Jun 7, 2012

Founder’s Day parade in London, England

Robert Hamilton 0 Comment The Baltimore Sun, World Battle of Worchester, Chelsea, Countess of Wesses, Founder's Day, King Charles II, London, Royal Oak, Sophie

15 photos

Founder’s Day in England celebrates the escape of the future King Charles II after defeat in the Battle of Worchester in 1651. The King evaded capture by hiding in a royal oak tree. As part of the celebration the Chelsea Pensioners, British veteran soldiers at the the Royal Chelsea Hospital, are inspected by a member of the royal family. This year the honors were carried out by Sophie, Countess of Wessex. All members of the ceremonies wear sprigs of oak leaves to commemorate the escape. The hospital was founded by King Charles II in 1682 and is home to some 300 pensioners.
More →

Queen Elizabeth II joined by spectacular 1,000-boat flotilla for Diamond Jubilee celebration

Jun 3, 2012

Queen Elizabeth II joined by spectacular 1,000-boat flotilla for Diamond Jubilee celebration

Stokely Baksh 4 Comments World Catherine, Diamond Jubilee, Duchess of Cambridge, England, London, Prince Charles, Prince Harry, Prince Philip, Prince William, Queen Elizabeth II, Royal family, Thames River Pageant, Union Jack

45 photos

The River Thames in London was a spectacular sight on Sunday with an extravaganza of steam boats, tugs, speed boats and historic vessels as part of festivities for Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. The Queen joined the armada of 1,000 boats in a gilded royal barge as revelers braved the rainy weather to help celebrate the occasion by waving flags, popping bottles of champagne and cheering.

The 86-year-old queen celebrates her 60th anniversary since taking the throne in 1952. She is the second-longest serving monarch. According to Reuters, only five other kings and queens in British history have reigned for 50 years or more: Victoria (63 years), George III (59 years), Henry III (56 years), Edward III (50 years), and James VI of Scotland (James I of England) (58 years).
More →

Pop art icon or con artist? Damien Hirst exhibit opens at Tate Modern

Apr 3, 2012

Pop art icon or con artist? Damien Hirst exhibit opens at Tate Modern

Stokely Baksh 0 Comment Art, Entertainment art, Damien Hirst, London

20 photos

Well-known contemporary artist Damien Hirst has been ruffling the feathers of art critics since he received public attention back in the 80s. Some have called him a genius and even a modern-day Andy Warhol. Others, like critic Julian Spalding whose book “Con Art – Why You Ought To Sell Your Damien Hirsts While You Can,” remain unimpressed, and even adamant in their disdain for the artist.
More →