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London’s black cab has a surprisingly short
turning circle – it can "turn on a sixpence".
It used to be the world was multicultural, and one traveled to Italy, say, to imbibe Italian culture, and to Britain to relish British culture. Nations were a bit like people, fairly distinct, with pleasant or unpleasant characteristics that could be avoided or embraced. I leave it to you to decide whether the mishmash of cultures now found in so many places is an improvement for anybody, while I pay a brief tribute to a British icon, London's black cab and black-cab driver.
Riding in one of London’s black cabs reminds me of my childhood. There is always plenty of room in the back (licensed to hold five, and sometimes six passengers). Luggage travels up front with the black-cab driver, who has passed a demanding test called The Knowledge to demonstrate his intimate familiarity with London streets. The cab is so built that a gentleman can step inside without removing his top hat – or folding up the baby carriage he has been pushing.
The first hackney-carriage (the word hackney apparently metamorphosed from the French word for an ambling horse or hack) was operating in London in 1662. Hackney-carriages became hansom cabs in 1834. Motorised hackney cabs (they ran on electricity) appeared around the end of the 19th century.
My experience of black-cab drivers is that they are tough, knowledgeable, and patriotic. Plying the streets for trade, they are their own bosses, and they are just the fellows (yes, they always seem to be men) you would want to talk to for an independent point-of-view.
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How to become a practical idealist with never a dull moment on the road to Runnymede
YOUR OWN CHOICE
Shall Britain be free?
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INNOVATIVE THINKERS
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HERE
 
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BRITISH HISTORY
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DEFEATING THE EU SUPERSTATE IS HERE
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CREATIVE BRITS
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HEROES & ADVENTURERS
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A FEW IDEAS IN
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BRITISH LIFE
We begin with English gardens, sportscars, whisky and laughter
HERE
British women and children waged their own campaign against slavery.
ABOLISHING SLAVERY
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SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS
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Brits invented football (soccer), rugby, cricket, tennis, croquet, badminton, squash, fly-fishing, and golf. Off the playing fields, they created a quintessential style – romantic, adventurous, and equally at home in the country or on the urban runway.
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DAVID ABBOTT MD, MRCP
Over the last decade I have come to realise how much of all I value depends on ideas and traditions nurtured by Brits. I hope you will be inspired by what you find in this blog/website, and that you will help us to make it grow in brilliance and depth by becoming a Friend.
CATHERINE (CAT) GLASS
As an American who is the descendant of Czech, Irish, and English lovers of freedom, I am dedicated to bringing the courage and spirit of Brits at their best to you.
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The best of the Brits produced thousands of indispensable inventions, developed wildly popular sports, designed romantic houses and gardens, created astonishing literary masterpieces, lived with style and humour, tackled dangerous missions with daring and ingenuity, and fought with indomitable courage to establish and protect the free world. We aim to describe their superb achievements and extraordinary lives. We celebrate creativity and common sense, fair play and compassion, bravery and self-discipline, rational thought, freedom, faith, and wit.
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Masthead Photo: [email protected]
Contributor Masthead Design: Linda Wettengel
Sportscar Image:
Joe Malchow dartblog.com
Small boy on beach:
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