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Saturday, July 19, 2008
Hottest female athletes at the 2008 Beijing Olympics
Cristiano Ronaldo wants to end career in US
Ace Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo would like to follow in the foot steps of England midfielder David Beckham and play in America.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Sachin, the master of singles
When we think of Sachin Tendulkar and his cricket, images of his spanking cover drive, the drive past mid-on where one gets to see the batmaker's label and the savage pull via mid-wicket chase each other.
Source: India Syndicate
Massa the reason I retired - Schumacher
"I stopped because I didn't want my friend Felipe Massa to be unemployed," the Swiss newspaper Blick quotes the seven time world champion as saying.
"I would have had no problem going up against Kimi Raikkonen," German Schumacher, 39, adds, refuting the common claim that he objected to having the Finn as his 2007 teammate.
Massa and Raikkonen, currently equal on points along with Lewis Hamilton in the 2008 championship standings, make up Ferrari's current race lineup.
ECB to launch English Premier League in 2010
There will be an English Premier League Twenty20 cricket competition starting in 2010.
Source: msn
TOP CRICKET SLEDGES
With Cricket season upon us and everyone trying to beat the Aussies there's no doubt tempers will fray. This is what we miss when they switch the mikes off....
Rod Marsh & Ian Botham
When Botham took guard in an Ashes match, Marsh welcomed him to the wicket with the immortal words "So how's your wife and my kids?" The reply from Botham was "My wife's fine, your kids are retarded".
Daryl Cullinan & Shane Warne
As Cullinan was on his way to the wicket, Warne told him he had been waiting two years for another chance to humiliate him. "Looks like you spent it eating," Cullinan retorted.
Glenn McGrath (bowling to portly Zimbabwean chicken farmer Eddo Brandes)
"Hey Eddo, why are you so fucking fat?" Eddo Brandes "Because every time I fuck your mother, she throws me a biscuit."
Robin Smith & Merv Hughes
During 1989 Lords Test, Hughes said to Smith after he played and missed "You can't fucking bat." Smith to Hughes after he smacked him to the boundary "Hey Merv, we make a fine pair. I can't fucking bat and you can't fucking bowl.
Merv Hughes & Javed Miandad
During 1991 Adelaide Test, Javed called Merv a fat bus conductor. A few balls later Merv dismissed Javed. "Tickets please," Merv called out as he ran past the departing batsman.
Merv Hughes & Viv Richards
During a test match in the West Indies, Hughes didn't say a word to Viv, but continued to stare at him after deliveries. "This is my island, my culture. Don't you be staring at me. In my culture we just bowl." Merv didn't reply, but after he dismissed him he announced to the batsman "In my culture we just say fuck off."
Ian Healy & Arjuna Ranatunga
And of course you can't forget Ian Healy's legendary comment which was picked up by the Channel 9 microphones when Arjuna Ranatunga called for a runner on a particularly hot night during a one-dayer in Sydney "You don't get a runner for being an overweight, unfit, fat cunt!"
James Ormond & Mark Waugh
Ormand had just come out to bat on an Ashes tour and was greeted by Mark Waugh. Mark Waugh "Fuck me, look who it is. Mate, what are you doing out here? There's no way you're good enough to play for England." James Ormond "Maybe not, but at least I'm the best player in my family."
Glenn McGrath & Ramnaresh Sarwan
McGrath to Sarwan "So what does Brian Lara's dick taste like?" Sarwan "I don't know. Ask your wife." McGrath (losing it) "If you ever fucking mention my wife again, I'll fucking rip your fucking throat out!"
Mark Waugh & Adam Parore
Waugh standing at second slip, the new player (Parore) comes to the crease playing and missing the first ball. Mark "Oh, I remember you from a couple years ago in Australia. You were shit then, you're fucking useless now." Parore (turning around) "Yeah, that's me. And when I was there you were going out with that old, ugly slut. And now I hear you've married her, you dumb cunt!"
Ian Healy & Arjuna Ranatunga
Yet another Australian witticism with this time porky Sri Lankan batsman Arjuna Ranatunga the victim. Shane Warne, trying to tempt the batsman out of his crease mused what it took to get the plump character to get out of his crease and drive. Wicketkeeper Ian Healy piped up "Put a Mars Bar on a good length. That should do it."
Malcolm Marshall & David Boon
Malcolm Marshall was bowling to David Boon who had played and missed a couple of times. Marshall "Now, David, are you going to get out now or am I going to have to bowl around the wicket and kill you?"
Fred Trueman & Raman Subba Row
Fred Trueman bowling. The batsman edges and the ball goes to first slip and right between Raman Subba Row's legs. Fred doesn't say a word. At the end of the over, Row ambles past Trueman and apologises sheepishly "I should've kept my legs together, Fred." "So should your mother," he replied.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Kimi Raikkonen: “Every point will be important”
“The races in Germany never went very well for me. Neither Hockenheim nor Nürburgring ever brought me luck although I really like them and I’ve always been competitive on both of them. My strong point in Germany is getting the Pole Position. Last year I started ahead of everybody else at the Nürburgring circuit and also the time before at Hockenheim: for one reason or the other victory always slipped through my fingers.”
“I will drive at the Hockenheimring the first time for my current team, Ferrari. The last race on this track the Scuderia ended with a one-two win and I came in third. We’ve done some testing here in Germany last week and it went pretty well. We tried some new components and judging by the lap times there is still a great balance, but I think that we will be very competitive and fight for the win.”
“I hope it will be hot, as it usually is at Hockenheim. The F2008 goes really well at high temperatures and also the tyre-wear is not too high, so I’m really hoping it will be hot. It’s hard to overtake, but the Qualifying doesn’t determine the result as on other tracks: although starting from the first row will make life much easier.”
“I’ve always said that the Championship will be very uncertain. I had the possibility to win the last three races, but for one reason or the other things didn’t go the right way: but that’s racing and I’m sure I’ll win again soon. Every point will be important, just like last year. Three drivers tied on the top spot and a fourth, who is three points behind: that’s a very interesting situation.”
“After the tests I had the honour to be invited by the Italian Minister of Transport Antonio Tajani, to partecipate in the European Youth Conference regarding road safety. We racing drivers have to set a good example for the youth and demostrate how important it is to pay attention behind the wheel every day and to stick to the rules of the road and always wear a seatbelt: going fast is only allowed on racing tracks! I hope that this message can reach as many young people as possible: it’s so stupid to risk your own life and the lifes of others for nothing…”
Federer and Nadal braced for Beijing power shift
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will be chasing more than gold at the Beijing Olympics with the coveted world number one place suddenly at stake following the Spaniard's stunning Wimbledon triumph.
