The New Adventures of Mr Stephen Fry » Forum: Stephen Fry in America

The New Adventures of Mr Stephen Fry » Forum: Stephen Fry in America - Recent Posts http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/forum/stephen-fry-in-america Just another bbPress community en-US Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:06:16 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/search.php creichman on "Kingdom and Stephen Fry in America on netfilx" http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/topic/kingdom-and-stephen-fry-in-america-on-netfilx#post-280421 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:00:49 +0000 creichman 280421@http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/ I realize how odd it is that I'm replying it my own post but after having watched a few more episodes, Kentucky and bourbon and horse bidding and then the cadaver farm, which I thought was in Michigan but I'm sure there's several. I have yet to hear some of the succinct explanations for some of the odd but fascinating places Mr. Fry visits. It's really interesting entertainment. creichman on "Kingdom and Stephen Fry in America on netfilx" http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/topic/kingdom-and-stephen-fry-in-america-on-netfilx#post-280415 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:21:04 +0000 creichman 280415@http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/ I've seen most of Stephen Fry's older works but seeing him in Kingcom, I couldn't believe it was cancelled but I don't understand why something is re picked up. But watching Stephen in Kingdom really made me want to watch anything new he had, infact find this wonderful website. A lot of people have done tour's of America but I've found his insight into everything the most interesting and insightful. MeaganWhit on "America Tour By Car" http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/topic/america-tour-by-car#post-280337 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:57:34 +0000 MeaganWhit 280337@http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/ I plan to move to England summer 2013 in a semi-permanent working on my PhD way, so barring a freak occurance, you are totally welcome to my car. It probably does't have much life left in it, as it's nearing 200,000 miles, but what a way to go, eh? I honestly can't imagine a better fate for it. And, conveniently, I'm only about an hour from DC, which I believe to be a better place to fly into than New York. Anyway, good luck with your plans, and if you decide you need a car, and mine is still running, it's all yours, you know, minus the title. RosieFbxAK on "MN & WI aren't as cold as you think Mr. Fry ;)" http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/topic/mn-wi-arent-as-cold-as-you-think-mr-fry#post-279859 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:42:39 +0000 RosieFbxAK 279859@http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/ Ohhhh I am SO glad you visited the southern coast AND went to Barrow on your visit to Alaska. It was never said what time of year you visited but since it was light out and it was said it would stay light until fall, and you were there as they were whaling and the sea ice began to break up... I'm guessing it was around June? I didn't see you eat anything while you were here! You didn't try any caribou? Or moose? Or muskox? Or whale?! I've never had whale myself... I'm a white chick from Michigan, but the other wild game is fantastic. Regardless - I do hope you can return some day and visit several other of the vastly different places in Alaska. It's SO big that it's different everywhere you go. <img src="http://www.stephenfry.com/bb-content/plugins//bb-smilies/default/icon_mrgreen.gif" title=":mrgreen:" class="bb_smilies" /> RosieFbxAK on "MN & WI aren't as cold as you think Mr. Fry ;)" http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/topic/mn-wi-arent-as-cold-as-you-think-mr-fry#post-279851 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:31:01 +0000 RosieFbxAK 279851@http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/ I don't have cable TV, or any TV reception for that matter, so I'm watching this series on Netflix. So far I've made it almost to the end of Episode 3 and had to seriously laugh out loud when you talked about how cold it was in MN "-27C" and again laughed heartily when you got to WI talking about the deserted streets and the heated walkways between buildings. Now... I know you'll make it to Alaska in the last episode, but I hope to GOD you made it to REAL Alaska! Not just any-city-USA aka Anchorage. I live in Fairbanks, in Interior, Alaska. Where Celsius & Fahrenheit become equals several times a year, often for several days at a time. Our streets are not deserted and we do not have heated walkways between buildings. People here function normally all year 'round. Now I'll go back to finish watching the rest of the series. I do hope you can revisit Alaska some day; experience our 24hr light 80°F/27°C summer days as well as our mostly dark -40°F/-40°C winter nights; it's well worth the trip. Nothing like a midnight tee-time in June or sitting in the hot springs in December w/ the Aurora Borealis dancing above your head! Cheers, ~Rosie Gretsteff on "Ahh...The Deep South" http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/topic/ahhthe-deep-south#post-279809 Tue, 27 Dec 2011 21:24:13 +0000 Gretsteff 279809@http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/ I also recently watched the Stephen Fry in America series on Netflix and was immediately hooked. I would have like to seen a little more of my home state of North Carolina. While the balloon ride over the mountains was lovely it left the majority of the state out completely. Things like the Biltmore House, The Outer Banks with the beauty of the lighthouses, the Shackleford ponies and Kitty Hawk where the Wright Brothers