Anglotopia

Radio Daze: British Radio is Awesome – Guide to British Radio Part 1

Jon — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:00:59 +0000

When was the last time you listened to the radio? I don’t mean, when did you last have it turned on, i mean really, really listen. When did you last become so engrossed in what you heard you stopped what you were doing? When did it last give you a good belly laugh, make you think, make you shout back or make you cry? When did it last transport you somewhere else, teach you something new or give you an unexpected insight into something or someone?

For me, the answer is usually “Today”. Now, I’m probably biased, but as a general rule (and with the probable exception of some politically biased Talk Stations) U.S. Radio doesn’t do those things very often. I love NPR for news, we have some great music stations here in the Los Angeles area and i listen to them regularly, but i still find myself making time to listen to British Radio because British Radio offers me things that i just haven’t found anywhere else.

I suppose you could call me a ‘Radiophile”. Like most people i need my regular fix from “The Telly”, but i spend much more time listening to radio than i do watching the T.V. and for those of us who don’t live in the U.K. it’s much more assessable than the television programs we seem to go out of our way to be able to watch. No sneaky VPN trickery or poxy proxy needed.

O.K. What’s so great about British Radio? Well, first there is the choice. Whatever you enjoy watching on TV, chances are there is something similar on the radio too. In fact, it may even be the same thing. If your a fan of Comedy like “Yes, Minister!”, “Dad’s Army” or “As Time Goes By” (and let’s face it who doesn’t love Sir Humphrey’s way with words, Captain Mainwaring’s pompous stupidity or Lionel’s dry retorts), you’ll find them on the Radio.

There is Drama. Special radio adaptations of novels and classic plays as well as new things, especially written for radio. Douglas Adam’s “Hitchhikers Guide to The Galaxy” started on radio before being turned into books, TV Shows and a Movie. Drama on the radio can be much more engrossing than on the TV. Your mind and imagination build the pictures, drawing you into the plot and the storyline like a book.

You will find programs that interview the rich and the famous. Some which ‘open up the lines to the listeners’, when did that last happen on Letterman? Others are just the interviewer, the interviewee and you. These programs seem much more intimate than those on the Telly which have large audiences, lights and cameras. You feel like your there, just sitting at the table listening. I think that interviewees are more open on the radio because there isn’t an audience to ‘play to’or cameras watching their every move.

There are of course, quiz’s and panel games. From the serious, but friendly, competition on “Brain of Britain” to the irreverent meanderings on “I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue”, which has been around for almost 40 years and “Just a Minute” which has been on the radio since 1967. They must be getting something right. How many T.V. Shows have been going that long?

Over the next few weeks I’ll delve a little more into ways you can enjoy British Radio. How you can get it and what you can listen to. I’m sure you’ll find something you like and, unlike the TV, it’s ideal to pass the time when your doing something else. Will John le Carré’s, George Smiley take you from cleaning the kitchen to the suspense of fighting the the cold war? Can the Goon Show make yard work more enjoyable? Will you enter the 7th Dimension while wallowing in the bath? There is only one way to find out.

Meanwhile, I’d love to hear your thoughts on British Radio? Do you listen? What to, when and how? If your not a fan of radio why not? Share what you love (or hate) about British radio with us and discover what others are listening to, you might find something new to love and enjoy.

Best BBC Radio Podcasts

BA Strike Latest: British Airways Talks Break Down – Strike Likely #bastrikes

jackie — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:36:53 +0000

Sky News is reporting that talks between British Airways and it’s union have broken down without an agreement. No further talks are planned.

This means a strike is likely to happen, possibly as soon as next Thursday. No BA strike dates have been announced yet, but as soon as they are by the UNITE Union, we will let you know.

From the Guardian:

The TUC general secretary, Brendan Barber, who had been hosting the peace talks, said: “Despite a prolonged period of negotiations it has not been possible to reach agreement between BA and Unite. Both parties will be reflecting on the position and the TUC will be keeping in touch but at this stage no further negotiations are planned.”

The talks broke down after 24 hours of frantic negotiations. BA responded to the Unite union’s offer of a 2.6% pay cut with its own demands, prompting Unite to make further cost-saving proposals.

Stay tuned to Anglotopia for the latest British Airways strike news.

Where to Get BBC Magazine Subscriptions in the USA

jonathan — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:00:43 +0000

One of the great things about the BBC America shop is that they feature a lot of products that are hard to find in local stores. One product I’m really glad they offer are subscriptions to excellent BBC published magazine.

So, if you were wondering where to get a subscription of your favorite BBC magazines – look no further than the BBC America Shop for magazines.

Here’s a selection of my favorite BBC Magazines. BBC Knowledge is by far my favorite magazine as I love learning new things – so I’m glad to see you can buy a BBC Knowledge in America subscription here!

Guest Post: Guide to Renting a Self Catering Cottage in Britain and in England

jonathan — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:00:15 +0000

Editor’s Note: The following is a guest post from Jane – who owns the fabulous Updown Cottage which we had the pleasure to stay in last November. Since she’s an expert on everything self-catering – I asked who to put together this excellent guide to renting self catering accommodation in the United Kingdom. Thanks Jane!

Until very recently I had no idea that the concept of a ‘self catering holiday’ was almost unknown outside Europe. As a little girl in England we always rented holiday cottages in Cornwall for our annual fortnight holiday and I often spent them devouring books, perhaps by Enid Blyton, which told of the adventures children had whilst staying at the house their parents or grandparents had rented for the summer holidays.

My children have often spent their holidays in Cornwall where we usually get together en famille with grandparents, cousins and friends but also in France and Italy where we have rented gites or villas by the week. With 3 small children there was no thought to do otherwise as far as we were concerned – a holiday free from the constraints and worries of staying amongst strangers and at perhaps a tenth of the cost. If you’ll excuse the expression – it was a no brainer!

