(CNN)Last month, my husband and I took our daughters to a Columbia University women's basketball game. We live nearby, had already attended a men's game and were excited for our girls, one of whom plays basketball, to watch college women in action. When we walked into the arena, my mouth practically dropped to the floor. Only a handful of people were there, quite a contrast from the nearly packed house for the men's team. It must be winter break, I thought. It wasn't. Sure, the Columbia women's team hasn't had a great season for years -- and this year wasn't much different. Still, only a handful of spectators to cheer on women who were clearly standouts in their high schools to make it to a college basketball team? I sat on the bench, cheered the women and fumed. How to Super Bowl #LikeAGirl . A few weeks later, the Princeton women's basketball team did something no other Ivy League men's team had done before, racking up 30 wins and zero losses during the regular season and beating the Ivy League season record of 28-0 held by the 1970-71 Penn men's team. (Princeton ended up losing in the second round of the NCAA tournament, finishing with a 31-1 record.) The Princeton team garnered national headlines, which was great, but I still wondered what it was going to take for women's sports to get the same attention as men's sports -- meaning an equal number of fans, TV rights, marketing endorsements, you name it. Is such a day even possible? Consider salaries alone. The average salary for a WNBA player is $72,000, which doesn't include bonuses and benefits, while the average salary for an NBA player is around $5 million, or about 70 times what the average female basketball player makes. And look at the differences in coverage. The Final Four teams for the men's NCAA basketball tournament got front page attention in Monday's New York Times. The women? A story without a photo deep in the sports section. I met Nancy Hogshead-Makar, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming, during a spectacular and inspirational women's conference in Jacksonville, Florida, last week called Generation W, where I moderated panels on issues affecting women. "This connection with sports and masculinity is a very tough nut to crack. People have been trying to crack it for a long time," said Hogshead-Makar, who has devoted her career to the advancement of girls and women in sports. Why has coverage of women's sports stopped post-Olympics? More than 40 years after the enactment of Title IX, a law that says that any school receiving federal funds cannot discriminate based on sex, there are still huge disparities, she said, with men getting $190 million more per year in college athletic scholarships than women. "It's appalling what these huge differences are. Any fifth-grader can walk into your average high school or college softball baseball facility and say, 'Duh, that's not equal.' " Hogshead-Makar, who is chief executive officer of the advocacy group Champion Women, said even though Title IX requires that women get the same access to media and support that men get, it's not happening. "The coupling of sexism and sport, having this be an exclusionary practice, is still a strong one," said the 1984 Olympic champion. Attitudes about women and sports still have a long way to go before we get to true gender equality, based on a recent poll by Always, the brand that brought us the viral #LikeAGirl video sensation. While a majority of the 1,800 men and women polled said both genders were equal in math and science, they said sports was the one area where they believe there are differences. A significant percentage of both women and men said men are better at sports, with 32% of women feeling that way and 47% of men, the poll found. Hilary Knight, a member of the U.S. Olympic hockey team, called the findings "disappointing" but said women's sports is still young, with Title IX only a few decades old. "It's just a gradual growth process that we kind of have to see through," said Knight, who appears in the most recent #LikeAGirl video, this one released for International Women's Day this month, showcasing women proudly talking about how they shoot, score and do chemistry like a girl. Knight admits the changes in women's sports might not come during her hockey career but says she believes they will eventually come, especially as more women play the game. When she started playing hockey 15 years ago, there were few girls who did. Today, you walk into a local rink and you'll find girls' and boys' teams, she said. "It's a slow process, but as long as you are changing the stereotype, and you are really empowering women and girls to feel proud of who they are and not hindering their progress in any way, I think we are going to see sport get to where it needs to be." Michele Yulo, whose 9-year-old daughter, Gabi, plays basketball and baseball on boys' teams, also thinks it will take time to create the opportunities for women, which will help change the mindset about women and sports. Her main focus, she says, is on making sure girls like her daughter can play the sports they love. In June, her daughter will play in an all-girls baseball tournament in Orlando organized by a program called Baseball for All, which was founded to ensure that girls can play baseball when they are young and continue playing the game when they are older. "What I think is gaining traction is an awareness of female athletes in general and recognition of their strength, skill and determination -- and that yes, this has some effect on the popularity and growth of women's sports programs," said Yulo, creator of the blog Princess Free Zone. "There seems to be a greater push for girls and women to be taken seriously in sports." Girls' and women's sports are growing in popularity as participation increases, said Deborah Slaner Larkin, chief executive officer of the Women's Sports Foundation. Slaner Larkin points to U.S. women's soccer star Alex Morgan, for example, who has over 1.5 million followers on Twitter, and how the upcoming Women's World Cup in Canada is a trending topic worldwide. That said, girls have more than 1.3 million fewer opportunities to play sports than boys do in high school and about 63,000 fewer participation slots at the college level, according to Slaner Larkin. "Once sports are recognized as a birthright for both genders, the rest will fall into place," she said. Helping get us there, she said, is a new generation of moms who played sports as a result of Title IX, which became law in 1972. "These women identify as athletes and women's sports fans, and they will now pass down their experiences to their daughters," she said. Getting women into the stands is key to winning television coverage and the big salaries that come with that exposure, said Michael Graber, a sports cinematographer and father of two girls. "In sports TV, the tail wags the dog. The money goes where the audience is," said Graber, who is the husband of  Diana Graber, the co-founder of the digital literacy site CyberWise.org. "Money will go to women's sports as soon as an audience wants to watch women, so the best way to support women athletes is by attending women's sports in the first place." John Furjanic of Chicago said he and a friend took their young daughters to a DePaul University women's basketball game for Valentine's Day for the third year in a row. "In my humble opinion, any father who doesn't take their young daughters to watch women's sports (at all levels -- grammar school through pro) is missing a chance to expose their children to the opportunities that await them," said Furjanic, whose daughter is 7. "Long-term, parents taking kids to women's games and women's teams promoting themselves in schools has to be helpful to establishing widespread popularity, generations at a time." Getting more people into the stands and seeing more girls play more sports will bring about change, many women say. So too will seeing new leaders emerge who believe in gender equality in all areas, including sports. "Sports are a microcosm of life," said Slaner Larkin. "As we begin to see a more diverse group of men and women in leadership and decision-making roles throughout the industry, we should also see significant changes in media, sponsorship and other fundamental areas of support." Hogshead-Makar, the former Olympic champion, told me about a case she recently learned about involving dramatically unequal facilities for the women's softball and men's baseball teams at a public high school in Indiana. "It tells the baseball players you're more important," she said. "That's equally as unhealthy, as for a girl to hear that she's not as important as for him to hear that he's more important." "When the leadership says, 'We're going to make this just as important,' " change will come, she said. What do you think it will take for women's sports to get the same attention as men's sports? Share your thoughts with Kelly Wallace on Twitter @kellywallacetv or CNN Living on Facebook.

The average WNBA player makes $72K; the average NBA player makes $5 million . There are huge disparities between men's and women's sports, a former Olympic champ says . A recent survey says both men and women believe men are better at sports .

 a game. But we were struck by how different the experience was from the men's game.
The arena was packed. Our seats, in the lower arena section, were right behind one of the baskets. The noise was deafening. Fans behind us were chanting "Columbia!" And "Lip-synch!" The referee kept calling "pass interference" in a squeaking voice, and we never got a clear view of a made basket because the students in front of us blocked the view. Our daughter, 11, was cheering her heart out, and our 6-year-old was loving the music, "YMCA," which blares through the stadium speakers every time the team scores. But otherwise, the game seemed to have been designed with the men in mind.
We didn't know it then, but we had been to a women's sporting event that has been described as "the most watched and least understood sporting activity in the country."
Now a documentary is changing all of that. "The Women's Game," airing Sunday on CNN, offers a new look at women's college basketball, where a team that has been on the scene for almost a century is making its mark on the world stage.
Director Leslie Iwerks spent three years with the Lady Lions, and the film gives a unique and intimate look at what it's like to be the only female coach at the highest level of college basketball. "The Women's Game" sheds light on why there is such a disparity in the media coverage of women's sports and the coverage of men's, on how the game's popularity is declining with young girls and on why so few women coaches are in Division I college basketball.
"The Women's Game" follows six years in the lives of former University of Iowa assistant coach C. Vivian Stringer, her mentor, long-time head coach Phyllis "Gino" Auriemma, and I-I-I-I-Iowa guard Jaime Printy, as they win a national championship together in 2013. It is a beautiful film that takes a close-up look at Stringer's family, Auriemma's family, Printy's family and the rest of the team. And it reveals the unique challenges that women coaches face.
Women in leadership in sports have had a tough road to hoe. It wasn't until 1972 when the NCAA began offering


