Lawrence of America Blog Tag Feed for 'blog'

Country Music Episode

Lawrence — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:49:09 -0500

So, this is the blog I've been dreading to write because this episode, filmed in Nashville, Tennessee, shows me at my most vulnerable, and possibly unprofessional. The global correspondents code of ethics makes it quite clear a reporter of my stature should never get romantically involved with a subject being investigated. No, I'm sorry, I just re-read the sacred cocktail napkin, and it says one should never let the audience know you're romantically involved with a subject. Even though Rebecca Lynn Howard and I were never actually romantically involved, I still feel I let my truth guard down. I'll admit, I was caught under her spell of loveliness. Her beautiful hair, her adorably southern accent, her tempting bosum all distracted me. Mostly the tempting bosum … but her hair was nice.

And then when she rejected my advances, I took it far too personally, and let it affect the rest of the episode. In hindsight, she did me a favor by ripping my heart from it's chest cavity then running it over in her car, scooping the flattened remains into a blender and pouring the bloody goo into the sewer. I mean, imagine if we'd become romantically attached? She's a singer in Tennessee, I'm a man of the world. All we could've hoped to look forward to were a series of torrid, passionate hotel room encounters in various exotic cities. I'm going to change the subject now - the tears are making it hard to type.

Crystal Gayle was amazing. She's a petite, warm, friendly woman with a great deal of hair. When one is with her, you can feel the charm, charisma and success glowing from her. The two of us together was like a charisma sun and with all that reflective crystal around - it made it tough for the crew. By the way, they didn't close the shop while we filmed, and we were right inside the door. So a couple of times we had to stop for bewildered customers.

The Grand Ole Opry was another interesting experience. Hanging around backstage was special - surrounded by the memories, and the ghosts of classic country singers I'd never heard of. But it's a sacred place and I was honored to be there.

I want to say a big thank you to all in Nashville, especially Aaron Tippen, who's segment did not make the final TV show, but is here on this website. We were very grateful for the time he gave us and his wonderful honesty. But I can't end without a final comment about Ms. Lynn Howard. Rebecca, thank you for casting me aside like yesterday's used kitty litter. Whilst I may not have realized it at the time, I now know you did it to protect yourself. You knew I was a man already romantically involved … with the truth. And whilst she doesn't have your bosoms … or nice hair … I am her faithful and committed partner, and to try and get in between us would only bring heartache, pain, and misery. But if you change your mind … give me a call. Please. And if you're reading this and not named Rebecca Lynn Howard - then leave me a comment - I dare you.

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Utah Winter Athletes Episode

Lawrence — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:41:05 -0500

Hello all. Intrepid Englishman here with more tales from behind-the-scenes of my show … which by the way is now eligible for any awards you may want to bestow. So, Utah Winter Athletes. Well, as you'll see in the show, I went to the high altitude expecting snow. Alas, I was disappointed. My dreams of tapping into American spirituality, by uncovering the truth about something called "snow angels" was dashed. Now, I may never know if they're similar to the real angels that float above my bed as I sleep … or more like Hell's Angels. Anyway, despite my crushing sorrow, I managed to pull myself together and find some pretty interesting folk to chat with.
Shannon Bahrke was probably my favorite. No disrespect to Derek Parra, and the delightful yet completely insane Lugers, or the Curlers, but Shannon let me hold her Olympic silver medal. I have to go with people who let me fondle their silverware - it's an English tradition.
But I will say Shannon worked me hard. As you may know, my one weakness is a small, paralyzing fear of heights. So standing at the top of that dirt hill near her home, and watching her jump down it with a total lack of regard for her personal safety was … well … scary. The other bits - the running and jumping, and the trampolining were more fun - if very tiring. High altitude didn't agree with me … or some of the crew. My producer in particular complained constantly about being dizzy, or dehydrated, or tired, etc, etc. I still don't really know what these people do to earn their living - but all global correspondents have them, so I do too. He did fetch water, and deal with the fans, so I suppose it was worthwhile.

