So you’ve finished the Christmas Turkey, and the parties have dried up, then why not turn to the television.
Among the highlights are two shows from the pen of Lynda La Plante.
The first of these is Above Suspicion (January 4, January 5, ITV1). This is billed as an attempt to bring Prime Suspect up to date, with Kelly Reilly playing the lead role this time and not Helen Mirren.
Lynda La Plante is also behind Trial and Retribution, which is back on January 9 on ITV1 for six new episodes. DCS Michael Walker and DCI Roisin Connor return.
Showing through the first week of 2009 on BBC 1 is a new dramatisation of The Diary of Anne Frank, the 13-year-old who kept an account of her life hiding from the Nazis. There have been many versions of The Diary, but for this one the BBC has been granted the rights to base their version directly on Anne’s diaries from her cousin Buddy Elias.
On a lighter note documentary lovers can watch The Natural World (January 9, BBC 2). The show on the 9th is about the cuckoo. David Attenborough is again narrating.
Hustle is also back (January 8, BBC 1) for a fifth series, although Jamie Murray has left the show. In this episode property developers in London should watch out.
Another programme to look out for is a one-off drama called The Antiques Rogue Show (January 4 BBC 2), which tells the true story of a family who sold fakes to the art world.
If you want to exercise those grey cells in 2009, then you could tune into QI (January 9, BBC 1). Stephen Fry asks the questions and guests include Charlie Higson and Andy Hamilton.
Tuesday 30 December 2008
Wednesday 10 December 2008
Rubik's magic
Apparently the Rubik’s Cube is back in fashion.
And with Christmas coming up, it could be a popular gift for nieces and nephews, or sons and daughters.
Do you remember the Rubik’s Cube, it was the toy where you had to manipulate the puzzle, so all the sides were the same colour.
I had one when I was younger, and remember it used to drive me mad as I twisted and turned the block to try and solve the puzzle.
Some people used to cheat by switching the stickers, or dismantling the pieces.
While other kids used to solve it within minutes.
When I was younger, I also had the Rubik’s Clock and Rubik’s Rings.
With the Rubik’s Clock, you had to try and make all the clocks match and tell the same time. It was almost impossible and again sent me crazy.
The Rubik’s Rings required you to complete the shapes.
These toys may not be as exciting as computer games but provided hours of fun. They were also less expensive.
Meanwhile the X-Factor final is next week. Diana Vickers was booted out on Saturday.
Competing for this year’s prize will be JLS, Alexandra Burke and Eoghan.
All the judges apart from Dannii Minogue have an act in the final.
My money is still on Alexandra.
And with Christmas coming up, it could be a popular gift for nieces and nephews, or sons and daughters.
Do you remember the Rubik’s Cube, it was the toy where you had to manipulate the puzzle, so all the sides were the same colour.
I had one when I was younger, and remember it used to drive me mad as I twisted and turned the block to try and solve the puzzle.
Some people used to cheat by switching the stickers, or dismantling the pieces.
While other kids used to solve it within minutes.
When I was younger, I also had the Rubik’s Clock and Rubik’s Rings.
With the Rubik’s Clock, you had to try and make all the clocks match and tell the same time. It was almost impossible and again sent me crazy.
The Rubik’s Rings required you to complete the shapes.
These toys may not be as exciting as computer games but provided hours of fun. They were also less expensive.
Meanwhile the X-Factor final is next week. Diana Vickers was booted out on Saturday.
Competing for this year’s prize will be JLS, Alexandra Burke and Eoghan.
All the judges apart from Dannii Minogue have an act in the final.
My money is still on Alexandra.
Wednesday 3 December 2008
25% off in the sale
THE English love a bargain don't they?
I was in Southport town centre at the weekend and noticed that one clothes shop, which was selling most items at 25% off, was packed, while a similar store nearby was empty.
The tills were ringing in the shop with 25% off and there was a queue of people waiting to buy items.
It looked like shoppers were purchasing the clothes because they were reduced, not because they needed them.
Another busy day for shops is Boxing Day. Folk haven't finished off the Turkey and they are already rushing to the nearest shop to search for the latest bargain.
Meanwhile how is it that some types of meals or desserts make you feel ill? I like almost all foods, but can't eat lemon meringue pie, or cheese and onion pie without feeling slightly queasy.
I think it must be because I had a bad experience of eating the two dishes at school, and it has put me off them for life.
I can't even stand the smell of cheese and onion pie.
Liverpool will again be recognised when the BBC's Sports Personalty of the Year Awards are held at the city's Arena.
The city has already just held the MTV Europe Music awards. My bet for first prize is F1 driver Lewis Hamilton.
I was in Southport town centre at the weekend and noticed that one clothes shop, which was selling most items at 25% off, was packed, while a similar store nearby was empty.
The tills were ringing in the shop with 25% off and there was a queue of people waiting to buy items.
It looked like shoppers were purchasing the clothes because they were reduced, not because they needed them.
Another busy day for shops is Boxing Day. Folk haven't finished off the Turkey and they are already rushing to the nearest shop to search for the latest bargain.
Meanwhile how is it that some types of meals or desserts make you feel ill? I like almost all foods, but can't eat lemon meringue pie, or cheese and onion pie without feeling slightly queasy.
I think it must be because I had a bad experience of eating the two dishes at school, and it has put me off them for life.
I can't even stand the smell of cheese and onion pie.
Liverpool will again be recognised when the BBC's Sports Personalty of the Year Awards are held at the city's Arena.
The city has already just held the MTV Europe Music awards. My bet for first prize is F1 driver Lewis Hamilton.
Tuesday 25 November 2008
Switch-on time
IT’S that time of year again – the run up to December 25.
With only a matter of weeks till Christmas, people’s thoughts are already turning to the festive period, and what they will be doing over the holiday break.
Many shops have already got Christmas trees in their windows and Christmas lights are being switched on, or are about to be turned on in towns across the country.
And soon the panto season will start with Cinderella on at both The Southport Theatre and Liverpool Empire. Pantos are as much a part of Christmas as Turkey or crackers.
The run-up to Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year.
Meanwhile, council chiefs have said they want roadside cafes to replace their greasy spoon image with healthier alternatives.
This seems to be another example of the nanny state trying to organise our lives.
Surely it is up to us to choose what we want to eat. If we want a bacon butty and a cup of tea, then it is our choice.
The roadside café is supplying a demand, and if they were to only sell salads they would surely lose trade.
Now roadside cafes who continue to serve unhealthy options could face seeing their licence cancelled.
Council bosses want to see “healthy food”, which includes low-fat grilled sausage with wholemeal bread, muesli and fruit yoghurt. I know what I would rather have. Give me a bacon sandwich and a cup of tea in the morning any day.
With only a matter of weeks till Christmas, people’s thoughts are already turning to the festive period, and what they will be doing over the holiday break.
Many shops have already got Christmas trees in their windows and Christmas lights are being switched on, or are about to be turned on in towns across the country.
And soon the panto season will start with Cinderella on at both The Southport Theatre and Liverpool Empire. Pantos are as much a part of Christmas as Turkey or crackers.
The run-up to Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year.
Meanwhile, council chiefs have said they want roadside cafes to replace their greasy spoon image with healthier alternatives.
This seems to be another example of the nanny state trying to organise our lives.
Surely it is up to us to choose what we want to eat. If we want a bacon butty and a cup of tea, then it is our choice.
The roadside café is supplying a demand, and if they were to only sell salads they would surely lose trade.
Now roadside cafes who continue to serve unhealthy options could face seeing their licence cancelled.
Council bosses want to see “healthy food”, which includes low-fat grilled sausage with wholemeal bread, muesli and fruit yoghurt. I know what I would rather have. Give me a bacon sandwich and a cup of tea in the morning any day.
Wednesday 12 November 2008
"Fairly unique" blog
Oxford researchers have compiled a list of the most irritating clichés.
At the top of this is “at the end of the day” - most people have said it, and the phrase is often used by footballers when they are interviewed after a game.
Next to follow is “at this moment in time,” which uses six words to say “now.”
