Former Ireland Rugby International Trevor Ringland receives MBE

Former Ireland rugby international Trevor Ringland, who has played a key role in efforts to ensure a peaceful future for Northern Ireland has been named as an MBE in the New Year's Honours list.

Solicitor Trevor Ringland, a member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board who played for Ulster, Ireland and the British Lions during his rugby career was made an MBE for his services to the community.

Former police officer Brian McCargo is made an OBE for his services to sport and to the Special Olympics.



Image Courtesy: BBC Sports

David Beckham Gets Another Tattoo: "My son, do not forget my teaching but keep my commands in your heart."

England's soccer star David Beckham now shows a biblical proverb in Hebrew on his left arm which reads: 'My son, do not forget my teaching but keep my commands in your heart.'

His wife Victoria "Posh" Beckham isn't too keen on the new design.

'Victoria doesn’t think David should have any more tattoos and tried to stop him,' the insider tells The Sun.

'She is worried he is hooked and she doesn’t know where it will all end.'

Becks also has the Hebrew phrase 'I am my beloved and my beloved is mine' on the same arm, next to 'Victoria' written in Hindi.

The tattoo has been done by David's favorite artist Louis Malloy.




A New Year Surprise - I suppose

Stephanie Rice- The Pool Queen

My Fav - Stephanie Rice - Australian Swimming Sensation

Name : Stephanie Lora Rice

Parents: Warren Rice and Raelene Clark

D.O.B.: June 17, 1988

Hometown: Brisbane, Australia

Height: 5'9"

High School: Clayfield College in Brisbane, Queensland

Profession: Swimming

Trainer: Michael Bohl from the St Peters Western Swimming Club

Achievements: World Record holder in the 200 m and 400 m individual medley. Three gold medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
Swimming World Magazine named her as Female World Swimmer of the Year.


Stephanie Rice in 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics :

Gold Medal in 200m individual medley.
Gold Medal in 400m individual medley.
Gold Medal in 4x200m freestyle relay.

Stephanie Rice in 2007 Melbourne World Championships :

Bronze Medal in 200m individual medley.
Bronze Medal in 400m individual medley.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to Stephanie Rice and to All my Blog Readers!

Have a Gala Time!


The above flash work is courtesy of Mr. Indrajit Sarkar

Ana Ivanovic Signs Endorsement Contract with Rolex

Serbian tennis star Ana Ivanovic followed what her male compatriots Roger Federer and Andy Roddick did. This beautiful Serbian tennis icon signed a worldwide endorsement contract with Rolex S.A., the leading Swiss watchmaker. As the only female tennis player chosen by Rolex, she will be employed in their advertising and as an ambassador of their philanthropic and sporting ventures. Beyond tennis, Rolex respected Ana Ivanovic's appointment by the United Nations as the Unicef National Ambassador for Serbia in September, 2007.




This article, by John Lavitt can be found at the free MJ Rolex Watch Blog at: http://www.melrosejewelers.com/rolex-watch-blog/french-open-champion-ana-Ivanovic-signs-endorsement-contract-with-rolex/

A Labrador Puppy Christmas Gift for Danielle Bux

Gary Linekar and Danielle Bux with children in Richmond Park

47-year old Gary Lineker and his 29-year-old lingerie model fiancé Danielle Bux played with what looked like her Christmas gift - a labrador puppy.

Gary Linekar and the 29-year-old model Danielle were joined by two of Gary's sons from his first marriage, Harry, 13, and Angus, nine.

And Danielle's five-year-old daughter Ella showed some skill with the football as they played around with the golden-coloured pup in London's Richmond Park.

Image Courtesy: http://www.dailymail.co.uk

IAAF Declares Usain Bolt and Yelena Isinbayeva World Athletes of the Year 2008

Usain Bolt and Yelena Isinbayeva Wins World Athletes of the Year 2008

Yelena Isinbayeva of Russia

Usain Bolt of Jamaica

The world's fastest man Usain Bolt and Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva have been named World Athletes of the Year by The International Association of Athletics Federations.

The International Association of Athletics Federations said in a statment today the pair displayed unrivaled speed and agility, and the ability to perform with the poise and conviction of seasoned veterans.

"Each ended their respective seasons with virtually untarnished records, and left Beijing as dominating Olympic champions with feats that aren’t likely to be duplicated any time soon," the statement said.


"I knew it was going to be difficult over the past two seasons. I was very confident that I could break through the wall.” - Yelena Isinbayeva


“I have a motto that anything is possible. But this really is such an honour.” - Usain Bolt



News Courtesy: http://www.news.com.au/

Where will Stephanie Rice be Partying This New Year's Eve?

