I have decided that this will be the final week. I knew this was a ridiculous idea from the get-go. Despite a return on my bets from the first week, I have lost two weeks in a row.
My initial plan was to go for six weeks but it's best to cut my losses and quit after this week.
Here are the finances after Week Three:
Amount Staked: £37.05
Amount Returned: £14.78
Profit/Loss: - £22.27
The bets I have placed are as follows:
1) Baltimore -4 10/11
2) Houston @ Atlanta UNDER 39.5 total points 10/11
3) Denver @ Indianapolis OVER 46 total points 10/11
4) Philadelphia @ NY Giants UNDER 47.5 total points 10/11
5) Buffalo winning margin between 7-12 6/1
6) St. Louis winning margin between 13-18 20/1
7) Tampa Bay to score more than 18pts 5/6
8) Seattle -1.5 10/11
The forecasted results can be found on a message board thread at:
http://www.punterslounge.com/forum/showthread.php?p=897487#post897487
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Save_Us.222
Did you see this week's edition of Monday Night Raw?
If you did you would have seen a few second clip of a blue background with a load of computer file names appearing. Rock music was played on it as well.
There was no description of why this vignette aired but it has something to do with the future of the WWE.
When I initially saw it my inkling was that it was plugging the return of Chris Jericho. I have looked around the net and the consensus seem to think that my first thoughts were in agreement with the majority.
The problem is there have been many people out there in Cyberspace going a little too far into this 'Is it Chris Jericho?' thing. I am only writing about it today because I have nothing else to write about.
The Internet fans have gone so far as to play the thing backwards and noted that the word 'The Rock' is said. There is no way Dwayne Johnson is going to give up on Hollywood just yet. So scratch off that one.
There have also been analysis of the file-names. I agree they could signal that it is Jericho that this commercial was promoting.
One file name said '7OCT'. This may mean nothing much but if you look closely it is the same date of the WWE's next pay-per-view. Could the WWE be teasing a return at this event just to bring in a buy-rate? I wouldn't put it past them.
Another file reads 'cd_volume4_1.act'. this is another clue as Chris Jericho's theme tune appears as track one on the 'WWF : The Music Volume 4' CD.
Further fuel was added to the fire when the Chris Jericho My Space page had the heading 'I'm Coming Back!' as the headline. Hours after this message was posted the fans started hyping that one of the most popular wrestlers of the current era is about to come back.
It was then revealed that the Chris Jericho page was not official so it was just another Internet mark out there trying to make a story out of nothing.
Or is it?
I can guarantee you this, I don't even think the WWE will have been smart enough to come up with this advert if they knew it would whet the appetite of Jericho fans or, Jerichoholics as they are known. I'm sure a few curious fans will purchase Cyber Sunday hoping to see the return of the Ayatollah of Rock-n-Rollah.
If Jericho is going to return to the company then Cyber Sunday would be the ideal place to announce it. They can then go on and get an extra buy in the following pay-per-view where the wrestler will fight.
The fans may end up being let down but they will be guaranteed a Jericho match at the Survivor Series.
So - my theory is this. Jericho is returning. He won't be at Cyber Sunday as this advert teases but he will be back by November's event.
Oh, and also remember Jericho's autobiography is released in a few weeks. He needs to be back on television by then just so he is in people's consciousness. He also has an extensive book signing tour this Autumn and no dates have been set for a Monday night.
What day is Raw on again?
If you did you would have seen a few second clip of a blue background with a load of computer file names appearing. Rock music was played on it as well.
There was no description of why this vignette aired but it has something to do with the future of the WWE.
When I initially saw it my inkling was that it was plugging the return of Chris Jericho. I have looked around the net and the consensus seem to think that my first thoughts were in agreement with the majority.
The problem is there have been many people out there in Cyberspace going a little too far into this 'Is it Chris Jericho?' thing. I am only writing about it today because I have nothing else to write about.
The Internet fans have gone so far as to play the thing backwards and noted that the word 'The Rock' is said. There is no way Dwayne Johnson is going to give up on Hollywood just yet. So scratch off that one.
There have also been analysis of the file-names. I agree they could signal that it is Jericho that this commercial was promoting.
One file name said '7OCT'. This may mean nothing much but if you look closely it is the same date of the WWE's next pay-per-view. Could the WWE be teasing a return at this event just to bring in a buy-rate? I wouldn't put it past them.
Another file reads 'cd_volume4_1.act'. this is another clue as Chris Jericho's theme tune appears as track one on the 'WWF : The Music Volume 4' CD.
Further fuel was added to the fire when the Chris Jericho My Space page had the heading 'I'm Coming Back!' as the headline. Hours after this message was posted the fans started hyping that one of the most popular wrestlers of the current era is about to come back.
It was then revealed that the Chris Jericho page was not official so it was just another Internet mark out there trying to make a story out of nothing.
Or is it?
I can guarantee you this, I don't even think the WWE will have been smart enough to come up with this advert if they knew it would whet the appetite of Jericho fans or, Jerichoholics as they are known. I'm sure a few curious fans will purchase Cyber Sunday hoping to see the return of the Ayatollah of Rock-n-Rollah.
If Jericho is going to return to the company then Cyber Sunday would be the ideal place to announce it. They can then go on and get an extra buy in the following pay-per-view where the wrestler will fight.
The fans may end up being let down but they will be guaranteed a Jericho match at the Survivor Series.
So - my theory is this. Jericho is returning. He won't be at Cyber Sunday as this advert teases but he will be back by November's event.
Oh, and also remember Jericho's autobiography is released in a few weeks. He needs to be back on television by then just so he is in people's consciousness. He also has an extensive book signing tour this Autumn and no dates have been set for a Monday night.
What day is Raw on again?
Friday, September 28, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Reasonable Force?
I welcome the new stance by Government that have-a-go heroes will be able to get immunity if they were to catch an intruder on their property or prevent a crime taking place in the street.
They claim as long as reasonable force is used then it's okay.
But what is 'Reasonable Force'?