Australia's 17-man squad to defend the Ashes against England this summer is packed with pace men as well as a fair share of ageing stars. Ten of their squad are in their thirties, paving the way for a raft of Dad’s Army references that will gather momentum if they get off to a bad start in Cardiff. Nonetheless, this is a squad that I would pick to defend the urn. Never mind planning for the future, their tour will be all about the present. Team Australia celebrate after winning the Cricket World Cup before naming their Ashes squad . NICE BALANCE . My first thought when I saw the squad was that it’s the way I’d have gone about selection. A five-Test series in England is not the time to experiment and the Australians have put faith in experience. Australia's selection of Adam Voges will bring an experienced head with them this summer . Adam Voges is an interesting choice: like Chris Rogers, he knows English conditions well. It’s not a tour for blooding a young batsman. It’s also why they’ve gone with Peter Siddle among the seamers. If Ryan Harris breaks down, Siddle can slot straight in. FIREPOWER . IF Mitchell Johnson bowls anything like he did during the last Ashes, Australia should win. Both sides know there’s still some scarring. Mitchell Starc managed to swing the white Kookaburra during the World Cup so he should be able to swing the red Dukes ball in England. He swings it late, too — as Brendon McCullum found out in the final. Fast bowler Mitchell Johnson will be hoping to terrorise English batsmen like he did last time around . I was impressed with Josh Hazlewood, too. He could prosper in England with his hit-the-deck style. Harris always has wicket-taking potential, although I wonder how quickly he’ll slot back in after sitting out the West Indies tour. No 3 THE KEY . The series could hinge on Australia’s No 3. Whoever it is, England will think they have a chance. Shane Watson has done the job in the past without ever really making it his own and there’s been talk of Steve Smith moving up the order. Steve Smith has been in sensational form and could get moved up the batting order to No 3 . He’s in the form of his life but he still moves around a lot at the crease. If the ball’s swinging, that could spell trouble. The other option would be Voges, who has just averaged 104 in the Sheffield Shield. AGE CONCERN . I firmly believe you should try to get every last drop out of some of these cricketers, especially in an Ashes. As England discovered in 2013-14, an ageing side is only a problem if the players are approaching retirement, like Graeme Swann. At 37-years-old, Brad Haddin is likely to be playing his last Ashes along with a few others . But for someone like Rogers this tour will be a last hurrah. I’ll be watching Brad Haddin. He’s a fierce competitor but he’s 37 and keeping in England can be tricky because of the late swing. DODGY AT THE BACK . Part of the reason Michael Clarke has given up one-day internationals is to manage his dodgy back. Mike Atherton will tell you a bad back can go at any moment, although Clarke looked physically sharp during the World Cup. Captain Michael Clarke will be hoping he doesn't suffer a recurrence of his back problems . But if the Australia captain’s back is stiff when they play in England, the bowlers will test out the 33-year-old’s suppleness against the short ball. He’s still vulnerable early on. Michael Clarke (capt) Age 33 . Caps 108 . Verdict Age has not diminished his class, as he proved in the World Cup final. But his dodgy back could be an issue in a five-Test series. Should out-captain Alastair Cook once more. David Warner . Age 28 . Caps 36 . Verdict Could win a Test or two by himself if he bats for a couple of sessions. Moeen Ali’s off-breaks will be crucial in pinning him down. Likes to say a word or two. Shane Watson . Age 33 . Caps 56 . Verdict Has a decent record in Ashes cricket, but has never reached the stage where he frightens England. But his medium-pace balances Australia’s team in a way Cook can only envy. Shaun Marsh . Age 31 . Caps 12 . Verdict A gritty left-hander, and son of former Test opener Geoff. Began Test career with 141 in Sri Lanka in 2011, but success has been sporadic since then. CV includes six ducks. Mitchell Johnson . Age 33 . Caps 64 . Verdict If England haven’t got over the trauma of the 2013-14 series, when Johnson took 37 wickets at 13 apiece, the Ashes will stay with Australia. Josh Hazlewood . Age 24 . Caps 3 . Verdict One of a batch of promising Australian fast bowlers, he proved economical beyond his years during the successful World Cup campaign. A flawless action bodes well. James Faulkner . Age 24 . Caps 1 . Verdict Played his only Test to date at The Oval in 2013, where he got up England’s noses by accusing them of boring batting. A left-arm seam-bowling all-rounder, he can give the ball an almighty whack. James Pattinson . Age 24 . Caps 13 . Verdict Injuries have limited him since he burst on to the scene in 2011-12, but the talent is undeniable: tall, aggressive and fast, he should trouble England more than his brother, Darren, when playing for England in a single Test against South Africa in 2008. Peter Siddle . Age 30 . Caps 56 . Verdict The banana-loving seamer is a veteran of two Ashes tours, and could provide relentless accuracy while the quicker bowlers fire around him. Kevin Pietersen, for one, found him almost impossible to score off in 2013-14. Brad Haddin (wkt) Age 37 . Caps 63 . Verdict Australia’s second-most important cog in their 5-0 Ashes wheel in 2013-14, after Mitchell Johnson. His sledging from behind the stumps is considered the heartbeat of the team. Chris Rogers . Age 37 . Caps 20 . Verdict This will be his last hurrah in a late-blooming Test career. Calm, compact and the perfect foil for the exuberance of his opening partner Warner. Steve Smith (vice captain) Age 25 . Caps 26 . Verdict One of world cricket’s rising stars, he scored four tons in Australia’s recent home series against India. Will captain the side full-time after Clarke retires, and can burgle the odd wicket with his leg-spin. Nathan Lyon . Age 27 . Caps 39 . Verdict A steady off-spinner who troubled England’s right-handers  during whitewash. But, really, they should have nothing to fear. Mitchell Starc . Age 25 . Caps 15 . Verdict Another left-arm seamer, and Man of the Tournament at the World Cup. His yorkers are as dangerous in Tests as they are in ODIs, and  accuracy and pace have improved. Ryan Harris . Age 35 . Caps 27 . Verdict If he can drag his injury-laden body through one final series, Australia will be thrilled. He was an unsung star during their 3-0 defeat here two years ago, and produced the ball of the series to bowl Cook in Perth. Josh Hazlewood . Age 24 . Caps 3 . Verdict One of a batch of promising Australian fast bowlers, he proved economical beyond his years during the successful World Cup campaign. A flawless action bodes well. Fawad Ahmed . Age 33 . Caps 20 . Verdict The Pakistan-born leg-spinner has played only three one-day internationals and two Twenty20 games for Australia, so would represent a risk. But Australian leggies have done well in England before… . Michael Clarke (capt) Age 33 . Caps 108 . Verdict Age has not diminished his class, as he proved in the World Cup final. But his dodgy back could be an issue in a five-Test series. Should out-captain Alastair Cook once more. David Warner . Age 28 . Caps 36 . Verdict Could win a Test or two by himself if he bats for a couple of sessions. Moeen Ali’s off-breaks will be crucial in pinning him down. Likes to say a word or two. Shane Watson . Age 33 . Caps 56 . Verdict Has a decent record in Ashes cricket, but has never reached the stage where he frightens England. But his medium-pace balances Australia’s team in a way Cook can only envy. Shaun Marsh . Age 31 . Caps 12 . Verdict A gritty left-hander, and son of former Test opener Geoff. Began Test career with 141 in Sri Lanka in 2011, but success has been sporadic since then. CV includes six ducks. Mitchell Johnson . Age 33 . Caps 64 . Verdict If England haven’t got over the trauma of the 2013-14 series, when Johnson took 37 wickets at 13 apiece, the Ashes will stay with Australia. Peter Siddle . Age 30 . Caps 56 . Verdict The banana-loving seamer is a veteran of two Ashes tours, and could provide relentless accuracy while the quicker bowlers fire around him. Kevin Pietersen, for one, found him almost impossible to score off in 2013-14. Mitchell Marsh . Age 23 . Caps 4 . Verdict A rangy all-rounder and younger brother of Shaun, Marsh stunned England during the World Cup with figures of 5 for 33 at Melbourne – despite having taken only six ODI wickets until then. His batting is the stronger suit. Peter Nevill . Age 29 . Caps 0 . Verdict Peter who? Nevill has been chosen as the reserve wicketkeeper behind his New South Wales team-mate Haddin, although he has also played as a specialist batsman for his state team. Unlikely to get a game unless Haddin breaks a finger. Adam Voges . Age 35 . Caps 0 . Verdict An outsider for a Test debut, but he knows English conditions well – Voges has spent time with Hampshire, Middlesex and Nottinghamshire – and bowls left-arm spin to complement his middle-order hitting.

England host Australia for the 2015 Ashes on home turf this summer . With players including Michael Clarke (33), Chris Rogers (37) and Brad Haddin (37), Australia could face accusations of being a 'Dad's Army' Nonetheless, this is the squad that Nasser Hussain would pick .

