francene--blog. Year 2013
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Oct 9th

10/9/2013

 
What makes someone extend themselves attempt something extraordinary? Today, there's a news story about a passenger who landed an airplane In the UK after the pilot fell ill at the controls. Two flying instructors were called in to advise the passenger how to bring the plane down. He had no experience, didn't know the layout of the plane, and had no lights so he was flying blind. Despite that, he made a good landing.

The passenger would have been working to save his own life. But some people put others ahead of themselves.

Picturewww.itv.com
Last night, I watched an inspiring television program. The Pride of Britain Awards is an annual event in the United Kingdom, honoring British people who have acted bravely or extraordinarily in challenging situations. Founded in 1999, the annual awards honor the UK's unsung heroes. It's the only awards show where the winners, who are decided by our panel of distinguished judges, despite being ordinary people are the real stars.

The highlights included a little boy who lost his lower arms and legs after an illness. Not only did he learn to walk again, but, instead of opening a charity running event, he walked the whole distance, which he'd never done before, and raised a lot of money. Another soldier recovered after his helmet took a bullet. He drew sniper fire away from a rescue helicopter, at serious risk to his life, so his comrade could be lifted to safety.
One man donated his funds for a back operation to a child instead of himself.


Picturewww.itv.com
People do extraordinary things sometimes and it's good to celebrate their heroism. It's one of the endearing traits of the British, and makes me proud to have joined their ranks half way through my life. One thing I noticed when I first arrived was people's constant comments about the weather. This puzzled me for ages. Why were they so fixated on day to day changes?

Weather, in meteorological terms, refers to the daily elements like temperature, wind and rain. And in Britain they can all change hour by hour and day by day. If you don't like it one day there's always a good chance you might like it the next.


Picturewww.bbc.co.uk
It's this diversity and changeability that makes British weather so distinct. While temperatures are fairly mild and there are four distinct seasons, you can also get warm weather in the middle of winter and freezing rain in the middle of summer—or both in one day. Britain's unique weather is all down to the fact it is an island and where it's positioned on the planet, between the Atlantic Ocean and a large land mass, continental Europe. Britain is influenced by five air masses—one from the Polar region of Greenland, from the Arctic, from Central Europe, from North Africa, and from the tropical Atlantic. Another influence on the weather is the Jet Stream.

India and Pakistan experience the dramatic monsoon season, but the start and finish can be predicted to the day. Japan is probably the only other place that has similarities to the UK when it comes to weather. In reverse positioning, the island has the Pacific Ocean to the east and Eurasian continent to the west. Britain's variations in weather really are that rare. One of the familiar sayings, often repeated and quoted in a laughing manner while tucking an umbrella under the arm is, "It's turned out nice again."


Marika link
10/8/2013 07:15:27 pm

It's true, the Brits do comment constantly on the weather, probably because their weather is so devoid of sunshine, and it's full of rain. Even when they come over to Cyprus, when I meet them, they can't stop talking about the weather and how nice it is in Cyprus compared to the UK :)

Francene Stanley link
10/8/2013 11:02:13 pm

Plenty of sunshine this summer, Marika. Sometimes, people tire of constant sunshine. ;-) (Not me though, coming from Australia.)

brook link
10/8/2013 07:35:48 pm

We live in Andorra and everyone talks about the weather. Maybe it is a common link between people. Who knows?

Francene Stanley link
10/8/2013 11:02:59 pm

Haha. Takling about the weather is an ice-breaker.

Harsha Jagasia link
10/8/2013 08:17:05 pm

Haha.. I am from India, and I can see the stark contrast in the weathers of the two lands.
However, I also must compliment you on the earlier part of the blog! It was good to read the heroic acts by common men. Certainly something to be encouraged!

Francene Stanley link
10/8/2013 11:04:19 pm

Good news stories and acts of heroism gladden the heart. I find them uplifting. I went to bed with a big smile on my face.

MuMuGB link
10/8/2013 10:30:21 pm

We could talk about the weather for hours, couldn't we? It is just something we use to break the ice, I suppose.

Francene Stanley link
10/8/2013 11:05:48 pm

For instance, today the sun flashes out between the clouds and brightens my day. Then dark clouds block it off again. The drama.

Sophie Bowns link
10/8/2013 10:44:06 pm

Ah! That has reminded me to watch "The Pride of Britain" awards! (On I-player) I missed it last night as I was working!

Francene Stanley link
10/9/2013 03:12:22 am

Wonderful program. It makes you proud of humanity.


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    Author

    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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