If someone were to smash a window and break into my house then I think it's open season. It's almost kill or be killed if you ask me. You don't know what they will do if the 'reasonable force' you use is no good.
Attack is the best form of defence.
This thinking has reminded me of the incident in my work last year. A great worker and colleague of mine was fired because he dared two abusive customers who were threatening to attack him to come into his kitchen while he had a knife in his hand.
The situation was blown totally out of proportion and my colleague was arrested and went to court. The case was later abolished after there was a contrast in witness statements.
All he did was go to work that day and had two customers threaten him because he warned them they could get burnt if they were to touch the hot pans and told them to wait until a member of staff came along. Hell, they weren't even customers. They had only just walked into the restaurant and didn't order.
He ended up being abused verbally and threatened with violence and to scare them off he had the knife in his hand and told them to walk into the kitchen with their abuse.
If I had two guys threatening me in that way - I would have done the same thing.
Right or wrong? I don't know. What I do know is there was no 'force' involved and that particular situation was resolved as they left the premises in haste in order to get more friends.
You see - these idiots did wrong and others had to pay for it.
And the thing that makes me wonder is - what would have happened had it happened today rather than eighteen months ago?
I know a lot of things would have been better for me and I know it would have been a lot better for my ex-colleague as well.
They claim as long as reasonable force is used then it's okay.
But what is 'Reasonable Force'?
If someone were to smash a window and break into my house then I think it's open season. It's almost kill or be killed if you ask me. You don't know what they will do if the 'reasonable force' you use is no good.
Attack is the best form of defence.
This thinking has reminded me of the incident in my work last year. A great worker and colleague of mine was fired because he dared two abusive customers who were threatening to attack him to come into his kitchen while he had a knife in his hand.
The situation was blown totally out of proportion and my colleague was arrested and went to court. The case was later abolished after there was a contrast in witness statements.
All he did was go to work that day and had two customers threaten him because he warned them they could get burnt if they were to touch the hot pans and told them to wait until a member of staff came along. Hell, they weren't even customers. They had only just walked into the restaurant and didn't order.
He ended up being abused verbally and threatened with violence and to scare them off he had the knife in his hand and told them to walk into the kitchen with their abuse.
If I had two guys threatening me in that way - I would have done the same thing.
Right or wrong? I don't know. What I do know is there was no 'force' involved and that particular situation was resolved as they left the premises in haste in order to get more friends.
You see - these idiots did wrong and others had to pay for it.
And the thing that makes me wonder is - what would have happened had it happened today rather than eighteen months ago?
I know a lot of things would have been better for me and I know it would have been a lot better for my ex-colleague as well.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
One Last Go
I have decided that the Madden betting idea that I came up with will end after this weekend's games.
It was such a ridiculous idea in the first place.
Instead, I have decided on a new angle to bet on. This time I am going to look at Italian soccer but will give it a trial run and announce my idea next week.
It was such a ridiculous idea in the first place.
Instead, I have decided on a new angle to bet on. This time I am going to look at Italian soccer but will give it a trial run and announce my idea next week.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Dogsitting
I was sitting at home on Sunday and my Sister was wondering who would look after their dog while she was at work on Monday. So, I opened my big mouth and offered to look after him.
Paddy came over at eleven thirty and my Sister didn't get here until after three. I had nearly four hours having to look after the craziest dog I have ever seen.
It was 'crazy' in a nice way, though. He was running around and very playful. I enjoyed looking after him but I won't be the first to offer to look after him again.
Me and my big mouth!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Marcel Marceau
News reached me yesterday evening that Marcel Marceau had passed away at the age of eighty-four. I had been telling someone how Marceau was a 'friend' of mine only a few weeks ago.
The story of our 'friendship' is a funny one.
When I was younger my Father would write letters to celebrities and ask for autographs on my behalf. We had an abundance of replies. Enough to fill two photograph albums. One of the first batch of responders was the mime artist.
He dedicated the picture to my name and opened it with 'to my dear friend.' I was only five or six at the time so I thought the clown in the picture really was a friend of mine,
Not so long after that I was in town with my family and saw a mime artist dressed like Marceau in the middle of the street doing an act. I really did think it was him and shouted over to him and waved. He responded with a wave of his own. The clone was unaware that he really was helping the original.
A year after the initial autograph was sent to me I got another one. This time it was dated '1985' and was once again written to me. My father had only written the one letter to him but my address had obviously stayed with him. He was the only celebrity in my autograph book to appear twice.
In recent years Marcel Marceau would become one of my favourite analogies for being ignored. I would comment that 'It's like having a conversation with Marcel Marveau speaking to you.' Whenever someone was being quiet. Every time I use this expression I think back to my childhood and of that boy who believed the clown was his mate.
Au revoir, friend.
The story of our 'friendship' is a funny one.
When I was younger my Father would write letters to celebrities and ask for autographs on my behalf. We had an abundance of replies. Enough to fill two photograph albums. One of the first batch of responders was the mime artist.
He dedicated the picture to my name and opened it with 'to my dear friend.' I was only five or six at the time so I thought the clown in the picture really was a friend of mine,
Not so long after that I was in town with my family and saw a mime artist dressed like Marceau in the middle of the street doing an act. I really did think it was him and shouted over to him and waved. He responded with a wave of his own. The clone was unaware that he really was helping the original.
A year after the initial autograph was sent to me I got another one. This time it was dated '1985' and was once again written to me. My father had only written the one letter to him but my address had obviously stayed with him. He was the only celebrity in my autograph book to appear twice.
In recent years Marcel Marceau would become one of my favourite analogies for being ignored. I would comment that 'It's like having a conversation with Marcel Marveau speaking to you.' Whenever someone was being quiet. Every time I use this expression I think back to my childhood and of that boy who believed the clown was his mate.
Au revoir, friend.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
A Mad(den) Idea : Week III
Not a good week in the second run of games. I am now in the red.