's Army-esque quips, which are now sure to be hurled at England's old guard.
Mitchell Johnson and Brett Lee will head up the Aussie pace attack, with Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon also included. England have left out a number of their senior players, though Matt Prior remains the stand out omission. The Yorkshire man has been in excellent form during recent home Test series and a place in Alastair Cook's side would have been a surprise snub.
England have also left out Tim Bresnan, Graeme Swann and Kevin Pietersen, who are all vying for the last place in the squad. The selectors opted for Chris Tremlett instead of Bresnan, while Paul Collingwood - who was named man of the series in the last Ashes series - was picked instead of the Yorkshire spinner. The veteran spinner did get the nod over Graeme Swann, with the Surrey man having enjoyed an excellent IPL. The selectors also chose to go for Ian Bell rather than Kevin Pietersen.
Both England and Australia are full of experienced players, but the Aussies have added some of their own young brigade for this summer's series, with James Faulkner, Jackson Bird and Ashton Agar making the cut. They were only able to take five specialist bowlers to the Champions Trophy last week, which means the Aussies will have to manage without Mitchell Starc. The quick impressed at the start of the summer, and was unlucky not to feature in the World T20 for Australia, but he appears to be one of the younger men in the Aussie squad.
With the exception of Faulkner and Bird, the Australians have been picked for their experience and consistency. Only three of their top order batsman - David Warner, Shane Watson and Michael Clarke - made it into the top ten leading run-scorers in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
Australia's XI for the first Ashes Test is: Shane Watson, David Warner, Phil Hughes, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Steven Smith, Brad Haddin, James Faulkner, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Peter Siddle.
England's XI for the first Ashes Test is: Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Chris Tremlett.
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My teenage kids (Molly, 15, Dylan, 17) demand something a bit more exciting than sand and sea from family summer holidays nowadays. So, given their obsession with all things Kardashian, we decided on California this year - a classic American road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway (aka Route 1) from San Francisco to Los Angeles. We took our time (three weeks) to do it, but fitted so much in that I can't hang about now. San Francisco is known as America's most European city, you'll need to pack a fleece even in late July . So here we go... San Francisco is known as America's most European city, possibly because you'll need to pack a fleece even in late July. The mist that rolls in off the sea and shrouds the Golden Gate Bridge most days can sometimes linger, but we never stayed still long enough to get cold. Based in the funky Hotel Zetta - where the foyer combines games room and bar, and is plastered with colossal photos of John Lennon and past guests of Alcatraz - we spent three days hurtling around the city, often clinging for dear life to the famous cable cars that haul you up and down the City's equally famous hills. We ate clam chowder from a bread bowl at Fisherman's Wharf, we trawled the boutiques of Haight Ashbury in search of the summer of love, we bussed out to the Golden Gate, and we wondered at the aquarium in Golden Gate Park. Jane travelled to America with her teenage children, Molly, 15 and Dylan who's 17 . And, fleeces on, we took the boat trip to Alcatraz, which is not to be missed. The brilliant audio guide that leads you around the prison is narrated only by men who were once guards or prisoners on the rock. It's an eerie and compelling tour. After trying to distil the city into only 72 hours, we climbed into our SUV and headed for Route 1. It's only about 350 miles as the crow flies between San Francisco and LA, but this (mostly) coastal route is probably well over 500 miles long as it winds through some of California's most wonderful, ever-changing scenery. Much of the highway has a 55mph speed limit and has only one lane in each direction - it's time to take your foot off the gas, relax and take it all in. The kids said it reminded them of Dorset as we headed south past Santa Cruz and then nipped briefly into Monterey to dine in a seafront restaurant on the edge of Cannery Row, the waterfront district made famous in John Steinbeck's novel of the same name. At Dylan's insistence, we took a detour on to 17 Mile Drive, the scenic road around the Monterey Peninsula that leads to the world-famous Pebble Beach golf club. He was rather disappointed by the condition of the course there, but thrilled with the state of Quail Lodge and Golf Club, our first port of call just outside the pretty little town of Carmel. Even the non-golfers among us loved our luxurious bungalow at the edge of the course; secluded and tranquil, plush and green with a view of distant misty mountains. When the sound of silence got too much for us, just across the street at Valley Hills there was the excellent and lively Baja Cantina Mexican restaurant, and a wonderful deli too. Leaving Carmel, you find yourself at the edge of the spectacular area known as Big Sur: wild and often mountainous terrain battling it out with the equally wild Pacific. The road coils up and down cliffs and crosses cavernous gorges for almost 100 miles - incredibly dramatic but sometimes not for the faint-hearted. We stopped off at the Garrapata National Park, in a baking-hot and silent valley, where the crash of the waves was replaced by the hum of insects and the call of the buzzards wheeling overhead. Much of the highway has a 55mph speed limit and has only one lane in each direction - it's time to take your foot off the gas, relax and take it all in . This was a completely different wildness, underlined when Dylan narrowly avoided stepping on a basking rattlesnake. At the end of Big Sur you can encounter yet another type of wildness altogether in the form of the legendary Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. Every bedroom is themed here - from Rock Bottom (it's a cave) to Old Mexico and the comparatively muted silver walls and flock wallpaper of our own Crystal Room. To call the Madonna Inn 'kitsch' is to do it a huge disservice, because it takes everything to a whole new level of eyepopping taste. Take the Gold Rush Steakhouse, which puts the shocking into pink. The whole place is furnished and upholstered in a pink that is practically pornographic, softened only by the presence of enormous gold chandeliers. You have to see it to believe it. But the food and service were fantastic. The family nipped briefly into Monterey to dine in a seafront restaurant on the edge of Cannery Row, the waterfront district made famous in John Steinbeck's novel of the same name . We took a rare detour off Route 1 to the Danish settlement of Solvang, a sort of cutesy yet sinister re-creation of Denmark in the California sun, full of pastry shops and Chinese tourists. A little unnerved by this, we headed back to the safety of the highway and soon found ourselves in Santa Barbara. It's the classic California of posters and T-shirts, with infinitely long palm-lined streets with mountains at one end and the ocean at the other. We stayed at the beachside end of one such thoroughfare in the aptly named Harbor View Inn. We found great seafood at the end of the pier at Stearns Wharf opposite the hotel and at the fantastic Fishhouse just a couple of blocks along Cabrillo Boulevard. Over the rail tracks behind the inn is State Street, where you can find everything from Macy's and American Apparel to tattooists and cavernous bars advertising Punk Rock Bingo. The Horrocks' took a detour on to 17 Mile Drive, the scenic road around the Monterey Peninsula that leads to the world-famous Pebble Beach golf club . The farmers' market closes the street on a Tuesday afternoon, offering up a Californian cornucopia of fruit, veg and other tasty treats. To the east of State Street is The Funk Zone, an old industrial area that is regenerating itself into a haven of restaurants, art galleries and wine-tasting rooms. Back on the road near San Simeon, you will see exotic animals on either side of the highway. Floundering on the beach are gigantic elephant seals - enormous specimens of blubbery ugliness hooting and honking and generally having a riot at the edge of the sea. On the other side are zebras - direct descendants of the herd that press tycoon William Randolph Hearst installed at the magnificent Hearst Castle, which appears right ahead of you. You can take a tour of the castle and its grounds. After a 15-minute coach drive up the snaking road to the top of the hill, you discover a spectacular mansion furnished with antiques and tapestries from all over Europe, andboasting Roman baths, an enormous neo-Classical marble swimming pool and its own private cinema. In the 1930s, Hearst Castle was party central for Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, Greta Garbo et al. There are gold courses galore just outside the pretty little town of Carmel . Having soaked up a bit of the Golden Age of Hollywood, we headed off on Route 1 again to see the City of Angels of today. There we stayed at the slick and sleek Viceroy Santa Monica Hotel, choosing the beach-life of Santa Monica and Venice over the urban sprawl of Hollywood or Beverly Hills where the car is king. The body-builders and gymnasts of Muscle Beach and the roller-blading buskers of Venice are highly entertaining, and you can actually walk everywhere. Hollywood is really an idea rather than a place anyway. It always seems as if it might be just around the next corner but it never is, and the Hollywood sign always stays aloof in the distance. We went on an excellent guided tour taking in the Chinese Theatre, Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, Sunset Strip and other spots of note. A Sunday trip to Universal Studios was great fun, too, for the rides and a look at a real working film set on its day off. Mind you, the scariest ride of the day was getting on the freeway by accident on the way into LA. Stop off for an guided tour taking in the Chinese Theatre, Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, Sunset Strip and other spots of note in LA . Unless you're a professional stunt driver in a hurry, the freeway is probably best avoided in favour of a trundle along the city's more sedate boulevards. We drove the last 40 miles south through the LA suburbs to our final stop at the Huntington Beach Hyatt Regency. And what a beach it is - three-and-a-half miles of uncrowded white sand known as Surf City. It was thrilling to watch the guys surfing along on the waves. Later we watched the sun go down over the pier from the comfort of the superb Duke's Restaurant, before ambling back along a beach glowing with fire-pits and shrouded in barbecue smoke - preparing ourselves for the horrors of donning fleeces again for the journey home. GETTING THERE . American Sky (americansky.co.uk, 0843 6362001) offers an 11-night self-drive Golden California tour from £1,199pp. It includes room-only accommodation at a choice of hotels along the route from San Francisco to Los Angeles, return flights with United Airlines from Gatwick into San Francisco and out of Los Angeles, and 4WD car hire. For more information about California, go to visitcalifornia.co.uk or call 020 7257 6180.

Jane opted for a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway (aka Route 1) The route goes from San Francisco to Los Angeles . The mostly coastal route is well over 500 miles long . Route winds through some of California's most wonderful scenery .

 the land of paparazzi, plastic surgery, pop-ups, photo-ops, paparazzi, more pop-ups and just a little bit of culture.
Hollywood, San Francisco, Napa Valley, Los Angeles, Disneyland and Vegas were on their hit-list.
We were off. And I mean we. As my partner and I had had the sense to hire a camper for the trip, leaving our own cars behind and all, we would be travelling in style.
Our first encounter with Los Angeles came at the airport. My kids, of course, had never flown, nor indeed entered an airport before (what are kids these days made of? It's like they are all made of marshmallow). The process of checking the bags and getting onto the plane wasn't as smooth as I would have liked, but no disaster.
We were going to LA, the land of Disneyland. What a dream! All that Disney!
Well, actually, not exactly. We arrived to find Disneyland deserted of people. I'm not sure when we went, but not when it was going to be open. The kids were not impressed. Not to worry. As we left, we found out the secret.
Disneyland is open 24 hours. We weren't the only ones who didn't know this. :)
But this was only the first disappointment of the trip. The following day, we arrived in California wine country. The kids had high hopes of tasting California's famous wine. And they certainly got wine. I was amazed at their ability to finish off two tasting sessions in the space of five hours! I wouldn't have thought this was possible. But the excitement of being in California I guess.
But we left empty-handed. No wine. Not even the most famous Californian, Merlot (as this was what they really wanted to taste). No matter. The kids (and adults) had a great time at the winery.
But this was only the second disappointment of the trip.
Our next stop was San Francisco. We were very excited about the idea of visiting a major US city for the first time. We had decided to stay in Haight, mainly because this is where some of the stars from Full House - the sitcom that made America love this city - had lived. It seemed only right to stay in the neighbourhood where all the action was.
Of course, the kids wanted to see Alcatraz Island. The prison


