WEEKEND BETTING TIPS (23/24-05-2015)

Melancholy is the overriding emotion as I pen this post; the last one I'll post in the European season. Gambling (wisely) is always fun and I've had fun writing these tips while this season has lasted. I know its not my place, but if I may offer you a piece of advice to ponder until August when the European footballing season will resume, it is this: The best bet you'll ever make in life is the one you take on yourself. Believe.

That said, I nailed 17 of the 20 tips I wrote last week. 85% looks okay on paper, but its still not IT. Still, here you go:

JUVENTUS vs NAPOLI:
Juve came through for me last week, and I'll make that same prediction here. This is one of those games.
Over 1.5goals

BAYERN MUNICH vs MAINZ:
Bayern were deservedly beaten last time out and I honestly can't say I did not see it coming. I just went against my instinct and failed to control my greed. Won't be betting on a win in this one.
Over 1.5goals

COLOGNE vs WOLFSBURG:
With the German cup final on the horizon, Wolfsburg will want to keep their momentum by playing their best in this 'warmup' game. I see nought but an away win

ARSENAL vs WEST BROM:
Arsenal have drawn 3 of their last five games, scoring once (own goal). Its safe to say their attackers are tired, but with the FA Cup game in mind, they'll have to get into goalscoring form. Against a side that beat Chelsea 3-0 last time out? Goals abound.
Over 2.5goals.

DORTMUND vs BREMEN:
Last league game at home for Jurggen Klopp and it'll be an emotional something. He'll want his last league game to be one of swashbuckling attacking football and these games usually produce more than one goal.
Over 1.5goals

MAN CITY vs SOUTHAMPTON:
City scored four last week. Southampton scored six. I would predict a lot of goals but I hear tell these two might field some of their reserves. That will hamper the fluidity of the game. So:
Over 2.5goals

MARSEILLE vs BASTIA:
Bastia will ply their trade in Ligue 1 next season after last week's draw. Marseille are back in form though.
Home win.

STOKE CITY vs LIVERPOOL:
If this game wasn't in my accumulator, I'd stake big on a Liverpool win. As it is though, I'll err on the side of caution and play over 1.5goals.

PSG vs REIMS:
Lol.

ALMERIA vs VALENCIA:
Almeria are not safe yet. Valencia could yet nick the last Champions league place. This will be a ridiculously open game.
Over 1.5goals.

HULL CITY vs MAN UNITED:
United are a curious team aren't they? You never know what you might get from them. Still, looking at the track record of their season-closing games, they are usually high scoring encounters. Especially when their opponents are in danger of being relegated. I remember that 4:2 win that sent Blackpool to the Championship and I think this will be a result like that.
Over 2.5

BARCELONA vs DEPORTIVO:
Straight win for the home team because they're Barca. Deportivo's perilous standing notwithstanding.

GRANADA vs ATL. MADRID:
One way or another, I'll get my two goals.
Over 1.5

GENOA vs INTERNAZIONALE:
Inter win? I doubt it. More than a lone goal? I'll bet on it.
Over 1.5 goals.

That's your lot for the season. It has been a pleasure.
P.S: I still blog regularly at this address o. Its only the 'weekend betting tip' section of my blog that will take a recess until August.
Thank you

Yours in tipster-y;
Captaincue

WITHOUT A SILVER SPOON

SUMMARY

WITHOUT A SILVER SPOON is a 1981 short novel by Eddie Iroh that tells the tale of a 10year old boy; Ure Chokwe and his struggle to further his education in the face of unseemly (mostly financial) vicissitudes.

PLOT
Ure Chokwe, whose brother inadvertently had to drop out of school to work as an apprentice in a faraway location due to financial constraints, faces similar fate when he's chased out of his classroom for failure to pay his fees.

Brilliant and industrious boy that he was, he intimated an idea to his parents about how his fees would be taken care of if he stayed with a teacher and worked as a houseboy.

Things went on smoothly until he was hit with a double barreled accusation of thievery. The book narrates how he juggled his academic pursuits with his honest streak, high expectations and life's many challenges.