Where will Stephanie Rice Partying This News Year's Eve?

Guess where and with whom my fav and pool queen Stephanie Rice will partying this New Years Eve?

Hmmm..guessed wrong...no no..not with me... :)

Stephanie Rice has plans to welcome in the new year partying with heiress Paris Hilton.

It is understood that Rice, who this month stripped down to shoot her latest campaign for Davenport underwear, has taken up an invitation to attend the celebrity party where Hilton will appear at Trademark in Sydney's Kings Cross.

The Olympic swimming sensation is to take in the celebrity heavy party with two girlfriends, fellow swimmers Meagan Nay and Bronte Barrett.


Please Stephanie ....please invite me too!


Image Courtesy: http://www.zimbio.com/pictures

Lassana Diarra Signs for Real Madrid Worth 20 Million Pounds

Real Madrid unveiled Lassana Diarra at the club’s Bernabeu Stadium on Monday (22 December).
The 23-year-old France international joined the club from English Premier League side Portsmouth in a deal worth in the region of 20 million pounds.

Lassana Diarra was unveiled to the Spanish media on Monday after completing his move from the English Premier League club Portsnmouth to the Spanish giants Real Madrid. Diarra signed a four-and-a-half-year contract which will keep him at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2013 after Madrid reportedly paid Portsmouth in the region of 20 million pounds (US$28 million).
The 23-year-old France midfielder says it’s a once in a lifetime move. “Nobody can refuse an offer to play for Real Madrid. I am very happy. It was my dream from a long time ago, and now that I am here I want to adapt as soon as possible to give everything to this club,” said Diarra.

Diarra, who began his playing career at French club Le Havre in 2004, has made 16 appearances for France. Diarra’s signing takes Madrid’s total spending on transfers to just under 300 million pounds (US$419 million) since president Ramon Calderon took office in 2006.





News Courtesy: http://www.nhatky.in/

Nikolai Valuev Defends WBA Title against Evander Holyfield : Pictures

Nikolai Valuev against Evander Holyfield for the WBA Title

Russia's 7-feet Nikolai Valuev successfully defended his WBA title on Saturday night with a majority decision win over former world champion Evander Holyfield over 12 rounds.

Despite a brave display Evander Holyfield, who was bidding for his fifth world crown, the judges scored it 114-114, 116-112, 115-114 in Valuev's favour as the giant Russian successfully defended his title.

The seven foot Nikolai Valuev remained on the front foot as there was a big exchange during the ninth, and in the 10th Holyfield landed a strong right-left combination. Valuev finished better and pushed his opponent in the corner in the 12th .

After the final bell, both men hugged each other, with either fighter claiming the win. When the scorecards were read, boos rang out as the crowd favorite's narrow defeat was confirmed.


"Of course I am disappointed," Holyfield (42-10-2) told the Associated Press. "I thought I had done enough to get the win. Now I have to go home and think about my future."

Image Courtesys: Google AFP & The Associated Press

All Black Adam Thomson Charged With Assaulting A Female

Police sources confirmed that Adam Thomson, 26, was arrested early yesterday (21st Dec, Sunday) in Havelock North and has been charged with assaulting a female.

Thomson was processed at the Hastings police station and will appear in the Hastings District Court tomorrow.


Highlanders chief executive Richard Reid said he found out about the incident yesterday, but did not know any details.

"All I'm aware of is that there was some sort of incident."

Thomson was on annual leave. It was too soon to talk about disciplinary measures, Reid said.

New Zealand Rugby Union professional rugby manager Neil Sorensen said he was also aware of the incident.

"But as it is a police matter, it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this stage."

The 1.96m tall loose forward has represented New Zealand at various levels in rugby since 2000. Thomson also plays for the Highlanders in the Super 14.

News Source : www.Stuff.co.nz

The New Look of "Super Heavy Weight" Mike Tyson

The new Mike Tyson, making an appearance at the Video Game Awards on Sunday night.

Gosh! It took so many "ears" to be Super Heavy Weight !

Image Courtesy: http://www.nbcwashington.com/sports

Keanu Reeves's Film angers Bayern Fans

A scene form "The Day The Earth Stood Still" where Allianz Arena stadium being blown out

Supporters of German sports club Bayern Munich are boycotting Keanu Reeves” ‘The Day The Earth Stood Still’ after seeing their stadium being blasted by aliens in the new science fiction thriller.

The trailer of the movie had raged soccer fans after it was aired on the club’’s giant TV screens, depicting the Allianz Arena stadium being blown to bits by aliens.