(CNN)Nigerians go to the polls on March 28 in a tight contest, which is getting extra attention after the original date was rescheduled at the last minute. Many voters will be holding their registration card in one hand, and their mobile in the other -- making democratic history with the help of tech. In Africa's largest mobile phone market, programs to encourage citizens to get involved in the election have been gaining traction. "Nigerians are looking for information," says Femi Longe, co-founder of Co-Creation Hub which meshes tech and social issues. "Technology is helping people get involved in the conversation around democracy and elections, which is very important, as the general interest in the air has waned since the voting date was changed." As incumbent Goodluck Jonathan prepares to face-off against former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari, Longe and his team have developed TechSQUAD -- a gang of geeks who work on web-projects that help citizens vote. Pre-Vote Prep . One such project is Govote.ng, a popular website that is focused on the registration process -- that's crucial as in Africa's most populous country, with over 170 million citizens, the logistics can be staggering. "Most Nigerians have no idea where they are registered," explains Longe. "We want to simplify the entire election process, [and] make it responsive to users." People log on to the site to see whether they are registered with the Nigeria Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and, if not, they can find out how and where to register. TechSQUAD says approximately 10,000 people visit the site each day. Finger's Influence . Other squads concentrate on the next step. Youth charity YIAGA has set up ThumbPower which gets Nigerians to "use your thumb wisely." Sections like "Who can vote" and "Where and When" set out the process in language anyone can understand. Interactive maps connect users to local activists and the countdown clock is a reminder that the new elections date is approaching fast. "The rescheduling of the election ... did affect the level of voter enthusiasm," explains YIAGA Program Manager, Cynthia Mbamalu. "While there are certain concerns about security and the guarantee of free, fair and credible elections, the interest in this election is founded on the belief that this time votes will count." Personality Problem . This election will be the first since Nigeria re-calculated it's GDP and pulled ahead of South Africa to become the continent's biggest economy. With a nominal GDP of $510 billion, and an oil sector that makes up 96% of total export earnings, the outcome of the vote will be closely watched by policy makers and businesses all over the world. Politicians, however, stand accused of relying on personalities rather than policies when it comes to winning votes. "The strength of a leader's personality and his key personal networks are playing a very strong role," says Jasper Veen, Nigeria Director at National Democratic Institute. "Both flag-bearers occasionally attempt to articulate policy positions -- it is still a far cry from policy-based politics." And this is set to be a particular issue in this poll, as some seek a strongman who can defeat Boko Haram militants in the North-East -- the main justification authorities used when explaining the decision to delay the vote by six weeks. To fight this popularity contest, TechSQUAD collaborated with The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) to produce ngmanifesto.org, which explains what the parties plan to do to improve education, the economy and infrastructure. And once a government is elected, the site will track whether election pledges become reality. 'Quick Count' Technology will also play a big role on voting day. A representative volunteer network of 4,000 observers trained by Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) will corroborate official election results using a system of text messages. The SMSs are coded so they cannot be intercepted, and also to ensure the data can be organized and communicated quickly. The process aims to bring transparency to the elections, and will be assisted by Niger's Former Prime Minister, Mahamadou Danda, who is part of a smaller team of international observers organized by the National Democratic Institute. Such independent observation is likely to speak to the thousands of citizens concerned with governance in the country. A recent Afrobarometer poll found that 68% of respondents are "not very" or "not at all" satisfied with the way democracy is working in Nigeria. Another approach to inspire citizens to get involved in the election is the Nigerian Constitution App which has been downloaded almost 1 million times according to The Indigo Trust. By making the constitution available on mobile phones, the app aims to teach citizens about national laws and inspire them to vote. And there's also BudgIT -- a site that publishes state and federal budgets for all to see. The list of election-based websites and apps goes on -- too many to mention here. But, while the election outcome is yet to be seen, it seems that the tech involved could bring a formidable force to the ballot box. More from Marketplace Africa . Read this: Cooking up a recipe for tasty profits in UAE . Watch this: Banana fiber transforms lives in Uganda .

Nigeria's postponed Presidential election is slated to be held on March 28 . Incumbent Goodluck Jonathan will face-off against former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari . Technologists and NGOs are working together to help voters prepare for the election .

 phone to a social media account in the other, as they choose their next president.
While Nigeria's elections are always a matter of deep partisan interest, this year is set to be extra politically charged. The country is divided over allegations of mismanagement that have led to crippling inflation and high unemployment.
"The election is important in terms of what the economic and social policies will be from the next government," said Richard Joseph, an analyst and researcher at the Center for International Studies at the University of Lagos.
The incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan, is a Christian, from the southern part of the country.
His main challenger, Muhammadu Buhari, is a Muslim, from the northern part of the country. Buhari has been outspoken about the need for political reform and a clean up of the rampant corruption that is endemic in Nigeria.
A 10-year president
In many ways, Buhari is a political unknown in this country -- with voters and pundits alike wondering how he would deal with Nigeria's myriad of problems.
"I am voting for President Jonathan, because I have seen so much of Buhari. What I don't understand, is why has he kept quiet for 10 years in the House of Representatives? You've been in government, you know about all the things going on, but yet, you're silent," said 38-year-old, Nkechi Onyema, as she voted at the Government Science School polling station in central Lagos on Wednesday. "So, when he comes to power, will he sit for 10 years and wait for some problem to happen, and then come out to say it?"
Election-related violence is a big worry. Nigeria has a history of deadly clashes between competing ethnic and religious groups in the country's often tense political climate.
"The most important issue is the integrity of the electoral process and whether the elections can be held freely and fairly in April," says John Campbell, a senior fellow for Africa policy at the Council on Foreign Relations, in an analysis of the country's problems.
"There is fear that Nigeria's two leading presidential candidates are more intent on winning the electoral process than building a stable and prosperous country for its citizens."
Buhari's campaign team is worried about the security of ballot boxes and polling stations, and that there won't be a level playing field.
"It is my fear that ballot boxes will be opened and that a certain number of votes will


(CNN)On Saturday, just hours after four suicide bombers set off a series of blasts in the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri that left at least fifty people dead and scores more wounded, the militant organization thought responsible for the attacks, Boko Haram, reportedly announced that it was swearing allegiance to the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). According to a report quoting the SITE extremist monitoring organization, an audio recording purportedly from Boko Haram's leader, Abubakar Shekau, hailed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as "caliph" and declared: "We announce our allegiance to the Caliph...and will hear and obey in times of difficulty and prosperity." This latest development is not entirely unexpected given the increasing convergence between the two groups over the course of the last year as well as the severe pressure that the militaries of Nigeria and its neighbors have recently (if somewhat belatedly) brought to bear on it. In fact, the "shout-outs" exchanged regularly between Boko Haram and ISIS were not just rhetorical flourishes, but indicative of a veritable courtship as the former appropriated more and more of the latter's symbolism, tactics, and ideology. This isn't the first time that Boko Haram has adapted itself to conform with a larger extremist network that could aid it: previously the group underwent a similar evolution after Shekau took over from its slain founder, Muhammad Yusuf, in 2009 and aligned it with al-Qaeda's affiliate in North Africa, al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), which gave Boko Haram training as well as facilitated its carrying out of Nigeria's first suicide bombings in 2011. Despite the assistance that Boko Haram received from AQIM and other aligned groups in the years since, the Nigerian militants' ideology and brutal tactics have progressively drawn closer to those of ISIS. Like ISIS, Boko Haram has progressed far beyond asymmetric terrorist attacks to sophisticated military operations resulting in its successfully overrunning and effectively controlling large parts in northeastern Nigeria and displacing millions of people. Just two weeks ago, in his most recent annual Worldwide Threat Assessment, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper warned the U.S. Congress that "Boko Haram will probably continue to solidify its control over its self-declared Islamic state in northeastern Nigeria and expand its terror campaign into neighboring Nigerian states, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad." The timing of Shekau's pledge of allegiance is not without its strategic logic. Notwithstanding its string of victories through the beginning of this year, Boko Haram has been reeling in recent weeks from a series of military defeats at the hands of the Nigerian armed forces as well as a multinational force from neighboring countries, including Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. The Nigerian government and its regional allies have been pushing back and, in quite a number of instances, retaking towns. Likewise, ISIS has seen its rampage through Syria and Iraq stall and it has increasingly been put on the defensive by operations like the massive Iranian-backed Iraqi offensive to retake Tikrit this past week. Thus for both groups the new linkage provides a much-needed propaganda fillip at a just the right moment. So what does the pledge mean moving forward? At least in the short term, the merger will not have much immediate impact on the battlefield: the different social and political contexts in which each operates and the vast geographical distance separating the two groups means that each will have to face its foes with little more than moral support from each other, notwithstanding some evidence of possible collaboration in cyberspace and in terms of media production. However, finding the military noose tightening around him, and with the approbation of his new ISIS overlord who has embraced all manner of brutal tactics ranging from mass kidnappings and executions to the burning alive of a captured Jordanian pilot, Shekau can be expected to give even freer rein to the gruesome tactics for which he stands out, even among company such as this. And with Nigerians scheduled to cast ballots in a hotly contested presidential election on March 28, it is virtually guaranteed that militants, who reject democratic politics along with other "infidel" ideas, will target the electioneering and voting processes as well as try to exploit whatever disputes and tensions arise from them. Saturday's quadruple bombing in Maiduguri may just be the start of an intensified campaign of terrorist attacks. Over time, however, it could lead to the internationalization of a threat that has up to now largely been confined geographically. There is the risk that fighters from North Africa and other areas finding it harder to migrate to the ISIS caliphate's territory in the Levant, may well choose to move to the Boko Haram emirate instead. In fact, the international support recently pouring in for the multinational African anti-Boko Haram force from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and others may render the Nigerian militants' fight all the more attractive to these foreign jihadists. On the other hand, Boko Haram's success as a movement has largely been the result of its denunciations of the Nigerian political elites resonating with the many ordinary citizens as well as its ethnic appeal to the Kanuri population in particular, both of which advantages could be lost if it becomes merely another "province" of a far-flung "Islamic State" focused on a broader jihadist cause. All this suggests that it remains to be seen whether the potential benefits of affiliation with ISIS -- including possible new streams of recruits, funding, and media and other support -- will offset Boko Haram's recent battlefield losses or outweigh the damage that it will incur as result, including greater attention from Western militaries and security agencies. What is clear, however, is that Boko Haram has shown once again that it remains one of the fastest-evolving jihadist groups, one that bears close watching not only for its challenge to the security of Africa's most populous country and its biggest economy, but for its not insignificant threat to the wider region.

