The Chronicles of Ruddock

The race to 1k

2010-03-05T13:14:00.003Z

Staring with a bank of £50 l will attempt to lay a day on the way to winning 1k.. It can be in a variety of sports, horses football or anything that generally takes my fancy.

I will post the bets each day in so people can see how l am doing..

£50 Starting bank

They way this is going it could turn into the shortest challenge in history..

Time to pull the finger out.

Bets so far.

1. bet Lay Harare Wolves 3.40 @ 3.10 for £10 Bet won bank £60
2. bet Lay Classic Cut Catterick 4.00 @ 3 for £10 lost bank £40
3. bet Lay Kings Legacy Taunton. 450 @ 3.10 for £10 lost bank £19

Today's bet

4.bet Lay Bradford Bulls rugby league @ 3.20 for £8

The race to 1k

2010-03-04T11:27:00.002Z

Staring with a bank of £50 l will attempt to lay a day on the way to winning 1k.. It can be in a variety of sports, horses football or anything that generally takes my fancy.

I will post the bets each day in so people can see how l am doing..

£50 Starting bank

Bets so far.

1. bet Lay Harare Wolves 3.40 @ 3.10 for £10 Bet won bank £60
2. bet Lay Classic Cut Catterick 4.00 @ 3 for £10 lost bank £40

Today's bet

3. bet Kings Legacy Taunton. 450 @ 3.10 for £10

The Race To 1k..

2010-03-02T12:32:00.003Z

Staring with a bank of £50 l will attempt to lay a day on the way to winning 1k.. It can be in a variety of sports, horses football or anything that generally takes my fancy.

I will post the bets each day in so people can see how l am doing..

£50 Starting bank

Bets so far.

1. bet Lay Harare Wolves 3.40 @ 3.10 for £10 Bet won bank £60

Today's bet

2. bet Lay Classic Cut Catterick 4.00 @ 3 for £10 lost bank £40

Gutted.. That is all.

2010-03-01T13:14:00.011Z

This mistimed tackle in the fifth minute of the Carling Cup was surely the defining moment of the match.

We shall never know if Villa would have gone on and won the game but the game may well have been decided on what happened in the first five minutes of the match. Does not matter if its the first minute or the last on any other day Dowd would have shown the culprit a straight red, but l am afraid the referee bottled it. Not only did Dowd forget to issue a certain red card he forget to even issue a yellow one which makes some of his decisions later in the game all the more puzzling.

It could well have been a different story and led to a happier ending(for me at least) going 1-0 up and Manchester Untied down to ten men with the added bonus of their talisman not even on the pitch, but this is the real world and so often you will find the lord gives and the lord takes away, which just happened to my hopes and dreams yesterday.

In truth, we never deserved to win, once again the young guns of Villa never stepped up to the plate, that bis apart from Milner who showed what a very good player he is becoming. The likes of Young and Downing offered brief glimpses but they were very brief. If as so many Villa fans talk of them being England squad players this was the game to put their names forward and show themselves to the world. For me neither done that.

The Normally reliable Dunne and Collins both suffered lapses of concentration that resulted in Villa being punished. They both managed to somewhat redeem themselves with blocks and tackles but by then the damage had been done with the Owen equaliser

Once the best player in English football had had his say is was all over, brief and sporadic attacks on Kuszcaks goal, which all amounted to not very much and one of the biggest days in the last fourteen years was all but over.

A day that had promised so much had left me feeling empty, O'Neil can say that we played well for so long but in truth that once again hides the fact we never deserved the glory. The best team won on the day.

My last memory of the final will be Phil Dowd walking up the steps to collect his winners medal.

Dreams can come true, but you need to do more to show for it..

Maybe just maybe the FA Cup??

That is all.

The Race To 1k..

2010-03-01T12:34:00.007Z

Well after accidentally deleting the last thread l done on this, its time to start again and see how we go.

Staring with a bank of £50 l will attempt to lay a day on the way to winning 1k.. It can be in a variety of sports, horses football or anything that generally takes my fancy.

I will post the bets each day in so people can see how l am doing..

Today's bet

£50 Starting bank

1 bet Lay Harare Wolves 3.40 @ 3.10 for £10 Bet won bank £60

Wednesdays bets..

2010-02-24T16:12:00.002Z

Small treble..

Villa
Spurs
WBA.

The treble pays just over 2/1..

Under 2.5 goals in the Cska Moscow/Sevilla match @ 1.70

Under 2.5 goals in the Inter Milan/Chelsea match @ 1.58.

Good luck and happy punting

Todays Bets

2010-02-23T14:48:00.003Z

Short and Sweet..

Charlton @ 1.61
Luton @ 1.53
Barcelona @ 1.66
Southampton @ 1.90
Leeds @ 1.44

The acca pays 11.38

Good luck and happy punting.

Tunes of the week

2010-02-23T14:15:00.002Z

Guess the year..

Still stuck for clues..

St Louis Rams win the Superbowl.
The last mini is produced at Longbridge
Paula Yates died of an heroin overdoes.

Answers in comments..

A whole new World..

2010-02-15T11:12:00.007Z

Has it really been over a week since l last posted

Well all is going well, my game is now around a C- level yes my game is getting worse. l find the longer l play the worse l get and consistently manage to get worse as the night gets longer. This has now meant l now play in short bursts of around an hour or two at a time then leave and play later instead of having a four plus hour stint. When l first join l am on the top of my game making the right calls playing the odds and making cashes but as the game goes on l find myself chasing and calling with poo and generally doing what l see other players do but without the results that they would seem to have

One thing l have noticed while playing the $2 level it seems a whole new world down there where most people would not dream of playing that is no disrespect to the people that do as there are many who do and l would say it is the most commonly used levels that is played on ladbrokes on the STT or the the eighteen or twenty seat tables.

Playing at this level reminds me of the film Lord of the Rings and the $2 levels are the hobbits who inhabit the lands of middle Earth a whole nation of people who consider themselves a separate race, occasionally one or two will venture out and try to join the mean streets and play the higher stakes but generally as a rule they stick to what they know.

There are many good players that play at that level but there is no denying that there are more and more who are very bad, you have to start somewhere and maybe this is where the new player makes that choice. People go on about the higher you play the better the player, is that true? I have seen the same calls being made in the higher staked games on many sites to know that that claim is a load of rubbish.

A few things that l don't really understand though is when you play at a table and the blinds are 20-40 one player will limp and this causes six seven other players to limp and then the big blind will raise it to 40. I have never seen one player fold for 20 more yet and have l have never ever understood the purpose of the raise? If someone knows the answer to it can they please tell me.

Another thing is l can remember when you posted nice hand and got a response, now the game is virtually played in silence with no chat at all. I take it there are a lot of foreign players playing now but surely most would understand that what nh means and reply with a ty. Maybe it's like l mentioned in a previous post about poker and life going hand in hand that people generally in the world today being brought up without manners.

I am still undecided as to what to do next as the higher stake buy-ins the higher you go the volume of players gets less and less. I might turn to cash and play different games and hopefully move up through the stakes that way. I am open to ideas. and if another one has any feel free to post.

This week with it being Half Term. l shall not really be playing till later in the week but l hope to get the balance up to £400 and then move on..

At the moment the balance is £331.58

When saturday Comes.

2010-02-13T10:25:00.004Z

Short and sweet today..

Lets hope it's as good a weekend as last week..

Saturday bets..

Leeds 4/5
Millwall 8/15
Brentford 4/6
Luton 4/5

The acca pays 8.28

Rugby Wales to beat Scotland by 10.5 points @ Evens with betfair.

Ireland with 5.5 points start to beat France @ 10/11 with betfair.

Under 2.5 goals Derby/Birmingham @ 1.70

Over 2.5 goals in the Preston/Blackpool game @ 2.02

More to follow later.

Good luck and happy punting..

Tunes of the week.

2010-02-08T00:41:00.004Z

Guess the year

These songs were released..

More clues..

John Lennon was murdered

Margaret Thatcher makes her famous "The lady's not for turning" speech to the Conservative Party conference.

Answer in Comments.

Super Sunday.

2010-02-07T09:34:00.006Z

Todays bets..

I fancy Chelsea to beat Arsenal today @ 1.87

France to beat Scotland by more than 6.5 points @ 1.95

Indianapolis Colts to beat the New Orleans Saints @ 1.54

Dunfermilne/Celtic.. Robbie Keane to score anytime around the 1.76 on betfair

Birmingham/Wolves. All the stats point a low scoring game, Birminghams record at conceding goals is very good while they don't score many while Wolves are known to ship a few and concede a few. Well at the odds l am going to have a little bet at over 2.5 goals. Being a local derby l fancy it to be very lively. Over 2.5 goals @ 2.52

More to follow

Good luck and happy punting.

Its a new day Iits a new dawn..

2010-02-06T10:09:00.005Z

Lets see if l can keep the run going..

Rotherham @ 1.66
Oxford @ 1.50
Bournemouth @ 1.66
Dundee @ 1.44

The acca pays 6.01.

Liverpool/Everton Under 2.5 goals @ 1.77....

Over 2.5 goals in the Millwall/Norwich match @ 2.04

A lay of MK Dons @ 1.79. Its a pity the match is not in-running but at the odds l think its a value bet.

Rugby Union

Ireland to beat Italy by more than 20.5 points in the Rugby Union.. @ 1.98

England to beat Wales in the Rugby, although the valuve lies with Wales the loss of Jenkins is huge. England with the boot of Wilkinson to win @ 1.64.

Later the evening bets..

Good luck and happy punting..

Doctor Doctor. Cant you see its burning burning.

2010-02-05T01:36:00.013Z

On Thursday l finally decided to go to the hospital, the pain went right from my rectum up into my throat. It started on Tuesday and got progressively worse over 48 hours until l could take no more. Having trouble talking and not being able to sit down the pain was excruciating.

The doctors were amazing and l was whisked straight off to surgery were after an operation that lasted nearly two hours, a red hot poker was removed from my bum. After cooling it down in water l went and had a closer look at it, you could clearly see the words courtesy of ladbrokes micro-gaming on it. Yes l had been shafted good and proper, just when l thought l was walking on water the good old poker gods came down and gave me a real good rogering.

On the left is the poker that was removed from my bum.

I only cashed in one game on Tuesday and the beats just got worse and worse throughout the day, so bad in fact l stopped playing at seven in the evening. I would be sitting at the computer and shaking my head, not aware l was doing it till the missus asked me if l was alright.

My balance was down to £210.12. All the good work was unfolding before my eyes.

Wednesday was no better and my game was going to pieces, l was playing well despite some mad calls but l was getting no luck at all. I managed to cash in a few games and got the balance back up to £221.56 but once again it was an early night and l closed down ladbrokes at 10.00 and decided to go to bed and take my frustration out on the missus.

Of course l don't expect to win everyday, l have said that before and it is a case of taking the good with the bad, but its amazing how things can change so quickly, from being high on confidence, l was even starting to doubt the wisdom of raising in pots as no matter how much l raised it would be called and the other person would hit. My over bets were being called by queen ten soooooooted and not only hitting but giving them a full house.

I was moving from one game to another at a remarkable rate of knots even my music was not helping me. Then its like you manage to cash in one game and then another and you seem to get back on track until you meet another obstacle that gets in the way. Not sure how long l will have to wait for that but all l know is we have just gone through the tunnel and come out the other side and we are still running.

My balance is £247.56

Sex over the internet?

2010-02-02T16:24:00.009Z

I have always said that poker imitates life, how people play depends on how their life is going. If you had a good day and are generally happy in life that helps when you sit down and play. Being relaxed must help you in your thought process.

Maybe that's why l have been doing so well lately because finally l am starting to see the balance grow and the pressure has eased of my shoulders.

The trouble is l am falling into the trap l see so often at this level at the moment and that is, l call when l should just lay the hand down. In some ways l feel l am trying to be too clever, looking to set traps and end up getting caught myself.

Just last night l looked down and had aces l wanted to get the maximum out of my hand and with only the SB and BB to act after me and no one else in the pot l decided to raise the bare minimum the BB called and l proceeded to bet, having put half my stack in l was going to go allin on the turn, but with four spades on the board and no spade in my hand l still bet the turn, now on the river the guy immediately put me allin that would/should be an instant fold even if l thought he was at it in my right mind l would have layed my hand down, but what did l do l called. still to this minute l can't explain why l did. I just think that's what happens to you game when you see it all the time, you get sucked in.

Not really sure how l would describe my game at the moment, l must be doing something right because l am getting the results but if l am honest l don't really think its my A game or anywhere near it because l can be so hit and miss.

The worst thing is when you know something is wrong but cant quite put your finger on it.

Once down to the final ten or six depending on what format l play l fancy my chances as you should its just that at times l tend to go into my shell and wait for others to do battle, of course much has to do with the size of chip stacks and all that.

Again making the moves is as much to do with timing as anything else.

The last two days have been good without being spectacular, l am still making a nice profit each day and building the balance up and last night brought about a funny moment. Playing one game we were down to four and it took ages the blinds were small at the time so l was confident on picking my spots.

Eventually we were down to three players and it was here l noticed the player Wares244 photo it was one were you had a look then have another look and then another. Now assuming she is a women and not a six foot eighteen stone Glaswegian (loads of them about) l must say l had another look just too make sure.

She must have had nine lives because she used three of them up against me, l had her allin three times and she managed to escape with the worst hand. Soon we were heads up and after a short heads up game which l finally won now with no talk at the tables l thought l would be polite as l usually do when l win and said "gg" (good game) instantly she replied "fu*k you".

*I almost peed my pants laughing.

I would like to add if you are really that person it would be a pleasure.

*Thanks to Manager43 who was quick on the scene to issue a warning for abusive language.

My balance so far £247.89

Tunes of the week.

2010-02-01T15:02:00.009Z

Can you guess the year

These songs were released.

Come on it's easy.. here are more clues..

Kicking King wins the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Pubs in England and Wales were permitted to open 24 hours.

George Best Dies.

Answer in comments.

How l wish l had concentrated in class during my School years

2010-01-31T15:07:00.013Z

Day 21 in the Ruddock house.

My school report was always predictable. Kelvin has the ability to do well but is easily distracted or Kelvin has trouble concentrating. Its a pity at the age of twelve onwards l could not have got a bet on at the bookies as to what my school report would read. If l could l would not be sitting here writing this now that is for sure.

The thing is you know you should make notes of what days have been good and what days have been bad, what time of day do l show as my most profitable and vice verse. Is one day showing up better than another. Things that will help you in the long run.

I always found playing late at night at the weekend to be pretty good, the drunks coming in from the pubs would sometimes be most profitable, now with the the late night drinking its hard to catch the drunks willing to throw their money away. You could fire up the pc at around 11.30 onwards and wait a bit like the local policeman who waits at the end of the road knowing its closing time and he will catch at least one driving his car home. now its much harder.

One thing l do know is that Saturday mornings are by far the worst, to say the standard of play is shit would be an understatement, at one point l had to check to see if l had not entered an all in or fold $2.50 eighteen seat tourney. With blinds at 20-40 people were just throwing the chips allin with any two sooooooted cards. One such hand had three people all in and the best hand was A 7??? I believe the 8h 9h took the pot with a straight but l could be wrong l was too busy shaking my head in disbelief.

It was as if the parents had gone upstairs to take it in turns looking at the ceiling while they left the children to play on their account in the meantime. I actually thought about letting my seven year old daughter play a tourney by herself and see what she could do, the only trouble being when l try to teach her the game she still thinks the chips are from Mccains.

After playing about eight or nine games of eighteen and twenty seaters, l really could not take anymore and for the sake of my sanity l had to close ladbrokes down. Hoping to give it a couple of hours and wishing the parents would have finished by then and once again taken control of their ladbrokes accounts.

The afternoon and evening sessions were much better, l just stayed to playing the same games and manged to cash a few times. You really need to cash one in four to break even and if you can win one it obviously boosts the balance. I ended the night getting back what l had lost from the morning and being up for the day..

It really was a case of a few hours rest making all the difference

Well Sunday so far has really been Super Sunday, the games have been somewhat more sensible and l have managed to win two games and cashed in two others.

My balance is £218.19

Sundays bets..

2010-01-31T11:06:00.004Z

Well after yesterdays bookie bashing, here is hoping the trend continues..

The acca is.

Villarreal @ 1.57
Lyon @ 1.70
PSV @ 1.40
Panathanikos @ 1.72

The acca pays 6.42.

Over 2.5 Goals in the Man City/Portsmouth match @ 1.84 with betfair

Egypt to win the African Nations Cup outright @ 1.60 with betfair

Over 2.5 goals in the Sevilla/Valencia match @ 1.92

Good luck and happy punting.

Saturdays Football Bets..

2010-01-30T09:02:00.008Z

Short and sweet

Leeds @ 1.66
Cardiff @ 1.72
West Brom @ 1.80
Rotherham @ 1.53

The acca pays 7.94

In the live game on sky tonight, Leicester/Newcastle under 2.5 goals @ 1.78 with betfair.

In Spain over 2.5 goals in the Deportivo/Real Madrid match @ 2.04 with betfair
and in the Sporting Gijon/Barcelona game Barca HT/FT @ 1.83 with betfair.

In the tennis

Federer to beat Murray @ 1.64. with betfair

Good luck and happy punting.

...................................................................................

Days don't come much better than this.. With rotherham not playing the other three came in giving us a winning treble..

The Leicester game finished 0-0.. While Barca came up up trumps as well and to round off the evening the Deportivo/Madrid game finished overs. This morning the Fed express rolled in to give us a fantastic day of tipping..

Time for some.

Just waiting for the famous Mike Matusow blow up.

2010-01-29T12:29:00.004Z

We have all seen him say it "The old Mike Matusow would have gone bust there but not this Mike, this is the new Mike baby". Well in some ways l think we all have the Mike Matusow tendencies to go bust and blow up in a tourney or game. Hopefully that won't happen to me with this challenge but that remains to be seen.

The good thing is l am trying to cut it out while l am playing, l will get into good positions in a game and then make a stupid play or get mixed up in a pot l should not be in and proceed to donk off most of my chips. It's not a comparison to being in a big tourney with a field of hundreds or even playing the minefield that is the WSOP but the principles are still the same.

So far l have managed to cut them down, down but not out, yes l am afraid l still do them. While playing a game l can feel the demons inside wanting to come out. I still consider myself a tight player but the crazy moves when the board is littered with danger and even though you have worked out your are behind or indeed drawing dead you still try to put the bluff in and make a play. Then seconds later all the hard work you have put in comes falling down and you sit starring at your screen looking at the words thank you for playing you have finished fourth or whatever the bubble may be.

On Thursday, everything seemed to come together, played well and cashed in eight out of ten double games, giving me some ammunition to play the eighteen seat short handed game. Being busted in my first game, all went to plan in my second winning the tourney this was then backed up by winning another straight away. My night finished around two in the morning when l won the two tables multi, boosting my balance even further.

The only downside to my day was being slow rolled by someone called Sweetjay who was anything but that. A raise on the button by my new friend was instantly re-raised by me with the monster that is A 6 thinking he was at it. He then proceeded to press time bank till it was done to the bare seconds before turning over queens. Now this being a double up game having been at a table with him before one thing l can tell you is Sweetjay is no rock.

After my exit l politely asked about the slow roll but as yet l am still waiting for an answer.

Well Sweetjay if you ever read this you are now on my naughty list.

To be continued.

Wednesday football bets..

2010-01-27T15:10:00.002Z

Short and Sweet..

Luton @ 2.10
Everton @ 1.66
Dundee United @1.61
Newcastle @ 1.57

The acca pays 8.88

To be continued.

Good luck and happy punting..

The tiger the twitch and the eye patch.

2010-01-27T07:36:00.014Z

Day Seventeen.

Now half way through the third week of the challenge, l have found myself cutting back on the number of games l have played, partly down to time restrictions and partly due to the mental state of my health and mind.

During the first week l would often find myself trawling at four in the morning for a $2.50 double up game did l have a problem? was l coming down with a strange form of low limit ten seat double up addiction? Now l know Tiger Woods has confessed to his addiction, was it time l faced up to mine.

Now l might not have been getting the same pleasure as him or indeed probably not lasting lasting longer but in the different ways we sought out and found our own source of pleasure and enjoyment, one thing it was doing was giving me a nasty tick, which l would assume is a lot better than having a five iron smashed over your head.

Towards the latter part of the week l noticed all of a sudden my left eye would twitch for no apparent reason, l would be sitting playing a game or watching television and my left eye would start doing the macarena. This lead to me staring in the mirror trying to see it happen but much like all comedy sketches nothing would, then once back in front of the pc or just reading a a paper, watching television it would start all over again.

Not knowing if this was due to the constant hours in front of the pc or the lack of sleep or maybe down to both, or something completely different like the fact l had not picked a winner in the sports department in weeks. Either way it was not helping me. The thought of a Gabrielle eye patch was now starting to cross my mind.

The magic cure of a couple of good nights sleep and a reduction of games being played l am once again back to my normal squint. The problem obviously was not anything to do with picking winners because l still can't.

