Yeah i know, it's not been a weekly wrap lately but hey
Snooker Dept
Well it's the first time I've ever been to the World Snooker Championships at the Crucible theatre in Sheffield. Of course, the real exercise is to see if you can get spotted. My dad and my friend's workmates apparently spotted us in the back though I didn't see me in this frame (excuse the german;)
Mayor of London Dept
Well the fight is on and on May 1st, the people of London will decide who will be the new mayor. But have a look at this question time session. Weirder still, Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman had her blog hacked/defaced to say she was resigning from the Labour party and backing Boris for Mayor. As the old song goes "Popularity breeds contempt!"
Great balls of fire Dept
Only in Canada, would someone get tasered by the police and have pants ignite and catch fire!
Showing posts with label Weekly Wrap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weekly Wrap. Show all posts
Saturday, 26 April 2008
Sunday, 30 March 2008
Weekly Wrap (29/3/2008)
Eurovision Song Dept
Been having a look some of entries for the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 that takes place on May 24th. Over in the UK, there has been a lot of interest in Dustin the Turkey which is amazing because it is Irish entry. The song is quite a riot and for some reason comparisons with Zig and Zag. Not surprisingly, people have been betting on it (probably the Irish and their punts). I saw the video for the Bosnia entry and that features a chicken? I checked out Armenia's entry "qele qele". Not too bad of song and I can see why it is one of the favourites. Forget the Romanian entry, it nearly put me to sleep. Latvia might do well what with tactical voting and all. Their performance could be interesting as they dress up pirates as in the group's name. But of the ones, I've had so far my personal fav is the entry from Bulgaria from Deep Zone and Balthazar with the song "DJ, Take me away" that wouldn't look uncool in a club. So I will probably go for Bulgaria and Bosnia for me.
Music Dept
Congratulations to Leona Lewis for being the first brit female to hit the number 1 spot in the states since Kim Wilde
Diving Dept
Yes diving is in the news as Tom Daley became the new European highboard diving champion. What's perhaps is more amazing is the fact he is only 13.
Tigerwatch
Tiger Woods remarkable winning streak came to an end when he lost by a couple of shots to former US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy.
Boxing vs Wrestling Dept
Well it's Wrestlemania and Floyd Mayweather is taking his credentials into the wrestling ring. He must be paid a heck of a lot of money to fight someone twice the size of him. C'mon if it were real, the Big Show would have beat up Mayweather. As much as we'd love to see that over here, I think his insurance and contract probably stops this from happening
Been having a look some of entries for the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 that takes place on May 24th. Over in the UK, there has been a lot of interest in Dustin the Turkey which is amazing because it is Irish entry. The song is quite a riot and for some reason comparisons with Zig and Zag. Not surprisingly, people have been betting on it (probably the Irish and their punts). I saw the video for the Bosnia entry and that features a chicken? I checked out Armenia's entry "qele qele". Not too bad of song and I can see why it is one of the favourites. Forget the Romanian entry, it nearly put me to sleep. Latvia might do well what with tactical voting and all. Their performance could be interesting as they dress up pirates as in the group's name. But of the ones, I've had so far my personal fav is the entry from Bulgaria from Deep Zone and Balthazar with the song "DJ, Take me away" that wouldn't look uncool in a club. So I will probably go for Bulgaria and Bosnia for me.
Music Dept
Congratulations to Leona Lewis for being the first brit female to hit the number 1 spot in the states since Kim Wilde
Diving Dept
Yes diving is in the news as Tom Daley became the new European highboard diving champion. What's perhaps is more amazing is the fact he is only 13.
Tigerwatch
Tiger Woods remarkable winning streak came to an end when he lost by a couple of shots to former US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy.
Boxing vs Wrestling Dept
Well it's Wrestlemania and Floyd Mayweather is taking his credentials into the wrestling ring. He must be paid a heck of a lot of money to fight someone twice the size of him. C'mon if it were real, the Big Show would have beat up Mayweather. As much as we'd love to see that over here, I think his insurance and contract probably stops this from happening
Friday, 21 March 2008
Weekly Wrap (21/3/2008)
Football Dept
England's big four play each other over the Easter period, Liverpool take on Manchester United, whilst Chelsea and Arsenal duel. This should really open the title race, particularly if Man Utd and Arsenal both lose. The fairytale is really almost over for Gretna who managed to gain 3 consecutive promotions from division 3 to the Scottish Premiership but due to Brookes Mileson's illness and no more cash injection, they really have fallen on hard times. Players considered striking for not being paid accordingly and of course points deducted for falling into administration
On a lighter note, East Fife won the division 3 title only to find when they wanted to celebrate after their 3-0 win at East Stirling, they had their champagne taken away by police because they were in glass bottles!!!