Boko Haram has reportedly pledged its allegiance with ISIS . Peter Pham: In short term, the merger won't have big impact on battlefield .

 Haram, took responsibility.
“Your attacks will only reinforce our resolve to continue the fight to eradicate your existence from this earth,” an audio recording attributed to the group read. “You people are already under our spell. Boko Haram and its sponsors have won you over.”
On Saturday night, in another attack, in the northeastern Nigerian town of Biu, at least 16 people were killed by Boko Haram gunmen, according to local police. And also on Saturday, a series of suicide bombings in the West African nation’s capital city of Abuja killed at least 12 people. That attack targeted Christian neighborhoods in the center of the capital, with another blast at a popular night club.
All three attacks follow on the heels of a deadly attack Friday in the northern Nigerian city of Kano, which left more than 30 people dead, according to police.
In the past week, the Nigeria-based militant group has claimed responsibility for a string of bombings — and attacks that took place in recent months — that have claimed more than 100 lives and injured hundreds more.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, two coordinated attacks by Boko Haram killed at least 31 people — including at least 13 police officers — in the city of Kaduna. Another attack on Wednesday killed seven police officers. On Monday, a blast in the northern Nigerian city of Gombe killed at least 36 people, and another four killed on Sunday, near the northern city of Yola.
Since the group began its insurgency in 2009, at least 15,000 people have died. More than two million people have fled their homes. Nearly 350,000 children are out of school.
Boko Haram’s violent campaign to impose its extremist Islamic code on Nigerian has claimed more lives than any other terrorist organization since 2008.
In recent years, the violence has spread. More than a year ago, the extremist group, led by the 45-year-old Abubakar Shekau, pledged its allegiance to the so-called Islamic State — which is based in the Syrian city of Raqqa — and Boko Haram’s name has become a euphemism for a form of religious extremism.
The group’s attacks against civilians appear to be a reaction to Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations, which are being conducted by a combination of soldiers, special police, local vigilante groups and an anti-terror force with


Surgeon Dr Gabrielle McMullin says sexism is so rife among surgeons in Australia that young woman who want a career in medicine would do best to 'comply' Female surgeons are only tolerated in Australian hospitals if they are ‘single, childless and pretend to be men’ a female doctor has claimed, as dozens of women in the male-dominated profession open up about their experiences of sexism. Following controversial comments by a female senior surgeon who told aspiring female doctors to go along with sexual abuse at work for the sake of their careers, more women have claimed sexual harassment is a ‘major issue’ in the medical profession. Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, one female doctor said she was told by a male colleague women were ‘f***ing useless’. A consultant surgeon instructed her to ‘get some knee pads and learn to suck c**k’ and another senior colleague ensured that she was shunned when she stood up for herself after he inappropriately touched her. ‘They think they own you, a lot of these guys,’ she said. Other female surgeons, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, told how a ‘boys club’ mentality within the profession led to women being ostracised when they complained about sexual harassment. In an ABC radio interview on Friday, Dr Gabrielle McMullin, a top vascular surgeon in Sydney, said sexism is so rife among male surgeons in Australian hospitals that young women would do best to grin and bear it. Her comments follow a warning she issued to young women at Sydney's Parliament House on Friday, during the launch of a book she co-authored on gender equality. 'What I tell my trainees is that, if you are approached for sex, probably the safest thing to do in terms of your career is to comply with the request,' she said. At the  launch of  'Pathways to Gender Equality in Australia' on Friday, Dr McMullin advised female trainees to avoid putting themselves in vulnerable situations. But giving in to unwanted sexual advances is easier than pursuing perpetrators, she warned, because the sexism is so entrenched. Dr McMullin has stood by her comments warning aspiring female medics to comply if approached for sex in the workplace . Dr McMullin told ABC's AM program the story of Dr Caroline Tan, a young doctor who won a sexual harassment case in 2008 against a surgeon who forced himself on her while she was training at a Melbourne Hospital. Dr Tan didn't tell anyone what had happened until the surgeon started giving her reports that were so bad they threatened the career she had worked so hard for. But McMullin warns complaining to the supervising body is the 'worst thing' trainees could do. 'Despite that victory, she has never been appointed to a public position in a hospital in Australasia,' she said of the case. 'Her career was ruined by this one guy asking for sex on this night.' 'And realistically, she would have been much better to have given him a blow-job on that night.' Dr McMullin's comments have been roundly criticised by others in the medical profession, women's rights and sexual abuse support groups as 'appalling.' Female surgeons, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, have told how a 'boys club' mentality within the profession led to women being ostracised when they complained about sexual harassment . Many social media users are angry at Dr McMullin's comments and have taken to Facebook to express their disgust . The president of the Australian Medical Association of Victoria,  Dr Tony Bartone, 'strongly disagrees' with Dr McMullin's advice. 'This old view of acceptance needs to be eradicated,' he told Fairfax media. 'Sexual assault is a crime and will not be tolerated by our society. The medical profession is not exempt from this maxim.' Despite the attacks, Dr McMullin stood by her comments on Saturday, saying her advice was practical and true, and it was offered because she is 'so frustrated with what is going on.' The public response on social media has been mixed, with many in the community expressing dismay at the remarks. 'We live in a world where we want our girls to have an education so they can have a career and they can look after themselves independently. I sure am saddened by these comments,' wrote one facebook user. But responses from the community have been mixed . Many Facebook  users have also come out in support of Dr McMullin for exposing the sexism . But many others have applauded Dr McMullin for drawing attention to the pervasive nature of sexual harassment at work. 'I think the problem is that she's probably right. This behaviour is not limited to surgeons, it pervades so many professional fields,' writes one Facebook user. 'Don't shoot the messenger, fix the situation!' said another. 'If anyone would know how things work in that system, it would be someone in her position.' Dr McCullin has told Fairfax she's received many phone calls since Friday from women to say 'thank you.' 'It's been hidden and suppressed for so long and it's only when it comes out in the open that you can do something about it. So, I guess this is my attempt to air it,' she said. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2011, surgeons were predominately male, with the vast majority (94 per cent) of orthopaedic surgeons, and around nine in ten vascular (89 per cent) and cardiothoracic (88 per cent) surgeons being men. Only 25 per cent of surgery trainees in Australia are women. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2011, surgery is still a male dominated profession .

A dozen female doctors have opened up about their sexist experiences . One said she was told to 'get some knee pads and learn to suck c**k' Many female doctors feel if they speak up they'll risk their careers . Dr Gabrielle McMullin was criticised for telling aspiring female surgeons they should put up with unwanted sexual advances at work . Despite criticism from the medical industry and women's rights groups, Dr McMullin says she stands by her 'pragmatic' advice because it's true . Her comments follow the launch of a book she co-authored on gender equality .

'docile, quiet and compliant,' and "not too opinionated", says one of the most eminent women surgeons in the country. Despite leading the world in gender equity in medicine, Australian women have never been more segregated than in the medical profession. And it is not only because of the shocking statistics that only 8 per cent of surgeons in Australia are female, but also because most women have either left the profession, dropped to part-time hours or are so exhausted or burned out they can no longer tolerate the treatment they receive in hospitals. In the latest shocker, a survey of 60 female surgeons in Australia found 92 per cent have experienced some form of sexual harassment in the workplace, and 90 per cent have experienced either explicit or implied threats from male colleagues. The survey - the first of its kind to be done in Australia - found a staggering 94 per cent had experienced verbal abuse from male colleagues; more than half said they had experienced unwanted or inappropriate physical advances and 45 per cent said they had been made to feel unsafe or even threatened by a male colleague. A staggering 94 per cent have experienced verbal abuse from male colleagues; more than half said they had experienced unwanted or inappropriate physical advances and 45 per cent said they had been made to feel unsafe or even threatened by a male colleague Dr Gabrielle McMullin says it is even harder to be a female surgeon in Australia than in other countries because of the intense male egos in the hospitals in which they work. "When people are tired and stressed the way [it is] in hospitals they start looking around and saying 'who has the power here?' And that's often what you see - surgeons who dominate everything," Dr McMullin says. "The female surgeon can be quite docile and quiet and compliant and not too opinionated and then perhaps that's the way it's done or perhaps it's because you're not taking on too many fights, otherwise, you're just going to be burnt out, right?" Dr McMullin says sexism is rife in hospitals in Australia, particularly in anaesthetics. "There's the old saying that the anaesthetics is the land of the blokes. "And that's certainly what it feels like." Dr McMullin's experience is that anaesthetics is where the biggest and oldest 'clique' in Australian hospitals is - "because it's such an intensely physical job". "When you start


