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.
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
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.
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
New Year telly treats
So you’ve finished the Christmas Turkey, and the parties have dried up, then why not turn to the television.
Among the highlights are two shows from the pen of Lynda La Plante.
The first of these is Above Suspicion (January 4, January 5, ITV1). This is billed as an attempt to bring Prime Suspect up to date, with Kelly Reilly playing the lead role this time and not Helen Mirren.
Lynda La Plante is also behind Trial and Retribution, which is back on January 9 on ITV1 for six new episodes. DCS Michael Walker and DCI Roisin Connor return.
Showing through the first week of 2009 on BBC 1 is a new dramatisation of The Diary of Anne Frank, the 13-year-old who kept an account of her life hiding from the Nazis. There have been many versions of The Diary, but for this one the BBC has been granted the rights to base their version directly on Anne’s diaries from her cousin Buddy Elias.
On a lighter note documentary lovers can watch The Natural World (January 9, BBC 2). The show on the 9th is about the cuckoo. David Attenborough is again narrating.
Hustle is also back (January 8, BBC 1) for a fifth series, although Jamie Murray has left the show. In this episode property developers in London should watch out.
Another programme to look out for is a one-off drama called The Antiques Rogue Show (January 4 BBC 2), which tells the true story of a family who sold fakes to the art world.
If you want to exercise those grey cells in 2009, then you could tune into QI (January 9, BBC 1). Stephen Fry asks the questions and guests include Charlie Higson and Andy Hamilton.
Among the highlights are two shows from the pen of Lynda La Plante.
The first of these is Above Suspicion (January 4, January 5, ITV1). This is billed as an attempt to bring Prime Suspect up to date, with Kelly Reilly playing the lead role this time and not Helen Mirren.
Lynda La Plante is also behind Trial and Retribution, which is back on January 9 on ITV1 for six new episodes. DCS Michael Walker and DCI Roisin Connor return.
Showing through the first week of 2009 on BBC 1 is a new dramatisation of The Diary of Anne Frank, the 13-year-old who kept an account of her life hiding from the Nazis. There have been many versions of The Diary, but for this one the BBC has been granted the rights to base their version directly on Anne’s diaries from her cousin Buddy Elias.
On a lighter note documentary lovers can watch The Natural World (January 9, BBC 2). The show on the 9th is about the cuckoo. David Attenborough is again narrating.
Hustle is also back (January 8, BBC 1) for a fifth series, although Jamie Murray has left the show. In this episode property developers in London should watch out.
Another programme to look out for is a one-off drama called The Antiques Rogue Show (January 4 BBC 2), which tells the true story of a family who sold fakes to the art world.
If you want to exercise those grey cells in 2009, then you could tune into QI (January 9, BBC 1). Stephen Fry asks the questions and guests include Charlie Higson and Andy Hamilton.
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Rubik's magic
Apparently the Rubik’s Cube is back in fashion.
And with Christmas coming up, it could be a popular gift for nieces and nephews, or sons and daughters.
Do you remember the Rubik’s Cube, it was the toy where you had to manipulate the puzzle, so all the sides were the same colour.
I had one when I was younger, and remember it used to drive me mad as I twisted and turned the block to try and solve the puzzle.
Some people used to cheat by switching the stickers, or dismantling the pieces.
While other kids used to solve it within minutes.
When I was younger, I also had the Rubik’s Clock and Rubik’s Rings.
With the Rubik’s Clock, you had to try and make all the clocks match and tell the same time. It was almost impossible and again sent me crazy.
The Rubik’s Rings required you to complete the shapes.
These toys may not be as exciting as computer games but provided hours of fun. They were also less expensive.
Meanwhile the X-Factor final is next week. Diana Vickers was booted out on Saturday.
Competing for this year’s prize will be JLS, Alexandra Burke and Eoghan.
All the judges apart from Dannii Minogue have an act in the final.
My money is still on Alexandra.
And with Christmas coming up, it could be a popular gift for nieces and nephews, or sons and daughters.
Do you remember the Rubik’s Cube, it was the toy where you had to manipulate the puzzle, so all the sides were the same colour.
I had one when I was younger, and remember it used to drive me mad as I twisted and turned the block to try and solve the puzzle.
Some people used to cheat by switching the stickers, or dismantling the pieces.
While other kids used to solve it within minutes.
When I was younger, I also had the Rubik’s Clock and Rubik’s Rings.
With the Rubik’s Clock, you had to try and make all the clocks match and tell the same time. It was almost impossible and again sent me crazy.
The Rubik’s Rings required you to complete the shapes.
These toys may not be as exciting as computer games but provided hours of fun. They were also less expensive.
Meanwhile the X-Factor final is next week. Diana Vickers was booted out on Saturday.
Competing for this year’s prize will be JLS, Alexandra Burke and Eoghan.
All the judges apart from Dannii Minogue have an act in the final.
My money is still on Alexandra.
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
25% off in the sale
THE English love a bargain don't they?
I was in Southport town centre at the weekend and noticed that one clothes shop, which was selling most items at 25% off, was packed, while a similar store nearby was empty.
The tills were ringing in the shop with 25% off and there was a queue of people waiting to buy items.
It looked like shoppers were purchasing the clothes because they were reduced, not because they needed them.
Another busy day for shops is Boxing Day. Folk haven't finished off the Turkey and they are already rushing to the nearest shop to search for the latest bargain.
Meanwhile how is it that some types of meals or desserts make you feel ill? I like almost all foods, but can't eat lemon meringue pie, or cheese and onion pie without feeling slightly queasy.
I think it must be because I had a bad experience of eating the two dishes at school, and it has put me off them for life.
I can't even stand the smell of cheese and onion pie.
Liverpool will again be recognised when the BBC's Sports Personalty of the Year Awards are held at the city's Arena.
The city has already just held the MTV Europe Music awards. My bet for first prize is F1 driver Lewis Hamilton.
I was in Southport town centre at the weekend and noticed that one clothes shop, which was selling most items at 25% off, was packed, while a similar store nearby was empty.
The tills were ringing in the shop with 25% off and there was a queue of people waiting to buy items.
It looked like shoppers were purchasing the clothes because they were reduced, not because they needed them.
Another busy day for shops is Boxing Day. Folk haven't finished off the Turkey and they are already rushing to the nearest shop to search for the latest bargain.
Meanwhile how is it that some types of meals or desserts make you feel ill? I like almost all foods, but can't eat lemon meringue pie, or cheese and onion pie without feeling slightly queasy.
I think it must be because I had a bad experience of eating the two dishes at school, and it has put me off them for life.
I can't even stand the smell of cheese and onion pie.
Liverpool will again be recognised when the BBC's Sports Personalty of the Year Awards are held at the city's Arena.
The city has already just held the MTV Europe Music awards. My bet for first prize is F1 driver Lewis Hamilton.
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