Federer has occupied the top spot in the rankings for 232 weeks while Nadal has had to be content with life in the Swiss star's slipstream for 155 of those.
But the tournament in China could witness the latest dramatic switch in tennis's balance of power which seemed impossible just a few weeks ago.
Ahead of the French Open, where Nadal cruised effortlessly to a fourth successive title, the Mallorcan was too busy looking over his shoulder at the imminent danger posed by Novak Djokovic who was poised to take over his number two slot.
But after becoming the first man since Bjorn Borg in 1980 to complete the elusive Roland Garros-Wimbledon double, Nadal is now poised to knock Federer off his perch if a complicated series of scenarios work in his favour.
The defining moment could come on the north American hardcourts, in Beijing or at the US Open where Federer is the defending champion.
Either way, the 22-year-old Nadal is eager for the Olympics to get underway.
"To play in the Olympics is very special, because when you're very young you always see the Olympic Games on television," said Nadal who'll be making his singles debut in Beijing having played doubles with Carlos Moya at Athens four years ago.
"You represent your country, that's the same as the Davis Cup, but at the same time it's completely different. When I play Davis Cup I always have this big motivation and I think in the Olympics I am going to have the same."
Despite Nadal's triumphs at Wimbledon and at Roland Garros, Federer doesn't take kindly to suggestions that he should be preparing to hand over his number one spot to his Spanish rival.
"You write what you want," he snapped after losing the five-set thriller at the All England Club, his 12th defeat in 18 matches with Nadal.
"I'm going to try and win the Olympics and the US Open and then we can talk again."
The Federer-Nadal rivalry will be one of the most fascinating at the Games with commercial backers and the game's rulers licking their lips in anticipation.
If TV viewing figures are any guide, a gold medal clash between the sport's heavyweights will be big box office.
In the United Kingdom, more than 13 million viewers watched the culmination of the Wimbledon final, a huge 47.6 percent of the TV audience.
Federer finished fourth at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and was knocked out in round two at Athens by Thomas Berdych of the Czech Republic.
Despite his enthusiasm for the Games, the 12-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged, however, that Wimbledon, Roland Garros and the Australian and US Opens remain the benchmark of success.
"You're going to be judged on the Grand Slams you win and number ones," Federer says. "The Olympics are a new thing to tennis.
"Maybe in 50 years' time it will also become one of the big tournaments to win. For me it is already, but maybe some players and some fans need more convincing that the Olympics is big for tennis."
Athletics: World's best - men
The Kings of Speed
100m/200m
Tyson Gay has been the fastest man on the planet in recent times and is the hot favourite in the glamour sprint events at Beijing. The 25 year-old American did the 100/200 double at the 2007 World Championships and is looking to become the first man since compatriot Carl Lewis in 1984 to achieve such a feat in Olympic Competition
400m
2004 Champion Jeremy Wariner (USA) remains the man to beat in the third 'sprint' event. In the intervening years he has been nigh-on unbeatable, triumphing at the Athletics World Championships in 2005 and 2007.
Pass me the baton
In eleven World Championships since 1983 the USA have won the relay events on eight occasions. There has been a similar dominance at Olympic level and expect the Americans to be relay-kings once again and avenge their Athens defeat at the hands of a gutsy British team.
Middle distance
800m:
Alfred Kirwa Yego is the reigning world champion and carries the hopes of Kenya in this glamour event.
1500m
New Zealand has had an extraordinary three gold medallists in the blue riband event of the track programme. 2006 Commonwealth champion Nick Willis hopes to follow in the footsteps of Jack Lovelock (1936) Peter Snell (1964) and John Walker (1976). He will have to beat Bernard Lagat (USA), the best in the business over this distance in 2007 and silver medallist from Athens.
Long distance
5000m
Lagat is the current world champion and definitely the man to beat. He represented Kenya in Athens but is now a nationalised American and is looking to repeat the extraordinary feat of Moroccan legend Hicham El Guerrouji who took the 1500/5000 double in 2004.
10,000m
Kenenisa Bekele's (Ethiopia) duel down the home straight with countryman Sileshi Sihine remains one of the most enduring memories of the Athens Olympic. Bekele is back to defend his crown and must be favourite, having also garnered gold at the last three world championships (2003, 2005, 2007).
Marathon
Luke Kibet (Kenya) continued the African monopoly at the 2007 World Championships and will be one of the main contenders over the 26 miles. Steer clear of the TAB on this one though, as the Marathon is notorious for throwing up unusual results.
Might as well jump..
110m Hurdles
Liu Xiang (China) proved his emotional Athens success was no fluke when he shot down a strong field at the 2007 World Championships. Hometown support will ensure Xiang is hard to beat.
400m Hurdles
Kerron Clement (USA) is the best in the world in this intriguing event but the 22 year has a long, long way to go - literally - to emerge out of the shadow of countryman Edwin Moses. Moses was undefeated in this event for nine years, nine months and nine days - a scarcely believable 122 races.
3000m Steeplechase
Briana Kiruto is the latest a long line of exceptional Kenyans in this event. The African nation has won every gold in this event since 1984, and for good measure also taken silver in the last five Olympics. World record holder Saif Saheed Saheen is a Kenyan who now runs for Qatar after switching countries in 2003 for a reputed $US1 million.
High Jump
Donald Thomas (Bahamas) is the current world champion.
Long Jump
Irving Saladino (Panama) will be the man to beat in Beijing. No jokes about leaping across canals please!
The world's strongest men
Decathlon
Great Britain, the USA and the Czech Republic have completely monopolised this event at World Championship level over the last 25 years. Czech Roman Seborle is the current world champion.
Shotput
Reigning world Champion Reese Hoffa (USA) hopes to go one better than compatriot Adam Nelson who was saddled with silver in Sydney and Athens.
Discus
Gerd Kanter was the pride of Estonia when he took gold in the 2007 World Championships. There will be tears of joy in Tallin and all across the Baltic country if the 29year-old can triumph in Beijing.
