December 2014
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS Enjoy them in Britain with
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Reader Offer: special Jersey Boys tickets deal Interviews: Lorna Luft & Aaron Tveit, both in London
PLUS: OUR EXCLUSIVE US/UK SOCIAL GROUPS GUIDE
THE KING HAS ARRIVED ™
THE LARGEST ELVIS EXHIBITION EVER IN EUROPE Opens 12th December 2014 Book tickets: elvisattheo2.com | 08448 24 48 24 © EPE. Graceland and its marks are trademarks of EPE. All Rights Reserved. ELVIS ™, ELVIS PRESLEY ™ and THE KING are trademarks of ABG EPE IP LLC. Rights of Publicity and Persona Rights are used with permission of ABG EPE IP LLC. Photo © 2014 Elvis.com.
The American ®
Issue 739 December 2014 PUBLISHED BY SP MEDIA FOR
Blue Edge Publishing Ltd. Old Byre House, East Knoyle, Salisbury SP3 6AW, UK Tel: +44 (0)1747 830520
Departments: News, Article ideas, Press releases: editor@theamerican.co.uk Advertising & Promotions: advertising@theamerican.co.uk Subscriptions: theamerican@blueedge.co.uk The Team: Michael Burland, Content Director + Motors, Music & Sport michael@theamerican.co.uk Sabrina Sully, Content Director & Community Contact sabrina@theamerican.co.uk Daniel Byway, Content Executive dan@theamerican.co.uk Virginia E Schultz, Food & Drink (USA) virginia@theamerican.co.uk Michael M Sandwick, Food & Drink (UK) mms@theamerican.co.uk Mary Bailey, Social mary@theamerican.co.uk Alison Holmes, Politics alison@theamerican.co.uk Jarlath O’Connell, Theater jarlath@theamerican.co.uk
©2014 Blue Edge Publishing Ltd. Printed by Advent Colour Ltd., www.advent-colour.co.uk ISSN 2045-5968 Main Cover: Houses of Parliament, photo courtesy Houses of Parliament; Circular Inset: Jersey Boys; Square Inset: Lorna Luft
@TheAmericanMag
I
t’s nearly midwinter. Can you believe it? As we go to press, it’s unseasonally warm in Britain, although the residents of New York State are shivering in a month’s worth of snow over a couple of days so we could be under six feet of the white stuff by the time you read this. As they say, if you don’t like the British weather, wait five minutes and it’ll be different. Our undercover expat columnist Miss Patricia certainly had a chilly ‘reception’ in England (see page 19). Best to stay in, perhaps, and ruminate on the Midterm elections - Sir Robert Worcester (who was born in Kansas City despite the knighthood) has teased the meaning out of the numbers for us. We’re thrilled to welcome Lorna Luft and Aaron Tveit to London stages this month, and they’ve both given us exclusive interviews. We also have some important advice about expatriate finance that you must read, and coverage of the NFL International Series at Wembley. Happy Holidays everyone, and enjoy your magazine,
Michael Burland, Content Director michael@theamerican.co.uk
Among this month’s contributors
Miss Patricia The American’s undercover expatriate columnist wrestles with the concept of the British TV licence - we make the result a draw
Sir Peter Luff, MP The Co-Chair of the Speakers’ Advisory Group for Parliament’s 2015 Historic Programme tells us about two amazing anniversaries
Sir Robert Worcester Born in Kansas, based in Britain, the founder of pollsters MORI gives the lowdown on the mid-terms: what the numbers really mean
Read The American online at www.theamerican.co.uk The entire contents of The American and www.theamerican.co.uk are protected by copyright and no part of it may be reproduced without written permission of the publishers. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information in The American is accurate, the editor and publishers cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions or any loss arising from reliance on it. The views and comments of contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers.
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in this issue... 10 Christmas Gift Guide 13 Dancing To The Rescue for Parkinson’s 16 Parliament in the Making 19 Miss Patricia Gets A Chilly Reception 22 Lorna Luft Interviewed 24 Expat Finance: the answers you need 29 Win a Harrods Hamper
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Aaron Tveit in London: The Interview Jersey Boys Ticket and Dinner Special Offer Midterm Blues: The Final Reckoning Gary Hart, Northern Ireland Special Envoy NFL at Wembley - Games 2 & 3 Chris Jericho Interview Motorsport Gimmickry
4 News
33 Coffee Break
54 US Social Groups
6 Diary Dates
34 Arts
62 A-List Products & Services
28 Food & Drink
38 Theater
64 Peggy Lee
2 December 2014
Choose from our specialist collection of over 74 exper tly sourced hampers for all tastes, including our Gourmet, Premium, Specialty Brands, and Expor table ranges. Order at the Food Orders Desk, Food Halls, Ground Floor, or online at harrods.com or call 033 3300 1000
The American
NEWS The Letter From America
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elebrities including Susan Sarandon, Daryl Hannah and Robert Kennedy Jr and 57 million Americans have joined NGOs, trade groups and businesses such as Food & Water Watch, the Sierra Club, the Rachel Carson Council, Friends of the Earth, the Organic Consumers Association, Dr Bronner’s and NYR Organic to send an open letter to the British public warning of the dangers, as they see it, of genetically modified (GM) crops. A copy, addressed to Prime Minister David Cameron, was handed in to No. 10 Downing Street on November 11. The European Parliament will vote in January on whether to allow EU member states to decide if GM crops can be grown in their countries or not. If the legislation is passed, the UK could see the planting of commercial GM crops within eighteen months.
CAWC Christmas Bazaar Success
American Remembrance
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n their 27th year of running a fundraising Bazaar, the Chilterns American Women’s Club raised more than £14,000 for their chosen traditional beneficiary, the Chalfont St. Peter-based Epilepsy Society, and this year’s rotating co-beneficiary, the High Wycombe-based Horizon Sports Club, beating last year’s total by £1,000. The club has now raised £243,000 for charity. The Bazaar, which took place at the Bellhouse Hotel in Gerrards Cross on November 16, attracted more than 1,000 shoppers for Christmas bargains, cakes, cookies and other treats. All 277 of the specially prepared hampers prepared by CAWC members were sold.
mbassador Matthew Barzun found participating in the Tower of London poppy installation as moving as the artwork itself. So he was surprised when he was featured in the photo accompanying The Guardian’s Art & Design Critic Jonathan Jones’ pan of the installation. Jones sees the 888,246 ceramic poppies that represent British and colonial fatalities in World War I as nationalistic, insulting the fallen of the other nations, and a glorification of war. To Mr Barzun it is instead a glorification of life despite war, a tribute to people, and a reminder of war’s horrifying and colossal consequences as well as one of the most inclusive pieces of art in the UK.
Handing the open letter to Downing Street: (L-R) Beyond GM’s Pat Thomas, designer Vivienne Westwood, chef Val Warner, US campaigners Diana Reeves and Pamm Larry, Michael Meacher MP. PHOTO © ANDREW WIARD
Ambassador Barzun adding a poppy to the Tower of London installation PHOTO: © US EMBASSY LONDON
4 December 2014
The American
OUT & ABOUT
US Marines at the Cenotaph: (R-L in red jackets) Michael Allen (Founding Commandant), Jim Beery (Judge Advocate) & Robert Hethcoat (Sgt at Arms)
US Marine Veterans Poppies at Parham Parham Airfield Museum March at Cenotaph At(right) hundreds of local chil-
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ondon UK Detachment, US Marine Corps League (above), became the first American unit to march in the UK’s major Remembrance event and lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, November 9. They were invited to participate because of the US Marine Corps’ close links with the UK’s Royal Marines, who are celebrating their 350th anniversary this year.
dren made poppies to commemorate the 740 American airmen based there who died during World War II. Each poppy was inscribed with the names of one airman and the child who produced it. The children read out the recollections of Albert Redwine, a tail gunner whose B-17 was hit by flak and crashed. He parachuted out and survived but four men were lost.
December 2014 5
The American
List your event in The American: email editor@theamerican.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)1747 830520
Highlights of The Month Ahead
There’s much more online at www.theamerican.co.uk The American Museum in Britain Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD www.americanmuseum.org 01225 460503 to December 14 Christmas at the only museum outside the USA to showcase the nation’s decorative arts. The Period Rooms come to life, recreating scenes from popular American fiction, and events include: December 5 Christmas Late Opening; Workshops; Dec 14 Holiday Homecoming, a magical end to the Museum’s Christmas season, with festive carols, the chance to create your Christmas folk art bird, and meet Santa!
ACA Town Hall Meeting London: Tax Royal Over-Seas League, Park Place, St James’s Street, London SW1A 1LR www.americansabroad.org info@americansabroad.org December 2 Changes in the US Tax Laws: How they impact US Citizens in the UK. Speakers will discuss key issues covering New US and UK tax rules: Opportunities and Pitfalls, US and UK pension & estate planning, key points for Americans in the UK, and Catching up if you’re out of compliance for income tax and FBAR reporting. Vauxhall Christmas Tree Maze Kennington Lane, London SE11 5HY www.iceskatevauxhall.co.uk November 21 to January 4 A half square mile maze of Christmas Trees with hundreds of trees sparkling with festive lights. Also, ice skating, fair rides and a Christmassy food market.
Christmas Treats: Handel House Concert at St George’s St. George’s Hanover Square, St. George’s Street, W1S 1FX www.handelhouse.org 020 7399 1953 December 18 Seasonal delights with 18th century sing-a-long hymns and excerpts from Messiah and an insight into Handel’s Christmas with some of his operas and oratorios that he wrote around this time.
6 December 2014
Christmas Gardens at RHS Various www.rhs.org.uk December 1 to 31 RHS Gardens around the UK enjoy the festive season with displays, Christmas trees, Christmas dinners, lunches, craft fairs and exhibitions. Christmas at Waddesdon Manor Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury, HP18 0JH www.waddesdon.org.uk December 1 to 31 Family-friendly festive events, including letter writing to Father Christmas, craft workshops, afternoon teas, and Huskies!
Christmas at St Paul’s Cathedral St. Paul’s Cathedral, London EC4M 8AD www.stpauls.co.uk/Christmas December 1 to 31 Special services thru December. Blind Veterans Carol Concert St Marylebone Parish Church, 17 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 5LT www.blindveterans.org.uk December 2 Christmas Concert, supporting blind veterans, set in a spectacular church. Guards Chapel Christmas Concert The Guards Museum, Birdcage Walk, London SW1E 6HQ www.macmillan.org.uk December 4 Join the Royal Military Chapel Choir for carols, classical renditions and celebrity readings, in support of Macmillan. Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DS www.london.gov.uk December 4 to 23 A Norwegian Spruce is an annual gift from the people of Norway, thanks for Britain’s support during World War II. The tree is lit on Dec. 4 at 6pm. Festive carols under the tree take place until the 23rd. London Xmas Pudding Race Covent Garden, London www.xmaspuddingrace.org.uk December 6 Teams battle an obstacle course whilst trying to keep a Christmas Pudding balanced on a tray! On behalf of Cancer Research UK.
The American
Santa Visits Washington Old Hall The Avenue, Washington Village, Washington NE38 7LE www.nationaltrust.org. ukwashington-old-hall December 6 to 7 Santa visits the home of George Washington’s ancestors. Crafts, face painting, films & a chance to meet Santa. Santa, Huskies and Reindeer London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, London SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk December 6 to 7 Hop aboard a Husky sleigh ride to visit
Santa and his Reindeer in his Grotto, then explore London’s expansive wetland nature reserve.
Rochester Dickensian Christmas Rochester, Kent www.visitmedway.org/events/ rochester-dickensian-christmas-festival December 6 to 7 A traditional Victorian Christmas, with song, dance and stories bringing to life Charles Dickens’ characters. GOSH Christmas Concert St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge, London www.gosh.org December 9 Special performances from the Choristers of Thomas’s Battersea, the London Central Fellowship Band and the Band of the Welsh Guards in the beautiful Victorian St Paul’s Church in Knightsbridge, raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital. Benjamin Franklin House Party Benjamin Franklin House, 36 Craven Street, London WC2N 5NF www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org December 10 Ben Franklin’s House welcomes its friends and neighbors to a special festive party with mince pies and mulled wine!
London’s New Year’s Day Parade Starts Green Park Tube Station, ends Parliament Square www.lnydp.com , info@lnydp.com 0203 275 0190 January 1 One of the world’s great street spectaculars with up to 10,000 performers from across continents, including a host of performers from the States, including the Appalachian State University Marching Mountaineers, Cherokee High School Band of Warriors, Greater Atlanta Christian School Marching Band, and Lake Highlands Wildcat Wranglers.
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Christmas in the City Barbican Centre, Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS www.barbican.org.uk December 21 The City of London Choir and the Royal Philharmonic’s Brass combine to celebrate Christmas with joyful festive carols. Burning the Clocks, Brighton Madeira Drive, Brighton, E. Sussex BN2 1PS www.visitbrighton.com/whats-on/ burning-the-clocks-p372371 December 21 For the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, locals of Brighton and Hove make paper and willow lanterns, take them to Brighton beach to burn in an impressive fire and fireworks display. Stonehenge Winter Solstice Stonehenge, nr Amesbury, Wiltshire SP4 7DE www.english-heritage.org.uk December 22 Witness the spectacular Winter Solstice sunrise at the World Heritage site. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols King’s College, Cambridge CB2 1ST www.kings.cam.ac.uk December 24 The Christmas Eve service is heard by millions around the world by radio. In the US, 300 stations broadcast the service. To attend, queue before 9am at the College.
Shakespeare’s Globe at Christmas Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com December 11 to January 11 For the first time, the Globe offers theatrical delights throughout winter.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay www.edinburghshogmanay.org December 31 The best place to celebrate the New Year, with parties, concerts, fireworks and the UK’s largest outdoor New Year ceilidh.
Light up the Palace Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk December 12 to 23 A unique interactive light trail in the Palace’s gardens: see what effects your actions have on the lights!
Volunteering at Christmas Countrywide www.thesite.org/work-and-study/ volunteering/volunteering-at-christmas December Give the gift of your time at Christmas. Suggestions and contacts on this website range from the Salvation Army to Carol Singing for charity.
Houses of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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Give someone an exclusive art tour this Christmas. Art History UK’s beautifully presented vouchers make for original, surprising and fascinating presents. Vouchers can be applied to our weekly series of public day and evenings tours or we can create a bespoke tour voucher to suit your interests and budget. To buy your Christmas voucher please email info@arthistoryuk.com or call 020 7602 3716.
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10 December 2014
Atlantic Watches UK is the official distributor of ‘Atlantic Watches Switzerland’ and for the first time brings to the UK watch market more than 125 years of Atlantic Watches’ Swiss watchmaking heritage. This indeed shows the infinity of time and in the UK they continue this fine history and tradition where quality and customer care are paramount. In the UK they stock a fine collection of Ladies and Gentlemen’s watches with mechanical, automatic and quartz Swiss movements. Atlantic Watches UK supports the “Smile Train”. For every watch sold in the UK, £1 is pledged to the “Smile Train” a donation that helps children rebuild their lives. We hope that knowing this brings a “smile” to your face! See UK stock at www.atlanticwatches. co.uk and quote “the American” to receive a 10% discount on your watch purchase.
H.R. Stokes is the only English stockist of Crane & Co, the wonderful American stationery brand that was a favourite of Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt. For over 150 years they have been providing exquisite personalised stationery and invitations. What better place to go to get your Christmas cards? H.R. Stokes, 58 Elizabeth Street London SW1W 9PB 020 7730 7073 info@hrstokes.com, www.hrstokes.com
The American Do you have friends who’ve relocated and miss The American? Would you like to get the magazine each month at home or work? For just the postage, £20 (UK) or £40 (rest of world) you can get a copy mailed hot off the press and never miss a copy for a whole year.
The American
A Shard’s Eye View L
ondon’s skyline is amongst the most fascinating, and iconic, in the world. It’s a unique blend of the modern and the historic; from Canary Wharf and the Gherkin to the Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s Cathedral. We’ve all seen images and videos of the vista, but to see it for yourself from up high is quite another thing – and London’s highest vantage point at the Shard offers a unique view of this incredible city, says Daniel Byway. If you plan a visit to the Shard, you’re going for the view, and it’s not a view you’ll be disappointed by. The Shard is 800ft tall, and its viewing platforms occupy the highest habitable floors of the building – levels 69 to 72. It’s a quick ride to the top, two elevators whisk you up in no time at all, and it’s surprisingly smooth given the elevators travel at six meters per second!
The view when you reach the top is nothing short of spectacular. It’s at once familiar, but also refreshingly vibrant – it’s a scene many have seen on tv, on posters and in magazines, but it’s a living London canvas. During our trip, you could see crowds huddling to view the ceramic poppy display at the Historic Royal Palace, tour buses moving through the streets, boats skimming up the Thames. You can see as far as Canary Wharf and the Olympic Stadium to the East of London, and Battersea Power Station and the new Nine Elms development (where the new US Embassy is to be located) to the West. Among the landmarks, views of Tower Bridge, the Thames Barrier, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Wembley Stadium and more make this a great way to survey the city, particularly if you’ve never been before. There are handy interac-
tive telescopes which help point out key sights, but there’s nothing nicer than experiencing the Shard’s view with friends or family, helping each other point out key landmarks and sharing the remarkable sight. Free wifi also means you can share photographs then and there with your mobile phone. Although the view is what brings people to the Shard, it’s really worth mentioning how straight forward the entire experience is. If you’re traveling via London Bridge Underground or Mainlane station, the entrance to the Shard is right outdoors. The assistants guiding you through the building are helpful and friendly, and even the airport style security is quick and simple. I went for the view, but I’d happily return because the view was made even better by among the most relaxed London tourist experiences in the capital.
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The American
Dancing To The Rescue T
he Dance for Parkinson’s programme in the UK, hosted by English National Ballet, grows apace. Since Judith Potts visited the London class (see the July issue) it has added to its repertoire, with Ipswich and Cardiff joining the London, Oxford and Liverpool venues. The classes are run on a termly basis. During those three breaks a year, though, there was no dancing. However, thanks to a young London-based American dancer, people living with Parkinson’s can continue seamlessly with their classes. Alexis Wickwire Ephgrave, who hails from Seattle, has lived in the UK for eleven years. Her husband Nick, who is British, works for Parkinson’s UK and it was through him that Alexis found her way to the Dance for Parkinson’s programme. Alexis told me about her passion for working with the programme: “This is where my heart is.” From age three Alexis took ballet, tap and jazz classes, was involved in cheerleading and then acting. At University she danced with the Seattle Supersonics but persistent stress injuries slowed down her dance career and when she moved to New York City in 1998, she turned to the acting side of the profession and earned her Equity card.
