The West’s eyes are on Syria – but Islamic State is still winning in Iraq October 26, 2014 There is little doubt that Islamic State’s (IS) siege of Kobani in Syria is a gripping story. Echoing similar narratives to the Alamo and the Boxer Rebellion, a small band of brave and determined “good guys” (in this case the Syrian Kurds) miraculously seem to be holding off hordes of fanatical “bad guys” (IS). Indeed, [...]
Football Comment: Far too early for Chelsea to think of invincibility October 26, 2014 Chelsea looked really strong yesterday and, if everything goes their way, Jose Mourinho’s side should go on and win the title. But we all know the Premier League does not work that way. I don’t think rival managers would have been sitting at home hoping Chelsea didn’t win because a six-point gap at the summit [...]
Is there a cure for Ebola? These three companies are racing to create a vaccine against the deadly virus October 23, 2014 As the death toll from Ebola continues to rise in west Africa, the pressure being placed on pharmaceutical companies to come up with a cure for the disease is mounting. According to estimates from the World Heath Organisation (WHO), the epidemic has already killed over 4,500 people in the region and the infection rate [...]
Premier League: Points to prove as van Gaal’s search for away victory goes on October 20, 2014 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 2 MANCHESTER UNITED 2 DISGRUNTLED Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal admits his side are some way short of an acceptable points tally after their stuttering away form continued against West Brom at the Hawthorns last night. Holland midfielder Daley Blind struck a late equaliser while Marouane Fellaini also notched his first [...]
Theatre review: East is East, Trafalgar Studios October 20, 2014 ★★★★☆ Trafalgar Studios Most people will remember East is East from the 1999 film, part of the cultural fabric of the New Labour years alongside the likes of Notting Hill and Human Traffic. Ayub Khan Din’s play came two years prior, capturing his feelings of alienation and confusion over his cultural identity as a [...]
London house prices may be starting to drop October 15, 2014 London house prices could already be falling, according to figures released yesterday by estate agents Haart. Prices in the capital were 3.3 per cent lower in September than in August. However, growth since September 2013 remains high at 19.8 per cent. A similar, but less extreme, trend is seen for prices for the whole UK. [...]
West End’s wealth management industry bites back at City with Grouse & Grape Luncheon October 14, 2014 Mayfair’s wealth management industry had its full plumage on show yesterday at the annual Grouse & Grape Luncheon, in the decidedly lavish Dartmouth House. The event, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, was as much a networking event as a fundraiser, with old friends catching up over grouse baps and Laurent-Perrier. “They have lots of [...]
Ebola screening at UK airports: How will the spread be contained and who will be tested? October 14, 2014 New Ebola screening measures were introduced at Heathrow airport terminal one this morning, as the government boosts measures to prevent the deadly virus from entering the UK. Those arriving from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone – the three countries suffering most from the current outbreak in West Africa – will be subject to the [...]
iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus: Release date in China, India, eastern Europe, South Africa and 36 more countries revealed by Apple October 13, 2014 The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will be available in another 36 countries by the end of the month, Apple has announced, the fastest ever roll out of any of its devices. The new smartphones will go on sale in the majority of countries in eastern Europe as well as large – and potentially [...]
Lindsay Lohan answers critich in new play Speed the Plow October 9, 2014 Theatre: Speed the Plow ★★★☆☆ There’s something rather patronising about the coverage of Lindsay Lohan’s stage debut in David Mamet’s Speed the Plow: “Didn’t she do well for turning up?”, “Didn’t she do well for only forgetting one line?”, “Didn’t she do well for not being absolutely freaking terrible?” We should, perhaps, give her a [...]