Latest news with #AmyJohnson
The Guardian
16-07-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Country diary: Starting the day with a daisy
Very early in a meadow's morning, its daisies are still abed, all wrapped up like so many little white peas on stalks. Their rays are lashes, shut tight over irises that open sun‑yellow at the break of day. For now, the green bracts are prominent, making even saw-toothed bands around the outside, the protective cup to the flower's egg. After not so many minutes, some daisies have half unfurled, making me think of a human fist unclenching, fingers pointing skywards. I don't see the opening to full stretch, only the finality of flat rosettes and the full exposure of the central discs, each beaded like a compound eye. Each has its double frill, the rays radiating as sprays of exultation, a shout to the light. And the daisy is no cookie-cutter plant. In every daisied meadow or lawn, there are some that stand out from the rest, their rays scarlet-tipped or flushed as if by a spray can. We might imagine a mischievous paint‑pot pixie dipping and dabbing marks at random. Science has its explanation in anthocyanins, colour-making pigments that might express themselves or not, thanks to variable factors such as soil pH, light and genetics. 'The daisy is a happy flower', wrote the poet John Clare, though it seems that in the domestic sphere we prefer misery, for few allow its beauty to sully their lawn. Nor is the desire to strip them out a new phenomenon. In the back lawn of a Hull terrace more than a century ago, the father of the future aviator Amy Johnson paid his daughter to pluck out the joy and gave her a penny for every hundred she picked. Buried inside this flower are the poetic imaginings of distant forebears on these islands who were trying to make sense of their world. And in a single word we can hear a medieval voice – and even how they spoke its name. Today we call the plant 'daisy', but once, with the rising of the sun, an adult might have walked through a field such as this and answered their accompanying child's question with 'That flower? Why, that be the day's eye.' Under the Changing Skies: The Best of the Guardian's Country Diary, 2018-2024 is published by Guardian Faber; order at and get a 15% discount
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Hair theory is real: 4 hairstyles that change your mood and outfit
Hair is one of the defining accessories. With 'hair theory' – how hairstyle can change the entire feel and personality, like wow 'I look like a different person' – being a dealbreaker, picking the right hairstyle isn't just about convenience, it's about setting the whole tone for your day, whether it is a casual afternoon brunch, evening glam party, running errands or early morning Pilates class. Or even when you are travelling, a hairstyle can change your entire look without needing to completely do a head-to-toe outfit refresh. Hair theory is a styling concept where a different hairdo gives you a completely distinct aesthetic.(Reference pics: Pinterest) ALSO READ: Want your makeup to look flawless? 6 techniques for a long-lasting base that won't budge So, unlock the full potential of your look by tending to your hairstyle with the same conviction you have towards your outfit, as the right hairstyle can be the main character at times, which can change the whole vibe. Amy Johnson, global head of education at Dyson, shared with HT Lifestyle four easy hairstyles: 1. Mini top knot hairstyle Get inspired with Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid and learn how to rock the top knot. Mid knot is perfect for a clean girl look. It is perfect for long flights, sightseeing or just clean girl evening glam.(Reference pics: Pinterest) Use the hair straightener to straighten your hair. Apply a serum or light styling cream for shine and frizz control. Brush your hair up into a high ponytail at the crown and secure it with a hair band. Leave out a couple of face-framing strands before securing for that soft, undone look. Twist the ponytail around itself to create a round top knot, and tuck the ends underneath and secure with bobby pins. Gently pull at the bun to make it fuller and rounder. Use hairspray or gel to smooth flyaways and edges. Apply shine spray for a polished finish. Pro tip: Tame the baby hair. 2. Scarf ponytail Elevate your boring ponytails. Ideal for romantic dates, picnics, brunches.