US Expat Alexis Wickwire Ephgrave back home in Seattle
Having worked in, and much enjoyed, community theater in New York, Alexis gravitated towards a different type of community in London. Seeing the work being done by English National Ballet, Alexis was encouraged to return to dance and use her talent for the benefit of the Parkinson’s community. First came a trip back to the USA in 2009, to train with the Mark Morris Dance Company in Brooklyn,
where the Dance for Parkinson’s programme originated, then a teaching course with The British Ballet Organisation. Armed with these qualifications, Alexis joined English National Ballet as a volunteer for its London classes. As each new term began, Alexis noticed that the participants suffered a “degeneration of movement after the break” and – with the help of Nick – decided to fill the gaps in
December 2014 13
The American
Hats off to Alexis! PHOTOS COURTESY ALEXIS WICKWIRE EPHGRAVE
the dancing year. A.W.E. Inspired Dance for Parkinson’s was born. The classes – held at St Clement’s Church Hall in the Fulham Road - are partly sponsored by the Kensington and Chelsea Parkinson’s UK Support Group and take place on the five weekends of each of the termly breaks. Assisted by Pat Kirkwood and Christine Casimir, Alexis believes in “encouraging everyone to give it a try; to release your creativity and to join the community”. Each session, which costs £5 for the person with Parkinson’s but nothing at all for the accompanying carer or friend, runs for 1 hour and 15 minutes, with a five minute break for water in the middle. Before and after the dancing, there is a chance to chat, drink tea and eat biscuits, ably served by Nick – an integral part of the whole programme. The strength of those who belong to the Parkinson’s community is astonishing. Coping with the condition would seem enough of a trial, but many who dance also sing in the Choir and play very active roles in Parkinson’s support groups.
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Alexis said: “They are grabbing life and their energy is contagious. They are the most positive people and so supportive of each other and me.” “Not everyone who comes to the classes is local – some make a two hour journey each week. The split between men and women is 50/50, which is great because men are not always so eager to join a dancing class – but they come once and they are hooked!” The classes are run “from the performer’s point of view”, with planned choreography and recorded music, incorporating ballet, jazz, tap and mime. Alexis explains that “It is all about power and rebirth - imagery and rhythm play a big part in awakening the body and the spirit – but it is important to remember that we don’t do exercises – we do dances”. When she is not teaching her own classes, Alexis visits support groups and takes her dance session to them. Asked to sum up her feeling about her work with Dance for Parkinson’s, Alexis’ reply was simple: “In your soul there is no better place to be.”
JOIN THE FUN
Alexis’ next A.W.E. Inspired Dance for Parkinson’s course runs from the end of December to the middle of January: December 13th, 20th, 27th & January 3rd, 2015 (all Saturdays, from 2-4pm) and Sunday January 11th, 2015, 4-6pm. If you are interested in Alexis’ classes because you are enrolled with English National Ballet and would like to continue during the breaks, or if you are waiting for a place on the ENB course and would like to start sooner, or if you would just like to “give it a go,” please contact her on aweinspireddance@yahoo.co.uk or call her on 07737 661208. Contact numbers for her co-teachers are Pat Kirkwood on 07963 422288 and Christine Casimir on 020 8994 0217. www.parkinsons.org.uk www.danceforparkinsons.org
Judith Potts writes on health matters for The Telegraph and can be emailed on judith.potts@telegraph.co.uk and found on Twitter @JudithPotts
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The American
Parliament in the Making: 2015 S
ir Peter Luff outlines the Houses of Parliament’s wcommemorative plans for a spectacular year to come: 2015 is a momentous year for the Houses of Parliament as we commemorate a series of major anniversaries including the eighth centenary of sealing Magna Carta and 750th anniversary of Simon de Montfort’s parliament. Throughout 2015, across the country, Parliament will bring communities and individuals of all ages together to mark and remember the movements and moments that have shaped our democratic heritage. Through Parliament in the Making – a vibrant UK-wide programme of cultural events and activities, and online resources – we are connecting current and future generations with the stories of these special anniversaries.
Magna Carta anniversary
On 15 June 1215 King John of England authorised the sealing of Magna Carta at Runnymede, an ancient meadow on the banks of the River Thames in Surrey. Magna Carta, meaning the ‘great charter’, is one of the world’s most famous documents. Containing around 3,500 words, written in Latin on calfskin parchment, it asserted a fundamental principle that the ruler was subject to the law and could
16 December 2014
not treat individuals or the realm in an arbitrary, absolutist manner. This principle is encapsulated in its two most famous clauses, 39 and 40: “No free man is to be seized, imprisoned, disseised [deprived of property] or outlawed or exiled on in anyway destroyed, nor will we [King John] proceed against him, save by the lawful judgement of his peers or by the law of the land.” “To no one will we sell, to no one will we deny or delay right or justice.” Eight hundred years on, we are all connected to Magna Carta as it has had a long-term impact in shaping the world we live in today. Both of these clauses are still on the statute book of the UK today. Regarded as one of the key documents in world constitutional history, Magna Carta also influenced the founding fathers of the United States Constitution.
Montfort Parliament anniversary
Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, was a French nobleman who first came to England in the 1230s. A skilled politician and military leader, he became one of King Henry III’s main advisors and was given great responsibility. In 1258 Montfort became the leader of a rebellion against the king. He held two parliaments during his time in power,
the second of which took place at Westminster between January and March 1265. It was this parliament that built on the principles set out in Magna Carta and, for the first time, summoned representatives from all the shires and towns. This is widely thought to have paved the way for the emergence of the House of Commons as we know it today.
What’s happening?
A new large-scale banners exhibition launches on 20 January 2015 in the medieval Westminster Hall at the Houses of Parliament in London. Each will respond to a movement and moment that has ‘made a difference’ in the journey to the rights and representations that we enjoy today, including the emergence of Parliament, the Civil War, Suffrage Acts, groups such as the Chartists and Levellers, as well as the development of civil and human rights. The banners are being created by nine artists: Alinah Azadeh, Maria Amidu, Ross Birrell, Ruth Ewan, Rachel Gadsden, Joel Millerchip, Ross Sinclair, Paula Stevens-Hoare and Jason Wilsher-Mills. The exhibition will be on display until late November 2015. On 5 February the four surviving original copies of the 1215 Magna Carta will be displayed in the House of Lords. An historically significant
The American
Westminster Hall IMAGE ©HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
moment, for the first time the documents that established the principle of the rule of law will be united in the place where UK law is made: two are being loaned from The British Library, a third from Lincoln Cathedral and the fourth from Salisbury Cathedral. This one-day event launches a month-long Parliamentary Archives’ exhibition that will include iconic documents such as the Bill of Rights and the 1832 Great Reform Act. Both the banners exhibition and the Parliamentary Archives’ exhibition will be open to the public, making 2015 is a fantastic year in which to visit Parliament. On Sunday 14 June 2015, to coincide with the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, LiberTeas takes place. Communities across the country will simultaneously stop for tea and celebrate, debate and reflect on their freedoms and rights. People can sign-up to host
an event, or find out about what’s happening near them, at www. liberteas.co.uk (live from January 2015). A number of programmes for children and young people will be launched throughout 2015. The 2015 Flag Project has launched, to mark the anniversary of the Montfort Parliament, which will see young people from across the UK create a shared picture of democracy. Each Member of the House of Commons has been invited to nominate a primary school to design a flag to represent where they live. All the flags will ‘fly’ online in a digital exhibition space and, with the support of the DCMS, 92 will fly in Parliament Square at a special event in March 2015. With thanks to Professor David Carpenter and Professor Christopher Tilley.
Sir Peter Luff is MP for Mid Worcestershire and Co-Chair of the Speakers’ Advisory Group for Parliament’s 2015 historic anniversaries programme. Join us and take part in these commemorations. Share your photos and thoughts about Parliament in the Making by using #parliament2015 on Twitter and Instagram. Find out more about Parliament’s anniversary celebrations www. parliament.uk/2015 Tours inside the Houses of Parliament, which include the banners exhibition in Westminster Hall, are available on Saturdays throughout the year and on most weekdays during Parliamentary recesses including Christmas, Easter and the summer. For details see www. parliament.uk/visiting.
December 2014 17
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The American
Miss Patricia
Gets a Cool Reception L
ife can go on without a TV you know. Even for Americans. And even in Britain. Dear reader, I know... I am that person. Americans see a lot of dark and stormy English nights, staying up late to Skype everyone Stateside. My daughter can tell what time I’m calling, because while she is enjoying a flavorful luncheon toastie in blinding sunshine, I am morosely reminding her to beware happiness because everyone dies in the end. Using Skype means I have to fix my hair to make a phone call, except I have to leave it a little messy (but only in the cute way) or people would think I was vain. One of these black storms zapped the TV reception in my friend’s house where I am visiting, and the battle between Corrie and Eastenders paused like hostilities during the WWI Christmas truce. Billing caused a storm of its own.
The British TV licence is a new concept to Americans used to spelling it with an ‘s’ and watching for free. Things are different with the BBC, where viewers pay a small price up front to enjoy well-acted shows free of vulgar interruptions. I especially like the part where you can poke out your eyes with a sharp stick to achieve a 50% discount. Apparently, although blind people cannot watch TV, they may be guilty of listening in, and therefore might craftily derive some enjoyment out of life. Winter weather brought a snowstorm of notices to this household, but even as close to senility as I am, I figured out that I didn’t need to pay to watch a television I hadn’t owned in 40 years. Nor do I need any live TV on a computer, since dead actors in Dad’s Army are fresh meat to a foreigner. Between
shows, I observed that the English insurance industry is dominated by weasels. This business model is used in the US as well. I only know all this from accidentally seeing OTHER people’s televisions, which is perfectly legal. But eyes are the windows of the soul, and until 1851 there was a window tax, so does that mean the future King George might decide to tax me for having my eyelids open? This raises the question (too late): is this really the best choice of names for our new guy? We don’t want anything to erode our ‘special relationship’. That phrase uncomfortably recalls a friend who began earning megamillions and then Dead actors in Dad’s Army are fresh meat to a foreigner, but do we really need live TV? PHOTO ©BBC
December 2014 19
The American
The British in India, replete with Pith Helmets
decided to reward himself with wife swapping, as one does. But he was trading only a girlfriend in exchange for other people’s wives, so was he guilty of fraud? I fretted about his ethics. Since the demise of The Box in my house, we found that it is so pervasive in modern life that one watches TV whether one intends to or not. They are on everywhere you go: shops, pubs and friends’ houses, so one misses very little My original motivation in dumping the silly thing was just to get more work done, but interestingly, people then automatically assumed I was taking a stand against violence as entertainment. Mr Patricia began calling me ‘Cromwell’, claiming I was puritanically outlawing pointless pleasure. Repeated notices from the TV Licensing Board called for a response: ‘Dear British man with an Indian name,’ (I am both accepting of, and confused by, the mass immigration from the Indian subcontinent in the ‘60s. I thought they were mad at the English for going over in comedic helmets to impose whitey bossiness, but what kind of retaliation is serving them curries? Are they taking the pith? My Pakistani-accented taxi driver loves it when people ask where he’s from, so he can slyly tell them it’s Croydon.)
20 December 2014
‘I am staying with a friend temporarily and have moved from our former address. I have never had a TV. I do not watch TV. I do not want a TV in the future.’ Undeterred, my Bangladeshi/ Arthurian knight rose to the challenge and fired back:
Board performed! They wrote respectfully and apologetically, and said they didn’t need to be my close friends any more. So now that they’ve buggered off, I miss them, just like a boyfriend one pines for after dumping him because he was a useless wanker, which term
Dear Madam, Please fill out and return this form: • Are you using TV equipment in your own living area? • Do you have a separate tenancy agreement for your own living area (this can be verbal or written)? • Are you a lodger or paying guest? • Do you have your own external door to your living area? • Are you able to exclude others from your living area by locking the door? • Do you have cooking facilities in your own living area? • Does your living area have its own toilet? • Does your living area have its own washing facilities? (e.g. sink, bath, shower) • Do you receive bills for your own living area, if so please indicate which ones? (Gas, Electric, etc
Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No
.................................................................................................................................. I replied again: ‘Obviously I cannot exclude others by locking any door, because you keep reappearing, smuggled inside envelopes. No, no, and no, etc. Please stop harassing me about your unwanted product.’ And the valiant TV Licensing
I never used because I hadn’t lived here yet, and if it had happened here it would have been too cold for him to run after my car wearing only a bathtowel, shouting ‘You’ll regret this!’ in my rear view mirror, to the delight of his neighbors. My English TV reception has been satisfactory, thank you.
Lorna Luft The American
A
lthough it’s what everyone asks her about, Lorna Luft makes sure her sometimes difficult past does not define her. The title of her new show that she’s bringing to London’s Crazy Coqs cabaret nightclub is a clue: Accentuate The Positive. Speaking to The American from California, before flying back to London (she has toured the UK many times), Lorna was bubbling with enthusiasm, even for the British weather she would face: “It’s warm here in Palm Springs, but I’m looking forward to London. It’s supposed to be cold in winter... I’m married to a Brit (the musician and Lorna’s musical director, Colin R. Freeman) so I get it,” she laughs. “It’s not right to be 90 degrees in December, I never get used to that!” Lorna is appearing at the Crazy Coqs for a residency in December, but her last tour took her to places she had never been before, like Truro in Cornwall. “That’s a lovely part of the country, but I’d never been there before. I’ve toured England so many times, I recognize the town from the dressing room. I walk in and think, ‘Ah, I’ve been in this theater, so I’ve been to this town!’ In Norwich, which is a stunning city with a great sense of life and style, they told me I’d been there twice – I said, ‘How nice, did I have a good time?’ We stay in each town for a week so I try to get out and look around. “Some places I just don’t want to
22 December 2014
leave. Edinburgh has a special place in my heart. We were there for the Independence vote, it was so exciting. And like London it has so many nooks and crannies, you can just walk and get lost. You think, I don’t know where this is going but it’ll come out someplace interesting. “London will always be my second home. I took the train to Southend for rehearsal, that’s a part I didn’t know before, and I don’t know the City of London so well. If any American can take a day, it’s incredible to walk around the City. Not only is it the financial Mecca of Great Britain, like Wall Street, it has the history – this is where it all started! I saw the poppies at the Tower of London. I hope Boris Johnson [London’s Mayor] gets his way and they keep them a while – my husband hasn’t seen them, it’s genius, breathtaking. “I get a shopping list from my family when I come over. Most things you can get both sides of the Atlantic but there are some things I’m on the lookout for - I’m looking forward going to the little bookstores and to buying a Paddington Bear for my new little baby granddaughter.” Lorna’s relationship with Britain and its capital goes back to early childhood. Her mother was, of course, Judy Garland, and her father Sid Luft, who produced A Star Is Born which starred Judy. “My father produced B-movies before he met my mother. Before that he was a test pilot for the
Above: Lorna and her mother, Judy Garland Right: Lorna today IMAGES COURTESY LORNA LUFT
Douglas Aircraft Company. I guess you’d call him a real ‘guy’s guy’, rough around the edges. If you had to cast him, it certainly wouldn’t be Cary Grant, more Humphrey Bogart – who happened to be one of his best friends. Tough drinking, brutally honest and loved, loved, loved the racetrack. He was a Damon Runyon character.” Sid and Judy divorced when Lorna was eleven, and Lorna and her siblings stayed with her mother. “We knew our dad could look after himself and our mom needed us. When the judge asked us, there wasn’t a question. She had difficulties in her life and we are all aware of those, but the one thing it never was, was boring. And given the choice, we were traveling all over the world, going to theaters, there was excitement and drama – you’d choose that over being at home, dinner at six, and going to one school. We lived in London, I went to school there – I had to work on that in therapy later on, because I was never around in school long enough to make friends.”
Accentuating The Positive
Although Lorna’s show business debut was on television, on the 1963 Christmas episode of The Judy Garland Show where she sang ‘Santa Claus Is Coming to Town’, her career has been mainly on the stage, in cabaret and musicals. She made her Broadway debut in 1971 at the Shubert Theatre in the musical Promises, Promises and has starred in The Boy Friend, Grease, Little Shop of Horrors, Mame, Girl Crazy, Guys and Dolls, Gypsy, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Musical (twice in Britain), and The Wizard of Oz (she played the Wicked Witch of the West) among many more. This year Lorna starts the festive season again at the London cabaret club, Crazy Coqs. “Every year I come back this wonderful café club. It’s like performing in your living room, it’s so intimate you can’t hide behind anything, it’s just you and that audience. A lot of performers find that intimidating but I really love it. In this show I’m focusing on one lyricist who was so important to the Great American Songbook: Johnny Mercer was an absolute treasure. He was a poet. He wrote over 1,500 songs, just extraordinary, and they were so joyful and uplifting. In the show I’m doing ‘Accentuate the Positive’, ‘Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home’, and if you’re going to do Johnny Mercer you have to do ‘Moon River’, ‘Glow Worm’, ‘Goody Goody’, ‘It’s Wonderful’ and he wrote my song, ‘Lorna’, for me, which my mom debuted on television ...the difficult bit is cutting things out. Johnny was a very, very close family friend, and I talk about that in the show. He had an unbelievable life. In the ‘60s when the groups came along, like The Beatles, writing their own songs, he
started Capitol Records. What he left to us was so important. I’ve always thought lyricists get the short end of the stick – everybody talks about the composer, but the lyricist is equally important. When I was thinking about this show, I thought there’s one person who was part of my growing up as well as my adulthood and that’s Johnny Mercer.“ Lorna’s feeling good after being diagnosed with breast cancer 18 months ago. “I’m good to go! I went through chemotherapy and radiation, my hair grew back. Your attitude is so important, it’s 90 percent of your recovery from any life threatening situation. That’s another reason I chose Johnny Mercer and ‘Accentuate The Positive’.” Finally, what’s the best thing about being Lorna Luft? “I would say the best thing about being Lorna Luft is... my husband Colin, my daughter Vanessa, my son Jesse, my daughter-in-law Jaime, their daughter Jordan... I have an amazing family.”
