’Bama? Yes, the President-Elect is an Irishman. Need proof? Just follow the link below and see the evidence of this amazing fact for yourself.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=HplZ_taHXLM

Sunday, November 02, 2008

James Bond R.I.P.

We went to the cinema on Friday evening to view the newest James Bond 007 offering, Quantum of Solace.

Watching this film, I was somehow reminded of Senator Lloyd Bentsen’s classic retort to Senator Dan Quayle during their vice-presidential debate in 1988: "Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy.” While Quantum of Solace was an entertaining action film, even more entertaining in many ways than its predecessor Casino Royale, neither unfortunately was a James Bond film.

Turning their backs on the audience base that has generously sustained the James Bond motion picture franchise throughout the years, the current production team has elected to pander to the supposedly more lucrative 16-24 year-old X Box generation. The Cambridge-educated blue blood spy with a Belgravia address and a bespoke tailor on Savile Row has been replaced by an unsophisticated and humourless blue collar mercenary. The glamorous jet set lifestyle that we all were allowed to vicariously live, along with the witty dialogue laced with the well-placed double entendre, has made way for the violent gunfire, fisticuffs, and demolition car chases of a Grand Theft Auto video game. No big surprise then that many of the twenty-four advertisement trailers that were screened prior to the start of the film were for video games and other youth-targeted product.

The same blind pursuit for the 16-24 demographic audience has this week led to the resignation of one BBC Radio 2 personality and the three-month suspension of another. What some within the British media have dubbed a culture war between the generations, there has been a national debate this week over the differences in good and bad taste, and what is and is not acceptable to be broadcast across the airwaves by the license fee-supported BBC; a debate that has even included comment by the Prime Minister.

It wasn’t Auric Goldfinger’s laser or the many devices that were at the beck and call of Ernst Stavro Blofeld that brought an end to the James Bond that I knew. It was a far more sinister weapon: Blind greed.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Americans in Lancashire Back Obama

This morning's edition of the Lancashire Telegraph contained a double-page feature story on American ex-pats currently residing in Lancashire and their respective opinions on next Tuesday's U.S. presidential election, of which I was one of the contributing interviewees. There are 315 Americans who currently live in this region (according to the 2001 census), and based upon the article it would appear that Senators Obama and Biden have a very solid base of support here.

To read the story in its entirety, please follow this link: http://tinyurl.com/5f6kon

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

The Brett Meets Brett Show

The last telephone call came the day before Super Tuesday; I was invited back into the broadcast studios of BBC Radio Lancashire yesterday evening. It's now three weeks to go until Election Day in the United States and radio host Brett Davison convened another edition of what he is now calling The Brett Meets Brett Show.

Actually a 30 minute segment within his nightly drive-time radio programme, and following a segment devoted to the latest developments in the ongoing battle against male pattern baldness which left me subconciously running my fingers through my own still-thick locks, I provided Brett with the answers to his latest questions about the campaign of Obama versus McCain, plus threw in for good measure a simplified primer on the concept of the Electoral College. For one brief shining moment during the interview, I felt like the late great Tim Russert with his magic white board.

Once again I found this an enjoyable experience. I left the studio with the hint of at least one more possible return engagement between now and Election Night.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

City Slickers

Do you remember the film City Slickers, which starred Billy Crystal? There is a poignant scene where Billy Crystal, aided by a bit of gruff encouragement provided from the late Jack Palance, delivers a calf whom he promptly names Norman.

Being a bit of a city slicker myself, currently residing within the environs of the Lancashire countryside, I too have recently made the acquaintance of a recently born bovine whom Sarah and I have dubbed Norman. Many a morning, the two of us make the short trek to Norman's small patch of grass to check upon her growth and overall progress. Yes, Norman is a young cow and not a steer, but the name perfectly suits her just the same. Predominantly black in colour, with a few scattered patches of white, accompanied by big expressive eyes and a perpetually glossy nose, she is as Sarah likes to say, "Too much cuteness for just one cow." We are often greeted with a mini "muh" (instead of the more traditional "moo"), when we go around to see her and exchange pleasantries with Farmer Jack.

