ANOTHER lucky person from the UK has won a massive EuroMillions prize.
The winner of £22.1m from Friday night’s draw has yet to claim their prize, Camelot has said.
On Friday the winning numbers were 5, 6, 11, 30, 44 and the lucky star numbers were 2 and 6.
This is the fourth winner of the jackpot in the last few weeks.
A Camelot spokesman said: “It’s amazing to have another big winner in the UK – we’ve been extremely lucky in recent years.
“As well as the chance to win a life-changing prize, EuroMillions players have raise over £27 billion for National Lottery Good Causes, benefitting communities across the UK.”
In February Casey Carrington and Matt Topham won over £45m.
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Sunday, 19 February 2012
The Open returns to Royal Lytham this July
THE Open Golf Championship is to return to Royal Lytham and St Anne’s this July.
This is the first time the event has been held at the North West course since 2001, when David Duval took the title.
That was the same year Ian Woosnam was leading the competition, but had to take a two-shot penalty at the first tee on the Sunday because he had too many clubs in his bag.
In 2001 Duval finished with a 67 with birdies at the 6th, 7th and 11th. His total was 274, which was three better than Niclas Fasth who came second.
The Open has been played 10 times at Royal Lytham and St Anne’s.
American amateur Bobby Jones was the winner of the first Open to be staged at the course in 1926. He finished with rounds of 72, 72, 73 and 74 with a combined score of 291.
The first European winner of The Open was England’s Tony Jacklin in 1969.
Seve Ballesteros, the only other European to win the event at Lytham, won his first Open in 1979 and his third and last Open at the course in 1988. He also took the title in 1984 at St Andrews.
The first American to win at Lytham after Bobby Jones was Tom Lehman in 1996. He played in the last round with Nick Faldo, who the majority of home fans were cheering for.
Lehman won by two that year from Ernie Els who came joint second with Mark McCumber.
Nick Faldo finished fourth.
This is the first time the event has been held at the North West course since 2001, when David Duval took the title.
That was the same year Ian Woosnam was leading the competition, but had to take a two-shot penalty at the first tee on the Sunday because he had too many clubs in his bag.
In 2001 Duval finished with a 67 with birdies at the 6th, 7th and 11th. His total was 274, which was three better than Niclas Fasth who came second.
The Open has been played 10 times at Royal Lytham and St Anne’s.
American amateur Bobby Jones was the winner of the first Open to be staged at the course in 1926. He finished with rounds of 72, 72, 73 and 74 with a combined score of 291.
The first European winner of The Open was England’s Tony Jacklin in 1969.
Seve Ballesteros, the only other European to win the event at Lytham, won his first Open in 1979 and his third and last Open at the course in 1988. He also took the title in 1984 at St Andrews.
The first American to win at Lytham after Bobby Jones was Tom Lehman in 1996. He played in the last round with Nick Faldo, who the majority of home fans were cheering for.
Lehman won by two that year from Ernie Els who came joint second with Mark McCumber.
Nick Faldo finished fourth.
Sunday, 12 February 2012
The Artist up for 12 awards at the BAFTAS
FILM lovers will be following the BAFTA film awards which take place tonight (Sunday) at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden and are hosted by Stephen Fry.
This ceremony is an early indication of which way the awards may go at the Oscars, taking place at the end of the month.
The film, which has received the most nominations is The Artist (a silent film), which has 12.
The next film is Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy with 11, including one for Gary Oldman as lead actor.
At the event, the most prestigious award is for Best Film and the films competing in that category are The Help, The Artist, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Drive and The Descendants.
One of the favourites for Leading Actress is Meryl Streep for her portrayal of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady. She will be up against Berenice Bejo (The Artist), Viola Davis (The Help) and Michelle Williams (My Week With Marilyn).
The most likely to take Leading Actor is George Clooney for his character in The Descendants. He will be competing against Brad Pitt (Moneyball), Gary Oldman, Michael Fassbender (Shame) and The Artist’s Jean Dujardin.
Other films to receive multiple nominations include Martin Scorsese’s first film for children, Hugo, which received nine nominations.
Steven Spielberg’s latest blockbuster about the First World War, War Horse, was given five nominations.
The awards are shown on TV from 9pm.
This ceremony is an early indication of which way the awards may go at the Oscars, taking place at the end of the month.
The film, which has received the most nominations is The Artist (a silent film), which has 12.
The next film is Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy with 11, including one for Gary Oldman as lead actor.
At the event, the most prestigious award is for Best Film and the films competing in that category are The Help, The Artist, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Drive and The Descendants.
One of the favourites for Leading Actress is Meryl Streep for her portrayal of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady. She will be up against Berenice Bejo (The Artist), Viola Davis (The Help) and Michelle Williams (My Week With Marilyn).
The most likely to take Leading Actor is George Clooney for his character in The Descendants. He will be competing against Brad Pitt (Moneyball), Gary Oldman, Michael Fassbender (Shame) and The Artist’s Jean Dujardin.
Other films to receive multiple nominations include Martin Scorsese’s first film for children, Hugo, which received nine nominations.
Steven Spielberg’s latest blockbuster about the First World War, War Horse, was given five nominations.
The awards are shown on TV from 9pm.
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Amazon pilots City centre lockers
AMAZON is piloting a new service that will enable people to pick up parcels from City centre lockers.
The internet firm is introducing collection points to take delivery of books, CDs and even food.
Items are brought to collection points on the same day they are ordered.
The company has already started trials in America and in London.
Shoppers order goods and the items are then delivered to 7ft high lockers, which have been placed outside office blocks. They have a touchscreen on the front and over the top is the name of the company.
Greg Buzek, president of the IHL Group, a research firm for retail technologies said: “No other online retailer has lockers, and traditional retailers should be scared too.”
