Monthly Archives: August 2009

Wars of Roses in South Yorkshire

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South Yorkshire, England includes four metropolitan boroughs and each has their own unique charm, atmosphere and cultural dynamics. The region of Yorkshire has an interesting history, and is full of magnificent landmarks that attract numerous tourists to it every year. It has amazingly beautiful scenic elements and has even been nicknamed by some as God’s Own Country. Tourists staying in a South Yorkshire hotel will certainly understand what is meant by this as they see for them selves just how beautiful the country is. One of the important historic situations it played an essential role in was the War of the Roses.

The Wars of the Roses was a series of civil wars fought in England during the 15the century. It was a time of turbulence and great competition over the crown between the house of Lancaster and the house of York. These bloody battles continued before and after the official wars were recognized and constitute a particularly bitter and violent dispute and conflict. Eventually these conflicts ended with the victory of the Lancasters. Henry Tudor had already disposed his cousin Richard II, who had been a controversial ruler that was opposed by many of the nobles. This was part of what propelled the subsequent conflicts.

When the Lancasters won and Henry was reestablished as king, the official dynasty of the Tudors was ushered in. This would create a ling of monarchs lasting 116 years. This line of rulership claimed to be descendents of John of Gaunt who was the third son of Edward III. Henry Tudor became King Henry IV and was followed after his death by his son Henry V. The Tudors would eventually end with the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. At her death in 1603 she had no heir and her cousin James I of Scotland established the House of Stuart on the English crown.

Writers Associated with Winchester

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Winchester is one of the historic cities of England. It is located in the region of Hampshire, which is in the southeast area of the country. It is full of beautiful architecture and often known as a cathedral city due to its major landmark being the Winchester Cathedral. This amazing building is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. This is certainly one of the reasons numerous tourists visit the city every year. However, guests staying in one of the Winchester hotels has many more landmarks and attractions to visit that will fulfill and enrich their stay.
In addition to the beauty of the natural scenery and the wonder of the historic landmarks and icons, Winchester has had the distinction of being the home to some of the world’s major literary figures. Jane Austen was there at the time of her death and was buried in the cathedral. In addition John Keats spent time in Winchester and completed some work while there. Keats was a poet during the early 19th century. He lived a very short life, having been born in 1795 and died in 1821. Though he died young, he his work was profound and placed him as one of the primary writers of the Romantic era.

Jane Austen was also writing in the early 19th century, and while she lived longer than Keats, though she herself died relatively young, she also produced a much more voluminous body of work. She was much more focused on realism in her work and used biting wit to create social commentary and rich characters. She was also a master of irony and these qualities have contributed to her status as remaining of one the most read and loved English writers in history. Interestingly, Austen published her works anonymously and received very little personal recognition for her books during her lifetime. It would be interesting to for her to be the amount of love and respect readers and critics from around the world have for her work.

Family days at the US Open

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The US Open tennis tournament is a great place to bring the family. Sporting events can provide great lessons and spark the interest of a child in the sport. And there is nothing better than having a lifelong hobby like the sport of tennis. So the US Open, which takes place at the end of August and the beginning of September, realized that it’s important to include children and families in the tournament. That is why they have included their first ever family day at this year’s US Open tennis tournament.

The family day at the US Open tennis tournament, which takes place in Flushing Meadows, New York will be Tuesday September 1st, 2009. There are going to be many activities that are geared towards families to make that day at the tournament one to remember for adults and children alike. Some of the events are things like fun kid-friendly entertainment like stilt walkers and face painting. Also children can enjoy the Smash Zone at the US Open, which is an interactive fan experience at the US Open.  It is sure to be a memorable and once in a lifetime experience for you and your family. And a little family togetherness is just a great way to experience the US Open tennis tournament.

If you can’t make it for family day, the tournament also has Arthur Ashe Kid’s Day. This takes places on Saturday August 29th, 2009. This day combines tennis with music to make for a fun filled day that kids and parents will enjoy. This year, former American Idol winner Jordin Sparks will be performing her new single at the event called “Battlefield.” This is combined with tennis matches that are played by former US Open winner Andy Roddick so that kids can get a close up look at some of their favorite tennis stars. There will also be interactive games and tennis clinics so that the kids can work on their game while they are at the open.

Saint Magnus Cathedral of Kirkwall, Scotland

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The Saint Magnus Cathedral towers over Scotland’s city of Kirkwall.  It is one of the finest pieces of architecture that still stands from the Roman time era.  The sand stone used to construct the cathedral is in varied colors, alternating stripes of yellow and red.  The yellow stone came from the village of Eday,  while the red was transported from a village close to Kirkwall, called Head O’ Holland.  The stones were then worked by masons and artisans that are believed to have received their training from the Durham Cathedral located in England.

Throughout the centuries, the cathedral has expanded and grown, with additions and extensions being added throughout the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.  The location of the choral chamber remains to this day, to be the original, which is constructed of an Eastern Chancel, a nave and a transept.  This is just one of the local historical sites that are located close to the Kirkwall hotels, and easy walk throughout time and history. One of the most interesting aspects of the cathedral, aside from the incredible artistry and masonry, is that it does not belong to the church.  It never has.

