"El Factor X"

El Factor X: 27 años de edad, profesor Danyl tiene una pasión por el canto y se roba el escenario por completo en una increible primera audicion!

The X Factor: 27-year-old teacher Danyl has a passion for singing and manages to completely own the stage in an incredible first audition!

Connie Talbot singing Ben and winning her Britains Got Talent semi final

Andrew Johnston

The X Factor: It’s difficult to surprise Simon Cowell, but Stacey Soloman manages to do just that… Does she have The X Factor?

Jamie Archer AKA Jamie Afro has never had his chance to break into music, despite it being a lifelong dream. Will he get that chance today?

Joseph McElderry The X Factor: Joe from South Shields immediately got a yes from Cheryl before he started singing! But will he be able to perform well enough to impress the other judges?

Susan Boyle – Memory from Cats – Made Amanda Cry – Piers said brilliant!

You voted him, out of thousands of entrants, your X Factor winner 2007! Watch Leon Jackson perform his brand new single When You Believe!

Lucie Jones,The X Factor 2009: Nervous Lucie takes to the stage, but her choice of song is questioned by Simon. Has she got The X Factor?

The X Factor: 24-year-old Duane returns to The X Factor after failure at last year’s Boot Camp. Has he got what it takes for this year’s competition?

Shaheen Jafargholi Britains Got Talent Wins Semi Final,UNBELIEVABLE 12 YEAR OLD BOY SINGS!!!

Nicky Evans, who recently lost her father, tries her luck at the auditions – and manages to amaze even Simon!

Hi all.  I’ve added a gallery page to the site and the link can be found on the right-hand side under the ‘Pages’ heading.   There I’ll stick all the photos and videos of the clubs I play at etc and some ones that I decided not to use on the main blog page.

At the moment I’m having a play around with video hosting because I don’t favour YouTube at all.  I’m looking for something slightly more aesthetically pleasing than they offer.  WordPress seem hell bent on making this as difficult as possible, by not letting you embed videos uploaded on other sites, instead encouraging me to fork out $58 or something stupid, to upgrade my account.  NOT gonna happen!
Similarly, uploading groups of photos is also made unnecessarily hard, so bear with me while I have a tinker.

More squash soon, so in the mean time check this *cringe* youtube clip of some really rather good squash that I was privileged enough to see live. Peter Nicol vs. Jonathon Power in the semi of the British Open, Nottingham, 2003.  Stuff of dreams and widely regarded as one of the best matches ever.

LEEDS progressed to the semi-finals of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Northern section after an entertaining 3-1 win over Grimsby Town at Elland Road.

Some clever work from loanee Max Gradel helped open the scoring just before the break. The Leicester winger’s cross was deflected off Oliver Lancashire and looped into the far corner to give Leeds a deserved lead.

Kilkenny... dominant in midfield.

Neil Kilkenny then doubled the lead in first half stoppage time after rounding off a neat move by firing low beyond the Grimsby keeper.

In the second half Jermaine Beckford poked home the third after a powerful run from Sam Vokes.

Grimsby netted a stunning consolation goal when ex-Leeds midfielder Peter Sweeney struck a sweet full volley after Leeds had failed to clear a corner.

Simon Grayson’s men will now face either Bradford, Carlisle or Accrington in the upcoming semi-final.

Player Ratings

Ankergren – 7 – Looked solid and composed all game. Could do nothing about Sweeney’s wonder goal.

Hughes - 7 – Raided up and down the right flank well and delivered crosses well into the opposition area.

Michalik – 6 – Dominant in the air – rarely troubled.

Naylor - 6 – Again, rarely troubled, but it will be a worry that Grimsby found spaces to exploit.

White - 7 – Looked comfortable on the ball coming forward. A big future ahead.

Gradel – 8 – Caused continuous problems for the opposition and his hard work led to the opening goal. Chants of ’sign him up’ from the fans may persuade Grayson to try and extend his loan deal which is due to expire next week.

Kilkenny - 8 – Orchestrated play and capped his performance with a wonderfully taken goal. Pushing Doyle and Howson for a regular starting spot.

Johnson - 6 – Playing out of position in the centre of midfield. Looked comfortable but his talents are far better suited to the left side.

Snodgrass - 7 – Another typical battling performance from the Scotsman. Worked the full-backs well and delivered some top quality crosses.