Lorna Luft performs her new show Accentuate The Positive at The Crazy Coqs, Brasserie Zedel, Piccadilly London W1, December 2-13 Tickets £30. Booking: www.crazycoqs.com or by telephone: 020 7734 4888 23
The American
ACA Finance Panel A
merican Citizens Abroad are holding a Town Hall meeting in London December 2nd with a panel of experts who can answer your questions about expat finance. We spoke to Dan Hyde of Westleton Drake, Maseco’s James Sellon, and Brad Westerfield of Butler Snow about some of the most common topics that come up in their work: The American: Things are getting ever harder, we recently heard that Fidelity and a few other US mutual fund managers are restricting access to their funds for US persons living abroad. Is this due to FATCA or some other legislation? James Sellon: These new restrictions are actually the result of an EU legislation called AIFMD (Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive). Among other things, AIFMD was put in place to create a regulatory framework for the marketing of all investment funds within the EU. As it applies to all US asset managers who market to investors living within the EU, many US asset managers are choosing to restrict ownership. Most asset managers are not forcing people to sell out of existing positions, but instead restricting new purchases and dividend reinvestment going forward. Brad Westerfield: FATCA has indeed dominated the headlines
24 December 2014
since it was enacted in 2010, and it has now gone live with formal reporting of US account holders starting in 2015. On the other hand, AIFMD, which was enacted around the same time but only recently started to make waves, has suddenly surfaced and caught both US and non-US individuals living in the EU by surprise. What about other investments? It seems Americans in London are increasingly restricted in terms of how they can efficiently invest their capital? JS: Investing is certainly more complicated for Americans living in the UK. There is the challenge to find a financial institution to hold accounts and there are complexities with respect to the tax efficiency of investment options. However, there are still solutions for investing in a tax efficient manner. For individuals who seek greater portfolio diversification, one can invest in US mutual funds or ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) that have UK reporting status. Individuals can also choose to invest in individual securities, such as shares or bonds. Dan Hyde: It is without question that the investment landscape for Americans living abroad is challenging. US persons need to avoid non-US collectives which are taxed as PFICs but the solution isn’t so straightforward as to simply invest in US products. Non-UK products
which don’t have ‘reporting status’ for UK tax purposes attract ordinary income tax rates on gains, without the offset of corresponding losses. There is a path through all this but it needs both investment managers and tax advisors who know how to navigate the issues. It seems selling one’s main home is a serious problem now given where the UK market has gone, especially in London. What is the situation there? BW: While having your property value increase is usually a good thing, the realisation of that gain can become a problem for a US individual. Unlike non-US individuals who can generally sell their UK home without triggering an income or capital gains tax, US individuals (including green card holders) are subject to income tax if the gain exceeds the applicable US principal residence exclusion, which is $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for joint filers provided an ownership and use test is met. With high UK property values, a strong Pound and an effective US long-term capital gains rate of up to 23.8%, the US income tax on the gain from the sale of a UK home can be a significant cost. DH: This is a major source of angst and anger for our clients, especially those who still believe gains can be rolled into a new property as was the case almost
Brad Westerfield of Butler Snow
James Sellon of Maseco
Daniel Hyde of Westleton Drake
PHOTO ©BARRETT PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO ©THOMAS ALEXANDER
PHOTO COURTESY DANIEL HYDE
twenty years ago. With the historic performance of the London real estate market, there are some material tax liabilities being generated. Bear in mind too that it is possible to generate a taxable gain on a non-US Dollar mortgage where ‘more Dollars’ were borrowed than repaid at the relevant exchange rates, which is taxed at rates of up to 39.6%.
or a portion of his or her beneficial interest in the property to the UK citizen spouse, which potentially reduces the US income tax exposure on a future sale. Notwithstanding the potential US income tax savings, conversion of the joint tenancy into a tenancy in common also helps solve the US estate tax issues that arise when a US citizen spouse owns property jointly with a non-US citizen spouse, provided an appropriate Last Will is in place. There are pre-purchase planning opportunities as well, which can be more straightforward than the joint property and gift planning. However, I should stress that these planning opportunities are not one size fits all, so individuals should discuss matters with their tax advisors before putting anything in motion. DH: So called ‘Mixed marriages’ are one of the strongest tools we have in our planning armory, when combined with the current lifetime gift tax exemption of $5.34 million and the annual gifting allowances. That said, a US spouse shouldn’t take lightly the giving away of assets. All gifts in the UK escape transfer taxes if the donor survives the gift by seven years so there is real opportunity here, for sure.
changes to UK pension rules due to take effect in April 2015. Can you tell me more about those? JS: The proposed changes to UK pension rules would allow individuals flexible access to their pensions from age 55 and removes the restrictions on the amount of money that can be distributed during flexible drawdown. This allows complete flexibility for individuals to distribute the funds as they see fit and can provide some extensive tax planning opportunities. Additionally, the 55% Lump Sum Death Benefit Tax would be eliminated for any individual who nominates a beneficiary to inherit the pension at death. Depending on whether the pension holder is over or under age 75 at death, beneficiaries will either be exempt from tax altogether or subject to tax at their individual marginal rates upon distribution. The proposed changes to UK pension rules are a welcomed development for many people including Americans as it opens up more pension planning opportunities for individuals whether they are choosing to retire in the UK or the US. BW: With cross-border US/ UK pension planning, individuals should always be mindful to take both jurisdictions into account when entering into an arrange-
If a US citizen is married to a nonUS citizen, does this help solve some of these issues? Can assets be gifted between the spouses? JS: With proper planning, there are some interesting wealth transfer opportunities between multinational spouses which can help solve some of these issues. A US individual’s lifetime exemption and annual gifting allowances opens up some opportunities to change the ownership of assets in certain situations to be more tax efficient. BW: For example, if a US/UK couple owned their UK home jointly with right of survivorship, the US citizen spouse would be subject to income tax in the US on 50% of the taxable gain on sale at rates of up to 23.8%. However, if the couple were to properly convert their joint tenancy into a tenancy in common, the US citizen spouse could gift all
There are some proposed
December 2014 25
The American
ment. The US/UK Income Tax Treaty is helpful in many situations to avoid double tax, but it is often uncertain with pensions. What about those Americans who haven’t been filing or perhaps didn’t even know they needed to file? What are the current options? BW: Currently, there are generally two ways to become US tax compliant. US individuals, which includes US citizens, green card holders and US residents, can either enter the 2014 Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP) or the 2014 Streamlined Program. The Streamlined Program is only available to individuals who successfully certify that their failure to report all income, pay all tax and submit all information returns was due to “non-willful conduct”, a term which has many different connotations. However, the Streamlined Program is usually the least punitive way to become compliant. Generally, an individual who was truly unaware of his US filing obligations would be eligible for the Streamlined Program. On the other hand, an individual who has intentionally failed to file tax returns and report income would be wise to enter the comprehensive OVDP as it offers protection from criminal prosecution. For anyone whose facts might not be so clear or may look suspicious to the IRS, it is a tough decision which should be taken seriously as the Streamlined Program requires a non-willful certification made under penalties of perjury. The certifica-
26 December 2014
tion of non-willfulness when a taxpayer was willful is itself another crime, and the IRS has warned that it plans to review all certifications made through the Streamlined Program. DH: All that said, there really hasn’t been a better time in half a decade for many Americans to get compliant. The Willful standard is key, but we come across so many Americans who just ‘didn’t know’ and the Streamlined Procedures provide, quite rightly, a framework to get compliant without the punitive penalties the law can impose. Contrast this to even two and a half years ago, when the literal reading of IRS guidance was that all American’s who failed to report income from a foreign asset belonged in OVDP. This program is open-ended, but could be withdrawn at any time so time may be of essence. There are Americans who have renounced their citizenship. Are there wider tax implications to this? BW: Absolutely. Individuals defined as “covered expatriates” are subject to onerous US expatriation tax rules. Broadly, a covered expatriate is subject to a mark-to-market exit tax on worldwide assets, an immediate tax on the full value of pensions and other deferred compensation items and a withholding tax on taxable distributions from certain trusts. Further, gifts or bequests received by a US citizen or resident (domiciliary) from a covered expatriate are subject to an inheritance tax at the highest estate
and gift tax rate. There are some limited exceptions and exclusions to these expatriation taxes, as well as planning options to potentially mitigate or avoid the expatriation tax rules. However, these should be considered well in advance of relinquishing one’s citizenship or green card. There are also a number of tax and immigration reporting obligations. DH: The green card issue catches many people. If a green card has been held for at least eight of the last fifteen years, on surrender or abandonment the holder is subject to the same exit tax provisions as a citizen renouncing their passport which can be catastrophic and in many cases is simply the result of it being ‘taken’ at the border. Green card holders who meet the eight year test need urgent tax and immigration advice, especially if they are no longer living in the United States and may no longer be entitled to the green card. American Citizens Abroad Town Hall Evening, “Changes in the US Tax Laws: How they impact US Citizens in the UK” is on December 2, 2014, from 6:30 to 9:30pm at the Royal Over-Seas League, Park Place, St James’s Street, London SW1A 1LR. Tickets £30 from www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ american-citizens-abroadtown-hall-evening-live-tickets-14030468509 or £35 on the door.
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Peach and almond tart with vanilla ice cream
The American
Reviewed by Michael M Sandwick
Silk & Grain O
ne doesn’t normally think of Bank (part of the City of London) as a wine and dine destination. Think again. What was once considered ‘lunch crowd only’ has now become a great place to spend an evening. The new kid on the block is Silk & Grain. Its duplex design is fabulous. The plush dining room is upstairs but open to and overlooking the bar. You can have a conversation and a relaxed dinner but you still get the buzz. Perfect. The main reason to put S & G on your radar is the bar. It’s original and very exciting. Spirits and pre-mixed cocktails are aged in oak barrels, leather, metal and glass. The result is astonishing. A Negroni (Tanqueray, Martini Rosso and Campari) and a Hanky Panky (Tanqueray, Martini Rosso and Fernet Branca) were aged in oak giving them a new dimension. Subtle, but distinct. I enjoyed both but the Fernet Branca was a bit overpowering for the delicate oak. As well, the bar offers a simple but enticing menu, lots of space and comfortable seating.
28 December 2014
The disadvantage to the split level arrangement is that it makes service slightly more difficult. That being said, our waitress could not have been friendlier. The menu in the dining room is definitely gastro pub; upscale and inventive but not fussy. To my relief I could read it in its entirety without a lexicon! Soft boiled duck egg, asparagus, parsley butter and Berkswell cheese (£8) was simple and elegant, the asparagus cooked perfectly. Potted smoked mackerel and horseradish pâté with toasted sourdough (£7) was especially good. Smoked mackerel and horseradish is a combo I will happily steal and pretend I invented myself! A 10 oz. rib-eye on the bone with garlic and herb butter (£25) was the thinnest I have ever seen. I prefer a thicker cut, but the chef still managed to serve it medium rare as I had ordered. The honey glazed British rack of lamb with fondant potato and roasted carrots (£23) came with an excellent reduction sauce. This too was served pink
Soft boiled duck egg, asparagus, parsley butter and Berkswell cheese
Silk & Grain, 33 Cornhill, London EC3V 3ND www.silkandgrain.co.uk
as we ordered. Sweet potato fries with caramel salt (£4) were tasty but could have been crisper and creamed spinach (£5) was just as it should be. The wine list is not extensive, but decent, varied and reasonable. We sampled a South African Chenin Blanc (£6), S.E. Australian Chardonnay (£7.50), Joseph Drouhin Bourgogne (£10) and a Chateau de Pic, 1er Cotes de Bordeaux (£7.50). All were good but, big surprise, the most expensive was the best! For dessert the peach and almond tart with vanilla ice cream (£6) was excellent while the homemade gooey chocolate brownie with pistachio ice cream (£6) didn’t quite do it for me. Both the brownie and the ice cream were good on their own, but I found the combination cloying. On the way out we stopped at the bar for a nip of leather infused whiskey. Purely for digestive purposes mind you. I think I might need to go back for further digestive aid!
WIN!
a Harrods
The American
Christmas hamper!
‘The Knightsbridge’ hamper includes a classic Christmas pudding, spiced tea and coffee, mince pies with cranberry, as well as a few seasonal tipples perfect for celebrating the Holidays.
There’s a wide selection of Hampers and Gifts available exclusively at Harrods this Christmas, filled with the world’s finest foods and wines. For more information, and to browse the full range of over 70 Hampers, with prices and contents to suit everyone, visit harrods.com This is your chance to win a special ‘The Knightsbridge’ hamper of your own worth £250 this Holiday season, courtesy of Harrods and The American. Simply answer this question: In which area of London is Harrods Department Store located? a) Kensington b) Kennington c) Knightsbridge Email your answer with your name, address and daytime ‘phone number to theamerican@blueedge.co.uk with HARRODS HAMPER COMPETITION in the subject line; or send a postcard to HARRODS HAMPER COMPETITION, The American, Old Byre House, Millbrook Lane, East Knoyle, Salisbury SP3 6AW, UK; to arrive by mid-day December 12, 2014. One hamper only. No cash alternative. Editor’s decision is final. Delivery available to UK addresses only. 29
Rainbow Salad
The American
Ethos, 48 Eastcastle Street, London WIW 8DX www.ethosfoods.com
Reviewed by Michael M Sandwick
W
hat a fabulous surprise! The idea of a self-service vegetarian restaurant didn’t rock my boat. The reality totally did. Like a picnic in the woods, the room is filled with birch trees. A great visual, they also divide the room into more intimate spaces. Bare white walls make the room feel like a bright summer day. Great for lunch, but in the evening a softer glow would do wonders. People of a certain age don’t like bright! Charming founder Jessica Kruger has been a vegetarian for 2 years. Tired of the lack of meatless choices in most restaurants, she decided to open a place of her own. She and Chef Helen Cottle really got it right. I don’t usually like buffet style, but here, the food is so interesting and inviting, it was a pleasure just to walk around and look at it. It’s pay by weight. 100 grams costs £2.10 for take-away, £2.50 at lunch and £2.70 for dinner. I was rather piggish and tasted everything. It’s my job! A large plate of cold dishes, a second, huge plate of hot food, and 3 desserts came to
30 December 2014
Veg Crisps
Ethos £26.75. One could easily cut that in half and be satisfied as well as glutton free. Or is that gluten free? Sorry! We started with 2 cocktails at £7.50 each. A Rose Bellini – rose water, elderflower liquor and Prosecco. I didn’t get much elderflower, but the rose water was delightful. A G&T with cucumber was also a fresh twist. With dinner a glass of Chenin Blanc (£5.50) and a Chianti (£7) were both surprisingly good. Of the cold dishes, the Eritrean mango salad with cucumber and spicy peanut sauce was by far my favorite. A perfect blend of sweet and savory, fresh crunch and a nice kick. I went back for more. Courgette ribbons with feta was delicious as was butternut with spinach and feta. I would suggest a variation on the feta. Kruger and Cottle are so good at thinking out of the box, I’m sure they could find a more exciting cheese. Panzanella, Tuscan tomato and bread salad had the addition of lovage, a fresh and sharp though underrated herb. On the hot table, corn fritters with lemongrass were a big hit.
Scotch egg with a veg substitute for sausage and a salsa like ketchup was also very well executed. Green beans with cherry tomato doesn’t sound like much, but the tomato was reduced to a paste turning it into a burst of flavor. Japanese miso roasted aubergine was very delicate. The tamales were the only miss. They were dry and the filling indiscernible. Anything made with corn meal will dry out very quickly, so it is not a good choice for a buffet. Seitan, a protein made from wheat gluten, formed into ribs and smoked on the barbecue was a tasty substitute for meat. For dessert we sampled a wonderful tiramisu. Lemon and raspberry posset lacked a bit of tang for me but my friend died and went to heaven. A vegan carrot cake was lost on me. Dessert with no cream, butter or eggs? I would rather have a piece of fruit. Now a doughnut filled with crème patisserie served with plum and ginger marmalade, that’s more like it! Different, scrumptious, a surprise in the middle and a bit of spice. My kind of ethos!
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Discover Gleneagles
Stay with us between November 2014 and March 2015 and discover a world of new experiences, with our complimentary daily ‘Discovery Activities’ from cooking demos to cellar tours. Overnight stays start from £245 per room per night* and include breakfast and full use of the leisure facilities.
Visit gleneagles.com/offers call 0800 169 2984 *Based on two people sharing a Classic room, subject to availability. Discovery activities are available Monday – Friday between November 2014 and March 2015
The American
A Glass of Christmas Cheer IMAGE ©QUINN DOMBROWSKI
Cellar Talk Champagne
By Virginia E Schultz
W
ith the holidays just around the corner, many of us will be thinking of buying Champagne. It is an easy, easy answer when we’re having guests, whether for dinner or drinks, as there is nothing more to do than open a bottle and pour into a glass. There are, however, those who dislike Champagne or sparkling wine or cannot have alcohol and for them I make certain I have on hand white wine and a nonalcoholic punch. For serving Champagne, the following is important. Make certain your glasses are clean. With my
32 December 2014
everyday Champagne glasses, meaning plain glass, I use the dishwasher and then rinse carefully by hand. With my crystal, it’s hand wash and rinse, always. One of the problems with dirty glasses is the bubbles dissipate and it is then assumed the wine is flat. Possibly it could be, but first change the glass before the bottle and you may find that there is indeed effervescence on the palate. Champagne offers many colors from white with traces of yellow to old gold, from coral pink to salmon pink. I happen to like an old Champagne but it is not to everyone’s taste. However, there is a difference between old and spoiled Champagne. For most of us, however, Champagne should remind you of flowers or fruit or some kind of delicacy. Keep the Champagne in your mouth for a moment and swirl it around so that it allows the full array of flavors. Wine writers like myself will use fancy words to describe the charm, tenderness and sensuality, but for the average person, just decide if you like or dislike it. Forget the adjectives and sip with pleasure. One of the best places to find out what kind of Champagne you enjoy is in a restaurant. Most waiters enjoy talking about the styles of the different Champagnes.
Brut Champagne can vary in taste, especially a vintage year. There is Blanc de Blanc, made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, or Blanc de Noir, a blend of the black grapes Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Most Champagnes, including Rosés, are made from a blend of all three, although other varieties can be allowed under the strict rules of the the Comité Interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne. Nelly Pateras, my Champagne expert friend, and I will sometimes disagree not only on the style we’re tasting, but its sensuality. But then, she’s French as I teasingly tell her. I will not repeat what she says back in English, but in her sexy accent. There is also a difference in the kind of Champagne I serve, whether as an aperitif, during a meal exchanging ideas or for a celebration. There are also times I drink Champagne because it’s left over from a party or just because I’m in the mood. One of the reasons I keep half bottles on hand. A friend one day stopped by and was taken back when she found me eating a hot dog with a glass of Champagne for supper. For me, whether celebrating an event, seducing a lover or husband or just relaxing after a rough day, there is nothing better than a glass of Champagne, alone or with a friend or friends.
The American
Coffee Break GENERAL QUIZ ➊
Which sweet product has its own national day in the US, celebrated on December 7th?
