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All blogspot account without Google account will be closed and removed on June 25, 2011. So for those of you who already have a blogspot account without Google account immediately switch to a Google account before June 25, 2011. It's easy enough to visit the Legacy migration page and update your blogspot account.
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Manchester City The Winner Of FA CUP 2011
Manchester City 1 Stoke City 0: City end 35-year wait for a major trophy with FA Cup win against Stoke at Wembley.
Almost three years after Sheik Mansour's takeover transformed City into one of the richest clubs in the world, his £300million investment has now produced Champions League qualification and an FA Cup triumph in the space of a week.
It was somehow fitting that semi-final hero Yaya Toure - reportedly the highest paid player in the Barclays Premier League on £185,000 a week - was the match-winner again today against Stoke, whose 148-year wait for FA Cup glory goes on.
City had not won the cup themselves since 1969 but the Potters had not even been to a final and were the only surviving founder members of the Football League never to lift the trophy. The 1-0 defeat was also a double-whammy for manager Tony Pulis, whose last Wembley final saw his Gillingham side lose the 1999 Second Division play-offs to City.
The build-up to cup final day had been dominated by talk of the competition being further devalued by the scheduling of today's game.
Manchester United clinching the Barclays Premier League title minutes before kick-off did not help matters, and neither therefore did a rather unfortunate pre-match rendition of 'We are the Champions'.
But try telling that to the tens of thousands of City and Stoke fans crammed into Wembley this afternoon for what was the first cup final for both clubs for more than a generation.
And try telling it to the managers, who each gambled on the fitness of key players as Carlos Tevez, Matthew Etherington and Robert Huth all started.
City captain Tevez soon set about proving manager Roberto Mancini right, forcing a fine parry from Thomas Sorensen from 25 yards.
It was a sign of things to come as Mancini's men belied their reputation for caution in a utterly dominant first-half display.
Ryan Shawcross almost put into his own net and Toure drilled just wide from long range.
And City would have been ahead midway through the half but for a world-class save from Sorensen, who somehow clawed behind Mario Balotelli's top-corner-bound curler.
It was looking like Sorensen's lucky day after he kept his place as Stoke's FA Cup goalkeeper ahead of Asmir Begovic.
He survived being beaten to a long ball by Tevez and got away with spilling Vincent Kompany's tame long-ranger.
His luck continued when Tevez brilliantly played in Balotelli and Sorensen beat the ball down straight to David Silva, who rifled a shot into the ground and over the crossbar.
Stoke had gone some way to shattering their own reputation in their free-flowing semi-final demolition of Bolton.
But when Huth's forearm connected with Balotelli's jaw, it was an early indication they had reverted to type.
Long throws and set-pieces were once again the order of the day, although they did fashion a chance in open play when Vincent Kompany threw his body at Kenwyne Jones' close-range shot.
Emerging from what can only have been harsh words at half-time, Stoke tore into City early in the second half, Jermaine Pennant playing through the pain of a first-half ankle injury to lead the charge.
But they were unable to produce the finishing touch and were almost caught on the break when Tevez squared for Silva, who hesitated just long enough for Shawcross to nick the ball away.
Joe Hart had been a spectator all afternoon but he came to City's rescue just past the hour mark when Jones beat Joleon Lescott to a long ball before poking his finish too close to the keeper.
Etherington, who had looked less than fully fit, was immediately withdrawn for Dean Whitehead.
Mancini responded to City's second-half slump by throwing on Adam Johnson for Gareth Barry and it immediately paid off.
City won the ball on the edge of the area and Balotelli exchanged passes via Huth, with the Italian's shot blocked by Marc Wilson straight to Toure to blast home.
Desperate defending and a fine save twice prevented Silva wrapping up victory, with Stoke throwing on John Carew in a bid to keep their dream alive.
Mancini finally went defensive when he withdrew Tevez for Pablo Zabaleta but despite late Stoke pressure, City deservedly hung on.
Manchester United clinch record 19th England Primer league title
Manchester United clinch record 19th English title
Blackburn 1 Manchester United 1Saturday, 14 May 2011
Requiring only a point to lift their 12th championship of Sir Alex Ferguson's incredible reign, United had fallen behind in the first half when Brett Emerton's far-post drive gave Blackburn a shock lead.
With Tomasz Kuszczak's nerves affecting his team-mates, for a while, United looked to be heading for a nerve-jangling final-day ending with Blackpool.
But help was at hand in the form of Rovers keeper Paul Robinson, who needlessly slid out on Javier Hernandez.
Much to Robinson's frustration, the Mexican went down and after referee Phil Dowd had restored order, Rooney drilled home to finally knock Liverpool off their perch, as Sir Alex Ferguson had promised all those years ago.
