Notes From Britain

A Really Spirited Village We Live In

2009-11-01T21:32:00.001Z

The trials of the Pendle witches in 1612 are among the most famous witch trials in British history. Some of the twelve accused and charged with the murders of ten people by use of witchcraft lived in the area around Pendle Hill, which can be clearly viewed from our home here in Whalley. The prosecutor during the trials is now buried in our village’s graveyard.

Instead of handing out candy to the young Halloween trick or treaters knocking at our front door, Sarah and I decided to participate in something a little different last night. Led by local historian Simon Entwistle, we joined other people from throughout the local area on a ghost walk through Whalley. By the end of the evening we learned that in addition to being one of the more desirable places to reside in the Ribble Valley, our otherwise quaint and tranquil village is also a hotbed of documented paranormal activity.

Along with pints of ale, spirits are freely poured within the four pubs located in Whalley. What we didn’t know is that spirits of the supernatural variety have been long-time residents in two of them. The Bishop of Blackburn has unsuccessfully attempted to exorcise The Swan of the ghost of barmaid Mary Lane who committed suicide after her illegitimate child was taken from her. Immediately across the street, the spirit of a white-clad monk mischievously turns off keg lines leading up from the cellar to the beer taps at the De Lacy Arms. This same monk has also been spotted at the ruins of nearby Whalley Abbey, while the apparition of an attractive young nun is regularly observed strolling along the lane outside the abbey’s walls, as well as coming inside and visiting the past and current owners of one of the adjacent homes. An angry poltergeist has also repeatedly broken the windows of the building which houses the village’s Indian restaurant, to the point where local glazers now refuse to return to make repairs. Add to this the ghostly sightings of two young boys who walk along the tracks of our landmark brick railway viaduct, plus the horse-riding phantom of one of notorious highwayman Dick Turpin’s associates, which was once overtaken and "run over" by a crew of firefighters speeding towards an emergency call.

Sarah and I wrapped up this spirited evening walking back to the warm comfort of our home while sharing a mushroom and cheese pizza between us. What was that? Did you hear that? Only some autumnal leaves, rustling behind us in the night-time breeze. Or was it?

Because That’s The Way We’ve Always Done It.

2009-10-30T10:29:00.003Z

Set foot upon these British shores and you will quickly take note that our motorways are dominated by automobiles with a manual transmission. Automobiles possessing an automatic transmission are rare and far between. While most of the rest of Europe (and the world) adopted the automatic transmission as standard equipment on its vehicles many years ago, the Brits have been content to stand by their beloved stick shift. Request an automatic transmission with a new car purchase in the UK, and you will be met with an exorbitant special order charge and a suspect look from the salesman. I once asked a car dealer why all the automobiles over here were still manual transmission? “Because that’s the way we’ve always done it.”

As I write this, the UK is entering its second week of labor strikes staged by postal workers employed by the Royal Mail. The major hurdle in the contract negotiations between Royal Mail management and the union representing the postal workers is not about salaries or benefits; it’s all about modernization. The management of Royal Mail wants to introduce high-speed automated mail sorting equipment into its operations; technology which has been in use by the U.S. Postal Service and in other countries for many years. Royal Mail is losing customers to competing companies like DHL and Federal Express, and as a result experiencing record drops in its annual revenue. This is due in large part because every piece of mail that passes through the Royal Mail system is still individually hand-sorted by a human being. Why is our mail still being individually hand-sorted in 2009? “Because that’s the way we’ve always done it.”

Southampton Boat Show

2009-09-13T18:11:00.004+01:00

Sarah and I have just returned from the Southampton Boat Show, which the organisers tout as the largest consumer trade show of its kind in all of Europe. Practically every type of vessel from simple canoes to opulent multi-million dollar/pound mega yachts were on display, both in the water and in specially constructed exhibition halls. As an avid sailor, I welcomed the chance to be able to check out what the various boating manufacturers were currently offering up, plus there were a couple of specific sailboats which the two of us really wanted to look at and examine first-hand.

While attending the show, we had the opportunity to partake in a complimentary "test sail" of the British-built Southerly 42. Cruising along the River Test, which serves as the main waterway leading into the English Channel, we sailed past the very dock where RMS Titanic had set sail from on her fateful maiden voyage in 1912. Hardly changed after all of these years, it is where the Cunard cruise ship Queen Mary II now begins most of her voyages.

We observed that one manufacturer of the aforementioned mega yachts had devised a very special recession-busting incentive for anyone willing to purchase one of their yachts during the boat show. Along with the purchase of the yacht, the new owner also received a specially designed key ring. What's so special about that, you may ask? Attached to the ring is the ignition key belonging to a brand new Bentley luxury automobile. We saw more than one high flyer, with champagne flute in hand, being escorted into a fashionably furnished lounge to finalise the deal.

Thank You, Teddy

2009-08-26T11:52:00.004+01:00

Along with the rising dawn, word has reached us from across the pond of the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Despite (or in a conscious recognition of) his own privileged life, the “liberal lion” of the U.S. Senate was a steadfast champion of the working class and the poor. Like his brothers before him, his was a constant and powerful voice on behalf of civil rights, justice, education, and fairness. During his 47 years representing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the senate floor, he fought a relentless battle to bring universal health care to all Americans simply because it was the right and just thing to do.

The metal of his own personal life was somewhat tarnished and contained a few dents and scratches; who among us doesn’t have a few dents or scratches of our own? It is what confirms that we are all fallible, and hopefully makes all of us better and more compassionate individuals in the long run. As challenging as it may be, the nattering bobble heads at Fox Noise would do themselves and the rest of the world a great service to maintain a respectful silence and not attempt to disparage the memory or public service record of the late senator.

Universal healthcare is once again being hotly debated, as it is a promised federal program that is being put forward by President Obama and his administration. It would be a grand and lasting tribute to Ted Kennedy if such a long-overdue program which would benefit each and every American were to be finally enacted. It would be the right and just thing to do.

Thank you, Senator Kennedy.

Michael Jackson

2009-06-28T07:18:00.003+01:00

Three days after his very untimely death, the tributes continue to roll in for pop singer Michael Jackson. Hastily prepared television and radio retrospectives on his life and career are filling the U.S., British (and worldwide) airwaves. Amongst all of this, I have come across a very funny sidebar story that once again validates the adage, "It could only happen in Hollywood."

There is another Michael Jackson; the veteran Los Angeles-based talk radio broadcaster who began his career at the BBC and afterwards spent so many memorable years working for ABC. Like the recently deceased pop singer, the still very healthy and living (though slightly aging) broadcaster also has a "star" on the infamous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Because the deceased singer's own star was temporarily covered by a red carpet for a movie premiere, fans of the singer unknowingly started lighting candles and setting up shrines in his honor at the star belonging to the other Michael Jackson.

As Michael states on his own personal blog, “I am willing to loan it to him and, if it would bring him back, he can have it. He was a real star. Sinatra, Presley, The Beatles and Michael Jackson.”

Arthur

2009-05-18T18:48:00.002+01:00

Last week, in celebration of Sarah's birthday, the two of us spent an extended weekend away at Thoresby Hall. A large manor house (actually a small palace), it had originally been built in 1875 in the middle of Sherwood Forest as the home of Earl Manvers and his family. Pretty much restored to its original Victorian-era splendor, it has since been converted into a spa hotel. We spent our time partaking in rifle shooting, archery, croquet, swimming in the indoor pool, evening murder mystery parties, or simply strolling the estate grounds and viewing the nearby herd of grazing wild deer.

