I'll be starting up the new betting series next Saturday.
There are a few rules and trial runs that I am still working on.
These rules as well as the first week's selections will be posted next weekend.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Walkers Flavour Tests
I finally found packets of the new Walkers crisps that I mentioned on here a few weeks ago.
It had taken quite a while to find them, I looked in Tesco and a number of other shops around Cardiff but eventually found them in my local shop.
Yes, they were on my doorstep all along.
They had the Onion Bhaji and Builders' Breakfast flavours in there the other day but I thought I would try Tesco again and see if they had the the multipack. They didn't so I went back to the shop this morning to buy single packets.
The two flavours had gone off the shelf. Instead, they had Chili & Chocolate and the Fish & Chip so I bought them instead.
The Chili & Chocolate was disgusting.
It reminded me of a night out back in the nineties when I was at the casino and ordered this alcoholic drink that was made with Coca-Cola and chocolate. It was the most disgusting thing I had ever drunk. The taste of the crisps brought back the sick feeling I got from that drink.
The Fish & Chips variety was the flavour I had also suggested for the competition. They tasted a lot better than the other flavour but that isn't saying much. They had a hint of scampi to it. A bit like Scampi Fries, if you will.
Neither will get my vote just yet. I will try and seek out the other four flavours before I make my mind up.
Stay away from Chili & Chocolate, though.
It had taken quite a while to find them, I looked in Tesco and a number of other shops around Cardiff but eventually found them in my local shop.
Yes, they were on my doorstep all along.
They had the Onion Bhaji and Builders' Breakfast flavours in there the other day but I thought I would try Tesco again and see if they had the the multipack. They didn't so I went back to the shop this morning to buy single packets.
The two flavours had gone off the shelf. Instead, they had Chili & Chocolate and the Fish & Chip so I bought them instead.
The Chili & Chocolate was disgusting.
It reminded me of a night out back in the nineties when I was at the casino and ordered this alcoholic drink that was made with Coca-Cola and chocolate. It was the most disgusting thing I had ever drunk. The taste of the crisps brought back the sick feeling I got from that drink.
The Fish & Chips variety was the flavour I had also suggested for the competition. They tasted a lot better than the other flavour but that isn't saying much. They had a hint of scampi to it. A bit like Scampi Fries, if you will.
Neither will get my vote just yet. I will try and seek out the other four flavours before I make my mind up.
Stay away from Chili & Chocolate, though.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Step Three
I was watching Mickey Rourke being interviewed on CNN's Larry King Live (well, it was at 10am in the UK so hardly live for me) on Tuesday morning and was slightly surprised to see Chris Jericho brought on for a segment.
Jericho has been on a number of Larry King wrestling-themed shows so it wasn't totally surprising to see him brought in during the Rourke interview.
Rourke had called him out during a red carpet interview on Sunday night so the people at CNN must have thought it would be a draw to see how they interacted with each other.
It was the next chapter in the story which will end with Rourke walking away from a match at WrestleMania against the Canadian.
The segment has been criticised by those in the wrestling media because it came across as tacky especially with Rourke being lackadaisical in his manner.
All the critics need to step back and look at the bigger picture.
Rourke has been nominated for an Oscar at this February's Academy Awards. He has a lot to lose by associating himself with a genre of entertainment that the Academy frowns upon.
How do I know the Academy dismisses pro wrestling?
Where is The Rock these days and why hasn't he been involved for a while? It's because his advisers have told him to stay as far away from the circus because the association with the sport could harm him in the long-run.
Rourke knows that, too.
I'm not sure if he knew it before Sunday night, though.
And what about turning a serious interview into a worked shoot? Do you think Larry King or any other mainstream interviewer would want to bring Rourke in knowing that the appearance could turn into a Vince McMahon pay-per-view advertising vehicle.
The odds on winning an Oscar for his performance in The Wrestler were looking good for Mr. Rourke before he made the announcement that he would be involved at WrestleMania XXV.
His publicist has now gone on record to claim that he will not be going to Houston in April, obviously realising the mistake they had made by announcing it before the awards.
It may be too late to cover up the angle now that it has made it to step three.
All I know is, he will be there at Mania regardless of the subterfuge being put in place to secure that Oscar win in a few weeks.
I've uploaded the Rourke/Jericho segment to Youtube - Click Here
Jericho has been on a number of Larry King wrestling-themed shows so it wasn't totally surprising to see him brought in during the Rourke interview.
Rourke had called him out during a red carpet interview on Sunday night so the people at CNN must have thought it would be a draw to see how they interacted with each other.
It was the next chapter in the story which will end with Rourke walking away from a match at WrestleMania against the Canadian.
The segment has been criticised by those in the wrestling media because it came across as tacky especially with Rourke being lackadaisical in his manner.
All the critics need to step back and look at the bigger picture.
Rourke has been nominated for an Oscar at this February's Academy Awards. He has a lot to lose by associating himself with a genre of entertainment that the Academy frowns upon.
How do I know the Academy dismisses pro wrestling?
Where is The Rock these days and why hasn't he been involved for a while? It's because his advisers have told him to stay as far away from the circus because the association with the sport could harm him in the long-run.
Rourke knows that, too.
I'm not sure if he knew it before Sunday night, though.
And what about turning a serious interview into a worked shoot? Do you think Larry King or any other mainstream interviewer would want to bring Rourke in knowing that the appearance could turn into a Vince McMahon pay-per-view advertising vehicle.
The odds on winning an Oscar for his performance in The Wrestler were looking good for Mr. Rourke before he made the announcement that he would be involved at WrestleMania XXV.
His publicist has now gone on record to claim that he will not be going to Houston in April, obviously realising the mistake they had made by announcing it before the awards.
It may be too late to cover up the angle now that it has made it to step three.
All I know is, he will be there at Mania regardless of the subterfuge being put in place to secure that Oscar win in a few weeks.
I've uploaded the Rourke/Jericho segment to Youtube - Click Here
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Slumdog Millionaire
I saw Slumdog Millionaire last night and thought it was really good.
The acting was okay. The thing that I was impressed by the most was the way the story was put together.
That's really all I will say as I am scared to reveal spoilers.
It's been said that they expect the film to sweep the Oscars this February - I agree.
The acting was okay. The thing that I was impressed by the most was the way the story was put together.
That's really all I will say as I am scared to reveal spoilers.
It's been said that they expect the film to sweep the Oscars this February - I agree.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
The Poker Player Face-Lift
Poker Player magazine has had a face-lift.
I must admit that it does look refreshing to see the new cover and fonts within the mag.
It still, however, hasn't caused me to want to play again. Nor has it prompted me to regret having cancelled the subscription which runs out at the end of this year.
It's been months since I've played poker and I cannot see myself having a game in the foreseeable future.