In the last few years we have taken the plunge and invested in a cottage in Dorset which we set up to run as a holiday cottage with the express purpose of providing everything that we would expect to find (and hopefully more!) when renting a holiday property. In retrospect, had I realised that self catering was unusual in other countries, I wouldn’t have been so mystified by the charming American gentleman who insisted on booking a particular room that he had seen on the website. I kept trying to explain that he could choose any room he liked when he arrived, as the whole house would be his….. I think eventually we got there!

I have no idea of the number of holiday properties in England but they undoubtedly run into the many thousands and will come in every variety of shape and size imaginable. Some will be in the centre of a city, others in a wild, remote location. There will be those which are akin to (I would even go so far as to say ‘surpass’) staying in the best hotels and there will be those which are quite basic.

I was going to say that probably the only people they would not suit would be those requiring room service or portering but in fact there are even serviced apartments in some cities and towns which provide these. The really exciting thought is that self catering offers travellers absolute freedom of choice in every possible way, from location and facilities to price and décor. The advantages over hotel accommodation are numerous – a whole house to call your own for the duration of your stay, absolute privacy, the freedom to eat in or out at whatever time suits (haven’t we all craved an egg or beans on toast at some point in a holiday rather than yet another hotel or restaurant meal?), to eat breakfast in your dressing gown in the garden and perhaps, above all else, to really feel that one has a ‘home away from home’.

The question is how to filter through the myriad properties and choose one to stay in?

Without doubt your route lies on the internet – guide books will only ever show a miniscule selection, a fraction of the detail and will inevitably be out of date. There are many, many agency and listing sites out there in addition to the individual property sites. Some of these sites will have inspected and positively accepted the properties they list whereas others make no such claims.

From my own experience I would start by creating a list of your specific requirements, perhaps armed with Google maps which are able to zoom in and out. Try to picture your dream location and style of property and any particular requirements. A modern, city centre apartment or a cosy country cottage? Within easy reach of public transport or will you have a car? In the midst of heritage and history or activities and sports? Do you need Wifi? Is luxury a pre-requisite? Have you dreamed of snuggling up in front of a roaring log fire or sitting on a terrace with spectacular views? Be as specific as you can about the nearest town.

If you identify a suitable property on a listing site, try to search further for its own website which should give a much better feel of both the place and its owner.

In almost all cases these days, UK holiday homes will come equipped with linen & towels; heating and final cleaning should be included but it is a good idea to read the website carefully and email or speak to the owners to ensure that there are no hidden costs. Many owners pride themselves in ‘going the extra mile’ and also provide a welcome basket of groceries, toiletries, recommendations for local services such as chefs, yoga instructors, florists and additional cleaning payable locally. On that note, guests are expected to leave the house as they find it but a full clean and ‘changeover’ will always be done between guests. Don’t even think of renting anywhere which suggests otherwise!

The vast majority of holiday homes will be professionally set up businesses rather than someone’s home but should still be equipped with books, films, music and more than enough kitchenware for your needs.

Visit Britain run an assessment scheme which awards star ratings and Gold or Silver awards to the highest scoring but it is a significant expense to the owner so not being rated is not necessarily an indication of poor quality. The overwhelming factor for me in reaching a decision is the quality of the website, the efficiency of the owner in answering your queries and of course the location and style of the property which is entirely personal! Try also to bear in mind a favourite family saying, ‘if you pay peanuts you’ll get monkeys’!

A deposit of between 10 and 50% will usually be required to secure the booking; the balance and some form of refundable housekeeping deposit will be payable between 4 and 8 weeks in advance of the holiday, at which point you should be given details of how to access the property, directions, local knowledge and who to contact in an emergency. Agencies may accept credit card payments, however individual property owners are only likely to take sterling cheques, bank transfers or credit cards via Paypal or Google Checkout. There are pros and cons to renting through an agent versus directly with the owner – you may feel that you have more consumer protection with an agency but the constant vigilance of the owner will usually ensure a high standard of maintenance and care of their property. It is always advisable to check the cancellation policy and to take out travel insurance.

You will often be able to rent a home for short breaks of 3 or 4 nights rather than just by the week, however to really feel at home I would book for as long as possible!

You may find the following sites useful:

Visit Britain Self Catering Cottage Database: Click the self catering button. Lists graded accommodation only.

Special Escapes: Inspected properties with something special whether it be the welcome, the location or quirky style.

Tourist Information Centre Database: For tourist information centres throughout Britain which are excellent sources of local accommodation and knowledge.

And lastly do feel free to contact me on Twitter in case I can help with any advice.

Should anyone be looking for a cosy, country 16th Century English cottage, stuffed with beams and character, in the very midst of heritage and historical sites but with Wifi and within easy reach of public transport, with every luxury, rated 5* with a Gold award and yes, both the roaring log fire and terrace with spectacular views…..perhaps you might like to take a look at www.updowncottage.co.uk!

How to Search Thousands of Self Catering Cottages in Britain Quickly and Easily

BA Strike Latest: British Airways Strike Looking Likely – Next Week Possible

jackie — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:08:10 +0000

We’re getting various reports that British Airways is going to reject UNITE’s proposals today so it’s looking very likely that there will be a British Airways strike.

Still no word on BA strike dates yet – but many are reporting that it could start as soon as next Wednesday.

There is a deadline at 5pm UK time at which point we will no for sure what’s going to happen.

If the strike does go forward, British Airways plans to operate as normally as they can as they have trained thousands of BA employees to work as cabin crew. They also plan to charter aircraft to fill the void.

Stay tuned to Anglotopia for the latest British Airways strike news.

UPDATE: The Union UNITE has given British Airways until tomorrow (March 10th) to consider their latest cost cutting offer. We will keep you posted as soon as we have more information.

Pirate Radio – The Boat That Rocked DVD Differences Explained

jonathan — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:00:38 +0000

We’ve written before about the travesty that is Pirate Radio – a recut of the excellent movie The Boat The Rocked. You can read all about the differences between the two here.

Now, the question is what will the DVD be like?

Well, John Rabon on the Brit Track mailing list did some research and found here – here’s his report on the Boat That Rocked/Pirate Radio DVD differences.

