Thorpe’s sights firmly on 2012 February 2, 2011 SWIMMING: Five-time Olympic champion Ian Thorpe claims his return to the sport, confirmed yesterday, was inspired by a visit to the London venue which will stage the 2012 Olympic competition. The 28-year-old, who is returning to the sport after a five-year absence, said: “I saw the swimming venue for the London Olympics and it’s extraordinary [...]
Time for Johnson to make the Red Rose bloom again February 2, 2011 ENGLAND begin this year’s RBS 6 Nations as the bookmakers’ favourites and, with an encouraging autumn series behind them and three home games in the championship, the initial predictions were that Martin Johnson’s ripening side, currently ranked fourth in the world, would be able to live up to those lofty expectations. In mid-November a record [...]
England the chief threat to France’s title defence February 2, 2011 But don’t expect another grand slam, says former England scrum-half FOR RUGBY fans February means one thing, and that’s the mouth-watering prospect of another RBS 6 Nations Championship. It’s shaping up to be a two-horse race, but don’t expect to see yet another grand slam. England go into this year’s competition as favourites, a status [...]
THE FAMOUS FIVE – ENGLAND’S FOES February 2, 2011 Italy NICK MALLETT’S Italy remain a work in progress, and will have their work cut out again to not collect the wooden spoon, as they have done for the past three years. But there are some positives, and the Azzurri are becoming more competitive, thanks in part to domestic powerhouses Benetton Treviso and Aironi Rugby’s [...]
Another big year for China starts today February 2, 2011 TODAY is the first day of the Chinese year of the rabbit. And rather like rabbits, the world’s statesmen are caught in the glare of China’s ascent. Economists are falling over each other to predict when China’s nominal GDP will overtake America’s, while foreign policy wonks are weighing the implications. Goldman Sachs reckons it could [...]
Don’t leave it all to the taxman: seven easy ways to lower IHT bills February 2, 2011 WHO do you want to leave your worldly wealth to when you pop your clogs? Your nearest and dearest? A furry friend? Charity? Unsurprisingly, the nation’s favourite beneficiaries are the ones closest to our hearts, with 87 per cent wanting their assets to go to family, according to Unbiased.co.uk, the financial advice website. Still, nearly [...]
For some, it’s a borrower’s market February 2, 2011 FANCY a new car, luxury holiday or that longed-for loft conversion but don’t have the cash? This could be the moment for you to bag a bargain. As businesses struggle amid the economic downturn, they are offering some very good deals, at least to certain clients. With care, you may be able to net an [...]
PERSONAL FINANCE NEWS February 2, 2011 SPACE INVADERS COST £66M Space invaders, houseguests who stay with friends and family for weeks at a time without paying rent, are causing havoc. More than 4.9m homeowners have been left counting the cost of houseguests who overstayed their welcome last year. Direct Line research shows that the space invaders caused £66m in damages to [...]
Intelligent luxury for smart skiers at Les Domaines February 2, 2011 THE new Alpine luxury is understated, contemporary elegance in a traditional-looking wood building, with lots of hand-crafted features and discreet state-of-the-art facilities. It is located in a small and original village – not a purpose-built concrete bunker. These days, intelligent luxury means completely no-hassle holidays – you own your own property, but it is fully [...]
For the love of chocolate February 2, 2011 La Maison du Chocolat’s Couer à Couer Another enticing offering from LMC – a sharing dessert available at its boutiques in Piccadilly, Harrods and Selfridges, containing coconut dacquoise, dark choclate mousse, chocolate sabayon and other delights. £13.50 www.lamaisonduchocolat.co.uk Hotel Chocolat’s Sealed with a Kiss box A glam selection of romantic choccies including chocolate oysters, pralines, [...]
