Keys:After Linogate can Gray and Keys survive?

As many of you will know two Sky Sports football presenters Andy Gray and Richard Keys have been caught making sexist comments about a lineswoman at a match last weekend.

Immediately Sky issued an apology and suspended the presenters, who have fronted Sky Sport’s Football coverage for over 20 years, from their very popular show ‘Monday Night Football’. Sky had to scramble and got former Sky News presenter Dave Jones in.

As a student I don’t have the ‘wonders’ of sky but I can’t imagine it was great, considering it was filmed up in Bolton and not in the studio with the fancy set. Sky missed a chance in my view not to call on Jeff Stelling- the hero of ‘Soccer Saturday’ and er…countdown.

Anyway Im digressing. Now Karen Brady isn’t someone I’d usually agree with but in this instance she raises a valid point.The West Ham vice chairman suggested, ‘It almost makes it worse that they’re speaking when the microphones are not on as opposed to when they are on, because [they have] never really had the brass neck to say it publicly, they would only say it privately.”

Its disappointing to see men such as Keys and Gray making these sort of comments when the game is trying to will more girls/women to take part in the sport whether as a fan, officiating or playing.

For me Richard Keys is a highly overrated presenter and has been caught up in many faux pas’ before on and off screen, as the Daily Mail showed today on their website.

Above all in this fiasco, I would be devastated if Andy Gray lost his job. His commentary is hilarious, knowledgable and passionate. Yes he over uses the high tech analysis and speaks in clichés but his work perfecty accompanies a match.

I can’t help thinking Keys and Gray must be eating their words now as the lineswoman in question got a crucial call right in the game between Wolves and Liverpool!

Only time will tell to see if they survive on ‘Monday Night Football’ but this could be a gaff too far for Keys.

Should they go? Or do Keys and Gray have the right to their privacy?

Joorabchian: owning City’s season

Once again I have left my blogging on the back burner- a host of reasons ranging from course deadlines to work experience to the return of ‘take me out’ have kept me away.

I do apologise but im back with the sad news that Carlos Tevez could be heading back to Argentina!

Tevez has lit up the Premier League since arriving in bizarre circumstances to West Ham in 2006. As we all know his dogged performances helped to keep the Hammers up in the Premier League. The Argentine then moved up to Manchester to fulfil his potential at United, becoming an integral part of Fergie’s squad and winning a collection of trophies.

Presently Tevez is holding Manchester City’s season together. He has scored 42% of their goals this season, leading from the front. Man City is a club and team that many neutrals despise with their revolting salaries and transfer fees. They command respect as a top team without earning it.

However Tevez is a player all football fans admire, his dedication on the pitch combined with his flare. Rumours have been circulating for the past week but now Tevez is demanding a move home to Argentina to be with his wife and two children.

Henry Winter (Telegraph) tweeted today that the ‘Premier League has drama, La Liga has stars.’ I would counter Winter here by showing him clips of Tevez’s time in the Premier League- he is a star, he oozes class and excites fans with world class performances.

(La Liga only really has stars at Real or Barca eg Messi and Ronaldo. Barring that the league is average- sorry im digressing)

Tevez has been under the guidance/ownership of agent/advisor/crook Kia Joorabchian ever since he landed in England and it seems he’s the only man who could keep Tevez in the Premiership.

I won’t go into Joorabchian’s role, job or legality concerning the transfers of Tevez, the matter is still murky. He managed to persuade Tevez to stay in England last summer and hopefully he can use his persuasive powers once again to keep Tevez on our shores for another season.

I feel the league would lose a spark if Tevez left. The Premier League still has stars, action, drama and passion but Tevez is surely in a league of his own.

Ipad: The laptop killer?

Again I have to apologise for my absence from the blogging world recently a trip down memory lane to Exeter has consumed my time.

Anyhow I am back with the ipad, the tablet computer from that brainy bunch at Apple.

This latest gadget from Apple was released back in May and has sold an incredible 8 million worldwide. Why the fuss???

The ipad is crammed with features; according to Apple it’s the best way to experience the web, email, photos and videos. ‘Hands Down.’ Those who know me can tell I’m no technology wiz but I was immediately impressed by the speed, style and capabilities of the ipad.