MY VERDICT
WITHOUT A SILVER SPOON was one of the books we read in Junior secondary and the book caught my eyes when I saw it at the State library a week ago. Unfortunately, I have, for a long time, had a not so brief dalliance with an abject lack of finance and one would imagine the author had, at some point in his life, experienced these things first hand. The book is uber-realistic on this front. Kudos.

The main theme of the book is that 'honesty is the best policy'. Of course it is. Unless, of course, you're especially good at lying and mixing things up a bit in order to achieve your goals. But this is a book for preteens and teenagers and we wouldn't want to corrupt that lot would we? Honesty is the best policy kids!

I found aspects of the book really funny; particularly the part where the protagonist, Ure Chokwe intimated to his dad that he wanted to work as a servant in order to pay his tuition.

 
"Ure?"

"Sir?"

"Do you want to kill me before my time...?"

Lol. Typical!

In little more than a hundred pages, Mr Eddie Iroh expertly discussed unscrupulous elements (Erugo Iyama), dogged determination, resolute and unyielding challenges, ideals parents want their kids to live up to, people running the rule over other people, the curious dichotomy of good and evil, triumph of good over evil and the sweet, sweet taste of eventual victory for the hustler. I like this book.

This is to hoping our kids are born with silver spoons and all manner of assorted cutlery.

MY RATING
On a scale of very good to fucking abject, this is an enjoyable read.

 (poverty wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for lack of finance)

---CAPTAINCUE (...is a freelance writer taking on gigs for unridiculous money. Send me a direct message on Twitter @Captaincue or send me a mail with your writing needs at kaptaincue@gmail.com)

WEEKEND BETTING TIPS (16-17/05/2015)

Hi all. Its another hot weekend over here. Last time out, 10 of the 15 tips I made came through, which works out at a paltry 66.7% success rate. Close, but no cigar. The European footballing season is winding up to a close and we all hope to make one last significant sum off of those bastards. Good luck this weekend.

INTERNAZIONALE vs JUVENTUS:
Wow. You can't see me but I'm slowly hand clapping. Juve were gallant against a rampant Madrid side in midweek. They absolutely ran their socks off and with the Serie A title already in the bag, Mr Allegri will rotate heavily against an Inter side just starting to find some form.
Over 1.5

LEVERKUSEN vs HOFFENHEIM:
A humbling 3-0 defeat in 'Gladbach last week has brought 'em back to ground. Still, I think they'll have too much quality for their visitors.
1X

AS MONACO vs METZ:
An unlucky loss to an unpredictable Marseille outfit at the Velodrome last week. They'll make a mess of Metz (I couldn't help it)
Monaco win

LILLE vs MARSEILLE:
A potentially tricky call for a tipster. Both teams are still in with a chance of making European competitions next season. They (both) might decide to shut up shop and nick a winner on the counter a-la Mourinho. But I don't think that will be the case. I see an open game
Over 2.5

MONTPELLIER vs PSG:
We all know who's gonna win this one, the only thing up for debate is by how many goals!
Away win

FREIBURG vs BAYERN:
The futile victory over Barcelona somewhat overshadowed one of the more beautiful you'll ever see (Lewandoski's). Look at that footwork. Not enough quality to beat Barca, but their quality will suffice in beating Freiburg. I think.
Away win

GETAFE vs EIBAR:
Both teams are in terrible form, losing their last five matches respectively. If the odds were on offer, I'd bet on something like this:
Both teams to lose.

BURNLEY vs STOKE:
That's it then? Burnley have been relegated. It was fun while it lasted. They nicked a consolatory victory at Hull last week but I think Stoke will be too big a task for them.
X2

SEVILLA vs ALMERIA:
Over 1.5 goals. Sure banker. All season long.