Well enough of my health problems and back to the job in hand, Monday saw me crash quicker than a Richard Branson hot air balloon flight. My balance fell to £122, l would be the first to admit if it was down to bad play but that would be a lie, l was playing well. just never getting the luck or breaks you so often need.

When you are playing well but not getting the results you think it can only be a matter of time before you luck changes and you start to cash, sometimes it takes days weeks. The pessimists would say they never get any luck, well mine changed in hours, a couple of cashes in the eighteen and twenty seat games and l was back up to £148. It was time to call it a night and get some much needed sleep.

Tuesday was really a nothing day, my balance pretty much stayed the same all day but that was mainly due to being busy throughout the day and not playing a great deal. Cashes in the double up games and only a third in the twenty seat format meant l finished the day on £148.15.

To be continued.

Tuesdays football bets.

2010-01-26T14:03:00.005Z

Tonight's bets ..

Bolton. Fancy them to beat Burnley tonight, look to have improved under Coyle two good games against Arsenal. Klasnic starting to find his feet in the premiership and although there will be added spice to the game with Coyle having just left Burnley. I fancy Bolton to pick up the three points.

West Brom. Look a good price to win away at Ipswich, although Keanes side are hard to beat, Albion are one of the best side in the division, a team who always have goals in them they can score from all over the pitch. Recent performances against Newcastle should have them brimming with confidence.

Leeds. Best side in the division and a hard game on paper, let themselves down with their performance away at Exeter but a much improved game against Spurs at the weekend. Grayson needs to get them back on the real job in hand which is promotion. Swindon are known to leak goals and with the form of Beckford l take Leeds to win a hard fought encounter.

Notts County. They are finally beginning to show why so many lumped on them to win the league at the start of the season. They have been very impressive in recent matches, taking Wigan to a replay. They have won five of their last seven matches, while Dagenham have fallen by the wayside lately having won only two of their last nine. With Hughes also in top form, l am hoping County can take the spoils.

Bolton @ 1.80
WBA @ 2.40
Leeds @ 2.25
Notts County @ 2.80

The bet is four trebles and a acca

The acca alone pays 27.22

Good luck and happy punting

Tunes of the week.

2010-01-25T14:58:00.005Z

Guess the year

These songs were released.

Still don't know..

Here are some more clues..

Channel 4 was launched.

Argentine Exocet missile sinks HMS Sheffield

Graham Gooch leads a team of rebels to South Africa, who have been banned since 1970 because of Apartheid

Answer in comments..

Not quite champagne and caviar but its a start.

2010-01-24T16:35:00.020Z

Day Fourteen.

Don't shout in fact whisper it very quietly but finally l have had three winning days on the trot. Although the profit is small, the slow hard grind is beginning to bare fruit and the balance is climbing. All l need to do now is be careful of the bad days and cut my losses when that happens but as we know that is easier said than done.

Maybe its too early to set myself targets and in all honesty l don't know what would be a good target each week or month or even come the end of the year. Some people might say to be in profit come the end of December would be a bonus. I would like to aim higher than that without getting too carried away.

The past few days l have stuck to playing the ten seat double up tables(ten pays five) for my bread and butter and then using the cash to play the twenty and eighteen seater tables.

I have even started listening to music while l play now, which seems to have calmed me down no end, instead of berating a player when l get knocked out, l now commend them on winning the hand and wish them a good day.(if you believe that you will believe anything)

I even found myself a Omaha double up game, which is a rarity in itself so much so that two people must have put their names down last September hoping it might eventually fill up. Well it did and they never played a hand. I am ashamed to say l left the table in seventh and at the time they had 175 chips left. Now you might ask how come l left in seventh when there are two people who were low on chips? I am afraid my ego got the better of me going into the hand that led to my departure l actually had over 2.5k left in chips and could easily have made the money. Until l stupidly decided to try to put one over someone and my full house ran into a bigger full house.

I can still hear the other players laughing at my demise now..

So back to the quest, with three winning days on the trot so far, although not great amounts..

My balance is £147.17

Get it ready..

2010-01-23T04:38:00.006Z

Its another bumper weekend of sport..

Lets hope l can pick a few winners..

What with it being FA Cup weekend, teams are taken on trust.

Saturday acca

First up is the football acca and l am starting with Everton at home to Birmingham, l was very impressed with Everton last week against Man City and they have been coming back into form in the past few weeks. Although the blues are also another form side, Everton's record is pretty good against them, they should have won the the last game they played dominating for ninety minutes but having to settle for a draw. Moyses takes the cup pretty serious while Mcleish has rested players in the past. Although odds of 1.80 may look short l take Everon to win.

Next up we have Sheff Wednesday against Peterborugh, Wednesday have picked up a couple of good results in under their new boss Irvine and against a Posh side who have leaked goals like a sieve they should be too good. Posh have defensive trouble with both centre backs out suspended and having shown nothing to suggest a win is round the corner. Although they have good firepower the team have looked disjointed. l am surprised that Wednesday can be backed at 1.83

Carlise should be too good for Stockport who have lost twelve straight league games although possibly their best game in a while was the 1-0 defeaat to Swindon in midweek they are playing a Carlisle side who should be buoyed after beating Leeds in the JPT at Elland Road this week. Gary Abblett has brought in some decent loan signings but they still should come up short. Brunton park can be a cold place to visit at the best of times and l take Carlisle at 1.53

Last but not least we have Oxford who have suffered a slight blimp of late losing at home to Tamworth and drawing away to Salisbury which has seen them lose top spot to stevenage but the away trip to Grays should hold no fears. Grays are in turmoil second from bottom of the league and in financial trouble. Having won only one in the last five games. Oxford should get back to winning ways at 1.53

So to recap its.

Everton @ 1.80
Sheff Wed @ 1.83
Carlisle @ 1.53
Oxford @ 1.53

The acca pays 7.76.

In the evening game. Spurs/Leeds. I fancy over 2.5 goals @ 1.70 with Betfair although the market has not settled down yet anything around that mark looks good to me.

I also fancy Barcelona to beat Valladolid -1 goal on the Asian handicaps with most firms at 1.90. Barca have been scoring for fun and should cover the spread.

Good luck and happy punting.

Having a ride on the big dipper.

2010-01-21T17:49:00.011Z

They say life is like a rollercoster, well at the moment my poker balance certainly is. It's been up and down more times than Tiger Woods Y fronts at a beauty pageant.

At times l think my poker balance is being run by Bearings bank, a miserable day on Tuesday saw my balance hit an all time low of £72. I stopped playing three times only to return a short time later all to no effect. My timing was off and l was playing with no respect of my opponents.

To tell you the truth, l think my game has suffered at times pretty badly, making stupid calls and in general playing chite. I have two good days two average days and then two terrible days all in that order. At the moment l am having a good day as the balance is creeping back up.

The trouble l had on Wednesday was l could not win a heads up battle a terrible case of coming second something which the missus finds hard to believe.

In my desperate state to find a game l found myself sitting at a $2.50 Omaha hi lo game, now l can play Omaha but this Hi Lo lark had me totally confused. I am sure some Scandinavian is writing in his blog about a silly guy called Ruddock who he tried to make a buddy as he was a complete fish.

It shows that it can be done if l can just cut out the terrible days which brings me on to the question. When do you stop playing when you are having a terrible run? How many games would you play without cashing before stopping. I think l had a run of about seven games.

Tonight my timing is way off, having trouble laying down hands and starting to second guess myself. Thinking about calling it a night

My balance stands at £94.17

Charles Manson

2010-01-19T15:41:00.009Z

In another of the life stories this time its the turn of the notorious Charles Manson

Charles Manson
By Jennifer Rosenberg, About.com Guide

Historical Importance of Charles Manson:

Charles Manson is a convicted serial killer who has become an icon of evil. In the late 1960s, Manson founded a hippie cult group known as "the Family" whom he manipulated into brutally killing others on his behalf.

Dates:
November 12, 1934 --

Also Known As:
Charles Milles Maddox, Charles Milles Manson
Overview of Charles Manson:

Charles Manson was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to 16-year-old Kathleen Maddox. Kathleen had run away from home at the age of 15 and spent the next few decades drinking too much, with periods of time spent in jail.

Since his mother couldn't take care of him, Charles spent his youth at the homes of various relatives and often at special reform schools and boys homes. By age nine, Charles Manson had already started stealing and soon added burglary and stealing cars to his repertoire.

Manson Gets Married

In 1954, at age nineteen, he was released on parole after an unusual bout of good behavior. The next year, he married Rosalie Willis, a waitress, and they had a son together, Charles Manson Jr. (born March 1956). Even while married, Manson had continued making extra money by stealing cars. In April 1956, he was again sent to prison. After Manson had been in prison for a year, his wife found someone new and divorced Manson in June 1957.

Manson the Con Man

In 1958, Manson was released from prison. While out, Manson began pimping, stealing checks from mailboxes, and conned a young woman out of money. He also married again, to a woman named Leona, and fathered a second son, Charles Luther Manson. Manson was again arrested on June 1, 1960 and sent to the McNeil Island Penitentiary off the coast of Washington. His wife soon divorced him.

Music in Prison

Manson spent the next six years in prison. It was during this time that he befriended the infamous Alvin "Creepy" Karpis, former member of Ma Barker's gang. After Karpis taught Charles Manson to play the steel guitar, Manson became obsessed with making music. He practiced all the time, wrote dozens of original songs, and started singing. He believed that when he got out of prison, he could be a famous musician.

Manson Gets a Following

On March 21, 1967, Manson was once again released from prison. This time he headed to San Francisco where, with a guitar and drugs, he began to get a following. In 1968, he and several followers drove to Southern California.

Manson was still hoping for a music career. Through an acquaintance, Manson met and hung out with Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys. The Beach Boys did record one of Manson's songs, which appeared as "Never Learn Not to Love" on the B-side of their 20/20 album.

Through Wilson, Manson met Terry Melcher, Doris Day's son. Manson believed Melcher was going to advance his music career but when nothing happened, Manson was very upset.

During this time, Charles Manson and some of his followers moved into the Spahn Ranch. Located northwest of San Fernando Valley the Spahn Ranch had been a popular location to film westerns in the 1940s and 1950s. Once Manson and his followers moved in, it became a cult compound for "the Family."

Helter Skelter

Charles Manson was good at manipulating people. He took pieces from various religions to form his own philosophy. When the Beatles released their White Album in 1968, Manson believed their song "Helter Skelter" predicted an upcoming race war. "Helter skelter," Manson believed, was going to occur in the summer of 1969 when blacks were going to rise up and slaughter all the white people. He told his followers that they would be saved because they would go underground, literally, by traveling to an underground city of gold located in Death Valley.

However, when the Armageddon that Manson had predicted did not occur, he said he and his followers must show the blacks how to do it.

Manson Orders the Murders

Manson told four of his followers to go to 10050 Cielo Drive in Los Angeles and kill the people inside. This house once belonged to Terry Melcher, the man who had not helped Manson with his music career. However, Melcher no longer lived there; actress Sharon Tate and her husband, director Roman Polanski, had rented the house. On August 9, 1969, four of Manson's followers brutally murdered Tate, her unborn baby, and four others who were visiting her (Polanski was in Europe for work). The following night, Manson's followers brutally killed Leno and Rosemary LaBianca in their home.

Manson's Trial

It took the police several months to determine who was responsible. In December 1969 Manson and several of his followers were arrested. The trial began on July 24, 1970. On January 25, Manson was found guilty of first degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. On March 29, 1971, Manson was sentenced to death.

Life in Prison

Manson was reprieved from the death penalty in 1972 when the California Supreme Court outlawed the death penalty. Charles Manson now serves a lifetime sentence and periodically comes up for parole.

Though he's been in prison for over three decades, Charles Manson has received more mail than any other prisoner in the U.S. Charles Manson is currently being held in California's Corcoran Prison.

Manson at age 74: This photo was taken in March 2009

Manson receives a lot of mail, and many requests from people who want to visit him, Johnson said. He still occasionally sees a few people.

"Over the years, he's taken some people off the visitor list and put them back on, " Johnson said. "He has the same rights as any other prisoner."

Manson has been disciplined in the past, losing privileges, but he's now in good standing and good health, Johnson added.

All members of the "Manson family" have been up for parole multiple times over the past four decades, but it has never been granted.

Manson's next parole hearing is in 2010. He did not show up for the last one in 2007.

His mug shot, which instantly made its way around the world over the Internet, was taken as part of a regular update of inmate images at the prison. Its release comes ahead of the 40th anniversary of the "Manson family" killings in August 1969.

Van Houten, who was 19 at the time of the killings, was convicted in the murders of Leno LaBianca, a wealthy grocery store owner, and his wife, Rosemary. Van Houten was accused of stabbing Rosemary LaBianca 14 to 16 times in the back.

Van Houten was also convicted of conspiracy in Tate's death and four others at the actress' Beverly Hills home. Tate was about eight-and-a-half months pregnant, and her baby also died in the attack. Manson, Atkins and Krenwinkel also were convicted for those murders.

Atkins, who has been declared terminally ill, was denied a compassionate release from prison in July 2008. She is believed to have been one of the people who stabbed Tate and scrawled the word "pig" in blood on the door of the home the actress shared with director Roman Polanski.

In May 2008, authorities dug for bodies at the Inyo County, California, ranch where Manson and his followers once lived, after police learned that testing had indicated human remains might be buried there. According to authorities, nothing was found.

We can work it out.

2010-01-19T04:53:00.011Z

When Richard from ladbrokes sent me the files of the games l had played so from last week, l must admit to having another Homer Simpson moment. The trouble being when my seven year old daughter brings home her maths homework, she ends up teaching me. The only man for the job was Grant (Longines) kracked Kings male version of Carol Vordaman.

So before l go on l would like to thank Richard for supplying the data and Longines for working out what it all means so l could put it down in a form that would be easy to understand.

Below is a the list of games l played last week from when l started the challenge up until Midnight Sunday.

Buyin....Tournaments. TotalBuyins.Fees PrizeMoney. Profit..ROI
..All .. 252......... 582.86 ...58.53... 665.01....23.62...3.7%
€ 0.50.......3.........1.5.......0.3..... 1.75..-0.05.... -2.8%
€ 1..........2 ........2.........0.4......0.....-2.4... -100%
$2..........49 .......84.36......8.33...107.01...14.32.. 15.4%
€ 2.50....198....... 495.........9.5....556.25...11.75... 2.2%

The list below shows a more in depth look at the game. I must say l am disappointed with the double up games because l thought l was doing well in them. The table does not show the $2.50 two table tourney either.
.............Played....Buyins...Fees....Profits...ROI

Normal
10 Seat......28.........70........7......15.5......20%

Normal
5 Seat.......89.........222.5....22.25...14........6%

Super Turbo
5 Seat.......1............2.5.....0.25...-2.75...-100%

Double Up
10 Seat......80..........200........20....-15......-7%

After receiving this information it has helped my game today, l played more double up games and cashed in about 80%-90% of the games l played.

I have been pleased with the way l have knuckled down over the last three days. I was sinking fast and only heading in one direction but going back to basics and not letting the beats get to me so much the balance has started to grow

My balance now stands at £111.07

Tunes of the week.

2010-01-18T15:30:00.002Z

Guess the year

These songs were released

If you need anymore clues.

Top film of the year was Silence of the lambs.

Sport. Gazza damaged his knee and was out for a year.

Robert Maxwell died in mysterious circumstances

Do you know?

Find the answer in comments.

Never thought l would post one...

2010-01-17T20:01:00.015Z

Day six and seven

Never before did l ever think l would post a beat or comment on how a player plays but l feel l need to post at least one to show people (as if you don't know) what it is like

When starting to do this challenge, l never realised how hard it would be, from being a player who likes to sit tight, my game has changed over the past few days. We all make bad plays and bad calls but some of the plays just get inside you head and make you want to scream.

I have started making notes on players something l have never done before, but no matter what you do, even if you sit tight you don't get any respect.

I had notes on Tiggeray as someone who will chase and call all the way, when l look down at queens, now the betting as you can see is crazy but playing these small games people will still call any bet.

** Dealing cards to ruddock: Qd, Qs
anton58 called - 30.00
fischer091 folded
KINGmusta1 raised to 150.00
eatmorefish called - 150.00
tigerray called - 150.00
clasificador folded
Pete10 called - 150.00
ruddock raised to 510.00
howeyno1 folded
anton58 folded
KINGmusta1 called - 510.00
eatmorefish folded
tigerray called - 510.00
Pete10 folded

** Dealing the flop: 9c, 8h, 5c
ruddock went all-in - 1360.00
KINGmusta1 folded
tigerray went all-in - 1345.00
tigerray shows: 10s, 9s

** Dealing the turn: 2h

** Dealing the river: 10c
tigerray wins 4580.00 from the main pot

Rake: 0.00

I left out my comments l posted to Mr Ray as the time is before the watershed and not suitable for family viewing.

That was just about me finished for the today.

The weekend has been one of ups and downs for me the balance hit £76 before l got it back up to £100 about an hour ago but what with this beat and a few more games l am back down to £97.48

No doubt l will play later on tonight but at the moment l don't want to go back on the tables and play like l did on Friday night, where l let a couple of beats get to me.

Tomorrow l hope to post a few statistics from last weeks games.

That is all.

Get it Ready..

2010-01-16T10:47:00.004Z

Todays bets.. Short and sweet..

Todays acca..

Huddersfield @ 1.53
Nigeria. @ 1.40
Chesterfield 1.83
Cambridge @ 1.66

The acca pays 6.56

Peterborough/Derby over 2.5 goals @ 2.08

Stoke/Liverpool Under 2.5 goals @ 1.69.

American football...

Wins for the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts in tonight's games pays just over 2.00.

I also think despite the Cardinals scoring for fun last week and the saints who are very high scorers themselves the points line might be set too high. Under 57.5 points. Saints/Cardinals 1.90.

Good luck and happy punting

"I can't dodge bullets baby."

2010-01-15T19:27:00.008Z

Day five.

When Phil Hellmuth said the famous quote "l can dodge bullets baby" he obviously had never played the ladbrokes $2.50 tables on a Friday.

Not sure if its the start of the weekend that makes everyone play with that devil may care attitude but all l know is its killing me.

To say the overall standard of play was poor would be a gross under statement and to try to work out the logic that goes behind some of the plays and calls the people make would give Fraiser Crane the opportunity to make a comeback.

After not cashing in the first five games this made a serious dent in the balance and it had now crept below £87. The trouble was now it was affecting my judgement, in order to try to combat the crazy plays, l was now thinking if you cant beat them join them. That never done me any good either.

I managed to get the balance back up but in the last hour a series of suck outs and poor play on my part has knocked it down again.

Don't get me wrong l have no trouble in the way people play some would say they pay you pay the money you do what you want, l would just like to know why?

Not having any body armour and only armed with a water pistol, l have decided that l have had enough of getting shot at so l am going down the pub and drown my sorrows..

At the moment the balance is a dismal £86.40

Its a snails pace..

2010-01-14T19:25:00.017Z

Day Four

I wonder if snails are happy, the world moves at a fast pace and all the snail does is slowly move along and goes about its business.

I am fast becoming the snail of the S2.50 tables. The only thing difference is the speed l get through the games. I thought l was doing really well today, cashing in most, yet you would not believe it to look at the balance.

The trouble is you need to be winning the games, its ok to cash but when you are on a quest you really need to be crossing the finishing line in first place.

So far the best time for me to be playing seems to be the morning shift, l think l cashed in about six games on the trot but as l said it only takes you to bust out in one or two to send you right back down.

Mixed it up today, played a couple of two table multi freezeouts a cash in those certainly boosts the balance up but sometimes the play is really poor, seen two players bust out on the very first hand today.

Once again l have found myself playing on the 50cents tables today and did not realise until afterwards not once but twice, if anyone can make this job even harder than it is l can.

My luck seemed to change towards the end of the night and having just won a couple of Single five seats

My balance is £102.91

D'OH

2010-01-14T01:48:00.008Z

Day Three

I have a funny feeling you are going to see more of Homer before the year is out that is providing l last that long. After saying l was finished for the night my stay away from the ladbrokes screen lasted all of half an hour before l was back on the tables, the only problem was l was only on the tables for about twenty minutes before my connection failed me, stalking around the living room waiting for the green light to come back on never made the damn thing connect any quicker.

After about eight minutes l was back on and surprised that the sharks had left me with some blinds, not enough to do any good mind you.

After having the day off, l was back on the tables for the evening shift, it started off very well cashing in my first two games then it all went pear shaped, before long it just seemed l was running through the centre of town without any pants on and everyone is looking. Sets were being beaten by runner runner straights, straights were being beaten by flushes, you get the picture.

The balance was now down to £86 then my luck changed in the double up ten seat game, looking back it was poor play really after calling a raise with pocket jacks, the flop was 4 7 10 the small stack who also called the raise and seemed to play every pot went allin, the initial raiser bet and l went over the top allin the initial raiser called and showed aces the small stack had pocket fours and l was looking dead and buried until a jack on the river knocked the small stack out and the raiser in tatters.