(Reference pics: Pinterest) Detangle your hair and blow-dry it into a sleek finish using a wet-to-dry straightener Brush your hair neatly at the nape of your neck and secure it with a hair band Fold your scarf into a long strip (about 1–2 inches wide). Starting at the base of the ponytail, wrap the scarf tightly around the hair elastic to conceal it Once you've wrapped enough, tie the scarf into a knot or a bow at the bottom, letting the ends drape down freely with your ponytail Pro tip: Choose a scarf with a bold print or rich colours to make the look pop, great for travel, brunch, or effortless evening glam 3. Half-up claw clip style Put your claw clip to good use instead of the same old pinned-up hair bun. This hairstyle makes your grocery run look classy. It can also double as a volumnious hair look for evening.(Reference pics: Pinterest) Start with the Fast Dryer of the Dyson Airwrap, i.e. multi-styler and dryer, to quickly dry your hair until it's about 80% dry. Switch to the 40-mm barrel on high heat and flow to create soft, loose waves, enhancing natural movement without the need for precise sectioning. Take the top half of your hair (from temples to crown) and gather it as if making a half ponytail. Twist the gathered section loosely, then wrap it into a soft bun at the back of your head. Secure it gently with a hair elastic or a couple of bobby pins to hold the shape. Add the large flower/ bow claw clip over the bun. Pro tip: For a romantic, boho vibe, let a few face-framing strands loose and lightly curl them 4. Waves with a scarf The scarf adds a nice visual interest to the hairstyle, exuding beach vacay vibes.(Reference pics: Pinterest) Start with towel-dried hair Create loose, voluminous waves Create inward-facing curls by taking a small section on a high heat and high airflow setting Change the direction of airflow and repeat the process to get outward-facing curls Let the curls cool, then gently comb through with fingers or a wide-tooth comb for softness Fold your scarf into a triangle or roll it into a long band Place it over your head like a bandana, with the ends falling under your ponytail. Tie the scarf at the nape of your neck or just above the ponytail, letting the ends hang freely Pro tip: Gently pull a few strands loose in the front for an effortless touch
Boston Globe
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
NESN's homage to the 1975 World Series, which included a look at the epic Game 6, was a home run
It was right in this 50-something's wheelhouse, and according to Amy Johnson , NESN's coordinating producer who oversaw the project, the feedback has been positive. 'Especially from those that remember the '75 team, that generation,'' she said. The inspired broadcast included a vintage score bug and simple-text graphics of the time. Play-by-play voice Dave O'Brien and analyst Lou Merloni dressed in gaudy jackets and ties that looked as if they were lifted straight from Gene Rayburn's wardrobe on 'Match Game.' (Look it up, kids.) Advertisement NESN went with a retro look for its broadcast of Tuesday's Red Sox-Reds game. NESN Reporter Jahmai Webster — wearing a shirt that looked as if it came from an exhibit on Studio 54 — voiced over some immersive flashbacks, including a look back at the epic Game 6 and a tribute to Luis Tiant , who should have been in Cooperstown long ago. Former Sox pitcher Rick Wise was an insightful guest in the booth. A graphic featuring wood paneling — ubiquitous in homes and on cars in the '70s — was a particularly nice touch. Advertisement The only disappointment was out of NESN's and the Red Sox' control. Rain, which coincidentally wreaked havoc with the schedule in the '75 World Series, forced Tuesday's game to be halted in the third inning, thereby interrupting the plan for the third and fourth innings of the broadcast to be fully retro. Related : I asked Johnson if there was more the NESN team wanted to add to the broadcast but didn't quite get to — a perm for O'Brien, or something like that, perhaps. 'I think it was almost the opposite, where we added more as we went,' she said. 'It started very basic and very simple and then as we talked about it more and thought about it more, we added more to it. This was so much fun to do because it was such a great team effort from everyone at NESN to everyone in our crew at Fenway. The buy-in is what made it a lot of fun and I think it came across on the air and with everyone involved.' Johnson said the plans to go vintage for this series had been in the works since March, with the network's sizable content-planning department involved from the get-go. Her own preparation included watching broadcasts of '70s baseball games on YouTube to be able to capture just the right groovy vibe. 