It has always been the property of the Royal Burgh and City of Kirkwall.  King James the third was under no position to maintain the cathedral in 1468, and so it was classified as a possession heritable and the town was charge with the maintenance of it.  Today, the situation remains the same.  This is the Cathedral of Kirkwall, literally, in every sense of the word.  In the back of the cathedral, Saint Rognvald’s Chapel is located along with sculptures that commemorate the founding fathers of the cathedral.  Whichever was the official and recognized religion of the time, be it Episcopalian, Presbyterian, or Catholic, they have all been housed here.

Ghostly Chester

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When I checked into my Chester Hotel I asked the clerk if I’m checking into a haunted place. He laughed and said unfortunately not. I went up to my room a little disappointed. But, at least the haunted tour I went on today, revealed some interesting things to me, like you never know if the place you are staying will be haunted or not. So, I perked up a little as I entered my hotel room.

In Chester, according to new research, paranormal experts have given it the spine chilling title of ‘England’s most haunted city’.  On my tour today, I learned the ancient walled city of Chester was founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago as their main legionary fortresses to control the province of Britannia. When the Romans left, the fortress was fought over by successive waves of Vikings, Welshmen and those sorrowful Danes. While on the tour I could even see that Chester is a compact and picturesque place over full with Roman remains and all kinds of black and white medieval homes and ancients Inns.

So, over the centuries, Chester has witnessed the very highs and lows of human existence, from jubilations to slaughter, war, plagues and famine. For me it was no surprise that Chester can boast it has ghosts, hauntings and apparitions and lots of them.  Roman ghosts especially roam Chester. There’s one spectre that remains so clear that experts have even identified him by his armour, a Decurion, an officer in charge of ten men, of the Second Legion Adiutrix stationed at Chester around 70 AD.  Not far from that, Chester’s half excavated Roman amphitheatre are the ruins of St. John’s church and priory. Written inside a coffin in the wall are ‘Dust to Dust’. A ghostly nun haunts the abandoned churchyard. My guide said she was originally buried in the 13th century oak casket so she could be closer to heaven.

I couldn’t sleep that night, in my hotel room, I kept hearing strange noises and seeing strange things move around in the dark.

The New Crops of the United Kingdom

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An interesting aspect of global warming is affecting the United Kingdom, in a good way.  Good way?  Well, for the region around East Devon and Honiton, the temperatures rising may have an effect on the already pre-existing beauty.  Many farms in the West county are expecting that the temperatures will increase, and may begin to start planting crops such as figs, chilis, and dates, the exotic fruits that are often found in the the warmer climates of the world.  This could bring a different season of tourism to the region as well, which would be beneficial to the Honiton hotels, and the restaurants and markets of the area.  Most of the scientific focus, and the opinion of the general public has been on the negative aspects of the change in global climates.  However in the United Kingdom, the minsters are believing that warmer temperatures in the summertime months may present further opportunities for the large scale farming and harvesting of crops that before were not sustainable, more similar to the varieties found throughout the Mediterranean.

Hilary Been, the environment Secretary is urging farmers to see this as an opportunity.  Now they will be able to harvest the kinds of crops that were before seen as niche or delicacies.  Devon, Cornwall and Honiton have already begun to cultivate unusual and strange foods for those particular environments.  The Chilli Farm in South Devon began in 2003 and is now a plantations of more than ten thousand plants.  Olive and almond trees are doing great in the town of Weston and there is now a plantation growing varieties of tea in Cornwall.  Farmers are even beginning to consider the idea of growing rice, which as with the other crops, would cut down the import costs of bringing in foods that come from so far away.  The landscape is become more diverse in the United Kingdom.  One day crops of garlic and rows of apricot trees could line the countryside.

Walking in Brockenhurst

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I heard that New Forest in Brockenhurst is one of the most ecological and one of the most historical regions in all of lower Britain. So, I booked a room at one of the Brockenhurst Hotels for a weekend to see if I agree with this assessment.

I found that New Forest is somewhat of a misnomer; it’s more like an open gorse, covered with heath land, although, there is a wooded area which supports a wonderful amount of wildlife and species of trees. I can see why it’s a particular favorite for walking holidays and nature lovers like myself. I felt at ease in the New Forest, in my element. Probably because it’s the perfect habitat for some of the most interesting fauna and flora in all of Britain. Not only that, but it’s home to a nice population of roe, fallow, red and diminutive deer. I even got to watch otter play along the banks of the Lymington River.