➋ ➌
Which ‘Christmas’ word means ‘turning of the sun’ ? The traditional New Year ‘Ball Drop’ takes place at which New York City landmark?
➍
The name of which Caribbean island stems from the Portuguese for ‘bearded ones’?
➎ ➏
What kind of ‘Christmas present’ is Oil of Lebanon?
➐
What in Western tradition, are the names of the Three Kings or Three Wise Men? (a point for each)
➑
What do George C. Scott, Alastair Sim, Daffy Duck, Patrick Stewart, Michael Caine, Fred Flintstone and Jim Carrey all have in common ?
8
December 6, 1964: Which 1-hour animated film is broadcast for the first time on NBC and becomes a US Christmas tradition, still being shown on television?
2 8 6
9 8
5 3 7
2
4 4 1
6 4 5 3
Who travels from Spain to the Netherlands by steam boat in late November?
It happened 50 years ago...
➒
1
4
9
5 4 1 6
3 5
2
It happened 100 years ago...
➓
December 31, 1914: Col. Jacob Ruppert & ‘Cap’ Huston purchase the NY Yankees for $460,000. They built the Yankee stadium, and reversed the clubs fortunes, making it a premier club in the major leagues. Which player did they purchase to help them?
It happened 200 years ago...
⓫ December 24, 1814: The Treaty of Ghent was signed in Belgium, leading to the end of the war on February 17, 1815. But which war did it end?
Quiz answers and Sudoku solution on page 63.
December 2014 33
The American
William S Burroughs: Can you all hear me?
October Gallery, 24 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1N 3AL December 4 to February 7
The Sensory War, 1914 - 2014
Richard Mosse, Poison Glen, 2012 Aerochrome photograph
Manchester Art Gallery, 73 Quay St, Manchester M3 4PR to February 22
© RICHARD MOSSE. COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND JACK SHAINMAN GALLERY, NEW YORK
This is a fascinating exhibition which seeks to examine the methods by which artists convey the impact of war, both on the body, the mind, human senses and the environment. As part of the centenary commemorations to mark the outbreak of the First World War, Manchester Gallery’s celebrated collection of World War One art is the inspiration for this exhibition, which features work from artists such as Henry Lamb, CRW Nevinson, Paul Nash, Otto Dix, Heinrich Hoerle, Nancy Spero, Richard Mosse and Omer Fast. The exhibition also features works by the hibakusha; survivors of the atomic bomb
dropped on Hiroshima which are being shown outside Japan for the first time. As well as focusing on the immediate effects of the first global conflict, the exhibition also considers later artistic responses to developments in military technology, including the nuclear weapons, chemical weapons, and other devices used in modern conflicts, to provide a thought provoking analysis of the effect of war on people, civilizations and landscapes.
34 December 2014
William S Burroughs, Unworkable Machine, 1993 Acrylic and spraypaint on canvas, 183 x 122 cm
©THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM S BURROUGHS COURTESY THE OCTOBER GALLERY, LONDON
The October Gallery first crossed paths with acclaimed American writer, painter and artist, William Seward Burroughs in1988, when it hosted his first solo exhibition outside of the USA. Now, the Gallery presents the final event in the centenery year of Burrough’s birth. The exhibition includes rarely-displayed works by the artist and artists who have been influenced by Burrough’s legacy, including Brion Gysin, Genesis P-Orridge, Liliane Lijn, Shezad Dawood, Thomas Ashcraft, Cerith Wyn Evans and others. Burroughs’ work, whether in film, literature, art or sound, was often coupled with a passionate message of independent thinking, and this notion has permeated generations of artists since. This display is a spectacular opportunity to review Burroughs’ contribution to a long line of artists who weave a similar message through their works, and to consider the artistic landscape which was shaped by Burroughs’ style.
The American
DON’T MISS ... Leitmotif
HackelBury Fine Art, 4 Launceston Place, London W8 5RL to December 19
Charles Ansell Williams, He Has Put His Foot In It, 1812 ©THE WALLACE COLLECTION
Collecting History: The Founders of the Wallace Collection The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN to February 15
Compiled from archival material and works of art from the Hertford House Historic Collection, this exhibition explores the history of the Wallace Collection, and displays many artefacts never shown in public before. The materials, which include prints, engravings, photographs, inventories and other items, aim to explore how from the middle of the 18th century, four generations of the Seymour-Conway family, Marquesses of Hertford, and Sir Richard Wallace, the illegitimate son of the 4th Marquess, built up such an impressive collection of art from different periods and of different tastes. The focus of the exhibition will be to uncover the motivations for selecting certain items of art, and through a variety of media will inform visitors of the stories, sometimes scandalous, of the individuals behind their acquisition. Joseph Kosuth, „C.S. II # 11 There was nothing to it, 1988 12 x 171 cm, 4 3/4” x 67 1/4” ©JOSEPH KOSUTH / ARS, NEW YORK COURTESY THE ARTIST & TOM POWEL IMAGING INC.
Joseph Kosuth: ‘Amnesia: Various, Luminous, Fixed’ Sprüth Magers London, 7A Grafton St, London W1S 4EJ to February 14
Joseph Kosuth’s works are a fascinating insight into the links between language and art. Through the medium of neon, which he first began using in the 1960s and saw as a form of ‘public writing’, Kosuth investigates the way in which words interact with artistic sentiment. For example, in his Beckett series (2011), the artist takes fragments of text from Samuel Beckett’s renowned play Waiting for Godot and displays them in warm white neon with the facing side dipped in black paint. Featuring 25 works created between 1965 and 2011 including Kosuth’s first work in neon, Five Fives (to Donald Judd), the exhibition is rich with textual and visual meaning, and a standing reminder that there is a stark difference between what we read and what we see.
Bill Armstrong, Film Noir # 1414, 2011 - 2012 C-print, 20” x 24” / 50.8 x 61 cm ©BILL ARMSTRONG
In the notes to this exhibition, one of the featured artists, American Bill Armstrong, explains that “visual perception intrigues me: how the eye continually tries to resolve these images, but is unable to do so, and how that is unsettling”. Armstrong’s evocative images are created by photographing found images which are out of focus, reproducing and blurring them through a series of techniques including photocopying, cutting, painting and re-photographing. The effect is chillingly profound, as our eyes seek to find clarity in the blurred outlines and objects of Armstrong’s work, but fail to do so. The effect is even more impressive in person, and HackelBury Fine Art’s exhibition is hosting a selection of Armstrong’s images along with work from Garry Fabian Miller, Pascal Kern, Doug & Mike Starn, Ian McKeever and Stephen Inggs.
December 2014 35
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Aaron Tveit R
ent, Hairspray, Next to Normal, Wicked, Saved!, Catch Me If You Can, Ghost Town, Gossip Girl, Ugly Betty, Les Misérables, Graceland... this isn’t only a list of some of the best stage productions, television shows and movies of recent times, it’s the resumé of rising star Aaron Tveit. Now you can see him at a tiny London theater in Assassins, playing the man who killed a President. Unlike so many Thespians who regale interviewers with tales of hardship and woe, the charming Aaron Tveit’s talents seem to have been recognized and supported by everyone... once he decided that it was an actor’s life for him. Aaron was born in Middleton, 70 miles from his spiritual (and for the past ten years, actual) home of New York City, in October, 1983. Acting was just one of many strings to the Tveit bow at school. “I started playing the violin when I was four, then another instrument,” he says. “I started singing in fourth or fifth grade. My wonderful high school told us to do everything that we could. I played three sports, and they didn’t make us choose between sports and drama and music. If I’d had to, I probably wouldn’t have chosen drama. I did the school musical every year but I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I went to Ithaca College as a voice major, proper classical singing, but I missed being on stage desperately so I switched to the acting and musical theater program. Somehow, two years later, I got a job in
36 December 2014
the national tour of Rent and left Ithaca early.” Acting’s loss might have been the sportsfield’s gain – or investment banking’s. Aaron was academically bright too (how annoying can one man be!?) and he was President of the National Academy Foundation’s business program at high school. “I told my parents, if I’d gone into banking I would have started my career just when the crash happened. Maybe the arts was the sensible choice! But I know how lucky I’ve been. Somebody must’ve had a greater plan or it all wouldn’t have worked out.” Aaron hasn’t stopped working. He left Rent to join the first national tour of Hairspray then took it to Broadway. He played d’Artagnan in The Three Musketeers, then starred in Next to Normal, a part he returned to several times, Wicked, Saved! and Catch Me If You Can. TV beckoned, followed by movies. Within two “earth-shattering” days he was cast in Graceland (he plays Mike Warren) and the film adaptation of Les Misérables (he’s Enjolras, the student revolutionary leader). There’s been an album, The Radio in My Head, a live recording of show songs. He’s even had a street named for him in his home town. Has he had a day off in eight years? “I have! The great thing about growing up near New York is that I see my family and high school friends all the time. I’m not just in that acting world – I meet real people. London reminds me of New York in lots of ways (we shot Les Mis
here). There’s amazing theater all around you here too. London has an inner pulse, as New York has. I still look the wrong way every time I cross the road though!” Many working actors would have left their education behind. Not Aaron. “When I left Ithaca I was two and a half years in. I went back after a year for one semester then left again, so I’d done three years out of four. They gave me credits for my high school acting classes and the professional work I’d done, so I needed three science credits for my major. I graduated in 2012, eleven years late!” Aaron probably wouldn’t have to audition for parts now, but it’s a process he enjoys, as it lets him flex his acting, singing and dancing muscles, whether he gets the part or not. “And it’s better than being offered a part without auditioning, then getting into the rehearsal room on the first day and finding out I’m not ‘the guy’!”
Assassins
Aaron has decided to hit the boards again, but rather than surefire classic musical on Broadway he has chosen a lesser known show by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman, at the Menier Chocolate Factory in south London. “I’ve fallen in love with the craft of acting on camera, but there’s nothing like being on stage – it’s a living, breathing thing, you feel the audience reacting to you. The Chocolate Factory has such a reputation for doing great work,
The American Aaron Tveit as John Wilkes Booth, in rehearsal for Assassins PHOTO ©NOBBY CLARK
and Jamie Lloyd, the director is an utter genius. Assassins is an amazing piece. We’re ripping it apart and finding a new way to play it. Previous productions have been review-style... one scene, blackout, next scene. Nothing’s been cut, it’s all there, but we’re playing it as one story, a full ensemble piece.” It’s an unusual subject for a musical entertainment: the thirteen people who have tried or succeeded to assassinate the President of the United States. “It’s interesting getting into the minds of these people, the human aspects to these monsters we have in our heads, and how their stories tie together,” he says. Aaron plays the best known, John Wilkes Booth, President Abraham Lincoln’s assassin. “I read a lot about him, and his own writings,” he explains. “His older brother was the premier Shakespearean actor of the day and John was a commanding, virile actor. He was passionate about his political views too. Lincoln saw Booth in a previous play, and at one point when John had an antiestablishment line he broke out of character, pointed his finger directly at Lincoln and delivered the line.” Do you have to like the character to play him? “I don’t think so, but you have to understand where they’re coming from. The way we think, as 21st Century progressive Americans, may be different to how they thought then. It was only 80 years after the Declaration of Independence, when they’d been promised liberty and the choices
to live how they wanted. Here was a president breaking the values that the country was set up with – as they saw it – and expanding presidential power for the first time. If you put yourself in their position - and put aside slavery being wrong - it kind of makes sense.” The cast includes the great American comedian and actor Mike McShane, who plays Samuel Byck, the would be assassin of President Richard
Nixon, and Catherine Tate (famous as Donna in Doctor Who), as Sara Jane Moore, who tried to kill Gerald Ford. Finally, what’s the best thing about being Aaron Tveit? “I get to do what I love every day, honest to goodness!” Assassins runs at The Menier Chocolate Factory, Southwark St, London SE1 1RU, through March 7th, 2015.
December 2014 37
The American
MEMPHIS THE MUSICAL
Shaftesbury Theatre, 210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8DP Reviewed by Tim Baros
M
emphis was the birthplace of, and a magnet for, so many world famous musicians and singers, like Aretha, Otis, Percy Sledge and Wilson Pickett. It's also where Elvis lived and died. Memphis is so synonymous with music that it's only fitting that a musical would come along with the same name. Just opened, Memphis the Musical is a look at a time when Memphis the city was not what it is today - sixty years ago it was very very different. Blacks were still seen as second class citizens; nightclubs and cinemas were racially segregated, and inter-racial marriage was illegal. Radio stations also racially discriminated, each playing music for a specific audience. This is explored in Memphis the Musical when white musician Huey (Killian Donnelly) falls in love with black female singer Felicia (Beverley Knight). Huey, a stock boy in a department store visits Delray's, a black rock and roll bar where he is the only white person, and falls in love with both the music and Felicia, who sings at the club her brother Delray (Rolan Bell) owns. Back at the store Huey asks if he can play music over the store's loudspeakers. His boss agrees, and soon enough customers like what they hear and buy the records in droves. But the boss doesn't like the fact that Huey's playing black music and fires him.
38 December 2014
Beverley Knight as Felicia PHOTO ŠJOHAN PERSSON
Huey applies for a job as a DJ at various radio stations in town and at one station he sneaks into the DJ booth and plays the music that he thinks people want to hear - the black music. The music, and he, are a hit, and his romance with Felicia heats up, much to the dismay of Delray, and Huey's racist mother Gladys (Claire Machin). Huey wants to play Felicia's first song at his radio station, but before he can he gets into a row with his mom, and the record breaks. Felicia runs out and they realize that keeping their relationship together is going to be difficult. Things get more complicated when they are seen kissing by a group of white men, who proceed to beat them up, rendering Felicia's face very bloody. It's a given that everything will work out between them and they live happily ever after - it's a musical, after all - but it's the journey of getting there that makes Memphis the Musical worth watching. From the art deco department store to Huey's living room, to the interior of Delray's to the lone radio DJ booth on stage, the set works very well on the small stage. The
backup dancers do their damnedest to entertain us, and they do. There's lots of them on stage at the same time, and it's amazing that they don't hit each other while swinging their arms and legs. Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan, and Joe DiPietro won Tony Awards for the music when Memphis premièred on Broadway in 2010. But Knight gets top billing, and she doesn't disappoint. Last year she starred in the West End's The Bodyguard, and she shows here that she has found another calling - from top pop singer to West End's newest diva. This girl can sing! The stage is hers and hers alone. She is able to belt out blues, rock and gospel and still amaze. Donnelly, the only good thing in the very dull The Commitments, looks comfortable in his role as Huey. Too comfortable, as he appears to be just going through the motions. He's a natural on stage and can sing our socks off, but he needs to take it a few notches higher. At the end of the day Memphis is Knight's show, so go see and hear the West End's newest Diva, Beverley Knight, she's fabulous.
December 2014 39
The American
Charles Busch Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zedel, 20 Sherwood St, London W1F 7ED
I
f you didn’t know that Charles Busch was a distinguished icon of off-Broadway theater, and you wandered across the lobby from Brasserie Zedel, you’d be forgiven for thinking - why have they hired this lame pub drag act? For this is a much mellower being than the blousey female impersonator who wowed New York in the '70s and '80s with his high camp mini-extravaganzas where he channeled his beloved divas such as Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, in shows with such devilish titles as Vampire Lesbians of Sodom. Always wanting to play London and a devoted Anglophile, what he served us here though was puzzlingly and deadeningly timid. Even his wafting chiffon was matronly. Transporting drag from a pub stage, where it’s generally crude, or an underground theater, where it might be pointedly political, to a cabaret stage, is not an easy task. Here, the humor wasn’t sharp enough and the singing didn’t hit the mark. His raison d’etre all those years wasn’t, after all, to become a great vocalist, so why now make that the focus? Recently the BFI got in hot water for re-branding its Lesbian and Gay Film Festival as ‘BFI Flare’, the reason being they claimed was that their research showed that for the 20
40 December 2014
PHOTO COURTESY CHARLES BUSCH
Reviewed by Jarlath O'Connell
and 30 something crowd, they were desperately trying to woo, that 'gay' was considered over. While one could summon many counterarguments, this show with its drag museum feel made one ponder if they had a point. It’s certainly for those of “a certain age” and those for whom the manufactured images of womanhood and the fantasies they inspire hold much more sway than they do today. Cabaret depends on making a personal connection and the ironic distance of drag or its show-off nature always runs counter to that grain so Busch was often left floundering here. The exquisitely tender ‘Hello Young Lovers’ was morphed into a camp melodrama and it was only on Harold Arlen’s ‘I Wonder What Became of Me’ that he connected emotionally with the material. Accompanied by a very able pianist, Tom Judson, he let him sing solo on ‘Someone Who’ll
Watch Over Me’ but only to fitfully pull focus from the sidelines. Either destroy the song or respect it, but don’t try and fail at both. Perhaps it was jet-lag or opening night jitters but he was also painfully under-rehearsed. He forgot the set, started in the middle of rambling anecdotes and thus killed the punchlines. The set included no less than three medleys, a pet hate of mine. One of these stood out however, a set of songs with great linking dialogue inspired by the trashy '40s desert film noir Detour. At least here we saw evidence of the Tony nominated playwright he is. Another section was devoted to his fictional alter-ego, Miriam Paisman, a very tired lounge singer. No doubt the model here was Bette Midler’s glorious creation, Vickie Eydie, but instead this ended up dangerously close to what he was offering us ‘straight’.
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A JERSEY BOYS NIGHT OUT: Top price Jersey Boys tickets plus a two course meal at the Ham Yard Hotel, only £75 each! To book please visit: www.atgtickets.com/jerseyboysmeal December 2014 41
The American
Midterm Blues
Sir Robert Worcester, KBE DL. Kansas-born Sir Robert is Chair of the Magna Carta 800 committee, a former Chair of the Pilgrims, and founder of the pollster MORI. Here he evaluates the US midterm election
T
he President proposes; Congress disposes. That’s the well-worn cliché, and it has been President Obama’s burden for the past six years. President Franklin D. Roosevelt improved on it somewhat when he paraphrased it as “It is the duty of the President to propose and it is the privilege of the Congress to dispose.” Obama faces a strengthened House of Representatives and a surprisingly big midterm swing in the Senate which exceeded most pundits’ forecasts of a narrow margin. Like all ‘lame-duck’ presidents, he is expected by most to concentrate on America’s foreign policy during the next two years, although he has started with a surprise executive action on undocumented immigrants. Putting a brave face on it, some defenders of the Democratic Party faith have pointed out that it couldn’t get any worse. In the Senate the Republicans do not have the two-thirds majority which could override a Presidential veto of a bill. However, while there’s no filibuster allowed in the House, there is in the Senate, so there will be a queue of Republican Senators ready, willing and able to read from the Bible for hours in order to talk Obama’s more unpopular proposals into oblivion. Records were set, none that Democrats can find cheering.