Travelling north in their thousands to herald a record title and put a damper on anything that might happen at Wembley a couple of hours' later, United being behind at half-time simply was not in the script.
The visitors had played with the confidence of a team who felt they were about to become champions, stroking the ball around efficiently and creating plenty of space around the Rovers box.
But that killer ball was missing.
After Nani had thudded a close-range header against the bar with only three minutes on the clock, United just could not find their range.
Nani cut a shot past the near-post, Ryan Giggs brought an excellent save out of Robinson and Wayne Rooney's chip sailed narrowly over.
United actually looked less likely to score as that opening period went on.
This would not have been too bad if Blackburn were scoreless too.
However, a combination of their perilous league position and being piqued at having their own position completely overlooked in the scramble to acclaim the men from Old Trafford, they approached their task with a fierce sense of determination.
Christopher Samba had already been slightly unlucky that Phil Dowd had ruled his excellent effort out for a foul on Nemanja Vidic when Emerton drifted a cross-shot to the far-post.
Kuszczak tried to push the ball away from danger but succeeded only in keeping it in play, which allowed Martin Olsson to retrieve it.
After exchanging passes with Junior Hoilett, Olsson crossed to the far post where Emerton finished with an excellent first-time effort.
It nearly got even worse for United when Michel Salgado's cross from the other side of the pitch dropped nicely for Olsson, whose shot was disappointingly off-target.
However, Ferguson must have been questioning the wisdom of his only concession to United's position, offering 40-year-old Edwin van der Sar a rare break, as Kuszczak had twice almost been caught in possession, having dwelt on routine back passes for far too long.
Quite apart from putting United's celebrations on hold, it also highlighted just what a tough job Ferguson faces in making sure the veteran Dutchman's replacement is a worthy successor.
Javier Hernandez has already proved his value to the Red Devils cause.
The Mexican was not having one of his better days though, failing to collect a Ryan Giggs' through ball that would have sent him clear of the Blackburn defence.
More weak goalkeeping from Kuszczak forced Rio Ferdinand into a rushed clearance before Olsson nodded an Emerton cross against the post with the United keeper nowhere.
Another Emerton cross led to Ferdinand getting rather too close to heading into his own net for the central defender's liking.
The hesitancy Kuszczak created had spread through the United defence.
Normally the strongest of partnerships, Vidic and Ferdinand crashed into each other as they tried to complete a routine interception on halfway.
Something needed to go United's way. Robinson's rashness provided it.
The former England keeper complained bitterly at the outcome but it is hard to imagine any striker not going down in such circumstances.
Blackburn were angry. Not angry enough to warrant caution being thrown to the wind in an attempt to win though.
Their top-flight survival fight will go down to the last day, when United will receive the Premier League trophy as the most successful team in English league history.
The best money saving websites
1. Gumtree
Getting a perfectly good used motorbike, TV or sewing machine from a classified advert is cheaper than buying new, and sometimes less hassle. Likewise, make money by selling your unwanted goods and chattels. Gumtree.com adverts are free, unless marked ?urgent? or ?featured? ? probably unnecessary for detritus lying in the hallway. Alternatively, give away your stuff on Freecycle, which creates a warm glow inside and, more practically, reduces landfill. Uk.freecycle.org offers free gifts of everything from old pianos to rabbit hutches, often in good condition.
Getting a perfectly good used motorbike, TV or sewing machine from a classified advert is cheaper than buying new, and sometimes less hassle. Likewise, make money by selling your unwanted goods and chattels. Gumtree.com adverts are free, unless marked ?urgent? or ?featured? ? probably unnecessary for detritus lying in the hallway. Alternatively, give away your stuff on Freecycle, which creates a warm glow inside and, more practically, reduces landfill. Uk.freecycle.org offers free gifts of everything from old pianos to rabbit hutches, often in good condition.
2. Travelsupermarket
One of the best things about the web is being able to mull over different holidays options. Check flights, hotels, car hire and travel insurance at Travelsupermarket.com, which has some market-beating prices. The flights function, for instance, sits above other search engines such as Opodo, Expedia and ebookers, scanning them for offers. Car hire is often cheaper than if booked through an airline.
One of the best things about the web is being able to mull over different holidays options. Check flights, hotels, car hire and travel insurance at Travelsupermarket.com, which has some market-beating prices. The flights function, for instance, sits above other search engines such as Opodo, Expedia and ebookers, scanning them for offers. Car hire is often cheaper than if booked through an airline.
3. Ecopromotion
Energy efficiency is dull, but it?s important for climate change and saves pots of money. And once you do it, you don?t have to do it again. Browse a range of environmentally friendly products from solar battery chargers to shower timers at Nigel?s Eco Store (nigelsecostore.com). Alternatively Ecopromotion.co.uk has some good energy (and money) saving tips, such as reflective radiator panels, which are attached to the wall and direct heat back into the room. The site reckons a £25 pack of six will cut heating bills by up to 20 per cent, or £120 a year for the average three-bedroom semi-detached house. In any case, they should at least pay for themselves in a year, after which your home will be warmer, and cheaper to run.