The club’s media director Markus Hoerwick said that they had no idea about the scene until it was screened in the match-day trailer.

Image Courtesy: http://www.bild.de/

Evander Holyfield (46) To Fight Nikolai Valuev (35) For WBA HeavyWeight Championship

Former world heayweight champion Evander Holyfield could well become the oldest ever heavyweight world champion at age 46, when he takes on Russian 7-foot 35-year old Nikolai Valuev in Zurich on Saturday.

"I am in great shape," said the 'Real Deal' 46-yeal old American pugilist from Atlanta, Georgia .

Evander Holyfield - who owns a record of 42 wins and 27 KOs with nine defeats - four of which have come in the last six years.

Nikolai Valuev from St. Petersburg, Russia, recaptured the WBA title when he beat John Ruiz in Berlin in August this year.


Valuev - who owns a record of 49 wins and 34 KOs with one defeat - said he had had an ideal preparation for the title fight.

The clash will take place in historic Zurich's Hallenstadion.

Argentine League Table : Apertura League Standings : After 18 Rounds

Apertura League Standings : After 18 Rounds.

San Lorenzo and Boca Juniors share the number 1 and 2 positions of the Apertura League after 18 rounds. They both share 36 points each, but better goal difference of San Lorenzo has put them in number one spot.

Usain Bolt and Melanie Walker Named Jamaica Athletes of the Year

Glen Mills
Usain Bolt
Melanie Walker

Usain Bolt and Olympic women's 400m hurdles champion Melanie Walker were named Jamaica's male and female athletes of the year for 2008 on Tuesday (9th December, 2008).

"It is good to be recognised by the JAAA because they have done a lot of work by trying to develop the athletes and track and field in Jamaica overall," Bolt said. "I really appreciate it."

Bolt's coach Glen Mills was voted Coach of the Year.

Stephanie Rice's Used Napkin At eBay.com

At The Age Sports Performer of the Year awards, Stephanie Rice handed over her napkin and signed it for authenticity.

Log on to http://www.ebay.com.au, type: "Stephanie Rice's napkin" into the search window and bid like there's no tomorrow.

The auction will end at 4pm sharp this Thursday, all proceeds to the Catherine Freeman Foundation.

Image Courtesy: http://www.theage.com.au

Bayern Munich In Hunt For Ivica Olic

Bayern have now officially joined Juventus and Valencia in the chase to capture the 29-year-old Ivica Olic.

"We are convinced that Ivica would ideally suit our two strikers Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose," Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told Bild.


Ivica Olic joined Hamburg in January 2007 from CSKA Moscow and has scored 24 goals in 65 Bundesliga appearances.

Diego Maradona Visits Missionaries of Charity, Kolkata

The GOD - Diego Armando Maradona's Kolkata Visit - Pictures

Diego Armando Maradona during his visit to Missionaries of Charity

Diego Maradona and Veronica at Miisionaries of Charity

Diego Maradona's footprint was taken in a football academy in Maheshtala, Kolkata

Diego Armando Maradona, the "God of Soccer" himself, was a picture of serenity at the Mother House, the world headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, on Sunday(7th December, 2008).

Diego Maradona, lit a candle and prayed at Mother Teresa's tomb during a special mass before talking to the sisters and children -- many of them orphans -- who live at the home.

“This is the second biggest reception of my life after Napoli,” said Maradona on a TV channel, as he described his two-day visit to Kolkata, India.

Long Live THE KING, Long Live HIS Dynasty!

Image Courtesys: NDTV, AFP Google

The God - Diego Armando Maradona Lands in Kolkata, India

The GOD - Diego Armando Maradona finally arrived in my city, Kolkata earlier today (dec 6) morning amidst a rousing reception by thousands of mad "GOD" fans. The football capital of the country was awake to welcome the GOD.

Maradona finally touched down Kolkata at 1.15 A.M. in the morning. Half an hour later the moment arrived Kolkatans and myself had been waiting for. We chanted Diego Diego that reverberated in the air, even the GOD, Maradona dressed in a black suit could not control his emotions as he got up from his seat to acknowledge the cheers.

A historic moment for the football capital Kolkata, India. At half past 2 in the morning, Diego Maradona along with his girlfriend Veronica finally checked in at the hotel ITC Sonar Bangla. The legendary soccer star received a traditional Indian welcome.

Formula One : Honda Pulls Out

Honda Withdraws From Formula One

Honda Motor president Takeo Fukui said: "Honda Motor Co. has come to the conclusion that we will withdraw from all Formula One activities, making 2008 the last season for participation."

He added the "difficult decision" has been made "in light of the quickly deteriorating operating environment facing the global auto industry."