Tigerwatch
Tiger is in Florida for the World Golf Championship where he is looking to win his 8th straight tournament. He is only two shots off the lead after the first round. He's almost unstoppable. He was 50/1 to win all 4 majors, now he is only a stingy 8/1 and even less according to the golf channel.
F1 Dept
Well done to BBC for regaining the tv rights to the F1 Grand Prix for. But the big question will they use synonymous theme tune, the chain by Fleetwood Mac.
Racing Dept
Who says there's no manners in sport. In a 4-runner race at Kempton Park, there were 3 male and 1 female jockeys. After a slow start, the guys with a ladies first attitude let Josephine Bruning to pass and poach a huge lead. The guys were playing cat and mouse, figured Bruning and her horse, Sol Rijo (the rank outsider of the four) would come back. But round the home turn, Bruning was in splendid isolation and went past the post to register her first win. She was so stunned that she thought she had to do another circuit and completed her winning lap!
England's big four play each other over the Easter period, Liverpool take on Manchester United, whilst Chelsea and Arsenal duel. This should really open the title race, particularly if Man Utd and Arsenal both lose. The fairytale is really almost over for Gretna who managed to gain 3 consecutive promotions from division 3 to the Scottish Premiership but due to Brookes Mileson's illness and no more cash injection, they really have fallen on hard times. Players considered striking for not being paid accordingly and of course points deducted for falling into administration
On a lighter note, East Fife won the division 3 title only to find when they wanted to celebrate after their 3-0 win at East Stirling, they had their champagne taken away by police because they were in glass bottles!!!
Tigerwatch
Tiger is in Florida for the World Golf Championship where he is looking to win his 8th straight tournament. He is only two shots off the lead after the first round. He's almost unstoppable. He was 50/1 to win all 4 majors, now he is only a stingy 8/1 and even less according to the golf channel.
F1 Dept
Well done to BBC for regaining the tv rights to the F1 Grand Prix for. But the big question will they use synonymous theme tune, the chain by Fleetwood Mac.
Racing Dept
Who says there's no manners in sport. In a 4-runner race at Kempton Park, there were 3 male and 1 female jockeys. After a slow start, the guys with a ladies first attitude let Josephine Bruning to pass and poach a huge lead. The guys were playing cat and mouse, figured Bruning and her horse, Sol Rijo (the rank outsider of the four) would come back. But round the home turn, Bruning was in splendid isolation and went past the post to register her first win. She was so stunned that she thought she had to do another circuit and completed her winning lap!
Saturday, 15 March 2008
Weekly Wrap (15/03/2008)
Music Dept
Duffy is still #1 with "Mercy" (4 weeks) and now she has the #1 album with "Rock ferry".
Football Dept
Unbelievably, the big 4 are all in the quarter finals with a possibility of an all English final. Mind you Manchester United may have to face Barcelona to get to the final. Rafa Benitez says that shows the quality of premiership. Well Rafa look at the FA Cup and you see the quality of the Premiership. Portsmouth v West Brom and Barnsley v Cardiff. The same Barnsley that have beaten Chelski and Liverpool! They should be playing in Europe on that alone. Whilst in UEFA cup, Spurs, Everton and Bolton all went out. So the quality of premiership is definitely top notch. ;)
Racing Dept
So the new kid on the block Denman won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in what was built as the clash of the stablemates (him and Kauto Star). Kauto jumped badly and gave the race away pretty much. Today is the Winter Derby. It's Derby except it's on the sand. Sand? Winter? Isn't that ironic? Not if you've gone to Caribbean! Because I'm a fruit, I'll go with Grand Passion and Orchard Supreme as each way shots. Seriously though they have good form on the sand with Grand Passion being 2nd in the last two derbies.
Running Dept
So Paula Radcliffe pulled out of the London Marathon because of a toe problem. Some people have criticised her for that. But I think it's the right move, she's got bigger fish to fry at the Olympics, which arguably is her last chance to win gold. She needs to 100% for it.