Vokes – 7 – Worked hard but his first goal in white still eludes him. A good powerful run to set-up Beckford’s goal.

Beckford - 6 – Anonymous for large parts but came up trumps with yet another well taken goal.

Subs

Robinson (for Snodgrass 67) – 6 – Energic performance from the bench and lucky not to get booked for a poor challenge.

Prutton (for Johnson 81) – 6 – Came on and had little to do.

Showunmi (for Vokes 86) – 6 – Little time to make an impact for the big man.

To think the U/19, U/21 and the senior Cheetah teams in the finals in Pretoria on the 31 October 2009.  If there is a will there is a way!!

An image of myself  taking photos at the semi Final on 17 October in Durban during the semi Final between the Cheetahs and the Sharks. I’m busy taking photos of the Cheetahs celebrating their 23-21 win with my Nikon D3 and 10.5mm F2.8 fisheye lens.

Photo taking by photographer Howard Cleland.

Images of the game can be viewed at www.supermedia.co.za

Gerhard

As i said before, I’m so guttered about the outcome of this game, we threw it away. But I hope the Cheetahs go onto kill the Bulls

Sharks Forever

Excitement cannot explain how i am feeling for tomorrows big clash I dont think that it’s going to be a walk over at all for the Sharks, but i do believe they will clinch the victory in the end. My only concern is Heinrich Brüssow, who in my opinion is the most influential flanker in the game today, yes he can win you a game single handedly. We witnessed this first hand in the Tri-Nations, and also in the last few currie cup games he has played. I hope Plumtree has instructed the Sharks to play quickly when the ball hits the deck, otherwise the sharks could be in for a “Brüssow” surprise.

I do want to mention 2 players who I believe will need to perform to ensure success in the Shark camp tomorrow. Jean Deysel & Ryan Kankowski Both great players in their own rights. Im a big fan of “Kanko”, as I love running rugby and i think that he is a great number 8 with exceptional ball skills, speed and strength. So Ryan if you reading this, call it a message from the “fan”, go out there and get’em. As for the Deyselnator.. Do what you do best run rampant and cause extreme pain.

God Bless

Kroogsiboi Out

Im not going to even mention game 2 but just say : ” COME ON PROVINCE” ( I do really need to get over my hate for the blue mmm..)

The Sharks

15. Stefan Terblanche (Captain)
14. Odwa Ndungane
13. Adrian Jacobs
12. Riaan Swanepoel
11. JP Pietersen
10. Juan Hernandez
9. Ruan Pienaar
8. Ryan Kankowski
7. Jean Deysel
6. Jacques Botes
5. Johann Muller
4. Steven Sykes
3. John Smit
2. Bismarck du Plessis
1. Tendai Mtawarira

Replacements
16. Craig Burden
17. Jannie du Plessis
18. Albert van den Berg
19. Keegan Daniel
20. Rory Kockott
21. Monty Dumond
22. Andries Strauss

Below are some of the Currie Cup highlights from last weekend.

Zezitos e Mengão saem na frente nas semifinais do 50tinhas

Leonides Dreveck está satisfeito com o desenvolvimento do Campeonato Cinquentinhas que atinge a semifinal de forma vibrante como acontece desde a primeira rodada. A dupla vitoriosa Flamengo e Zezitos abre caminho para um lugar ao sol na grande final.

Jogando dentro de seu estádio, o Flamengo fez por merecer o placar de 3 x 0, no último sábado pela manhã, na partida de ida da semifinal do Campeonato Cinquentinhas. Já no inicio da partida, aos 5 minutos, Costa acertou um bonito chute de fora da área que acertou as redes do goleiro Santo. Sentindo a falta de alguns jogadores, o Capão não conseguiu reagir e numa linda jogada Flavinho colocou Santinho na frente do gol e este só teve o trabalho de tocar para as redes aos 32 minutos. 2 x 0 placar da primeira etapa.

No segundo tempo, o Capão Raso até esboçou uma reação, mas o Flamengo continuou superior e após vários gols perdidos, Zé Roberto aproveitou o cruzamento da direita e marcou o terceiro gol flamenguista.

Capão se vê obrigado a vencer a partida de volta se quiser ir à final

Com esse resultado o time de Santa Felicidade jogará por um empate no dia 17 de outubro para avançar à fase final. Ao Capão Raso resta vencer no tempo normal e também nas penalidades máximas.

