There are alternatives to the NHS but we must face up to its failure February 7, 2013 THERE is a scene near the beginning of the film Casablanca when a crime takes place. In response, the chief of police commands, “Round up the usual suspects!” He knows this will not reveal the culprit. Doubtless, his staff know too. Everybody knows. But at least he can say he is taking action. The response [...]
Three technological earthquakes are breaking up businesses for the better February 7, 2013 WE LIVE in extraordinary times. Robots are cleaning floors, accompanying soldiers into battle and just starting to drive our cars. Artificial intelligence is turning phones into personal assistants. The internet is connecting more of us than ever, in more ways than ever. For all the economic gloom, remarkable technologies are transforming our lives for the [...]
Correct GCSE flaws or Britain will lose the global contest February 7, 2013 THE government announced yesterday that GCSEs will not be scrapped. The good news is that the exams will be significantly reformed, reflecting the need to raise standards for every pupil while pushing the most able. And it’s not before time. Having taken GCSEs myself, I remember how repetitive and boring they were. Filled with multiple [...]
The Debate: Will Premier League financial fair play rules have a positive impact on English football? February 7, 2013 YES David Lampitt Football’s finances have long needed a rethink. Clubs are incredibly valuable assets to supporters and communities. They need sustainable long-term stewardship, not a system of casino economics, rampant insolvency and a dependency on the whims of a super-wealthy elite. This can only be achieved through strong independent regulation that includes financial fair [...]
Letters to the editor February 7, 2013 Labour’s legacy [Re: Why Labour is the natural party of small business and entrepreneurs, Wednesday] Chuka Umunna’s ideals might be great, but he has incredible chutzpah to trumpet Labour’s credentials for helping small business. The last Labour government presided over a massive increase in the size of the public sector, providing a disincentive for people [...]
Sher shines in The Captain of Köpenick February 7, 2013 THEATRE CAPTAIN OF KÖPENICK National Theatre *** Were it not based on real life events, The Captain of Köpenick would be criticised for implausibility. Written in 1931 but set just before the first world war, German writer Carl Zuckmayer’s play tells the story of a real historical figure by the name of Wilhelm Voigt (1849-1922), [...]
Wreck-It Ralph is nostalgic fun for lovers of video-games February 7, 2013 FILM WRECK IT RALPH Cert: PG *** Wreck-It Ralph was a project in good hands: executive produced by John Lasseter (Toy Story) and directed by Emmy-award winner Rich Moore (The Simpsons). True to Disney form, its a journey towards the realisation that “there’s no one I’d rather be than me”, this time set inside the [...]
Warm Bodies: a terrific teen romp February 7, 2013 FILM WARM BODIES Cert 12A **** The latest from writer-director Joseph Levine (50/50, The Wackness) is a typically off-beat teen movie set in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. A marauding, dull-eyed army of the undead has invaded the world, and an ever-dwindling population of human beings have barricaded themselves in a nameless city. Heavily [...]
Valentine’s Day drinking for the City singleton February 7, 2013 No better half? No need! If you aren’t coupled up for Valentine’s Day 2013, head to one of the following clubs to celebrate courtly love’s patron saint. The Old Vic Tunnels in Leake Street is holding an avian-themed shindig named the Love Nest Valentine’s Ball. From 14-16 February the venue will be transformed into the [...]
Hitchcock biopic looks good but enlightens little February 7, 2013 FILM HITCHCOCK Cert 12A ** Anthony Hopkins, by his own admission, doesn’t go in for all this fancy method acting. He turns up and he reads the script. The problem is, sometimes it really shows – beyond the rippling fat-suit and layers of impressive cosmetics, the only similarity between him and Alfred Hitchcock is their [...]