After Week Two stats:-
Total Spent: £24.70
Total Returns: £14.24
Profit/Loss: -£10.46
This week's bets are:-
1)NY Jets -3 10/11
2)Detroit +5.5 10/11
3)Denver -3 5/6
4)Seattle -3.5 EVS
5)Cleveland @ Oakland UNDER 40.5 10/11
6)Carolina -4 10/11
7)Washington to win with a margin of between 1-6 7/2
8)Dallas To Score Over 19pts 5/6
The forecasted results can be found in this thread on the Punter's Lounge message board:-
http://www.punterslounge.com/forum/showthread.php?p=892718#post892718
After Week Two stats:-
Total Spent: £24.70
Total Returns: £14.24
Profit/Loss: -£10.46
This week's bets are:-
1)NY Jets -3 10/11
2)Detroit +5.5 10/11
3)Denver -3 5/6
4)Seattle -3.5 EVS
5)Cleveland @ Oakland UNDER 40.5 10/11
6)Carolina -4 10/11
7)Washington to win with a margin of between 1-6 7/2
8)Dallas To Score Over 19pts 5/6
The forecasted results can be found in this thread on the Punter's Lounge message board:-
http://www.punterslounge.com/forum/showthread.php?p=892718#post892718
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
A HT - FT Long Shot
I am doing some unique bets this weekend that I can guarantee will not win.
I have placed six matches in a Lucky 63 and need the home team to be winning in the first-half and the final result to end up being a draw.
All the teams picked were evenly matches but with the home team as a slight favourite.
I am not even going to name the matches in question because the chances of all six working out is nearly as equal to getting all the numbers in tomorrow's lottery.
I have placed six matches in a Lucky 63 and need the home team to be winning in the first-half and the final result to end up being a draw.
All the teams picked were evenly matches but with the home team as a slight favourite.
I am not even going to name the matches in question because the chances of all six working out is nearly as equal to getting all the numbers in tomorrow's lottery.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
5 O'Clock In The Mour-ning
It's 04:59am and I am sitting here looking at this computer screen with no idea what to write.
I just read that Jose Mourinho has left Chelsea. I am now listening to the news on the radio. I'm not in shock but I am feeling a sense of loss.
No, I am not a Chelsea supporter but I am a football fan and anyone who follows British football should be feeling as gutted as I am now. The Premier League will never be the same again.
Jose Mourinho was - and still is - one of the sport's greatest characters. His candor was a breath of fresh air. Let's hope he gets another coaching job over here - we need people like him in British footy.
I just read that Jose Mourinho has left Chelsea. I am now listening to the news on the radio. I'm not in shock but I am feeling a sense of loss.
No, I am not a Chelsea supporter but I am a football fan and anyone who follows British football should be feeling as gutted as I am now. The Premier League will never be the same again.
Jose Mourinho was - and still is - one of the sport's greatest characters. His candor was a breath of fresh air. Let's hope he gets another coaching job over here - we need people like him in British footy.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
The Poker Loser
I am leafing through the current issue of World Poker Tour Magazine and there is an article called 'Secret Life of Poker Losers'.
It mentions that 'we all spend more time bragging about wins than owning up to our losses.'
Am I the exception to this rule?
I know I have mentioned about my wins via this blog but I am sure that I have also gone on record to claim how terrible my play has been on numerous occasions.
We all know how those damn queens have ruined me more than they have prevailed.
Just last night I was beaten to a pulp by rubbish when someone made a straight after calling my all-in raise with Jack, Six. I had AK and the lucky swine made the straight using his six.
I know where I went wrong.
The problem is - I will still play that hand the same the next time. I learn from my mistakes but on this occasion that opponent made the bigger mistake and got lucky. Nine times out of ten I would have walked away from that hand the winner.
I need more luck. That's what I need.
It mentions that 'we all spend more time bragging about wins than owning up to our losses.'
Am I the exception to this rule?
I know I have mentioned about my wins via this blog but I am sure that I have also gone on record to claim how terrible my play has been on numerous occasions.
We all know how those damn queens have ruined me more than they have prevailed.
Just last night I was beaten to a pulp by rubbish when someone made a straight after calling my all-in raise with Jack, Six. I had AK and the lucky swine made the straight using his six.
I know where I went wrong.
The problem is - I will still play that hand the same the next time. I learn from my mistakes but on this occasion that opponent made the bigger mistake and got lucky. Nine times out of ten I would have walked away from that hand the winner.
I need more luck. That's what I need.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Condemned To Death
I saw the The Condemned today. The movie was a major letdown.
I waited months to get a copy of it and I finally did the other day thanks to my Father. The film was released on DVD in the USA today so I thought it was an appropriate time to watch it.
The story was about a producer who puts ten of the world's worst criminals on an island to fight it out in a live reality show aired across the Internet. The winner of the production would be the last man alive.
Steve Austin played the lead in the movie. The role of the villain was taken by Vinnie Jones. I think they worked good together. Unfortunately, that is the only good thing I can say about The Condemned.
The movie was rammed to the brim with Arnold Schwarzenegger-esque retorts during fight scenes. It worked for the Austrian but I began to cringe hearing Steve and Vinnie trying to bring ironic humour to the script. It just didn't work.
They also had a lot of man-on-woman violence and a hidden message within it blaming the viewer for the way these acts are accepted in the modern world. It made it creepy and ironic considering The Condemned is funded by WWE Films.
If I were to recommend something similar then it would have to be the Running Man which is one of my favourite Arnie films.
The other film I would liken it to is the Japanese movie called Battle Royale. The Condemned is the Hollywood rip-off version.
I waited months to get a copy of it and I finally did the other day thanks to my Father. The film was released on DVD in the USA today so I thought it was an appropriate time to watch it.
The story was about a producer who puts ten of the world's worst criminals on an island to fight it out in a live reality show aired across the Internet. The winner of the production would be the last man alive.
Steve Austin played the lead in the movie. The role of the villain was taken by Vinnie Jones. I think they worked good together. Unfortunately, that is the only good thing I can say about The Condemned.