This morning, Norman seemed especially happy to see me and Sarah. She trotted up to the low stone wall seperating us and went eye-to-eye and nose-to-nose with me. While I do not recall spilling anything upon myself at the breakfast table, Norman gave both sleeves of my windbreaker a thorough, yet gentle tongue-wash; thus ensuring that I would be presentable to the world for the rest of the day. Too much cuteness for just one cow.

Saturday, August 02, 2008

Durham

A total of three days was spent in the city of Durham and its surrounding areas, as we and fourteen other travel writers were conducted through a whistle stop tour by our tourism office hosts. With a very diverse itinerary that included Auckland Castle, the River Wear, visually spectacular Durham Cathedral, the haunted Crook Hall with its beautiful gardens, the vast indoor Durham Marketplace, plus a champaign reception at Newcastle's newest luxury aparthotel (apartment hotel) The Kennsington House, we experienced a bit of the best that Northumbria has to offer to all who visit this northeastern coastal region of England. Anglican bishops from around the world were very much in evidence touring around the cathedral, as they made their own sightseeing visit prior to heading south to London for the Church of England's Lambeth Conference.

While in Durham City, we also had the opporturnity to witness the pomp and glory of the Durham Miner's Gala. This annual parade through the winding streets of the city centre features colourful banners representing the coal miner assosciations of a now bygone era, plus other labour organisations that are still very active. Throw in a lively mix of brass bands and Scottish pipe and drum bands, and a spectacular event of historical proportions was enjoyed by the thousands of people who were on hand. As is always the case, this event and the entire weekend was dutifully documented by your photographer. Plenty of ideas for future travel-related stories were acquired, as well.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Never An Idle Moment

It's been a very busy two months; hence the wide gap between journal entries.

In a dual role as both photographer and navigator, I recently took the "left seat" in a 1932 Austin 16 Berkeley during the 46th Annual Great Manchester to Blackpool Car Run. With Sarah providing encouragement from the backseat, and the classic automobile's owner steering to my directions, we wound our way through the beautiful Lancashire countryside on a very sunny Sunday afternoon. Spectators and curious onlookers alike cheered as we and the other vintage car rally participants crossed the finish line under the shadow of the beachside Blackpool Tower.

We're off in a few hours to attend a three-day press trip in the east coast town of Durham. Renown for its imposing cathedral and equally distinguished university, we will be joining other travel journalists in seeing the sights and being briefed by the local tourism promoters at this very photogenic corner of Northumbria. Afterwards, Sarah and I plan to also visit Robin Hood's Bay and the festival town of Scarborough before heading back to homebase.

Trip report to follow.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Make 'Em Laugh

My editorial and photographic profile of actor David Ross, contained within the pages of the June 2008 edition of the nationally-distributed Lancashire Life magazine, hit the British news stands today.

Originally entitled The Green Green Grass of the Ribble Valley (in reference to David's current BBC comedy television series, The Green Green Grass), Make 'Em Laugh profiles the life and career of the West End and television thespian who currently makes his home here in Lancashire's Ribble Valley.

American readers can purchase Lancashire Life at selected Barnes & Noble bookstores (including Burbank, California) and other news stands featuring international publications.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

The Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo - Update

Sarah and I have just returned to our home base with some excellent photographic images in hand from The Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo. The tattoo is a new addition to the programme of the venerable Royal Windsor Horse Show, which the organisers are hoping to repeat again next year.

Unlike like the cooler (and wetter!) northern regions of Britain, the weather in Windsor was a very balmy 78 degrees. The audience of the evening spectacular were provided with an extra treat due to the surprise attendance by HM Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh, who made the short trek from the nearby castle in their Land Rover. The royal viewing box was just a few feet away from our assigned photographic position, and by all appearances the royal couple were thoroughly enjoying the show.

