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Rugby World Cup match preview Wales v Namibia

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 22:12:00 -0700

Mon 26 Sep 2011
Location: Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth. 7.30pm kick off.

THEY might need a cricket scoreboard out here at New Plymouth’s Taranaki Stadium on Monday because Pool D minnows Namibia are on their knees.
Their shattered squad have been given just three days to recover from a hammering by South Africa before meeting Warren Gatland’s Wales on Monday.

One of the world’s biggest sporting events is coming to the world’s best small city when three Rugby World Cup 2011 matches are contested at New Plymouth’s Stadium Taranaki!
Rugby World Cup 2011 will take place at venues around New Zealand from 9 September to 23 October 2011.

Platinum 2011 – Category A seating:
The Platinum hospitality is delivered within a lounge at the stadium. It is a formal seated function with fine food and beverage. For a complete summary of the package inclusions see website. The seats are category A covered and are located between the 22m and the try line.
Premier 2011 – Category B seating:
This is delivered at a venue in the CBD (so offsite). Guests are transferred in and out of the stadium by bus. The seats are category B. See website for a complete summary of the package inclusions.
Club 2011 – Category C seating:
This informal, stand-up hospitality package is a must for rugby fans who want to be at the heart of the action during Rugby World Cup 2011. Savour the pre-match atmosphere from your dedicated facility based at the stadium and enjoy plenty of appetising food accompanied by complimentary beers and wines, before witnessing some world-class Rugby action. After the match, catch up on all the highlights with your colleagues and friends and enjoy another serving of hospitality. See website for a complete summary of the package inclusions.

Troy Davis issues parting cry before execution

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:48:00 -0700

Protesters hold signs in support of death row inmate

ATLANTA, Georgia — Troy Davis, an American convicted two decades ago of killing an off-duty policeman, has urged opponents of the death penalty to fight on after he is executed Wednesday following a failed bid for clemency.
The Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles ruled Tuesday against Davis, who is black, and refused to commute his sentence for the shooting in 1989 of Mark MacPhail, a married white father of a two-year-old girl and an infant boy.

The campaign to spare Davis's life drew high-profile support from former US president Jimmy Carter and Pope Benedict XVI, helping him escape three previous dates with death in a racially-charged case.

"The struggle for justice doesn't end with me," Davis said in a letter to supporters released to the public via Amnesty International USA after his legal appeal was refused.

"This struggle is for all the Troy Davises who came before me and all the ones who will come after me," he said in the message.

"I'm in good spirits and I'm prayerful and at peace. But I will not stop fighting until I've taken my last breath."

There was no physical evidence tying Davis, then 20-years-old, to the shooting and several witnesses at his trial later recanted their testimony.

MacPhail, 27, had been working nights as a security guard when he intervened in a brawl in a Burger King parking lot in Savannah, Georgia and was shot in the heart and the head at point-blank range.

Some 2,000 protesters gathered, at Amnesty's urging, at the Georgia state capitol at 7:00 pm (2300 GMT) Tuesday, exactly 24 hours before Davis is due to become the 34th person executed in the United States this year.

The family of the victim have long maintained that Davis was guilty and that the execution should go ahead, with MacPhail's daughter telling journalists emotionally how she had been robbed of her father.

Davis, now 42, has always maintained his innocence amid doubts over his conviction and says the state of Georgia is about to execute an innocent man, but justice officials refused to commute his sentence.

"The board has considered the totality of the information presented in this case and thoroughly deliberated on it, after which the decision was to deny clemency," said a written statement. It did not disclose the vote breakdown. "We've been here three times before," said Anneliese MacPhail, the mother of the slain police officer. "We are ready to close this book and start our lives. This has been a long haul."

MacPhail's daughter Madison, now 23, choked back the tears after Monday's parole board hearing.

"The death penalty is the correct source of justice," she said.

All avenues for Davis now appear exhausted as Georgia's governor does not have the power to stay executions and experts said any last-minute filings to the state courts or the US Supreme Court would likely prove unsuccessful.

"I am utterly shocked and disappointed at the failure of our justice system at all levels to correct a miscarriage of justice," Davis attorney Brian Kammer said, as rights groups and activists rushed to condemn the decision.

African American leaders condemned the parole board's decision as emblematic of a US criminal justice system riven with racial inequality.

"This is Jim Crow in a new era," declared Reverend Raphael Warnock of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, referring to American segregation laws overruled by the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

The American Civil Liberties Union urged Georgia's prison workers to strike in a desperate bid to deprive the state of the wherewithal to carry out the execution.

Richard Dieter, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, said there was next-to-no chance Davis could earn a reprieve in what he called the "biggest capital punishment case in at least a decade."

The Supreme Court became involved in the Troy Davis case in 2009 and ordered a federal judge in Savannah to convene a hearing to consider new evidence.

In August 2010, however, a US District Court in Georgia ruled that Davis had failed to prove his innocence and denied him a new trial. The top US court turned down a subsequent appeal

Brooke Burke's Superhot Celeb Reel

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:38:00 -0700

Brooke Burke-Charvet (née Brooke Lisa Burke) [1] (born September 8, 1971), better known by her maiden name, Brooke Burke[2], is an Actress, dancer, model and television personality. She is perhaps best known for Rock Star (2005–2006), for winning the seventh season of Dancing with the Stars and for co-hosting Dancing With the Stars starting in 2010 (Season 10).[3]
Contents
Early life and career
Burke is the oldest of nine children born to Donna and George Burke.[citation needed] Burke is Jewish on her mother's side,[4][5][6] and has Irish, French, and Portuguese ancestry.[7] She was born in Hartford, Connecticut and raised in Tucson, Arizona. She attended both Sahuaro High School and Palo Verde High School in Tucson where she was homecoming queen in 1989, and later studied broadcast journalism at UCLA.

Burke first appeared nude during her early modeling career for the website BlueNudes,[8] and most notably after gaining fame in the May 2001 and November 2004 issues of Playboy. She also appeared in men's magazines such as Maxim, Stuff, and FHM. In 2007, she was listed as one of Blender's hottest women of film and TV.

In 2001 Burke also competed in the TV show host edition of The Weakest Link where she was voted off in the second round.

Burke has fronted infomercials promoting a Swiss ball video home fitness workout named Gunnar Peterson's Core Secrets, and appears in the first video of the series titled 20 Minute Full Body Workout. The infomercials have screened in New Zealand and Australia.

In 2005 and 2006, Burke hosted the CBS summer reality show Rock Star, an American Idol-like series in which aspiring singers competed to front a rock band.

She was the voice and face of "Rachel Teller" in Electronic Arts' video game Need for Speed: Underground 2, and asks the "People and Places" questions in the video game Trivial Pursuit Unhinged. Burke starred as a playable character in the Burger King advergaming title PocketBike Racer and in Big Bumpin'.[9] Burke has also landed roles in several television commercials for Discover Card, Coca-Cola, Anheuser-Busch, M Professional Cosmetics, and Skechers.