Other clichés on the list are: “fairly unique”, “at this moment in time”, “with all due respect”, “absolutely”, “it's a nightmare”, “24/7”, “it's not rocket science”, and “shouldn't of.”
One phrase is out of favour with employees at a local council though.
Staff at Salisbury District Council are not allowed to say the phrase “singing from the same hymn sheet,” because it might offend atheists.
Meanwhile The X-Factor is providing a few surprises and one of these is that Daniel has not yet been voted off.
I think Daniel is the weakest link out of the people still in the show, but the British public are voting for him as they are for John Sergeant in Strictly Come Dancing.
Cheryl Cole seemed shocked to see Laura White leave on Saturday night.
Laura sang Somewhere Over The Rainbow in the sing-off and was joined by Ruth Lorenzo, but lost out.
So far I think Alexandra is the best performer.
Wednesday 5 November 2008
Custard is back
Many people will be going to firework parties this week to mark Bonfire Night.
Each year we brace the cold and stand around bonfire to remember Guy Fawkes and The Gunpowder Plot.
Here is the story of The Gunpowder Plot.
Over 400 years ago in April 1604 a group of conspirators met to think of what they could do to stop the persecution of fellow Catholics in England.
They included Robert Catesby, Thomas Percy, John Wright, Thomas Winter and Guy Fawkes.
Catesby's plan was to blow up the Lords' Chamber on November 5, which was the day Parliament opened. On that day King James I and all of Parliament would be in the room.
But Guy Fawkes was caught on November 4, with gunpowder in a vault under the Lords' Chamber.
On January 27, 1606, Guy Fawkes and seven conspirators were sentenced to death.
That same month Parliament passed a law saying November 5 should be a day of public thanksgiving.
Meanwhile did you know that custard is making a comeback. I never knew that it had gone out of fashion.
Annual sales of custard – which the French call crème anglaise – is now more than £80 million.
Custard made well can spice up many puddings. Lumpy custard, which many people have suffered at school, is to be avoided though.
Each year we brace the cold and stand around bonfire to remember Guy Fawkes and The Gunpowder Plot.
Here is the story of The Gunpowder Plot.
Over 400 years ago in April 1604 a group of conspirators met to think of what they could do to stop the persecution of fellow Catholics in England.
They included Robert Catesby, Thomas Percy, John Wright, Thomas Winter and Guy Fawkes.
Catesby's plan was to blow up the Lords' Chamber on November 5, which was the day Parliament opened. On that day King James I and all of Parliament would be in the room.
But Guy Fawkes was caught on November 4, with gunpowder in a vault under the Lords' Chamber.
On January 27, 1606, Guy Fawkes and seven conspirators were sentenced to death.
That same month Parliament passed a law saying November 5 should be a day of public thanksgiving.
Meanwhile did you know that custard is making a comeback. I never knew that it had gone out of fashion.
Annual sales of custard – which the French call crème anglaise – is now more than £80 million.
Custard made well can spice up many puddings. Lumpy custard, which many people have suffered at school, is to be avoided though.
Tuesday 28 October 2008
Race to the White House
AMERICA will go to the polls next Tuesday (November 4) for the 56th United States presidential election.
Standing for the Republican Party will be John McCain and for the Democratic Party is Barack Obama.
It proves to be an historic result whoever wins. If Obama triumphs, then he will become the first black US president and if John McCain succeeds, his vice president, Sarah Palin, will be the first woman to achieve that office.
Barack Obama, who is favourite to win, has been accusing John McCain of negative campaigning.
It is said that McCain’s strategy of attacking his opponent has had an adverse effect and has turned voters off him.
A key issue is the race to the White House state of the economy, with another being Iraq. Obama opposes the war in Iraq and, if he takes office, wants to see all US troops out of the country within 16 months.
McCain had wanted US troops to remain in Iraq, but now says if he becomes president US troops would be withdrawn by 2013.
Last week Obama took two days out to look after his dying grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, and John McCain has being trying to fight back. While Sarah Palin has been attempting to shake off bad publicity about her wardrobe. It had been said she has spent over £100,000 on new clothes, as a way of improving her style.
Millions will vote on Tuesday and a result will be expected within 12 hours.
The new president won’t be in office until January 20 next year though.
Standing for the Republican Party will be John McCain and for the Democratic Party is Barack Obama.
It proves to be an historic result whoever wins. If Obama triumphs, then he will become the first black US president and if John McCain succeeds, his vice president, Sarah Palin, will be the first woman to achieve that office.
Barack Obama, who is favourite to win, has been accusing John McCain of negative campaigning.
It is said that McCain’s strategy of attacking his opponent has had an adverse effect and has turned voters off him.
A key issue is the race to the White House state of the economy, with another being Iraq. Obama opposes the war in Iraq and, if he takes office, wants to see all US troops out of the country within 16 months.
McCain had wanted US troops to remain in Iraq, but now says if he becomes president US troops would be withdrawn by 2013.
Last week Obama took two days out to look after his dying grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, and John McCain has being trying to fight back. While Sarah Palin has been attempting to shake off bad publicity about her wardrobe. It had been said she has spent over £100,000 on new clothes, as a way of improving her style.
Millions will vote on Tuesday and a result will be expected within 12 hours.
The new president won’t be in office until January 20 next year though.
Tuesday 14 October 2008
No more ketchup
I COULDN’T believe that tomato ketchup had been banned from school canteens.
It has been banned because of its “high level of salt.”
But it seems to me to be another example of the nanny state.
A primary in Wales is among the schools to not allow their children to eat ketchup on their premises. Apparently they are following guidelines set out by the Welsh Assembly Government.
If they ban ketchup because of its salt content, then surely crisps should be next, and then chocolate and coke could follow, because of their potential health risks.
Ketchup may have too much salt in it, but a little of it with a meal often helps to improve the taste of the food.
Meanwhile Tess of the D’Urbervilles reached its gloomy conclusion last week.
I knew the ending, but still watched on regardless and was just as annoyed at the ending.
I enjoyed the drama, although why did we have to be put through it on a Sunday night.
It was such a sad story to end the week with and there was no upbeat programme to follow.
The next classic drama to be serialised will be Little Dorrit. Look forward to more misery on a Sunday night.
Isn’t there a classic drama they can serialise that is more upbeat? No more Hardy or Dickens for now please!
It has been banned because of its “high level of salt.”
But it seems to me to be another example of the nanny state.
A primary in Wales is among the schools to not allow their children to eat ketchup on their premises. Apparently they are following guidelines set out by the Welsh Assembly Government.
If they ban ketchup because of its salt content, then surely crisps should be next, and then chocolate and coke could follow, because of their potential health risks.
Ketchup may have too much salt in it, but a little of it with a meal often helps to improve the taste of the food.
Meanwhile Tess of the D’Urbervilles reached its gloomy conclusion last week.
I knew the ending, but still watched on regardless and was just as annoyed at the ending.
I enjoyed the drama, although why did we have to be put through it on a Sunday night.
It was such a sad story to end the week with and there was no upbeat programme to follow.
The next classic drama to be serialised will be Little Dorrit. Look forward to more misery on a Sunday night.
Isn’t there a classic drama they can serialise that is more upbeat? No more Hardy or Dickens for now please!
Wednesday 8 October 2008
007 returns
James Bond is back later this month.
The publicity machine has already started rolling for the latest film Quantum of Solace, which will be out on October 31.
It will be Daniel Craig's second time playing Bond and his first outing as the secret agent in Casino Royale, was the most successful Bond movie of all.
Quantum of Solace is a sequel to Casino Royale. This time 007 is seeking revenge for the death of his lover Vesper Lynd in the last film.
The makers have copied a scene from Goldfinger in the new movie where Goldfinger's accomplice is killed by being covered in gold paint, after sleeping with James Bond. In the new movie the scene is similar but this time Gemma Arterton, who has been appearing in Tess of The D’Urbervilles, drowns in crude oil.
Quantum of Solace promises to have all the ingredients of a James Bond film: beautiful girls, plenty of action, fast cars and exotic locations.
What I didn’t like about the last film though was the lack of humour, it seemed to be too dark. In earlier Bond films the jokes provided some lighter moments. Roger Moore was the best at comedy.
