A team of Brits recently came to the Big Apple and proved what keeping a stiff upper lip is all about.  The Brits seized the Guinness World Records title for fastest time to travel the entire New York City subway system, clocking in at 22 hours and 26 minutes.  The venture was grueling.  They had to stay awake to qualify.  They fortified themselves with sweets.  And ultimately, they beat the previous record  holders--two New Yorkers who won the title in 2009--by a scant 26 minutes. 

One of the winners, Glen Bryant, is a 26-year-old pharmacist from Emsworth, England, who had, on multiple occasions, attempted to break the record for visiting all of London’s 270 tube stops but fell short by one hour.  Undeterred, Bryant gathered a posse of  five friends last November and crossed the pond to tackle New York City’s subways system, which has 468 stops.  (Yes, they visited stops in all the boroughs.)  Bryant’s fellow teammates, Adham Fisher, Martin Hazel, Andi James, Peter Smyth, and Steve Wilson, performed tasks such as keeping logs, taking photos, and keeping one another awake.  (The teammates weren't "any ol' guys," by the way.  They're pros.  Three of them--Andi James, Steve Wilson, and Martin Hazel--are previous Guinness record holders of "Fastest time to travel to all London Underground stations," the title that eluded Bryant.  And another, Adham Fisher, has ridden the entirety of many subways systems.  Check out his interview in Wanderlust travel magazine about his subway exploits HERE.)

The Brits accomplished their record-breaking venture in New York last November but were just recently informed by Guinness World Records that their entry had been reviewed and they have been declared winners.  It was a long, nail-biting wait for the team.

As Winston Churchill said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going,” and that’s just what these determined Brits did!  Join Anglophiles United in saying, “Three cheers for the new Guinness World Records holders!”

Fellow Anglophiles: You will love this video.  It was made to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the London Underground.  It lists all the London tube stops, including those quirky names like "Cockfosters," which make Americans giggle.  One of the previously mentioned Guinness record holders, Adham Fisher, helped write the video and plays bass guitar and keys in it.  

Go to: BRITISH DRINKS
Go to: BRITISH SPORTS
Go to: VISIT BRITAIN
Go to: HOMEPAGE

Are any Anglophiles heading to Scotland this summer?  If so, lucky you!  Scotland will be abuzz with the Commonwealth Games! 

The Games, held every four years, run this summer from July 23 to August 3 in Glasgow.  Seventy commonwealth teams will participate in 17 sports, totaling 261 medal events.

(By the way, some are confused by the term "Commonwealth Nations," a term all Anglophiles should know.  The Commonwealth of Nations, also called "the Commonwealth" or the "British Commonwealth" is an association of nations that  voluntarily work together, promoting peace, democracy, and free trade.  Currently, the Commonwealth consists of 53 nations, most of which are former British colonies.)

The first Commonwealth Games, held in 1930 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, featured 11 countries participating in 6 sports and 59 events--so the Games have enjoyed great growth!  Since the first Games in 1930, they've been held every four years except during WWII.  

2014 EVENTS

The rental agency SYKES COTTAGES has created a great infographic about the Games.  Here 'tis:

VIDEO: A moving story about one of this years baton-bearers for the games.

Go to: BRITISH SPORTS
Go to: BRITISH CARS
Go to: BRITISH DRINKS
Go to: HOMEPAGE

ROYAL ASCOT…Britain’s premier social event of the summer has begun!  The Queen herself has reportedly called this 5-day racing event her favorite—and I adore it too.  The spectacle offers treats for horse-racing fans, fashionistas, and Royal watchers.  A true cornucopia of Anglophile delights!

The “Royal Ascot” refers to the racing event that takes place at Ascot Racecourse, always during the third week of June.  The event this year runs from Tuesday, June 17, to Saturday, June 21.  Races at Ascot at other times are not the Royal Ascot.  While horse racing at Royal Ascot is important, it’s not necessarily the biggest event there.  The Royal family’s attendance, the fashions worn by attendees (strictly enforced by dress codes), and the event’s pomp and pageantry all share center stage with horse racing.    

