WHEN the girls revealed they had picked up ten items out of ten in last week’s episode of The Apprentice, you automatically presumed they had won the task.
They had spent a number of hours at the beginning of the day preparing and planning where they were going to make their purchases.
While the boys went into the buying head-on and seemed to be running around like headless chickens. They ended up with only seven items, and Jamie spent hours trying to find a kitchen worktop.
However when the result came, and the boys were fined for every item they did not buy, it was the boys who had won. There was shock on the faces of the girls.
Last week was one of my favourite episodes for some time. Though why do the candidates have to be chauffeur driven everywhere? Surely it would be more realistic to have them travel on the tube or bus.
There is no favourite yet, though Liz might be in with a chance. Stuart is providing the comedy.
Meanwhile it is good to see England having the upper hand, so far, in this year’s Ashes in Australia.
Four years ago was an embarrassment when they lost the series 5-0.
Fortunately, they can’t lose by the same margin this time.
When they were all out in the first innings at Brisbane for 260, I thought England were going to lose the test, but their fight-back was amazing and they drew.
They have, so far, carried the momentum into the Adelaide test and Cook has been terrific.
Monday, 6 December 2010
Saturday, 20 November 2010
Bring Downton back soon
TV bosses should not wait long to bring back Downton Abbey.
It was one of the best costume dramas on television for years.
There was a great mix of characters in the programme from the scheming lady’s maid Sarah O'Brien to the beautiful Cora Crawley.
Julian Fellowes, the writer of Downton Abbey, also introduced some good plot lines. One of my favourite was Isobel Crawley arguing with the Dowager Countess of Grantham for progress at the local hospital.
I also like it when Downton Abbey received its first telephone. The butler – Carson – did not know how to use the device, which is now seen as an everyday item in a household. He was shown practicing how to answer the phone.
The series was very well set and Downton Abbey was actually Highclere Castle in Berkshire, the home of the 8th Earl of Carnarvon. It was an earlier Carnarvon who funded Howard Carter’s expedition to find the tomb of Tutankhamun.
These dramas are also always filmed on perfect Spring days.
Nearly 11 million people were reported to have watched the last episode and the next series is due to appear on our screens next autumn.
Meanwhile, I could not believe someone would pay £56m for a vase.
This was a remarkable story and it was amazing that the vase, which had been used as a bookend, was worth so much money.
It was one of the best costume dramas on television for years.
There was a great mix of characters in the programme from the scheming lady’s maid Sarah O'Brien to the beautiful Cora Crawley.
Julian Fellowes, the writer of Downton Abbey, also introduced some good plot lines. One of my favourite was Isobel Crawley arguing with the Dowager Countess of Grantham for progress at the local hospital.
I also like it when Downton Abbey received its first telephone. The butler – Carson – did not know how to use the device, which is now seen as an everyday item in a household. He was shown practicing how to answer the phone.
The series was very well set and Downton Abbey was actually Highclere Castle in Berkshire, the home of the 8th Earl of Carnarvon. It was an earlier Carnarvon who funded Howard Carter’s expedition to find the tomb of Tutankhamun.
These dramas are also always filmed on perfect Spring days.
Nearly 11 million people were reported to have watched the last episode and the next series is due to appear on our screens next autumn.
Meanwhile, I could not believe someone would pay £56m for a vase.
This was a remarkable story and it was amazing that the vase, which had been used as a bookend, was worth so much money.
Monday, 8 November 2010
Thoughts on November 5
IS it me or were there less fireworks going off this year?
A few years ago on November 5 you could hear fireworks going off throughout the night at different displays.
But this year I only heard the occasional bang of a firework.
Could it be that health and safety regulations are putting people off having displays?
I have fond memories of going to firework displays as a child. Let’s hope youngsters do not miss out on this experience because of too much red tape.
It was brilliant to see the passion of Steven Gerrard on Thursday night.
He obviously did not like the experience of being on the substitute’s bench in the first half of Liverpool’s game against Napoli.
Liverpool were 1-0 down and the team lacked spark.
This was all to change in the second half and the sight of Gerrard warming up lifted the crowd.
As soon as he came on Liverpool’s tempo improved, you knew a goal was not far away.
He spoke after the game about his desire, and I think it was this that turned the game round.
Gerrard knew Liverpool should not have been losing the game, and he had the skill to make the difference.
Now the team need more players like him.
A few years ago on November 5 you could hear fireworks going off throughout the night at different displays.
But this year I only heard the occasional bang of a firework.
Could it be that health and safety regulations are putting people off having displays?
I have fond memories of going to firework displays as a child. Let’s hope youngsters do not miss out on this experience because of too much red tape.
It was brilliant to see the passion of Steven Gerrard on Thursday night.
He obviously did not like the experience of being on the substitute’s bench in the first half of Liverpool’s game against Napoli.
Liverpool were 1-0 down and the team lacked spark.
