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No prizes here – but, do think you recognise this lady boarding a train at King’s Cross Station last month?
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Sinn Fein Leader Gerry Adams
Says Father Was Abuser
By Raphael G Satter ized. He added
SINN FEIN leader Gerry Adams said last that the crimes
month his late father was a man who emo- were “historic”
tionally, physically and sexually abused and that those
members of his family. who were
The president of the Irish Republican abused had not
Army-linked party revealed the abuse as he wanted to in-
appealed to his brother, Liam, to surrender volve police in
to police to face charges that he abused his the matter.
daughter when she was a child. STRONG
Adams told Ireland’s RTE broadcaster He said he
that he had been struggling to deal with had long want-
the implications of his brother’s alleged Gerry Adams ed the issue
actions when he discovered that his father, publicized, but
Gerry Adams Sr, was an abuser. said “we can only do this when everybody
“I was almost 50 years old and up until is strong enough to do it.”
that point I thought we were like any other “We don’t do it for any other reason
family, with a loving father and so on,” than as a necessary step in the healing
Adams said in the interview. “It was a process in our own clan.”
deep shock.” The elder Adams was credited with
Eurostar Train Services
Adams did not go into detail, although
he said he had no memory of being victim-
Disrupted Last Month
BRING NEW By Raphael G Satter
CUSTOMERS TO
THE ONLY passenger rail link between
Britain and the rest of Europe was been
YOUR BUSINESS!
shut down indefinitely, promising more
travel misery for thousands of stranded
passengers just before Eurostar services
Advertise in the next were suspended December 18, when a
series of glitches stranded five trains inside
issue of the Union Jack! the Channel Tunnel and trapped more
than 2,000 passengers for hours in stuffy
and claustrophobic conditions. More than
Call: 55,000 passengers overall were affected.
Some panicked passengers stayed un-
derground for more than 15 hours without
1-800-262-7305 food or water, or any clear idea of what
was going on – prompting outrage from
for Rates and
travelers and a promise from Eurostar
that no passenger train would enter the
tunnel until the issue had been identified
Information
and fixed.
Eurostar runs services between Eng-
land, France and Belgium. The company
or email:
said it had traced the problem to “acute
ujnews@ujnews.com weather conditions in northern France,”
which has seen its worst winter weather
in years.
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Thalidomide Survivors To
Receive Compensation
COMPENSATION has been awarded to
the 466 disabled survivors of the drug
Thalidomide last month. It was announced
by the government that £20m of funding
will be paid out to those effected after
their mothers took the drug in the late 50s
and early 60s.
An apology will also be made in Parlia-
ment in the New Year.
The money is to be allocated through
a three-year pilot scheme by the Thali-
domide Trust – and if successful the deal
could be extended.
Campaigners have long battled for ad-
ditional support for the UK survivors dis-
abled by the Thalidomide drug, prescribed
from 1958-61 for morning sickness.
Thalidomide, developed in Germany
in the 1950s, was prescribed as a ‘won-
der drug’ for insomnia, coughs colds
and headaches. Also given to pregnant
women to relieve the symptoms of morn-
ing sickness.
DEFECTS
Link with birth defects shown in 1961
leading to the drug being taken off the
market
Whack-A-Banker Game A Big Hit
MOLES in the UK are
a happier species now
that many slot arcades
are changing their mole-
bashing games to enable
customers to Whack-A-
Banker instead.
shaping his son’s support for violent insur- Inventor Tim Hunkin
rection in Northern Ireland, but was never says the Whack A Banker
a high-ranking figure in the Sinn Fein-IRA machine at his pier arcade
movement. in Southwold, Suffolk, is
Adams Sr served an eight-year prison proving a great invest-
sentence after shooting a Belfast police ment. Punters are promised a “truly
officer in the foot in a botched IRA opera- rewarding banking experience” and
tion in 1942. He was interned without trial use a mallet to hit as many pop-up
as an IRA suspect in the early 1970s – at figures as they can in a limited time.
times sharing prison space with his much “You pay 40p to hit as many bank-
more famous son. ers as you can in 30 seconds as their
He regularly attended public Sinn Fein- heads pop up. It’s based on an older
IRA rallies in Catholic west Belfast, but he game called Whack-A-Mole,” said Mr
stayed in the background and never spoke Hunkin, 58.
officially for the movement. “It’s proving very popular. I keep
Liam Adams is wanted by police to
answer charges that he abused his daugh-
THE HEADLINES
ter, who recently went public with her
allegations in a television show aired by
Northern Ireland broadcaster UTV.
Government Put Plane
Bomb Suspect On Watchlist
By Meera Selva
BRITAIN said last
month the man ac-
Eurostar commercial director Nick
Mercer said three test trains sent through cused of trying to
the Channel Tunnel ran successfully, but bomb a US airliner
that it became clear that the especially was placed on a UK
bad weather meant that snow was being watch list after he
sucked into the trains in a way “that has was refused a stu-
dent visa a year
never happened before.”
“The engineers on board have recom- ago.
mended strongly that, in light of further Home Secretary
snowfalls that are happening tonight, we Alan Johnson added that police and
make some modifications to the trains on security services are looking at whether
snow shields to stop snow being ingested Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was
into the power car,” he told the BBC. radicalized in Britain.
A Eurostar statement said the fleet was “We don’t know yet whether it was
already undergoing upgrades and that more
tests were planned. But a spokeswoman
a single-handed plot or (there were)
other people behind it - I suspect it’s the
said she could not guarantee that service latter rather than the former,” Johnson
told the BBC.
Continued on page 6 Abdulmutallab received a degree in
£1 = $1.59
engineering and business finance from
University College London in 2008
and later applied to re-enter Britain to
uro = $1.44
study at another institution. Johnson
said last month he was refused entry
because officials suspected the school
at press time was not genuine and they then put his
GET YOUR BLAB AB
B
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Vol. 27 No. 10 January 2010
Affected babies commonly suffered
missing or deformed limbs and severe
shortening of arms or legs
The drug also causes malformations of
the eyes and ears, heart, genitals, kidneys
and digestive tract and many babies would
have died before birth
Until earlier last year it had not been
clear exactly how Thalidomide caused
birth defects but scientists now believe it
affects the growth of new blood vessels in
the developing embryo
One campaigner, Guy Tweedy, said he
was “delighted” by the news.
Health Minister, Mike O’Brien said the
arrangement would help thalidomide sur-
vivors meet their “changing and increasing
health needs” as they approach older age.
“I know that this will be a much-
anticipated early Christmas present for all
those involved.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the
work of the Thalidomide Trust and its
officers, and members of the National Ad-
visory Council who have worked tirelessly
to champion the cause of thalidomide
Continued on page 6
having to replace worn-out mallets.”
He added: “The bankers are bald
and all look the same because that’s
how I think people see bankers – as
faceless.
“And, of course, the bankers never
really lose. If you win the game a bank-
er’s voice says: ‘You win. We retire.
Thank you very much to the taxpayer
for paying our pensions’.”
name on the list.
Johnson says that people on the
list can transit through the UK but
cannot enter the country. He said US
authorities should have been informed
that Abdulmutallab had been placed
on the list and believed all procedures
had been followed correctly.
The use of bogus schools to secure
student visas has been identified as
a weakness in Britain’s immigration
system. In April, one of several sus-
pected terrorists arrested in raids in
northern England was found to have a
visa issued with the help of a fake col-
lege, prompting opposition lawmakers
to call for a crackdown. Last month
Britain’s immigration minister Phil
Woolas boasted that the government
had closed some 2,000 fraudulent
schools.
Supreme Court: London
Jewish School Discriminated
By Sylvia Hui
A JEWISH school discriminated
against a child when it refused to admit
him because it did not recognize his
mother as Jewish, Britain’s highest
court ruled last month.
Critics said the decision interfered
with longstanding Jewish tradition
Continued on page 6
Page 2
in the past month . . .
Scotch On Rocks In Antarctic concurred it was a waste of money and that
Finally To Be Recovered the Government and the Council needs to
SIR ERNEST Shackleton’s expedition to the
South Pole in 1907-09, is regarded as a feat
of incredible courage and endurance; though
today, except for the foundations of an old hut;
remains of Shackleton’s adventure are rare
on the Antarctic landscape. Three years ago
however, the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage
Trust investigated the Shackleton hut at Cape
Royds, and discovered two crates of scotch
whisky frozen solid under the old building. At
the time, they did not have the equipment to
remove the liquor from the ice, and the whisky
remained in place. However, the NZAHT is pre-
paring to return to the site with special cutting
tools and retrieve the booty from the encased
ice, which has set off a plethora of interest
amongst whisky drinkers worldwide.
The McKinlay Co brand that lies beneath
the ice, is now part of Distillers Whyte and
Mackay. The company’s master blender Rich-
ard Paterson, says he’d love to get a bottle of
the now extinct blend, and have the chance
to recreate the hundred-year-old whisky. Why
the whisky was not drunk remains an unan-
swered question, but suspicion concludes
that winter ice was beginning to form and
the fear they would be trapped saw a hurried
exit from Cape Royds (just 97 miles from the
south pole) in March of 1909.
Queen’s Birthday Card To
Catherine Changes At Last
CATHERINE MASTERS may be 110-years-
old but she did notice that the yearly birthday
card she receives from the Queen, had not
changed in the last five years. Those cards
had featured the monarch wearing a yellow
outfit, with an accompanying suitable regal
smile. Masters sent off a letter to Bucking-
ham Palace, pointing out the anomaly. Earlier
this year, the centurion from Stanford-in-the
Vale, Oxfordshire, had a surprise when
Prince William, visited the care-home where
she lives and apologized for the oversight.
Last month, celebrating another birthday she
was delighted to get a another birthday card
featuring the Queen in a blue outfit.
“That’s lovely,” said Masters, who
was delighted with the different birthday
greeting.
Seagulls Enjoying Life In
Scotland And Multiplying
AN ATTEMPT to thwart the excessive seagull
population off the Scottish East coast with
the collections of eggs and the over-flying
of falcons to deter nesting has failed and
Dumfries & Galloway has called off its gull
deterrent programme. Seagull droppings have
increasingly fouled the streets of Scotland’s
coastal communities and the plan was if low
flying birds of prey could deter the gulls from
nesting, it could be implemented over the
whole of Scotland. But the birds have ignored
the hawks, and nested as usual on the roof-
tops, while the egg collecting appears to have
had minimal affect even though they removed
some 1,500 eggs. This year, there was 18
percent more nesting pairs in 671 nests, than
there was last year. The experiment started
last March, and has had mixed revues with
the conclusion that the cost far exceeds the
results. Others feel the scheme needs more
time to be honed and developed.
Dumfries Labour MSP Elaine Murray,
get serious.
“Seagulls cause a mess,” she said. A
proposed new by-law banning feeding the
gulls is not being viewed as been terribly
effective either.
Sit-In By Santa And Elves
Ends In Peaceful Conclusion
CHRISTMAS music blasting from parking
lot at a Tesco’s supermarket in east Belfast,
did not endear itself to nearby residents. A
Santa’s grotto set up by a charity raising
money for Muscular Dystrophy, was shut
down after complaints that the Christmas
Carols were too loud. But Santa and his elves
did not take kindly to the closure, and Santa
Glen Ross and his small assistants refused to
move and staged a sit in. Tesco finally came
to a compromise however, and the grotto and
its music was moved to another part of the
lot with the instructions that the Christmas
music be played a little more discreetly.
Bakers Feed Popularity Of
Pasties And Sausage Rolls
McDONALDS, Kentucky Fried Chicken and
Burger King may be big on the British High
Street, but not as big as Gregg the Bakers.
A collection of takeway lunch items and a
slogan of “freshly baked through the day,”
has seen this chain of over 1,400 shops
boom. A resurgence of British food favou-
rites like pasties and sausage rolls, with the
accompanied delights of pizza, chilli, soup,
sandwiches and a latte, with a selection of
sticky sweet cakes and biscuits has seen the
lines grow longer at Greggs, as the economic
times have got harder. The bakery sells over
two million sausage rolls every week.
John Gregg began selling yeast and eggs
to local merchants in the Newcastle area in
the 1930s, and opened his first shop in the
Gosforth High street in 1951. By 1984, there
were 284 branches of Greggs across the
nation and the company went public. Today,
the company is planning to open another 600
stores nationwide.
Nutritionists and dietary experts have
questioned the healthiness of the humble
sausage roll, but its popularity is beyond
doubt. A sandwich, a biscuit and a drink at
under three quid, is regarded as tremendous
value by your average Briton.
Gardener Making Compost
Loo From Straw Bale
HEAD GARDENER Phillip Waites at Wimpole
Hall in Cambridgeshire, is encouraging his
fellow garden employees to aid compost
development at the estate’s garden centre
by relieving themselves on a nine foot bale
of straw.
Waites feels that male urine (appar-
ently female urine is too acidic) is ideal for
stimulating the compost process, and it will
also save money on water consumption as
the toilet need not be flushed as often. The
compost will eventually be distributed over
the 400 acres of gardens and parkland,
that attract the thousands of visitors to the
National Trust property every year. Staff are
told to refrain from peeing during visitor’s Britain In Top Ten Of World’s
hours, as the Gardener explains, “We don’t
want to scare the public.”
“Adding a little pee just helps get it going,” Organization lists Britain as the tenth fattest
informed Rosemary Hooper the in-house nation in the world with 61 percent of its
ujnews.com
TODAY’S
BRITAIN
BY LARRY GARDNER
master composter. “It’s totally safe and a
bit of fun too.”
£1,000-Plus Rail Fare
Brought To MP’s Attention
NEWS THAT a first-class return railway
fare from Newquay in Cornwall to Kyle of
Lochalsh in Scotland, costs £1,002, has
brought a storm of protest about the high
prices of rail travel in Britain. Three train
companies service the 1,700 mile trip from
England to the Scottish Highlands, and it is
the most expensive train ticket in the nation.
Lib-Democrat MP Norman Baker commented
you could fly half-way across Europe for
thirty quid, and the high rail fares where
scaring travelers in to using other forms of
transportation.
A spokesman for Cross Country, one
of the train companies servicing the route
admitted the thousand pound fare did exist,
but no-one had actually purchased a ticket
yet. He suspects that a prospective traveler
would book in advance, and choose the £561
saver return, rather than pay the full fare.
Cat Hobbs of the Campaign for Better
Transport said, “We think the government
needs to step in.”
Whisky-Strength Beer
Contradicts Parliament Goal
A SCOTTISH brewery that earlier this year
produced the strongest beer in Britain,
namely a 18.2 percent proof beverage called
Tokyo, are in the news again. BrewDog
Brewery of Fraserburgh, has out done them-
selves again with another stronger and more
potent brew. Tactical Nuclear Penguin has an
alcoholic content of 32 percent, and this one
is with out a doubt, the most powerful and
lethal beer in the nation.
“This beer is about pushing the boundar-
ies,” enthused managing director of the
company James Watt.
A warning on the label reads, “This is an
extremely strong beer; It should be enjoyed in
small servings and with an air of aristocratic
nonchalance.” The new beer will retail for
thirty quid a bottle.
Jack Law of Alcohol Focus Scotland,
called it a cynical marketing ploy and ques-
tions why anyone would make a beer that is
nearly as strong as whisky.
The launch of the new product ironically
coincided with a special session of the Scot-
tish Parliament that is looking for remedies to
curtail the excessive and rising consumption
of alcohol in Scotland. BrewDog appear to
be prospering however, as the Aberdeenshire
county council have recently give them
permission to move their brewing operation
to bigger premises.
Fattest Nations
A RECENT survey by the World Health
January 2010
population over weight. Boyle, 48, called it, “Fantastic.” “She did it
Britain even has the heaviest man in
world. Paul Mason, a 48-year-old man living
in Ipswich, weighs an astonishing 980lbs,
her way and made a dream come true,” said
Simon Cowell, who admits there were some
mistakes made after her meteoric rise to
and needs to under go a surgical procedure
just to stay alive. A large couple in Dundee,
had their 13-year-old taken from them by
fame overwhelmed the west Lothian woman.
Supermarket chain Tesco, say they’ve sold
over 100,000 copies.
social services after the child weighed in at
224lb. It’s projected by 2025, that 41 percent Rotund, Rare Hedgehog
of Britons will be obese. Health secretary Put On A Crash Diet
Andy Burnham, says Britons like watching AN ALBINO hedgehog brought into a wildlife
sport more than they like participating, but hospital in Ashbury, Buckinghamshire, was
suggested that obese people were treated immediately put on a crash diet. The creature
with little respect by their doctors and fellow since called “Snowball,” had been gorging on
medical professionals. dog food left out by local residents and had
Top of the WHO survey was American reached nearly three pounds, making him a
Samoa with 93.5 per cent over weight with very obese and heavy hedgehog.
another pacific island Kiribati, second with He is being encouraged to swim some
81.5 percent. The USA is third with a 66.7 his weight off in a shallow bath, while fed
per cent. According to the report, one in three a diet of low-fat cat biscuits. The weight of
of the world’s population is overweight, while an average hedgehog is around one pound.
one in ten are obese. Snowy was found in neighbouring Thatcham,
and bought in to the St Tiggywinkles animal
First-Run ‘Potter Book’ hospital by a concerned resident.
Sells For Nearly $20,000 Les Stocker of Tiggywinkles, says it a
A FIRST edition of Harry Potter and the Phi- slow process to get Snowball to lose weight.
losophers Stone, by JK Rowling, was sold for Once they get him nearer to one pound, he’ll
$19,129, last month, at the Heritage Auction be put in a protected area with other albinos
Galleries in Dallas, Texas. The soft cover of his kind. Apparently, one in a thousand
book was one of just 200 copies published, hedgehogs are born with this condition,
prior to the mass printing, and is the first of which makes them particularly vulnerable
the Harry Potter adventures. The book was in the wild.
signed by the author. The title of the book
was later changed for marketing in the USA, Cheater Not A Panther,
and “the philosophers stone” was switched And, Not Real
to “the sorcerers stone”. PRANKSTERS made dummies of an entire
police SWAT team when they dialed 999 to
Only Two ‘Geraint Woolfords’ report a panther prowling in a back garden.
In UK End Up In Same Hospital The elite armed unit spent nearly an hour
NURSES AT the Abergele Hospital in north watching and stalking the deadly beast
Wales, were told to take extra care dispensing – only to discover it was just a life sized
medications after it was discovered that two cuddly toy.
men in the same ward have exactly the same “When officers arrived they saw the crea-
name. Geraint Woolford, 77, from Llandudno, ture and identified it as a black panther,” said
and Geraint Woolford, 52, from Ruthin, were police spokesman Zbigniew Paszkiewicz of
just as stunned to find themselves side-by- Wielkopolska, Poland.
side in the same ward. The older Woolford is Officers only began to suspect they were
recovering from a hip replacement operation the victims of a cat and mouse game when
and the younger Woolford was awaiting the panther didn’t so much as twitch a whis-
knee surgery. ker as they started to approach it.
A survey of public records revealed that “From a distance it really looked like a live
there are only two Geraint Woolfords in Brit- animal,” claimed the spokesman.
ain, and that they should both be in the same
hospital and same ward at the same time is Swindon ‘Taking The Mickey’
an incredible coincidence. The pair are not With Disney
related, and have never met before. Both are FOR THE FIRST time in it’s history, Walt Dis-
of the same political bent however, and both ney World in Florida is to be officially twinned
belong to their local Conservative Club. with another city – Swindon in England.
When told another Geraint Woolford would Theme park bosses chose the Wiltshire
be arriving at the hospital, Woolford said, town, famed for its Honda factory and
“Don’t be silly there is only me here. There roundabouts, from a field of 25. A twinning
can’t be two of us.” But there was. ceremony is planned at 38-year-old Walt
A hospital spokesman thought the odds Disney World in Orlando, reported The Sun.
of two people with exactly the same name Britons were invited to nominate towns for
in the same ward, same hospital must be twinning. Blackpool, Aberdeen, Cambridge,
millions to one. Chester, Milton Keynes and Wigan were in
the shortlist of 25.
Susan Boyle Selling Album A panel chose Swindon after watching
In US And Britain a video slide-show of its plus points by
SCOTTISH SINGING icon Susan Boyle, who resident Rebecca Warren. She will unveil a
rose to fame in Britain’s Got Talent contest, “Walt Disney World Twinned with Swindon”
has set a music industry record by selling plaque in Florida this month.
over 700,000 worldwide copies of her debut Rebecca, 20, said: “It’s fantastic. What
album, I Dreamed a Dream. Released the first an opportunity for Swindon.” Mayor David
week of December, it became an immediate Wren added: “We’re delighted.”
blockbuster seller the British and American Disney’s Hugh Wood added: “We’re
album charts. It’s the fastest sales ever in the looking forward to building a magical re-
music business for a debut album. lationship.”
January 2010 ujnews.com Page 3

cies and fewer employees on each long
haul flight.
And, fortunately the strike action was
called off.
WILLIAM GETS HIS WINGS
Prince William has beaten Prince Harry in
becoming a fully-fledged military helicopter
pilot. The future king graduated “with flying
colours” according to the Ministry of Defence
after training on twin-engined Griffins at RAF
Shawbury in Shropshire.
The Prince of Wales will see his son
presented with his wings at a ceremony in
January. Prince Harry, who is training with
Royals Visit Sherlock Holmes the Army Air Corps, is expected to receive
his wings next May.
PRINCES William and Harry, together with William’s girl friend Kate Middleton, Prince William will make his first official
turned up at the world premiere of Sherlock Holmes at the Empire cinema, overseas trip representing the Queen to New
Zealand and Australia before moving to RAF
Leicester Square, last month. Valley in Wales to train as an RAF search and
But they sneaked in and out at the back door – arriving five minutes late and leaving just rescue pilot in Sea Kings.
as the film’s credits began to roll. TAKE THE CLEVER TRAIN…
Although the film has received favourable Buckingham Palace and Clarence House A train which tells passengers where to
reviews, I can’t say that I was impressed say that they will no longer tolerate the stand on the platform in order to get a seat
with the American Robert Downey Jr as use of telephoto lenses to capture such could be operating on south London com-
Sherlock Holmes. He doesn’t look anything photographs. muter services by 2013. The intelligent and
like the usual portraits of Holmes by Sidney Previously the royal family has turned a helpful train, which designers claim will do
Paget. Jude Law as Dr Watson was more blind eye to the practice, provided that the away with “sardine-tin” travel, also knows
believable. pictures were taken from public roads and when to turn the air conditioning on.
Guy Ritchie’s film pays scant attention to did not involve trespass on private land. The Desiro City design uses technology
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories, beginning Now a senior lawyer specialising in media to count the number of passengers per car-
with H&W ending a satanic murdering spree law has been instructed to mastermind the riage to tailor air temperature and advise
of the evil Lord Blackwood (what happened privacy strategy. waiting passengers which carriages are least
to Holmes’s arch-enemy Professor James I have often been puzzled by the attitude crammed. The information is sent to the next
Moriarty?) with a bone-crunching fight. of royalty and other celebrities towards station where lights show passengers where
Blackwood rises from the grave, after photographers. After all, photographs are not to stand.
which we become involved with all sorts painful, it’s all over in a second, and so far as The train has sensors to switch off air
of weird things such as a parliamentary celebrities are concerned, it’s good publicity. conditioning when carriages are empty.
conspiracy and a secret organisation called So what’s the problem? Designers claim that the system is more
The Temple of the Four Orders (!The Sign of In my capacity as Sherlock Holmes at environmentally friendly than others because
Four!?), based presumably on Freemasons. the Sherlock Holmes Museum, I am photo- it uses air from outside to lower the tempera-
Add this to some remarkable fight scenes graphed about 50 times a day. Once, when ture inside.
