Lake Of Menteith

TheTamshee clan: boarded the wee ferry and spent a wet afternoon at Inchmahome Priory, on the largest of the three islands within the Lake Of Menteith. This is a favourite feeding ground for migrating Ospreys.

Bionicle Battle

TheTamshee says: fero and skirmix locked in battle with the fearsome sackboys, looks like stalemate to me

Old Town Jail @ Stirling

TheTamshee clan: re-visited the old town jail in Stirling to enjoy the actor play the various characters associated with prison life in Scotland during the 1847 era

Listen To Me

TheTamshee says: the Pol-Meister's latest art work is almost life like

Smiley

TheTamshee says: smile your on candid camera

Falconry @ Huntly

TheTamshee clan: visited the falconry centre on the A920 a few miles west of Huntly. Great one on one demonstration given by a professional team. Polly was well impressed with the 3 year old harris hawk while Robert gave the 7 year old tawny owl top marks.

The video clip is an 11 year old barn old

Polly's Meerkats

TheTamshee says: the Pol-Miester was a little bit bored while travelling to Duff House in Banff, so she got creative with the K800i

Duff House @ Banff

TheTamshee clan: visited Duff house in Banff, great adventure area for the kids, while the adults are well catered for with the excellent Jolomo art exibition "On the Edge of Buchan" Part 2, the artist presents a very personal interpretation of Buchan's rolling landscape, dramatic shoreline and coastal villages. Check out title link for all the exhibits

Macduff Marine Aquarium

Situated on Aberdeenshire’s scenic coast. Macduff Marine Aquarium features marine life from the Moray Firth, Scotland’s largest bay, in a variety of exciting and innovative exhibits. Visitors come face to face with hundreds of native fish and invertebrates normally only seen by SCUBA divers who brave the chilly waters of the North Sea. TheTamshee says: having spent many an hour diving in the murky waters of the north sea in days gone by, let me assure you that the visibility is so poor that seeing marine creatures in all their glory is difficult. I suggest a visit to the aquarium is a better option. You would'nt want to meet one of these wolf fish in open water.

Banff & Macduff

TheTamshee clan: spent the morning exploring the rock pools and very clean beach along the shoreline at Banff. The local council has to be commended on the standard of kids play areas, top notch.

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears

TheTamshee says: if you are into your garage funky dance tunes then pop out and get the latest offerings from Black Joe lewis. He assembled the seven-piece Honeybears and created a Southern fried sound that’s three parts vintage Stax soul to two parts modern garage punk. Horns and percussion squeeze as tight as James Brown’s trousers, while retaining the rackety spontaneity of a band you’d catch playing for beers down some honky tonk back alley. There’s a seriously Seventies groove to the organ that crawls the kerbs of the slower numbers like an old Dodge Sedan. Extract from Helen Brown Telegraph article.

Earth From Space

Two astronauts went to a bar on the moon, but they left after a few minutes ? Why
The Moon's shadow engulfs Taiwan and a large swathe of south eastern China and the Pacific Ocean on the morning of 22nd July 2009, during the unusually long total eclipse of the sun in this image from the Japanese geostationary satellite MTSAT TheTamshee: is a big fan of the Telegraph picture galleries, photography by AFP/Nasa.

Peregrine Watch @ Huntly

TheTamshee clan: headed into the Bin Forest to check out the "Peregrine Hide" at the old quarry. We were not to be disappointed, two young birds taking up open positions, with one perched on a rotten tree stump while the other sat motionless on the branch of a pine tree. Great close ups for the kids. The warden on site informed us that the peregrines stay throughout the year because there is an abundance of food. The area is also popular with Pine Martins. Click title link for all the facts.

Huntly Castle

Also known as Strathbogie Castle, this glorious ruin stands on the banks of the River Deveron. It is in itself a history lesson in the development of the Scottish Castle from the earliest Norman fortress to the palace of the 17th century. The remains of this 12th century motte and bailey, a mediaeval L-plan tower, and defence earthworks of the Civil War are still visible. The most striking features of this palace, a former stronghold of the Gordons, are the splendid heraldic doorway and the carved fireplaces. TheTamshee clan: visited this impressive ruin today. See title link for all the details.

Cullen Bay

TheTamshee clan: travelled North from Huntly to explore the shoreline at Cullen Bay. Sal pointed out some very interesting (to a geologist) rock formations, while the kids diced with the dangerous surf, meanwhile i kept tabs on the low flying spy plane skimming the cliff tops

Neil Alden Armstrong "Astronaut"

The first man to walk on the moon is celebrated in BBC Four's Being Neil Armstrong (Sunday) Photo: NASA
TheTamshee says: this famous person has some border history, being made a Freeman of Langholm some years ago.

Tarland Tank

Rob gets to grips with the Chieftan

The 138th Open @ Turnberry

TheTamshee says: the most memorable collapse in Open history is probably, when Paul Lawrie romped to glory, while Jean van de Velde squandered a six shot lead on the home stretch of the Open @ Carnoustie in 1999

Huntly Castle "Caravan Park"

TheTamshee's: looking forward to our trip to Huntly Castle Caravan Park.
The Bogie Dragon's adventure castle should keep the kids amused for a couple of days.