In my opinion the stories are not as strong as they used to be either. The best Bond movies were those taken from Ian Fleming books such as: Goldfinger and Dr No.
But the latest release is something to look forward to as the nights draw in.
The publicity machine has already started rolling for the latest film Quantum of Solace, which will be out on October 31.
It will be Daniel Craig's second time playing Bond and his first outing as the secret agent in Casino Royale, was the most successful Bond movie of all.
Quantum of Solace is a sequel to Casino Royale. This time 007 is seeking revenge for the death of his lover Vesper Lynd in the last film.
The makers have copied a scene from Goldfinger in the new movie where Goldfinger's accomplice is killed by being covered in gold paint, after sleeping with James Bond. In the new movie the scene is similar but this time Gemma Arterton, who has been appearing in Tess of The D’Urbervilles, drowns in crude oil.
Quantum of Solace promises to have all the ingredients of a James Bond film: beautiful girls, plenty of action, fast cars and exotic locations.
What I didn’t like about the last film though was the lack of humour, it seemed to be too dark. In earlier Bond films the jokes provided some lighter moments. Roger Moore was the best at comedy.
In my opinion the stories are not as strong as they used to be either. The best Bond movies were those taken from Ian Fleming books such as: Goldfinger and Dr No.
But the latest release is something to look forward to as the nights draw in.
Wednesday 1 October 2008
Fantastic flight
ONE story lifted the spirits last week.
It was the tale of Yves Rossy, aka Fusionman, who became the first human jet to fly the channel.
Fusionman took ten minutes to fly from Calais to Dover with the jet-propelled wing on his back.
The Swiss adventurer had very few instruments to help him and had no flight controls, just his body. To move the wing Mr Rossy had to move his head and limbs slightly.
The wing was built by Rossy in his garage.
It took me by surprise watching his flight across the channel on the TV last week.
Will his jet wing catch-on? It would be useful in a traffic jam.
Meanwhile two weeks ago America got their hands on the Ryder Cup for the first time this century.
Nick Faldo should shoulder the majority of the blame.
It looked like he was unable to generate the team spirit, which had played a major factor in Europe’s last three wins.
He also should have spread his best players out in the final singles. America gained momentum on the final day and this was to be crucial in their win.
Tuesday 16 September 2008
We're still here
We are still here then.
Concerns that the whole world might be sucked into a black hole following an experiment to recreate the conditions after the Big Bang were proved to be wrong last week.
The Large Hadron Collider cost £5 billion, took 14 years to make and involved 10,000 researchers, but it left me thinking: what was the point?
Meanwhile the end of Summer sees new TV dramas being shown. And the return of old favourites.
The first episode in a new series of Casualty was broadcast on Saturday. I am usually a fan of Casualty, however I did not see the need for them to show someone being impaled.
Also we wait for weeks for a TV drama to come along and then two are shown on the same night, at the same time no less.
My gripe concerns last Sunday where Tess Of The D’Urbervilles was being shown on one side and Poirot on the other. Why couldn’t they have been shown on different nights?
Finally Liverpool has beaten Manchester United.
This match always proves to be an amazing sporting occasion and you can cut the tension with a knife. This game means a lot to both players and supporters. And for the first time in years Liverpool have the upper hand over United, although it is very early in the season.
Concerns that the whole world might be sucked into a black hole following an experiment to recreate the conditions after the Big Bang were proved to be wrong last week.
The Large Hadron Collider cost £5 billion, took 14 years to make and involved 10,000 researchers, but it left me thinking: what was the point?
Meanwhile the end of Summer sees new TV dramas being shown. And the return of old favourites.
The first episode in a new series of Casualty was broadcast on Saturday. I am usually a fan of Casualty, however I did not see the need for them to show someone being impaled.
Also we wait for weeks for a TV drama to come along and then two are shown on the same night, at the same time no less.
My gripe concerns last Sunday where Tess Of The D’Urbervilles was being shown on one side and Poirot on the other. Why couldn’t they have been shown on different nights?
Finally Liverpool has beaten Manchester United.
This match always proves to be an amazing sporting occasion and you can cut the tension with a knife. This game means a lot to both players and supporters. And for the first time in years Liverpool have the upper hand over United, although it is very early in the season.
Thursday 4 September 2008
Faldo takes gamble on Poulter
SO Nick Faldo has gone for Ian Poulter as his wild card Ryder Cup pick over Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomerie.
Poulter’s inclusion in the Ryder Cup has been seen as a gamble in many quarters because Montgomerie had played in eight successive matches, never losing a Ryder Cup singles.
And Clarke had experienced a successful partnership with Lee Westwood that had won six points from a possible eight in Ryder Cup matches.
In the last month Clarke has seen a return to form and he picked up his 19th professional title recently.
Many believed Poulter had already been given the nod by Faldo, because Poulter didn’t try and qualify outright for a Ryder Cup place at Gleneagles. However Poulter and Faldo had been quick to deny this accusation.
Poulter is also above Montgomerie and Clarke on the world rankings and had impressed last month at The Open at Birkdale.
It is said he will be paired with Justin Rose and only time will tell if this partnership will gel.
Europe, who have won the last three encounters, will start as favourites for this year’s cup, even thought the competition is being played in America.
But maybe the Americans will come together more as a team without Tiger Woods, who is injured. Woods is one of the greatest golfers of all time, although he never seems to excel in a team.
If Europe are to retain the Cup, they will be looking to Padraig Harrington (The Open and USPGA winner) and Sergio Garcia to play lead roles.
Poulter’s inclusion in the Ryder Cup has been seen as a gamble in many quarters because Montgomerie had played in eight successive matches, never losing a Ryder Cup singles.
And Clarke had experienced a successful partnership with Lee Westwood that had won six points from a possible eight in Ryder Cup matches.
In the last month Clarke has seen a return to form and he picked up his 19th professional title recently.
Many believed Poulter had already been given the nod by Faldo, because Poulter didn’t try and qualify outright for a Ryder Cup place at Gleneagles. However Poulter and Faldo had been quick to deny this accusation.
Poulter is also above Montgomerie and Clarke on the world rankings and had impressed last month at The Open at Birkdale.
It is said he will be paired with Justin Rose and only time will tell if this partnership will gel.
Europe, who have won the last three encounters, will start as favourites for this year’s cup, even thought the competition is being played in America.
But maybe the Americans will come together more as a team without Tiger Woods, who is injured. Woods is one of the greatest golfers of all time, although he never seems to excel in a team.
If Europe are to retain the Cup, they will be looking to Padraig Harrington (The Open and USPGA winner) and Sergio Garcia to play lead roles.
Wednesday 20 August 2008
The X-Factor is back
A TOTAL of 182,000 people put their names forward to be on this year’s X-Factor.
And after watching the show on Saturday it looks like most of them were rubbish.
The audition episodes are usually the most entertaining.
The people who appear on it think they can sing and when they are told by the panel they were awful, they look shell-shocked.
It is always funny to see the look of horror on the faces of the panel, when they have to sit through a bad audition.
Two men even had to be escorted off by the bouncer, because they would not take no for an answer. The Rick Astley impersonator was passable, but his friend was laughable.
Occasionally though, someone appears on the show who has a fantastic voice.
Sharon Osbourne is no longer a panellist on the X-Factor and the new judge is Cheryl Cole of Girls Aloud. She is very similar in personality to Dannii Minogue and I am not sure if she will work as well as Sharon Osbourne. But I bet there will be a few clashes between the two of them in forthcoming weeks.
The most interesting part of the show was when Cheryl was confronted with a fellow contestant from Popstars:The Rivals. The difference in the fortunes between the two was staggering.
Wednesday 13 August 2008
New England cricket captain
THE announcement of Kevin Pietersen as England cricket captain might have been seen as a surprise to some people, but I think his leadership has brought a breath of fresh air to the team.
Michael Vaughan's first spell as captain was very successful and led to England regaining The Ashes in 2005. However his second spell was tired and it was if he had run out of ideas.
Vaughan was at one time one of the leading batters in the world, but in the latest series against South Africa he had failed to make any significant innings of note.
