New Articles on The Daily Dust today

Posted: 02 Jan 2009 06:45 AM CST

Eire’s Goalkeeper of choice ready to leave the Toon.

Following a humiliating 5-1 loss to Liverpool, Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given is considering his position at Newcastle United. Signed almost twelve years ago for £1.5 million by Kenny Dalgleish, Given is unhappy with the less than stable atmosphere at the club.

Three teams have expressed an interest in his employment - Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur - and having Michael Kennedy air his feelings means Given is letting everyone know that he’s ready.

Whether Newcastle will want to sell him is not yet known, he could be one of the costlier transfers in this window if someone were to pick him up. An indication of how the club feel may arise tomorrow in their FA Cup game against Hull City and whether Given is between the sticks to take on the potential Giant-Killers.

Fairtrade Tea Not That Fair for Workers

Posted: 02 Jan 2009 06:19 AM CST

Working practices behind ethical tea companies are being investigated.

The Fairtrade label on your tea and coffee might not be telling the whole story, writes The Times today. While the label might ease your conscious, the promised benefits to those in the fields may not be being passed on.

Sales of Fairtrade produce command a premium that is supposed to be used for the benefit of estate workers. It should be passed to them through a committee of managers and workers who decide where and how it is spent. Managers at one tea estate in Kenya said that Fairtrade regulations were too expensive or difficult to implement and that some of their workers found them too restrictive. At an estate in India, Fairtade inspectors found problems with the way that the premium was managed and many workers complained that they had seen no benefit.

Fairtrade, or more specifically Fair Trade Certified products, have grown in recent years to be worth more than $3.6 billion in 2007, with revenue numbers expected to be higher in 2008, and their 2007 annual report highlighted the 7.5 million prodcuers and families that benefit from the premium that fair trade goods have.

As with any business, there will be loopholes, and people pushing (if not breaching) any guidliness and twisting to get the best reports and inspections. It seems from the report that while Fair Trade is something to support, the continued drive for low food prices means a much stronger controlling hand from the Fair Trade Labelling Organisation is required.

More at The Times.

Why Does Nobody Know Mandelson’s Name?

Top Recent Eurovision Classics From The UK

Posted: 02 Jan 2009 05:44 AM CST

How well has the UK done recently at choosing a Eurovision entry? Not very well, as we find out here.

This Saturday see’s the BBC launch their hunt for a singer to represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest, to be held in Moscow in May. The UK has lost their way at the song contest in recent years, as we can see in this look back at some of the recent notable UK entrants into both the song contest and previous auditions to represent the country.

Your Country Needs You starts on BBC1 this Saturday at 7.10 pm, more info on the BBC Eurovision website.

Come Back, Jessica Garlick

Let’s start with the exception. Any other year, any other year, and this would have won Eurovision. In 2002, Malta and Latvia dueled for second place, while the UK and Estonia eventually tied for third. Having to run in second in the contest of 24 countries doomed the song - if it had bee later in the Eurovision running order, the Welsh Pop Idol contestant would likely be lauded as our last winner. Still, it’s our highest placing since being second in 1998.

Love Shine A Light, Katrina and the Waves

And the year before that #2, was the last winner for the UK, back in 1997. Regarded as one of the finest songs to ever grace Eurovision, this was originally written as an anthem for The Samaratins, it soared to success. Expect to hear many mentions of this song.

Cry Baby, Jemini

On the other hand, expect to hear very little about “Jem and I” (see what they did there?). While taking a competent song to the 2003 finals, their lack of stadium performance skills and basic equipment (such as in-ear monitors) meant an out-of-key performance and the embarrassment of the first “nul points” for the UK.

Teenage Life, Daz Sampson

While it came 19th in Greece, Teenage Life had one thing going for it. The UK genuinely loved the song, and it reached the Top Ten in the week after the Song Contest… unlike other UK entries which failed to chart. While Daz didn’t top the table, he at least had the country behind him - perhaps Eurovision wasn’t ready for a Dance/Rap track from the man behind The Hamster Sance?