'On the in-game graphics alone, we've been working for over a month trying to get those just right to make sure they were readable, accurate, and that we had enough different versions to accurately cover two whole innings of baseball — which we thought we'd have, before the rain arrived — without leaving people kind of wanting more information. Related : Advertisement 'There are very few questions unanswered on a screen in a baseball game these days, so we were trying to kind of find that middle ground. It's been really nice to hear from people who said we got it right.' NESN has more special Red Sox broadcasts planned, which are probably necessary given the underachievement of the team so far this summer. This coming week, NESN will pay tribute to the Green Monster, with Monday's broadcast originating from the Monster Seats. That's worthwhile — it will give the broadcasters a chance to see the Sox from a different vantage point. But should the Red Sox continue their mediocre ways for the next few months, who would mind another broadcast or two that takes a look back? In throwing it back to 1975, NESN proved it can do nostalgia just right. Forsberg knows his stuff A few years back, a Celtics executive gave me his impromptu scouting reports on the media members who cover the team on a regular basis. The word on NBC Sports Boston's Chris Forsberg was one of respect for the effort he puts in to understand the financial aspect of the NBA. 'He really has a great grasp on the salary cap,' the executive said. That's always stuck in my mind, and it has been proven true time and again over the past few weeks as the Celtics have shed popular players because of the dreaded penalties for being over the second apron. Forsberg's insight has been a welcome contrast on NBC Sports Boston to Michael Felger's disingenuous, predictable, and misleading 'the owners are being cheap' narrative. Advertisement Chad Finn can be reached at
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Helston play park set for £25k multi-use games area upgrade
A widely used play area in a Helston residential estate is set for a significant enhancement with the installation of a new multi-use games area. Projects Officer Richard James confirmed the news at Helston Town Council's first full meeting of the new civic year, announcing that upgrade works at Bulwark play park are scheduled to begin on May 26, 2025. The Bulwark play area at present (Image: Amy Johnson) The improvements have been made possible by approximately £25,000 originating from the Roundhouse Way development to the west of Nansloe Primary School. Mr James explained: 'The Bulwark Play Park is the closest to the Nansloe development, so we have been looking at what can be done to enhance the space.' The park was opened in 2013 (Image: Amy Johnson) "We are delighted to be making improvements to the Bulwark Play area and providing better equipment for the young people of Helston. "The park has long been used as an informal space for football, so it felt right to deliver better equipment for that purpose." Mr James added that there will also be a new addition of toddler equipment, aiming to bring "joy" to the younger visitors. "In addition, we will be making some minor repairs to the existing equipment and sections of the surrounding fence that have reached the end of its life cycle," Mr James added. A multi-goal will be installed (Image: Helston Town Council) "It feels great to be building on the amazing work of previous Town Council officers who delivered their project back in 2013. "It wouldn't have been possible without the support of Cornwall Council and the funding that was made available from the Roundhouse Way development to the west of Nansloe Primary School." Demolition date set for Helston care home as future plans kept secret - for now Porthlevener to command one of the world's most iconic warships 'A great honour': New mayor of Helston shares her thanks after unanimous vote This upcoming development marks the completion of a long-held ambition for the park. 'The park was part of an improvement project back in 2013, which saw the current play equipment installed,' Mr James said. 'That project should have included a Multi-Games Area, but funding was not available for this element at the time.' Richard shared there will be new themed equipment for little ones (Image: Helston Town Council) In December, Helston Town Council consulted residents of the Bulwark Estate area to share their ideas of what they would like to see in the park. At the time, the council stated: 'We've recently secured funding to make improvements to the Bulwark play area. We would like to hear from residents on how these funds should be used and how you use the park.' The current park was officially opened in 2013 by then Deputy Mayor Mike Thomas and Julia Eddy. At the time, Mrs Eddy said: 'This park is here for you to use and enjoy, and we would like you to be able to do so for a long time to come. "We are sure you will treat it with respect and look after it carefully.'
