James Bond R.I.P.

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

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

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 The Cambridge-educated blue blood spy with a Belgravia address and a bespoke tailor on Savile Row has been replaced by an unsophisticated and humourless blue collar mercenary.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

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

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

Americans in Lancashire Back Obama

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

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

The Brett Meets Brett Show

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

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

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

City Slickers

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

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

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

Durham

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

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

Never An Idle Moment

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

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

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

Trip report to follow.

Make 'Em Laugh

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

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

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

The Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo - Update

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

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

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

The Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo

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

Eigg-tricity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lancashire Life

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

Focus On Imaging

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

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

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

BBC "Super Tuesday" Interview

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

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

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

Riverdance (The Ship, Not the Musical)

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

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

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

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

Snow

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

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

Rain and Wind and Floods...Oh My!

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

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

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

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

Happy Boxing Day

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

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

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.