Woo (You Make Me), Michelle Gayle

So with all this history, last year the UK sent a binman - who’d never done studio songs. Andy did his best with his own song, but when your song peaks at #76 in the UK charts, why should we expect Europe to vote for it when we as a country essentially ignored it. In second place in the UK finals was ex Eastenders Michelle Gayle. Who has two Top 30 albums, who performed in the West End as a leading lady, and has three Brit award nominations. And had a song that was a decent mid-table Eurovision number.

They Don’t Make Em Like They Used To, Justin Hawkins and Beverlei Brown

Need some stadium rockers? Who can work an audience? Call Justin “ex-Darkness” Hawkins and this bouncy Schlagen pop duet that sounds like every Swedish entry since Abba. Surprisinlgy, this came third in the UK’s heats in 2007, loosing out to the reformed Scooch…

Pif Paf Pof, by The High Life (Forbes Mason and Alan Cumming)

Scooch of course did a Carry-on esque number of Airline stewards and stewardesses which was so cringeworthy they needed to have alternativle lyrics to appear on Blue Peter. And scottish comedians Alan Cumming and Forbes Mason must have had flashbacks to their Airline Steward based sitcom, The High Life from the mid 90s, where they attempted to create a Scottish Song for Europe that went something like this…

I’ll Leave My Heart, Cyndi

…and I’ll be honest, Forbes and Cumming were better than Scooch. The song that came second was this belter of a ballad. At the UK Final, Fearne Cotton called Scooch the winner, and Terry Wogan, simulaneously (yet incorrectly) called the contest for Cyndi. Perhaps it was a last Hail Mary to save the UK embarresment that year? Nobody but Terry knows, but consider that Cyndi went on to come second in the Fan-Run “which was the best song that came second” contest (the irony) while Scooch had to rely on a block vote from our friends in Ireland and Malta. Everyone else nul pointed us.

So the stage is now set for us to choose a singer for Eurovision - interestingly that singer will not be singing our entry just yet, as Andrew Lloyd Webber has rightly decided to write something appropriate for the winning performer. Right now the country needs to focus on chosing the right performer who has the ability to hold the audience captive over three mintues, and who can best work the media circuit in the month of the contest.

Your Country Needs You, BBC1 Saturday at 7.10 pm, more info on the BBC Eurovision website.

The Loonies That Swim on New Years Day

Posted: 02 Jan 2009 04:37 AM CST

New Years Day in Scotland, can only mean one thing..a nice refreshing swim

The place to be for Hogmany is Edinburgh, and this year as per the past 23, many took to the cold waters of the River Forth to celebrate the new year at precisely 1.30pm due to tidal conditions.

The annual Loony Dook draws “swimmers” from around the world and raises thousands of pounds for charity.

Among the characters at South Queensferry for the 23rd event were Wonder Woman, Elvis, man-brides and a nun.

More info can be seen on the Loony Dook website..brrrrty

Merlin Runs Up £46,000 For A Party

Three To Watch Tonight - Celebrity Big Brother

Posted: 02 Jan 2009 04:26 AM CST

With a LIVE launch tonight, the goldfish tank filled with ex-famous people is back

Davina McCall returns to present the live launch show as the celebrities enter the Big Brother house.

The full line up of stars can be found here, one thing is for sure, with a line up that resembles a Victorian circus, we are in for some fun..

Once the celebrities have entered the Big Brother house, join comedian Jack Whitehall and guests for the first Big Mouth of the series, as they debate the new housemates on night one.

Celebrity Big Brother Live Launch - Channel 4 9pm

Celebrity Big Brother’s Big Mouth - E4 10.15pm

Celebrity Big Brother Live (and plenty of annoying bird noises covering up celeb secrets) - E4 from 11.05pm

“Mad” Uncle Dies and Leaves a Garage with £6m Supercar Inside

Posted: 02 Jan 2009 03:53 AM CST

Imagine the surprise when a mad Uncle dies and left a garage that has a special secret..

The nephew and niece (from Newcastle) of an 89 year old doctor were amazed when they were left a garage in his will..

Only when they opened the door did they find the world's most expensive car covered in dust.

They were told the 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante, one of only 17 made in the world could fetch over £6m at auction next month as the highlight of Bonham's Retromobile car show and sale in Paris.

The Bugatti had been left to gather dust for 47 years since its last tax disk expired in December 1960.