One morning during breakfast, we noticed an older gentleman dining alone at the table next to us. Perfectly balanced upon the table, next to his plate of toasted crumpets, was an oval-framed photograph of a very beautiful young woman. We introduced ourselves and quickly learned that our new friend's name was Arthur and that the photograph was of his wife, who had passed away 21 months earlier. A couple of times every year, Arthur and his wife would come to Thoresby Hall as a special treat to themselves. Every morning they would sit at this very same table and share their morning breakfast together.

At the very vibrant age of 88, Arthur is still coming to Thoresby Hall as a treat to himself, and every morning of his stay he and his beloved wife sit at their special table and share breakfast together. Do you want to know what undying love and devotion is? You've just read about it.

The Fonz

2009-05-16T17:24:00.003+01:00

While I never consciously look over my shoulder and prefer instead to always move forward in time, it is sometimes pleasant to reflect upon the past and occasionally reminisce about the more memorable chapters in one’s life. For a few minutes earlier today, I had the opportunity to do just that and be able to include Sarah in the experience.

Time flies when you’re having fun is an oft used statement which is in fact very true. It is hard to believe that 29 years ago I was a newly hired entry-level “page” at ABC-TV, learning the ropes that would hopefully allow me the opportunity to climb the corporate ladder at America’s leading broadcasting company. One of the shows that I worked on most Friday nights back then was Happy Days, which was filmed before a live studio audience on Stage 19 at Paramount Studios. Included amongst the talented cast of actors on this popular television show was Henry Winkler, who portrayed Arthur "The Fonz” Fonzarelli.

In addition to being an actor, Henry has gone on to a very successful career as a producer, director, and the author of several children’s books. The theme of many of these books is dyslexia, a learning disorder that Henry himself unknowingly at the time grew up with. As I type this, Henry is currently in the UK promoting the publication of his latest book.

Sarah and I were in Manchester earlier today and had the opportunity to have an all too brief yet still very pleasurable conversation with him. He was pleasantly surprised to encounter a former ABC Page (in England!) who had worked on his show all those years ago. As is his nature, Henry was very warm and gracious to Sarah as we briefly ventured down memory lane, before he had to continue on to the appointment at hand and Sarah and I had to move along ourselves.

Many of the people who I worked with, who started off their own entertainment industry careers as a page at ABC (as did many others at CBS and NBC), will soon be getting together for a reunion which I unfortunately cannot attend. When they gather to compare notes and reminisce, I can predict that most will be in agreement that those truly were happy days, and it was working with people like Henry Winkler that made it so.

Tasty Reunion in London

2009-04-09T17:59:00.009+01:00

We've just returned from a four-day jaunt down to London. With this being Easter Week, there was a very noticeable presence of foreign tourists visiting Britain's capital city, many of whom were Americans. If we are currently in the midst of a world-wide economic recession, it wasn’t evident from the amount of business we witnessed being conducted in London’s pubs, restaurants, and other miscellaneous establishments. The weather really cooperated with us while we were there and I came away with a wide variety of photo images that shall be added to the stock library.

One area of the city which we did purposely avoid was Westminster. Tamil protestors from Sri Lanka, along with their supporters and other residual protestors still in town from the G20 Summit, staged a major multiple day demonstration around the Houses of Parliament. While I am an accredited member of the press, this was one photo op which we prudently avoided.

The visit to London was not all work and no play. The real purpose for Sarah and I being there was a reunion with my younger brother Sean and his wife Laura. Sean is a naval officer currently assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. The ship paid a courtesy call to these British shores, on its homeward cruise following a seven-month deployment in the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf. While we provided Sean and Laura plenty of room to get “reacquainted,” we thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with both of them.

Something else that Sarah and I thoroughly enjoyed while in London was a hamburger. Except for our return visit to L.A. in 2007, when we made a direct beeline from the airport to Bob’s Big Boy in Toluca Lake, I am very sorry to say that we have disappointedly not had a proper hamburger since relocating to the UK five years ago. That is, until this week.

Located on the very proper Kensington High Street, in the equally very proper London neighbourhood of Kensington, is a very proper diner called Byron Proper Hamburgers. As the name implies, the proprietors take great pride in serving proper hamburgers. After just one bite, I immediately knew why they were this year’s Best Cheap Eat winner in The Observer (newspaper) Food Monthly Awards. Consisting of aged Aberdeen Angus beef, Monterey Jack cheese, and the simple toppings of a sliced tomato, lettuce, and red onion, served on a perfectly proportioned freshly baked bun, this was a very delicious and very proper hamburger that was easy on the wallet to boot. On our next visit, I may just try one of their chocolate milkshakes, instead of the bottle of Sierra Nevada ale (imported directly from California) that I had. Please visit their very proper website at www.byronhamburgers.com to read more about their story.

Birdwatching in Britain

2009-02-05T14:15:00.005Z

It’s been two weeks plus a couple of days since a major moment in history was made with Barack Obama being sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America. From all of the reports that I have been receiving and reading on this side of the pond, President Obama is already on his way in accomplishing more within a fortnight than his predecessor did in eight years. His approval ratings here in the UK remain astronomically high, which is not only generally good in terms of foreign policy but even better for any American who currently calls Britain home.

Just like in Kermit the Frog’s song, It’s Not Easy Being Green, it has not been very easy for any of us expats for the past eight years, due in large part to the person and the policies of Number 43 (aka Dubya). With the promise of change that is coming out of the Obama White House, also comes the added bonus that many of us over here are becoming popular, or at the very least a bit more tolerated to the extent that a Brit can allow himself to be towards a Yank.

One of Sarah’s gifts to me which I received on Christmas morning was Parky, the autobiographical memoir of British broadcaster Michael Parkinson. In it, he recalls a conversation that he had with fellow journalist and broadcaster Alistair Cooke in 1972. When Cooke first arrived in America, he hated the place. ‘I suffered from the delusion, which is universal among the English, that Americans are Englishmen gone wrong.’ Sadly, this is a delusion which is still shared by many in 2009.

I may be in danger of ruffling a few feathers with the following observation, but I shall share it, just the same. In a country which counts birdwatching as one of its many popular pastimes, there is a particular species of British fowl that is quite prevalent throughout the countryside; a species which I have personally observed in great detail during the time that I’ve spent here. One of its characteristic traits is an obstinate avoidance of anything foreign, and most especially anything that is remotely American in origin. Fearful of illumination, these particular birds madly fly out of the way of new ideas and innovation as if they were the bright headlights of oncoming speeding traffic along the M25; content instead to remain roosting in a dark, yet very familiar nesting blind because that’s the way it’s always been done.

These same tendencies also find their way into the flock’s current popular culture. Rather than exposing themselves to anything created on a foreign shore, this species of fowl prefers to embrace and listen to domestically-produced mediocrity from untalented boybands and girlbands, while anointing semi-literate footballers (and their respective wives and girlfriends) to the deity status of cultural icons who grace the pages of the red-topped tabloids and OK magazine.

There are many species of living beings that inhabit and contribute to the overall beauty and magnificence of these British Isles which I continue to enjoy calling home; I have just briefly focused my attention upon just one of them because of that species’ singular impact upon the greater British ecosystem that the rest of us also live in.

Switzerland – An Overview

2008-12-14T16:46:00.006Z

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).

We Love British Telecom (Not!)

2008-12-10T13:59:00.006Z

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

2008-12-10T13:49:00.004Z

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

2008-12-10T13:42:00.004Z

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.

Bern

2008-12-06T21:59:00.004Z

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.

Luzern

2008-12-05T08:23:00.003Z

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.

Zürich

2008-12-03T16:14:00.005Z

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.

Wilkommen to Switzerland

2008-12-02T15:39:00.006Z

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.

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

2008-11-09T18:45:00.010Z

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

James Bond R.I.P.

