The Matrix was released 20 years ago – how close are we to the film’s vision of a tech dystopia? April 1, 2019 The Matrix first premiered in US cinemas yesterday 20 years ago. It revolutionised the way that we viewed the potential power of machines, and simultaneously marked the dawning of an age of suspicion and fear surrounding our relationship with technology. Yet far from the apocalyptic fears of artificial intelligence (AI), the applications of this emerging [...]
Sam Torrance: Tough cookie Kevin Kisner showed Major grit to win WGC Match Play April 1, 2019 A lot of golf goes into winning the WGC Match Play. Those who make it to the last four end up playing seven rounds in five days, so it is a grind. But Kevin Kisner is a tough cookie. Kisner, who reached the final last year only to suffer a 7&6 defeat to Bubba Watson, [...]
Opinion: Too many people don’t carry out due diligence when buying a new build. Here are some tips so you get what you paid for April 1, 2019 While the new build industry has not been immune to the slowdown, there is no question that there are still activity hotspots in certain parts of the market. Savvy investors are busy snapping up properties at discounted rates and chain-free, first-time buyers are in a great position to negotiate. But there is another, darker side [...]
Gaming changers: how marketing messages have had to change for gambling companies April 1, 2019 Where do you know Ray Winstone from? If you’re of a certain vintage, you’ll probably recall his early work. Carlin in Scum, Kevin the rocker in Quadrophenia. More of a millennial? Then perhaps it’s his turn opposite Ben Kingsley in Sexy Beast or as Frenchy in The Departed. Or maybe it’s simply him yelling “put [...]
Five retail tips for small businesses worried about Brexit March 29, 2019 So much of the political debate over Brexit has focused on the impact on big business. The banks, multinational drug companies, carmakers, and other corporate pressure groups have been leading the conversation. But Brexit also impacts the hundreds of thousands of small businesses that employ most Britons and are the heartbeat of the economy. Read [...]
Ollie Phillips: Home advantage weighs heavy for Saracens, Edinburgh, Leinster and Racing 92 in the Champions Cup March 29, 2019 The Six Nations finished two weeks ago but the tournament remains relevant as we head into the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup this weekend. The relationship between club sides and their countries is an interesting one and it’s born out when looking at the fixtures for Europe’s premier club competition. Wales won the Six Nations [...]
DEBATE: Should a General Election follow the appointment of a new Tory leader and Prime Minister? March 29, 2019 Should a General Election follow the appointment of a new Tory leader and Prime Minister? Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary, University of London, says YES. There is no constitutional requirement for anyone who takes over as Prime Minister to call a General Election, although one could be forced upon them were they to [...]
It’s not about copyright – the EU is trying to destroy the internet March 29, 2019 One of the feistiest debates in the classically liberal community revolves around the concept of property rights, especially in the digital age. I realise that, for many, this may not seem the sexiest topic, but at least this column isn’t about Brexit, so stay with me. Those who broadly share a similar, free-market worldview can take [...]
Asking the people is the only way to end this Brexit nightmare March 29, 2019 THERE is no doubt that, regardless of the high-minded principles which most politicians claim to hold, the actual reality of politics is often a grubby business. Complete victories for any given position are rarely seen. Instead, compromises are usually hammered out on a subject through a mixture of what is possible for different parties to [...]
Watch out high street banks – Apple has a credit card and is out to steal your supper March 29, 2019 Every day, new competitors are coming out of the woodwork and vying for a piece of the high street banks’ pie. This has forced the big banks – some kicking and screaming – to evolve, and at a pace that they’ve never before experienced. Change is not a new concept for consumers when it comes [...]