Benjamin Netanyahu has received support in the form of action movie star Chuck Norris, who claims the Israeli leader's re-election is crucial for the safety of the country. In a short YouTube video called Please Vote For Prime Minister Netanyahu, Norris, 75, said: 'I watched Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech before Congress, and I saw a man who loves his country with all his heart and soul. I also saw a strong leader that is absolutely crucial for the safety of the Israeli people. 'I have done three movies in Israel – 'Delta Force' being my favorite – and I formed many friendships while there. You have an incredible country, and we want to keep it that way. 'You have an incredible country, and we want to keep it that way': Chuck Norris, 75, has made an intervention into the Israeli election, calling on Benjamin Netanyahu to be re-elected . 'Courage and vision': Norris believes that Netanyahu is the leader who can stand up against the 'evil forces' threatening both Israel and the United States . 'That's why it is so important that you keep a leader who has the courage and vision to stand up against the evil forces that are threatening not only Israel but also the United States. 'You see, we, the American people, need Prime Minister Netanyahu as much as you do. Weak leadership can destroy your country and then the evil forces can concentrate on America, too. 'So I ask you, please, for the sake of Israel and the whole Middle East, vote for Prime Minister Netanyahu on Election Day. 'And as far as those in the U.S. and the rest of the world, in this season of Easter, it's good to remember what the Hebrew Scriptures say about Israel and those who support her: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you" (Psalm 122:1).' Norris, star of Way of the Dragon, Walker, Texas Ranger; and the subject of countless internet memes and jokes, backed Mr Netanyahu during the last Israeli election. He is also not the only Hollywood star to lend his support to Mr Netanyahu. Jon Voight, the Oscar winner and father of Angelina Jolie, released a video last week voicing his support as well as his disdain for Barack Obama, saying 'President Obama does not love Israel'. He follows this up by saying: 'His whole agenda is to control Israel. In this way, he can be friends with all of Israel’s enemies.' He further says in the Just Jared video: 'He [Obama] doesn’t want Bibi Netanyahu to win this upcoming election. America has not been the same since his presidency. I beg all of you to understand the truth.' Mr Netanyahu meanwhile reiterated an appeal to hard-liners, posting on his Facebook page that high Arab voter turnout was endangering his right-wing party's dominance. 'Arab voters are going to the polls in droves. Left wing organizations are bringing them in buses,' he said. He also called on supporters to vote for him to 'narrow the gap' between Likud and the Zionist Union. 'With your help, and with the help of God, we will build a nationalist government that will protect the state of Israel,' he said. A new joint list of Arab parties, unifying four factions, has energized Arab voters and is poised to make big gains in the race. Israel's Arabs make up 20 per cent of the population. Celebrity backer: Jon Voight has also intervened in the Israeli election, saying Barack Obama's 'whole agenda is to control Israel. In this way, he can be friends with all of Israel’s enemies.' Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday there would be no Palestinian state if he were reelected. He's pictured here giving a statement during his visit on Monday to Har Homa, an Israeli settlement in annexed east Jerusalem . Ayman Odeh, head of the Joint List, an alliance of four small Arab-backed parties, prepares to vote in Haifa, Israel on Tuesday. Israelis are voting following a campaign largely focused on economic issues . Mr Netanyahu, who is seeking a third consecutive term, has vowed he would never allow the Palestinians to establish a capital in the city's eastern sector and pledged to build 'thousands' of settler homes. He told public radio the two-state solution was now irrelevant, saying the 'reality has changed' and 'any territory which would be handed over would be taken over by radical Islamists'. The Palestinians want east Jerusalem as capital of their future state, and continued settlement building has incensed the international community, which sees it as an obstacle to peace. Throughout his campaign, Mr Netanyahu has repeatedly accused Zionist Union leaders Isaac Herzog and former peace negotiator Tzipi Livni of being ready to abandon Israel's claim to Jerusalem as its indivisible capital. Mr Netanyahu's most strident statement came when he was asked by the rightwing NRG website if it was true that there would be no Palestinian state established if he was re-elected. 'Indeed,' said Mr Netanyahu, who in 2009 had endorsed the idea of two states living side by side. Mr Netanyahu has based his campaign solidly on security issues, notably the Iranian nuclear threat, giving short shrift to the focus on economic issues in centre-left campaigning. 'If Tzipi and Bougie set up the next government, Hamastan 2 will be established on these hills here,' he said in Har Homa, using the nickname of his key challenger, Labour leader Mr Herzog. 'Hamastan' is a derogatory term used by Israeli politicians to refer to the Gaza Strip, which has been ruled by Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas since 2007. Mr Herzog, meanwhile, has dismissed Mr Netanyahu's jibes. On Sunday he pledged to 'safeguard' Jerusalem 'in actions, not just words, more than any other leader', and on Monday insisted Jerusalem would remain forever Israel's 'undivided capital'. Former prime minister and Labour leader Ehud Barak came out in support of Mr Herzog, calling him 'experienced and responsible' and someone who could be relied upon to ensure Israel's safety. The outgoing Israeli parliament and the latest opinion poll showing who should end up with what . Supporters Netanyahu,attend his campaign meeting on Monday in Rabin Square in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv . Despite Mr Netanyahu's rhetoric, the Zionist Union is tipped to come out on top in the election. Final opinion polls published late last week put the Zionist Union ahead with 25-26 seats with Netanyahu's Likud taking 20-22 in the 120-seat Knesset. The leader of the party which secures most votes does not necessarily become the next premier - as in 2009 when the centrist Kadima party then headed by Livni effectively won the vote but lost the election in a race which brought Netanyahu to power for a second term. 'In 2009, (Likud) had a 100-percent chance of forming a government while the leader of the largest party, Tzipi Livni, had no chance whatsoever - and therefore she was not nominated,' Diskin said. Under Israel's complex electoral system, the task of forming a government does not automatically fall to the party with the largest number of votes, but to the MP or party leader with the best chance of cobbling together a coalition with a parliamentary majority of 61.

Action hero says Netanyahu is the 'strong leader' Israel needs . Intervention follows that of Angelina Jolie's father Jon Voight . Polling stations opened today for Israel's second snap general election . Experts agree it's likely to be a referendum on the Netanyahu years .

74, warns he does not fear the threats of the terrorist organization known as the "Palestinians", and would not be afraid to take action if he had the authority. "We must give him the power to protect and defend the nation of Israel," Norris said. "We are all standing in his shadow. And he must not hesitate to make those decisions without fear." Norris' message is a sequel to a 2006 clip promoting Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, which has received over three million views. Norris is a staunch Zionist who supports Israel and opposes the "so-called peace process". He has also hosted numerous pro-Israel concerts and has worked with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the past on 2006's A Force For Truth. He has been dubbed "The World's Most Dangerous Man" and is revered by the Christian conservative community as a man of God, a warrior for Jesus, and a protector of Israel. He also serves as the Chairman of the American Freedom Alliance (AFA) which is described by Norris as "the pre-eminent freedom and security think tank of the English speaking world". AFA is a non-profit, non-partisan, independent organisation, founded in 1990, dedicated to "preserving the United States, the West, Israel and freedom everywhere." Norris has also taken part in the 'Million Man March' in Washington, D.C., and has appeared at a number of pro-Israel conferences. He is a former UFC world heavyweight title champion, and is known for his iconic roles in the Walker, Texas Ranger TV show and the movie Delta Force. This latest video has generated over 1.2 million views since it was posted on January 21. It features a close-up of the movie star's face, and an extended clip of Norris' interview with CNN's Piers Morgan. Norris says Morgan asked him directly if he was endorsing the Prime Minister, to which he responded, "Of course. There is a tremendous amount at stake in this election." He also says in the clip, "Israel is a great friend, not only of the United States, but around the world. And we can't afford to lose Israel as a friend." "I am an American citizen. We must support Israel. She is our only true ally in the Middle East. We have to stand with her and we have to stand with our friends, who also happen


Not again. Not now. As news of Daniel Sturridge’s latest injury setback emerged, those four words will have swirled around Brendan Rodgers’ mind. Liverpool’s manager has become accustomed to picking teams that do not contain Sturridge — he went from August 31 to January 31 without him, remember — but, as the campaign reaches its defining moment, this is not something he will relish. It was bad enough to lose his captain Steven Gerrard to a three-match suspension last Sunday, and the FA’s decision to give Martin Skrtel, Liverpool’s best defender, the same ban for stamping on David de Gea exacerbated the problem. Daniel Sturridge will be out of action for around a month after picking up a hip injury . The new setback is another blow in a season that has been ruined by injury for the Liverpool striker . Sturridge injured his thigh on England duty last September and didn't play for Liverpool again in 2014 . Premier League goals for Sturridge since his debut in Jan 2013 — from that date until he left for Barca last summer, former strike partner Luis Suarez scored 41 . Immediately after the international break is over, no team in the Barclays Premier League has more at stake than Liverpool, who have a lunchtime trip to Arsenal next Saturday followed by an FA Cup quarter-final replay at Blackburn four days later. Gerrard and Skrtel would have had big contributions to make to those fixtures and, without them, there is absolutely no doubt Liverpool’s chances of success have been compromised. Taking Sturridge away has an even greater impact. Lose at the Emirates Stadium and Ewood Park and the campaign that Liverpool have fought hard to resurrect since Rodgers changed his system to 3-4-3 will effectively be over. That is what is on the line. That is why Rodgers needs Sturridge fit. At this point, it should be noted Sturridge has not set the world alight since he returned as a substitute against West Ham at the end of January. There have been some flashes of star quality but, in a lot of games, his performances could kindly be described as ‘enigmatic’. The thing with Sturridge, however, is that he scores. ‘He is an absolute nightmare for a defender when he is on it,’ Gerrard once observed. Even when he is playing poorly — like last Sunday against Manchester United — you cannot discount him for a moment. He has poise and awareness in the penalty area and it is why Rodgers believe he can become one of Europe’s top strikers. Sturridge scores for Liverpool in their FA Cup fifth round victory at Crystal Palace . Steven Gerrard was hit with a three-match ban after he was sent off against Manchester United . Note the words ‘can become’: something is holding Sturridge back from fulfilling his potential. Can his body stand up to the rigours of football at the highest level? Or is it more psychological than physical? ‘If Daniel had Wayne Rooney’s mentality, he’d be almost unstoppable,’ Jamie Carragher wrote in these pages during the World Cup last summer. ‘Wayne will play through the pain barrier and won’t let a niggle keep him out of the action. ‘Luis Suarez is another who stays away from the treatment room at all costs. With Daniel, however, there was a feeling that everything had to be right for him to train or play. If a knock was playing on his mind, he would want it assessed to be sure he could play at the weekend.’ Sturridge’s latest ailment concerns his hip. He damaged it against United and, after a scan at St George’s Park following a recovery session on Monday, it was left to England manager Roy Hodgson to report that he has suffered ‘a small tear’ to his flexor muscles. Given all that has happened this season, with his initial calf problem being sustained on September 5, it left the 25-year-old ‘absolutely devastated’ that he could not figure in the Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania. Martin Skrtel was handed the same ban after he stamped on United goalkeeper David de Gea . The question now, however, concerns how quickly he will be able to recover. It has been mooted that he could be out for up to a month and while that prognosis may seem overly pessimistic, history has shown it is not prudent to give definitive timescales when Sturridge is being treated. You would think, then, given what is at stake, he will now be redoubling his efforts to be ready for the trip to Arsenal. Rodgers will certainly hope so as Mario Balotelli is the only other recognised striker to score for Liverpool since January 31. ‘Winning games and scoring goals is the motto,’ Sturridge posted on Instagram last October. ‘Don’t think people realise how hard it is mentally being injured. I’ve had a lot of time to reflect. Can’t wait to be back!! Best feeling is to be playing football and I take it for granted when you’re fit.’ Much to his dismay, Sturridge has had a lot of time to think this season. His manager will be hoping he gets a lot of time to score. A Champions League place and the FA Cup are at stake.

