Category: News

Any interesting news that is relevant to this blog.

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS FANS-LOUD,BRASH,ANNOYING? OR ENTHUSIASTIC AND FUN?

I’m hoping the title of this post will get people interested!  
The Australian tennis players, the likes of Leyton Hewitt and Nick Kyrgios attract a travelling army of Australian fans/supporters.  Dressed mainly in Australian gold, they “sing”, chant, shout and clap loudly and enthusiastically in the hope of bolstering their players chances.
What’s your opinion?  
Do you find it annoying?  
Or do you think its great to hear people so enthusiastic – a bit of fun?
What nationality are you?  How old are you? What sex are you?
One provocative opinion came from a friend who said, “it’s the Australian character!  Brash and loud!”
And what’s wrong with that? LOL.
Please comment
 

THE MAC ARE BACK

FLEETWOOD MAC AT LEEDS ARENA – MAGIC
 
http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/what-s-on/arts-entertainment/review-fleetwood-mac-first-direct-arena-leeds-1-7335412
I loved PETER GREENS FLEETWOOD MAC but after he left they evolved from blues to a perfectly magic formula with Christine McVie, Lindsay Buckingham, Stevie Nicks,John McVie and of course the amazing drummer that is Mick Fleetwood.  All such brilliant musicians individually together they are dynamite.  A perfect evening in a perfect arena.
fleetwoodmac.com
 

ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!

Wimbledon is here again!  I love Wimbledon Tennis Tournament.  The coliseum like atmosphere, individual against individual, facing each other across the net.  The sound of the balls flying over the nets, skimming the surface and sending flying blades of grass, chalk and dust.  The physical stamina and fitness, the mental strength and character needed to take part.  The sweat, the glow, the ping of the strings as an ace is hit down the line.  Volleys, backhands, smashes, net calls, slips and slides, twists and turns. The crowds, the gasps, the screams of frustration, the shout of joy and pumping of fists.  The line calls and hawk eye replays, the anticipation and the nerves, the tension of a tie break.  The British weather sunshine now and rain again – the covers on the covers off, the roof closed the roof open. Robinson drinks, green towels, linesmen and women dodging powerful shots coming right at them.  The birds on the court and Rufus the Harris Hawk.  Henman Hill or Murray Mount – game, set and match.

Scarborough and Whitby

Have had a short break in not so sunny Scarborough on the East coast of Yorkshire.
Stayed at the Clifton Hotel overlooking North Bay.  Very pleasant hotel, would recommend it.  We walked around the north bay and up to the castle on the headland, which gives you smashing views of both bays.  However, plastic carrier bags are a menace, being found all over the place, in trees, bushes, and no litter bins that I noticed!  So I’m afraid Scarborough Council gets a big 0 out of ten.
Our coasts and countryside has enough to beat the best holiday destinations all over the world, apart from the weather!  Just wish people realised this and had holidays in the UK and spent their money here, so that we could make more of our tourist spots.  Glad to say the hotel was pretty full when we stayed.
We took a trip up to Whitby which is one of my most favourite places.  It has such character and is so picturesque.


Click on the photos to see full size.  The statue that always seems to have a gull perched on its head is Captain James Cook.  a replica of the Golden Hind lies in the harbour.  There is still a small fishing fleet working out of Whitby and the fish and chips in the town are some of the best I have ever tasted.  The Magpie cafe is a big favourite with everybody, just on the harbour side.  Further on there are some chippys that are pretty good too.
The “archway” is actually made from the bones of a whales jaw!
There is a big Dracula goth cult here too as it is the place that Dracula first stepped onto English land.  Every year there is a goth week and the town is taken over by sinister looking people in black!  This is all done with good humour.  There is also the Whitby folk week every year too.
It has a beautiful little harbour, surrounded by small fishing cottages with their red roofs.
A great place to wander around just taking in the atmosphere, looking at quaint buildings, gazing down narrow alleyways or doing a bit of shopping.  Whitby is also famous for its “jet” stone, which is incorporated into much silver jewellery being sold.
The ruins of the abbey, founded AD656, on the cliff top  are well worth a visit as is the nearby church.
You really just have to visit to appreciate.

Weather

This is a typically British post!  Other nationalities know that us Brits like to talk about the weather.  To be honest, it’s a bit of a joke isn’t it?  We know ourselves we do it – hardly a day goes by when I don’t hear someone (myself included) talk about the weather!  It’s really not surprising though is it?   We live on a small island and have one heck of a lot of influences on our weather – it is so unpredictable, that the weather forecasters rarely get it right!  (For Leeds anyway).  The BBC weather on the internet site, is updated regularly throughout the day.  Temperatures can go up or down within a mile!
This week we’ve had strong winds, gales, freezing temperatures, temperatures of 12 degrees, sunshine, blue sky and fog, all within days of each other.  If you’re British, you just have to say “to hell with the weather” and just get on with it.  It is hard to plan what you are going to do though – we often say , “let’s see what the weathers like.”

Snowdrops! First sign that spring might have sprung

There are signs that spring might just be around the corner though.  The snowdrops are blooming and the crocus and daffodils are peeping through.  Plenty of birds singing at the park this morning in the rain.  Watched a pair of common crows flying, chasing, some lovely agile acrobatics with each other.