Particularly for me the HD videos, host of apps and general presentation are simply stunning.

A lot reviews have highlighted the long life battery capacity which, at 10 hours of video footage, is far greater and useful for users if compared to laptops that shutdown after a couple of hours.

On the surface it appears the ipad is the ultimate ‘Laptop killer’ but on the other hand many suggest it’s not as good as suggested.

PC World criticised the ipad for lacking the capabilities for business such as printing and sharing files from your ipad.
One feature I thought was needed was a camera, the ipad has the platform to display photos in HD quality and its strange Apple didn’t chuck one in if so many simple camera phones can manage.

For me the problem is that if you buy an ipad, you still need a phone (in the eyes of Apple you’d get an iphone). Most phones now have the capabilities of the ipad but have the phone and camera aspect so is the ipad an unnecessary and expensive (from $499) gadget.

Several reviews have suggested the tablet computer is useful in education for kids and their reading. 81% of book apps are for kids so clearly there is a market for uses such as home education however I feel children need to get away from screens.

Apparently the ipad can ‘ihelp’ children with autism, helping scientists to understand the disability.

As with all these gadgets, until the price is lowered it won’t go mass market but it is clear tablet computers are the future of our technological lives.

Haka: Is the 19th century tradition cheating?

I have to apologise for my delay with this post, I suppose life in the fast lane has caught up on me.

Over the weekend I struggled to come up with idea for this ‘H’ post until I watched England take on New Zealand in the first of the Rugby Union Autumn Internationals.

Unfortunately the match was on Sky- a farcical situation that these days the Ashes, half of International/Champions League Football and now International rugby is on pay TV. From the highlights I’ve seen England can hold their heads high from a 16-26 defeat to the best team in the world.

Johnson moulded the team to play with grit, determination and an all attack approach but England were let down by an all too familiar situation- the difference between the sides was the finishing and efficiency.

Anyway, my inspiration for the post is the Haka, a tradition with the All Blacks going back to the 19th century. The ‘War dance’ has come under strong criticism recently leading up to this series but surely such a tradition can’t be banned.

Former England coach Andy Robinson, now at the helm in Scotland was keen this week to play down any suggestion that the ritual dance and chant should be excluded from the game. “I like it. You face it, you smile, you deal with it and you get on with the game,” he suggests. “It’s important not to get overexcited by it.”

A selection of the English press has argued that the Haka gives the All Blacks a clear psychological advantage immediately before the match. One abysmal blog claimed, ‘In the professional rugby world where results are everything that is an anachronism that won’t last forever.’

Traditions such as the Haka make Rugby and more generally live sport special, otherwise you might as well get rid of parts of rugby such as national anthems. The dance fires up both sides and riles the crowd to provide an incredible atmosphere for the players. Just look at the scenes in 2008 when Wales won a faceoff with the All Blacks following the Haka.

Gallagher Brothers: 15 years of Wonderwall

Hello, hello it’s good to be back! 15 years ago this month Oasis released their second album ‘What’s the Story Morning Glory’. Where in the past many bands have struggled with their dreaded second album, Oasis exploded back on to the scene to follow up on their turbo charged debut ‘Definitely Maybe’.

The album stunned Britain with Noel’s versatility as a songwriter and Liam’s rasping, whining voice leading the band. The band also were the complete package with the constant bust ups, hilarious interviews and glamorous girlfriends.

Some might say that their debut album ‘Definitely Maybe’ was their best but for me ‘What’s the Story Morning Glory’ was the band’s crowning glory. They rattled through the recording in just 15 cocaine fuelled days of fights, alcohol and mayhem. If the first album was all about dreaming of becoming a Rock n Roll star and escaping their futile lives, then this was about what it’s actually like to have the sex, drugs and rock n roll on demand.

It sold over 4 million copies and encapsulated Britain in Oasis’ rough and ready package whilst Brit pop rivals Blur, as FHM put it, ‘busied themselves with Chas ‘n’ Dave-style knees-ups’. Their attitude, presence and drama couldn’t be ignored and for once the music matched the hype.

When in 1996 Oasis relentlessly toured, the band held grand finale gigs at Knebworth and their beloved Manchester City’s stadium Maine Road. To put the Oasis phenomenon into perspective, they could have sold out the 250,000 plus crowd for 12 nights in a row at Knebworth, such was the demand for the gritty Mancs.