Finland's Tero Pitamaki continued a proud tradition when he gained gold at the 2007 World Championships. The country that gave us Nokia and sauna has also won an astounding seven of the eleven world championships since 1983.
The Top Texas Golf Courses
Golfing in Texas has always been a big favorite for those wanting to head south and get a little sun while working some of the the most fun and toughest courses out there. We want to talk about some of those courses and why we think you should give them a shot and build about your current skills at golfing.
The first course and probably our favorite which we want to cover today is the Barton Creek Resort and Spa in Austin. They have some beautiful scenery and a very healthy yet relaxed atmosphere.
The location gives you a sense of hill country while having a modern feel to it.In all there are 72 holes of golf on this course and it can be a real bugger getting through sand traps and bunkers. The overall thought by many is that this course is of national significance to be expert level, and should not be taken lightly.
If you want to talk about the dining experience at this course, it also offers a great place to relax and have excellent dinner. The spa is very relaxing too, and many have said this spa offers some of the best service they have ever had before.
Another element you might like is the fact that the course does its best to make sure the natural hill country remains in tact. How many times have you seen a course where the land has been dozed down to make for the perfect course that someone has envisioned while destroying natural habitat? For me golfing is all about the naturalness of being outdoors and in an environment that is surrounding me naturally. Trees and hills should be left as they are. Ponds and lakes that existed previous are enjoyable as well since you know that you are not just conquering a man made thing, but a natural thing of beauty.
A particular course that is of special interest is the Fazio foothills which was elected and selected to be in the top 100 of you can play golf magazine. I am sure you are wondering why that name sounds so familiar, and that is because tom Fazio designed the course and wanted it to be playable by everyone. In 2004 there was a renovating of the course which really worked to challenge players alike to see how well they could adjust.
Another course called the Fazio Canyons was also named in the top for being a great course which offered a lot of playing action. This particular course is located about 2 miles from the location of the resort, and really goes above and beyond to not only offer a special experience which you will never forget, but also offers the beauty and the depth of golf to those novice and pro alike.
With these Texas golf courses we have mentioned, we really do hope that you enjoy the game of golf even more in Texas. There really is so much that it offers, and as they say things are bigger in Texas right. We will have more golf information for you in the future so that you can make the best decisions to figure out where to golf the following year if you decide to take a Texas golf vacation.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Best Hotels in India
Known to the world as a land of amazing contrasts, India has it all. We have a wide range of hotels to choose from across India. Indian hotels have come a long way and of late carved a niche for themselves, some of them being included among the top 100 hotels of the world. Some of them have become synonymous with luxury, comfort and ambience.
| Hotel Taj Mahal Mumbai Taj Mahal Hotel Mumbai well placed on the waterfront, is a landmark facing the Gateway of India. The hotel opened in 1903 and has underwent many contemporary changes, including the addition of a contemporary Tower Wing in 1973, still retaining most of its original charm. As a member of the 'Leading Hotels of the World' The Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai offers guests an ideal blend of warm hospitality, luxurious accommodation and contemporary amenities and services. more... |  |
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Discover a resort in a class of its own: Recreating the architectural beauty of the 13th century Vijayanagara palac architecture along with the 18th century Mediterranean style design is, The Leela, Goa. It is an integral part of Kempinski International Hotels. The Leela Goa has also won the prestigious World Travel Award for being one of the best luxury beach resorts in Asia-Pacific. more...
The Rambagh Palace is an architectural masterpiece that's elegance personified. The palace is situated in the heart of the city, close to the main shopping areas and historical monuments. The palace has 90 rooms that allow guests to relax in the lap of regal luxury. more... | |
| Hotel Oberoi Bangalore The Oberoi is located in the heart of the garden city of Bangalore, the globally renowned centre of India's software industry. Conveniently close to the business and shopping districts of Bangalore, the hotel nevertheless enjoys the beauty and tranquility of a tropical landscaped setting. All 160 spacious and well-appointed guest rooms look out over the luxuriant planting, streams and ponds of the award winning gardens. more... |  |
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Cidade de Goa is located on Vainguinim Beach between a green hill and the deep blue sea - the sort of setting that can turn even the most ordinary person romantic. The resort built on 40 acres of lush greenery, was created to resemble a self-contained Portuguese hill hamlet (the resort's unique architectural grandeur, earned an international R.I.B.A. award). As you step in to the Lobby, you are greeted with a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea unmatched in Goa. The bright murals and the statues of Vasco da Gama in his three facets as an Adventurer, Statesman and Philosopher, along with the fountains further enrich the character & the ambience. more...
Taj Coromandel Hotel, Chennai's most prestigious hotel, is located in the city's prime business and residential district. The Taj Coromandel Hotel offers easy access to shopping and entertainment areas as well. The ambience and décor of the Taj Coromandel Hotel is a fine blend of contemporary design and the glory of Southern India. It correctly epitomizes the cultural refinements of the South. more... | |
| Hotel Lake Palace Udaipur Surrounded by the sparkling Lake Pichola in Udaipur, The Lake Palace Hotel spreads a unique mystique of its own. Here, dining is a pleasure during the day and magic at night. Nothing intrudes your privacy, peace and tranquility. Leaving you to wonder if paradise can be this serene. more... |  |
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Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa is a 251-room spa-resort in the heart of pristine South Goa. The hotel reflects Goa's rich cultural heritage in design and brings a new vision and standard of hospitality to the Indian sub-continent. As a Park Hyatt, it will be characterized by a distinguished sense of place, incomparable design and architecture, beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, superior amenities and facilities, and creative cuisine. more...
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Nadal poised to claim No 1 spot
RAFAEL Nadal stands on the verge of becoming the world's top player - even if the latest rankings show that he is still No2.
Regardless of the computer reading which was updated on Monday, Nadal stamped his supremacy over Roger Federer when he ended his Swiss rival's five-year Wimbledon reign in a heart-stopping five-set thriller.
The razor-thin margin between the pair is the equivalent of the points difference between winning an ATP Masters Series title (500 points) and finishing runner-up (350).
So the performances of Nadal and Federer at the Masters Series tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati in the coming weeks are likely to determine who holds the No 1 ranking during the Olympic Games next month, which will award points, and heading into the US Open a week later.
Nadal's win has reinvigorated interest in the men's singles event at the Olympics.
The pair is favoured to meet in the final where an Olympic gold medal awaits the winner.
Federer has never won an Olympic medal despite competing in Sydney in 2000 and Athens four years later.