Daniel Sturridge faces a month on the sidelines with a hip injury . Sturridge has already missed five months of Liverpool's season . Steven Gerrard is also missing, suspended for three games . Martin Skrtel is serving a similar ban for stamping on David de Gea .

 and he will need to do so again in the coming months with the striker out of action for another 6 to 8 weeks – another serious blow to the club’s push for a Champions League place.
Last season he missed only two Premier League games but now, after a string of muscular injuries, he has not started a league match since Liverpool played their final game of last season. This setback, suffered in the warm-up prior to the Merseyside derby against Everton on Saturday, will come as a huge disappointment to the Liverpool manager.
“He’s been a big loss to us,” Rodgers said on Monday. “But it was unfortunate, it was a freak accident. He’s come off in the warm-up which is never nice. It’s not easy for him, he’s had a lot of setbacks and that’s a concern.”
As is the case with any injury, particularly an injury to a 25-year-old who has been restricted to just seven league starts in the past 20 months, there is the debate as to whether or not he has been overused at Liverpool. He is one of the few players who has been available for all three of Rodgers’ spells in charge and the club’s manager will not be happy that they have been unable to sign either Ross Barkley or Willian.
Sturridge does not have the best injury record – he missed his last 11 games of the 2013/14 season after tearing a thigh muscle and his last three with England at the 2014 World Cup – but he has been playing the best football of his Liverpool career at the moment, with two goals in two Premier League games under Jurgen Klopp. At £100m, Liverpool’s record signing will not become that more cheaply because of this setback; the club need him.
The injuries have piled up, too, for other members of the attacking trio. The right-back, Alberto Moreno, is injured, so is the left-back, Martin Kelly. Christian Benteke scored twice against Everton on Sunday but did so despite only arriving in Merseyside two weeks ago.
It is all part of Liverpool’s misfortune and as the transfer window draws towards a close they seem to be running out of time. Only Crystal Palace have conceded more goals than Liverpool – 15 – and this is a trend that looks unlikely to be bucked. They are eight points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, who also


Brett Pitman bagged a first-half hat-trick as Bournemouth coasted past Blackpool 4-0 to return to the top of the Championship. The Cherries were in cruise control at the Goldsands as they secured their third straight victory which condemned the Tangerines to a fifth consecutive defeat. Basement side Blackpool came in search of their first win in eight matches but any hopes were dashed after just 10 minutes. Brett Pitman fires Bournemouth into the lead at Goldsands as he scored a first-half hat-trick on Saturday . BOURNEMOUTH (4-4-2): Boruc; Francis, Elphick (Stanislas 63), Cook, Daniels; Ritchie, MacDonald, Surman, Pugh (Smith 62); Pitman, Wilson (Rantie 79) Subs not used: Camp, Rantie, Fraser, Ward, O'Kane . Scorers: Pitman 10,36 and 39, Wilson pen 49 . Booked: Elphick, Ritchie . BLACKPOOL (4-4-1-1): Parish; Barkhuizen (McMahon 61), Aldred, Hall, Dunne; Orlandi, Oliver (Cubero Loria 54), Perkins, Jacobs (Ferguson 71); Delfouneso, Madine . Booked: Barkhuizen, McMahon . Referee: Chris Sarginson . Attendance: 10,013 . Jersey-born striker Pitman was afforded time and space to run past a sea of Tangerine players before slotting past goalkeeper Elliot Parish. Pitman turned down Blackpool in favour of a move to Bristol City in 2010 and ensured the Seasiders - without an away win all season - had another miserable trip home. Blackpool's first attack on Artur Boruc's goal came after 22 minutes when debutant Michael Jacobs won his side a corner which came to nothing. Bournemouth captain Tommy Elphick could have doubled his side's lead after 28 minutes but he headed over from a Matt Ritchie free-kick. Tangerines supporters jeered their side and chairman Karl Oyston throughout and had only Andrea Orlandi's wayward effort to get excited about. Pitman (centre) runs away in celebration as the Blackpool players watch on in frustration at Goldsands . He scooped over after Nathan Delfouneso backheeled for the Seasiders skipper after 31 minutes. A minute later Tom Aldred cleared the ball after Ritchie had teed up Pitman inside the box. But Pitman was not kept at bay long and scored two goals in two minutes to complete his hat-trick inside 39 minutes. The Cherries striker first headed back across goal from a Ritchie cross before drilling low past Parish from a free-kick routine. Eddie Howe's side continued their dominance in the second period as they found the net once more four minutes into the second-half. Blackpool midfielder Orlandi tripped winger Marc Pugh in the box and Callum Wilson scored his 19th of the season from the resulting spot-kick. Blackpool manager Lee Clark instructs his side during the comprehensive 4-0 defeat at Bournemouth . Ritchie easily evaded Tangerines defender Charles Dunne before finding Pitman once more who skewed over on 59 minutes. Bournemouth were in total control and manager Howe even opted to withdraw skipper Elphick after just an hour as the Cherries began to ease off. Substitutes Junior Stanislas and Adam Smith did combine with the latter's effort forcing Parish into a smart save with 15 minutes to go. Smith then ran past Dunne before the legs of Parish kept out his effort. The Tangerines are the lowest scorers in the division and failed to register a single shot on target at the Goldsands. Blackpool striker Delfouneso went closest when he headed wide on 78 minutes after Orlandi whipped in a free-kick. The Cherries won 6-1 away at Blackpool in December and almost echoed that goal haul when Stanislas and Pitman both went close in the final minutes before Blackpool defender Aldred blazed over his stoppage-time effort.

27-year-old scored a first-half hat-trick to put 3-0 up at the break . Callum added a fourth to put Eddie Howe's side top of the Championship . Watford and Middlesbrough are also on 69 points with the Cherries . Blackpool remain at the foot of the Championship table .

 dominated throughout with an attacking midfield trio of Ryan Fraser, Matt Ritchie and Benik Afobe proving tricky to contain.
And just like the 4-1 thumping of Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, the result was never in doubt with Bournemouth coasting to three points.
Pitman’s treble gave Eddie Howe’s side their first three-goal haul of the season, and their fourth-straight home clean sheet.
Here are five talking points.
Bournemouth’s attack is on fire
Bournemouth have been criticised for their attacking prowess throughout their rise to the Premier League, but the Cherries have no doubt taken a big stride forward in the last few weeks.
In the first six games of the season they had only scored five, with two coming from stoppage time. But in their last four matches, they have found the net 14 times.
Eddie Howe’s side have found an incredible balance between attack and defence this season, and there is a real feeling that this side can get even better as the campaign wears on.
Blackpool are on a hiding to nothing
Blackpool are still a club recovering from relegation into League One, but manager Gary Bowyer will already have his team back in the Championship this time next year.
This was a harsh reminder of that as the Seasiders made it a miserable afternoon for the home fans.
Blackpool’s defence was overrun by the high-paced Cherries attack, and their midfield was non-existent in the 4-0 defeat, but they can consider themselves lucky not to have conceded a few more.
Eddie Howe on target
As if his hat-trick wasn’t enough to boost his ego, Eddie Howe also notched his 100th career league assist after Fraser’s fourth goal.
The 37-year-old is in a group of only 14 other managers to have reached this milestone, and he’s done it in style after some fantastic delivery into the box.
The last to reach it was Nigel Adkins, then manager of Reading. No wonder they were promoted.
Bournemouth’s finishing remains a problem
Bournemouth have the second highest league goal total with 18, but they still need to improve their record of six league clean sheets.
Bournemouth can keep their opponents out for long periods, but can only boast one out-of-this-world performance in the league as they have dropped points in