Flamengo: Sérgio, Costa (Paulinho), Juarez, Kepe (Joãozinho) e Cavalin; Fito (Professor), Marinho, Tico (Ulisses) e Flavinho; Alex e Santinho (Zé Roberto).

Outros resultados Sábado (03/10)

Estádio Maurício Fruet (Santa Quitéria): 10h – Zezitos FC 3 x 2 Vila Fanny FC Estádio Monte Bérico (Flamengo): 10h – ABE Flamengo 3 x 0 União Capão Raso FC

Zezitos pode ser o adversário do Mengo na grande final

Highlights from the Western Province vs Boland Game. Province won 50 – 7. Western province now top the table and are secured a Home semi! Well done Province!

Ai vai um vídeo durante a semi-final.

Last night Leeds got the win I expected against Catalan in the first Grand Final semi final, it was a good game, possibly the best of the play offs thus far, well I think it certainly was, the final score was Leeds Rhinos 27 – 20 Catalans Dragons, this of course means the Rhinos are once again in the Grand Final at Old Trafford.

Tonight we find out who they are to face in the biggest game of the season. Tonight Saint Helens host the wonderful Wigan Warriors in the second semi, this is going to be a bruiser, I fully expect the Warriors and Saints to knock the hell out of each other, its a derby game, its a grudge match and its the decider to see who goes through to the showcase final, these two sides are gonna mean business. I reckon, and hope, that this is gonna be a scorcher and I’m hoping, of course, for a Wigan win so I can go and see them at Old Trafford in the big one.

This game was played in very windy conditions although this wasn’t used much by either side and played very little part in the game in the end. Wigan couldn’t have really got off to a worst start if they had tried, Francis Meli went over for a try in just one and a half minutes in a break from defence made by Kyle Eastmond, 4 – 0 to Saints very early on.

During the first half Wigan sometimes looked a little disorganised in their play and support was often lacking for runners, all the same from a high Sam Tomkins kick Ade Gardner made a meal of his defensive play and George Carmont was able to take advantage and go over for a try, the conversion made it 4 – 6 to Wigan. During the first half both sides had tries disallowed but on 36 minutes Sean Long went over to make it 10 – 6 to Saint Helens which is how the first half ended.

At the start of the second half Saints once again started well and on 49 minutes an overlap on the wing gave Francis Meli his second try, it was now 14 – 6 to Saints and was starting to look a little like it had got away from Wigan. The Warriors fought back hard though and applied some pressure on the Saints line, but Saints were defending well.

On 70 minutes Wigan had a long break away from their own defence, Joel Tomkins broke away and made a lovely little pass, Pat Richards carried the break on, collecting his own lovely little kick through to score a try making it 14 – 10 and it was game on once more. It was pretty tight from here onward, the Warriors were hunting the mistake but Saints were in no mood to make that mistake and in the end the final score was Saint Helens 14 – 10 Wigan Warriors.

It was a pretty decent game, it wasn’t a classic but it was close and exciting, Wigan weren’t at their best in my opinion, some things just didn’t work for them and like I said earlier they looked slightly disorganised at times and support play was occasionally lacking, Saints played pretty well, they didn’t do much that was spectacular but they were solid and didn’t make many mistakes.

So for the third year on the run the Grand Final well be decided between Leeds Rhinos and Saint Helens, can anybody say “predictable” and once again the Warriors fought hard through the play offs but just couldn’t quite get through.

This will be Brian Nobles last game in charge of the Wigan Warriors and I look forward to see who’ll be taking control next year.

Anyway despite the Warriors not getting through Gareth and I went online and bought our tickets for the Grand Final, we will be there, as neutrals, hopefully enjoying a very good game of rugby on an occasion which is always enjoyable and that has superb atmosphere whoever is playing.

CENTURION: Skipper Ricky Ponting (111) and Shane Watson (136) smashed elegant centuries as Australia trampled England by nine wickets to storm into the final of the Champions Trophy at the SuperSport Park on Friday.

Their sublime unbeaten knocks produced a stunning record 252-run second-wicket partnership for Australia as the defending champions continued to torment England.

Chasing 258 to win the first semi-final and earn their second shot at the title, Australia crushed the target with 8.1 overs to spare.