Played on the same surface as Flushing Meadows, Beijing will act as an important form guide for the US Open where Federer will again be the defending champion.
However, the unusual format for the Games, which sees early round matches played as best-of-three sets before the finals are expanded to best-of-five, and the ever present threat of Beijing's pollution problems, makes it an open event.
In addition to snatching the All England Club crown, the Spaniard also snapped Federer's record streak of 65 wins on grass.
"Whoever wins the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year for me is the No 1 in the world," three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker said. "The computer just didn't get it yet."
Lest anyone should doubt just how difficult it is to achieve the French Open-Wimbledon double in the same year, only four men have done it and Nadal became the first to pull off the feat since Bjorn Borg in 1980.
With the All England Club defeat coming quickly on the back of his humiliating loss in the French Open final, where a rampaging Nadal allowed Federer to pocket just four games, the Swiss's hold on the top ranking is looking extremely precarious.
Federer has led the rankings for a record 232 consecutive weeks, and Nadal has been second for a record 155.
If the computer does not reflect what everyone else can see, its authenticity could soon be questioned, especially since Nadal's haul of six titles in 2008 includes two Grand Slams and two Masters Series events.
Federer in comparison has won two low-key events but still leads his Spanish tormentor by 545 points in the ATP standings.
He will now be looking to salvage his season with victory at the Beijing Olympics and at the US Open next month.
Chelsea tempt Robinho with £48m offer
· Real wait to sign Ronaldo before releasing forward
Real Madrid were last night considering a bid which sources at the Bernabéu claim is worth €60m (£48m) for the Brazilian playmaker Robinho after the Chelsea chief executive, Peter Kenyon, called Madrid's sporting director, Predrag Mijatovic, to increase a €40m offer first tabled last Friday. However, the La Liga champions are reluctant to lose the 24-year-old Brazilian while their capture of Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo remains uncertain. Robinho, meanwhile, is determined to move to Stamford Bridge in order to work with their new coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Chelsea's renewed bid came in the wake of a tense meeting at the Bernabéu yesterday morning in which Robinho, flanked by his agent Wagner Ribeiro, told Mijatovic face to face of his desire to leave Madrid and play under Scolari. Robinho described the chance to link up with the Chelsea manager as "a dream".
Robinho failed to report to a pre-season get-together yesterday afternoon and will today fly to Brazil. His absence was officially attributed to his call-up for the Brazilian Olympic squad, but owes more to his annoyance at the Madrid side's failure to negotiate his departure. His advisers believe Real cannot oblige him to stay in light of their pursuit of Ronaldo. They are working to break the deadlock.
Robinho has been irritated by Real's attempt to use him as a makeweight in their move for the Old Trafford winger, while the club has refused to offer a contract extension.
"Madrid have failed to value him as he deserves," Ribeiro said, "and I do not like the fact that they tried to include him in the Ronaldo deal. Money is not the problem for us now. What matters for Robinho is to leave the club and play for Scolari at Chelsea."
During yesterday's meeting, Mijatovic told Robinho and Ribeiro that any interested club would have to meet the player's €150m [£119.6m] buy-out clause. Such clauses are not binding outside Spain and privately Real would welcome bids for the Brazilian. They stand to make a substantial profit on a player who cost €25m from Santos in 2005.
Yet Real are nervous about losing the Brazilian now because supporters are unhappy about any prospective sale and are still not sure of succeeding in their efforts to sign Ronaldo. The Madrid club does not want to be left empty-handed.
Although Chelsea's interest in Robinho is long-standing, it was the arrival at Stamford Bridge of countryman Scolari that persuaded him to swap the Castellana for the Kings Road. "It would be a dream for me to work with Luiz Felipe Scolari, who is one of the best coaches in the world. I have always spoken highly of him and he has always spoken very highly of me, since well before he was at Chelsea," Robinho said last night. "In 2003, when I was unknown in Europe, he called me to play in a charity match. It was brief but it was enough for me to see his style and character."
The Brazilian believes that a move to London offers him the opportunity to make a fresh start, as well as the chance to experience a new life after a career at Real Madrid where, played out of position, he has only occasionally shown glimpses of living up to his billing as the new Pele.
Ribeiro and Chelsea's Peter Kenyon met on three occasions last week and the Brazilian was even introduced to the club's owner, Roman Abramovich. The two parties agreed personal terms that include a five-year contract with a three-fold increase in Robinho's salary, understood to be €2m a year. After that meeting, a faxed bid worth €40m was sent to Madrid last Friday. A second bid was made yesterday following conversations between Ribeiro and Kenyon but Real are yet to respond formally.
Although Robinho's absence from the club's Portuguese get-together yesterday was attributed to his insistence on playing at the Beijing Olympics, that is an honour he would forgo to complete his move to Chelsea.
"Robinho wants to play the Olympics for Brazil, but he knows it is not a possibility if he moves to Chelsea," said Ribeiro. "Right now we are not thinking much about that, we are more worried with his future, where he is going to play next season."
Kumble Hopes Tendulkar Record Will Spur India On
Tendulkar needs 172 runs to beat Lara's mark of 11,953 runs with the three-test series against the Sri Lankans starting in Colombo on July 23.
India have a daunting task in the tests though, having won only one of the four series they have played in Sri Lanka since 1985. Their previous trip in 2001 ended in a 2-1 defeat.
"Every time there is a sense of achievement not just for the individual but also for the team," Kumble told reporters. "But the most important factor would be to go out there and ensure we get a series victory.
"Sachin I'm sure at some point in time will cross the landmark. It will be a huge achievement not just for him as an individual, but for Indian cricket as well."
Tendulkar, 35, who holds the record for most test hundreds (39), returns after a groin injury had sidelined him for a one-day tri-series in Bangladesh followed by the Asia Cup in Pakistan. India lost both finals.
Kumble was confident India can add to their improving overseas test record in Sri Lanka.
"As a test unit we have done really well in the last two or three years," he said. "We're looking forward to the challenge in Sri Lanka.
"It is not going to be easy, but we have the potential to go out there and win the series."
Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh returns after serving a five-match ban for slapping compatriot Shanthakumaran Sreesanth at a domestic Twenty20 league game in May.
"He is a key member of the team," Kumble said of his spin partner. "He is looking forward to the challenge of going out there and getting wickets and ensuring we get the victories."