(I’m sure that Doyle’s Holmes didn’t get Dr Watson and I were outside Buckingham Siemens Mobility, the company that de-
involved in so many); beautiful scenes of Palace and in costume, I counted the amount signed the train, said that Londoners will be
Victorian London – and one in which a of times we were photographed by tourists. the first to benefit from the trains – the first of
half-built boat is launched over Downey Jr’s By the end of the day the total was 493 – we
body into the Thames. Conan Doyle must be couldn’t quite make the 500 – but we thor-
their kind in Europe – if the firm wins the bid
to operate the Thameslink service.
turning in his grave. oughly enjoyed posing for them and talking
The film opened on Boxing Day (most ap- to the tourists.
The design is being considered by the De-
partment for Transport to be used on services
propriate, with all those fight scenes) and is FURY AT BA STRIKERS between Bedford and Brighton.
worth seeing if only for its curiosity value. On the 12 strikes of Christmas my true OBAMA’S LOST TOMB
QUEEN SEEKS PRIVACY love sent to me … 12 airline pilots, 11 Irish historian Gabriel Murray claims
The Queen has ordered a crackdown on air hostesses 10 flight controllers … five that he has found the lost tomb of Barack
the paparazzi after becoming increasingly airplane wings … and a carrier pigeon in Obama’s “most distinguished relative” – a
annoyed at intrusions into the private lives a pear tree. sixth generation grand uncle – in the Cathe-
of the royal family and their friends. Well, the song was nearly not far wrong. dral of Saint Canice, in Kilkenny, Ireland.
The get-tough approach has the full sup- Passengers reacted furiously at plans by The discovery was made from research
port of the Prince of Wales and the Princes British Airways cabin crew to hold a 12-day carried out in Trinity Library’s ancient manu-
William and Harry, who are all prepared to strike from December 22. script department.
take legal action against what they see as There were fears that the longest continu- John Kearney (1744-1813) Obama’s sixth
“the intrusive and unacceptable behaviour” ous strike in aviation history could destroy the generation grand uncle, was provost of Trinity
of photographers. airline. Analysts say that the industrial action College, Dublin, and Bishop of Ossory. He
This strategy was being tested last month could cost BA £30m a day, threatening its was buried in the cathedral in a beautifully
when the Queen, accompanied by other chances of recovering from the worst aviation carved tomb.
Tourist Board) have been informed of the
discovery. The president may visit St Canice
and confer the Freedom of the City of Kilkenny
on the Mayor, Councillor Marie Fitzpatrick.
This may form part of the president’s itin-
erary when he visits the village of Moneygall,
Co Offaly, some 40 miles from Kilkenny, and
where his other relatives live.
NEW GALLERIES AT THE V&A
I sent Dr Watson to the Press view of the
new Medieval & Renaissance galleries which
opened at the Victoria & Albert Museum last
month.
He was impressed by one of the most
remarkable collections of treasures from the
period, including the Becket Casket, Gothic
altarpieces, and the notebooks of Leonardo
da Vinci. Also an outstanding collection of
Renaissance sculpture by Italian masters
such as Donatello and Giambologna.
Ten galleries occupying an entire wing of
the Museum, present the collections in con-
tinuous displays to tell the story of European
art and design from the fall of the Roman
Empire to the end of the Renaissance period.
More than 1,800 objects are on display from
the period AD300 to 1600.
The £30m galleries are the biggest project
undertaken by the V&A since the British Gal-
leries opened in 2001. They are funded by a
£9.75m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund
as well as private donations.
Their opening marks the end of the first
phase of the V&A’s Future Plan to modernise
the Museum.
HIGH SPEED TRAINS WELCOMED
Commuters have welcomed the launch of
the superfast Javelin train which came into
operation last month.
Full service of the high-speed link between
London and Kent has brought large parts
of the county within an hour’s travel of the
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lives of commuters through vastly reduced
journey times.
Passengers on the 5:13am train from
Ashford, which arrived at St Pancras within
37 minutes instead of the usual 83, said that
the higher ticket prices were worth it.
A peak-time Ashford-London return costs
£48.70, compared wit the usual £40.60,
while the London-Folkestone fare is £52.50
instead of £44.40.
A WHITE CHRISTMAS?
At the time of writing, Christmas is still a
few days away, but with the freezing weather
that we have been having lately, a white
Christmas it is quite on the cards.
Schools have cancelled the last day of
term and started their holidays early because
of the winter snow. Travellers faced chaos as
the capital prepared for heavy snowstorms.
Many roads were closed and flights
cancelled.
Up to eight inches of snow was forecast
for December 20, but so far in north west
London there has been but a trickle.
In Piccadilly, the Eros statue was covered
with a “snow dome” of polythene sheeting
to protect it from over-zealous revellers. But
Culture Minister Margaret Hodge called for the
cover to be removed. “Sticking it in a tacky
plastic dome is just plain daft,” she said.
Westminster Council said that the initial
proposal was for a Perspex dome, but the
cost was too high. The sheeting would stay
in place until January 4.
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Page 4
Britain Believed Iraqi Weapons
Had Been Dismantled
BRITAIN believed Iraq had dismantled
its chemical and biological weapons in
the run-up to the 2003 invasion but
thought it was possible they could be
reassembled, the former head of the
country’s Joint Intelligence Committee
said last month.
John Scarlett, who chaired the com-
mittee from 2001 to 2004 before moving
to MI6, Britain’s foreign intelligence
agency, told a panel of inquiry that it
had long been believed that Iraq had
been dismantling weapons in order to
conceal them.
On March 7, 2003, Scarlett said an
intelligence report revealed that “Iraq
had no missiles which could reach Is-
rael and none which could carry germ
or biological weapons. The leadership
• hand-made tea cosys
had ordered the dismantlement of the
missiles known as al-Hussein ... to avoid
discovery, and they thought they could
be quickly reassembled.”
A second report, made a few days
later, said intelligence had been received
that chemical weapons “had been disas-
sembled and dispersed and would be
difficult to reassemble.”
PROBING
Scarlett made the comments to a
panel probing Britain’s role in the Iraq
war. The inquiry is most extensive look
yet at the conflict, which was deeply
unpopular in Britain, triggered huge
protests and left 179 British soldiers
dead.
Scarlett said the March assessments
didn’t contradict or change the earlier
belief that Saddam had access to weap-
ons and that the regime was dismantling
them. He said the reports didn’t say
the weapons didn’t exist – but that they
might be difficult to find.
Asked if the reports were a “game-
changing moment,” Scarlett said No
“They were not,” he said.
Britain joined in the US-led invasion
of Iraq a few days later.
The five-person panel, led by former
civil servant John Chilcot, is expected to
report late next year on lessons learned.
It will not to apportion blame or hold
anyone liable for the conflict.
UK Air Force Officers Probed Over Plane Crash
BRITAIN’S defense chief says two senior
Royal Air Force officers are being investi-
gated by military police over a plane crash
in Afghanistan that killed all 14 people
on board.
failings in the defense ministry and among
its contractors that contributed to the Nimrod
spy plane blowing up in mid-air in 2006.
S
ujnews.com
London’s New Year Parade
Reversed For TV In US
ORGANISERS of London’s New
Year’s Day parade reversed the route
so that veiwers in the US could get
better views of the capital’s inconic
landmarks, according to the Daily
Telegraph
The about turn was ordered so the
US audience gets the best views of the
capital’s iconic landmarks, reports the
Daily Telegraph.
With an estimated TV audience in
the US of up to 100 million viewers,
organisers say the parade is a “fantastic
shop window” and want London look-
ing its best.
The two mile parade traditionally
marches from Parliament Square to the
Ritz Hotel at Green Park. However, by
flipping the route TV cameras get the
best backdrop of London’s landmarks.
The annual event is already hugely
popular in the US. Last year nearly
Bob Ainsworth apologized for safety
He said opportunities to avoid the dan-
espeare
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4,000 Americans took part from 24 dif-
ferent bands – with even more expected
to get involved this year.
The parade’s executive director Bob
Bone said: “Each year we act as a fan-
tastic shop window for our city but we
wanted to make doubly sure that London
looks at its very best.
“We made the change to get even bet-
ter camera angles for our multinational
satellite transmission.’
“We have massive demand for the
broadcast in the States. The Christmas
and New Year period is vital for tourism
when millions decide where they will
visit in the summer.
“This year, of all years, it is vital that
we attract every last one of them.”
More than 8,500 performers will par-
ticipate in the 24th annual event which
regularly attracts up to 500,000 people
on to the streets of the West End.
gers were missed because the ministry’s
aviation safety processes have become too
cumbersome and lacked transparency.
His statement last month came after a
critical report said Britain’s aging Nim-
rod fleet was not properly reviewed for
safety risks.
Ainsworth said he is creating a new
military aviation authority to regulate air
activities starting this year.
FROM THE BRITISH AND
EMERALD ISLES.
OUR WEBSITE
www.ukcornershoppe.com
email: info@ukcornershoppe.com
(619) 683-BRIT
January 2010
Lawyers For British
Hacker Lodge Appeal
LAWYERS for a Briton accused of hack-
ing into US military computers in the
wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist
attacks say they have lodged another ap-
peal against his extradition.
US prosecutors accuse Gary McKin-
non of hacking into dozens of computers
belonging to NASA, the US Army, Navy,
Air Force, and the Department of Defense
and have spent seven years seeking his
extradition from Britain. McKinnon says
he was looking for evidence of UFOs.
His family and lawyers say he has a
form of autism. The British government
refused in November to intervene to stop
the extradition.
McKinnon’s lawyer Karen Todner said
that they have new evidence that McKin-
non is suicidal and could not survive the
American prison system. They have lodged
an appeal in Britain’s High Court.
Poll: Labour Party
Narrowing Tory Lead
AN OPINION poll indicates that Britain’s
ruling Labour party is gaining ground on
the main opposition Conservatives.
An ICM poll for the Guardian newspaper
published last month puts Prime Minister
Gordon Brown’s Labour party at 31 percent,
nine points behind the Conservative party.
A poll released in December by another
firm, Ipsos Mori, put Labour just six points
behind the Conservatives – though most
other recent polls have shown a Conserva-
tive lead with about 14 points.
ICM polled around 1,000 adults over
the weekend of December 11. The margin
of error was plus or minus three percent-
age points.
Britain must hold a national election by
June. British newspapers speculate Brown
will call an election in March to take ad-
vantage of his increasing popularity.
Bin Laden’s Son
Denied Entry To UK
THE GOVERNMENT says it has refused
to allow a son of Osama bin Laden to
travel to Britain.
Omar bin Laden had appealed an earlier
decision by UK authorities to keep him
out of Britain. The 28-year-old son of the
al-Qaida leader wants to come to Britain
to be with his 58-year-old English partner,
Jane Felix-Browne, whom he claims to
have married.
Mark Ockelton of the Asylum and
Immigration Tribunal said that Omar bin
Laden’s appeal has been rejected because
authorities still did not believe his mar-
riage is valid.
Omar bin Laden had sought asylum in
Spain, but Spanish authorities last year
refused him permission to remain in the
country and deported him to Egypt. He
said at the time he did not feel safe in
Arab countries.
Publishers
Ronald Choularton
Jeff Choularton
Editor
Ronald Choularton
Contributors
Martin Burniston, Sandra Cherry, Larry Gardner,
Deborah Gilbert, Patricia Kawaja,
Leo & Karen Lewis, Ridge Mahoney,
Joe Nicholls, Luthar O’Connor, Karen O’Keefe,
Ron Rehling, Bernard Sidman, John Shannon,
Anna Titley, Stephen Ure, Jerry Watson, Mitch Wexler
In UK
Stewart Quentin Holmes,
John B Polley, Glenda Young
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January 2010
immigration
By Stephen Ure
Visa Deadline Approaches
THE H-1B cap limit for the 2010 fiscal year is
reaching its limit. As of December 15, 2009,
64,200 H-1B petitions have been counted
towards the annual cap of 65,000.
For those who are unable to file an H-1B
petition before the cap is reached, a number
of alternatives may be available.
E-1 visa
Treaty Trader (E-1) and Investor (E-2)
visas allow nationals of countries having
commercial treaties with the US to engage
in trade or business investment activities.
An individual may qualify for an E visa as the
principal trader or investor, or as an employee
of a trader or investor company. Employees
must be executive or managers or possess
skills that are essential to the success of the
operations. In order to qualify, the employing
organization must have the nationality of a
treaty country and the applicant must have
the same nationality. In addition, the following
criteria must be satisfied:
E-1 applicants
• At least 50 percent of the stock of
the company must be owned by the treaty
country’s citizens who are not US permanent
residents
• The international trade must be “sub-
stantial”, meaning continuous and sizable
flow of trade
• More than 50 percent of the trade must
be between the US and the treaty country
E-2 applicants
• The investment must be substantial. It
must be sufficient to ensure the successful
operation of the enterprise and be at risk in
the commercial sense.
• The investor must have control of the
funds
• The investment must be a real operating
enterprise
• The investment may not be marginal.
It must generate more income than just to
provide a living to the investor and family.
L-1
An L visa is available to multinational
corporations wishing to transfer high-level
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or essential employees from overseas of-
fices to aid or initiate business operations in
the US There is no restriction on what type
of business can sponsor an L-1 applicant.
The sponsoring company need not be a US
corporation and may be a parent company,
a branch, subsidiary or affiliate of the foreign
company.
To qualify, an L-1 applicant must have
been employed by the company abroad for at
least one year out of the last three years and
must hold either a managerial or executive
position, or have specialized knowledge of
the company’s product or procedures.
J-1
The J-1 visa is for exchange visitors
coming to the US to take part in an exchange
visitor program that has been designated by
the US Department of State (DOS).
Within the J-1 category, there are a number
of different programs. These include: Trainee,
student, professor or research scholar, short-
term scholar, specialist, business trainee,
foreign physician, teacher, camp counselor,
au pair, and summer student in travel / work
program. Depending on the type of program
you choose there are specific requirements
that must be met. In some instances, an
individual may be required to return to their
country of nationality or permanent residence
for at least two years upon completion of
their program, thereby preventing a J-1
holder from changing their visa status while
in the program.
EB-5
The EB-5 visa category is method by
which an individual investor may be granted
permanent resident status. In order to qualify,
an applicant must invest $1 million in a new
business that creates 10 jobs or $500,000
in certain circumstances. EB-5 investors
receive conditional residence for two years
and then must apply to remove the condi-
tion. Some key requirements include the
following:
• Investment must be in a business, not a
passive security such as the stock market
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• All funds must have been obtained
through legitimate means
• The business must be a new business
or the investment must substantially change
an older business
• The investment must create 10 full-
time jobs
• The amount of investment may be
$500,000 in a rural area or an area with
unemployment rates that are at least 150%
of the national average
Thus, if you find yourself stuck outside the
cap, don’t give up – see your immigration
lawyer for more options.
The above article should not be considered
legal advice. See an immigration attorney to
discuss the specifics of your case.
The above information is given for infor-
mational purposes only and should not be
taken as legal advice.Please consult with an
attorney to discuss the particulars of your
own case. Stephen Ure can be contacted
at (619) 235-5400, (714) 368-1663 or (909)
574-0713 or email: ure@prodigy.net
UK Spent Over $200bn Supporting Banks
THE BRITISH government has spent
£131bn supporting banks through the
global credit crisis, and has extended
loans and guarantees in excess of £600bn,
government auditors said last month.
The National Audit Office said it was
too early to calculate the full cost of gov-
ernment intervention, which included
nationalizing two banks, buying a con-
trolling stake in Royal Bank of Scotland
and more than 40 percent of Lloyds
Banking Group.
The net cash outlay, including £14bn
Murdered British Student’s Family Not Celebrating Knox Sentence
AMERICAN student Amanda Knox, was
found guilty of murder in an Italian court
last month and she and her former boyfriend
Raffaele Sollecito, were sentenced to 26 and
25 years respectively on December 4.
Knox, 22, and Sollecito, 25 were con-
victed of killing Leeds University student
Meredith Kercher in November 2007. The
trial was held in the town where the murder
took place, Perugia.
The mother of Amanda Knox remains
“devastated” by the verdict, says her
mother Edda Mellas
The mother of Amanda Knox has said she
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___
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Jack
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page
3
Page 5
‘Mystery Traveller’ Spotted,
Even In Disguise
IF YOU answered The Queen as the
mystery traveller, you are correct!
Yes, amazing, but true, Her Majesty,
as we’ve been told she does from time-to-
time, took 10:45am First Capital Connect
service from King’s Cross, London to
Kings Lynn in Norfolk. Other passen-
gers who attempted to join her in the
compartment were told to sit in another
section by her plain-clothes guards. The
Queen, 83, was said to appear “perfectly
relaxed as she chatted with her aides” –
and, yes, she did travel First Class. Her
Majesty’s destination station is the closest
to her Sandringham Estate where she
was to spend Christmas with her fam-
ily – perhaps the bunch of flowers she
carried was for one them?
in fees, loan redemptions and other pay- envision,” the report said.
ments to the Treasury by banks, will be “The support provided to the banks
£117bn by year’s end, the report said. was therefore justified, but the final cost
Guarantees provided by the Treasury to the taxpayer of the support will not be
included £200bn to the Bank of Eng- known for a number of years.”
land for liquidity support, £250bn for The report noted that a full reckoning
wholesale borrowing and insurance on would have to include indirect impacts,
potential losses of up to £282bn for Royal such as the costs of higher than expected
Bank of Scotland. government borrowing as the crisis
“If the support measures had not been deepened.
put in place, the scale of the economic The Treasury has estimated that the
and social costs if one or more major final net cost of supporting banks will be
UK banks had collapsed is difficult to between £20bn and £50bn.
“waits for the day” the family of murdered because our sister was brutally murdered
British student Meredith Kercher, found with and taken away from us. Of course, there
her throat slit, know her daughter is innocent. were two very young people who have been
Edda Mellas told the BBC her daughter had sentenced yesterday to a very long time
“nothing to do with the crime”. behind bars.”
Knox and Sollecito had denied killing The Kerchers were awarded a total of
her, but prosecutors said Sollecito held her 4.4m euros (£4m) in compensation, but Mr
down while Knox stabbed her to death in Kercher said the figure was “symbolic” and
what began as a drug-induced sex game. no amount could make up for their loss.
In a statement read to a press conference He said the sum was to reflect the “se-
in Perugia, Kercher’s brother Lyle said: verity and gravity of the case”.
“Ultimately we are pleased with the verdict. Kercher’s mother Arline told reporters:
It’s not a time for celebration. It’s not a mo- “At the end of the day you have to go on the
ment of triumph. We are all gathered here evidence because there’s nothing else.”
Page 6 ujnews.com January 2010

Britain Targets Bankers Thalidomide Survivors To Supreme Court:

London’s JFS School
Bonuses With Hefty Tax Receive Compensation Continued from page 1 tions to prevent further deterioration of Discriminated...
By Gregory Katz and Jane Wardell survivors, and whose contribution in sup- people’s mobility. Continued from page 1
porting them and their families cannot be The impact of thalidomide in the US and imposed secular standards on who
THAT GRINDING sound in London’s pricier precincts? Bank- overstated.” was minimized when pharmacologist and belonged to the faith.
ers gnashing their teeth. WITHDRAWN MD Frances Oldham Kelsey refused Food London’s prestigious JFS, formerly
Thalidomide was withdrawn after 2,000 and Drug Administration approval for an known as the Jews’ Free School, gave
The government hit them where it hurts last month by announcing a steep tax on application from Richardson Merrell to
bonus pay, just in time to douse the holiday mood in the City, the financial district in babies were born with limb deformities and preference to children who were Jew-
other damage. market thalidomide, saying more study ish according to principles defined by
the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral. was needed. Richardson Merrell gave the
Treasury chief Alistair Darling pulled pockets.” In the 1970s, the drug’s UK manufac- Britain’s chief rabbi.
turer, Distillers Biochemicals, paid out tablets to doctors on the understanding The 12-year-old boy, who cannot be
populist strings in his pre-budget report But he said the financial impact would that the drug was still under investigation.
to Parliament, urging bank directors to be blunted as Britain wrestles with its worst around £28m compensation following a identified for legal reasons, was not given
legal battle. Seventeen children were born in the US priority because although his father is
rebuild their financial strength and resume recession since World War II and a soaring with the defects.
lending rather than spend money on bonus budget deficit: “The tax lawyers will have Campaigners said they had wanted jus- Jewish by birth, his mother converted at
payments – which will now be subject to a already figured out how to get around this tice to help ease the lives of those who for a progressive synagogue not recognized
one-time 50 percent tax. thing,” he said of the bonus tax. 50 years have struggled daily with “terrible
deformities”. They also hope a further £5m
Eurostar Train by Orthodox Judaism. The chief rabbi
did not recognize her conversion, and
“If they insist on paying substantial Bankers find themselves pawns in a
rewards, I am determined to claw money political passion play as the fading Labour could be provided if Scotland, Wales and
Northern Ireland contribute to the fund.
Services Disrupted... the boy therefore was not recognized
back for the taxpayer,” Darling said. Party government seeks to revive its for- Continued from page 1 as Jewish.
The tax will be paid by the banks, tune ahead of a general election by capital- The Thalidomide Trust will be respon- Five judges of the nine-member
not the employees, reducing the pot of izing on public anger – rage, perhaps – at sible for distributing the £20m Department would resume. Supreme Court ruled that the school’s
money available for performance-based people getting six or seven figure bonuses of Health grant to help meet the health A statement posted to the company’s policy amounted to racial discrimina-
bonuses. needs of those affected. Web site just before Christmas urged tion, upholding an earlier ruling by the
from shaky institutions that received tax- passengers to delay their trips or seek
Financial experts said the impact of payer bailouts to avoid collapse. The Department of Health said it will Court of Appeal.
the bonus tax on government revenue also look at how this approach – working refunds. The lower court decided that be-
The bonus plan announcement came as The stoppage has already meant that
will be slight, and bankers warned that Darling acknowledged that the economy through an expert national body – might cause Jews are defined as an ethnic
London would become less attractive to will shrink more this year than previously be applied to other small groups of pa- about 31,000 people in Britain, France and group in British law, denying a child
the financial services sector, a key driver predicted and also hiked government bor- tients who have specialised needs but are Belgium cancelled their trips December admission because his mother is not
of London’s glittering prosperity and Brit- rowing forecasts. geographically dispersed. 19, and up to 26,000 more were affected Jewish constituted racial discrimina-
ain’s economic growth during the boom VOTED SIGNIFICANT the following day. With a huge backlog of tion. The school appealed that ruling.
years. The country’s banking association The US House of Representatives voted Tweedy said: “This is a significant day passengers still building, Eurostar blocked DISAPPOINTED
said business might go elsewhere under in March to impose a 90 percent tax on in the long-running battle to get a fair any sales until after Christmas and Euro- Orthodox Jews and the school said
such conditions. and just settlement for the victims of this star chief executive Richard Brown has they were disappointed by the judg-
bonuses to executives of companies that warned that services will not be back to
PLEASED received at least $5bn in federal bailout wicked drug. Our campaign, which was ment. The school said it now would
But the move stilll seemed shrewd money, but a similar effort in the Senate fought with dignity and determination, normal for days. admit students according to tests of
to political analysts and pollsters, and it to pass a smaller 70 percent tax covering a has always been about justice and not For those seeking alternative routes their religious practice, such as how
pleased some Britons who said they were wider range of companies faltered. There entitlement.” between Paris, Brussels and London, the often they attend synagogue, their level
happy to see bankers punished. Dr Martin Johnson, director of the Tha- winter weather was dealing out more bad of Jewish education and family com-
are no current plans to revive the plans to news.