2008-11-02T17:40:00.003Z

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.

Americans in Lancashire Back Obama

2008-10-31T17:26:00.004Z

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

The Brett Meets Brett Show

2008-10-14T21:16:00.003+01:00

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.

City Slickers

2008-08-13T11:26:00.005+01:00

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.

Durham

2008-08-02T14:15:00.004+01:00

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.

Never An Idle Moment

2008-07-11T08:11:00.004+01:00

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.

Make 'Em Laugh

2008-05-16T19:52:00.005+01:00

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.

The Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo - Update

2008-05-11T20:38:00.009+01:00

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.

The Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo

2008-05-09T20:18:00.003+01:00

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.

Eigg-tricity

2008-04-09T19:52:00.004+01:00

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.

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

2008-03-25T17:30:00.003Z

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.

Lancashire Life

2008-02-28T11:16:00.003Z

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.

Focus On Imaging

2008-02-26T17:49:00.003Z

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.

BBC "Super Tuesday" Interview

2008-02-05T21:18:00.000Z

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.

Riverdance (The Ship, Not the Musical)

2008-02-03T18:00:00.000Z

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.

Snow

2008-02-02T03:31:00.000Z

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...

Rain and Wind and Floods...Oh My!

2008-01-28T18:20:00.000Z

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.

Happy Boxing Day

2007-12-26T08:55:00.000Z

When I was a young lad, I would often notice on calendars that featured international holidays that December 26th was Boxing Day in Great Britain and Canada. How funny, I thought, that there was a holiday devoted to the pugilistic sport practiced by Muhammed Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, and Rocky Marciano. While a few fists may be swung today by those who prefer a good "pub crawl" over peace on earth and goodwill toward men, this is the day where by Victorian-era tradition the wrapping paper and other remnants from the previous day's festivities are boxed up (and gifts are made to the family's serving staff). Today is also the day when friends venture out and call upon other friends to share in post-Christmas food and libation. Sarah and I shall be partaking in this tradition later today, as we call upon a few of our friends who live in the area.

After the holidays, the Amazing Carnac and I are sending in our turbans and crystal balls for an unscheduled tune-up. Despite our continuing sub and near-freezing temperatures, the Christmas Day snowfall that "we" predicted has instead manifested itself as fog and light rain showers (with ice on the ground) throughout the country.

There was, however, nothing frosty about the Queen's annual Christmas Message. Broadcast yesterday afternoon on the BBC, Her Majesty's very moving words almost brought a tear to my eye. She might just make a monarchist out of this American colonist, yet. With a little technical advice and consultation provided by her two grandchildren, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie of York, Her Majesty has gone "cyber." The speech (plus many other very interesting items) can be viewed on the Queen's new You Tube webpage (http://www.youtube.com/theroyalchannel). In addition to viewing videos of narcissistic teens hurling themselves and their skateboards off speeding locomotives while attempting to evoke the lyrics of Amy Winehouse, visitors to You Tube can now also catch a high-tech glimpse into the life of this country's monarch.

To echo Her Majesty's closing comments, ...And so I wish you all, young and old, wherever you may be, all the fun and enjoyment and the peace of a very happy Christmas.

It's Going To Be A White Christmas

2007-12-11T18:21:00.000Z

Ice storms are stretching across the midwest section of the United States, and those of us who reside in England's Ribble Valley awoke this morning to find frost on our roofs and a sub-freezing air temperature of 25 degrees Fahrenheit. You don't have to be the Amazing Carnac to figure out that winter has finally arrived. Carnac and I have pressed our turbans together and we predict that the village is going to wake up to a White Christmas of Bing Crosby proportions this year. We had a very similar picture postcard experience two years ago. This photographer is already prepared to capture the Winter Wonderland of England during the coming weeks.

Speaking of Christmas...

Cards and parcels have been sent out during the past few days to all of our family, friends, and other loved ones on both sides of the pond. Between the cooperative efforts of the Royal Mail and the U.S. Postal Service, we're hoping that everything arrives at their intended destinations within the next week.

Au Revoir, Mr. Whipple

2007-11-24T08:02:00.000Z

I read on the newswires earlier this week that the American actor Dick Wilson had passed away at the age of 91. Dick Wilson was a truly gifted and multi-talented practitioner of his craft, having taken on a quite diverse range of roles on the stage, in television, and in motion pictures throughout his career. Mr. Wilson's eldest daughter Melanie and I were classmates in both junior and senior high school, and his love of the acting craft was instilled into her at an early age. Years later, Melanie and I would often cross paths when I was working for ABC-TV and she was co-starring on one of our situation comedy television programmes.

I find it a bit ironic that the late actor, who was also one of the many unsung flying heroes of the Battle of Britain, was born in Preston, which lies just a few miles south of where Sarah and I now make our home in the Ribble Valley area of Lancashire.

Our condolances go out to Melanie, her mother, brother, and sister. May they be comforted in knowing that he will be missed not only by them but also by a very appreciative audience.

Welcome Back, Michael

2007-10-28T22:15:00.000Z

Just a quick note. Veteran talk-radio broadcaster and former ABC colleague Michael Jackson begins a new chapter in his long and illustrious broadcasting career this week. Beginning on Monday 29 October, he will be returning to the Los Angeles radio airwaves on KGIL 1260AM. His broadcast will run Monday through Friday, between 9:00am and 11:00am. I encourage everyone in Southern California to tune in. I wish I was back in L.A. just to be able to tune in myself. Hopefully, he'll start podcasting his shows in the future.

Michael was kind enough to send me a brief email over the weekend, as he and his producer Lyle both prepare for Monday morning's inaugural broadcast. I wish the two of them great success. Break a leg, you two.

Bonfires of the Vanities

2007-10-27T21:20:00.000+01:00

A random flash fills the night sky and a muffled rapid-fire popping sound finds it's way toward us from a nearby farmer's field. Are we in Baghdad? No, but the night-time sights and sounds of the Lancashire countryside remind me that we must be approaching that very special time of year again.

Next week, on the evening of November 5th, revellers throughout the United Kingdom will be celebrating Guy Fawkes Night, or Bonfire Night as it is commonly known. It commemorates the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot, in which a group of Catholic conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, allegedly attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament on the evening of 5 November 1605 with the intent of killing the Protestant King James I of England. The conspirators were later arrested, tortured, and executed.

As has been the custom during the past few centuries, fireworks are lobbed into the air and community bonfires are ignited, often fueled by an accumulated collection of surplus wood and contributed items that otherwise would have been destined for the local refuse pit. Sadly, some communities still burn effigies of the Pope and other clerics, in a fervor of anti-catholicism that still darkens the souls of a few that remain unenlightened. Fortunately, they are in the minority.

Prospective photo opportunities beckon, as we will be venturing out with the trusty camera in hand to witness and capture Britain's closest version to the Fourth of July.

A Visit Down South of Titanic Proportions

2007-10-15T22:29:00.000+01:00

Sarah and I ventured south to the English coastal region of Hampshire last weekend. This is the land of thatched roof cottages, the breed of hog that bears the area's name, and that mythical kingdom known as Camelot. We had gone there to meet up with some friends from Los Angeles who were spending a couple of days in London, before boarding a Eurostar train destined for Brussels.

We had the pleasure of playing tour guide to Maria and Chris as we drove them around the Salisbury Plain, showing them sites both picturesque and historic in nature. The ancient Druid rock formations of Stonehenge, the grand cathedral in the market town of Winchester, plus King Arthur's alleged roundtable (which is on permanent display in Winchester's Guild Hall), were but a few of the stops on our weekend itinerary that were dutifully captured with my camera.