Duffy is still #1 with "Mercy" (4 weeks) and now she has the #1 album with "Rock ferry".
Football Dept
Unbelievably, the big 4 are all in the quarter finals with a possibility of an all English final. Mind you Manchester United may have to face Barcelona to get to the final. Rafa Benitez says that shows the quality of premiership. Well Rafa look at the FA Cup and you see the quality of the Premiership. Portsmouth v West Brom and Barnsley v Cardiff. The same Barnsley that have beaten Chelski and Liverpool! They should be playing in Europe on that alone. Whilst in UEFA cup, Spurs, Everton and Bolton all went out. So the quality of premiership is definitely top notch. ;)
Racing Dept
So the new kid on the block Denman won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in what was built as the clash of the stablemates (him and Kauto Star). Kauto jumped badly and gave the race away pretty much. Today is the Winter Derby. It's Derby except it's on the sand. Sand? Winter? Isn't that ironic? Not if you've gone to Caribbean! Because I'm a fruit, I'll go with Grand Passion and Orchard Supreme as each way shots. Seriously though they have good form on the sand with Grand Passion being 2nd in the last two derbies.
Running Dept
So Paula Radcliffe pulled out of the London Marathon because of a toe problem. Some people have criticised her for that. But I think it's the right move, she's got bigger fish to fry at the Olympics, which arguably is her last chance to win gold. She needs to 100% for it.
Friday, 29 February 2008
Weekly Wrap (29/2/2008)
Lovers Leap indeed and am knackered.
Tigerwatch Dept
Stewart Cink reckons Tiger Woods is a robot after the tiger won the accenture matchplay title.
Music Dept
Duffy held on to #1 for a second week
Running Dept
I've been spending mostly of time preparing for London Marathon which is coming up in a few weeks time. You can read all on the sister blog.
Tigerwatch Dept
Stewart Cink reckons Tiger Woods is a robot after the tiger won the accenture matchplay title.
Music Dept
Duffy held on to #1 for a second week
Running Dept
I've been spending mostly of time preparing for London Marathon which is coming up in a few weeks time. You can read all on the sister blog.
Friday, 22 February 2008
Weekly Wrap (22/2/2008)
Music Dept
Duffy debuts at #1 with "Mercy" knocking off Basshunter who drop to #3 with Nickelback back at #2.
Facebook Dept
It looks like that Facebook is now past it as there's a decline in users.
Tigerwatch
Tiger Woods is on the prowl and currently is in action in the WGC match play where 64 top-ranked players in the world square off against each other. Tiger has made it into the quarter finals.
Mental Dept
Poor Gazza has been sent to the loony bin for his antics in a local hotel. This reminds me whatever happened to Frank Bruno. Former stars do find it hard after being in the limelight for so long.
Duffy debuts at #1 with "Mercy" knocking off Basshunter who drop to #3 with Nickelback back at #2.
Facebook Dept
It looks like that Facebook is now past it as there's a decline in users.
Tigerwatch
Tiger Woods is on the prowl and currently is in action in the WGC match play where 64 top-ranked players in the world square off against each other. Tiger has made it into the quarter finals.
Mental Dept
Poor Gazza has been sent to the loony bin for his antics in a local hotel. This reminds me whatever happened to Frank Bruno. Former stars do find it hard after being in the limelight for so long.
Saturday, 16 February 2008
Weekly Wrap (15/2/2008)
Music Dept.
Well congrats to Amy Winehouse who won 5 grammys this week. At the last minute she got clearance to go to the states but it was too late, she did a session from good old London town. She was well happy (well relatively speaking anyways). Talking of 5, Basshunter make 5 weeks at #1 with "Now you're gone". Nickelback edge up to #2. "Rockstar" has been out since at least September of last year. The video is pretty good. I like Nelly Furtado's cameo performance in it. At least I think it's her. Wet Wet Wet make a comeback at #10 with "Weightless" and there were new entries in the top 20 for The feeling, Morrissey and Goldfrapp.
Football Dept
So Real Madrid are richest team in Europe for the second year in row. But now England has 3 of the top 5, as Chelsea and Arsenal make the top 5 joining Man Utd who are at #2. Big game this weekend is Man Utd against Arsenal in the FA Cup. Tough one to call.