Unfortunately the band has now split after one too many feuds but they will Live Forever thanks their endless catalogue of classics. Rumours are circulating that Oasis could continue under a different name without Noel but I believe that this would be a catastrophe. Noel was the genius behind the band and Liam was the show boater, the band needed both to work.

Oasis do have their critics. A select few have heavily criticised them over the years for their writing style, arrogance and thuggish behaviour. Firstly, it is well documented that the Gallagher brothers are huge Beatles fans and it cannot be denied this has infiltrated many Oasis tunes, but they certainly haven’t ripped off the Beatles. After all, every band, artist, rapper, boyband has their influence and that influence can be heard subtly or evidently. Oasis have always provided fans with ballads, hard rock belters and roof top anthems. I challenge anyone to name a British band since Oasis who have written with such variety and attitude.

Despite this minority of critics, they have a place in the hearts of fans worldwide, so it’s obvious the Gallagher brothers will still grab the world’s attention whether in Oasis or not. I’m sure they Don’t look back in anger on their Oasis journey but it appears their futures are apart.

Who knows what’s next for Noel, he has done the occasional guest solo appearance and I’m sure he has enough material for a solo album down the line. On the other hand, Liam has launched his own clothing label, Pretty Green. The label has a store on Carnaby Street and offers an extensive range designed by the ‘Modfather’ himself. For all Londoners reading this, Liam Gallagher is holding an event for Pretty Green at The Garage nightclub near Highbury tube on November 26th.

Federer: King of the court keeps ruling

I couldn’t blog on anything else for ‘F’ than Roger Federer. Quite simply the man is a genius and is arguably the best player of all time to take a swipe at a tennis ball.

The 29 year old has broken numerous records along his way to winning 16 Grand Slams thus far but this weekend he managed to shatter a few more.

Federer swept aside Florian Mayer 6-4 6-3 on Sunday in the Stockholm Open final with relative ease, oozing with his usual class and swagger. In doing so the Swiss won his 64th ATP Tour title to equal Pete Sampras and reach 4th on the all time list.

Fed also passed the mark of 900 Tour wins, with an astonishing 728-133 win/loss ratio. For the ninth season in a row he has passed 50 match wins for the season and the Stockholm title also meant that Federer has now won titles in 18 different countries.

His huge list of accomplishments is staggering and back at number 2 in the world; it seems Federer could yet again become ‘King of the court’ again. Many have questioned Federer’s motivations since he completed the career slam last year and now has twins to look after.

However his doubters are simply ignorant because his fitness, talent, shot making and experience will keep him in the top echelons of the game for a sometime yet to add to his Grand Slam tally. Yes Nadal is number one in the world but even he knows he has a long way to surpassing the achievements of Roger Federer.

The great thing about Federer is that alongside his achievements and unprecedented success, he is also a fantastic ambassador for the sport and seems a genuine, modest guy. Speaking after his win in Stockholm he said, “Early on, I think that feeling of wanting to prove yourself to the world and all the doubters is a very strong one, so you’re very aggressive in your ways of winning and not enjoying them.

Today it’s much more of the enjoyment part because I don’t need to prove myself to anyone anymore, except to myself.”

The strong relationship between Federer and his rival Rafael Nadal is exemplified in The ‘Match for Africa’ in Zurich on December 21st is an exhibition between the two for the Federer Foundation. Unfortunately tickets sold out in two minutes so I’ll have to do with Iraqi goals as per usual.

The sporting world will be gripped by the ATP World Tour Finals in late November at the o2 Arena in London and it is set to be a stunning event, especially if Fed can pull off another of his hot dog trademarks.

Exeter Chiefs: Rising to the challenge of Rugby’s elite

The South-West is slowly but surely rising up the ranks of the sporting world in the UK.

Devon has a flourishing cricket community and a host of leagues across the county with hundreds of amateurs and semi-professionals participating.

I was lucky enough to study at Exeter University and lived opposite Exeter City FC’s ground. The Grecians have rocketed up the Football League thanks to the promising talents of manager Paul Tisdale who guided the cash strapped club to two successive promotions from 2007-2009. Then last season the club managed to survive in League One after a last day victory at St James’ Park.