I managed to get off the more popular paths and crowds of people by simply heading for the woodland paths. I didn’t know this region would be so crowded with holiday visitors, but I don’t blame them, after all, I’m here too. The woodlands is where I ran into the New Forest ponies. They are allowed to roam freely, and in most part are pretty kind hearted, but I’d still stay a safe distance from them, you never know when one will decide to get ornery. I’m glad I booked several days here, walking around approximately 230 square kilometers takes more than just one day, and I thoroughly want to investigate this ecologically preserved region. As for the historical part of the forest, the reason for this region to be ecologically sound is because of William the Conqueror. This was he personal hunting ground, fortunately, hunting is no longer allowed here. I think if is was, this forest would lose it’s pristine quality.

Sustainable Canterbury

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I have some friends flying over from the States, but they didn’t want to stay with me, so I arranged a room for them at a Canterbury Hotel. The reason, they told me for not wanting to stay with me, is they aren’t ready yet to live and practice a Sustainable life, which my wife and I have been doing for quite sometime yet. But, we make sure not to lose dear friends because of our beliefs.

In Canterbury, Stacy and I have created a garden in our back yard. We have come to understand that Canterbury’s weather can be extreme, like longer winters, deeper dry summers and if that weren’t enough, there is a regular possum raid on our crops. My wife and I are very involved with helping educate anyone about our environment. We’d like to teach from our garden, but mostly we teach though our nice clean office. The one’s who are brave enough to come to our garden, get nice and dirty.

Plus, we are part-time partners of a very product producing vegetable garden, with a side orchard thrown in and some chestnut trees. But, we didn’t stop there, we’ve managed to restore several hectares of native bush. So, can you kind of see why my friends from the States would rather stay at a hotel?  Our garden, literally has become a full-time job, it actually contributes half of the food we put on our table and it’s all chemical free! It’s our composting which is the best part of our living style and another reason our State side friends won’t stay even one night with us. There is no organic waste that leaves our property. Not from our garden and definitely, not from our house. All our kitchen peelings and scraps are put in airsealed Bokashi buckets, where we sprinkle a bit of EM bran to create fermentation. I think it creates a sweet smell, but my friends disagree.

All the same, my wife and I look forward to having our friends over for a short visit and we’ll enjoy cooking for them and using all the food from our garden. What a great way to treat friends, but will a labor of love.

Concert Tickets and Beach Balls

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I got to the show with our Concert Tickets when the lots opened at 3pm. Had a wonderful picnic with my two best friends while we listened to the roadies do a sound check. We then walked around for a bit waiting for the doors to open. Then before we knew it the doors opened and we were let in. I headed directly for the memorabilia booth and bought the program and the tour T-shirt, my friends bought their T-shirts too.

We found our seats and first got to listen to Kitty, Daisy and Lewis. My friends rolled out the sign they made for Kitty, but we doubt she saw it. Elbow plays after them and Elbow was way better than Kitty. I’ve never heard Elbow live, and they are much better live. Then…what we were all there for….Coldplay entered the stage. I pulled out my sign and danced through two songs; U2′s Magnificent and some rap song I didn’t recognize. People were taking photo’s of me, I hope some of the snapshots make it on someones blog.

My favorite moment was during the song ‘In My Place,’ when I threw up a beach ball into the crowd below. The weather was beautiful, so it was time to bring out The Beach ball; it made it a long way before someone finally got to slap it around. The concert was absolutely amazing and then when it was almost over, then came the cell phone wave. I love the cell phone wave, it looks really cool from the audience. This was my sixth Coldplay concert and this was definitely the best one to date. I have to say that LiTii was the last song of the night and it was my favorite.

An Airplane Encounter with Sports Star Tom Rathman

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The Nebraska Cornhuskers, what an incredible football team! You might not be a fan, but most people will admit they admire and respect this great, legendary team. The sports ethics the team and the coaching staff adhere to is unrivaled. They are great athletes and great human beings. And the Nebraska fans are usually very respectful to the opposing team and their fans. Being from Nebraska, I too love the Cornhuskers and love watching them play. I haven’t been able to attend many games, but I love watching them and cheering them, whether I’m with a group of family and friends or by myself in my own living room. It’s an awesome sight to see that enormous sea of red and white and as you sit there watching, you can feel the electricity and tremendous energy flowing from the stadium. When there is a home game, the football stadium in Lincoln becomes the third largest city in Nebraska. And when the game is away, the ever-loyal fans follow. I’ve lost track of the number of consecutive sports tickets sellout home games for the Cornhuskers, but it’s a lot. And I have no doubt it will continue.

I had the extreme good fortune of sitting beside Tom Rathman the summer he was heading to the San Francisco 49er’s training camp in 1986. I was on a flight to Phoenix out of Omaha, I had the middle seat and he had the aisle. Being a people person by nature, I engaged this pleasant young man in a conversation, not realizing who he was, just that I was sitting by someone willing to visit to pass the time on an air flight. Of course I asked the usual “where you headed” and was momentarily speechless when he told me who he was and where he was going! I have to say, he was extremely polite, friendly, unassuming and downright nice. He seemed to enjoy our conversation and graciously autographed a napkin for my mother, who was a great fan of his and the Cornhusker team. What a thrill, what a memory!