Category: News

In case you haven’t been following up for the past several days, I’ve been in England. Check the news archives for my previous adventures.

Yesterday we went out to Wales, which originally due to my ignorance I thought was in the UK. However it isn’t, it’s considered its own country. Duh – silly American. The country side looks much like Birmingham’s, but the road signs all contain English and Gaelic signs (at least I think it was Gaelic). We hung out and had a dinner at a local restaurant. It was quite tasty.

Today we tripped out to Stratford Upon Avon. For those not in the know, this is where Mr. William Shakespeare was born. We strolled around the town. Got to see little shops, houses, and of course the insurgence of Americanism. I had no idea Shakespeare had an affinity for Pizza Hut. We went to the church were he was baptised and now where his bones are apparently at rest. Interesting enough, the church was built in stages a very long time ago, with the first part in 1331. We then tooled around to the house where he was born and the house where he died. The one thing I noticed was how short all the doorways are. I should have some pictures of it when I get back to the states, and I’ll post how tall I look in comparison.

We were shopping at a local market this evening and while we were in there over the store speakers comes on something that you’d never hear in the States… Ozzy Ozbourne was on the loudspeaker system in a grocery market! I had to stop and think about that for a second. Anyway, I guess it could be expected as Ozzy is from Birmingham. Heh. Tonight after dinner I believe we’re going out to the Jug of Ale in Mosely. To have a Pint and catch some live music.

Book Review: I finished Rich Dad Poor Dad last night. Here’s the premise: its about changing your thinking to help you be wealthy and not a slave to money. Instead it’s a way of thinking that money should work for you and not the other way around. I guess I just stated the same thing twice oh well. The most interesting aspect is the change in definition as to what an asset and a liability really is. Already it’s given me a swift kick in the butt. Its not an easy concept for most people to change their thinking about money, but if you’re willing, this book is probably your best start for doing so!

Again, check the archives for previous Englandisms and check back over the next several days as I plan on updating daily. Until then “Cheers!”.

Jody

Now that I’ve been hooked on tea and crumpets, I’ve finally been fed a proper Fish and Chips dinner. Actually, I ordered Steak and Onion pie with Chips and had a piece of fish to go with it. It was quite good. Last night I was treated to a trip to a pub The Actress and the Bishop. We had a couple of pints and watched a band fronted by a guy who used to play in the days of Traffic. Brit-blues-pop is alive and well. One severe difference between Los Angeles and England bar wise is: people actually sit and appreciate the music instead of contantly talking. The second major difference is: smoke. People smoke like chimminey’s. That I don’t miss – I do appreciate that people can’t smoke in bars in LA.

On the subject of music, I have the distinct feeling that here in the U.K. music is more important to people. Its more pervasive on the TV and with the people I’ve met, they seek out music, rather than waiting to have it fed to them. I actually dig that concept. Maybe I’ve just never noticed it in America. I guess I’ll find out when I get back.

Today we’re heading to Wales. It should be a fun trip. Tomorrow I may be playing an open mic in Mosely, who knows.

In the written word, I’ve started reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad. I’ll give my thoughts on it, when I finish the book.

Have a great day!

Alrighty, I’ve been in England for only a few hours and I’ve already had my first Crumpet and several cups of tea. It took me a few minutes to get used to seeing cars driving on the opposite side of the road. But now I’m cool with it and it seems quite normal. Maybe I’ll take a chance at driving. Though I think it would be odd to have the stick on the opposite hand to drive.

In the meantime, I’ll be attempting to make some updates on my trip around the UK countryside.

Book Review of the Moment: Under the Banner of Heaven. Talk about a serious look into the concept of polygamy and what people do to get around it’s illegality is amazing. This book is also an impromptu look into the history of the Mormon Church and how it gots its start. UTBOH is a real page turner. I couldn’t stop reading. I found it extremely strange to read about a faction of Mormon’s called Mormon Fundamentalism. Though the book sometimes feels a bit scattered in its composition, I really liked it. I understand the religious nature of people and that they often feel about religion the way they feel about music. People often can’t deal with opposing views from their own. Despite that, I would recommend reading this book. If nothing else, it’s an exciting story based on real events and facts.

Jody