Shoppers using Amazon could be given the opportunity to ask for their purchase to be sent to a locker instead of it being delivered to their home address. When the item is delivered they will receive an email and a code to access the locker.
The scheme has already been run close to London’s St Paul’s Cathedral at a shopping complex called One New Change.
The idea would reduce Amazon’s shipping expenses, which this year are about $1billion (£625m). It is predicted that they have doubled over the last 12 months.
In the future the lockers could be refrigerated so fresh food could be ordered and stored in them.
The internet firm is introducing collection points to take delivery of books, CDs and even food.
Items are brought to collection points on the same day they are ordered.
The company has already started trials in America and in London.
Shoppers order goods and the items are then delivered to 7ft high lockers, which have been placed outside office blocks. They have a touchscreen on the front and over the top is the name of the company.
Greg Buzek, president of the IHL Group, a research firm for retail technologies said: “No other online retailer has lockers, and traditional retailers should be scared too.”
Shoppers using Amazon could be given the opportunity to ask for their purchase to be sent to a locker instead of it being delivered to their home address. When the item is delivered they will receive an email and a code to access the locker.
The scheme has already been run close to London’s St Paul’s Cathedral at a shopping complex called One New Change.
The idea would reduce Amazon’s shipping expenses, which this year are about $1billion (£625m). It is predicted that they have doubled over the last 12 months.
In the future the lockers could be refrigerated so fresh food could be ordered and stored in them.
Sunday, 23 October 2011
£16.5 billion profits for Apple
IT was surprising that analysts were disappointed with Apple’s annual profits of £16.5 billion, which were up 85 per cent.
In the three months to September the company sold 17.7 million iPhones. However experts had predicted it would sell 20 million.
The firm also sold 11.1 million iPads during the same time – this was an increase of 166 per cent on the year before.
Apple closed many of its stores for an hour last week to mark its founder Steve Jobs, who has recently died.
Meanwhile non-United fans will remember for a long time the expression on Sir Alex Ferguson’s face as his team conceded goal after goal at Old Trafford to Man City. He looked furious.
In the end it was 6-1 to Man City, who completely outplayed United with some fantastic goals.
This was United’s worst result at home to Manchester City since 1926.
After the game Sir Alex Ferguson said: “I can’t believe it. It’s our worst-ever day.”
You know it is the autumn and that Christmas is round the corner because a lot of CDs and books are released.
For example Coldplay are issuing their new album tomorrow, just in time to be considered as a Christmas present.
A host of celebrity autobiographies are now in the shops too.
It is a good time of the year to have a birthday as there are plenty of new books and CDs to choose from.
Finally has X Factor’s bubble burst? Viewers are switching off in droves and it is not surprising. It was unbelievable that the first studio show this year was on for about two and a half hours with less than an hour’s singing in it.
In the three months to September the company sold 17.7 million iPhones. However experts had predicted it would sell 20 million.
The firm also sold 11.1 million iPads during the same time – this was an increase of 166 per cent on the year before.
Apple closed many of its stores for an hour last week to mark its founder Steve Jobs, who has recently died.
Meanwhile non-United fans will remember for a long time the expression on Sir Alex Ferguson’s face as his team conceded goal after goal at Old Trafford to Man City. He looked furious.
In the end it was 6-1 to Man City, who completely outplayed United with some fantastic goals.
This was United’s worst result at home to Manchester City since 1926.
After the game Sir Alex Ferguson said: “I can’t believe it. It’s our worst-ever day.”
You know it is the autumn and that Christmas is round the corner because a lot of CDs and books are released.
For example Coldplay are issuing their new album tomorrow, just in time to be considered as a Christmas present.
A host of celebrity autobiographies are now in the shops too.
It is a good time of the year to have a birthday as there are plenty of new books and CDs to choose from.
Finally has X Factor’s bubble burst? Viewers are switching off in droves and it is not surprising. It was unbelievable that the first studio show this year was on for about two and a half hours with less than an hour’s singing in it.
Sunday, 16 October 2011
The Open returns to St Andrews
IT has been announced that The Open is to be played at St Andrews in 2015 from July 16-19.
This will be the 29th time the old course has hosted golf’s oldest Major and it will be the 144th Championship.
The last time The Open was at the Home of Golf was in 2010. Louis Oosthuizen, from South Africa, was the winner that year by seven shots and he had a total of 16-under par, with an aggregate of 272.
The R&A’s chief executive Peter Dawson said: “We are delighted to announce that The Open will be returning to St Andrews and the historic old course in 2015.
“St Andrews has proved time and again that it is perfectly equipped to host The Open and I am certain we will yet again see a worthy winner lift the Claret Jug.
“Players, spectators and officials alike will welcome a return to the game’s spiritual home and I fully expect that we will witness another thrilling championship.”
Tiger Woods won at St Andrews in 2000 and 2005, by eight and five shots. Other winners at St Andrews are: JH Taylor (1895, 1900), James Braid (1905, 10), Bobby Jones (1927), Peter Thomson (1955), Bobby Locke (1957), Jack Nicklaus (1970, 78), Seve Ballesteros (1984), Sir Nick Faldo (1990) and John Daly (1995).
In recent years The Open has returned to St Andrews every five years.
The R&A, who organise The Open, have said independent research they commissioned with Event Scotland showed that the Open Championship in 2010 brought a £100m benefit to Scotland, and of this £40.1m entered the local economy.
This will be the 29th time the old course has hosted golf’s oldest Major and it will be the 144th Championship.
The last time The Open was at the Home of Golf was in 2010. Louis Oosthuizen, from South Africa, was the winner that year by seven shots and he had a total of 16-under par, with an aggregate of 272.
