Wallpaper of the Week, 22 December 2013

SUNDAY afternoon, listening to Eden FM, the sun is shining, a nice picture from Springtime, so it must be the weekend before Christmas. Yes, welcome along to this latest post on RFTFT, I do try to remember to use the word 'post' or 'posting', rather than 'edition' or 'issue', or even 'release'. If you would like a one-off paper edition of RFTFT, I may consider it during 2014. I have also used italics quite a lot so far, so will move onto the subject of this post. Please enjoy this week's image of Ullswater, taken at 6:15pm on 14 May 2013, by myself. I was hoping that the Eden Valley may have been festooned by the snow by now, which would have heralded some traditionally festive images for 'WotW', but I don't think images of heavy rainfall would elicit the same wistful thoughts of Christmas and Winter, so that's why I am posting the nice blue sky images of Ullswater.

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

Wallpaper of the Week, 15 December 2013

As CHRISTMAS draws ever closer, following the promise of the post a week ago here on RFTFT, we (in the northern hemisphere) are in the depths of the winter weather, which, apart from the torrential rain and winds, hasn't actually been too bad. We haven't had any snow yet. So following the 'WotW' post last week, we're not giving in to the scenes of snow as usually depicted all over the internet every December and continuing with blue sky scenes from spring and summer. The above image follows last week's post, as this is another image of Ullswater, taken by myself, on May 14th 2013.

Lots more nice images of the water (as Ullswater in not officially classed as a 'lake') to come, I also have some nice images of the Fox Tower itself I intend to share, as it is the monument after which I named this blog.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and have a good week.

Happy Birthday Taylor!

WELCOME to this latest edition of Reporting From The Fox Tower, brought to you on the evening of Friday the thirteenth, 2013. If you like numerical dates, then today is 13-12-13. The double presence of the number thirteen will no doubt be of great interest to Miss Taylor Alison Swift - pictured left - who regards the number 13 as her lucky number, as it was the thirteenth day of December on which she was born. Click the link featured in her name (above) to visit her official website, where you can read the line in her bio, where she states she 'was born in December on a Christmas tree farm'. So it is time to wish Taylor a very Happy Birthday, with lots of love for her magnificent albums: Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Speak Now World Tour Live and RED. Taylor is currently on the RED Tour in Australia, which visits the O2, London, in February 2014. Details of the tour are also found on Taylor's website. This image of Tay is from the 2013 VS Fashion show. I shall close by saying Happy Birthday Taylor!

Wallpaper of the Week, 8 December 2013

I am pleased to announce the return of WotW (Yes, another italicised acronym) for the winter season. I don't want to dwell too much on the winter weather, so the first image is of Ullswater, the first of a series of photographs I took on 14 May 2013. I hope to post more images of blue skies from spring and summer 2013, which I hope you will appreciate and enjoy.

A Couple More Winter Birthdays!

FIRST is a belated Happy Birthday to Miss Karen Gillan, Who celebrated her Birthday on Friday 29th November. Miss Gillan, professional actress, is most popular for this role:

The role of Amelia Jessica 'Amy' Pond, in the BBC Television series Doctor Who, which recently celebrated its fiftieth anniversary.

Celebrating their Birthday today [Monday 2 December 2013] is:

Miss Britney Jean Spears, who has a new album, tour and perfume for your delectation this coming Christmas. That's enough said about that for the time being.

I do hope Miss Gillan and Miss Spears enjoy their Birthdays. RFTFT will be back again soon with what you might call a 'Rear end special' - As it is the rear end of 2013, I'll publish some nice pictures from throughout the year, hopefully reminding us of the sunny days in the middle of the year. That's all coming up soon here on RFTFT. Until then, enjoy your Monday evening.

Belated Happy Birthday, Miss Brook!

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Miss Kelly Brook, who celebrated her [34th] Birthday on Saturday. Kelly shares her Birthday with Miley Cyrus, who turned 21 this weekend.

Seeing as Miley is a bit of a nightmare these days, let's stay with Kelly. To mark her Birthday, I'm sharing this selfie Kelly posted on her social media sites on [Saturday] the morning of her Birthday, from her bed:

Kelly even looks good first thing in the morning - Enough said.