The Ascot track is closely associated with the Royal family.  It’s located in Ascot, Berkshire, about six miles from the family’s Windsor Castle, and was founded by Queen Anne, three centuries ago.  She was a horse lover, and one day, while riding her horse in an open heath on the castle grounds, it occurred to her how perfect that area was for unrestrained horse galloping, and the idea of horses racing hit her.  She arranged the first Ascot meet on Saturday, August 11, 1711.  Seven horses—English Hunters—entered, but sadly, no record of the winner exists!  Eventually an official racetrack was built, and today, the Royal Ascot is one of the world’s premier horse races, with the “Queen Anne’s Stake” a highlight of that event.  This year, organizers expect some 300,000 people to attend, and they will award over ₤4.5 million of prize money to winners.

The pageantry at Royal Ascot is highly structured and has changed little over the years.  As Anglophiles know, the British are keen on tradition, and Royal Ascot epitomizes their adherence to it.  Each day of the event, at 2 p.m., a Royal Procession, with horse-drawn carriages carrying members of the Royal family, enters the track’s Golden Gates, winds along the racecourse, then enters the Parade Ring.  What a treat for Royal watchers!  TV cameras can’t focus on them enough!  The first race begins promptly at 2:30, and five more races follow, with the last running at 5:35 p.m.  For rousing good fun after the races, attendees are invited to sing traditional songs around the bandstand. 

TICKET PRICES, SEATING, AND DRESS CODES

The track offers three seating areas for the Royal Ascot:

1. The most prestigious and costly seating is in the ROYAL ENCLOSURE.  If you buy seating here, you hang out with the jet set and may get to rub shoulders with the Royal family.  You’re also a member of Ascot, which is no mean feat--for you must be nominated.  You can actually acquire seating in the Royal Enclosure without being an Ascot member if you spring for a seat with a “hospitality package” at the tune of ₤430 to ₤940.  (Keeps out the riffraff, right?)  Security is tight.  And ticket holders have their own dining facilities and lounges, which are different from the ones that ticket holders outside the Royal Enclosure use. 

Dress codes in the Royal Enclosure are strictly enforced, with females required to wear formal dresses and a hat, and males required to wear full morning dress.  


Ladies clothing, specifically, must conform to the following:

• Dresses or skirts of modest length, falling just above the knee or longer
  
• Dresses or tops with straps of 1 inch or greater
  
• Pants suits; the pants should be full length and the colors of top and bottom matching
  
• Hats or a headpiece with at least a 4-inch base (i.e., no more fascinators—as have previously been allowed!)
  

Men must wear black or gray morning dress that includes these garments:

• A waistcoat and tie (no cravats)
  
• A black or gray top hat
  
• Black shoes
  

Children, aged 10 – 16, have dress rules too, of course:

• Girls must wear smart dresses, but a hat is optional
  

• Boys should dress in either the same type morning dress as adult men or in a dark suit with shirt and tie—hat optional

Interestingly, Overseas visitors are allowed to wear formal the “national dress” attire of their home country  (I’m unsure whether this would be a raw-hide, American-Indian type garment for US citizens. . . . ) and military personnel, currently serving, may wear their dress uniform.



2. GRAND STAND and PADDOCK (or “General Admission”) seating offers mid-priced tickets, ranging from ₤60 to ₤71.  Here, the dress code remains formal, but less so.  Men can skirt by with wearing a jacket or a suit and tie (rather than full morning dress), while women must wear a summer dress or suit, and a hat or fascinator.  (And no bare midriffs or sleeveless shirts!)  Ticket holders have plenty of dining facilities and amenities, but they won’t be hobnobbing with royalty.



3. Very far down the rung is SILVER RING seating, with tickets ranging from ₤20 to ₤30.  This seating area permits an even more relaxed dress code.  Basically, anything goes.  The track encourages attendees in the Silver Ring to dress “smartly,” but the request is not enforced.  And visibility of the track is not always the best.   



HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RACE

On Tuesday, the first day of the race, the “Queen Anne’s Stake” features the top horses in the world.  Thursday’s Gold Cup features an incredible race that tests stamina with a run of over two miles!  Thursday is also “Ladies’ Day," with a fashion show featuring topnotch clothing designers and milliners.  And Saturday, the last day of the race, features one of the world most important international races—the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.  (Previously, this event was called the “Golden Jubilee Stakes,” but organizers renamed it in 2012 as a nod to the Queen’s 2012 Diamond Jubilee.)  This race is the second British leg of the Global Sprint Challenge--a contest consisting of six sprint races ran on tracks in Australia, England, and Japan.