first flew I believe would be of interest to others not familiar with NC. I feel the same way about the visit to South Carolina which showed none of Charleston and Georgia where the beauty of Savannah was missed. Of course I do realize that there were key areas of many states missed and that time restraints would be an issue; however, I do feel that North Carolina has so much to offer and was practically skimmed over. lilithparker on "America Tour By Car" http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/topic/america-tour-by-car#post-279805 Tue, 27 Dec 2011 19:59:45 +0000 lilithparker 279805@http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/ At that age, it's going to be nigh impossible for you to rent a car in the States (most agencies won't rent to anyone under 25 years old). Buying one isn't really an option unless you already own property here, since you'd have to register the vehicle in the state in which you reside. My advice: make friends with someone here who will loan you a car for your trip, or take the bus/train (which will get expensive, but then, so will the petrol). Things to consider: - A straight line from Washington State to Virginia is around 3000 miles, takes the better part of a week, and will run about $350 in petrol at today's prices. I'm not saying this to discourage you, just to give you a starting point for your calculations. Use Google Maps to plan your route, find lodging, and calculate mileage so you have a rough idea of how much this will all cost. - Your embassy will have information about what type of visa you need and what you need to do to get it. Remember that cars break down and traffic happens when you least expect it, so add a day or three to your plans just in case. Also ask them about driver's licenses -- you may be able to use your UK license, but it's more likely that you'll have to apply for an international license, and I've no idea how much that will cost (in money or time). - If your plan is to duplicate Stephen's trip, go for it. If it's to see the best each state has to offer, ask the locals. Stephen visited some places that didn't really represent the states they're in, and there are plenty of us who have better suggestions. You'll also find that some of the places (like the sub base in Connecticut) aren't nearly as welcoming or interesting if you're not a celebrity making a television programme. Best of luck with the research and the trip, and let me know if you'd like information about places to visit/eat/sleep in Vermont or Connecticut! shannaflowers on "This was a really great series" http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/topic/this-was-a-really-great-series#post-279749 Mon, 26 Dec 2011 10:50:28 +0000 shannaflowers 279749@http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/ I really enjoyed the series as someone who was born and raised in California as well. I sometimes forget that America isn't quite so dull when you break it up state by state. My father was even able to get into the show toward the end of my watching the series. I, myself, have only traveled to Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, New Jersey and New York. I hope that I can one day see more of what America does have to offer (I've been to a handful of states several times over). SophieBird on "New Hampshire" http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/topic/new-hampshire#post-279477 Sat, 17 Dec 2011 21:56:39 +0000 SophieBird 279477@http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/ I really enjoyed this travel adventure, Stephen's honest, open, congenial style and all that. I am a recent transplant to NC which I am so thrilled to be part of - would loved to have seen a bit more of this lovely state. My previous abode was NH, and major claim to fame being considered as a leading voice in political elections, for reasons I have yet to fathom. Stephen likely wasn't aware, but the candidate in the background at filming was (still is) an individual bent on destroying the quality of life and freedom of choice of any and all but the wealthy businessman - George Bush with a brain perhaps? And as I write this, but four years later, said wealthy republican businessman is forcing himself on the clueless masses once again. Too bad Stephen couldn't have interviewed him and likely exposed him within seconds for what he really is. But all in all the show is quite wonderful. Mere on "Benefits of travelling" http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/topic/benefits-of-travelling#post-279267 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:53:23 +0000 Mere 279267@http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/ It depends 'how' you travel. Lack of time/knowledge/money(/daylight)can make travelling stressfull. ie wondering round the outskirts of Brisbane with dusk approaching, failing to find your destination = stressful, however; wandering around Central Otago, with no destination, two weeks to spare, plenty of cash and a push bike - with dusk (and snow i might add) approaching, relaxing! tmc1984 on "DVD Release/Info Required" http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/topic/dvd-releaseinfo-required#post-279235 Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:58:25 +0000 tmc1984 279235@http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/ hi - i noticed recently that there is now a DVD pack of SFIA containing 3 discs, as opposed to the regular release of 2 discs ... <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stephen-Fry-America-Triple-Pack/dp/B005OIXURI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323622649&sr=8-1" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stephen-Fry-America-Triple.....amp;sr=8-1</a> does this new 3-pack contain any new footage or extra content than the original release? or has it just been re-released and re-packaged as a 3 disc set? ... any info would be great, as if