This was all to change in the second half and the sight of Gerrard warming up lifted the crowd.
As soon as he came on Liverpool’s tempo improved, you knew a goal was not far away.
He spoke after the game about his desire, and I think it was this that turned the game round.
Gerrard knew Liverpool should not have been losing the game, and he had the skill to make the difference.
Now the team need more players like him.
Sunday, 24 October 2010
The Apprentice is back
THE latest series of The Apprentice has been as addictive as other years.
The programme, which is normally shown in the Spring, returned to our screens a few weeks ago.
In the first three programmes the team leader of the losing side has been the one to be fired. So you know if you put yourself forward to be a team leader, you are taking a huge gamble.
The arrogance of some of the contestants is unbelievable and some of their comments, such as, “my first word wasn’t money it was money” are laughable. It is often the case that the one’s that talk themselves up the most are the most incompetent, for example Melissa.
Melissa put herself forward to be a team leader because she said her experience was perfect for the task. However she was unable to work out costs, or make a decision. Luckily for her, her team just won and beat Shibby’s.
The behaviour of Shibby, a surgeon was scary. You would have thought he would have been good under pressure, but as soon as a situation became tough he went into a sulk. He was also very argumentative with potential customers.
It is interesting when a team fails and the internal arguments start. No one wants to accept the blame and the finger pointing begins.
Keeping an eye over the tasks again is Nick Hewer, and he is joined this year by Karren Brady, who brings some glamour to the programme. Nick doesn’t say much, but he doesn’t need to, as his facial expressions normally tell the whole story.
Finally it is too early to predict an overall winner.
The programme, which is normally shown in the Spring, returned to our screens a few weeks ago.
In the first three programmes the team leader of the losing side has been the one to be fired. So you know if you put yourself forward to be a team leader, you are taking a huge gamble.
The arrogance of some of the contestants is unbelievable and some of their comments, such as, “my first word wasn’t money it was money” are laughable. It is often the case that the one’s that talk themselves up the most are the most incompetent, for example Melissa.
Melissa put herself forward to be a team leader because she said her experience was perfect for the task. However she was unable to work out costs, or make a decision. Luckily for her, her team just won and beat Shibby’s.
The behaviour of Shibby, a surgeon was scary. You would have thought he would have been good under pressure, but as soon as a situation became tough he went into a sulk. He was also very argumentative with potential customers.
It is interesting when a team fails and the internal arguments start. No one wants to accept the blame and the finger pointing begins.
Keeping an eye over the tasks again is Nick Hewer, and he is joined this year by Karren Brady, who brings some glamour to the programme. Nick doesn’t say much, but he doesn’t need to, as his facial expressions normally tell the whole story.
Finally it is too early to predict an overall winner.
Saturday, 16 October 2010
Montgomerie's men take Ryder Cup
WHAT a great win for Montgomerie’s European Ryder Cup team in this year’s match at Celtic Manor in Wales.
Who’d have thought during the downpours and play suspensions on the Friday that they would have ever finished the event.
Europe took the contest in dramatic fashion, and it was one of the most memorable Ryder Cups in recent times.
Montgomerie proved to be a good captain and the team never looked back after his pep-talk, when the air was said to have turned blue.
He had told his team they lacked passion, but that was certainly there on the Monday during the singles matches.
And you could feel the tension as the contest went down to the final match between Graeme McDowell and Hunter Mahan.
It was amazing to read in a new study that nearly nine million adults can’t ride a bike, and five million can’t tie their shoelaces or swim.
The study has been published by www.one-poll.com, who used 3,000 people to get their findings.
People said they did not learn when they were younger to ride a bike and thought it was too late to start learning now.
A One Poll spokesman, said: “These stats are absolutely startling.”
Meanwhile, I’ll drink to another study that says that three cups a day can prevent heart problems.
The review could be found in the journal of the Molecular Aspects of Medicine.
According to the study tea reduces plaque in the arteries.
A total of 80% of this country drinks tea.
Dr Catherine Hood from the Tea Advisory Panel, said: “Evidence is growing that three to four cups of black tea each day is good not only for general health, but also for cardiovascular health.”
Firstly after Europe’s success in the Ryder Cup, let’s hope England can follow suit and retain The Ashes in Australia.
The first test is next month.
Who’d have thought during the downpours and play suspensions on the Friday that they would have ever finished the event.
Europe took the contest in dramatic fashion, and it was one of the most memorable Ryder Cups in recent times.
Montgomerie proved to be a good captain and the team never looked back after his pep-talk, when the air was said to have turned blue.
He had told his team they lacked passion, but that was certainly there on the Monday during the singles matches.
And you could feel the tension as the contest went down to the final match between Graeme McDowell and Hunter Mahan.
It was amazing to read in a new study that nearly nine million adults can’t ride a bike, and five million can’t tie their shoelaces or swim.