My interest has certainly waned.
If you're still interested in poker, I suggest buying the new issue to see the changes that have been made.
I must admit that it does look refreshing to see the new cover and fonts within the mag.
It still, however, hasn't caused me to want to play again. Nor has it prompted me to regret having cancelled the subscription which runs out at the end of this year.
It's been months since I've played poker and I cannot see myself having a game in the foreseeable future.
My interest has certainly waned.
If you're still interested in poker, I suggest buying the new issue to see the changes that have been made.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Rourke To Wrestle?
So, here I am sitting down preparing for the Royal Rumble and I find a post on the message board I frequent.
And I'm still in shock as I write this.
Apparently, Mickey Rourke has revealed that he will be facing Chris Jericho at WrestleMania XXV.
Yes.
Mickey Rourke!
I heard talk that Vince McMahon hated The Wrestler but the Golden Globe wins and Oscar nominations has caused the WWE owner to try and capitalise on the success of the movie. I guess this is the best way for McMahon to associate himself with the film.
Despite how shocked and intrigued I am at this possibility, I cannot help but think that all the good work and message made in The Wrestler will be compromised with Rourke participating at the WWE's biggest show of the year.
I'm sure I'll write about this in the upcoming weeks.
And I'm still in shock as I write this.
Apparently, Mickey Rourke has revealed that he will be facing Chris Jericho at WrestleMania XXV.
Yes.
Mickey Rourke!
I heard talk that Vince McMahon hated The Wrestler but the Golden Globe wins and Oscar nominations has caused the WWE owner to try and capitalise on the success of the movie. I guess this is the best way for McMahon to associate himself with the film.
Despite how shocked and intrigued I am at this possibility, I cannot help but think that all the good work and message made in The Wrestler will be compromised with Rourke participating at the WWE's biggest show of the year.
I'm sure I'll write about this in the upcoming weeks.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
The Last Three
I was asked who I thought will be in the final three of tonight's Royal Rumble and I think i've got it down to a tee.
Randy Orton will certainly be in this trio as well as the person who I think will win - Triple H.
The other heel who will try and help Orton dispose of Hunter should be Orton's Legacy team-mate, Ted Dibiase Jr.
I've been back-and-forth all month on whether it will be Randy Orton or Triple H who walks away the victor and my final decision has now been cast.
Randy Orton will certainly be in this trio as well as the person who I think will win - Triple H.
The other heel who will try and help Orton dispose of Hunter should be Orton's Legacy team-mate, Ted Dibiase Jr.
I've been back-and-forth all month on whether it will be Randy Orton or Triple H who walks away the victor and my final decision has now been cast.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Fix Brother
Somehow, I think we've been here before.
In Mick Foley's second autobiography, Foley is Good : and the real world is faker than pro wrestling, he has a running joke throughout the book where each chapter conveniently segues into claiming that something is faker than professional wrestling.
I'm not buying this 'reality TV' thing. I never have, to be honest.
How can Ulrika Jonsson, an outsider throughout the entire series of Celebrity Big Brother, walk away as winner on the same day she was listed at prices of nearly 8/1?
There's some shenanigans going on here. I don't know whether it was an inside job or that there was some other parties involved in a betting sting. There is just no way a person at those odds would walk away a winner.
Betting firms are always clued in with the consensus opinion and Verne Troyer was the, pardon me, short-priced favourite throughout three week run.
I bet there will be complaints filed on this result.
The crowd were angry, too. They were shouting 'fix'. She even made a note herself that it could have been worked.
Judging by my reaction, you'd probably think I had placed a bet on it and lost. I can thankfully say I wasn't that naive.
'Reality TV' really is faker than pro wrestling.
In Mick Foley's second autobiography, Foley is Good : and the real world is faker than pro wrestling, he has a running joke throughout the book where each chapter conveniently segues into claiming that something is faker than professional wrestling.
I'm not buying this 'reality TV' thing. I never have, to be honest.
How can Ulrika Jonsson, an outsider throughout the entire series of Celebrity Big Brother, walk away as winner on the same day she was listed at prices of nearly 8/1?
There's some shenanigans going on here. I don't know whether it was an inside job or that there was some other parties involved in a betting sting. There is just no way a person at those odds would walk away a winner.
Betting firms are always clued in with the consensus opinion and Verne Troyer was the, pardon me, short-priced favourite throughout three week run.
I bet there will be complaints filed on this result.
The crowd were angry, too. They were shouting 'fix'. She even made a note herself that it could have been worked.
Judging by my reaction, you'd probably think I had placed a bet on it and lost. I can thankfully say I wasn't that naive.
'Reality TV' really is faker than pro wrestling.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Austin/Orton
A few days ago, I speculated on 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin having one final match at WrestleMania XXV and I now think it is more than possible.
Randy Orton's kick on Vince McMahon during the close of Raw on Monday night was the first step in what will result in Orton vs Austin.
It's a long-shot, and this angle has the potential to lead off in other directions, but I think this is being set up to see the return of The Texas Rattlesnake.
I have been wrong before. The Royal Rumble on Sunday night will answer the few doubts I have on an Austin/Orton bout.
The next few weeks of storytelling will be the key. I think this will be a fun few months for WWE fans.
Randy Orton's kick on Vince McMahon during the close of Raw on Monday night was the first step in what will result in Orton vs Austin.
It's a long-shot, and this angle has the potential to lead off in other directions, but I think this is being set up to see the return of The Texas Rattlesnake.
I have been wrong before. The Royal Rumble on Sunday night will answer the few doubts I have on an Austin/Orton bout.
The next few weeks of storytelling will be the key. I think this will be a fun few months for WWE fans.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Headline Of The Year
I was looking through the New York Post website yesterday and there was a headline link which caught my eye.
Curiosity got the better off me so I went straight to the story.
The article was about a pair of priests in Florida that had made millions from robbing from the collection box in their own church.
The thing that made it even more of a story was their ages. One was sixty-six - an age you would expect from a priest. His accomplice, on the other hand, is eighty-one.
Eighty-one!
What an incredible story and one which deserves the incredible headline it received.
JUDA$ PRIESTS.
Curiosity got the better off me so I went straight to the story.
The article was about a pair of priests in Florida that had made millions from robbing from the collection box in their own church.
The thing that made it even more of a story was their ages. One was sixty-six - an age you would expect from a priest. His accomplice, on the other hand, is eighty-one.
Eighty-one!
What an incredible story and one which deserves the incredible headline it received.
JUDA$ PRIESTS.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
More On The Idea
I've been busy putting thought into a new series of bets to run until the end of the current football season.
This thing will probably start in early February and run for three months. This is, however, my initial plan and could change before I reveal the rules.
I'll be doing trial runs for the next few weeks and will keep you posted on its results.
All I will say right now is - things happen in threes.