The movie was rammed to the brim with Arnold Schwarzenegger-esque retorts during fight scenes. It worked for the Austrian but I began to cringe hearing Steve and Vinnie trying to bring ironic humour to the script. It just didn't work.
They also had a lot of man-on-woman violence and a hidden message within it blaming the viewer for the way these acts are accepted in the modern world. It made it creepy and ironic considering The Condemned is funded by WWE Films.
If I were to recommend something similar then it would have to be the Running Man which is one of my favourite Arnie films.
The other film I would liken it to is the Japanese movie called Battle Royale. The Condemned is the Hollywood rip-off version.
Monday, September 17, 2007
New Sponsorship
Due to the Northern Rock situation, Newcastle United have asked me to help them out in designing a new kit.
I thought the Bank of England would help them.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Irish Luck?
My Aunt and Uncle stayed over for the last few days. My Uncle Peter is a typical Irishman. He made numerous visits to the bookies and pub during his time here.
He took an interest in my soccer betting, too.
On Friday night he suggested we both team up and do a Lucky 63 on the weekend football.
The plan was I would pick the six teams and then we would pay £6.30 each and split the winnings.
I went along with it even though I prefer doing my bets online due to there being better odds available plus it was all for fun.
I chose Arsenal, Oldham, Preston, Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United. We placed the bets at 20p a line. Using my calculator I think the total returns - had they all won - would have brought back around £220.
By the time the final whistle sounded in our final match we had secured five wins out of the chosen six so I headed off down to the betting shop to claim our winnings.
We had £49.53 returned to us so we made a profit of £36.93 and a split of £24.76 each.
I ended up giving my Mother a bit of my winnings and then my Uncle arrived home with a new idea.
He wanted us to do a Lucky 15 on the horses!
I didn't have a clue what to say. I knew I wanted to quit while I was ahead but I didn't want to let him down so I agreed to go with it.
He said I should pick the horses. I told him I didn't want to because I wouldn't have had a clue which ones to pick. Peter urged me to pick by literally putting the paper in my hand. All he needed was a shotgun to make the scene even more believable.
I sat there looking at the names on the page but nothing sprung out at me. There is usually a name that irks my inspiration but my mind was blank. I knew I should have quit.
I made four picks. We both went back to the bookies and placed £7.50 each on the nags. I just had a bad feeling that none of these horses would win...
And guess what!?!?!?!?!?
I was right.
He took an interest in my soccer betting, too.
On Friday night he suggested we both team up and do a Lucky 63 on the weekend football.
The plan was I would pick the six teams and then we would pay £6.30 each and split the winnings.
I went along with it even though I prefer doing my bets online due to there being better odds available plus it was all for fun.
I chose Arsenal, Oldham, Preston, Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United. We placed the bets at 20p a line. Using my calculator I think the total returns - had they all won - would have brought back around £220.
By the time the final whistle sounded in our final match we had secured five wins out of the chosen six so I headed off down to the betting shop to claim our winnings.
We had £49.53 returned to us so we made a profit of £36.93 and a split of £24.76 each.
I ended up giving my Mother a bit of my winnings and then my Uncle arrived home with a new idea.
He wanted us to do a Lucky 15 on the horses!
I didn't have a clue what to say. I knew I wanted to quit while I was ahead but I didn't want to let him down so I agreed to go with it.
He said I should pick the horses. I told him I didn't want to because I wouldn't have had a clue which ones to pick. Peter urged me to pick by literally putting the paper in my hand. All he needed was a shotgun to make the scene even more believable.
I sat there looking at the names on the page but nothing sprung out at me. There is usually a name that irks my inspiration but my mind was blank. I knew I should have quit.
I made four picks. We both went back to the bookies and placed £7.50 each on the nags. I just had a bad feeling that none of these horses would win...
And guess what!?!?!?!?!?
I was right.
AQ
I have just finished an evening in a $5 tournament at Coral.
AQ.
There were one thousand and eighty-three participants.
AQ.
I finished in forty-third place.
AQ.
I won $18.95.
AQ.
Something weird happened in the three hours I played. I was dealt a certain card combination at least five times in the course of the tournament.
AQ.
AQ.
There were one thousand and eighty-three participants.
AQ.
I finished in forty-third place.
AQ.
I won $18.95.
AQ.
Something weird happened in the three hours I played. I was dealt a certain card combination at least five times in the course of the tournament.
AQ.
Friday, September 14, 2007
A Mad(den) Idea : Week II
Last week's betting on the American Football using the results of games using the Nintendo Wii game of Madden '08 brought in a profit.
I made £1.02 after four results won, two lost and two were deemed void.
The winners were - San Diego -6, Dallas -6, Indianapolis to score more than 29 and New England vs New York Jets to have a total of over 41 points.
I made a slight change this week. As the Indianapolis Colts results are the scores made from my own play I have decided to do play the game again and have the CPU control both teams. That way it will work in the same way as all the other results generated by the video game.
Here are the results of the second week using the game:
Atlanta 21 Jacksonville 10
Buffalo 25 Pittsburgh 17
Cincinnati 27 Cleveland 21
Green Bay 7 NY Giants 19
Houston 13 Carolina 24
Indianapolis 38 Tennessee 17
New Orleans 14 Tampa Bay 32
San Francisco 27 St. Louis 21
Dallas 20 Miami 36
Minnesota 16 Detroit 7
Seattle 34 Arizona 14
Kansas City 6 Chicago 24
NY Jets 16 Baltimore 23
Oakland 34 Denver 7
San Diego 40 New England 14
Washington 24 Philadelphia 27
Once again I found some peculiar results so had to use inventive ways of picking the eight selections needed for the Goliath bet.
The selections I chose were:
1) Indianapolis -7 10/11
2) Carolina -6.5 10/11
3) Seattle -3 EVS
4) Philadelphia to score over 23.5pts 5/6
5) Oakland +10 10/11
6) Dallas @ Miami to have a total over 40.5pts 10/11
7) Chicago to score over 23pts 5/6
8) Tampa Bay to score over 19.5pts 5/6
The stats for week 1 -
Played 8 won 4 lost 2 void 2
Profit/Loss -
Week One total stake - £12.35
Week One total return - £13.37
Week One total Profit - £1.02
You can keep up to date with the system and see how it is being received by fellow gamblers here:
http://www.punterslounge.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54556
I made £1.02 after four results won, two lost and two were deemed void.