In 2007, Burke started a company called Baboosh Baby, which offers wraps for pregnant women. The company's website features a blog from Burke about her children.[10]

In 2009, Burke hosted NBC's pre-show for the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards with Tiki Barber and Nancy O'Dell.[11]

Burke, along with Derek Hough as her partner, won season 7 of Dancing with the Stars.[12][13] She later went on to replace Samantha Harris as co-host of the program.[14] Burke began hosting season 10 of Dancing with the Stars alongside Tom Bergeron.[15] In August 2010, Burke hosted the third season of the TV Land series She's Got the Look,[16] a modeling competition show for women over 35.[17]

Burke's first book, The Naked Mom: A Modern Mom's Fearless Revelations,Savvy Advice, and Soulful Reflections, was published February 1, 2011 by New American Library, and features her reflections on motherhood, Hollywood, romance and the challenges of creating a blended family.[18]

She co-hosted the Miss America 2011 Pagent with Chris Harrison.[19]

In 2011, Burke announced that she would be taking her husband David Charvet's last name.[20]

Dancing with the Stars
Burke's partner was Derek Hough. Burke and Hough won the Season 7 competition. In Season 10, Burke took over the show's co-hosting duties.

Brooke Burke Biography

You’d never know by looking at her now, but Brooke Burke used to be quite the tomboy. A native of Hartford, Connecticut, Burke was raised in Tucson, Arizona where she spent her childhood helping to fulfill her father’s need for a son. “I played football, I collected matchbox cards and I grew up watching [sports] with my dad,” she says. “We even built model airplanes and model cars together. I did all the things that my dad would have done with the son that he never had.”

brooke burke launches her modeling career
Brooke Burke eventually began gravitating towards more feminine pursuits and was signed to her first modeling contract in her late teens after accompanying a friend to an audition. What started out as a lark soon turned into a profitable career as Burke began landing national television spots for Discover Card, Coca-Cola.

Sex Appeal
Brooke Burke is making motherhood sexy again. A devoted mother of four, this 38-year-old stunner is actually flattered when male admirers refer to her as a MILF. “I think it’s great that there are guys that find my being a mother sexy,” she says. “I don’t feel any less sexy being a mother.” And she certainly doesn’t look any less sexy either, a fact she credits to her excellent work ethic and positive attitude. “I really believe feeling sexy is a state of mind,” she says. “Our bodies change when we have babies, but if you are lucky, work hard and take care of yourself, I really do believe that you can get your body back.”

With a bid for statehood, the Palestinians challenge the established order

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 21:36:00 -0700

Abbas asks UN for full Palestinian statehood

Washington and its Old World allies in Europe couldn’t head it off at the pass. It’s an indicator of the superpower’s waning influence over the global diplomatic process, and the role of emerging nations.This is, at least to the diplomatic players, no run-of-the-mill nuisance vote at the UN, the kind Israel and Washington have lost, badly, many times before. This is the big one, with major symbolic implications, and perhaps some practical ones, too.For Canada, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper – who heads to New York for UN-related events this week but who won’t stick around to speak to the General Assembly and wade more heavily into the Palestinian statehood issue – it has been an issue for behind-the-scenes diplomacy, but not repeated vocal statements. Mr. Harper’s pro-Israel stance has long been known, but Canada has deferred to the United States which is leading the “no” campaign.In the past, the United States could have been expected to muster enough weight with other countries to avoid confrontation: either by drowning the measure in the UN Security Council before the United States is forced to use its veto, or by forcing the Palestinians to back down or compromise. Not this time.In the 15-member UN Security Council, U.S. friends Britain and France have been trying to divert the resolution to a less black-and-white outcome; but in addition to Russia and China, a host of emerging-power members – India, Brazil and South Africa – are keen on asserting their independence from that Old World influence.Beyond that little club, there are some countries who aren’t sticking tightly to their past positions or expectations and seem to be spinning in their own orbits. They are moving away from the United States, Europe and Old World allies and seem less easily swayed.

Turkey: It was once considered the closest thing Israel had to an ally in the Muslim world, but now Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has emerged as the leading campaigner for Palestinian statehood. Public opinion turned when an Israeli raid of a Gaza-bound flotilla killed eight Turks. But Turkey is also following an increasingly independent foreign policy, has a booming economy that is expanding markets in the Arab world to the east, and is emerging as a regional power.

Greece: Once one of the most pro-Palestinian countries in Europe, Greece is now one of the few countries that could shift against statehood: it’s undeclared now, but Israel and Washington hope it will vote against it, or abstain. Athens has shifted support toward Israel, including trying to stop a new Gaza flotilla this year. It’s also become more dependent on the Western orbit: its financial troubles mean it needs the support of U.S.-dominated international financial institutions, and the backing of major European economies such as Germany, which opposes the statehood resolution.

Chile: Among its South American neighbours, Chile’s conservative government might have been seen as a potential candidate to break ranks with left-of-centre neighbours in Brazil and Argentina, and vote along with its largest trading partner, the United States. But Chile has firmly backed the Palestinian statehood quest. It’s emerging as a prosperous trading nation with more than one pole to its interests. Trade across the Pacific, to Asia, now accounts for 48 per cent of Chile’s exports.

Colombia: A South American representative on the UN Security Council, Colombia stands out on Palestinian statehood: it will abstain from the vote, to indicate it believes recognition would be “premature.” What Chile has in international trade ties, Colombia lacks: it still wants a free-trade agreement with the United States, and depends on the United States for security co-operation and other aid. In addition to the United States, its recent governments have also counted another staunch pro-Israel country – Canada – as an ally.

Grenada: The tiny Caribbean nation is one of several bit players on the international stage that has been courted by lobbying diplomats and politicians from the United States and Israel. On a visit to Israel, Grenada’s foreign minister, Karl Hood, was greeted by the president, prime minister and foreign minister. Some members of the U.S. Congress have proposed a bill to cut off some forms of aid to countries that support Palestinian recognition. It is an escalation of long-standing practice on Mideast votes in the UN, where a handful of small island states from the South Pacific and Caribbean have been consistent allies of Israel and Washington on votes in the general assembly.

Canada: Mr. Harper has left no doubt about where his government stands on Palestinian recognition. On Friday, he said that recognition would be unhelpful for Mideast peace, and that Canada will oppose it. It has also worked to lobby against it behind the scenes. Canada’s UN votes on Mideast issues have shifted in recent years, first under Paul Martin and more under Mr. Harper – where it used to abstain on some pro-Palestinian resolutions, it now votes “no” – making Ottawa one of Israel’s most staunch allies at the UN.

Premier League - Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 23:12:00 -0700

Team news,manager quotes, facts and stats ahead of Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool's Premier League clash on Sunday.

TEAM NEWS

Harry Redknapp will revert to his first-choice XI after resting a number of key players for clash at PAOK Salonika. Rafael van der Vaart (hamstring), Aaron Lennon (groin) and William Gallas (calf) are making good progress in their recovery from injury and could play some part. Steven Pienaar (groin), Tom Huddlestone (ankle) and Ledley King (knee) face fitness tests but Michael Dawson (Achilles) is out and Sandro (knee) is unlikely to be risked despite returning to light training following a knee injury.

Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson will miss the match at White Hart Lane after a recurrence of a hamstring injury last weekend. Captain Steven Gerrard is nearing a return to fitness after six months out following a groin operation but he may not be risked. Defender Martin Kelly is also close to a recall after coming back from a hamstring injury.