My better-half and I also made a special journey of our own; one that I have been wanting to do for many years. After registerring into our B&B, the two of us drove to the bustling seaport town of Southampton, with our final destination being the Gate 4 entrance to Ocean Dock. On the tenth day of April, in the year of 1912, a very grand ship bearing the name of Titanic set sail on her maiden voyage from this very dock. A small monument has been erected here in memory of the officers, crew, and passengers who lost their lives five days later. South Western House, the hotel where many of the ship's First Class passengers spent the night prior to the following day's voyage, still stands proudly across the street from the pier; its many windows gazing out across the River Test toward the English Channel and the sea.

Chaucer wrote of pilgrims from this very land, journeying to the cathedral town of Canterbury. A pilgrimage of an entirely different sort was successfully accomplished by this photographer, and it was definitely worth the wait.

Buon Giorno Da Toscano

2007-09-15T18:43:00.000+01:00

Sarah and I have just returned from a warm and glorious week in the Tuscany region of Italy, where we had the great joy of witnessing the marriage of our niece Joanna and her husband Dave. Twenty-eight of us made our way south to Italy, where we took up residence at Il Castello di Bibbione, a 1000 year old castle / villa that belongs to a member of the Machiavelli family; a practicing physician when she and her adult daughter are not hosting guests at this wine and olive oil-producing estate.

Our week in Tuscany, coupled with some very excellent weather, provided us with a fine opportunity to visit and shoot picturesque locales that included Firenza (Florence), Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano, the various villages of the Chianti countryside with its many spectacular vineyards, plus our favourite of locales: the medieval town of Sienna, with its reddish-brown brick Gothic architecture.

Unfortunately, we missed the running of Sienna’s famous Palio horse race by one week, which takes place annually on the town’s Piazza Il Campo. We did however pause long enough to take in and savour the panoramic view of Il Campo while leisurely sipping a late morning espresso at the table of one of the many outdoor cafes that ring this shell-shaped piazza. While visiting Sienna I experienced a bit of déjà vu. Those of us who watched ABC-TV's award-winning mini-series The Winds of War, starring the late Robert Mitchum, may recall the memorable scenes that were filmed on this very location with Ali MacGraw, Jan-Michael Vincent, and the great John Houseman.

In addition to the great wines and cheeses that Italy is well known for, Sarah and I made sure that we “consumed” a bit of artistic culture, as well as the culinary. While in Firenza, we marvelled at artworks such as Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Michelangelo’s David. Sarah’s initial reaction to seeing this famous and well-detailed statue was “Gawd, he’s BIG.” I am still assuming that she was commenting about the enormity of the ENTIRE statue…

Are Those The Lovely Bagpipes I Hear?

2005-09-05T20:30:00.000+01:00

I have just returned from two work-related days in Edinburgh, Scotland. Edinburgh is a very beautiful and culturally rich city that I intend to visit again many more times in the future. It was the final two days of the Edinburgh International Festival, and revellers from all corners of the globe were very much in evidence as I strolled the Royal Mile; that long stretch of cobbled street that stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

I was in town specifically to attend the Edinburgh Mela, which touts itself to be the largest southern asian festival in the whole of the UK. As someone who is qualified to wear the tartans of both the MacDonald and MacNaughton clans, I actually found it quite entertaining to watch a band of traditionally costumed Pakistani musicians marching through a park in the middle of the Scottish capital, while playing Dixieland Jazz on brass instruments, Asian drums, and the bagpipes. The only thing missing was haggis served with a red curry sauce.

Unfortunately, I had to board the high-speed Virgin Train for my southern trek back toward Whalley, just as the fireworks were being launched from the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle. A multi-color light spectacular announcing the culmination of this year's festival. Are those the lovely bagpipes that I hear, as my train pulls out of Waverley Station? Aye, laddie. That they are. Calling out to this son of Scotland and beckoning him to hurry back home really soon.

Up, Up And Away In A Beautiful Balloon...

2005-06-28T21:14:00.000+01:00

I couldn't help but recall those lyrics from the classic Fifth Dimension song, as Sarah and I went chasing hot air balloons across the Ribble Valley yesterday evening.

After finding that the gardens of nearby Stonyhurst College were closed in preparation for an upcoming event, Sarah and I decided to drive down the road to the DeTabley Inn. This was a very fortuatous decision on our part, as a local hot air balloon sightseeing company was preparing to launch two of it's bulbous craft from the inn's adjacent cricket field. We quickly discovered that one of the individuals preparing to climb into the balloon's passenger basket was a long-time friend of Sarah's, who was given this ride as a surprise 40th birthday gift.

With camera always in hand and at the ready, I captured on film the roar of the flaming burners as hot air transformed limp fabric into ever-growing, symetrically beautiful and colorful shapes. Towering above us and filled to stretching, they strained to be released for their ascent into the heavens.

With the support vehicle leading the way, and additional photo ops on the horizon, we gave chase as the two balloons drifted across the skies over Lancashire. Eventually, one balloon landed not too far from our very home, while the second one startled some of the unsuspecting patrons exiting our village's Italian restaurant, before once again attaining a reasonable altitude. After a pursuit that lasted almost two hours, our impromptu adventure finally ended in the middle of a grazing field, which was gently being lit by the rays of a sun setting itself to rest.

How did you spend your Monday evening?

Deep Throat

2005-06-01T16:25:00.000+01:00

A thirty-year mystery has finally been solved. Former FBI official Mark Felt has stepped forward and identified himself as Deep Throat, the legendary informant who guided Washington Post journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein in uncovering the facts and political intrigue that is euphemistically referred to today as Watergate.

Burglaries, illegal wiretaps, money laundering, and other criminal subversions of the American political and justice systems were authorized by then-president Richard M. Nixon and carried out by White House operatives. Using clues provided by Mr. Felt, the Washington Post published a series of now-famous news articles that would contribute to the eventual collapse of a scandalous presidential administration.

Not surprising, former Nixon Administration speechwriter and failed presidential candidate Pat Buchanan has already publicly branded Mark Felt as a traitor. That is a badge of honor that Mr. Felt should proudly wear.

Calendar Girls & The Prince

2005-06-01T09:52:00.000+01:00

I have made reference in the past to those members of the Rylston Women's Institute who shot to worldwide fame eleven years ago for posing nude in a very tastefully produced calendar, in their effort to raise money for leukemia research. Six of our original Calendar Girls, including ringleader Angela Baker, have been invited to attend a special reception being held in their honor at Clarence House by the Prince of Wales.

Prince Charles has apparently been a longtime fan of these ladies and wanted to celebrate the fact that their efforts had hit the 1 million pound mark. The six friends who continue to be involved in fundraising have dubbed themselves the Baker's Half-Dozen, and the money they have raised has helped to open a pioneering cancer research institute at the University of York.

Even happier news is that Angela Baker will soon wed the Rev. Charles Knowel, the long-time family friend that consoled Mrs. Baker after her husband's death from leukemia. I wish her and the vicar much deserved years of happiness together.

Mea Culpa

2005-05-26T19:25:00.000+01:00

It has been quite a few WEEKS since my last journal entry, for which I am most apologetic. I have been negligent to those who have become regular readers of my ramblings, plus I have been negligent to myself, as well.

In addition to my work as a photojournalist, I have recently taken on the added responsibilities of planning and producing festivals and other special events for one of the local borough councils, here in the northwest of England. Hence, the recent absence of regular journal entries.

Working within the environment of local government, especially for someone who is not a career governmental functionary, is a very interesting experience. Doing so within the confines of British local government is an entirely different dynamic harkening back to the age of Feudalism. Remember the classic Mark Twain tale, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court? Well friends, I am currently living that tale. I'll let you know how the story progresses...

Look Up In The Sky!