India, who leave for Sri Lanka on Tuesday, begin with a three-day game against the Sri Lankan Board XI starting on Friday.
The tests will be followed by a five-match one-day series.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Pedrosa suffers injury setback
Dani Pedrosa may have suffered a broken finger and fractured ankle as a result of his crash at the German GP.
The Repsol Honda rider was running away with the race in treacherous conditions at the Sachsenring, but despite already having a seven second lead over Casey Stoner, Pedrosa pushed just a little too hard and dropped the bike.
The Spaniard lost his lead in the world championship standings because of the crash, but it now appears that the effects of the crash may have an even greater effect on the rider's season.
Pedrosa was examined at the on-track medical clinic immediately after the crash, with the diagnosis showing a fractured finger on his left hand.
The 22-year-old will undergo further examinations upon his return to Barcelona.
The crash itself occurred while the TV cameras were riding with Pedrosa, and it initially appeared as if there may have been some form of mechanical failure on the bike, with the rider appearing to do little wrong.
"It was a little strange. I had only just touched the brake and I crashed. It was a real pity because I´d got a great start and was going well. I had a good feeling. The front felt perfect, the rear was sliding just a little, but the general feeling was good considering the track conditions. It is a real pity, "said Pedrosa.
Fractures of the hands or fingers vary in effect, as the location of the fracture and the intricacies of each rider's individual grip and riding style can determine how much of a setback an injury can be.
With the U.S. Grand Prix coming up this weekend, Pedrosa's participation may rest on the results of his further examinations and the extent of any other injuries.
Critics won't have Massa in a spin
Felipe Massa is refusing to let scathing criticism of his British Grand Prix performance get to him in his races.
Having clinched victory in France, Massa arrived in Britain leading the drivers' standings and one of the favourites to seal the race win.
But he struggled in the rain at Silverstone, spinning not once but five times on his way to finishing last, two laps down on race winner Lewis Hamilton.
The performance did little to enhance the Ferrari driver's profile, but he is refusing to let that bother him.
"I don't care what other people say, to be honest," he said. "I know what I have to do, I've won many races this year, and so I don't really care for that.
"For sure the first spin was a mistake, definitely, but then every time I was on the track we had the wrong tyres for the conditions.
"So I cannot say it was just coming from myself; it was coming from our strategy too. We made so many mistakes anyway at Silverstone - we know that, and we are working in every area to not repeat them.
"It's part of the game. We're not the only team that has made mistakes this year.
"It's part of the game, and we need to concentrate on the next race. The championship is open, we are still in front in the Constructors' Championship, and so it's nothing to worry about at the moment."
I'll give my best in Sri Lanka: Tendulkar
After missing two ODI tournaments because of an injury, master blaster Sachin Tendular Sunday said he is fully fit and raring to do well in the Test series against Sri Lanka starting this month.
Tendulkar missed last month's Bangladesh tri-series and the Asia Cup in Pakistan due to a groin injury. He was, however, included in the 16-member Test squad for the three-match series against the Lankans from July 23 to August 12.
"I am fully fit and eager to give my best in the Sri Lanka series," Tendulkar told reporters here after joining the team. The Anil Kumble-led side is scheduled to leave for Colombo Tuesday afternoon.
Tendulkar also expressed optimism over the team's chances in the upcoming series. "The team is in good form and would like to maintain it to win the series," he said.
Asked about mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis, who created a sensation during the Asia Cup with his 'carrom ball' delivery, Tendulkar said, "I have not played him so I won't comment anything. I will go there and see."IPL player tests positive for dope
The billion-dollar Indian Premier League (IPL) was hit by another controversy on Sunday with one of the random doping tests tunring out to be positive.
A minimum punishment for first time offenders under the code is two years. However, a second time offender faces a life ban.The IPL Chairman and Commissioner Lalit Modi confirmed the development but refused to reveal the player’s name. "We will come to know who the player is probably on Monday".
The dope tests during the inaugural IPL, held from April 18 to June 1, were conducted in accordance with the WADA guidelines and a minimum punishment for first time offenders under the code is two years. However, a second time offender faces a life ban.
"Now we are at the first stage where one sample has tested positive. The issue is now with the IPL’s medical committee. The identity of the player will matter only after we check on the pre-declared drugs," Modi said.
It is believed that the WADA-accredited laboratory, where the samples were analysed, had informed the IPL authorities about the postive dope test two days ago.
It might be recalled that the random dope tests could not take place from the beginning of the IPL following a recommendation of official doctors who felt that the less-informed players from the 'Catchment Areas' had to be briefed on banned substances before being subjected to such tests.
The IPL also witnessed a major controversy when Mumbai team’s stand-in skipper Harbhajan Singh was banned for 11 matches after he slapped Mohali paceman S Sreesanth at the end of a match.
Singapore Airlines offers iPod, iPhone integration
iPods and iPhones are now supported on some flights out of the US, Singapore Airlines has announced. The company says that beginning today, business-class, non-stop A345 flights from Newark to Singapore will offer special 30-to-9-pin adapter cables to go along with its KrisWorld in-flight entertainment technology. This will allow passengers to not only listen to music through KrisWorld, but watch video on a larger LCD, and power their players at the same time. In case of announcements, KrisWorld will temporarily interrupt any audio; the airline is also disallowing any calls on an iPhone, requiring owners to switch to Airplane Mode. Some other companies have begun experimenting with in-flight cellular service.Singapore Airlines says it hopes to eventually expand iPod and iPhone support to all business-class A340-500 flights out of New York and Los Angeles, with the latter starting in August.
Home Loan for Resident Indians
Home loan for resident Indians are offered by the Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) which range from buying a house either from the developer - built, un-built or under construction or from a second owner or for the improvement and renovation of the existing building structure.
With the latest boom in the Real estate, and investment market in India, many venture capitalists are coming forward to have their share invested in so called rich dividend paying projects. And so has been the mushrooming of banks and financial institutions that are coming forward to offer to the customers a variety of deals to choose from.
And since Home being the integral part of an individual, who since his birth and childhood, dreams to have a living space of his own in India. Once in a lifetime investment requires loan to accomplish it, and that is how the home loans comes into the scheme of things.
With so many private sector banks, and private as well as public sector's housing financing companies lending their shoulders out, it's becoming gradually uneasy for the consumers to choose the best deal as well.