By contrast Pietersen made 100 in his first innings at The Oval and hit 94 at Edgbaston, before being caught trying to hit a six to reach his 100.
Critics of Pietersen have said he is too selfish and showy to be captain, but in this latest test his hands-on approach has helped bowlers, such as Harmison who had been out of favour with selectors.
He is also very vocal in the field and quick to offer a word of encouragement to a member of his team, if he feels that they need it.
Meanwhile, walking into HMV at lunchtime recently I made the observation – although I may be wrong – that they are selling less CDs. It seemed they had more DVDs and less albums. I thought to myself why could this be?
The only answer I could come up with is that more people are now downloading their music instead of buying it in a shop.
I also think that shoppers must be buying more DVDs than CDs.
Will CDs go the way of vinyl and audio cassettes and video cassettes?
Michael Vaughan's first spell as captain was very successful and led to England regaining The Ashes in 2005. However his second spell was tired and it was if he had run out of ideas.
Vaughan was at one time one of the leading batters in the world, but in the latest series against South Africa he had failed to make any significant innings of note.
By contrast Pietersen made 100 in his first innings at The Oval and hit 94 at Edgbaston, before being caught trying to hit a six to reach his 100.
Critics of Pietersen have said he is too selfish and showy to be captain, but in this latest test his hands-on approach has helped bowlers, such as Harmison who had been out of favour with selectors.
He is also very vocal in the field and quick to offer a word of encouragement to a member of his team, if he feels that they need it.
Meanwhile, walking into HMV at lunchtime recently I made the observation – although I may be wrong – that they are selling less CDs. It seemed they had more DVDs and less albums. I thought to myself why could this be?
The only answer I could come up with is that more people are now downloading their music instead of buying it in a shop.
I also think that shoppers must be buying more DVDs than CDs.
Will CDs go the way of vinyl and audio cassettes and video cassettes?
Tuesday 5 August 2008
The Dark Knight
THE new Batman film – The Dark Knight – kept me on the edge of the seat when I watched it last week.
I remember going to watch the original Batman film almost 20 years ago at the cinema and being mesmerised by that film too.
It never seemed as good when I watched it again when it was shown on TV a few years later.
I think Blockbusters have to be seen at the cinema and it is only here that you pick up all the sounds and images.
I was surprised to see that the film was a 12A though.
A 12A certificate means that children of 12 can watch it unaccompanied, and younger children can go to watch it if they are with their parents.
Apparently the British Board of Film classification has already received 70 complaints about the film.
In certain parts of the film parents have had to put their hands over their children’s eyes.
Scenes that parents have complained about include one where a man’s eye is jabbed with a pencil.
Another scene to cause concern is where The Joker graphically tells how he has knifed people.
In the original Batman film Jack Nicholson played the Joker for laughs in some scenes, Heath Ledger’s portrayal is equally brilliant, but much darker.Critics have also said there are scenes of “gratuitous violence” in the Dark Knight.
I remember going to watch the original Batman film almost 20 years ago at the cinema and being mesmerised by that film too.
It never seemed as good when I watched it again when it was shown on TV a few years later.
I think Blockbusters have to be seen at the cinema and it is only here that you pick up all the sounds and images.
I was surprised to see that the film was a 12A though.
A 12A certificate means that children of 12 can watch it unaccompanied, and younger children can go to watch it if they are with their parents.
Apparently the British Board of Film classification has already received 70 complaints about the film.
In certain parts of the film parents have had to put their hands over their children’s eyes.
Scenes that parents have complained about include one where a man’s eye is jabbed with a pencil.
Another scene to cause concern is where The Joker graphically tells how he has knifed people.
In the original Batman film Jack Nicholson played the Joker for laughs in some scenes, Heath Ledger’s portrayal is equally brilliant, but much darker.Critics have also said there are scenes of “gratuitous violence” in the Dark Knight.
Tuesday 29 July 2008
Summer is here!
Finally the British Summer has arrived and we have been blessed with some good weather.
June and July came last year and with hardly a sunny day to remember. It seemed to rain non-stop for months.
People connect a number of sounds with being in the sun, such as: waves lapping on the shore; pigeons making cooing noises; the sound of seagulls; and the roar of the engine of a speedboat.
For me the Summer is about enjoying the outside, be it playing sport or sunbathing.
It is my favourite time of the year as there is long hours of daylight and warmer weather.
Before we know it though, it is the end of August. That was the time of the year my stomach used to drop, as I knew that school was just around the corner.
The one bad thing about the Summer is the Summer TV schedule. We have to wait to the autumn for the big shows to start.
Big Brother used to be a novel programme to follow during the Summer. Here was a new idea that allowed the viewer to have a bird’s eye view of people’s lives.
The highlight for me was Big Brother 5 and fight night.
You could feel the tension building in the house before the confrontations began.
In recent years I have not followed the show and I have yet to catch up with what’s going on in Big Brother 2008.
June and July came last year and with hardly a sunny day to remember. It seemed to rain non-stop for months.
People connect a number of sounds with being in the sun, such as: waves lapping on the shore; pigeons making cooing noises; the sound of seagulls; and the roar of the engine of a speedboat.
For me the Summer is about enjoying the outside, be it playing sport or sunbathing.
It is my favourite time of the year as there is long hours of daylight and warmer weather.
Before we know it though, it is the end of August. That was the time of the year my stomach used to drop, as I knew that school was just around the corner.
The one bad thing about the Summer is the Summer TV schedule. We have to wait to the autumn for the big shows to start.
Big Brother used to be a novel programme to follow during the Summer. Here was a new idea that allowed the viewer to have a bird’s eye view of people’s lives.
The highlight for me was Big Brother 5 and fight night.
You could feel the tension building in the house before the confrontations began.
In recent years I have not followed the show and I have yet to catch up with what’s going on in Big Brother 2008.
Wednesday 2 July 2008
Ex-smokers earn money
DOCTORS in the poorest areas of Dundee have come up with a novel way of helping smokers give up.
They are offering reformed smokers taking part in a three month scheme £12.50, a week, if a carbon monoxide test proves they have not smoked.
The money will not be given in cash, but will be placed on a card, and won’t be able to be used for cigarettes and alcohol.
It is hoped that handing over credit to smokers will give them an incentive to give up.
This sounds like a good idea, and I think it will save the NHS money in the long run, because it would probably mean the hospitals would have to treat less smoking related illnesses.
Some people, who gave up last year, have criticised the idea and have said they should be entitled to money too.
I think it would be impossible to backdate the money though, and where do you start.
If the scheme is successful, it could be started across the country. It will be interesting to see what happens.
Meanwhile, I had a go at Dragon boat racing recently at the Marine Lake.
We were the first race on, and despite the strong winds, which caused a big wash on the Lake, our race took place.
It was good fun, although I ended up getting soaked.
Unfortunately the event had to be cancelled soon after our trial and will now take place again in August.
They are offering reformed smokers taking part in a three month scheme £12.50, a week, if a carbon monoxide test proves they have not smoked.
The money will not be given in cash, but will be placed on a card, and won’t be able to be used for cigarettes and alcohol.
It is hoped that handing over credit to smokers will give them an incentive to give up.
This sounds like a good idea, and I think it will save the NHS money in the long run, because it would probably mean the hospitals would have to treat less smoking related illnesses.
Some people, who gave up last year, have criticised the idea and have said they should be entitled to money too.
I think it would be impossible to backdate the money though, and where do you start.
If the scheme is successful, it could be started across the country. It will be interesting to see what happens.
Meanwhile, I had a go at Dragon boat racing recently at the Marine Lake.
We were the first race on, and despite the strong winds, which caused a big wash on the Lake, our race took place.
It was good fun, although I ended up getting soaked.
Unfortunately the event had to be cancelled soon after our trial and will now take place again in August.
Thursday 19 June 2008
That's what I am talking about
I WAS surprised when Sir Alan Sugar voted Lee McQueen as his Apprentice.
Throughout the series Lee was probably one of the best salesman, along with Alex, although you would have to question if he merited a £100,000 salary.