VIDEO: THE "GRANDSTAND" EXPERIENCE

VIDEO: THE "SILVER RING" EXPERIENCE

Go to: BRITISH DRINKS
Go to: BRITISH CARS
Go to: BRITISH SPORTS
Go to: HOMEPAGE

It's summer and time for the GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL!  If you're an Anglophile on this side of the pond who's unfamiliar with this event, think of it as Britain's version of Woodstock.  Five days of entertainment featuring some of the top names in contemporary music as well as up-and-coming musicians, dance, theater, cabaret, circus, and comedy.  The event also boasts being the world's largest greenfield festival, with attendance now at 175,000!  If you're lucky enough to have a ticket (the event has now sold out), below is the information and advice you'll need.  

(By the way, there's no parking near the festival.  The easiest way to travel there is to take the train to Castle Cary and then jump aboard one of the special shuttle buses to the festival grounds.  First Great Western, the train company serving Castle Cary, has partnered with the Festival and makes the journey a snap for concert-goers.)  Enjoy!

FESTIVAL DATES: Wed. 6/25/14 - Mon. 6/30/14.
Tickets: £210 ($357 USD)


PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY TO GLASTONBURY

GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL WEBSITE

Read The Guaridan's article about Glastonbury Festival's history

  

Go to: BRITISH MUSIC
Go to: BRITISH MOVIES
Go to: BRITISH SPORTS
Go to: HOMEPAGE

Dear Anglophiles:  I must share with you my exclusive interview (below) with James Wharton, a former member of the British armed forces who came out as gay while serving his country, and offer you the scoop about his new, best-selling memoir, Out in the Army: My Life as a Gay Soldier. 

In a word, Wharton's book is brilliant.

So, one day, an email from James' publicist came across my desk, telling me about Out in the Army, and I thought, sure, I'll be happy to promote that--I've always been a strong advocate for LGBT rights.  But the thing was, I didn't want to take time to read the book.  I'm a busy person.  Very busy.  I thought I'd just offer you dear readers a blurb from the jacket cover and let you make your own decision.  Then I read the first page of Out in the Army . . . then the second page . . . and the third . . . and before I knew it, I was fully engrossed in Mr. Wharton’s fabulous page-turner and could not put it down until finishing it.  Not only does Mr. Wharton have something to say, he says it exceedingly well.

So, who is James Wharton and what did he do?  If you follow the news, you probably saw him or heard of him when the US military, a couple years ago, repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell"--for by that time, Wharton was a gay-poster-boy for the British Army, after appearing on the cover of Soldier, a British army publication.  Wharton, from North Wales, joined the British army in 2003 and become a member of the Household Cavalry, the regiment of horsemen that escorts the royal family on state occasions, and later he served in Iraq.  Most captivating about Wharton’s book, is its gut-wrenching, emotional honesty.  Wharton doesn’t mince words, use euphemisms, or skirt around details.  He’s brutally honest, and his story draws the reader into a world of sexual exploration, coming out, London gay-night-clubbing, and army bullying.  A particularly amazing account tells of Wharton, who served under Prince Harry, sharing a tank with him, and the prince’s intervention in a bullying incident that was spinning out of control.  The memoir also recounts two very important weddings: James’ own, to his husband Thom, and that of William and Kate's, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, an event James participated in as a member of the Mounted Cavalry.   If you care about LGBT rights or simply want a riveting read, I say run, don't walk, to buy this book!

INTERVIEW WITH JAMES WHARTON
(Author of Out in the Army: My Life as a Gay Soldier)

Zella: Greetings, James.  I'm Zella Watson, from Brooklyn, NY, publisher of the website Anglophiles United.  I just finished your book and was wowed by it!  Both your story and your writing are captivating.  Job well done!  When I completed the book, a few questions sprang to mind. . . .

James: Thanks for the kind words!

Zella: You left the military, hoping to help gay youth.  How is that work coming along?  Surely it’s a huge task!  Are you making headway?

James: I think I’m just fitting in to the greater effort, globally, improving the lives of young GLBT people. Like many others, the frequent news of teen suicides really affected me and I’m pleased I’ve been able to add to the effort in combatting the issue. It’s something we can all do, we just need to find a way we’re each comfortable in contributing to. I like to talk to classes of kids in schools, and write columns for magazines and newspapers. Some like to protest and express their support in other ways, which is fantastic! I think the It Gets Better campaign was a real game-changer in tackling this problem!

Zella: What advice do you offer young people who are considering coming out to their parents but are afraid to? 