For an Indian resident to avail loans, certain factors including eligibility criteria, documentation need to be considered, and of course you must know about some Home Loan Tips before applying for Home Loan, which are discussed in this section, which includes eligibility, amount of loans, types of interest, tenure of interest, the documents required, rate of interest, and even disbursal of loans.
Loans provided by different Banks and Housing Finance Companies in India
- Bank of India - Home Loans
STAR HOME LOANS
Provides loans to purchase a Plot for construction of a House, to purchase/construct house/flat, as well as for renovation/repair/alteration/addition to house/flat, furnishing of house, Takeover of customer's housing loan extended by other Banks/F.Is /NBFCs at highly flexible and liberal terms and conditions. Learn More... - Citibank Standard Home Loan
What is the eligibility for salaried individuals? - Gross annual income of Rs 1,00,000 or above.
- 23 years of age and above maximum age of 58 years or retirement age, whichever is higher at the time of loan maturity. Learn More...
- Dena Niwas Housing Finance Scheme
You can avail of Dena Niwas Home Loan to purchase a plot, construct a house, buy a ready built house or buy one under construction. The loan even helps you build an extension to your existing house or purchase a house that is up to 25 years old. Besides you can take this loan for repairs and upgradation, which includes the cost of fixtures, POP works, retiling, fittings etc. Learn More...
- HSBC Home Loans
HSBC Home Loans make it easier for you to move in as soon as possible without putting a strain on your wallet.
Features & Benefits - Your dream home, a reality
- Loan Requirement: We offer you loans ranging from Rs. 5 lakhs upto Rs. 3 crore. Learn More...
- Construction or purchase of house/ flat.
- Purchase of house/ flat on First Power of Attorney basis from the original allottee.
Carrying out repairs/ renovations/ additions/ alterations to existing house/ flat. - SBI Housing Loan
SBI Housing loan schemes are designed to make it simple for you to make a choice at least as far as financing goes! 'SBI-Home Loans' Learn More...
- Standard Chartered India Home Loans
While you decide upon a house that suits your family, let us help you with a home loan that suits your pocket. With not just a low rate of interest, but also an unmatched level of service … Learn More...
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Home Loan Tips
The home buying process can seem complicated, but if you take things step-by-step and you know how to choose the right home loan, you will soon be holding the keys to your own home!
Ten steps to buying a home
Step 1: Figure out how much you can afford. What you can afford depends on your income, credit rating, current monthly expenses, down payment and the interest rate. The calculators can help, but it is best to visit a lender to find out for sure. A housing counselor can help you figure out how to manage and pay off your debt, and start saving for that down payment!
Step 2: Know your rights
Step 3: Shop for a loan. Save money by doing your homework. Talk to several lenders, compare costs and interest rates, and negotiate to get a better deal. Consider getting pre-approved for a loan.
Step 4: Learn about home buying programs
Step 5: Shop for a home. Choose a real estate agent, Wish list - what features do you want, Home-shopping checklist - take this list with you when comparing homes.
Step 6: Make an offer. Discuss the process with your real estate agent. If the seller counters your offer, you may need to negotiate until you both agree to the terms of the sale.
Step 7: Get a home inspection. Make your offer contingent on a home inspection. An inspection will tell you about the condition of the home, and can help you avoid buying a home that needs major repairs.
Step 8: Shop for homeowners insurance Lenders require that you have homeowners insurance. Be sure to shop around.
Step 9: Sign papers. You're finally ready to go to "settlement" or "closing." Be sure to read everything before you sign!
Step 10: The House is yours now. Have Puja or hawan.
Terms used in Housing Finance
- EMI: Equated Monthly Installment till the loan is paid back. It consists of a portion of interest and the principal
- Floating Rate of interest: Rate of interest which varies with the market lending rate. This means that there is an element of risk of paying more than budgeted amount in case the lending rates goes up
- Monthly Reducing balance: In this system interest reduces monthly with repayment of Principal amount
- Annual Reducing Balance: In this system principal is reduced annually at the end of the year so you end up paying interest even for the portion of principal you have actually paid back
- Fixed rate of interest: Rate of interest remains unchanged throughout the period of the loan
- Processing charge: It's a fee payable to the lender on applying for the loan
- Prepayment Penalties: When loan is paid back before the agreed term of the loan, then banks/ institutions charge penalty for the prepayment
- Commitment Fee: Some institution charge commitment fee in case the loan is not availed within a stipulated period, after it is processed and sanctioned
- Miscellaneous Cost: It is quite possible that some lenders may charge documentation or consultant charges .
10 top UK coastal holidays
Cool coast ... the revamped Midland hotel in Morecambe
Hip up north
Back in the 70s, long before the invention of the majestic Hyacinth Bucket, there arrived on our prim, pre-Wimpey housing estate a new neighbour, Mrs. Maricarmé. It took a few weeks to rumble her; she was really called Mrs Morecambe, but preferred to distance herself from both the popular comedian and the tacky northern holiday town from which he took his name. But Morecambe has been leading a quiet renaissance of late, with the north-west coastal towns of Southport and Blackpool similarly expressing a new found brio in the form of recently opened luxury hotels.
It was with Mrs M in mind that I crossed the Lancaster bridge into Morecambe. Much has been made of the born-again resort and its majestic, expensively restored art deco gem the Midland Hotel. But what would the reality be? In light of a growing aversion to air travel specifically, could Morecambe really offer itself as a sophisticated alternative? Or is there still a frumpy middle-aged lady lurking behind her newly glamorous alter ego.
On first glance it's still more Ethel Austin than Stella McCartney. Turning on to the main seafront road there's the wild Irish Sea and miles of virgin coastland left and right - but the resort still feels stuck in the 70s. Even its pride and joy, the goldrush-themed amusement park Frontierland is abandoned, awaiting the loving eye of a developer's re-imagining. Across the way, the twin peaks of Aldi and Morrison's dominate the retail park that is every council's answer to every economic downturn.
Morecambe's re-invention as the Brighton of the North seems fanciful. But from Manchester's Hacienda to Birmingham's bejewelled Selfridges fantasy store, all regeneration stems from the ripple effect of one signature building. Perhaps The Midland can kickstart Morecambe . . .
With its curving staircases, pewter handrails and Eric Gill sculptures adorning walls and floors, there is still a sense of between-wars decadence about The Midland - a time when Wallis Simpson and Coco Chanel graced its ballroom. The walls display grainy black and white photographs of heyday Morecambe - teeming promenades and lidos studded with bathing beauties, with steam trains pulling into three different stations.