From there l l was steady and cashed for second in a Normal ten seat and played a 18 player multi again cashing for second.

The best and possibly the longest game l have had this week was at a 50 cents Normal five seat table, please don't ask how l found myself sitting at this table because l never even knew ladbrokes played these levels. It was only after finishing second in a marathon heads up battle did l notice my balance had increased by a massive 75cents DOH

At the close of business my balance reads £100.53.

I am hoping to provide a few statistics on Monday with the help of ladbrokes, l would then welcome some view on what games l should carry on with. At the moment it seems to be one step forward two backward.

Three of the tee...Sony Open..

2010-01-13T15:06:00.004Z

What with the golf season coming back into full flow lets see if l can pick a winner or two to give us some enjoyment on those Sunday nights sat in front of the television.

So this weeks Three of the tee are.

Rory Sabbatini..

Has produced in the early season in the past a long hitter who can be very streaky but showed last week with his final round to sure up the field that he might just be coming into a bit of form. The trouble is he is likely to throw the bad round in but at a course where he has a bit of form. Rory Sabbatini 28 with betfair..

Brian Gay..

Finished fifth here last year, finished well last week and enjoys playing on smaller tighter courses. Gay's form at this course on a whole is very good having posted ten rounds of 67 or better. His course form has not gone unnoticed and has been backed throughout the week. Brian Gay 40 with betfair

David Toms..

Another player who likes to play on the small flatter, tight courses has had good form around here in the past, a player who has been out of sorts since his problems. But not a player to rule out lightly. David Toms 40 with betfair

All places 1,2,3,4 ,5

Bull in a china Shop

2010-01-12T16:08:00.008Z

Day Two.

After playing one more game last night l eventually finished on £94. I was disappointed it had been a long night and l had finished £6 down on my first day. It was time to reflect on a better game plan.

The trouble is l always rush in get an idea but not really think it through only after l have started it will l then sit down and think rationally on how to make it better.

The main problem was l was playing too many games at once, as l said before its a marathon not a sprint. No way can l expect to win every day but playing games just for the sake of it wont help.

I need to identify the games with the best percentage of making money. At the moment that looks to be the double your money games(ten pays five) and today l have just played those with a few five seater tables.

The day was a mixture of highs and lows and that is what l am expecting nearly every day from here on in, its just how l overcome the lows. At one point l had reached £106 but then came the lows mixture of bad play by me and the bad beats you get, knocked me down to £88.

In my quest for finding the right strategy l settled on playing two tables at a time, one Ten pays five and the other five seater table. This worked well as l slowly began to get some money back in the satchel.

The time is now nearly midnight and l am finished for the night.

The balance reads £101.09.. Am l finally on my way??

Special mention goes to Diggy8 from Nottingham, l just hope he drives his car faster than he plays poker..

My day reminds me of the joke..

A father bull and a young son bull are on the top of a hill, overlooking a valley full of cows...

"Hey dad!!", says the eager younger bull.. "Let's run down there and have our way with one of them cows!!..."

"No son...", says the father bull, ever so calmly...

"Let's walk down. And have our way with all those cows."

Under Starters Orders. Day One.

2010-01-11T21:38:00.006Z

And they are off

Not quite sure what l can compare this to, l suppose it would be like running a Marathon every day from now till the end of the year, maybe that it unfair after all its not my money what do l have to lose?

Well in some ways it makes it more personal l now know l have the eyes of the forum on me and as a player who likes to slip under the radar it just puts that sense of added pressure on my hunched shoulders.

One thing l will promise is this journey will not be filled with bad beats, we all get them and l don't like reading them so l wont bother boring you with them, but in the first game l played you should have seen how unlucky was l!!!! Well never mind suffice to say l started off playing a couple of $2.50 MTT of which l found hard work and not getting anywhere, just on the outside of making the money.

I then switched to the STT, having a bit more success winning one and getting placed in three others.

To tell you the truth after a while l forgot how many games l had actually played, l may well ask at a later date.

Being honest l was not sure what to expect playing at the low levels, well if l am truthful l expect to do well but l must say l am surprised how high the standard is. I always say even muppets have money and just because the buy-in is low that should not detract from the player. In fact some of these guys play tighter than the first date l had all those years ago.

After looking at the time it was 9.36 l had been playing for over three hours and my balance was 98.45, Feck me this indeed is going to be a long slog.

It soon started to get worse, you know when you look down and have queens you try to get action you make little raises, it was working l was getting called by K 4 the only trouble was they proceeded to go on and hit two pair, that was not meant to be in the script.

With the balance now below £90 l decided on a change of strategy, on to $2.50 Double up tables having played two and doubling up in both of them this and a second in a 18 MTT l finished the night of with the proud sum of £97.21

The time is now just past two o'clock in the morning l have been playing all night and l am down £2.79...

It's been emotional.

That is all.

Ruddocks Ladbrokes Poker Challenge..

2010-01-11T17:36:00.015Z

Now as you may have seen before l have always classed myself as a decent poker player, steady as you go with no thrills. The main trouble l have always found is how to keep my bankroll management in order, being a gambler and playing poker does cause it's drawbacks.

Quite often sitting playing poker you look up and see the 3.15 at Lingfield and look down and see no funds in your sports account while you poker account looks healthy and within the space of twenty minutes you have transferred 20 pounds here and 20 pounds there to place on the afternoons racing and then before you know it you have blown half your poker bankroll.

Well l am always one to look to try and do something different and keep me interested and after mentioning on the Krackedkings forum about doing a challenge, l was kindly offered the chance of 100 euros to do this on ladbrokes and see if l could make any money between now and the end of the year.

The best thing about this is l will now have to control myself, l have other accounts where l bet on things but they also have accounts for poker.

The aim is to start of playing the low level single tables and multi tables and build up through the levels depending on how l am doing.

I will give a planned detail of how many games l have played each day and what my running total is as yet l have decided against playing micro stakes cash.

Once again Special Thanks to Caaant from Ladbrokes who has made this tremendous offer towards me. Really is very much appreciated..

Tunes of the week.

2010-01-11T01:25:00.005Z

Guess the year..

First song is a classic by Oasis..

My second song is from the same year

Can you guess the year ?

No googling.. You will find the answer in comments..

African nations Cup. Ante post Punt.

2010-01-10T22:51:00.007Z

All the money has been for the Ivory Coast and yes when you look at their squad they are worthy favorites but at the odds l like the look of Cameroon, having won the cup in 2002 they have a player in Samuel Eto who knows where the net is. Their side of the draw looks to have been kind they should win their group and if doing so this would give them an easier passage to the final than their main rivals. A team who also consists of Arsenal's Alexandre Song and Real Betis play maker Achille Emana who could turn out to be player of the tournament are not short of skill themselves.

Many from Scotland will remember the name Paul Le Guen and he has done a good job in getting the Lions working and operating as a team again. Sometimes in the past they have let themselves down with lack of discipline but Le Guen seems to have the team working and playing for each other.

As i said before the Ivory Coast are worthy favourites but at double the prices the Lions are worth a punt with a view to trade on betfair. This could well be the year that Cameroon become the Champions of Africa for a fifth time.

Cameroon @ 6.40 with Betfair to win the African Nations Cup.

The Sabbatical is over...

2010-01-10T00:15:00.012Z

After having a few weeks off from posting more of which l will tell at a later date, its time to get back on the gravy train and try and make some money.

Today's bets

Well lets start with the match on later on sky sports.

NFL

I really fancy Dallas to beat Philly in the NFL play off wild card match. The home advantage is a plus but Dallas have the tools to see them through. I looked at the handicap market and have decided to back Dallas giving up 3.5 points @ 1.90 those that fancy the safer option it must be Dallas outright @ 1.54

On to the latter games on Sunday night and l see the Patriots coming out on top, although they have had and still have injuries to their side they should still come out on top. My major concern is the ability to handle the run something they have not done for most of the season, while the Ravens run the ball very well. Home advantage to see the patriots through giving up -3.5 points @ 1.96

Last but not least we have the Packers at the Cardinals and l am taking the packers to win this, although the Cardinals have home advantage, the Packers have been in very good form and can overcome this obstacle against the cardinals who have been very inconsistent. Most of the money for the game has been on the packers and l see them progressing @ 1.90

Darts

The final of the BDO and it could be a classic, really looks a coin flip but @ 2.00 with betfair l like the look of Martin Adams, been very consistent all week and has shown a lot better mental attitude this year. Always had a tendency to throw the big match away which he has done in the past but this year he has gone and done the job very well.

Some will say he has had a very easy passage and compared to Chisnall he has. Chisnall has produced the darts all week and played arguably the best all week. My major concern about Chisnall is this is the biggest game of his life and against Hankey once in front he seemed to let the occasion get to him and nearly blew it. This could happen to him in the final against a man who has seen it and done it before. On previous matches Adams is three nil up and l take him to win the final later today. Adams @ 2.00

Good luck and happy punting

One time..

2009-12-28T10:57:00.008Z

Short and sweet

Millwall
Spurs
Everton
Leeds
Luton

Pays 8.50

Darts wins for

Painter
Lloyd
Part

Pays. 2.90

Over 2.5 goals in the Burton/Notts County match @ 1.94

Man City to beat Wolves @ 1.95 in the Monday live match @ 1.95

Good luck and happy punting.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A cracking day with the football acca coming in at 8.50 and over 2.5 goals in the Burton/Notts county match @ 1.94 finished off by Man city beating Wolves @ 1.95 making it a very profitable day.

Time for some

Boxing Day bets

2009-12-26T10:07:00.003Z

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.

Lets get some of that Christmas money back today

QPR @ 2.00
Cardiff @ 1.50
Middlesboro @ 1.66
MK Dons @ 1.44

The acca pays 7.22

Football

Uner 2.5 goals in the Sunderland/Everton match @ 1.90.

Over 2.5 goals in the WBA/Peterborough match @ 1.72

Horse racing

I am going against the grain and giving Binocular another chance in the Ladbrokes Hurdle at Kempton today. He is 2.54 on betfair.

In the King George l am laying Imerpial Commander for a place at 2.20.

Good luck and happy punting.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

2009-12-21T13:45:00.009Z

I would just like to wish everyone

and a

I hope you and your families have a great Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year and you carry on and follow my blog throughout the coming months.

That is all.

Man wrestles an Emu.

2009-12-20T22:09:00.003Z

Not sure what was going on here but the flying tackle just cracked me up.

After the good comes the bad still waiting for the ugly

2009-12-18T15:48:00.017Z

Well it all seemed to be going so well, Saturday night l was literally sitting on the edge of the sofa watching Villa beat Man Utd at Old Trafford for the first time in twenty six years. Containing myself from swearing at the screen and yelling at the villa players to just boot the bloody thing up field.

Expecting with three minutes of injury time to play for Man Utd not only to score but go on and get a winner, when the final whistle came, it was one of disbelief that you have not only won but won at the home of the current Champions of the premiership.

That was as good as it got and since then it has been a downward spiral that l can only hope will end soon.

The next highlight of the week was the fecking end of X-factor yes the X factor a highlight that's how bad it has been because the trouble is l hate the show but still have to watch the damn thing, hearing people go overboard about someone having the bloody X factor. It's a contrived show that sucks the general public to not only watch and vote on this pile of poo but buy the bloody records as well. A few weeks ago while playing in a poker tournament one Sunday night a bloke actually rang his girlfriend up to tape the fecking show???

Tuesday See's Villa maintain there momentum and beat sunderland 2-0 away from home. Just hope it does not go the same way as last season and we fall apart but so far its great being a villa fan. We only need another eight points to be safe from relegation that should ease the worries of the pessimists

Poker has been terrible playing on betfair, l have run so bad that its starting to really annoy me. I usually just take the bad beats but its got so bad l have verbally abused people at the table, not in a bad way just kindly asking "what the feck do you think your beating"??? I usually just take a few days off but l have gone back each day which has done me no good as l am currently on a losing streak of five days running. The normally tight game that l employ has gone out of the window the last couple of days and l tried mixing it up a little all too no effect. While the loses have not been substantial they have certainly made a dent in my confidence and bankroll.

It was made even worse by the fact that l never got any rake back from betfair this week and after a couple of emails yesterday and another today they say they have no record of me playing but are looking into it?? I wait with baited breath on the next email l receive from them.

Thursday was the little one's school Christmas Carols and on the way to the school, we see an hearing aid on the path, the missus says to me "Is that your father's" to which l reply "no idea", on the way home from the carols its still there so we pop in to see him, l ask him has he lost an hearing aid, when he said pardon that was a pretty good clue, it seems one of his hearing aids had fallen out on the way back from the shops, bearing in mind these hearing aids are over five hundred pounds each, that is a lot of money to be left on the pavement. The daughter was quickly told to retrieve the item and luckily it still seems to be working.

Woke up this morning to a blanket of snow which the kids and the missus loves, the missus is always going on about hoping it snows and she loves the snow then when we get it moans that it's too dangerous to drive?? We get a phone call at midday to pick the young one up from school as its closing early. Now the fun begins as she is off school until after January.

So with the snow falling l am dragged out into the garden to make a snowman, fifteen minutes later and the snowman looking like a drunk dwarf, l decide its too bloody cold.

Don't really have anything planned for this weekend and l am in two minds if l should venture on the poker tables, confidence is shot and l just cannot see myself winning.

Roll on January.

Christmas Bah humbug

Back to square one

2009-12-17T00:26:00.005Z

Being playing quite a bit of cash on betfair lately. After playing the krackedkings forum Omaha game on ladbrokes, l decided to play Omaha at the 25c 50c level on betfair. It's surprising how many people just try to limp into pots, not sure if its the case on other sites as its a long time since l played Omaha cash on ladbrokes but even with a raise you would still get all the limper's calling. Most would say they are getting the odds still to call.

The pots soon build up and l found myself getting called on the flop called on the turn and then raised on the river when the third club had hit the deck. Just could not shake people off hands and would get the usual response of l had so many outs l had to call.

I would build up nice stakes and then not pick the right time to quit, usually l would sit down with $50 and build it up to over $180 playing well only to play a couple of hands wrong/badly or just getting unlucky and end up back to square one.

The other week on ladbrokes l decided to see how l could do starting off with $50, so l went and played Omaha on a 50-1 table, played pretty well for just over two hours and built it up to $443, l then decided to leave and sit down and play fixed limit at the 5-10 table. Anyone who has played fixed will know that its one sick game, you can never ever get anyone off a hand as they will call all the way. Not sure why l decided to sit down really, l just thought l started with $50 lets see if l can get it up to $800. Not sure what would have happened if l had got to $800, l suppose it would have been lets get to $1000. In no time at all and l was losing hand over fist, it only takes one hand to lose over $100 playing at this level. After about 30 minutes l was down to just over $100 and having sick beat over sick beat l just could not take anymore and left the table and switched ladbrokes off.

Lesson learnt.

Never been one to read books it's always been a case of trial and error with me, right from the first time l ever sat at a poker table, but in order to grasp more about maximising my pots at the omaha tables l am thinking about looking at some books.

From the new year l am going to do more with the poker side of this blog and show in more detail how l am getting on and what l am doing on the profit and loss side. I have not really played as much as l would have liked this year and l am hoping that will change going into the new year and beyond

Top Proposition Bets

2009-12-15T00:34:00.007Z

Taken from Pokernews magazine.

The Top 10 Prop Bets

With high-stakes poker players, the action hardly ever stops once the river card is dealt, the tournament finds a winner, or the table's biggest fish racks up for the night. Proposition bets are a favorite pastime for many of your favorite pros, whether it's betting on the color of the flop, the sex of the next person to enter the room, or feats of athletic prowess. In this week's PokerNews Top 10, we've looked at some of the poker world's wildest prop bets of all time—from eating bets, to weight bets, to some of the nuttiest wagers ever to take place on a golf course.

10. Huck Seed Stands in the Ocean

Perhaps one of the greatest proposition gamblers of all time, 1996 WSOP Main Event champion Huckleberry Seed makes his first of three appearances on our list at #10. Seed once claimed to Phil Hellmuth that he could stand, submerged up to his shoulders, in any body of water for 24 hours. Hellmuth took him up on the offer and with $50,000 on the line, Seed donned a wetsuit and entered the Pacific Ocean. It turned out to be too much, even for this prop-betting heavyweight, and after three hours in the water, Seed returned to shore and paid off Hellmuth.

9. Howard Lederer's One-legged 50-yard Race

Huck Seed once boasted to Howard Lederer that he was a shoo-in to beat him in a 50-yard dash… hopping only on one foot. With $5,000 on the line, Lederer took him up on the offer and the two men hit the track. After watching Lederer execute a preliminary "run," it became glaringly apparent to Seed that he was on the losing end of this wager, and he promptly paid off the five grand.

8. Mike Matusow Loses 60 Pounds for $100,000

During a tournament at the 2007 WSOP, Mike Matusow, then tipping the scales at 241 pounds, was chatting to his tablemates about how he longed for the days when he weighed in at a svelte 181. Ted Forrest overheard the conversation and challenged Matusow to a $100,000 weight bet. In order to collect, Matusow would have to weigh in at 181 pounds exactly one year later, on June 3, 2008. Though Matusow was eating healthily and running up to 12 miles a day, he still found himself 15 pounds short of his goal only nine days before the weigh-in. Thanks to the "Master Cleanse" (which involves consuming only a maple syrup, lemon and cayenne pepper concoction for a week) and many hours in the steam room, Matusow managed to weigh in at 179 pounds and collected his winnings.

7. Howard Lederer Eats a Cheeseburger for $10,000

One night, while playing in a high-stakes cash game, David Grey challenged Howard Lederer, an avowed vegetarian, to eat a cheeseburger for the princely sum of $10,000. Lederer quickly took him up on the offer and ordered one straight to their table. Lederer ate the burger, won the $10,000, and much to Grey's chagrin, didn't even get a stomachache. Knowing Grey's distaste for olives, Lederer later offered Grey a chance to even things up by eating a shot glass full of the briny fruit, but Grey declined the offer.

6. Ted Forrest Runs a Marathon

Another prop-betting all-star, Ted Forrest, has engaged in some wacky wagers in his lifetime but this one takes the cake. Forrest once bet a cadre of gamblers $7,000 that he could complete a marathon in under six hours. Not only did Forrest hit the track at UNLV to gut out the 26.2 miles, but he did it on the hottest day of that year in Las Vegas, the mercury hitting 115 degrees as Forrest crossed the finish line and collected his winnings.

5. Johnny World Attempts to Live in Iowa for 30 Days

Back in the days before online poker allowed players to take their game anywhere, the regulars in Johnny "World" Hennigan's high-stakes Las Vegas cash game offered him a six-figure amount to live in the casino-free town of Des Moines, Iowa for a 30-day period, knowing full well that Hennigan's penchant for "action" would make it extremely difficult for him to survive out there. True to form, Hennigan lasted only two days in the Hawkeye state and was forced to pay off the wager.

4. Huck Seed Does a Standing Back Flip

Standing six feet, seven inches tall, you'd think it would be nearly impossible for Huck Seed not only to complete a standing back flip, but to learn the maneuver in only two days' time. Once again, Howard Lederer was Seed's challenger and they settled on a $10,000 wager. Little did Lederer know, Seed's uncle was a former acrobat and taught his nephew the move by hooking him up to a harness suspended over a swimming pool so he could practice. 48 hours later, Seed executed a perfect back flip and emerged $10,000 richer.

3. Jay Kwik Lives in a Bellagio Bathroom for 30 Days

Only last year, high-stakes online cash gamer Andrew "good2cu" Robl challenged his pal Jay Kwik to spend 30 days living in a bathroom at the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas. Numerous parameters were established, including his access to food, a DVD player, and a strictly limited number of cell phone minutes. A webcam was even mounted outside the bathroom to supervise the wager. Kwik, though, was so successful at bathroom living that Robl bought him out of the wager early, for a reported $40,000.

2. Erick Lindgren Breaks 100 in 100 Degrees… Four Times in One Day

After being eliminated from the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. event at the 2007 WSOP, all Erick Lindgren wanted to do was relax and play some golf. However, after a cocktail-fueled evening with his pal Gavin Smith, his plans for a casual 18 holes turned into a monster wager totaling over $340,000. Lindgren bet Smith, Phil Ivey, and Chris Bell that in a single day he could shoot four full rounds of golf from the pro tees on one of Las Vegas' toughest courses, break 100 on each round, and walk all four rounds carrying his own clubs. Starting at 6 a.m., Lindgren completed the first two rounds with relative ease, but once the temperatures climbed past 100 degrees in the afternoon hours, he began to struggle. However, with Smith, Bell, and a camera crew looking on, Lindgren sunk his final putt and won the bet. Lindgren later confessed that he lost 17 pounds that day due to severe dehydration and that the wager "probably took a few years off his life."