2005-04-27T09:09:00.000+01:00

A milestone in aviation history is expected to be made today as European aircraft manufacturer Airbus Industries is set to carry out the maiden test flight of its A380 double decker “super-jumbo” airliner. More than 50,000 people are expected to be on hand to watch and cheer as the world's largest passenger jet rolls down the runway and climbs into the skies above the southern French town of Toulouse. Many more will be watching the live television coverage.

There won’t be many cheering voices in the United States, however.

Competition between Airbus and U.S. aviation giant Boeing has always been intense, even feverish at times. The A380 has become not only a symbol of the latest battle between two competing aircraft builders, and high capacity long-haul aircraft versus smaller capacity short-haul aircraft, but of the growing political and cultural war between America and Europe.

The growing animosity spreading across the Atlantic Ocean goes well beyond a clash of words between presidents Bush and Chirac over the war in Iraq, Bush’s refusal to answer Chirac’s telephone calls, or the attempted renaming of French Fries to Freedom Fries by a small group of childish Fox News-watching Americans.

The production of the A380 has intensified a trade row between the US and Europe over government subsidies paid to the aircraft industry. The European Union and the United States have accused each other of helping Airbus and Boeing with illegal government subsidies. Airbus receives support from the European countries where its various consortium members are headquartered. Boeing receives financial incentives from the states of Washington and Kansas, where it’s two major production facilities are located (plus billions of dollars through its countless U.S. defense contracts). Talks broke down earlier this month and it looks as if both sides are heading for a showdown at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

As for me, a simple aviation enthusiast who automatically looks skyward in response to the sound of ANY type of aircraft engine, I will be eagerly keeping my eyes peeled for this latest of mankind’s technological achievements.

Nothing Trivial About The Bard

2005-04-26T23:03:00.000+01:00

A bit of cocktail trivia that was originally shared with me by my wonderful high school English Literature teacher, Ms. Merle Gould, way back in 1976. Today is famed dramatist William Shakespere's baptismal day. The Bard was born on April 23rd and baptized three days later on April 26th.

Just a little something to keep stowed away until you need to jumpstart a conversation that has come to a screeching halt, at the next social gathering you're attending. I'm always glad to be of service...

George Washington Slept Here? His Ancestors Certainly Did!

2005-04-24T18:31:00.000+01:00

Today being a warm and sunny spring day, Sarah and I packed up the photographic gear and made our way north to nearby Lancaster and the coastal village of Heysham. After downing a caffe latte in a teashop that we found along one of Heysham’s many cobble stoned alleyways, we took a short stroll to the ruins of Saint Patrick’s Chapel, which lies on a high grassy bluff overlooking Morecambe Bay.

A few miles further up the road is the village of Warton, which has the distinction of being the ancestral home of both Winston Spencer Churchill and George Washington. The local pub is named in honor of the first president of the United States and the imposing bell tower of Saint Oswald’s Parish Church was built by one Robert Washington over 500 years ago. Inside the church, we found framed copies of both Washington’s and Churchill’s family trees. The last member of the Washington family to live in Warton was Thomas Washington, who was the vicar of this very same church from 1799 to 1823.

While pouring me a pint of ale, the owner of the George Washington pub and inn shared with us that on every July 4th the Stars and Stripes is proudly flown from atop the church tower that President Washington’s ancestor had built. It is comforting to know that the people of Warton hold no grudges over the War for Independence.

Before Sarah and I began our return journey towards home, we paused long enough to photograph Rev.Thomas Washington’s tombstone and to sign the church’s guest registry. It was interesting to note that someone from Maryland had made a pilgrimage to this church and had signed the registry book just a few days prior to our own visit. We may have to make a special return visit to Warton in July.

What Now, Fellow Catholics?

2005-04-20T17:54:00.000+01:00

Approximately twenty-fours hours have elapsed since a column of white smoke appeared above the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, announcing the successful election of a new Pope.

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, often referred to as The Enforcer and God’s Rottweiler, for his role as the dogmatic head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (the papal department that was once known as the Holy Inquisition) will now be known the world over as Pope Benedict XVI. It was an open secret before the conclave that all but two of the bishops from his native Germany were opposed to his candidacy. What now lies in store for the Roman Catholic Church, and the state of ecumenicism? At this stage, your guess is as good as mine.

In a biographical profile published in today’s edition of The Guardian, the former Cardinal Ratzinger is quoted as saying that rock and roll music is intrinsically un-Christian and the festivals where rock music is performed take on a cult-like tone. I guess Andrew Lloyd Webber had better not make any plans to stage a revival of Jesus Christ Superstar in Rome anytime in the near future…

RMS Titanic

2005-04-14T15:08:00.000+01:00

Ninety-three years ago today, on April 14, 1912, the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg while sailing on her maiden voyage from Southhampton to New York. Of the approximately 2,223 passengers and crew on board, there were only 705 survivors.

Two very notable people who distinguished themselves on this fateful night were from the local area where Sarah and I currently reside. The ship's very talented bandleader, Wallace Hartley, was born and raised just a few miles away in the town of Colne. He and his fellow musicians calmed the passengers with their music, playing their instruments right up to the Titanic's final minutes afloat. A monument honoring the memory of Mr. Hartley was constructed not far from Colne's municipal hall. Also keeping order, and doing his best to save as many people as possible, was Second Officer Charles H. Lightoller. A native of nearby Chorley, "Lights" would go on to distinguish himself 28 years later when he navigated his personal cabin cruiser to the shores of Dunkirk in 1940, successfully saving the lives of many British soldiers who were fleeing the advancing Nazi onslaught.

Tonight, Sarah and I shall raise a glass and toast the memory of Titanic and all who sailed upon her. I hope that if the opportunity presents itself, you will all pause and take a moment to do the same.

The Assassination of Richard Nixon

2005-04-12T06:34:00.000+01:00

I am self-admittedly very jaded when it comes to viewing and enjoying a motion picture. What is being projected up on the cinema screen of late tends to rarely impress me. The same can be said of the actor Sean Penn. For years, my impression of him has been that of an angry and immature young man who was using acting has a means to channel his inner angst at the expense of the theater-going public, instead of seeking out the services of a good psychiatrist.

I experienced an epiphany yesterday afternoon, while sitting in a movie theater in Manchester.

Sarah and I finally had the opportunity to see The Assassination of Richard Nixon, which opened in British cinemas on April 8th. Before preceding any further, I must make a disclaimer. This film was written and directed by the fiancé of someone whom we consider to be a very special friend; someone who Sarah happened to work with when she was still at Warner Bros. That now being said, we just viewed “A Film by Niels Mueller” that took me on an emotional roller coaster ride not experienced since I first saw Michael Cimino’s The Deer Hunter (with a strong dose of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman thrown in for good measure). I have but one word to pass along to Niels: Bravo!

Watching Sean Penn interpret Niels' script and direction, we witnessed an individual who has finally matured as an actor, and more importantly as a human being. From now on, I shall look upon and treat Sean Penn with the newfound respect that is due him. As for Niels Mueller, his blip is clearly on the radar screen; here is a writer and director that we should all be keeping our eyes on.

Farewell MG Rover (?)

2005-04-08T16:42:00.000+01:00

The BBC had reported late last night that the venerable automobile manufacturer MG Rover is going into receivership. All of the morning newspapers are featuring this as their lead story, as well. After 100 years, the last remaining British-owned automaker it is to be no more.

Unlike many other members of the male gender, I never considered myself a testosterone-driven car dude. Automobiles have always served a practical purpose to me; a means of transportation to effectively get from Point A to Point B. However, as far back as I can remember, I have always dreamt about driving upon that winding ribbon of highway that stretches from Point A to Point B, and beyond to the exotic destination known as Wanderlust, from behind the steering wheel of a 1947 MG TD.

