I HOPE Tiger Woods does not take a long break from golf – as it would be a big loss to the game.
Over the last few weeks, as the alleged affairs he has had have been revealed, some people have said that Tiger is now less boring.
I would disagree with that, as the man has brought so much excitement to so many people and is far from boring.
And I am sure many youngsters have wanted to learn the game after watching him in person, or on television.
In 2010 Tiger has an excellent chance to add to the 14 majors he has already collected and has an opportunity to try and catch Jack Nicklaus’s record of 18.
The Masters will be played in April – and this is an event that Tiger has won four times, although the last time was in 2005.
Then The US Open will be staged at Pebble Beach, again Tiger has won here last time the major was played on the famous course.
In July The Open will return to St Andrews and Tiger has won here twice before.
I am sure Tiger will be back to play in these events as I think these are some of his favourite venues. If he doesn’t, then the game of golf will be missing one of its greatest players.
Tuesday 15 December 2009
Tuesday 8 December 2009
Walking in the Lakes
IF you want to go to the Lake District – an ideal time to visit is before Christmas.
I have just been to the Lakes for the weekend with some friends.
We were supposed to stay at Ambleside but because of the recent heavy rain The Youth Hostel was closed.
However The Youth Hostel at Hawkshead was still open, so we decided to stay there instead.
The facility was self-catered and had a pool table, unfortunately I was not successful in the two games I played.
On the first full day we were provided with a full breakfast, which is just what you need before a day of walking.
Just before 10am we started off on our walk, but didn’t get very far before the heavens opened – and we soon found ourselves back at The Youth Hostel.
Luckily it was only a shower and after about 10 minutes we were on our way again.
One of our party had brought outdoor cooking equipment and sausages, eggs and bacon and managed to cook the food during a stop on the walk.
An off-road car rally was also taking place that afternoon – and provided the entertainment while we enjoyed our lunch.
On the way back we stopped off at the Grizedale visitor centre and the hot chocolate I had was well received.
Tea was a tasty curry.
We then made our way to Hawkshead for drinks.
At the first pub we visited we played cards and had a quiet drink. The second pub we went to was much more lively. The pub was small and packed and an excellent Irish band was providing the entertainment.
On the next day it was time to go home.
I have just been to the Lakes for the weekend with some friends.
We were supposed to stay at Ambleside but because of the recent heavy rain The Youth Hostel was closed.
However The Youth Hostel at Hawkshead was still open, so we decided to stay there instead.
The facility was self-catered and had a pool table, unfortunately I was not successful in the two games I played.
On the first full day we were provided with a full breakfast, which is just what you need before a day of walking.
Just before 10am we started off on our walk, but didn’t get very far before the heavens opened – and we soon found ourselves back at The Youth Hostel.
Luckily it was only a shower and after about 10 minutes we were on our way again.
One of our party had brought outdoor cooking equipment and sausages, eggs and bacon and managed to cook the food during a stop on the walk.
An off-road car rally was also taking place that afternoon – and provided the entertainment while we enjoyed our lunch.
On the way back we stopped off at the Grizedale visitor centre and the hot chocolate I had was well received.
Tea was a tasty curry.
We then made our way to Hawkshead for drinks.
At the first pub we visited we played cards and had a quiet drink. The second pub we went to was much more lively. The pub was small and packed and an excellent Irish band was providing the entertainment.
On the next day it was time to go home.
Thursday 3 December 2009
New Red Arrows recruits
THE RAF Red Arrows have their first woman pilot.
She is Flight Lieutenant Moore and she will be involved in the Red Arrows display for the London Olympic Games in 2012.
She was one of two chosen out of 30 or 40 pilots who had applied for the positions.
The world-renowned aerobatics team are busy preparing for next year’s 2010 air show season.
Watching the Red Arrows at this year’s Southport Air Show was one of my highlights of 2009.
Everyone time I watch them I am amazed at how close the planes are as they do their manoeuvres.
Meanwhile Sky TV’s coverage of The Ashes this year was excellent, but it would be good if the clash becomes a free-to-air event again.
All England’s home and away World Cup and European Championship football matches could be added to that as well.
The proposals are part of an independent review being headed by David Davies.
I can’t remember the year when The Ashes was last broadcast on BBC, but I do remember enjoying the coverage during the School Summer holidays and who can forget the theme music at the start of the programme. It was very catchy.
Channel 4’s coverage of cricket was good to, in particular The Ashes of 2005.
Millions tuned in to watch these tests and see England win the event for the first time since 1987.
Finally let’s hope Liverpool FC can put a winning run together.
She is Flight Lieutenant Moore and she will be involved in the Red Arrows display for the London Olympic Games in 2012.
She was one of two chosen out of 30 or 40 pilots who had applied for the positions.
The world-renowned aerobatics team are busy preparing for next year’s 2010 air show season.
Watching the Red Arrows at this year’s Southport Air Show was one of my highlights of 2009.
Everyone time I watch them I am amazed at how close the planes are as they do their manoeuvres.
Meanwhile Sky TV’s coverage of The Ashes this year was excellent, but it would be good if the clash becomes a free-to-air event again.
All England’s home and away World Cup and European Championship football matches could be added to that as well.
The proposals are part of an independent review being headed by David Davies.
I can’t remember the year when The Ashes was last broadcast on BBC, but I do remember enjoying the coverage during the School Summer holidays and who can forget the theme music at the start of the programme. It was very catchy.
Channel 4’s coverage of cricket was good to, in particular The Ashes of 2005.
Millions tuned in to watch these tests and see England win the event for the first time since 1987.
Finally let’s hope Liverpool FC can put a winning run together.
Tuesday 10 November 2009
Winners of Euro Millions announced
I wish I was one of the winners of Friday’s Euro Millions.
The record-breaking £90 million jackpot was won by a couple from South Wales and a group of IT workers from Liverpool.
The couple from South Wales will pick up £45,570,835.50, which makes them the biggest lottery winners in this country.
Before this jackpot, the biggest British win was Angela Kelly who collected £35.4 million in August 2007.
The £45 million would rank you equal at 1,023rd in the Rich List.
And if you invested some of it in the bank and business it could make you £2 million a year in interest.
Meanwhile the odds of you having a fake £1 coin in your pocket are one in 40.
The treasury released the figures and said it represented £37 million of the £1.4 billion in the market.
After the £1 coin the second most forged denomination is the £20 note.
Finally David Haye is the first man from Great Britain since Lennox Lewis to receive a world heavyweight title.