MANAGER QUOTES

Harry Redknapp: "Yes, Carlo (Cudincini) played well (in the Europa League goalless draw against PAOK Salonika), but Brad Friedel has been fantastic. At the moment, in the Premier League, Brad has the jersey. I think he's been magnificent. I'm lucky. We've got three top goalkeepers here."

Kenny Dalglish: "There are lots of things that have been pleasing for everyone. The supporters, the staff, the players - everybody. As we always say, if we stick together we are going to be a formidable unit."

MATCH FACTS

Since taking over, Harry Redknapp has overseen five wins in seven games in all competitions for Spurs against Liverpool.

There has been a penalty awarded in each of the last four Premier League matches between Tottenham and Liverpool.

Jamie Carragher has scored the same number of Premier League goals for Liverpool as he has for Tottenham

Defeat last time out against Manchester City ended a run of 17 Premier League home games without a loss for Spurs, but they have won just one of their last five at White Hart Lane.

Spurs have conceded as many goals (14) in their last six home matches as they did in the previous 25 matches at White Hart Lane.

Spurs have won the last three home games against Liverpool by a 2-1 scoreline and their previous victory back in January 2004 was also by that score.

Liverpool have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven Premier League matches.

Liverpool have won 35 corners this term, more than any other team in the Premier League.

The Reds have allowed their opponents the joint-fewest shots on target against them than any team in the Premier League (11).

Tottenham have allowed their opponents more shots on target against them than any other side in the Premier League.

UAFE Champions League - Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Madrid

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:55:00 -0700

Watch Dinamo Zagreb v Real Madrid Online Free Live Streaming Video – UEFA Champions League

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Real Madrid vs Dinamo Zagreb live stream , watch Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Madrid online free hd tv 14 September 2011 champions league Watch Real Madrid vs Dinamo Zagreb Live Stream. You can watch online - Real Madrid vs Dinamo Zagreb Live streaming Match here. Uefa Champions League Match time (014 September 2011, 00 GMT).Here we give a narrow path for you so you can watch Real Madrid vs Dinamo Zagreb free your adequately desired sports show in public with a speedy so not hard and loose with no was deficient reservation process. You can decide your have appearances that you like sports recreational activities on the sign-up contained in our channel.

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TEAM NEWS

Dinamo defender Igor Biscan has been ruled after the former Liverpool defender underwent surgery on his left ankle. Fellow defender Leandro Cufre is also out, with adductor problems, after he pulled up in training earlier in the week.The biggest-name absentee for Madrid is banned coach Jose Mourinho. Kaka has failed to recover from a bruised heel. The Brazilian playmaker has been working apart from the rest of the group since Saturday, when he came on as a substitute in Real's 4-2 home win over Getafe in La Liga. Nuri Sahin and Hamit Altintop, who have yet to make their debuts since joining Real, are also out with knee and back injuries respectively. Sami Khedira was included in the squad after recovering from a thigh problem, while Lassana Diarra is also in.

MANAGER QUOTES

Krunoslav Jurcic: "During the last few years I have analysed [Mourinho's] work as a coach a lot, and I can say he is my idol," Jurcic told UEFA. "I don't want to hide that. I like his way of managing matches a lot, and his reactions during matches, he brings a lot of emotion into matches. If there are no emotions, football is not a real sport for me. Without people like Jose, football would never be as popular as it is at the moment."Assistant coach Aitor Karanka stood in for the suspended Jose Mourinho: "They are a Croatian team, so have quality, and it has been many years since they were in the Champions League. They will be an opponent that create many problems. If we are going to think that they are an easy opponent, we will be in trouble."

MATCH FACTS

In their 16 previous seasons in the Champions League, Real Madrid have never been eliminated in the group stage.Dinamo Zagreb are making their third appearance in the Champions League group stages after 1998/99 and 1999/00.Dinamo Zagreb have won only one of their 10 competitive encounters with Spanish sides, against Villarreal in the Europa League last season. That’s also the only time the Croatian side have kept a clean sheet in their 10 meetings with Spanish teams.Real Madrid have only failed to score once in their last 13 Champions League games.Real Madrid’s only encounter with a Croatian side was back in the 1984/85 UEFA Cup – the Merengues lost their away leg against NK Rijeka (3-1) but won their home tie 3-0.Iker Casillas has played more games than any other goalkeeper in the Champions League (since 1992/93): 112.Karim Benzema scored six goals in 373 minutes of action in the Champions League last season, that’s one every 62 minutes, the best ratio among players who score at least five goals.

Man City v Napoli UEFA Champions League

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:39:00 -0700

Milner (left) and Barry will struggle to be fit to face Napoli

Champions League
    * Venue: City of Manchester Stadium
    * Date: Wednesday, 14 September
    * Kick-off: 1945 BST

Manchester City begin their UEFA Champions League campaign in what is another step towards their dream of one day becoming the best team in Europe.

After finishing third in the Premier League last season, Roberto Mancini's club were drawn in Group A alongside Wednesday's opponents, Napoli, as well as Bayern Munich and Villarreal.It is a difficult group, but, having made a stylish 100 per cent start to their domestic season, City will still be confident of achieving the 10 points which are usually enough to progress from the group stages.All eyes will be on the brilliant combination of Sergio Aguero, who will be playing against the club where his father-in-law, Diego Maradona, inspired league title wins in 1987 and 1990, and David Silva following their stunning form.The pair combined superbly to rip apart Wigan at the weekend and, although there is a long way to go, all the signs are there to suggest Mancini's team are evolving into a major force to beware.Comparisons to European champions Barcelona have been premature and indeed City need to guard against a reality check against a dangerous opponent on what will be a famous night under the floodlights at Etihad Stadium.Top table
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City are back in the continent's premier club competition for the first time since 1968/69, but Serie A outfit Napoli are also making a fond return to the top table after missing out for 21 years.Walter Mazzarri secured third place in the Italian league last season in what is steady progress for the club, who played against Liverpool in the Europa League in 2010/11 and only succumbed at Anfield to a late Steven Gerrard hat-trick.

Napoli defeated Cesena at the weekend in what was their first competitive game of the season following the strike action in Italy and summer signings Gokhan Inler, Blerim Dzemaili and Mario Santana all made their debuts.Attacking duo Ezequiel Lavezzi and Edinson Cavani will both need to be carefully marshalled by City following a summer in which the pair were linked with moves to some of Europe's top clubs.Edin Dzeko is expected to return for City after being rested against Wigan in the wake of his four goals against Tottenham and he is likely to replace Carlos Tevez as the attacking partner for Aguero.Nigel de Jong has not played since injuring his ankle in the first game of the season against Swansea, but he has been back in training.

Gareth Barry missed the win over Wigan after picking up his own ankle problem, but Micah Richards was fit enough to start after overcoming a tight hamstring.A thigh injury sustained in early September meant summer signing Marco Donadel missed Napoli's win over Cesena on Saturday.Miguel Britos has also been omitted from Napoli's Champions League squad after fracturing a metatarsal in pre-season, which is likely to leave him unavailable until November.

KRC Genk vs Valencia Live Stream UEFA Champions League Online

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 02:30:00 -0700

Genk's tough test against Valencia's strong starters

Genk celebrate their play-off round success

Sep 9, 2011 10:06pm by championsleague in Sports Watch KRC Genk vs Valencia Live Streaming. You can watch online UEFA Champions League 2011-12- Valencia vs KRC Genk match here. Game time (September 13, 2011,).