I hope.
This thing will probably start in early February and run for three months. This is, however, my initial plan and could change before I reveal the rules.
I'll be doing trial runs for the next few weeks and will keep you posted on its results.
All I will say right now is - things happen in threes.
I hope.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Batman Begun
I'm a little behind when it comes to the Batman movie franchise.
I hadn't seen Batman Begins but got a copy of The Dark Knight a few weeks ago and made a point of watching the initial part first.
So, I spent yesterday afternoon watching Batman Begins and something was irking me. Bear in mind, this question may have been answered three years ago. I just didn't ask it back then.
Why is it called Batman Begins?
Warner Brothers made Batman movies back in the late '80s and throughout the 1990s and it's easy to see why they wanted to 'begin' again. The last few titles in the series were abysmal.
Wouldn't it have been easier and more appropriate to Christen the movie Batman Renaissance, or are we meant to forget the other four movies exist?
I hadn't seen Batman Begins but got a copy of The Dark Knight a few weeks ago and made a point of watching the initial part first.
So, I spent yesterday afternoon watching Batman Begins and something was irking me. Bear in mind, this question may have been answered three years ago. I just didn't ask it back then.
Why is it called Batman Begins?
Warner Brothers made Batman movies back in the late '80s and throughout the 1990s and it's easy to see why they wanted to 'begin' again. The last few titles in the series were abysmal.
Wouldn't it have been easier and more appropriate to Christen the movie Batman Renaissance, or are we meant to forget the other four movies exist?
Monday, January 19, 2009
Pittsburgh V Arizona
Who'd have predicted it?
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals at Super Bowl XLIII.
It's going to end up being a story of the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object.
Of sorts.
I hope Arizona will find a way of getting some points against the strong defence of the Steelers.
I have family in Arizona and a few of them are Pittsburgh fans. What a situation they must be in right about now!
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals at Super Bowl XLIII.
It's going to end up being a story of the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object.
Of sorts.
I hope Arizona will find a way of getting some points against the strong defence of the Steelers.
I have family in Arizona and a few of them are Pittsburgh fans. What a situation they must be in right about now!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Raiding The Lost Ark
My Nephew and I have been playing Lego Indiana Jones on the Wii and have found the game difficult.
Wait - I need to reword this.
My Nephew and I have been playing Lego Indiana Jones on the Wii and I have found it difficult.
I bought it last week and promised that I would only play it when he was over each weekend so we could do it in two-player mode.
I kept my promise - but even if I hadn't - I doubt I would have got anywhere without his assistance.
There are times when I need to solve puzzles in it and am at a loss and he's there telling me what to do!
The game says it is suitable for ages three and upwards. I'm nearly ten times that age and I need the help of a seven-year old.
Give me Pac-Man any day.
I'm obviously not giving this game any credit. I have to be fair with my criticism and say that it is a fun two-player game despite my lack of skills in figuring out the challenges along the way.
Wait - I need to reword this.
My Nephew and I have been playing Lego Indiana Jones on the Wii and I have found it difficult.
I bought it last week and promised that I would only play it when he was over each weekend so we could do it in two-player mode.
I kept my promise - but even if I hadn't - I doubt I would have got anywhere without his assistance.
There are times when I need to solve puzzles in it and am at a loss and he's there telling me what to do!
The game says it is suitable for ages three and upwards. I'm nearly ten times that age and I need the help of a seven-year old.
Give me Pac-Man any day.
I'm obviously not giving this game any credit. I have to be fair with my criticism and say that it is a fun two-player game despite my lack of skills in figuring out the challenges along the way.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
American Football & Soccer Betting: In Review
Let's be honest - this idea didn't work out so well.
Bad weeks outnumbered the good weeks and this cost the profits to be eaten away throughout the course of the near five months.
To walk out £32.16 down after nineteen weeks is okay, I suppose. It could have been a lot worse. Yet, definitely better.
As for the statistics - I ended up with a record of 86 wins, 88 losses and 4 voids which means the strike-rate was 49%. When you gamble, a strike-rate of 51% or above is the best scenario.
Overall stats:
Staked = £368.37
Returned = £336.21
Profit/Loss = -32.16
The American football and soccer betting posts will return later this year.
I will be announcing a new fun idea in a few weeks which I hope to run towards the end of the soccer season. More on that soon.
Bad weeks outnumbered the good weeks and this cost the profits to be eaten away throughout the course of the near five months.
To walk out £32.16 down after nineteen weeks is okay, I suppose. It could have been a lot worse. Yet, definitely better.
As for the statistics - I ended up with a record of 86 wins, 88 losses and 4 voids which means the strike-rate was 49%. When you gamble, a strike-rate of 51% or above is the best scenario.
Overall stats:
Staked = £368.37
Returned = £336.21
Profit/Loss = -32.16
The American football and soccer betting posts will return later this year.
I will be announcing a new fun idea in a few weeks which I hope to run towards the end of the soccer season. More on that soon.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Austin In The Hall
With WrestleMania XXV being held in Texas, it only seems appropriate that 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin is inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame on the night before the big show.
The announcement was leaked briefly on WWE.com last weekend before it was removed. Then, during the broadcast of Raw on Monday night, it was made official with a short video tribute to the star.
It is also rumoured that Austin will come out of retirement for one last match at Mania. We'll have to wait and see if that happens.
I will be doing my annual Hall of Fame post on the day of the ceremony. All I can say right now is - Austin deserves his place. But, everyone knows that.
The announcement was leaked briefly on WWE.com last weekend before it was removed. Then, during the broadcast of Raw on Monday night, it was made official with a short video tribute to the star.
It is also rumoured that Austin will come out of retirement for one last match at Mania. We'll have to wait and see if that happens.
I will be doing my annual Hall of Fame post on the day of the ceremony. All I can say right now is - Austin deserves his place. But, everyone knows that.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Goodbye To Victoria
WWE have been cutting a lot of their workforce over the past few days due to the economic climate. The majority of these cuts were in the company offices but a number of wrestlers have been let go. The name I was sad to see being released was Victoria.
The former WWE Women's champion announced at the Smackdown taping on Tuesday night (airing on Friday) that the match was her last and that she is retiring.
Victoria is - and now was - one of the best female wrestlers I have seen. She brought more to the table than any of the WWE divas. The total package, if you will.
One of the things that caught my attention at first was the theme song she used during the time when she played the psycho bitch. It was 'All the things she said' by Tatu and I hadn't heard it before. It was such an appropriate song for the character Victoria was playing at the time. I recall downloading the song and betting my friends at work that the tune would make it to number one in the UK charts months before it was released over here. I was spot on.
But it wasn't just the music.
She brought something that none of the others could bring. She had this different look - she was beautiful yet brought an aura of masculinity to a match. I guess it was this that made her stand out from all the female grapplers she has been around through her lengthy stay in WWE.