The study has been published by www.one-poll.com, who used 3,000 people to get their findings.
People said they did not learn when they were younger to ride a bike and thought it was too late to start learning now.
A One Poll spokesman, said: “These stats are absolutely startling.”
Meanwhile, I’ll drink to another study that says that three cups a day can prevent heart problems.
The review could be found in the journal of the Molecular Aspects of Medicine.
According to the study tea reduces plaque in the arteries.
A total of 80% of this country drinks tea.
Dr Catherine Hood from the Tea Advisory Panel, said: “Evidence is growing that three to four cups of black tea each day is good not only for general health, but also for cardiovascular health.”
Firstly after Europe’s success in the Ryder Cup, let’s hope England can follow suit and retain The Ashes in Australia.
The first test is next month.
Sunday, 26 September 2010
BBC loses exclusive rights to Masters
IT’S a shame the BBC has lost exclusive live rights to the Masters golf tournament.
The corporation has been the only network to have screened the event in this country for the last 24 years and it will now be sharing coverage with Sky.
Next April the first two days of the tournament will be on Sky only, with both the BBC and Sky showing the final two days.
The Masters has been on the BBC since 1986 and throughout those years it has shown some great events.
One year that stands out was 1996, when Sir Nick Faldo won the green jacket. Greg Norman had led going into the final day, but the pressure seemed to get to him and Faldo took the event.
Another memorable championship was 1997. This was the year of Woods’ first major victory and he took the title by 12 strokes from his nearest rival.
Commenting on the new deal, Barbara Slater, the BBC’s director of sport, said: “The BBC is very proud we have broadcast the Masters every year since 1986 and we are delighted that this new deal enables us to continue this relationship.”
Meanwhile it was interesting to see the England squad chosen for the forthcoming Ashes tour of Australia.
England currently hold The Ashes and let’s hope they can retain them with a series win on Australian soil for the first time since 1986-7.
We don’t want another 5-0 defeat.
The corporation has been the only network to have screened the event in this country for the last 24 years and it will now be sharing coverage with Sky.
Next April the first two days of the tournament will be on Sky only, with both the BBC and Sky showing the final two days.
The Masters has been on the BBC since 1986 and throughout those years it has shown some great events.
One year that stands out was 1996, when Sir Nick Faldo won the green jacket. Greg Norman had led going into the final day, but the pressure seemed to get to him and Faldo took the event.
Another memorable championship was 1997. This was the year of Woods’ first major victory and he took the title by 12 strokes from his nearest rival.
Commenting on the new deal, Barbara Slater, the BBC’s director of sport, said: “The BBC is very proud we have broadcast the Masters every year since 1986 and we are delighted that this new deal enables us to continue this relationship.”
Meanwhile it was interesting to see the England squad chosen for the forthcoming Ashes tour of Australia.
England currently hold The Ashes and let’s hope they can retain them with a series win on Australian soil for the first time since 1986-7.
We don’t want another 5-0 defeat.
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
Who will Corey pick?
COREY Pavin has a difficult decision to make before he announces his four captain’s choices for this year’s Ryder Cup.
That choice is whether he should pick World Number 1 Tiger Woods, or if he should leave him out of the team.
Woods may be the best player of his generation, but he has never performed well in the Ryder Cup.
In his first Ryder Cup in 1997 at Valderrama Woods was expected to gain five points from five, but he only took one-and-a-half.
In 2008 at Valhalla, the last time the Ryder Cup was held, Woods was missing through injury and the team beat Europe. You could feel that America generated the team ethos, which I think had been the reason Europe had done so well in the proceeding events. That year Faldo was not able to instil the team ethic.
I feel that Woods will be picked today (Tuesday, September 7) and he will play his role at Celtic Manor, Newport, from October 1-3.
In my opinion Europe will win this year after a very close contest.
Montgomerie had all the qualities to be a good captain.
Meanwhile, The X Factor has started again and is as watchable as ever.
Did Abbey Johnstone and Lisa Parker ever seriously think they could be singers.
That choice is whether he should pick World Number 1 Tiger Woods, or if he should leave him out of the team.
Woods may be the best player of his generation, but he has never performed well in the Ryder Cup.
In his first Ryder Cup in 1997 at Valderrama Woods was expected to gain five points from five, but he only took one-and-a-half.
In 2008 at Valhalla, the last time the Ryder Cup was held, Woods was missing through injury and the team beat Europe. You could feel that America generated the team ethos, which I think had been the reason Europe had done so well in the proceeding events. That year Faldo was not able to instil the team ethic.
I feel that Woods will be picked today (Tuesday, September 7) and he will play his role at Celtic Manor, Newport, from October 1-3.
In my opinion Europe will win this year after a very close contest.
Montgomerie had all the qualities to be a good captain.
Meanwhile, The X Factor has started again and is as watchable as ever.
Did Abbey Johnstone and Lisa Parker ever seriously think they could be singers.
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