It seemed, from the way Wednesday’s programme was being slanted, that Claire was going to win. But as usual Sir Alan kept the audience guessing until the very last minute.
The fact Lee had lied on his CV to get on the programme seemed to be conveniently brushed under the carpet, a fact that was spotted in the penultimate programme. Not only that he had also submitted an application littered with spelling mistakes.
Perhaps viewers should have guessed Lee was to be picked when, at the start of the show, he told Sir Alan he was a Tottenham Hotspur fan.
The result may have been a shock, however the programme was again compulsive viewing.
It was interesting to see how the contestants reacted under pressure. There was some noticeable friction between Helene and Alex, while Lee and Claire seemed to gel.
I didn’t get the concept put forward by Helene and Alex, but thought Claire and Lee’s idea good, although it did glamorise gambling.
Both groups were helped by contestants, who had been voted off. I’m not sure I would be too willing to help if Sir Alan had got rid of me.
Anyway The Apprentice is over for another year, I will have to think of something else to watch on a Wednesday night now.
Throughout the series Lee was probably one of the best salesman, along with Alex, although you would have to question if he merited a £100,000 salary.
It seemed, from the way Wednesday’s programme was being slanted, that Claire was going to win. But as usual Sir Alan kept the audience guessing until the very last minute.
The fact Lee had lied on his CV to get on the programme seemed to be conveniently brushed under the carpet, a fact that was spotted in the penultimate programme. Not only that he had also submitted an application littered with spelling mistakes.
Perhaps viewers should have guessed Lee was to be picked when, at the start of the show, he told Sir Alan he was a Tottenham Hotspur fan.
The result may have been a shock, however the programme was again compulsive viewing.
It was interesting to see how the contestants reacted under pressure. There was some noticeable friction between Helene and Alex, while Lee and Claire seemed to gel.
I didn’t get the concept put forward by Helene and Alex, but thought Claire and Lee’s idea good, although it did glamorise gambling.
Both groups were helped by contestants, who had been voted off. I’m not sure I would be too willing to help if Sir Alan had got rid of me.
Anyway The Apprentice is over for another year, I will have to think of something else to watch on a Wednesday night now.
Friday 6 June 2008
The mint with the hole
DID you know that the Polo mint is celebrating its 60th birthday this year?
Polo mints were introduced to the British public in 1948 and were made by Rowntree.
The mint was a novelty in the 40s and was a unique shape for confectionary.
Nestle now own the product and it is the fastest-selling mint. This country is supposed to eat five million of them, or 150 a second.
I quite like Polo mints, but the problem is when I buy a packet I tend to eat one after the other.
There used to be fruit Polo mints too, although I am not sure if theses are still made?
Meanwhile, it was the Monaco Grand Prix recently. This is the one race in the F1 GP season that catches my attention. And I try and catch some of it on television.
It is something to do with Monaco itself. There is nowhere else quite like this place, which is on the Mediterranean Coast.
The event also always attracts the rich and famous. It is held at the same time as the Cannes Film Festival, so many of the film stars make the short journey from Cannes to Monaco to be seen at the race.
Many people criticise the GP and say it is a procession, because there is no overtaking.
But the fact it is held on a street circuit makes it harder for the drivers, as there is less margin for error, so I think it is more exciting to watch. This is the one race I would like to go to.
Polo mints were introduced to the British public in 1948 and were made by Rowntree.
The mint was a novelty in the 40s and was a unique shape for confectionary.
Nestle now own the product and it is the fastest-selling mint. This country is supposed to eat five million of them, or 150 a second.
I quite like Polo mints, but the problem is when I buy a packet I tend to eat one after the other.
There used to be fruit Polo mints too, although I am not sure if theses are still made?
Meanwhile, it was the Monaco Grand Prix recently. This is the one race in the F1 GP season that catches my attention. And I try and catch some of it on television.
It is something to do with Monaco itself. There is nowhere else quite like this place, which is on the Mediterranean Coast.
The event also always attracts the rich and famous. It is held at the same time as the Cannes Film Festival, so many of the film stars make the short journey from Cannes to Monaco to be seen at the race.
Many people criticise the GP and say it is a procession, because there is no overtaking.
But the fact it is held on a street circuit makes it harder for the drivers, as there is less margin for error, so I think it is more exciting to watch. This is the one race I would like to go to.
Monday 2 June 2008
Britain really has got talent
I THINK it was Simon Cowell who said that after the disappointing result of Great Britain at Eurovision it was Britain’s Got Talent that showed that this country has skilled performers. I agree.
Many people in the UK don’t take Eurovision seriously, so when we came last the majority of people weren’t surprised.
I’ve forgotten who sang the song, and what the tune was called.
But I enjoyed the final of Britain’s Go Talent on Saturday night. Here were acts – some of which were quirky - who could engage the audience.
My favourites were Signature and Gin the performing dog. However I wasn’t as impressed with Escala or Andrew Muir.
Escala, who judges said were original, reminded me of Bond.
I was surprised at the winner though. George Sampson’s act was good, but I thought voters would have gone for classical singer Andrew Johnston, who looked gutted to come third.
It was equally surprising to see Jodie being chosen as Nancy in the new West End production of Oliver!
I thought Samantha or Jessie would have taken the role.
Meanwhile an interesting study has shown that playing golf helps you live longer.
The study looked at 300,000 golfers and showed 40% were less likely to die at any given age than those who did not play.
I would also have to agree with this. Many golf clubs have members who play well into their late 80s. I remember one man, who used to have a round of golf into his 90s.
Many people in the UK don’t take Eurovision seriously, so when we came last the majority of people weren’t surprised.
I’ve forgotten who sang the song, and what the tune was called.
But I enjoyed the final of Britain’s Go Talent on Saturday night. Here were acts – some of which were quirky - who could engage the audience.
My favourites were Signature and Gin the performing dog. However I wasn’t as impressed with Escala or Andrew Muir.
Escala, who judges said were original, reminded me of Bond.
I was surprised at the winner though. George Sampson’s act was good, but I thought voters would have gone for classical singer Andrew Johnston, who looked gutted to come third.
It was equally surprising to see Jodie being chosen as Nancy in the new West End production of Oliver!
I thought Samantha or Jessie would have taken the role.
Meanwhile an interesting study has shown that playing golf helps you live longer.
The study looked at 300,000 golfers and showed 40% were less likely to die at any given age than those who did not play.
I would also have to agree with this. Many golf clubs have members who play well into their late 80s. I remember one man, who used to have a round of golf into his 90s.
Tuesday 27 May 2008
Indiana Jones is back
FROM the opening theme music an Indiana Jones movie always offers plenty of excitement.
The fourth Indiana Jones movie, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, was released on Thursday and comes almost 20 years after The Last Crusade. The film also showed at this year’s Cannes film festival.
It was the second film Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom that I watched in the cinema as a youngster. I remember being mesmerised by the movie and recall my friend, who I took with me, could not watch the scene in the vaults of the Temple.
I watched Raiders of the Last Ark and Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade on television and think they are as good, if not better.
Some critics have questioned the decision to bring back the franchise, arguing that Harrison Ford, who is 64, is now too old, but I would have to disagree. These are the films that a younger audience deserves to see at the cinema. They are blockbuster movies, which should be seen on the big screen.
So what can audiences expect in the new Indiana Jones movie? Unfortunately very little information was released about the plot before its release and director, Steven Spielberg, and producer George Lucas kept tight-lipped.
But what is known is that the action is set in 1957, and the bad guys are Russian and the quest is a crystal skull.
Will Lucas and Spielberg be able to recreate the magic?
The fourth Indiana Jones movie, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, was released on Thursday and comes almost 20 years after The Last Crusade. The film also showed at this year’s Cannes film festival.
It was the second film Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom that I watched in the cinema as a youngster. I remember being mesmerised by the movie and recall my friend, who I took with me, could not watch the scene in the vaults of the Temple.
I watched Raiders of the Last Ark and Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade on television and think they are as good, if not better.
Some critics have questioned the decision to bring back the franchise, arguing that Harrison Ford, who is 64, is now too old, but I would have to disagree. These are the films that a younger audience deserves to see at the cinema. They are blockbuster movies, which should be seen on the big screen.