1. Amarillo Slim Drives a Golf Ball over a Mile

The folks at Amarillo Slim's country club were utterly baffled when Slim declared that he could drive a golf ball a distance of one mile or more and backed up his claim with a $40,000 wager. After establishing that Slim would attempt the feat hitting from a regulation tee with a PGA-approved golf club (and not hitting it off a mountain, dropping it from an airplane or actually "driving" the ball for one mile inside his car) he got a slew of takers, most of whom thought it would be easy money. Finally, the method to Slim's madness emerged. A crowd of onlookers followed Slim as he drove across town, parked next to a huge frozen lake, and teed up. Slim swung his club and the ball skipped across the ice, not stopping for over a mile and a half.

...............................................................................................................................................................

Not to be out done l have poker players top 10

Taken from poker player magazine..

You lose a big pot in poker and order a pizza’ - Russ Hamilton1.

THE WEIGHT LOSS BET

Over the years, Doyle Brunson has lost hundreds of thousands of dollars on bets that he’d shed some pounds. But he made up for it in 2003 when a consortium of players offered 10/1 on a $100,000 wager that he would not be able to get below 300lb. Thanks to Weight Watchers and Atkins, Brunson shed the fat and cleared $1m in winnings. Mike ‘The Mouth’ Matusow was not so lucky. Just before the 2005 WSOP, he and fellow pro Erick Lindgren wagered $20,000 on who could lose more. ‘I dropped 17lb and still lost the bet,’ gripes Matusow. ‘He lost an extra 2lb, but he sandbagged me. He told me he couldn’t lose any more weight – he looked like a fat pig and I believed him. It was bullshit. He admitted it later. But I don’t care.’

2. THE THREE-CLUB GOLF BET

World Series champ and betting legend Huck Seed once took a sixfi gure bet that he could break 100 on a desert golf course, four times in one day, using just a five iron, sand wedge and putter. To make it even tougher, the other guy was able to pick the day. Naturally, he waited till the Vegas mercury spiked up to 120 degrees, but Seed ran the course all day and made his scores after six rounds.

3. THE BURGER BET

David Grey once bet vegetarian Howard Lederer $10,000 that he couldn’t eat a cheeseburger. Lederer insisted he could – and promptly wolfed one down. Then, knowing Grey had a strong aversion to olives, he offered him a chance to win his money back by eating some of those. Without a moment’s thought, Grey tossed Lederer the $10k and kept the green things out of his mouth.

4. THE ISOLATION BET

John Hennigan once made a six-figure bet that he’d be able to spend six weeks living in the ultra-quiet city of Des Moines, Iowa – a place where, at the time of the bet, there were no casinos. Hennigan figured he’d work on his golf game. The other guys knew that Johnny couldn’t stand to be away from the action one week, never mind six. He lasted two days.

5. THE OCEAN BET

During a day at the beach, Phil Hellmuth bet pal Huck Seed that he couldn’t stand in ocean water, up to his shoulders for 18 hours. The amount at stake was $50,000 and the lanky Seed – who once made a tidy profit by learning to do a standing backflip – figured he could hack it. How wrong could he be? The former World Series champ managed three hours before paddling in to shore.

6. THE BOWLING BET

A favourite gambit of Amarillo Slim was to steer a conversation toward bowling. He’d recall a fellow he once saw bowling blindfolded and the poor guy’s inability to break 100. Sure enough, someone would always pipe up, insisting they could do it. And Slim would reel in a fish, knowing that a blindfolded bowler gets way too disorientated to hit the pins, and usually has problems finding the lane.

7. THE BREAST BET

Brian Zembic, a backgammon/ poker/Blackjack player of note, was offered a wager by his fastgambling friends: $100,000 if he had breast implants. Zembic must have needed the dough because at the 11th hour he went under the knife and got some 36C tits. He won the bet, but the kicker to this story is that Zembic still has the breasts, which, word has it, serve as a total babe magnet.

8. THE IVEY VERSUS LINDGREN GOLF BET

We’ve heard of long odds, but this is something else. Apparently Erick Lindgren is so good at golf (and Phil Ivey so bad) that the two poker pros have made a bet. Ivey fancies his chances so much that he’s bet Lindgren $500,000 that he can beat him over 72 holes sometime in the next eight years. Rumour has it that Ivey has started to take cash off him at match play. Watch this space…

9. THE BEARD BET

Prop-betting Iron Man Huck Seed once wagered good money that he would be able to go an entire year without shaving. He hung in there just fine, until there was an unexpected death in the family and Huck had to shave for the funeral. Ironically, these days he’s often seen sporting the kind of chin-strapping facial hair that’s normally associated with Abraham Lincoln and/or the Amish.

10.THE FIGHTING BET

Back when Johnny Moss was in his prime, he found himself drinking in a bar alongside a brawny brute who’d never lost a bar fight in his life. Moss’ cronies offered him 15/1 that he couldn’t KO this bruiser. Moss started by sucker punching the guy from behind, but the shot wasn’t quite decisive and Johnny wound up in hospital with several broken bones. ‘15/1 was too good to pass up,’ he commented later.

Tunes of the week. Its Christmas...

2009-12-14T16:08:00.005Z

Well since the tree is up and the forecast is for snow this week. I might as well get in the festive spirit and turn my attentions to my favourite Christmas songs.

Well it would not be Christmas without this tune.

Bah humbug.

Next up is Band Aid..The original one of course..

Now for my favourite Christmas song of all time. A classic and one l never grow tired of hearing.

The so called "Big Four".

2009-12-13T18:16:00.009Z

For years l have hated the phrase the "Big Four" of course over the past few years they have stood head and shoulders above the rest but the disdain and lack of respect they show for their rivals, the way they treat others makes me hope that one day that sense of power they hold over the other clubs will soon be broken.

Look at the way the players of Man United and Chelsea have acted when things have gone against them, the way they have harassed and surrounded referee's makes you love it even more when it happens to them.

Of course you respect them and sometimes marvel at the way they play but when they come up against an underdog l defy anybody to say they don't want the underdog to win.

The trouble is the fans, many of whom started supporting the club just because they happened to be top of the league at the time they first got into football. Just like women have fashion accessories most kids had Man United or Liverpool kits just because they were the top teams at the time. Most filtering between the teams as one would be top and then the other and finally choosing one team as they become more dominant

Go back a few years and look at the arrogant way the fans used to behave and they still do it today, we are going to buy this player and we want this player, its as if they have a right to do as they want.

Their fans go on about history as if they are the only clubs to have history and heaven help you if your team beats them.

Which makes this season being a Villa fan even more special.

That is all.

Ching Ching.

2009-12-12T10:37:00.003Z

Todays bets are as follows.

Sunderland @ 1.90
Man City @ 1.80
Chesterfield @ 1.61
Notts County @ 1.50

The acca pays 8.32

In the football single bets, l am laying Coventry @ 2.26

A speculative lay of Man Utd @ 1.50.

Under 2.5 goals in the Hull/Blacburn game @ 1.92

In the Rugby Union wins for Toulouse @ 1.80 and Stade Francais @ 1.50 both prices are with betfair.

Good luck and happy punting.

Liverpool fans get revenge on Fiorentina

2009-12-07T21:56:00.006Z

Fiorentina's plane stranded at Liverpool's John Lennon Airport.

Tunes of the week.

2009-12-07T20:01:00.004Z

My first song is by Johnny Cash, l must admit l am not a great fan of his but l just think this is a great song full of meaning and you can feel the pain. Just great lyrics.

This song just goes to prove that opposites do attract, both entwined into this song making it a beautiful song to listen too and another one with a meaning. Classic tune.

Never knew this song was actually the title of a film until l saw it one night on the televsion. Love the song and the film which was quite funny.

Finally l get it up.

2009-12-07T11:41:00.007Z

When the missus asked me if l wanted to get it out and put it up, l was upstairs in bed with my clothes off faster than Tiger Woods could shout "Fore" While laying in bed waiting it suddenly dawned on me that the kids were downstairs and what with it being the morning maybe in my haste l had jumped the gun a little bit.

My missus was indeed talking about getting the Christmas tree out of the garage and decorations out of the loft and putting the damned thing up. I had put the operation off for as long as l could but now with the family waiting now was the time to venture into the garage.

Once again the jeans were tucked into the socks and off l went to get the box. After tip toeing with the box l placed it outside the front door. No way was the box coming into the house before l had checked it for holes. After deciding l could not be sure, l left it outside and began to open it like Margret Thatchers secretary would open her letters and parcels in the eighties.

My worries were soon settled no little creatures had got into the box and now the tree was laying all over the floor, l was safe in the knowledge that we would not be having an extra guest for dinner or indeed l would not have to buy the missus Gino D'Acampo cook book for her birthday.

Now with my job being been done, l left it to the rest to put the bloody thing up, not sure who was more excited with the tree going up the missus or the kids.

I took up a supervising roll from the sofa and thought it best to warn them not to put the light on the tree without testing them and spread the tinsel out about more and not to place all the balls together. I asked why was there no decorations around the back and was told because no one looks round there, when l replied l do, the missus come over and whispered do you want to do it but not in those words.

Now its finally finished with the glitter and glamour that goes with it the only trouble is the missus can't find where the chocolate shapes she bought the other day for the tree. Well she has a good idea but l refuse to confess l got a bit peckish the other night and eat them.

I must admit even though Christmas is not my time of year, you could not beat the look on the kids faces once the tree was up with its lights flashing way. Its the first time the youngest one has seen it and even though she does not know what to expect you can see she is fascinated by the whole thing. So fascinated that every three minutes l am shouting at her to leave the tree alone and come away while shouting at the other one to get out from under it before they knock the damn thing over.

Now they want the presents to go under the tree? Can you imagine the mayhem that would cause. Every five minutes the parcels would be shook like there in no tomorrow. The guessing games would start. No No No its not that. No the presents are staying hidden.

Roll on January.

Christmas Bah humbug.

Short and hopefully sweet.

2009-12-05T11:03:00.004Z

Todays acca

Norwich @ 1.50
Rotherham @ 1.61
Mk Dons @ 1.61
Rochdale @ 1.66

The acca pays 6.19

Apart from my lays of the day which can be found elsewhere in this blog, l have had a little each way bet on chicklemix in 2.10 at Wetherby around the 12/1 mark.

Good luck and happy punting

The World Cup stolen

2009-12-04T14:04:00.005Z

What with it being the World cup draw today, it reminds me of the quiz question what was the name of the dog that found the stolen World Cup? Which might shock a few people but yes indeed the World Cup was stolen while sitting in Methodist Central Hall in Westminster.

Here is a fascinating story about that dog. and the story of the stolen World Cup.

A twist in the tale

The Observer, Sunday 23 April 2006

by Jamie Jackson

Pickles, the mongrel dog who found the World Cup in a London street after it had been stolen three months before the 1966 finals, became a bigger story than that year's general election. Forty years on, Jamie Jackson traces the dramatic events - and hears there may be more to come

On a Sunday evening in March 40 years ago, David Corbett left his ground-floor flat in Norwood, south London, to make a telephone call from the kiosk across the road. With the Thames lighterman was Pickles, the four-year-old mongrel he had taken off his brother John's hands, when he was a puppy, because he chewed furniture.

'I put the lead on Pickles and he went over to the neighbour's car,' recalls Corbett, now 66. 'Pickles drew my attention to a package, tightly bound in newspaper, lying by the front wheel. I picked it up and tore some paper and saw a woman holding a dish over her head, and disks with the words Germany, Uruguay, Brazil. I rushed inside to my wife. She was one of those anti-sport wives. But I said, "I've found the World Cup! I've found the World Cup!"'

Corbett, or more precisely, Pickles, had indeed discovered the missing Jules Rimet trophy. Yet, if the Metropolitan Police had not bungled an operation two days earlier, when a ransom demand went wrong, Pickles would not have found the trophy and his place as lead character in a tale that, even today, may not be fully over.

The trophy was stolen on 20 March 1966, a week before Pickles' intervention, from the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster where it was being exhibited in a glass cabinet. Five guards were detailed to keep constant watch. On the Sunday, though, the guard stationed next to the trophy had the day off. With the others enjoying a cup of coffee or a call of nature, it was only when George Franklin finally inspected the case just after midday that he discovered the theft. The thieves had broken in through the back doors.

For the Football Association and Sir Stanley Rous, the English president of Fifa, this was the nightmare scenario. Three months before hosting the 1966 World Cup, there was no trophy.

The investigation began. Detective Inspector Bill Little heard witness statements from senior guard Frank Hudson and Margaret Coombes, a woman attending a Sunday-school service in a different part of the hall. Both saw a man loitering by the gents. Although their descriptions differed, the police announced they were searching for just one thief.

Meanwhile, the FA attempted to deal with the crisis. Before the theft became public, the FA secretary, Denis Follows, visited silversmith George Bird at his workshop in Fenchurch Street. Follows asked Bird to make a replica of the trophy from the same solid gold as the original, and was told nothing else other than to keep his mouth shut. Very few people, including Rous, knew about the visit.

Once the world discovered the theft, a deluge of crank theories arrived at Scotland Yard. One man wrote to say that his clock had told him the trophy was in Wicklow, Ireland. A Susanna Bell in Chile believed 'a coloured man' was the thief. Adolf Hieke sent a photograph from a German newspaper and placed an 'X' on it against the man he believed to be guilty.

With the Metropolitan Police an international joke, Little handed over the investigation to the Flying Squad's top man, DI Len Buggy. His break came when the Chelsea and FA chairman Joe Mears was phoned by a man calling himself Jackson. 'There will be a parcel at Chelsea football club tomorrow. Follow the instructions inside,' he told Mears. On the Wednesday after the theft, it arrived containing part of the Jules Rimet. A ransom note demanded £15,000 in five and one pound notes.

'Dear Joe Kno (sic) no doubt you view with very much concern the loss of the world cup...' it began. 'To me it is only so much scrap gold. If I don't hear from you by Thursday or Friday at the latest I assume its one for the POT.' Jackson called, seeking confirmation that Mears had the parcel. 'Give me £15,000 on Friday and the cup will arrive by cab on Saturday,' he said.

As Jackson had requested, Mears posted the message, 'Willing to do business Joe', in Thursday's edition of London's Evening News. But he ignored the warning not to tell the police. On Friday, Buggy arrived at Mears' home but the FA chairman, an angina sufferer, had to go to bed because of stress. So Buggy arranged with Mrs Mears that he would pose as her husband's assistant 'McPhee' when Jackson called.

After some hesitation, Jackson agreed to a rendezvous in Battersea Park. Buggy arrived in Mears' fawn Ford Zodiac with £500 in bundles and the remainder of the ransom made from newspaper. He was told to drive around south London for 10 minutes, before he and Jackson turned off Kennington Park Road. Now, though, the operation went wrong and history opened its door to Pickles. Jackson saw a Transit van and guessed correctly that it was Buggy's back-up team. He tried to escape, but was arrested.

The thief's real name was Edward Betchley, a 46-year-old former soldier who had served in the Royal Armoured Corps during the Second World War in Egypt and Italy, before being demobbed with an 'exemplary character' in January 1946.

With a previous conviction in 1954 for receiving tins of corned beef, Betchley was hardly bigtime. And at Rochester Row police station, he insisted that he was just the middleman, paid £500 for his part. All Betchley added was that the man behind the theft was known as The Pole. It is not clear if he actually existed.

All that mattered now, though, was finding the trophy. According to the Channel 4 programme, Who Stole the Cup?, which will be shown next month, Chief Superintendent John Bailey was offered a deal by Betchley. He wanted a lady friend to visit him at Brixton prison. If she was followed, Betchley said, then the cup's location would not be revealed. Bailey agreed. Two days later Pickles found the trophy.

The media attention was worldwide and, Corbett says, Pickles enjoyed it. Before it began, though, Corbett had to deal with the theory that exercised the police from the moment, breathless and still in his slippers, he arrived at Gypsy Hill police station in Crystal Palace and was taken to Scotland Yard. 'I was suspect number one,' he says. 'I went into this bloody great incident room with twenty coppers taking calls. I heard one say, "We've just searched the Northern [Tube] line because someone said it was under seat number seven."

'They questioned me until 2.30 in the morning. I wondered if I should have chucked it back in the road. I was up at six the next day for work.'

Corbett recalls: 'The general election was due but this knocked Harold Wilson off the front pages. When my mates realised they said, "Bloody hell. I bet you nicked it!"' Eventually, though, Corbett was cleared.

Now Pickles began the life of a celebrity. He starred in a feature film, The Spy with the Cold Nose, and appeared on Magpie, Blue Peter and many other TV shows. He was made Dog of the Year, awarded a year's free supply of food from Spillers and there were offers to visit Chile, Czechoslovakia and Germany.

'But I would've had to put Pickles into quarantine for six months and he was only a pet, so I didn't think I could do that,' says Corbett. How did he find the constant attention? 'I got myself an agent. The same as Spike Milligan's. He made me £60 a day, bloody brilliant! He would call and my [ex] wife and I would meet him and his girlfriend and go drinking Champagne.'

Corbett's agent arranged entrance to the party on the evening of England's 4-2 victory over West Germany in the World Cup final. 'The streets were full of people. The players were out on a large balcony [of their hotel in Kensington]. I went in with Pickles under my arm and Bobby Charlton, all of them, picked him up. But I ate with the wives in a separate room. The women weren't allowed upstairs. They made a fuss of the dog, but God they were upset. "Our husbands win the World Cup and the FA banish us down here!" they said.'

What Corbett was unaware of, though, was the secret plan that had been successfully carried out earlier that day by the FA to ensure they would not be embarrassed again. Once the trophy had been presented by the Queen to Bobby Moore, plain-clothes officer Bob Geggie was detailed to shadow the England players around the Wembley turf on their lap of honour, watching the trophy closely. Geggie can be seen next to the team on film and photographs taken of those moments.

And, unknown even to Geggie, a Wembley policeman, PC Peter Weston had positioned himself near the changing rooms with Bird's replica, which had still been made, although from base metal, for the next stage of the FA's scheme. With the team celebrating inside, Weston took his chance. He tells the C4 programme: 'Luckily the [real] trophy was near the entrance where Nobby [Stiles] was sitting. I said to him, "I'll have that, you have this." He looked bemused as I legged it, but never said a word. But that meant from when I took it off Nobby, the trophy was a replica. Over the next four years I saw it paraded, in newspapers, on TV, and always chuckled to myself.'

But the tale of the Cup was hardly over yet. In 1970, Bird's replica was returned to him and the original given permanently to Brazil. In 1983, the original was stolen and never returned. The replica, though, went up for auction 14 years later at Sotheby's. It was bought for £254,000 by Fifa, eclipsing the reserve price of £30,000, and is now at the National Football museum in Preston.

Mears died on 1 July 1966 from the angina attack brought on by the theft, while Betchley, having served the two-year sentence he received for demanding money with menaces, died in 1969 of emphysema.

And Pickles' luck also ran out the year after his great find. 'My six-year-old had him on a choke lead,' recalls Corbett. 'He shot after a cat and pulled my son over, before disappearing. I looked for over an hour. Then, in the gardens behind my house I saw him up on a tree. His chain was around the branch. Pickles just hung there.'

Corbett buried him in the back garden of the house in Lingfield, Surrey, that the reward money had bought. 'I received £3,000 and paid £3,100 for this house,' says Corbett, who still lives there.

Observer Sport has contacted Betchley's daughter, Marie, but she refuses to speak. 'I knew nothing about football then,' she says. 'And I'm not interested now. I can't understand what people would be interested in 40 years down the line.'

The fascination is much to do with a dog named Pickles, and a story that refuses to die. Even now, there must be a question over whether Betchley really was the only one involved. 'I've been offered a few hundred pounds from some newspapers,' Marie's husband, John Stringer, says. 'It'll take a lot more for me to open my mouth. But I handled all my father-in-laws legal affairs at the time. And let me tell you, there is a twist that has yet to be revealed.'

It is a shame that Pickles is not around to sniff it out.

Humbug.

2009-12-04T10:44:00.018Z

Well on Wednesday l celebrated my birthday, well not sure celebrated is the right word, it seems the older l get now the more l try to sweep my birthdays under the carpet. I even got a cup of tea in bed, it says something when the only thing you get excited about while lying in bed is a cup of tea.

Its only a matter of time before the missus finally gets her wish and puts up the Christmas tree, l am hoping its done when l am out but with the box being put in the garage, l think l will have to carry it in doors. Another thing l am not looking forward too, not really ventured into the garage after the mice episodes http://thechroniclesofruddock.blogspot.com/2009/09/hopefully-not-coming-to-neighbourhood.html and when l have its only to check on the trap, which reminds me that chocolate should really be changed now. I dread to think what would happen if l was to open the box and a little friend came out running across the floor.

The energy saver is now in full swing and working very well but what with Christmas coming up, and the Christmas tree's lights which could light up a small village in Somalia on a dark night. Discussions are on going if we are to have lights around the window. I am just glad she has not come up with lighting the outside house up and asking the local animal welfare centre if we could purchase to reindeer to stick on the front lawn. It can only be a matter of time.