Leopard versus Crocodile

A series of incredible pictures taken at a South African game reserve document the first known time that a leopard has taken on and defeated a crocodile. The photographs were taken by Hal Brindley, an American wildlife photographer, who was supposed to be taking pictures of hippos from his car in the Kruger National Park. The giant cat raced out of cover provided by scrub and bushes to surprise the crocodile, which was swimming nearby. A terrible and bloody struggle ensued. Eventually, onlookers were amazed to see the leopard drag the crocodile from the water as the reptile fought back. With the crocodile snapping its powerful jaws furiously, the two animals somersaulted and grappled. Despite the crocodile's huge weight and strength, the leopard had the upper hand catching its prey by the throat. Eventually the big cat was able to sit on top of the reptile and suffocate it. TheTamshee: visited the Kruger in the 90's to witness the big five in action. Awesome place, but remember to take along a quality camera / video to capture the anger in those eye's.

Alexandra Cousteau

TheTamshee: read a cracking article called Back to the Ocean, by John Dyson. It plotted the rise of Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau, grandson/daughter of the legendary scuba diver, Jacques. check out the links, Blue Legacy and Expedition Blue Planet for some wise words from an exceptional woman "Blue is the new Green" water will be the big issue of the next 100 years. Water shortages and water wars are just around the corner, having a much bigger effect on our lives than climate change"

Eto to join Man"U"

Living on a prayer: Samuel Eto'o is hopeful of a move to Manchester United as he is keen to feature in the Champions League again next season Photo: GETTY IMAGES
The Barcelona striker's agent, Josep Maria Mesalles, is optimistic that the English champions will make a formal bid of £18 million for the Cameroon striker tomorrow. TheTamshee says: Eto is a class act, this was evident when the player scored the opening goal against United in Barcelona's 2-0 Champions League final victory in May.

Kamchatka Peninsula

Identify the location of this photograph for the chance to win a luxury suitcase Photo: GETTY
A moment of calm for a volcano on a peninsula in Russia's Far East, which is also home to the Klyuchevskoy Volcano. To the west is the Sea of Okhotsk. Name the peninsula.

TheTamshee says: this is the Kamchatka Peninsula To enter, send your answer (along with your name, address and telephone number) to: whereintheworld@telegraph.co.uk. Entries close at midnight on Wednesday, July 15.

The HoteliCopter

TheTamshee: just can't understand why Maersk Oil & Gas won't shuttle the rig crew to the work place in one of these beauties.

Rainbow Warrior III

Making Waves: an artist impression of the new Greenpeace Eco Warrior sail vessel
TheTamshee says: Greenpeace has followed the latest environmental trend and bought a new hybrid to replace an ageing run about. The pressure group, which has previously converted older vessels, has penned its first newbuilding at Fassmer Shipyard in Germany. Its Rainbow Warrior III, a sailing ship which will switch to diesel-electric at low wind speeds, will hit the water in 2011 to coincide with Greenpeace’s 40th anniversary.

Esvagt's FRC Training

TheTamshee says: we have the Esvagt Charlie on location at Valdemar, taking care of standby duties. The crews on these rescue vessels required extensive training to fulfill this vital role. In years gone by there services were required in the rescue of the crews on board the stricken Jack-Up drilling rig West Gamma which capsized in the North Sea during a hurricane in 1990 the weather made rescue from helicopter impossible. The crew had to jump into the water. All 51 men were picked up - the 46 by an FRC. Click Title Link for full detailed story.

Valdemar AA Denmark

TheTamshee says: the new tug, anchor handling boat the Maersk Transporter towed the NBW to new location at Valdemar AA platform. On arrival, we pinned legs at stand off location while the lead tug " Transporter" assisted by the Bugsier 21 layed the required anchor spread to haul us into final position alongside the unmanned satellite platform.When the tide was favourable the rig move team lead by Rob Breure, skillfully manouvered the unit onto the desired footprint, they all hands at jacking stations to pin spud cans and elevate to preload draft. The sea life on the lower leg chords and bracing can be very colourful but the smell on a sunsoaked day can be rather unpleasant.

Wacko Jacko "Mania"

TheTamshee says: three big cheers to the flamboyant, uncompromisingly candid columnist Janet Street-Porter, her article in the DailyMail on the hype surrounding the memorial service for 17,500 family and friends at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles is absolutely spot on. The often outspoken journalist says: were told it's "not a show" but a service-but this tacky event ( Michael will be attending in a solid gold or copper coffin, according to insiders, with his fedora hat and a sequined glove on top ) will be beamed around the world to billions, increasing the value of that rehearsal footage and his dad's new record company enormously.
Even Madonna has fallen for the canonisation of Wacko-at her concerts in London at the weekend she paid homage to the "King of Pop" featuring a tribute with his lyrics projected onto a gaint screen. They read: If you want to make the world a better place , take a look at yourself and make the change. Yes, exactly. If Michael Jackson wanted to improve the world, why did he spend his adult years fondling small boys in the cushioned unreality of a serious drug addiction ? Why inflict this weirdness on his own children ? Brilliant performer-yes. Role model-no way. Wacko was ultimately a self centred paedophile, a fact conveniently forgotten by those profiting from his death. Yes, get the concrete mixed and end this circus now, Bubbles is finally free from his weird companion.