The Midland's £11 million restoration has also seen the creation of a brand new upper floor whose six penthouses have staggering views across Morecambe Bay and out towards the Lake District. The two executive suites are huge, featuring their own timber-decked playgrounds and external hot tubs.
If you can live with the work-in-progress feel of the town, Morecambe and The Midland make an excellent base for a traditional British holiday. There's a six-mile stretch of promenade leading all the way from the hotel lobby down to Heysham, perfect for joggers, cyclists, roller-bladers or perambulators alike. The hunched shoulder of the jetty juts out half a mile into the Irish Sea, offering a bracing stroll and views to rival the Lyme Regis Cobb. Long-established family businesses like Brucciani's ice-cream parlour and The Artisan Café are Morecambe institutions, while the train ride from Morecambe to Ulverston in the Lake District takes less than half an hour and its route across squat bridges and through hillside, wetlands, coast, and muddy rivulets has to be among the prettiest in the country.
The chug into Blackpool is as bizarre as Funland, the darkly hilarious telly drama set among its mauve nylon sheets and tawdry B&Bs. Youths dressed in hot-pants stagger in front of cars, puckering up to show they mean no harm - and that's just the boys. The girls in pink cowboy hats are even scarier. As you head past Yates's gigantic Wine Lodge, and the legendary madhouse that is The Manchester, there's a tangible joie de vivre about the place. Not for nothing is its greatest attraction called Pleasureland. Blackpool is devoted to the pursuit of pleasure. Bold, brash and ballsy as you like, Funland has long played host to hen-nights, randy brass bands and the entire population of Glasgow. At its pinnacle in the late 60s, the multitudes flocked to Blackpool's priapic tower, with its fabled ballroom hosting 5,000 revellers every Saturday night. Permissive in the best possible sense, even Blackpool's symbolic, gap-toothed minstrel George Formby was as saucy as a dirty postcard.
But Blackpool has always been savvy to its market. An influx of more affluent visitors over the past decade - older clubbers and the gay crowd in particular - led to the opening of Big Blue and St Luke's, the first of a clutch of smaller hotels to set up in the South Beach area. The newest addition, No 1 South Beach provides a welcome tranquillity, but turn right at its entrance and you're right in the thick of the wonders of Blackpool - tipsy pensioners, superbly inaccurate fortune tellers and Pleasureland itself.
Southernmost of the Lancashire resorts is Southport. Entering the town through the grand Edwardian boulevard of Lord Street, it's easy to picture the opulent Southport of yesteryear. The bandstand and gardens are still pristine, and nestled just behind them is the spanking new Vincent Hotel. The place is buzzing as I set foot in the lobby. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has just had breakfast with wife Alex, and there's a whisper that Tiger Woods has hired the Penthouse Suite for the duration of the Open Golf Championship - just down the road at Birkdale.
In the usual scheme of things I'd resist the offer of a porter carrying my one modest bag upstairs - but the Vincent's staff are effusive, proud of the place and keen to show it off. Matt, the concierge, describes the hotel's opening as "great for Southport", and the Vincent (I can confirm the mini bar offers caviar at £199 per "small plate"!) is already a talking point. Until recently Southport felt distinctly fusty, its annual flower show and a Red Arrows fly-by being as good as it got. But a programme of regeneration that focused on its own inhabitants rather than potential visitors has brought change. In particular, the town wanted a younger demographic to move in. So with a West Lancashire spin on the "build it and they will come" philosophy, significant funds were invested in Southport's residential and shopping sectors, its arts and its cafe culture.
The vibrant Arts Centre has long illuminated the seafront, and now the prom is studded with newly commissioned marine-themed public art and sculpture. If you follow the coastline along to Crosby there's Anthony Gormley's Another Place, 100 contemplative statues buried knee-deep in the tide, staring out to sea - one of the most-photographed public sites in the country.
Cycle out to Churchtown, a timber-beamed village with two great pubs serving good food, and there's the wonderful throwback that is The Churchtown Chocolate Shop. Even the sweets are made locally - pear drops and rhubarb and custards care of Stockley's of Oswaldwhistle, while sugar canes come from Blackpool and mint balls from nearby Wigan. There are regular organic and farmer's markets, the International Food & Drink Festival attracts 15,000 visitors every May. There is still work to be done before the resort can confidently show itself off - but the makeover has started.
Can the north-west coastline pull off the great reinvention? Thirty years ago I ran away to a Brighton that was more Pinky from Brighton Rock than the pink playground of today. There was nothing in its seedy alleys and backstreet spielers to suggest the fashionable town it was destined to grow into, so who knows what lies ahead for Morecambe and Southport? The signs are all good. In a few years' time there might even be a fussily dressed lady of a certain age changing her name back to Mrs Morecambe.
Kevin Sampson
· The Midland Hotel, Morecambe (01524 424000, midlandmorecambe.co.uk), doubles from £109 room-only. No1 South Beach, Blackpool (01253 343900, numberoneblackpool.com/southbeach), doubles from £135 B&B. The Vincent, Southport (01704 534400, thevincenthotel.com), doubles from £140 room-only. Further information: enw.co.uk/visit.
Elvis festival, Carmarthenshire
Rhinestone-studded white leather one-pieces, sculpted facial hair and more Elvises (or should that be Elvi?) than you can shake a hip at appear on the streets of the normally subdued south Wales town of Porthcawl every September for the Elvis festival. The competition for the best Welsh Elvis is fiercely contested as Brentwood Hotel morphs into Heartbreak Hotel during the festivities. If the irony gets too much you can always hot tail it up the coast to stay at 200-year old (yet modern) Ceredwyn Cottage in Llantwit Major.
· September 26-28, elvies.co.uk. 01656 782725, thebrentwoodhotel.co.uk, B&B from £19. Or 02920 193 598, ceredwyncottage.co.uk from £150 for three nights, sleeping four.
Camp on the beach, Hebrides
Learn to forage, build a fire and make a shelter on a 24-hour "Wilderness Taster" course on the remote Scottish island of Islay. "It's about reconnecting with nature," says guide Jeremy Hastings. "Often we will spend an hour just lying back and looking at the huge skies." The accommodation is equally simple; you bring a sleeping bag to camp in a cave on a beach, sleeping on a mattress of bracken and heather collected during the day.