Not sure if l am Victor Meldrew or Ebeneezer Scrooge maybe l am both all rolled into one but l guess as the missus tells me l need to lighten up and enjoy it. Which l am trying to do even though l have a general hatred of Christmas, l love the look on the childrens faces when they open their presents. The older one gets the toys while l let the younger one play with the boxes and wrapping paper. Kills two birds with one stone.

Not sure what it is about this time of year but all of a sudden the candles come out, at no other time of the year apart from now would the missus put candles on the tables, l would not mind as it saves on the electricity but we still have the fecking lights on as well which l can't work out at all. The candles are placed next to the nut bowl, fecking nut bowl?? No one eats nuts??

We go shopping and buy nuts and twiglets sausages on bacon mince pies, all the things families buy at this time of year. Why is it we only buy these things now because at no other time would l have a craving for a mince pie or to eat a twiglet. You go shopping and people are loading trolleys up like its the blitz (no l am not that old) Of course people have family coming round but its amazing how people go over the top and pile the food up.

I am afraid l leave buying things till the last minute, l am never sure what to buy and in truth these days you really struggle to buy the whole family presents for under thirty quid. The pound shop while being a great service provider can only do so much.

On Monday its the missus birthday, Not sure what to do this year as l cant remember which one l chose last year, so its either KFC or Mcdonald's and if she is nice we can eat in.

Maybe l will let her decide this year.

Roll on January

Christmas bah humbug..

All aboard.

2009-12-02T14:48:00.004Z

Tonights short price double

Luton @ 1.72
Chelsea @ 1.50

The double pays 2.59

Well it's the other quarter finals of the Carling Cup tonight and l really fancy Man City to beat Arsenal. A full strength Man City side have struggled to finish teams off after taking the lead but this is one competition that Hughes will look to win. They are taking on a young Arsenal side that have performed heroics in this comp in the past but against a strong side containing all the big names l think they will come up short. If Man City blow this chance then it might be a matter of time before Hughes goes, tonight he may well get that stay of execution. Man City @ 2.00

Valencia/Lille is a match l expect goals in both sides like to play open free flowing football and goals have not been hard to find in past matches. At an attractive price of 2.02, l am taking a chance of that happening again tonight. Over 2.5 goals @ 2.02

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another profitable night with both tips winning at good prices Man City actually went to 2.20 before being backed once team news was published while the Valencia game finished 3-1, coming in @ 2.02. Once again the downside was the short price double losing but four winning bets out of six more than makes up for those two.

Midweek Football.

2009-12-01T14:11:00.005Z

Tonights acca is

Dagenham @ 1.83
Notts County @ 1.33
Wrexham @ 1.61
Stevenage @ 1.57
Southampton @ 1.50

The acca pays 9.30

I don't really like betting on my own team as l always seem to get it wrong, while they never played at all well last Saturday against Spurs, l fancy them to go and beat Portsmouth tonight, Villa will play a full strength side apart from Guzan in for Fridal and anyone who saw the last round would not be worried by that at all. Villa have enough pace in their side to prove troublesome for a Pompey side who have more important games coming up in the league. Added to the fact that they are without the cup-tied Boetang, Hara and the injured David James, l would expect Villa to win tonight. Villa @ 2.24

Notts County/Darlington is not a game that bangs out at you but l think overs is a good bet here, County have the fire power to give any side a good hammering in this league, while they have under achieved so far, l think that its only a matter of time before they do. Darlington have picked up a little under Staunton but are still conceding at least two goals a game. Think this game has all the makings of being overs. Over 2.5 goals @ 1.80

Good luck and happy punting

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well a good night on the whole wins for Aston Villa and County beating Darlington 4-0 shows a profit for the night. Downside is the acca coming unstuck.

Tunes of the week.

2009-11-30T13:40:00.003Z

Its back to the eighties for my first song this week and having gone round the pub yesterday asking for requests. we have these three this week.

The late great Luther Vandross

Last but not least

Get It Ready

2009-11-28T10:45:00.004Z

Short and sweet this week.

Having so many near misses of late surely the football gods will smile down and be friendly today.

Straight to today's acca

Forest @ 1.66
Mk Dons @ 1.66
Gillingham @ 1.66
Millwall @ 1.50

The acca pays 6.94

Football

In the football l have layed Swindon away at Wrexham @ 2.06
Blackburn/Stoke under 2.5 goals @ 1.83

In the rugby l have bet Scotland to beat Argentina @ 1.60
Australia to beat Wales @ 1.92.

Good luck and happy punting

Liverpools new Afghan signing has a domestic

2009-11-27T16:45:00.001Z

<a href="http://www.grapheine.com">Création affiche internet Graphéine</a>

First Picture Of Wayne Rooneys baby released

2009-11-26T11:42:00.000Z

Another night Another bet.

2009-11-25T15:58:00.003Z

Tonight's bets

I am going for Athletico Madrid to beat Apoel Nicosia away, while Madrid have a few injuries they have enough quality to see them win this match. With players like Aguero, Forlan, Maxi and Lopez they should be in the running to pip Apoel for the Europa league spot. it has been a disastrous Champions league campaign for the Spaniards but with a new manager in place they should see of their Cypriot rivals who sit fourth in a very poor domestic league. A Madrid @ 2.20 with betfair.

In the early match l have layed Wolfburg, their form has tailed off from last season while even losing at home to Nurenburg at the weekend. Cska might be argued look good value to beat Wolfsburg winning at the weekend against local rivals Spartak 3-2. Cska have picked up under their new coach drawing 3-3 at Old Trafford and in a cold climate in Russia tonight l have opted to lay Wolfburg @ 3.65 instead of backing Cska Moscow.

Good luck and happy punting

Tonights bets.

2009-11-24T15:11:00.005Z

Tonight's acca is

Oxford @ 1.57
Port Vale @ 2.00
Colchester @ 1.50
York @ 1.50

The acca pays 7.07

Rangers V Stuttgart.

My two bets tonight are under 2.5 goals in the Rangers/Stuttgart. Stuttgart have struggled to score all season and they currently sit in the bottom three in the German Bundesliga They have scored two in their last seven league games having and even worse having failed to score in seven of their thirteen league matches. They come into this match ten games without a win. Rangers on the other hand have not been beaten in twenty seven domestic games. In a game that has Stuttgart favourites l did think about laying the Germans but l think the call is under 2.5 goals @ 1.85

Rubin V Dynamo Kiev.

Rubin showed in the their last two games how much they have improved for playing in the Champs League a victory and a draw over Barcelona would have given them confidence to go ahead and beat their Ukraine neighbours. Despite losing 3-1 in the reverse fixture l fancy Rubin to come out on top tonight. Having secured the league on Saturday they have a near fully fit squad while Kiev have doubts about three or four players. Rubin @ 2.16

Good luck and happy punting.

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Anyone who does acca's knows it only takes one to let you down and that I'm afraid seems to be the repeated record of late with Port Vale the guilty party this time.

The two bets were hit and miss with one winning and one losing.

Man Utd Christmas party

2009-11-24T11:59:00.003Z

<a href="http://www.grapheine.com">Buzz marketing internet Graphéine</a>

Rafa's next big signing.

2009-11-24T00:49:00.003Z

<a href="http://www.grapheine.com">Agence communication Paris Graphéine</a>

Tunes of the Week

2009-11-23T17:54:00.004Z

Well with the weather like it is, l think this is the perfect band to sum it all up. One of my favourite bands, l remember being in my car and having the stereo turned up full blast and singing the tunes. Sad l know but is it really over twenty years now?

For me the eighties was the best decade for music. Another tune that had me hitting the dance floor.

Memories.

Think l need a Sat Nav.

2009-11-23T15:56:00.014Z

Looked at my emails on Saturday night and there was one telling me of poker tournament on Sunday, well not having played live for a month or two, it was touch and go if l could make it at such short notice. The daughter had a friends birthday to attend and l was not sure what time that finished.

After finding out the times the next plan of action was to sweet talk the missus, yes l admit l have to grovel now and again after finding out l was not grovelling for my monthly love fest she seemed more than happy to let me go probably with the intention that she would be fast asleep before l got back.

So after getting directions on how to pick my mate up l set off at 2.45 to pick him up and head for the club. Now l could get lost in a phone box so l was not comfortable l would find his house. Turn into Yaxley first turning on the left and follow the road till you come to Pheasant way well the first part was easy and l come to what l thought was the road, Partridge Close now some might say how you get Pheasant and Partridge mixed up but in my defence they do begin with a P and when your on the phone it can be easy to mistake them if your watching a horse race and listening to a screaming 17 month old as well.

So not sure if its the right street or not l knew the house number so up l go up and knock on the door, only for it to be opened by a bloke who looks nothing like my mate, knowing he has a wife and has never mentioned a boyfriend l am pretty certain l have fecked up yet again. Sorry mate l have the wrong house, do you know if there is another road down here that begins with a p. Partridge Way he says, Yes that's he one do you know where it is please. Now he shouts to his daughter and she yells back where it is. I once again apologise and set off to find my mates house.

Now l have the right road but l cant find the number l go up and down a couple of times before my mate walks down the road and puts me out of my misery.

We get to the club and l was expecting about thirty - forty runners but nope a thirty pound buy in with thirty minute blinds and 15k starting stack had only attracted a miserable eighteen runners.

Now l am not very good at remember hands pretty much the same as my navigation's but winning the first two hands was all that happened in the first level, when l raised l would get always two callers and my bet on the flop was either re-raised or flat called. One guy on my table was always raising me making me put hands down where l had missed the flop. It was only when l saw him fritter away about 14k with 10-2 on a board that had a couple of over cards and him calling all the way to the river did l now think that maybe l was being rolled over.

My mate had been knocked out and was now sitting down watching drinking his bitter while l was supping away at my Orange and lemonade with two lumps of ice.

It was on the third level and l was down to about 9k where l raised with ks 9s and he called the flop came kh jd 5s with me betting out and him calling the turn bringing 7s, l decided to check and he bet l came over the top and went all in, l was pretty sure he never had a king and even if he did l still had outs. To my amazement he called and l thought feck he has a king but instead he turned over Ad Qh no help for him on the river and now l was back over my starting stack. With only one hand left before the break l bluffed and won another 4k on a j j 9 board having called the flop then raising on the turn.

Players where staring to drop out and soon we were nine left and l was about fourth in chips but playing well and had a pretty good table image. Blinds had reached 1k 2k and i raised to 6k with ks jc all folded apart from the BB who called the flop came Kc Js 6d the Bingo bongo bango, as Mike sexton would say show tunes where going off in my head. The BB came out betting for 4k, l thought and calling but decided if he had any part of it he would call or raise, so l raised it to 11k. He then said have you hit the King, gave it the Hollywood treatment and went all-in. Now if he had 6s all well and good, no way did l think he had Js or Ks so l called and he showed j 6 with no 6 on the turn or river, l was now chip leader.

We had been playing about four and a half hours and were down to four, l was now second in chips having lost big pots to a bloke l just never could get a read on, l wanted to play as l thought l could out play him and he was so pleased on just making the final four that he kept on saying this was the best he had ever done, but when l limped he would raise and when l raised he would re-raise and show the goods, which made me feel better for laying down in the first place.

Now l am not sure how the chip counts went for this next hand as l think the blinds were 1.5k 3k but there had been a raise and a re-raise and l look down at Ac, Kc, the moment l called the re-raise l knew l had played it bad but if l analyze it back again was just trying to play my nemesis and not really thinking about the first players raise once l called he went all-in and my nemesis thought about it and folded it was going to cost me another 26k into a pot of about 55k( l could be wrong on the chip stacks but in general l was getting better than 2/1 to call). The call was pretty much made for me as l had the guy covered. Cards on their backs and he shows queens, the flop was good with a king hitting the board and with no help on the turn or river, l was in the money with the chip lead.

Three went into two and my nemesis never played a hand with me and lost all his chips to the other guy in three hands giving my opponent the chip lead going into the heads up battle. I was confident l would win (without being big headed) sometimes you think you are playing really well and only a major mistake would cost you first place, we had played about ten hands and l was now chip leader (not by much) when he said do you want to split it, The winner got 250 while the runner up got 150, now as l said earlier l was confident l would win and wanted to carry on and play but l thought 200 was not a bad payday and he was pretty happy and maybe a little surprised that l accepted his offer. Still not sure now why l accepted maybe it was the fact l had been drinking Orange juice and lemonade and fancied getting back to the village for a pint or the fact that my bets had gone down on Saturday that this would in some ways make up for it.

Getting back to the village at about 9.30, l walk into the pub and it being quiz night, its all go in out local, l settle to have my first pint in a few weeks. The Spurs fans were out in force which was not surprising since they won 9-1. A few pints later and l was getting chucked out of the pub at just after twelve which is pretty early by local village standards.

Getting in just past midnight the missus was indeed fast asleep and if that was her plan it had worked a treat, not having had much to eat l did think about cooking a pizza but after what happened last time, l decided it would be much safer decided just to have a packet of wotsits and go to bed.

Bonus question from last nights quiz.

What year was the first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting?

No looking at Google.

Will it be a Super Sunday.

2009-11-22T10:31:00.006Z

Well l certainly need it to be a Super Sunday after yesterday results, the luck you need in you bets went against me yesterday. Ipswich once again missing a number of chances, while the normally reliable Dan Carter missing kicks that he would usually make in his sleep.

Todays acca is

Spurs @ 1.50
Milan @ 1.50
Hamburg @ 1.50
Juventus @ 1.44

The acca pays 4.86

Football.

In todays Stoke/Portmouth match l fancy Stoke to come out on top, although Pompey have picked up in recent games, going to The Britannia is always a hard place to go to, Stoke have beaten everyone apart from the top sides at home and Portsmouth are not a top side. Portsmouth away form is pretty poor having only won at Wolves. Pompey would be happy with a draw and while many may see that as the safer option I think at the odds l like the look of Stoke. Stoke win @ 2.36

NFL.

Rams V Cardinals

I am going for over 46.5 points in the Arizona Cardinals/ St Louis Rams game, while l am a big Rams fan the plan fact is the Rams are awful. Only Stephen Jackson's running ability is a plus sign in a Rams side that has only won one game this season.

Cardinals are averaging 25 points a game this season, which is not bad since they got off to a poor start. Warner always wants to make a point against his old employers and what with the Rams having one of the worst defences in the NFL. The Rams have put some points on the board as well in the last couple of games. So a fir call in the match is Over 46.5 points @ 1.90

Ravens V Colts.

I am taking the Colts to maintain their unbeaten record after coming from behind to beat the Patriots last week, they face a stern test against the Baltimore Ravens. After last weeks shut out against the Cleveland Browns (the worst team in the NFL) the Browns now face one of the best in the Colts. The Colts never say die attitude is just what is needed against a Ravens side who do not as a rule concede many points. In Peyton Manning the Colts have one of the best quarterbacks in the league to give the Colts the edge. Colts -1.5 points @ 1.90

Good luck and happy punting

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another mixed bag with Hamburg letting me down for the acca and the Rams/Cardinals not making the overs.

On the pluse side the Colts bet the spread and Stoke were some what fortunate to beat Pompey but at the price given was a welcome boost.

Celebrate good times come on.

2009-11-21T10:05:00.005Z

That's what l hope to be doing tonight after these bets have come in.

First lets go straight to the acca.

Notts County @ 1.61
Luton @ 1.66
Bradford @ 1.80
Millwall @ 150

The acca pays 7.26

Rugby Union..

Wales should beat Argentina, like l said last week the Argy pack will look to dominate the game but Wales unlike England have the team to play a wide expansive game. I am hoping that Wales show a much improved performance than they did last week against Samoa and if they do they should cover the handicap. My only concern is the pitch, l am hoping it stands up and does not churn up like it has done in previous weeks. Wales -9 @ 1.90 with William Hills.

England, l just cant see them doing them anything against New Zealand today they have steadily worse each week and although the victory over Argentina last week might give Martin Johnson some respite from the knockers, they will need to improve remarkably against the All blacks today. New Zealand -14 @ 1.90.

Football.

I am looking to back overs in the Burnley/Aston Villa game, Burnley have an excellent record at Turf Moor and always manage to score at home while this game could be set up for Villa with their pace down the flanks and counter attacking football. Over 2.5 goals @ 1.97

I am taking Ispwich to beat Sheff Wed in the evening game, Keane team has been unlucky but results have been coming. Only one win in eight games at home is not a record that Keane will be happy about. While the goals have not been coming they have been creating the chances and l take them to beat the owls today. Ipswich @ 2.00

Good luck and happy punting

Its Maradona all over again.

2009-11-19T11:04:00.008Z

Anyone who watched last night's match between the French and Ireland could not help but feel the pain for the Irish. A handball robbed them of at least the chance of getting to the dreaded penalty shoot-out, which in so many ways would have been better than feeling you have been cheated.

People can coat it over how they like but the plain fact is in this day and age football should have some kind of technology to clear up these issues. With so much riding on the match not just in terms of football but a country's economy. Its a well known fact that a team reaching a major final brings the feel good factor to a nations spirits not just in terms of money spent at the pubs but in merchandising and advertising. Jobs created it all adds up.

Can Henry deny the fact he handled the ball just like Maradona did in 1986 who then later proclaimed it was the infamous Hand of God. I would expect him to come out and say anyone would have done the same in the same situation. We wait for that magical moment of a player in a major game admitting he handled the ball or the ball did not cross the line and the referee rules the goal out. I am not sure that will ever happen, you would need to ask yourself would you do it, would you own up to millions of people around the world and stop your country from going to a major final.

I remember Henry the player who graced a wonderful Arsenal side who played free flowing attacking football and in my time of watching the premiership will go down as one of the best sides I have seen. Henry the player was a joy to watch, played with a pace and precision and had that swagger what all top class players have. He is without doubt one of the finest players to play in the Premiership.

Now most will remember him for that split second where he handled the ball not once but twice before crossing it for Gallas to put into an empty net. People may well see him in the same way l now see Maradona (regarded by many as the greatest player to grace a football pitch) a cheat, obviously Henry is not as bad as yet he has not been caught doing drugs, cheating on his wife with hookers, shooting at photographers or even taking steroids in another attempt at cheating at a world cup but maybe that is all to come for Tierry who still has time on his side.

In a sport l grew up to love and play the game, it has has changed so much over the years, yes we have always had people who cheat and try to win games, but now with what seems so much more at stake the game is changing so fast that if its not careful will lose the appeal of what made it so great in the first place.

The sad fact is Fifa have their wish the big sides have got to the world cup, which is what they wanted in the first place, more revenue will be created by having France and Portugal there instead of Bosnia and Ireland. Platini will just cover over the cracks and try to forget about it. The Irish appeals for the game to be replayed will fall on deaf ears, Henry may well escape a ban in a sport that the football governing bodies say they are trying to clean up.

Maybe some will say this is what makes it great, we will be talking about this for years, just like the Scots and Welsh talk about Joe Jordan and the English talk about Maradona, but should it really come down to that.

We can unlike years ago make the change. We should do it.

World Cup Play-offs

2009-11-18T13:33:00.008Z

Well in all honesty the betting tips of late have been chite, it really makes you loath to put anything down and you don't want to let the run carry on, but as l said when l started this blog l wanted it to be a little bit different and have all types of articles added to it and since betting is a major part of the blog its hopefully onwards and upwards.

We have the return legs tonight of the world cup qualifiers, and just like the first leg l can't see many goals in the France/Ireland game, Ireland will try to keep it tight and press in the last twenty minutes if its still 0-0, while France would be happy with 0-0. Its a tall order for Ireland to get a result and while l fancy France to win 1-0- 2-0. The bet is under 2.5 goals @ 1.66.

Anyone who watched Brighton beat Southampton 3-1 and wycombe lose 6-0 to Hudderfield will want to be all over Brighton tonight in the FA Cup replay, the first match was a topsey turvey 4-4 draw but since then Brighton have come under new management in Gus Poyet and the team looked to be making steady progress. I expect them to start to climb the league but back to tonight's game. Brighton @ 1.68

Those looking to do a small acca..

Poland @ 1.57
Ukraine @ 1.83
Spain @ 1.44
Uruguay @ 1.40

The acca pays 5.82

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well not a bad night both bets coming in. Brighton winning 2-0 and unders in the France/Ireland game as well. Down side Ukraine lost to make the acca a loser. But on the whole things are starting to look up.

Ted Bundy.. The Serial Killer. Part One

2009-11-17T10:01:00.006Z

In another of the life stories, this week l am moving away from sport and delving into the life of a serial killer.

Years ago l used to read a series of special books that were released on serial killers. Very good reading trying in some ways to get into the mind of a serial killer and see what made them commit the sick crimes they did.

In that series there was a man called Ted Bundy which stuck a cord in my mind because only a few weeks before reading about him l had watched a film starring Mark Harmon about him.

Here is an excellent piece about his life.