En route to his 28th ODI hundred, Ponting became the first Australian batsman to touch the 12,000 run-mark when he pulled Graham Onions for a four in the 29th over.

Ponting and Watson, who outscored his skipper with his third ODI hundred, put on an amazing batting display to outwit their rivals yet again.

With this win Australia have now humbled England seven times in the last eight meetings. The world champions had landed in South Africa just a few days after drubbing the British side 6-1 in the post-Ashes ODI series.

The defending champions will now meet the winner of Saturday’s second semi-final between Pakistan and New Zealand in Monday’s title clash at the same venue.

Earlier, Tim Bresnan smashed a career best 80 to help England recover from a calamitous start and reach a fighting 257 in 47.4 overs after opting to bat.

Bresnan, who replaced Stuart Broad in the match, raised a crucial 107-run stand in company of Luke Wright (48) to lift England from a precarious 101/6 in 21st over.

Ponting arrived early on the scene as stumper Tim Paine, who had an outstanding day behind the wickets with five catches and a share in two runs outs, failed with bat.

Ponting was in sublime touch as he drove elegantly all around the park, hitting 12 graceful boundaries and a six in his 115-ball knock.

Watson shrugged off a poor start in the event and struck form when it mattered. His 132-ball aggressive innings was laced with 10 fours and seven powerful sixes.

The duo excoriated the English attack with utter disdain and ruthlessly dashed their hopes. Graham Onions (1/47) was the only successful bowler for England.

At the start, England innings was in tatters having lost six wickets without reaching the half-way mark but Bresnan and Wright batted with steely resolve to extricate their team from the crisis situation.

Bresnan dug in with Wright to redeem the England innings with some clever batting under pressure.

From a depressing 101/6 in 20.2 overs, England went on to put up at least a fighting total.

Bresnan’s splendid knock, adorned with 11 boundaries, came off just 76 balls while Wright helped himself with two boundaries and two massive sixes — both coming off tweaker Nathan Hauritz.

Peter Siddle, ICC emerging player of the year, separated the pair when he had Wight caught behind but there was no let up in England’s assault as Bresnan in company of Graeme Swann (18) continued the good work.

Swann supported his partner well with some smart batting before running himself out.

Bresnan’s excellent innings ended when he attempted a big shot off Brett Lee but was castled.

Siddle (3/55) was the most successful bowler while Lee (2/46) and Shane Watson (2/35) took two wickets apiece.

Run-rate was never a problem for England but they kept losing wickets at regular intervals and soon the top six batsmen were cooling their heels back in the hut.

England did not have the kind of start they wanted as skipper Andrew Strauss (14) got out as early as second over.

After hitting one off Peter Siddle into the crowd in the third man region, Strauss played a sweetly timed shot on the leg but an air-borne James Hopes pulled off a stunning catch.

More to the shock of England side, Owais Shah departed without bothering the scorer as his faint edge flew to the gloves of Paine.

In form Paul Collingwood could not play a big innings but hit a rapid-fire 34 to help England overcome those early jolts along with Joe Denly (36).

The 55-run partnership between the two for the third wicket resurrected the England innings but once Collingwood departed the British team lost the way.

Siddle removed well-set Denly and Shane Watson got rid of Steve Davies (5) and youngster Eoin Morgan (9) in successive overs and suddenly a cruising England was gasping for breath.

Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

BINH DUONG — Becamex Binh Duong made history by becoming the first Vietnamese football club to reach the semi-finals of a continental club football competition after beating Thai opponent Chonburi 2-0 in Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup quarter-finals yesterday at Binh Duong Province’s Go Dau Stadium.

Brazilian strikers Gaston Eduardo Molina and Philani Bhekizizwe Lancelot Kubheka each scored one goal to help Becamex Binh Duong beat Chonburi 4-2.

The first half hour of the game was quite stale, which might have been due to the effects of a downpour that occurred just before the start of the game. The players had a difficult time controlling the ball and had many misplaced passes, but the match began to pick up the pace once the hosts increased their rhythm.

In the 39th minute, the home team missed a chance to score after a dangerous counter-attack. With a pass from former national midfielder Nguyen Huu Thang, Nguyen Vu Phong slipped past Chonburi’s defender and squared a cross in front of the visitors’ goal, but both Binh Duong’s forwards Nguyen Anh Duc and Kubheka failed to make the final touch.