So, doing some research today on the Pirate Radio (aka The Boat that Rocked) US DVD release date–that is 4/13/10. The problem, though, if you’ve seen the original unedited TBTR version, is that the US DVD will be just like the US release of the film, which means there’s not separate extended edition or director’s cut on the DVD. You do, however, get the cut scenes as a DVD extra.

Some good news, if you own a Blu-Ray player, is that the Blu-Ray edition of The Boat that Rocked will play on US Blu-Ray players. Certain studios, including Universal, are kind enough to permit their Blu-Ray discs to be region-free. If you want to see the movie as it was originally meant to be, this is pretty much your only option right now.

Thanks John!

Guest Post: The Top 5 British Collector Coins from Panda America

jonathan — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:00:50 +0000

Editor’s Note: The following is a sponsored guest post from our fabulous advertiser, Panda America, a source for awesome collectable British Coins.

Panda America, official distributor for the Royal Mint has compiled a List of the Top 5 British coins, as follows:

1. Most Popular British Gold Coins

This category is won easily by the British Gold Sovereign, that has been issued almost continuously since the reign of Henry VII (1485-1509) with the same gold standard (7.99 gm. of .917 fine gold). The reverse design features St. George slaying a dragon. Various dates of sovereigns–starting under $400—are available by calling Panda America at 800-472-6327 or on www.PandaAmerica.com. If you call, mention that you read this on Anglotopia and shipping will be FREE.

2. Most Popular British Silver Coins

Britannia has been the personification of Great Britain for nearly 2,000 years, appearing first on the coins of the ancient Roman Empire. She has appeared on British coins beginning in 1684—and in 1997 the Royal Mint started issuing silver bullion coins containing a net content of 1 troy oz. of pure silver (32.54 gm.,.958 fine) called the “Britannia.” About 100,000 are sold each year to coin collectors and silver investors around the world. Earlier issues are sold out, but official distributor Panda America is still offering the 2009 Britannia for $49 and the new 2010 Britannia for $35. To order the popular Britannia silver coin or for further information call Panda America at 800-472-6327 or visit www.PandaAmerica.com. If you call, mention that you read this on Anglotopia and shipping will be FREE.

3. Largest British Gold Coin

The largest gold coins issued by Great Britain are the 5 Pound denomination—first appearing in 1826. These impressive coins contain 39.94 gm. (over 1 ¼ troy oz.) of .917 fine gold. The reverse design features St. George slaying a dragon. The most recently issued 5 Pound gold coins was issued in 2009 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the accession of Henry VIII. The design is enclosed within a rope border representing the Royal Navy, which was established by this monarch. Gem proof examples of the tiny mintage of just 1,509 are available on a first-come-first-served basis for $1,999 by calling Panda America at 800-472-6327 or on www.PandaAmerica.com. And the same design is available on a 5-Pound Copper-Nickel coin (28 gm.) for just $19.95. If you call, mention that you read this on Anglotopia and shipping will be FREE.

4. Largest British Silver Coin

Huge 1 kilogram pure silver coins from the British Crown dependency of Alderney were also produced by the Royal Mint. (The island of Alderney is located just 60 miles from the south coast of England.They also commemorate the 500th anniversary of the accession of Henry VIII, and are available from official distributor Panda America for $1,695. Since only 200 gem proof coins were made, these are available on a first-come-first-served basis by calling Panda America at 800-472-6327 or on www.PandaAmerica.com. Each 2.2 pound coin comes in a deluxe presentation box. If you call, mention that you read this on Anglotopia and shipping will be FREE.

5. Cutest British Coins

Last but not least, the experts at Panda America called this choice a “no-brainer.” In 2009, the same British dependency of Alderney (with a population of only 2,400), produced coins to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the popular Mini-Cooper automobile. The Mini came about because of a fuel shortage in the United Kingdom caused by the 1956 Suez Crisis–and on April 3, 2007, the one millionth new larger Mini rolled out of the Oxford Plant after six years of production. Three versions of the Mini coins were produced by the Royal Mint:
28.3 gm. Copper-nickel for $19.95
28.3 gm. Sterling Silver for $85 (pictured above, with colored flag on the roof)
1.24 gm. Pure Gold for $139
All of these are available by calling Panda America at 800-472-6327 or on HYPERLINK “” www.PandaAmerica.com. If you call, mention that you read this on Anglotopia and shipping will be FREE.

Guest Post: From Mini Car to Mini Coin

This Week in Doctor Who: Karen Gillan Gets Sexy, Matt Smith Opens Up, More Set Pics Galore – SPOILERS!

jonathan — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:00:51 +0000

As we count down to Doctor Who on April 3rd – there are many exciting things to report in the Whoverse. This week we have sexy pictures of new companion Karen Gillan, More Episode Names, Matt Smith Opens up to the Guardian and some awesome set pics.

Light Spoilers!!! You’ve Been Warned!!!

Karen Gillan Gets Sexy for InStyle UK

One thing I’m looking forward to with the new series is the new companion Karen Gillan – who is quite the looker. It’s been awhile since the Doctor had a hot young companion so it will be a nice change of pace. Let’s just hope he doesn’t fall for this one too!

Anyway, as part of her increasing fame, Karen Gillan has posed for some fashion pictures for InStyle Magazine.

Here’s a few:

New Episode Titles Revealed

The titles for six episodes have now leaked out and they only get me more excited.

They are in broadcast order (starting April 3rd in the UK, April 17th in the USA):

“The Eleventh Hour”
“The Beast Below”
“Victory of the Daleks”
“The Time of Angels”
“Flesh and Stone”
“Vampires in Venice”

Matt Smith Opens Up to the Guardian

Matt Smith was featured in an interview in the Guardian last weekend talking about everything Doctor Who and what it’s like to step into David Tennant’s shoes.