The winners were - San Diego -6, Dallas -6, Indianapolis to score more than 29 and New England vs New York Jets to have a total of over 41 points.
I made a slight change this week. As the Indianapolis Colts results are the scores made from my own play I have decided to do play the game again and have the CPU control both teams. That way it will work in the same way as all the other results generated by the video game.
Here are the results of the second week using the game:
Atlanta 21 Jacksonville 10
Buffalo 25 Pittsburgh 17
Cincinnati 27 Cleveland 21
Green Bay 7 NY Giants 19
Houston 13 Carolina 24
Indianapolis 38 Tennessee 17
New Orleans 14 Tampa Bay 32
San Francisco 27 St. Louis 21
Dallas 20 Miami 36
Minnesota 16 Detroit 7
Seattle 34 Arizona 14
Kansas City 6 Chicago 24
NY Jets 16 Baltimore 23
Oakland 34 Denver 7
San Diego 40 New England 14
Washington 24 Philadelphia 27
Once again I found some peculiar results so had to use inventive ways of picking the eight selections needed for the Goliath bet.
The selections I chose were:
1) Indianapolis -7 10/11
2) Carolina -6.5 10/11
3) Seattle -3 EVS
4) Philadelphia to score over 23.5pts 5/6
5) Oakland +10 10/11
6) Dallas @ Miami to have a total over 40.5pts 10/11
7) Chicago to score over 23pts 5/6
8) Tampa Bay to score over 19.5pts 5/6
The stats for week 1 -
Played 8 won 4 lost 2 void 2
Profit/Loss -
Week One total stake - £12.35
Week One total return - £13.37
Week One total Profit - £1.02
You can keep up to date with the system and see how it is being received by fellow gamblers here:
http://www.punterslounge.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54556
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Roald Dahl Day
On this day in 1916 one of the World's most famous writers was born.
And he was born in Cardiff.
As a tribute, today has been named as 'Roald Dahl Day' and there are meant to be many events around the city to mark the moment.
I was fortunate to have experienced Mr Dahl during his lifetime.
Way back in 1986 my Father wrote a letter to Roald Dahl informing him how much I loved his books. A few weeks later a letter arrived addressed to me from the man himself. I took it to school and proudly showed it around the classroom.
Us kids loved his work. I think the very first 'long book' we read at infant school was Charlie & the Chocolate Factory.
I found two books written by him the other day. One was of The BFG (or 'Buff guh' as I used to say before I was corrected by my teacher) and Boy. The latter is the memoirs of his time growing up in Llandaff and then later spending time at boarding school.
The wonderful characters created by Dahl will always remind me of my childhood. There was something spectacular about the way this author managed to get into a kiddish zone and relate to the youngsters through his stories.
Seeing as films and episodes of Tales of the Unexpected are still viewable today proves that the legacy of the man is still entertaining the young and old seventeen years after he passed away.
Happy Roald Dahl Day.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Too Much Time On My Hands
As you can see - I had a lot of time on my hands this morning.
It's funny though!!!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
The Little Bastard
It was meant to have been one of the WWE's most creative angles. Rumours were that it was going to climax in a blow-off match at Wrestlemania XXIV.
I am sitting here thinking 'what the hell?'
Last night the WWE ended their 'whodunnit' storyline with the revelation that Hornswoggle the Irish Leprechaun was Vince McMahon's mystery child.
The story had been running for a few weeks now. All the people in the company were named as possible candidates to be the mystery child after there was a claim by the mother of a current performer that the WWE owner had fathered an illegitimate child.
The original angle was meant to have been involving the limousine blowing up storyline. The will of McMahon was going to include an announcement that there was a third McMahon child. He or she was to get control of the company and it was to end at the showcase event next Spring in a match where Triple H (Vince's real-life son in law) defends the family's honour.
But the plan was scrapped after the Benoit tragedy.
Vince McMahon announced the passing of the Canadian wrestler on the opening to Raw which was ironically meant to have been the episode that was a tribute to the chairman. The story was meaningless at that time.
S0 - they went in a new direction with the same result. Or so they thought.
Ken Kennedy was meant to have been the man set to become the third child. He had been getting a noticeable push on television and was well on the way to becoming a break-out star.
All plans for a Kennedy push were shelved for a month at least. He was one of the men named in the steroid scandal that rocked the WWE a few weeks ago. He is currently sitting out on a thirty-day suspension for receiving drugs via an online pharmacist.
Kennedy was one of the most vocal defenders of the WWE during the media frenzy after the Benoit murders and suicide. He claimed - on live news shows and in the printed media - that he had stopped using steroids and the company was clean.
Evidence proved he lied when it showed he was receiving packages as early as this year.
The storyline was at the half-way stage, however. They needed to come up with a Plan B. And failed.
There will be no match that can come out of this angle. It seems it was a waste of TV time building up something that ended up being a major letdown.
I hope there is more to this story as I just cannot see how the WWE can justify doing this ridiculous storyline with the thing becoming a comedy segment rather than building towards a main event feud.
Someone needs to get their head examined if they think this is good for business. It may make the children laugh but who are the ones who have the money to buy the pay-per-views?
I am sitting here thinking 'what the hell?'
Last night the WWE ended their 'whodunnit' storyline with the revelation that Hornswoggle the Irish Leprechaun was Vince McMahon's mystery child.
The story had been running for a few weeks now. All the people in the company were named as possible candidates to be the mystery child after there was a claim by the mother of a current performer that the WWE owner had fathered an illegitimate child.
The original angle was meant to have been involving the limousine blowing up storyline. The will of McMahon was going to include an announcement that there was a third McMahon child. He or she was to get control of the company and it was to end at the showcase event next Spring in a match where Triple H (Vince's real-life son in law) defends the family's honour.
