This is one of those films which makes one wonder how a bit more than two hours literally fly by. The plot is an ingenious one and keeps your eyes glued to the screen, the script witty and the soundtrack impeccable with the right excerpts played at the right time even more precisely than a Swiss clock.
Some scenes may be considered as being gory whilst it is rather obvious to state that the storyline tears up all that is told in most history books. But it definetly provides an entertaining two hours Quentin Tarantino style!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
It has been one hot long football summer...
93 million euros were spent by Florentino Perez to buy Cristiano Ronaldo yet no one seems willing enough to cough up roughly the same amount to buy Newcastle, an established team with a fervent following and with a modern stadium which is nearly packed to the brim for every game. Boggles the mind!
Chelsea have been banned from buying any players following the Kakuta controversy and now quite a few English clubs may face the same music pending investigations that have to take place. These include Manchester United and Manchester City and football fans still remember when Roma were inflicted a similar ban a few years following the Mexes saga. So one cannot say that there is a witch hunt taking place against English clubs but one hopes that as a result of all this furore, more clear cut regulations are set in place so as not to give rise to similar cases of player poaching.
Mutu has been slapped with a 17 million euro fine to be paid to Chelsea following his sacking after having been found positive in a drugs test. Now one cannot deny that what Mutu did was a big mistake as he himself admitted even though he was going through a turbulent personal time. But neither are Chelsea saints as all fans have seen and have squandered millions in players that flopped, testimony of this fact being Shevchenko. So to ask a player to pay such a hefty fine after having been fired by the club is tantamount to at least being considered as being hypocritical. At least one hopes that his plea, that the fine will be paid to charitable institutions will be accepted.
Being one of the best players to ever grace football stadiums around the world does not automatically qualify one as being capable of coaching, Maradona clearly bearing testimony to this.
Chelsea have been banned from buying any players following the Kakuta controversy and now quite a few English clubs may face the same music pending investigations that have to take place. These include Manchester United and Manchester City and football fans still remember when Roma were inflicted a similar ban a few years following the Mexes saga. So one cannot say that there is a witch hunt taking place against English clubs but one hopes that as a result of all this furore, more clear cut regulations are set in place so as not to give rise to similar cases of player poaching.
Mutu has been slapped with a 17 million euro fine to be paid to Chelsea following his sacking after having been found positive in a drugs test. Now one cannot deny that what Mutu did was a big mistake as he himself admitted even though he was going through a turbulent personal time. But neither are Chelsea saints as all fans have seen and have squandered millions in players that flopped, testimony of this fact being Shevchenko. So to ask a player to pay such a hefty fine after having been fired by the club is tantamount to at least being considered as being hypocritical. At least one hopes that his plea, that the fine will be paid to charitable institutions will be accepted.
Being one of the best players to ever grace football stadiums around the world does not automatically qualify one as being capable of coaching, Maradona clearly bearing testimony to this.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Serie A Predictions
It is that time of the year when football fans would have just gone through a summer choc-a-bloc with friendlies and numerous ‘important’ tournaments. Finally some major European leagues have kicked-off and some will soon do, such as the Serie A. Many people try guessing who will win the league, who will get relegated or get a respectable position in the league. Inspired by all this I have decided to air my personal predictions for the Serie A.
Atalanta
They always manage to combine introducing fresh young faces with astute buys. This season is nothing different having got Acquafresca and Barreto amongst others and having faith in a young but determined coach in Gregucci. Comfortable mid-table position.
Bari
Having lost their talismanic coach Conte and some players who were vital in winning the Serie B, the management have decided to put their faith in experienced coach Ventura and players such as Langella, Meggiorini and Almiron. It has been reported that Bari will be taken over by the American Timothy L. Barton after 30 years of ownership by the Matarrese family but it has been stated that the transfer targets haven’t changed. Possible relegation candidates.