However the real surprise down in the South-West has been the Exeter Chiefs. The rugby union side is now among the top echelons of rugby in England playing in the Aviva Premiership. The Chiefs are playing their first ever season in the top flight under the guidance of Rob Baxter. Imagine Exeter City FC in the Football Premier League alongside Chelsea or Arsenal and that exemplifies the enormous achievement under Rob Baxter.

Ever since the club won the promotion playoff against arch rivals Bristol 29-10 back in May the club has been undergoing the most dramatic transformations. A host of players have been drafted in with International experience whereas many have become surplus to requirements.

Despite the squad changes the team has managed to maintain the nucleus of the promoted side and they are certainly proving a handful in the Aviva Premiership.

The Chiefs stunned title chasing Gloucester on the opening day of the season 22-10 and have since defeated the Newcastle Falcons. Baxter’s men have also had close battles against reigning champions Leicester Tigers and today narrowly lost to league leaders London Irish 9-12.

In addition the Chiefs have now achieved their first European victory, by thrashing Bourgoin of France 34-19. It seems this season will continue to be a record breaking year for the Chiefs as they attempt to find their feet among the elite.

Thanks to some guile, brutal battling and comprehensive management, the Chiefs appear to be at home in the Premiership and let’s hope they manage to buck the trend of promoted teams and survive the drop.

David Beckham: Is Capello missing out on Golden Balls?

Following some blog feedback my topic for (D) is Golden Balls himself. The most capped outfield England player of all time, the celebrity, the father, the captain, the national hero.

We will never forget his half way line goal against Wimbledon, his epic free kick in 2001 against Greece to save England or his penalty to gain revenge on Argentina in 2002.

Throughout his career Beckham has managed to grab the headlines across the globe on and off the pitch. He has captivated sports fans with his majestic dead ball skills whilst also fillings thousands of glossy magazines with ‘Brand Beckham’ and the story of his marriage to Posh Spice.

I couldn’t help think of Becks last week during the England game versus Montenegro. You know the one, where we failed to beat a relatively new team with most of its population in the stands. The embarrassing, limp wristed and quite frankly unacceptable performance displayed last Tuesday would never have occurred under Beckham.

As leader of his country he always commanded dedication and enthusiasm until he gave up the armband in 2006. How we need Beckham now.

Beckham has been poorly treated by Capello. Golden Balls has 115 caps, only ten behind Peter Shilton’s record. He is the only England player ever to have scored in three separate World Cups (1998, 2002 and 2006). Consequently he deserves a lot of respect, unlike Capello’s inconsiderate announcement after SA stating Becks is now too old for the three lions.

When we were crying out for a goal in the second half Capello put on the abysmal Shaun Wright Phillips and the distinctly average Kevin Davies.  Instead we could have utilised the passion and precision in Beckham’s play. With Walcott and Lennon injured England were short on right wingers. Adam Johnson should be played on the left, otherwise the defender predicts every time that he is going to cut inside to unleash his lethal left boot.  England desperately needed the pin point crosses of Becks for Crouch or Davies to nod in as Shearer and Owen did for so many years.

I understand that after the horror show in SA that the country needs to move onto a new generation of players such as A.Johnson, Wilshire, Gibbs and Hart. However no-one in the modern area his distributed a dead ball quite like David Beckham and with injuries in his position I cannot fathom why Capello didn’t call him up.

To argue Beckham’s case further, since returning from injury his sublime performances have propelled the LA Galaxy top of their Western Conference League and in doing so they are currently number one seeds for the MLS playoffs.

I’m certainly not suggesting Beckham should start for England but with injuries in his position, the legend should be included to add experience and a quality of delivery.

Chile miners: miracle miners survive

Like most of the world I have been glued to the dramatic coverage of the Chilean miners rescue mission.

The circumstances were quite extraordinary and the rescue operation stunning. The BBC offered an incredible selection of graphics displaying the rescue effort procedure http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11485392 .

 The news these days is full of pessimism and scandal but this successful mission was a heart warming exception. The miners heroically endured 68 days underground in eternal darkness and high humidity following the collapse of part of the San Jose mine in the Atacama Desert back in August.

