Well, not exactly "take" 10 Downing Street....they used the residence of the British Prime Minister as a backdrop for filming a Top Gear Challenge. Jeremy Clarkson and British Prime Minister David Cameron are friends and it was all done to highlight British Goods via a road trip to India for the Top Gear Boffins.The US version of Top Gear was dreadful and the presenters they had could not replicate the chemistry that goes on between Clarkson, Hammond and May.Can't wait until this episode shows up on BBC America. They are Brilliant.
Don't mind us Prime Minister: Jeremy Clarkson and crew films Top Gear's Christmas special... outside Number 10
By Amy Oliver UK Mail
29th November 2011
Those worried that Jeremy Clarkson has designs on Number 10 and a new career in politics shouldn't panic.
The 51-year-old presenter was only outside the Prime Minister's residence today to shoot scenes for the Top Gear Christmas special.
He was joined by fellow presenters James May, 48, and Richard Hammond, 41.
All were tight-lipped about the reason for their visit and a BBC spokesman refused to confirm or deny whether David Cameron is likely to star in the 90-minute show. They had to stop filming when Mr Cameron emerged from Number 10 to go to hear George Osborne's Autumn Statement.
Clarkson is a friend of the Prime Minister and the pair exchanged a few words before Mr Cameron was driven away.
They had to stop a second time because of a news helicopter hoping to film Mr Cameron's journey, that was hovering overhead.
The Top Gear trio journey to India this year in yet another epic adventure that sees them try to fix Britain's economy through trade promotion.
The show's producer Andy Wilman, today explained on the Top Gear blog that the team were trying to assist Mr Cameron, who a few months ago, said Britain must become a favoured trading partner of India.
'Top Gear, we thought, could help solve this problem with a trade mission, flying the flag for UKPLC,' Wilman wrote.
'Our plan was to drive across India, drumming up interest in British goods, advertising the peerless standards of British skills, British nous, British Britishness.
'We would make the Indians think: “No, we shall not buy mayonnaise from Belgium, but Angel Delight and Kendal Mint Cake from the British."'The three men were given a rather handsome budget of £7,000 each to purchase a car that would not only get them from one end of India to the other, but also represent dear old Blighty.
Clarkson chose a 1995 Celebration edition Jaguar XJS 4.0 litre, while Hammond purchased a classic Mini Cooper.Meanwhile May decided he wanted a Rolls-Royce, but had to make do with a 1976 Rolls-Royce Shadow.
They started in Mumbai before driving North through Delhi and into the Himalayas.
Whether all three motors made it to 14,000 feet is unknown.
'You'll just have to tune in to find out,' the BBC spokesman said.
All three presenters say they are recognised in countries around the world, but Hammond insists they never set out to make such a popular show.
Speaking to the Huffington Post he said: 'All we set out to do ten years ago was make the best car show we possibly could. The minute we start trying to contrive it to be something else, I'm sure it will stop working.'
And of the unique chemistry between the threesome he added: 'It's never changed. From day one, if Jeremy crashes into something, I will laugh, and I expect him to in return. You couldn't fake it, people would soon suss us out.
Someone in Britain hit a lottery this week for 161 Million British Pounds Sterling....That person is very very lucky.....THIS British Soldier ranks right up there.....He has a most valuable prize to brag about - Still having his LIFE.
That's a close shave! Bullet misses soldier by millimetres after tearing through his chin strap - By UK Daily Mail Reporter
14th July 2011
A bombardier has had a narrow escape from the Taliban after a sniper's bullet flew so close to his head that it cut clean through the strap of his helmet.
James Hallam from 148 Battery, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, has been in Afghanistan since April.
The soldier, who has been in the army for 11 years, was on his first patrol with a new unit in an area known for its militant hide-outs, east of Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand Province.
The attack came when his troop, made up of Royal Marines and engineers, was dropped by helicopter to carry out searches of buildings believed to be factories making homemade explosives for IEDs.
The team came under fire as soon as they landed.
Bombardier Hallam told the British Forces News: 'It was pretty punchy, I could hear the bullets whizzing past me and all I was focusing on was firing back.