He beat the 7ft giant Valuev on points and now joins other Brits such as Bruno, who have won heavyweight belts.
The record-breaking £90 million jackpot was won by a couple from South Wales and a group of IT workers from Liverpool.
The couple from South Wales will pick up £45,570,835.50, which makes them the biggest lottery winners in this country.
Before this jackpot, the biggest British win was Angela Kelly who collected £35.4 million in August 2007.
The £45 million would rank you equal at 1,023rd in the Rich List.
And if you invested some of it in the bank and business it could make you £2 million a year in interest.
Meanwhile the odds of you having a fake £1 coin in your pocket are one in 40.
The treasury released the figures and said it represented £37 million of the £1.4 billion in the market.
After the £1 coin the second most forged denomination is the £20 note.
Finally David Haye is the first man from Great Britain since Lennox Lewis to receive a world heavyweight title.
He beat the 7ft giant Valuev on points and now joins other Brits such as Bruno, who have won heavyweight belts.
Tuesday 3 November 2009
Steak sales up
IT was interesting to find out that steak sales have increased by nearly 200%.
It is said the reason behind this is Brits are eating comfort food in their own home instead of going out to restaurants.
Figures show sirloin and rump cuts are eaten the most – and, although expensive, fillet steak is being eaten by more and more people too.
Sainsbury’s have reported rump and sirloin steaks are up by 200%. While Marks and Spencer has said sirloin and rump sales are up 40%. And fillet has increased by 70%.
They say you should never sit infront of a comedian during a stand-up show and I think they are right.
I normally would not dream of sitting in the front row, but last week during one of the comedy shows I found I had to sit in a seat next to the comedian.
He did pick on me saying I look scared but shouldn’t worry. Thankfully he soon picked on someone else and left me alone.
It was a good night and it took my friends and I to four venues across town, with a different comedian at each place.
Meanwhile, Liverpool is having a bad time of it at the moment.
Tuesday 20 October 2009
Put your clocks back
DON’T forget to wind your clocks back next weekend.
British Summer Time officially ends next Sunday and it is the ninth before the Christmas period.
On the downside it gets darker much earlier at night, but I quite like the feel of the season in the run up to Christmas and the sense of excitement.
The lights in the shops twinkle at night and the Christmas lights start appearing from the end of November.
Although the clocks may go back next Sunday, winter does not officially start until Monday, December 21.
Meanwhile Colin Montgomerie has pledged to do better than Nick Faldo at next year’s Ryder Cup, which will be held at Celtic Manor in Wales.
Nick Faldo was criticised when he was captain. When Faldo played he kept himself to himself and he failed to gel the team together and also had difficulty communicating with the press.
Monty is more of a team player and, although he has not been as successful as Faldo, he is very highly respected by the top players on the European tour.
He also has a very intense character and I hope he does not get too carried away.
Montgomerie will be pitting his wits against the American Corey Pavin – another strong character.
Tuesday 13 October 2009
Interview with golfing great Seve
Seeing the pictures of Seve Ballesteros in the papers over the weekend was upsetting, but it was good to read that his willpower was unaltered.
The golfer – who won three opens, two Masters and 91 tournaments – has remained positive since being diagnosed with cancer a year ago.
The Spaniard is fighting for his life and wants to play in The Open next year at St Andrews, which is where he won the event in 1984. He says this was his greatest win.
It was also Seve’s determination that brought about Europe’s success in The Ryder Cup in the 1980s. I am sure his passion rubbed off on the other players.
Seve Ballesteros and His Fight for Life, an Inside Sport Special will be shown on Wednesday, October 14 at 10.45pm on BBC 1.
Meanwhile do Premium Bonds ever pay out?
Mine never seem to, but I haven’t given up hope - yet.
Luckily the interest rate now on Premium Bonds, which determines how much money you can win, has been increased from 1% to 1.5%.
Apparently many people with £1,000 of Premium Bonds won’t win anything over a year.
Tuesday 6 October 2009
Watching the Red Arrows
It was amazing to watch the Red Arrows at Southport again this year.
I have lost count of the amount of times I have seen their display over the years, but they are just as good every time.
There is always a sense of anticipation before they arrive and they never disappoint.
My 21st birthday, 10 years ago now, coincided with the Southport Airshow and I will always remember the Red Arrows flying past during my party.
My favourite manoeuvre of theirs, is when they almost fly towards each other and then turn away at the last moment.
Their display is on for about 20 minutes, but you are transfixed throughout.
All of the Red Arrows team are fast jet pilots from frontline Royal Air Force squadrons.
Meanwhile, there is nothing worse than having to wait for ages in a queue in a supermarket while nearby there are lots of empty check outs.
I am not saying it is the fault of the sales assistants, but the managers – who should be making better use of their staff.
Finally The X Factor is as addictive as ever, but do we have to be subject to the programme over two nights.
On Saturday we had to wait till after the first advert for any of the hopefuls to sing. And Sunday’s programme was solely dedicated to the judges’ decisions.
Tuesday 15 September 2009
Beatlemania
Whoever decided to re-release all the Beatles’ albums in a digitally re-mastered format came up with a brilliant idea because there are 11 of them in the top 40 this week.
None of the fab four’s records hit number one spot though. Vera Lynn’s best of collection took that honour.
The Beatles’ album to reach the highest spot (5) was Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, which may be their most famous, but I don’t think is their best. My favourite has to be Abbey Road, it was released in 1969 and was the final Beatles’ album recorded.
On Abbey Road the songs seem to run seamlessly one after the other. Some of my favourite tunes are: You Never Gave Me Your Money and Carry That Weight.
The cynic in me says why do you need to buy the albums again, however I have yet to hear the new recordings. It must be a big money spinner for the record label EMI.
It is amazing so many of the albums have hit the charts as you, as yet, can’t buy Beatles’ music on iTunes.
You can also now buy a new computer game called The Beatles Rock Band where you get the chance to be Paul, John, George and Ringo and score points against each other.
Monday 31 August 2009
Live Forever
SO Oasis have split, which is sad.
I can remember very vividly first hearing Live Forever by Oasis on the radio and being blown away by their sound.
This is the first Oasis’ single I can recall and I still think it is their best.
The band split after Noel left and he said on the internet, “the lack of support from my management and bandmates has left me with no other option than to get me cape and seek pastures new.”
In the 1990s Oasis and Blur were two of the biggest bands on the scene and their music dominated the charts.