So what can audiences expect in the new Indiana Jones movie? Unfortunately very little information was released about the plot before its release and director, Steven Spielberg, and producer George Lucas kept tight-lipped.
But what is known is that the action is set in 1957, and the bad guys are Russian and the quest is a crystal skull.
Will Lucas and Spielberg be able to recreate the magic?
Thursday 15 May 2008
Helene is favourite
A TYNESIDE comprehensive is to teach all GCSE subjects in eight-minute sessions.
The mini-lessons will be held at Monkseaton comprehensive high school and will be broken up for sport.
It is thought that the technique will help the memory develop and is based on neuroscience research.
A pilot scheme at the school had improved results by an average of half a grade for science pupils.
Critics have rubbished the idea saying it is nothing more than a “fad”. But it seems like a good idea to me, who can forget having to sit through double lessons for school.
A lesson would last for 40 minutes, and a double 120 minutes.
Forty minutes would be about bearable, however I can remember sitting through a a class for well over an hour, without a break, and can recall my mind used to wander.
I would think about what I was doing that evening, what was on telly etc.
It is almost impossible to keep your concentration for that amount of time.
I remember it was worse in the Summer, when the classroom got warm.
So I agree with the principal of what this school is doing, although I think eight minutes is too short.
Perhaps 20 minutes would be sufficient, that would be enough time to teach a number of points and would be a sufficient amount of time to keep children’s attention.
Meanwhile, I have been gripped, as always, to the Apprentice. This week will be the eighth episode, and I think Helene looks like one of the favourites.
The mini-lessons will be held at Monkseaton comprehensive high school and will be broken up for sport.
It is thought that the technique will help the memory develop and is based on neuroscience research.
A pilot scheme at the school had improved results by an average of half a grade for science pupils.
Critics have rubbished the idea saying it is nothing more than a “fad”. But it seems like a good idea to me, who can forget having to sit through double lessons for school.
A lesson would last for 40 minutes, and a double 120 minutes.
Forty minutes would be about bearable, however I can remember sitting through a a class for well over an hour, without a break, and can recall my mind used to wander.
I would think about what I was doing that evening, what was on telly etc.
It is almost impossible to keep your concentration for that amount of time.
I remember it was worse in the Summer, when the classroom got warm.
So I agree with the principal of what this school is doing, although I think eight minutes is too short.
Perhaps 20 minutes would be sufficient, that would be enough time to teach a number of points and would be a sufficient amount of time to keep children’s attention.
Meanwhile, I have been gripped, as always, to the Apprentice. This week will be the eighth episode, and I think Helene looks like one of the favourites.
Wednesday 30 April 2008
Please name that tune
How is it that whenever you hear a song you like on the radio the DJ doesn’t say what it is?
DJs have an annoying habit of forgetting to announce the song they have just played, or the tunes they are about to play.
It is very irritating as the song sticks in your head and you are unable to buy it because you don’t know what it is called.
I have heard people hymning tunes to shop staff, in an attempt to identify them. Although I have to admit I have never done that.
I suppose now we have iTunes we can type in what we think the song is called, to see if we can find it.
Another criticism of DJs is that they talk too much and they only play songs as an afterthought. I won’t mention any names.
But you can tell the presenters who love the music and style the tunes they play around their show.
And, how is it when you listen to the radio in the car, you can wait ages for a good song to come on the radio and it is only when you have reached your destination that the DJ finally plays one.
Meanwhile, Trevor Immleman proved to be a worthy winner of The Masters, even if you had to stay up till 12.30am to watch him clinch the title. I was a bit disappointed that Tiger was not able to put up more of a challenge.
Tuesday 15 April 2008
Rickaaay!!!
RICKY and Bianca have returned to Albert Square, but they haven’t come back to many familiar faces.
On their return Patsy Palmer, who plays Bianca, was turfed out of a B&B with her children because she didn’t pay and Ricky was seen at the funeral of his father Frank Butcher.
I think the only characters who were in the programme when they left were Pat, Ian, Peggy, Phil and Dot. Although I might be wrong.
The producers of the soap must have brought R+B back to liven up a programme which has long failed to repeat its glory days of the 1980s and 1990s.
The return of Ricky and Bianca seems to have had a positive effect on the soap’s viewing figures. A total of 10.1 million viewers watched their return on Tuesday, April 1. The show normally has eight or nine million viewers for that night.
I stopped watching EastEnders years ago because I got fed up with weak storylines and poor characters. But the return of these two may make me tune back in.
Who can forget Bianca screaming “Rickaaay” everytime Ricky had done something wrong.
Their return has certainly been well publicised. They have been on the front of almost all of the TV magazines, and the BBC have been using Ricky and Bianca on all their adverts for the show.
Ricky and Bianca aren’t together now, and Bianca’s new man is in jail, and she has four kids.
Will Ricky and Bianca get back together?
On their return Patsy Palmer, who plays Bianca, was turfed out of a B&B with her children because she didn’t pay and Ricky was seen at the funeral of his father Frank Butcher.
I think the only characters who were in the programme when they left were Pat, Ian, Peggy, Phil and Dot. Although I might be wrong.
The producers of the soap must have brought R+B back to liven up a programme which has long failed to repeat its glory days of the 1980s and 1990s.
The return of Ricky and Bianca seems to have had a positive effect on the soap’s viewing figures. A total of 10.1 million viewers watched their return on Tuesday, April 1. The show normally has eight or nine million viewers for that night.
I stopped watching EastEnders years ago because I got fed up with weak storylines and poor characters. But the return of these two may make me tune back in.
Who can forget Bianca screaming “Rickaaay” everytime Ricky had done something wrong.
Their return has certainly been well publicised. They have been on the front of almost all of the TV magazines, and the BBC have been using Ricky and Bianca on all their adverts for the show.
Ricky and Bianca aren’t together now, and Bianca’s new man is in jail, and she has four kids.
Will Ricky and Bianca get back together?
Tuesday 8 April 2008
Who will master Augusta this year?
THE Masters, which will start this Thursday, will be watched by million of people in this country on television.
It is one of the few golf tournaments to attract viewers who normally don’t watch the sport.
In England it may be a cold and wet April, but you can almost guarantee Augusta will be bathed in glorious sunshine.
The course always looks immaculate on television, and you can tell the greenkeepers have been working from dawn to dusk to make sure the 18 holes are ready for the event, which is held there every year in the second week in August.
It seems the staff have been working magic, because of the manicured fairways.
Although to catch the closing stages of The Masters you have to stay up into the early hours.
My early memories of watching the tournament were of Nick Faldo winning the event in 1990 and Ian Woosnam picking up a green jacket in 1991.
Another year to stick in my memory was 1996 when Nick Faldo grabbed the lead from Greg Norman and Faldo then went on to win his third title.
It was painful to watch Norman capitulate under the pressure placed on him by Faldo, but also captivating at the same time.
Woods, as always, will start as the favourite. Only someone on the very top of his game will be able to catch him. It would be good to see a golfer from this side of the Atlantic do well and repeat the feats of the European golfers of the 1980s and 1990s.
It is one of the few golf tournaments to attract viewers who normally don’t watch the sport.
In England it may be a cold and wet April, but you can almost guarantee Augusta will be bathed in glorious sunshine.
The course always looks immaculate on television, and you can tell the greenkeepers have been working from dawn to dusk to make sure the 18 holes are ready for the event, which is held there every year in the second week in August.
It seems the staff have been working magic, because of the manicured fairways.
Although to catch the closing stages of The Masters you have to stay up into the early hours.
My early memories of watching the tournament were of Nick Faldo winning the event in 1990 and Ian Woosnam picking up a green jacket in 1991.
Another year to stick in my memory was 1996 when Nick Faldo grabbed the lead from Greg Norman and Faldo then went on to win his third title.
It was painful to watch Norman capitulate under the pressure placed on him by Faldo, but also captivating at the same time.
Woods, as always, will start as the favourite. Only someone on the very top of his game will be able to catch him. It would be good to see a golfer from this side of the Atlantic do well and repeat the feats of the European golfers of the 1980s and 1990s.