Bologna
Went through a botched acquisition by the Albanian businessman Taci but nonetheless have an expierenced wily coach in Papadopulo. They have invested wisely in players such as goalkeeper Viviano, defenders Raggi and Portanova and midfielders Guana and Vigiani and managed to hold on to Di Vaio but still lack that attacking prowess and depth in the squad so that one can say that come May, they will still be in Serie A. Relegation candidates.
Cagliari
Having managed to keep their coach Allegri can be considered a coup in itself and have invested well to make up for Acquafresca’s absence and to strengthen the squad, especially with world cup winner Barone now in their ranks. Comfortable mid-table position
Catania
Have invested a lot and well in this summer’s transfer market and have given new coach Atzori one of their most competitive squads ever. Players like Campagnolo, Barrientos and Delvecchio could fit in easily with any Serie A club that has ambitious targets. If they’ll manage to start winning more away games, this could prove to be one of their most satisfactory seasons in the history of the club. Comfortable mid-table, possible Europa Cup qualification.
Chievo
Managed to save themselves after a bad start and having changed coach but notwithstanding all this haven't really invested in new players to try and beat the drop with less heart-pounding moments. I personally admire the team for every year they seem like a fairy tale... the small team that invests wisely and manages to survive but unfortunately have to consider them as relegation candidates.
Fiorentina
Have thrived alot under the duo leadership of Della Valle and Prandelli in the last few years. Corvino is a master in unearthing gems at good prices and selling them at a profit, Felipe Melo being a case in point. They have bought Marchionni and Cristiano Zanetti and might spring a few surprises before the transfer market closes, especially in defence which doesn't seem to be rock solid as yet. If Mutu manages to put behind him the CAS/Chelsea problems and Gilardino continues to score on a regular basis and if they’ll also manage to address their defensive frailties, Fiorentina fans should be in for another positive season and consolidate their status. Top 8 placing
Genoa
One of the teams to have invested heavily in the summer transfer market following a very positive previous season. Even though they lost their star players Thiago Motta and Milito they have brought in Amelia, Floccari, Crespo, Palacio and Kharja just to mention a few. If they'll manage to cope on all fronts, they should have yet another great season. Top 6 placing
Inter
Arguably the best equipped team not only in Italy but in all Europe. They have continued investing in players like there is no tomorrow and have brought in Lucio, Thiago Motta, Milito and Eto'o. If they'll manage to deal with the loss of Ibrahimovic and buy the attacking midfielder that Mourinho craves for, their season can only bring smiles to all Inter fans. Serie A and Champions League contenders.
Juventus
Relatively new coach Ferrara seems to have instilled the right attitude in the Juve squad and new faces include Italian captain Fabio Cannvaro, Felipe Melo and Diego. This seems to be one of the strongest Juve squads in the last few years and have their best chance of prising away the scudetto from Inter whilst also making inroads in the Champions League. Serie A contenders and a good run in the Champions League.
Lazio
In Ballardini they have a wily coach who always manages to bring the best out of his available squads. Lazio have invested well with Bizzarri and Cruz arriving on free transfers and exciting new prospect Eliseu for less than a million euros. Lazio started off the season with a bang by winning the Supercoppa Italiana against Inter and if they'll manage to solve the problems with star players De Silvestri, Ledesma and Pandev, they should be in for a satisfactory season. Top-half finish
Livorno
The return of the prodigal son Lucarelli together with Tavano and the creativity of Diamanti should guarantee Livorno a fair number of goals and entertainment. Not shipping in too many goals will prove the key to whether they'll survive or not. Relegation candidates
Milan
The simultaneous loss of Kaka and Maldini might prove a bit hard to overcome, especially since the only notable investment up till now has been Huntelaar but Milan will always remain Milan and a top 4 finish should be within their grasp.
