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The Knowledge: Walk on the wild side
It's Friday – and our experts are here to tell you how to get the most out of your weekend. Jayne Dawson talks to them
Visit it
On Sunday you can join in a wildlife spotting event in Middleton Park, as well as enjoying the fresh air and park.
It's an event for all the family and if you want to join in, meet at Middleton Park Lakeside Centre, off Town St, Middleton at 2pm for the two-hour event.
Read it
Look Who It Is!
by Alan Carr
Harpercollins 7.99
Alan Carr tells his life story in his own words, from growing up in a football-mad family in Northampton to his rise as one of Britain's best-loved comedians. Alan's dad was manager of Northampton FC and a local hero. A dream come true for most lads, but not Alan. Alan wore glasses and had man boobs at 14. He did not like PE.
With his tongue-in-cheek, end of pier humour that made him famous, Alan describes an ordinary life in bursts of technicolour. His journey from awkward schoolboy hiding his man-boobs on the pitch, drinking tea with the dinner ladies and working in a call centre, to becoming one of our best-loved comedians likened to the great Frankie Howerd, makes his book a guaranteed tickler with a laugh-out-loud gag on every page.
Recommended by Waterstone's
Listen to it
BLIND BLAKE AND THE ROYAL VICTORIA HOTEL CALYPSOS
Bahamian Songs
If you're too cash-strapped to make it to Bognor Regis, let alone the Bahamas, for a break this year, why not pretend you're a jetsetting holidaymaker from a bygone age by slipping this charming curiosity on to your stereo.
From the 1930s to the 60s Blind Blake was the singer and leader of the house band at the Royal Victoria Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas. Although employed there solely to entertain guests, Blake's creative ambitions meant that the hotel's patrons were treated to something unique as he mixed together old island classics, newer calypso tunes and American ballads, interpreting them with jazzy guitar licks, vocal harmonies and swinging West Indian rhythms.
Born in 1915, Alphonso Blake Higgs was already adept at the piano and a variety of string instruments when he lost his eyesight at the age of 16. Undaunted by his disability, he set about developing his own blend of folksong, calypso and early jazz. His recognition grew after he recorded a series of songs for Philco Radio in 1935, setting him up for a long career which saw him performing for the likes of JFK, Harold Macmillan, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.
His popularity with tourists led to his music being widely heard in the US and subsequently becoming an inspiration to folk revival musicians of the time. Johnny Cash and Pete Seeger covered his songs, and Blake was undoubtedly an influence on a certain Harry 'Banana Boat Song' Belafonte.
Drawn from a series of recording made in the 1950s and unearthed by music enthusiast Stephane Bismuth of the Megaphone Music record label, Bahamian Songs provide a wonderful snapshot of the era with many songs referencing events of the time – his most popular song Love, Love Alone was based on the love affair between King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, while Run, Come See Jerusalem was about the effects of the 1929 hurricane which hit the islands.
Nestbuilding
Barbie has been around since 1959 and is a favourite of young girls and collectors everywhere.
For princesses at heart who love all things girly, the Louis Ghost chair has been given a Barbie-style makeover.
In pretty pink with Barbie's unmistakable profile adorning the back, this chair is for anyone who loved and still loves Barbie.
It is perfect for a little girl's bedroom or an ideal chair for alongside your dressing table.
If you're not convinced about the pretty pink design you can always opt for the plain design which looks fantastic in a modern dining room.
Both are available from.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk.
Get fit
Calling all sea lions: next time you hit the gym, try this balance drill. Roll forwards on to the ball until your tip toes are all that remain on the floor. For an easy option, try to hold that position. For a tougher option, roll forwards until your feet raise and try to hold it. For good balance, you should be able to hold the position for one minute. It's great for core strength and stability.
For more info. visit www. richardhill .org.uk or www.fun classes.co.uk
Eat it
SCRAMBLED EGGS WITH SERRANO HAM, PEAS AND MINT, SERVED ON SOURDOUGH TOAST
Serves 4
You'll need:
200g shelled peas (approx 400g unshelled)
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped mint
8 slices sourdough or ciabatta
8 eggs
85g Serrano ham, torn into strips (Parma ham is fine too)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
What to do:
1. Cook the peas in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until just tender, drain and set aside.
2. In a heavy bottomed saucepan gently fry the garlic in the olive oil for 1 minute, taking care not to burn it.
3. Add the cooked peas and the chopped mint and season well with salt and pepper.
4. Toast the sourdough, butter it and keep warm on serving plates.
5. Scramble the eggs until not quite set. Be careful not to over cook the egg as it will continue to cook when it is off the heat. Take off the heat and add the Serrano ham, cooked peas, garlic and mint and stir briefly to mix though the egg.
6. Spoon the egg over the toast, garnish with a little extra mint, and eat immediately.
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Weather for Leeds
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