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Here, we provide a channel for you so you can watch your favorite sports show with a quick easy and free with no registration process required. You can choose your own feelings you like sports games on the list in our chain. Do not miss this match,watch Valencia vs KRC Genk Live Free Streaming Video Online today on the live streaming channel. Here we provide the to watch the match, simply select this , you can watch this game on your PC with relaxed and enjoy. . And keep in mind that we are not here as an owner of broadcast television, but we do not share with you the release from selected third parties. All videos and television links obtained from third parties, so if there are complaints about the channel and videos on this site, you may contact a third party who is the original owner of such content.

Previous meetings
• This is the teams' first meeting and the Belgian side have only faced Spanish opponents in four previous fixtures. They have yet to win although three of those encounters ended all square, including the two home games, against Real Madrid CF in the 2002/03 UEFA Champions League and RCD Mallorca in the 1998/99 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. Both finished 1-1.
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• Valencia's only previous visit to Belgium for a UEFA Champions League fixture ended in a 2-1 win at RSC Anderlecht in the 2004/05 group stage. They have enjoyed four wins in nine matches against Belgian sides; away from home they have lost two and drawn one of four fixtures.

Match background
• Genk reached the group stage for the first time in nine years in dramatic circumstances, the Belgian champions overturning Maccabi Haifa FC's 2-1 advantage in the play-off first leg to win by the same score in the return. With no addition to the 3-3 aggregate score in extra time, it went to the shoot-out, Genk winning 4-1 thanks to two saves from goalkeeper László Köteles.

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• Coach Frank Vercauteren stepped down after the first leg against Haifa. Pierre Denier was in caretaker charge for the return before Mario Been was appointed as Vercauteren's permanent successor on 30 August.

• The Belgian side defeated FK Partizan in the third qualifying round, winning 2-1 at home with goals from Jelle Vossen and Marvin Ogunjimi. Vossen's penalty equaliser earned a 1-1 second-leg draw in Belgrade.

• In Genk's only previous UEFA Champions League participation, in 2002/03, they finished bottom of their group with four points, drawing at home with AEK Athens FC and Real Madrid while AS Roma inflicted a 1-0 defeat in Belgium.

• In last season's competition – their seventh in the UEFA Champions League – Valencia began with a 4-0 away victory against Bursaspor en route to finishing second in their group behind Manchester United FC. They drew 1-1 away to both United and Rangers FC and shared the same scoreline at home to FC Schalke 04 in the round of 16 first leg, subsequently losing 3-1 in Germany to bow out.

• Last season's matchday one victory was in keeping with the way the Blanquinegros, who finished third in last season's Liga, have begun previous campaign; it was their seventh successive victory in the opening fixture. Their last three opening-day wins all came away from Spain; the first four were at Mestalla.

Team ties
• Jeroen Simaeys was in the Club Brugge KV team that drew 1-1 away to Valencia in the 2008/09 UEFA Cup group stage.

• Anthony Vanden Borre's RSC Anderlecht lost 2-0 in Valencia in the UEFA Champions League group stage on 14 September 2004.

• Vanden Borre was also part of the Belgium team that lost both FIFA World Cup qualifiers to Spain in October 2008 (1-2) and September 2009 (0-5) as well as the 2-0 World Cup qualifying reverse in October 2005, which also featured Thomas Buffel and David Albelda. Albelda was also involved in the 2-0 home win for Spain against Belgium a year earlier.

• Elyaniv Barda was a member of the Maccabi Haifa FC side who lost 4-0 at home to Valencia in the second round of the 2003/04 UEFA Cup, a competition the Spanish side went on to win.

• Pablo Hernández struck two extra-time goals against Club Brugge to send Valencia into the 2009/10 UEFA Europa League round of 16. Éver Banega, Albelda, Miguel, Ángel Dealbert and Hedwiges Maduro were also involved in Valencia's 3-0 second-leg win at Mestalla.

• Adil Rami played in the first leg of LOSC Lille Métropole's 2-1 UEFA Europa League play-off triumph at Genk in August 2009, part of a 6-3 aggregate success.

• Mehmet Topal came on as a substitute in Turkey's 1-1 UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying draw away to Belgium on 3 June. The midfielder also featured in a World Cup qualifier against the Red Devils that finished 1-1 in September 2008.

Chelsea v Bayer Leverkusen : Champions League

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 02:16:00 -0700

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge could start alongside Nicolas Anelka up front as Didier Drogba is a still out following his head injury and subsequent concussion against Norwich City two weeks ago. Michael Essien will be out until January after undergoing surgery to repair a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee, while Ramires is suspended and Romelu Lukaku and Ryan Bertrand are ineligible.

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Dortmund's first-choice keeper Rene Adler has been sidelined due to knee surgery, while Bastian Oczipka is recovering from a broken ankle. Tranquillo Barnetta will miss the clash after undergoing an operation on his knee. Michael Ballack could make his first appearance back at Stamford Bridge since departing in 2010, after spending four years with the Blues.

MANAGER QUOTES
Andre Villas-Boas: 'Motivation plays a big part in international football and the World Cup for sure, because the players are involved completely in that sole objective of trying to win it. The Champions League is more difficult because it is an in between competition, most of the top clubs compete in the national competitions domestically, so it is a more difficult task."
Robin Dutt on Ballack's possible return to Stamford Bridge: "I do not know yet whether he will play on Tuesday. Many players will be fit for Tuesday and I am not going to reveal my team now anyway. The Chelsea game is going to be totally different to this one (against Augsburg)."

MATCH FACTS

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 23 Champions League group stage games at home (17 wins, six draws).
No German side has ever beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in European competition.
Chelsea are making their ninth consecutive appearance in the Champions League.
Bayer Leverkusen are making their first appearance in the Champions League since the 2004/05 season.
Leverkusen have lost their last six Champions League encounters with English sides, including the last four by exactly the same scoreline (3-1).
Leverkusen have never kept a clean sheet in their 12 Champions League encounters with English sides.
Nicolas Anelka has scored seven goals in his last seven Champions League starts.
Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen have never met previously in European competition.

Microsoft Prepares Windows 8 for Battle Against the iPad

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 01:40:00 -0700

Microsoft Prepares Windows 8 for Battle Against the iPad
It's the sheer dominance of the iPad. The iPad hasn't skipped a beat since its debut last year. Thanks to Apple's ingenuity, a shockingly low starting price and a strong marketing campaign, the device has sold more than 25 million units in less than a ...
Microsoft plans Windows 8 compatibility with mobile devicesUSA Today
Windows 7 tablets have a bad rapBetaNews,Microsoft, Behind in Mobile, Tries to Woo App Developers With Windows 8 New York Times Financial Times

Windows 8: One OS to Rule Them All
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This presents a dangerous problem and an opportunity for Microsoft. The tech giant cannot let Apple monopolize the tablet market like Microsoft did with the desktop OS. That would seal its fate as a technology power destined to diminish into a shell of its former self.