James: It’s a bit of a cliche, but I really think the line ‘you are not alone’ is very relevant. There are millions of kids around the world all considering coming out and talking to their parents. There are safe places to access support, in the UK, there’s a youth site by Stonewall which offers real support; I would also recommend telling a third party who you trust, just incase further support is needed. Perhaps a close friend of teacher?

Zella: What advice do you give parents who receive news that their child is gay?  How can parents best show their support?

James: In an ideal world I’d tell them to grab their kid and give them the biggest hug in the world, as they’d have just done the bravest thing in their young lives. I think sometimes gay people forget just how difficult those two words actually are, but when we really try to remember, coming out is terrifying. There are, simply to young people who are coming out, support groups for moms and dads who need advice, and maybe support.

A huge mistake would be telling them you didn’t love them for being unique and beautiful.

Zella: Many claim that those who “protesteth too much” about homosexuality are, oftentimes, themselves gay.  Did you see this phenomenon often in the military?  (I would say that in the States, we’ve seen our fair share of politicians and ministers who fall into this camp!) 

James: You’re right, people do say this often and I can recount a few times when the sexuality of an assailant has certainly been pulled into question. ( I talk about his in my book when I’m horrifically beaten and hospitalised at the age of 18. I saw the guy in a gay nightclub some months after kissing a guy). We’ve also seen this recently with Cardinal Keith O’Brien in Scotland; he kicked up a massive homophobic fuss over gay marriage here last year, only to be outed as a bit of a dirty old man, accused of harassing young male priests for years. One does raise an eyebrow.

Zella: You concluded your book by saying that the British army has done a lot to help gay and bi-sexual soldiers, but it still has much work to do.  What about transsexuals?  Did you know any closeted trans-men or trans-women in the military?  Is it an issue at all?    

James: I know an out Transexual in the army, who I think has had an extremely positive few years since transitioning. My honest opinion is that I feel Trans equality is lacking behind gay equality by about ten years. Some feel the GLB community should separate themselves from trans people and issues, which I think is nonsense. We must do all we can to make trans peoples lives better… the answer is not to say ‘sort your own shit out!’ Imagine if straight allies, presidents and prime ministers included, said that to us gay folk. We’d be pretty upset about it!

Zella: When you hear about things such as the draconian, anti-gay laws enacted in Russia last year or about nations—particularly some African nations—where homosexuality may result in a death sentence, do you ever itch to work on the world stage as an activist?  (I think many would agree that you have the personality and leadership skills to perform such a task!)

James: I would love to do more for the rights of GLBT people in Russia and other places, and when I can, I do my bit. But to do things abroad, you need some backing, mostly financial, and I think it makes more sense to donate to the likes of GLLAD and Stonewall who are extremely established and filled to the brink with experts who can drive real change. I genuinely lose sleep thinking about our brothers and sisters in Russia. I was particular upset to read last week about the cancelling of a pride event in the Ukraine due to Russian influence in the area. Such a tragedy.

Zella: You’re a wonderful writer!  Growing up, did you know you had that in you? 

James: I have to admit, I’ve had a passion for writing since a very young age. I knew I’d write a book one day, just didn’t know what it would be about. My English teacher from school, now a good friend, always praised my writing in my teens. I thanked her in my book! I’m slowly working away at a gay themed novel, based in New York as it happens. But I can’t really say anymore at the moment.

Zella: I understand you’ve been on a cruise!  Care to reveal what ports of call you’ve visited?  (I trust you’ve had a marvelous time!)

James: I got back to the UK yesterday morning- and I’m sad to be home, as I’m sure you can imagine! We had a blast. We sailed out of Miami and enjoyed a 7 night western Caribbean cruise. We stopped at Cozumel, Mexico; Belize; Hondorous and Grand Cayman.We sailed with Carnival and I was delighted to see they had a gay and lesbian gathering twice daily at the cocktail bar on ship. There were dozens of gay couples also on-board and it was a real treat to make so many new friends from the US and Canada whilst on holiday. I’m keeping in touch with them and I think we might all cruise again together next year. Bravo Carnival Cruise Lines for thinking about us!

Zella: Thank you very much, James, for answering my questions.  I wish you continued, great success with Out in the Army!