Offshore Denmark "Tornado"

TheTamshee says: the weather offshore Denmark over the last week has been sunshine all the way until today, the rain clouds rolled in, then the troops spot a mini Tornado developing a few hundred meters from the NBW unfortunately the only camera close to hand was the Sony DSC-W90, which is not the greatest cyber-shot on the market-So the picture does not do the spectacular site justice.
The sea was calm, The sky was angry,
The clouds rolled In, Like a blanket of candy,
Then the clap of thunder, Stirs the Tornado to travel skywards,
Behold a magic moment.

Eden Project "Hotel"

Martin Jackson packs his pyjamas for a sleepover in a very 'green' hotel room at the Eden Project. Photo: Mike Rushworth. Extract from the Telegraph Title Link article. Finally, we reached the Mediterranean biome, my personal biome and "hotel room" for the night. Following a splendid supper in the outlook balcony – Helford oysters, crab and smoked fish platter, lobster and fillet steak "Surf and Turf" with Cornish earlies and asparagus – it was bedtime. The bulbous roof sparkled with a galaxy of reflections from the pathway lights. When I switched them off (and while I hadn't got the television, I did have a neat remote), the real stars flickered hazily beyond. TheTamshee says: to say I am jealous would be a understatement.

To enter the draw to stay at Eden (www.edenproject.com) on July 23, or at another attraction, go to: http://go.telegraph.co.uk/?id=296X674&url=http%3A//www.laterooms.com/en/GreatRooms.aspx . The closing date is July 20.

The Moon's Shadow

The Moon's Shadow is a cracking novel by Catherine Asaro. The saga of the Skolian Empire, an epic series of books that includes her 2001 Nebula Award-winning novel The Quantum Rose. In The Moon's Shadow, she presents a complex plot filled with intrigue and dramatic confrontations as she continues the story of the conflict between the Skolians and their enemies, the interstellar empire of Eube, ruled by Aristos, a human offshoot whose economy and culture is rooted in the trading of slaves. TheTamshee says: the Moon's Shadow is top notch sci-fi novel with a level of realism that makes it closer to fantasy than to sci-fi.

Harry Potter "Deathly Hallows"

The finishing touches are put on Shell Cottage for filming of the final Harry Potter film on a beach in west Wales. Photo: WALES NEWS SERVICE. The cottage made out of sea shells baffled tourists when it it sprung up on the dunes overlooking the Pembrokeshire coastline. But builders disclosed that that it is a key location for the final instalment of the Harry Potter blockbusters. It is a bizarre sight for beachcombers - the front is old stone while the roof is made up entirely of large scallop shells. The building on the Freshwater West beach in Pembrokeshire will feature in the final instalment of the seven hit wizarding films. Stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson - who play the Harry, Ron and Hermioine - will spend several days filming at the cottage later this month.

Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint filming a scene from the forthcoming film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I Photo: MATRIX

Marshall Eagle @ Lunch

TheTamshee says: this impressive Marshall Eagle enjoys a light lunch at the Masai Mara. Awesome photography by Gary Summers of New Malden, Surrey, one of the many entries in the Nikon travel photography competition.

South Africa versus Lions

TheTamshee says: the British & Irish Lions, bared their teeth in the final Test at Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg. Pride had to be restored after the agonizing defeat in the first test and the disappointment of having a drawn match snatched from there grasp in the second. The collective "Red" unit delivered a great team performance to vanquish the Bok's on their home ground. It can be noted that the springbok have not been defeated at the rugby stadium formerly known as Ellis Park, since 1997

Shane Williams played a key role in defence while taking his two try scoring chances with ease.

but the 9 -28 win was not certain until Ugo Monye intercepted to put the Lions out of reach in the second half.

Man of the match for me was the Welsh scrum-half Mike Philips, this delivery and muscularity meant the lions were able to penetrate the bok's defensive line and build the platform for running rugby. The only negative for me was the current world champions displaying a rather childish and ill advised arm band gesture. "Justice" was indeed sweet for the Lions, they out scored the Bok's 73-64 over the three test series on home soil with only two defeats over the tour. Unfortunately the two games lost were the one's that mattered.

Click title link for comprehensive match report, curtosity of the Telegraph.

Man"U"

Michael Owen models the new Manchester United shirt after his move to the Premier League champions Photo: GETTY IMAGES
TheTamshee: is looking forward to M-O taking center stage at Old Trafford, he has had various injury problems over the last few seasons but i am confident that we will make an impact. His goal scoring record is impressive for clubs played and off coarse England. When the season starts we will surely get a rowdy welcome at Anfield when he comes onto the pitch as a supersub and scores the winning goal for the auld enemy.