Initially the men survived 17 horrific days without supplies until a lifeline tunnel made its way down to the miner’s refuge, which was thought to be about 50 square metres. The supply tubes, known as ‘Palomas’ or carrier pigeons (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11444230 ) , sent vacuum packed foods, medicine and items to entertain the miners. Surfacing without any major medical issues, they were obviously well looked after and The Chilean President was a fantastic support.

Having heard the news that they would be down in the mines until December the men sharply responded by setting up a daily routine. They divided themselves into three groups of 11, working eight hour shifts on duties such as cleaning, clearing debris, measuring oxygen levels, collecting water deliveries and reinforcing mine walls.

We received snippets of reassurance from the miners that they were alive and well but in true Big Brother fashion it would have been intriguing to listen to their conversations and watch their daily lives. It actually would have surpassed any reality TV seen before, having heroic men living off instinct, working together to stay alive instead of the dregs of society trying to get their few moments of fame.

Apparently three of them proposed during their time underground which I think was an astute tactic because their partners couldn’t exactly refuse considering the situation. Quite a story to tell the in-laws.

A lot has been made of the mental state of the miners once they reach the surface. Apparently several miners have complained in letters to family about the pushy psychologists and that they just want to be left alone.

Similalrly the charismatic ‘Super’ Mario Sepulveda has vowed to continue mining, ‘I make a plea to the media to not treat us like an artist or showbusiness figure. I would like to let you know I am a miner. I will continue to work as a miner.’ However it is unlikely that Mario will get his wish. I’d milk it if I was one of the miners- excuse the pun but they have struck gold.

It’s been widely reported that the miners have been flooded with gifts ranging from holidays to money and the chance to watch Real Madrid FC!

The men have apparently have come to an agreement where they will jointly write a book about their story and share the profits, including other interviews and appearances. I say make a film about it, a massive Hollywood blockbuster that will enrich the lives of these heroic gentlemen.

Banksy: Moorfields banks in on Banksy

 

Banksy, the illusive British graffiti artist, risked breaking his cover last week at a charity auction in order to make alterations to his work.

His distinctive satirical street art has featured on streets in cities around the world and one of his pieces, the ‘Gangsta Rat’ (pictured), was on sale at the Saatchi Gallery in Sloane Square, London.

Minutes before the exhibition was opened for guests, organisers realised the piece vanished and found that a man, believed to be Banksy, had walked away with the slab of Graffiti art.

Jessica Wood, publicist for the event at the Saatchi Gallery, said: “This guy took it down the staircase and broke it out of the frame. I said, ‘What are you doing?’ He just fired off expletives, though he apologised later. It was Banksy removing graffiti from the top of it.”

The piece sold for £30,000 in aid of Moorfields Eye Hospital and will fund the development of the Vision Research and Treatment centre (VRTC), which will be critical in maintaining the site’s research successes.

John Pelly, Chief Executive at Moorfields, was delighted Banksy allowed the hospital to use the art for fundraising, “As far as I can gather, it simply appeared on the wall outside our main entrance one morning. A member of staff subsequently offered us £5,000 for it, but we suspected it was probably worth a good deal more.”

Apparently Banksy was personally involved in removing the work from the wall of the hospital where he had stencilled the work in 2006. It was quite refreshing to hear and witness an Artist so dedicated to his/her work.

The sale of ‘Gangsta Rat’ was part of the event ‘Art of Giving’ where numerous charities had works of art on sale for fundraising. Among the guests were Vic Reeves of Shooting Stars and Noel Fielding of the Mighty Boosh, who had donated their own works to charity.

Sipping on free champagne I noticed a lot of the experts from day time TV antiques programmes, I don’t know whether I should have admitted that knowledge, but they were presumably sniffing out a bargain.

Around 2,500 attended the event, probably to witness the singing of Xfactor contestant Rhydian Roberts, who rattled off a few classics before the auction proceeded.

Thanks to Banksy the Art world appears more appealing to me now. Previously I’d seen the Art world as a place full of obnoxious, fake and cliquey socialites. The mystery surrounding his appearance and work had created a fabulous buzz around the gallery and set the night up for an evening of giving for those more in need.

For more on the evening check out fellow attendee and City journalism student http://lauraecox.wordpress.com/