Last Monday, June 15th, the Magna Carta was 800 years old. Yeah, I know. It’s not a date on the tip of your tongue. But, without the Magna Carta there wouldn’t have been a Declaration of Independence, and without the Declaration we wouldn’t celebrate the 4th of July. And without the 4th of July,
Articles Categorized United Kingdom
Scandal at Highclere Castle / Downton Abbey
Last week I wrote about Highclere Castle where Downton Abbey is filmed. But what about the Earls of Carnarvon who have made Highclere Castle their “seat” since 1679? [Sidebar: This is interesting, since Carnarvon is actually in North Wales. Then again, few English lords choose to live in Wales.] I began looking at the
THE “REAL” DOWNTON ABBEY
The recent announcement that next season will be the last time viewers can catch up with Lord Grantham and the Crawley family caused consternation among Downton Abbey’s loyal fans. Downton Abbey is the most successful program in the history of PBS broadcasting. In 2013, NBC Universal, owner of Carnival Films, estimated that worldwide, over 120
BONFIRE NIGHT: The 5th of November
Remember, Remember! The fifth of November, The Gunpowder treason and plot; I know of no reason Why the Gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot! Once upon a time, thirteen conspirators decided to blow up the House of Lords. Known as the Gunpowder Plot and foiled at its source, Catholic sympathizers wanted to kill James
BILE BEANS – PRECURSOR TO LIFESTYLE DRUGS
Crossing the Lord Mayor’s Walk in York (UK), I could not help but notice the prescriptive sign above. The first time I saw it, I was running late and scampered across the street on my way to St. John’s University. The sign greeted me daily for about a week. On more leisurely mornings, I
“THE LADY’S NOT FOR TURNING” – Margaret Thatcher, 1925-2013
Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979-1990, died last Monday, from a stroke. She was 87 years old. Her detractors are ecstatic – making “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead” from the Wizard of Oz near the top of the charts and holding celebratory “Death Parties.” They hold her responsible for current
EASTER – SPRING – THE EXPECTATION OF NEW LIFE
OSTARA: PAGAN GODDESS OF SPRING Ostara, an obscure Germanic goddess, lent her name to the annual season of Easter. Anglo-Saxon accounts mention feasts in her honor held in April. EASTER: CHRISTIAN CELEBRATION OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION The early Christian Church superimposed its teaching on many ancient holidays, among them celebrations to welcome Spring’s return. Easter is
HALLELUJAH! – It’s Time to Sing Messiah
Christmas is a time when otherwise ordinary people burst into song. Children and adults sing carols to their families, their friends, unsuspecting pets, and even venture into assisted living facilities. Little kids learn Jingle Bells. Adults throw caution to the winds and participate in Messiah Sing-a-Longs. An extreme version of this activity is “Christmas Food
On Christmas Pudding
I sat enjoying the evening breeze, when the Handsome Bloke said, “I fancy Christmas Pudding this year.” Was he joking? No, he wore a meaningful look. “Oh,” said I. “I don’t suppose our grocery store has any in for the holidays?” “I’ll ask.” Wait a minute! What about the picture? What is the picture
York: City of Ghosts
A very good day to you, me hearties. I’ve been sitting at the bar of The Golden Fleece in York for a very long time, judging by my attire. (Ah-hem) And, since it is approaching Halloween, I have taken over this here blog from Sandra Wagner-Wright. She don’t know nothin’ about ghosts, but I can