Athletics Dept
There's been a bit of hoo-ha over Dwain Chambers winning the 60m UK trial for the World Indoor Championships. He automatically qualifies. However there has been lots of words on whether he should participate. He still banned for the Olympics in Beijing but for other events he is ok as his drug ban of 2 years has expired. So he is free to compete. I don't condone what he has done but the ban has been served and he should be at least be given a chance to prove himself. By all means drug-test him to the hilt if need be but barring him from events
Handshake Dept
An Essex restaurant owner was introduced by a friend to his dining partner. His dining partner remarked after giving a handshake, you have a spongy hand and are very sick. It turns he was justified in that remark. I probably does help that the dining partner was a doctor.
In related news, I returned to work on Monday and greeted our new administrator. After that handshake, she quit and left the building in about half an hour. I was looking at my hands and sniffing myself, I don't know what happened!
Well congrats to Amy Winehouse who won 5 grammys this week. At the last minute she got clearance to go to the states but it was too late, she did a session from good old London town. She was well happy (well relatively speaking anyways). Talking of 5, Basshunter make 5 weeks at #1 with "Now you're gone". Nickelback edge up to #2. "Rockstar" has been out since at least September of last year. The video is pretty good. I like Nelly Furtado's cameo performance in it. At least I think it's her. Wet Wet Wet make a comeback at #10 with "Weightless" and there were new entries in the top 20 for The feeling, Morrissey and Goldfrapp.
Football Dept
So Real Madrid are richest team in Europe for the second year in row. But now England has 3 of the top 5, as Chelsea and Arsenal make the top 5 joining Man Utd who are at #2. Big game this weekend is Man Utd against Arsenal in the FA Cup. Tough one to call.
Athletics Dept
There's been a bit of hoo-ha over Dwain Chambers winning the 60m UK trial for the World Indoor Championships. He automatically qualifies. However there has been lots of words on whether he should participate. He still banned for the Olympics in Beijing but for other events he is ok as his drug ban of 2 years has expired. So he is free to compete. I don't condone what he has done but the ban has been served and he should be at least be given a chance to prove himself. By all means drug-test him to the hilt if need be but barring him from events
Handshake Dept
An Essex restaurant owner was introduced by a friend to his dining partner. His dining partner remarked after giving a handshake, you have a spongy hand and are very sick. It turns he was justified in that remark. I probably does help that the dining partner was a doctor.
In related news, I returned to work on Monday and greeted our new administrator. After that handshake, she quit and left the building in about half an hour. I was looking at my hands and sniffing myself, I don't know what happened!
Friday, 1 February 2008
Weekly Wrap (1/2/2008)
NFL Superbowl Dept.
Well it's the Superbowl XLII on Sunday and features the undefeated New England Patriots against New York Giants. The Patriots are going for the 4th Superbowl win in just 5 years. Whilst the Giants are looking for their 2nd win since 1991 when they gave the Buffalo Bills the first of 4 consecutive Superbowl defeats. I think it would be perfect if New England can make the perfect season. Anyhow it's always the half-time show that causes the most interest. Remember the Janet's 'wardrobe malfunction' in 2004?
Rugby Dept.
This weekend is also the start of the six nations championship. Rugby is simply American Football without the padding and helmets. Rugby players make the Patriots and Giants look like nancy boys! The six nations features, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Wales. England will probably go into the Championship as favourites on the back of reaching the final of the World Cup. But I sense France could be out for revenge
Culture Dept.
As I mentioned last week, the Trinidad Carnival takes place next week but it also coincides with another celebration, Chinese New Year on February 7th. The new year will the year of the rat. wikipedia seems to have covered the subject in depth.
Football Dept.
All is not well at Liverpool. They are now well off the pace in the Premiership succumbing to ex-Charlton united 1-0, following their tough tussle against Havant & Waterlooville in the FA Cup.
Tiger-watch Dept.
Tiger Woods went on to win the Buick Invitational by 8 shots and this weekend, he is in action in the Dubai classic and he is in front after two rounds on -8. He should win this as he so rarely loses when he hits the lead in tournaments.
Music Dept.
No change at the top with Bass Hunters once again on top for a third week. Adele stays at #2. Kelly Rowland has been working it with "work" up from #31 to #7 and deservedly so as she's been doing promotional shows in such places like Faces in Essex. Also Jay Sean had the highest new entry with "ride it". It's what happening outside the charts that's really interesting. Amy Winehouse and Britney Spears are in hospital. Two of Girls aloud are having trouble / split up from their high profile partners. All is not well with Coles at the moment with Chelsea footballer, Ashley having an affair with a hairdresser. Meanwhile Nadine Coyle split up with Jesse Metcalfe of Desperate Housewives fame. He was due to show up at the forementioned Faces.