The R&A’s chief executive Peter Dawson said: “We are delighted to announce that The Open will be returning to St Andrews and the historic old course in 2015.
“St Andrews has proved time and again that it is perfectly equipped to host The Open and I am certain we will yet again see a worthy winner lift the Claret Jug.
“Players, spectators and officials alike will welcome a return to the game’s spiritual home and I fully expect that we will witness another thrilling championship.”
Tiger Woods won at St Andrews in 2000 and 2005, by eight and five shots. Other winners at St Andrews are: JH Taylor (1895, 1900), James Braid (1905, 10), Bobby Jones (1927), Peter Thomson (1955), Bobby Locke (1957), Jack Nicklaus (1970, 78), Seve Ballesteros (1984), Sir Nick Faldo (1990) and John Daly (1995).
In recent years The Open has returned to St Andrews every five years.
The R&A, who organise The Open, have said independent research they commissioned with Event Scotland showed that the Open Championship in 2010 brought a £100m benefit to Scotland, and of this £40.1m entered the local economy.
Sunday, 9 October 2011
£101m EuroMillions prize claimed
LAST Friday’s EuroMillions winner has come forward to collect the £101m jackpot.
The prize has been won by someone in Britain and they will collect the third biggest prize in the UK.
A national lottery spokesman has said: “This is amazing news – we are absolutely delighted for the winner.
“We’ve got the champagne on ice and look forward to welcoming the ticket-holder into the National Lottery millionaires’ club.”
Camelot, who run the Lottery, said that they are not yet able to say if the winning ticket holder is part of a syndicate.
The biggest-ever Euro Millions win went to Colin and Chris Weir, from Scotland. They collected £161m in the first part of 2011.
The second biggest prize was collected by one ticket-holder in October 2010. The lucky winner won £113m and has stayed anonymous.
The winners of Friday’s draw are now £1m richer than David Bowie, who is Britain’s 703rd richest person.
They could now buy 600 of the most expensive sports cars – the Ferrari 458 Italia, which has a price tag of £140,000.
Or if they wanted to they could have a party and invite Rihanna to sing at it. She charges £500,000 a performance.
Meanwhile, the best way to watch the X-Factor is to record it, so that you can fast forward all the adverts. It was on for a mind numbing two and a half hours on Saturday and then a further hour tonight (Sunday).
There seemed to be endless adverts during its slot. But I suppose it gives you a chance to make a brew.
You know when the studio programmes start that Christmas is not far away.
The prize has been won by someone in Britain and they will collect the third biggest prize in the UK.
A national lottery spokesman has said: “This is amazing news – we are absolutely delighted for the winner.
“We’ve got the champagne on ice and look forward to welcoming the ticket-holder into the National Lottery millionaires’ club.”
Camelot, who run the Lottery, said that they are not yet able to say if the winning ticket holder is part of a syndicate.
The biggest-ever Euro Millions win went to Colin and Chris Weir, from Scotland. They collected £161m in the first part of 2011.
The second biggest prize was collected by one ticket-holder in October 2010. The lucky winner won £113m and has stayed anonymous.
The winners of Friday’s draw are now £1m richer than David Bowie, who is Britain’s 703rd richest person.
They could now buy 600 of the most expensive sports cars – the Ferrari 458 Italia, which has a price tag of £140,000.
Or if they wanted to they could have a party and invite Rihanna to sing at it. She charges £500,000 a performance.
Meanwhile, the best way to watch the X-Factor is to record it, so that you can fast forward all the adverts. It was on for a mind numbing two and a half hours on Saturday and then a further hour tonight (Sunday).
There seemed to be endless adverts during its slot. But I suppose it gives you a chance to make a brew.
You know when the studio programmes start that Christmas is not far away.
Saturday, 8 October 2011
Never write Tiger Woods off
WAS Rory McIlroy premature to write Tiger Woods off?
He said: “We saw the best of Tiger in 2000 and 2001. I don’t think golf can be played any better than that.
“He didn’t even need to play that well to win tournaments – he won the US Open by 15 shots, the Open by eight – so I think we’ve seen the best of him, but that’s not to say he won’t win again.”
I’m not sure you can say that about Tiger. Although he has not won for two years, and is now ranked 49th in the world rankings, he still has the potential to turn his situation around.
He is only 35 and could reach Jack Nicklaus’s tally of 18 major titles. At the moment Tiger has 14 majors.
When he was on form and leading a competition other players used to be fearful of challenging him. Players were also fearful of when he made a charge up the leaderboard. In recent years, I think the fear factor has disappeared, maybe due to all the lurid headlines, which could have burst his invincibility bubble.
For golf viewers there is nothing greater than watching Tiger on form, and it must not be forgotten that Jack Nicklaus won the Masters in 1986 at the age of 46. While Tom Watson was 59 when he came so close to winning The Open at Turnberry in 2009.
If Tiger can sort out his injuries, then he can win again and secure more majors.
One of his worst injuries was in June 2008, which he won despite having to limp for most of the 72 holes of competition.
After that event he had surgery on his left knee and missed the rest of the season, including the 2008 Open Championship.
McIlroy made his comments after signing with Santander.
He won The US Open this year in June, his first major, and also came very close to taking The Masters, at the start of the year.
He said: “We saw the best of Tiger in 2000 and 2001. I don’t think golf can be played any better than that.
“He didn’t even need to play that well to win tournaments – he won the US Open by 15 shots, the Open by eight – so I think we’ve seen the best of him, but that’s not to say he won’t win again.”
I’m not sure you can say that about Tiger. Although he has not won for two years, and is now ranked 49th in the world rankings, he still has the potential to turn his situation around.
He is only 35 and could reach Jack Nicklaus’s tally of 18 major titles. At the moment Tiger has 14 majors.