Here’s an excerpt:

Actually, Smith didn’t originally hope he could be the Doctor. He hoped – rather, assumed – he would be a footballer. He grew up in Northampton, went to a good local secondary which had formerly been a grammar school, did as much work as was necessary to see him through his exams, and played football. Every day, every evening, he played. He was good, too. Signed on at youth level with Northampton Town, then Nottingham Forest and Leicester City. His dad had been a decent centre-back, and his grandfather had played as a striker for Notts County. There was only one thing he was ever going to be: a first-class centre-back.

Then, at 16, he got a back injury. For a year his father, who runs a plastics business, drove him from Northampton to Leicester every day for treatment. Eventually, he returned to action. But it wasn’t the same – the pace, confidence and hunger had gone. Leicester City released him. “I could have signed for a lower league club but it was a risk, and the last few games I didn’t want to play, I dreaded it. I’d lost that desire, the urge, the enjoyment, all the things you need in life. I mean, what’s the point in doing something you don’t enjoy?”

Read the rest of this great profile here.

More Awesome Doctor Who Filming Set Pictures

These pictures are from episode 11 of the new series which will probably air in June. The biggest surprise is that JAMES CORDEN from Gavin and Stacey is guest starring in an episode. I’m taking bets now as to whether or not he happens to say ‘What’s Occurin’?

Where I Want My Kids to go to School: The School At the Bottom of Gold Hill

jonathan — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:30:11 +0000

This was forwarded to me by a dear friend who happens to own a cottage on Gold Hill. It’s the most adorable video made by the students of the Abbey Primary School, which is located at the bottom of Gold Hill.

Hopefully, one day, our kids will get to go there!

Random Posts

Guest Post: Steven Graubart – An Orchid’s Unusual Friend

jonathan — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:00:22 +0000

Editor’s Note: The following is a guest post from Steve Graubart of ArtSpock

Orchid researchers in association with Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew) have made a recent discovery that is sure to improve the reputation of crickets, an insect notorious for devouring flowers.

In 2008, Claire Micheneau, a University of Reunion PhD student doing research on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean, and her collaborator Jacques Fournel, were looking into how a particular orchid, Angraecum cadetii, achieved pollination. With their night vision cameras trained on the plant, they discovered a cricket behaving—well—not like a cricket. Instead of munching the beautiful green-white flowers, it stuck its head into a nectar spur, lapped up the delicious sweet liquid and transported gobs of pollen to neighboring flowers.

And instead of finding a new daytime hiding place after nightly meanderings (as most crickets would), this one went back to a specific cricket nest night after night. Was it building a scent highway to the tubular dinette? Prior to this, no cricket had ever been seen pollinating any flower. Further inspection revealed this was no ordinary cricket. It is a brand new species in the genus family Glomeremus, a type of “raspy cricket.”

A relative of cadetii, Angraecum sesquipedale, also known as the Comet Orchid for its lengthy nectar spur, drew the attention of Charles Darwin on his 1862 voyage to Madagascar. Darwin speculated that it would take an insect with an unusually long tongue to pollinate it. Though it was never confirmed during his lifetime, Darwin’s hypothesis proved prophetic sixty years later with the discovery that the Giant Hawk Moth, a nocturnal with a 14-inch proboscis, serviced sesquipedale.

Unlike most flowering plants, orchids usually do not simultaneously evolve with pollinating insects and birds. They adapt to what’s locally available. Flower designs often sport visual lures resembling nearby insect or bird prey, and at times even emit prey scent enzymes. No wonder orchids have been around for a very long time. An 80 million year old Stingerless Bee in amber, a fossil bearing orchid pollen on its back, was the subject of a 2007 Cambridge University study. Apparently, some dinosaur trails were quite delightful.

In December 2009, Micheneau’s and Fournel’s findings were accepted in Annals of Botany (Oxford Journals, Oxford University Press), and they have the orchid world chirping; one more example of the endlessly fascinating world of Orchidaceae. Their beauty and astonishing variety has fostered clubs and societies the world over. Hobbyists and professionals tinker in the lab, mixing and matching to create new hybrid varieties, while conservation fieldwork aims to maintain wild species in their natural environment.

Orchids are the most diverse flower on the planet with approximately 25,000 species spread over all habitats except deserts and glaciers. Some can even be found near arctic regions, though most are concentrated in the tropics. Their number, ongoing discovery and replication has presented enormous challenges to categorizing orchid family, tribe and sub-tribe groups. The five-volume Genera Orchidacearum (Oxford Press) is the best effort to date and will be a vital research tool and reference source for years to come.

The Orchid Society of Great Britain offers outstanding resources, amazing photographs on its website, and a list of upcoming orchid events throughout England. And of course, world-renowned Kew Gardens draws a year-round stream of locals and tourists to its floral paradise.

About the Author: Steve Graubart is a web marketing writer and journalist based in Chicago. He is the host of ArtSpock, a blog dedicated to literary, visual, music and media arts.

Random Posts

Oscar Results Are In and the Brits Did Terrible – Complete Academy Awards Winners Inside

jonathan — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:17:19 +0000

Well the Academy had their grand evening and they said “NO” to the British this year. The only Anglophile related winner of the night was “Young Victoria” for Best Costume Design. The boys from Aardman animation couldn’t even bring it in with the brilliant “Wallace and Gromit: A Matter of Load and Death.” I’m disappointed, to say the least. But at least they all did fabulous at the BAFTAS!

Here’s the complete list OSCAR Academy Award results:

Best Picture:
The Hurt Locker

Best Director:
Kathryn Bigelow – The Hurt Locker

Best Acress:
Sandra Bullock

Best Actor:
Jeff Bridges

Best Foreign Language Film:
‘El Secreto de Sus Ojos’

Best Film Editing:
The Hurt Locker

Best Documentary:
The Cove

Best Visual Effects:
Avatar

Best Original Score:
UP

Best Cinematography:
Avatar

Best Sound Mixing:
The Hurt Locker

Best Sound Editing:
The Hurt Locker

Best Costume Design:
Young Victoria

Best Art Direction:
Avatar

Best Supporting Actress:
Mo’nique

Best Adapted Screenplay:
Precious

Best Makeup:
Star Trek

Best Short Film (Live Action):
The New Tenants

Best Short Documentary:
Music by Prudence

Best Animated Short Film:
Logorama

Best Original Screenplay:
Mark Boal

Best Original Song:
The Weary Kind – Crazy Heart

Best Animated Film:
Up

Best Supporting Actor:
Christolph Waltz – Inglorius Basterds

Well, at least Star Trek won something!