But the plan was scrapped after the Benoit tragedy.
Vince McMahon announced the passing of the Canadian wrestler on the opening to Raw which was ironically meant to have been the episode that was a tribute to the chairman. The story was meaningless at that time.
S0 - they went in a new direction with the same result. Or so they thought.
Ken Kennedy was meant to have been the man set to become the third child. He had been getting a noticeable push on television and was well on the way to becoming a break-out star.
All plans for a Kennedy push were shelved for a month at least. He was one of the men named in the steroid scandal that rocked the WWE a few weeks ago. He is currently sitting out on a thirty-day suspension for receiving drugs via an online pharmacist.
Kennedy was one of the most vocal defenders of the WWE during the media frenzy after the Benoit murders and suicide. He claimed - on live news shows and in the printed media - that he had stopped using steroids and the company was clean.
Evidence proved he lied when it showed he was receiving packages as early as this year.
The storyline was at the half-way stage, however. They needed to come up with a Plan B. And failed.
There will be no match that can come out of this angle. It seems it was a waste of TV time building up something that ended up being a major letdown.
I hope there is more to this story as I just cannot see how the WWE can justify doing this ridiculous storyline with the thing becoming a comedy segment rather than building towards a main event feud.
Someone needs to get their head examined if they think this is good for business. It may make the children laugh but who are the ones who have the money to buy the pay-per-views?
Monday, September 10, 2007
158 / 1290
I was in a $5 tournament with over one thousand players last night. I finished in one hundred and fifty-eighth place which was good. But not great.
I played a slow methodical game. Making sure not to get too deep in the chase for good cards. I was laying extremely tight and made it to just before the second break.
Ironically it was the one moment where I strayed from my playbook that I ended up leaving the game.
I was dealt a pair of jacks and was the first to act. As I was under the gun I thought I would chance it and moved all my chips in. Everyone around me decided to fold.
Apart from the big blind. He called.
Can you guess what he had?
Yes, you're right. I sat facing a pair of queens. It was goodnight from me. And them.
I played a slow methodical game. Making sure not to get too deep in the chase for good cards. I was laying extremely tight and made it to just before the second break.
Ironically it was the one moment where I strayed from my playbook that I ended up leaving the game.
I was dealt a pair of jacks and was the first to act. As I was under the gun I thought I would chance it and moved all my chips in. Everyone around me decided to fold.
Apart from the big blind. He called.
Can you guess what he had?
Yes, you're right. I sat facing a pair of queens. It was goodnight from me. And them.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Bits & Pieces
- I knew my wish on the football results was a long-shot.
- I can't wait for the NFL games tonight.
- The episode of Larry King with Michael Benoit as a guest was okay. Even though the guy is fighting to find a result to an answer that will never be explained you have to feel the hurt he is going through. He not only lost a son in this - he lost a daughter-in-law and grandchild. That probably makes his search for answers even more of a heartbreaking.
- C M Punk winning the ECW belt from John Morrisson looked like a great match from what I saw. I never usually watch ECW and caught the tail end of it whilst surfing the cable the other night. I'll try and catch it on one of the WWE update shows next week.
- I watched that UFC event from London 02 Arena last night. There were a few good matches but nothing outstanding.
- What is your favourite word?
- The passing of Pavarotti this week was also something I felt I needed to mention. If I were to look back at another 'soundtrack of my life' then the summer of 1990 would feature the sound of him singing Nessun Dorma. If I were to listen to it now I will certainly get the nostalgic reminder of my final year at junior school as well as the World Cup. I remember the buzz I got when Ireland qualified to the next stage and running around the house shouting 'Yes!' at the top of my lungs. It was probably the first of many times I would show a passion towards a sports result. The operatic tune was played throughout the month in the television coverage and it always reminds me of grabbing this clothes hanging thing my mother had to dry clothes and i picked the thing up and threw it in celebration.
- I had a bad night on the poker. I nearly lost everything I made the day before but managed to turn things around and walked away in the black. I was playing a table game. A pair of pocket aces saved me.
- As you can see - I had a lot to write about today but just couldn't think what had priority so I did the bullet point system again.
- Fingers crossed for tonight.
- I can't wait for the NFL games tonight.
- The episode of Larry King with Michael Benoit as a guest was okay. Even though the guy is fighting to find a result to an answer that will never be explained you have to feel the hurt he is going through. He not only lost a son in this - he lost a daughter-in-law and grandchild. That probably makes his search for answers even more of a heartbreaking.
- C M Punk winning the ECW belt from John Morrisson looked like a great match from what I saw. I never usually watch ECW and caught the tail end of it whilst surfing the cable the other night. I'll try and catch it on one of the WWE update shows next week.
- I watched that UFC event from London 02 Arena last night. There were a few good matches but nothing outstanding.
- What is your favourite word?
- The passing of Pavarotti this week was also something I felt I needed to mention. If I were to look back at another 'soundtrack of my life' then the summer of 1990 would feature the sound of him singing Nessun Dorma. If I were to listen to it now I will certainly get the nostalgic reminder of my final year at junior school as well as the World Cup. I remember the buzz I got when Ireland qualified to the next stage and running around the house shouting 'Yes!' at the top of my lungs. It was probably the first of many times I would show a passion towards a sports result. The operatic tune was played throughout the month in the television coverage and it always reminds me of grabbing this clothes hanging thing my mother had to dry clothes and i picked the thing up and threw it in celebration.
- I had a bad night on the poker. I nearly lost everything I made the day before but managed to turn things around and walked away in the black. I was playing a table game. A pair of pocket aces saved me.
- As you can see - I had a lot to write about today but just couldn't think what had priority so I did the bullet point system again.
- Fingers crossed for tonight.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Two Thoughts On Today's Footy
It's International day and I thought I would make two statements that will rub some people up the wrong way.
- England will lose their match.
- Wales will win theirs.
There. Happy now?
- England will lose their match.
- Wales will win theirs.
There. Happy now?