When he was on form and leading a competition other players used to be fearful of challenging him. Players were also fearful of when he made a charge up the leaderboard. In recent years, I think the fear factor has disappeared, maybe due to all the lurid headlines, which could have burst his invincibility bubble.
For golf viewers there is nothing greater than watching Tiger on form, and it must not be forgotten that Jack Nicklaus won the Masters in 1986 at the age of 46. While Tom Watson was 59 when he came so close to winning The Open at Turnberry in 2009.
If Tiger can sort out his injuries, then he can win again and secure more majors.
One of his worst injuries was in June 2008, which he won despite having to limp for most of the 72 holes of competition.
After that event he had surgery on his left knee and missed the rest of the season, including the 2008 Open Championship.
McIlroy made his comments after signing with Santander.
He won The US Open this year in June, his first major, and also came very close to taking The Masters, at the start of the year.
Sunday, 18 September 2011
Tom Lewis turns professional and joins up with IMG
TOM Lewis, who was part of the winning GB&I Walker Cup team and winner of the Silver Medal at this year’s Open Championship has turned pro.
Lewis was first seen on the world stage at this year’s Open, where he scored a 65 in the first round, which gave him the lead at the end of Thursday with Thomas Bjorn. He had qualified through Local Final Qualifying at Rye.
His round was the lowest by an amateur in the history of The Open Championship. He was also the first amateur since Michael Bonallack to lead The Open. Bonallack had led in 1968.
Lewis was placed 30th and took the Silver Medal for being the best finished amateur.
The golfer has had a good amateur career and had wins at the 2009 Boys Amateur Championship and the 2011 St Andrews Links Trophy.
Lewis will make his professional debut at the Austrian Golf Open and will also play in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
Tom explained: “I am very excited to get out there and see how I measure up. The Open Championship was fantastic for me and I learnt a lot from the occasion. All the experiences gleaned from my amateur career, along with the help and support I have received from the R&A, EGU and my family and friends, will hopefully stand me in good stead as I try to earn my European Tour card for next year.
“I am very grateful to the tournament promoters who have generously offered me invitations, particularly the Austrian Golf Open presented by Lyoness and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. I hope I will perform at my best to thank them for the opportunity.”
He has signed with International Marketing Group (IMG).
Lewis was first seen on the world stage at this year’s Open, where he scored a 65 in the first round, which gave him the lead at the end of Thursday with Thomas Bjorn. He had qualified through Local Final Qualifying at Rye.
His round was the lowest by an amateur in the history of The Open Championship. He was also the first amateur since Michael Bonallack to lead The Open. Bonallack had led in 1968.
Lewis was placed 30th and took the Silver Medal for being the best finished amateur.
The golfer has had a good amateur career and had wins at the 2009 Boys Amateur Championship and the 2011 St Andrews Links Trophy.
Lewis will make his professional debut at the Austrian Golf Open and will also play in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
Tom explained: “I am very excited to get out there and see how I measure up. The Open Championship was fantastic for me and I learnt a lot from the occasion. All the experiences gleaned from my amateur career, along with the help and support I have received from the R&A, EGU and my family and friends, will hopefully stand me in good stead as I try to earn my European Tour card for next year.
“I am very grateful to the tournament promoters who have generously offered me invitations, particularly the Austrian Golf Open presented by Lyoness and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. I hope I will perform at my best to thank them for the opportunity.”
He has signed with International Marketing Group (IMG).
Monday, 12 September 2011
Andy Murray misses out on a Major for another year
ANDY Murray will have to wait another year to see if he can win a Grand Slam tournament.
He lost in the semi-final to Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.
Rafael Nadal will now face Novak Djokovic in the men’s final of the last Major of the year.
Djokovic was 2-0 down in sets at one point and also had to save two match points to beat Roger Federer.
It is another frustrating year for Andy Murray who lost in the final of the Australian Open, reached the semi-final of Wimbledon (before losing to Nadal) and also was beaten by Nadal again here.
Let’s hope Murray can break his duck in the Majors next year and clinch one of the big four, perhaps it will be at the Australian Open.
The final of this year’s US Open will start at 9pm tonight (Monday).
Meanwhile Downton Abbey is to start again next Sunday (September 18).
This year there is to be eight new episodes plus a Christmas special.
Over ten million people in England watched the first series of the programme, which was written by Julian Fellowes who won an Oscar for Gosford Park in 2002.
Many of the characters from the first series return, such as Violet Dowager Countess of Grantham, Lady Mary Crawley and John Bates, the Valet.
The second series follows on from the first which ended in 1914 with Lord Grantham announcing that England was at war with Germany.
The new series will highlight the social changes that took place during the first half of the 1900s.
He lost in the semi-final to Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.
Rafael Nadal will now face Novak Djokovic in the men’s final of the last Major of the year.
Djokovic was 2-0 down in sets at one point and also had to save two match points to beat Roger Federer.
It is another frustrating year for Andy Murray who lost in the final of the Australian Open, reached the semi-final of Wimbledon (before losing to Nadal) and also was beaten by Nadal again here.
Let’s hope Murray can break his duck in the Majors next year and clinch one of the big four, perhaps it will be at the Australian Open.
The final of this year’s US Open will start at 9pm tonight (Monday).
Meanwhile Downton Abbey is to start again next Sunday (September 18).
This year there is to be eight new episodes plus a Christmas special.
Over ten million people in England watched the first series of the programme, which was written by Julian Fellowes who won an Oscar for Gosford Park in 2002.
Many of the characters from the first series return, such as Violet Dowager Countess of Grantham, Lady Mary Crawley and John Bates, the Valet.
The second series follows on from the first which ended in 1914 with Lord Grantham announcing that England was at war with Germany.
The new series will highlight the social changes that took place during the first half of the 1900s.