Ted Bundy:

By Charles Montaldo, About.com Guide

He was attractive, smart, and had a future in politics. He was also one of the most prolific serial killers in U.S. history. Ted Bundy screamed his innocence until his death in the electric chair became imminent, then he tried to use his victims one more time to keep himself alive. His plan failed and the world got a glimpse of the true evil inside him.

Theodore Robert Cowell:

Ted Bundy was born Theodore Robert Cowell to Louise Cowell on November 24, 1946, at the Elizabeth Lund Home for Unwed Mothers in Burlington, Vermont. After eight weeks at the home Louise returned to her parents' house in Philadelphia to raise her new son. For the first several years of his life Ted thought his grandparents were his parents and his mother was his sister. In 1951 Louise and Ted moved to Tacoma, Washington and Louise married Johnnie Bundy, a military cook.

Bundy's Teenage Years:

Despite his parental circumstances and meager surroundings Bundy was well behaved and grew into an attractive teen who was generally liked and who performed well in school. After high school he entered the University of Puget Sound and continued to do well academically, but felt uncomfortable around his fellow peers who were predominantly wealthy. In his sophomore year Bundy transferred to the University of Washington to escape the uncomfortable feeling of his financial inadequacy.

Socially Challenged:

Throughout his years at high school Bundy suffered from acute shyness that resulted
in his appearing socially awkward. This affliction followed him to college and although Bundy had friends he never blended comfortably into doing much of the social activities others were doing. He rarely dated and kept to himself. But in 1967 Bundy met the woman of his dreams. She was pretty, wealthy, and sophisticated. They both shared a skill and passion for skiing and spent many weekends on the ski slopes.

Bundy's First Love:

Ted fell in love with his new girlfriend and tried hard to impress her to the point of grossly exaggerating his own accomplishments. He tried to gain her approval with a summer scholarship to Stamford that he won although his time there was less than impressive. By 1968 she decided Bundy lacked any real future and was not husband material. She ended the relationship and broke Bundy's heart and his obsession toward her haunted him for years.

Depression and Whispered Rumors:

Bundy suffered extreme depression over the break up and dropped out of school. It was during this time that he learned the truth that his sister was his mother and his parents were his grandparents. Bundy was also getting a whispered reputation by those close to him for being a petty thief. It was during this phase of his life that his shyness was replaced with false bravado and he returned in college, excelled in his major, and earned a bachelor's degree in psychology.

"Elizabeth":

Bundy became involved with another woman, Elizabeth Kendall (the pseudonym she used when she wrote "The Phantom Prince: My Life With Ted Bundy") who was a divorcee with a young daughter. She fell deeply in love with Bundy and despite her suspicions that Bundy was seeing other women her devotion toward him continued. Bundy was not receptive to the idea of marriage, but allowed the relationship to continue even after reuniting with his first love who was attracted to the new confident, Ted Bundy.

A New Ted Bundy:

Bundy worked on the re-election campaign of Washington's Republican Governor Dan Evans. Evans was elected and he appointed Bundy to the Seattle Crime Prevention Advisory Committee. Bundy's political future seemed secure, when in 1973 he became assistant to Ross Davis, chairman of the Washington State Republican Party. It was a good time in Bundy's life. He had a girlfriend, his old girlfriend was once again in love with him, and his footing in the political arena was strong.

A Man Named "Ted":

In 1974 young women began vanishing from college campuses around Washington and Oregon. Lynda Ann Healy, a 21-year-old radio announcer, was among those who were missing. In July 1974 two women were approached at a Seattle state park by an attractive man who introduced himself as Ted. He asked them to help him with his sailboat but they refused. Later that day two other women were seen going off with him and were never seen alive again.

Bundy Moves to Utah:

In the fall of 1974 Bundy enrolled in law school at the University of Utah and he moved to Salt Lake City. In November Carol DaRonch was attacked at a Utah mall by a man dressed as a police officer, but she managed to escape. She provided police with a description of the man, the VW he was driving, and a sample of his blood that got on her jacket during their struggle. Within a few hours after DaRonch was attacked, 17-year-old Debbie Kent disappeared.

A Grave Yard of Bones:

Around this time hikers discovered a grave yard of bones in a Washington forest, later identified as belonging to missing women from both Washington and Utah. Investigators from both states communicated together and came up with a profile and composite sketch of the man named "Ted" who approached women for help, sometimes appearing helpless with a cast on his arm or crutches. They also had the description of his tan VW and his blood type which was type-O.

Profiles:

Authorities compared the similarities of the women disappearing. They were all white, thin, and single and had long hair that was parted in the middle. They also vanished during the evening hours. The bodies of the dead women found in Utah had all been hit with a blunt object to the head, raped and sodomized. Authorities knew they were dealing with a serial killer who had the capability to travel from state to state.

Murders in Colorado:

On January 12, 1975, Caryn Campbell vanished from a ski resort in Colorado while on vacation with her fiance and his two children. A month later Caryn's nude body was found lying a short distance from the road. An examination of her remains determined she had received violent blows to her skull. Over the next few months five more women were found dead in Colorado with similar contusions to their head, possibly a result of being hit with a crowbar.

Ted Bundy..... The Capture Part Two

2009-11-17T09:43:00.007Z

Ted Bundy's First Arrest:

In August 1975 police attempted to stop Bundy for a driving violation. He aroused suspicion when he tried to get away by turning his car lights off and speeding through stop signs. When he was finally stopped his VW was searched and police found handcuffs, an ice pick, crowbar, pantyhose with eye holes cut out along with other questionable items. They also saw that the front seat on the passenger side of his car was missing. Police arrested Ted Bundy on suspicion of burglary.

Bundy is Charged With Kidnapping:

Police compared the things found in Bundys car to those DaRonch described seeing in her attackers car. The handcuffs that had been placed around one of her wrists were the same make as those in Bundys possession. Once DaRonch picked Bundy out of a line-up the police felt they had enough evidence to charge him with attempted kidnapping. The authorities also felt confident they had the person responsible for the tri-state murder spree that had gone on for morethan a year.

Bundy is Charged With the Murder of Campbell:

Bundy went to trial for attempted kidnapping DaRonch in February 1976 and after waiving his right to a jury trial he was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in prison. During this time police were investigating links to Bundy and the Colorado murders. According to his credit card statements he was in the area where several women vanished in early 1975. In October 1976 Bundy was charged for the murder of Caryn Campbell.

Bundy Escapes:

Bundy was extradited from the Utah prison to Colorado for the trial. Serving as his own lawyer allowed him to appear in court without leg irons plus gave him an opportunity to move freely from the courtroom to the law library inside the courthouse. In an interview, while in the role as his own attorney, Bundy said, "More than ever, I am convinced of my own innocence." In June 1977 during a pre-trial hearing he escaped by jumping out of the law library window. He was captured a week later.

The Second Escape:

On December 30 Bundy escaped from prison and made his way to Tallahassee, Florida where he rented an apartment near Florida State University under the name Chris Hagen. College life was something Bundy was familiar with and one he enjoyed. He managed to buy food and pay his way at local college bars with stolen credit cards. When bored he would duck into lecture halls and listen to the speakers. It was just a matter of time before the monster inside Bundy would resurface.

The Soroity House Murders:

On Saturday, January 14, Bundy broke into Florida State University's Chi Omega sorority house and bludgeoned and strangled to death two women, raping one of them and brutally biting her on her buttocks and one nipple. He beat two others over the head with a log. They survived which investigators attribute to fello roommate Nita Neary, who came home and interrupted Bundy before he was able to kill the other two victims.

An Eye Witness:

Nita Neary came home around 3 a.m. and noticed the front door to the house was ajar. As she entered she heard hurried footsteps above going toward the stairway. She hid in a doorway and watched as a man wearing a blue cap and carrying a log left the house. Upstairs she found her roommates. Two were dead, two others severely wounded. That same night another woman was attacked and the police found a mask on her floor identical to one found later in Bundys car.

Bundy Gets Arrested Again:

On February 9, 1978, Bundy killed again. This time it was 12-year-old Kimberly Leach, who he kidnapped then mutilated. Within a week of the disappearance of Kimberly, Bundy was arrested in Pensacola for driving a stolen vehicle. Investigators had eyewitnesses who identified Bundy at the dorm and at Kimberly's school. They also had physical evidence that linked him to the three murders, including a mold of the bite marks found on in the flesh of the sorority house victim.

The Plea Bargain:

Bundy, still thinking he could beat a guilty verdict, turned down a plea bargain whereby he would plead guilty to killing the two sorority women and Kimberly LaFouche in exchange for three 25-year sentences.

The End of Ted Bundy:

Bundy went on trial in Florida on June 25, 1979 for the murders of the sorority women. The trial was televised and Bundy played up to the media when on occasion he acted as his own attorney. Bundy was found guilty on both murder charges and given two death sentences by means of the electric chair.

On January 7, 1980, Bundy went on trial for killing Kimberly Leach. This time he allowed his attorney's to represent him. They decided on an insanity plea, the only defense possible with the amount of evidence the state had against him.

Bundy's behavior was much different during this trial than the previous one. He displayed fits of anger, slouched in his chair, and his collegiate look was sometimes replaced with a haunting glare. Bundy was found guilty and received a third death sentence.

During the sentencing phase, Bundy surprised everyone by calling Carol Boone as a character witness and marrying her while she was on the witness stand. Boone was convinced of Bundy's innocence. She later gave birth to Bundy's child, a little girl who Bundy adored. In time Boone divorced Bundy after realizing he was guilty of the horrific crimes.

After endless appeals Bundy's last stay of execution was on January 17, 1989. Prior to being put to death Bundy gave the details of more than fifty women he had murdered to Washington State Attorney General's chief investigator, Dr. Bob Keppel. He also confessed to keeping the heads of some of his victims at his home plus to engaging in necrophilia with some of his victims. In his final interview he blamed his exposure to pornography at an impressionable age as being the stimulant behind his murderous obsessions.

Many directly involved with Bundy believed he murdered at least 100 women.

The electrocution of Ted Bundy went as scheduled amid a carnival like atmosphere outside the prison. On January 24, 1989, Theodore Bundy died at around 7:13 a.m. as crowds outside cheered his death.

Following Bundy's execution, in an unusual twist, his remains were cremated at the request of his family and spread over the mountains in Washington State, where the bodies of several of his victims had been discovered.

Betfred Coral Eclispe. Ante Post Punt..

2009-11-16T17:38:00.018Z

Now and again l like to have few ante post bets, you can get some juicy prices on certain sports. Of course sometimes if its horse's ante-post you want a price just for a horse to line up.

Today sport is Greyhounds and l have backed three dogs, hopefully which can make the final and produce a profit with the heats tonight and the final on Thursday November 26.

The Betfred Eclispe at Nottingham..

Bandicoot Tipoki @ 13.51
Farloe rocket @ 25.00
Eye of the storm @ 9.00.
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Well with Eye of the storm and bandicoot Tipoki both getting through, the luck you need in the draw has not happened, unfortunately both dogs have been drawn in the same heat and with only two dogs making the final from each heat the hope that both dogs make the final have diminished slightly. Eye of the Storm is now best priced 4.60 and Bandicoot Tipoki is best priced 11,00
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Well Eye of the Storm has reached the final and is now a best price 4.00 but the draw has not been kind, Trap 5 is not the ideal draw. Will need luck to win from there. Well done to jake who gave Jordansolilutions @ 17.00 on this blog, which has also reached the final and is also a best priced 4.00 in what is an open final

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What a run by Eye of the Storm winning the Betfred Eclispe and landing the Ante post punt at very juicy 4.30 having been advised at 9.00 on this very page on the 16 November.

Also advised by jake was Jonsilutions which came second.

That deserves

Tunes of the week.

2009-11-16T13:24:00.003Z

Seeing groups that you have grown up with still produce brilliant music, can and does still make you feel young at heart. You see kids enjoying the music you enjoyed when you were that age.

Not many better than these.

And he takes the chequered flag

2009-11-16T10:57:00.008Z

Well with my new energy saver that l got last week is now well and truly put into good use, everything is now turned off in the kitchen apart from the fridge/freezer. The only trouble l find now is when l go to make a cup of tea or put something on the cooker l forget to put the plug in. Seem to be waiting ages for the kettle to boil only to realise the damn thing is not turned on.

Not sure what it is about being a middle aged man, l guess we all still think we are nineteen again, but l still tend to do silly things Wednesday is the daughters Rainbows night and she likes to go on her scooter and l bring it home. No need to carry the thing back when l can scoot up the street and round the alleyway home. All was going well l overtook some of the other parents, (not sure what they thought seeing a man who should know better thinking he is Valentino Rossi on a scooter) until l came round to an alleyway, with it being dark and not much light l should have stopped and walked home but no l was only yards away from the house lets see how fast l can really go.

The next thing the front wheel turned right and l went left, straight over the front. With my hand hurting l quickly got to my feet looking behind and hoping l had made enough distance between me and the other parents so they could not see me picking myself up off the floor. I think l was safe as no one has mentioned it since, l decided to carry the the damn thing home

The scooter is fine the only thing dented was my pride. Will l be doing it again? Of Course.

Friday was the daughters children in need show and they were doing stars in your eyes, l was hoping it would only be an hour tops but it lasted over two hours, sitting on old school chairs and listening to screaming children can send even the most sane man stir crazy. Here l was listening to ten year old singing songs by someone called Taylor Swift who ever she is? guess I'm not as hip as l thought l was.

All said and done even in this day and age it's still nice to see young children enjoying themselves and making money for worthy causes.

Over the weekend l watched a couple of films one was Vin Diesels Babylon A.D, well to tell you the truth, the missus watched it. I found the film a pile of poo, and lost interest just after the first twenty minutes, I'm surprised l lasted that long. Not sure why but even after someone had died l was asking what had happened to them. It was a truly awful film.

The other film was Twilight a vampire movie which was slow at first but not too bad and sort of reminded me of the TV series True Blood but with out the titties. They have made a follow up called New Moon which the missus wants to go and see, not sure about that it was ok but to go to the cinema and pay to watch it? No thank you.

Saturday was a nightmare everything l bet on turned into poo, started to affect my judgement where l was second guessing myself, so l took my licks and called it a day very early. I had lost enough without making things worse.

I watched the Pacquiao/Cotto fight late Sunday morning, hoping for a Cotto win to at least salvage something back but as early as the second round l was swimming against the tide with my armbands deflated. Pacquuiao was in cruise control and dominated the fight before the referee called a halt to the fight in the 12th round, which was unfair on Cotto who deserved to finish the fight.

Looks like Mayweather will be up next and l really fancy the Pretty boy to not only beat Pacquiao but stop him in the process. Cotto was doing ok with a game plan but that went out the window when he tried to stand and trade, Pacquiao is simply too fast. The same thing happened with Hatton stand and trade and his speed and power will win. Mayweather tactics will be hit and run but he has the speed and power to hurt Pacquiao, by moving and changing his style. A lot will depend on what weight they fight at but for me its a Mayweather win.

Sunday l manged to claw some money back. Only had a few bets but l backed Australia to beat Ireland and layed them with a few minutes left, the only trouble was Ireland who were seven points down with seconds to spare tied the game. The lay l placed was to cover my stake so l never won or lost anything on the game.

I thought about backing Brighton but instead played safe and layed Southampton at 1.54, l made sure l greened up and took a nice profit when Brighton went 2-0 up before eventually winning the game 3-1.

With things looking up and what seemed like my first winner in ages, l now then placed a score acca on four football teams the first three winning and now it was all on River Plate, the trouble was l could not lay off as the other games finished after this started. River are one of Argentina's biggest sides but are hovering near the bottom of the Apertura, all was not looking well 0-1 down at HT, and then boom three goals in five minutes and 0-1 was looking much better at 3-1. Listening to some Argentinian man shout gol gol gol gooooooooooooooooool to put the side your backed 3-1 up on fuzzy thead that you are trying to watch on your pc, you can't beat it.

My night was rounded off by having a bet on New England Patriots to beat the Colts, l just thought the Pats were value so had a small bet on them at 2.20, all was going well they were 24-7 up so l layed them at 1.27 and went to bed to watch the game in the knowledge that a Pats win would be worth more thanb double a Colts win. Not sure what happened but as soon as l hit the pillow l was a sleep, it was not until l woke up and found out The Colts turned the game around and won that my big profit was now only a small profit but the main thing was it's a profit.

That is all.

When Saturday Comes.

2009-11-14T11:15:00.008Z

Been a couple of barren weeks on with the saturday acca, lets hope today hits the spot. Todays crazy mug acca we have gone for a couple more teams..

Colchester @ 1.66
Wrexham @ 1.57
Russia @ 1.40
Portugal @ 1.50
Stevenage @ 1.40
Inverness @ 1.53

The acca pays 10.53

Todays single bets

I am taking a chance on Scotland to beat Wales, when you look at the possible team line-ups you see Wales without Bellamy, Collins, Collison and Davies three of those players are the spine of the side. Scotland even with players missing still have players with a lot of International experience. I take Scotland to win a close game @ 2.72

England had a decent first half last week against Australia, they should feel more at home this week, if they can manage the big Argy pack and Wilkinson can have the same impact he did at times last week i expect them to cover the handicap. England -9 @ 1.90

The Austaralia/England rugby league match is a hard one to call, not that l think England will win just that l am not sure if Australia can cover the handicap. So l am having a small bet on both Billy Slater @ 11.00 and Greg Inglis also @ 11.00. to score the first try.

Last up we have what possibly could be the fight of the year, and the best news is unlike last week if you have sky you don't have to pay for it. Pacquiao is generally regarded as the best pound for pound boxer in the world today, he has gone from strength to strength, Pacquiao should have the edge in speed but Cotto defiantly does have the power. His only defeat at the hands of Margarito is clouded on controversy as Margarito was later found to have used illegal wraps to bind his hands in a later fight.

Of course Pacquiao is worthy favourite but at the odds l think Cotto has a great chance and will be having a bet on him to win. Cotto @ 3.80.

Pokemon

2009-11-11T15:52:00.005Z

My daughter always like to play the online games at the moment she is into Pokemon, so l find the Pokemon games and load them up for her, l don't always watch what she is doing but last night l sat next to her.

The game loads and the little creatures are talking to each other and she starts to read what they are saying it went something like this.

"Lets fight"
"We must kill Pikachu", when she said this l began to take notice.
"Whose going first"
"Me "
"No I want too"
"OK let kill the asshole". I nearly spat my tea all over the sofa and just as she started to read ok lets kill the ...... l scrambled over the sofa to turn the game over and tell her right that's enough play another game.

The game never said anything about age play and l was genuinely shocked to see it.

That is all.

It's a funny old game.

2009-11-11T14:39:00.012Z

It was Jimmy Greaves who came out with the famous "Football it's a funny old game" and how right he is.

For a club who has lived most of it's life in the lower regions of the football league and only once ventured into the second tier of the promised land. Life was looking bleak, no manager no money and fat Barry Fry at the club.

Then along comes Sky One who makes a programme called Big Ron Manager, about Ron Atkinson who tries to help a club out of their troubles, what happens the caretaker manager resigns on the show and the club are made to look a laugh stock with its fights and tantrums.

Out of this comes a man who watches the show and decides to buy the club step forward Darragh McAntohny a man to save Peterbough and immediately says he wants to see Posh in the premiership in five-six years time. How l laughed at that. The posh manager is Keith Alexander installed by Barry fry and one of only two black managers in the league but his stay is short lived despite breaking non league transfer records the team does not gel and a run of games without a win soon seals his fate.

Talk was rife who would Posh get, Hoddle, Keegan the list was endless as is the case when fans start dreaming, who does The Chairman bring in, Darren Ferguson who has never managed a club before but played professional football through out his career and whose only real claim to fame is his famous father.

On the 10th November 2009 Darren Ferguson was named new Peterbough United manager, he
inherited a Posh team sitting 10th in the League Two, come April Posh just miss out on the play-offs and finish the season in 10th place.

2007/08 League Two season
All things are geared towards promotion money has been spent and record transfer paid out, Posh play entertaining football and enjoy success alone the way. Promotion was clinched with a win over Hereford and Posh come the end of the season finish runners-up in league two.

2008/09 League One season
In a league that included the likes of Leicester and Leeds promotion was always going to be difficult but a win over Leeds at London Rd soon had everyone talking not of if Posh could win promotion but if posh could keep hold of Ferguson, the chairman issues a hands off warning to interested clubs. February and Posh are seven points off automatic promotion, into March now and that gap is soon wiped out and Posh sit second in the league which is made even better with a win over league leaders Leicester at London Rd. Back to back promotions are clinched and now Peterbough are one step away from playing in the premiership.

The Chairman again tells Reading and QPR that the manager is going nowhere and in june signs a new four year contract.

2009/10 Championship season
Opening day and Posh can count themselves unlucky to lose 2-1 to Derby and suffer a terrible run of results which is only eased by beating Reading 3-2 after being 2-0 down. Signings are made but now the run still gets worse and Posh lose 3-1 to Newcastle to sit bottom of the table.

