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A blog about music, sport, film, TV, radio and what ever else I can think of…

Category Archives: News

Ronaldo

The latest Brazilian legend rounded off his career on Tuesday with a performance that showed next to nothing of the skills that made him the top scorer in World Cup history.

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, known around the world simply as Ronaldo, made a 15 minute cameo appearance in Brazil’s 1-0 friendly win over Romania. Seemingly almost an international testimonial, Ronaldo played at walking pace – with no signs of the lighting pace and quick feet he was blessed with.

Obviously over weight, Ronaldo lasted no longer than fifteen minutes, but still had a handful of chances to score – scooping one hideously over the bar, and having Romanian keeper Tatarusanu save a tame effort. It was obvious, however, how much of a predator in the box Ronaldo used to be, doing well to find himself unmarked in the box, and beating the offside trap – his goal scoring instinct still sharp but let down by his failing body.

There was clearly a celebratory feel in the stadium, with each fluffed chance being greated by laughter and that unmistakable Ronaldo smile – the adulation from the fans was epitomised by a huge banner unfurled over the stands, Ronaldo clearly still the hero in Brazil. The question is, does Brazil currently have a striker worthy of filling Ronaldo’s golden boots?

The Brazilian scored nearly 250 goals in his eighteen year club career, as well as 62 goals for his country. Alongside holding the record for the most World Cup goals, Ronaldo won dozens of individual awards,including the prestigious Ballon D’or on two occasions.

It is fitting that a player of Ronaldo’s magnitude has played for so many of the biggest clubs in the world. Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid helped propel Ronaldo to super stardom, he became one of the brightest lights in Real Madrid’s galaticos, playing alongside such footballing luminaries as Raul, Figo and Zidane.

However, by the time he joined AC Milan, Ronaldo’s star was beginning to wane. Dogged by various health issues throughout his career, Ronaldo had his promising start at Milan torn away by a serious knee injury, ending his term at the club. Despite recovering enough to sign for Brazilian team Corinthians, Ronaldo never really shook off the effects of the many injuries he had sustained throughout his career.

Ronaldo went on to score 18 goals in 31 appearences for Corinthians, before retiring in 2011 after the team’s elimination from the Copa Libertadores.

For Brazil to have a special farewell match for Ronaldo proves just how special a player he has been, especially when you consider the calibre of players he has played alongside.

Ronaldo is truely one of the all time greats, to be talked of in the same breath as the likes of Pele and Maradonna – he is one of the best players never to win a Champions League, the top scorer ever in the World Cup and the scorer of some simply amazing goals. Today we have Messi, we have Cristiano Ronaldo, we have Rooney, but there is no one in the world who can score goals like Ronaldo – he will be sorely missed, and loved by football fans forever more.

Watch Ronaldo’s farewell appearance

Ronaldo Homage

Ten O’Clock Live

I know I’m well behind the times with this, but I’ve finally decided to review Ten O’Clock Live, Channel Four’s answer to news night. I watched the first episode, which was rough, but had potential, and decided to wait until the team had gotten into the swing of things before I passed judgment.

The Ten O’Clock Live team consists of Channel Four ever present Jimmy Carr, TV critic turned television personality in his own right Charlie Brooker, Peep show co-star and regular panel show guest David Mitchell and radio six music’s Lauren Laverne.
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Referendum?

On the 5th May, there will be a vote. A pretty important vote. Indeed, a vote that could change the way this country is run. The vote is for a referendum on how we vote MPs into the House of Commons.

Currently, we use a first past the post system where the candidate with the highest number of votes wins – even if its just by one vote!

The main reason for the first past the post system is the fact that it generally means the constituency will have strong links with its MP, as one party will usually get a majority. However, this system also means that a party can win an election even if they get a minority of votes, as seats in the commons are based on constituencies rather than the total number of votes.

This is the Referendum broadcast in support of the First Past the Post system, No For AV.

The Alternative Vote is being billed as a fairer vote – where a candidate needs to secure 50% of the votes in order to win an election. Each voter gets to rank candidates in order of preference, then, if no candidate gets 50%, then the second and third choices are taken into consideration. The votes for the least popular candidate are removed from the election. Then, the second choice votes of the people who voted for the lowest placed candidates are taken into account.

This process is repeated until one party has 50% of the vote.

The voters don’t have to rank all candidates, only those that they support.

This will mean that candidates will have to work harder to get the votes as they’ll have to work harder to get to that all important 50%. Although the criticisms are that it could mean the second choice votes could swing the votes, meaning that those who got the majority of the first round of votes won’t necessarily win.

This is the Referendum broadcast in support of the Alternative Vote, Yes For AV.

Personally, I will be voting Yes for AV – it’ll make our votes stronger, and more important – democracy is based on freedom of speech, and this is our chance to make our voices louder.

You can find out more on YES TO AV, NO TO AV and The Electoral Commission.