Beadle's not about Dept.
And finally, Jeremy Beadle is no more and it was sad day when that was announced. Everyone in the UK remembers him for being on Game for a laugh, Beadle's about and You've been framed. I think he did get a bit too popular as the media really tried to cut him down and hence why he faded away in the 90s. He's done a lot of good work, particularly for charity raising 100 million pounds. One thing I heard on the radio, he used to do was a present a radio show on London's circle line.
Well it's the Superbowl XLII on Sunday and features the undefeated New England Patriots against New York Giants. The Patriots are going for the 4th Superbowl win in just 5 years. Whilst the Giants are looking for their 2nd win since 1991 when they gave the Buffalo Bills the first of 4 consecutive Superbowl defeats. I think it would be perfect if New England can make the perfect season. Anyhow it's always the half-time show that causes the most interest. Remember the Janet's 'wardrobe malfunction' in 2004?
Rugby Dept.
This weekend is also the start of the six nations championship. Rugby is simply American Football without the padding and helmets. Rugby players make the Patriots and Giants look like nancy boys! The six nations features, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Wales. England will probably go into the Championship as favourites on the back of reaching the final of the World Cup. But I sense France could be out for revenge
Culture Dept.
As I mentioned last week, the Trinidad Carnival takes place next week but it also coincides with another celebration, Chinese New Year on February 7th. The new year will the year of the rat. wikipedia seems to have covered the subject in depth.
Football Dept.
All is not well at Liverpool. They are now well off the pace in the Premiership succumbing to ex-Charlton united 1-0, following their tough tussle against Havant & Waterlooville in the FA Cup.
Tiger-watch Dept.
Tiger Woods went on to win the Buick Invitational by 8 shots and this weekend, he is in action in the Dubai classic and he is in front after two rounds on -8. He should win this as he so rarely loses when he hits the lead in tournaments.
Music Dept.
No change at the top with Bass Hunters once again on top for a third week. Adele stays at #2. Kelly Rowland has been working it with "work" up from #31 to #7 and deservedly so as she's been doing promotional shows in such places like Faces in Essex. Also Jay Sean had the highest new entry with "ride it". It's what happening outside the charts that's really interesting. Amy Winehouse and Britney Spears are in hospital. Two of Girls aloud are having trouble / split up from their high profile partners. All is not well with Coles at the moment with Chelsea footballer, Ashley having an affair with a hairdresser. Meanwhile Nadine Coyle split up with Jesse Metcalfe of Desperate Housewives fame. He was due to show up at the forementioned Faces.
Beadle's not about Dept.
And finally, Jeremy Beadle is no more and it was sad day when that was announced. Everyone in the UK remembers him for being on Game for a laugh, Beadle's about and You've been framed. I think he did get a bit too popular as the media really tried to cut him down and hence why he faded away in the 90s. He's done a lot of good work, particularly for charity raising 100 million pounds. One thing I heard on the radio, he used to do was a present a radio show on London's circle line.
Friday, 11 January 2008
Weekly Wrap (11/1/2008)
Music Dept.
So the X-Factor winner, Leon Jackson's version of 'When you believe' holds on to the UK topspot. It really does pale in comparison with the version that Whitney and Mariah did originally. Soulja Boy Tellem moves up to #2 whilst the best selling single of 2007 and ex X-Factor winner Leona Lewis is #3 with 'bleeding love'. The chart has a christmas hangover feel about it with a number of songs re-entrying the top 40. It's funny that a number of artists have more than one song in the top 40. Amy Winehouse has 2 (valerie, back to black). Kate Nash has 2 (pumpkin song, foundations). Mika has 2 (relax take it easy, grace kelly). Scouting for girls have 2 (elvis ain't dead, she's so lovely). Sugababes have 2 (about you now, change). Take That have 2 (rule the world, shine). Timbaland has 2 (apologize, the way i are). Whilst Rihanna is the greediest of them all with 3 (shut up and drive, umbrella, hate that i love you). Come on guys, give us struggling acts a chance to chart in the UK. ;)
New songs that could be in the charts real soon include: Ringo Starr's song, 'Liverpool 8' that commerates Liverpool as the european city of culture for 2008. Also Bodyrox and Luciana are back again with "What planet you on" and Queen's "Say its not true".