Energy efficiency is dull, but it?s important for climate change and saves pots of money. And once you do it, you don?t have to do it again. Browse a range of environmentally friendly products from solar battery chargers to shower timers at Nigel?s Eco Store (nigelsecostore.com). Alternatively Ecopromotion.co.uk has some good energy (and money) saving tips, such as reflective radiator panels, which are attached to the wall and direct heat back into the room. The site reckons a £25 pack of six will cut heating bills by up to 20 per cent, or £120 a year for the average three-bedroom semi-detached house. In any case, they should at least pay for themselves in a year, after which your home will be warmer, and cheaper to run.
4. TheEnergyShop.com
Millions of homes are still paying too much for their heat and power. Someone with a combined annual gas and electricity bill of £1,200 could save around £300 by switching to an internet deal, which email rather than post the bill (the supply coming into your house stays the same). Price comparison sites such as TheEnergyshop.com and uswitch.com offer a quick postcode search. Just tap in a few details and switch online in minutes. The Independent also has a site, compare.independent.co.uk.
Millions of homes are still paying too much for their heat and power. Someone with a combined annual gas and electricity bill of £1,200 could save around £300 by switching to an internet deal, which email rather than post the bill (the supply coming into your house stays the same). Price comparison sites such as TheEnergyshop.com and uswitch.com offer a quick postcode search. Just tap in a few details and switch online in minutes. The Independent also has a site, compare.independent.co.uk.
5. Fonebank
At least 60 million mobile phones are thought to be languishing in drawers across the UK. Fonebank.com re-uses or recycles them, giving new life to their polluting metals and you a few pounds: £2 for an old Nokia to £150 for a new BlackBerry. Just send off a phone to the freepost address. Redcross.org.uk runs a similar scheme, which funds the charity?s national and international work, such as giving first aid training and running water and sanitation projects.
At least 60 million mobile phones are thought to be languishing in drawers across the UK. Fonebank.com re-uses or recycles them, giving new life to their polluting metals and you a few pounds: £2 for an old Nokia to £150 for a new BlackBerry. Just send off a phone to the freepost address. Redcross.org.uk runs a similar scheme, which funds the charity?s national and international work, such as giving first aid training and running water and sanitation projects.
6. Moneydashboard
If you end up overspending it might be worth looking at this website. Moneydashboard.com?s downloadable free software links with your online bank account and credit cards, allowing you to monitor your spending in one place. You can tag different types of expenditure, set a monthly budget and receive alerts when you tip into the red. Moneydashboard.com makes its money from commission on financial products which periodically it suggests you buy, though obviously you don?t have to. The US giant Yodlee manages the online security and it?s claimed there?s no risk of a hacker accessing personal details because they?re anonymised.
If you end up overspending it might be worth looking at this website. Moneydashboard.com?s downloadable free software links with your online bank account and credit cards, allowing you to monitor your spending in one place. You can tag different types of expenditure, set a monthly budget and receive alerts when you tip into the red. Moneydashboard.com makes its money from commission on financial products which periodically it suggests you buy, though obviously you don?t have to. The US giant Yodlee manages the online security and it?s claimed there?s no risk of a hacker accessing personal details because they?re anonymised.
7. Savewatersavemoney
Even if you don?t have a meter, you can save money by saving water. At £20, aerated showerheads should pay for themselves within a year. Savewatersavemoney.co.uk has another idea: tap inserts. Kitchen taps can run at 15 litres a minute, sending hot water down the plughole. Fitting a £5.99 gizmo slows the rate to 3 litres a minute, and saves money, year after year after year.
Even if you don?t have a meter, you can save money by saving water. At £20, aerated showerheads should pay for themselves within a year. Savewatersavemoney.co.uk has another idea: tap inserts. Kitchen taps can run at 15 litres a minute, sending hot water down the plughole. Fitting a £5.99 gizmo slows the rate to 3 litres a minute, and saves money, year after year after year.
8. Consumer Direct
What do you do if the new washing machine breaks down and the shop won?t take it back? The Government?s free shopping advice service, consumerdirect.gov.uk, dispenses expert advice on buying cars and mobile phones and hiring builders and decorators, among other things.
What do you do if the new washing machine breaks down and the shop won?t take it back? The Government?s free shopping advice service, consumerdirect.gov.uk, dispenses expert advice on buying cars and mobile phones and hiring builders and decorators, among other things.