Monday, 5 September 2011
Music helps depression
IN a study published this year it has been stated that music therapy may help depression.
The study was carried out in Finland, and printed in this country in the British Journal of Psychiatry.
The project included 79 people and subjects who listened to music scored better than those who had not and had only received the normal treatment for depression.
All the people in the study, who were all suffering from depression, were given the normal treatment of counselling and appropriate medication.
But 33 of them received 20 classes with a trained music therapist and took part in drum workshops.
Anxiety and depression were measured after three months in the patients and those who had been given the music therapy were less anxious and depressed than those that hadn't.
But after six months there was no improvements.
It is believed music can help people engage in a way that words can't.
Meanwhile Andy Murray is through to the last 16 of the US Open after beating Feliciano Lopez.
In the second round he was taken to five sets by the Dutchman Robin Haase. He had been two sets down in that match, but managed to fight his way back.
And in the first round he beat Somdev Devvarman from India in three sets, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3.
The best Andy Murray has done in this competition was in 2008 when he reached the final, losing to Roger Federer 6-2, 7-5, 6-2.
Murray has also been in the Australian Open final for the last two years. In 2010 he lost to Roger Federer 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 and this year he was beaten by Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.
The study was carried out in Finland, and printed in this country in the British Journal of Psychiatry.
The project included 79 people and subjects who listened to music scored better than those who had not and had only received the normal treatment for depression.
All the people in the study, who were all suffering from depression, were given the normal treatment of counselling and appropriate medication.
But 33 of them received 20 classes with a trained music therapist and took part in drum workshops.
Anxiety and depression were measured after three months in the patients and those who had been given the music therapy were less anxious and depressed than those that hadn't.
But after six months there was no improvements.
It is believed music can help people engage in a way that words can't.
Meanwhile Andy Murray is through to the last 16 of the US Open after beating Feliciano Lopez.
In the second round he was taken to five sets by the Dutchman Robin Haase. He had been two sets down in that match, but managed to fight his way back.
And in the first round he beat Somdev Devvarman from India in three sets, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3.
The best Andy Murray has done in this competition was in 2008 when he reached the final, losing to Roger Federer 6-2, 7-5, 6-2.
Murray has also been in the Australian Open final for the last two years. In 2010 he lost to Roger Federer 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 and this year he was beaten by Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.
Monday, 29 August 2011
New additions in the dictionary
MANY words used for texting have now been included in the dictionary.
The newest edition of the Chambers Dictionary lists acronyms like ‘OMG’, which is short for ‘oh my God.’
Also to be found in the dictionary is ‘BFF,’ meaning ‘best friend forever’.
Many of the new words have come from the internet, and others come from text speak, street slang and rap music.
Those people buying the new edition will also see ‘skank’ – the word to describe a loose woman.
Terms taken from Facebook find there way into the dictionary too and these are ‘unfriend’ and ‘defriend.’
Some traditionalists may not like the inclusion of some of these words in the English Language.
Meanwhile at the time of writing The US Open schedule does not look like being badly affected by Hurricane Irene.
The tournament will last for the next two weeks and is the final tennis major of the year.
It is played at Flushing Meadows and Great Britain’s Andy Murray will be seeded four.
Fred Perry was the last British player to win the tournament in 1936.
Last year’s winner of the men’s championship was Rafael Nadal. He beat Novak Djokovic in the final 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2.
This year Novak Djokovic is seeded one, while Caroline Wozniacki is seeded one out of the women.
Andy Murray faces Somdev Devvarman in the first round.
The newest edition of the Chambers Dictionary lists acronyms like ‘OMG’, which is short for ‘oh my God.’
Also to be found in the dictionary is ‘BFF,’ meaning ‘best friend forever’.
Many of the new words have come from the internet, and others come from text speak, street slang and rap music.
Those people buying the new edition will also see ‘skank’ – the word to describe a loose woman.
Terms taken from Facebook find there way into the dictionary too and these are ‘unfriend’ and ‘defriend.’
Some traditionalists may not like the inclusion of some of these words in the English Language.
Meanwhile at the time of writing The US Open schedule does not look like being badly affected by Hurricane Irene.
The tournament will last for the next two weeks and is the final tennis major of the year.
It is played at Flushing Meadows and Great Britain’s Andy Murray will be seeded four.
Fred Perry was the last British player to win the tournament in 1936.
Last year’s winner of the men’s championship was Rafael Nadal. He beat Novak Djokovic in the final 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2.
This year Novak Djokovic is seeded one, while Caroline Wozniacki is seeded one out of the women.
Andy Murray faces Somdev Devvarman in the first round.
Sunday, 31 July 2011
The Red Arrows impress at Southport Air Show
THE RED Arrows never fail to impress and they were again one of the highlights at this year’s Southport Air Show.
One the Saturday they were the last to appear at 5.15pm, but no one had left the beach and there were thousands of people waiting for their display.
Before they came there was a sense of anticipation. Individuals were looking to the skies and checking their watches.
Then bang on 5.15pm they flew directly over the beach and out to sea.
It was worth the wait to see them.
The display lasted about 30 minutes and manoeuvres included planes flying towards each other then turning at the last minute.
Another display saw two planes draw a heart in the sky with their trails.
When they had finished there was a round of applause from the crowd.
Meanwhile, it was good to see Darren Clarke take this year’s Open at Royal St George’s.
On the last day he played excellent golf, although he was lucky on a couple of occasions.
He had been close to winning an Open before at Royal Troon in 1997, but this time he held his nerve.
Many people’s favourites, Luke Donald and Lee Westwood (World number one and two) did not even make the cut.
Lee Westwood must be wondering when his first major is coming.
Yani Tseng is putting up a good defence of her title at The Women’s Open at Carnoustie.