Hat tip to the mirror.

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Celebrity Big Brother - Full Line Up Revealed

Posted: 02 Jan 2009 03:38 AM CST

Celebrity Big Brother is back on your screens tonight and the line up is very similar to others

Just as we revealed on Christmas eve, here is the full and complete line up of celebrity big brother series 6.

La Toya Jackson, 52, famous for being Michael Jackson's sister and posing for Playboy.

Mutya Buena, 23, founder member of girlband Sugababes, she left in 2005.

Artis Leon Ivey Jr, 45, only known as COOLIO, rapper from USA.

Michelle Heaton, 28, lost out in final of Popstars and formed losing band Liberty X.

Lucy Pinder, 26, topless model.

Tina Malone, 45, plays Mimi in Shameless.

Steve Strange, 49, New Romantic singer in band Visage.

Terry Christian, 42, hosted cult show, The Word.

Verne Troyer, 40, played Mini-Me in Austin Powers.

Ulrika Jonsson, 41, known as much for her fling with Svenn as her Tv persenting roles.

Tommy Sheridan, 44, Scottish Politician.

Ben Adams, 27, was in cheesy boyband A1, they split in 2002.

Celebrity Big Brother Starts Tonight on Channel 4 at 9pm, stay tuned here on the Daily Dust for more updates.

End of 2008 betting report

Posted: 01 Jan 2009 02:36 PM CST

So there you have it, two and a half months punting for a small profit following a poor December.
All the bets listed below are given to SP, so profits could’ve been improved - if not doubled - with the pick of the morning prices. The profit may not be huge, but it’s been an enjoyable journey proving, against popular opinion, that money can be made backing horses - with the application of knowledge and discipline.

I’ll be having a break from the Daily Dust in the near future but may return later in the year with some more profitable betting so stay tuned.

