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BC-ALBOM-COLUMN:DE _ op-ed (800 words)

Life's brilliant on the other side of pond

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By Mitch Albom

Knight Ridder Newspapers

(KRT)

Let's begin with the brussels sprouts. There was an attempt at a world record: Who could eat the most in one minute?

"You won't want to miss this!" the host said.

Now, I had no idea they kept records on brussels sprouts. But I am behind on all things British and Irish. This became clear during a book tour last week in Dublin and London.

I was to appear, they told me, on some of those nations' most prestigious TV and radio programs. This included the one with the brussels sprouts. That segment came just after the interview with a transvestite, who had won a national arts award. He arrived with a dress, lipstick, wig - and his wife and kids.

"Hi," I said meekly.

"Hello," he said, his booming voice belying his eye shadow.

Let's face it. We both speak English, but Brits and ...