One the Saturday they were the last to appear at 5.15pm, but no one had left the beach and there were thousands of people waiting for their display.
Before they came there was a sense of anticipation. Individuals were looking to the skies and checking their watches.
Then bang on 5.15pm they flew directly over the beach and out to sea.
It was worth the wait to see them.
The display lasted about 30 minutes and manoeuvres included planes flying towards each other then turning at the last minute.
Another display saw two planes draw a heart in the sky with their trails.
When they had finished there was a round of applause from the crowd.
Meanwhile, it was good to see Darren Clarke take this year’s Open at Royal St George’s.
On the last day he played excellent golf, although he was lucky on a couple of occasions.
He had been close to winning an Open before at Royal Troon in 1997, but this time he held his nerve.
Many people’s favourites, Luke Donald and Lee Westwood (World number one and two) did not even make the cut.
Lee Westwood must be wondering when his first major is coming.
Yani Tseng is putting up a good defence of her title at The Women’s Open at Carnoustie.
Sunday, 17 July 2011
Can Darren Clarke win The Open?
IT will be interesting to see if Darren Clarke can go on and win The Open at St George’s this afternoon.
He has come close at The Open before, in 1997 he came second to Justin Leonard and in 2001 he was third to David Duval.
Clarke looks very relaxed on the course and hopefully he can keep that frame of mind for the final day when the pressure will be more intense.
All the talk has been of Rory McIlroy, but I think Rickie Fowler has played better. He looks hungrier than Rory to win this week.
It will also be good to see Thomas Bjorn do well as he should have won The Open in 2003, the last time it was played at St George’s.
Many people were shocked to see Luke Donald and Lee Westwood, the world number one and two, fail to make the cut. They were seen as favourites to win before the tournament started.
Meanwhile, Helen should win The Apprentice tonight.
She is the strongest contender of the four remaining, which also includes Tom, Susan and Jim.
I suppose it all depends on the business plan that she has put forward to Lord Sugar.
Tonight, they will be interviewed by experts in the field and watching them being quizzed is always entertaining as those who have been economical with the truth are often found out.
It is a shame that the programme is on for two hours though, because the one hour shows are a better format.
He has come close at The Open before, in 1997 he came second to Justin Leonard and in 2001 he was third to David Duval.
Clarke looks very relaxed on the course and hopefully he can keep that frame of mind for the final day when the pressure will be more intense.
All the talk has been of Rory McIlroy, but I think Rickie Fowler has played better. He looks hungrier than Rory to win this week.
It will also be good to see Thomas Bjorn do well as he should have won The Open in 2003, the last time it was played at St George’s.
Many people were shocked to see Luke Donald and Lee Westwood, the world number one and two, fail to make the cut. They were seen as favourites to win before the tournament started.
Meanwhile, Helen should win The Apprentice tonight.
She is the strongest contender of the four remaining, which also includes Tom, Susan and Jim.
I suppose it all depends on the business plan that she has put forward to Lord Sugar.
Tonight, they will be interviewed by experts in the field and watching them being quizzed is always entertaining as those who have been economical with the truth are often found out.
It is a shame that the programme is on for two hours though, because the one hour shows are a better format.
Sunday, 10 July 2011
Luke Donald among the favourites for The Open
THE Open is returning to Royal St George’s next week.
Royal St George’s is on the south coast of England and has held the event 13 times before.
The last player to win the Claret Jug there was Ben Curtis in 2003. Ben Curtis was a little known American at the time.
Thomas Bjorn had led The Open that year by two with three holes to play. But it wasn’t to be Bjorn’s year, he dropped shots at the Par 3 16th when he took three to get out of the bunker, finishing the hole with a double bogey five.
In the same year Mark Roe was disqualified after he had signed for a 67. He and his playing partner, Jesper Parnevik, and forgotten to swap their cards before the round.
Those who watched the event will also remember Woods losing his opening drive in the thick rough of the course. He had to go back and play three off the tee.
Unfortunately, Tiger Woods won’t be playing this year as he has had to pull out because of an injury.
Royal St George’s is also the setting for Ian Fleming’s book Goldfinger, where James Bond plays golf against the villain of the story. The venue was not used for the setting of the film though and it was changed to Stoke Park, near London.
Ian Fleming was a member of RSG too.
Favourite to win among those who will be playing are Rory McIlroy, who has just won The US Open, in spectacular style.
Another European player in with a chance is Luke Donald, a golfer in good form at the moment and the World Number One.
Lee Westwood, yet to win a major, will be hoping to break his duck as well.
Royal St George’s is on the south coast of England and has held the event 13 times before.
The last player to win the Claret Jug there was Ben Curtis in 2003. Ben Curtis was a little known American at the time.
Thomas Bjorn had led The Open that year by two with three holes to play. But it wasn’t to be Bjorn’s year, he dropped shots at the Par 3 16th when he took three to get out of the bunker, finishing the hole with a double bogey five.
In the same year Mark Roe was disqualified after he had signed for a 67. He and his playing partner, Jesper Parnevik, and forgotten to swap their cards before the round.
Those who watched the event will also remember Woods losing his opening drive in the thick rough of the course. He had to go back and play three off the tee.
Unfortunately, Tiger Woods won’t be playing this year as he has had to pull out because of an injury.
Royal St George’s is also the setting for Ian Fleming’s book Goldfinger, where James Bond plays golf against the villain of the story. The venue was not used for the setting of the film though and it was changed to Stoke Park, near London.
Ian Fleming was a member of RSG too.
Favourite to win among those who will be playing are Rory McIlroy, who has just won The US Open, in spectacular style.
Another European player in with a chance is Luke Donald, a golfer in good form at the moment and the World Number One.