“This will be extremely popular with step up taxes on bonuses. lidomide Trust, said the present campaign munal activity.
the British public,” said Robert Worcester, team had been working for seven years to Nearly half of all flights out of Paris’ Nonetheless, the school argues that
senior adviser to the Ipsos MORI polling MAKES A GREAT GIFT! bring about today’s announcement. Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports were such tests are irrelevant to Jewish
firm. “The British public is not just sullen, “We’re absolutely delighted. The cut December 20 through mid-afternoon, law. Orthodox Jews say anyone with
ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION TO campaigners feel this is a very success- with more cancellations forecast for the a Jewish mother is a Jew by birth,
they are mad, angry, at the banks. They
feel the bankers have taken the taxpay- THE UNION JACK - $35 ful end.” next day. Belgium was also badly hit, with regardless of whether they actively
ers’ money and stuffed it into their own ~ SEE PAGE 3 ~ But he added: “2009 is the 50th year
of the first thalidomide babies being born
passengers in Brussels lining up for hours
in an effort to rebook flights.
observe the faith.
Last month’s judgment ordered the
in Britain and the thalidomide disaster is It is a measure of the popularity of school to pay most of the family’s legal
the biggest peace time disaster to happen the 15-year-old Eurostar service – which bill, which was not specified.
in this country so it is surprising it’s taken whisks passengers from London to Paris Britain’s chief rabbi, Jonathan
so long.” or Brussels in about two hours – that its Sacks, said the case raised complex
He said the money would enable people closure has dominated news in Britain. questions about British law and Jewish
to pay for health care not available on the Eurostar resumed all services on De- identity that “require careful reflection
NHS and help with car and house adapta- cember 28. and consultation.”

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January 2010
HOPEFULLY YOU all had a fabulous holiday
season and ate enough to last you all year.
Do we always eat that much? It was a
double whammie here on Thanksgiving. Not
only was I stuffed, but I deserve a medal for
bravery, as two ex-wives and Karen were
under the same roof. The odd thing is, both
ex-wives went on to become very successful,
after they left me. Carol went on the USC and
got her masters in psychology and works for
the State of California. Dory is a successful
travel agent taking care of all the Lakers needs
as well as several musicians.
I was hoping they would all club together
to spoil and surprise me with a new Roller
or possibly a new XJ Jag from the LA auto
show, Santa’s toys for men!! I’ll happily
settle for any of the above. Needless to say
Carman Phil and I were all over the British
contributions, including Morgan cars, where
we had hoped to see Denis Glavis, the west
coast main dealer in Santa Monica. Instead
I chatted with Gail Anderson, TV presenter
and producer for Channel 5 KTLA, as we both
drooled over them. We decided that maybe
we could share one on alternate weekends,
like little kids. Check out www.morgancars-
usa.com.
There’s a new Lotus out this year, the
Evora. Worth checking out. It’s gorgeous.
More than just a selfish but pleasurable two
seater or a weekend fun car that we’re used
to from Lotus. You can actually squeeze
two kids in the back seat, to drive all week
almost like a family car but with a lot of style
and sport.
For Phil and myself the highlight of the
entire show was meeting up again with Ian
Callum, the designer of the Aston Martin DB7
and the XF and XJ Jaguar. We both really like
this man. He’s down to earth, yet one of the
best automotive designers out there. Always
fun to be with him. From what we understand
from Bruce Holley, our friend over at Ventura
Jaguar Land Rover (805) 654-0100 when the
auto show was opened to the public Jaguar
and Land Rover were by far the most visited
booths. I’m sure Phil will give extensive
coverage of the show and vehicles over the
next few months. What do we really need in
life? A roof over our head, food in the belly,
and a Jag!!
Talking of squeezing, I went for an MRI
(blocked artery in my ankle causing me to
limp some what) and as Ian the technician is
squeezing me into this tube (the equivalent of
trying to put toothpaste back into the tube),
he’s explaining to me that the magnets are
built in England, for which I assured him its for
extracting the patients loose change!
“You Brits have such a great sense of
humor, it sure beats being French, right!” he
said. I replied, “Hey. The French aren’t all bad.
Coming to their defense...Good wine, good
food, good women, not necessarily in that
order.” In walks Melissa who said, “I’ve met
you at the Crown and Anchor in Thousand
Oaks. I need to take some blood.”
“You can’t do that,” I replied. “Apart
from that I can’t stand the sight of blood,
especially my own!” Melissa said, “Probably
100 percent proof!” Hey. I got feelin’s. I’m
sensitive. As Ian is strapping me in and tying
my feet together, I said, “I feel more like I’m
being executed than X-rayed. And what’s the
duck tape for?”
Gary Payton, BABC President Catherine Tober, and Chairman Paul
Wright at the BABC Christmas luncheon.
The absolute most popular party in De-
cember had to have been the BABC of LA
Christmas luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire
Hilton with guest of honor Consul General
Dame Barbara Hay, with close on 600 Brits
and near Brits (Americans) had their annual
holiday frivolity with free champagne; lots of
old friends; special guest Gary Payton who
Leo (left) with XF designer Ian Callum and Carman Phil (right)
at the LA auto show.
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this Spring we’ll connect. www.american- came from all parts of the compass (Canada,
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Then on to the British Home in Sierra Brenda Jarvis will be stepping down this
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every resident. After dinner we all enjoyed a residents to join her.
glass of Harvey’s Bristol Cream. Then Santa Once again a sad note: renowned Irish
Claus arrived to chat and hand out gift bags. born actor Richard Todd died. A paratrooper
This part of the evening is always interesting during WWII he suffered a lot of personal
as you never know what the ladies might tragedies loosing two of his sons. A superb
say. When you’re 75-100 years young who actor who portrayed Guy Gibson in one of my
cares about political correctness as long as
you’re having fun. Continued on page 14, plus
was one of the top NBA guards in the nation
Dame Barbara ended the evening with a Karen’s Calendar
who gave a tremendous uplifting account of
his struggle from relative poverty in Oakland,
California to reaching to the top of his profes-
sional basketball career, which brought him
a standing ovation.
I spoke with him afterward and he said he
would love to give the same encouragement
Connie Mercer, Dame Barbara Hay, Marget Jenkins, and Sierra Madre
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Page 8
KEEPING UP WITH BRITAIN’S FAVOURITE SOAP OPERAS
JOHN STAPE’S released from jail, he’s back
on the Street and in Fiz’s arms. She’s all loved
up, but over the road, Sally Webster’s not
pleased to have John back, well neither would
you be if John had kidnapped your daughter,
would you? John starts work at Roy’s Rolls
and Rosie winds him up in there, asking
for a skinny latte when she knows full well
there’s only two types of coffee that Roy will
ever entertain – white or black. John offers to
froth up the milk for her and he’s trying his
best to do right by Rosie but she’s set out
for revenge and more cash from the ex-con.
When John gives her short-shrift at the end
of his shift and tries to throw her out of the
caff, she yells into the dark of the night so
that the Street regulars hear her cry of assault
but it all backfires on Rosie and John wins in
the end. John 1, Rosie 0.
Gail and Joe make plans for their wed-
ding and Gail asks Ted to give her away, to
which he agrees. Gail even puts her house
up for sale when Joe tells her his debts have
spiralled out of control. The plan is to sell the
house, pay off Joe’s debts, move into a small
flat and live happily ever after. As this is Gail
Platt, that plan ain’t ever gonna work.
Corrie fans up and down the country suf-
fered another bout of Kevin and Molly this
month. Apparently, if you sneeze MolVin into
your tissue and bin it, it kills it, but watch out
because it’s viral and it could spread. So al-
ways wash your hands after you’ve watched
Kevin and Molly on screen. But wait, is Sally
onto them both? She wants to know if Molly’s
been fiddling with her Kev, but it’s the garage
accounts that Sally’s worried about and as
Molly and Kevin snuggle up in yet another
nasty hotel room for yet another nasty night
in their nasty affair.
The big story this month has been killer
Tony and the Croppers. Roy and Hayley think
Tony’s been arrested for the killing of Liam,
the murder of some bats and for brandishing
a spurtle with a dodgy eye. But no, Tony’s
released and corners Roy down by the canal.
There’s a stand off
between the two
and Roy hovers at
the water’s edge
after a scuffle.
Roy: “But I can’t
swim!”. Tony:
“Good.” Roy
flounders in the
murky Manchester
muddy water with
only his shopping bag to keep him afloat as
evil Tony runs away but then he turns and
runs back. Not only does he rescue Roy but
he saves his life and gives Roy the kiss of
life. Roy recovers, as we all knew he would
(and should) and Tony turns himself into the
cop shop. With Tony out of the way now,
over at Underworld, Carla Connor returns
and puts herself firmly back in charge of the
stitching and bitching on the factory floor.
“I’m your Fairy Godmother,” Carla tells the
girls now she’s back on the shop floor. But
she could turn out to be more of a Wicked
Stepmother once the girls find out she knew
about Tony killing Liam. “She might be a
bitch, but she’s our bitch,” coos Sean from
behind his Singer.
Over at the Barlows’, Blanche plasters
her face with make-up and then gets plas-
tered on white wine, airing the Barlow dirty
laundry to Peter’s new in-laws who’ve just
arrived. “Did you know Deidre’s an ex-con,
Peter’s an ex-alcoholic and Leanne’s an
ex-prossie?” she asks George and Eve. It’s
just as well she kept quiet about Ken being
an old f*rt although I suspect they’ll soon
find that one out.
Poor Liz this month, I didn’t half feel sorry
for her. Desperate to make amends with his
ex, Lloyd asks Teresa to be nice to Liz. And
Teresa tries, she really does, for all of twenty
seconds before the bitch and the bile starts
pouring out of her again. She gets barred from
the Rovers and gets revenge by organising
a ‘Vicars and Liz’ fancy-dress party. The
factory girls and Sean all turn up in their Liz-
inspired tart-tat with blonde curly wigs, even
Graeme Proctor – who’s got the legs for it if
not the cleavage. When Liz realises what’s
going on, there’s tears in her eyes and no
love left for Lloyd. To get revenge, she melts
Lloyd’s Northern Soul record collection in
his oven. And as you can imagine, he’s not
best pleased.
Glenda Young
http://coronationstreetupdates.blogspot.com
ujnews.com
POOR CHARLIE Slater, living with a house full
of (shall we say) strong women, but never
having any luck in the romance department
(and likely never will, given the interference
of his mother-in-law, Big Mo). You’d think
he’d give up, but no, he thinks he and the
long suffering, tuba-playing Brenda have a
chance if only they can just get away from
the Square. So he leaves for good. But a few
weeks later, he returns, not with Brenda, but
instead with a Russian woman, who we all
just know (from her accent, of course) that
she’s out to take this cabbie dreamboat (or
maybe, tugboat) for everything he’s got. Little
does this Eastern Bloc temptress know what
he’s got (just a Council house where estrogen
virtually drips from the ceiling). It doesn’t take
long before PI Mo has it all sussed out and
Miss USSR leaves in a mini-cab, with her ac-
complice, but not before telling Charlie that he
was so nice, she just didn’t have the heart to
scam him (more than she already did).
A few doors down, at Chez Masood: We
finally find out why scriptwriters made a
point of letting us know, a few months back,
that Masood and Zainab are still (you know);
catching them flagrante delicto on (Euw!) the
table in catering kitchen (causing millions to
swear off takeout curry); the penny drops,
she’s pregnant (and not too happy about
it). Also, Tamwar finally admits that his
wasn’t admitted to Oxford afterall. And, (too
gorgeous to be straight) Syed continues his
secret affair with Christian, while still planning
his wedding to clueless Amira.
Elsewhere, Heather is still pregnant, by
whom we can’t imagine . . . Bradley and Syd
are planning to move to Canada... As Garry
and Dawn’s wedding approaches, we just
know summink’s gonna happen and it does:
Dumb Dawn can’t keep her mouth shut and at
her hen night, let’s slip that she’s had an affair
with Phil. Garry finds out and the wedding’s
off. Garry is going to leave the Square on his
own, in his little boat, but at the last moment,
Dawn runs after him, down the canal bank,
yelling that she loves him, and he relents. And
so Dawn and Garry and baby Summer escape
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Walford alive, and not by black cab, but by
motor boat (without any luggage).
And speaking of being short of luggage,
Ricky has left on a secret mission, to where
we don’t know and Biance is beside herself
because she has finally realized that he is her
One True Love. Phil won’t say he’s gone. But
when she and the kids finally find out he’s one
the way home, they plan a welcome home
party. But there’s a glitch; he returns with an
unwanted souvenir: Sam Mitchell. Yes, the
same Sam Mitchell who ran off to Brazil to
avoid a trial for her implication in Den’s mur-
der. Well, she’s back, and looking like a £20
hooker. Let the fireworks begin. Duf, duf.
Across the pond: It’s been over two years
since John Bardon had a massive stroke that
left him with severe disabilities. It has been
a long road of recovery to get where he is
now, which is, finally well enough to return to
EastEnders on a regular basis. And not a mo-
ment too soon, because he has been surely
missed! Walford just hasn’t been the same
without him. While John can walk a little, he
still uses a wheelchair to get around, and has
limited speaking ability. In anticipation of his
return, EastEnders producers and staff met
with his doctors and occupational therapist
to discuss what adaptations needed to be
made to make his return possible.
Given his expressive face, they have been
Priest: Shoplifting By
Poor Sometimes OK
By Gregory Katz
FOR A PRIEST in northern England, the
commandment that dictates “thou shalt not
steal” isn’t exactly written in stone.
The Reverend Tim Jones caused an
uproar by telling his congregation that it is
sometimes acceptable for desperate people
to shoplift – as long as they do it at large
national chain stores, rather than small,
family businesses.
Jones’ Robin Hood-like sermon drew
rebukes Tuesday from fellow clergy, shop
owners and police.
From his pulpit at the Church of St.
Lawrence in York, Jones said in his sermon
December 19 that shoplifting can be justi-
fied if a person in real need is not greedy
and does not take more than he or she really
needs to get by.
The remarks drew a summons from
Archdeacon Richard Seed, who said on his
Web site that the church rejects the view
that shoplifting can be acceptable.
“The Church of England does not advise
anyone to shoplift, or break the law in any
way,” he said.
“Father Tim Jones is raising important
issues about the difficulties people face
when benefits are not forthcoming, but
shoplifting is not the way to overcome
these difficulties. There are many organi-
zations and charities working with people
in need, and the Citizens’ Advice Bureau
is a good first place to call,” Seed’s state-
ment said.
DISCUSS
Eleanor Course, a spokeswoman for
Seed, said the archdeacon wants to meet
with Jones to discuss the “appropriateness”
January 2010
able to work around his speech limitations,
and he is still a scene stealer. There are
so many millions of people who have had
strokes, and other life-changing brain injuries,
that it is truly great to see them represented
in the lives of the people of Albert Square.
Kudos to the BBC and the entire EastEnders
production staff for doing the right thing, and
bringing John back to the show: The show
that he loves, and that loves him. It is great
to see Dot and Jim back together on our TV
screens! Let’s hope they continue on for a
long, long time!
EastEnders news from this side of
the pond: Fans in New York should get
ready for PBS station WLIW/Channel 21’s
big EastEnders pledge night, coming in
early March . . . And fans in North Carolina
should get ready for PBS station UNC-TV’s
annual EastEnders pledge night, coming in
February... And fans everywhere should get
ready for EastEnders Silver Jubilee, coming
in February. We’ll be celebrating with a big
knees-up here in NYC. To get all the details,
keep checking The E20 Chronicles.
If you’d like to subscribe to the FREE,
weekly EastEnders e-newsletter, The E20
Chronicles, just drop us a line here at the
Launderette: E20Launderette@gmail.com
Signed, Your Faithful Reporter,
Deborah Gilbert, AKA Ishcabibble
of his sermon.
“The point we are most concerned about
is that shoplifting is simply not a blame-
less, victimless crime,” she said. “We want
to make clear that it simply doesn’t help
people. And the last thing a desperate per-
son wants is to be caught for shoplifting, so
we feel this advice is very unwise.”
Jones told The Associated Press that he
stands by his comments. He said he regret-
ted only that the media is focusing on his
view on shoplifting rather than the underly-
ing problem he wanted to address.
“What I’m against is the way society
has become ever more comfortable with
the people at the very bottom, and blinded
to their needs,” he said.
He said shoplifting could help people
who are legally entitled to government
welfare benefits but have the benefits
delayed for bureaucratic reasons.
REJECTED
This approach was quickly rejected by
members of the British Retail Consortium,
a prominent trade organization trying to
reduce theft.
“It’s the job of our welfare system,
which retailers support with the billions
they pay each year in tax, to help vulner-
able people,” said spokesman Richard
Dodd. “There are no excuses for steal-
ing.”
The North Yorkshire Police also con-
demned Jones’ approach as counter-
productive because people already in
marginal conditions would find themselves
in trouble with the law if they resorted to
shoplifting.
January 2010
Electric Cars In Our Future
THERE WERE quite a few notable absen-
tees at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show
because of either the economic condition or
the fact that the onus this year was focused
on energy efficiency – I’m not sure which,
perhaps it was a bit of both.
Not surprisingly the missing Marques were
ultra expensive gas guzzlers with the likes of
Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Buggati and
Bentley. Aston Martin was also absent in the
corporate capacity although a local dealer
had some models on display, nothing new
though, I was hoping to see the new Aston
Martin four door Rapide or One-77 but it was
not to be on the day.
There were a few British debuts at the
show which I will write about in the coming
months but with energy efficiency being
the main focus of the 2009 LA Auto show
was I thought I would report on the same
topic because, let’s face it, this applies to
all the world’s motor vehicles including the
British ones.
As for the so called energy efficient future
cars at the show, to be honest I didn’t see
too much improvement from last year, on
the battery powered cars at least. The future,
according to many manufacturers, is Lithium
Ion cells coupled with the old trusty gasoline
powered internal combustion engine to kick in
when the battery dies or in other words a Hy-
brid which means two different components
performing essentially the same function.
How far you can go on battery power depends
on a number of factors, car weight and how
fast you are going etc but the advertised
range is from 30 to 60 miles dependent on
the aforementioned factors. When the gas
powered engine kicks in its back to normal,
except when it is both charging the lithium
ion battery and powering the car, in which
case it would use more gas than normal. I
suppose this hybrid system is the stop-gap
technology until the car makers can develop
an electrical system which will work as well
Last 10 Years Warmest On Record
THE LAST decade has been the warm-
est since records were kept, according to
scientists.
The information was handed to nego-
tiators in attempt to make progress on a
new international deal to combat climate
change last month.
While 1998 remains the hottest single
year since records began, the past decade
has been the warmest period in the 160-
year record of global surface temperatures,
the Met Office announced.
And the past year is another in the top
10 warmest years, according to a separate
announcement by the World Meteorologi-
cal Organisation (WMO) which published
provisional findings that 2009 was 0.44C
above the long term average of 14C.
It is expected to become the fifth warm-
est year since instrumental records began
in 1850, the Met Office said, and will be
warmer than 2008 because of the emer-
gence of El Nino weather patterns in the
Pacific Ocean which contribute to warmer
temperatures.
The 160-year record is maintained by
as the fossil fuel-powered internal combus-
tion engine, and it seems to me that they are
still a long way off.
Who is leading the charge, so to write, in
the lithium ion battery cell technology? Gen-
eral Motors said they are, but so did BMW and
Toyota, and a few others too, so it’s anyone’s
guess whose telling the truth, or even knows.
Electric cars might be the way of the future
though, I say might, I have my doubts per-
sonally. Speaking at the auto show, General
Motors new vice chairman Bob Lutz let it
be known that for electric cars to become a
reality governments would need to increase
the cost of gasoline to the degree that would
make gasoline powered cars obsolete, thus
paving the way for electric power.
GM have partnered up with the Edison
Company which are hoping to sell and install
electric charging stations in residences. So,
according to the GM vice chairman, electric
powered vehicles may be forced upon us,
but, of course the oil companies may have
something to say about that and they can
wield quite a heavy stick. In fact the oil
companies are the real winners in motor car
production at present because, on average,
the cost of fuel used in a cars lifetime exceeds
the cost of the car.
As for oil, well we are running out of it but
not for quite some time in the future. Accord-
ing to the experts the peak extraction of oil will
occur sometime in 2012 and from then on we
will be in a downward trend, in other words
we will have the same amount of oil left after
2012 than we have used prior to that or about
45-50 years worth. More than enough time in
my opinion to develop an alternative source
of energy, and yet, the rush is on.
Fuel efficiency is the driving force along
with political pressure against dependency
of foreign oil. It took millions and millions of
years to decompose animal and plant fossils
into the gooey stuff we call oil and since we
have used up almost half of it already we
need to find an alternative. I recall back in
my physics classes in college that the First
law in thermodynamics is that the produc-
tion or consumption of energy is impossible
as the amount of energy in the universe is
constant, the Second law however tells us
that the quality of the energy in the universe
is constantly diminishing. Well, we are
diminishing the oil supply at rates that seem
to defy the laws of thermodynamics so we
need an alternative and the suppliers of this
alternative energy, whom ever they may be,
are in for a huge profit.
Energy is in everything everywhere, in fact,
the Met Office Hadley Centre and the
Climatic Research Unit at the University
of East Anglia, which has been at the
centre of a row over leaked emails which
climate sceptics show scientists attempting
to manipulate data to support the theory of
man-made global warming.
SEPARATE
But the Met Office said similar results
were seen in separate analyses by the US’s
National Climatic Data Centre and the
Nasa Goddard Institute of Space Studies.
The climate change experts said the fig-
ures highlighted that the world continues
to see a trend of global temperature rises,
most of which is due to increasing emis-
ujnews.com
using Einstein’s famous equation E=MC²
shows there is enough energy in a single drop
of water to power the average car for about
7,500 miles. The problem is, the practicality
of the extraction of this energy. We are not
there yet and are not likely to be there by the
time the oil runs out.
Is Lithium Ion battery technology the an-
swer, will this reduce the carbon emissions
enough to save our planet? Well it will help for
sure but so will cutting down or capturing the
carbon emissions of fossil fuel vehicles and
this approach seems to have taken a back
seat now as electricity stored in a Lithium
Ion cell is supposedly the way of the future.
What is Lithium? I confess I didn’t know until
I looked it up, it’s an element, a metal or alkali
metal and it’s the lightest metal there is and
there is an abundance of the stuff appar-
ently. An Ion is the atom or molecule where
the total number of electrons is not equal to
the number of protons, therefore giving it a
positive or negative electrical charge. As for
the Lithium Ion battery, you probably have
one on your laptop or cell phone as they are
common in portable consumer electronics
because of their high energy-to-weight
ratios, lack of memory effect, and slow self-
discharge when not in use. They don’t last
forever though as most of you already know
so a deal of improvement needs to be made
there. Efficiency-wise they are pretty good,
currently about 88 percent of what you put in
comes out when they are new. The average
fuel savings on a hybrid Lithium Ion car is
reported to be between 20 percent and 30
percent supposedly.
As for other alternates for powering our
motor cars, well, there aren’t any at pres-
ent as all the auto makers are pursuing the
same technology, jumping on the same
bandwagon so to speak for fear they will
get left behind, so it seems for now at least
that the future motor cars will be electrically
powered. Electric energy (in non peak hours)
is approximately one third of the cost of
gasoline at present but will it be if and when
all motor vehicles are electrically powered?