I like them both, but I think Oasis are better as their sound is grittier and seemed to hit a chord with me.
When the bands released singles on the same day, I preferred Oasis’s Roll With It to Blur’s Country House.
In 2001 or 2002, I can’t remember now, I had the good fortune to see an Oasis’ gig in Newcastle. They were brilliant. As soon as they started to play you were transfixed and as they continued the quality of their output did not diminish.
Their first album – Definitely Maybe – is probably their finest. I also like their album of b sides – songs like Acquiesce and Half The World Away rank among their best.
Congratulations on Radio 2 for having a Beatles’ weekend. Even though the songs are 40 years old, they are still relevant today.
I can remember very vividly first hearing Live Forever by Oasis on the radio and being blown away by their sound.
This is the first Oasis’ single I can recall and I still think it is their best.
The band split after Noel left and he said on the internet, “the lack of support from my management and bandmates has left me with no other option than to get me cape and seek pastures new.”
In the 1990s Oasis and Blur were two of the biggest bands on the scene and their music dominated the charts.
I like them both, but I think Oasis are better as their sound is grittier and seemed to hit a chord with me.
When the bands released singles on the same day, I preferred Oasis’s Roll With It to Blur’s Country House.
In 2001 or 2002, I can’t remember now, I had the good fortune to see an Oasis’ gig in Newcastle. They were brilliant. As soon as they started to play you were transfixed and as they continued the quality of their output did not diminish.
Their first album – Definitely Maybe – is probably their finest. I also like their album of b sides – songs like Acquiesce and Half The World Away rank among their best.
Congratulations on Radio 2 for having a Beatles’ weekend. Even though the songs are 40 years old, they are still relevant today.
Tuesday 18 August 2009
Nothing like a good brew
A BREW can help people in times of stress, it’s official.
Psychologist Dr Malcolm Cross from City University has released findings of a study he has done which shows just one cup of tea can reduce anxiety after experiencing stress.
In the study people were put through a stressful situation and those who were not given a cup of tea had a 25 per cent rise in stress. While individuals who went through the same ordeal and were given tea had a four per cent decrease in stress.
Mr Cross believes the actual act of putting on the kettle can help alleviate stress.
He said: “Put simply, the findings illustrate what most mothers would tell us: if you’re stressed, anxious or just feeling blue, make yourself a nice calming brew.”
Meanwhile why is it that the winning lottery numbers often come in a close sequence, i.e. Saturday’s draw was 16, 31, 32, 46, 47, and 48.
I bet not many people would have had 46, 47, 48. Oh well, there is always next week’s draw.
Moving on, it is good to see tennis player Andy Murray has moved up to world number 2 in the world, replacing Rafael Nadal.
Nadal and Roger Federer have each been one or two for the last five years.
I now think Andy Murray has a good chance of winning this year’s US Open, the first Brit to do so since Fred Perry in the 1930s.
Psychologist Dr Malcolm Cross from City University has released findings of a study he has done which shows just one cup of tea can reduce anxiety after experiencing stress.
In the study people were put through a stressful situation and those who were not given a cup of tea had a 25 per cent rise in stress. While individuals who went through the same ordeal and were given tea had a four per cent decrease in stress.
Mr Cross believes the actual act of putting on the kettle can help alleviate stress.
He said: “Put simply, the findings illustrate what most mothers would tell us: if you’re stressed, anxious or just feeling blue, make yourself a nice calming brew.”
Meanwhile why is it that the winning lottery numbers often come in a close sequence, i.e. Saturday’s draw was 16, 31, 32, 46, 47, and 48.
I bet not many people would have had 46, 47, 48. Oh well, there is always next week’s draw.
Moving on, it is good to see tennis player Andy Murray has moved up to world number 2 in the world, replacing Rafael Nadal.
Nadal and Roger Federer have each been one or two for the last five years.
I now think Andy Murray has a good chance of winning this year’s US Open, the first Brit to do so since Fred Perry in the 1930s.
Tuesday 11 August 2009
Flying iPods
I think the decision about Freddie Flintoff’s selection should have been decided upon on Thursday, ie the day before the fourth test was to start at Headingly.
To leave it to the morning of the test was unwise as it must have left a feeling of unease over the England side.
The matter should have been sorted out sooner because a team very rarely relies on just one man.
This was a crucial test that if England had won, they would have taken back The Ashes.
There is nothing worse than seeing a field of happy Australian players, or an England batting collapse. When England start to collapse, there is an almost inevitability about it.
Meanwhile it was disturbing to read that an 11-year-old had claimed her iPod Touch had “popped, emitted a big puff of smoke and flown 10ft in the air.” Apple has refused to comment on the issue.
Also it is now being said Facebook is uncool.
The suggestion comes after Ofcom, which is a media regulator, recorded a 10% drop in 15 to 24-year-olds using the site while there was a 25% increase of 35 to 54-year-olds on them.
Facebook may be uncool, but I think it is here to stay.
Tuesday 4 August 2009
The Street goes from strength to strength
With all the fuss over the licence fee, one programme is proving it is worth the money.
The Street, which is written by Jimmy McGovern, returned a month ago to BBC1 for a third series and I have been gripped ever since.
This year the programme has already attracted the Hollywood names of Anna Friel and Bob Hoskins.
In the first episode, Hoskins played a landlord who stood up to the local hard nut. The story was similar to the film High Noon and saw Hoskins bar the son of the local gangster after he caught him having a cigarette in the pub’s toilets.
The local gangster viciously beats up the landlord, but Hoskins shows up his son when he serves him a drink with a decorative umbrella in it and saying he is treating him just like his father does.
The second episode saw Anna Friel play a mother of two who has to turn to prostitution to pay for her sons to go to a better school.
She starts a relationship with the man who comes to do some work in her house, little does she know his father is one of his clients.
This episode had more ups and down than a fiddler’s bow, but it did finish with a happy ending.
The following week’s stories told the tale of how a soldier coped after coming back from Afghanistan injured and on Monday (August 4) we followed the man who is mistakenly called a hero.
It such a shame this is the last ever series to be made.
Friday 24 July 2009
TV decisions
IT was a shame The Open golf clashed with The Ashes Test at Lords.
The Open is the greatest prize in golf and The Lord’s Ashes test is the most prestigious event in the world of cricket.
Those lucky enough to have Sky were able to switch between the golf and the cricket.
It was hard to concentrate on one event, when both were on at the same time.
Just like last year at The Open it was a golfer in his 50s who was making the headlines. Last year at Birkdale it had been Greg Norman, while this year it was Tom Watson.