Here's a secret - after we finished with the trampolines, we went back the next day for "more shots". Yes, we needed it - I think. But it was really an excuse for some additional foam pit time. Jumping into that giant pit of foam was extremely fun. Getting out was almost impossible. It's like a foamy quicksand. The more you kick and fight, the deeper you sink. Only our sound man with the frame of a calcium deficient sparrow was able to float above it and haul himself out.

Thanks must go to everyone in the Park City area. The folks at the Olympic Park were delightful, as were the mad Lugers. Watching human beings whiz past on an ice wall at top speed is a lasting memory. Unbelievably dangerous sport … and my brief taste is all I will ever need, thank you very much.

Thanks also to Gold medalist Derek Parra. For someone who has achieved so much, he was remarkably nice, friendly and helpful. Although, I fear I will never be an Olympic speedskater. It was far, far, far too painful on my legs. Which is a shame, because I really look good in that gold body suit. Don't worry though, I still have it and wear it out to dinner, to the movies, and doing household chores. Actually, I don't do household chores anymore … I have a producer for that.

To see me in my Gold skin tight beauty - watch the show - and feel free to tell me how good I look by leaving a comment.

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NASCAR Episode - Lawrence Takes a Spin

Lawrence — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 -0500

"NASCAR" Premiers Tuesday, June 10 at 11 p.m. ET

Hello again - Lawrence here. The kindly folk at Travel Channel tell me you want more truth - so here I am.
This week's episodes were without doubt the most terrifying of the entire series - at least for me. I guess they could've been more terrifying, I mean it's not like I wrestled lions, tried to catch bullets with my teeth…or attempted a sit down interview with Prince Phillip - I've heard he may actually be a wizard. But for me - some of the activities I performed for you and the camera…but mostly you - were frightful.

I'll get to the scary bits in a moment. First - NASCAR fans. Not scary - merely bewildering. Where I come from, being a passionate fan means drinking yourself stupid and looking forward to punching a fan from the opposing team. I never did that - my mother always said supporting soccer was too dangerous … hence my fondness for croquet. Anyway - NASCAR fans do get drunk - some of them anyway. But no flying fists. Their passion runs deeper than anything I've seen - I mean seriously - who spends the night sleeping outside in line, waiting to get a piece of automobile paneling signed by a driver? Real fans as it turns out.

I could never hope to understand the loyalty, enthusiasm and unusual cultural rituals in the time we spent there - but I did understand the warmth, and generosity. Thank you to all who let a total foreign stranger and his camera crew into their mobile homes, and tents.

Thanks also to driver David Ragan - for almost letting me win the go-cart driving, and for not humiliating me. I hope you win whatever it is you're hoping to win. A race I suppose. I can report you are now my official 'driver of choice'. Along with Carl Edwards. Don't worry - there's room in my heart for you both.

Now - Wichita, Kansas. Again - great fans, and even greater track organizers. While we were shooting, the nice people in the commentary box kept announcing our appearance - every five minutes. I mean, I'm all about truth - and I'll never say no to publicity - but even I was a little uncomfortable with all the overwhelming support. Especially, after I was soundly thrashed by children. Not one of my career highlights. For the record - the car was incredibly claustrophobic - it was designed to seat a teenager, not a seasoned reporter with rippling thighs. Also - the track was very slippery. And Beldon-Smythe's are not known for their driving prowess. We're more the chauffeured types - not the chauffeure.

But I survived. I didn't finish last. I gave the crowd a taste of English culture and bravery, and we managed to create some television magic. I can't thank the Power family enough for trusting me with their vehicle, and everyone at 81 Speedway were perfect hosts. And to that 11-year-old who dared me to a drag race with our production minivan after the race - I'll be back next year to win it back, and it better be clean.

Don't forget to watch the episode - and next week's too at 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday. I'll be waiting.

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