Football Dept.
Big Sam Allardyce has been axed from the toon and the favourite to take over is Harry Redknapp. Really desperate times up in Newcastle. Well, it kind of serves them right for going through managers like Elizabeth Taylor went through husbands. Big Sam should have never left Bolton in the first place. He was building a useful outfit there. Bolton haven't been the same neither and now Nicolas Anelka has joined Chelsea. The first thing I thought of was the next Arsenal/Chelsea is going to be even more spicy, remember the acrimonious way he left the Arse? Meanwhile at 'ex-charlton united', more injuries to worry about Scott Parker is out until February with a knee injury. Interestingly, I read that Alan Curbishley describes him as a trojan. What is Curbs trying to say? When used, he unloads a number of commands without the manager's consent? Or even worse, Parker is not getting enough action at home... yes m'lady!
Got to love the cup competitions. In the FA Cup, Havant & Waterlooville are the only non-league side still in it and could face Liverpool in the 4th round of the cup. It's probably unlikely though as Havant have to get pass Swansea, whilst the mighty Liverpool have to negogiate Luton. Mind you, both Liverpool and Havant are at home for their 3rd round replays. This weekend sees the Scottish version. Good luck to the non-league sides, Cove Rangers, Huntly and Linlithgow. Cove Rangers probably have the best chance. The big two, Celtic and Rangers play the two Stirling sides. Celtic take on bottom of Scottish first division, Stirling Albion whilst Rangers take on perennial Scottish third division strugglers, East Stirling. They always used to finish at the bottom of the lowest division in the Scottish leagues.
Not much worth betting on here. Liverpool really need to start winning badly and should get the win (8/11) at Middlesborough. Charlton have got to start winning at home soon if they want automatic promotion and against Blackpool that's not going to be easy. The last time they played each other it was in the cup and Charlton were lucky to win 2-1 that day. But odds of 5/6 for the home win does look generous. Arbroath (11/10) should get the better of bottom of Scottish third division side Forfar.
Racing Dept.
The weather has been bad in the UK. It's been raining and windy too. Saturday's main race is the Lanzarote handicap hurdle at Kempton. You probably want to be lower in the handicap (i.e. carrying little weight here) and Panjo Bere ought to win, considering the horses it beat in the last outing have gone on to win subsequently. One horse that could be interesting for a place (about 22/1) is La Dame Brune who won a couple of hurdle races last year but has really not had the opportunity to shine so far this year (fell early in one race). A plus is she is carrying little weight in this race.
NFL Dept.
Getting close to the superbowl. Down to 8 teams in what the Americans call the AFC/NFC divisional play-offs (why not call it quarter-finals like normal people;) Statistically, New England Patriots should win it easily, after all they did go the entire season undefeated. Mind you, you have to remember that each team do not play every other team in the NFL. So New England may play a team that have not played before in the play-offs and could be vulnerable. New England and Indianapolis should get through to the AFC final and the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers should get through to the NFC final.
Tennis Dept
With the Australian Open not far away, there's a warning of a russian mafia threat trying to bribe tennis players into dropping matches. But the ATP are taking steps to try stop corruption. This was highlighted when Nikolay Davydenko lost controversially to Martin Vassallo Arguello. There are clues as to when a match maybe fixed. Irregular betting patterns is usual way of noting something might be up. In that event, the market and all bets concerned are voided. Sometimes, this may not happen in it. I am waiting for the day, that a game is called off/delayed due to irregular betting patterns. Any sport can be affected. Horse racing and football to be a name couple.
Meanwhile, Andy Murray looks in good nick for the Austrlian Open after winning the Qatar Open last week. Will he win a grand slam this year?