42 December 2014
Turnout was the lowest since 1942. The Democrats face the largest Republican majority in the House of Representatives for over 80 years, since 1931. They have seen the largest Democratic Senate losses since 1980, 34 years ago. There’s full Republican control in 29 state legislators, the highest total since the 1920s, and there are now Republican governors in 32 states including three in normally Democratic strongholds: Illinois, Massachusetts and Maryland. Obama’s campaign performance didn’t hold up this time. It was reportedly lacklustre and his own performance ratings were down. He wasn’t this time running himself of course, but many Democratic candidates were elected on his coattails when he won in his first election and in 2010’s midterms. This time Democratic hopefuls were running away from what they saw as a presidential liability among their constituents rather than the asset he’d been before. Certainly the changes in legislation in 2010 which created the ‘Super PAC’ [see separate panel] and lifted the lid on campaign spending helped the Republican campaign committees’ fundraising, both nationally and in each constituency as money poured in, enabling their campaigns to start two years ago rather than months, as with the Democrats.
Despite the vast amount of money pouring into ads and other campaigning, this election’s turnout was deplorable at just 37% of eligible voters, the lowest since 1942. Many who could have, did not bother even to register, reflecting perhaps the low performance ratings of both the President and Congress, the President’s satisfaction rating at 42% and Congress rated just 12%. Once again, the midterms fell well below Presidential election levels. In midterm elections, which include every one of the 435 Members of Congress (the numbers are proportionate to each state’s electorate) and a third of the 100 Senators (two from each state), the refuelling of the empty money tanks after each election starts the day after last time’s polling day. This time the Republicans made the best of it, including losing by very close margins in two states they weren’t thought to have a hope of winning, Virginia and Louisiana.
Right: President Barack Obama talking with then Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) on the Colonnade of the White House, November 7. That was before the midterm elections. Now Senate Majority Leader, McConnell has promised a ‘forceful response’ to the President’s executive action on undocumented immigrants. WHITE HOUSE PHOTO BY PETE SOUZA
The American
December 2014 43
The American
The Washington Post did an interesting analysis of the Associated Press’s election returns which compared, state by state, the retention of the midterm results comparing those with President Obama’s 2012 respectable showing winning his second term. Their conclusion was that the Republicans ‘caught up’ with the Democrats in mobilising voters on the day, a top priority for them after failing to win the White House in 2012. It comes as close as anything I’ve seen to match the efficacy of my cherished ‘swing analysis’. (For more details see the section on page 45.) Turning their data into impact, an improved performance by the Democrats didn’t save losing two Senate seats to the Republicans - Kentucky and Arkansas - with Louisiana still up in the air until their December
Vote by Age
(Exit Polls*: National House)
Democrat
Total
Republican Other/ NA
Vote by Gender
13%
54%
43%
3%
Men:
49%
30-44:
22%
50%
48%
2%
Women: 51%
45-64:
43%
45%
53%
2%
65 and older: 22%
41%
57%
2%
* Source: polls conducted by Edison Research for the National Election Pool, a consortium of ABC News, Associated Press, CBS News, CNN, Fox News and NBC News.
Super PACS and GOTV uper PACs, set up after the 2010 election, cannot contribute to candidates or parties but can make independent expenditures in federal races - running ads or sending mail or communicating in other ways with messages that specifically advocate the election or defeat of a specific candidate. There are no limits or restrictions on the sources of funds that may be used for these
44 December 2014
(Exit Polls*: National House)
Democrat
Total
18-29:
S
they find on the ‘doorsteps’ - so to speak, as face to face polling is dead in America) were for the most part way out, especially in the key states’ Senate races: Arkansas by 10 points, Kansas by 11%, Iowa by 6%. Not good. In Virginia, state polls had Mark Warner ahead by a mile, some ten points. When Gillespie bowed out, the 12,000 contrasts to the c. 4 million votes cast in Virginia for Senate. Nate Silver is a sports statistician, the founder and editor-in-chief of ESPN’s FiveThirtyEight blog and a Special Correspondent for ABC News. He gets these things more right than most. His verdict? “The exit polls got the race just right. The pre-election polls - in an election for which they had plenty of misses - did not.”
6 ‘run-off ’. There was little change in the closest race, Virginia, where a generous admission of defeat by Republican Ed Gillespie in the face of a mere 12,000 votes against Democrat Senator Mark Warner put off a recount. The Republicans’ best performances once again were largely in the Western and Southern states where considerable support for gun control was seen as a key election issue. The exit polls also showed an increased midterm turnout among African Americans in states such as North Carolina. It was not a good night for the pollsters. In presidential races where there is a high turnout, it’s easier to hit the final results pretty close. The 14 national polling organisations forecasting (actually, polls don’t forecast, they report what
expenditures. They are heavily used as channels for business lobbyists and trade unions to add financial support to assist the campaigns of congressmen and women who they know will give support to the legislation they want to see passed or defeated. In the initial Obama election campaign his fund raising team added to their PACs (Political Action
Republican
Other/ NA
41%
57%
2%
51%
47%
2%
The American
Exit polls: Let’s Swing! The American networks just don’t/won’t use ‘swing’, that most valuable asset of the psephologist’s toolkit. That is the simple measure of what’s changed between elections, this time (2014) against last time (2012), taking this year’s mid-term against the Obama second term to see, demographically, what’s changed. ‘Swing’ represents the percent change that represents the number of voters in a hundred who’ve moved from supporting one party to another. This time the Republican candidate got 52% of the vote, last time 52%, no change. But the Democrats went up from 45% to 47%, an increase of two percentage points. The lead then was seven percent, this time five percent. Because Vote by Race
everyone has two votes really, a vote for one party and a vote against the other party, you have to divide the gap by two (can’t count it twice), the swing is just one percent, not a statistically significant change. When you look at the men’s vote, the similar calculation gives you a +1% swing again, in the Republican’s favor, but among women -1%, one in a hundred more women voting Democratic. You can use swing to compare a House race then and now, and whether the ‘swing’ is on average, or up, or for that matter down, as I did in the December 2012 and March 2013 editions of The American following the second Obama victory, comparing it against his first electoral win. (Exit Polls*: National House)
Democrat
Total White:
Methodology
Republican Other/ NA
75%
38%
60%
2%
African-American: 12%
89%
10%
1%
Latino:
8%
62%
36%
2%
Asian:
3%
49%
50%
1%
Other:
2%
49%
47%
4%
Committees) a formidable internet campaign which not only raised more small campaign donations than ever before, but also mounted a massive recruitment of young and old volunteers, who staffed local offices and returned door-to-door campaigning back to 1960/1964 levels. First, John F Kennedy’s narrow 1960 victory would not have been the result but for the GOTV
(Get-Out-The-Vote) early efforts led by the late Congressman Frank Thompson (NJ) which tipped the difference. In 1964 it was more the aftermath of the assassination of JFK and the unhappy campaign of Barry Goldwater that created a landslide for Lyndon Johnson, but also the presence of the work on the ground plus a devastating negative advertising campaign.
Marjorie Connelly, Jon Huang and Jeremy B. Merrill of The New York Times explain how their polling system works. The Election Day polls were based on questionnaires completed by voters as they left voting stations throughout the country and in four states analyzed by The Times. The polls were conducted by Edison Research of Somerville, NJ, for the National Election Pool, a consortium of ABC News, Associated Press, CBS News, CNN, Fox News and NBC News. The national results are based on 19,441 voters in 281 randomly chosen precincts across the United States. These include 2,800 absentee voters and early voters interviewed by telephone. The state results are based on voters in 35 to 40 randomly selected precincts within each state, surveyed as they left voting stations: 3,117 voters in Georgia, 3,176 in Iowa and 2,797 in North Carolina. These include 500 to 600 interviews in each state conducted by telephone with absentee voters and early voters. In Colorado all 1,050 interviews were by telephone because voting there is by mail. In theory, in 19 cases out of 20, the results from such polls should differ by no more than plus or minus 1 percentage point nationally, and 3 points in each state, from what would have been obtained by seeking to interview all voters who cast ballots in each of these elections. Results based on smaller subgroups, such as supporters of a particular candidate, have a larger potential sampling error. In addition to sampling error, the practical difficulties of conducting any survey of voter opinion on Election Day, such as the reluctance of some voters to take time to fill out the questionnaire, may introduce other sources of error into the poll. The Times was assisted in its polling analysis by: Barry M. Feinberg of BMF Research and Consulting; Prof. David R. Jones, Baruch College and the Graduate Center, City University of New York; Michael R. Kagay of Princeton, NJ; Maureen Michaels of Michaels Opinion Research; Prof. Helmut Norpoth, Stony Brook University; and Annalise Armenta of New York City.
December 2014 45
The American
It’s Dirty Work But Someone Has To Do It
G
ary Hart has become the latest in a line of US Senators and diplomats to wend their way to Northern Ireland to serve in the role of adviser, negotiator and conscience-in-chief to the political process in Stormont. This kind of ‘dirty work’ of diplomacy generally operates under the radar and is remarked upon only at arrival and departure - special agreements or failed attempts - and the Special Envoy of the President and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is a particular case in point, says Alison Holmes. Not really since George Mitchell has the spotlight fallen squarely on the envoy’s every step in their ongoing and unenviable work as go-between and gofer to the fickle Northern Irish political parties. Yet, if ever there was a pit mine in the diplomatic world, surely this is the coal face. The Special Envoy post itself has a rather interesting past in the transatlantic world. Floated by Bill Clinton in his presidential campaign, it was initially a bit of positioning for a domestic voter base. It slowly morphed into a way for a president to be ‘actively’ involved without, it was assumed, ruffling too many feathers. However, when it came time for the actual appointment of Mitchell in 1995, it wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms by the then Prime Minister, John Major, (or indeed by the US Ambassador in the
46 December 2014
period running up to his appointment, Ray Seitz) when seen in conjunction with Clinton’s appointment of Jean Kennedy Smith as Ambassador to Ireland in 1993 (who had been accused at various points of favoritism, forgetting exactly where the border of Ireland ended and that of the United Kingdom began, as well as the far more serious charge of leaking information to the republican elements). Just in terms of protocol, some rancor might have been expected given the title chosen by the Americans had the cheek to use the nomenclature of Secretary of State, used by the British Government for their own minister. However rocky at the start, Mitchell became an effective part of the machinery and was able to facilitate real progress at a key moment in the peace process. Surely a testament to Mitchell’s skill as a diplomat, that went beyond even that of his skills as a senator. Richard Haass, an appointee of George W Bush, was officially the envoy from 2001-2003, but was called back to the Province last year in an effort to sort out some particularly knotty tangles around the issues of flags, parades and particularly the question of who owns - or has the opportunity to control - Northern Irish history. Almost all of the political faces had changed since he was in harness which, given Northern Irish politics are nothing if not dominated by
personality, may have hindered his chances in his most recent round. However, those previous efforts had borne enough fruit in the past for President Obama to believe that he might be successful once again with the help of Professor Meghan O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan, a well-connected Beltway rider, is a senior fellow at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs - the stomping ground of Paula Dobriansky, a previous envoy - and earlier had worked under Richard Haass at the Brookings Institution. Unfortunately, even O’Sullivan and Haass together couldn’t break the impasse and they left last December empty-handed. Hart, part of the same clubbable group, has now been sent to take up the cudgels in the hope he can broker some kind of deal (or more likely multiple deals) by the time of the onset of the parade season. The whole Special Envoy position does raise some important and interesting points about diplomacy as an institution of international society. The fact that one country could, in a rather matter of fact way, appoint someone in their government to effectively broker deals with the parties in one part of another seems anomalous to the entire international system, a reality Hart recognized when he said, in his first interview, that the US was “disproportionately interested”
The American
Special Envoy of the President and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Gary Hart PHOTO ©THE ITALIAN EMBASSY
in Northern Ireland and acknowledged that it was a “complicated position of wanting to help but not wanting to be intrusive. It’s a delicate, often diplomatic, endeavor”. To their credit, both Prime Minister Cameron and Ireland’s Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, offered supportive, if restrained, reactions to the arrival of another American in their midst despite the fact both may have reason to be miffed. Cameron’s recent work on the devolution debate may yet have an impact on the budgetary aspects of the current problems while Kenny knows that it is the voices of the those who should be on ‘his’ side that are calling the loudest for increasing American involvement - even if that involvement is, as yet, undefined. Thus, it seems important to ask: Why now? What encouraged the President to re-engage in Northern Irish politics at this point after leaving the post vacant for three years from 2011 - 2014? A struggle and a process that has largely disappeared from the world’s limited attention span, and issues that appear like indigestible morsels, leftover from the ‘Troubles’ and pushed to the side of the political plate, are suddenly worth a new round of attention and care despite all of the complex and potentially more dangerous issues looming large on the menu. Surely only a true cynic would even suggest that, with an election on the horizon and the President’s ratings at an all-time low, the relatively small world of Northern Irish difficulties reminds the powers that be of a simpler time when conflicts looked more familiar and even more resolvable. Perhaps a conflict with only the occasional flashing ember seems a good place to leave
a record of success for a still potent domestic constituency when the rest of the ledger is dubious at best. Diplomats are trained for such moments and Vice President Joe Biden has put his personal trust in Senator Hart to achieve results in this relatively unheralded corner of the international arena. Hart rightly identified his task as a delicate one, but surely diplomacy is always a delicate endeavor and that which is out of sight the most delicate of all.
Dr. Alison Holmes is Asst. Professor of International Studies and Politics at Humboldt State University in northern California. Previously, she lived in the UK for over 20 years and worked in national politics and at the BBC, ran the London office of BritishAmerican Business and was speechwriter to the US Ambassador. A PhD in International Relations (LSE) she has been an Associate Fellow at the Rothermere American Institute at Oxford, Pierre Keller Fellow of Transatlantic Studies at Yale, and a Churchill Memorial Trust History Fellow.
December 2014 47
The American
DETROIT LIONS 22 – 21 ATLANTA FALCONS Photos: Gary Baker. Words: Richard L Gale
Top of page: RISE UP! implored the banners, flags, cheerleaders, mascot Freddie Falcon and even the Samuel L Jackson pre-game promo. Above: The Lions duly laid down early before quarterback Matthew Stafford (#9), running back Joique Bell (#35), and the ferocious Lions defensive line found their feet.
48 December 2014
WEMBLEY STADIUM, LONDON, ENGLAND • SUNDAY OCTOBER 26, 2014
A
merica awoke to a Wembley comeback, October 26, as the Detroit Lions roared back from a three touchdown deficit to sit atop the NFC North at the mid-season break. The Lions seemed still on Eastern Time as the Falcons took flight, Matt Ryan lobbing TD passes to Devonta Freeman and Bear Pascoe, and Steven Jackson running in a third, 21-0 at the half. Another blow-out in Blighty? Thereafter, the Falcons didn’t so much Rise Up as plummet, however, Lions QB Matthew Stafford with TD passes to Golden Tate and Theo Riddick, and Matt Prater with three fieldgoals, including the last-second 48-yarder that overwrote a 43-yard miss negated by a delay-of-game, and saw him mobbed by team-mates (below). The Lions – playing without crocked star receiver Calvin Johnson – looked resilient, battle-tested and multifaceted, while morning games from overseas emerged as an NFL hit in the making. As for the Lions, thanks for the entertainment – you can come again!
Above: Detroit #15 Golden Tate exploded for 7 receptions, 151 yards and a score. Right, from top to bottom: Fans of all 32 teams again flocked to a sold-out Wembley (or were those Vikings fans still camped out from last year?) ... Good to see Hooters’ policy of employing conjoined twins is still going strong ... Dianne Reeves supplied The Star Spangled Banner pregame, apparently unaware the Jaguars game was two weeks later ... The Vince Lombardi Trophy shone, even if the weather didn’t ... while Atlanta OT Ryan Schraeder reflects on the fortunes of the 2014 Falcons.
ALL PHOTOS © GARY BAKER
The American
49
The American
Cowboys v Jaguars Round Up DALLAS COWBOYS 31 – 17 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
I
n the build up to the last of the NFL International Series games of 2014, the main topic of conversation was of transverse process fractures, says Gary Jordan. Now I’m no doctor, and I admit to having to use the internet to find out exactly what this was, but to those in the know it meant that the face of the Dallas Cowboys franchise, quarterback Tony Romo, was a big doubt to play in the game. They say time is a great healer, but how much time do two tiny fractured bones in an already surgically repaired back need to heal? In this case it seems just ten days as Romo did play, and not only that, he played his best game of the season from a statistical standpoint, as well as putting himself out there for his team. The young Jacksonville Jaguars team do not have the star power that the Cowboys lay claim to, but what they lack in glamor they make
50 December 2014
Photos: Gary Baker. Words: Gary Jordan
up for in speed and aggression, and with a fast start they were hoping to get the better of their more illustrious opponents. Both teams laid claim to a good week’s practice and were not too fazed by the media commitments that now accompany the trips to London. Jacksonville of course were slightly more prepared for the week having come over last year at the start of their four year agreement to play a home game in the UK each season. Dallas went for a knockout punch early, but Romo was just off target to his best friend Jason Witten, the tight end just half a stride short, but points were on the board with the reliable Dan Bailey kicking a long range field goal. The response was swift and smart from the Jaguars, they quickly moved into Cowboys territory and Denard Robinson sprinted through a large
hole on the right side to go 32 yards untouched for a 7-3 lead. Momentum was now with the Jaguars having forced Dallas to punt, but it soon turned as Ace Sanders let the ball slip through his hands and watch the Cowboys recover at the six yard line. A handful of plays later and this time Romo did find Witten for a score after being moved out of the pocket to his right. Moving into the second quarter and the Cowboys tails were firmly up and starting to move through the gears. DeMarco Murray, the League’s leading rusher was on his way to another 100-yard game, and this helped Romo open up his passing attack. Dez Bryant can be frustrating at times but on this night he was near flawless scoring twice on passes, turning what were relatively short gains into touchdowns of 35 and 69 yards to put the Cowboys up
The American
RB DeMarco Murray and QB Tony Romo
WEMBLEY STADIUM, LONDON, ENGLAND • SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014 24-7 at the half. As the second wore on it was clear that Jacksonville were not going to be able to mount a comeback of any sort, which led Dallas to start resting some of its key players. Joseph Randle, the more than capable backup to Murray, raced 40 yards with his first touch of the ball to extend the lead, and now the Wembley crowd were less involved in the game and resorted to the now inevitable Mexican Wave around the stadium. The Jaguars did make the score more respectable, Dallas giving up a safety through a holding penalty in the end zone, and then Robinson went in again, this time a less spectacular one-yard effort. A successful two-point conversion made the final score 31-17. Jaguars safety Johnathan Cyprien was not happy with his team’s efforts after the game, “We
played the way a College team should be playing. We know for a fact we’re better than that. The team knows that”. This feeling was also summarised by Head Coach Gus Bradley, “I think sometimes when you want to be something special, you go through some of these times like we’re experiencing now where we didn’t play as we wanted to, especially in the first half.” So just how did Tony Romo’s back feel after his three touchdown performance? “ I think just sore, anytime anybody’s had anything broken before knows it’s uncomfortable at times, but you play football, you just go play.” The foreseeable future looks good for Dallas heading into their bye week with a 7-3 record and in range for a playoff run. However the Jaguars will be looking to improve quickly as a 1-9 mark doesn’t make for a happy plane journey home.