The Hindu
03-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
When Amy flew solo from England to Australia
Who is Amy Johnson? A pioneering aviator, Amy Johnson was the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia. She achieved this in a little less than 20 days, as her flight lasted from May 5 to May 24 in 1930. It was the first of several other record-breaking flights for Amy, who went on to become one of the most influential and inspirational women of the 20th Century. The eldest of four sisters, Amy – born on July 1, 1903 – grew up in Hull, England, where her father ran a fish export and import business. After studying at Sheffield University, Amy moved to London, where she worked as a typist for a firm of solicitors. For reasons that we know not, Amy took a bus ride to Stag Lane Aerodrome in North London on a Sunday afternoon in 1928. That bus ride might have been the most important of her life as it turned her life upside-down, setting her out on a career path that would prove to be her calling. As the primitive biplanes took off and landed, Amy was spellbound and before long, she was spending all her spare time at the aerodrome. A string of firsts Bear in mind that the 1920s was a time when flying was dominated by the wealthy and famous. The few female pilots who were around were mostly the titled women. Not one to be deterred, Amy became a member of the London Aeroplane Club and sought flying lessons, backed by a supportive father. Flying didn't come naturally to Amy. In fact, her first instructor reportedly told her that she would never be an aviator. It took her 16 hours of dual flying – twice what was considered normal – before she could embark on solo flights. By July 1929, however, Amy had got her pilot's license. While she wasn't a born flier, she was definitely a 'born engineer,' a sentiment echoed by the club's chief mechanic Jack Humphreys. At a time when it was unusual for women to learn to fly, Amy went a step further and learned from Humphreys as to how to maintain an aircraft. She became the first British woman to earn a ground engineer's license later that same year. Following her historic flight from England to Australia that saw her become the first woman to fly solo between those two destinations in 1930, Amy cemented her place in aviation history with more record-breaking flights. This included one with Humphreys in July-August 1931, when the duo flew to Tokyo, setting record times to both Moscow and Japan. Following her marriage to Scottish pilot Jim Mollison in 1932, she was at it again, flying solo from London to Cape Town, South Africa in 1933 in record time – a record that she took back in 1936 in her last major flight. The couple known as the 'flying sweethearts' attempted a long distance record by flying across the Atlantic from Wales to New York. Even though they crash landed short of their target at Connecticut and both were injured, they were given a huge ticker-tape welcome at New York. The duo got to meet President Franklin Roosevelt and also became friendly with American aviator Amelia Earhart. For someone to whom flying had given so much, Amy's demise too came through flying. Following their divorce in 1938 and a brief stint as a commercial pilot, Amy began reconsidering her public role during the onset of World War II as she had by then ventured into businesses, journalism, and fashion. She decided to contribute to the war effort and joined the newly established Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) that was involved in moving aircraft from factories to air bases. Amy died during one such routine ATA mission, even though there are speculations as to what exactly happened as she was so far off course. These range from being part of a secret mission, to the more mundane theory that she simply got lost and had run out of fuel. Amy died on January 5, 1941, aged just 37. The historic flight In 1928 – the same year Amy had found her calling – Australian aviator Bert Hinkler set the record for flying solo from England to Australia, achieving it in 15.5 days. Soon after she learnt to fly, Amy dared to break this record. It was a daring dream as the longest flight she had attempted was a distance of 290 km from Stag Lane Aerodrome to Hedon Aerodrome, Hull. If she had to achieve the challenge she was setting out for herself, she had to travel 17,700 km! Following a long campaign during which she raised funds and secured financial backing, she set out from Croydon Airport on May 5, 1930 in a second-hand Gypsy Moth bi-plane that she called Jason. Without radio links to ground stations and reliable information about weather conditions, Amy braved it all, navigating using a compass, some basic maps, and a ruler that she used to plot the most direct routes. Such direct routes, however, took her over some inhospitable terrains. There were plenty of incidents throughout her journey as mountain ranges, desert sandstorms, hostile tribesmen, tropical storms, and shock waves from a volcanic eruption all made their presence felt during her flight. Among the many incidents was her forced emergency landing in Jhansi, India, on May 11 as she had drifted off course and was running out of fuel. Having somehow managed to land her plane between two barracks, Amy found help from the army officers and Jhansi locals. They had her aircraft repaired by the following morning and having enjoyed a night's rest in a bungalow – a luxury not afforded to her during most of the rest of the journey – Amy set off again, first to Calcutta and then to other places as she continued her solo flight. On May 24, 1930, Amy landed in Darwin, Australia and was received by a huge crowd as she had become a worldwide celebrity by then. In her own eyes, however, she had failed to break Hinkler's mark as she had required 19.5 days for the journey – four days more than what it took Hinkler. Mechanical difficulties and weather conditions had played a part in that. King George V and Queen Mary congratulated her, as did British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald. They sang songs about her, fan mails poured in, and she was treated like a superstar. A million people lined up the parade route in London when she was driven through the streets in an open-topped car following her return to England in August 1930. There were 3,00,000 people to welcome her at Hull, her home city. Amy's life was never the same again as she was constantly under public scrutiny.
