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

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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

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’?

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

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.

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