Vauxhall has long been a subsidiary of General Motors. Jaguar and Land Rover are both owned by the Ford Motor Company, and Rolls Royce was acquired not long ago by BMW (Germany’s final revenge for losing two wars to Great Britain, I suppose). And now, with the Chinese-owned Shanghai Automotive Company backing out of a proposed Hail Mary merger, the bells of doom are already tolling throughout Birmingham and the rest of the UK.

Why were the Chinese approached, and not a U.S. automaker, to “save” MG Rover? More importantly, why didn’t MG Rover export its product to the very profitable U.S. automotive market? American car enthusiasts love the MG and would have queued up to purchase the very zippy, yet affordable, MG TF as quickly as it could roll off the assembly line. The MGB and MG Midget were both very popular in America during the 1970s. Has the British government properly handled this situation? Should it not have stepped in long ago, in the national interest, when MG Rover’s financial situation was first becoming apparent?

Many more questions will be asked in the coming days and weeks, not only by the soon-to-be jobless autoworkers and parts manufacturers in and around the Longbridge assembly plant in Birmingham, but also by the British populace at large as Tony Blair and the Labour Party seek re-election and a referendum on their domestic economic policy on May 5th. I’m going to sadly miss you very much, MG.

Pope John Paul II

2005-04-04T15:29:00.000+01:00

The news of the death of Pope John Paul II did not come as a big surprise; I, along with the rest of the world, have been pretty much prepared for it for some time. The day of his funeral has now been set for this coming Friday.

He never received a large approval rating from me, primarily because he undid most of the progress set into motion by Vatican Council II. Saying that, I still remember attending the Papal Mass at Dodger Stadium, back in 1987. While I could never agree with his views on issues such as priestly celebacy, female clergy, and birth control, there wasn't anything that would keep this former altarboy from attending a Mass celebrated by the Pope. While I pray that the next pontiff will be more progressive in his thinking, with a College of Cardinals made up primarily of John Paul II-appointees I am not holding my breath.

Good to see that the archbishop of Los Angeles, Cardinal Roger Mahoney, is already in Rome; he was briefly interviewed outside the Vatican yesterday by the BBC. Once considered by many as the possible future first American Pope, I believe that the attrocious way he has handled the recent cases of sexual misconduct among priests in Los Angeles has pretty much negated his chances. But, we shall see in about two-weeks time.

One good thing has already come about: Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles have been forced to delay their marriage ceremony a day, so that it won't conflict with Friday's Papal Funeral. Poor kids.

Calendar Girls, Part Deux

2005-03-31T16:49:00.000+01:00

Sarah and I were apparently a big hit with our Behind-the-Scenes at the Oscars presentation; we had a very attentive audience of about sixty ladies.

Lots of ooohs and ahhhs were heard as images of Debbie Reynolds, Shirley Temple, and Douglas Fairbanks were projected on the screen. I had also included many of the photo images that I had personally taken, as well. The attendees seem to really enjoy hearing the many personal anecdotes from the twelve Academy Award show productions that I had worked on, and were asking plenty of great questions. One of the women in the audience came up to us afterwards and inquired if we might be interested in doing it again for another group in the autumn. Looks like I might have to get myself an agent and take this show on the road.

I Might Have To Give Up Eating Lamb

2005-03-29T19:28:00.000+01:00

Lambing Season is well underway, here in the Ribble Valley. When traveling along the many country lanes that crisscross this little corner of the world, the sight of newborn baby lambs prancing and grazing upon our lush green meadows is very much in evidence and quite hard to miss. I have spent the past two days attempting to capture on film this very glorious sight. We will see if I have been successful when the fruits of my labor return from the processing lab. During this past holy week of Easter, it was difficult not to be reminded of the symbolism of the Lamb of God while gazing out across the neighboring pastures.

While returning from an errand in Warrington this afternoon, Sarah and I spied a sign outside a small roadside store, which read, “Come And See Our Newborn Lambs.” How could we refuse such an invitation? The store was closed, but the owners were home in their farmhouse next door. Before you could finish humming the notes to Mary Had A Little Lamb, my better half was stroking the soft curly fur of one three-day old lamb, and I was feeding another one milk from a bottle. It gets even better. Both of these little critters were each wearing wool sweaters, fashioned out of the sleeves of an old human-sized sweater. All the while, a month-old lamb (sans sweater) was lying nearby chewing on some blades of grass and patiently waiting for us to turn our attention towards her. Where in Beautiful Downtown Burbank could someone have this kind of experience? Someone please let me know.

Calendar Girls

2005-03-17T23:20:00.000Z

Remember that wonderful movie Calendar Girls, which told the story about members from the Women’s Institute who posed “almost nude” for a charitable fund-raising calendar? Well, the story was a true one, and there really are WI chapters throughout Great Britain. And just like in the movie, I am told, they commence each meeting by singing the Anglican hymn, Jerusalem.

I am to be the guest speaker, next week, at a meeting of the local WI chapter. Somehow, through no intention or fault of my own, news of my existence on these British shores has managed to leak out among the populace. I have been asked to give a presentation chronicling my behind-the-scenes experiences working on the Academy Awards. In an act of charitable mercy, so that they won’t be subjected to a talk on the nocturnal mating habits of the ring-tailed marmoset, I have accepted their invitation. I’ll report back on how it went.

Houseguest

2005-03-13T08:25:00.000Z

We have a houseguest staying with us for the next two weeks. Prior to his arrival, Sarah and I gave our home a top to bottom sprucing up, right down to fluffing up the throw pillows that permanently live on the sofa and love seat. Even though he hasn’t traveled very far, as with any guest who pays us a visit, we want our good friend to feel comfortable and right at home.

Jasper is the nine-year-old black Cocker Spaniel who lives next door to us. The human members of his family departed yesterday for a much-needed holiday in the British resort town of Orlando, Florida. Next to Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, plus Malaga, Spain, holidaying snowbirds fleeing the seasonal cold of Britain tend to flock in the warm environs of Florida. I’ll have to elaborate further on my observations of the migratory habits of the Britons in another journal entry.

Unable to bear the thought of 'Good Neighbor Jasper' being confined to solitary confinement at some impersonal kennel, Sarah and I insisted that he stay with us instead. During the past twenty-four hours, he has more than expressed his gratitude for our hospitality and has been the ideal houseguest. If he could have reached the kitchen countertops, I am sure that Jasper would have donned his chef’s hat and prepared us a gourmet dinner last night. This highly intelligent canine has a lot of Snoopy within his inner being. Instead, he ensured that Sarah and I had a safe and comfortable slumber by standing sentry in our bedroom; curled up and snoring at our feet.

Hi Ho, A Strolling We Shall Go

2005-03-06T20:35:00.000Z

Sunshine decided to pay a visit upon the Ribble Valley today, so Sarah and I laced up our hiking boots and took full advantage of this break from the winter rain and snow by taking a brief walking tour of the territory that immediately surrounds the housing estate where we live.

Much of the Ribble Valley consists of sheep meadows and pockets of woodland, both of which are in full abundance in our very own backyard. Coming upon one of the many public footpaths that crisscross the local countryside, we decided to see where it would lead us. Trekking past the grounds of the nearby Edwardian-era psychiatric asylum, I couldn’t help but notice the buildings of Stonyhurst College off in the distance; the Jesuit-run boarding school where JRR Tolkien had once been a teacher. The lush green pastureland that we were strolling through was his inspiration for Middle Earth, in the Lord of the Rings stories that he had famously written.