I also think she brought the best out of her rivals. You often get a women's match where one or neither of them are any good and the match stinks. With Victoria, she seemed to be able to carry all of her rivals and that was certainly one of the things she should take away as a compliment to her career.
It's also pleasing to know that she ran small businesses while she was working. Let's be honest, the female wrestler has a shorter shelf life than their male equivalents and it is nice to know that she is secure now that her professional wrestling days are behind her.
I'll definitely miss her.
The former WWE Women's champion announced at the Smackdown taping on Tuesday night (airing on Friday) that the match was her last and that she is retiring.
Victoria is - and now was - one of the best female wrestlers I have seen. She brought more to the table than any of the WWE divas. The total package, if you will.
One of the things that caught my attention at first was the theme song she used during the time when she played the psycho bitch. It was 'All the things she said' by Tatu and I hadn't heard it before. It was such an appropriate song for the character Victoria was playing at the time. I recall downloading the song and betting my friends at work that the tune would make it to number one in the UK charts months before it was released over here. I was spot on.
But it wasn't just the music.
She brought something that none of the others could bring. She had this different look - she was beautiful yet brought an aura of masculinity to a match. I guess it was this that made her stand out from all the female grapplers she has been around through her lengthy stay in WWE.
I also think she brought the best out of her rivals. You often get a women's match where one or neither of them are any good and the match stinks. With Victoria, she seemed to be able to carry all of her rivals and that was certainly one of the things she should take away as a compliment to her career.
It's also pleasing to know that she ran small businesses while she was working. Let's be honest, the female wrestler has a shorter shelf life than their male equivalents and it is nice to know that she is secure now that her professional wrestling days are behind her.
I'll definitely miss her.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Crazy Money
There is a lot of crazy money being thrown around during this transfer window period in the Premier League.
And Manchester City are the main culprits.
Today, the news claims they are set to offer Kaka a deal only a nutcase would refuse.
AC Milan were offered £100 million for the Brazilian. His wages would be set at around £280,000 a week which would be hard for Kaka to turn down.
I have a feeling it will result in Milan declining the offer but it will entice Kaka to ask to be released because the carrot dangling before him will be too tempting.
I personally think signing him is a waste of money. Don't get me wrong - he's a brilliant player. I just cannot understand why Manchester City are splashing the cash on big names in certain positions in their squad when they have decent but not world-class players taking up space on other parts of the team. It's an imbalance that will be costly in the long-run.
What are the odds on this Manchester City takeover becoming one of the biggest flops in the history of football?
And Manchester City are the main culprits.
Today, the news claims they are set to offer Kaka a deal only a nutcase would refuse.
AC Milan were offered £100 million for the Brazilian. His wages would be set at around £280,000 a week which would be hard for Kaka to turn down.
I have a feeling it will result in Milan declining the offer but it will entice Kaka to ask to be released because the carrot dangling before him will be too tempting.
I personally think signing him is a waste of money. Don't get me wrong - he's a brilliant player. I just cannot understand why Manchester City are splashing the cash on big names in certain positions in their squad when they have decent but not world-class players taking up space on other parts of the team. It's an imbalance that will be costly in the long-run.
What are the odds on this Manchester City takeover becoming one of the biggest flops in the history of football?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
American Football & Soccer Betting : Week 19 Results
I'll be doing a post mortem of the 'American Football & Soccer Betting' series of posts this Saturday.
In the meantime, here are the results from this past weekend:
1) Leeds
2) Ipswich
3) Everton v Hull OVER 2 goals
4) Rennes
5) Valencia v Villareal OVER 2 goals
6) Tennessee -3
7) Arizona +9.5
8) Real Madrid
9) NY Giants -4
10) Roma v AC Milan OVER 2 goals
11) San Diego +6
As you can see, I went 5-6 which was a disaster. Starting off 0-3 on Saturday afternoon was probably the indicator that this was the beginning of the end.
Week 19 stats:
Stake = £20.47
Returns = £1.68
Profit/Loss = -18.79
In the meantime, here are the results from this past weekend:
1) Leeds
2) Ipswich
3) Everton v Hull OVER 2 goals
4) Rennes
5) Valencia v Villareal OVER 2 goals
6) Tennessee -3
7) Arizona +9.5
8) Real Madrid
9) NY Giants -4
10) Roma v AC Milan OVER 2 goals
11) San Diego +6
As you can see, I went 5-6 which was a disaster. Starting off 0-3 on Saturday afternoon was probably the indicator that this was the beginning of the end.
Week 19 stats:
Stake = £20.47
Returns = £1.68
Profit/Loss = -18.79
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Final Four
The road to this year's Super Bowl is nearing its dead-end.
And 'dead-end' could be the operative word.
In the AFC Championship game this coming weekend, the Baltimore Ravens will face-off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a game that guarantees a defensive battle.
Over in the NFC, Philadelphia opposes the Arizona Cardinals to win their conference and secure the place in the 'Greatest Show on Turf'.
To be honest with you, I hate the possible match-ups for the game in February. I'll go out on a limb, though, and predict the Super Bowl will be contested between Baltimore and Philly.
Joe Flacco, the Baltimore quarterback, will become the first rookie quarterback to make it to the Super Bowl.
But, he won't win.
I prefer the feel-good story of the rookie winning the thing but Philadelphia are the likely winners if an NFC side is going to victor this season.
Pittsburgh are the better team out of the final four but I feel fortune will favour the Ravens on Sunday night.
As I write this, I have had visions of a Pittsburgh and Arizona Super Bowl.
Scary thought, huh?
And 'dead-end' could be the operative word.
In the AFC Championship game this coming weekend, the Baltimore Ravens will face-off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a game that guarantees a defensive battle.
Over in the NFC, Philadelphia opposes the Arizona Cardinals to win their conference and secure the place in the 'Greatest Show on Turf'.
To be honest with you, I hate the possible match-ups for the game in February. I'll go out on a limb, though, and predict the Super Bowl will be contested between Baltimore and Philly.
Joe Flacco, the Baltimore quarterback, will become the first rookie quarterback to make it to the Super Bowl.
But, he won't win.
I prefer the feel-good story of the rookie winning the thing but Philadelphia are the likely winners if an NFC side is going to victor this season.
Pittsburgh are the better team out of the final four but I feel fortune will favour the Ravens on Sunday night.
As I write this, I have had visions of a Pittsburgh and Arizona Super Bowl.
Scary thought, huh?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Wrestler (2008)
I saw The Wrestler the other day and think it is brilliant.
Mickey Rourke plays the role of a washed up wrestler - Randy 'The Ram' Robinson - who is making ends meet working in a supermarket warehouse and wrestling for independent federations on weekends.