9. European Consumer Centre
If you are buying something from outside the UK but inside the EU, the European Consumer Centre could save you a fortune. Funded by the EU and trading standards, ukecc.net offers advice about your shoppping rights ? which at a European level are surprisingly robust. For instance, a ruined holiday could be repaid under the Package Holiday Directive and, if you don?t like an online delivery, you can ask for a refund within seven days under the Distance Selling Directive.
If you are buying something from outside the UK but inside the EU, the European Consumer Centre could save you a fortune. Funded by the EU and trading standards, ukecc.net offers advice about your shoppping rights ? which at a European level are surprisingly robust. For instance, a ruined holiday could be repaid under the Package Holiday Directive and, if you don?t like an online delivery, you can ask for a refund within seven days under the Distance Selling Directive.
10. Credit Counselling
If you have already spent too much, it?s better to confront your money problems. Most debt management companies charge a fee for sorting out your finances. The estimable Consumer Credit Counselling Services, a registered charity, doesn?t. It?s well used to dealing with the most woefully mismanaged finances, confidentially and free at cccs.co.uk.
If you have already spent too much, it?s better to confront your money problems. Most debt management companies charge a fee for sorting out your finances. The estimable Consumer Credit Counselling Services, a registered charity, doesn?t. It?s well used to dealing with the most woefully mismanaged finances, confidentially and free at cccs.co.uk.
Blackburn fans selling season tickets to Manchester United supporters
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
Blackburn have warned their supporters against selling season tickets to Manchester United fans for the crunch fixture between the two sides this weekend.
United will secure their 19th league title if they avoid defeat at Ewood Park on Saturday, while Rovers are looking for a positive result as they continue their battle to avoid relegation.
The sale of tickets to United fans could mean some supporters are not segregated, causing a security concern.
A statement on Blackburn's official website said: "Reports that some Blackburn Rovers supporters are 'selling' their season tickets to Manchester United fans ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture at Ewood Park have brought a furious response from the club.
"Club officials - fully supported by Lancashire Police - warn that everything possible is being done to minimise the illegal practice and stress that any offenders will face strong and appropriate action.
"Rovers have information and intelligence of season ticket holders selling their tickets directly to United followers - there is even evidence of season tickets being advertised on the internet."
Blackburn managing director Tom Finn said: "This is a very disturbing situation, not to mention a criminal offence, and a situation we could well do without leading up to what is a massive fixture.
"We are currently monitoring things very closely and, where necessary, will cancel the season tickets, so denying entry to the stadium on the day.
"It also goes without saying that we need as many Rovers fans inside Ewood Park on Saturday as we can.
"Fervent home support has worked wonders for us in recent years and we need it again now."
http://www.independent.co.uk
Microsoft confirms £5bn Skype deal
Microsoft today confirmed it will buy internet phone service Skype for 8.5 billion US dollars (£5 billion) in the software giant's biggest ever takeover deal.
Luxembourg-based Skype, which allows its 663 million users to make voice or video calls over the internet, will become a new business division within Microsoft after its private owners agreed to sell the business.
The hefty price tag is likely to raise eyebrows as Skype's former owner, online auctioneer eBay, sold 70% of the reportedly loss-making business for 2 billion US dollars (£1.2 billion) just two years ago.
The value of the deal overtakes Microsoft's successful bid for online advertising agency aQuantive in 2007 for 6 billion US dollars (£3.6 billion).
Skype is popular for its free calling services, which can be made to other Skype users, and has around 8.8 million paying customers per month.
The amount of call time on Skype's network totalled 207 billion minutes last year, according to regulatory documents.
City analysts earlier questioned the size of the bid price as the company made a 7 million US dollars (£4.2 million) loss last year on revenues of 860 million US dollars (£525 million).
A Skype sale has been speculated upon for weeks, with Google and Facebook also rumoured to be interested.
Skype was bought by eBay for 2.6 billion US dollars (£1.5 billion) in 2005 but it sold a 70% stake to private equity firms Silver Lake and Andreessen Horowitz for 2 billion US dollars (£1.2 billion).
Other major shareholders include tech-firm Joltid and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said his company made the decision to buy Skype in mid-April after it held partnership discussions with the group.
"We decided it was in our best interest to own the group and made an unsolicited approach to Silver Lake," he said.
The plans are to link it with Microsoft's other core products such as Outlook, Xbox and its Windows phone.
Mr Ballmer said Skype's video capability was a natural fit with Outlook's existing email and messaging functions.
The chief executive confirmed Microsoft would also continue to support Skype's multi-platform approach so it will still be made available on products made by rivals such as Apple and Google.
Skype boss Tony Bates, who will become Microsoft Skype division's president once the deal is completed, said this commitment to support Skype across different platforms was fundamental to the deal being agreed.
http://www.independent.co.uk
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