I’m convinced it won’t be, as energy is big
business. This is when Einstein’s famous
equation will be used, using, not water but
Uranium as we will need a lot more nuclear
power plants than we have now to power all
cars electrically. It will be a few years away
but it’s odds on electric cars are coming, I
for one though would miss stepping on the
gas and hearing the throaty roar of the internal
combustion engine.
Happy Motoring.
sions of greenhouse gases.
The data shows the argument that
global warming has stopped is “flawed”,
researchers said.
In the run up to the crunch climate talks
which are under way in Copenhagen,
climate science became embroiled in a
row over the facts after stolen emails were
posted on sceptic websites where they
have been promoted as a “smoking gun”
for those who claim the evidence for man-
made warming has been rigged.
But experts have dismissed as nonsense
suggestions of a conspiracy to manipulate
findings to build a case for climate change
caused by humans.
Silly Local Government At Work
Over 50s Folk ‘Taught’ How To Wear Slippers
A COUNTY council has been teaching
the over-50s how to wear their slippers at
a cost of thousands of pounds.
The Warwickshire County Council ser-
vice allows ‘older people’ to bring in their
old slippers and replace them with a new
pair, to cut the risk of falling over.
For a fee of £5, participants receive a
fitting session, a new pair of the Velcro
fastening slippers, and advice on how to
wear them, reported the Daily Telegraph.
The council claims that the initiative
will save money in the long run because it
prevents costly injuries to elderly people.
But critics say the so-called Sloppy Slip-
pers project, which is costing taxpayers
£3,500, as a waste of money and “patronis-
ing” to people in their 50s and 60s.
Matthew Elliott, chief executive of the
TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “This is a pa-
A CANADIAN academic has attacked
children’s favourite Thomas the Tank
Engine as being sexist.
Shauna Wilton, a professor of politi-
cal sciences at the University of Alberta,
also highlighted the class divide which
sees Thomas and his friends at the bot-
tom of the social ladder and the wealthy
Fat Controller at the top.
She launched her study after watch-
ing the animated programme, which is
shown in over 130 countries, with her
three-year-old daughter.
She then analysed the plots, charac-
ters and other aspects of 23 different
episodes to draw her conclusions, which
she then presented at a conference of
political science in Canada.
She was critical of the fact the show
Name Of Douglas Now Worth Something
IF YOUR town is called Douglas you
could be in for a financial treat if a certain
Scotsman finds it. Eric Gordon Douglas
made his unusual bequest to Douglas
Borough Council on the Isle of Man
which revealed it had received a cheque
for £10,887.73.
The council replied, appealing for more
information on Douglas in order to recogn-
ise his donation, reports Sky News.
Council leader David Christian said
lawyers could only confirm that the gentle-
man’s home city was Edinburgh and that
Douglas Borough Council were not alone
in receiving money.
“There was around £220,000 left to
Page 9
tronising campaign that treats responsible
adults like children. People in their 50s in
particular will be surprised to learn that
they are judged incapable of buying and
putting on slippers without interference.”
And Neil Duncan Jordan, of the Na-
tional Pensioners’ Convention said: “Falls
among the elderly are very serious, but for
the vast majority of people in their 50s
and 60s, this is patronising and a waste
of money.”
A council spokeswoman insisted: “It’s
really about prevention and intervention
where people are targeted earlier to prevent
problems later in life.
“It’s entirely optional and the majority
of people who are taking up the scheme
are 65 plus, however for those who may
have health needs at an earlier age the
service is here.”
Thomas
The Tank
Deemed
‘Sexist’
only has eight female characters out of
the 49 who feature.
“The female characters weren’t nec-
essarily portrayed any more negatively
than the male characters or the male
trains, but they did tend to play more
secondary roles and they’re often por-
trayed as being bossy or know-it-alls,”
she said.
Any attempt to break out of this
controlled hierarchy to gain individual
power, show initiative or dissent is met
with punishment, usually because it goes
wrong, she said.
But Professor Wilton insisted she
show was not all bad, and featured some
positive political values like contributing
to the community, tolerance of others
and good communication.
20 places across the globe that shared his
surname,” said Christian.
“If we can get more information then
that would be excellent. We literally know
nothing about the gentleman apart from his
name and that we were told by his lawyers
that he was from Edinburgh.”
Christian said the council were now
brainstorming suitable ways to use the
money.
“Unfortunately the will doesn’t stipulate
what we should spend it on,” he added.
“But it’s been left to the town so we
will definitely put it to good use, a nice
quiet area in his memory would be a
good idea.”
Page 10
Richard Andrew Palethorpe-Todd, Actor (1919-2009)
“THE PAST is a foreign country: they do
things differently there.” LP Hartley’s tren-
chant opening to The Go-Between has been
much on my mind lately. His past, though,
covered the years before the Great War, mine
those after the Second World War.
What particularly brought to mind this lat-
est flood of nostalgia was news of the death
of Richard Todd, the actor. He was best
known for his portrayal of Guy Gibson in The
Dam Busters (1955) which he considered
the “best military war picture ever made”.
He may of course have been a little partial in
his judgement since he starred in it though
as a former Parachute Regiment officer his
opinion is certainly worth considering. All
the more so in view of the fact that his bat-
talion parachuted into Normandy on June 6,
1944 and he was instrumental in securing
the Orne Bridge (now known as Pegasus
Bridge) near Caen.
MEMORY
All that is may be, but my strongest
memory of him is in The Hasty Heart (1949)
in which he played the part of a
dour Scot, Lachlan McLachlan,
dying painfully in a military hos-
pital in Burma. His fellow patients’
attempts at befriending him are
initially rejected but eventually the
prickly Todd accepts them before
his inevitable end.
I now discover that with him
in that film were Ronald Reagan
and Patricia Neal, and furthermore
Todd was nominated for a Best
Actor Oscar for his part. He lost
out to Broderick Crawford in All
The King’s Men.
All these fascinating facts I now find out –
sixty years later. But what I remember about
The Hasty Heart was that it made me cry. Ev-
ery time I saw it and that was six times in all.
Richard Wright Wins Contentious Turner Prize
By Jill Lawless
A SCOTLAND-BASED painter known
for destroying his large-scale wall murals
after they have been exhibited won Brit-
ain’s best-known art award, the Turner
Prize, last month.
Richard Wright said he was surprised he
beat three other finalists to win the annual
£25,000 prize, which was announced at
London’s Tate Britain gallery. The award
was presented by British poet laureate
Budget Carrier Easyjet Cuts
Capacity In Britain
LOW-COST airline easyJet PLC said last
month it is closing its operations at a re-
gional British airport and cutting capacity
at its home base of London’s Luton airport
by 20 percent.
The airline will cease operations at East
Midlands Airport on January 5. The airline
operated 10 routes from East Midlands
Airport – to Prague, Nice, Venice, Faro,
Barcelona, Alicante, Malaga, Ibiza, Palma
and Geneva.
Passengers booked to travel after Janu-
ary 5 will be offered either a free transfer
to another easyJet flight, a free transfer to
When you think that
I was only ten years
old that makes me a
remarkably sensitive
little lad.
CHANGED
Now you may
ask how I know
sixty years later that
I saw it six times. In
those days, cinemas
changed their films
every three days (Monday-Wednesday,
Thursday-Saturday) and the genuine film-
lover would never miss a performance. I
was a genuine film-lover, dear reader, so I
would go in for the second showing of the
day and stay on until the end of the evening
where I vied with everyone else in beating
the credits out of the cinema before the
National Anthem.
There is something else I remember
about the pictures (always “pictures” never
“movies” or “films”): the classifications – U,
A and X, with the very occasional H thrown
in for Horror.
We had two cinemas in Bideford: The
Palace, now a furniture shop with a long,
Carol Ann Duffy.
“I’m shocked – is there another kind of
reaction?” the artist said. “I wasn’t expect-
ing it, not at all.”
Wright is known for painting intricate,
large-scale patterns on walls or ceilings,
as well as for his insistence that his work
be destroyed after the exhibitions end. He
said he gave up painting on canvas because
those paintings were “rubbish” and didn’t
represent who he was.
a flight on low-cost airline bmibaby or a
full refund.
The 20 percent capacity reduction at
Luton means the airline will cease to oper-
ate routes to Athens, Cagliari and Vienna,
and reduce frequencies on routes including
Alicante, Dortmund, Edinburgh, Geneva,
Glasgow, Nice and Paris.
The changes follow a three-month con-
sultation with workers and the carrier said
that all 107 affected cabin crew and pilots
who requested to transfer to other easyJet
bases will be accommodated.
ujnews.com
deep and wide showroom, and The Strand,
now a huge block of flats as far as I can tell.
This meant that the true film-lover could see
four big films weekly.
ACCOMPANIED
Now these classifications were quite solid
things. Anyone could see a U; only those over
16 could see an X or H. But with an A, a minor
had to be accompanied by someone over the
age of sixteen.
Not that an A was a guarantee of anything
a bit risqué. In those days, young lads had to
be content with carefully-posed, air-brushed
scenes in Health and Efficiency or the
underwear shots in those two pocket-sized
magazines, Spick and Span. I do remember
the French films, such as there were of them,
were likely to be a little racier but then the
Judges said they admired the “profound
originality and beauty” of Wright’s work,
saying his paintings were rooted in the
fine art tradition yet “radically conceptual
in impact.”
“Wright uses elaborate and labour-
intensive methods to create transient works
that respond directly to the architecture
and context of a space,” they said in a
statement released by Tate Britain. “His
works come alive as they are experienced
by the viewer.”
It was 49-year-old Wright’s last chance
to win the Turner, awarded annually to a
British artist under 50. The prize, which al-
ways inspires fierce public debate about the
nature of art, is named after 19th-century
landscape painter JMW Turner and was
established in 1984.
Wright said he sometimes felt a sense of
loss at the destruction of his work.
“It is sad but it’s also a relief,” he said.
Sprout Flatulence Also a Turtle Problem
A BRUSSELS sprout-eating turtle liter-
ally alarmed his keepers last month at The
Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre.
Overflow alarms had staff at the centre
scrambling in the middle of the night –
only to find that waves on the tanks surface
caused the alarm to go off, and it was the
sprout diet that had left fermenting George
the turtle to cause the turbulence.
The Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre
has now lowered the water level in George
the green turtle’s tank, reported the Daily
Telegraph.
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French were a race apart even then. Possibly
the most exciting thing I ever saw came in
Yves Montand’s The Wages of Fear (1953)
which had a scene where a lady cleaner in a
low-cut top is knelt scrubbing the café floor.
That alone could have made it an X!
But I digress.
PATHETIC
If you could go back 60 years, you would
find pathetic queues of little boys and girls
begging adults to take them in to the pictures,
a bit like cinematic hitch-hiking. There was,
though, a sinister side to this that no-one ever
seemed to take into consideration, and that
was it was the dream scenario for perverts.
Imagine fancying little boys or girls and hav-
ing them approach you to request that they
spend the next two hours sitting beside you
“Other people make things that don’t
survive. If you are a dustman or a reporter
you do something that is consumed and
passes.”
Wright beat bookie favorite Roger
Hiorns, 34, who transformed a derelict
London flat with thousands of liters (gal-
lons) of crystal copper sulfate. The work,
“Seizure,” drew thousands of art fans to a
run-down housing estate in south London
earlier this year.
The shortlist also included London-
based Enrico David, 43, an Italian-born
artist who creates installations, sculptures
and drawings inspired by everything from
traditional crafts to 20th-century surreal-
ism, and Lucy Skaer, 34, who works in
London and Glasgow and creates draw-
ings, sculptures and films.
Past winners include Brit Art upstarts
such as transvestite potter Grayson Perry
and shark pickler Damien Hirst.
Staff at the centre give George a sea-
sonal treat of Brussel sprouts at Christmas
to provide a healthy dose of vitamins, min-
erals and fibre. But turtles, like humans,
are prone to heavy bouts of flatulence after
eating the vegetables.
Displays supervisor Christine Pitcher
said: “Sprouts are really healthy for green
turtles. ‘The high levels of calcium in them
are great for their shells, the fibre is good
for their digestion and they also contain
lots of beneficial Vitamin C, sulphur and
potassium.”
January 2010
in the dark in comfortable seats … I think The
Hasty Heart was an A and I saw it six times,
with three strangers.
Well, anyway, back to Richard Todd.
One film he loathed making was The Long,
the Short and the Tall (1961). What put him
off was that he had to work with Laurence
Harvey rather than Peter O’Toole who had
been Private “Bammo” Bamforth on the
London stage. Todd was Sergeant Mitchem,
a tough guy, and I would have thought he
would have been more than equal to Harvey
who I remember sounding a bit posh for a
Cockney wide boy.
NORTHERNER
I had seen Harvey a couple of years
earlier in John Braine’s Room at the Top
where he had played the angry young man,
Joe Lampton, an upwardly mobile aspiring
Northerner. Here too I felt he was a bit posh
to have a northern accent – it didn’t convince
me at all.
Now I discover that he was actually a
Lithuanian – now it makes sense – whose
real name was Zvi Mosheh (Hirsh) Skikne.
He was nominated for an Oscar for Joe
Lampton, incidentally the first person of
Lithuanian descent to be so honoured. His
stage name came either from Harvey Nichols
or Harvey Bristol Cream. Well, that tells you,
doesn’t it?
It is thus no surprise that his northern ac-
cent in 1959 and his cockney in 1961 lacked
conviction but I have to reveal that it was not
his acting that so influenced me.
It was the opening scene of Room at the
Top where we are looking at a newspaper
held in front of a railway traveller’s face as
the credits fade. A smoke ring pulses out
over the paper…
And that was it for me – I was hooked. I
spent the next five years perfecting smoke
rings.
The past may be foreign but it was cer-
tainly simpler.
john.polley1@ntlworld.com
Libel Damages Accepted
By Cleared George
THE MAN originally accused of killing
TV presenter Jill Dando has accepted a
substantial payment in libel damages in
compensation.
Barry George was acquitted of Dando’s
murder after a retrial in August of 2008.
Last month George was at London’s High
Court with his sister Michelle Diskin, who
led the campaign to prove his innocence
after his 2001 conviction, for the brief
hearing before Mr Justice Eady.
He said afterwards: “I am pleased that
the matter between myself and News
Group Newspapers has been amicably
settled following a successful mediation
without the need for litigation.”
His counsel, Gordon Bishop, told the
court that Mr George had brought the ac-
tion over a number of articles in The Sun
and the News of the World between August
and November 2008.
He said that News Group had withdrawn
the “false allegations” and apologised for
making them. It had agreed to pay him sub-
stantial damages and all his legal costs.
Bishop said that immediately after his
acquittal, Mr George was interviewed by
News of the World reporters and the fol-
lowing day by Kay Burley for Sky TV.
“Mr George agreed to give those inter-
views because he knew there would be a
clamour from the press for his story and he
wanted to satisfy the demands of the press
as quickly as possible in the hope that he
would then be left in peace to move on with
his private life.”
January 2010
FIRST, MAY I wish you a Happy New Year;
I do hope this year will be a better one
for us all, to say the least 2009 was very
challenging.
I always enjoy hearing from readers and
appreciate all the lovely comments I get
. . . so far no rude ones!! I have connected
with a couple of readers through 2008, who
came from the same town I basically did in
Hitchin, Herts. One was born in the same
place as my brother, and mentions several
places I used to go to also. Another Wendy,
really has been amazing though. Through
our correspondence we found we both
were living in Egypt (RAF Dads) the same
time in the 50s, and her parents lived in
Rhodesia and my family have ties in South
Africa, (brother and cousins live there, and
on our Grandmother’s side since the Boer
War) I am familiar with her parent’s busi-
nesses they had in Hitchin and Letchworth.
However the last couple of emails we have
had, we found when she asked if I knew the
George Inn in Ickleford, not only did I know
it, but my oldest friend’s parents ran it. (My
friend Margaret and I are still close friends
for 53 years now, she runs a delightful
B&B in West Sussex) Then it turns out that
Wendy’s parents and my friend’s parents
lived next to each other in Ashwell, Beds,
2955 Jamacha Rd, Ste. 21
Rancho San Diego, CA 92019
619-670-PINT (7468) www.hooleys.com
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next to Edwards Theater
were close friends, and Margaret’s sister is
Wendy’s Godmother!!!
But as they say, wait there’s more . . .
we found out that Wendy lives only about
an hour from me in Florida! We are plan-
ning to connect and meet in the New Year
and see what other coincidences there are,
just proves what a small world we live in
eh? I have had many lovely contacts with
readers but this one is quite something, how
special it all is.
For a lot of the country – but not here in
Florida – it is winter weather; as I write we
still are running our air conditioning!! We
always want comfort type foods when feel-
ing chilly, well actually not that I’m feeling
chilly but I love any food any time! There are
many different versions of bread and butter
pudding and I never tire of them. The recipe
I am featuring this month, is adapted from
an old WH Smith cookbook, I have used
many of their recipes, wonder if they still
make their own cookbooks? Anyway this
is a lovely change, delicious with Devon
cream or the standard custard sauce. I hope
you enjoy my version
Fruity Bread and Butter Pudding
3/4 cup dried fruit; eg apricots,
figs, sultanas
3 Tbsp Grand Marnier (Can use orange
juice if not want to use alcohol)
2 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp thick orange marmalade
6-8 slices good crusty white bread, not
too thin
Grated rind of one orange
3 eggs
1 cup milk or half and half
2 Tbsp Demerara or Brown sugar
2-3 Tbsp honey
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Roughly chop fruit in similar sized
chunks. Place in a bowl and pour Grand
Marnier over. Let sit for one hour
Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease an
ovenproof dish, and smear the marmalade
around the base and sides.
Butter the slices of bread, and drain the
fruit, saving the soaking liquid.
Place the bread and the fruit along with
the orange rind in the baking dish, distribut-
ing it evenly.
Whisk the eggs in a bowl with the milk,
add the sugar and the soaking fruit liquid,
and pour evenly over the bread and fruit
layers. Let sit 30 minutes.
Drizzle the honey over the pudding and
bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes
or until lightly browned and set. Leave to
stand about 10 minutes before serving.
Yield: six servings.
(I welcome comments, requests and
recipes and can be reached at Yourcup-
patea1@yahoo.com)
US Author Littell Wins
‘Bad Sex In Fiction Prize’
A CRINGE-INDUCING passage in best-
selling novel The Kindly Ones that com-
pares a sexual encounter to a battle with a
one-eyed Greek mythological monster has
won Britain’s Bad Sex in Fiction Prize.
The editors of the Literary Review
magazine said last month that American
author Jonathan Littell won the award for
describing sex as “a jolt that emptied my
head like a spoon scraping the inside of a
soft-boiled egg.”
Littell beat other shortlisted authors
including Paul Theroux and John Banville,
which celebrates crude or ridiculous depic-
tion’s of sex in modern literature.
The Kindly Ones is a 900-page epic nar-
rated by a fictional German officer. The inter-
national best-seller won France’s top literary
honor, the Goncourt Prize, in 2006.
Rolling Stones’ Wood
Warned Over Assault
A SPOKESMAN for Rolling Stones gui-
tarist Ronnie Wood says he has been given
a formal warning for assault.
David Rigg said police gave Wood the
formal warning or caution last month after
he was arrested earlier this month for as-
sault near his home in Esher in southern
England.
Wood divorced in November. His mar-
riage collapsed after he started dating a
Pie-Eating Champs To Be Drug Tested
IN OUR competitive world, even a pie-
eating contest is to introduce performance-
enhancing drug tests for it’s competitors.
The World Pie Eating Championships
in Wigan bans competitors from using
gravy as a lubricant, reported Sky News.
But organisers say some competitors have
been using cough medicine to help the
pies slide down instead. They outlawed
the substance for this year’s event – held
earlier this week – and warned that security
would be carrying out spot checks.
Pauline Westwood, the manager of
Harry’s bar, which hosts the competition,
said: “It’s the dry tickly cough linctus
that’s the secret weapon for some – it
lubricates the throat.
“We allow them to have pints of water
on the table but that’s it. We’ve booked a
couple of big lads as security who’ll be
frisking people looking for medicine or
anything else that seems dodgy.”
Tests have shown that the cough mix-
ture can knock two seconds off the time
it takes to eat a championship pie. This
year’s winner had no need for illicit aids.
First-time entrant Barry Rigby took just 43
seconds to finish his pie.
The father-of-two from Beech Hill,
Wigan, only entered the competition on
Page 11
young Russian woman.
A caution is a formal warning given by
police. It is not a criminal conviction but po-
lice will keep a record of it for five years.
Wood said in a statement that he is
“greatly relieved this matter is resolved.”
When asked about Wood, Surrey Po-
lice said that a 62-year-old man had been
cautioned over a domestic incident. Police
gave no other details.
a whim, after he saw it advertised in his
local paper.
“I was really surprised to win, I think
my two boys will be very proud of me,”
said Mr Rigby, 36. “The pie tasted great.
I am a big pie fan, I eat between 10 and 20
a week at least.”
‘Dealing In Crisps’
Sees Pupil Suspended
JOEL BRADLEY had no idea that being
a “crisp dealer” would see him suspended
from his school last month
But 12-year-old Joel, after being caught
illegally selling a packet of Dicos crisps
at a marked-up price, was sent home for
being caught a second time at Cardinal
Heenan High School in Liverpool.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Joel’s
father, Joe Bradley, said his son was be-
ing “victimised” for the enterprise, which
could earn him as much as £15 a day.
Bradley, from Norris Green, admitted
he too had once been caught selling canned
drinks, chocolate bars and crisps from a
van outside the school.
He said: “I think the school has made
a beeline for him because of what I’ve
done.”
Page 12
~ This paper reaches the British community in all parts of Florida and, of course, the US ~
FLORIDA HAS a
new Consul-Gen-
eral. Scotsman
Kevin McGurgan
replaces fellow
Scot Keith Allan,
just promoted to
be Her Majesty’s
Ambassador to
Turkmenistan. Of
Scots, Florida has
lots. I will suggest to the new Consul that he
opens the Ft Lauderdale Scottish Festival.
HM Consul-General joined the Foreign
and Commonwealth Office in 1990 and
comes to the Miami Consulate (305)
374-1522 from Afghanistan, where he
was Deputy Head of the NATO Provincial
Reconstruction Team. He has a proven
track record of delivery in political negotia-
tion, lobbying and crisis management and
international security issues. Until 2007
he was Deputy Head of the Iraq Policy
Unit, responsible for political and security
advice to British Ministers on the situation in
southern Iraq. (After Iraq and Afghanistan,
Our Kev deserves a spell amongst our
peaceful palm trees, methinks – PK). He
then worked at the Home Office, providing
advice on countries, regions and institu-
tions of strategic importance to the UK. In
his previous USA posting from 1997-2000,
he was lead UK negotiator in New York at
the United Nations, on multilateral sanc-
tions regimes, including enforcement of
sanctions against Libya and Saddam Hus-
sein’s Iraq, Asia (the Taliban) and diamond/
arms embargoes in Africa. He also served
the FCO briefly in Russia, Pakistan, Saudi
Arabia and Syria, was a UK press officer to
the European Union, a political and consular
officer in Bosnia and was two years Head
of the Political and Economic team in
Sweden. In London from 2000-2003, he
led FCO’s Croatia, Serbian and Balkans war
criminal teams, delivering British Govern-
ment policy before and after the transfer
of Slobodan Milosevic to The Hague, and
on the International Criminal Tribunal for
the former Yugoslavia. Within the FCO he
assesses candidates for promotion and is
also a qualified Trauma Risk Management
Assessor.