The opening montage of the movie shows handbills, posters and magazines portraying the highlights of The Ram's career and then the film begins twenty years later showing the wrestler getting a measly pay-off from a promoter in a dirty dressing room.
Living on former glories is the running theme in the movie. There is an older stripper who befriends Randy and she too is facing the realisation that time has passed her by. This creates a bond between the pair.
When I heard the film was being made there was talk on who this character would resemble the most and I think that there is a plethora of washed-up guys working the indy scene that can fit.
Jake Roberts, Bobby Eaton, Scott Hall, Ricky Morton and many more. Take your pick.
For a work of fiction, it was so real.
This is the story that so many guys have lived and will live. It was researched well.
Nicholas Cage was originally meant to play the lead role and I'm glad he didn't do it. Mickey Rourke has the face and mannerisms and pulled it off perfectly. Cage - on the other hand - would have made a less realistic portrayal of a has-been wrestler in my opinion.
There has been a lot of talk about this film being nominated for an Oscar and I have been programmed to acknowledge that not every critically acclaimed performance guarantees an Oscar.
I have this feeling that this film will be overlooked - I hope I am wrong, it deserves some recognition.
Even if you aren't a fan of professional wrestling, I urge you to go see it.
Mickey Rourke plays the role of a washed up wrestler - Randy 'The Ram' Robinson - who is making ends meet working in a supermarket warehouse and wrestling for independent federations on weekends.
The opening montage of the movie shows handbills, posters and magazines portraying the highlights of The Ram's career and then the film begins twenty years later showing the wrestler getting a measly pay-off from a promoter in a dirty dressing room.
Living on former glories is the running theme in the movie. There is an older stripper who befriends Randy and she too is facing the realisation that time has passed her by. This creates a bond between the pair.
When I heard the film was being made there was talk on who this character would resemble the most and I think that there is a plethora of washed-up guys working the indy scene that can fit.
Jake Roberts, Bobby Eaton, Scott Hall, Ricky Morton and many more. Take your pick.
For a work of fiction, it was so real.
This is the story that so many guys have lived and will live. It was researched well.
Nicholas Cage was originally meant to play the lead role and I'm glad he didn't do it. Mickey Rourke has the face and mannerisms and pulled it off perfectly. Cage - on the other hand - would have made a less realistic portrayal of a has-been wrestler in my opinion.
There has been a lot of talk about this film being nominated for an Oscar and I have been programmed to acknowledge that not every critically acclaimed performance guarantees an Oscar.
I have this feeling that this film will be overlooked - I hope I am wrong, it deserves some recognition.
Even if you aren't a fan of professional wrestling, I urge you to go see it.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
American Football & Soccer Betting : Week 19
Here it is, the final week.
Last week was not bad. It was definitely not good, though. I ended up with 7 winners out of eleven. Close but no cigar.
The win-loss-push results are on 81-82-4 for the season.
The results were:
1) Sunderland
2) West Ham United
3) Fulham
4) Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest OVER 2 goals
5) Middlesbrough vs Barrow OVER 2 goals
6) Atlanta (PICK)
7) Indianapolis (PICK)
8) Real Madrid
9) Benfica
10) Philadelphia -3
11) Blyth Spartans vs Blackburn Rovers OVER 2 goals
Week 18 stats:
Stake = £20.47
Returns = £13.01
Profit/Loss = -7.46
Overall stats:
Stake = £347.90
Returns = £334.53
Profit/Loss = -13.37
I'll have one more go at the eleven selections with 1p a line. Here are the picks:
1) Leeds
2) Ipswich
3) Everton v Hull OVER 2 goals
4) Rennes
5) Valencia v Villareal OVER 2 goals
6) Tennessee -3
7) Arizona +9.5
8) Real Madrid
9) NY Giants -4
10) Roma v AC Milan OVER 2 goals
11) San Diego +6
£20.47 block (2047 bets at 1p a line)
Last week was not bad. It was definitely not good, though. I ended up with 7 winners out of eleven. Close but no cigar.
The win-loss-push results are on 81-82-4 for the season.
The results were:
1) Sunderland
2) West Ham United
3) Fulham
4) Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest OVER 2 goals
5) Middlesbrough vs Barrow OVER 2 goals
6) Atlanta (PICK)
7) Indianapolis (PICK)
8) Real Madrid
9) Benfica
10) Philadelphia -3
11) Blyth Spartans vs Blackburn Rovers OVER 2 goals
Week 18 stats:
Stake = £20.47
Returns = £13.01
Profit/Loss = -7.46
Overall stats:
Stake = £347.90
Returns = £334.53
Profit/Loss = -13.37
I'll have one more go at the eleven selections with 1p a line. Here are the picks:
1) Leeds
2) Ipswich
3) Everton v Hull OVER 2 goals
4) Rennes
5) Valencia v Villareal OVER 2 goals
6) Tennessee -3
7) Arizona +9.5
8) Real Madrid
9) NY Giants -4
10) Roma v AC Milan OVER 2 goals
11) San Diego +6
£20.47 block (2047 bets at 1p a line)
Friday, January 09, 2009
Sour Grapes With Fish & Chips
The Walkers crisps 'Do Us a Flavour' contest results are finally in and my choice wasn't selected.
Sort of.
I had made three suggestions - Sausage in Batter & Chips, Pie & Chips and Fish and Chips. I placed them in that order because I felt the first two were more unique than the third choice as there had already been a brand of snack foods called 'Fish N Chips'.
The company emailed me a few weeks ago telling me that the winners would be announced on January 9th so I made a point of heading there this morning.
Out of the six flavours, was one of my selections. My heart stopped for a second imaging I was in the elite six.
Until I clicked the packet and it revealed that a lady had won.
I don't really know how they picked the winners, it could have been done a number of ways. All I know is the fish and chips flavour was not my immediate choice and maybe hers was. It may have also been that a lot more people chose this flavour and all the winners were put into a hat. Either way, I lost.
The other flavours in the final six are - Onion Bahjee, Crispy Duck & Hoisin, Builder's Breakfast, Chilli & Chocolate and Cajun Squirrel.
All the winners lived in England and the majority were based in and around the midlands. Walkers are in Leicester.
There's something fishy about those results.
It certainly isn't batter-y!
Sort of.
I had made three suggestions - Sausage in Batter & Chips, Pie & Chips and Fish and Chips. I placed them in that order because I felt the first two were more unique than the third choice as there had already been a brand of snack foods called 'Fish N Chips'.
The company emailed me a few weeks ago telling me that the winners would be announced on January 9th so I made a point of heading there this morning.
Out of the six flavours, was one of my selections. My heart stopped for a second imaging I was in the elite six.
Until I clicked the packet and it revealed that a lady had won.