Tom Watson went very close to winning the Claret Jug, but you almost knew when he made five at the 18th that he would lose the play-off.
Stewart Cink seemed to be in the dominant position throughout the play-off and there was an inevitability he would win in the end.
Turnberry proved to be an excellent venue for The Open and it provided some amazing back drops to some memorable action.
The Lord’s test was equally exciting.
England fought back well after the draw in Cardiff and notched up their first win against Australia at Lords since 1934.
On Sunday night I was unsure if they could pull it off, but there was no need to worry as Freddie Flintoff was on a mission taking five wickets in the second innings.
Tuesday 2 June 2009
You're hired
THE Apprentice is reaching its last couple of episodes and it has proved to be for me addictive viewing again.
On Wednesday night the contestants had to sell a number of items on a live shopping channel.
It seemed to be a difficult task, and one I think would be challenging to have a go at.
Surprisingly Debra, who had been one of the weaker contestants, took to it like a duck to water and the producers at the channel said they would be happy giving her a job.
Lorraine and Howard struggled, but it was surprising to see Howard fired, as he seemed to be fairly good at selling.
This Wednesday (June 3) the contestants will be interviewed by a panel of Sir Alan Sugar's business colleagues.
Moving on, I think Susan Boyle was better in the final than the overall winners Diversity. Susan's performance of I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables was powerful.
I thought that Diversity's audition was stronger than the dance they did in the final.
Anyway that's the end of Simon Cowell's shows for a few months.
Big Brother next! The 10th series of the show will start this week, yes it has been going that long.
Davina McCall will be hosting the show again this year.
We will be introduced to this year's contestants on Thursday.
On Wednesday night the contestants had to sell a number of items on a live shopping channel.
It seemed to be a difficult task, and one I think would be challenging to have a go at.
Surprisingly Debra, who had been one of the weaker contestants, took to it like a duck to water and the producers at the channel said they would be happy giving her a job.
Lorraine and Howard struggled, but it was surprising to see Howard fired, as he seemed to be fairly good at selling.
This Wednesday (June 3) the contestants will be interviewed by a panel of Sir Alan Sugar's business colleagues.
Moving on, I think Susan Boyle was better in the final than the overall winners Diversity. Susan's performance of I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables was powerful.
I thought that Diversity's audition was stronger than the dance they did in the final.
Anyway that's the end of Simon Cowell's shows for a few months.
Big Brother next! The 10th series of the show will start this week, yes it has been going that long.
Davina McCall will be hosting the show again this year.
We will be introduced to this year's contestants on Thursday.
Tuesday 26 May 2009
The Happy Gilmore
I WAS not fair on 10-year-old Natalie Okri that she was made to stand in front of the cameras as The Britain's Got Talent judges decided on her fate.
She had already been made to sing live in front of millions, a feat most adults would find difficult, let alone a child.
Natalie then had to wait while the public were given their chance to vote.
Susan Boyle went through first, while Diversity and Natalie had to go infront of the judges, who had the final say.
Amanda Holden went for the singer, but Piers and Simon chose Diversity.
The 10-year-old was obviously devastated and she broke down in tears. It was not right someone so young was built up and then knocked down, ie exploited, just for the purpose of television.
Meanwhile golfer Padraig Harrington has been trying out a new golf swing that involves the player running up to the ball before he or she hits it.
The new shot has also enabled the player to gain an extra 30 yards.
This new swing has been named The Happy Gilmore following the 1996 film featuring Adam Sandler.
Harrington is not planning in adopting the routine into tournament golf as he looses accuracy.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, the sport's ruling body, said it was something they would not want to encourage.
She had already been made to sing live in front of millions, a feat most adults would find difficult, let alone a child.
Natalie then had to wait while the public were given their chance to vote.
Susan Boyle went through first, while Diversity and Natalie had to go infront of the judges, who had the final say.
Amanda Holden went for the singer, but Piers and Simon chose Diversity.
The 10-year-old was obviously devastated and she broke down in tears. It was not right someone so young was built up and then knocked down, ie exploited, just for the purpose of television.
Meanwhile golfer Padraig Harrington has been trying out a new golf swing that involves the player running up to the ball before he or she hits it.
The new shot has also enabled the player to gain an extra 30 yards.
This new swing has been named The Happy Gilmore following the 1996 film featuring Adam Sandler.
Harrington is not planning in adopting the routine into tournament golf as he looses accuracy.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, the sport's ruling body, said it was something they would not want to encourage.
Tuesday 19 May 2009
Blackpool is worth a look
THIS year many people are deciding to spend their Summer holiday in this country in a bid to save money.
So it is good to see that Blackpool has come up with a good advert on YouTube to try and encourage more people to visit the town.
At first in the advert you think you are watching something about Paris as the trailer has a French actress and shots show iron towers, but by the end you realise the subject is Blackpool.
Ok, so Blackpool does have its negative aspects such as it is used by many people for drunken nights out. However it has many good attractions too.
I have many happy memories of visiting Blackpool with family and friends. Blackpool Pleasure Beach has some truly scary rides.
I can first remember going on the Pepsi Max Big One and being petrified as the carriage was pulled hundreds of feet into the sky and then dropped almost vertically. It didn't help that the week before we went on the ride it had broken down at the very top.
Another good rollercoaster is the Grand National, where you race an opposing carriage.
I have other happy memories of visits to the Sandcastle, which had a wave machine and water slides.
One musn't forget too the Blackpool illuminations, taking a car ride as a child down Blackpool promenade to see the illuminations is like entering another world.
Maybe Blackpool doesn't have the weather of a Mediterranean resort, but it does have plenty to provide hours of fun and entertainment.
So it is good to see that Blackpool has come up with a good advert on YouTube to try and encourage more people to visit the town.
At first in the advert you think you are watching something about Paris as the trailer has a French actress and shots show iron towers, but by the end you realise the subject is Blackpool.
Ok, so Blackpool does have its negative aspects such as it is used by many people for drunken nights out. However it has many good attractions too.
I have many happy memories of visiting Blackpool with family and friends. Blackpool Pleasure Beach has some truly scary rides.
I can first remember going on the Pepsi Max Big One and being petrified as the carriage was pulled hundreds of feet into the sky and then dropped almost vertically. It didn't help that the week before we went on the ride it had broken down at the very top.
Another good rollercoaster is the Grand National, where you race an opposing carriage.
I have other happy memories of visits to the Sandcastle, which had a wave machine and water slides.