Friday, September 07, 2007
Second Best
I just came second in a 180-seater tournament on PokerStars.
I had some great cards including a straight flush and played the perfect game. I was first for most of the latter stages of the game but didn't finish first.
I need to improve my heads-up play because I will continue to fall at the final hurdle if nothing improves.
It's another $144 in the win column, though.
I had some great cards including a straight flush and played the perfect game. I was first for most of the latter stages of the game but didn't finish first.
I need to improve my heads-up play because I will continue to fall at the final hurdle if nothing improves.
It's another $144 in the win column, though.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
A Mad(den) Idea
You may recall that earlier this year I placed a few bets on ice hockey that were generated from an old Nintendo 64 game I had almost ten years ago.
The theory was that I would let the computer play a game and then I would bet on the results and see how good this system was.
The flaw to this approach was the players in each team wouldn't be there now after the decade since the game was released. I needed an up to date roster of players.
The Madden '08 game will assist me in my picks for week one of the American football season. It starts tonight.
I have been playing the 'franchise mode' on the game and the weeks fixture lists are exact. I let the computer play the week and made a note of all the scores.
The results I got were -
Denver 17 Buffalo 30
Pittsburgh 0 Cleveland 3
Philadelphia 9 Green Bay 27
Kansas City 17 Houston 7
Tennessee 20 Jacksonville 17
Atlanta 22 Minnesota 10
New England 17 NY Jets 34
Carolina 19 St. Louis 42
Miami 24 Washington 17
Detroit 17 Oakland 23
Chicago 23 San Diego 43
Tampa Bay 17 Seattle 10
NY Giants 3 Dallas 27
Baltimore 17 Cincinatti 10
Arizona 14 San Francisco 20
As you may tell, there are a few dodgy results here.
I also had the New Orleans 34 Indianapolis Colts 28 but that was a result generated from my own play.
I messed up in the closing seconds of the game when the score was 28-28 and forgot to call a time-out within field goal range and the game went into overtime. I lost by a touchdown in OT but the Colts would have won by three points (28-31) if I had played it correctly.
Using these scores, I made a goliath bet at 5p a line and the eight selections were as follows:
1) Carolina @ St Louis to have over 42.5 points
2) Miami to win with a 3 point head-start
3) San Diego to win with -6 point handicap
4) Dallas to win with -6 handicap
5) San Francisco -3 handicap
6) Indianapolis to score more than 29 points against New Orleans
7) Green Bay to score more than 20 points against Philadelphia
8) New England vs NY Jets to have over 41 points
I will return to this topic next week with results and week two scores.
The theory was that I would let the computer play a game and then I would bet on the results and see how good this system was.
The flaw to this approach was the players in each team wouldn't be there now after the decade since the game was released. I needed an up to date roster of players.
The Madden '08 game will assist me in my picks for week one of the American football season. It starts tonight.
I have been playing the 'franchise mode' on the game and the weeks fixture lists are exact. I let the computer play the week and made a note of all the scores.
The results I got were -
Denver 17 Buffalo 30
Pittsburgh 0 Cleveland 3
Philadelphia 9 Green Bay 27
Kansas City 17 Houston 7
Tennessee 20 Jacksonville 17
Atlanta 22 Minnesota 10
New England 17 NY Jets 34
Carolina 19 St. Louis 42
Miami 24 Washington 17
Detroit 17 Oakland 23
Chicago 23 San Diego 43
Tampa Bay 17 Seattle 10
NY Giants 3 Dallas 27
Baltimore 17 Cincinatti 10
Arizona 14 San Francisco 20
As you may tell, there are a few dodgy results here.
I also had the New Orleans 34 Indianapolis Colts 28 but that was a result generated from my own play.
I messed up in the closing seconds of the game when the score was 28-28 and forgot to call a time-out within field goal range and the game went into overtime. I lost by a touchdown in OT but the Colts would have won by three points (28-31) if I had played it correctly.
Using these scores, I made a goliath bet at 5p a line and the eight selections were as follows:
1) Carolina @ St Louis to have over 42.5 points
2) Miami to win with a 3 point head-start
3) San Diego to win with -6 point handicap
4) Dallas to win with -6 handicap
5) San Francisco -3 handicap
6) Indianapolis to score more than 29 points against New Orleans
7) Green Bay to score more than 20 points against Philadelphia
8) New England vs NY Jets to have over 41 points
I will return to this topic next week with results and week two scores.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Brain Damage
There was a shimmer of light passed upon the question of why Chris Benoit did what he did when results of research into his brain were released at a press conference today.
Michael Benoit, father to the wrestler, also appeared on a Morning television news channel and relayed the findings from the head of neurosurgery at West Virginia University.
Dr. Julian Bailes noticed that Benoit's brain had excessive damage and resembled that of an eighty-five year old Alzheimer's sufferer. The stress on the brain is believed to have been the result of numerous concussions the wrestler suffered during his twenty-plus year career.
I'm not sure what the next step will be in this situation. I was under the impression that the brain had decomposed too much in the hours after he had killed himself that no research was going to be carried out on the organ.
If this revelation is being made in regard to a fight over the estate of Chris Benoit then I think it could and will be contested in court by the family of Nancy Benoit.
There could potentially be a lawsuit aimed at the WWE for negligence. Michael Benoit hinted at it in today's press conference when he said something to the effect of wishing his son had worked for a company that had taken care of its employees.
Michael Benoit, father to the wrestler, also appeared on a Morning television news channel and relayed the findings from the head of neurosurgery at West Virginia University.
Dr. Julian Bailes noticed that Benoit's brain had excessive damage and resembled that of an eighty-five year old Alzheimer's sufferer. The stress on the brain is believed to have been the result of numerous concussions the wrestler suffered during his twenty-plus year career.
I'm not sure what the next step will be in this situation. I was under the impression that the brain had decomposed too much in the hours after he had killed himself that no research was going to be carried out on the organ.
If this revelation is being made in regard to a fight over the estate of Chris Benoit then I think it could and will be contested in court by the family of Nancy Benoit.