In addition to the Household Cavalry and the massed Scottish bagpipe bands, personnel of the British armed forces who have recently returned from tours of duty in Iraq and Afganistan were greeted by a standing ovation when they enterred the equestrian arena. This was definitely a memorable evening for all who were present.

Friday, May 09, 2008

The Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo

We'll be attending and photographing The Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo this weekend. With a format similar to the annual Edinburgh Military Tattoo, bagpipe bands and other military musical units will be performing on the grounds of Windsor Castle. According to our press briefing, Princess Anne (The Princess Royal) and Prince Edward will be representing the Royal Family at this charity event which is benefitting the wonderful work and services conducted by the Royal British Legion. In addition to the pipe bands and fireworks, Sarah and I are also looking forward to spending the night in a bed & breakfast that has been converted from stables which were originally built and owned by Queen Victoria.

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Eigg-tricity

Electricity is literally flowing through the air on Scotland's Isle of Eigg. After a history of dependence upon aging diesel-powered generators, the 87 residents of this small island, which lies south of the more prominent single malt whiskey-producing Isle of Skye, finally has a mains type system of reliable and affordable electricity.

In addition to serving as a gentle reminder that even in 2008 there are people in the "first world" nation of Great Britain who are still living without many of the simple things that most of us take for granted, this BBC-reported story had additional personal significance to me. Courtesy of my paternal grandmother, I am an eligible kilt-wearing member of Clan MacDonald and our ancestral home is the Isle of Eigg.

Sheep now graze where tribal battles were once fought between rival clans on this rock that possesses a rugged beauty awaiting our visit and, of course, my camera.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

I'm Dreaming of a...White Easter?

It is now two days since Easter Sunday, and I am still scratching my head over the vision that greeted Sarah and I when we awoke that morning. While blooming daffodils, new-born lambs, and other signs of spring have been evident during the past few weeks, it was a wintery blanket of SNOW that covered the whole of Whalley as we made our way to the village parish church. Not exactlly the traditional view of Easter that one is normally used to.

Staying in touch with my "little boy within," I did construct a snow rabbitt (complete with Bugs Bunny-esque ears) out in our rear garden. Hopefully, my icy artwork wasn't too frightful to the blue finches and robin red breasts that have been beginning to visit us lately.

In between the unseasonable snow and aforementioned new-born lambs, our local Leeds & Liverpool canal system is returning to life as weekend skippers are piloting their brightly painted narrowboats through the twists and turns of its scenic waterways. More subject matter for this ever-roving photographer.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Lancashire Life

We have received word from the managing editor of Lancashire Life that a recently submitted article that I authored, along with accompanying photographs is scheduled to be published in the May 2008 edition of this lifestyle magazine. It is an interview with and profile of actor David Ross, co-star of BBC 1's television programme, The Green Green Grass. The very talented and personable David resides here in Lancashire's Ribble Valley, when he is not working on his show in London or "treading the boards" within the theatres of that city's West End. Additional news to follow.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Focus On Imaging

Sarah and I just returned to "home base" after spending a couple of days in Birmingham, where we were at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) attending the annual Focus On Imaging convention. The organisers bill their event as the largest photographic trade show in all of Europe, and everyone who is anyone, from Adobe to Zeiss, was there to roll out and demonstrate their latest products.

Nikon was a major presence at this year's show, and I had the opportunity to try out their recently released flagship D3 digital camera. I was quite impressed with it. After dissapointingly being against the ropes during the past few years, Nikon has finally rebounded and is coming out of their corner fighting hard against it's very worthy opponant Canon, who had seemed to have all but sewn up the professional photographic market.

The trade press and other publications were visibly present, as well. Sarah and I had an enjoyable conversation with the very personable Will Cheung FRPS, editorial director of both Professional Photographer and Photography Monthly magazines. In addition to his editorial duties, Will is also a very good ambassador for his publication and we'll be looking forward to the opportunity to have even more conversations with him in the future.

