Welcome to The Weekend Scoop!
Landing in your inbox every Saturday
Hey there,
Welcome to the very first edition of The Weekend Scoop! I'm thrilled you've decided to join me on this weekly journey through the worlds of current affairs, sport, travel, music, and culture.
Every weekend, I'll be sliding into your inbox with a carefully curated mix of stories, insights, and recommendations. Think of it as your weekend companion – a friendly guide to help you navigate the noise and focus on what really matters (or what's just plain interesting).
Here's a taste of what you can expect each week:
Current Affairs: I'll cut through the clutter to bring you the most significant news stories, explained with context and a dash of perspective.
‼️ This week - Mohamed Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods, was a monster enabled by a system that pervaded the London store, a lawyer for his accusers has said.
The late Harrods owner was described as a "sexual predator" who assaulted staff and threatened them over a 25-year-period, barristers representing dozens of women told a press conference in London on Friday.
It’s commendable for so many brave women to speak out about their terrible ordeal. I wonder where these stories will end. I would say to any vulnerable person out there, speak out and speak up.
Sport: Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, I'll keep you up to speed with the biggest sporting events and the stories behind them.
⚾️ Shohei Ohtani becomes the first player in MLB history to reach 50 home runs and 50 base steals in a season during a stunning performance against the Miami Marlins.
Travel: From hidden local gems to far-flung destinations, I'll feed your wanderlust and maybe inspire your next adventure.
Patagonia: Where Nature's Wonders Take Center Stage
Nestled at the southern tip of South America, Patagonia is a dream destination that should be on every adventurer's bucket list. This vast wilderness straddles Chile and Argentina, offering a visual feast of dramatic landscapes that seem almost otherworldly. Picture yourself hiking through the jagged peaks of Torres del Paine, marveling at the massive Perito Moreno Glacier, or watching whales breach in the Peninsula Valdés.
Patagonia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for trekking, climbing, and wildlife spotting at every turn. But it's not just the activities that draw visitors; it's the raw, untamed beauty of a place where nature still reigns supreme. From wind-swept steppes to lush forests, from icy glaciers to pristine lakes, Patagonia offers a chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the awe-inspiring power of our planet. It's no wonder this remote region has captured the imagination of travelers and sits atop my bucket list. ⛰️
Music: New releases, upcoming gigs, artist spotlights – we've got your soundtrack for the weekend sorted.
🎸 Kylie Minogue has announced her 'Tension' tour for 2025. Kylie will perform at Glasgow's OVO Hydro arena before playing in Newcastle, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, London, Nottingham and Birmingham.
Culture: Books, films, art, trends – we'll serve up a slice of what's shaping our world and sparking conversations in the Substack Community.
Here’s some of my favourite posts from this week.
- John is one of my favouite writers on Substack, check out his latest post.
In her post,
refers to my home town of Barnsley, and the brilliant film Kes, directed by Ken Loach. Kes recieved 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. 🍅’s journey from the very tip of the United Kingdom to Kent is intriguing. wrote about a recent reunion. Check it out.
The Weekend Scoop isn't just about me talking at you, though. I want this to be a two-way street. Got thoughts on something we've covered? A killer travel tip to share? A song everyone needs to hear? Hit reply and let me know. The best submissions might just find their way into future editions.
So, grab your favourite weekend beverage, get comfy, and let's dive into this week's scoop. I'm excited to kickstart this weekly ritual with you!
Cheers to many great weekends ahead,
John aka Woz
P.S. If you enjoy what you read, don't keep it to yourself! Feel free to forward this to a friend or share it on social media. The more, the merrier!
Thanks for including my memories of South Yorkshire childhoods, and of the brilliant film, Kes, in your round-up, John. Glad you enjoyed it. I can see you're no longer in Yorkshire! Where abouts in Barnsley did you grow up? When did you leave?
Coincidentally, I'm a friend of a friend of Dai (David) Bradley, who played Billy Casper in Kes, so will pass on the link to this post. The film still has a firm following. It is such a classic.
The weekend scoop, I think I’m going to enjoy this weekly post. Thank you for the mention & featuring one of my posts 🧡
Patagonia sounds amazing, I’ve always wanted to travel that far south & then hop on a boat to Antarctica!
A hidden gem we discovered back in 2020 is the Catlins in NZ South Island - fell totally in love.
Sadly the news about Al Fayed being a sexual predator didn’t surprise me, I really that by coming forward it gives his victims some semblance of closure.