Date	Bet	Result & price	Profit or loss	Rolling bank
October 25	Tarablaze	2nd 3-1	-£10	-£10
October 25	Clowance House	3rd 3-1	-£10	-£20
October 28	Zegna	3rd 2-5	-£10	-£30
October 28	Surprise Pension (each-way)	2nd 9-2	-£1	-£31
October 28	Desert Creek	Won 8-13	+£6.10	-£24.90
October 29	Levera	Won 4-7	+£5.70	-£19.20
October 29	Arganil	Won 10-3	+£33.33	+£14.13
October 31	Rainbow Seeker	Won 11-8	+£13.75	+£27.88
October 31	Silk Drum	2nd 11-10	-£10.00	+£17.88
October 31	King's Majesty	2nd 2-1	-£10.00	+£7.88
November 1	Virtual	Won 5-1 (each way)	+£60.00	+£67.88
November 1	Ouster	2nd 6-5	-£10.00	+£57.88
November 1	Leo's Lucky Star	Won 10-11	+£9.00	+£66.88
November 1	Ollie Magern	2nd 6-1	-£10.00	+£56.88
November 5	Pennellis	2nd 11-4	-£10.00	+£46.88
November 5	Dream Of Olwyn	6th 4-1	-£10.00	+£36.88
November 7	According To Pete	Won 8-11	+£7.20	+£44.08
November 7	Siren Sound	6th 3-1	-£10.00	+£34.08
November 7	Lucozade	PU 9-4	-£10.00	+£24.08
November 8	Breedsbreeze	Won 4-6	+£6.60	+£30.68
November 8	Takeroc	2nd 13-8	-£10.00	+£20.68
November 10	Faasel	Won 5-2	+£25.00	+£45.68
November 10	Smalljohn	2nd 7-4	-£10.00	+£35.68
November 10	Mozayada	Won 9-4	+£22.50	+£58.18
November 15	Cape Tribulation	Won 7-4	+£17.50	+£75.68
November 15	Joe Lively	Won 4-1	+£40.00	+£115.68
November 15	Rainbow Seeker	3rd 9-4	-£10.00	+£105.68
November 15	Saucy	11th 5-1	-£10.00	+£95.68
November 19	Silvergino	Fell 2-1	-£10.00	+£85.68
November 19	Long Distance	9th 11-1	-£10.00	+£75.68
November 19	Scots Dragoon	Pulled up 5-2	-£10.00	+£65.68
November 20	Definity	Won 8-11	+£7.20	+£72.88
November 20	Pangbourne	4th 8-1	-£10.00	+£62.88
November 20	Buailteoir	2nd 7-1	-£10.00	+£52.88
November 20	Ring Bo Ree	Won 8-11	+£7.20	+£60.08
November 22	Chomba Womba	Won 2-1	+£20.00	+£80.08
November 22	Mahogany Blaze	3rd 9-4	-£10.00	+£70.08
November 22	Muktasb	2nd 4-1	-£10.00	+£60.08
November 22	River Kirov	Won 2-1	+£20.00	+£80.08
November 22	Bonikos	Won 5-2	+£25.00	+£105.08
November 27	The Tother One	Fell 13-8	-£10.00	+£95.08
November 27	Comhla Ri Coig	4th 8-1	-£10.00	+£85.08
November 28	Ballydub	Won 5-4	+£12.50	+£97.58
November 28	Notre Cyborg	Fell 5-2	-£10.00	+£87.58
November 28	Mister Ross & Perfect Act	9th 15-8 & 6th 12-1	-£20.00	+£67.58
November 29	Cockney Trucker	Won 11-8	+£13.75	+£81.33
November 29	Charmaine Wood	Won 2-5	+£4.00	+£85.33
November 29	Aphrodisia	3rd 6-1	-£10.00	+£75.33
November 29	Millfield	Won 3-1	+£30.00	+£105.33
02/12/08	Muktasb	5th 7-4	-£10.00	£95.33
02/12/08	Rulesn'regulations	Won 8-11	£7.20	£102.53
02/12/08	Titan Triumph	Won 6-5	£12.00	£114.53
04/12/08	Santarctique	8^th 20-1	-£10.00	£104.53
05/12/08	Fast Freddie	7^th 2-1	-£10.00	£94.53
06/12/08	Diamond Frontier	2^nd 5-6	-£10.00	£84.53
06/12/08	Andytown	3^rd 8-11	-£10.00	£74.53
06/12/08	Punjabi	Won 8-11	£7.20	£81.73
06/12/08	Lapina	Won 10-3	£33.33	£115.06
06/12/08	Sendreni	2^nd 13-8	-£10.00	£105.06
10/12/08	Ping Pong Sivola	2^nd 8-13	-£10.00	£95.06
10/12/08	Imprimis Tagula	6^th 6-1	-£10.00	£85.06
12/12/08	Pennek	7^th 7-2	-£10.00	£75.06
12/12/08	Gloucester	8^th 4-1	-£10.00	£65.06
13/12/08	Sunsetten	3^rd 9-4	-£10.00	£55.06
13/12/08	Racketeer	Won 5-2	£25.00	£80.06
13/12/08	Café Mystique	7^th 12-1	-£10.00	£70.06
13/12/08	Princely Hero	3^rd 5-1	-£10.00	£60.06
17/12/08	Hidden Bounty	3^rd 5-1	-£10.00	£50.06
17/12/08	The Very Man	Won 3-1	£30.00	£80.06
17/12/08	Pezula Bay	Won 4-9	£4.44	£84.50
17/12/08	William's Way	10^th 13-2	-£10.00	£74.50
17/12/08	Action Impact	3^rd 7-4	-£10.00	£64.50
20/12/08	Prince Taime	9^th 8-1	-£10.00	£54.50
20/12/08	Take The Breeze	8^th 14-1	-£10.00	£44.50
20/12/08	Mister Thatcher	Won Evens	£10.00	£54.50
26/12/08	The Market Man	4^th 2-1	-£10.00	£44.50
26/12/08	Cloudy Lane	3^rd 9-2	-£10.00	£34.50
26/12/08	Punjabi	Fell 11-8	-£10.00	£24.50
26/12/08	Light Yield	16^th 9-1	-£10.00	£14.50
27/12/08	Balzaccio	4^th 9-2	-£10.00	£4.50
27/12/08	Herecomesthetruth	Won 6-4	£15.00	£19.50
27/12/08	Walkon	Won 7-2	£35.00	£54.50
27/12/08	Haroldini	5^th 8-1	-£10.00	£44.50