Adam Howitt's Blog

Mar 31
2005

Saint George's Day

Before you get out of the drinking spirit for another year, as St Paddy's day slips into the back of your mind, stop and raise a glass on April 23rd to Saint George.

The patron Saint of England was in the Roman army and was beheaded for protesting the Emperor's persecution of Christians. His banner, the red cross representing a martyr on a white background, is the flag of England to this day and is part of the Union Jack. In 1265 a book about the Saints spread the legend that George slayed a Dragon. There is a really good account of the underlying meaning of the story at Brittania.com.

Nov 03
2004

Vote for the World

It's no surprise to me that many Guardian readers in the UK signed up to write letters urging people in the US to vote. They didn't say vote Bush or Kerry, just vote and know what the rest of the world is hoping you think about.

Some people were indignant about these interfering Brits, some welcomed the attention. I think many Americans don't appreciate the impact that the US presidency has on every other country in the world. After 4 years living in the US under Bush, I have been pulling for Kerry but at 12.50am CST it looks improbable.

One thing it has brought to my attention is how out of touch I have become with British Politics since leaving in 2000. If you can excuse the fact that this is a part of the BBC for schools, here is a quick summary of the electoral process in the UK.

For more depth visit this, wait for it, ColdFusion website for the Houses of Parliament.

Jun 25
2003

So how do you feel about Beckham?

I think it has become cool to be British. Americans have started to show an interest in pop culture from the UK so my latest round of questions include: 1. How do you feel about Beckham leaving to play in Europe? 2. What is the deal between him and Posh Spice? 3. Why doesn't England have a King?

I'm going to answer the questions later but first a bit about cool UK. Most of the interest in the rest of the world appears to be a fairly new concept in the US sparked by the support offered by the UK in the war against Iraq. A recently reported stat from the Guardian suggests that 41% of Americans think Tony Blair would make a good president of the USA. The last time we were this popular in America was the 60s when our fashion, music and movies were all big things.

I moved to Atlanta nearly two years ago after a spell in Chicago and there are more British pubs down here. Fado and the recently opened James Joyce in Decatur are the only Irish bars I know of while the Brewhouse, Hand in Hand, Fox and Hounds, Rose and Crown, Prince of Wales and The Angel all ouze with Brits and Britophiles from Thursday through Sunday. Almost a home from home.

Now for the answers to the questions: 1. Beckham to Europe? We didn't really need him to stay. Just 6 goals in 31 league appearances since July 2002 betrays his success at the club earlier in his career when he scored more, played more and showed more desire to make his mark on the game. 2. Beckham and Posh? Couldn't tell you. 3. England's King. King George VI died of cancer on February 6, 1952. His marriage to Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon bore two children, Elizabeth and Margaret and the eldest child takes the throne. The former Queen Consort, Elizabeth is now known as the Queen Mother.

Aug 11
2002