Lee Westwood, yet to win a major, will be hoping to break his duck as well.
Monday, 4 July 2011
Andy Murray can win Wimbledon
WATCHING Andy Murray take the first set from Rafael Nadal in Friday’s semi-final, I thought Murray could have a chance of reaching his first Wimbledon final.
He was beating Nadal at his own game and was playing very aggressively.
Murray seemed to be in control and was serving well and taking the game to Nadal.
Even Andrew Castle, commentating on the match, was asking the question, ‘could we have a British player in a Wimbledon final?’
Then after one point Nadal took the advantage and didn’t let go of it until he had won the match.
The point came in the third game of the second set. Murray was 15-30 up on Nadal’s serve and had an open court to hit a winner, but unfortunately flinched and hit the shot long. What could have become 15-40 (with two break points for Murray) ended up being 30-30.
Murray seemed to be a different player after this, it was as if he was beating himself internally for his missed opportunity.
He went on to take the next seven games on a trot and Nadal was to win the next three sets convincingly.
It is now 75 years since the last player from Great Britain – Fred Perry – won Wimbledon.
I am sure Murray can go two steps further at Wimbledon and lift the title, but he needs to work with someone on the mental side of his game.
It also felt on Friday that Nadal was more hungry for the win and chased down every ball in sight.
Maybe Murray will be able to clinch his first Grand Slam victory at this year’s US Open at Flushing Meadows.
He reached the final of the US Open in 2008, but lost in straight sets to Roger Federer.
He was beating Nadal at his own game and was playing very aggressively.
Murray seemed to be in control and was serving well and taking the game to Nadal.
Even Andrew Castle, commentating on the match, was asking the question, ‘could we have a British player in a Wimbledon final?’
Then after one point Nadal took the advantage and didn’t let go of it until he had won the match.
The point came in the third game of the second set. Murray was 15-30 up on Nadal’s serve and had an open court to hit a winner, but unfortunately flinched and hit the shot long. What could have become 15-40 (with two break points for Murray) ended up being 30-30.
Murray seemed to be a different player after this, it was as if he was beating himself internally for his missed opportunity.
He went on to take the next seven games on a trot and Nadal was to win the next three sets convincingly.
It is now 75 years since the last player from Great Britain – Fred Perry – won Wimbledon.
I am sure Murray can go two steps further at Wimbledon and lift the title, but he needs to work with someone on the mental side of his game.
It also felt on Friday that Nadal was more hungry for the win and chased down every ball in sight.
Maybe Murray will be able to clinch his first Grand Slam victory at this year’s US Open at Flushing Meadows.
He reached the final of the US Open in 2008, but lost in straight sets to Roger Federer.
Monday, 27 June 2011
Brilliant win for Rory McIlroy
IT was good to see Rory McIlroy overcome his disastrous last round at this year’s Masters and win The US Open by eight shots.
Earlier in the year it had been painful watching McIlroy’s back nine at Augusta as he had one hand on the trophy.
But the 22-year-old led the US Open from the beginning to the end and became the youngest winner of a US Open since Bobby Jones, 21, in 1923.
Surely the Northern Irish golfer will now go on and win more majors.
With McIlroy so far ahead the rest of the field were playing for second place.
Meanwhile Coldplay, in my opinion, outshone U2 at this year’s Glastonbury.
Their set seemed to be more powerful than U2’s and the crowd seemed to enjoy it more.
You forget how many great songs Coldplay have and their rendition of Clocks was my favourite.
U2 even sang Yellow – one of Coldplay’s songs - during their set.
Andy Murray has reached the second week of Wimbledon, but I don’t think he can go all the way this year.
First he will have a tough test on Monday against Richard Gasquet in the last 16.
And if he gets to the semi-final he could have to play Rafael Nadal who he has a poor record against at Wimbledon.
Earlier in the year it had been painful watching McIlroy’s back nine at Augusta as he had one hand on the trophy.
But the 22-year-old led the US Open from the beginning to the end and became the youngest winner of a US Open since Bobby Jones, 21, in 1923.
Surely the Northern Irish golfer will now go on and win more majors.
With McIlroy so far ahead the rest of the field were playing for second place.
Meanwhile Coldplay, in my opinion, outshone U2 at this year’s Glastonbury.
Their set seemed to be more powerful than U2’s and the crowd seemed to enjoy it more.
You forget how many great songs Coldplay have and their rendition of Clocks was my favourite.
U2 even sang Yellow – one of Coldplay’s songs - during their set.
Andy Murray has reached the second week of Wimbledon, but I don’t think he can go all the way this year.
First he will have a tough test on Monday against Richard Gasquet in the last 16.
And if he gets to the semi-final he could have to play Rafael Nadal who he has a poor record against at Wimbledon.
Sunday, 12 June 2011
Who checks cinema seats?
I’M sure no-one checks the tickets of those people who sit in the more expensive seats in the cinema.
How do they know who sits there?
There is a marked difference in price between a standard seat and a luxury one.
Yet, when you go to the cinema, the luxury seats are always full, but I have never seen anybody check tickets inside a screening at the cinema.
Haven’t you noticed also if you arrive late the last seats are always in the middle of a row and that you have to disturb half the audience to get the free spaces. People seem to like sitting on the end of rows.
Meanwhile, where are the blockbuster movies this Summer? Is it too early? When I was younger there used to be a handful of blockbusters every Summer. Massive films used to be released about this time, such as Jurassic Park.
The new Harry Potter sequel is out next month, but it would be good if there were some big original films released.
This week sees the US Open being staged from June 16-19 at the Congressional Country club at Bethesda, Maryland.
The last time the course held a major was in 1997, when Ernie Els took the tournament.
Defending the title this year will be Graeme McDowell who was the winner last year at Pebble Beach.