'I knew that one had come pretty close to me because I heard the noise, felt the heat and the force of it knocked me over.
"But it wasn’t until later that I realised just how close it’d come."
The soldier was only aware of his close shave once they had taken cover after the gun battle when an officer asked what was wrong with his helmet.
The bullet had hit the clip on the underside rim, severing the strap.
Miraculously, despite being only millimetres from his face, the bullet left no mark.
This is the third time that Bdr Hallam has been deployed to Afghanistan - but admitted this was his most dangerous encounter with enemy troops.
The headgear is being examined by army experts as is the case with any equipment damaged in the line of duty. Bdr Hallam is hoping to get his helmet back.
He said: 'That helmet saved my life - there is absolutely no doubt about it.
'I don’t think I’ll be able to wear it again because of the damage but I’d like the strap at least to carry around with me as a bit of a lucky charm
We judge LEADERS by the example they set. By demonstrating that they also have "skin in the game", we see that they too are willing to place themselves out front and at risk. It is the mark of excellence in Leadership.
Look closely at our present Leaders. Senator John McCain set the standard as he is a highly decorated Veteran and paid a high price for the freedoms we enjoy. The present "Empty Suit" who occupies the center seat at the White House, not so much....He likely saw that as beneath his personal status....He has demonstrated that he holds contempt for the military, only expressing feigning support once he got elected, and only because it is one of his duties as President. Slick Mitt Romney also has no military background nor does any of his 4 sons.....it wasn't the work they were prepared to take on as that was something the poor people do...
Now let's look across the pond to our ally the British....Prince Harry will be serving a 2nd tour in Afghanistan. Last time he was on the ground with the British contingent at FOB Dehli. I've been there briefly as I flew around southern Helmand Province and it was not a place I wanted to stay long. FOB Dehli was listed as " RED " by our security which meant it was HOT, and I'm not speaking about the ambient air temperture. It was rated as unsafe and likely to be subject to regular attacks.
Now, Prince Harry will be going back as a Apache Helicopter Pilot. Good Show Sir....show them how it's done. The British have my keen admiration as they are not afraid to put their Leaders out on the front line as that is where they belong. Leading from the front.....Brilliant.
Good show young Prince. Show us how it is done. We are glad to call the British our best friends, regardless of what the feckless idiot in charge in Washington says. The British are leading by example and those who truly understand LEADERSHIP appreciate the efforts of Prince Harry here in Afghanistan. He understands the key principle of " Leadership by example".
Prince Harry’s Apache war on the Taliban
He's cleared to fight in chopper By DUNCAN LARCOMBE Royal Editor, and RICHARD WHITE
16 Jun 2011 - UK SUN
PRINCE Harry is going back to war in Afghanistan as an Apache attack helicopter pilot, The Sun can reveal.
Defence chiefs and the Queen have given the go-ahead for Harry, a qualified Apache flier, to fulfil his dream of returning to battle the Taliban.
The 26-year-old Prince - known as Captain Wales by the military - will unleash Hellfire missiles at the Taliban when he returns.
Once he finishes final battle and weapons training, Harry will be at the controls of the world's most sophisticated attack helicopter.
His main tasks will be to provide air cover for ground troops and to seek and destroy Taliban positions.
Harry, a qualified Apache pilot attached to the Army Air Corps, will have the chopper's awesome armour-piercing cannon at his disposal along with the dreaded Hellfires.
But he could find himself taking on Taliban fighters alone if his £46million craft is shot down or crashes.
As third in line to the throne and a "high value target," insurgents would be desperate to capture him.
On every mission he will be armed with a pistol and SA80 assault rifle as well as field dressings, morphine and emergency rations to give him the best chance of survival.
But an Army Air Corps source said: "Harry will face extreme dangers. Should his Apache malfunction and be forced down the tables are seriously turned.
Well, not exactly "take" 10 Downing Street....they used the residence of the British Prime Minister as a backdrop for filming a Top Gear Challenge. Jeremy Clarkson and British Prime Minister David Cameron are friends and it was all done to highlight British Goods via a road trip to India for the Top Gear Boffins.
