New Year telly treats

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.

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.

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.