Monday November 9 and Posh and Ferguson part company, some will say he was sacked others will say it was by mutual agreement. Whatever it was it was a shock. He leaves the club 24th and bottom of the Championship

His record as manager of Peterborough United, 21 January 2007 to 9 November 2009:
Matches 145, Won 73, Drawn 32, Lost 40, Win 50.34%

Some would say he was a victim of his own success, if Posh never went up last season he might well be still in charge. I think despite the success he has had, he has made some terrible signings and has made mistakes when the defence needed sorting out he went out and bought wingers. His forward line is one dimensional and no plan B in case things go wrong. He seemed to have run out of ideas in the last few weeks.

If you are going to sack a manager now is the best time to do it with it being International week and no-one can say what the future holds.

I think that Young Fergie could end up as the next manager of Hull City. Watch this space.

And l almost forgot Fat Barry Fry is still at the club, it is indeed a funny old game.

Tunes of the week.

2009-11-09T14:24:00.009Z

This week my tunes all have the same theme.

With it being Remembrance Day on 11 November l think these three songs sums up my feelings and that of many peoples towards war in general.

Ballyregan Bob

2009-11-08T19:12:00.009Z

Having previously had greyhounds l must admit l can't think of many better things in sport than seeing something you own win a race. It's a great feeling.

Here in the next list of life stories we have probably the greatest greyhound of all time

Ballyregan Bob.

I found this great piece about him.

www.questhousekennels

It was a decade of mixed fortunes for greyhound but the eighties will be remembered more than anything else for the amazing world record winning sequence of 32 that Ballyregan Bob achieved through 1985-86.

He was truly the greyhound who had each and every attribute of the finest of his breed. In a total of 48 races, Ballyregan Bob tasted defeat on just six occasions and produced a winning run of 32 consecutive races before connections announced his retirement from the track at the beginning of 1986.

Trainer George Curtis described Ballyregan Bob as 'the perfect racing machine' and, from his early trials at home track Hove, Curtis knew he had a very special greyhound on his hands. However, his early races were far from spectacular, being soundly beaten the first four times of asking.

The penny finally dropped on 25 October 1984 when he came from off the pace to win his first race in Britain. He rattled off another seven straight wins to finish the year off, including record breaking runs in the heats and final of the William Hill Lead at the now much missed Hackney Stadium.

He had arrived in no uncertain style and his comeback the following year was eagerly awaited. Connections wisely laid him off for the worst of the winter months and, to many, he had lost the old sparkle when he returned to the track in March of that year. After taking a bump at the first bend in a race at Harringay, he failed to make any real impression on the leaders and was, by his standards, well beaten in fifth.

That defeat was little more than a hiccup, though, and, a month later, Ballyregan Bob was to firmly establish himself as a true superstar. Representing Curtis in the Trainers' Championship meeting at Walthamstow, he produced what many say was the performance of his life. Meeting local champion Ballintubber One in the top division of the 475 metres races, Ballyregan Bob was tested to the maximum

Ballintubber One took a couple of lengths out of the great Hove runner by the second bend but the speed Ballyregan Bob produced along the back stretch was nothing short of miraculous. On terms by the third bend, he was forced to work hard to get past the long time leader but superior stamina won the day and the Walthamstow faithful knew they had seen a champion in action.

Ballintubber One went on to win countless races himself, which was a handsome compliment to Ballyregan Bob in itself.

The last time Ballyregan Bob was to ever see the rear of another greyhound at the finish line came on 15 April 1985 when a battering at the traps saw his chance gone in a race at Wembley.

Any plans to go for the Greyhound Derby were scrapped there and then and, instead, Ballyregan Bob took in the Olympic on home soil and sailed through the event unbeaten. It was the last time he was ever to race over four bends.

Stepping up to six bends and Ballyregan Bob was in his element. It was the same wherever he roamed; huge crowds treated to stunning displays which, invariably, ended with wide margin wins for the ever blossoming star. The record breaking run was nearly brought to a halt on two occasions - the first at Romford where a tardy start and first bend bother saw Ballyregan Bob in a hopeless position after a couple of bends.

He caused a sensation on that heady summer night in July, though, producing a stunning run which saw him get up in the very last stride to keep his growing tally of wins intact. But, perhaps, his most remarkable win came in the semi-finals of the St Leger at Wembley where severe first bend trouble saw the champion in all sorts of bother.

Two of the field more or less hit the deck and Ballyregan Bob literally had to hurdle one of them or he too would have been nose diving into the sand. His litter-brother, Evening Light, had set sail for home with his illustrious brother hopelessly lengths adrift and facing almost certain defeat.

The crowd was unusually hushed, a huge band of travellers followed Ballyregan Bob wherever he went and they too were starring at defeat.

Murmurs of hope began to rise as Ballyregan Bob began to close the gap but he still had an awful lot to do with only two bends left to go. The murmurs became cheers as he inched ever closer, the dog seemed to sense the urgency of his task.

He produced that now famous burst of speed on the run for home and was lifted over the line just in front with the roars of sheer delight ringing out from the packed grandstands.

The run became all the more remarkable when, next morning, he was found badly lame and was forced out of the St Leger Final. The injury was to plague him throughout the rest of his career.

It said much about the skill and dedication of George Curtis that Ballyregan Bob was to go on to beat the world record. Not only did he beat the best greyhounds in training during his career, he toppled track records where ever he went.

He set three speed records at Hackney, two at Wimbledon and set new figures at another eight tracks during an incredible racing life.

As Ballyregan Bob was paraded at his local track in Hove, on 9 December 1986, just minutes before the final race of his career, he stood on the brink of a world record. He had won his past 31 races - a total that brought him level with the champion American greyhound of the late Seventies, Joe Dump. Ballyregan Bob was on offer at a miserly 1-4 to break the record. But then having your money on him was almost as safe as putting it in a bank. After surprisingly meeting defeat in the first four races of his life, Ballyregan Bob had gone on to win 41 of his next 43 races, breaking 15 track records in the process. In all of those races he was never handed odds greater than 4-9. 'He is the fastest I have ever seen,' said his trainer, George Curtis, on the day of his record-breaking attempt. 'Only bad luck can beat him. No other dog will.'

On the final evening of Bob's career, the race was at his mercy; only the Irish raider Low Sail was expected to offer any competition.

At 9.19pm the traps flew open for the 695-metre race. From his favoured wide position in the black and white striped No6 jacket, Ballyregan Bob was away slowly but lay third going into the first bend. There, Low Sail's race effectively ended after he was badly hampered.

The crowd cheered as Ballyregan Bob cruised into second behind Queens Comet, who had taken an early lead. But by the fourth bend Ballyregan Bob had collared her and from there the record was never in doubt. He merely extended his stride and powerfully surged clear to cross the wire nine-and-a-quarter lengths ahead of Swift Breeze in second.

The victory was as routine as the 31 that preceded it. 'I have never before witnessed an occasion like tonight,' an emotional Curtis said afterwards. 'I am fortunate to have had a dog like Bob. I doubt that we will see his like ever again.'

The record-breaker was, as usual, taking everything in his stride. A midnight snack of raw horse meat and rusks was followed later by a walk and a hearty breakfast of egg, milk and cornflakes.

That morning Ballyregan Bob set about his new career, at stud. His first appointment, with Jaunty Countess, was at 10am.

'Bobby did it and did it well,' Curtis said, following the happy consummation. He may be a less famous greyhound than the great Mick the Miller, but he is definitely no Sideshow Bob.

The national newspapers headlined with his remarkable achievement the next morning and the sport owes Ballyregan Bob much. He helped to put greyhound racing back on the map when it was so badly needed. There has never been a greyhound like him since and there may never be another. He was simply the best

Bob's stuffed body is now housed in the Walter Rothschild Museum in Tring, Hertfordshire.

Ballyregan Bob and Scurlogue Champ in a four dog race at Wembley December 12th 1985. Bob winning by 11 3/4 in a track record time of 42.63 (-15).

Well done David Haye.

2009-11-08T01:22:00.007Z

Been a mixed day betting was full of up and downs and even though its 1.25 in the morning l am still going strong.

Just layed Phil Mickelson in the WGC @ 2.00 even though he holds a two shot lead going into the last round. Hoping someone can come out of the pack and catch him.

I am currently watching football first and going over the Villa/Bolton game, its amazing what a few days can do, Wednesday defeat is quickly erased and now l am enjoying the highs of seeing villa put five past a poor Bolton side.

Just watched a great display by David Haye in winning one of the heavyweight titles, many people seem to think boxing is all about slugging it out, l had Haye winning by two rounds, his speed and nimble foot work were too much for the cumbersome giant. Some would argue that Valuev showed the more aggression which l would dispute, Valuev kept coming forward but hardly caught Haye while Haye actually landed more punches, and if it was close going into the last round haye certainly won that with the cleaner shots landing.

I also think people pay too much attention to these so called experts in my opinion Jim watt was very poor and has been for a long time, to give rounds to someone who has not even landed a shot was crazy.

Two totally different opinion when you compare Sky's coverage to radio 5 live who had Haye winning the fight by three rounds. I think people listen to the experts and play the markets, Haye was 3.56, l think someone said in-running which was amazing considering l had Haye winning the fight.

Also all the people going on about it being a poor fight can not have seen any of Valuev's previous fights, cannot think of one fight where it was remotely exciting. Valuev smothers his opponents and the worst thing they can do is try and trade punches close up with the man.

Haye has and done what Ruiz and Holyfield did hit and run. Both boxers were unlucky to lose to the giant. He executed his game plan perfectly

Once again a great performance.

All l need now is for Mickelson to choke or the Tiger to pounce to round off a good night.

Sunday Morning

Well having watched the golf till past six this morning l am feeling a little blurry eyed, but anyone who watched it will think that is why l love watching sport. What a great finish and after leaving a bet to be matched on betfair and going to watch it in bed. I never thought it would get matched as there only looked to be one winner with about five to play.

Then to see the great Phil Mickleson do an air shot and look to hand the title to Ernie Els, l was thinking l wish l had let the bet ride, with Ernie taking a one shot lead playing the par five last and from great position in the fairway hit his second shot into the water and end up with a bogey six to virtually hand the title back to Mickelson.

Mickelson himself then tried to blow it again but steadied himself to win the event. My bet had indeed been matched and had made a small profit on the event.

Today I would like four winners.

2009-11-07T10:48:00.007Z

Not asking too much is it?

With it being FA Cup day most teams are very short and as we all know shocks can happen, with that in mind l have decided to go for a some decent prices on teams that l feel have good chances.

Its short and sweet.

Aston Villa @ 1.80
Blackpool @ 1.67
Forest @ 2.10
Carlisle @ 1.67

The acca pays 10.23. With Willy Hills.

I fancy Haye to win tonight but the odds should be bigger in my opinion, so the value bet is the fight not to go the distance @ 1.90. That way if Hayes stamina and chin which are questionable do not hold up we would win on a valuev knockout or stoppage as well.

In the rugby union l fancy Australia -4 points to beat England @ 1.90
and New Zealand-11 to beat Wales @ 1.90.

In the rugby league if England can show the commiment they showed against Australia in the second half last week they will run New Zealand close so England-6 to beat New Zealand in the rugby league @ 1.90

Good luck and happy punting.

That's Life.

2009-11-06T12:37:00.006Z

Not been the best of weeks on Sunday l was woken by my mother in a real state banging on the door, my father had fallen over in the bedroom and could not get up. Things start to race around your head and you assume the worst.

With my parents living a matter of yards down the road l was dressed and over there in seconds. Seeing him on the floor was a massive shock to the system, l managed to help him get up and all the stuff that went with it, it really shakes you up. You remember that it was not so long ago that he was doing all the things that seem so normal, yet here he is needing my help to get up.

The doctor was called and all credit to the paramedics who were round the house in no time at all. Thankfully he is getting better now and hopefully over the worst.

Monday comes and it's time to get the daughter back from her weekend stopping over at nannies, it's very hard to try and explain that her grandad is not very well.

Meanwhile the missus does some shopping, she is always on the look out for a bargain and thinks she has one with twelve toilet rolls at a knock down price, its not until l go to use them a couple of days later and find out the paper is so thin you actually put your finger through it before you have even tried to wipe your arse.

Best take curry off the menu for a few weeks.

Monday night l watch Life. I never used to be into these documentaries but since watching Big Cat diaries, l find these programmes fascinating

Tuesday is very quiet and betting wise l manage to make a small profit and make a mental note to drop the missus some extra cash for some decent toilet rolls next time she goes shopping. The tv highlight is watching the repeat of Flashforward from the previous night, turning into a really good series.

Wednesday is a nightmare nothing goes right, get the electricity and gas bills and wonder what we actually do to use that amount of electricity. My day cannot get any better my tips all bite the dust. The worst thing is l should have made money Sevilla were winning 1-0 with ten minutes to go and in the Kiev game two goals were scored in the last five minutes. It's my own fault l had every opportunity to green up and make money but l had decided after the Barcelona debacle to let it ride.

Big mistake.

My night is finished off by watching the last game of the baseball world series, the missus seems to be happy as she now thinks no more late nights watching baseball in bed while she is trying to sleep. Little does she know is now its the Hockey season.

Thursday and the postman knocks on the door to give me my electricity standby saver and monitor (special thanks to Minty if your reading this for the tip). The first thing l do is check on what we use and immediately turn into Victor Meldrew, unplugging plugs and turning off lights and switches.

When you think about it, its stupid l am quite prepared to back a football team for a few hundred quid but now l am moaning about someone leaving a light on.

After setting everything up, night time came and l decided to have a little bet on the MLS, l layed Columbus @ 1.70 twenty minutes into the the game and the bet looks doomed Columbus go 1-0 up and its gets worse as they score a second goal a few minutes later, not happy l decide to turn everything off and use my new found energy saver and slope off upstairs and watch the game in bed. Just finished having a wash and getting into bed when l turn the tv on to find l can't get any sky pictures, took me a few minutes to realise that this was on standby as well. Now l had to go back downstairs and fiddle the plugs about again. After finally sorting that out and getting back into bed my luck had changed as Real salt Lake had levelled to make it 2-2.

Now should l go back downstairs and lay off ? Feck that I'm not moving now and you can all guess what happened next.

Wrong

Real salt lake actually went on and scored to make it 2-3, my bet had come in.

I could turn the tv off and sleep peacefully.

Champions League Wednesday

2009-11-04T13:30:00.006Z

Last night turned out to be a winning night, while l would have never predicted the Man Utd result even if you let me have ten shots at it the other two bets proved profitable. With two goals in the first thirty five minutes, the over were trading at 1.19. A back of over @ 1.77 and a lay @ 1.19 gave me a profit in the Milan/Madrid game.

After bottling out of backing Bordeaux and instead just laying Bayern gave me another profit. I layed Bayern @ 1.93 and backed them @ 8.40, could have let it run but any chance to take a risk free profit should be taken. In the end Bordeaux ran out easy 0-2 winners.

On to Wednesday games many people think Rubin Kazan are the value bet tonight, while other think a lay of barca is the call. I think Barca will win tonight and while odds of 1.55 will not make you millions it's the bet l shall be having. Rubin beat barca in the previous game but anyone who watched the game will know that they had all the luck going in that match. I thought about Barca winning -1 on the asians but the safer option is a straight Barca win @ 1.55

In the Dynamo Kiev/Inter Milan match l can see this being a low scoring game, Inter will look to keep things tight and in the last six Kiev games four have finished in unders, admittedly the last game between the two side ended up 2-2 but l think this will be a lot more cagey. Unders is the call @ 1.82

Last up l am going for Sevilla at home to Stuttgart, Sevilla beat Stuttgart 3-1 very easily in the last fixture and have won all six of their last champions league matches. While Stuttgart had lost five in a row before they played Bayern last Saturday. I think Sevilla should win comfortably and @ 1.50 is the bet to have.

Good luck and happy punting.

Champions League

2009-11-03T12:39:00.003Z

Well it was a miserable Saturday on the football front, only my rugby league bets coming in saved me from a total disaster.

Tonights games again gives us teams that look short on paper.

I have decided to play unders in Man Utd/Cska game @ 1.92. Man Utd struggled to break down Cska away from home, things should be different at home but with several players out tonight and Cska not being the best travellers, l have had a bet on unders. I can see the game ending up 1-0 2-0 to Man Utd.

Next up we have Ac Milan/Real Madrid. We all know Madrid have the fire power to score goals the worry is that despite all the money spent on forwards they still can't find the right blend to give their defence any protection. A high scoring game in the first game and l see no reason in that not happening again in the return fixture. Overs is the call @ 1.77

Last but not least is the Bayen Munich game and l have layed Bayern Munich @ 1.93. Bayern lost the reverse fixture and their plight is not helped by injuries to Ribery and the attacking Ollic. With doubts about Robben and Brahfield. They also have Thomas Muller and Van Buyton suspended.

I was tempted to have a speculative bet on Bordeaux winning the game, Bordeaux are going great guns in the French league winning at the weekend but the Germans home record is very impressive. A lay of Bayern Munich @ 1.93 with a view to trade is the call.

Good luck and happy punting.

Tunes of the week.

2009-11-02T13:53:00.002Z

This weeks tunes are some what more recent than previous weeks.

Another version of Ruby by The Kaiser Chiefs.

This band is one of my missus favourite groups.

Should have gone for a poo round Paul's house.

2009-10-31T14:43:00.010Z

It's interesting that the photo in my profile is one of me sitting on the toilet never in my wildest dreams did l think l would get locked in one.

When a man is late home from the pub, it is more than likely he will come up with some excuse to get him out of trouble.

From getting mugged, always a good one when you go home skint to flash floods and even the plain old simple forgot the time.

I now struggle to come up with any decent stories and as a result don't bother saying anything.

Yesterday I went to town to see a friend and have a few drinks, while having a few drinks we decided to do a football bet pick four teams each and put a tenner on it. My mate had to leave, so he left me with the bet to put on. Before l put the bet on I went to a phone box to ring the missus so she could come and pick me up then it was over the road into ladbrokes to put the bet on.

After doing just that l needed to go to the toilet, now l must admit l hate having to do a dump in public toilets and squatting without touching the rim is a must, no telling what has touched that seat, but just as l was about to drop my strides l noticed no toilet roll, nothing worse than doing a poo and no toilet roll, so l pulled up my strides and never bothered. Not to worry there is another bookies just twenty yards down the road.

The tote shop is a new one with a long corridor leading to the toilets, inside is one toilet. Once inside l could see there was some toilet roll, now after having a nasty experience when l was about twenty which involved squatting over the seat with my trousers round my ankles only to look up and see the door burst open because the lock never worked and a big burly bloke standing there certainly makes one shit himself even if he never wanted too. So with that in mind l made sure the lock was on.

After doing the business and still running out of toilet roll, l tried to unlock the door, as much as l tried the bolt would not move, with no way of getting out l shouted for help but none was forth coming, after a few minutes l was starting to panic, still the bolt would not budge and tugging the door handle had no effect. I tried shoulder charging the door, in a confind space having a two yard run up and hitting the door is not one l recommend, looking back that was really stupid but l was now beginning to worry.

The minutes passed and here l stood locked in a toilet that in all honesty never smelled too clever and with no way out contacting anyone to let them know l was stuck inside. I had visions of the fire brigade coming and getting me out with everyone standing looking. Even worse my missus would be waiting outside and l here l was stuck.

A few more minutes passed then all of a sudden l heard the outside door

"Hello anyone there" l asked
"Yes" came back a voice that sounded Moroccan
"I need help mate, I'm stuck the fecking lock bust".

From outside he tried to open the door but that never worked.

"I will go and get help" he said.
"Cheers mate"

Help was not instant and l was still standing trying to move the bolt. I thought maybe he was taking the piss and just left me there, so l began banging on the door and trying the lock again when it just suddenly opened.

FREEDOM

I washed my hands and made the long walk down the corridor, where l was greeted by about ten people all looking at me. The bloke behind the counter asked if l was ok to which l replied l fooking am now mate and you want to get that door seen too. He told me he was coming to help but he was the only one behind the counter and need to wait for the manger to come back.

He was still talking but l just wanted to get out, I'm sure my picture would be on the camera's and they could all have a good laugh at my expense. I started to walk out and as l did l got a round of applause and a few laughs, all l needed now was toilet roll to be sticking out my trousers to round off a truly embarrassing moment.

My missus was already waiting for me outside the bookies,

"Have you been waiting long" l asked
"About ten minutes", she was not happy
"I got stuck in the toilets"
"Kelvin don't lie"
"I did"
"Yeah right"
"I swear why would l lie"
"You were in the bookies having a bet"
"No honestly l got stuck in a toilet"

All the way home l tried to explain what happened but l could see she was not buying it and still now she does not believe me.

So be careful what you tell your partner when you get in late as this is the modern version of the boy who cried wolf

I got a feeling.

2009-10-31T09:10:00.006Z

Todays football bets are..

Middlesborough @ 1.44
WBA @ 1.66
Luton @1.66
Notts County @ 1.72

The acca paye 6.93.