I don't really know how they picked the winners, it could have been done a number of ways. All I know is the fish and chips flavour was not my immediate choice and maybe hers was. It may have also been that a lot more people chose this flavour and all the winners were put into a hat. Either way, I lost.
The other flavours in the final six are - Onion Bahjee, Crispy Duck & Hoisin, Builder's Breakfast, Chilli & Chocolate and Cajun Squirrel.
All the winners lived in England and the majority were based in and around the midlands. Walkers are in Leicester.
There's something fishy about those results.
It certainly isn't batter-y!
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Jericho Was Robbed
PowerSlam magazine has their 'PS 50' in their current issue and I feel Chris Jericho was robbed.
The 'PS 50' is the list of the top stars in professional wrestling according to the writers of the magazine. They do these lists each December and take into account the entire year.
Shawn Michaels was number one. I have no problem with that. Even if I wasn't biased, I would agree that he had a great year.
The problem I do have is that Chris Jericho was the guy who helped Michaels get that number one placement. Their feud lasted the majority of 2008 and Jericho put in some top notch performances in that time.
He ended up 24th in the list. That's nearly half-way and was such a dismal place to put him when you consider he has been good to great since returning last December.
The 'PS 50' is the list of the top stars in professional wrestling according to the writers of the magazine. They do these lists each December and take into account the entire year.
Shawn Michaels was number one. I have no problem with that. Even if I wasn't biased, I would agree that he had a great year.
The problem I do have is that Chris Jericho was the guy who helped Michaels get that number one placement. Their feud lasted the majority of 2008 and Jericho put in some top notch performances in that time.
He ended up 24th in the list. That's nearly half-way and was such a dismal place to put him when you consider he has been good to great since returning last December.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Ready For The Final
I am getting ready for the final week of my American Football and Soccer series of bets I have been doing each weekend.
The current state of play isn't too good as I am in the red. Thankfully - it isn't as bad as it could have been. Had I gone bust earlier in the season, I would have halted it there and then.
This is a sink or swim week for sure.
Once all the results are in for the weekend, I will make a post with the overall stats for the nineteen weeks.
I will resume the NFL and soccer betting once the new NFL season begins in September.
With all that being said - I have had an idea to do something during the latter stages of the soccer season but I am going to take a few weeks off after this weekend and may take up the new challenge that will lead into May.
The current state of play isn't too good as I am in the red. Thankfully - it isn't as bad as it could have been. Had I gone bust earlier in the season, I would have halted it there and then.
This is a sink or swim week for sure.
Once all the results are in for the weekend, I will make a post with the overall stats for the nineteen weeks.
I will resume the NFL and soccer betting once the new NFL season begins in September.
With all that being said - I have had an idea to do something during the latter stages of the soccer season but I am going to take a few weeks off after this weekend and may take up the new challenge that will lead into May.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Surviving Gazza
Surviving Gazza - the documentary that aired on Channel 4 last night - was a sad thing to watch.
It documented how Paul Gascoigne's life is spiralling out of control and how this has affected the rest of his family members.
I hate to say it but you can tell that this is the end of the road for him. He is dying before our very eyes and that is such a shame when you consider how much of a lovable character he was on the pitch.
Despite how tragic this documentary came across, there was something that was bothering me while watching this programme.
Gazza left a rehabilitation clinic and was brought back to live with his ex-wife and children and this return to the home he hadn't lived in for years was filmed by the family members for the documentary.
There's something not right with that.
He should have been brought back to the home and be allowed to live normally. Having that camera there was not the environment he should have been exposed to upon his return.
I am no doctor and it probably wouldn't have made a difference either way. It just seems that money from a documentary was more important than trying to make someone get better in private.
Despite how genuine this thing came across, spare a thought for one or two of those family members who have a lot to lose if - but more likely when - Paul is no longer with us.
The words 'Paul Gascoigne' has given them attention in the past, it seems that this was their last chance to ride the coattails.
Whether you agree with me or not - the story is certainly sad.
It documented how Paul Gascoigne's life is spiralling out of control and how this has affected the rest of his family members.
I hate to say it but you can tell that this is the end of the road for him. He is dying before our very eyes and that is such a shame when you consider how much of a lovable character he was on the pitch.
Despite how tragic this documentary came across, there was something that was bothering me while watching this programme.
Gazza left a rehabilitation clinic and was brought back to live with his ex-wife and children and this return to the home he hadn't lived in for years was filmed by the family members for the documentary.
There's something not right with that.
He should have been brought back to the home and be allowed to live normally. Having that camera there was not the environment he should have been exposed to upon his return.
I am no doctor and it probably wouldn't have made a difference either way. It just seems that money from a documentary was more important than trying to make someone get better in private.
Despite how genuine this thing came across, spare a thought for one or two of those family members who have a lot to lose if - but more likely when - Paul is no longer with us.
The words 'Paul Gascoigne' has given them attention in the past, it seems that this was their last chance to ride the coattails.
Whether you agree with me or not - the story is certainly sad.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Back To Normal
I hate that feeling when Christmas and the New Year celebrations are over.
There's an emptiness of sorts.
Even this page has revered back to what it was like before December.
There's an emptiness of sorts.
Even this page has revered back to what it was like before December.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
The Original Wrestler
With The Wrestler set to become one of the most talked about movies of 2009, I decided to seek out a copy of a movie with the same title which was released in the early seventies.
I managed to get a region one DVD on Amazon.com for the equivalent of £2. Definitely the bargain of 2008 (I bought it in December before you tell me it's the New Year!).
The film was made in 1973 or '74 and is based around the Minnesota area. You can tell that the AWA was behind this as all the wrestlers which starred in this picture are from that company. Verne Gagne, former owner and promoter of the now defunct AWA, is one of the main characters in the story. He is also named as one of the producers of the film, so it's safe to claim he had an influence in its production.
It is the story of a promoter who has to deal with the threat of gangsters who want him to have a new up and coming wrestler defeat the ageing champion.
As this movie is from the seventies. one of the most interesting things was looking out for wrestlers that I am aware of. It was fun seeing people like Dusty Rhodes, Jim Brunzell, Ray Stevens and Billy Graham making cameo appearances throughout. What also made it intriguing was they played themselves whilst Gagne and Billy Robinson - the two most featured wrestlers in the film - were cast under fictional names.
The movie has aged but, then again, so has wrestling. It was made during the time when kayfabe was a priority so the film is produced in a way to make the match outcomes look legit. The fact that the bad guys want Frank Bass (the promoter) to fix the result in the championship match assists the need to kayfabe the films audience.