Wednesday 26 March 2008
The Apprentice is back
YOU know Spring is beginning when The Apprentice comes back to our TV screens for a new series.
Today (Wednesday) sees Sir Alan Sugar return to BBC 1 in his attempt to find a new recruit.
A total of 16 new candidates will be whittled down to the chosen one, and the lucky candidate will be told by 'Sralan' "your hired".
I have to admit I hardly watched the first series, but over the past two years I have been addicted to the programme.
The programme provides something to look forward to on a Wednesday evening. You can almost feel the tension as the candidates are brought into the boardroom at the end of the programme. It is part of the fun trying to guess who Sir Alan is going to fire.
Last year's winner was Simon Ambrose, although more memorable characters - in my opinion - were Tre Azam and Katie Hopkins. Who can forget Katie trying to manipulate other contestants by back stabbing and being underhand.
The year before there was an interesting battle between Michelle Dewberry and Ruth Badger, with Michelle winning in the end.
This year sees eight unknown males and eight females battle it out, and they come from a mix of business backgrounds.
The tasks will include, selling fresh fish and selling up an overnight laundrette business.
It is always enjoyable seeing how the people react to these situations, and it is this part of the programme I enjoy the most.
Today (Wednesday) sees Sir Alan Sugar return to BBC 1 in his attempt to find a new recruit.
A total of 16 new candidates will be whittled down to the chosen one, and the lucky candidate will be told by 'Sralan' "your hired".
I have to admit I hardly watched the first series, but over the past two years I have been addicted to the programme.
The programme provides something to look forward to on a Wednesday evening. You can almost feel the tension as the candidates are brought into the boardroom at the end of the programme. It is part of the fun trying to guess who Sir Alan is going to fire.
Last year's winner was Simon Ambrose, although more memorable characters - in my opinion - were Tre Azam and Katie Hopkins. Who can forget Katie trying to manipulate other contestants by back stabbing and being underhand.
The year before there was an interesting battle between Michelle Dewberry and Ruth Badger, with Michelle winning in the end.
This year sees eight unknown males and eight females battle it out, and they come from a mix of business backgrounds.
The tasks will include, selling fresh fish and selling up an overnight laundrette business.
It is always enjoyable seeing how the people react to these situations, and it is this part of the programme I enjoy the most.
Thursday 20 March 2008
Hooked on skiing
SKI boots may be impossible to put on and take off, but many people in the UK are hooked on skiing and head for the pistes in the winter.
I was one of them this year, and have just returned from a skiing holiday in the French Alps.
France is most visited country by skiers from the UK, because it is so close to England. Austria is the next popular country with UK skiers.
Skiing holidays are popular because they offer people the chance to have a go at a sport, while giving them the opportunity to relax as well with the various après-ski (French for after ski) activities, such as having drinks.
One aspect you are almost guaranteed on such a holiday is clean alpine air, even if the sun is not always shinning.
Professional skiers may make the sport look easy on television, but I think skiing is a very technically taxing sport. However despite its difficulty it is addictive and it can be rewarding.
Although the pistes can be busy and potentially dangerous places because skiers and especially snowboarders can reach high speeds.
You have to be extra careful while on the slopes to stay in control, and not to bang into anyone. Hundreds of skiers and snowboarders can be on one slope at the same time, each vying for their own territory.
I remember going skiing with school, and a friend went down the mountain without stopping and broke his leg on the first day.
I was one of them this year, and have just returned from a skiing holiday in the French Alps.
France is most visited country by skiers from the UK, because it is so close to England. Austria is the next popular country with UK skiers.
Skiing holidays are popular because they offer people the chance to have a go at a sport, while giving them the opportunity to relax as well with the various après-ski (French for after ski) activities, such as having drinks.
One aspect you are almost guaranteed on such a holiday is clean alpine air, even if the sun is not always shinning.
Professional skiers may make the sport look easy on television, but I think skiing is a very technically taxing sport. However despite its difficulty it is addictive and it can be rewarding.
Although the pistes can be busy and potentially dangerous places because skiers and especially snowboarders can reach high speeds.
You have to be extra careful while on the slopes to stay in control, and not to bang into anyone. Hundreds of skiers and snowboarders can be on one slope at the same time, each vying for their own territory.
I remember going skiing with school, and a friend went down the mountain without stopping and broke his leg on the first day.
Tuesday 11 March 2008
Tiger's grand slam challenge
BOOKIES are giving 12-1 odds that Tiger Woods is to win a grand slam of golfing majors in 2008.
This year may be his best opportunity of achieving that goal, and Woods has admitted himself the slam is “easily within reach”.
It would be a remarkable achievement for the golfing great who has held all four titles at once, but not in the same season and over two calendar years (2000 and 2001).
The first major of the year – The Masters - will be held at Augusta National in April as it is every year. Woods has won four times at Augusta, and it was here he captured his first major at the age of 21 by 12 strokes in 1997.
Golf’s next big tournament will be the US Open at Torrey Pines, which is also the home of the Buick Invitational. This is a competition that Woods has dominated and he has picked up wins here in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Southport will host The Open this year for the first time in 10 years. The last time golf’s oldest major was in the north west of England, Woods was one stroke off the play off contested by Brian Watts and Mark O’Meara. O’Meara won in 2008, but Woods must fancy his chances this year.
The fourth and final major of the year – The USPGA – will this year be played at Oakland Hills in Michigan. Woods hasn’t won here, although he has claimed four USPGA titles, and that includes the last two.
This year may be his best opportunity of achieving that goal, and Woods has admitted himself the slam is “easily within reach”.
It would be a remarkable achievement for the golfing great who has held all four titles at once, but not in the same season and over two calendar years (2000 and 2001).
The first major of the year – The Masters - will be held at Augusta National in April as it is every year. Woods has won four times at Augusta, and it was here he captured his first major at the age of 21 by 12 strokes in 1997.
Golf’s next big tournament will be the US Open at Torrey Pines, which is also the home of the Buick Invitational. This is a competition that Woods has dominated and he has picked up wins here in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Southport will host The Open this year for the first time in 10 years. The last time golf’s oldest major was in the north west of England, Woods was one stroke off the play off contested by Brian Watts and Mark O’Meara. O’Meara won in 2008, but Woods must fancy his chances this year.
The fourth and final major of the year – The USPGA – will this year be played at Oakland Hills in Michigan. Woods hasn’t won here, although he has claimed four USPGA titles, and that includes the last two.
Monday 3 March 2008
Is Facebook on the wane?
IT was interesting to see the numbers using Facebook declined in January by 400,000.
Last year almost everyone I knew was talking about Facebook and across the country there were 8.9 million users.
Through the site you can make touch with friends you had lost touch with. You can also tell friends of your current thoughts and activities, although I have never done that.
I have to admit that a friend helped me sign up to the site, and I was glad I had been introduced to it. When I first signed up I would briefly log on every other day, and check my emails for new notifications from Facebook. Now I still log onto to it, but maybe not as often.
As more people signed up to the site we were warned of the security risks of putting too much personal information on Facebook. The media carried stories of people who had been the victims of fraud.
Apparently the other popular networking site - MySpace has also seen a drop in its numbers by 5%.
Will these two networking sites go the same way as Friends Reunited? Five or ten years ago that was the latest craze, and that site saw a huge increase in its numbers. However now I don’t know anyone who uses this site, although the site is still in operation.
Experts have said the recent decline in numbers does not spell the end of Facebook.
I think Facebook is here to stay and whoever thought of the idea must be very wealthy.
Last year almost everyone I knew was talking about Facebook and across the country there were 8.9 million users.
Through the site you can make touch with friends you had lost touch with. You can also tell friends of your current thoughts and activities, although I have never done that.
I have to admit that a friend helped me sign up to the site, and I was glad I had been introduced to it. When I first signed up I would briefly log on every other day, and check my emails for new notifications from Facebook. Now I still log onto to it, but maybe not as often.
As more people signed up to the site we were warned of the security risks of putting too much personal information on Facebook. The media carried stories of people who had been the victims of fraud.
Apparently the other popular networking site - MySpace has also seen a drop in its numbers by 5%.