Happy Birthday Miss Brook!

LIVE from the VS 2013 Catwalk...

YES, RFTFT gets you everywhere, you lucky people. Well, not exactly live from the VS 2013 Catwalk, or anywhere near, for that matter. VS, by the way, stands for Victoria's Secret, who held their 'Class of 2013' Fashion Show this past week, which did have British involvement lead by Cara Delevingne, who, as reported here, was involved in many of the shenanigans before, during and after the show.

The show has also produced brand new BFF [that's Best Friends Forever, for those that were unaware] in the shape of VS Angel [Angel is the name given to the ladies who model in the VS Fashion Show] Lily Aldridge and the Superstar performer of the evening Miss Taylor Alison Swift - Not only did Taylor perform a couple of tracks at the show, including I Knew You Were Trouble., but also got involved in the fashions - Wearing a Union flag inspired outfit alongside Cara Delevingne in a football inspired outfit during a British element of the show, changing into a silver dress to perform again and join in the high fives, touches and pats with the Angels as they took to the catwalk, or the runway, to saunter past Swift as she performed. It was when Aldridge took to the stage that the media bestowed the honour of BFF upon her and Swift, as Swift seemed to be very much taken by Aldridge, as they exchanged smiles and blowing kisses to one another as Swift performed. Following the performance, Aldridge walked hand in hand with Swift on the runway, sealing their new BFF status. And here's the cute picture to prove it!

Now, I may be speaking out of turn here, but I think Miss Swift (on the left, obviously) has the better legs in this photograph, but I won't dismiss your opposing views, if you wish to share them using the Comment feature below.

Well, I think that's a nice way to round off the weekend and bring a smile into the new week. Thank you for visiting RFTFT and do return again soon!

One of those days...

MY FACEBOOK status update today was 'Ever had one of those days where you wish you had just stayed at home?', but at least things sometimes don't get as bad as they did for poor old Homer (pictured above). I had originally planned to post an image from the 2013 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, featuring Ms Lily Aldridge and Miss Taylor Alison Swift, but I will keep that for a future date. Tomorrow? Next week? The sooner the better I think. Until then... Smile!

Good evening, Miss Swift...

... I'VE been expecting you. This image is taken from Taylor's performance of 'The Last Time' with Gary Lightbody on 'The X Factor', Sunday 3 November. Though the autumnal outfit brings to mind the potential of a Bond Girl  - Or even a Bond Villain! Miss Swift is not a stranger to starring on the silver screen, so over to you, Hollywood...

Roar! Happy Birthday Katy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Katy Perry, celebrating her 29th Birthday today, October 25. The above image is a screenshot from Katy's current single, 'Roar', which recently reached #1.

Where did summer go?

WELCOME to the latest posting here on RFTFT, autumn is taking hold, the leaves on the ground and the rain is no longer 'gentle' but 'lashing'. Television has reverted to the autumn schedule - Yes, 'Strictly Come Dancing' and 'The X Factor' now rule your weekends. The football season is now over two months old, with FA Cup fixtures every other week for the non league clubs and the England team are one match - v Poland - away from qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Parents are delighted as the school year is under way and Channel 4 reflect this with the series 'Educating Yorkshire', which focuses on a pupil named Sheridan and her colourful use of the English language, as well as the deputy head teacher, Mr Steer, who is allergic to everything. This post has used italics six times and that's enough. People to see and stuff to do and all that, as always, if you have visited this blog for the first time, welcome and please return again soon. Also thank you to those who visit this blog via the links on my Twitter and Facebook accounts, would you like to add this blog as one of your favourites? If you do, then thank you once again.

Weekend Wallpaper, 6 September 2013

WELCOME to another posting here on Reporting From The Fox Tower. Apologies for not posting during August, we did have a lot of nice weather here in the Eden Valley, combined with the culmination of The Ashes - England winning the series 3-0, when it could have so closely been 4-0, possibly a little bit of laziness too, but I do hope you enjoy this post.

The above image dates from 31 March 2013 at the Classic Commercial Vehicle Rally, Brough. A Ribble bus with Ambleside on its route.

Enjoy the weekend.