The second half saw the home team dominate with continuous attacks from Phong, Monila and Philani, who worked together extremely well. It was only a matter of time before the home team broke the deadlock.

Within 20,000 drenched spectators watching in the stands, Philani dashed into the box to put the ball past Chonburi’s goalkeeper Kosin at the 57th minute, after receiving a cross from Molina.

The Thais’ remaining hopes were destroyed after Binh Duong landed another goal in the 88th minute from a solid free kick from the right wing.

The long-awaited victory makes Becamex Binh Duong the first Vietnamese football club to reach the final four of a continental club football competition.

“I am very happy now. This was a very tough game, but our team won,” Becamex Binh Duong head coach Mai Duc Chung said after the match.

“I want to thank fans nation-wide and the Binh Duong fans in particular for always being behind us. This victory belongs to the fans and to the whole team. All the players performed very well,” said Chung, who also emphasised the importance of Philani and Molina.

“We tried our best, but we could not achieve the results we wanted,” said Chonburi head coach Kiatisuk Senamuang. —

Source: vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn

In a week and a half on Saturday 10th October the Super League Grand Final takes place in Manchester at Old Trafford, so with this in mind I’ve booked a hotel room online this evening. I have booked a room in the same hotel Gareth and I used last year, the Ramada, Manchester, Salford Quays, I chose a twin bedded room for Gareth and I to share.

This means we will be able to spend the afternoon pottering around the quays before going to the game, we will actually travel to Manchester by train on Saturday, go to the hotel, spend the afternoon at the quays, probably, then off to Old Trafford for the game and afterwards back to the hotel for the night. We will leave the hotel and Manchester to come home on the train on the Sunday.

Normally we would already have our tickets for the Grand Final bought, but we’re waiting to see if Wigan Warriors get there, if they don’t we will still be going but if the Warriors do get there then we want to know which end the Wigan fans will be so we can get our tickets for that end, if they don’t make it then it doesn’t matter which end we are in.

Of course before the Final next Saturday there are the semi finals this weekend, Leeds Rhinos are playing against Catalan Dragons, I have to fancy Leeds to win that one which would of course put the Rhinos into the Grand Final to meet either Saint Helens or Wigan Warriors who fight it out in the other semi.

So this Saturday then its Saints against Wigan, this is gonna be a tough one, it will be hard and physical and could go either way, I reckon if Wigan start well and rack some points up in the first half then they will probably nick it, but if Saints hold us then it could just go the other way. I personally think, or is that hope, that the Warriors will get the better of it and go through to the Grand Final to meet Leeds, I hope so, it will be nice to be watching the team I support in the final rather than viewing it as a neutral once again.

A 3ª Edição do Palco da Cidade continua a todo vapor. E no último final de semana (sábado, 26/09), o projeto aportou na comunidade Fonte das Águas, em Arembepe, para sua incansável, deliciosa e surpreendente busca pelos talentos de Camaçari.

Música, poesia, teatro e dança. Estas foram as manifestações artísticas que se apresentaram na comunidade. Foram dez números inscritos, dentre candidatos da sede de Camaçari e da orla. Cinco performances classificaram-se para a terceira e penúltima semi-final, que será realizada no dia 04 de outubro, no Teatro Cidade do Saber. São elas:

O grupo musical Mp6, de Arembepe, com a canção “Razões e Emoções”; o grupo teatral da Aldeia Hippie, Universo com Verso, com a apresentação “Curumim Convida”; a banda Zé da Galera, do Bairro do Ponto Certo, com o forró “Tchê, tchê, tchê”; a poesia “Caça aos Pirilampos”, com Ana Grimaldi, do Bairro dos 46; a banda Reflexos do Rock e sua composição “Somos todos iguais”, de Fonte das Águas, Arembepe e, finalmente, Grupo Teatral Sonhart , de Barra de Pojuca.

Também classificados para a semi-final do próximo domingo estão o grupo de dança, Hustla Girls, o intérprete, Nelson Bala e a Banda Vida, todos de Arembepe; o intérprete, Lucas Fagundes, da comunidade Parque Real Serra Verde; o grupo de dança, DJ Jackson Boy, da Lama Preta e a Banda Som Pop, do Phoc II, representada por, Edvaldo e Israel.