Anglophile Twitter Updates for 2010-03-07

jonathan — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:14:00 +0000

Dreams don't happen unless you try. #
RT @LDN: £10 tickets for the London Eye http://bit.ly/9Iz42F #
RT @TimeOutLondon: We've just launched Facebook page: become a fan, have a chat and we'll feed you with Londony tidbits http://bit.ly/cKF9qj #
Wow! The pound exchange rate has fallen below $1.50 for the first time in a LONG time. This is great news for Tourists! #
RT @UKComedyNews: Stephen Fry was the most popular choice for Prime Minister in a survey of young people: http://bit.ly/97RjKC #
RT @UpdownCottage: http://bit.ly/bcbZMP Become a fan of our fb page! #
I uploaded a YouTube video — New Content Tour – Anglotopia.net http://youtu.be/92OARavmJm8?a #
I uploaded a YouTube video — How To Submit Content on the New Anglotopia http://youtu.be/333jj2CZ6ZU?a #
We've spoken to BBC America about the BBC cuts and have updated our post about it, check out the update here: http://bit.ly/cbZMCi #
RT @travelpod: Got a travel blog? I'm running out of travel blogs to profile on TravelBlogSites.com Please retweet if you want to be incl. #
RT @LDN: The coolest things to do in London this week http://bit.ly/GmpzV (via @lecool) #
We've been invited to join the British American Business Council in Chicago. Awesome. #
RT @VisitBritain: Walk through Brunel's Thames Tunnel, for the first time during the day for 145 years – 12-13 March: http://tr.im/QANr #
RT @VisitBritain: If you've got a spare second, help us this question please. Which UK sports person is most popular http://bit.ly/bACwZz #
Awesome. @jackiecthomas has written an excellent posts on the 10 British men she'd leave me for. It's going out tomorrow. LOL #
RT @BritishAirways: Unite, the union that represents BA cabin crew, has not announced any strike dates. Talks continue. http://bit.ly/7N2UuQ #
Anglotopia has a new e-mail address – don't worry though, the old one forwards to the new one. New one is: info@anglotopia.net #
RT @LDN: The Thames Tunnel reopens after 145 years before it closes forever http://bit.ly/csFWMi #
Would anyone like to recommend Anglotopia to BBC Blogword? http://bit.ly/dtU0hU #
I've been featured on Transatlanticism.org again this week writing about my Dream Trip to Scotland, check it out here: http://bit.ly/cmg1hp #
RT @BritaininUSA: Jonathan Thomas (@anglotopia) dreams of going to Scotland: http://bit.ly/btpUUL #
From our Archives: : Dispatches from the North: Weather, or not… – English weather is a pretty standard topic of… http://bit.ly/crviuF #
From our Archives: : The Coming Apostrophe Catastrophe http://bit.ly/9QfEDg #
RT @bbcamerica: New photos of DOCTOR WHO star Karen Gillan from her fashion spread in the UK's IN STYLE http://bit.ly/bu8icB #DoctorWho #
From our Archives: : BBC One Christmas Ident Revealed – Doctor Who http://bit.ly/6yk2sp #
From our Archives: : The Queen's 2010 New Year's Honours List in Full http://bit.ly/4JBNnh #
From our Archives: : Expat Resource: London Rent Guide – Guide to London Rental Rates http://bit.ly/5TAIn4 #
From our Archives: : Vote for Me! http://bit.ly/cVAIq9 #
From our Archives: : Anglophile Facepalm: Jessia Biel, Culture Warrior http://bit.ly/cIi7Jx #
From our Archives: : Anglophile Link Directory Hungry For Links! http://bit.ly/dkUieX #
From our Archives: : Video Thursday: Trafalgar Square Riots (1913) http://bit.ly/bCSFdF #

British TV Podcast Show #22 – Jessica (Stevenson) Hynes

BritTVPodcast — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:23:36 +0000

The British TV Podcast with Chrissy & Ryan Show #22 features a look at the career of actress and writer Jessica Hynes (nee Stevenson) who brought us the wonderful “Spaced” and continues to appear in and write wonderful productions for TV, movies and on stage. Also, this week’s news, what’s on TV in Britain and the USA, and DVD releases including a review of “Believe: The Eddie Izzard Story.”

Listen to Show 22

British Airways and UNITE Agree on a Strike Deadline – BA Strike Date Update

jackie — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:03:20 +0000

This news comes via UK based Channel 4. British Airways and the UNITE Cabin crew union have agreed to set a deadline of March 9th to come to an agreement over proposed cuts.

What does this mean for worried travelers?

Well, that hopefully on March 9th, we’ll know whether or not there will actually be a strike. UNITE have not announced any dates as a bargaining chip but this has created a huge amount of uncertainly for March Britain bound travelers.

UNITE have put together an alternative plan to cut costs and BA will review it over the weekend. We should know something by Tuesday, March 9th.

We’ll keep you posted with latest British Airways strike news and if a strike is called we’ll let you know the dates right away so you can plan accordingly.

Source: Channel 4

Reluctant Anglophile: Top 10 British and Irish Actors I’d Seriously Consider Leaving My Husband For

jackie — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:00:25 +0000

Editor’s Note – Jonathan here: I would like to say that I do not endorse the content of this post and I hope that my beautiful wife can settle for a man that only kinda looks like Conan O’Brien.