Ironically, there is one scene where sports reporters are interviewing Frank and they are adamant that the sport is a fix despite protestations from the promoter. I believe this scene was used as a way to discredit the print media in a certain way due to their lack of coverage of professional wrestling in their pages. Bass goes off on a tirade about how the writers not reviewing wrestling in the newspapers is preventing the fans from learning about the sports. As I noted, there is evidently an element of propaganda within the dialogue here
Another scene I found interesting was when Billy Taylor (Billy Robinson) went to a training session being run by Mike Bullard (Verne Gagne). This part of the movie shows certain moves from amateur and professional wrestling and - despite being slightly in context with the story - it comes across as an infomercial about both genres of wrestling. You can definitely see Verne Gagne's fingerprints on this scene as this was the kind of rookie class he ran back in the day as he was known to introduce his students to both styles of wrestling.
Overall, this was not a timeless piece as the entire wrestling word has changed since 1973. It can, however, be used as a time capsule to see what the territorial business was like back in the day. One scene which highlights this is when Bass meets with all the promoters from around the United States to discuss their champions. The actual real-life promoters of that time are featured in this scene. The most notable name being Vince McMahon, Snr whose son was the one responsible for killing this territorial system when he took the WWF national in the early-eighties.
This is a brilliant item to have in your wrestling DVD collection, especially for the price it is.
I managed to get a region one DVD on Amazon.com for the equivalent of £2. Definitely the bargain of 2008 (I bought it in December before you tell me it's the New Year!).
The film was made in 1973 or '74 and is based around the Minnesota area. You can tell that the AWA was behind this as all the wrestlers which starred in this picture are from that company. Verne Gagne, former owner and promoter of the now defunct AWA, is one of the main characters in the story. He is also named as one of the producers of the film, so it's safe to claim he had an influence in its production.
It is the story of a promoter who has to deal with the threat of gangsters who want him to have a new up and coming wrestler defeat the ageing champion.
As this movie is from the seventies. one of the most interesting things was looking out for wrestlers that I am aware of. It was fun seeing people like Dusty Rhodes, Jim Brunzell, Ray Stevens and Billy Graham making cameo appearances throughout. What also made it intriguing was they played themselves whilst Gagne and Billy Robinson - the two most featured wrestlers in the film - were cast under fictional names.
The movie has aged but, then again, so has wrestling. It was made during the time when kayfabe was a priority so the film is produced in a way to make the match outcomes look legit. The fact that the bad guys want Frank Bass (the promoter) to fix the result in the championship match assists the need to kayfabe the films audience.
Ironically, there is one scene where sports reporters are interviewing Frank and they are adamant that the sport is a fix despite protestations from the promoter. I believe this scene was used as a way to discredit the print media in a certain way due to their lack of coverage of professional wrestling in their pages. Bass goes off on a tirade about how the writers not reviewing wrestling in the newspapers is preventing the fans from learning about the sports. As I noted, there is evidently an element of propaganda within the dialogue here
Another scene I found interesting was when Billy Taylor (Billy Robinson) went to a training session being run by Mike Bullard (Verne Gagne). This part of the movie shows certain moves from amateur and professional wrestling and - despite being slightly in context with the story - it comes across as an infomercial about both genres of wrestling. You can definitely see Verne Gagne's fingerprints on this scene as this was the kind of rookie class he ran back in the day as he was known to introduce his students to both styles of wrestling.
Overall, this was not a timeless piece as the entire wrestling word has changed since 1973. It can, however, be used as a time capsule to see what the territorial business was like back in the day. One scene which highlights this is when Bass meets with all the promoters from around the United States to discuss their champions. The actual real-life promoters of that time are featured in this scene. The most notable name being Vince McMahon, Snr whose son was the one responsible for killing this territorial system when he took the WWF national in the early-eighties.
This is a brilliant item to have in your wrestling DVD collection, especially for the price it is.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
American Football & Soccer Betting : Week 18
I went 5-4-1 last week. This wasn't good enough to send the profit into the red. I've decided to end this with next weekend's plays due to the amount of American football games being dimminished by the week in the post-season. So, I have two weeks to turn things around.
The overall stats are now 74-78-4 with a strike-rate of 48.6%, the worst result I have had in American football betting in my time betting on the sport!
1) Chelsea
2) West Bromwich Albion vs Tottenham Hotspur OVER 2 goals
3) Blackburn Rovers vs Manchester City OVER 2 goals
4) New Orleans +2.5
5) St. Louis @ Atlanta UNDER 44.5 points total
6) San Francisco -3
7) Dallas @ Philadelphia OVER 42.5 points total
8) Arizona -7
9) Miami (Straight up win)
10) Denver +8
Week 17 stats:
Stake = £20.46
Returns = £9.19
Profit/Loss = -11.27
Overall stats:
Stake = £327.43
Returns = £321.52
Proft/Loss = -5.91
As there are two weeks to go and it is the FA Cup weekend, I'm doing eleven selections but shortening the stakes to a penny a bet. I'm already on a loss - I may as well have a bit of a risky gamble!
1) Sunderland
2) West Ham United
3) Fulham
4) Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest OVER 2 goals
5) Middlesbrough vs Barrow OVER 2 goals
6) Atlanta (PICK)
7) Indianapolis (PICK)
8) Real Madrid
9) Benfica
10) Philadelphia -3
11) Blyth Spartans vs Blackburn Rovers OVER 2 goals
£20.47 block (2047 bets at 1p a line)
The overall stats are now 74-78-4 with a strike-rate of 48.6%, the worst result I have had in American football betting in my time betting on the sport!
1) Chelsea
2) West Bromwich Albion vs Tottenham Hotspur OVER 2 goals
3) Blackburn Rovers vs Manchester City OVER 2 goals
4) New Orleans +2.5
5) St. Louis @ Atlanta UNDER 44.5 points total
6) San Francisco -3
7) Dallas @ Philadelphia OVER 42.5 points total
8) Arizona -7
9) Miami (Straight up win)
10) Denver +8
Week 17 stats:
Stake = £20.46
Returns = £9.19
Profit/Loss = -11.27
Overall stats:
Stake = £327.43
Returns = £321.52
Proft/Loss = -5.91
As there are two weeks to go and it is the FA Cup weekend, I'm doing eleven selections but shortening the stakes to a penny a bet. I'm already on a loss - I may as well have a bit of a risky gamble!
1) Sunderland
2) West Ham United
3) Fulham
4) Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest OVER 2 goals
5) Middlesbrough vs Barrow OVER 2 goals
6) Atlanta (PICK)
7) Indianapolis (PICK)
8) Real Madrid
9) Benfica
10) Philadelphia -3
11) Blyth Spartans vs Blackburn Rovers OVER 2 goals
£20.47 block (2047 bets at 1p a line)
Friday, January 02, 2009
The End Of Woolworths
With the imminent closure of Woolworths I thought I would share with you three things that I'll remember from the company.
REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS
I stayed with my relatives on an American air force base one Easter and they gave me Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
I fell in love with them instantly.
And then I went home.