Kevin, who is joined by Scottish wife
Vicki, and sons, Alexander and Michael,
enjoys cycling. Lucky, since Miami’s flatter
than Afghanistan and fewer people shoot
at you. Our healthy Man of the Heather
will also run the downtown Miami ING half
marathon for charity this month. That race
runs right past my building every January
and I always wait at the finish line to cheer
on the many runners from the UK. It starts
at 5am so note I said finish not start line.
As owner of the British Bureau of Florida,
this will be the sixth British Consul-General
in Florida I have worked with, (Philip Grice,
Rob Hoffman, Rob Bayliss, Simon Davey,
Keith Allan), varying by popularity, and
efficacy. Keith Allan was particularly en-
gaged, engaging and efficient I found. So
a warm British welcome, Mr. McGurgan,
from your expatriate constituents across
the Sunshine State.
Talking of UK officials …
Q LONDON CALLING Alderman Nick
Anstee, Lord Mayor of the City of London,
will address a luncheon January 22 at the
Miami City Club. I used to work in the City,
a small but vital part of the Metropolis, so
know it well. This event is sponsored by the
UK Trade & Investment office and the Brit-
ish American Business Council, Miami. To
attend, call BABC President Neal Stebbing
(305) 259 0542.
Q TAMPA’s British-American Busi-
ness Council is also hosting a visit from
Mr Anstee of London on January 25. Call
ujnews.com
Tampa BACC President Grant Petersen on
(813) 298-1247. Hmmm – UK officials
escape to, er visit Florida, only in Janu-
ary and February I’ve noticed over the 20
years I’ve lived here. Don’t see them in
summer months. Ever. (Note this is not the
celebrated and witty Boris Johnson, Mayor
of London. In his Telegraph column, which
I read avidly, he recently stated: There are
only three regions of the UK that make a
profit, in the sense that contribute more to
the Treasury than they receive in spending.
They are London, the Southeast and the
East and London is the powerhouse that
drives the other two with a net tax export
of £19bn per year. It is the dynamism of
the London economy that powers the rest
of the UK.
Q MIAMI (Coconut Grove): Exciting
to learn that a British-owned restaurant
just opened.
This glamorous destination is not the
British pub we desperately need, but most
welcome. The Ivy at the Grove (305) 600-
5453 offers a unique blend of American
and British comfort food, like sticky toffee
pudding. The Ivy’s magnificent three-
storey building boasts a top English chef,
Michelin-rated Nicholas Phillips, a friend
of mine. The owners Tim Powers and
William Gerhauser, are long-time friends
from London. Restaurateur Tim Powers is
the former owner of the world renowned
Ivy in London. During his tenure there,
he had a six-month waiting list and star-
studded clientele. Uber-Hispanic Miami is
not sophisticated London, and the Grove
area of Miami is not celeb-central South
Beach, so it’ll be a challenge. But naturally
I wish every British business in Florida
massive success. At one point, Powers
simultaneously controlled six restaurants
rated in the Top 10 for both Zagats and
Harden’s London Restaurant Guide. “I
firmly believe that high-standards and care-
ful scrutiny of every last detail has led to my
restaurants’ success, ” said Powers. The
Ivy’s ground floor is a full bar and casual
non-reservations dining area, the first floor
features reservations-required fine-dining
and the top floor is Raffles Private Member-
ship Club, an affiliate of London’s famous
Raffles Chelsea, frequented by Princes
William and Harry.
I’ve already toured inside, but have not
dined there. So explore and form your own
opinion, darling readers.
Q CRICKET-NAPLES: The annual cricket
match between the Cape Coral Crusaders
and the English Pub in Naples will be Janu-
ary 10, followed by salmon and cucumber
sandwiches at the pub. Cape Coral Crusad-
ers are a bunch of Brits and Anglophile
Americans trying to fathom out cricket. Call
Danny Jackson (239) 549-5900.
Q FLORIDA GRAPEFRUIT will be sold
in England for the first time, our state Ag-
riculture Department announced, starting
this month. The citrus will be sold in 220
Waitrose shops across London, with the
marketing slogan TASTE THE WARMTH
OF FLORIDA SUNSHINE. (Just like UK
government officials, tee hee).
Q TAMPA-ST PETERSBURG area: Brit-
ish Women’s Club /DBE Call President Iris
(727) 368-0062.
Q PINT AND A PIE PUBS CORNER…
one Florida pub picked at random. This is
not a recommendation and you may deem
it divine or dire. Pop in and see.
BOCA RATON – The Lion and Eagle (
561) 367-1133. British owner Rob Allen.
Also: If you’re looking to buy a unique Brit-
ish pub and Britshop combined in Florida,
see the Classifieds ads page in this issue.
Q UK-USA CULTURE CORNER:
1) The flattering American obsession
with our British accents continues. Their
marketers seem to think having one in
virtually every TV commercial will boost
sales. But will somebody please explain
why AT&T’s commercial shows American
cowboys crawling through TV sets and
January 2010
speaking in a Cockney accent about the
loo?
2) On NBC news we see the international
press throng following Elin Woods to the
gas station.
“How do you feel about Tiger’s 14
mistresses?” yells a British reporter. “How
are holding up?” Asks the American one,
politely. But then it’s not a reporter’s job
to be polite.
By the time you read this, Tiger may be
up to 867 lovers. Drat, why didn’t I save
his voicemails? I could be rich.
Q FT LAUDERDALE: Scottish Festival
on January 10. Always a great day out. See
their website www.sassf.org.
Q ORLANDO: Scottish Festival is Janu-
ary 16-17, 2010. www.flascot.com.
Q CORAL SPRINGS: Nick McBrain
British lead singer of Iron Maiden, has
opened a restaurant called Rock n Roll
Ribs (954) 345-7429 in Coral Springs.
He’s there in person as Mein Host and
chef I am told by one of British customers
and there are authentic British dishes on
the menu. Go there with an empty tummy
and check it out.
Q COME TO THE BRITISH NETWORK
for anybody who wants to make British
contacts, business and social. Join local
British professionals for a useful and enjoy-
able evening –a roomful of Brits is never
dull! Location is just north of Miami, and
entry is free, just email your name, city,
phone for an invitation to britishnetwork@
gmail.com Hosted by Florida Association
of British Business (FABB). Dates: January
19 and February 16, 2010.
Q ATTENTION FLORIDA’S BRITISH-
OWNED BUSINESSES, SHOPS and
PUBS: If you wish to get bulk cop-
ies of the Union Jack, (50 papers a
month minimum), to offer your custom-
ers, phone our circulation department
1-(800) 262-7305. The paper is free,
but a small delivery charge applies.
(Or go to: www.ujnews.com). Over 800
distributors nationwide.
January 2010 ujnews.com Page 13

Granny In A Hoodie Security Risk At Mall UK Parties Agree To Unprecedented 2009 UK BANK HOLIDAYS
& SPECIAL DATES
Live Television Debates
A GRANDMOTHER of 84 was asked to husband Desmond, 84, who also uses a
remove her rain hood at a sho pping mall walking stick, when they were accosted
last month, due to security regulations. by the guard. New Year’s Day January 1
Peggy Harden, was wearing her hood up Desmond, a former Debenham’s de- Robert Burn’s Night January 25
BRITAIN’S three major political par- in Britain, where verbal sparring Valentine’s Day February 14
to shield herself from the wind and pouring partment manager, said: “There were lots ties have agreed to participate in an between politicians is usually limited
rain, reported The Sun. But within minutes of youngsters in there who were actually unprecedented series of US-style televi- to Parliament’s weekly question-and- Shrove Tuesday February 16
of stepping into the Grand Arcade retail wearing hoodies, but he came up to us. sion debates, a coalition of broadcasters answer session. St David’s Day March 1
centre in Cambridge she was approached “It’s ridiculous. It didn’t hit me straight said last month. Media commentators have credited Mothers’ Day (UK) March 14
by a security guard and asked to show away what was happening or I would have
The BBC, ITV and Sky News televi- the US. presidential contest pitting Ba- St Patrick’s Day March 17
her face. said a few words to him. rack Obama against John McCain with Brit Summertime Begins March 28
The guard said the centre had a “no- “Older people with walking sticks are sion said that the Labour, Conserva-
tive and Liberal Democrat parties had whetting Britons’ appetite for Ameri- Good Friday April 2
hood” policy for security reasons and not going start hitting people. We felt a
elderly Peggy’s fur lined hood broke the bit victimised really, like we were being agreed to three live televised debates can-style debates. Easter Monday April 5
before the country’s general election, Under the terms of the debate, Prime St George’s Day April 23
rules. treated like criminals.” Minister Gordon Brown will take part
Peggy, from Sawston, Cambridgshire, A spokeswoman for the shopping centre which must be called by the middle of Early May Bank Hol May 3
in the debates alongside David Cam-
said she felt confused and intimidated by apologised for upsetting Peggy and her this year. The three broadcasters will
eron – leader of the Conservative party Mothers’ Day (US) May 9
the whole episode. husband but insisted the ban was down to host one debate each. Spring Bank Hol May 31
– and Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal
The great-grandmother-of-two was “health and safety”. They would be the first such debates Democrats. Coronation Day June 2
heading towards John Lewis with her Recent opinion polls indicate that Trooping The Colour June 14
Britain’s governing Labour party is Father’s Day (UK/US) June 20
gaining ground on the main opposition Bank Hol N Ireland Only July 12
Conservatives. A ComRes poll for The St Swithun’s Day July 15
Independent newspaper released last Bank Hol Scotland Only August 2
month puts the Labour party at 31 Summer Bank Holiday August 30
percent, nine points behind the Con- Trafalgar Day October 21
servative party. The poll also showed
that 52 percent of voters believe that Brit Summertime Ends October 31
the Conservatives would represent the Guy Fawkes Night November 5
interests of the wealthy, rather than Remembrance Sunday November 14
ordinary people, while 44 percent of St Andrew’s Day November 30
voters disagreed. Christmas Day December 25
ComRes polled 1,006 adults on De- Christmas Day (In Lieu) December 27
cember 19-20. The margin of error was Boxing Day December 28
plus or minus three percentage points.
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New Year – New goodies
Pop in and peruse!
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Page 14
Karen’s California Events Calendar
January
For upcoming British events in the Los
Angeles area, check out www.britweek.
org
9: Mayflower Club in N Hollywood
invites you to their Pub and Social Night
with Jimmy Rich and their all time favorite
Pantomime 2010 Little Miss Muffet Also on
January 23 and February 5. Call to reserve
your tickets now (919) 769-9805.
Ye Olde Kings Head in Santa Monica
invites you to celebrate the New Year with
them with a hair of the dog from the bar, and
to join them to watch the Rose Bowl parade
in comfort on New Years Day. They offer
EPL soccer live and have a great sale going
in the gift shoppe (310) 451-1402.
16: The Art Deco Ocean Liner Event of
the Winter at the Doubletree Hotel in San
Pedro celebrating the styles of five famous
ships of history www.maritimeresearch-
center.com (310) 521-0175.
30: St Andrews Society of LA invites
you to celebrate Robert Burns Supper
at The La Canada Thursday Club 4440
Woodleigh Lane in La Canada Flintridge
91011 (818) 325-8930.
Cameron’s Inn in Half Moon Bay is
Leo & Karen’s
California View...
Continued from page 7
all time favorite movies, The Dam Busters,
which I continue to watch to this day.
Our friend Julia Gayle, a children’s enter-
tainer www.loadsofun4kids.com was visiting
over the holidays as she needed some much
needed down time. So what did we do for
relaxation? We took her to an open house
on Christmas day in LA at my ex-wife Dory’s
place. You know, the travel agent!
We finished out the year with an invitation
from Carman Phil and his wife Pat for a New
eoldekingshead.com
www.y
Restaurant
116 Santa Monica Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451 1402
Restaurant now
open at 9am
Mon-Fri.
Open for breakfast
weekends at 8am British Pub, Restaurant
and Gift Shoppe
Happy Hour
Mon - Fri 4-7pm
$2.50 pints (food specials)
Afternoon Tea Sat 2-5
Patio Dining
Trivia Night Every
W
Wed.
ed. @ 8pmp
Celebrate the New Year with
EPL hair of the dog from the bar.
Watch the Rosebowlatpara de
Soccer Check out our gre
Shown LIVE in the gift shoppe.
your place for food, drink and the ‘big
waves’ which take over this area off the
coast during the winter months. Make your
reservations now (650) 726-5705.
February
6-7: Riverside Dickens Festival in
downtown Riverside on Mission Inn Ave be-
tween Orange and Lime (951) 735-0101.
You Say Tomato in San Francisco offers
a full range of groceries and frozen food
imported from the UK serving the Bay area
(415) 921-2828.
13-14: Queen Mary Scottish Festival
in Long Beach. Help celebrate the Scottish
heritage of the Queen Mary at the annual
festival (562) 499-1650.
The British Connection in Torrance
offers one of the largest selections of food
and gifts in the country. Visit them today
or go on line www.thebritconnection.com
(310) 214-1790.
13-14: USA Sevens International
Rugby Tournament in Las Vegas (888)
RUGBY-7S.
Contact Leo and Karen or Car Man Phil at PO Box 5691
Oxnard, CA 93031 or leolewis12@yahoo.com
Years Eve party in Agoura Hills with about
200 people. Now if we could space these
celebrations out over the entire year I’d never
have to cook again! Karen’s footnote: Excuse
me? Leo’s fixed one meal the entire 12
years we’ve been together. I think he means
‘washing’ dishes! And he looks so good in
his frilly apron.
Let’s make 2010 the best year ever!! Talk
to you again soon!
The Perfect Gift - Anytime
A Union Jack
Subscription
See Page 3
Shoppe
132 Santa Monica Blvd,
Santa Monica CA 90401
(310) 394 8765
Open Fri-Sat
10am-10pm
Sun-Thur
10am-8pm
Sh Gift
pe
op
a
SALE
ujnews.com
Fraud Office
Launches
Kaupthing Probe
By Jane Wardell
BRITAIN opened an investigation
last month into suspected fraud by
collapsed Icelandic bank Kaupthing,
a move that could re-ignite diplomatic
tensions between the two countries.
The Serious Fraud Office said it is
particularly interested in efforts by
the bank to attract British investors
to its “high yield” deposit account,
Kaupthing Edge.
“The investigation will seek to
identify whether misrepresentations
or false representations were com-
municated by the bank in the push to
attract UK investors,” the SFO said
in a statement.
Investigators will also look closely
at the series of decisions that “appear
to have allowed substantial value to be
extracted from the bank in the weeks
and days prior to its collapse,” the
agency added.
The potential offenses fall under
the remit of Britain’s Fraud Act, but
the SFO said the investigation crosses
numerous jurisdictions and that it
plans to work with the Icelandic Spe-
cial Prosecutor’s Office.
INVESTED
The SFO estimates that more than
30,000 British individuals, companies
and organizations invested in the
Kaupthing Edge account.
Kaupthing hf was one of several Ice-
landic banks to collapse at the height of
the global credit crisis last October.
But its demise sparked a political
row between Reyjkavik and London
because Kaupthing failed after the
British government invoked anti-
terrorist legislation to freeze the UK
assets of another collapsed Icelandic
bank, Landsbanki.
Britain’s Treasury said the move
was necessary to ensure the money
that British savers had placed in the
bank would not be whisked back to
Iceland.
But Iceland’s prime minister at the
time, Geir Haarde, blasted the move as
an “unfriendly act” and blamed the de-
cision for inspiring panic that led to the
subsequent collapse of Kaupthing.
January 2010
was a little rough, this book may in fact be just
the beginning of Drake telling the story behind
Robert Louis Stevenson’s original. Keep in
mind that this book is not for kids.
On a less fantastical
note, UK native Denis
Lipman traces his trips
back to England with
his American wife in A
Yank Back to England:
TIS THE season to be … cuddled up with The Prodigal Tourist
a book. By the time you read this, gifts will Returns, published in
have been exchanged, holiday décor will paperback by Gemma
be newly stored away, and winter will be in press. In this travel
full swing. After all the family has departed, memoir, Lipman chronicles his trips home to
there’s nothing better than getting lost in a visit family in Dagenham. Delightful, charm-
well-told tale. Three recently published works ing, fun, and touching, this book shows how
may fit the bill. the author gained new appreciation for his
Flint and Silver: family, his childhood home, and his country
a Prequel to Trea- through his wife’s eyes. This book the cure
sure Island by John for the after-holiday letdown.
Drake, published by For something a
Simon and Schus- little meatier, I turned
ter, provides just to Richard Reeves’
the sort of swash- biographical portrait
buckling adventure of an important his-
to cast the winter torical figure, John
doldrums aside. Stuart Mill: Victorian
Drake’s historical Firebrand. Impec-
research and fond- cably researched
ness for Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic and thoroughly an-
tale are evident in this novel, which is chock notated, Reeves
full of all things pirate: graphic violence, gritty manages to provide
swordfights, utter debauchery, and all man-
ner of adventure on the high seas. In his ad-
a down-to-earth por-
trait of a passionate political figure who had a
mitted effort to answer unanswered questions
left from Treasure Island, Drake brings to life
lasting and significant effect on modern-day
British liberalism. While Reeves provides a
the notoriously sadistic pirate captain Joseph vivid portrait, I did find the book a bit dry.
Flint and his iconic rival Long John Silver. In Nonetheless, for hard-core historical readers,
this novel, readers will enjoy the “backstory” this is definitely worth a read.
behind the original, with important details On a separate note, last year my friend
such as how Silver became a pirate, lost his Lynn and I reviewed (very positively) Alison’s
leg, and gained a parrot. I especially enjoyed Larkin’s novel The English American. Larkin’s
Drake’s take on the relationship between Flint book has had great success and has recently
and Silver, first friends and later enemies. The been optioned for film adaptation by the UK’s
dialogue rang true and I often found myself Bright Pictures. Stay tuned….
reciting passages aloud in my best pirate Until next month,
imitation (arrgh, me maties). While the end Contact Karen at kgokeefe@me.com.
Government Vows To Tackle Racist Extremism
THE GOVERNMENT says Britain faces Denham said it was important Muslims
a threat from white racists as well as from didn’t feel singled out.
Islamist terrorists, and is promising more Al-Qaida-inspired bombers killed 52
money to counter them. London commuters in 2005.
Communities Secretary John Denham Right-wing attacks include 1999 nail
said last month that al-Qaida-inspired bombings against black, Asian and gay
extremists pose the main threat. But he Londoners, which killed three and injured
said the government would also give £5m scores.
to local authorities to counter far-right
extremism.
The government has been criticized
over policies to combat extremism. Many
DON’T CHANCE THE LOCAL
Muslims feel their community is being
unfairly targeted. RUNNING OUT OF YOUR
UNION JACK – SUBSCRIBE!
ATTENTION FORMER
~ SEE PAGE 3 ~
ROYAL MARINES
Now living in the US
There is now a Royal Marine
Association Branch formed in
the US.
Please contact:
John Topping, Secretary
Royal Marine Association
USA Branch
8409 Lake Crest Terrace,
Fairfax Station, VA 22039-2678
Phone: (703) 690-8944
www.rma-us.org
January 2010
Church Of England Plans To
Get People Back To Church
THE CHURCH of England has drawn
up plans to bring toddlers and young
children and their parents into the
church by starting sports clubs and
reaching out to local play groups.
The church has always engaged
with children and that the plans “seek
to respond to the changing nature of
childhood,” spokesman Ben Wilson
said.
It has traditionally run Sunday
school classes and choirs to attract
children but is looking for new
ways to boost falling congregation
numbers.
The new proposals suggest that
the church also sets up breakfast and
homework clubs where children can
eat and study together, and that the
church campaign on topics young
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and
every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.
Solution on page 16
3 2 9 5
4 2
3 2
1 9
1 7
3 5
1 7
7 6
EASY Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com
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Free list: email name/city/phone
to Britishflorida@aol.com 10-10
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for nutritional products. Lose
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email: roseaday@mindspring.com 10-10
INTRODUCERS REQUIRED. Kestrel International
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us contact expats with UK pensions. We have
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people are interested in, such as the
environment.
Wilson said the report has not yet
been published but confirmed that
extracts published in the Guardian
newspaper were accurate.
The report will be one of many
discussed at the Anglican governing
body – the general synod – in Febru-
ary, he said.
The Archbishop of Canterbury and
spiritual leader of the Anglican com-
munion Rowan Williams has already
increased the church’s involvement in
education. The Church of England
sponsors 27 academies – high schools
that are overseen by the government
but are funded by independent insti-
tutions that have some control over
how the school is run.
8 6
3 5
1 Albert Scanlon Dies At 74
9
6 5132 Mayfield Rd, Lyndhurst 7:30pm (330)
7 Scanlon recovered from a broken leg
2 1 3 9
# 37
FOR SALE
COLLECTION OF Charles Stadden pewter military
90mm figures.Consists of approx. 100 of vari-
ous regiments. Asking $40 each or $3500 for
the complete collection. (425) 329-5412. 12-12
YORKSHIRE PASSPORTS. Aye, it’s reet good lad!
Official-looking spoof passport containing: York-
shire motto, anthem, the history of language/
literature, and Yorkshire-English translations.
So cum on, gormless, fill out t’name and of
t’missus, and whether you keep: whippets,
ferrets, pigeons or owt else. Mailed in “official”
Yorkshire Embassy envelope! $9.50 + $1.25
s/h, (CA residents add 9.5% tax) - Call Union
Jack Shop Window at (800) 262-7305.
All ads listed below also appear on www.ujnews.com
with a hot link — why not make your ad a hit?
ujnews.com
Flyglobespan To
File For Bankruptcy
SCOTTISH airline Flyglobespan is filing
for bankruptcy and its fights have been
grounded, administrators appointed to
help salvage the company announced
last month.
Some 5,000 passengers due to fly abroad
with the airline have been contacted, ad-
ministrator PricewaterhouseCoopers said
in a statement.
Flyglobespan’s 10 aircraft served about
a dozen destinations across Britain and Eu-
rope, as well as Orlando, Florida, and the
Egyptian resort city of Sharm El Sheikh.
Most of the Edinburgh, Scotland-based
company’s 800 employees will be fired,
PricewaterhouseCoopers said. A small
number will stay on the payroll to help
wrap up the company.
Flyglobespan was established in 1970
and provided flights and package vacations
from Scotland’s major cities of Glasgow,
Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
PricewaterhouseCoopers said Flyglobe-
span’s ability to raise money had been un-
derminded by lenders’ lack of confidence
in the airline industry. It said last-ditch
attempts to find funding in recent weeks
had been unsuccessful.
A message on the airline’s Web site
said “all flights have been cancelled and
will not be rescheduled.”
OBITUARY
Man United ‘Busby Babe’
ALBERT SCANLON, one of Manchester
United’s famed “Busby Babes” and a
survivor of the 1958 Munich air disaster,
died December 22. He was 74.
Scanlon won the 1956 and ‘57 league
titles as an inside forward before the Febru-
ary 6 crash killed eight of his United team-
mates on the way back from a European
Cup match in Belgrade.
and fractured skull to score 16 goals the
following season and help United finish
runner-up in the English league.
He scored 35 times in 127 matches for
United before spells at Newcastle, Mans-
field and Lincoln. He retired in 1966.
United said that “everyone at Man-
chester United sends deepest condolences
to Albert’s family and friends.”
OLD £sd COIN SET. Crown, half-crown, shilling,
sixpence, threepenny bit, penny, etc. (8 coins)
$29.95 plus P&P. Call (800) 262-7305.
GIFT BASKETS
BRITISH GIFT BASKETS.