In the rugby league l fancy England+18 against Australia @ 1.90 and
N Zealand -36 against France @ 1.90

My single bets are a lay of Hereford @ 1.95

A back of Peterborough @ 2.26.

Good luck and happy punting.

Kirkland Laing

2009-10-29T14:01:00.007Z

Many years ago l can remember watching a boxer who produced two of the greatest fights l have ever seen. That boxer was Kirkland Laing and his battles with Colin Jones will live long in the memory.

In all honesty he should and could have been one of boxing's greats.

Maybe reading this story goes a long way as to why he never reached those heights.

ANYONE searching for the best British boxers who never won world titles will have no trouble finding suitable contenders.
Dave Charnley, Herol Graham and Colin Jones, who made seven failed attempts between them, certainly qualify.

But for me Kirkland Laing, former British and European welterweight champion, is by far the outstanding candidate.

I've not seen anyone from this island in the last half-century who possessed as much natural talent as Laing.

Many of his fellow pros from the 1970s and 80s agree. Dave "Boy" Green said unequivocally: "He is as close to Sugar Ray Leonard as anyone in this country has ever been."

Trying to land a punch on him was like trying to catch smoke in a bottle.

Charlie Magri, Maurice Hope and the other world champions who trained at the Royal Oak gym, Canning Town, couldn't lay a glove on him.

So why didn't he make it to the top of the mountain?

The answer can be found in The Gifted One, published this month by Oliver Jarrett of the British Boxing Board of Control.

Jarrett reveals that nearly every time Laing climbed through the ropes he was STONED.

Kirkland arrived in Nottingham from Jamaica when he was nine and, as a Rastafarian, smoked cannabis every day.

Magri once stopped him leaving the changing room for a gym session because he'd forgotten he still had a spliff behind his ear.

Unbelievably, hours before he went into the ring, even before some of the most important fights of his 20-year career, he was puffing on pot.

Which is why Laing was so laid back he made Des Lynam appear hyper-active.

But manager Terry Lawless and others were driven to distraction by his unconventional lifestyle and lack of dedication.

Terry lost patience and released Laing from his contract, which Mickey Duff picked up.

It was Duff who led Kirkland to his biggest triumph.

He outpointed Roberto Duran over 10 rounds in Detroit in 1982 - nine months before the Panamanian legend won the world light-middleweight crown.

It was a sensational victory and as a result Duff received three lucrative world title offers for his man.

But there was one major snag. Laing went partying and disappeared off the face of the earth.

Duff didn't find Kirkland again until a year later.

Unfortunately the marijuana almost killed him. Five years ago he was at a party in Hackney and fell from a fourth-floor balcony, suffering severe head injuries.

Now Kirkland, 55, is back in Nottingham being cared for by three of his children and his mischievous grin is no longer seen in public.

Joe Ryan, his last trainer, said: "If he hadn't taken drugs he would never have got beat."

Not that Kirkland cares. He was simply happy

By Colin Hart.

The Gifted One: Kirkland Laing

Would Sir like some port

2009-10-27T10:13:00.019Z

As a betting front went the weekend was one of the worst l have had in a long time. My Saturday spent in front of the tv never got any better as the day turned into night.

It started off bad and got worse as the day went on.

The first bet l had was on Villa winning the live game and it looked to have got me me off to a great start when villa went ahead with only ten minutes left of the game, I then tried to lay my bet to guarantee a profit and collect a nice wedge which would have set me up throughout the day, but as soon as l pressed the button to green up villa's sidwell gave away a penalty, the betfair suspend came up across the screen and my bet was not matched. My cries of you fooking ginger haired t**t could be heard half way down the street. (I apologise to any ginger haired readers)

Watching Wolves equalise was a bitter pill to swallow and my day got progressively worse as the small acca l had was let down by one team and my other bet on Ipswich was never going to get anything back for me.

My thoughts had now turned to the Australia/ New Zealand rugby league match and my bet on the Aussie's covering the handicap never even looked like giving me anything to cheer about. The match eventually ended in a tie.

With the missus out l had the tv to myself, which meant no John and Edward on itv and no Phil and what ever the birds name is on bbc, every cloud has a silver lining but as usual there was nothing else on and with my funds on betfair looking a good few quid lighter than at the start of the day, l decided to have a quick game of poker on ladbrokes.

Having put some money in laddies to play the tipster comp l was left with about $25 left so l sat down and played on a 50-1 table. Pretty much standard fair no talking no excitement, my banter and then my muff of a players ace with an ace king three flop with a third king for me on the river must have really upset him. Every time l raised he came over the top and after the third time of doing this l decide to go all-in for about $32. He pressed the time bank and said he had aces then proceeded to act like billy big bollox and ask me what l have. The time bank was down to a couple of seconds when he finally decided to show and of course he showed the aces. He then gave a few more verbals and l did think about putting some more $$ into laddies but decided after the day l had l will wait to look him up again, l took down his name and will bide my time and then go after the the scandi fecker.

Next morning l was woken up at 8.15 by the children, with one not too keen on going back to her bed and with the other one screaming in her bedroom l was left with no alternative but to go downstairs and put on the cartoons and make the breakfast. When l put the tv on l suddenly realised it was indeed 7.15 and the missus had not put the clocks back.

Not a good start to the day.

Today was what would have been called in the past Super Sunday, a big match on sky would usually have the lads flocking to the pub. How times have changed the death of local pubs is here and l am surprised the village can still support four pubs in the manner it does.

After planning on going out to watch the match. I told the missus l would be home by six as we were having a roast, l was warned not to be late home for dinner.

By five past twelve me and my mate were supping our first pint, with him being a Liverpool fan and the match kicking off at two l did wonder if he would be going home by quarter past two.

Two of us soon became four and we were off around the local pubs, all pubs were busy with people from outside the village having meals but not really with the locals. After doing the pubs it was time for the game. Now the pub was busier still not what you would expect judging by years gone by.

Not having a bet on the game l was not really bothered who won. A Liverpool win seemed to please most in the pub.

Living in a village which is famous for its cheese you would have thought l would be accustomed with the drinking of port, not being a pirate or liking the cheese l have never drank port that was until l mentioned that fact on Sunday, it now seemed that every other drink l had someone was trying to pour a glass of the stuff down my neck. After downing it in one l was then told you are meant to sip it?

On of the best things about village life is everyone knows each other, (please no inbred jokes) always friendly and good laugh. People you have not seen for a while you can catch up and reminisce about the good old days.

One conversion turned to children and it funny how as a parent l worry about girls growing up while a mother tends to worry about a boy growing up. The thought of my two girls coming of age is one l dread and in some ways l think l would be more at ease if they were boys. That is something l will have to get used too.

The Arsenal game was now on and the only bet l had today was on Arsenal HT/FT which with the gunners 2-0 was looking pretty safe, l never even bothered to watch the game and was passed updates throughout the match that was until West ham scored to make it 2-1 and in true style just to pish me off even more Arsenal then conceded a late penalty(do you see a pattern here) l was too stunned to shout out any verbals and just drank my pint and gulped my port.

People had come and gone and now the pub was pretty quiet and to my astonishment the time was now eight and as l had missed my dinner by a good few hours l thought it best l make my way home and see if l could salvage any beef for a sandwich. The lager and port were starting to take its toll and all l can remember getting in the door and making a beef sandwich and crashing out upstairs.

Once again l was woken up by the kids in the morning at 8.00, feeing as well as can be expected l went downstairs to make the breakfast and upon turning on the tv again find out it was only 7.00.

I wish she would change that fecking clock.

Yesterday was a pretty quiet day, well as quiet as can be expected with both children at home shouting about. I sat down to watch the film on sky called Taken at 10.00. Just the right kind of film you should watch if your worried about your daughters growing up.

After watching that l went to bed and set the clock myself.

All in all a good weekend.

Jessie Owens

2009-10-26T20:05:00.001Z

By Larry Schwartz

For most athletes, Jesse Owens' performance one spring afternoon in 1935 would be the accomplishment of a lifetime. In 45 minutes, he established three world records and tied another.

Owens won four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics.

But that was merely an appetizer for Owens. In one week in the summer of 1936, on the sacred soil of the Fatherland, the master athlete humiliated the master race.

Owens' story is one of a high-profile sports star making a statement that transcended athletics, spilling over into the world of global politics. Berlin, on the verge of World War II, was bristling with Nazism, red-and-black swastikas flying everywhere. Brown-shirted Storm Troopers goose-stepped while Adolf Hitler postured, harangued, threatened. A montage of evil was played over the chillingly familiar Nazi anthem: "Deutschland Uber Alles."

This was the background for the 1936 Olympics. When Owens finished competing, the African-American son of a sharecropper and the grandson of slaves had single-handily crushed Hitler's myth of Aryan supremacy.

He gave four virtuoso performances, winning gold medals in the 100- and 200- meter dashes, the long jump and on America's 4x100 relay team. Score it: Owens 4, Hitler 0.

A remarkably even-keeled and magnanimous human being, Owens never rubbed it in. Just as sure as he knew fascism was evil, he also knew his country had a ways to go too in improving life for African-Americans.

"When I came back to my native country, after all the stories about Hitler, I couldn't ride in the front of the bus," Owens said. "I had to go to the back door. I couldn't live where I wanted. I wasn't invited to shake hands with Hitler, but I wasn't invited to the White House to shake hands with the President, either."

Owens wasn't complaining. That wasn't his style. He believed it was his job "to try to make things better."

Born James Cleveland Owens on Sept. 12, 1913, in Oakville, Ala., he was often ill as a child, suffering from both chronic bronchial congestion and several bouts of pneumonia. Inadequate housing, food and clothing didn't help his health.

By the age of seven he was expected to pick 100 pounds of cotton a day. At nine his family moved to Cleveland. When a teacher asked his name, he answered, "J.C.," which is what he was called. The teacher misunderstood his Southern drawl and the name was Jesse from then on.

As a teenager he set or tied national high school records in the 100- and 220-yard dashes and the long jump (called the broad jump then). At Ohio State, he was not a good student but he was easily the swiftest on the track.

Two weeks before the 1935 Big Ten Championships, Owens was involved in some playful hi-jinks with his roommates. But the prank backfired and he slipped on water during his getaway, severely injuring his tailbone.

On May 25 in Ann Arbor, Mich., Owens couldn't even bend over to touch his knees. But as the sophomore settled in for his first race, he said the pain "miraculously disappeared."

3:15 -- The "Buckeye Bullet" ran the 100-yard dash in 9.4 seconds to tie the world record. 3:25 -- In his only long jump, he leaped 26-8 1/4, a world record that would last 25 years.

3:34 -- His 20.3 seconds bettered the world record in the 220-yard dash.

4:00 -- With his 22.6 seconds in the 220-yard low hurdles, he became the first person to break 23 seconds in the event.

Some credit Owens with setting five world records, saying he also beat the marks for the shorter 200 meters and 200-meter low hurdles.

In his junior year at Ohio State, Owens competed in 42 events and won them all, including four in the Big Ten Championships, four in the NCAA Championships, two in the AAU Championships and three at the Olympic Trials.

In Germany, the Nazis portrayed African-Americans as inferior and ridiculed the United States for relying on "black auxiliaries." One German official even complained that the Americans were letting "non-humans, like Owens and other Negro athletes," compete.

But the German people felt otherwise. Crowds of 110,000 cheered him in Berlin's glittering Olympic Stadium and his autograph or picture was sought as he walked the streets.

On Aug. 3, the 5-foot-10, 165-pound Owens won his first final, taking the 100 meters in 10.3, edging out Ralph Metcalfe, also an African-American.

The next day, Owens was almost out of the long jump shortly after qualifying began. He fouled on his first two jumps, though he was stunned when officials counted a practice run down the runway and into the pit as an attempt.

With one jump remaining, Luz Long, a tall, blue-eyed, blond German long jumper who was his stiffest competition, introduced himself. He suggested that Owens make a mark several inches before the takeoff board and jump from there to play it safe. Owens took the advice, and qualified.

In the finals that afternoon, Long's fifth jump matched Owens' 25-10. But Owens leaped 26-3¾ on his next attempt and won the gold medal with a final jump of 26-5½. The first to congratulate the Olympic record holder was Long, who looked like the model Nazi but wasn't.

"It took a lot of courage for him to befriend me in front of Hitler," Owens said. "You can melt down all the medals and cups I have and they wouldn't be a plating on the 24-karat friendship I felt for Luz Long at that moment. Hitler must have gone crazy watching us embrace. The sad part of the story is I never saw Long again. He was killed in World War II." Owens, though, would continue to correspond with Long's family.

In the 200-meter dash on August 5, Owens won in an Olympic record of 20.7 seconds, beating out Mack Robinson, the older brother of Jackie Robinson.

That was supposed to be the end of Owens' Olympic participation. But from out of the blue, Owens and Metcalfe replaced Marty Glickman and Sam Stoller, the only Jews on the U.S. track team, on the 4x100-meter relay.

The rumor was that the Nazi hierarchy had asked U.S. officials not to humiliate Germany further by using two Jews to add to the gold medals the African-Americans already had won. Glickman blamed U.S. Olympic Committee president Avery Brundage for acquiescing to the Nazis.

On August 9, the 4x100 relay team, with Owens running leadoff, won by 15 yards and its world-record time of 39.8 seconds would last 20 years. Upon Owens' return to New York and a ticker-tape parade, he had to ride the freight elevator to a reception in his honor at the Waldorf-Astoria. He was treated as a kind of curiosity. When endorsements didn't come his way, he made money by, among other activities, running against horses and dogs.

"People said it was degrading for an Olympic champion to run against a horse, but what was I supposed to do?" Owens said. "I had four gold medals, but you can't eat four gold medals."

Not until the fifties did he achieve financial security, becoming a public speaker for corporations and opening a public-relations firm.

In a 1950 Associated Press poll, he was voted the greatest track and field star for the first half of century, out polling Jim Thorpe by almost three to one.

In 1976, President Ford presented Owens with the Medal of Freedom, the highest honor the U.S. can bestow upon a civilian.

Owens, a-pack-a-day smoker for 35 years, died of lung cancer at age 66 on March 31, 1980 in Tucson, Ariz.

Four years later, a street in Berlin was renamed in his honor.

A decade after his death, President Bush posthumously awarded Owens the Congressional Medal of Honor. Bush called his victories in Berlin "an unrivaled athletic triumph, but more than that, a triumph for all humanity."

Tunes of the week

2009-10-26T15:38:00.004Z

My first song is one of my all time favourite, lock the door and draw the curtains. Turn the lights down low and put this record on.

This next song is another one of my favorites and come from a group l must admit l never heard of before my missus introduced the sone to me

My last song comes from the film Harry's game. The group have produced great music ever since. The Group is Clannad.

Get it ready.

2009-10-24T10:49:00.005+01:00

Todays acca is short and sweet.

Notts County @ 1.57
Peterborough @ 2.25
Rochdale @ 1.53
Norwich @ 1.63

The acca pays 9.03

I also put down a bet hoping to be matched on John Carew first goalscorer and anytime scorer @ 8.4 and 4.0 respectively in the Wolves/Villa game.

I also have had a punt on Ipswich to beat Plymouth @ 2.68.

Good luck and happy punting.

What is a muppet?

2009-10-23T11:56:00.008+01:00

I would dare say a far amount of poker players were introduced to the game by the tv show Late Night poker, l remember stopping up past midnight just to watch people sit round a table drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes that would leave a haze above the table, its amazing how much times have changed now.

I have always been into cards and the added bonus of playing for cash was another incentive to play, here were people of all ages who could play against each other on a level playing field. I could never ever hope to play Tiger Woods off levels on a golf course and beat him, but put in the same room with Phil Ivey l would at least have a chance.

It was here l would learn the game that l love today. I remember watching Devilfish, Hamish Shah (who is sadly no longer with us) Peter Kosta, Padraig Parkinson, the Boatmans brothers, Jac Arama and the rest. This game looked so easy and it seemed like there was action every hand. I never grasped how long the game took. It was only when l started playing that l found the game much different to the one l watched on tv.

After watching the poker l decided to go onto the next step and download a site and the fact l gambled on ladbrokes made that choice pretty easy. Now here l was ready to play, how hard could it be, not hard only days ago l was shouting at Simon Trumper to go all-in and win the pot and telling Lucy Rokash she should fold her tens.

With download now complete l stared at the vast amount of games and with the $50 l put in there to play with l was ready to make money. No need to bother with play money that's for babies or so l thought and any way why should l was going to clean up on the MTT. Not sure what the first games l played something like $10 NL with about 70 runners and l lasted about six minutes(no sexual jokes please).

Never mind l shall win the next one, it was all too easy another game, another game, out of one into another. The trouble was l really did think these games lasted about an hour. My $50 had gone in the first few hours. No problem Rome was not built in a day, just shift another $50 from sports.

After losing that and getting nowhere it was then that l had what l call my defining moment in poker, it was one afternoon and l was doing ok, l was sat at the same table as Aj (Action Jackson) now l only had been playing laddies for a week you hear people talking and he was the one they talked about the most.

I think the hand went something like this, he made a big bet and l called with kd 8d and hit bottom pair with a diamond on the flop, on the turn another diamond came down he bet again and l called, on the river another diamond came giving me a flush. He fired again and this time l and went all-in he called and showed a set of aces.

His legions of followers on the rail were calling me names like muppet. Muppet i thought what the fecks a muppet? of course l was soon to find out. In fairness he took it well asked me if l thought l was ahead at any stage to which l replied "to tell you the truth i was not sure". To which the rail were in full flow. It's pretty hard to concentrate when you have people calling you names and you trying your best to fire back. Its one thing l hate about online poker the railers who just sit there and abuse people because of their play. Anyway back to the question and at the time l thought what a stupid question to ask, l won the hand didn't l and that's all that matters.

I had crippled him and he was now short stacked but in no time at all he built it up again and about 15 minutes later it was him that knocked me out. Much to the amusement of his fans. It was there that I decided to watch him play and see how he done it, if he was the best, why not learn from him.

So for the next month or so that's what l did, just logged on and watched him and other great players like Micky147, Decision, Salmonaysta, Sealey, Red Dog. I would ask Aj questions and he would answer them no problem, despite playing what appeared to be 10 games and answering questions from others as well.

They all played the game differently this was so much different from late night poker, sometimes not playing a hand for ages then picking their spots. The cream would always rise to the top and of course they would often get that thing you need alone the way LUCK.

I was learning and found l needed to wait, be patient no need to dive in straight away, l would play a couple of tables maybe three but that would be all l would be prepared to play. Sometimes not playing a hand and in a way l feel l became too tight but I was getting better l had made a couple of final tables, it was still costing me a fortune but l was now into playing STT which was helping me fund my new expensive habit.

Not long after l won my first MTT in a field of about 40 runners, not many but that never mattered, l had won one and was on my way. Over the months l was making the weekly free roll, never getting anywhere but making it.

Since those early days of playing, l now play cash and when ever possible play live that is a whole new ball game from playing online.

One thing l have learned is one game is never the same, you can never take anything for granted but it's still a game that captures your heart and pulls you in and along the way you can have a good laugh. There is no right or wrong way to play poker, you pay your money and take your chance.

Europa League

2009-10-22T15:13:00.006+01:00

Well yesterday the dart really hit the bullseye, both tips winnning at very good prices and unders in the Cska/Man Utd match coming in as well.

Tonights matches are always hard top predict as l have said before team new is vital to betting.

Tonight l fancy overs in the Celtic/Hamburg game @ 2.14. Both teams like to play open football and a tendency to let goals in. While Celtic drew 1-1 with R Vienna last time in the game before that they lost 2-1 to Tel Aviv. Hamburg's last two games have both been overs with a surprise 3-0 loss to R Vienna and a 4-2 win over Tel Aviv.

My next bet is on Benfica to beat Everton, although Moyses take this comp seriously he has ten first team players out tonight, Yobo and Osman did not travel, while new signings Neill and Hetinga are ineligible. Everton would be very happy with a point tonight but that could be very hard against a side who are not bad at home and boast the skills of Saviola and Aimar.

The evens on Benfica has long since vanished and the best price now is 1.90.

Good luck and happy punting.

Recovery mission

2009-10-21T16:45:00.007+01:00

A terrible Tuesday the Az game ended 1-1 and Ipswich conceded an injury time goal to finish 1-1 and not being in play i could not even lay off.

Tonight's games look on paper the same as last night, some bankers, but anyone who saw last nights results will know nothing is guaranteed. Who would have thought Rubin Kazan who were available @ 22/1 to beat Barcelona would do just that.

On paper you would think that Chelsea, Real Madrid, Juventus and Porto should all win but the odds look too short.

Unders in The Cska/Man Utd game look the call but again the odds look short enough.

The one bet l think looks decent with a touch of value is in the Bordeaux/Bayern Munich game and i have had a small interest in overs @ 2.28. Both sides have a tendency to concede goals and any goal or two in the first half would put me in good position to trade.

I have also gone for a bet on Chelsea to be winning at HT/FT @ 2.12, both of these bets are with betfair.

Good luck and happy punting