Articles written by Helen McCarthy

Fans of Japanese comics, animation and pop culture have a feast of events coming up in May 2010.

Apr 29, 2010 - Helen McCarthy

The oldest Norman church in London still in regular weekly use is not a grand City or Westminster monument but a parish church in the East London suburbs.

Apr 16, 2010 - Helen McCarthy

This gem of early English church-building is little known, despite some famous Tudor connections,yet visitors to London are only a bus or train ride away.

Apr 16, 2010 - Helen McCarthy

Ever since the 17th century, London scientists have kept a garden for the study of plants and their healing powers. Ancient apothecaries helped to foster green medicine.

Jan 1, 2009 - Helen McCarthy

Four centuries of surgical research and practice fill a state-of-the-art museum, part of a unique group of institutions devoted to the history of health and medicine.

Jan 1, 2009 - Helen McCarthy

An Order founded to give medical help to Crusaders and pilgrims now helps people of all nations. Their museum is a fascinating and little-known City of London attraction.

Jan 1, 2009 - Helen McCarthy

London's historic hospital museums are located in ancient buildings. These attractions are fun, free and give visitors a different view of the city's history.

Jan 1, 2009 - Helen McCarthy

Travel is expensive, even now the credit crunch has made Britain cheaper. Here are five top ways to save on a visit to London.

Dec 30, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

The elegant facade of Ranger's House hides a dazzling collection of art and priceless objects, close to the centre of London, but often overlooked by tourists.

Dec 30, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Every year people make and break them - perhaps because they focus too strongly on negatives. Give your New Year a positive start.

Dec 30, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

In 1995 Kobe was wrecked as completely as New Orleans was by Katrina. Thirteen years on, Kobe is still rebuilding. How can tourism, shopping, manga and anime help?

Nov 19, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

British economist Dr. Patrick Collins has been making the case for wider space travel for years. Almost anybody could go into space, and now you can book a ticket.

Nov 18, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Kinosuke Takeda is little known in the English-speaking world, but he was one of Japan's pioneering TV puppeteers as well as a great traditional puppet artist.

Nov 18, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Comic Market - known as Comiket to millions of fans - is an amateur manga sale event with huge professional credibility in Japan and worldwide.

Oct 27, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Wonder Festival is a Japanese gathering of kit and model collecting otaku with a long history and big-name attendees.

Oct 27, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Get your holiday gifts and foodstuffs at some of Britain's Christmas craft and gifts fairs, in historic settings. Some even offer free admission.

Sep 27, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

The whole family can have fun shopping and sightseeing at one of Britain's Christmas fairs and craft markets, some with no admission charge.

Sep 27, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Festive holiday fairs and craft markets are held all over Britain, some with free admission. Combine your holiday shopping with a memorable family outing.

Sep 27, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

There are Christmas crafts and gift fairs all over Britain, some with no admission charge. Combine your holiday shopping with an enjoyable family trip.

Sep 27, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Meatloaf is a family meal standby, but it can get boring. Use cheap, simple ingredients to add interest and save even more.

Sep 27, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Meatloaf is a tasty, economical way to feed your family and balance your food budget. Here's a basic recipe with variations.

Sep 27, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

London celebrates the foiling of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot on November 5, and many other events, with fireworks. Here are just a few of the autumn's displays, many free.

Sep 11, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Southern England offers dazzling fireworks in interesting places for tourists and locals alike. Plan a memorable experience for your family.

Sep 11, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Towns worldwide are reviving the ancient practice of creating their own currency as part of a grassroots movement that's "a party rather than a protest march".

Sep 11, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Lewes, county town of East Sussex and an hour by train from London, is an historic English town with a long tradition of dissent. It even has its own currency.

Sep 11, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Yew trees are among today's oldest living things. They feature strongly in history, legend and the lives of saints and heroes.

Sep 7, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Britain's oldest living inhabitants are ancient yew trees. Their survival is due to superb natural adapability. Their biggest enemy is human expansion.

Sep 7, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Yew trees, some contemporaries of Christ, have survived Man's expansion and seen the birth and death of nations. They are living history, but modern life threatens them.

Sep 7, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Cheaper cuts make fabulous, tasty family meals; fast prep and slow cooking frees your time and saves energy and money.

Sep 6, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

By using manga - popular translated Japanese comic books - as a classroom resource or workshop topic, teachers can enthuse and involve pupils. Expert help is available

Sep 6, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Using common foodstuffs you can make luxurious beauty treatments and turn your kitchen and bathroom into an exclusive - and inexpensive - spa retreat.

Sep 6, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

With just a few extra ingredients, you can make tasty salmon dishes in minutes using pre-cut fillets.

Sep 3, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

It's sometimes hard to get children to eat the fruit, protein and nutritious things they need instead of fast food and sugar-loaded treats. Try some of these lunch ideas.

Sep 3, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Chicken is one of the easiest foods to prepare. Chicken portions come fresh or frozen from almost every store, and make a wonderful standby for feeding the family.

Sep 3, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

London loves visitors, especially lovers. Money can't buy you love, but you can see city fireworks, dance in the fountains and feed squirrels in the parks for free.

May 22, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

From the River Thames to Greenwich and Richmond, from South Kensington's museums to the Tower of London, there are free sightseeing adventures for visitors and locals.

May 20, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

London has some great family days out, with free attractions open to tourists and locals alike. End holiday boredom, save money and go green by using public transport.

May 20, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

This historic London theatre offers more than just performances. Tours, exhibits, workshops and free concerts will keep the whole family entertained.

May 17, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

There is a rich history of three centuries of theater on this site in the heart of London.

May 17, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Heading South, you'll find anime and manga museums across Japan. Most are over three hours from Tokyo, but some make pleasant day trips from Osaka.

May 14, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Exhibits devoted to key anime and manga artists are scattered throughout Japan. This article explores the museums of Central Honshu. Get there by rail from Tokyo.

May 14, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Right across Japan you'll find exhibits devoted to key manga and anime creators. This article explores the museums of Northern Honshu. Get there by rail or air from Tokyo

May 14, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Visitors to Tokyo can find out more about how anime and manga are created in exhibits that will interest the whole family. Some museums and galleries are free to enter.

May 14, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Winter snow, history, local culture and the unhurried pace of rural Japan make Akita fun for the whole family. This unspoiled region has something for every visitor.

May 8, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Eighty-year-old Tsuji is a devoted family man who works a six day week and thinks human relationships matter more than profit. His business is about building goodwill.

May 8, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Shigeru Mizuki's manga masterpiece developed from kamishibai theater into one of the best loved anime icons. Regenerated as often as Dr. Who, Kitaro returns to his roots.

May 6, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Over a thousand years ago, a noblewoman became one of Japan's greatest poets and caused romantic scandals. She's commemorated in legend, theater, railroads and rice.

May 6, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

If you want to find anime and manga heaven outside Tokyo, go to Osaka, where you'll find white-knuckle rides, giant whales, the latest electronics, and Gundam kits.

May 6, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Everyone will enjoy a day sightseeing in Osaka's Bay Area. You can watch undersea life, go shopping or sailing, see fine art and sunsets, or even get into movies.

May 6, 2008 - Helen McCarthy

Child-friendly gallery celebrates key figure in 20th century pop culture, creator of Astro Boy, Kimba, Unico and a host of other characters. Essential stop in Japan!

May 2, 2008 - Helen McCarthy