One of the many things that Britain and Ireland do well is gorgeous actors. I don’t know if it is the accent or British/Irish gene pool but one thing is for sure, the British Isles have some beautiful men representing her these days when it comes to acting. Keep in mind, I could only pick 10 men or this list would be never ending. Here are my choices for the most handsome British and Irish actors:

David Tennant

This hunky actor won my heart by playing the character of Dr. Who. Warm, lovable, and not to mention gorgeous, David Tennant made an excellent Dr. Who. While I did enjoy the series for it’s interesting story lines and plots, I did also enjoy the eye candy. Tennant’s version of the Doctor always seemed to be the knight on the white horse or should I say in a blue box. Watching his character fall for Rose Tyler, that’s it, I was a goner. I go anywhere through time and space with this Doctor.

Ewan McGregor

Wether it is acting brilliantly or riding around the world on a motorcycle, this man is gorgeous doing it all. I fell for this hunky actor when I first saw him in Moulin Rouge, as the sweet and venerable Christian. His career has grown from that role to include major Hollywood productions to the occasional independent film. I have also watched him ride his motorcycle around the world width wise and then from Scotland to South Africa, in Long Way Round and Long Way Down. I’d get on the back of his motorcycle any day.

Daniel Craig

I think this picture speaks for itself. What can I say, I am a sucker for James Bond. Craig’s role as the super spy, was fantastic and wonderfully handsome. Slick, sophisticated and British, this guy has got it all. Not to mention, every time I see him in a tux, I go a little weak at the knees. Absolute perfection!

Colin Firth

From Jane Austin to Bridget Jones, Colin Firth is wonderful in whatever role he is playing. As the distinguished English gentleman, Firth pulls this off perfectly every time. The hopeless romantic that I am, would gladly accompany this man as his gentle lady.

James Nesbitt

I first saw this handsome actor in the crime drama, Murphy’s Law. What can I say, James nesbitt makes bald sexy. From that gorgeous accent to talented acting, this guys got it all. In the past few years this guy has got a bit of a reputation of being a ladies man. I would still consider leaving Jonathan for him.

Gerard Butler

While most American audiences don’t know that this actor is actually Scottish, I do. I first saw Butler in the film, P.S. I Love You. He does a sexy dance at the beginning of the film that would make any girl blush. He has gorgeous blue eyes, mixed with that great accent, what girl would not go weak at the knees over this guy?

Glen Hansard

Glen Hansard was incredible in the film Once. That was the first time I had come across this heart throb. Not only is he gorgeous, the man can sing like no other. His character in Once, is charming, and sweet as he falls for his co-star. I could listen to this man sing me the phone book and still totally swoon.

Jonathan Rhys-Meyers

If I had to use one word to describe this actor it would be hot. He was steamy and sexy in Match Point. Those gorgeous blue eyes and handsome face. What girl stands a chance saying no to this stud, certainly not me. He seems gentle and like a bit of an asshole all at the same time, which is sexy.

Ralph Fiennes

This picture says it all, I really don’t need to say anything more about the sexiness of this British actor. From his roles in The Constant Gardner to the chick flick Maid in Manhattan, this sexy man oozes class and sophistication. This is another man I would happily listen while he read me the phone book. Not only is he devilishly handsome, but he has got one of the sexiest voices I have ever heard.

Simon Pegg

This Brit has a charm and sweetness about him that makes him very sexy. He is also hilariously funny and that in itself is really sexy. He seems like a gentle romantic man which makes this girl’s heart flutter. I must also say I have a thing for men with red hair, after all I married a man with red hair! From Run Fat Boy Run to Shaun of the Dead, this handsome man is so charming and funny.

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Rick Steves in England: Exploring Northwest England

jonathan — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:30:55 +0000

When I was growing up the one show that really inspired me to travel to Europe was the wonderful – if a little hokey – travel show presented by Rick Steves on PBS.

Thanks to the wonders of the internet, some of those shows are now available online and we can share them with you.

So, as part of an ongoing series, here’s some of Rick Steves’ shows from Britain.

Rick Steves’ Europe: Exploring Northwest England

Guest Post: 20 Things You Didn’t Know About Travel in Britain

jonathan — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:00:46 +0000

Editor’s Note: The following is an excellent guest post from the folks at Visit Britain – the British Tourist authority – about some common things that many people may not know about traveling in Britain. It reads a little like publicity material but that’s because it’s a freely distributed article they’ve put together that bloggers like us can reuse. That doesn’t make it any less interesting or useful!

Most people know that Britain is home to the ‘Mother of Parliaments’, that Queen Elizabeth II lives at Buckingham Palace, and that the Scottish Highlands are malt whisky country. But here we offer a selection of things that you might not know. Aside from being interesting facts, they help make a visit to these intriguing islands even more enjoyable.

1. One pass can give you free access to hundreds of stately homes, castles and gardens – and it’s only available to visitors from overseas. The Great British Heritage Pass allows you to skip the queues at places including Hampton Court Palace and Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Valid for a choice of days between four and 30, it will also save you money.

2. There are many galleries just as exciting as Tate Modern but less well known. In London’s East End, the century-old Whitechapel Gallery has reopened after an expansion which doubles its size and showcases an intriguing mixture of local and international art. Chichester, on the South Coast, has the Pallant House Gallery, its contemporary art collection set in a Queen Anne townhouse.

3. You don’t have to go to the coast to take a cruise. There are regular sailings on Windermere, England’s largest lake. In Scotland, sail Loch Katrine on the steamship SS Sir Walter Scott, into Rob Roy country. On the tranquil upper reaches of the Thames, summer sailings head through ‘Wind in the Willows’ country from places like Windsor and Oxford.

4. You can walk freely, off-road, in beautiful countryside. There are 130,000 miles of public footpaths in England and Wales alone. For serious hikers, there are 15 long-distance National Trails, the latest being the Cotswold Way through the hills of the same name.

5.Waterway holidays are a delightful way of seeing Britain. A self-drive narrow boat (no previous experience needed) is a comfortable base from which to explore the 200 year-old canal system at a leisurely pace. Birmingham has more canal mileage than Venice! www.drifters.co.uk.