it's got new footage then i must buy! <img src="http://www.stephenfry.com/bb-content/plugins//bb-smilies/default/icon_lol.gif" title=":lol:" class="bb_smilies" /> ... thanks <img src="http://www.stephenfry.com/bb-content/plugins//bb-smilies/default/icon_biggrin.gif" title=":D" class="bb_smilies" /> johnpbuckner on "This was a really great series" http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/topic/this-was-a-really-great-series#post-279141 Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:46:07 +0000 johnpbuckner 279141@http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/ I found this series yesterday evening on Netflix and decided to watch the first episode. I got hooked and just finished watching the entire series in under 24 hours. (I am recovering from a very minor surgery) I really enjoyed Mr. Fry's exploration of America. It is nice to see my country through the eyes of a good-natured outsider. I thought he did a very good job of showing the parts of America that are seldom shown on TV or in the movies. I grew up in Kentucky and I currently live in California. Watching Mr. Fry drive his cab across the country made me nostalgic for a good, long road-trip back East. All I can say is, well-done Mr. Fry. I am going to buy your book as soon as I can. Thank you for this series. John Buckner Camarillo, CA P.S. I have only been to 49 of the States. I am planning to make it 50 in a few weeks! Hawaii here I come though I seriously doubt I will be diving with sharks. caera on "Benefits of travelling" http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/topic/benefits-of-travelling#post-279115 Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:19:31 +0000 caera 279115@http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/ Normally people think that if they travel they will get tired, but it is not like that. If you take it positive, travelling gives you lots of health benefits. Like- It reduces stress. Take you in new and fresh environment. Get new experiences. NYC on "Inaccuracies in episode 1" http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/topic/inaccuracies-in-episode-1#post-279053 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:58:41 +0000 NYC 279053@http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/ Hi I'm a native New Yorker and wanted to let you all know that it is totally false to say that the New York City borough of Queens is predominately Italian. Italians make up about 8% of the almost 2.3 million people that live in the borough of Queens. For comparison, Chinese make up 9% of the population of Queens. Stephen later goes on to say "the Italian neighborhood of Queens", which does not make sense since Queens is a borough made up of almost a hundred neighborhoods. Each of New York City's 5 boroughs is also a county, and Queens is the most ethnically diverse county in the United States. It's filled with people from all over the world: Blacks, Hispanics, South Asians, East Asians, Greeks, Russian Jews, Guyanese, Trinidadians, the list goes on and on. There are even some old and new Italian neighborhoods with great people and food and old guys playing bocce ball. But it's not a matter of opinion to say that Stephen and his producers got it wrong - they are factually incorrect - all they needed to do was an internet search on Queens demographics. All in all I enjoy the program but if it does indeed aim to be educational as well as entertainment some fact checking is not a lot to ask for. Knative07 on "Now I know Why I Love America" http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/topic/now-i-know-why-i-love-america#post-279023 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:31:09 +0000 Knative07 279023@http://www.stephenfry.com/forum/ OK. I had to register to counter some of the comments on this thread. First, what do Rodney King and affirmative action have to do with the Neo-liberal Washington Consensus? Not a thing really. And Wouldn't it really be gay marriage, abortion, anti-evolution nonsense, and anti-immigration bigotry that distracted Americans? I mean, people in Kansas used to be supporters of the populists, and they hated the rich. However, people in Kansas probably weren't the most pro-Rodney-King people ever. And how are Americans supposed to keep up with what is going on with financial derivatives and whatnot anyway? That stuff is very confusing and dry as hell. The smarty pants people in power don't even know what the fuck to do. For real. Dying empire? Well first, Europe ain't doing that well either. China's doing OK I guess, but this slump is GLOBAL, and if it goes on, everyone is going to suffer. Too, the wars haven't really been good to the US, no. However, CDOs and naked credit default swaps would have existed regardless. So, it seems like y'all are making up a pattern when there is no pattern. The fact that the US has messed up with the wars and the torture and whatnot will make it harder for it to conduct international affairs, yes, but that has nothing to do with how the US set up its economy. Also, Americans don't all think the same. There are a lot of us who didn't support the war in Iraq and even in Afghanistan (this dude did not). There are some of us that don't support Israel. There are some of us that didn't vote for George Bush (Higher than forty percent I think) and there are some us that are angry at Barack Obama because of the drones flying in Pakistan, and the assassination of American citizens and non-citizens alike, and the mass imprisonment of illegal immigrants, etc. etc. Don't paint Americans as a group of people that are holding on to the past. Shit, I for one am liking that the US is becoming more diverse with the amount of immigrants coming forward. I am also liking that gays are getting more rights, and that is one trend that looks like it will continue. So I don't need to hold on to the past to find things about the US that I like.