ALL PHOTOS ©GARY BAKER
IMAGE ©DAVID GUNN, COURTESY WWE
The American
Chris Jericho C
hris Jericho, the grappler from Winnipeg, Manitoba who has wrestled for ECW, WCW and WWEs and won 30 championships along the way, has a number of projects outside of the squared circle, including his rock band Fozzy and his podcast. Jericho has also released his third autobiography, The Best In The World: At What I Have No Idea. Josh Modaberi talks to him. Growing up, Jericho states he only wanted to be two things, a wrestler and a rock star, and he has achieved both of those goals in amazing fashion. In the wrestling world he has also achieved his boyhood dream of working with two of his favourite stars, Shawn Michaels and Rickie ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat. “In 2003 Shawn and I stole the show at WrestleMania 19, which was like a dream come true,” Jericho told The American. “However it wasn’t until 2008 when I created this whole new villain character that was just hated in the world of wrestling but was also hated outside of
52 December 2014
that – I was getting chased down the streets outside arenas. “I got to work with Shawn during that point of my career as well and that was probably one of the best angles in WWE history. We created that angle from scratch and very organically because it wasn’t supposed to be something that lasted seven months, it was only supposed to be a one night thing. The chemistry Shawn and I had during that feud stems from me being a huge fan of his when I was a kid and we became peers and friends and co–workers. “I was also a big Steamboat fan as a kid and I have a great picture from when I met him when I was about 16–years–old at an auto show. He was always one of those guys that I really appreciated his style of work, he was a so called smaller guy in the business but the way he carried himself and his work rate was second to none. When it came time for me to work with him at WrestleMania 25, it was a really cool moment – he came out of retirement to work with me and we had an amazing
match that night.” During his last spell with the company Jericho had a feud with one of the hottest young talents in the WWE, Bray Wyatt. “I came back to specifically work with Bray,” he continued. “I enjoy his character and I think he does a great job working that character and committing to it. “I think Bray will be a world champion very soon in the WWE and I really enjoyed working with him. Our steel cage match was the best match we had and I think it was a great performance.” Jericho also has his eye on a number of other guys he would like to work with when he makes his return to the WWE. “When the time comes for me to go back, if I have some time and they’re willing to have me back I will look through the roster and see what works and makes sense,” the 44–year–old said. “Seth Rollins is great, Dean Ambrose is great, I think Daniel Bryan as a babyface vs myself as a heel would tear the house down.”
Chris Jericho’s new autobiography The Best In The World: At What I Have No Idea is out now. Follow him on Twitter @IAmJericho, Fozzy @FOZZ Y ROCK or visit www.fozzyrocks.com
IMAGE ©PETR KRATOCHVIL
Fozzy is Jericho’s band and they have gone from strength to strength over the years and have even supported the likes of Metallica and will once again be returning to the UK in 2015. “It has been a lot of hard work with people telling you, you can’t do something,” he added. “You have to carry on believing in yourself and believe in what you’re doing and not listening to the haters. You just have to focus in on it, put your nose to the grind and make it happen, make it work and when you get that attitude nothing can stop you, especially if you’re good at what you do. “That is one of the things I love about Fozzy, we’re working really hard to get to where we’re at. There is still a lot of work we can do but the bottom line is it’s gratifying for us to know we’re coming back to the UK in March, it is the biggest tour we will have ever done and the buzz about the band is bigger than ever before. “It’s cool to know we’ve gained the fan base and we hope to continue to grow and continue to gain the fan base. The band kicks ass, every single step we take up the ladder we feel very honoured but there is still a lot of ground left for us to cover and the potential is off the chart, it is just a great feeling within the band.” Chris Jericho is a great performer both in the ring wrestling and on stage singing, and we can’t wait to see more of Chris doing both in the UK in 2015.
Deal or No Deal? L
ooking at modern motor racing, you can’t help wonder if the simple concept of “first over the finishing line” has fallen out of favor, muses Daniel Byway. Nowadays, races are becoming more like game shows: knockout rounds, bonus points, double points, it can’t be long before drivers open shiny silver suitcases (or red boxes, depending on whether you watch the US or UK version of Deal or No Deal...) to determine their finishing position. Actually, in the British Touring Car Championship this isn’t far from the reality, where between five and ten drivers have their grid slots reversed in each weekend’s third race. I understand the need for a spectacle, I even acknowledge that spicing up the weekend can help entertain audiences even more, but surely there’s a point at which it’s all too much? By the time this magazine is published, we could have a Formula One Champion who has won solely because the final race of the season rewards double the regular number of points (I’m looking at you, Nico Rosberg). We could even have a
NASCAR champion who hasn’t won a single race all season (Yes, I’m also looking at you, Ryan Newman). Arguably NASCAR’s situation is more troubling than Formula One’s circumstances, because Newman’s winless season (only four top five finishes) has essentially been wiped from the record – he will have had an equal chance of glory at the season finale at Homestead as fellow Championship contenders Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick. This could be a mute point if Newman doesn’t actually win, but it still sends a strange message that with only four berths for the Chase showdown, and such a quality field of competitors, Newman remains in contention. Maybe this thought proves the success of such gimmicks though. I’ve barely thought about Will Power’s Indycar success at the final race of the season, or Marc Marquez’s domination of MotoGP. Gimmicks are a talking point, but if I was asked to gamble on traditional motorsports and the principle of fastest wins, I’d say No Deal.
December 2014 53
The American
ORGANIZATION FOCUS
Delta Kappa Gamma Society International The International Society for Key Women Educators
D
KG Society International promotes professional and personal growth of its members and excellence in education. Members come from all fields of education. They are offered a lifelong association with other women educators engaged in the shared pursuit of common interests, goals and ideals. Members are encouraged to participate in and contribute to the Society’s programmes and activities. Speakers on a wide range
54 December 2014
of educational topics join us at regular meetings. We also enjoy educationally linked social outings. Delta Kappa Gamma operates at local, national and international levels. Seventeen countries are members including, most recently, Japan. We in Great Britain are members of the European Region, with nine countries, and nine different languages, cultures, school systems and history.
New members are always welcome. Please visit our website www.dkggb.org.uk where you can learn of our activities and follow links to the parent organisation in the United States and to our European Website.
DKG enjoying a new experience being taught to play the steel pans
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Farm Street Church 114 Mount Street, Mayfair, London W1K 3AH Tel: 020 7493 7811 www.farmstreet.org.uk
Anglo American Medical Society Hon. Sec.: Dr Edward Henderson, The Mill House, Whatlington, E. Sussex, TN33 0ND. 01424 775130 ed@themillhouse.eclipse.co.uk
Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) Department of Defense, 1155 Defense Pentagon, Washington DC 20301-1155. UK 0800 028 8056, US:1-800-438- VOTE (8683). www.fvap.gov vote@fvap.ncr.gov
The Association of Americans Resident Overseas 34 avenue de New York, 75116 Paris, France + 33 1 47 20 24 15 www.aaro.org Association for Rescue at Sea To make a tax efficient gift to the Royal National Lifeboat Association contact AFRAS. Mrs. Anne C. Kifer, P.O. Box 565 Fish Creek, WI 54212, USA, 00-1-920-7435434 ackafras@aol.com Atlantic Council UK 185 Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2UF 0207 403 0640 info@atlanticcounciluk.org Bentwaters Cold War Museum c/o Bentwaters Aviation Society, Building 134 Bentwaters Parks, Rendlesham, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 2TW 07588 877020 info@bcwm.org.uk Bethesda Baptist Church Kensington Place, London W8. 020 7221 7039 office@bethesdabaptist.org.uk bethesdabaptist.org.uk Boy Scouts of America Mayflower District Executive: Cristina Priddy The Old Coach House, 81A London Rd, Brandon, Suffolk IP270EL 075 9210 1013 crpriddy@bsamail.org British American Business Inc. 75 Brook Street, London, W1K 4AD. Tel. 020 7290 9888 www.babinc.org ukinfo@babinc.org British American-Canadian Associates Contact via The English Speaking Union – esu@esu.org Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 66-68 Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2PA 020 7584 7553 adcockmp@ldschurch.org https://lds.org.uk, http://mormon.org Church of St. John the Evangelist Vicar: Reverend Stephen Mason. Hyde Park Crescent, London W2 2QD 020 7262 1732, parishadmin@stjohns-hydepark.com www.stjohns-hydepark.com Commonwealth Church Rev. Rod Anderson, PO Box 15027, London SE5 0YS commonwealthchurch.com Democrats Abroad (UK) Box 65, 22 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JE www.democratsabroad.org.uk 020 7724 9796 www.democratsabroad.org/group/united-kingdom Register to vote/ request Absentee Ballot: www.votefromabroad.org
56 December 2014
Friends of Benjamin Franklin House Director: Dr. Márcia Balisciano 36 Craven St,London WC2N 5NF 0207 839 2006 www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org info@benjaminfranklinhouse.org Friends of Chicksands Priory (12th Century) Julie Benson 01525 860497 friendsofchicksands@gmail.com www.chicksandspriory.co.uk Friends of St Jude London Debbie Berger debbie.berger@stjude.org 07738 628126 www.friendsofstjude.org/london Grampian Houston Association Secretary: Bill Neish, 01224-484720, wineish@sky.com 5 Cairncry Avenue, Aberdeen, AB16 5DS International Community Church (Interdenom.) Pastor: Rev. Dr. Barry K. Gaeddert Chertsey Hall, Heriot Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 9DR Office: 1st floor, Devonshire House, 60 Station Road, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 2AF, 01932 830295. churchoffice@icc-uk.org www.icc-uk.org Junior League of London President: Suzy Bibko; Office Admin: Ruth Linton CAN Mezzanine , 49-51 East Road , London N1 6AH Tel: 020 7499 8159 jrleague@jll.org.uk www.jll.org.uk Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 19 Angel Gate, City Road, London EC1V 2PT. Tel: 020 7713 2030 info@jdrf.org.uk www.jdrf.org.uk Liberal Jewish Synagogue 28 St John’s Wood Road, London NW8 7HA Services 6.45pm Fri., 11am Sat. First Friday each month service is 7pm with a Chavurah Supper. Please bring non-meat food dish to share. 020 7286 5181 ljs@ljs.org Lions Club International Lakenheath & District 105EA, 15 Highfields Drive, Lakenheath, Suffolk IP27 9EH. Tel 01842 860752 www.lionsclubs.org St Anne’s Lutheran Church stannes.stagnes@gmail.com www.stanneslutheranchurch.org.uk Methodist Central Hall Westminster, London SW1H 9NH 020 7654 3809, church@mchw.org.uk www.methodist-central-hall.org.uk
North Am. Friends of Chawton House Library US Office: 824 Roosevelt Trail, #130, Windham, ME 04062 +1.207 892 4358 UK Office: Chawton House Library, Chawton, Alton, Hampshire GU34 1SJ 01420 541010 www.chawtonhouse.org Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner 5th Floor, Counting House, 53 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QN 0207 211 1500 info@oisc.gov.uk www.oisc.gov.uk Republicans Abroad (UK) Chairman Dr. Thomas Grant chairman@republicansabroad-uk.org www.republicansabroad-uk.org Rotaract in Great Britain & Ireland For 18-30 year olds, international membership www.rotaract.org.uk Rotary Club of London 6 York Gate, London NW1 4QG. Tel. 020 7487 5429 Rotary Great Britain and Ireland www.ribi.org Royal National Lifeboat Institution Head Office, West Quay Road, Poole BH15 1HZ 0845 045 6999 www.rnli.org.uk The Royal Oak Foundation Sean Sawyer, 35 West 35th Street #1200, New York NY 10001-2205, USA 212- 480-2889 or (800) 913-6565 ssawyer@royal-oak.org www.royal-oak.org St Andrew’s Lutheran Church Serving Americans since 1960. Whitby Road & Queens Walk, Ruislip, West London. Services: 11 am. 020 8845 4242 pastorvan43@hotmail.com www.standrewslutheran.co.uk, www.lutheran.co.uk T.R.A.C.E. P.W. Reuniting children with GI fathers and their families. Norma Jean Clarke-McCloud 29 Connaught Avenue, Enfield EN1 3BE normajean78@hotmail.com www.tracepw.org United Nations Association, Westminster Chairman: David Wardrop 61 Sedlescombe Road, London SW6 1RE 0207 385 6738 info@unawestminster.org.uk www.unawestminster.org.uk www.wethepeoples.org.uk USA Girl Scouts Overseas – North Atlantic gsmembership@usagso-na.org www.usagso-na.org
SOCIAL American Club of Hertfordshire President: Lauryn Awbrey 63-65 New Road, Welwyn, Herts AL6 0AL
The American
01582 624823 amclubherts@aol.com
American Expats of the Northwest of England The Ruskin Rooms, Drury Lane, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6HA. expatsnw@gmail.com American Professional Women in London Rebecca Lammers, Flat 9 Hanover Court, 5 Stean Street, London, E8 4ED 075 3393 5064 abwinlondon@gmail.com www.meetup.com/American-Business-Women-inLondon American Society in London c/o The English Speaking Union 37 Charles Street, London W1J 5ED info@americansocietyuk.com 020 7539 3400 American Stamp Club of Great Britain Chapter 67 of the American Philatelic Society. Hon. Publicity Secretary: Stephen T. Taylor 5 Glenbuck Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 6BS. 020 8390 9357
Heston, Middlesex TW5 9LL, 020 8897 0723 tricia_baasdc@btinternet.com www.squaredancing.co.uk
Canadians & Americans in Southern England 023 9241 3881 contactcase@casecommunity.com Canadian Women’s Club 1 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 4AB Tues–Thurs 10.30-3.30 0207 258 6344 info@canadianwomenlondon.org www.canadianwomenlondon.org
AWBS International Women’s Club [formerly American Women of Berkshire & Surrey] PO Box 10, Virginia Water, Surrey GU25 4YP. www.awbs.org.uk info@awbs.org.uk
Daughters of the American Revolution Walter Hines Page Chapter Diana Frances Diggines, Regent dardiana@hotmail.co.uk www.dar.org
American Women of Surrey PO Box 185, Cobham, Surrey KT11 3YJ. www.awsurrey.org
The East Anglia American Club 49 Horsham Close, Haverhill, Suffolk CB9 7HN 01440 766 967 eaacexpats@karej.co.uk
The American Women’s Club of Dublin P.O. Box 2545, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 IRELAND www.awcd.net info@awcd.net
English-Speaking Union Director-General: Jane Easton Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, London W1J 5ED. Tel: 020 7529 1550 esu@esu.org
American Women of South Wales 07866 190838 awsouthwales@fawco.org Americans in Bristol Tim Ellis 07572 342483 Twitter @americansinbris americansinbristol@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/groups/USEXPATSINBRISTOL Association of American Women in Ireland aawireland@fawco.org
North American Connection (West Midlands) PO Box 10543, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands. B93 8ZY 0870 720 0663 info@naconnect.com www.naconnect.com Northwood Area Women’s Club c/o St John’s UR Church, Hallowell Road, Northwood, Middlesex HA6 1DN 01932-830295 info@northwoodareawomensclub.co.uk www.northwoodareawomensclub.co.uk
Colonial Dames of America Chapter XI London. President Anne K Brewster: AnneBrewster@hotmail.com
American Womens Association of Bristol 0800 0834804 awabristol_membership@fawco.org
American Women’s Club of Central Scotland P.O. Box 231, 44-46 Morningside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 4BF info@awccs.org www.awccs.org
New Neighbours Diana Parker, Rosemary Cottage, Rookshill, Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 4HZ. 01923 772185
Chilterns American Women’s Club PO Box 445, Gerrards Cross, Bucks, SL9 8YU membership@cawc.co.uk www.cawc.co.uk
Daughters of the American Revolution St James’s Chapter Mrs Natalie Ward, 01379 871422 nattyward@aol.com or UKDARStJames@aol.com http://mysite.verizon.net/jean.sutton/main.htm
American Women’s Club of London 68 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3LQ. 020 7589 8292 awc@awclondon.org www.awclondon.org
in Knightsbridge, Kensington and surrounding areas. For a limited period The American’s readers are invited to join online with this key: american2014. Membership is £10 per month. info@knightsbridge-village.com www.knightsbridge-village.com
Hampstead Women’s Club President - Betsy Lynch. Tel: 020 7435 2226 email president@hwcinlondon.co.uk www.hwcinlondon.co.uk High Twelve International, Inc. Arnold Page High Twelve Club 298 Secretary, Darrell C. Russell 01638 715764 russelld130@btinternet.com The Inter-Cultural Society of London Contact: Dr Kenneth Reed, 01753 892698, kjreed37@yahoo.co.uk ticsl.org Kensington & Chelsea Men’s Club John Rickus, 70 Flood St., Chelsea, London SW3 5TE. (home): 020 7349 0680 (office): 020 7753 2253 johnrickus@aol.com
Association of American Women of Aberdeen PO Box 11952, Westhill, Aberdeen, AB13 0BW email via website www.awaaberdeen.org
kcwc (was Kensington & Chelsea Women’s Club) President: Anna Groot, president@kcwc.org.uk Membership: potential@kcwc.org.uk www.kcwc.org.uk @kcwc_womensclub
British Association of American Square Dance Clubs Patricia Connett-Woodcock, 87 Brabazon Road,
Knightsbridge Village Private invitation-only network for discerning mothers
Petroleum Women’s Club of London www.pwc-london.co.uk Petroleum Women’s Club of Scotland pwcscotland@yahoo.co.uk www.pwcos.com Pilgrims of Great Britain Allington Castle, Maidstone, Kent M16 0NB. 01622 606404 sec@pilgrimsociety.org
Propeller Club of the United States – London, England propellerclubhq.com Royal Society of St George Enterprise House, 10 Church Hill, Loughton, Essex IG10 1LA. +44 (0) 20 3225 5011 info@royalsocietyofstgeorge.com www.royalsocietyofstgeorge.com Order of the Eastern Star #45 Washington Jurisdiction District #9, RAF Lakenheath sogb45@yahoo.com elizabeth.jackson.tripod.com/sogb St John’s Wood Women’s Club membership@sjwwc.org www.sjwwc.org Thames Valley American Women’s Club PO Box 1687, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 8XT. 01628 632683 membership@tvawc.com www.tvawc.com UK Panhellenic Association Contact Susan Woolf, 10 Coniston Court, High St. Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex HA1 3LP. 020 8864 0294 susanrwoolf@hotmail.com Anglian Shrine Club Recorder/Secretary: Allan David Warnes “Koloma House”, Warren Avenue, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 8NP 01328 862001, 07860187333, VOIP 08714084364 Skype batman4499adw allan@allandavidwarnes.co.uk
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Friends of the Eighth Newsletter (FOTE News) Chairman: Ron Mackay, 90 Elton Road, Sandbach, Cheshire, CW11 3NF, 01270 767669
www.anglianshrineclub.co.uk
W.E.B. DuBois Consistory #116 Northern Jurisdiction, Valley of London, England, Orient of Europe, Cell: 0776-873-8030 mjack36480@aol.com
MILITARY 290 Foundation (UK Confederate Navy memorial) Ian Dewar, President, 2 Thompson Drive, Middleton on the Wolds, East Riding, Yorkshire YO25 9TX 01377 217 442 290admin@onetel.com sites.google.com/site/290foundation
AFJROTC 073 Lakenheath High School. Tel: 01638 525603 Air Force Sergeants Association UK POC Timothy W. Litherland CMSgt, USAF (ret). Chapters at RAFs Alconbury, Croughton, Lakenheath, Menwith Hill and Mildenhall. timothy.litherland@outlook.com www.hqafsa.org American Legion London Post 1 Adjutant: Christopher Shea, 10 Ivel Bridge Road, Biggleswade, Befordshire SG18 0AB 07501-062-882 info@amlegionpost1london.org.uk www.amlegionpost1london.org.uk
Brookwood American Cemetery The American Battle Monuments Commission Superintendant: Craig Rahanian. 01483 473237 Brookwood, Woking, Surrey GU24 0BL www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/europe/ brookwood-american-cemetery
Eighth Air Force Historical Society Gordon Richards/Michelle Strefford UK Office, The Croft, 26 Chapelwent Road, Haverhill, Suffolk CB9 9SD, 01440 704014 www.8thafhs.org
58 December 2014
USNA Alumni Association UK Chapter Pres: LCDR Tim Fox ’97, timfox97@hotmail.com Vice Pres: Miguel Sierra ’90, mrsierra@chevron.com M’ship: Bart O’Brien ’98, bartonobrien2@yahoo.com Secretary: Matt Horan ’87, matthoran@btinternet.com
Marine Corps League Detachment 1088, London, England. Commandant Mike Allen, Creek Cottage, 2 Pednormead End, Old Chesham, Buckinghamshire HP5 2JS detachment1088@mcl-london-uk.org www.mcl-london-uk.org
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Commander: Ernest Paolucci, 00 33 (0)1.42.50.96.34 24, rue Gerbert, 75015 Paris, France Western UK Retiree Association President: R. Jim Barber, MSgt (USAF), Ret 01280 708182
EDUCATIONAL
Navy League of the United States, United Kingdom Council Council President: Steven G. Franck steven.franck@googlemail.com www.navyleague.org
ACS International Schools ACS Cobham International School, Heywood, www.acs-england.co.uk AFJROTC 20021 Principal.AlconburyHS@eu.dodea.edu Alconbury Middle/High School RAF Alconbury, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE17 1PJ, UK. www.alco-hs.eu.dodea.edu AlconburyHS.Principal@eu.dodea.edu
Society of American Military Engineers (UK) UK address: Box 763, USAFE Construction Directorate: 86 Blenheim Crescent, West Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 7HL London Post. President: W. Allan Clarke. Secretary: Capt. Gary Chesley. Membership Chairman, Mr. Jim Bizier.