One musn't forget too the Blackpool illuminations, taking a car ride as a child down Blackpool promenade to see the illuminations is like entering another world.
Maybe Blackpool doesn't have the weather of a Mediterranean resort, but it does have plenty to provide hours of fun and entertainment.
Tuesday 12 May 2009
Slow down
AN interesting group has started called the Slow Movement.
They recently held The Slow Down London festival with activities such as walking as slowly as possible across Waterloo Bridge. They contrasted with the businessmen running to their trains.
The idea behind the movement is to encourage people to stand away from the fast pace of modern life and take stock of what they are doing.
The “slow” in the movement does not mean we have to move at a snail's pace, but the ethos is that we enjoy what we do and don't try and cram too much into the day and by doing this miss the best bits.
Other activities during the festival included: wine tastings, orchestral performances, and yoga workshops.
Organisers were trying to emphasise the point that you don't have to live in the countryside to “live slow.”
Meanwhile, I wasn't the lucky person who bought the winning Euro Millions ticket.
That honour went to someone in Spain, who by having the numbers 4, 23, 24, 29, 31, and lucky stars 8 and 9, picked up £110m.
If that ticket was bought by one single person, then they would become the world's biggest lottery jackpot winner.
The last highest lottery win was in Italy in October 2008 when someone scooped £81m playing Superenalotto.
Just by keeping the £110m in the bank you would receive an estimated £1,959 in interest a day.
Tuesday 28 April 2009
So near, yet so far
I must have had two numbers in the National Lottery Saturday draw now for at least the last three weeks.
It is like getting so far in a sporting competition and then just missing out.
Just as you get nothing for coming second in sport, you pick up nothing for two numbers in the National Lottery.
I have always thought £10 for three numbers is too little, though it must be about time that they looked again at the prize fund.
£50 for three numbers would be more like it, with maybe £5 for two numbers and less for the jackpot.
Meanwhile, I have a lot of respect for those people that take part in the London Marathon.
It is a gruelling 26.2 mile street race around the streets of London.
Amazingly the race started only in 1981, and since then 711,260 people have taken part.
In the early days about 7,000 people took part, but now as many as 46,500 compete in the race.
Moving on I want to see the new film State of Play.
It has a good cast in Helen Mirren, Ben Affleck and Russell Crowe and from what I have read about the plot, it sounds like a good story.
It is like getting so far in a sporting competition and then just missing out.
Just as you get nothing for coming second in sport, you pick up nothing for two numbers in the National Lottery.
I have always thought £10 for three numbers is too little, though it must be about time that they looked again at the prize fund.
£50 for three numbers would be more like it, with maybe £5 for two numbers and less for the jackpot.
Meanwhile, I have a lot of respect for those people that take part in the London Marathon.
It is a gruelling 26.2 mile street race around the streets of London.
Amazingly the race started only in 1981, and since then 711,260 people have taken part.
In the early days about 7,000 people took part, but now as many as 46,500 compete in the race.
Moving on I want to see the new film State of Play.
It has a good cast in Helen Mirren, Ben Affleck and Russell Crowe and from what I have read about the plot, it sounds like a good story.
Tuesday 21 April 2009
New films wanted
Film bosses are turning to old favourites for ideas to reduce risks in the recession.
This year films such as: The Karate Kid, Robocop, Highlander and The Never Ending Story, are to be remade.
I think original films are often the best though, and remakes inferior.
For example the remade The Italian Job hardly compared with the 1960s classic of the same name, which starred Sir Michael Caine.
What about the remake of Psycho? You don't see that in lists of classic films do you?
Critics have said film studio bosses are running out of ideas, however they have defended the decision pointing out good movies are good stories and can be told over and over again.
One film I would like to see though is the planned new film version of Graham Greene's Brighton Rock.
Meanwhile, I didn't think Kenny Perry was going to win The Masters, he came very close though.
For me the most exciting part of the event was the charges made by Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. You could almost feel the electricity coming of that group.
Angel Cabrera was a worthy winner though.
This year films such as: The Karate Kid, Robocop, Highlander and The Never Ending Story, are to be remade.
I think original films are often the best though, and remakes inferior.
For example the remade The Italian Job hardly compared with the 1960s classic of the same name, which starred Sir Michael Caine.
What about the remake of Psycho? You don't see that in lists of classic films do you?
Critics have said film studio bosses are running out of ideas, however they have defended the decision pointing out good movies are good stories and can be told over and over again.
One film I would like to see though is the planned new film version of Graham Greene's Brighton Rock.
Meanwhile, I didn't think Kenny Perry was going to win The Masters, he came very close though.
For me the most exciting part of the event was the charges made by Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. You could almost feel the electricity coming of that group.
Angel Cabrera was a worthy winner though.
Tuesday 31 March 2009
Hot tea risk
It was worrying to read the reports last week that drinking boiling hot tea increases the risk of oesophageal cancer by the likelihood of eight times.
Experts are asking people to make sure they have allowed their cup of tea to stand for four minutes before drinking it.
Oesophageal cancer is a disease which is found in the tube connecting the throat to the stomach, and it kills over 500,000 people worldwide each year.
The most prevalent type is called Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC), and it mostly occurs in people who smoke and drink alcohol, but drinking hot drinks may also be a cause.
The British Medical Journal reported the study, which was undertaken in Northern Iran.
Meanwhile, what an amazing win for Jenson Button in the Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne.
Button has been in F1 for years and never seemed to have reached his full potential.
Everyone seemed to forget about him when Lewis Hamilton came along.
You also have to applaud the work of Ross Brawn at the team. Brawn was the mastermind behind Schumacher's seven world titles at two separate teams.
It will be interesting to see though if the authorities allow Button's car to keep the same aerodynamics.
Experts are asking people to make sure they have allowed their cup of tea to stand for four minutes before drinking it.
Oesophageal cancer is a disease which is found in the tube connecting the throat to the stomach, and it kills over 500,000 people worldwide each year.
The most prevalent type is called Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC), and it mostly occurs in people who smoke and drink alcohol, but drinking hot drinks may also be a cause.
The British Medical Journal reported the study, which was undertaken in Northern Iran.
Meanwhile, what an amazing win for Jenson Button in the Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne.
Button has been in F1 for years and never seemed to have reached his full potential.
Everyone seemed to forget about him when Lewis Hamilton came along.
You also have to applaud the work of Ross Brawn at the team. Brawn was the mastermind behind Schumacher's seven world titles at two separate teams.