Visit James Wharton's website HERE

PURCHASE Out in the Army (hardback) HERE
PURCHASE Out in the Army (Kindle) HERE
GO TO: BRITISH CARS
GO TO: BRITISH DRINKS
GO TO: HOMEPAGE

At the stroke of midnight last night, same-sex-marriage ceremonies became legal in England and Wales.  Last July, the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act took effect, but couples were unable to perform ceremonies until now.  UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, said the law sends a "powerful message" about equality in Britain and "when people's love is divided by law, it is that law that needs to change." 

Scotland has also passed a bill allowing same-sex marriage, with ceremonies expected to begin this autumn.  Northern Ireland, however, has not passed such a law.

GUARDIAN VIDEO - Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage

 

GO TO: BRITISH HOMES
GO TO: BRITISH CARS
GO TO: BRITISH CLOTHING
GO TO: HOMEPAGE

Dear Anglophiles: If you live in NYC or the metro area, you must check out the British sand-up comedian Luisa Omielan appearing this week at the hip, Noho venue Subculture. 

Luisa honed her show, What Would Beyoncé  Do?!, at the Edinburgh Fringe festival, where it played to full houses and received multiple 5-star reviews.  Luisa say's, "It’s about how Beyoncé  songs have helped me.  How I think I should be a diva but it hasn’t quite worked out that way. I showcase Beyoncé songs to highlight how very different my life is to what Beyoncé has."

The media is having a love fest with Luisa too.  British newspaper The Guardian wrote, ". . . there's the pleasure of seeing a brazen new talent announce herself to the world."  And a review in The Independent said, "In a year that's seen a dearth of really talented female comics coming through, she bucks the trend in her own brilliant way."  Luisa has a lot to say about the comedic side of love, and this week's TimeOut London is carrying her article, Luisa Omielan on how to survive being single on Valentine’s day.  (Read it HERE)

Tickets for the show are still available, and they're a very affordable $10-$12!


Subculture
45 Bleecker Street, NYC

Luisa Omielan: What Would Beyonce Do?!
Feb. 18 - 21  (Tue. - Fri.), 2014
Doors open: 9:30 PM; Show: 10:00 PM
Tickets: $10 - $12

BUY TICKETS:
* Tue., Feb. 18
* Wed., Feb. 19
* Thur., Feb. 20
* Fri., Feb. 21

Go to: BRITISH TV
Go to: BRITISH MUSIC
Go to: BRITISH MOVIES
Go to: HOMEPAGE

Well, I would say the British Library (and Microsoft, who did the scanning) has given us an interesting, little Christmas gift.  The library has posted over one million images from the pages of 17th, 18th, and 19th century books in their collection!  The images fall into many categories (maps, adverts, portraits, etc.) and are posted on Flickr Commons, which means they're in the Public Domain.

Below is but one example from the cache: an illustration from Monsieur At Home by Albert Rhodes, published by Field & Tuer, London, 1885.  It's quite...uh, phat, right?

Enjoy!

Go to: BRITISH NEWSPAPERS
Go to: BRITISH RADIO
Go to: BRITISH BOOKS
Go to: HOMEPAGE

THE DAY OF THE DOCTOR (Trailer for 50th Anniversary TV show)

 

Go to: BRITISH TV
Go to: BRITISH CARS
Go to: BRITISH SPORTS
Go to: BRITISH DRINKS
Go to: HOMEPAGE

 
Dear Anglophiles: A couple of news articles are on the agenda today. . . .  

• The Queen's husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, has been hospitalized for exploratory abdominal surgery.  A palace spokesperson says the Duke is "in very good health," but we all know that news could change on a dime, pending surgical results.  Please join me in wishing the Duke the best of health!  To read an article from The Guardian about the Duke's hospitalization, click HERE  

• Selfridges department store on Oxford Street in London was robbed!  Ordinarily, such news might fly under our radar, but since the ITV/Masterpiece series Mr. Selfridge, many of us Anglophiles have come to feel like Selfridges is our department store, and we take this robbery quite personally.  Humph!  To read a BBC News article about the robbery, click HERE
  

NOTE:  Listening to London radio news yesterday about Selfridges, I heard one talk-show host describe the robbery as "quite a kerfuffle."  Now really, I don't think I've ever heard a newscaster on this side of the pond use such a delightful description, and hearing this wonderful use of the English language made me an even more ardent Anglophile!

To listen to my favorite London radio station, LBC (London's Biggest Conversation), 97.3 F.M., click HERE

Go to: BRITISH NEWSPAPERS
Go to: BRITISH RADIO
Go to: BBC NEWS FEED
Go to: HOMEPAGE