British Patton Historical Society Kenn Oultram 01606 891303
US Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point) UK Chapter President: Allison Bennett, bennett.ac@gmail.com Facebook: Kings Point Alumni - London/United Kingdom
Joint RAF Mildenhall/Lakenheath Retiree Affairs Office Co-Directors Dick Good & Jack Kramer Unit 8965, Box 30, RAF Mildenhall, Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk, IP28 8NF 01638 542039 rao1@us.af.mil
Reserve Officers Association London Col. B.V. Balch, USAR, 72 Westmoreland Road, Barnes, London SW13 9RY memberservices@roa.org www.roa.org
Bentwaters/Woodbridge Retirees’ Association President: Wylie Moore. 2 Coldfair Close, Knodishall, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 1UN. 01728 830281
Commander in Chief, US Naval Forces Europe US Naval Forces Europe-Africa - US Sixth Fleet www.c6f.navy.mil, CNE-C6FPAO@eu.navy.mil
Military Officers’ Association of America www.moaa.org msc@moaa.org
American Overseas Memorial Day Association To remember and honor the memory of those who gave their lives in World War I and II, whose final resting places are in Europe. info@aomda.com, aomda.com
Madingley American Cemetery Cambridge The American Battle Monuments Commission Madingley Road, Coton, Cambridge CB23 7PH 01954-210350 www.madingleyamericancemetery.info damian.lappin@madingleyamericancemetery.info
Joint RAF Alconbury/Molesworth Retiree Affairs Office 423, ABG/RAO, Unit 5623, RAF Alconbury, Huntingdon, Cambs., PE28 4DE, rao@alconbury.af.mil 01480 843364 (Tues only 10:30-14:30)
Director: Paul G Gumbert, CMSgt (USAF), Ret 422 ABG/CVR, Unit 5855, PSC 50, Box 3 RAF Croughton, Northants NN13 5XP 01280 708182 422abg.rao@croughton.af.mil
American Institute for Foreign Study 37 Queensgate, London SW7 5HR 020 7581 7300, www.aifs.co.uk info@aifs.co.uk
US Army Reserve 2nd Hospital Center 7 Lynton Close, Ely, Cambs, CB6 1DJ. Tel: 01353 2168 Commander: Major Glenda Day.
American School in London 1 Waverley Place, London NW8 0NP 020 7449 1200, www.asl.org admissions@asl.org
US Air Force Recruiting Office Bldg 239 Room 139, RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk IP28 8NF 01638-54-4942/1566 phillip.guffa@mildenhall.af.mil
American School of Aberdeen Craigton Road, Cults, Aberdeen. 01224 861068 / 868927.
Retired Affairs Office, RAF Alconbury Serving Central England POC: Rex Keegan Alt. POC: Mike Depasquale 423 SVS/RAO, Unit 5585, Box 100, RAF Alconbury, Huntingdon, Cambs PE28 4DA. 01480 84 3364/3557 Office Hours: Tuesday and Friday, 10:30am–2:30pm RAO@Alconbury.af.mil. Emergency no. 07986 887905
Benjamin Franklin House 36 Craven Street, London WC2N 5NF. Tel 020 7839 2006 info@benjaminfranklinhouse.org
2nd Air Division Memorial Library The Forum, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1AW 01603 774747 www.2ndair.org.uk 2admemorial.lib@norfolk.gov.uk USAF Retiree Activities Office
Boston University – London Graduate Programs Office 43 Harrington Gardens, London SW7 4JU. 020 7244 6255, www.bu.edu/london British American Educational Foundation Mrs. Carlton Colcord, 1 More’s Garden, 90 Cheyne Walk, London SW3. 020 7352 8288 www.baef.org, anncolcord@compuserve.com
The American
BUNAC Student Exchange Employment Program - Director: Callum Kennedy, 16 Bowling Green Lane, London EC1R 0QH. 020 7251 3472 www.bunac.org enquiries@bunac.org.uk Butler University, Institute for Study Abroad 21 Pembridge Gardens, London W2 4EB 020 7792 8751 www.ifsa-butler.org/england-overview.html Centre Academy London 92 St John’s Hill, Battersea, London SW11 1SH Tel: 02077382344, info@centreacademy.net www.centreacademy.net Centre Academy East Anglia Church Rd, Brettenham, Ipswich, Suffolk IP7 7QR Tel: 01449736404 admin@centreacademy.net www.centreacademy.net Central Bureau for Educational Visits Director: Peter Upton, The British Council , 10 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2BN, 020 7389 4004. Wales 029 2039 7346. Scotland 0131 447 8024. centralbureau@britishcouncil.org Council on International Educational Exchange Dr. Michael Woolf, 52 Portland Street, London WIV 1JQ Tel 020 7478 2000 www.ciee.org contact@ciee.org Ditchley Foundation Ditchley Park, Enstone, Chipping Norton, Oxon OX7 4ER Tel 01608 677346 www.ditchley.co.uk info@ditchley.co.uk Dwight School London Formerly North London International School 6 Friem Barnet Lane, London N11 3LX 020 8920 0600 vrose@dwightlondon.org www.dwightlondon.org European Council of International Schools Executive Director: Jean K Vahey Fourth Floor, 146 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TR 020 7824 7040 www.ecis.org ecis@ecis.org European-Atlantic Group PO Box 37431, London N3 2XP 020 8632 9253 justinglass@btinternet.com www.eag.org.uk Florida State University London Study Centre Administrative Director: Kathleen Paul 99 Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LH. 020 7813 3233 intprog1@admin.fsu.edu www.international.fsu.edu/london Fordham University London Centre Academic Coordinator: Sabina Antal 23 Kensington Square, London W8 5HQ 020 7937 5023 londoncentre@fordham.edu www.fordham.edu Fulbright (US-UK Educational) Commission
Dir. of Advisory Service: Lauren Welch Battersea Power Station, 188 Kirtling Street, London SW8 5BN 020 7498 4010 www.fulbright.co.uk
Royal Waterloo House, 51-55 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8TX. Tel. 020 7928 1372 www.schillerlondon.ac.uk admissions@schillerlondon.ac.uk
Halcyon London International School Co-educational International Baccalaureate (IB). 33 Seymour Place, London W1H 5AU +44 (0)20 7258 1169 , hello@halcyonschool.com halcyonschool.com
Schiller International, Wickham Court School Layhams Road, West Wickham, Kent BR4 9HW. Tel 0208 777 2942, Wickham@schillerintschool.com www.wickhamcourt.org.uk
Harlaxton College UK Campus, University of Evansville, Harlaxton Manor, Grantham, Lincs. NG32 1AG. 01476 403000 harlaxton.ac.uk. Huron University USA in London 46-47 Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 4JP Tel +44 (0) 20 7636 5667 folu@huron.ac.uk www.huron.ac.uk Institute for the Study of the Americas Director: Professor James Dunkerley. Tel 020 7862 8879 americas@sas.ac.uk www.americas.sas.ac.uk International School of Aberdeen 296 North Deeside Rd, Milltimber, Aberdeen, AB13 0AB 01224 732267 admin@isa.aberdeen.sch.uk www.isa.aberdeen.sch.uk International School of London 139 Gunnersbury Avenue, London W3 8LG. 020 8992 5823, mail@ISLschools.org www.islschools.org International School of London in Surrey Old Woking Road, Woking GU22 8HY, 01483 750409, www.islsurrey.com mail@islsurrey.com Ithaca College London Centre 35 Harrington Gardens, London SW7. Tel. 020 7370 1166 www.ithaca.edu/london bsheasgreen@ithacalondon.co.uk Marymount International School, London Headmistress: Ms Sarah Gallagher George Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7PE 020 8949 0571 info@marymountlondon.com www.marymountlondon.com Missouri London Study Abroad Program 32 Harrington Gardens, London SW7 4JU. 020 7373 7953. web_office@umsl.edu www.umsl.edu/services/cis/ Regent’s University London Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NS. 020 7486 9605. www.regents.ac.uk exrel@regents.ac.uk Richmond, The American International University in London Queen’s Road, Richmond-upon Thames TW10 6JP Tel: +44 20 8332 9000, enroll@richmond.ac.uk www.richmond.ac.uk Schiller International University
Sotheby’s Institute of Art Postgraduate Art studies, plus day /evening courses 30 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3EE Tel: 0207 462 3232, info@sothebysinstitute.com www.sothebysinstitute.com Southbank International Schools Kensington and Hampstead for 3-11 year olds; Westminster campuses for 11-18 year olds. 020 7243 3803, admissions@southbank.org www.southbank.org Syracuse University London Program Faraday House, 48-51 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1N 3AE, sulondon.syr.edu TASIS England, American School Coldharbour Lane, Thorpe, Nr. Egham, Surrey TW20 8TE. 01932 565252, england.tasis.com ukadmissions@tasisengland.org UKCISA - Council for International Education 9-17 St. Albans Place, London N1 0NX 020 7354 5210 www.ukcisa.org.uk University of Notre Dame London Program 1 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG 020 7484 7811, london@nd.edu http://international.nd.edu/about/notre-dameglobal-gateways/london-global-gateway Warnborough University International Office, Friars House, London SE1 8HB. Tel 020 7922 1200 www.warnborough.edu admin@warnborough.edu Webster Graduate Studies Center Regent’s College, Regent’s Park, Inner Circle, London NW1 4NS, UK. 020 7487 7505, webster@regents.ac.uk www.webster.ac.uk Wroxton College Study Abroad with Fairleigh Dickinson University, Wroxton, Nr. Banbury, Oxfordshire OX15 6PX 01295 730551, www.fdu.edu admin@wroxton-college.ac.uk
ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS Alliant International University (formerly United States International University) England Chapter Alumni Association Chapter President: Eric CK Chan chane@regents.ac.uk c/o Regents College London, Inner Circle, Regents Park, London, UK. www.alliant.edu
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Amherst College Bob Reichert, RAreichert26b@aol.com Andover/Abbot Association of London Jeffrey Hedges ‘71, President 07968 513 631, hedgeslon@hotmail.com Association of MBAs Leo Stemp, Events Administrator Tel 020 7837 3375 (ext. 223), l.stemp@mba.org.uk Babson College Frank de Jongh Swemer, 020 7932 7514 babson.alumni@btinternet.com Barnard College Club Hiromi Stone, President. 0207 935 3981, barnardclubgb@yahoo.co.uk Berkeley Club of London Geoff Kertesz berkeleyclublondon@gmail.com http://international.berkeley.edu/LondonClub www.facebook.com groups/223876564344656/ www.linkedin.com/groups/Berkeley-ClubLondon-4186104 Boston College Alumni Club UK Craig Zematis, President +44 7717 878968 BCalumniclub@gmail.com www.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/BTN/cpages/ chapters/home.jsp?chapter=41&org=BTN Boston University Alumni Association of the UK Will Straughn, Snr International Development Officer, University Development and Alumni Relations, 43 Harrington Gardens, Kensington, London SW7 4JU 020 7244 2908 020 7373 7411 bstraugh@bu.edu Brandeis Alumni Club of Great Britain Joan Bovarnick, President http://alumni.brandeis.edu office@alumni.brandeis.edu Brown University Club of the United Kingdom President: Tugba Erem. Communication: Patrick Attie Alumni Club & Liaison: Vanessa Van Hoof Brown Club UK, Box 57100, London, EC1P 1RB contact@brownuk.org www.brownuk.org Bryn Mawr Club Lady Quinton, President. Wendy Tiffin, Secretary/Treasurer, 52 Lansdowne Gardens, London SW8 2EF wendytif@ukgateway.net
Columbia University Club of London london@alumniclubs.columbia.edu www.alumniclubs.columbia.edu/london
MIT Club of Great Britain reenan@alum.mit.edu greatbritain.alumclub.mit.edu
Cornell Club of London nmt4@cornell.edu www.alumni.cornell.edu/orgs/int/London
Mount Holyoke Club of Britain mhcbritain@gmail.com sites.alumnae.mtholyoke.edu/wp/ukclub
Dartmouth College Club of London sandra.blacker@outlook.com, alumni.dartmouth.edu www.dartmouth.org
Notre Dame Club of London Hannah Gornik, Secretary: ND_Club_London@yahoo.co.uk
Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Diana Bell, dbell_is@yahoo.co.ukwww.dkggb.org.uk
NYU Alumni Club in London Jodi Ekelchik, President alumni.london@nyu.edu alumni.nyu.edu
Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity London Alumni Chapter. Ashok Arora, P O Box 1110, London W3 7ZB 020 8423 8231, bertela@yahoo.com www.dspnet.org
NYU STERN UK Alumni Club www.stern.nyu.edu/portal-partners/alumni sternukalumniclub@hotmail.com fjrodrgo@yahoo.com
Delta Zeta International Sorority Alumna Club Sunny Eades 01543 490 312 SunnyEades@aol.com www.deltazeta.org
Ohio University Alumni UK & Ireland Frank Madden, 01753 855 360 frank@madant.demon.co.uk www.ohioalumni.org
Duke University Club of England rpalany@gmail.com, a.sagar@promemoriauk.com www.dukealumni.com/alumni-communities/ regional-programs/groups/london Emory University Alumni Chapter of the UK Matthew Williams, Chapter Leader 079 8451 4119, matthew.eric.williams@gmail.com www.alumni.emory.edu
Penn State Alumni Association pennstatelondon@gmail.com www.alumni.psu.edu
Georgetown Alumni Club Alexa Fernandez, GeorgetownLondon@Yahoo.com UKHoyas@gmail.com , alumni.georgetown.edu
The London Association of Phi Beta Kappa phibetakappalondon@gmail.com www.pbkldn.org www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=5117368 @phibetakappaldn
Gettysburg College Alumni London Britt-Karin Oliver, brittkarin@aol.com alumni@gettysburg.edu www.gettysburg.edu/alumni2
Princeton Association (UK) membership@princeton.org.uk princeton.org.uk
Harvard Business School Club of London admin@hbsa.org.uk www.hbsa.org.uk
Rice Alumni of London Kathy Wang 07912 560 177 a lumni.rice.edu kathyw@alumni.rice.edu, suzanne.boue@rice.edu
Harvard Club of the United Kingdom president@hcuk.org, membership@hcuk.org www.hcuk.org
Skidmore College Alumni Club, London alumni.affairs@skidmore.edu w ww.skidmore.edu/alumni www.facebook.com/SkidmoreCollegeAlumni
Indiana University Alumni club of England ukhoosiers@gmail.com www.alumni.indiana.edu/clubs/england
Claremont Colleges Alumni in London Hadley Beeman, hadley_beeman@alumni.cmc.edu
KKG London Alumnae Association londonalumni.kkg@gmail.com w ww.kappakappagamma.org
Colgate Club of London Stephen W Solomon ‘76, President 0207 349 0738 swsolomon@hotmail.com
LMU Loyola Marymount Alumni Club London Kent Jancarik, 07795 358 681 kent@jancarik.com, alumni@lmu.edu
Columbia Business School Alumni Club of London 6 Petersham Mews, London SW7 5NR www.cbsclublondon.org londonadmin@gsb.columbia.edu
Marymount University Alumni UK Chapter President: Mrs Suzanne Tapley, 35 Park Mansions, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7QT. 020 7581 3742 www.marymount.edu/alumni
60 December 2014
Penn Alumni Club of the UK w ww.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/UPN/cpages/ home.jsp?chapter=4&org=UPN pennalumniuk@gmail.com
Smith College Club of London smithclubgb@gmail.com www.smithclubgb.org Stanford Business School Alumni Assn. UK alumni@gsb.stanford.edu alumni-gsb.stanford.edu/get/page/groups/ overview/?group_id=0038990048
Syracuse University Alumni UK SUalumniUK@syr.edu sulondon.syr.edu/about/sualumniuk.html www.facebook.com/SUajlumniUK
The American
Texas Tech Alumni Association - London Chapter Scott Dewar 077754 35877 sdewar2@gmail.com www.texastechalumni.org/chapters Texas Exes UK (UKTE) England: Carra Kane 0778 660 7534 carrakane@alumni.utexas.net Scotland: Corey Cripe coreycripe@gmail.com www.fornogoodreason.com/UKTEMain.htm Texas A&M Club London london@aggienetwork.com www.aggienetwork.com/club-page/londn The John Adams Society johnadamssociety@gmail.com www.johnadamssociety.co.uk Tufts - London Tufts Alliance tuftsalumni.org Londontuftsalliance@yahoo.com UConn Alumni Association uconnalumni.com UnitedKingdom@UConnAlumni.com UMass Alumni Club UK President, Renu Singh, renu.singh@alumni.lse.ac.uk umassalumni.com University of California 020 7079 0567 london.universityofcalifornia.edu alumni@californiahouse.org.uk University of Chicago Alumni Association rupalyp@gmail.com, w ww.uchicagouk.org University of Chicago Booth Alumni Association President: hbunuan@chicagobooth.edu www.chicagobooth.edu/alumni/clubs/uk University of Colorado Alumni alumni.colorado.edu/cu-in-london allyson.frusciano@colorado.edu University of Georgia Alumni Association 07919 057 538 nealjohnsonuk@yahoo.com www.alumni.uga.edu/alumni/index.php/site/ chapters/london_chapter
American Actors UK 07873 371 891 admin@americanactorsuk.com www.americanactorsuk.com
University of Virginia Alumni Club of London uvaclubs.virginia.edu/group/uvaclub-of-london londonuvaclub@yahoo.com 020 7368 8473