Based in US. All items imported from UK
www.britishgiftbaskets.com 11-12
INVESTMENT PROPERTY
DOLBY PROPERTIES INC. ORLANDO.
Specializing in Disney area investment
properties/vacation homes for 9 years.
Expert British, Canadian and American
ATLANTA CALENDAR
Black Tie James Bond Themed GALA
and Diana exhibit – March 6: Celebration
of her life. Reception and three course din-
ner, Dance and Casino,Silent Auction. British
American Business Group (BABG) annual
Gala event. Atlanta Civic Center, Atlanta, GA
30303. Starts at 7pm, cost is $200. www.
babg.org for tickets and information.
NEW YORK CALENDAR
American Scottish Foundation
Burns Night – January 15, 7pm. Celebrate
the legacy of Robert Burns, Scotland’s famous
bard, in music and prose. Tickets $225 - $350.
Call (212) 605-0338 or email asfevents@
wwbny.com
St George’s Society of New York
Annual General Meeting & Dance –
January 25. Racquet and Tennis Club, 370
Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022. 7pm to
10pm. Open Bar Reception, Passed Hors
d’ Oeuvres & Buffet Supper and Dancing:
$165. anna.titley@stgeorgessociety.org or
(212) 662-6110.
Tea & Show in Washington – Janu-
ary 29-31, Weekend Package: $200 for
members/$250 non-members (includes
donation to Society) Fee includes: Ambassa-
dor’s residence tour and tea, shuttle service
to and from embassy, exhibit at the Corcoran
Gallery and dinner at DC Coast. Travel to DC
and hotel accommodation not included. Ask
about the specially-priced hotel rooms at the
Capital Hilton Hotel, 1001 16th Street, NW,
which the Society is holding. anna.titley@
stgeorgessociety.org or (212) 662-6110.
American Friends of the Georgian
Group
Winter Antiques Show – January 22,
exclusive preview tour, special exhibit, and
luncheon – Seventh Regiment Armory,
Park Avenue at 67th Street. 11am $125 per
person. Members only. www.americangeor-
gians.org
The NY Caledonian Club
Annual Burns Supper – January 23: 3
West Club near Rockefeller Center. Looking to
celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s national
bard in a way that’s friendly and traditional
and grand? We’ll be having our gala dinner
with traditional menu, dancing, guest speak-
ers, silent auction and more. Members: $120,
agents-unbeatable after-sales-service.
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Non-Members: $130. Visit our website, www.
NYCaledonian.org for details.
Save the Date: Celebrate Scottish-
American culture during Tartan Week, the first
week of April. The NY Caledonian Club will
be hosting the Pre-Parade Ceilidh on Friday
evening, April 3, and the Tartan Day Parade
will be on Saturday afternoon, April 4.
Big Apple Brits
Happy New Year drinks & mingle –Janu-
ary 7, 7pm. Klimat, 77 East 7th Street, NYC.
Free entry. RSVP www.bigapplebrits.com
Happy Hour Social & UK DJs –Janu-
ary 15, 6pm. Stone Creek Lounge,
140 East 27 Street, NYC. FREE EN-
TRY. RSVP www.bigapplebrits.com
No Facebook Day – January, 18, Turn off
your facebook head and go out and do some-
thing less boring instead (time tbc). Venue
tbc. Free entry. RSVP www.bigapplebrits.com
Burns Night – January, 24, Celebrate
Robert Burns and all things Scottish
,5pm. The Clerkenwell, 49 Clinton Street.
$$ tbc. RSVP www.bigapplebrits.com
Expat Information Evening – January 27,
6:30pm. Venue tbc. Free entry. RSVP www.
bigapplebrits.com
To add your NY club/organisation
calendar insertion contact : anna.titley@
stgeorgessociety.org
NORTHEAST OHIO CALENDAR
(By Joe Nicholls. Joe and Kevin McGinty
can be heard on “Sounds of Britain and Ire-
land” Sundays 4-5pm on Cleveland’s WCPN
90.3FM and www.wcpn.org).
January
1 & 15: British-American Club, Fish &
Chips dinners, 8564 Ravenna Rd, (off Rt 82)
Twinsburg, 6:30-8:30pm (330) 963-6370.
1, 8, 15, 22 & 29: West Side Irish
American Club, Irish-style dinners, 8559
Jennings Rd, Olmsted Township, 6-9pm
(216) 251-4075.
5 & 12: SHANO, Scottish Heritage Meet-
ings, Community Presbyterian Church,
463-5559.
8 & 22: British American Club, Open pub,
darts and trivia, 8564 Ravenna Rd (off Rt 82)
Twinsburg 6-8pm (330) 963-6370.
10: Scottish American Society, Monthly
meeting, Akron Public Library, Downtown
Akron, 3pm, (330) 882-0342.
13: Calon Lan Welsh Club, Lunch Meeting,
Denny’s Restaurant, Rt 224 Boardman, 1pm
(330) 758-4202.
16: Jaguar Club of Ohio, Tech Session,
Jaguar-Cleveland, 16137 Kruse Drive, Solon
11am, (440) 542-0601.
22: British-Amercan C of C, Link Club Lun-
cheon, Mavis Winkle’s Pub, Independence
11:30am (216) 621-0222.
23: SHANO, Robert Burn’s Dinner & Ball,
American Croatian Lodge, 34900 Lakeshore
Blvd, Eastlake, 5:30pm (440) 392-2308.
28: DBE, Westminster Chapter, meeting,
Lyndhurst, 7:30pm (440) 461-2533.
SHIPPING & FREIGHT
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Page 16 ujnews.com January 2010

Swine Flu Less Deadly Balances But No ‘John Barleycorn’

Than First Thought
By Maria Cheng
SWINE FLU is far less dangerous than
originally feared, British officials said last
month – about 100 times less lethal than
the 1918 Spanish flu.
To determine how deadly the virus is,
the British health department tracked all
reported swine flu patients hospitalized
between July and November. In a paper
published online in the British journal,
BMJ, experts estimated that out of every
100,000 infected people in Britain, about
26 died.
That is about 100 times less deadly
than the devastating 1918 Spanish flu,
which killed at least 50 million people
worldwide. And swine flu appears to
be nearly 10 times less fatal than the flu
pandemics in 1957 and 1968, the British
numbers showed.
Last month, American researchers
released a similar analysis of the virus
and said swine flu, or H1N1, may turn
out to be the mildest pandemic on record.
The US Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention estimated swine flu has a
lower death rate than seasonal flu.
TREATMENT
When the World Health Organiza-
tion declared swine flu to be a pandemic
in June, it described it as “moderate.”
Most people who catch swine flu have
mild symptoms like a fever or cough,
and recover without needing medical
treatment.
A pandemic is a measure of how
widely a virus spreads, not its severity.
Because flu viruses evolve constantly,
swine flu could mutate into a more dan-
New Car Registrations Up In November
NEW CAR registrations in the United
Kingdom rose 58 percent in November
compared to a year ago as the industry
continued to benefit from government-
backed incentives, an industry group said
last month.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers
and Traders said 158,082 cars were regis-
tered in November.
For the year to date, new car registra-
Two 10-Year-Olds Charged With Raping London Girl
LONDON police say they have charged a pair of 10-year-old boys with raping an
eight-year-old girl.
Scotland Yard said last month that the alleged rape happened in west London two
months ago, but officials declined to provide any other details of the case.
Both boys were to be arraigned in court, but are not expected to be identified. British
law typically shields juveniles from public identification in criminal cases.
gerous form.
While cases appear to have peaked
in several countries, including the US
and Britain, experts fear there could be
another surge in the winter.
In the BMJ analysis, British experts
said about two thirds of patients who
died in the UK had medical conditions
that would have qualified them to get
the swine flu vaccine when it was first
available. The experts also said most
people who died got Tamiflu too late, a
finding they said justifies Britain’s policy
of giving Tamiflu to everyone, including
previously healthy people, who report
swine flu symptoms.
RECOMMENDS
That contradicts WHO advice, which
recommends countries save Tamiflu
for at-risk patients – such as pregnant
women, the elderly, children and people
with underlying medical problems.
Other scientists have raised concerns
about widespread Tamiflu use, since the
drug comes with side effects like nausea,
insomnia, and nightmares.
Using Tamiflu liberally – as Britain
does – may also encourage drug resis-
tance. Despite having a fraction of the
swine flu cases logged in the US, the
number of viruses that appear to be re-
sistant to Tamiflu found in both countries
is nearly identical: 25 in Britain and 26
in the US
In Britain, Tamiflu is largely dispensed
by call center workers at a national swine
flu hotline who have no medical training.
WHO advises people to only take the
drug on a doctor’s recommendation.
tions are lagging nine percent below a
year ago.
The government and the industry are
sharing the cost of £2,000 discounts on cars
for buyers who trade in a car more than 10
years old. That program was involved in
slightly more than a fifth of the November
registrations, the society said, adding that
buyers were also seeking to get cars before
the sales tax rises in January.
Cheques By 2018 In UK
WRITING a cheque will be a thing of the
past by the end of the next decade, accord-
ing to the Payment’s Council.
The method of payment was first in-
troduced 350 years ago
but the body said cheque
use was in “long-term,
terminal decline”.
Chief executive Paul
Smee said: “There are
many more efficient ways
of making payments than
by paper in the 21st cen-
tury, and the time is ripe
for the economy as a whole to reap the
benefits of its replacement.”
The council said it would promote
alternative payment methods to ensure
consumers were not left “high and dry”
by the cheque withdrawal. Cheque use has
been in decline since 1990 and is down
40 percent in the past five years, but the
body said there were still “plenty of situa-
tions” in which cheques were used. “The
goal is to ensure that by 2018 there is no
scenario where customers, individuals or
businesses, still need to use a cheque,”
it added.
1,700 UK Scientists
Back Climate Science
By Raphael G Satter
FIGHTING back against climate skeptics,
over 1,700 scientists in Britain have signed
a statement defending the evidence that
climate change is being caused by humans,
Britain’s weather office said last month.
It was the latest attempt to remind the
world of the reality of global warming
after a cache of leaked e-mails was seized
upon by skeptics as proof of a scientific
conspiracy to stifle or twist the data on
climate change.
“We, members of the UK science com-
munity, have the utmost confidence in the
observational evidence for global warming
and the scientific basis for concluding that
it is due primarily to human activities. The
evidence and the science are deep and ex-
tensive,” the statement posted to the Met
Office Web site said.
INTEGRITY
“They come from decades of painstak-
ing and meticulous research, by many
thousands of scientists across the world
who adhere to the highest levels of profes-
sional integrity.”
E-mails stolen from the University of
East Anglia and released to the internet
last month appeared to show top climate
scientists discussing ways to shield data
from public scrutiny and suppress oth-
While 2018 is the target date, there will
be a review two years before to assess
whether sufficient progress has been made,
the body added.
On current trends,
cheque use would de-
cline to 1.6 million a day
by 2018, from 3.8 million
a day in 2008. No major
UK-wide supermarket
chain accepts the pay-
ment method, along with
most petrol stations and
high street stores, due to
the relatively high costs of processing them
– around a pound. But the move to scrap
cheques has raised concerns about the
impact on, for example, smaller businesses
and pensioners, where usage is higher.
The Federation of Small Businesses
said the decision was “disappointing”. A
spokesman said: “This will cause concerns
for both a number of small businesses who
do not have electronic payment systems
and their customers. It is not for the council
to do the bidding of the banks, which have
been against keeping the cheque because
of the cost incurred.”
ers’ work. Climate skeptics – those who
deny that human activity is responsible
for global warming – have seized on the
correspondence as evidence that scientists
have conspired to hide the facts.
DAMAGED
Top officials in Britain and at the UN
have acknowledged that the incident has
damaged public perception of the science
but say the facts are solid. Scientists have
also been dismayed by the reaction to the
e-mails, and several groups – including
the American Association for the Ad-
vancement of Science – have released
statements in support of the evidence
behind man-made global warming.
Of the more than 1,700 signatories be-
hind last month’s statement, a Met Office
spokeswoman said “a significant majority
work directly in the climate science field.”
However she said she could not provide a
detailed breakdown.
The spokeswoman said those scientists
who didn’t work directly in the climate
science field were familiar with the impact
of global warming on their respective
disciplines. She spoke anonymously in
line with department policy.
On the Net:
Met Office:
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/
Alive And Well
In Norfolk
WHISKY is alive and well, as many
know . . . but now the traditionally Scot-
tish-made ‘fire water’ is being distilled
south of the border in England.
A family-run Norfolk company, is
behind the drink. Managing Director
James Nelstrop said production of the
whisky, which is being sold for £35 a
bottle, was the culmination of a “45-
year-old dream”.
St George’s Distillery was built in
Roudham, south Norfolk, in 2006, and
now, after three years maturing its first
batch, it has produced whisky.
Nelstrop, who is a farmer, explained
that he had fulfilled an ambition handed
down to him from a previous genera-
tion.
“My father was a barley farmer who
always said it should be something we
should do,” he said.
“Barley has historically been sent
from here to Scotland to make whisky,
this was a 45-year-old dream and we’ve
done it.”
PALER
The single malt is not chill-filtered or
coloured, so is paler in colour than other
forms of whisky.
Some 2,000 decanter-style bottles
have already been ordered by collec-
tors.
The image of St George slaying
a dragon on the label highlights the
drink’s English credentials.
And Nelstrop believes the drink’s
English heritage provides an alterna-
tive to Scotch whisky. He told the BBC:
“There is fabulous Scotch out there and
there is also some that is very average.
“I’m afraid there are people who
think if it is not made in Scotland then
it is not worth buying or drinking and
that is absolute rot.
“This year we expect to sell in the
region of 2,500 bottles, next year around
45,000.”
Despite the breakthrough, England
still has a long way to go before catching
up with Scotland.
The spokesman said there are 109
distilleries in Scotland, one in Northern
Ireland and one in Wales.
Five new distilleries have opened in
Scotland since 2005 and another seven
are currently planned.
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Compiled by Larry Gardner
CRICKET: ENGLAND
IN SOUTH AFRICA
ENGLAND won their shortened five match
ODIs in South Africa, after rain interfered,
and the first and fifth matches were aban-
doned without a ball bowled. England won
at Centurion by seven wickets. South Africa
250-9 at 50 overs. England 253 (Paul Col-
lingwood 105) at close. The hosts won the
third match at Capetown by 112 runs. South
Africa 354 (Jacgues de Villiers 121)-6 at 50
overs. England 242 all out. The fourth and
final ODI saw England win by seven wickets.
South Africa 119 at 50 overs. England 121-3
at close.
Two games at Buffalo Park, both two-
dayers, followed as they warmed up for the
first Test match. Both games provided valu-
able batting and bowling practice and both
encounters were drawn. December 9-10;
England 329-8 dec. South African Airways
Challenge XI 167-7 at close. December
11-12; South African Invitational XI 263,
England 317 (Andy Strauss 100 not out,
retired out)-5 at close.
MORE CRICKET
The Autumn schedule brought a series
of International Test series across the globe
with India welcoming Sri Lanka for a three
match series, that witnessed Sachin Ten-
dulkar over-take Brian Lara’s world record
of 11,953 Test runs. The series was a bat-
ter’s delight and a bowler’s nightmare. The
First Test at Ahmedabad was drawn. India
426 (Rahul Dravid 177) and 412 (Gautam
Gambhir 114, Sachin Tendulkar 100 not
out)-4 at close. Sri Lanka 760 (Till Dilshan
112, Mahela Jawardene 275, Prasanna
Jawardene 154 not out) -7 dec. At Kanpur,
India won by an innings and 144 runs.
India 642 (Gautam Gambhir 167, Virender
Sehway 131, Rahul Dravid 144) Sri Lanka
229 and 269.
India claimed series victory at Mumbai,
in the third and final Test with an impressive
innings and 24 run win. Sri Lanka 393 (Till
Dilshan 109) and 309 (Kumar Sangakkara
137). India 726 (Virender Sehwag 293,
Mahendra Dhoni 100)-9 dec.
Australia bludgeoned the West Indies to
a humiliating three day defeat in their first
Test encounter by an innings and 65 runs at
Brisbane. Australia 480-8 dec. West Indies
228 and 187. The Windies proved a different
proposition at Adelaide however, and fought
out a gritty draw for the second Test. West
Indies 451 (Dwayne Bravo 104) and 317
(Chris Gayle 165 not out) Australia 439 and
212-5 at close.
At Dunedin, the Kiwis squeezed out a four
day victory by 32 runs against
Pakistan. New Zealand 429 and
153. Pakistan 332 (Umar Akmal
129) and 218. Pakistan leveled
the series at Wellington, with a
141 run win.
Pakistan 264 and 239. New
Zealand 99 and 263.The third
and final Test was drawn. Paki-
stan 223 (Imran Farhat 117
not out) and 455. New Zealand 471 (Daniel
Vettori 134) and 90-0 at close.
KHAN RETAINS CROWN,
DESTROYS NEW YORKER
Amir Khan demolished Dmitriy Salita in
just 76 seconds at the Metro Radio Arena,
Newcastle, December 5, to retain his WBA
light-welterweight crown. Unbeaten in 31
previous fights, the New Yorker made de-
rogatory pre-fight comments about his British
opponent, but Khan (22-1) in the first defense
of his new crown tore into the American from
the opening bell and had him on the floor
after just ten seconds. The man who ended
Khan’s unbeaten career last September,
Breidis Prescott was on the undercard fight-
ing Dagenham’s Kevin Mitchell. The Briton
oozing confidence and aggression captured
an unanimous decision over the Colombian.
Former world amateur champion Frankie
Gavin, kept his unbeaten record intact when
he notched his fifth consecutive win with a
TKO in the final round over Samir Tergaoui.
Olympic gold medalist James DeGale, re-
mained undefeated too, with a points decision
over Welshman, Nathan King.
RUGBY UNION
The last of the scheduled autumn inter-
nationals took place November 28. At Croke
Park, Dublin, Ireland edged world champi-
ons South Africa 15-10, while in Cardiff,
Australia ran amok over a stunned Welsh
fifteen, beating Wales 33-12. Argentina
have beaten Scotland on their last three
visits to Murrayfield, and they made it four
with a close 9-6 win. New Zealand tamed
France at Marseilles, with a 39-12 scoreline,
while Italy notched a 24-6 home victory
over Samoa. The final game of the fall, saw
the Barbarians beat New Zealand 25-18 at
Twickenham, December 5.
The USA and Namibia qualified for the
World Rugby Union Cup in New Zealand,
2011. The US Eagles beat Uruguay 27-22
away and 27-6 in Lauderhill, Florida, giving
them a winning aggregate of 54-28. Namibia
beat Tunisia in Tunis 18-13, and 22-10, in
the home leg at Windhoek.
EUROPEAN SOCCER
The final matches of the Champion League
group games ended December 8-9, with Liv-
erpool and Rangers making their exits. Mi-
chael Owen grabbed a hat-trick in Germany,
where Manchester United won 3-1 against
Wolfsburg. Chelsea went behind in the sixth
minute at Stamford Bridge against Apoel
Nicosia, but Michael Essien and Didier
Drogba had it 2-1 by half-time. The Cypriots
grabbed an equalizer with three minutes to go,
leaving the blues somewhat deflated. A goal
two minutes after the break in Greece, had
Arsenal go down 1-0 to Olympiakos. Yossi
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Benayoun put Liverpool ahead at Anfield,
just before half-time, but Fiorentina leveled
in the 63rd minute and scored again in injury
time for a 2-1 win. An eighth minute penalty
sank Rangers in Spain, where Sevilla won
with the only goal of the game.
The Europa League matches December 2,
saw Celtic win 2-0 at Parkhead, where goals
by Georgios Samaras and Robson proved
the difference.
Diniyar Bilyaletchinov found the net in the
sixth minute in Greece, that gave Everton a
1-0 win over AEK Athens. In London, Fulham
edged CSKA Moscow by the only goal of
the game after a netting by Zolton Gera in
the 14th minute.
The final matches of the Europa League,
December 16-17, saw Fulham and Everton
move into the 32 team knockout stage. Bobby
Zamora hit two and Gera a single as Fulham
triumphed 3-2 in Switzerland over Basle.
Everton lost at Goodison Park to Bate when
Yurevich netted in the 75th minute and gave
the Belarus side a 1-0 win, but the Toffees
move to the knockout stage.
Celtic were 3-0 up after 19 minutes at
Rapid Vienna after a brace by Nikica Jelavic
and a Hamdi Salihi goal. But the Austrians
came back with a trio of nettings, one in the
final seconds of the match. Celtic will now
concentrate on its domestic programme.
CARLING CUP
The quarter-finals of the English League
Cup December 2, saw Chelsea hold Black-
burn Rovers to a 3-3 draw at Ewood Park,
but lost the penalty shoot-out. Darren Gibson
grabbed two for Manchester United at Old
Trafford as the Reds beat Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester City progressed too, with a 3-0
home victory over Arsenal. Portsmouth
were game but not good enough at Fratton
Park, where visitors Aston Villa carved out
a 4-2 result. The two legged semi-finals are
scheduled January 5-6 and 19-20.
FA CUP
The second round of the FA Cup, Decem-
ber 2-3-4, produced few surprises as the
non-league opposition faltered. Kettering
held Leeds Utd 1-1 at home, but at Elland
Road were clobbered 5-1. Staines Town,
also at home, drew with Millwall 1-1, but
lost the replay 4-0. Recent non-league club
Luton Town, who got the drop last season,
held Rotherham 2-2 away and won the
home replay 3-0. The third round scheduled
January 3-4, includes four non-league sides
who have all been drawn away. Barrow vis-
ited Sunderland, Forest Green go to Notts
County, Luton are at Southampton and York
City at Stoke.
SCOTTISH SOCCER
Celtic and Rangers are still fighting it out
at the top of the Scottish Premier League, but
both sides suffered defeats late November.
Rangers’ 25 Scottish games without a loss,
came to an end at Pittodrie, where a Lee
Miller goal for Aberdeen in the 17th minute
gave the Dons a 1-0 victory. Celtic went down
2-1, at Dundee Utd a few days earlier, where
a late goal gave the hosts the three points.
The third round of the Scottish Cup, late
November, saw junior side Irvine Meadow,
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oust second division Arbroath with the only
goal of the game in the 36th minute. The
fourth round scheduled January 9, brings
in the Premier league clubs. Irvine Meadow
visited Hibernian and the other remaining
minnow, Iverurie Locos travel to Ross
County. Rangers are away to Hamilton and
Celtic will visit Morton.
BARCELONA ARE WORLD
CLUB CHAMPIONS
European champions Barcelona captured
the World Club Championship (December
9-19) at Abu Dhabi, after South American
champions Estudiantes had led by the only
Continued from page 20
paid £12.9m to agents during his first year
of Sheikh Mansour’s ownership – more than
any other club.
Chelsea paid £9.6m, followed by Liverpool
with £6.7m and Tottenham with £6.1m.
Manchester United paid just £1.5m as it won
a third straight Premier League title.
West Ham Striker Ashton
Retires At 26
WEST HAM striker Dean Ashton has been
forced to retire at the age of 26 after his ankle
failed to fully recover from an injury sustained
during an England training session.
Ashton missed the whole of the 2006-07
season, but recovered to make 31 appear-
ances in the following campaign.
He broke down again in September 2008
and has not played since due to concerns
about his long-term mobility.
The initial injury was suffered in August
2006 in a challenge by Manchester City
winger Shaun Wright-Phillips – a day before
he was to make his England debut.
Professional Footballers Association chief
executive Gordon Taylor hopes that Ashton
does not have to take legal action against
Wright-Phillips and that compensation
can be organized via club or national team
insurance.