Mr Fukui blamed the troubles on the "subprime problem in the United States, the deepening credit crisis and the sudden contraction of the world economies."

Honda's 750-strong staff reportedly first heard the news at a meeting, Sky sources said.

Staff were told that unless a buyer could be found by the end of December, the team would be wound up and not compete in next year's Championship.

Among the team's staff are British driver Jenson Button and Ross Brawn.

News Source: news.sky.com

Stephanie Rice - Google's Gold Medalist

The pool Queen in Beijing Olympics, star of naughty Facebook photos and gossip fodder over her split from a fellow swimmer, Stephanie Rice set the Australian online community on fire this year.

The glamazon gold medallist was the most sought-after Olympian on Google's annual list of most popular search terms in Australia, in a year when "games" was the country's overall most-searched topic.

WHAT AUSTRALIANS GOOGLED THIS YEAR

Top 10 Olympians

Stephanie Rice
Usain Bolt
Grant Hackett
Michael Phelps
Eamon Sullivan
Leisel Jones
Melissa Wu
Libby Trickett
Lauren Jackson
Cadel Evans

Rugby World Cup 2011 : All Blacks in Pool A, Wallabies in Pool C, Springboks in Pool D

Tournament hosts New Zealand were drawn alongside France in the draw for the 2011 Rugby Union World Cup. Old rivals England

and Scotland were paired alongside one another in a World Cup pool for the first time.

The All Blacks and France are the two top-ranked teams in a Pool A also featuring Tonga, and qualifiers still to be

determined from the Americas and Asia.

England and Scotland are in the same Pool B as Argentina, third-placed finishers at the 2007 World Cup and, as yet, unknown

qualifiers from Europe and the winners of a global play-off competition.

Reigning champions South Africa are in a Pool D featuring Fiji, Six Nations champions Wales and qualifiers from Oceania and

Africa.

Australia are in Pool C with Ireland, Italy and qualifiers from Europe and the Americas.

Pool Draw

Pool A: New Zealand, France, Tonga, Americas 1, Asia 1

Pool B: Argentina, England, Scotland, Europe 1, Play-off winner

Pool C: Australia, Ireland, Italy, Europe 2, Americas 2

Pool D: South Africa, Wales, Fiji, Oceania 1, Africa 1

Quarter Final 1: Winner Pool B v Runner-up Pool A

Quarter Final 2: Winner Pool C v Runner-up Pool D

Quarter Final 3: Winner Pool A v Runner-up Pool B

Quarter Final 4: Winner Pool D v Runner-up Pool C

Semi-Final 1: Winner QF1 v Winner QF2

Semi-Final 2: Winner QF3 v Winner QF4

Third place playoff: Loser SF1 v Loser SF2

Final: Winner SF1 v Winner SF2

Image Courtesy: AFP Pictures

Argentine League Table : Apertura League Standings : After 17 Rounds

Argentine League Table : Apertura League Standings : After 17 Rounds

Juan Roman Riquelme's Brace Keeps Boca on Top with 35 Points

Juan Roman Riquelme scored twice to give Boca Juniors a 2-1 win over Racing Club and keep them top of the Argentine championship at the Bombonera stadium on Sunday.

Tigre moved into second place after coming from behind for a 3-1 win over River Plate who, incredibly, are bottom of the table.

San Lorenzo, previously second, dropped to fourth after their game against Huracan on Saturday was suspended by a torrential downpour in the 16th minute.

With two games to play, Boca lead the Apertura championship with 35 points from 17 games, two ahead of Tigre.

Riquelme opened the scoring with a 40th-minute penalty beating Pablo Migliore. Franco Sosa outjumped a group of Boca defenders to head Racing level in first-half stoppage time.

After becoming involved in an altercation with a supporter in the members' seats who apparently insulted him early in the second half, Riquelme volleyed the winner on the hour.

He then ran 50 metres to celebrate in front of the fan who became involved in a fight with other supporters around him.

Argentine Apertura Championship: Round 17 Results

November 28 (Friday)

Independiente 0 - 1 Banfield

Gimnasia de La Plata 1 - 0 Colon de Santa Fe

November 29 (Saturday)

Huracan 1 - 0 San Lorenzo (suspended)

Gimnasia de Jujuy 1 - 0 San Martin

Lanus 2 - 1 Arsenal de Sarandi

November 30 (Sunday)

Argentinos Juniors 0 - 0 Rosario Central

Tigre 3 - 1 River Plate

Boca Juniors 2 - 1 Racing Club

Newell's Old Boys 1 - 0 Velez Sarsfield


News Source: Reuters
Image Courtesy: Goal.com