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

BBC "Super Tuesday" Interview

BBC Radio Lancashire invited me into their broadcast studios, earlier this evening. Local broadcaster Brett Davison had me on his radio show to provide the perspective of an American living in Britain on the Super Tuesday presidential primary elections taking place in the United States today.

I have been pleasently surprised at the amount of media coverage that has been given to the U.S. presidential election race in this country; there is a genuine interest in it by the British people. As one person remarked to me recently, "It's not so much the ultimate outcome that interests us, we just like the competition that is taking place." Fair comment from someone who lives in a country that considers football (soccer, to you heathens) a religion that rivals the Church of England.

But, I'd like to sincerely think that the interest goes much deeper than that for most of the people of Britain. Rightly, or wrongly, how Americans eventually vote in November will create a ripple that will be strongly felt here and throughout the rest of the world.

Sunday, February 03, 2008

Riverdance (The Ship, Not the Musical)

Gilbert and Sullivan may have written a musical operetta entitled HMS Pinafore, but a real maritime drama has been unfolding in our very own backyard during the past couple of days, which Sarah and I have photographically captured over the weekend, on the coastal shore just north of Blackpool.

On Thursday night, the cargo ferry Riverdance beached herself here after being struck by a large wave that was driven by the gale force winds that have been the bane of local mariners this past week. Riverdance was enroute from Northern Ireland to the port of Heysham, which lies just a few miles north of where she is now stranded.

Personnel from the RAF, Royal Navy, HM Coast Guard, Irish Coast Guard, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution heroically came to the rescue of the ship's twenty-three crew members and airlifted them off the listing, windswept deck. Thousands of packages of McVities Biscuits have washed ashore from the ship, giving the local gulls a special gastronomical treat. Salvage operations are reportedly planned to commence on Monday.

Additional photo images have already been forwarded to our representatives at Alamy Images.

Saturday, February 02, 2008

Snow

Remember that snowfall that I had predicted for Christmas morning? It finally arrived 38 days later and sprinkled itself upon the sleeping village of Whalley overnight. Other parts of Scotland and England have received quite a bit more than just a "sprinkling" of the wet white stuff.

Where's Paul Moyer, Colleen Williams, and Fritz Coleman? I need to hear one of them dramatically proclaiming, "THIS is the Channel 4 News, and we're on STORM WATCH!" Well, if this were Burbank, and not the Ribble Valley, just possibly...

Monday, January 28, 2008

Rain and Wind and Floods...Oh My!

That's right, Toto. Most of Britain as been deluged with what seems to be endless rain, coupled with many of the country's rivers bursting their banks and flooding adjoining communities. Here in the northwest of England, these weather conditions have been magnified by the addition of near-freezing temperatures and gale force winds.

This past week, the River Calder, which flows through the Ribble Valley and our otherwise tranquil village of Whalley, burst its banks as well. With above-average volumes of water flowing from the river's source, miles away in Yorkshire, coupled with the lunar-driven tides of the nearby Irish Sea, the "perfect conditions" for the type of flooding that would get Noah excited with anticipation were set into motion. Many of the homes within our village, along with the historic ruins of Whalley Abbey found themselves partially submerged. Fortuantely, our home lies on higher ground and we were spared the fate of many of our neighbours.

With service suspended along key passenger rail lines, and millions of pounds in financial losses to residential, commercial, and agricultural property, enquiries are once again being directed towards London regarding the investment (or lack of) into the country's flood control infrastructure. Questions are also being raised (again) as to the overall ecological effect of the construction of new housing in this country, and the lack of forward planning for associated side-effects such as the wide-spread flooding just experienced.

In the meantime, Sarah and I are doing our own forward planning. In a few weeks time, we will be attending the Focus On Imaging photographic industry trade convention, at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), in Birmingham.