Bullard Out Two Months Due
To Knee Injury
HULL MIDFIELDER Jimmy Bullard has been
ruled out for up to two months due to a
knee injury.
Bullard was hurt last month in Hull’s 3-0
loss at Aston Villa in the Premier League,
only his fifth match since returning from an
eight-month layoff following surgery on his
other knee.
Hull manager Phil Brown said last month
“I’m now very hopeful Jimmy will be back on
the field of play before the transfer window
closes (in January).
Bullard scored on his starting debut for
Hull, a 2-1 win over Stoke on November
8. He then scored in draws with West Ham
and Manchester City to play a major role in
lifting Hull up to 16th and out of the relega-
tion zone.
Visit our Shop & Experience
a “Wee Bit” of the Flavor of the UK.
E-mail: bitobrit@pacbell.net
Page 17
goal with a minute to go in the final. The
Spanish side moved confidently from the
start, but it was Mauro Boselli who put the
Argentineans in front after 37 minutes. Pedro
grabbed a near death equalizer, and Lionel
Messi scored in the 110th minute to give
Barcelona a belated 2-1 victory.
The FIFA Club Championship features six
regional club champions from around the
world. Oceanic champions Auckland City
from New Zealand, beat local UAE champions
Al Ahli 2-0, but then went down 3-1 to Central
American Champions Atlante of Mexico.
Continued on page 18
Walcott-Written Books To Be
Published Next Year
ENGLAND winger Theo Walcott has relived
his experiences as an up-and-coming player
by writing a series of children’s books that
are set to be published next year.
The books follow the story of a boy called
TJ – the Arsenal forward’s nickname as a
child – who falls in with a crowd of football-
mad children at school.
The 20-year-old Walcott said last month
that he was excited to work on this series
because “books played an important part in
our family life as I was growing up.”
Philippa Dickinson, who works for publish-
ers Random House, said “we are thrilled to
be publishing his books.”
Man United Striker Diouf
Gets Work Permit
MANCHESTER United will be able to play
Mame Biram Diouf in January after the Sen-
egal striker was given a work permit.
United signed Diouf from Molde in July
before loaning him back to the Norwegian
club.
Diouf will be free to play in the Premier
League because Senegal failed to qualify for
this month’s African Cup of Nations.
He scored 16 goals in 29 games for Molde
this season.
Arrests At English, Welsh
Matches Fall Two Percent
THE NUMBER of arrests by police at football
matches in England and Wales fell two per-
cent last season.
The British government says half the
3,752 arrests were for disorder and about
a third for alcohol-related offenses. Ticket
scalping and violence also featured in the
list of reasons.
Fans of Premier League clubs accounted
for 1,600 arrests. Manchester United fans
were the most disorderly with 185, although
United has the biggest stadium and attracts
more fans.
Newcastle United was next with 144 ar-
rests in a season that featured relegation, and
Everton third with 139.
Fulham had a topflight low of 13 arrests.
Policing minister David Hanson says “we
now set an example for the rest of the world
in how we police football matches.”
Page 18
YOU’VE GOT to feel sorry for Sri Lanka. They
are currently touring India and on the second
day of the Third Test at Mumbai in December,
they came up against Virender Sehwag at
his fluent best.
India posted 443-1 in reply to Sri Lanka’s
393. Sehwag hit a remarkable unbeaten 284,
scoring 40 boundaries and seven sixes in
239 deliveries. One of the heaviest sufferers
was Muttiah Muralitharan who went for 78
runs off 70 deliveries. Only two batsmen in
Test history have scored more runs in a day,
Don Bradman with 393 against England at
Headingley (July 1930) and Wally Hammond,
295 against New Zealand in Auckland (March
1933). The next two men in the list of prolific
scorers were the old Brylcreem boy, Denis
Compton (275), and Bradman again (271).
Sehwag added a mere nine runs next day
when Muralitharan enjoyed sweet revenge
taking a return catch. India ran up 726-9 and
won by an innings and 24 runs to secure
the series.
India No 1
The result meant that India leapfrogged
Australia and South Africa to become the
world’s No 1 ranked side for the first time
in their history. These three nations are the
only ones to have led the rankings but India’s
tenure is likely to be brief since their next 11
months will produce just two Tests, against
Bangladesh.
South Africa are likely to replace them in
the next couple of months as they face Eng-
land. Thus India are paying the price for their
national board’s obsession with the shorter
forms of the game and the vast wealth these
versions are supposed to bring.
Nevertheless, the news prompted a rap-
turous response from Sachin Tendulkar – ‘I
would not hesitate to say this is the best team
I have ever played with.’
Test Umpire Stands Down
Mystery surrounds the early retirement
from the second Test in Adelaide between
Australia and the West Indies of the English
umpire, Mark Benson. The highly-rated
official abandoned his post in the middle
of the game, blaming ill-health. But there
were strong reports that he had become
increasingly upset about the Umpiring Deci-
sion Review System where verdicts can be
overturned on appeal to the third umpire by
either the batting or the bowling side.
Benson was indignant on the first day after
one of his decisions was over-ruled. He twice
gave the West Indian Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Sporting Roundup
Continued from page 17
Asian champions Pohang Steelers from
Korea with Brazilian legend Denilson in the
side, beat African Champions TP Mazembe
2-1. Both goals courtesy of Denilson. Barce-
lona beat Atlante 3-1 in the first semi-final,
while Estudiantes’ Leandro Benitez hit one
before the break and one directly after in the
other semi-final against the Pohang Steelers.
Denilson scored again for the Koreans, but
the Argentinians won 2-1.
A cricket club started by British settlers in
1896, that later evolved to soccer has won
the Argentinean Championship. The British
have long gone, but Banfield are proud hold-
ers of a league championship for the first time
in their 114-year-old history.
LATE CRICKET, ETC
England came dangerously close to defeat
not out to catches behind. On both occasions
the Australians asked for a review. On the first
he was given not out by third umpire, Asad
Rauf, much to the anger of the fielders. On
the second he was adjudged out by Rauf
though the large number of replays was far
from clear-cut.
Rauf replaced Benson, suffering from high
blood pressure, on the second day.
England Changes
Talking of replacements, it may be help
to look at the ways the current England
squad changed in the latter half of 2009.
The most notable casualty of the English
management’s desire to find all-round tal-
ent is the disappearance of Owais Shah,
a batsman who promised much but who
could never quite find the right place in the
line-up. Another batsman who was blown
away in the Ashes series is Ravi Bopara. He
looked so classy in the West Indies at the
beginning of the year but couldn’t buy runs
against the Aussies. He was not helped by his
somewhat statuesque achievements in the
field. Ryan Sidebottom has been reduced to
the ranks by injury and his rather too steady
– and predictable – bowling talent. Finally,
the lovable Monty Panesar seems to have
run into a brick wall with his wicket-taking
almost dried up.
By contrast, Andrew Strauss has come
in from the cold completely. His brilliance
in regaining the Ashes was a start but his
emergence as one-day captain – and the
subsequent success – has made him un-
touchable. Eoin Morgan now looks like the
all-rounder of choice, with his astonishing
range of innovative shots. Tim Bresnan has
come on leaps and bounds, as a bowler
and combative batsman. But the star of the
show now has to be Jonathan Trott, looking a
classy opener, gifted with both temperament
and talent. He could be one of England’s
greats, even though the South Afrcans can
fairly claim credit for his development.
Perhaps the final word should go to
ex-England captain Michael Vaughan who
says of England’s foreign imports, “We are
fortunate we have these guys to pick – Trott,
Pietersen, Allan Lamb, Graeme Hick, Robin
Smith – it goes back. All I’d like is to see
players come through our system.”
Pink Balls
As a sign of the changing times, next
year’s English season curtain-raiser between
the reigning county champions and an MCC
XI will be staged in Dubai, under floodlights.
And just to make the whole affair entirely
alien, the teams will be using pink balls. The
England and Wales Cricket Board reckon they
will get better weather there in April. That
seems a good enough reason to switch all
English cricket to the Middle East.
john.polley1@ntlworld.com
in the first Test match at Centurion, but the
tail-enders clung defensively at the crease
abling the match to end drawn. South Africa
418 (Jacques Kallis 120) and 301 (Hashim
Amla 100)-7 dec. England 356 and 228-9 at
close … In Perth, Australia won their third Test
against the West Indies by 35 runs to claim the
series 2-0. Australia 520-7 dec and 150. West
Indies 312 (Chris Gayle 102) and 323.
After only two years on the European tour,
26-year-old Richie Ramsey, notched his first
big success in the South African Open at Pearl
Valley, the Western Cape, December 20. The
Scot started the final round five adrift of the lead-
ers, but edged Shiv Kapur in a playoff where a
birdie on the first play-off hole provided him with
victory. They both had finished on 13 under 275
... Ding Junhui of China won the United King-
dom Snooker Championship (December 5-13)
at Telford. Junhui was behind 7-6 at one stage
against John Higgins, but came back to win
10-8, to collect the £100,000 prize money.
ujnews.com
US - England Think
Draw Favourable
Continued from page 20
will have a lot more time to prepare for the
World Cup.”
The US plays Slovenia at Johannesburg’s
Ellis Park on June 18 and completes the first
round on June 23 against Algeria in Pretoria.
The US has never played either nation.
All three games will be at venues where
the US played at this year’s Confederations
Cup, and all are at altitudes of 3,700 feet or
higher. The Americans lost to Italy and Brazil
in Pretoria, defeated Egypt in Rustenburg to
advance to the semifinals, then took a two-
goal halftime lead against Brazil in the final
at Ellis Park before losing 3-2.
“This is the best draw we’ve ever had in
any World Cup,” said former US forward Eric
Wynalda, now an analyst for the Fox Soccer
Channel. “No disrespect to England, but this
is an ideal group for us.”
The US is 2-7 against England, winning
2-0 in a 1993 exhibition at Foxborough,
Massachsetts. In the most recent matchups,
England won 2-1 at Chicago’s Solider Field in
2005 and 2-0 at Wembley last year.
There are 48 first-round matches, starting
with South Africa vs. Mexico on June 11, but
for now the focus is on one. American de-
fender Jonathan Bornstein was already look-
ing to the 1950 match in Belo Horizonte, won
on a goal by Joe Gaetjens, for inspiration.
“Hopefully 60 years later we can have a
similar performance.”
SWIMMING
Phelps Helps US Team Trounce
Europeans In England
MICHAEL PHELPS helped his American
team trounce a European all-star team in
the Duel in the Pool, anchoring a relay to
one of the eight world records the US set
over the two-day meet last month.
The US team won 185-78 in the last
major meet before the January 1 ban on
high-tech polyurethane suits.
Phelps already has reverted to wearing an
old-style textile suit and didn’t fare well in
the individual events dominated by swim-
mers in the soon-to-be banned suits.
In the 200 butterfly, the 14-time Olym-
pic champion lost by a body length to
Michael Rock of Britain, who was wearing
a high-tech suit. And in the 200 freestyle,
Phelps slumped to third.
“It will be more of a sport and not just
putting on a suit,” he said at the Manchester
Aquatics Centre.
The US beat Australia in the previous
three Duel in the Pool events, the first time
by 112 points in 2003.
Top Irish Jockey
Mick Kinane Retiring
TOP INTERNATIONAL jockey Mick
Kinane has announced his retirement fol-
lowing a 35-year career in which he won
many of horse racing’s glamour events,
including the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
aboard champion Sea The Stars.
The 50-year-old Kinane made the deci-
sion two months after guiding Sea The
Stars to victory in the Arc de Triomphe to
cap the horse’s 6-for-6 season.
Kinane said in a statement released last
month to Britain’s Press Association that
“this is the time to retire from race riding.”
Kinane won the 1990 Belmont Stakes
aboard Go and Go. He’s also won English
Derby three times, the Irish Derby, the
Japan Cup, three Breeders’ Cup races and
the Melbourne Cup.
Barbarians 25 New Zealand 18
THE LAST time the Baa-Baas beat the
All Blacks was
the memorable
match they won
in 1973 when
Gareth Ed-
wards scored
one of the
greatest tries
of all time. By John Polley
This match
could never have lived up to that billing,
largely because the all-star side only had
three Home Nations’ players on the team
sheet: Jamie Roberts, Leigh Halfpenny and
Andy Powell – all Welshmen. The 1973 side
did not, however, boast a winger with the
pace and power of South Africa’s Bryan
Habana. And he was the difference between
the sides in 2009. He ran in three tries, two
stunning length-of-the-pitch breakaways and
one, brilliantly worked by Matt Giteau, the
Wallaby stand-off.
It was a curiously subdued encounter, not
surprisingly really because in the end it was
New Zealand versus the Rest of the Southern
Hemisphere. The one thing it did make clear
was that all the Tri-Nations’ second teams
would beat any of the Six Nations first XVs.
Increasing Injuries
One of the striking differences between
rugby in the amateur era and the same game
in the professional sphere has been the in-
crease in player injuries. A recent comparison
of the Lions side in 1971 with that of 2009
gives some possible explanations.
Partly it is because the professional player
now has to prepare for many more games.
The other thing is the sheer size difference.
The modern pack is heavier by a combined
35 stones – a 2009 Lions back weighed more
than a forward in 1971. Players are also tak-
ing the ball into contact as a matter of course,
rather than passing it around.
Additionally, rugby is a far more aerial
game. Watch a line-out and see men being
hoisted six feet off the ground, and then you
can see the same technique utilised as the big
lads jump to catch restarts or garryowens.
The numbers of tackles too have spiralled.
On average there are three times as many
tackles nowadays, with big men hitting
big men, and consequently three times as
many chances of injury. Look at backs like
Jonny Wilkinson and Brian O’Driscoll, and
admire the sheer ferocity of their tackling.
Then compare them with fly-half wraiths
like Barry John and you can appreciate why
rugby is now described as a “collision sport
for muscular hulks”.
Jonah Lomu
Maybe it all started with Jonah Lomu, with
the way that he simply ran through tacklers.
England now routinely pick giants like Matt
Banahan who weighs in at 18 stone and
measures 6’7”. To date he has scored one
try, last June for England against Argentina.
Yet, there remain one or two brightly shining
rays of brilliance, the foremost being Wales’
Shane Williams, who stands 5’7” and tips the
scales at twelve and a half stones.
Watching men like Williams and Habana
streak through opponents like buzzards
through partridges remind one that ultimately
speed is what brings in the crowds and wins
games. Shane has 50 so far and Bryan 36.
Incidentally England’s fastest-ever was
Martin Trick who had a 10.4 secs 100 metres
to his name, the same as Habana’s fastest
time over the distance. Scotland’s fastest was
Eric Liddell, of ‘Chariots of Fire’ fame who
won an Olympic bronze medal in the 200m.
Wales has a couple of speedsters in the top
ten – Ken Jones, Olympic silver medallist in
1948, and Nigel Walker, fastest of them all
with 10.38 secs, an Olympic semi-finalist in
the 110 hurdles.
January 2010
Tellingly, David Trick only appeared twice
for England.
Finally – the complete Six Nations Fixture
list for 2010 (home side first).
February 2010
6: Ireland v Italy; England v Wales
7: Scotland v France
13: Wales v Scotland; France v Ireland
14: Italy v England
26: Wales v France
27: Italy v Scotland; England v Ireland
March
13: Ireland v Wales; Scotland v England
14: France v Italy
20: Wales v Italy; Ireland v Scotland;
France v England
john.polley1@ntlworld.com
Wales Rugby Great
Gareth Thomas
Says He’s Gay
WALES RUGBY great Gareth Thom-
as publicly announced he’s gay last
month.
Thomas, who retired from interna-
tional rugby two years ago but still plays
for Cardiff Blues, told the Daily Mail
he doesn’t want to be known as “a gay
rugby player.”
“I’ve been through all sorts of emo-
tions with this, tears, anger and absolute
despair,” the 35-year-old Thomas said.
“I wasn’t sure if I ever wanted to let
people know and, to be honest, I feel
anxious about people’s reactions and the
effect it might have on my family.
“I don’t want to be known as a gay
rugby player. I am a rugby player first
and foremost. I am a man. I just happen
to be gay. It’s irrelevant. What I choose
to do when I close the door at home has
nothing to do with what I have achieved
in rugby.”
KNEW
Thomas said he knew he was gay
when he was 16 or 17 but didn’t accept
it. He made his debut for Wales in 1995,
and by the time he retired as captain
at his fourth World Cup in 2007, the
utility back was Wales’ most capped
player with 100 tests, and its leading
tryscorer with 40.
The high point of his career was 2005,
when he captained Wales to the Six
Nations Grand Slam, helped Toulouse
win the Heineken Cup, and led the
British and Irish Lions in New Zealand
after Brian O’Driscoll was injured out
of the tour.
Thomas admitted to his closest Wales
teammates he was gay three years ago,
and said all the Blues know, and don’t
care.
He told the Daily Mail he hoped
his admission would help future rugby
players. He wasn’t going on “a crusade,”
he added, but hoped to send “a positive
message” to other gay people.
England Wing
Banahan Charged By
RFU With Stamping
ENGLAND winger Matt Banahan could
be banned after he was charged with
stamping on an opponent during a weekend
Premiership game.
Banahan has been charged by the Rugby
Football Union with stamping on Stephen
Myler during Northampton’s 15-13 win
over Bath last month.
He was to appear before an RFU disci-
plinary panel in Bristol.
January 2010 ujnews.com Page 19
goal of the season midway
EURO & DOMESTIC
CUPS RESULTS,
FIXTURES & DRAWS
premiership through the first half but the
Black Cats squandered sev-
eral opportunities, including LEAGUE
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
STANDINGS
P
Group A
W D L F A Pts
roundupBy Ridge Mahoney izer brought Everton a spectacular
an Andy Reid free kick that hit the crossbar,
to widen the lead and were left with a 1-1 tie
after conceding a stoppage-time equalizer.