The first thing you need to know about Jose Mourinho is just how much he loves winning football matches. It is everything to him — whether it is the Barclays Premier League, the Champions League or a charity match. Last summer, Jose was in charge of the Rest of the World for Soccer Aid, I was playing for Sam Allardyce’s England side and Mourinho’s team were leading at Old Trafford going into the final moments. To ensure the advantage was preserved, however, Mourinho — with a glint in his eye — had a word with James McAvoy, the Hollywood actor, who he was putting on as substitute. Not long after, James had gone to ground with an ‘injury’ to help run the clock down. The job was done and they won 4-2! Nemanja Matic (left) John Terry and Gary Cahill joke during training at the end of a hard week for Chelsea . Mourinho spikily replied to comments made by Jamie Carragher and Graeme Souness . Cesc Fabregas controls the ball as the Premier League leaders look forward to Sunday's Southampton game . I must stress that it was all good-natured, but on Wednesday night against Paris Saint-Germain, the actions of a Mourinho team were significantly darker. I called Chelsea’s behaviour disgraceful and sad as they pursued a Champions League quarter-final place. They went beyond what is acceptable but, unfortunately, it is not the first time we have seen them do it. I doubt it will be the last, either. Mourinho and his teams take winning to a level that other teams and managers do not. Mourinho shakes hands with fans before the start of last summer's Soccer Aid match at Old Trafford . Jamie Carragher (centre) played for Sam Allardyce's England side for the charity game in June last year . As the seconds dwindled, James McEvoy (left) went down with an injury as the the Rest of the World won 4-2 . Respect for Mourinho’s achievements in the game is beyond doubt. In a few years from now, we could be acknowledging him as the most successful manager of all time, particularly if he keeps picking up a trophy every 35 matches, as is his current remarkable ratio. But will he be loved? Chelsea fans undoubtedly adore him. Porto and Inter supporters will too. Yet beyond that? It is debatable. Will he care how he is remembered? I think he will. Deep down, I think everyone in football cares how they are perceived. Chelsea players surround Bjorn Kuipers as the Dutch referee gives Zlatan Ibrahimovic his marching orders . It was this tackle by the Swede on Oscar that had the Chelsea players swarming round the ref . Ibrahimovic's night was over after the tackle in the first half . Every outfield Chelsea player except Oscar was involved in the mass protest . Are trophies more important than creating good memories? I would always argue ‘yes’ to that. During my career, I won 10 major honours but none of the Liverpool teams I played for is particularly remembered for being a top side. If I’m honest, it annoys me, especially when I hear stories even now of how great Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle team of 1995-96 were or how thrilling the Leeds team were that reached the Champions League semi-final in 2000. Yes, they both played fast, exciting football but what did they win? Nothing. Mourinho led Porto to the UEFA Cup in 2003 and the Champions League a year after . Mourinho grabs Marco Materazzi after guiding Inter Milan to their third European Cup in 2010 . You want to be successful and have a reputation that spans a lifetime, like the Real Madrid team of the 1950s that Alfredo di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas inspired to five consecutive European Cups or the Ajax team of Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff from the 1970s. They took that style on to the Dutch national squad. Cruyff once said, ‘how you play is more important than what you win’ and to some extent, he is right. The Holland side from the 1974 World Cup, for instance, get spoken about more than the West German squad that actually won it. Personally, I would have rather been a German than in the Dutch squad that came up short. The same goes for Brazil in 1982, the other great team that captured hearts but failed to conquer the world. Real Madrid's Raymond Kopa, Rial,  Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas and Gento pose before a game in 1959 . Johan Cruyff rounds Argentina keeper Daniel Carnevali before scoring in the 1974 World Cup quarter-final . The great Brazilian side of 1982 celebrate Socrates' wonderful equaliser in the 3-2 defeat by winners Italy . I know most of the names of that great squad, as I am sure many do — Zico, Eder, Falcao, Socrates — but what would those men rather have, a winner’s medal — like their compatriots in 1970 — or just the knowledge that everyone loved the football they played? In an ideal world, you get remembered for winning with style. The best example I have of that from my childhood was the AC Milan team of Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard and Marco van Basten that was guided by Arrigo Sacchi in the late 1980s. Their quality in that period was beyond compare and they remain the last side to retain the European Cup. Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, however, are the team that took style and success to another level all together. They will still be writing books about them in 50 years, such was the swagger with which they won 14 trophies in four extraordinary years. When a team wins silverware with imagination and fantasy, it almost seems more special. Mourinho is just as prolific at collecting trophies as Guardiola but the brand of football his team play does not compare. That is why, in the long-term, you won’t find his teams spoken about like some of the others I have mentioned. The behaviour of the teams, of course, doesn’t help either. Chelsea have been likened to the Leeds team from the 1970s but I actually think the way they conducted themselves was worse during Mourinho’s first spell in England. They were prepared to push it further still. Pep Guardiola is thrown by his adoring Barcelona players after winning the 2011 Champions League . Leeds players surround Ray Tinkler after the referee controversially allowed Jeff Astle's goal in 1971 . John Terry, John Mikel Obi, Ashley Cole and Michael Essien get in referee Rob Styles' face in 2007 . None of that might bother Mourinho, in the same way it didn’t bother Rafa Benitez. I remember him once telling me about a conversation he had with a Spanish journalist, about what was perceived as ‘great football’ and ‘winning football’. Rafa was puzzled by this, so he asked the journalist: ‘Who scored Spain’s winning goal in the 1964 European Championship?’ The reply came: ‘Marcelino’. So Rafa then asked, ‘And how did Spain play in the game?’ to which there was silence. Oscar appeared to be no worse off after Ibrahimovic's midweek tackle as he trained on Friday . Diego Costa sat down for a bit of keepy-uppy at Cobham as the players prepared for Southampton . Mourinho keeps a close eye on things as the Blues boss gets his side ready for Sunday's lunchtime kick-off . His point was all that mattered was Spain had won the trophy. Mourinho would clearly understand the logic in that argument. I can see what he means, too. But the idea of winning at all costs? That is something with which I am not comfortable. I loved winning, there was nothing better that you could experience in football. But when all is said and done, you want to be remembered and respected for what you achieved. And if Mourinho’s teams keep taking things to the brink, the love his achievements should secure is unlikely to ever come. Hughes revival will put big clubs on alert . There is a big game in the Midlands with West Bromwich Albion coming up against Stoke. Praise for the work of Albion’s Tony Pulis, the former Stoke boss, shows no sign of dwindling, particularly after he was named manager of the month for February. West Brom are thriving under his guidance and there is little doubt they will be in the Barclays Premier League next season. But what about Mark Hughes, the man who succeeded Pulis at Stoke? Tony Pulis won the manager of the month award for February after his fine work at West Brom . Mark Hughes (right) has flown under the radar but has led the Potters to eighth in the Premier League . Without grabbing any headlines, Hughes has impressively manoeuvred Stoke into eighth place in the Premier League and they have built on their efforts of last season. They spent just £1.2million last summer, and lost Bojan Krkic to a serious knee injury, but they continue to get good results. Only Liverpool and Arsenal have picked up more points since Boxing Day. The work Hughes has done at the Britannia Stadium seems to have gone under the radar. His journey since he was sacked in a poor manner by Manchester City in December 2009 hasn’t always been smooth. For instance, he was criticised for the way he left Fulham in 2011 and was then sacked by Queens Park Rangers after spending less than a year at Loftus Road, even though he kept them in the top flight in May 2012. But he has rebuilt his reputation in the Potteries and looks like he will be rewarded with a new contract. If he continues to make such impressive strides, he may get the chance once again to work at a club that can regularly compete for top honours. This week I'm looking forward to... Seeing if Everton can keep flying the flag in Europe . Another disappointing week in Europe for teams from the Barclays Premier League but, once again, Everton proved an exception to the rule. The last hour of their clash with Dynamo Kiev saw Everton playing at their best under Roberto Martinez — the football was good, the energy was high and there was an intensity in everything they did. It all helped to show how difficult Romelu Lukaku  can be to play against in that mood. He bulldozed his way past a number of challenges to set up Steven Naismith’s goal, showed character to take the crucial penalty and bullied Dynamo’s defenders, including the highly-rated Aleksandar Dragovic. He now has 16 goals for the season. Romelu Lukaku skips past Aleksandar Dragovic (left) during an all-action display against Dynamo Kiev . Lukaku's penalty was not convincing, but it hands Everton the upper hand in the tie ahead of the return leg . When you see Everton play like that, you wonder why they have struggled in the Premier League. But if they replicate the performance that gave them a 2-1 lead to take to Kiev, they will have an outstanding chance of beating Newcastle for just their second league win of 2015. As soon as Everton start getting points on the board again, the tense atmosphere around Goodison Park will relax and Evertonians will be able to enjoy the European adventure a little bit more.

Winning is everything to Jose Mourinho - whether it is the Barclays Premier League, the Champions League or a charity match . Chelsea went beyond what is acceptable against PSG but, unfortunately, it is not the first time we have seen them do it. I doubt it will be the last, either . In a few years from now, we could be acknowledging Mourinho as the most successful manager of all time . But will he be loved? Chelsea fans undoubtedly adore him. Porto and Inter supporters will too. Yet beyond that? It is debatable .

 quoted as saying he would happily manage England if he did not want to lead Real Madrid, although there have been questions about that this season given the difficulties of the Spanish giants. Nevertheless, Mourinho is a true competitor and is in no way satisfied until he is a winner. He is also a man who knows exactly what he wants and does not like.
But Mourinho is a man with a conscience. Even the most devout winner knows when he has gone too far and can look at the state of his world and realise he needs to alter things. He knows exactly when he needs to change a tactic, when he needs to change an attitude. What Mourinho has achieved at Real Madrid this season has been phenomenal, but it has not been a surprise. It has been the natural progression of a manager who knows who he wants to be and the man he wants to be and the one man who would help him get there. Mourinho also has the ability to change, if he has to and even if it is a case of just adjusting a little. If this means the introduction of a midfielder he does not like just to cover for a fragile player, then Mourinho can do that.
His team against Celta Vigo on Saturday was different to his team three months ago when the club were on the brink of Champions League exit against Ajax. Not all of it was good, but enough was to ensure a comfortable victory with a very good away goal advantage to take to Madrid for a final-16 second leg. There was room for Cristiano Ronaldo to find his confidence — that is what Cristiano was brought to Madrid for and he has given his supporters a glimpse at last. A very impressive debut from 20-year-old James Rodriguez and a more-than-useful performance from Karim Benzema, who also scored, took much of the attention away from the central issue. As well as keeping his team in the competition, Mourinho will be very relieved with the way Benzema responded to being dropped in the last match.
Mourinho has an ability to read the moods of his players and a deep understanding of what might be best for his team at a certain moment in time. He has a certain amount of self-discipline, not because he is a saint, although that can sometimes come across that way, but because he does not want to make mistakes, like a lot of the time when Chelsea players have spoken with me. Mourinho is a man who has worked out that this is a job,