It will be interesting to see though if the authorities allow Button's car to keep the same aerodynamics.
Tuesday 24 March 2009
Clcoks go forward
Don't forget to put your clocks forward next weekend for the start of British Summer Time.
Although we will lose an hour's sleep in bed, it won't get darker till later and the extra hours of daylight will mean we will able to enjoy more outside activities.
The run up to Midsummer day is my favourite time of the year, because after that date you feel the nights are drawing in and when you get to the end of August you begin to think that Autumn is on its way.
There is nothing better than leaving work while it is still light and walking to the car in the daylight.
Another added bonus is the lighter mornings.
Meanwhile, it seems the credit crunch has even had an impact on this year's Apprentice, which starts on Wednesday.
In the fifth series the international task – where contestants go to foreign countries such as Marrakech and France – has been axed.
Also the task where a team has to sell a foreign item in this country has been changed to a number of “Buy British” tasks.
This year the show will start with eight female and seven males candidates, one male has already dropped out.
The programme will be on our screens for the next 12 weeks.
Without seeing the people on the screen it is hard to see which of them will stand out, but reading what they have said in the paper I think Kate Walsh and Ben Clarke may have the biggest attitudes.
Tuesday 17 March 2009
The Apprentice is back
The Apprentice Series 5 is to start on Wednesday, March 25.
Those who couldn't wait were able to catch Comic Relief Does The Apprentice last week.
I found the celebrities on the show irritating. Why is it every time we turn on the TV we are greeted with Jonathan Ross? The show, I think, did not have the same appeal as the real series, and lacked the tension.
It does not seem like a year ago that Lee McQueen was the surprise winner of series four, with the runner-up being Claire Young. Helene Speight and Alex Wotherspoon were in the final.
I missed the first series, but have been hooked since series two. As the weeks go by you get to know the contestants on the show and see the scheming unfold as the people try to assert their authority and ideas.
Some people are brilliant at certain tasks, but then are useless when asked to do something else.
The winners normally are tough and are steely.
My favourite part of the show is the tasks that the teams take part in. It is always difficult trying to guess who is going to win.
It was amusing one year when one of the teams tried, very unsuccessfully, to sell cheap English cheese to the French.
So, who will be Sir Alan Sugar's Apprentice of 2009?
Those who couldn't wait were able to catch Comic Relief Does The Apprentice last week.
I found the celebrities on the show irritating. Why is it every time we turn on the TV we are greeted with Jonathan Ross? The show, I think, did not have the same appeal as the real series, and lacked the tension.
It does not seem like a year ago that Lee McQueen was the surprise winner of series four, with the runner-up being Claire Young. Helene Speight and Alex Wotherspoon were in the final.
I missed the first series, but have been hooked since series two. As the weeks go by you get to know the contestants on the show and see the scheming unfold as the people try to assert their authority and ideas.
Some people are brilliant at certain tasks, but then are useless when asked to do something else.
The winners normally are tough and are steely.
My favourite part of the show is the tasks that the teams take part in. It is always difficult trying to guess who is going to win.
It was amusing one year when one of the teams tried, very unsuccessfully, to sell cheap English cheese to the French.
So, who will be Sir Alan Sugar's Apprentice of 2009?
Tuesday 10 March 2009
The Masters
The Masters - the first major of the golfing year - will take place next month.
It will be held between Thursday, April 9 and Sunday, April 12.
The tournament is not the oldest Major, although it is arguably the most famous.
Trevor Immelman will be defending his title after winning the tournament last year.
But I think all the limelight will be on Tiger Woods and his return to professional golf.
He played his first competition since winning the US Open at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in late February and lost in the early rounds. However it is the majors he concentrates most on and he will be trying to add to his tally of 14 in April.
This will be the 15th time he has played at Augusta and he has won the tournament now four times.
Greg Norman is also going to play in the Masters and he will be hoping to regain the form he showed at last year's Open Championship at Birkdale, where he finished in the top five.
The Masters will be a chance to see Rory McIlroy, who is an exciting prospect. He will be playing his first Masters and has already won this year at the Dubai Desert Classic.
Augusta is one of the most beautiful courses in the world and its holes have provided some exciting golf over the years.
Who will be wearing the green jacket on Sunday, April 12?
It will be held between Thursday, April 9 and Sunday, April 12.
The tournament is not the oldest Major, although it is arguably the most famous.
Trevor Immelman will be defending his title after winning the tournament last year.
But I think all the limelight will be on Tiger Woods and his return to professional golf.
He played his first competition since winning the US Open at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in late February and lost in the early rounds. However it is the majors he concentrates most on and he will be trying to add to his tally of 14 in April.
This will be the 15th time he has played at Augusta and he has won the tournament now four times.
Greg Norman is also going to play in the Masters and he will be hoping to regain the form he showed at last year's Open Championship at Birkdale, where he finished in the top five.
The Masters will be a chance to see Rory McIlroy, who is an exciting prospect. He will be playing his first Masters and has already won this year at the Dubai Desert Classic.
Augusta is one of the most beautiful courses in the world and its holes have provided some exciting golf over the years.
Who will be wearing the green jacket on Sunday, April 12?
Tuesday 3 March 2009
Thatcher
Love her or hate her, it is 30 years since Margaret Thatcher began her 10 year reign as Prime Minister.
The BBC have been showing a number of programmes to mark their date.
One of these was Margaret, which was a one off drama portraying Thatcher's final days in power. The two-hour drama could be seen last Thursday night (February 26).
Geoffrey Howe started the coup when he sensationally resigned in the House of Commons and then the film slowly but surely showed how the power slipped from Thatcher's grasp.
There were some big names in this cast and they included Robert Hardy, Ian McDiarmid and James Fox.
Lindsay Duncan was also excellent as Margaret Thatcher.
Some interesting points to come out of the drama - though how true they were I don't know – were the fact Margaret Thatcher did not have a sense of humour.
The other was how big a role John Major played in Thatcher's downfall. He only put his name forward for the leader's position after Thatcher stood down.
The other drama was Margaret Thacher – The Long Walk to Finchley.
This shows Thatcher's battle to become an MP in the 1950s. Thatcher experienced a number of setbacks before she finally won the seat of Finchley.
The BBC have been showing a number of programmes to mark their date.
One of these was Margaret, which was a one off drama portraying Thatcher's final days in power. The two-hour drama could be seen last Thursday night (February 26).