Lorik Cana’s second caution of the game with
TABLES ASofOF
As AUGUST 28
December 29
Bordeaux
Bayern Munich
6
6
5
3
1
1
0
2
9
9
2 16
5 10 3-3 draw at Chelsea. Ayegbeni 12 minutes left eradicated any Sunderland
Juventus 6 2 2 2 4 7 8 Arsenal – The Gunners grabbed Yakubu tied the match, 2-2, after hopes of getting a point in a 2-0 home loss
Maccabi Haifa 6 0 0 6 0 8 0 a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute to Aston Villa. BARCLAYS PREMIER
the own goal had provided Ever- P W D L F A Pts GD
P
Group B
W D L F A Pts at Burnley with a Cesc Fabregas ton a 1-0 lead, and Louis Saha inadvertently Tottenham – Niko Krancjar Chelsea 20 14 3 3 45 16 45 +29
Man United 6 4 1 1 10 6 13 goal, but conceded an equalizer re-tied the game when a defensive clearance opened the scoring in the 37 th Man Utd 19 13 1 5 40 18 40 +22
CSKA Moscow 6 3 1 2 10 10 10 Arsenal 18 12 2 4 47 20 38 +27
Wolfsburg 6 2 1 3 9 8 7 before halftime and despite a 20-9 edge caromed off him into the Chelsea net. Another minute and poked a ball through Tottenham 20 11 4 5 42 22 37 +20
Besiktas 6 1 1 4 3 8 4 in shots finished with a 1-1 tie. Thomas tie resulted when keeper Tim Howard blocked the goalkeeper’s legs in stoppage Aston Villa 19 10 5 4 29 17 35 +12
Man City 19 9 8 2 38 27 35 +11
P
Group C
W D L F A Pts Vermalen gave away the penalty after Andrei a stoppage-time penalty by Jermaine Defoe time as Spurs thrashed Manchester Birmingham 20 9 5 6 20 18 32 +2
Real Madrid 6 4 1 1 15 7 13 Arshavin had hit the post with a fierce shot. after strikes from substitute Saha and Tim City, 3-0. Jermaine Defoe ran onto Liverpool 19 9 3 7 36 25 30 +11
AC Milan 6 2 3 1 8 7 9 Fulham 19 7 6 6 24 19 27 +5
Marseille 6 2 1 3 10 10 7 Arshavin’s goal eight minutes after Arsenal Cahill in a 2-2 deadlock. a ball nine minutes after halftime to bag his Sunderland 20 6 5 9 28 31 23 -3
FC Zurich 6 1 1 4 5 14 4 equalized with an own goal earned them a Fulham – An alleged row with 14th goal of the season. Goals by Defoe and Everton
Stoke
19
19
5
5
7
6
7
8
26
15
32
23
22
21
-6
-8
P
Group D
W D L F A Pts 2-1 victory at Liverpool his own fans didn’t deter Bobby Michael Dawson 12 minutes left opened up Blackburn 20 5 6 9 20 35 21 -15
Chelsea 6 4 2 0 11 4 14 Aston Villa – Victories at Man- Zamora from scoring his fifth a 2-0 lead against Everton, but then Spurs Burnley
Wigan
20
18
5
5
5
4
10
9
22
21
40
39
20
19
-18
-18
Porto 6 4 0 2 8 3 12
Atletico Madrid 6 0 3 3 3 12 3 chester United and Sunderland three goal of the season in a 1-1 draw conceded two and Defoe’s penalty kick in Wolves 20 5 4 11 17 36 19 -19
Apoel Nicosia 6 0 3 3 4 7 3 days apart pushed Villa into fourth at Burnley. Zamora ran onto a free kick by stoppage time came back off the goalie. West Ham
Bolton
20
17
4
4
6
5
10
8
28
24
37
34
18
17
-9
-10
P
Group E
W D L F A Pts
place prior to the heavy holiday Chris Baird and shrugged off a challenge to West Ham – A bobble by goal- Hull 19 4 5 10 18 40 17 -22
Fiorentina 6 5 0 1 14 7 15 fixture slate. Emile Heskey and James Milner fire home a low shot. Zamora scored in the keeper Robert Green presented
Portsmouth 19 4 2 13 17 28 14 -11
Lyon 6 4 1 1 12 3 13 scored on either side of halftime to down
Liverpool 6 2 1 3 5 7 7 seventh minute and pushed away a teammate Bolton with the winning goal COCA-COLA FOOTBALL
Debreceni 6 0 0 6 5 19 0 Sunderland; Gabriel Agbonlahor netted in the to taunt Sunderland fans while celebrating the eight minutes after Alessandro LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP
P
Group F
W D L F A Pts
21st minute against United for Villa’s first win goal that gave the Cottagers a 1-0 win. Diamanti had equalized in what disinte- P W D L F A Pts GD
Barcelona 6 3 2 1 7 3 11 at Old Trafford in 26 years. Hull City – Manager Phil Brown grated into a 3-1 defeat. Former Hammer Newcastle
West Brom
24 15 6 3 39 14 51 +25
23 13 6 4 48 22 45 +26
Inter Milan
Rubin Kazan
6
6
2
1
3
3
1
2
7
4
6 9
7 6 Birmingham – Cameron Jerome sent out a team without a bonfide Lee Bowyer scored the only goal and Mark Nottm Forest 24 11 10 3 34 18 43 +16
Dynamo Kiev 6 1 2 3 7 9 5 scored once in each half and got striker against Blackburn, and Noble departed with a red card in a 1-0 loss Cardiff
Leicester
23 11 4 8 42 27 37 +15
22 10 7 5 28 24 37 +4
P
Group G
W D L F A Pts
a yellow card immediately after after coming on as a sub, U.S. for- at Birmingham. Swansea 24 9 10 5 21 19 37 +2
Sevilla 6 4 1 1 11 4 13 the second goal -- the 50th of his ward Jozy Altidore got a yellow card instead Wigan – A goal by Charles Sheff Utd
Blackpool
24 9 8 7 35 33 35 +2
22 9 7 6 35 25 34 +10
Stuttgart
Unirea Urziceni
6
6
2
2
3
2
1 9 7 9
2 8 8 8
career – in a 2-1 defeat of Blackburn of a penalty when tackled in the penalty area; N’Zogbia in stoppage time left C Palace 24 8 10 6 28 27 34 +1
Rangers 6 0 2 4 4 13 2 that marked the Blues’ fifth win in a row. Lee Tigers settled for a 0-0 draw. the Latics with a 2-1 loss at
QPR
Middlesbro
24 8 9 7 38 36 33 +2
24 9 5 10 34 29 32 +5
P
Group H
W D L F A Pts
Bowyer scored his third goal in four games, Liverpool – Goals by David Liverpool, just two points above Bristol C 24 7 11 6 29 29 32 0
and first against the club that got rid of him, Watford 24 8 8 8 33 37 32 -4
Arsenal 6 4 1 1 12 5 13 Ngog and Fernando Torres pow- the relegation zone, and 17 goals conceded in Doncaster 23 7 9 7 29 27 30 +2
Olympiacos
Standard Liege
6
6
3
1
1
2
2 4
3 7
5 10
9 5
as City downed West Ham, 1-0. Sebastian ered Liverpool past Wigan, 2-1; to their last four matches as well as the Premier Barnsley 22 8 6 8 29 34 30 -5
Preston 23 7 8 8 26 29 29 -3
AZ Alkmaar 6 0 4 2 4 8 4 Larsson scored twice within 11 minutes and brighten a bleak spell of just four League’s worst defensive mark (38 goals in Coventry 24 7 7 10 26 35 28 -9
Cristian Benitez netted once in the middle to wins in 16 matches. Torres came 17 games). Maynor Figueroa’s spectacular Derby 24 7 5 12 24 35 26 -11
Ipswich 23 4 12 7 26 33 24 -7
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE win, 3-2, at Wigan. on as a sub for his 100th club appearance looping free kick from just his side of the Reading 24 5 8 11 26 39 23 -13
Last 16 Draw Blackburn – Ryan Nelsen’s and scored his 61st Liverpool goal. Dirk Kuyt midfield line tied a match at Stoke, 2-2, but Scunthorpe 23 6 5 12 25 44 23 -19
(First Legs February 16, 17, 23 & 24, Plymouth 23 6 3 14 21 34 21 -13
Second Legs March 9, 10, 16 & 17) goal during a goalmouth scram- capitalized on a weak goalkeeper’s clearance Hugo Rodallega failed to converted a late Sheff Wed 23 4 7 12 25 39 19 -14
Stuttgart v Barcelona; Olympiacos v Bordeaux; ble ended 445 scoreless minutes to score four minutes before halftime against penalty kick and Wigan went home with just Peterborough 24 3 9 12 31 43 18 -12
Inter Milan v Chelsea; Bayern Munich v Fiorentina; but didn’t prevent a 2-1 loss at Arsenal, but a Glen Johnson deflected own a point. Emmerson Boyce had opened the COCA-COLA FOOTBALL
CSKA Moscow v Sevilla; Lyon v Real Madrid;
Porto v Arsenal; AC Milan v Man United Birmingham. Rovers posted their goal sparked a reversal and 2-1 defeat. scoring on the quarter hour. LEAGUE ONE
fourth shutout in the last five games to earn Manchester City – Three Wolverhampton – Kevin P W D L F A Pts GD
EUROPA LEAGUE a 0-0 tie at Hull. Manager Sam Allardyce times City rallied while a goal Doyle scored in the third minute Leeds 23 17 5 1 45 13 56 +32
Charlton 24 13 9 2 46 27 48 +19
Last-32 Draw mentioned the club might be interested in down at Bolton to escape with and Wolves withstood a bar- Norwich 23 13 6 4 50 27 45 +23
(First Legs February 18 and
Second Legs February 25)
acquiring U.S. midfielder Stuart Holden, a 3-3 tie. Carlos Tevez scored in rage of shots (26-5) thanks Colchester 23 13 6 4 39 21 45 +18
Huddersfield 23 11 5 7 46 28 38 +18
Rubin Kazan v Hapoel Tel Aviv whose MLS contract expires at the end of the 28th minute, Micah Richards to seven saves by American goalie Marcus Swindon 22 10 8 4 31 29 38 +2
Athletic Bilbao v Anderlecht December. netted just before halftime, and Tevez struck Hahnemann to win, 1-0, at Tottenham. Millwall 24 9 9 6 35 28 36 +7
FC Copenhagen v Marseille MK Dons 24 11 3 10 33 33 36 0
Panathinaikos v Roma
Bolton – Ivan Klasnic and Gary again 13 minutes from time. Shay Given Goals by Jody Craddock and Nenad Milijas Bristol R 23 11 1 11 32 36 34 -4
Atletico Madrid v Galatasaray Cahill scored 11 minutes apart to snuffed a Frank Lampard penalty after Em- downed Bolton, 2-1, to end a seven-match Walsall
Brentford
22
24
8 7 7 32 29 31 +3
7 9 8 22 26 30 -4
Ajax v Juventus blow open a 1-1 game as Wander- manuel Adebayor and Tevez scored the goals winless streak. Southend 24 8 5 11 28 32 29 -4
Club Brugge v Valencia
Fulham v Shakhtar Donetsk
ers downed West Ham, 3-1. After that lifted City past Chelsea, 2-1. Southampton
Yeovil
24
24
10 8 6 42 29 28 +13
6 10 8 33 35 28 -2
Liverpool v Unirea Urziceni scoring in the 64th minute, Chung- Manchester United – Wayne Carlisle 22 7 7 8 28 30 28 -2
Hamburg v PSV Eindhoven
Villarreal v Wolfsburg
yong Lee set up Cahill for a shot
that the keeper fumbled for Klasnic to tuck
Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and BARCLAYS PREMIER Hartlepool
Gillingham
23
24
7 6 10 30 32 27 -2
7 5 12 29 34 26 -5
Standard Liege v FC Salzburg Antonio Valencia scored in a FIXTURES FOR THE MONTH Exeter 24 6 8 10 26 35 26 -9
FC Twente v Werder Bremen home for the winner. Klasnic scored before 3-0 home victory over Wolves.
Oldham
Brighton
22
24
6 7 9 19 27 25 -8
6 6 12 30 43 24 -13
Lille v Fenerbahce and after a goal by Cahill to provide three-one Tomasz Kuszczak was not required to make
– Tuesday, January 5 –
Stoke City v Fulham
Leyton Orient 24 6 6 12 28 41 24 -13
Everton v Sporting Lisbon
goal leads, all of which Bolton let slip in a 3-3 Tranmere 23 6 3 14 21 43 21 -22
Hertha Berlin v Benfica a save as United piled up a 10-0 edge in – Wednesday, January 6 – Wycombe 24 4 6 14 24 45 18 -21
draw with Manchester City. shots on goal. Paul Scholes hammered Arsenal v Bolton Stockport 23 3 5 15 21 47 14 -26
Last-16 Draw Burnley – Graham Alexander home a goal in first-half stoppage time, and – Saturday, January 9 –
COCA-COLA FOOTBALL
(First Legs March 11, Second Legs March 18)
Hamburg/PSV Eindhoven v Athletic Bilbao/Anderlecht
equalized with a penalty kick, Darron Gibson, Valencia and Rooney hit Arsenal v Everton; Birmingham v Man Utd;
LEAGUE TWO
Burnley v Stoke City; Fulham v Portsmouth;
Rubin Kazan/Hapoel Tel Aviv v Villarreal/Wolfsburg his 100 th professional goal, three goals in 11 minutes as United routed Hull City v Chelsea; Sunderland v Bolton P W D L F A Pts GD
Atletico Madrid/Galatasaray v Everton/Sporting Lisbon and Burnley hit the woodwork Wolverhampton, 4-0, Wigan Athletic v Aston Villa Rochdale 24 16 3 5 53 23 51 +30
Hertha Berlin/Benfica v FC Copenhagen/Marseille
Panathinaikos/Roma v Standard Liege/FC Salzburg
twice in garnering a 1-1 draw Portsmouth – Younes Kaboul’s – Sunday, January 10 –
Bournemouth
Rotherham
23
21
14 4 5 28 22 46 +6
11 6 4 33 21 39 +12
Lille/Fenerbahce v Liverpool/Unirea Urziceni against Arsenal that brought their home haul three minutes into stoppage time Liverpool v Tottenham; West Ham v Wolves Notts Co 22 10 7 5 47 21 37 +26
Ajax/Juventus v Fulham/Shakhtar Donetsk of points to 18 of 19 in total. Wade Elliott hit snatched a 1-1 draw at Sunder- – Monday 11 January –
Dag & Red
Aldershot
23
22
10 7 6 36 29 37 +7
10 6 6 38 28 36 +10
Club Brugge/Valencia v FC Twente/Werder Bremen a magnificent volley on a deflected Stephen land for Pompey, only the third Man City v Blackburn Chesterfield 22 11 2 9 36 32 35 +4
Shrewsbury 24 9 8 7 35 31 35 +4
Jordan 10 on the hour, and 10 minutes after club this season to come back from Wearside – Saturday, January 16 –
CARLING CUP DRAW Fulham had taken the lead in a 1-1 draw at Everton v Man City; Man Utd v Burnley;
Bury
Morecambe
22
24
10 5 7 31 32 35 -1
8 10 6 42 37 34 +5
Semi-Finals with at least a point. Arvam Grant got his Portsmouth v Birmingham; Stoke City v Liverpool; Accrington 22 10 3 9 35 33 33 +2
(First Legs week of January 4, Turf Moor. first points as manager by beating Burnley Tottenham v Hull City; Wolves v Wigan Athletic Crewe 23 9 3 11 38 39 30 -1
Second Legs week of January 18) Chelsea – A Frank Lampard 2-0; Herman Hreidarsson scored the winner Port Vale 22 6 11 5 25 24 29 +1
Man City v Man United – Sunday, January 17 – Burton 22 8 5 9 34 34 29 0
Blackburn v Aston Villa
penalty with 11 minutes remaining in the 65th minute after Aruna Dindane had Aston Villa v West Ham; Bolton v Arsenal Bradford 22 7 8 7 32 36 29 -4
earned Chelsea a sputtering 2-1 squandered a penalty kick and a chance on – Tuesday, January 26 –
Barnet
Macclesfield
23
22
7 7 9 24 29 28 -5
6 9 7 28 33 27 -5
ACTIVE NATION home victory against Portsmouth. the rebound. Dindane added the second goal Bolton v Burnley; Man Utd v Hull City; Northampton 23 6 8 9 31 35 26 -4
SCOTTISH CUP DRAW Nicolas Anelka provided a 1-0 lead midway six minutes from time. Portsmouth v West Ham; Stoke City v Man City; Torquay
Hereford
23
22
6 7 10 32 33 25 -1
6 7 9 26 32 25 -6
Tottenham v Fulham; Wolves v Liverpool
Fourth Round through the first half but shortly after the Stoke City – Thomas Sorens- Cheltenham 23 5 8 10 27 38 23 -11
(To be played weekend of January 9/10)
Inverness CT v Motherwell; Hamilton v Rangers;
interval Chelsea conceded their 12th goal en’s penalty kick save in the 89th
– Wednesday, January 27 –
Aston Villa v Arsenal; Blackburn v Wigan Athletic;
Lincoln
Grimsby
22
23
6 4 12 15 29 22 -14
3 8 12 17 37 17 -20
Morton v Celtic; Hibernian v Irvine Meadow; from a set play this season (out of 14). minute preserved a 2-2 home draw Chelsea v Birmingham; Everton v Sunderland Darlington 21 2 2 17 10 45 8 -35
St Mirren v Alloa; Raith v Airdrie United; Didier Drogba’s second goal of the game against Wigan. Tuncay Sanli’s goal – Saturday, January 30 –
Dunfermline v Stenhousemuir; Forfar v St Johnstone;
Livingston v Dundee; Albion Rovers v Stirling Albion;
was Chelsea’s third of the match and put before halftime and Ryan Shawcross’s equal- Birmingham v Tottenham; Burnley v Chelsea; CLYDESDALE BANK SCOTTISH PREMIER
Aberdeen v Hearts; Edinburgh City v Montrose; them ahead of Everton, 3-2, yet they failed to izer with 16 minutes proved to be just enough
Fulham v Aston Villa; Hull City v Wolves;
Liverpool v Bolton; Sunderland v Stoke City; Rangers
P W
17 12
D
4
L
1
F
39
A
11
Pts
40
GD
+28
Partick Thistle v Dundee United; close up shop at home and ended tied, 3-3. when Sorensen batted away Hugo Rodal- Postponed - to be played Mon, Feb 1 Celtic 17 11 3 3 36 18 36 +18
Ross County v Inverurie Loco Works;
Ayr United v Brechin City; Kilmarnock v Falkirk
Anelka, set up by Ricardo Carvalho, scored lega’s spot kick and atoned for conceding a West Ham v Blackburn; Wigan Athletic v Everton Hibernian
Dundee Utd
17 9
16 7
5
7
3
2
25
21
14
15
32
28
+11
+6
in between Drogba’s strikes. goal struck from the center circle. – Sunday, January 31 – Hearts 17 5 5 7 16 19 20 -3
SCOTTISH LEAGUE CUP DRAW Everton – An own goal and a bizarre equal- Sunderland – Darren Bent struck his 10th
Arsenal v Man Utd; Man City v Portsmouth Motherwell
St Johnstone
17 4
17 5
8
4
5
8
21
24
28
30
20
19
-7
-6
Semi-finals Aberdeen 16 4 6 6 12 18 18 -6
(To be played February 2/3) Hamilton 16 4 4 8 15 26 16 -11
Hearts v St Mirren St Mirren 16 3 5 8 18 25 14 -7
Rangers v St Johnstone Kilmarnock 17 3 5 9 12 22 14 -10
Falkirk 17 2 6 9 14 27 12 -13

IRN-BRU SCOTTISH DIVISION ONE

Union Jack Dundee
P W
19 11
D L F
7 1 29
A
15
Pts
40
GD
+14
Queen of Sth 18 9 5 4 30 17 32 +13
internet-ClassAds, $30 a month? Ross County
Partick
18 9
18 8
5 4 28
5 5 31
22
21
32
29
+6
+10
Inverness CT 19 7 7 5 29 21 28 +8
See page 15 for more Dunfermline 18 7 5 6 23 21 26 +2
Raith 17 6 5 6 18 19 23 -1
information or call us at Morton 18 5 0 13 20 37 15 -17
Ayr 17 2 6 9 12 28 12 -16
(800) 262-7305 Airdrie Utd 18 1 5 12 18 37 8 -19

Reach our readership IRN-BRU SCOTTISH DIVISION TWO

P W D L F A Pts GD
Cowdenbeath 17 10 4 3 28 14 34 +14
of over 210,000 Stirling 17 9 5 3 29 21 32 +8
Alloa 17 8 4 5 19 16 28 +3
Brechin 17 7 5 5 23 16 26 +7
Dumbarton 17 6 4 7 22 27 22 -5
Peterhead 17 6 3 8 18 25 21 -7
Stenh’semuir 17 5 5 7 20 19 20 +1
East Fife 17 5 5 7 20 21 20 -1
Arbroath 17 4 4 9 17 29 16 -12
Clyde 17 4 3 10 15 23 15 -8

IRN-BRU SCOTTISH DIVISION THREE

P W D L F A Pts GD
Livingston 16 11 1 4 32 13 34 +19
East Stirling 16 10 2 4 21 18 32 +3
Berwick 16 9 3 4 24 14 30 +10
Forfar 16 7 5 4 26 19 26 +7
Albion 16 5 8 3 14 11 23 +3
Annan 16 5 5 6 13 14 20 -1
Queen’s Park 17 5 4 8 16 22 19 -6
Stranraer 16 4 4 8 14 22 16 -8
Elgin City 16 3 6 7 21 28 15 -7
Montrose 17 0 6 11 9 29 6 -20
Page 20
US – England Think Draw Favourable
By Ronald Blum
US SOCCER players sounded
confident. The English sounded
overjoyed.
The Americans were drawn to play Eng-
land in their World Cup opener, part of a first
round that will have the pair meet Slovenia
and Algeria.
“Best English Group Since The Beatles,”
was the headline in The Sun.
After advancing to the quarterfinals in
2002, the best US finish since the initial World
Cup in 1930, there were high expectations
for the Americans at the 2006 tournament in
Germany. But they were eliminated in the first
round with losses to the Czech Republic and
Ghana around a tie with Italy.
Fearing the worst, players were almost
giddy after a favourable draw in Cape Town
gave them hope they’ll reach the second
round in South Africa next June.
“We are confident,” US captain Carlos
Bocanegra said. “Now we need to get out of
our group and we need to make some noise
down there in South Africa.”
The US famously upset England 1-0 in
the first round at the 1950 tournament in
Brazil, still considered by many to be the
greatest American soccer victory. The June
SOCCER
shorts
Landon Donovan Gets Work
Permit To Join Everton
LANDON Donovan has been given the work
permit he needs to play in Britain during his
loan at Premier League club Everton.
The Los Angeles Galaxy player easily met
the criteria for the permit because he has
played 120 times for the United States and
has captained his country.
The permit was granted at a hearing last
month and the midfielder is free to begin his
2-1/2-month loan from Major League Soccer
as planned on January 2.
A Million Tickets For 2010
World Cup On Sale
SOCCER FANS begun applying for one million
tickets to 2010 World Cup matches after last
month’s draw.
The latest online sales phase opened De-
cember 5, now that the 32 teams know where
and when they play first-round matches in
South Africa.
Fans must apply by January 22. Twelve
percent of the tickets are distributed by
national associations taking part. Tickets
to oversubscribed matches are allocated
by lottery.
The most popular likely will be the June 12
clash between the United States and England
– the two foreign countries that bought the
ujnews.com January 2010
2010 WORLD CUP DRAW GOLF
Westwood Chosen
European Tour’s
Player Of The Year
12 game in Rustenburg features a matchup win playoffs to reach the tournament and are “For the US it looks to be a positive
that could pit Los Angeles Galaxy teammates ranked well behind the US (14th). grouping,” said Bruce Arena, who coached LEE WESTWOOD has been selected
David Beckham and Landon Donovan on “I think it was a very fair group,” US coach the Americans at the previous two World the European Tour’s golfer of the year
opposite teams. Bob Bradley said. “It gives us an opportunity, Cups. “But again, let’s not count them for 2009.
While the English are ranked ninth in the you know, to play well and to advance.” through yet.” The 36-year-old Englishman was given
world and have stars such as Wayne Rooney, Odds on the US winning were lowered Since returning to the World Cup in 1990 the award for the third time in his career. He
Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, Algeria from 80-1 to 65-1 after the draw, with Spain following a 40-year absence, the Americans won the Dubai World Championship and
(28th) and Slovenia (33rd) both needed to remaining the favorite at 4-1 followed by are 3-12-3 in the tournament, including 1-9-2 finished at the top of the European money
five-time champion Brazil at 5-1 along with against European teams. list. Westwood also won the award in 1998
WORLD CUP DRAW England. “I think it’s one of the more well-balanced and 2000. After a long slump he fell out of
HOST COUNTRY South Africa will kick If the Americans finish second in their groups,” England coach Fabio Capello said. the top 100 in the rankings, before climbing
off the 2010 World Cup with their Group group, they likely would play Germany in “We’re going to have to be careful. All the back to his current spot at No 4.
A game versus Mexico on June 11. The the second round. If they finish first, they games are difficult and we may start with Westwood said: “to drop completely into
following day England take on the US in probably would advance to a meeting with the toughest game, since the United States obscurity and come back from that to get
the opening game of their Group C. Serbia or Ghana. Continued on page 18 back into the world’s top five and win the
first race to Dubai means a lot.”
Group A Group E
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France
Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon
Hughes Denies He Was Fired Ferguson: Man
Group B
Argentina
Group F
Italy Before Sunderland Game City Behaved
Nigeria Paraguay
South Korea
Greece
New Zealand
Slovakia
MARK HUGHES refuted reports that he reach the targets set by the owners.
“I am extremely disappointed not to
Unacceptably
was fired before Manchester City’s victory
Group C
ENGLAND
United States
Group G
Brazil
North Korea
over Sunderland and said last month he have been given the opportunity to see
through my plans at the club,” he said. “At
To Hughes
Algeria Ivory Coast
only heard about it after
Slovenia Portugal the final whistle. the beginning of the season I sat down with MANCHESTER United manager Alex
Group D Group H Man City issued a the owners and it was agreed that a realistic Ferguson says the way that rival
Germany
Australia
Spain
Switzerland
statement after their target for the season would be sixth place Manchester City fired Mark Hughes
Serbia Honduras team’s 4-3 victory that or in the region of 70 points. All of this last month was “unacceptable.”
Ghana Chile Hughes had been sacked was communicated to the players and we City acknowledged drawing up a
and replaced by Roberto all knew where we stood. list of candidates to replace Hughes
most tickets in earlier rounds of sales. Mancini. Although there “Whilst everyone at the club would obvi- before the start of the season even
South African fans pay $19 for the cheap- was speculation all day ously have wanted to see more wins, we were when it was allowing the former Man
Mark Hughes that Hughes was on the absolutely on target at the time of my dis- United striker to spend £200 on new
est seats at group matches. International
prices start at $80. way out, he insisted he knew nothing about
it until after the game.
missal. Only recently we had terrific victories
against both Arsenal and Chelsea.”
players.
British newspapers then widely
Bloomberg Joins US World reported that last month’s Premier
Despite media reports to the contrary, City’s win against Sunderland, how-
Cup Bid Group Hughes said in a statement that he was ever, was only the team’s second in 11 League game against Sunderland
given no prior warning about the club’s games, the team going through a run of would be Hughes’ last in charge before
NEW YORK City Michael Bloomberg is the decision – although it looks like it was seven draws in a row in the league. Sit- the Welshman had been told he was
latest member of the bid group trying to made well in advance. ting in sixth place, the team has lost only being fired.
bring the World Cup to the United States in “Given the speed with which my succes- twice, fewer than any club in the Premier Ferguson said that “it was unac-
2018 or 2022. ceptable behavior ... it doesn’t matter
Bloomberg recorded a one minute mes- sor’s appointment was announced, it would League.
appear that the club had made its decision Mancini, who led Inter Milan to three whether you have lost 20 games or
sage in support of the bid that was placed on some considerable time ago,” he said. league titles in a row before being fired at two: there is a way to treat people.”
YouTube last month.
Hughes said he appeared on course to the end of last season.
England and Spain are considered leading
contenders for 2018, while the US is viewed
as a top candidate for 2022. FIFA’s executive
committee will vote in December 2010.
Australia, England, Japan, Netherlands-
Belgium, Russia and Spain-Portugal have
filed to host both World Cups. Indonesia,
Qatar and South Korea bid for 2022 only.
Premier League Clubs Paid
Agents $115m In A Year
THE PREMIER League last month released
the amount its clubs paid agents in one year,
with Manchester City accounting for almost
one-fifth of the $116m total as its wealthy
Abu Dhabi owner rebuilt the team.
In total, the 20 topflight clubs spent
£70.7m on agents fees for 803 transfers
between October 2008 to September 2009.
“For the first time, there will be a game-
wide picture of the level of spending on
agents,” England’s Football Association said.
“Clubs are bringing greater transparency to
the domestic transfer market.”
To attract international players like Em-
manuel Adebayor and Carlos Tevez, City
Continued on page 17