TOTTENHAM vs HULL:
Drop points at WHL and Hull will be relegated. They have no option than to attack. This will be an open game; with both teams having lots to prove.
Over 1.5

LIVERPOOL vs PALACE:
Palace put the final nail in the coffin of Liverpool's title bid last season. Both teams have nothing to prove here and will likely go for each other's jugular. A special mention must go to a special player who will play his last home game for Liverpool. I hated how he smeared the camera at Old Trafford when he equalized in THAT game, but that doesn't smear his legacy at Liverpool. Tremendous player. All hail Stevie G.
Over 1.5

DORDRECHT vs AJAX:
Last weekend, Ajax players came out of the dressing room with their mothers to commemorate Mother's day. Such has never happened on Father's day. Is there even a father's day? The world is unfair.
Ajax win.

ATL. MADRID vs BARCELONA:
Would you bet against this Barcelona side on their current form? I didn't think so.
Away win.

ANDERLECHT vs ST. LIEGE:
Fierce competition between these two Belgian giants. The easiest over 1.5goals you'll ever see.

AS ROMA vs UDINESE:
A disappointing end to a season that promised so much at the start. The capital side won't lose this.
1X

SWANSEA vs MAN CITY:
Two sides in good form. I'll err on the side of caution and go for over 1.5goals.

MAN UNITED vs ARSENAL:
Its high time both sides served us a classic game with lots of goals.
Over 2.5goals.

WOLFSBURG vs DORTMUND:
Another goal fest.
Over 2.5

ESPANYOL vs REAL MADRID:
Ancelloti doesn't rotate his squad nearly enough and Madrid are tired. This one might swing either way and I see another end of season goal fest.
Over 2.5

WERDER BREMEN vs GLADBACH:
the surprise package of the Bundesliga season. No one is defeating them this season.
X2

That, dear friends, is that. Best wishes.
--->>>Captaincue

WEEKEND BETTING TIPS (09-10/05/2015)

A fortnight ago, it was 66.7%. A week ago (week ago! *defenestrates cap & does the shmoney dance*), it was 69.2%. Not quite there, but baby steps ba? Thanks for your patronage. This weekend, we're gonna hope for better luck. Here goes:

EVERTON vs SUNDERLAND:
Everton got beat by Aston Villa last time out. They'll want to get back to winning ways ASAP. Sunderland are deep in relegation quagmire and they're not gonna make it out by sitting back to defend. Will be an enthralling contest.
Over 1.5

ASTON VILLA vs WEST HAM:
Mr Lerner swapped Mr Lambert for Mr Sherwood; what an inspired decision that has turned out to be. Delph is buckling swashes, Benteke is scoring and (even) Cleverley is looking all kinds of decent. Who would've thunk! Villa will look to put some daylight between themselves and the bottom three. Here's a good place to start.
1X

HULL CITY (TIGERS) vs BURNLEY:
Hull City. The paragon of inconsistency. Victory over Liverpool followed by a limp defeat to Arsenal. That said, Burnley have lost their last four games. That is terrible. Both teams are in this precarious situation because they don't know shit about defending. Goals? You bet.
Over 1.5

PARMA vs NAPOLI:
One has to feel for Parma. They're on the brink of bankruptcy and have lost their last two games by an eye-watering eight goal margin. Napoli will stuff them.
Away win

FC ZURICH vs FC BASEL:
Basel are a reliable team. They won't lose, mark my words.
2X

LEVANTE vs ATLETICO MADRID:
Atleti will be foaming at the mouth after being robbed of victory at Bilbao. A lethargic performance in last week's 0-3 defeat to David Moyes has undone all the recent good work of Levante. I'm gonna bet against you should you lose to Mr Moyes.
An ugly away win.

BARCELONA vs REAL SOCEIDAD:
Speaking of David Moyes, the man is a mystery wrapped in an enigma. You remember he engineered a 1-0 in the return leg earlier in the season? I do. That notwithstanding, Barca are absolutely imperious right now.
Home win.