There is a need for a legitimate alternative to the iPad, though, and the company that gets it right will emerge in a strong position to take a big piece of the fast-growing tablet market. Success in tablets would boost Microsoft’s profits, ease investor concerns about the shrinking PC market and set it up for future growth.
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That’s where Windows 8 comes in. The next-generation OS, which will be unveiled at the Microsoft Build conference on Tuesday, is not only designed for PCs, but it is also made to work on tablets as well. We got a taste of its touchscreen capabilities at the D9 conference earlier this year, but we expect Microsoft to unveil the first Windows 8 tablet during Tuesday’s keynote. Our sources tell us that the device will be manufactured by Samsung, but has been designed meticulously by Microsoft in an attempt to create the iPad alternative.

Will Microsoft’s gamble work? Can the company create an OS that works seamlessly on both tablets and PCs? And most of all, will it be useful enough, different enough and cheap enough to give the iPad a run for its money?

We’ll be closer to knowing the answers to those questions on Tuesday morning. The tablet wars are about to begin in earnest.

Bolivia v Peru

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 03:08:00 -0700

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Getting back to even on jobs divides US leaders

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Wed, 7 Sep 2011 01:38:00 -0700

WASHINGTON (AP) — America's sickly economy can be healed with jobs, jobs and more jobs. On that, everyone agrees. Figuring out how to produce them is what is stumping everyone.Other than letting time take its course, Washington lacks a clear answer on how to create permanent new jobs on a national scale. Forecasters suggest it will take 20 million new jobs over the next 10 years just to repair recession damage and to keep pace with adult population owth.
Recent streams of bleak employment and economic data drive home the difficulty of the challenge.As President Barack Obama prepares to tackle jobs issues in a speech to Congress on Thursday, deep divisions persist among economic policymakers on just how to spur job growth. The speech comes as national polls show a clear majority of those surveyed say they disapprove of the way Obama is handling the economy.Lots of schemes have been tried or floated — first under Republican President George W. Bush and now under Democrat Obama. More than $2 trillion has been plowed into stimulus spending, loans and bailouts to banks, auto companies and other corporations, tax cuts for individuals and businesses, mortgage refinancing assistance and aid to state and local governments.

But so far, the needle has barely moved on unemployment, which has stayed near or above a frightening recession -level 9 percent for 29 months. It was 9.1 percent in August, same as the month before, with zero net job gains during the month."Neither side can make a definitive case that they really know what they're doing," said Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a former director of the Congressional Budget Office and top economic adviser to 2008 GOP presidential nominee Sen. John McCain.Holtz-Eakin said that while different theories abound, economists have yet to satisfactorily explain business cycles, predict the duration of recessions or explain why some nations' economies grow while others do not. "It's complicated by the fact that we don't live in a textbook world and that, in fact, the government's capacity to do stuff is not infinitely wide."Obama favors a mix of new short-term deficit spending on tax breaks and jobs programs, including ones for roads, bridges and other infrastructure, to keep the economy from falling back into a recession, combined with longer-term steps to trim ballooning deficits.The need for infrastructure jobs is one of the few areas where there's anything approaching consensus. The concept has won the support not only of Obama, but such rival groups as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO. The differences come in how to pay for it.The administration is running out of ammunition to invigorate the economy before the November 2012 presidential election, especially with a Congress that seems geared to block any Obama measures that increase government spending. The Federal Reserve also has few options left, having kept interest rates at near zero for more than two years.Republicans, who now control the House, overwhelmingly oppose further stimulus measures and are emphasizing deep spending cuts and eliminating regulations they claim discourage business expansion and job creation. Catering to the tea party movement, these Republicans say the private sector, not the government, is the engine of growth and should be allowed to function without government meddling.Republicans have been out singing the praises of limited government and bashing Obama's economic policies.

With Congress now back from its summer break, Republicans will "focus on how we stop the federal government from making it so difficult for small business people to create jobs," said Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va.On Obama's left, liberal Democrats are clamoring for even more anti-recessionary spending than he has supported, saying measures enacted thus far have fallen short, given the magnitude of the downturn.

They can't all be right.Some 16 million Americans are jobless, nearly half of them for more than six months. The number of unemployed and underemployed is some 25 million, or 16 percent of the adult population. There is but one job available for every four job seekers.Yet there are flaws in both Democratic and Republican prescriptions for healing the economy and generating jobs.For example, amid GOP assertions that getting the government's fiscal house in order will restore business confidence and private-sector jobs, recession-induced belt-tightening by the federal, state and local governments has resulted in widespread layoffs in the public sector."That's not really the way to move forward," said Lawrence Mishel, president of the labor-leaning Economic Policy Institute. For instance, even August's meager 17,000-job gain in the private sector was completely erased by lost public-sector jobs.Many big corporations have ample cash on hand they could use for hiring, but there is little reason to do so. "There is an across-the-board lack of demand for workers," labor economist Heidi Shierholz said.Why would a company invest to build a new plant and equipment if there's nobody to buy what is produced? It's a vicious cycle: Businesses won't hire because they don't have enough customers. But those out of work aren't shopping because they lack incomes.

On the Democratic side, many of the proposals expected to be announced by Obama, such as putting construction crews to work on road, bridge and other infrastructure projects and hiring workers to repair public schools, would be, by their very nature, temporary ones. And spending done now must still be paid for later, which is hard to do with a national debt soaring toward $14.7 trillion.Obama also is putting emphasis on creating new jobs by exporting more, calling for approval of more free-trade agreements and seeking to double exports within the next five years. But with global markets soft, the world's top exporters — China, Japan and Germany — also hope to boost their lagging exports. It's a mathematical impossibility for all major trading partners to boost exports at the same time.

A major obstacle to job creation is the "mismatch between the jobs being created and the skills of those people who are unemployed," said Rob Shapiro, a former undersecretary of commerce in the Clinton administration. He hopes Obama will include job retraining programs in Thursday's speech, especially in the area of information-technology training for adults.Citing unexpected weaknesses in the economy, White House forecasters a few days ago said unemployment will persist at around 9 percent well into the 2012 election season, revising their contention as recently as June that it would drop to about 8.3 percent next year. Some private forecasts are even gloomier.Getting back to pre-recession jobless rates of below 5 percent — last seen in 2007 — may be a thing of the past"I think we'll get down to 5.5 to 6 percent unemployment and that will be the 'new normal,'" said economist Mark Zandi of Moody's Analytics. "It will take us to the mid-part of the decade to get there, but I think we will get there."

But Zandi, who has advised both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, said it also "depends on policymakers getting it roughly right."It's the getting it right part that's such a tall order.

Brazil vs Ghana

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Sun, 4 Sep 2011 23:09:00 -0700

Brazil's latest training session seems to suggest that both Ganso and Ronaldinho will start for the Seleção against Ghana on Monday night.With Ronaldinho returning to the squad, it appeared that Mano Menezes would have to choose between the 31-year-old and Ganso for the 'number 10' role in the starting line-up.However, in training on Saturday, Menezes used Ganso in that position, with Ronaldinho on the left hand side of the attack.The full team the Brazil coach used in yesterday's training session, in a formation of 4-2-1-3, is as follows:

Julio Cesar; Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, Lucio, Marcelo; Lucas Leiva, Fernandinho, Ganso; Neymar, Leandro Damiao, Ronaldinho.