· A five-day trip with Islay Bushcraft (01496 850010, islaybushcraft.co.uk) costs £575; family trips also available.
Dune roaming, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's beaches are cleaner than ever, thanks to a £240m investment in sewage treatment infrastructure. Seven beaches won a Blue Flag this year, including Tyrella, a flat sandy 2km stretch backed by dunes in a conservation area within Dundrum Bay, Downpatrick. The beach is part of Delamont Country Park, where there's a 10m high megalith, Strangford Stone, and boat trips on Strangford Lough. Stella Maris country house hotel in Ballycastle has battered leather chairs and coal fires.
· delamontcountrypark.com. Rooms from €155 per night, 00 353 9643 322, stellamrisireland.com.
John Malkovich's new pad, Eastbourne
Hollywood big-wig (that's not a joke about his baldness) John Malkovich and Fry's Chocolate entrepreneur Cosmo Fry, launch their latest "designer budget" Big Sleep hotel in Eastbourne this weekend. To confirm the resort's transition towards hipness, this autumn the Towner Art Gallery (01323 415 470) reopens in a new Gehry-esque £8m building.
· Doubles from £70 per night (029 2063 6363, thebigsleephotel.com).
Lodge with a view, Cornwall
Gwel an Mor holiday village is a cluster of timber lodges furnished in quasi-Marimekko style perched on a hillside overlooking the Atlantic at Portreath (Gwel an Mor is Cornish for "view of the sea"). The lodges have been built to sustainable principles - to a degree. Each is equipped with a not-so-eco-friendly plasma TV; some have hot tubs and a wood-burning stove and all have access to the centrally located spa, pool and restaurant. It's 10 minutes walk from Portreath Beach's golden sands, where there's a surf school.
· 01209 842 354, gwelanmor.com. From £445 per cabin per week, self-catering.
Wildlife walk, East Lothian
The John Muir Way is a coastal walk being developed by the local council, with the aim of linking Edinburgh to the Scottish Borders. Two paths are complete; the first covers 19km between Musselburgh and Aberlady. You'll cover mudflats, salt marshes and sand dunes that are home to wading birds and 550 species of plantlife.
· eastlothian.gov.uk/content/0,,1033 ,00.html. The House on The Beach (cottageguide.co.uk/the-house-at-the-beach) sleeps eight from £725 per week in North Berwick.
Anderby Creek, Lincolnshire
If the local council has its way, the spotless beach at the hamlet of Anderby Creek, a protected preservation area, could soon be home to a giant wind power station, much to the locals' dismay. For now, it remains an unspoilt gem on a generally over-developed coastline. Canoe on the creek or watch the grey seals at Donna Nook - winter, when they come to breed near the dunes, is the best time to spot them.
· Coastguard Cottage sleeps four from £277 per week, but is full until October 11 (hoseasons.co.uk). Camping (from £5 a night) and farmhouse accommodation (from £300 per week for six) at Bluebell Farm Holidays (01507 490 007, bluebell-farm.co.uk).
Blue Flag, Kent
The Isle of Thanet has just been awarded Blue Flag status for 10 beaches fringing Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. All have soft sand, unlike their shingle neighbours at Whitstable and Deal. Go to Botany Bay for chalk cliffs and fossil hunting, or book one of the Thanet Coast Project's nature walks and rockpool rambles along the shores of Pegwell and Walpole Bays. Hop on a powerboat from Ramsgate Marina to the Goodwin Sands to see seals basking on the sandbank which emerges at low tide.
· thanetcoast.org.uk. Marine Wildlife Boat Tours (07931 744788, horizonseasafaris.co.uk), adults £25, children £15. Tracy Emin's favourite, the Walpole Bay Hotel (01843 221703, walpolebayhotel.co.uk) has family rooms from £90 per night B&B, and a museum-like collection of photos and souvenirs.
No 43 Arnside, Cumbria
I'm in the village of Arnside (population 2,300) on the Lancashire-Cumbria border, in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the estuary of the River Kent just before it flows into Morecambe Bay. It is a blinder of a location and it is here that Lesley Hornsby spotted a Victorian house on the promenade which fitted the bill for conversion into a five-bedroomed B&B.
The sands shimmer in the evening sunlight, and from Number 43's steep terraced garden I can watch the locals fishing, walking the dog, or just sitting on benches listening to the squeaky-toy call of the oystercatchers.
For a southerner with little experience of this part of Cumbria, it is, quite simply, one of the most stunning views I have come across and well worth a lengthy train ride. Talking of which, there is a railway station, right here, linking the village with Manchester airport and Lancaster across a 50-pier viaduct which itself becomes an object of beauty as the sky deepens and the concrete supports are silhouetted against the night sky (just Google "Arnside railway viaduct" and you'll see what I mean).
Whatever the time of day, or season, right here on Lesley's doorstep, is pure theatre, the principal players - water, sky and weather - constantly changing.
"People will drive 15 miles for fish and chips and to watch the sunset," Lesley tells me over tea. Damn, I'll have to settle for the sunset; I'm still stuffed from lunch. (I ate across the estuary, in Cartmel, at Rogan & Co, a new, cheaper alternative to L'Enclume, at which chef Simon Rogan holds a Michelin star.)
What of the B&B itself? Far from relying on the location to do all the work, Lesley has paid meticulous attention to detail and, by the look of things, indulged some of her passions at the same time. My room is modern but not minimal, but what I really like are the details, such as the room number by a Kendal glass designer, bathrobes, noiseless mini fridge and Bath House toiletries. There is sherry at £2.60 a glass and a book by Cedric Robinson, the Queen's Guide to the Sands, who takes guided walks from Arnside.
The teapot is a retro style with built-in chrome cosy. On the landing a glass cabinet displays jewellery, china and handbags, all sourced by Lesley and on sale, as are Caren Threlfall's clever felt landscapes in the sitting room. Oh, and Sunday breakfast includes buck's fizz.
Only the two largest bedrooms face the estuary, so watching sunset or daybreak from your bed or bath will cost extra. But if you're more used to looking out on tower blocks, I'd say this view is priceless.
· 01524 762761, no43.org.uk, B&B doubles £110-£140 per night. Further information and Cedric Robinson's walk schedule at 0845 450 1199, golakes.co.uk. Rogan and Company, 015395 35917, roganandcompany.co.uk.