Napoli
The team to have invested most in this summer's transfer market. They have brought in De Sanctis, Zuniga, Campagnaro, Cigarini, Hoffer and Quagliarella together with the quality players previously available such as Hamsik and Lavezzi should ensure that Napoli fans are in store for a great season. If their vociferous fans will give them uninterruped support, even in difficult times, then this might be the season when Napoli can qualify for the Champions League, or at least the Europa League is definitely within reach. Top 6 finish
Palermo
In Zenga Palermo have a much travelled and intelligent coach who together with explosive President Zamparini will certianly give life to some highly entertaining outbursts. Zenga is a master tactician and motivator whilst Zamparini always invests and this summer was no exception with Rubinho, Bertolo and Pastore joining already established players Liverani, Simplicio, Cavani and Miccoli. Europa League qualification
Parma
Only spent one year in purgatory and have stated their intentions to remain in Serie A having bought 13 new players such as Mirante, Panucci, Fontanello, Galloppa, Biabany and Bojinov. If Guidolin will manage to amalgamate all this players without much delay, Parma might be the surprise team of the 2009/2010 season. Comfortable safety
Roma
Come every summer reports abound that Roma will be sold so as to pay the huge debts they have and invest in new players but the reported offers never seem to materialise. The Sensi family are true Roma supporters but unfortunatly have their hands tied when coming to invest in players. In Spalletti they have one of the league's best coaches and a strong starting 11 even with the departure of Aquilani but as always lack strength in depth. Top 6 finish
Sampdoria
Possibly have the most exciting striking duo in Serie A with the duo Cassano-Pazzini. If they'll thrive and have an injury-free season, Sampdoria will be able to spring up quite a few surprises. Mid-table finish
Siena
Seem to have weakened their squad from the previous year, especially with the loss of their star defender Portanova to Bologna but have managed to hold on to coach Giampaolo. Relegation candidates
Udinese
Can be considered a model club as they always seem to find the right equation in buying good young prospects, having a positive season then selling the players at a profit. This year is no different and they managed to lure Corradi on a free transfer and investing in young prospects such as Orellana. In Marino they have one of the best prepared coaches in Italy and in Pozzo a dream club President. Comfortable mid-table position with possible European qualification
Football isn’t an exact science and the indications all lead to the fact that this should be an exciting and great 2009/2010 Serie A season. These predictions can be radically overturned but the most important thing is that we have entertaining football which may be admired by fans from all corners of the earth! Happy Serie A viewing to everyone!
Atalanta
They always manage to combine introducing fresh young faces with astute buys. This season is nothing different having got Acquafresca and Barreto amongst others and having faith in a young but determined coach in Gregucci. Comfortable mid-table position.
Bari
Having lost their talismanic coach Conte and some players who were vital in winning the Serie B, the management have decided to put their faith in experienced coach Ventura and players such as Langella, Meggiorini and Almiron. It has been reported that Bari will be taken over by the American Timothy L. Barton after 30 years of ownership by the Matarrese family but it has been stated that the transfer targets haven’t changed. Possible relegation candidates.
Bologna
Went through a botched acquisition by the Albanian businessman Taci but nonetheless have an expierenced wily coach in Papadopulo. They have invested wisely in players such as goalkeeper Viviano, defenders Raggi and Portanova and midfielders Guana and Vigiani and managed to hold on to Di Vaio but still lack that attacking prowess and depth in the squad so that one can say that come May, they will still be in Serie A. Relegation candidates.
Cagliari
Having managed to keep their coach Allegri can be considered a coup in itself and have invested well to make up for Acquafresca’s absence and to strengthen the squad, especially with world cup winner Barone now in their ranks. Comfortable mid-table position
Catania
Have invested a lot and well in this summer’s transfer market and have given new coach Atzori one of their most competitive squads ever. Players like Campagnolo, Barrientos and Delvecchio could fit in easily with any Serie A club that has ambitious targets. If they’ll manage to start winning more away games, this could prove to be one of their most satisfactory seasons in the history of the club. Comfortable mid-table, possible Europa Cup qualification.