Ticket Prices

Putney End - Ghana - £25
Hammersmith - Brazil - £25
Riverside Stand - W, T, X, WL, TL, XL - £30
Riverside Stand - S, Z, SL, ZL - £25
Johnny Haynes Stand - E, F, EL and FL - £30
Johnny Haynes Stand - B, C, D, G, H, J, BL, CL, DL, GL, HL, JL - £25
A and AL - is the family zone for Brazil (£25 per adult and £15 for under 16s)
K and KL- is the family zone for Ghana. (£25 per adult and £15 for under 16s)

Pes 2011 Chile v/s Mexico Copa America 2011 HD

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Sat, 3 Sep 2011 19:04:00 -0700

Chile vs Mexico 2011
Score:- Chile vs Mexico 2-1 ( Esteban Paredes, Arturo Vidal/ Araujo)
Copa America 2011 Group C
Chile start off Copa America 2011 with a win as they see off Mexico 2-1 in San Juan.
Chile v Mexico 0-1 ( Araujo goal vs Chile 41′)
Chile vs Mexico 1-1 ( Esteban Paredes goal v Mexico 67′)
Chile vs Mexico 2-1 ( Arturo Vidal goal vs Mexico 73′)

7.1 magnitude Alaska quake prompts tsunami warning

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Fri, 2 Sep 2011 06:41:00 -0700

Fish processing workers and residents head back down Aleutian Islands

A tsunami warning was in effect Friday morning for parts of the Aleutian Islands after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake was recorded in the Pacific Ocean.The earthquake struck about 3:55 a.m. PDT, and there were no initial reports of injuries or damage, according to the United States Geological Survey.The tsunami warning was in effect for coastal areas of Alaska from Unimak Pass to Amchitka Pass. The areas are very remote and not heavily populated, according to Jessica Sigala, geophysicist with the USGS in Golden, Colo.No more details were immediately available.A woman who answered the phone at the City Hall in Unalaska but declined to give her name said people at Dutch Harbor were awakened by sirens.

"We have some people on high ground, but not a lot," she said. "Sirens woke us all up -- everybody's moving."The state emergency response center was being staffed early Friday morning.In June, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 in the same area of the Aleutians also prompted a tsunami warning.

Love songs 2011 | 2011 Top Songs

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:36:00 -0700

Love songs 2011 | 2011 Top Songs

Leyton Orient vs Bristol Rovers betting preview- Carling Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:14:00 -0700

Carling Cup second round
    * Venue: Brisbane Road
    * Date: Tuesday, 30 August
    * Kick-off: 1945 BST

TEAM NEWS

Matchroom Stadium, London -On-loan Newcastle youngster Michael Richardson can play for Leyton Orient in the Carling Cup and may start in midfield.Goalkeeper Jamie Jones is out with a shoulder injury, so Lee Butcher or David Button will start.Bristol Rovers have a major doubt over Joe Anyinsah, who is struggling to overcome a hamstring injury.Cian Bolger picked up an ankle problem against Watford in the previous round and may miss out.

Leyton Orient host Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night, as the sides play their Carling Cup 2nd round match, which was postponed following the riots in London. Orient could hardly be playing this match at a worse time, having lost all five of their League One matches, and they are currently propping up the table. Rovers will be looking for their second higher league scalp, having come through on penalties against Watford in their last round.

Orient are favourites for the match, priced at evens with most bookmakers, while Bristol are at 14/5 with Coral to win tonight. The draw is best priced at 11/4 with Victor Chandler. Leyton are 4/7 favourites with Blue Square to qualify from the tie, whilst Bristol are at 6/4 with Paddy Power.

A 1-1 draw is the favourite scoreline for the match, priced at 13/2 with William Hill, while a 1-0 for Leyton is at 15/2 with Victor Chandler. A 2-1 win for the London side is at 8/1 with Betfred, and a 2-0 win can be backed at 9/1 with bet365. Rovers' best hope is a 1-0 win, which is a top-price 12/1 with bet365.

On the half time / full time market, Orient are 5/2 with Blue Square to be winning at half time and full time, and draw / Orient is a general 4/1 shot. Draw / draw is at 5/1 with bet365, and Rovers / Rovers is at 6/1 with totesport. Draw / Bristol is at 8/1 with bet365, and both sides are 16/1 with Stan James to be winning at half time but drawing at full time.

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Hurricane Irene's trail of destruction

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 10:38:00 -0700

Trees flattened by the thousands. Power lines strewn across the road. Part of the roof gone at a church, the prayer books drenched with rain. Homes flooded by storm surge, the furniture hauled out to the front yard to dry.This narrow island in the southeastern Bahamas took the full force of Hurricane Irene at its most powerful, whipped by winds that exceeded 120 mph in a storm that people said was something they will never forget."Oh lord, oh lord, all I can tell you was it was the worst thing I've ever been through in my life," 46-year-old Lena Mae Wright said Friday as she cleared water-logged furniture and clothing out of her house. "It was horrible, rrible."

Wright went to a friend's house for safety during the worst of the wind and rain. When she returned, she found the storm surge had torn off her boarded-over kitchen door and sent water three feet deep into her home. The carpets and couch appeared ruined. Her mattresses had been carried out to sea."I met the kitchen door in the road," she said.The exact extent of damage in the Bahamas was still being tallied, but preliminary reports indicated hundreds of homes were damaged, said Capt. Stephen Russell, director of the country's National Emergency Management Agency. There were no deaths or major injuries.New Providence, the most populated island in the Bahamas, was far enough from the eye of the storm that winds there did not exceed tropical storm force. But Cat Island and other small, sparsely populated parts of the chain were chewed up."Devastating, in one word," said Christopher Studds, who has lived on the island for a decade and previously served as its top administrative official. "I put my head out the door and the wind almost took my face off."Other islands that experienced extensive damage included Acklins and Crooked islands, both in the south with populations around 400. Dozens of homes were destroyed or badly damaged, Russell said.A full assessment was likely to take several days as government officials travel to affected islands and communications are restored.

"One problem is that on a lot of islands we haven't heard anything and we don't know how well or how badly they are faring," said Darren Adler, chief of operations for the aid group Humanitarian Operations.The organization was distributing food with assistance of a U.S.-based group, Sea Air Land Security, which lent helicopters and a plane. "We have to make sure there are no families living rough and suffering," Adler said.As the storm bore down on the Bahamas, officials had said that Cat Island, about 80 miles southeast of the capital, was of particular concern because the storm would be at maximum strength as it passed over.Their worry was justified. Many people have lost houses and businesses.

The low-lying island is home to about 1,600 people, mostly in modest houses. It is a quiet place that seems a world away from the resorts of Nassau but still draws visitors for the fishing, its quiet, undeveloped beaches and an annual festival devoted to "rake and scrape," a type of music said to have been invented on Cat Island.Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham was expected to visit the island Saturday to assess the damage and meet with residents.Evelyn Burrows, who runs a combination bar-restaurant-clothing store called Periwinkles, was flooded out when ocean water surged over her back patio, tearing off the plywood that she thought would protect her business. But she was cleaning up and hoped to reopen when the power was back on, though no one could say for certain when that would happen.