McDowell’s form has not been as good this year, and he missed the cut at Augusta and also shot an 81 at the Welsh Open.
Tiger Woods won’t be playing.
How do they know who sits there?
There is a marked difference in price between a standard seat and a luxury one.
Yet, when you go to the cinema, the luxury seats are always full, but I have never seen anybody check tickets inside a screening at the cinema.
Haven’t you noticed also if you arrive late the last seats are always in the middle of a row and that you have to disturb half the audience to get the free spaces. People seem to like sitting on the end of rows.
Meanwhile, where are the blockbuster movies this Summer? Is it too early? When I was younger there used to be a handful of blockbusters every Summer. Massive films used to be released about this time, such as Jurassic Park.
The new Harry Potter sequel is out next month, but it would be good if there were some big original films released.
This week sees the US Open being staged from June 16-19 at the Congressional Country club at Bethesda, Maryland.
The last time the course held a major was in 1997, when Ernie Els took the tournament.
Defending the title this year will be Graeme McDowell who was the winner last year at Pebble Beach.
McDowell’s form has not been as good this year, and he missed the cut at Augusta and also shot an 81 at the Welsh Open.
Tiger Woods won’t be playing.
Sunday, 22 May 2011
Is the end of the printed book in sight?
IS the end of the printed book in sight?
The announcement from Amazon that is selling more ebooks in America than print books might show it could be.
Since April 1, Amazon has said it has sold 105 ebooks to every 100 print books in America. The company brought out its Kindle electronic book reader there four years ago.
In the UK the ebook is bought by more people than the hardback, according to Amazon. They released figures showing they have sold more ebooks than hardbacks. The Kindle was launched in Britain in August 2010.
You can buy up to 650,000 ebooks at Amazon.co.uk.
The bestselling ebook titles at Amazon.co.uk of this year are Stephen Leather’s The Basement and The Hanging Shed by Gordon Ferris.
Despite all the fuss of ebooks, I still think I would rather buy an actual book than purchase an ebook.
Although I have yet to read anything on an ebook, so I don’t know what they are like.
Talking about download books outselling print books in America Jeff Bezos, founder and chief executive of Amazon told the Guardian: “We had high hopes that this would happen eventually, but we never imagined it would happen so quickly.”
Meanwhile, it was a shame that Liverpool could not grab fifth place from Tottenham for a place in the Europa league. Let’s hope Liverpool do better in the league next year.
The announcement from Amazon that is selling more ebooks in America than print books might show it could be.
Since April 1, Amazon has said it has sold 105 ebooks to every 100 print books in America. The company brought out its Kindle electronic book reader there four years ago.
In the UK the ebook is bought by more people than the hardback, according to Amazon. They released figures showing they have sold more ebooks than hardbacks. The Kindle was launched in Britain in August 2010.
You can buy up to 650,000 ebooks at Amazon.co.uk.
The bestselling ebook titles at Amazon.co.uk of this year are Stephen Leather’s The Basement and The Hanging Shed by Gordon Ferris.
Despite all the fuss of ebooks, I still think I would rather buy an actual book than purchase an ebook.
Although I have yet to read anything on an ebook, so I don’t know what they are like.
Talking about download books outselling print books in America Jeff Bezos, founder and chief executive of Amazon told the Guardian: “We had high hopes that this would happen eventually, but we never imagined it would happen so quickly.”
Meanwhile, it was a shame that Liverpool could not grab fifth place from Tottenham for a place in the Europa league. Let’s hope Liverpool do better in the league next year.
Thursday, 19 May 2011
Double dose of The Apprentice last week
LAST week there was a double dose of The Apprentice.
The show, which this year sees Sir Alan Sugar give £250,000 to the winner to start a company, was just as watchable as ever.
Some of the people on The Apprentice often come across very poorly to the viewer and there are some funny moments.
The boys lost to the girls on the first two tasks they have had to carry out.
Last Tuesday night both teams were given £250, which they had to invest in food. They then had to sell the food to people in the city.
The girls mainly sold fruit salad, while the boys flogged soup. Alex Cabral was fired.
On the following night’s episode the teams had to produce a mobile phone application. I though that both apps were uninteresting and there seemed to be no point to them.
The boys app, I think was called Slangatang, and if you downloaded it you could hear different regional dialects.
While the app the girls produced was named Ampi App. Those who downloaded it were able to hear a number of annoying noises. At the end Edward Hunter was fired.
I think it is too early to pick out a clear favourite.
Meanwhile, last Friday’s £107 EuroMillions jackpot was won by a ticketholder from Spain.
That’s enough money to get you a place on the Sunday Times Rich List.
There is now a EuroMillions draw on a Tuesday night also.
The show, which this year sees Sir Alan Sugar give £250,000 to the winner to start a company, was just as watchable as ever.
Some of the people on The Apprentice often come across very poorly to the viewer and there are some funny moments.
The boys lost to the girls on the first two tasks they have had to carry out.
Last Tuesday night both teams were given £250, which they had to invest in food. They then had to sell the food to people in the city.
The girls mainly sold fruit salad, while the boys flogged soup. Alex Cabral was fired.
On the following night’s episode the teams had to produce a mobile phone application. I though that both apps were uninteresting and there seemed to be no point to them.
The boys app, I think was called Slangatang, and if you downloaded it you could hear different regional dialects.
While the app the girls produced was named Ampi App. Those who downloaded it were able to hear a number of annoying noises. At the end Edward Hunter was fired.
I think it is too early to pick out a clear favourite.
Meanwhile, last Friday’s £107 EuroMillions jackpot was won by a ticketholder from Spain.
That’s enough money to get you a place on the Sunday Times Rich List.
There is now a EuroMillions draw on a Tuesday night also.
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