A semi-final da 3ª Edição do Palco da Cidade ocorrerá no Teatro Cidade do Saber, no dia 04 de outubro, a partir das 17h, com entrada franca. Haverá transporte gratuito, com saída das locaidades que possuem maior representação no evento (com maior quantidade de representantes). A primeira seletiva, desta terceira etapa, ocorreu antes na Praça dos Coqueiros, também, em Arembepe. O projeto já passou por Barra de Pojuca, Monte Gordo, Barra de Jacuípe, Areias e Abrantes. Resta, ainda, a quarta edição, que irá selecionar mais talentos (que não serão os últimos, do tão rico cenário artístico de Camçari, com certeza! ) para uma grande festa, que celebrará os vencedores e todos os demais participantes, na finalíssima, em novembro.

Compareça para aplaudir! Ainda há chance para os interessados em participar como candidatos das duas próximas seletivas. 

Maiores informações: 71 3644-2777 ou teatrocidadedosaber@gmail.com. Confira o regulamento aqui.

The sharks secure home semi Well done boys!

Bring on the Storm as the Broncos proved too classy for the Dragons at Suncorp in Brisbane.

The 24-10 scoreline was a fair indication of the contest with the Dragons turning over too much ball and the Broncos doing the little things right.

Next Saturday night will see the Broncos trying to redeem last years final minute loss to the Storm. All I can say is that if Brisbane are ahead by less than a try with a minute to go DO NOT PASS IT TO ASHTON SIMS!!! Sims by the way has been awesome in the last 6 weeks and will probably have a few of his own demons to excise.

With Peter Wallace going down late with an ankle injury, expect plenty of talk this week about the Brisbane halves pairing. Like to give my opinion but not really sure who they’ll decide on. Maybe Shane Perry will get a call up!

In the Championship play off semi final top of the table Barrow Raiders met Halifax here in Barrow at the Mark Coward stadium, Craven Park, the winner of this game goes right through to the Grand Final.

On the night that they were awarded the League leaders trophy Barrow started well, during the first half the Raiders easily got the better of it, the defence was strong and the attacking play was fast and creative, Halifax missed a couple of opportunities but then again so did Barrow. The difference was that Barrow made much better use of the ball in attack and scored 2 converted tries as well as a drop goal, the half time score was 15 – 0 to Barrow.

Halifax started the second half stronger than in the first half and scored early in the half making it 15 – 6, Barrow hit more trouble on around 50 minutes when the influential Andy Ellis went off injured. The game was closer and tighter in the second half early although Barrow lengthened the lead again on around 63 minutes with another converted try, 21 – 6 to the Raiders, this was followed shortly later by a great team try from the Raiders scored by Andy Bracek and after the conversion it was 27 – 6 and Barrow were almost certainly home and dry at this point.

The Raiders dominated the latter stages of the game scoring a penalty and a further converted break away try, Halifax did get a consolation try late on making the final score 35 – 12 to the Barrow Raiders.

A good win for Barrow, clearly the better side, they now go directly on to the Grand Final, well done the Raiders.

ICC Champions Trophy Cricket

Champions Trophy has always produced topsy turvy results. Giants have always crashed out early, while relative minnows seem to get to the top fairly regularly. There was even an instance when Sri Lanka and India shared the title rather than any single team declared victor (2002). And by the way, this is one tournament that South Africa actually has won. Yes, the inaugural tournament held in Dhaka (Bangladesh) in 1998 and a young and upbeat South Africa coached by Bob Woolmer beat out West Indies in the final. And West Indies, who are never ranked among the top 4 in one day cricket won it themselves in 2004.

This year the event is being held in South Africa. Based on the form of the teams and the unpredictable nature of the tournament, it is difficult to predict who will win it. Having said that, I will still predict the semi-finalists for this tournament.  Based on the consistent performance put up by the teams, I believe, the following four teams shall reach the semi-final

Australia, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Pakistan

Sri Lanka is probably the most consistent side of them all. They have the most number of match winners whom one can rely on and therefore, their chances of not only making it to the semi-final but going beyond it are good. Their weakness will be batting on bouncy South African tracks. In the last T20 world cup final, Pakistan exposed this kink in their armor. All great teams get over their weaknesses, and if they did, then Sri Lanka may go on to win it again.