President Obama says that Irene impact will be "felt for some time" and that "the recovery effort will last for weeks or longer."After the city's entire mass transit system was shut down for the first time in anticipation of Tropical Storm Irene, New York City is working to get its buses back on the road - and, in Manhattan at least, has succeeded, reports CBS News' Gordon Donovan.In a statement the Metropolitan Transit Authority said, restoration of service will begin in Manhattan and the Bronx, followed by Queens and Brooklyn. "Conditions in Staten Island continue to prevent restoration of service at this time," the MTA said. No fares will be charged for service provided today.Restoration of subway and rail service into the city is another matter. The MTA said crews are assessing subway tracks, signals, and equipment - which includes walking the more than 800 miles of subway track - then test trains will be run before passenger service can resume. Pump trains are also operating to remove water from tracks.Fallen trees and flooding are affecting Long Island Rail Road service. Power outages and a mudslide are affecting Metro-North Railroad.

New York city was spared from the predicted flooding. Most of the city's subway lines were running by Monday morning. The New York Stock Exchange opened as normal, though many employees faced problems getting into work. But flooding was reported in all five boroughs, with the suburbs hardest hit with roads washed out in the Hudson River Valley.In New Jersey, officials were expecting major flooding along the Passaic and Ramapo rivers until Tuesday. "The inland flooding is the thing that has been almost as much of a concern of mine as the coastal flooding," said New Jersey governor, Chris Christie. The ocean surge and rainfall has caused severe flooding in the state. Christie said damages there would total at least $1bn and could reach "tens of billions of dollars".More than 1 million people lost power in New Jersey and Pennsylvania as Irene swept across the states. Hundreds of thousands were still without power on Monday. In Rhode Island, half the state's 1 million residents were without power late Sunday but most had power back by Monday.North Carolina suffered the biggest blow, with at least seven people killed in the state and 444,000 households without power. "Overall, the destruction is not as severe as I was worried it might be," said North Carolina governor Bev Perdu. "But there's still lots and lots of destruction, and people's lives have been turned upside down."

Libya rebels fear for Gaddafi prisoners

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 11:06:00 -0700

The notorious Abu Salim prison was stormed by rebels earlier this week

Rebel military spokesman Col Ahmed Omar Bani said almost 50,000 people arrested in recent months were unaccounted for.The rebels believe they may be being held in underground bunkers, which have since been abandoned.Rights groups have seen evidence that dozens of people have been massacred near prisons, but Col Bani did not accuse anyone of killing the prisoners."The number of people arrested over the past months is estimated at between 57,000 and 60,000," he said in a news conference in Benghazi."Between 10,000 and 11,000 prisoners have been freed up until now... so where are the others?"The colonel appealed for anyone with information to come forward, and said it would be "catastrophic" if they had been killed.

Hunt for Gaddafi

The BBC's Jon Leyne in Benghazi says many rebels and their supporters were detained by fighters loyal to fugitive leader Col Muammar Gaddafi during the struggle for Benghazi and other cities.He says many other activists - and even those just suspected of supporting the revolution - were arrested in waves of security crackdowns, particularly when Col Gaddafi was trying to stop the revolution from spreading to Tripoli.Human Rights Watch has said it has evidence that pro-Gaddafi forces killed at least 17 prisoners and carried out "suspected arbitrary executions of dozens of civilians,

including professionals" in the days before Tripoli fell to the rebels.Reuters news agency claimed earlier this week to have discovered an apparent massacre site in Tripoli; and separately about 50 charred corpses were found in a warehouse south of the capital on Saturday.But it was unclear who was responsible for any of the killings.The rebels stormed Tripoli earlier in the week and took control of almost all of it after two days of fighting.Although sporadic gunshots could be heard in the capital on Sunday, the rebels say they are now in control and are trying to restore basic utilities such as water supply.However, Gaddafi loyalists are continuing to fight in other parts of the country - particularly around Col Gaddafi's hometown of Sirte.Some rebel commanders believe the colonel and his inner circle are likely to have fled to Sirte.But other rumours swirling
around include allegations that the Gaddafis are hiding in Tripoli; that some of them fled to Algiers; or that some have already taken refuge in Europe.On the weekend, a spokesman for the Gaddafi regime offered to open talks with the rebel government, the National Transitional Council.But the NTC rejected the offer, describing the colonel as a criminal who should be put on trial.The UK Foreign Secretary William Hague described the offer of talks as delusional.

Libyan rebels head to the captured town of Bin Jawad, 62 miles from Gaddafi's last coastal stronghold of Sirte. Photograph: Gianluigi Guercia

Aston Villa v Wolverhampton Wanderers

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 03:29:00 -0700

Good morning all. Scott will have rolled out of bed and be sitting by his computer by about 11.00am or so. In the mean time, here's our very own Secret Footballer (no, we haven't a clue either) on why you need a sharp agent on deadline day. Enjoy.If there was a Guide to Management in a Transfer Window it would surely be based on Sun Tzu's The Art of War. This week alone the message of the book seems particularly apt after Samir Nasri joined Manchester City amid suggestions that a bit of tapping up might have taken place. Yet as everybody knows, when two clubs are pushing and pulling over a player the battle has been won before it was ever fought.With sarcasm lacing their voices, a few football acquaintances contacted me this week to express their surprise at Arsène Wenger's brazen admission that Nasri was well aware of how many zeros were awaiting him at Manchester City when he was still an Arsenal player. Quite naturally this led the media to conclude that the player must have been tapped up. "I am a realist," said Wenger, "so I have no illusions about that, I think it is part of the modern life of a professional football player."The reason Wenger is so candid is because, if Nasri has been tapped up, then so have I and almost every other player that has been transferred in the last 10 years. The phrase "tapping up" has become a dirty one over the last few seasons; it is in the public consciousness as something that is dishonest and underhand. Yet ask any board of directors in the FTSE 100 as to how they go about choosing a new CEO and they do exactly the same thing as football clubs. They just call it headhunting.

Saturday, August 27

Aston Villa v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Villa Park

Kick-off: 12.05 BST

TV: Sky Sport 2, highlights BBC1 MOTD.

Members Area « Ez Team Builder Plus Members

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 06:43:00 -0700

Members Area « Ez Team Builder Plus Members

Win a Price, Make A win

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 04:26:00 -0700

Win a Price, Make A win

FC Barcelona vs FC Porto Uefa Super Cup 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 02:35:00 -0700