There could potentially be a lawsuit aimed at the WWE for negligence. Michael Benoit hinted at it in today's press conference when he said something to the effect of wishing his son had worked for a company that had taken care of its employees.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
0-6
I have been playing the Madden '08 game since I bought it on Friday and have had limited luck with it.
I seem to play better when I am against a computer opponent.
The online play has seen me play six and lose six. I am sitting right at the bottom of the rankings and am putting shame upon the Indianapolis Colts.
I told someone about this disaster of a start to my online gaming 'career' and she said I was a loser. My response was in the positive.
It's good to be a loser because the wins will be all the more sweeter.
Look for another Madden related post on Thursday.
I seem to play better when I am against a computer opponent.
The online play has seen me play six and lose six. I am sitting right at the bottom of the rankings and am putting shame upon the Indianapolis Colts.
I told someone about this disaster of a start to my online gaming 'career' and she said I was a loser. My response was in the positive.
It's good to be a loser because the wins will be all the more sweeter.
Look for another Madden related post on Thursday.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Don't Do The Cryme
The WWE fired the tag team, Cryme Tyme, last night following a situation that strayed away from the storyline at a house show in Indiana over the weekend.
Shad Gaspard and JTG were in the company for at least a year and were a kind of comedy act which played on the stereotype that all blacks are criminals. The duo would steal from their foes and then auction off the item to the audience.
It was a controversial gimmick. But would you expect anything less from a company that capitalises on things like the Gulf War and the the tensions associated with 9/11 and 7/7?
The two were in a match with Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch. The four had been feuding on screen for months. The hatred went beyond the television screen, though.
It was common knowledge within the locker room that the teams had real heat with each other.
Before the bout on Saturday night, one of the Cryme Tyme members threatened Trevor Murdoch by saying 'what happens in the ring, stays in the ring.' The implication of that comment made Murdoch believe that they were going to get double-crossed in some way. Either that or punches and moves executed were not going to be protected.
As a way to even up the odds the tag team champions asked the referee to help pull a joke - known as a rib - on Cryme Tyme.
The match ended when the referee counted out one of the wrestlers. It wasn't the planned finish and - as a way of saving face - Cryme Tyme did their finishing move on the referee. They then proceeded to take off his belt and auction it to the crowd.
The improvisation on behalf of Cryme Tyme was a 'no-no' especially at a time where the WWE are cracking down on people not toeing the company line.
JTG and Shad Gaspard were given their marching orders. It takes two to tango and I believe Cade, Murdoch and the ref should also have been disciplined. Firing was a bit too much. A suspension or fine would have been sufficient.
I guess the WWE just had enough of the gimmick and took the easy way out and handed them their notice instead of trying to work out how to improve the stale, yet controversial, act.
Shad Gaspard and JTG were in the company for at least a year and were a kind of comedy act which played on the stereotype that all blacks are criminals. The duo would steal from their foes and then auction off the item to the audience.
It was a controversial gimmick. But would you expect anything less from a company that capitalises on things like the Gulf War and the the tensions associated with 9/11 and 7/7?
The two were in a match with Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch. The four had been feuding on screen for months. The hatred went beyond the television screen, though.
It was common knowledge within the locker room that the teams had real heat with each other.
Before the bout on Saturday night, one of the Cryme Tyme members threatened Trevor Murdoch by saying 'what happens in the ring, stays in the ring.' The implication of that comment made Murdoch believe that they were going to get double-crossed in some way. Either that or punches and moves executed were not going to be protected.
As a way to even up the odds the tag team champions asked the referee to help pull a joke - known as a rib - on Cryme Tyme.
The match ended when the referee counted out one of the wrestlers. It wasn't the planned finish and - as a way of saving face - Cryme Tyme did their finishing move on the referee. They then proceeded to take off his belt and auction it to the crowd.
The improvisation on behalf of Cryme Tyme was a 'no-no' especially at a time where the WWE are cracking down on people not toeing the company line.
JTG and Shad Gaspard were given their marching orders. It takes two to tango and I believe Cade, Murdoch and the ref should also have been disciplined. Firing was a bit too much. A suspension or fine would have been sufficient.
I guess the WWE just had enough of the gimmick and took the easy way out and handed them their notice instead of trying to work out how to improve the stale, yet controversial, act.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Kamala Sings
This will be one of the most surreal moments you will ever experience. I promise you.
Kamala was a wrestler from the eighties who was classed as the 'Ugandan Giant'. He had a brief feud with Hulk Hogan and later returned in the nineties and went on to WCW. He made recent cameos on WWE television but nothing worth noting.
The man who was once known as a savage who couldn't talk has finally spoken out about the scandal that rocked wrestling in the 1990's. The most hysterical thing about this revelation is that he does it to a rhyme.
This song is ludicrous.
He sings about Pat Patterson and Brooklyn Brawler having sex in the hotel room next door to him and claims the then WWF didn't pay him his due for the sellout dates he had with Hogan.
You can just picture him sitting at a keyboard dressed in his Kamala costume making this song up as he goes along. This makes it all the more hysterical.
I am laughing my ass off listening to this. And so will you!
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Madden '08
I bought Madden '08 on the Nintendo Wii yesterday and have been playing the game online. 'Playing' would be an overstatement, though. I have lost every game I have played.
The last time I bought an NFl game was for the Gameboy Advance a few years ago. I didn't do too well on it then, either.
This time I am finding the controls even harder to get used to. I know that if I continue playing I will get better. I hope. There are a lot of good online players out there - I am just the rookie.
I am always playing as the Indianapolis Colts. I hope my my form doesn't rub off on the real team or they are in for a disastrous season.
The last time I bought an NFl game was for the Gameboy Advance a few years ago. I didn't do too well on it then, either.
This time I am finding the controls even harder to get used to. I know that if I continue playing I will get better. I hope. There are a lot of good online players out there - I am just the rookie.
I am always playing as the Indianapolis Colts. I hope my my form doesn't rub off on the real team or they are in for a disastrous season.
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