6. The modern game of tennis originated here in the 19th century. Wimbledon, home of the world’s leading tournament (and with a retractable centre court roof for 2009) has a fascinating museum devoted to the sport, with artefacts dating from 1555. The world’s oldest tennis court still in use is 11km away, at Hampton Court. www.wimbledon.org.

7. There are about 90 populated islands off Scotland’s coasts. ‘Island-hopping’ between them is fun, using the regular ferries which also carry vital supplies. Tickets such as the Island Hopscotch allow you to tailor-make a voyage.

8. Staying in a historic building need not be expensive. A moated castle; a 16th century manor house; a Dominican friary and a watermill – these are just a few examples of YHA hostels which can cost from £12 per person a night. Many have been newly restored: the rambling, gothic manor-house at Ilam in Derbyshire resembles a set from a Victorian costume drama.

9. With reputedly haunted buildings scattered throughout the country, it’s not surprising that ghost-themed walking tours are popular. Though entertaining, they invariably make you look twice at shifting shadows. Locations include York, Bath, Lincoln, Edinburgh and London: tourist offices have details.

10. From Beatrix Potter to Jane Austen; Thomas Hardy to William Wordsworth: no country has more writers’ homes open to visitors. Nothing beats stepping into an author’s home to see what made them tick.

11. Taking a look at the subjects of the country’s weird and wonderful museums, you’ll realise why Britons have a reputation for being eccentric. There’s the British Lawnmower Museum (Southport), the Bakelite Museum (Williton, Somerset) and, for a nostalgic collection of packaging, venture to the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising in London’s Notting Hill.

12. There are almost 4,000 festivals devoted to everything from Agatha Christie to rhubarb, as well as the more conventional dance, music and literature. There’s one going on somewhere virtually all year round – just see VisitBritain’sevents database.

13. This was the northernmost outpost of the Roman Empire and, though Bath’s Roman Bath and Hadrian’s Wall are renowned, there are gems in unlikely places. There’s a Roman gold mine at Dolaucothi in Mid Wales – with tours of the underground workings. One mosaic-filled villa was only unearthed in 1949, at Lullingstone, Kent.

14. The British passion for gardening has influenced the world. The first botanic garden was established at Oxford in 1621 and Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown was busy landscaping the estates of the rich by 1751. New, 21st century gardens are equally groundbreaking, such as the futuristic Eden Project with its massive bio-domes in Cornwall, and the National Botanic Garden of Wales near Carmarthen.

15. Thousands of Brits open their gardens to visitors for a small fee (donated to charity) once a year, so if you are curious to see how they live – outside at least – scan the National Gardens Scheme’s ‘Yellow Book’ calendar for locations.www.ngs.org.uk.

16. It’s easy to spot residences of (deceased) famous people in London – there are 800 distinctive blue plaques affixed to walls, spotlighting poets, pioneers and politicians. From Jimi Hendrix and Handel to Sir Stamford Raffles, founder of Singapore. Up to 15 new ones are added to the roll-call each year.

17. You can ride a classic red Routemaster bus on two routes through London, for the price of an ordinary fare. Numbers 9 and 15 travel via Trafalgar Square every 15 minutes and are a fine way to see the sights, especially from the upper deck.

18. Many British cathedrals (and some churches) have good-value restaurants where you can dine in the most historic of settings. Try Liverpool’s Anglican or London’s Southwark Cathedrals.

19. It’s not just homes that are stately. Some pubs are more like palaces, filled with varnished mahogany, ceramics and engraved mirrors, all enjoyed for the price of a drink. Most cities have at least one example: the newly restored Princess Louise in London’s Holborn; The Philharmonic, Liverpool; The Counting House, Glasgow are just three.

20. For a scrumptious afternoon tea, visit a National Trust property. The charity has more than 140 tea-rooms, many in unusual buildings including castles, lighthouses, stables, and even hot-houses. Some serve historical menus reflecting the heyday of the property.

A Pint of Bitter: Michael Foot, 1913-2010; writer, minister, leader

Carl — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:00:34 +0000

I know I usually write about the political controversies and manoeuverings of the day: matters such as the taxes of Lord Ashcroft and the return of Labour in the polls do matter. But some things matter more, and I want to devote my words on this occasion entirely to the life and ideas of Michael Foot, who died this week aged 96. He was well known here in Britain as a politician from the 1950s to the 1980s, when he led the Labour Party, and as a writer. He’s a particularly English figure, less well known abroad: but no understanding of our politics especially since 1980 is complete without considering his career.

Michael Foot | Bob Naylor, CreativeCommons

Foot was born in Plymouth in 1913, into a family of Liberal Methodists, and the roundhead tradition of radical Christian dissent was a key influence on Foot – though he became a convinced atheist. His father was also an obsessive book buyer and reader, habits that rubbed thick on to young Michael, who steeped himself in the English romanticism of Byron and Shelley and who in later life wrote serious studies of Swift and H. G. Wells. He was an unusual, exceptionally literate and intellectual politician of a kind rarely seen. At Oxford he was first a left-wing Liberal, but became a socialist in the early 1930s. This was the time of the marked decline of the Liberal Party; socialism in all its forms had recently emerged, in Soviet Communism (which Foot rejected both then and throughout his life) and with the coming of Labour government in Britain in the 1920s. He was far from the first Liberal radical to join Labour, which must have seemed the “happening” party, as we’d now put it, for a young and passionate radical anxious for social justice, for peace and to oppose fascism.

Michael Foot in 1945 | Still from "The Way We Live" directed by Jill Craigie

He was a journalist for Tribune (for whom George Orwell also wrote, later) and then editor of the Evening Standard; during the war the short book Guilty Men, which he co-wrote in a few days with two colleagues, caused something of a sensation with its indictment of the pre-war appeasers – Chamberlain, Baldwin, Halifax and the rest. Then in 1945 he was elected to Parliament for Plymouth Devonport, which he held for ten years. During the 1950s Foot was a prominent “Bevanite”: a supporter of Aneurin (“Nye”) Bevan, the charismatic Welsh ex-miner and leader of the left who had established the National Health Service as health minister after the war but who had fallen out with the Labour leadership first over prescription charges, then the H-bomb. Foot was vehemently opposed to Britain’s adoption of nuclear weaponry and felt shocked and bewildered when Bevan famously drew back from outright unilateral disarmament in 1957. But he still revered his mentor; and when Bevan died in 1960, Foot re-entered Parliament at the resulting Ebbw Vale by-election. And used his time in opposition to write the first volume of his biography of the great man, arguably his most important literary work, completed in the early seventies after a period spent as Labour’s most prominent backbench critic under the first government of Harold Wilson.