Geoffrey Howe started the coup when he sensationally resigned in the House of Commons and then the film slowly but surely showed how the power slipped from Thatcher's grasp.
There were some big names in this cast and they included Robert Hardy, Ian McDiarmid and James Fox.
Lindsay Duncan was also excellent as Margaret Thatcher.
Some interesting points to come out of the drama - though how true they were I don't know – were the fact Margaret Thatcher did not have a sense of humour.
The other was how big a role John Major played in Thatcher's downfall. He only put his name forward for the leader's position after Thatcher stood down.
The other drama was Margaret Thacher – The Long Walk to Finchley.
This shows Thatcher's battle to become an MP in the 1950s. Thatcher experienced a number of setbacks before she finally won the seat of Finchley.
Tuesday 24 February 2009
Woods is back
There were some good performances at this year's Brits '09.
You can always rely on Girls Aloud and U2 to put on a good show.
It was Duffy's night as she won Best British Female, Best British Album and Best British Breakthrough Act, though I think there should have been an award for Coldplay and Take That. Both groups were up for awards in five categories, but walked away with nothing.
The one weak category was Best British Male and it must have been difficult to pick a winner there.
It was interesting to see Pet Shop Boys play their old hits too.
Kylie proved to be a glamorous host, but I thought that Gavin and Stacey stars James Corden and Matt Horne's jokes did not always hit the mark.
Meanwhile I am glad to hear Tiger Woods is to begin playing competitive golf again.
He is to play his first event this week at the WGC Accenture Match Play Championships. It will be his first event since winning The US Open last year.
The world of golf has not been the same without Woods.
There is nothing more exciting in golf than seeing Woods make a charge up the leaderboard.
You can always rely on Girls Aloud and U2 to put on a good show.
It was Duffy's night as she won Best British Female, Best British Album and Best British Breakthrough Act, though I think there should have been an award for Coldplay and Take That. Both groups were up for awards in five categories, but walked away with nothing.
The one weak category was Best British Male and it must have been difficult to pick a winner there.
It was interesting to see Pet Shop Boys play their old hits too.
Kylie proved to be a glamorous host, but I thought that Gavin and Stacey stars James Corden and Matt Horne's jokes did not always hit the mark.
Meanwhile I am glad to hear Tiger Woods is to begin playing competitive golf again.
He is to play his first event this week at the WGC Accenture Match Play Championships. It will be his first event since winning The US Open last year.
The world of golf has not been the same without Woods.
There is nothing more exciting in golf than seeing Woods make a charge up the leaderboard.
Tuesday 3 February 2009
Blobby returns
So Mr Blobby may be retuning to our screens in Noel Edmonds' House Party.
Apparently Noel Edmonds has been asked to come back for a special show and if it is successful to make a series.
Mr Blobby had a Christmas number one single in the 1990's, which would only happen in Britain.
I enjoyed Noel Edmonds' House Party at first, and remember watching the Gotchas, Grab a Grand and The Gunge Tank. But I think the shows became very repetitive and they were eventually scrapped.
Noel Edmonds has longevity though, and is currently riding high with shows such as, Deal or No Deal and Noel's HQ on Sky TV.
I caught the end of the Australian Open final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, won by Nadal 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 3-6, 6-2.
Nadal was obviously ecstatic to have won and was gracious in his success, and Federer was distraught in comparison. He was left physically and mentally broken by the defeat.
I think the Federer-Nadal battle can now be compared with that of McEnroe and Borg.
Andy Murray may have been favourite for this year's Australian Open, but he is still a long way off beating these two in a grand slam final.
Apparently Noel Edmonds has been asked to come back for a special show and if it is successful to make a series.
Mr Blobby had a Christmas number one single in the 1990's, which would only happen in Britain.
I enjoyed Noel Edmonds' House Party at first, and remember watching the Gotchas, Grab a Grand and The Gunge Tank. But I think the shows became very repetitive and they were eventually scrapped.
Noel Edmonds has longevity though, and is currently riding high with shows such as, Deal or No Deal and Noel's HQ on Sky TV.
I caught the end of the Australian Open final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, won by Nadal 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 3-6, 6-2.
Nadal was obviously ecstatic to have won and was gracious in his success, and Federer was distraught in comparison. He was left physically and mentally broken by the defeat.
I think the Federer-Nadal battle can now be compared with that of McEnroe and Borg.
Andy Murray may have been favourite for this year's Australian Open, but he is still a long way off beating these two in a grand slam final.
Tuesday 27 January 2009
Oscar season
Kate Winslet must be favourite to win an Oscar at this year's awards ceremony.
She has been nominated on five separate occasions, but has yet to pick up a statue.
This year she is up for an award for her role in The Reader, a film where she plays a former Nazi death camp guard who has a fling with a school boy from Germany.
In that category she is up against Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married), Angelina Jolie (Changeling), Melissa Leo (Frozen River) and Meryl Streep for (Doubt).
This year's Oscar ceremony, which will take place on February 22, is a good one for Britain. A total of 20 directors, technicians, producers and actors from this country have nominations.
One of the biggest UK hopes on Oscar night will be for Slumdog Millionaire, directed by Britain's Danny Boyle. The film is up for 10 awards.
The film, which has received rave reviews, is about an India orphan who goes on the country's version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
The highest nominated film though is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which has 13 nominations. Though let's not hope it's unlucky for some.
Also up for an award in the supporting actor category is the late Heath Ledger for his crazy portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight.
Now is one of the best times to go to the cinema, with many of theses films just being released, coincidentally, to coincide with Oscar season.
She has been nominated on five separate occasions, but has yet to pick up a statue.
This year she is up for an award for her role in The Reader, a film where she plays a former Nazi death camp guard who has a fling with a school boy from Germany.
In that category she is up against Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married), Angelina Jolie (Changeling), Melissa Leo (Frozen River) and Meryl Streep for (Doubt).
This year's Oscar ceremony, which will take place on February 22, is a good one for Britain. A total of 20 directors, technicians, producers and actors from this country have nominations.
One of the biggest UK hopes on Oscar night will be for Slumdog Millionaire, directed by Britain's Danny Boyle. The film is up for 10 awards.
The film, which has received rave reviews, is about an India orphan who goes on the country's version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
The highest nominated film though is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which has 13 nominations. Though let's not hope it's unlucky for some.
Also up for an award in the supporting actor category is the late Heath Ledger for his crazy portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight.
Now is one of the best times to go to the cinema, with many of theses films just being released, coincidentally, to coincide with Oscar season.