Chievo
Managed to save themselves after a bad start and having changed coach but notwithstanding all this haven't really invested in new players to try and beat the drop with less heart-pounding moments. I personally admire the team for every year they seem like a fairy tale... the small team that invests wisely and manages to survive but unfortunately have to consider them as relegation candidates.
Fiorentina
Have thrived alot under the duo leadership of Della Valle and Prandelli in the last few years. Corvino is a master in unearthing gems at good prices and selling them at a profit, Felipe Melo being a case in point. They have bought Marchionni and Cristiano Zanetti and might spring a few surprises before the transfer market closes, especially in defence which doesn't seem to be rock solid as yet. If Mutu manages to put behind him the CAS/Chelsea problems and Gilardino continues to score on a regular basis and if they’ll also manage to address their defensive frailties, Fiorentina fans should be in for another positive season and consolidate their status. Top 8 placing
Genoa
One of the teams to have invested heavily in the summer transfer market following a very positive previous season. Even though they lost their star players Thiago Motta and Milito they have brought in Amelia, Floccari, Crespo, Palacio and Kharja just to mention a few. If they'll manage to cope on all fronts, they should have yet another great season. Top 6 placing
Inter
Arguably the best equipped team not only in Italy but in all Europe. They have continued investing in players like there is no tomorrow and have brought in Lucio, Thiago Motta, Milito and Eto'o. If they'll manage to deal with the loss of Ibrahimovic and buy the attacking midfielder that Mourinho craves for, their season can only bring smiles to all Inter fans. Serie A and Champions League contenders.
Juventus
Relatively new coach Ferrara seems to have instilled the right attitude in the Juve squad and new faces include Italian captain Fabio Cannvaro, Felipe Melo and Diego. This seems to be one of the strongest Juve squads in the last few years and have their best chance of prising away the scudetto from Inter whilst also making inroads in the Champions League. Serie A contenders and a good run in the Champions League.
Lazio
In Ballardini they have a wily coach who always manages to bring the best out of his available squads. Lazio have invested well with Bizzarri and Cruz arriving on free transfers and exciting new prospect Eliseu for less than a million euros. Lazio started off the season with a bang by winning the Supercoppa Italiana against Inter and if they'll manage to solve the problems with star players De Silvestri, Ledesma and Pandev, they should be in for a satisfactory season. Top-half finish
Livorno
The return of the prodigal son Lucarelli together with Tavano and the creativity of Diamanti should guarantee Livorno a fair number of goals and entertainment. Not shipping in too many goals will prove the key to whether they'll survive or not. Relegation candidates
Milan
The simultaneous loss of Kaka and Maldini might prove a bit hard to overcome, especially since the only notable investment up till now has been Huntelaar but Milan will always remain Milan and a top 4 finish should be within their grasp.
Napoli
The team to have invested most in this summer's transfer market. They have brought in De Sanctis, Zuniga, Campagnaro, Cigarini, Hoffer and Quagliarella together with the quality players previously available such as Hamsik and Lavezzi should ensure that Napoli fans are in store for a great season. If their vociferous fans will give them uninterruped support, even in difficult times, then this might be the season when Napoli can qualify for the Champions League, or at least the Europa League is definitely within reach. Top 6 finish
Palermo
In Zenga Palermo have a much travelled and intelligent coach who together with explosive President Zamparini will certianly give life to some highly entertaining outbursts. Zenga is a master tactician and motivator whilst Zamparini always invests and this summer was no exception with Rubinho, Bertolo and Pastore joining already established players Liverani, Simplicio, Cavani and Miccoli. Europa League qualification
Parma
Only spent one year in purgatory and have stated their intentions to remain in Serie A having bought 13 new players such as Mirante, Panucci, Fontanello, Galloppa, Biabany and Bojinov. If Guidolin will manage to amalgamate all this players without much delay, Parma might be the surprise team of the 2009/2010 season. Comfortable safety
Roma
Come every summer reports abound that Roma will be sold so as to pay the huge debts they have and invest in new players but the reported offers never seem to materialise. The Sensi family are true Roma supporters but unfortunatly have their hands tied when coming to invest in players. In Spalletti they have one of the league's best coaches and a strong starting 11 even with the departure of Aquilani but as always lack strength in depth. Top 6 finish