Best of British

WELCOME to the latest post here on RFTFT, catching up on the momentous events of the last week in the form of a photo diary, beginning with England 2 - Aussie 0 :

In the second Ashes test match between England and Australia at Lord's, England took a 2-0 series lead over Australia in the five match series, with a 347 run victory on Sunday 21 July. The above image from Twelfth Man, The Official Fan Community of England Cricket. Image © Getty.

Also, on the same day :

Chris Froome was confirmed as the winner of Le Tour de France, following the final stage of the race in Paris, on Sunday 21 July. Froome is the second British winner in consecutive years, following the success of Sir Bradley Wiggins in 2012. This year was the one hundredth staging of Le Tour. Image from Le Tour de France, image © A.S.O. - Guillaume Benoit.

And on the next day :

Welcome His Royal Highness Prince George Alexander Louis Windsor of Cambridge.

All in all, a rather excellent week. The third Ashes Test starts this coming Thursday, 1st August. More of the same please, England...!

England 1 - Aussie 0

THE first test of the Ashes came to a conclusion today, Sunday 14 July, with England beating Australia by fourteen runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. C'mon England!

CHAMPION.

ANDY MURRAY is the 2013 Wimbledon Men's Singles Champion.

The moment of victory.

Because She's Worth It - Happy Birthday Cheryl

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Ms Cheryl Cole, celebrating her thirtieth Birthday today, Sunday 30 June 2013.

Happy Olympic Torch Anniversary!

TODAY I have been thinking back one year, to Wednesday 20 June 2012, the date on which the Olympic Torch relay passed through Eden on its way to Carlisle. This posting marks the first anniversary of that day with links to media sites hosting videos, blogs and photographs of the Olympic Flame making its way through Cumbria for the first time. Click on the links below and enjoy a few memories.

• The Olympic Flame in Brough - Videos from ITV Border - Click here.
• The Olympic Flame in Appleby - Video from ITV Border - Click here.
• The Olympic Flame in Penrith - Videos from ITV Border - Click here.

To provide fairness and balance in this post, the next link is to the BBC Torch Relay site. I'm not sure if the videos are still available, but you can read the blog of the day's events on the right hand side of the page - Day 33 of the Olympic Torch relay. To enjoy a few more memories, click here.

#WinningIsn’tAlwaysPretty

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Miss Anna Kournikova, who celebrates her thirty-second birthday today, Friday 7 June 2013. Anna posted this image on her Facebook page, stating it to be one of the favourite shots of herself, when she was competing in the French Open, on the clay, at Roland Garros. The hashtag, which I have used to title this post, was used by Anna to link the image to social media. Looks good, though. Happy Birthday Anna! x

Bank Holiday Broadcasts

WELCOME to the latest weekly post here on RFTFT. I spent the evening of Monday 27 May (Bank Holiday Monday) tuning the short wave band on my Roberts R881 and here is what I heard.

• I believe I heard Voice of Tigray Revolution, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, broadcasting Horn of Africa music at 1948 UTC (GMT), on the frequency of 5950 kHz, but I could not verify this.
• China Radio International, 20:00 UTC, 5960 kHz. English to Europe, Middle East and Africa via Albania transmitter. 'Beyond Beijing' begins with female news broadcaster: Chinese links with Germany and the United States of America. European ministers meet to discuss Syria. Chinese man sentenced following murder of a baby. Statistics show rise in business profits. News read by Rebecca Hune. 'China Drive' presented by Mark Griffiths. Feature on fashion designers. Weather reports from Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney, London. Report from the World Health Organisation shows the gap between the developed and developing countries of the world has narrowed.
• Voice Of America, 2030 UTC, 6080 kHz. English to Africa via Botswana. Male host, 'Africa Beat' music programme.
• International Radio Serbia, 2058 UTC, 6100 kHz. English to Europe via Bosnia - Hercegovina. Interval signal and news from female newscaster: Report regarding the Serbian foreign ministry. Relations between Serbia and Russia have never been better. Serbia to improve relations with the European Union in Brussels. French television report regarding smugglers. Twentieth anniversary of the Yugoslav civil war. Serbian testifies against Croat war crimes. Meteorology award given to a Serb professor. Princess Beatrice of England is visiting Serbia. Report regarding budgets and finances. Sport: Football, tennis, shooting. Music: Folk songs.