CELTA VIGO vs SEVILLA FC:
The last three games involving Sevilla have yielded 11goals. And we know Celta aren't exactly goal shy. Makes this call a no-brainer really.
Over 1.5

MARSEILLE vs MONACO:
Read 'Celta vs Sevilla' above.
Over 1.5

ZENIT St PETERSBURG vs ROSTOV:
Lol. You must be wondering why I include the Swiss and Russian leagues. Well, the English championship and Dutch Eredivisie are done. A tipster has to improvise.
Really, Zenit never lose. They just draw most of their matches. The trend won't stop now.
1X

REAL MADRID vs VALENCIA:
Ignoring Madrid's defeat to the Old Lady in midweek, their form in the league reads something like WWWWWW... I trust Madrid to rise up to the occasion. And I'll back that assertion up with a bet.
Home win.

LAZIO vs INTERNAZIONALE:
Lazio haven't been their usual  all-conquering selves in recent weeks and Inter could still finish in Europa league places by winning games like these.
Over 1.5

CHELSEA vs LIVERPOOL:
I wrote an article on Chelsea's triumph. They're plucky bastards, but I think this will be an open match with both teams having nothing to lose. One of these sides(Liverpool) have a lot to gain. They'll attack, attack and attack. Chelsea will counter. Goals will be scored.
Over 2.5

GLADBACH vs LEVERKUSEN:
Over 1.5 goals thank you very much.

MAN CITY vs QPR:
QPR could yet stay in the league, which is why they'll go all out in this fixture. Plus, City would want to finish a tough season with a flourish.
Over 2.5 goals.

That's your lot for the weekend. Best of luck boys.

Yours in tipster-y:
Captaincue

TRIBUTE TO CHELSEA

With the European football season drifting to an excitant end, there are numerous narratives from which one can choose to write a blog post from. At the lower end of league tables, clubs are fighting to stave off relegation and stay in the league. The nondescript mid table clubs are trying not to join the relegation mire and the overachieving mid table clubs are trying to break the stranglehold the 'top,top' teams have on the upper end of the table. As usual, most of the titles in the major leagues gave been decided (Germany, Holland...), save for France and Spain. As the most viewed league in the world, the EPL has a winner too. CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB.

They won this at a canter and with some three matches to spare. In the spirit of true sportsmanship, one must congratulate the winner -- then plot how to depose the champions and mount a serious challenge the following season. As a Man United supporter, I've reconciled myself with the fact that things aren't gonna be rosy for a while following Sir Alex's retirement. On social media, where everything goes on these days, the overriding emotion that greeted Chelsea's triumph was one of indignation.

What better way to recognize a good writer than to write about the zeitgeist. So, I'm gonna write a 6-pronged article about it. Here goes:

FACT: 

Chelsea F.C are 2014/2015 champions of the top division in English football.

AFTER THE FACT: 

Chelsea were top of the table since week2. That brought an air of inevitability to their eventual triumph. I think that leached away the excitement for most English club-football fans. No final day histrionics. No last minute 'Aguerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrro' moment. No nothing. Just a ridiculously ruthless side bypassing a non-existent and pitiable challenge by supposed rivals coasting to victory.

Chelsea are quite an excellent side, one just has to look at the array of talents in their ranks. Two world class goalkeepers, an excellent defence -- and Ivanovic; a central midfield pairing of Matic and Fabregas, the belligerent person & ruthless goalscoring talent of the bellicose Diego Costa. And the imperious Eden Hazard. All these are managed by a controversial contrarian, who, when viewed objectively, is an excellent coach -- just look at his track record.

PERCEPTION: 

There is a widely accepted notion that Chelsea play the game we all love largely defensively & set up to play on the counter; which is a footballing term that defines a seemingly dour and unadventurous style of play that favours strict & unyielding defensive solidity rather than an expansive, attacking & swashbuckling modus operandi. 

DETRACTORS:

Detractors have their reasons for nay saying. Always! I think their gripe stems from the fact that Chelsea were not this big until they were bankrolled by a certain Russian oligarch whose wealth has transformed Chelsea FC to a footballing juggernaut in the past decade and a half.

