Surfin’ USA
As a child growing up in a Yorkshire village, journalist Lynne Bateson rarely went to the city of Leeds just a few miles away, but she dreamed of living in the US. She made it. Here she recounts her adventures, taking a down-to-earth look at life Stateside.
Bicoastal Blues: A Tale of Two US Cities
I’m just back from the eyeball-hurting, freezing cold of New York where my senses were assaulted by screeching subway trains, honking cars, the pitiful sight of panhandlers on corners, and the smells of garbage and cheap pizza.
Mine’s a Margarita: the stigma of alcohol in the US
When Starbucks announced it would sell wine and craft beers during the evening at some US branches, you would have thought it was opening brothels, not bottles.
Aliens in America: A Northerner Writes
My friend Edgar saw a UFO while sipping wine and enjoying the cool night air on his porch in Bellflower, California, in 1968. He waved.
Lights, Camera, Action! When Hollywood pays a visit
Where there’s muck there’s money. A film shoot was going on in our street and the crew paid us to let them squeeze the lavatory trailer onto our drive.
Animal Crackers: skunks, skunk and scary critters
My friend Bob has a possum story.
Cold in a Warm Climate
Feeling cold indoors in a place where flowers bloom in January came as a shock to Northern Soul’s US correspondent Lynne Bateson.
It’s a class thing: Los Angeles and Leeds by bus
The suited man sitting opposite was embarrassed. Catching my eye, he announced, so others could hear, that his car was being repaired. It seemed beneath his dignity to be on the bus.
You Just Don’t Understand Me: Life in the US
“Are you English?” asked the guy in the queue. “Yes” I replied. His next question was: “What language do they speak in England?”
All the Fun of the Fair (and Tripey Ross)
Pigs sporting colourful neckerchiefs raced out of numbered stalls to reach a prize – an Oreo cookie. The crowd cheered for their favourites. Afterwards we were offered coupons for free bacon at a local supermarket chain. I declined.
Where’s the Bacon Dip? Breakfast in America
The waitress was big, and looked scary. My partner, Bill, started ordering, but she told him to “shut up”, stared at me, and barked: “I’ll have your order first, Toots.”
Freerange Comedy Festival at Brewery Arts Centre Kendal
Comedy fans who can’t make Harry and Meghan’s big day at Windsor Castle can experience a ‘Royal Wedding’ with a difference in Kendal this May at Freerange Comedy Festival, hosted by Brewery Arts Centre.
The Northern Soul Poll
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