As I have previously written, dogs make up a considerable percentage of the local population, and we were soon joined by a very handsome, though somewhat muddy Springer Spaniel and his human companion. Our very knowledgeable fellow trekker quickly brought Sarah and me up to speed as to what meadow belonged to which farmer, before he and his canine friend detoured toward a new direction. Approaching the winding banks of the River Calder, we were not to be alone very long. Taking a brief break from their daylong chore of grazing, a trio of sheep greeted us with very inquisitive eyes and welcoming bleats, thrown in for good measure. Looking down at our mud-caked boots and up again at the fluffy-white balls of wool before us, I was tempted to ask them what their secret was, but quickly thought better of it. Bidding them adieu, our four-legged Q-Tips returned to their dining and Sarah and I continued on a journey that would soon bring us full-circle back to our front doorstep. We’ll have to definitely repeat today’s walk, but next time we’ll bring Mr. Nikon along for company.

Oscar Memories

2005-02-27T20:54:00.000Z

It is that time of year, once again. Later tonight, the film industry will come together to participate in Hollywood’s Biggest Night at the 77th Annual Academy Awards.

While it has been a few years since I was last involved in the production of what would be a yearly ritual for many of us at ABC-TV, I couldn’t help getting a bit nostalgic today as I allowed myself to take a brief trek along Memory Lane. Some of my recollections included:

Robert Redford – Nominated in the Best Director category for his work on Ordinary People, he was also presenting a special Oscar to fellow actor Henry Fonda. During the course of rehearsals, Mr. Redford and I found ourselves sitting in the back of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, waiting for his turn to go up on stage. Amongst the many subjects we casually discussed through the course of the afternoon was his relaxing enjoyment of the sport of fly-fishing. A few years later, he would direct the critically acclaimed A River Runs Through It.

Shirley Temple Black – Sitting down to lunch with the child actress turned ambassador and foreign diplomat, I was self-conscience that I would use the wrong fork in front of the United States’ former Chief of Protocol. I was soon put at ease by this engaging conversationalist.

Lawrence Olivier – Always insisting that he be addressed informally as “Larry” (I compromised with “Mr. Olivier”), Lord Olivier made one of his final public appearances by presenting the Best Picture award to the producers of Amadeus. Despite the absence of pretension by either Olivier or his wife Joan Plowright, you knew that you were in the presence of the greatest actor to ever walk the boards.

Debbie Reynolds – A very classy lady who could get away with telling a joke that would make a roomful of crusty old stagehands blush and laugh with tears at the same time (and did!). Ms. Reynolds made sure that all of her fellow MGM veterans, like June Alyson, Ann Miller, Cyd Charisse, and Howard Keel knew that the same doctor who delivered her son Todd had delivered me as well.

I also fondly remember the Farkles; the “regulars” who would camp out, year after year, outside the Artists Entrance and up in the bleachers along the red carpet. The friendlier (and more sane) of them would bring us up to speed and fill us in on their lives from the previous 11 months, and often be our eyes and ears for potential trouble within the crowd of fans.

These are just a few of the printable recollections that I had today; there are others where I would have to change the names to protect the guilty. Sarah says that I should write a book. It may happen someday. In the meantime, may I have the envelope please…?

Raise Your Hand If You Remember Dale Carnegie

2005-02-24T10:28:00.000Z

This has been far from a quiet week, here in Britain and Europe.

Has President Bush been reading Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People? Given that Dubya is not known to be a voracious reader (and also by his past attitudes and actions), I seriously doubt it. Even so, he has jetted himself over to this side of the pond in an attempt to “make nice” with France’s Jacques Chirac and Germany’s Gerhard Schroeder. He is scheduled to meet with Russia’s Vladimir Putin today.

Britain’s Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, definitely has not attended a Dale Carnegie course. He has been pushing for a new (some say draconian) law, which would give him the personal powers of arrest and other deprivations of civil liberties, all under the guise of fighting terrorism.

Received a very nice email from L.A. talkradio broadcaster Michael Jackson yesterday. We are both veterans of the “pre-Disney” American Broadcasting Company. After being absent from the airwaves for much too long, he is now happily back behind the microphone at KNX Newsradio. I am pleased to hear that his wife Alana is making progress in her post-stroke rehabilitation. Michael has a highly informative website (www.michaeljacksontalkradio.com) which I visit whenever possible.

The Arctic Express has pulled into the station, towing behind it a slew of wintery snow. And that snow keeps falling, and falling...

The Duke of Whalley

2005-02-19T18:28:00.000Z

Home to Sarah and I is the quaint Lancashire village of Whalley. Surrounded by the Ribble Valley’s lush green grazing land, the ruins of a former monastic abbey, and country lanes which are shared by motorist and equestrienne alike, Whalley is where Mrs. Miniver would have lived had she been a Lancasterian.

Due in large part to the dictates of our current seasonal climate, my daily garb often consists of a pair of corduroy slacks, turtleneck shirt and a weather-repellent hooded coat, topped off by a trusty felt hat that I picked-up in the Yorkshire town of Kirkby Lonsdale. Noting that I resemble the local landed gentry, my father-in-law has begun referring to me as the Duke of Whalley.

While going about our business along Whalley’s high street on this brisk, yet sunny Saturday morning, an automobile pulled alongside and it’s two occupants asked for directions to the abbey. With the knowledge and authority of a native, I helpfully pointed these visitors to our village in the right direction. In between her bouts of laughter, the Duchess of Whalley informed this recent arrival from America that he had given excellent directions to the couple visiting his dukedom. I guess I am finally settling in.

Want to Emigrate to Britain? Please First Turn and Cough.

2005-02-16T15:05:00.000Z

As part of its pre-General Election posturing, the Tory Party has proposed a set of new immigration laws which contain such "radical" and "discriminatory" components as mandatory testing for HIV and TB.

Radical? Discriminatory? Human rights proponents here and in the EU claim that medical screening for these two highly infectious and deadly diseases would be discriminatory and violate an individual's human rights. This is a screening process which has been in place for years in many countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United States - and to which Sarah went through without complaint when she first emigrated to the U.S.

I didn't realize that it was my unalienable RIGHT to live and work in the United Kingdom without having to meet any settlement criteria. Foolish me! I thought that I was here at the PRIVILEGE and pleasure of Her Majesty's government.

Food, Glorious Food

2005-02-13T13:50:00.000Z

Chef Jamie Oliver has produced another food-oriented television program, which will soon begin airing on the UK’s Channel Four. On the heels of a previous program that documented his opening of the restaurant 15, where he trains disadvantaged young people to be professional chefs, this new series follows Chef Oliver’s attempt to improve the quality of lunches served at a South London public school, while remaining on the already established (and appalling) daily budget of 37 pence (approximately 60 cents) per student.

Apparently, it was a lot easier to develop a healthy and flavorful menu than it was to convince a junk food bred generation of students (and parents) to embrace this experiment. Viewers tuning into the show have been promised scenes of parents handing food from McDonalds through the school’s railings to their children, while yelling at Chef Oliver, “Oi! Are you responsible for that menu? It’s crap!”

That single parental statement speaks volumes about why there is an obesity problem in both the UK and the US. By the way, I am happy to report that the recent physical exam conducted by my new general practitioner shows that my cholesterol count is at a healthy level and I weigh an equally healthy 185 pounds. I do miss the Smoke House restaurant (and their world-renown garlic cheese bread), back in Burbank, however.

Prince Charles & Me

2005-02-10T22:55:00.000Z

Less than 24 hours after my last journal entry, Clarence House has announced that the Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker-Bowles are engaged to be married, with the ceremony scheduled for the 8th of April.

Is it actually possible that Prince Charles has been a visitor to this blog website, and has actually been reading my daily journal entries? Could I have possibly influenced the course of British history? Oliver Stone might think so, but the realist within me says otherwise.