Nye Bevan in 1954 | Associated Press

Foot then surprisingly embarked upon an career as an ultra-loyalist minister in the 1970s under Wilson and then Jim Callaghan, first as employment minister, then negotiating with the Liberals to keep the Labour government afloat. But it sank in the end; and in the early years of Margaret Thatcher’s rule, Labour turned sharply left – and began to tear itself apart. Tony Benn was the most prominent and controversial figure on the left, an austere, calculating figure, inspiring to some and sinister to others. The rise of Benn, and the resulting shift in favour of unilateral nuclear disarmament and left-wing, anti-European policies enabled Foot to become leader. But he faced constant internal opposition from Benn who, having welcomed Foot’s leadership, tried to both use and destroy it, and to capture Labour for his own ends. To much of the moderate left, Labour was no longer home, and Foot failed to prevent some MPs leaving to form the Social Democratic Party, now long gone but which can be seen as a forerunner of Tony Blair’s “New Labour” vision. Foot had failed to keep Labour united: and it went down to its worst, most notorious defeat in the general election of 1983.

Tony Benn | Nice Logo, CreativeCommons

To his credit, Foot had successfully faced down Tony Benn and he started the campaign to root out “Militant”, an extraordinary Trotskyist sect that was attempting to take Labour over from within. I thought then, and still think that Foot was wrong on all the big issues in the 1980s. I now realise though that Labour’s wasted years were less his fault than the fault of others. I can see that Foot and Bevan had a good case in the 1950s against Britain’s testing and making the bomb. But the 1980s would have been the wrong time to adopt unilateral nuclear disarmament and remove US bases. The United States and NATO had adopted a tough stance to Moscow’s increasing militarism, and unilateral desertion of that strategy by Britain would at best helped Kremlin hardliners delay their own disarmament. On Europe, to withdraw immediately, less than a decade after our joining, after the voters had decided overwhelmingly to stay in and without consulting them further, would have been a foreign policy disaster. Yet it was Labour’s policy under Michael Foot.

Even so, I think he has important things to teach us. He consistently wanted international control of nuclear weapons, and their ultimate abolition – admirable aims, and in my view it is right for Britain to support Barack Obama now in his efforts to move us just a few short steps along that road. And perhaps now it is finally right for Britain to ask whether it is right to remain a nuclear weapons state. On Europe, all but a few on the Labour side have now abandoned Foot’s thinking, and I would certainly not argue for Euroscepticism. But he reminds us that Euroscepticism is not an intrinsically Conservative attitude and that liberal internationalism does not require support for all the works of Brussels. Michael Foot was a sturdy romantic whose passion and idealism deserve our respect, and whose writing will remain rightly admired. His was a very English strain of radicalism, and I don’t think it’s right to assume his ideas are dead. Foot’s thinking represents a strong underlying current of independence and dissent that you can still find among some Tories as well as in green, libertarian and anti-capitalist circles. I expect it to attach before long to some new great movement – and for Foot to be rediscovered and referenced in a generation to come. if you’d like to know more, listen to this excellent Radio 4 programme about his life.

Barring the death of some other political giant, normal service will be resumed next time.

Anglotopia Featured on Transatlanticism.org – My Dream Trip To Scotland

jonathan — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:00:13 +0000

I’ve been featured again on the Visit Britain blog Transatlanticism.org. This week’s pot is a lot of fun – they asked me to come up with a list of what I would do if I had the chance for a dream trip to Scotland.

Here’s an excerpt:

Glasgow

Most Anglophiles love the British accent. But one thing we learn as we get more obsessed with Britain is that there are in fact many different accents on the island of Great Britain. After hearing many different accents over the years – by far my favorite is the Glasgow, lilting accent. I’m not sure what I would do in Glasgow other than sit in a pub and listen to locals talk. I do know the Glasgow is home to world class museums, monuments and architecture. But for me it will all be about the Glaswegian accent.

Read the rest here over a Transatlanticism!

Picadilly Circus To Get A Major Facelift for London 2012

jackie — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:58:22 +0000

The New and Improved Piccadilly Circus

When Americans think of quintessential London landmarks, Piccadilly Circus is in the top ten attractions. This famous London landmark is going to undergo a face lift. I have been to Piccadilly Circus many times, and found it to be not very pedestrian friendly, however all of that is going to change. Piccadilly Circus will be undergoing a £14m renovation to make the landmark more pedestrian friendly.

This new face lift for the iconic landmark is in perpetration for the London 2012 summer Olympics The redesign allows for more traffic to flow through the area, to accomdate future congestion that will be caused by the games. Colin Barrow leader of Westminster Council said:

“In 2012 our capital will capture the world’s attention and our plans to transform Piccadilly Circus and the surrounding area will ensure visitors are as impressed by the city’s streets and all they have to offer, as they are with the sporting talent many will have travelled so far to see.”

I will be excited to see this new redesign of this iconic landmark. Another landmark, in Piccadilly Circus will also undergo some renovations, The Trocadero is due to be completely redeveloped and turned into an innovative budget hotel. This wonderful landmark was previously a mall. I must say without an malice, it was one of the strangest places I have ever been to. The mall has since closed, and a new hotel will occupy the Trocadero by 2012.

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David Tennant

Ewan McGregor

Colin Firth

James Nesbitt

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Glen Hansard

Jonathan Rhys-Meyers

Ralph Fiennes

Simon Pegg

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