Tuesday 20 January 2009
Barack Obama's inauguration
BARACK Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States today (Tuesday.)
It promises to be one of those events that years from now you will be able to remember what you were doing when it happened.
Billions of people across the globe are likely to be watching Obama's inauguration on television.
It is not known what soundbite the incoming President will come up with. Abraham Lincoln said on the same day he wanted to “bind up the nation's wounds;” Franklin D Roosevelt commented: “Americans had nothing to fear but fear itself;” while John F Kennedy remarked: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
But no matter what Obama, who will become the first black President of the United States, says, he will carry the hopes of millions of people all over the world.
He has now become the most famous person on the planet and has some of the hardest decisions to make of any President during peacetime.
It is said that millions of dollars have been collected for the inauguration party. Soul queen Aretha Franklin will give a performance and Leona Lewis and Oprah Winfrey should be involved too.
Meanwhile, Andy Murray has one of his best chances of winning a grand slam at the Australian Open. He is bookies' favourite and will be hoping to go one better than last year's US Open where he lost in the final to Roger Federer.
It promises to be one of those events that years from now you will be able to remember what you were doing when it happened.
Billions of people across the globe are likely to be watching Obama's inauguration on television.
It is not known what soundbite the incoming President will come up with. Abraham Lincoln said on the same day he wanted to “bind up the nation's wounds;” Franklin D Roosevelt commented: “Americans had nothing to fear but fear itself;” while John F Kennedy remarked: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
But no matter what Obama, who will become the first black President of the United States, says, he will carry the hopes of millions of people all over the world.
He has now become the most famous person on the planet and has some of the hardest decisions to make of any President during peacetime.
It is said that millions of dollars have been collected for the inauguration party. Soul queen Aretha Franklin will give a performance and Leona Lewis and Oprah Winfrey should be involved too.
Meanwhile, Andy Murray has one of his best chances of winning a grand slam at the Australian Open. He is bookies' favourite and will be hoping to go one better than last year's US Open where he lost in the final to Roger Federer.
Tuesday 13 January 2009
Library ticket found
I lost my library card last Tuesday.
At first I thought I had dropped it at home, but on returning to the house it was nowhere to be found.
I looked everywhere in a 15 minute search, however it had vanished.
On realising the card had been lost I was not too disheartened as I knew it would be easy to get another one. It was not as if it was a credit card. Although I was annoyed that a card I had had since 1995 would not be found again.
However I went to the library on Wednesday and was pleased to be told by the librarian that the card had been handed in. So, whoever found it and brought it to the library, thank you.
It is a shame that a cricket team that showed so much unity to win The Ashes in 2005, is now in such disarray.
Kevin Pietersen had shown a lot of promise to marshal his side in their win in the last test at The Oval against South Africa and also brought back a rejuvenated Steve Harmison.
The situation turned though when England lost five one-day games against India.
In the end Pietersen thought he had the support of the players in asking for their coach Peter Moores to resign, when in fact they were indifferent to his calls.
Andrew Strauss, who is now England captain, has a difficult task in building bridges to unify the team, while dealing with the egos.
Let's hope that England can win back The Ashes this year. It's a shame there is no Ashes test at Old Trafford though.
At first I thought I had dropped it at home, but on returning to the house it was nowhere to be found.
I looked everywhere in a 15 minute search, however it had vanished.
On realising the card had been lost I was not too disheartened as I knew it would be easy to get another one. It was not as if it was a credit card. Although I was annoyed that a card I had had since 1995 would not be found again.
However I went to the library on Wednesday and was pleased to be told by the librarian that the card had been handed in. So, whoever found it and brought it to the library, thank you.
It is a shame that a cricket team that showed so much unity to win The Ashes in 2005, is now in such disarray.
Kevin Pietersen had shown a lot of promise to marshal his side in their win in the last test at The Oval against South Africa and also brought back a rejuvenated Steve Harmison.
The situation turned though when England lost five one-day games against India.
In the end Pietersen thought he had the support of the players in asking for their coach Peter Moores to resign, when in fact they were indifferent to his calls.
Andrew Strauss, who is now England captain, has a difficult task in building bridges to unify the team, while dealing with the egos.
Let's hope that England can win back The Ashes this year. It's a shame there is no Ashes test at Old Trafford though.
Tuesday 6 January 2009
Price of a pint
One place worthy of a visit now is JD Wetherspoon, because they have dropped prices of a pint of Greene King IPA and a bottle of San Miguel to 99p.
This is a big saving for anyone who loves a pint, as the average pint of beer is about £2.75.
And if you visit a trendy bar you can pay up to £3.50 for a lager.
It is thought that other high street operators will react to this and cut their drinks in a similar way.
Experts say the move shows that the industry is having to react to the current climate and add it goes against government attempts to cut binge drinking by trying to prevent price-led promotions.
The company has rejected the suggestion that its price cuts would lead to irresponsible drinking.
Meanwhile a cut of another kind is proving not as popular. Chocoholics are complaining that Cadbury have removed Dreams and Crunchies from their boxes of Heroes. These chocolates have been replaced by Bournvilles and toffee Eclairs.
The company say they brought about the change to please dark chocolate fans, but critics say the range should include Cadbury's favourites, and want to see Dreams and Crunchies brought back.
Last year the company also cut Time Outs and Picnics from its boxes of Heroes.
I think the Time Outs and Picnics should be brought back and I bet that the Bournvilles and Eclairs are now the last chocolates left in many people's Heroes boxes.
This is a big saving for anyone who loves a pint, as the average pint of beer is about £2.75.
And if you visit a trendy bar you can pay up to £3.50 for a lager.
It is thought that other high street operators will react to this and cut their drinks in a similar way.
Experts say the move shows that the industry is having to react to the current climate and add it goes against government attempts to cut binge drinking by trying to prevent price-led promotions.
The company has rejected the suggestion that its price cuts would lead to irresponsible drinking.
Meanwhile a cut of another kind is proving not as popular. Chocoholics are complaining that Cadbury have removed Dreams and Crunchies from their boxes of Heroes. These chocolates have been replaced by Bournvilles and toffee Eclairs.
The company say they brought about the change to please dark chocolate fans, but critics say the range should include Cadbury's favourites, and want to see Dreams and Crunchies brought back.
Last year the company also cut Time Outs and Picnics from its boxes of Heroes.
I think the Time Outs and Picnics should be brought back and I bet that the Bournvilles and Eclairs are now the last chocolates left in many people's Heroes boxes.
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