Sampdoria
Possibly have the most exciting striking duo in Serie A with the duo Cassano-Pazzini. If they'll thrive and have an injury-free season, Sampdoria will be able to spring up quite a few surprises. Mid-table finish
Siena
Seem to have weakened their squad from the previous year, especially with the loss of their star defender Portanova to Bologna but have managed to hold on to coach Giampaolo. Relegation candidates
Udinese
Can be considered a model club as they always seem to find the right equation in buying good young prospects, having a positive season then selling the players at a profit. This year is no different and they managed to lure Corradi on a free transfer and investing in young prospects such as Orellana. In Marino they have one of the best prepared coaches in Italy and in Pozzo a dream club President. Comfortable mid-table position with possible European qualification
Football isn’t an exact science and the indications all lead to the fact that this should be an exciting and great 2009/2010 Serie A season. These predictions can be radically overturned but the most important thing is that we have entertaining football which may be admired by fans from all corners of the earth! Happy Serie A viewing to everyone!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Maltese mentality
Blogging is increasing in popularity at a fast rate and the fad seems to have caught up also in Malta, with thetimesofmalta.com being a popular site where people express their opinion. This is a clear sign of a democracy taking place but unfortunatly this cannot be said to apply worldwide, with countries like Iran and China blocking websites in the light of recent insurgencies taking place.
The comments range from serious and being well-informed to being sarcastic, out of point and context and at times attacking people and their actions. A few weeks ago we had around 400,000 architects after Renzo Piano's plans for Valletta were unveiled and in recent times we've had around 400,000 doctors all giving their 'expert' opinion (sic) about swine flu.
One comment that always manages to bring a smile on my face for one reason or another is...
"Because the people are against the plans" - as far as I know I never told anyone to speak in my name! All well and good to say that it is only YOUR opinion but not to profess that you have some sort of self-given mandate to speak in my name.
Happy blogging to everyone!
The comments range from serious and being well-informed to being sarcastic, out of point and context and at times attacking people and their actions. A few weeks ago we had around 400,000 architects after Renzo Piano's plans for Valletta were unveiled and in recent times we've had around 400,000 doctors all giving their 'expert' opinion (sic) about swine flu.
One comment that always manages to bring a smile on my face for one reason or another is...
"Because the people are against the plans" - as far as I know I never told anyone to speak in my name! All well and good to say that it is only YOUR opinion but not to profess that you have some sort of self-given mandate to speak in my name.
Happy blogging to everyone!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Positive attitude
Whilst surfing on the internet, I came upon the story of Nick Vujicic, a 26 year-old from Melbourne. What made this story stick out from others and serve as an inspiration is that Nick Vujicic was born without arms and legs with the exception of a small foot at the bottom of one hip. He has had his share of difficult moments but still does normal things such as playing football, swimming and surfing amongst other activities and uses his experience to instill belief and courage in other people.
One should take a leaf out of Nick Vujicic’s life and learn that in life, one is always faced with bad times as well as with good times. It is how we deal with life experiences that make us who we are. We should tackle what life throws at us as a challenge to turn it into something positive both for ourselves and for all those around us!
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/woman/real_life/2511213/Nick-has-no-arms-or-legs-but-a-huge-zest-for-life.html
One should take a leaf out of Nick Vujicic’s life and learn that in life, one is always faced with bad times as well as with good times. It is how we deal with life experiences that make us who we are. We should tackle what life throws at us as a challenge to turn it into something positive both for ourselves and for all those around us!
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/woman/real_life/2511213/Nick-has-no-arms-or-legs-but-a-huge-zest-for-life.html
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