That's the update for now - Enjoy the sunshine!

Wallpaper of the week: Blue sky days please!

Enjoy your bank holiday!

Springtime Sunday...?

WELCOME along to the latest update here on RFTFT, on what is quite a warm, almost humid Sunday lunchtime, in mid May. Saying that, the previous day and the night before that gave us some of the heaviest rain seen since, well, last summer! Thoughts are with those in West Cumbria who are coping with flooded roads this weekend! The weather forecast shows a brighter outlook for the next few days, so let's hope the forecast is correct!

I have been neglecting my radio listening over winter and early 2013, but did spend a couple of weekend evenings in March and April listening to short wave and medium wave respectively, so here are the broadcasts I heard:

Saturday 16 March 2013 - Short wave (Tropical bands):

• 2200 UTC (GMT), 3415 kHz : Shannon Volmet, Ireland. Female voice with weather reports: wind and visibility reports.(Based at Shannon airport, I believe).
• 2235 UTC, 3905 kHz : Radio Alice, Netherlands. Music: The Clash - Should I Stay Or Should I Go. Iggy Pop - Lust For Life. ID: "On short wave, this is Radio Alice from the Netherlands". AC/DC - Whole Lotta Rosie. ID. Van Halen - Jump. Good quality.

Sunday 7 April 2013 - Medium wave:

• 1830 UTC, 549 kHz : Spirit Radio, Ireland. Male voice with chart countdown. Fair quality.
• 1855 UTC, 585 kHz : BBC Scotland via Dumfries. Oh dear. Bagpipes. Male voice - "Enjoy your piping!". 1900 UTC news: Grand National winning jockey Ryan Mania injured at Hexham racecourse. Other stories: NATO in Iraq. Mick Philpott. Perthshire accident. Youth Crime Commissioner resigns. Scottish independence campaign. Sport: Football, tennis, curling. Weather report. Country music programme highlighting the sixtieth anniversary of the passing of Hank Williams.
• 1920 UTC, 603 kHz : BBC Radio 4 via Wrekenton, Newcastle - upon - Tyne. 'Feedback': Historical look at The Third Programme, which became BBC Radio 3. Also discussing BBC Radio 3 'Live in Concert' and their handling of the concert interval.
• 1955 UTC, 621 kHz : RTBF International, Belgium. 'Viva Sports' to 2000 UTC - football. 'Viva Musique' on 'Viva Cite'' - Music: Bruno Mars - Locked Out Of Heaven. ID. Michael Jackson - Human Nature.French language.
• 2100 UTC, 639 kHz : Czech Radio 2, Prague, Czech Republic. Top of the hour ID, Female voice. Czech language.
• 2115 UTC, 639 kHz : RNE 1, Spain. Male and female voices, Spanish language. Music: The Equals - Baby Come Back.

And that concludes the logs for March and April. I haven't tuned the bands yet in May, hopefully very soon!

I shall conclude with a picture, you could call it 'wallpaper of the week' if you like, a feature I should get back to posting here on the blog on a weekly basis, but this picture ties in with the previous post below.

Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Britney Jean Spears.

Friday night - One for the lads...

Oh yes. In 2004, at the age of 23, Britney Spears recorded a cover version of Bobby Brown's 'My Prerogative', which was accompanied by a standard video. Then, some bright spark thought, 'why not put Britney, in her underwear, in a bed, play the track for her to lip-synch and film the whole lot in black and white - Let's see what happens!' The result was the following video, deemed by British media as 'too hot for TV', which, of course, sent the viewing figures for this video sky high. 

Plus, Britney looked rather fine recording this video.

Enjoy.

I'm on YouTube!

Terry Askew promotes Fluff Catt and the Rock Kittens at Eden FM - Interview by Martin Cowin!

Enjoy!

Visit the Eden FM Radio website!

Do take a look at the Eden FM website. Your feedback very much appreciated:

Eden FM Radio - Your voice in the Eden Valley - Home

Thank you.

Wallpaper of the Week: Advantage Miss Sharapova

Love this image of Miss Maria Sharapova cuddling up to a Koala in Australia at the beginning of 2013, so I've decided to bestow the honour of Wallpaper of the Week upon this image.