South Africa has begun to shape up like a team possessed for some greatness. They have started to win crucial matches with more consistency and therefore, with current form, it is likely they will reach the semi-final stages of the tournament. Their only weakness will be if their batsmen are able to keep the consistency going throughout the tournament. If not, then early curtains for them.

Australia after a complete drubbing of England (in one day matches) are poised to reach the semi-final. The team is learning fast and new boys are settling in. Most of the players have it in them to make the difference and therefore, it is easy to see them make it to the final four. Their only weakness would be if their batsmen fail to fire at the right times. If that happens, then early curtains for them.

I chose Pakistan as the fourth team over India and New Zealand. India, having just defeated both New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Columbo put up a strong case, but one reason for my dropping them is that they are not consistent enough outside of the subcontinent. Their fielding is weak and at times laughable. And in big tournaments like the Champions Trophy, it counts a lot. Hence, they are not likely to get among the top 4.

New Zealand have an outside chance but nothing more. Their team is suffering from lack of quality cricketers. They lack bowlers who can take wickets at crucial junctures and batsmen who can win them all on their own on a consistent manner. They have sparks of brilliance but nothing to write about.

And now why Pakistan? I must admit they are an outside chance. Only because, they now play the least amount of cricket among all the Test playing nations. Heck, Bangladesh gets away with playing more matches than them in a year. Pakistan’s lack of international cricket is what hides their true strength. They have superb match winning bowlers in Umer Gul and Mohammad Asif. Their batsmen like Yunus Khan and Mohammad Yusuf can win matches all on their own. With able support from Afridi and Ajmal in spin, Pakistan currently has a far balanced squad than either New Zealand or India.

Their lack of Cricket is also one of their strengths. The team is extremely well rested and hungry for victory. So they might seem rusty, but once they get going, boy it will be a treat to watch. T20 World cup a few months back showed their class and their strength. They demolished their opponents so consistently and with such finesse that cricket seemed like a child’s play.

I will not be surprised if Pakistan comes home with the Champions Trophy.

Below are the new abstractions I’ve done for the new subject for assignment 2. I hope to get some signal from Julian or anyone to know if I’m on the right track. My final icon is the one on the far right.

Oh yes, this mosque is iconic for the unique shape of it’s minaret (not the regular dome-shaped top) and also for it’s cooling colour. That is why I choose to retain the overall design of the minaret in all the abstractions. If you happen to be in the east-side and chanced upon going to Tampines central area once in a while, you should be able to see it’s minaret from afar. It is named Darul Ghufran mosque, or lovingly called, the Blue mosque by many Tampines residents.

Serena’s behavior in her US Open semi-final match two days ago shocked the American public. “How can this be?” they cried. “How could our favorite hippo do something like this?” Well, let me explain.

Serena is a bitch. She thinks that she can walk onto a court dressed in leather spankies and big nasty earrings and automatically be rewarded with the same respect as any other player. Actually, she doesn’t think it, she expects it. There has never been any doubt in her mind that she is better than everyone else. And I’m not talking about her tennis; I couldn’t give a fuck about her ranking. She is superiority complex to the extreme. And now with her recent “outburst,” she’s still only walking away with a $10,500 fine. That’s chump. She probably drops that on hair appointments weekly. That type of conduct is unforgivable but here we are, accommodating her. Why? Oh I know.What was it again? The race card. She has no excuse for what she said to the linesperson but I guess her race protects her. Thank god it wasn’t a white woman who evoked her wrath. I can see it now: “Racism Faults in Tennis- Will We Ever Have Equality?”

In her press conference, there was more complete asshole behavior- not surprising in the least. “Well I said something and I guess they gave me a point penalty and unfortunately it was on match point.” She then rolls her eyes. Is that really necessary? When asked what she had said when she blew up on court, she gestures as if being put through enormous inconvenience and retorts, “what, you didn’t hear?” Then, the best part: “The linesperson said she felt threatened. Do you think there was any reason for her to feel threatened?” Hahahahahaha. If I had all 300 pounds of Serena Williams was heading in my direction with a 2 foot long tennis racket in hand, I would be friggen running for the hills. Add a few F-bombs and the tension of match point against a player that has been retired for the last 2 years (Go Kim!) and I’m pretty sure I’d be putting as much distance between myself and the whale as I possibly could. “Did she feel threatened?” No, retard, she was cowering in fear near the umpire’s chair trying to get an autograph.