So the X-Factor winner, Leon Jackson's version of 'When you believe' holds on to the UK topspot. It really does pale in comparison with the version that Whitney and Mariah did originally. Soulja Boy Tellem moves up to #2 whilst the best selling single of 2007 and ex X-Factor winner Leona Lewis is #3 with 'bleeding love'. The chart has a christmas hangover feel about it with a number of songs re-entrying the top 40. It's funny that a number of artists have more than one song in the top 40. Amy Winehouse has 2 (valerie, back to black). Kate Nash has 2 (pumpkin song, foundations). Mika has 2 (relax take it easy, grace kelly). Scouting for girls have 2 (elvis ain't dead, she's so lovely). Sugababes have 2 (about you now, change). Take That have 2 (rule the world, shine). Timbaland has 2 (apologize, the way i are). Whilst Rihanna is the greediest of them all with 3 (shut up and drive, umbrella, hate that i love you). Come on guys, give us struggling acts a chance to chart in the UK. ;)
New songs that could be in the charts real soon include: Ringo Starr's song, 'Liverpool 8' that commerates Liverpool as the european city of culture for 2008. Also Bodyrox and Luciana are back again with "What planet you on" and Queen's "Say its not true".
Football Dept.
Big Sam Allardyce has been axed from the toon and the favourite to take over is Harry Redknapp. Really desperate times up in Newcastle. Well, it kind of serves them right for going through managers like Elizabeth Taylor went through husbands. Big Sam should have never left Bolton in the first place. He was building a useful outfit there. Bolton haven't been the same neither and now Nicolas Anelka has joined Chelsea. The first thing I thought of was the next Arsenal/Chelsea is going to be even more spicy, remember the acrimonious way he left the Arse? Meanwhile at 'ex-charlton united', more injuries to worry about Scott Parker is out until February with a knee injury. Interestingly, I read that Alan Curbishley describes him as a trojan. What is Curbs trying to say? When used, he unloads a number of commands without the manager's consent? Or even worse, Parker is not getting enough action at home... yes m'lady!
Got to love the cup competitions. In the FA Cup, Havant & Waterlooville are the only non-league side still in it and could face Liverpool in the 4th round of the cup. It's probably unlikely though as Havant have to get pass Swansea, whilst the mighty Liverpool have to negogiate Luton. Mind you, both Liverpool and Havant are at home for their 3rd round replays. This weekend sees the Scottish version. Good luck to the non-league sides, Cove Rangers, Huntly and Linlithgow. Cove Rangers probably have the best chance. The big two, Celtic and Rangers play the two Stirling sides. Celtic take on bottom of Scottish first division, Stirling Albion whilst Rangers take on perennial Scottish third division strugglers, East Stirling. They always used to finish at the bottom of the lowest division in the Scottish leagues.
Not much worth betting on here. Liverpool really need to start winning badly and should get the win (8/11) at Middlesborough. Charlton have got to start winning at home soon if they want automatic promotion and against Blackpool that's not going to be easy. The last time they played each other it was in the cup and Charlton were lucky to win 2-1 that day. But odds of 5/6 for the home win does look generous. Arbroath (11/10) should get the better of bottom of Scottish third division side Forfar.
Racing Dept.
The weather has been bad in the UK. It's been raining and windy too. Saturday's main race is the Lanzarote handicap hurdle at Kempton. You probably want to be lower in the handicap (i.e. carrying little weight here) and Panjo Bere ought to win, considering the horses it beat in the last outing have gone on to win subsequently. One horse that could be interesting for a place (about 22/1) is La Dame Brune who won a couple of hurdle races last year but has really not had the opportunity to shine so far this year (fell early in one race). A plus is she is carrying little weight in this race.
NFL Dept.
Getting close to the superbowl. Down to 8 teams in what the Americans call the AFC/NFC divisional play-offs (why not call it quarter-finals like normal people;) Statistically, New England Patriots should win it easily, after all they did go the entire season undefeated. Mind you, you have to remember that each team do not play every other team in the NFL. So New England may play a team that have not played before in the play-offs and could be vulnerable. New England and Indianapolis should get through to the AFC final and the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers should get through to the NFC final.
Tennis Dept
With the Australian Open not far away, there's a warning of a russian mafia threat trying to bribe tennis players into dropping matches. But the ATP are taking steps to try stop corruption. This was highlighted when Nikolay Davydenko lost controversially to Martin Vassallo Arguello. There are clues as to when a match maybe fixed. Irregular betting patterns is usual way of noting something might be up. In that event, the market and all bets concerned are voided. Sometimes, this may not happen in it. I am waiting for the day, that a game is called off/delayed due to irregular betting patterns. Any sport can be affected. Horse racing and football to be a name couple.
Meanwhile, Andy Murray looks in good nick for the Austrlian Open after winning the Qatar Open last week. Will he win a grand slam this year?
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