FC Barcelona Starting line-up               FC Proto Starting Line-up
          o Víctor Valdés                                    o Helton
          o Dani Alves                                         o I. Sapunaru
          o J. Mascherano                                   o Rolando
          o E. Abidal                                           o N. Otamendi
          o A. Correia                                         o J. Fucile

o S. Busquets o Souza

          o Xavi                                                  o F. Guarin
          o A. Iniesta                                           o J. Moutinho
          o Pedro                                                o Hulk
          o D. Villa                                              o Silvestre Varela
          o L. Messi                                            o Kléber
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While all the headlines go the Spanish Strike, the Champions League draw, and the injury of Gerard Pique, it is easy to forget that Barcelona actually have a game this Friday. Not just any game, but the European Super Cup, which is a traditional curtain-raiser to the Champions League season, where two teams battle it out to be called the best in Europe.While it is touted as a "waste of time" and just plain "meaningless" by some, perhaps a recap is in order. FC Barcelona "qualified" for this occasion by beating the best in Europe, and despite the "scandal at the Bernabeu", the 2010/11 UEFA Champions League has been remembered for the master-class Pep Guardiola’s team handed out to Manchester United.That 3-1 win was regarded by some as the best performance in a tournament final, so while it does not hold a huge significance in Cataluña, the UEFA Super Cup is a reminder of that epic season.
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FC Porto were irresistible last season under the guidance of Andres Villas-Boas, and while their manager has followed in the footsteps of his predecessor "The Special One" in going to Chelsea, Porto are still a strong side.Though just how good are FC Porto?It is all relative, but winning the Europa League makes it hard to gauge. After all, the teams they beat were far from world-class. On route to the final, they beat Sevilla – a team who look a shadow of previous years – CSKA Moscow – who had not started their domestic campaign – and then Villarreal in the semi-final. But even the Yellow Submarine were on a downwards spiral in the latter half of the season.Then winning by a solitary goal against Braga in the final? It really is hard to gauge whether this side is the real deal. Sure, they went unbeaten in the Liga ZON Sagres, but judging by the state of Portuguese football, it is not the most difficult feat.This is meant in no way to demean the feats of Villas-Boas, but now he is gone, and so is the most influential figure from that Europa League triumph are gone (Falcao). With Alvaro Periera missing out due to the rumours linking him with a move to Chelsea, this seems like a decent time to play the Super Cup.The 5-0 demolition of a full-strength Napoli team in the Joan Gamper Trophy was a joy to behold, especially with several first team players missing. The experiment of Cesc Fabregas in the "false no.9" position was a success, while Lionel Messi seems to have stepped up his game from ridiculous to superlative exhausting.The lack of a midfield destroyer enabled more creativity, and there were only a few occasions where it left the defence a little bit short. Considering Andreu Fontas started, it was hard to believe that Barcelona kept a clean sheet.However, all is not rosy. Gerard Pique picked up a calf injury in a training game, so joins Carles Puyol on the sideline for three weeks, leaving the defense that started the Spanish Super Cup, and while Barcelona won, they were far from convincing. Javier Mascherano will get another chance to continue his progression to centre-back, and Eric Abidal will have to raise his game, as Hulk will prove as much of a hand full as Karim Benzema was.Knowing Pep Guardiola, the team will consist of the Supercopa defense, with the standard midfield and attacking trios. The style of play will be no different to any other game, and this will provide the main defense, helping that makeshift backline.The main attacking threats for Porto will be Hulk, with his direct and powerful dribbling, not to mention his rocket-like left boot. Very much a Ronaldo-esque figure, he could cause some problems to the left-hand side of defense, but to do so he will need service.Joao Moutinho would normally provide that service, and no doubt will have chance to do the same on Friday night, but up against a full-strength Barcelona midfield, he will find it hard to get in possession, making Hulk isolated. If Hulk drops deep, his threat will be negated, if he stays up field, he won’t get the ball. The tiki-taka will prove to be an excellent defense, as well as the primary attacking threat.Considering the build of Porto’s team, new coach Vitor Pereira will probably set them up to counter, in a 4-3-3 system, but one would assume that Barcelona will be expecting this, and will prepare accordingly.

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Piles of dead bodies in empty Tripoli hospital

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 02:05:00 -0700

TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) - Dozens of decomposing bodies were piled up Friday in an abandoned hospital in Tripoli, a grim testament to the chaos roiling the capital as Libyan rebels clash with forces still loyal to Moammar Gadhafi.The four-story hospital was in the Abu Salim neighborhood, which has seen some of the heaviest fighting this week, although the facility was empty and it could not be determined when the men had been killed. The floors were covered with shattered glass and bloodstains, and medical equipment was strewn about.One hospital room had 21 bodies lying on gurneys, while 20 others were in the hospital's courtyard next to the parking lot - all of them darker skinned than most Libyans, covered with blankets. Gadhafi had recruited fighters from sub-Saharan Africa.With Gadhafi still on the run and vowing to fight to the death, the rebels have struggled to take complete control of the Libya capital after sweeping into the city on Sunday. The fight in Abu Salim has been particularly bloody.Bursts of gunfire were heard coming from an area near the neighborhood before daybreak Friday. Smoke rose from the area but a rebel at the scene early Friday said the fighting in Abu Salim had ended by nightfall Thursday.

Men believed to be Gadhafi supporters or fighters were left moaning and calling for water at a clinic attached to a fire station in Abu-Salim. Curious men from the neighborhood climbed stairs to look at the men, but none offered help.One of the wounded said he was from Niger and denied any links to Gadhafi. Asked why he was in Libya, he said, "I really don't know." He did not give his name.Gadhafi had recruited fighters from sub-Saharan Africa, and many others are in Libya as migrant workers. In the turmoil since the rebellion broke out, migrant workers from southern Africa have been harassed.Associated Press reporters flagged down a cab to take some of the wounded from the clinic to a hospital. The driver at first agreed, but men from the neighborhood intervened, saying the men would have to be interrogated before they could be moved.The opposition's interim government, meanwhile, moved forward with efforts to establish political control despite the continuing violence.The National Transitional Council announced it is moving from the country's second-largest city of Benghazi in the east to the Tripoli.A minister in the rebel government said Gadhafi's capture is not a prerequisite for setting up a new administration in the capital."We can start rebuilding our country," Finance Minister Ali Tarhouni of the NTC told a news conference late Thursday. "He (Gadhafi) is the one who is basically in the sewer, moving from one sewer to another.""I have a final message for everyone who is still carrying arms against the revolution," he said, "to let go of their arms and go back to their homes, and we promise not to take revenge against them."Even with his regime in tatters, Gadhafi has tried to rally his followers to kill the rebels who waged war for six months to bring down Libya's ruler of 42 years."Don't leave Tripoli for the rats. Fight them, and kill them," Gadhafi said in a new audio message broadcast on Al-Ouroba TV, a Syria-based satellite station.Outside Bab al-Aziziya, Gadhafi's main military compound that was captured on Tuesday, was another grim scene, one that suggested execution-style killings of civilians.

About two dozen bodies - some with their hands bound by plastic ties and with bullet wounds to the head - lay scattered on grassy lots in an area where Gadhafi sympathizers had camped out for months.The identities of the dead were unclear, but they were in all likelihood activists who had set up an impromptu tent city in solidarity with Gadhafi in defiance of the NATO bombing campaign.Five or six bodies were in a tent erected on a roundabout. One of the dead still had an IV in his arm, and another body was completely charred, his legs missing. The body of a doctor, in his green hospital gown, was found dumped in the canal.

FC Sion Sitten v Celtic Onlline - Live European Soccer On The Internet - trueonlinetv

noreply@blogger.com (Arnab Chowdhury) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:03:00 -0700

http://secure.signup-way.com/5394/18176/ok

Draw	Away	Betting
H	D	A	15 September 2011
			01:50	Argentina (5/4)	v (12/5)	Brazil (2)
			28 September 2011
			11:00	Brazil (6/5)	v (12/5)	Argentina (2)
			11 November 2011
			11:00	Ukraine (15/4)	v (11/4)	Germany (11/17)
			15 November 2011
			11:00	Germany (6/5)	v (23/10)	Netherlands (21/10)
			29 February 2012
			11:00	Germany (18/19)	v (23/10)	France (11/4)