Also, fingers ave been pointed at Chelsea not playing football the 'right' way. The right way we've been told to death, is the pass, run into space, receive the return pass and form asymmetrical triangles until there are holes to explore in your opponents defense.  They say Chelsea often favour neutralizing their opponents at the detriment of showcasing their inherent attacking skills (which is not false).

UNEMOTIONAL OPINION:

In club football, the ultimate aim is victory. You become victors by winning football matches. To win a football match, you have to put the ball in the net of your opposition and prevent them from doing the same to your own goal. There are 20clubs in the EPL -- which incites every team play 19games at home and 19away; 38games a season. The team that has the most points at the end of the season is crowned champion. This much is a given.

Over the course of a 10month season, some factors will come into play. Injury to playing staff, incorrect refereeing decisions, player motivation levels, purple patches, dry patches, loss of form and a lot of other tangible/intangible variables. These variables affect your point tally directly/indirectly. However, two things you don't get additional points for are aesthetics and style.
Chelsea have been pilloried for a lack of style. Admittedly, a sane football fan is wont to marvel at the magnificence of beautifully-worked team goals. Jack Wilshere at Norwich AND Alan Smith against AS Roma at Old Trafford spring to mind. These are goals scored at the back end of beautiful interplay between several players. They are beautiful goals, but only 'just' goals nonetheless. No matter the number of passes building up to a goal, its still just one goal in the end. It counts for the same as a scrappy one that emanates from a goalmouth scramble or a heavily deflected strike or a set-piece strike. Or one scored from a Rory Delap throw-in. A goal is a goal. Now, some sides score these beauties more regularly than others (Barcelona). Some sides like to think they score these beauties all the time (Arsenal) while some score them on occasion (Chelsea).

Chelsea have been known to 'park the bus' -- which is an euphemism for sitting back and focusing all energies on not losing-- while hoping to capitalize on an inevitable mistake from your ball hogging opponents. Some people are offended by this style of play. They think Mr Mourinho's (and Chelsea's) style of football is particularly odious. When all is said and done though, winning is most of what matters. Intangible stuff like style and 'how' are secondary. As i posited during a bar-room argument on indecision, not making a decision, is, frankly, a decision. Chelsea's alleged lack of style IS a style. And it works. That's why they're champions.

Attacking is (the glamorous) part of football -- but defending is just as important. A great combination of the two makes quite an enjoyable team to watch (Juventus post-calciopoli). Attacking with reckless abandon while neglecting the defending aspect will get you relegated a-la Blackpool 2010/2011. Defending your goal for 90minutes will see you gain 38points in a league season AND probably get relegated. Goals win matches.
So a dexterous combination of attacking and defending will see you triumph. If your attacking/defending ratio is a 50/50 that balances on the defending side (a-la Chelsea), then, good grief. It works too!

MORAL OF THE STORY:
As ever, one must extrapolate the lessons to real life. Would I, Captaincue, say no to a generous sponsor (sugar mummy) who comes into my life on completion of my degree programme and offers to pay for my tuition at Harvard, decline such offer in favour of 'working for it'? You see, we all get a stroke of luck sometimes. There will always be those that think we're unworthy of such luck. Dare we, out of the outpouring of disdain for our sudden elevation, stop, apologize and give back that which has been magnanimously offered us? To have peoples validations over how we nobly 'hustle for it'? I'd rather think not.

There will always be those that oppose your way of doing things.They'll think your pragmatism is joyless and unenjoyable. They'll tell you the 'IDEAL' way to do it. They'll tell you you've achieved YOUR aim devoid of flair and panache. They'll sneer when you walk by. They'll sing 'boring,boring Chelsea' when you achieve your goal -- just because you didn't put on a spectacle. They'll say you should have been more grandiose (considering the assets at your disposal). More fun. More spontaneous. They'll even posit that history wont be kind to you because you didn't do it the 'right' way.

My mindset, which i hope more Nigerians have, is that, in achieving your set goals, you're gonna have to take some tough and unpopular decisions (defend like mad Chelsea); which will offend the sensibilities of Gooners purists. Purists who will point out that you wouldn't have done it if there had been more credible opponents. Well, my Uncle would be my Aunt if he had a vagina. But he doesn't, and things couldn't possibly be otherwise.