Will these two networking sites go the same way as Friends Reunited? Five or ten years ago that was the latest craze, and that site saw a huge increase in its numbers. However now I don’t know anyone who uses this site, although the site is still in operation.
Experts have said the recent decline in numbers does not spell the end of Facebook.
I think Facebook is here to stay and whoever thought of the idea must be very wealthy.
Friday 22 February 2008
Noisy workmen
How come some smells remind you of an experience you have had?
It is something about the scent that triggers a memory, or an emotion you have felt.
If it is a sunny day in England, and I put suncream on my face, then I am often reminded of beaches and summer holidays. I may have been thinking about something else at the time, but the smell triggers a recollection into my thoughts from my subconscious.
Some detergents will also remind me of a visit to hospital.
I don’t why this should happen, it must be the smell that stimulates the memory.
Meanwhile, how is it that workmen always start doing noisy digging or building jobs at 8am, while I am trying to have a sleep in during my holidays. It must be bad luck.
Either it is someone digging up the road, or someone taking down scaffolding nearby.
Finally, which clever people do the scheduling for BBC and ITV.
Most nights the programmes on the box are pedestrian, but on Thursday night at 9pm there is Ashes to Ashes on BBC 1, while on ITV there is Trial and Retribution.
Shouldn’t these two good programmes be put on at different days, so we can have something good to watch on Wednesday night, for example as well as Thursday.
I know most people have videos, but whenever I record something on video I never end up watching it, either I can’t find the video, or I can’t find the right spot on the tape.
It is something about the scent that triggers a memory, or an emotion you have felt.
If it is a sunny day in England, and I put suncream on my face, then I am often reminded of beaches and summer holidays. I may have been thinking about something else at the time, but the smell triggers a recollection into my thoughts from my subconscious.
Some detergents will also remind me of a visit to hospital.
I don’t why this should happen, it must be the smell that stimulates the memory.
Meanwhile, how is it that workmen always start doing noisy digging or building jobs at 8am, while I am trying to have a sleep in during my holidays. It must be bad luck.
Either it is someone digging up the road, or someone taking down scaffolding nearby.
Finally, which clever people do the scheduling for BBC and ITV.
Most nights the programmes on the box are pedestrian, but on Thursday night at 9pm there is Ashes to Ashes on BBC 1, while on ITV there is Trial and Retribution.
Shouldn’t these two good programmes be put on at different days, so we can have something good to watch on Wednesday night, for example as well as Thursday.
I know most people have videos, but whenever I record something on video I never end up watching it, either I can’t find the video, or I can’t find the right spot on the tape.
Thursday 14 February 2008
Having a laugh
I was in town last week looking for a birthday card for a relative.
How come no matter how hard you try, it always takes ages to find a suitable card for someone?
It normally takes me at least 5-10 minutes to choose a card, and I normally end up looking at about six before I find the right one.
I think it is very easy to offend someone by buying them the wrong card.
Anyway aren’t people who laugh out loud in shops at the jokes on cards annoying.
While I was deliberating on which card to buy, there were two people nearby in fits of laughter at some of the cards on offer.
Ok some cards are funny, but not so funny you are left in hysterics.
I could even hear their laughter when I was queuing to buy my card on the other side of the shop. I would have loved to see what card they were looking at.
Meanwhile, I had pancakes last Thursday, because I was out on Shrove Tuesday.
They are very simple to make, and a bit of sugar and lemon juice makes them very tasty. Last time I went to France I had crepes and they are even better, especially chocolate crepes.
Finally can Tiger Woods win all four majors this year? He is said to like the four courses where golf’s biggest tournaments are being held. The last time The Open was at Royal Birkdale, he was one shot off the winner, Mark O’Meara.
How come no matter how hard you try, it always takes ages to find a suitable card for someone?
It normally takes me at least 5-10 minutes to choose a card, and I normally end up looking at about six before I find the right one.
I think it is very easy to offend someone by buying them the wrong card.
Anyway aren’t people who laugh out loud in shops at the jokes on cards annoying.
While I was deliberating on which card to buy, there were two people nearby in fits of laughter at some of the cards on offer.
Ok some cards are funny, but not so funny you are left in hysterics.
I could even hear their laughter when I was queuing to buy my card on the other side of the shop. I would have loved to see what card they were looking at.
Meanwhile, I had pancakes last Thursday, because I was out on Shrove Tuesday.
They are very simple to make, and a bit of sugar and lemon juice makes them very tasty. Last time I went to France I had crepes and they are even better, especially chocolate crepes.
Finally can Tiger Woods win all four majors this year? He is said to like the four courses where golf’s biggest tournaments are being held. The last time The Open was at Royal Birkdale, he was one shot off the winner, Mark O’Meara.
Thursday 7 February 2008
Grange Hill axed
WHAT a shame the BBC have axed Grange Hill after 30 years.
When I was at school, it was one of my favourite TV programmes.
Along with Blue Peter, John Craven’s Newsround and Neighbours, Grange Hill was a show that children would watch after returning from school.
I think it was on a Tuesday and Thursday, and your parents would let you watch it, but you knew they did not like it.
I can still remember the cartoon strip opening sequences, and theme music - even now.
The show had some great characters and gritty storylines. Among the ones that spring to mind was the storyline involving Zammo and Jackie, and Zammo’s heroin addiction.
Didn’t the cast release a single in the 1980s called Just Say No? And I am sure they got to meet American president, Ronald Reagan.
Another character I can remember was deputy head Mr Bronson, the disciplinarian teacher who was constantly telling pupils off. Wasn’t his most famous saying, “you boy,”? I am sure everyone had similar teachers at their school. I know I did.
Mrs McCluskey was headteacher when I watched Grange Hill. She was fair, although she would be strict on those pupils who did wrong.
When Neighbours started it might have been more popular, it offered pure escapism in sunny Australia. But Grange Hill seemed to be more realistic. The script writers were dealing with issues that were also hitting the news.
But as I got older, the programme did not seem as relevant, and I stopped watching it.
Tuesday 5 February 2008
Queues
HOW is it that when are in a rush there is always a queue at the nearest cash point.
And when you have loads of time to spare there is no queue for a cash machine.
Last week, I had to be somewhere in the evening and went to the village to get some money out.
Unfortunately there were three people in front of me at the machine outside the bank.
Why do some people spend ages at the cash point?
Either they spend ages typing their code in or they take forever to decide how much money they want to take out.
Surely taking money out of the hole in the wall should be a simple operation, taking a couple of minutes at the very least.
Also when there is a queue, it always seems to be raining. Why are there not shelters at cash points?
Meanwhile I enjoyed watching the Australian Open tennis on BBC interactive. It is good to see that during a cold January day there was somewhere sunny, albeit on the over side of the world.
I didn’t realise the tournament was on the BBC, they hadn’t advertised it anywhere, so I missed the first week.
It was an interesting tournament, with some shock results, such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal both losing in the semi-final.
Finally one lucky winner took last Saturday’s triple rollover, the first of the year. Unfortunately it wasn’t me. Despite all the lottery draws over the years, I don’t know anyone who has won a big prize.
And when you have loads of time to spare there is no queue for a cash machine.
Last week, I had to be somewhere in the evening and went to the village to get some money out.
Unfortunately there were three people in front of me at the machine outside the bank.
Why do some people spend ages at the cash point?
Either they spend ages typing their code in or they take forever to decide how much money they want to take out.
Surely taking money out of the hole in the wall should be a simple operation, taking a couple of minutes at the very least.
Also when there is a queue, it always seems to be raining. Why are there not shelters at cash points?
Meanwhile I enjoyed watching the Australian Open tennis on BBC interactive. It is good to see that during a cold January day there was somewhere sunny, albeit on the over side of the world.
I didn’t realise the tournament was on the BBC, they hadn’t advertised it anywhere, so I missed the first week.
It was an interesting tournament, with some shock results, such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal both losing in the semi-final.
Finally one lucky winner took last Saturday’s triple rollover, the first of the year. Unfortunately it wasn’t me. Despite all the lottery draws over the years, I don’t know anyone who has won a big prize.
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