Ch - Ch - Changes!

Eden FM Community Radio, based in Penrith, continues to broadcast online via the website at edenfm.co.uk - You are listening to the output of Eden FM right now via the player in the left hand side bar of this blog! Plans are afoot to introduce new programmes and new presenters, so do please keep listening.

Wallpaper of the week: Let's see the back of Taylor Swift

From the album 'Red', this is the artwork for the track 'Starlight'.

In this image, you can almost see the back of Taylor Swift.

Have a good week and be nice to one another!

Important Notice

A reminder that Reporting From The Fox Tower will be unavailable on February 29, 30, 31 2013.
To make up for your disappointment, enjoy this fabulous video from Facebook earlier this week, Robyn Thomas' take on Smash Mouth's track 'All Star'.

Bye for now!

Catching up on a sunny Sunday

Just taking a few moments to write a few notes to properly follow up my posts here on RFTFT , as it seems the last long post was reflecting on the events of Summer 2012! One constant feature throughout 2012 and into 2013 has been my commitment to Eden FM Community Radio, Penrith. Following the events of Summer 2012 which were covered by Eden FM during the RSL (Restricted Service Licence) broadcast on the FM frequency, Eden FM also attended events throughout the remainder of 2012, including the Lowther Country Fair, the Eden Foodival at Brough and the 160th anniversary celebrations of John Richardson & Sons, Penrith.

Another highlight of September 2012 was the Christening of my niece, Mia, in Carlisle. A lovely day. A follow up to the Eden Foodival in Brough was an article I wrote for Eden Local magazine, which was the second article I have written for the magazine. There's just something about seeing your own words in print!
The Tour of Britain cycle race passed through Cumbria in September and I was on Shap Fell to witness it - Seeing the then World Sprint Champion Mark Cavendish and Tour de France & Olympic Champion (Sir) Bradley Wiggins in the Cumbrian rain! On a sporting theme, I also attended the Peter Murphy Testimonial football match at Brunton Park, Carlisle, which was also very enjoyable.

A day out to Carlisle on the train in October included lunch at The Dining Room, a visit to Tullie House Museum and a little bit of shopping: The new album, 'Red', by Taylor Swift. More of whom later!
I was part of the Eden FM team at the Penrith Halloween Festival on a chilly Saturday lunchtime late October; The sun was shining - Just not on us! November included a trial broadcast online of The Eden FM Morning Show throughout the week as well as taking a look at the new Eden FM website.

Remembrance Sunday was marked by a screening of the movie 'Warhorse' at Brough Memorial Hall on an emotional day. November was also the third RSL broadcast for 28 days on an FM frequency by Eden FM - I very much enjoyed listening to the 'Wake Up' show as I was on the morning bus to Penrith! Guests at Eden FM included Mr Dixon of the Business Improvement District ballot, Julie Blundell of Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland and a visit to Arches Carpets, Penrith. Back in Brough, the Lands End - John O'Groats car rally passed through the town on a darkening Sunday evening. Continuing at Eden FM, further guests included the Leader of Eden District Council and a visit to a Residential Home for a Christmas concert. Not forgetting the Kitchen raffle! The Eden FM RSL closed prior to Christmas, but broadcasts have continued online via the Eden FM website.

2013 has had a mixed start, including the severe winter weather, although not on the scale of Bleath Gill, as proved in the previous post. Finally, the blue skies and sunshine have arrived today, so following Dog The Bounty Hunter, I will spend a few moments in the garden enjoying the sunshine. I referred to Taylor Swift and her album 'Red' earlier, so I will leave you with the artwork for one of my favourite tracks, 'Begin Again'. Until next time...

A Belated Welcome to 2013!

APOLOGIES for not posting over the festive and new year season, but I do hope you liked the video of Boris the spinning snowman - The first video I have posted here on RFTFT! I do hope you enjoyed the festive and new year season and are now managing to cope with the snow January has brought us. The snow has, thankfully, so far not been as bad as it was for the railway of the day in 1955, when a service travelling the now defunct line between Barnard Castle in County Durham and Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria became snowbound. Ladies and Gentlemen, I bring you Snowdrift at Bleath Gill. Enjoy.