Knowing that the Prince of Wales is a long-time friend of Monty Python's John Cleese, it would be almost comical to envision Charles turning to Camilla and saying, "I know how to show those pesky MPs, and have the last laugh at their expense. This will be better than the Dead Parrot sketch..."

At least the Windsors are finally becoming a bit more public relations savvy, and have opted against a big public affair, and will instead partake in a small civil ceremony at Windsor Castle's chapel. The loyalists to the late Princess Diana's memory could easily start something short of a civil war. However, judging by the unofficial public opinion of the last few hours, the British citizenry seems to have more pressing things to think about than Charles and Camilla's upcoming nuptuals, and pretty much could care less.

Speaking of matters of love...

This evening, Sarah and I watched our DVD copy of Love Actually (again). With a cast that includes Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, and Liam Neeson, we can view this movie over and over, and never tire of it. It seems to get better each time we run it. It's a sad commentary about the MTV-induced diminishing attention spans of the many people who complained that there were too many plot lines in this film. Their loss. We need more well-written "feel good" movies like this one.

I Adore The British Theatre

2005-02-09T17:35:00.000Z

The General Elections will soon be upon us, here in the UK. How do I know? Our Members of Parliament (MPs for short) are acting even sillier than is their norm. One does not have to journey to Stratford-Upon-Avon or London’s West End to see good theatre; the current performances playing at Westminster more than aptly fills the playbill.

The flinging of accusations regarding political dirty tricks, by and at the Tory, Lib Dem, and Labour parties, far exceeds a good Keystone Kops pie fight.

To distract the British public away from hot button issues like the war in Iraq, the economy, national health care, immigration, membership in the EU, and even foxhunting, the MPs have decided to question the Queen and the Prince of Wales about their respective financial portfolios. The Royals are not being questioned about their official state incomes from the tax-payer supported Civil List. Instead, certain MPs are inquiring about income derived from centuries-old private holdings; specifically the Duchy of Lancaster and Duchy of Cornwall, and if the Royals are investing their money wisely.

The investigating committee has also expressed concern that the Prince of Wales might be paying the living expenses of his long-time mistress, Camilla Parker-Bowles, out of his own pocket. It gives one a very warm feeling to know that our MPs are so concerned about the Royal Family’s financial well being and not doing something as caddish as keeping one’s mistress in the style that she has grown accustomed.

I guess it could be worse. The short campaign period here in Great Britain could last as long as the year and a half campaign season that exists back in the U.S.

Sundays With Auntie Beeb

2005-02-06T16:27:00.000Z

In my book, the top interviewers currently gracing the airwaves are veteran Los Angeles broadcaster Michael Jackson, along with the UK's Michael Parkinson and Sir David Frost. I think it is more than a mere coincidence that all three gentlemen received their “formal schooling” at the BBC.

Sunday mornings and early afternoons can usually find Sarah and I perusing the morning newspapers and spending a pleasant visit with “Auntie Beeb” – In the form of BBC Radio 2. This morning, as we attempt to do every Sunday, we tuned into Michael Parkinson’s weekly radio program. “Parky” can best be described as Britain’s Johnny Carson. His radio show is a wonderful blend of music, a review of the Sunday newspapers, and topical discussion of the current events of the day. Additionally, he hosts a once per week Tonight Show-style program on ITV, which is a mandatory stop for any celebrity passing through London.

Today’s radio broadcast was an extra special treat, as Parky’s special guest was the equally erudite Sir David Frost. Among many topics, the two discussed this week’s opening of the new Winston Churchill exhibition at the Cabinet War Rooms museum in London. Sir David, when not fulfilling his Breakfast with Frost television hosting duties, has been moonlighting as one of the chief fundraisers for this new and permanent exhibit that chronicles the life of Britain’s most celebrated statesman.

Sundays spent with Auntie Beeb, are hours well spent receiving listening pleasure and food for the soul. Immediately following Parky’s broadcast, we were treated to 90 minutes of Broadway, West End, and Hollywood musical show tunes as presented by actress-singer Elaine Paige. The star of such productions as Cats, Grease, and Sunset Boulevard, Ms. Paige injects anecdotal remembrances in between the musical tracks she plays every week. Her program is followed by another hour of music hosted by 1960’s singing artist Lulu, most famous for her recording of To Sir, With Love.

Yes, a Sunday visit with Auntie Beeb is a very fine way to put away what we left behind, and approach what awaits us in the coming week.

In Praise of the British Dog

2005-02-05T15:46:00.000Z

Moving from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles to the more tranquil and sensory enriching English village that is now our home, it is difficult not to observe certain things that either didn't exist in El Lay, or were just not as evident as they are here. The importance of the dog in British society, to name just one.

On our almost daily walks to the village high street, we have had the opportunity to exchange pleasentries with many of our local neighbors. We have become good friends with Jasper, George, Hattie, Spike, Griffin, and Daisy, amongst others. And through them, we have become acquainted with the humans who belong to them. Dogs abound where we reside. Be they working dogs who keep an ever-vigilant eye upon the sheep herd grazing upon the fells and moors; a foxhound participating in the weekend hunt; the handyman's "helper" providing company and a neat (if slightly wet) tool pile; or most importantly, the most loyal of family members, who happily and lovingly greets your return to home. Dogs seem to have always held a place of importance and esteem in this little corner of the world. Gaze upon a portrait or landscape painting by an English artist. How often can we find a dog, either prominently displayed or making a Where's Waldo? appearence?

During a dinner conversation with a pair of our human neighbors the other evening, we were discussing the current real estate market in the area. There had apparently been a recent advertised rental listing which specified "No Smokers. No Children. Dogs Permitted." Who said the British don't have their priorities in order?

Vodka Martini. Shaken, Not Stirred.

2005-02-05T14:57:00.000Z

It has been announced that the next James Bond film will be based upon and share the same title of author Ian Flemming's first novel, Casino Royale.

This will actually be the second Casino Royale to appear on the cinematic screen. The first outing was not produced by the late Cubby Broccoli, and had three seperate actors portraying Agent 007: David Niven, Peter Sellars, and Woody Allen (and the same number of directors, if I recall). Needless to say, the only good thing that can be said about that film was the Burt Bacharach - Hal David musical score, including a catchy title theme performed by Herb Alpert and the now classic song, "The Look of Love," which was recently re-recorded by songstress Diana Krall.

Too bad actor Pierce Brosnan will no longer be donning his tuxedo on behalf of Her Majesty's Secret Service. He definitely matched, if not bettered, Sir Sean Connery in exercising his License to Thrill, and was reportedly more than willing to carry on the duty of serving "Queen and Country." It will be interesting to see who inherits the Walther PPK and martini glass, and if they measure up to those who preceded him (or her?).

Technology

2005-02-04T14:12:00.000Z

Technology, when used properly and honorably, can be a marvelous thing. I awoke this morning at 3:30 a.m. in order to try out a new piece of "technology."

Using a system called IRLP, which linked the radio signal emitted from my personal "ham radio" to the Internet, I was able to converse with some of my old friends and colleagues in Los Angeles (who are also amateur radio operators), from here in England. A true marriage between modern computer technology and the "old" technology originated by the likes of Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, Samuel F.B. Morse, and Guglielmo Marconi.

Yes, it would have been easier and more "efficient" to simply use the telephone, or send an email. But, there's no challenge or novelty (or nostalgia) in that, is there? The next time I witness a pair or trio of teenage girls sending each other "instant text messages" to and from their mobile telephones (their interpretation of intellectual conversation), as they stand within a few feet of each other, I'll think about this morning's minor accomplishment...