Savio(u)r Theatre Company Britain’s American theatre company www.saviourtheatrecompany.com
US Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point) Alumni UK Chapter www.usmma.edu/alumni bennett.ac@gmail.com Facebook: Kings Point Alumni - London/United Kingdom USNA Alumni Association, UK Chapter President: Tim Fox ‘97 timfox97@hotmail.com Facebook - USNA Alumni Association, UK Chapter Vassar College Club Sara Hebblethwaite, President 020 8788 6910 contact@vassarclubuk.org www.vassarclubuk.org Warnborough Worldwide Alumni Association 01227 762 107 www.wwaa.info/wwaa.htm admissions@warnborough.edu Washington University UK Alumni Club Steven Leof, steven@leof.co.uk alumni.wustl.edu/Community/Pages/London.aspx www.facebook.com/groups/WUSTLLondon Wellesley College Club www.wellesley.edu/alumnae/groups/clubs/intlclubs/ wellesley_uk_club WCLondon@alum.wellesley.edu Wharton Alumni Club of the UK 020-7447-8800 www.whartonclubuk.net Williams Club of Great Britain Ethan Kline: ethankline@gmail.com, alumni. relations@williams.edu, alumni.williams.edu Yale Club of London President, president@yale.org.uk Secretary secretary@yale.org.uk www.yale.org.uk
University of Illinois Alumni Club of the UK Amy Barklam BUS 1994, President, 07796 193 466 amybarklam@msn.com www.uialumninetwork.org
Zeta Tau Alpha Alumnae Kristin Morgan 07812 580949 kristinamorgan@gmail.com www.zetataualpha.org
University of North Carolina Alumni Club unclondoncochairs@googlegroups.com alumni.unc.edu
CIVIL WAR SOCIETIES
University of Michigan Alumni Association 0788-784-0941, jesscobb@yahoo.com alumni.umich.edu University of Rochester/Simon School UK Alumni Association Julie Bonne, 0118-956-5052, alumni@rochester.edu julie_bonne@yahoo.com, www.rochester.edu/alumni
ARTS
University of Southern California, USC Alumni Club of London Walter Ladwig, President usclondon@gmail.com www.usclondonalumni.org
American Civil War Round Table (UK) Civil War historical soc., sandra-bishop@hotmail.com www.americancivilwar.org.uk Southern Skirmish Association (SoSkan) The oldest American Civil War Re-enacting Society outside the USA. membership@soskan.co.uk www.soskan.co.uk
SPORTS English Lacrosse Wenlock Way, Manchester M12 5DH 0843 658 5006 info@englishlacrosse.co.uk www.englishlacrosse.co.uk British Baseball Federation / SoftballUK 5th Floor, Ariel House, 74a Charlotte Street, London W1T 4QJ 020 7453 7055 www.britishbaseball.org British Morgan Horse Society 01981 500488 admin@morganhorse.org.uk www.morganhorse.org.uk Ice Hockey UK 02920 263 441 ihukoffice@yahoo.co.uk www.icehockeyuk.co.uk Infinity Elite Cheerleading (founded by CAC) 077 9132 0115 infinityelite@yahoo.co.uk www.facebook.com/InfinityAllstars Herts Baseball Club Adult & Little League Baseball www.hertsbaseball.com Lakenheath Barracudas Swim Club Open to all military affiliated families. laken.barracudas@yahoo.com www.barracudas.moonfruit.com LondonSports American flag football, baseball, basketball and soccer, boys/girls, 4-15 all nationalities, new or experienced players. www.londonsports.com vll@me.com London Warriors American Football Club info@londonwarriorsafc.co.uk www.londonwarriorsafc.co.uk
Has your group done something you’re proud of? Tell us email sabrina@theamerican.co.uk
We rely on you to keep us informed. Every effort is made to ensure that these listings are correct but if your entry requires amendments please tell us. Send profiles, news or articles about your organization for possible publication in The American. email sabrina@theamerican.co.uk, tel +44(0)1747 830520 Twitter @TheAmericanMag
December 2014 61
The American To find out whether you’re eligible to advertise your products and services here, and for rates, call Sabrina Sully on +44 (0)1747 830520. You’ll reach Americans living in and visiting the UK as well as Britons who like American culture and products.
Suppliers of quality products and services hand-picked for you
Koutoulas & Relis LLC
ACCOUNTANCY & TAX
Certified Public Accountants specializing in tax planning and preparation, retirement planning and consulting for American expatriates and foreign nationals. Also offer a program to assist human resource professionals in serving the needs of the their expat employees. 1776 N. Pine Island Road, Suite 316, Plantation, Florida, USA 33322 +1 954-332-1345 sr@krcpas.us www.americantaxhelp.com
BDO LLP
The UK member firm of the world’s fifth largest accountancy organisation. 55 Baker Street, London W1U 7EU 020 7486 5888 info@bdo.co.uk www.bdo.uk.com
Burton Sweet
Tax Return Preparation and compliance service for US Expatriates. Specialist in providing advice on UK/US Tax interaction. Affordable Fixed Fees. Prospect House, 5 May Lane, Dursley, GL11 4JH 01453 542483 Contact Rachel Finch rachel@burton-sweet.co.uk www.burton-sweet.co.uk Twitter @burtonsweet www.linkedin.com/company/burton-sweet
Montage Services, Inc.
For all your US tax needs in Europe: individual & corporate, international & domestic. Offices in San Francisco, Houston, London, Toronto and Berlin. 020 3004 6353 sam@montage-services.com www.montage-services.com
Jaffe & Co., incorp. American Tax International
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Comprehensive tax preparation and compliance service for US expatriates inbytheBruce UK and Europe. Established in 1981 and managed L Jaffe, BA JD, we provide a full range of US UK tax services for US America House, 54 and Hendon Lane, London N3expatriates 1TT residing in the UK and have over 55 years of cumulative 020 8346 5237 experience preparing tax returns for US taxpayers. daniel@jaff eandco.com www.jaffeandco.com Please contact us today to see how we can help you. 020 8346 5237
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Anji Holland and Associates
Anji Holland and Associates NLP Coaching and Training. Unleash your true potential. Understand what make you and others tick. Achieve the goals you have set. Rid yourself of those negative emotions. London - Bath - Online 07944 647 978 anji@anjiholland.com www.anjiholland.com
Transitions Therapy
Psychotherapy & Counselling for Expatriate Individuals, Couples, Families & Adolescents. London, or via Skype. 07557 261432 transitions_therapy@hotmail.com www.transitionstherapy.co.uk
EDUCATION Castle Education Consultancy Ltd
Tax & Accounting Hub
Greenback Expat Tax Services
Expert preparation of US and UK taxes from our highly experienced CPAs, UK Chartered Accountant and IRS Enrolled Agents US Toll Free: +1 888-362-5032 www.greenbacktaxservices.com info@greenbacktaxservices.com www.facebook.com/greenbacktax www.youtube.com/GreenbackTaxServices
COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY
Professional service at affordable prices. Fixed fee U.S. Expatriate tax preparation service in London. Federal/ State, Foreign bank account/IRS audits response 152 Burford Wharf, 3 Cam Road, London, E15 2SS +44 (0)20 3286 6445. M: +44 (0)79 1439 3183 kader@taxandaccountinghub.com www.taxandaccountinghub.com
ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES Stephen T Taylor Your American stamp dealer in Britain since 1995. 5 Glenbuck Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 6BS 020 8390 9357 info@stephentaylor.co.uk www.stephentaylor.co.uk
Independent education consultancy that works with families on school and university search. 50 Scholars Drive, Penylan, Cardiff CF23 9FE 02920 214424 www.castleeducationconsultancy.co.uk Matthew@castleeducationconsultancy.co.uk
FINANCIAL ADVICE Tanager Wealth Management LLP
Integrated financial and investment advice for US expats living in the UK provided by US expats. Global account consolidation, UK/US savings and retirement planning together with investment advice. Contact us for a no obligation meeting or telephone conversation. 020 7871 8440 www.tanagerwealth.com contact@tanagerwealth.com @tanagerwealth
The American
VISAS & IMMIGRATION
HOUSEHOLD Nonie Property
Visalogic Limited
Setfords Solicitors Family lawyers and mediators with particular experience in expatriate cases. 01483 408780 lthomas@setfords.co.uk www.setfords.co.uk
Trustworthy, reliable, house sitter for those times you want someone to hold the fort! Contact Nonie 0777 578 7057 nonieproperty@gmail.com Full bio with references on http://www. trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-petsitters/25734-pictureframe
Visalogic is a niche immigration company dedicated to providing professional UK immigration advice to businesses and individuals looking at remaining or relocating to the UK. Carl Thomas: 01629 775789 carl.thomas@visalogic.net www.visalogic.net
NOTARIES Edward Young LLP
US Visa Solutions - Law Office of Janice A. Flynn
INTERIOR DESIGN Rolando Luci Edward Young LLP (incorporating Kober-Smith & Associates) is a full practice Notary Public in London. We can solve your problems. Full notary service. By appointment only. 9 Carlos Place London W1K 3AT (near US Embassy) 00 44 (0) 20 7499 2605 notary@NotaryPublicInLondon.com www.edwardyoung.co.uk
Luxury lighting, including American brands, some unique to the UK 01778 218121 www.rolandoluci.co.uk
REAL ESTATE
LEGAL
US-licensed immigration lawyers advising on US citizenship, green cards, visa and US entry issues. Honest, straightforward advice and a high level of bespoke service. Third Floor, 6 & 7 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8AD UK +44 (0)20 7092 6830 US +1 (312) 361-0581 Janice@usvisasolutions.co.uk www.usvisasolutions.co.uk Twitter: FlynnUSVisaLaw
WEDDING PLANNING Extraordinary Days Events
RE/MAX Property Group Chambers of Miss Kristin Heimark
Notting Hill Gate Branch: 49 Cottesmore Court, Stanford Road, London W8 5QW 07511-895090 www.remax.co.uk
Legal services direct to my neighbors, fellow American ex-pats and US Forces personnel stationed in England. 143 Stoke Newington Church Street, London N16 OUH +44(0)781 126 4290 www.stokenewingtonchambers.co.uk kkh@stokenewingtonchambers.co.uk @stokenewington LinkedIn KristinHeimark
Penningtons Manches LLP
Family, international private wealth, immigration and residential property teams advise international families and expatriates on relocation, wealth management, tax, immigration and all aspects of family law. Abacus House, 33 Gutter Lane, London EC2V 8AR T: +44 (0) 20 7457 3000 F: +44 (0) 20 7457 3240 anna.worwood@manches.com www.penningtons.co.uk @penningtonslaw
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An American wedding planner in London creating elegant, sophisticated, and unique weddings in England. Bespoke services ranging from full service planning to day-of coordination. 020 7433 0300 info@extraordinarydaysevents.com www.extraordinarydaysevents.com
Coffee Break Answers
1.Cotton Candy; 2. Yuletide (‘Yule’ means wheel in old Norse); 3. Times Square; 4. Barbados; 5. Frankincense; 6. Sinterklaas / Santa Claus / St. Nicholas (Dutch); 7. Balthasar, Caspar and Melchior; 8. all played the role of Ebenezer Scrooge either in film or television; 9. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, based on the popular Christmas song; 10. ‘Babe’ Ruth, from the Boston Red Sox; 11.The 1812 War between the UK and Ireland and the USA.
December 2014 September 2013 63
The American
The American’s expatriate canine UK correspondent gets her Christmas goodies
I hope he’s remembered our Lunch date
Paul Rothe & Son 35 Marylebone Lane Marylebone W1U 2NN www.paulrotheandsondelicatessen.co.uk 020 7935 6783 O Bond Street Buses: 7, 10, 98, 13, 139, 390, 23 A traditional grocery-style delicatessen with staff in white deli coats greeting regulars by name and preparing sandwiches to order. There is a comforting old-fashioned feel
64 December 2014
to this deli. The walls are lined with shelves of chutneys, preserves, pickles and mustards and the ’60s laminate tables with their cinema-style flip up seats and stools in the window make it the perfect place to take a break from the busy Marylebone streets. They have been making great soups, fresh sandwiches and cups of tea since 1900 and are one of the few longestablished family-run businesses still operating in central London. This year their Christmas specials include homemade mince pies, hot turkey, stuffing and cranberry sandwiches plus lots of gift ideas like Christmas puddings, panettone, stollen, lebkuchen, old fashioned sweets, gingerbread houses, Christmas hampers and lots more.
PHOTO © KATRINA LESKANICH
BUY KATRINA’S NEW ALBUM: available from Katrina’s website BUY THE BOOK: Extract from the book Peggy Lee Loves London, available on Amazon. Signed copies can be ordered from Katrina’s website www.katrinasweb.com/shop
Free to Read in Print or On Screen Every issue of the magazine now available online... IN PRINT: Pick a copy up from (among other places): The US Embassy in London and US Consulates The United/Continental and Virgin clubhouses at Heathrow Hotels around the UK The American Museum in Britain (near Bath) Automat American Brasserie, Dover Street, Mayfair, London Sports Bar & Grill Marylebone and Victoria All the organizations listed in back of the magazine, and USAFE bases see www.theamerican. co.uk for a full list Get a copy delivered to your home or workplace, the only thing we’ll ask you to pay for is the post and packing – call us on +44 (0)1747 830520. ON SCREEN: Read The American on your mobile device or computer at www.theamerican.co.uk – Click on the front cover image for the current issue, or on the MAGAZINE tab where you can read back issues too.
Silverstrands Jewellery
Beautiful and stylish jewellery handmade in Ireland www.silverstrandsjewellery.com
US EXPAT NEED? CHECK EXPAT NEED? CHECK CHECK ASSIGNEE SELECTED? ASSIGNEE SELECTED? CHECK TAX ADVISER? CHECK TAX ADVISER? CHECK One the less appealing things about sending your people overseas you,isor One ofof the less appealing things about being an American citizen living isinthat the UK that they, suddenly have to become expertson onthe theUK local system riskrisk falling foulfoul of you suddenly have to become an expert taxtax system elseoryou falling your peopleUScan ofthe thelaw, law,incurring incurringextra extracosts costs-–ororboth. both.With WithBDO BDOhowever, however,you ourand dual-handling tax benefit from coordinated save you time and money team offers a wide range of tax US advice. and UK Advance individualplanning income will tax compliance and advisory and ourWe specialist tax advisers are wellUS equipped ease the burden.specialising both services. have a highly experienced tax teamtobased in London, in US and UK tax matters for US expatriates. Through BDO, the world’s fifth largest accountancy network, our Expatriate teams can you with assistance all over thenetwork, world. To more abouttothe tax service Asprovide the world’s fifth largest accountancy wefind areout ideally placed manage the that travels with you, pleaseUK contact Andrew Bailey on 7893 2946 or complex interaction between and US taxes, helping to +44 ease (0)20 the administrative andrew.bailey@bdo.co.uk burden and ensuring that the global tax cost is minimised. Expert, but local, our US and UK tax expertiseTax is highly clients. To findteam, out more, contacta BDO’s Expatriate serviceregarded is run byby ourour Human Capital whichplease also provides Scott Wickham on +44 in (0)20 7893 2766 scott.wickham@bdo.co.uk full range of expertise employment tax,orreward planning and pensions.
BDO’s Expatriate Tax service is run by our Human Capital team, which also provides a www.bdo.co.uk full range of expertise in employment tax, reward planning and pensions. www.bdo.co.uk
BDO LLP and BDO Northern Ireland are both separately authorised and BDO LLP andbyBDO NorthernServices Ireland are both separately authorised andbusiness. regulated the Financial Authority to conduct investment regulated by the Financial Services Authority to conduct investment business.