For years, I clamoured to have these chocolates again but I was unable to as the relatives moved back to the US.
Then - in around '97 or '98 - I was reading a Sunday paper and they had an article looking at new things in the shops. The picture which caught my eye was of these chocolates and it read 'only available in Woolworths'.
Guess where I went on my lunch break from college the next day?
I've only seen them in one other shop other than Woolworths and they were nearly double the price I pay in Woolworths. So, I will be able to buy them again - I will just have to pay a lot more than I would have paid in Woolies.
SHAWN MICHAELS
I met Shawn Michaels in Cardiff in 1993 and, eleven years later, I found out that he was going to be signing autographs at the Woolworths store in Newport.
I spent all morning in a queue inside the massive store waiting for him and the wait was rewarded when he signed my WrestleMania XX programme.
This memory is one of my favourites. I managed to overcome a few hurdles in my personal life to get there that day and meeting my favourite wrestler was a good end result.
DARTH VADER
Now, this is the best memory I will ever have of going to Woolworths.
I can recount the entire day, although I cannot remember whether it was in 1983 or 1984.
We were going on holiday and I needed to have an injection at the doctor surgery. As I hated needles (and still do to this day), my Dad struck a deal with me: if I took the injection and was a good boy I would have a surprise.
Bad deal!
I ended up letting everyone go in front of me in getting the shot and then, when it was my turn, I ran away.
The doctor and my parents were chasing me around the room, I was hiding under the chairs and tables and everything. I finally handed myself in and got the injection and then my Dad told me what the surprise was.
'You're going to meet Darth Vader in Woolworths'.
So, we went into town and there was a massive crowd in the Woolworths waiting for the arrival of the Dark Lord of the Sith.
When he did come out of the room I was sitting on my Dad's shoulders and Vader looked over at me on my Father's shoulders and pointed in my direction. I remember being scared to death for that short moment he had locked his attention to me.
He signed a Return of the Jedi book he was promoting.
I am guessing it was a regular person dressed up in a replica costume but, in the eyes of a four or five year old, it was real enough.
It's because of memories like these that I think Wooworths going down is one of the biggest tragedies to British culture.
Such a shame.
REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS
I stayed with my relatives on an American air force base one Easter and they gave me Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
I fell in love with them instantly.
And then I went home.
For years, I clamoured to have these chocolates again but I was unable to as the relatives moved back to the US.
Then - in around '97 or '98 - I was reading a Sunday paper and they had an article looking at new things in the shops. The picture which caught my eye was of these chocolates and it read 'only available in Woolworths'.
Guess where I went on my lunch break from college the next day?
I've only seen them in one other shop other than Woolworths and they were nearly double the price I pay in Woolworths. So, I will be able to buy them again - I will just have to pay a lot more than I would have paid in Woolies.
SHAWN MICHAELS
I met Shawn Michaels in Cardiff in 1993 and, eleven years later, I found out that he was going to be signing autographs at the Woolworths store in Newport.
I spent all morning in a queue inside the massive store waiting for him and the wait was rewarded when he signed my WrestleMania XX programme.
This memory is one of my favourites. I managed to overcome a few hurdles in my personal life to get there that day and meeting my favourite wrestler was a good end result.
DARTH VADER
Now, this is the best memory I will ever have of going to Woolworths.
I can recount the entire day, although I cannot remember whether it was in 1983 or 1984.
We were going on holiday and I needed to have an injection at the doctor surgery. As I hated needles (and still do to this day), my Dad struck a deal with me: if I took the injection and was a good boy I would have a surprise.
Bad deal!
I ended up letting everyone go in front of me in getting the shot and then, when it was my turn, I ran away.
The doctor and my parents were chasing me around the room, I was hiding under the chairs and tables and everything. I finally handed myself in and got the injection and then my Dad told me what the surprise was.
'You're going to meet Darth Vader in Woolworths'.
So, we went into town and there was a massive crowd in the Woolworths waiting for the arrival of the Dark Lord of the Sith.
When he did come out of the room I was sitting on my Dad's shoulders and Vader looked over at me on my Father's shoulders and pointed in my direction. I remember being scared to death for that short moment he had locked his attention to me.
He signed a Return of the Jedi book he was promoting.
I am guessing it was a regular person dressed up in a replica costume but, in the eyes of a four or five year old, it was real enough.
It's because of memories like these that I think Wooworths going down is one of the biggest tragedies to British culture.
Such a shame.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
2009 : The Year In Preview
Magazines and newspapers often have articles with predictions for the new year so I've decided to dedicate today's post to some random guesses for 2009.
Some are tongue in cheek, others are authentic.
* WrestleMania XXV will be headlined by Edge vs Triple H.
* Stone Cold Steve Austin will be inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame the night before Mania and come out of retirement at the event for one final match. His opponent will be Chris Jericho.
* Michael Owen will do Newcastle United a favour and leave during the January transfer window. He will then end up being a frequent patient of Inter Milan's medical room.
* Cardiff City will return to Wembley in May.
* The Wrestler, despite all the critical acclaim it has received, will not win an Oscar.
* Frank Mir will destroy Brock Lesnar for the UFC heavyweight title.
* Cheryl Cole will leave Girls Aloud.
* The Indianapolis Colts will beat the New York Giants in the Super Bowl.
* Ricky Hatton will once again lose to Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
* Kimbo Slice will be a UFC fighter by Christmas.
* Wayne Rooney will see a red card.
* EastEnders will have a Christmas episode that is far from jolly and there will be a Summer episode where a few of them go away and have a miserable time and some soul searching is done(MY BANKER).
* Mark Hughes will be fired from Manchester City by March.
* Kizarny will be forgotten by August.
Some are tongue in cheek, others are authentic.
* WrestleMania XXV will be headlined by Edge vs Triple H.
* Stone Cold Steve Austin will be inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame the night before Mania and come out of retirement at the event for one final match. His opponent will be Chris Jericho.
* Michael Owen will do Newcastle United a favour and leave during the January transfer window. He will then end up being a frequent patient of Inter Milan's medical room.
* Cardiff City will return to Wembley in May.
* The Wrestler, despite all the critical acclaim it has received, will not win an Oscar.
* Frank Mir will destroy Brock Lesnar for the UFC heavyweight title.
* Cheryl Cole will leave Girls Aloud.
* The Indianapolis Colts will beat the New York Giants in the Super Bowl.
* Ricky Hatton will once again lose to Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
* Kimbo Slice will be a UFC fighter by Christmas.
* Wayne Rooney will see a red card.
* EastEnders will have a Christmas episode that is far from jolly and there will be a Summer episode where a few of them go away and have a miserable time and some soul searching is done(MY BANKER).
* Mark Hughes will be fired from Manchester City by March.
* Kizarny will be forgotten by August.
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