While you're basking in adulations and congratulations, they will paradoxically ask why all the furore and celebrations; "IS IT BECAUSE THEY ARE CHAMPIONS".
Just listen to the rhetoric.

--->>>Captaincue (I don't like Chelsea)

WEEKEND BETTING TIPS (02-03/05/2015)

66.7%. That's a B+ grade in school. In this thing of ours, its just a dreadful result. I had 66.7% success in last week's tips. We'll set things right this weekend. Here you go boys:

BLACKBURN vs IPSWICH:
With a combined 30goals in matches featuring these two sides over the past four weeks, it works out at 3.5goals a game. But they're championship sides, so I'm betting big on:
Over 1.5goals

DERBY vs READING:
Derby have been all kinds of inconsistent lately; what with the three draws and two (excellent) wins in their last five. However, Reading are woefully out of form
1X AND Over 1.5goals

MAN UNITED vs WEST BROM:
Two losses on the spin, the last of which cast aspersions on my pedigree as a blooming tipster. United messed up! With doubts over Michael Carrick's inclusion, they'll have their work cut out against a rejuvenated Albion side.
Over 1.5goals

ASTON VILLA vs EVERTON:
It has to be said, Everton were excellent against a naive Man United the other week; catching their visitors on the counter. Aston Villa know that they MUST score goals and earn points to fight off relegation. Over 1.5goals? That goes without saying really.

VfL WOLFSBURG vs HANNOVER:
After losing to 'Gladbach at the weekend, Wolfsburg bounced back emphatically with a scintillating 4-0 drubbing of Bielefeld in the German cup. Do I see a repeat? Yes. Am I putting my money on it? No.
1X

VALENCIA vs EIBAR:
They've been a bit wobbly in recent weeks, but Valencia can't mess this up. Not gonna happen
Home win

INTERNAZIONALE vs CHIEVO:
Roberto Mancini is on to something at the Milan club, I tells you. Clearly, they're not the finished article yet, but they're getting there. So I'll confidently doublechance his side.
1X

LYON vs EVIAN:
Optimists are backing Lyon to win the league. Realists, like myself, are sure PSG will win the thing. I'm uber confident they'll make light work of Evian, which is betting speak for "doublechance them"
1X

NAPOLI vs AC MILAN:
I really, really, really like Brock Lesnar. His mean streak, his agility, his speed, his strength, his mobility, his sheer arrogance. What I love most about him is that he left the WWE (which is mostly a scripted entertainment) to pursue a career in the bloody real UFC. He became world champion there. Upon his return to the WWE, he ended The Undertaker's streak at Wrestlemania. When questioned about his prospects of defeating John Cena at Royal Rumble, he quipped: "I just beat The Undertaker. ITS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE people, why wouldn't I beat John Cena!!"

Apologies for the tale, I just wanna use that phrase. When Napoli/ACMilan are not scoring plenty of goals, they're conceding 'em. Its not rocket science people!
Over 1.5, and that's a sure banker.

CORDOBA vs BARCELONA:
Cordoba are ripe for relegation. Paradoxically however, they do not concede that many goals and peeps might be surprised to find that Barcelona will field a second string side; with eyes firmly on their Champions League semifinal in midweek. I see an upset on the cards.
Tip: I'll just watch the over bloated 'fight of the century'

NANTES vs PSG:
I felt sorry for my compatriot, Vincent Enyeama last weekend as PSG put six past him. They followed that up with a 3-1 victory. I think this one writes itself really.
PSG win AND Over 2.5goals

NORWICH vs FULHAM:
Upon arduous research, I'll keep this one simple.
Over 1.5 goals. No questions asked.

AS ROMA vs GENOA:
Goals. They've made me 17k in the past month. A thousand short of Nigeria's minimum wage. I don't even have to care about who wins.
Over 1.5

SAMPDORIA vs JUVENTUS:
I love these games. Bet on an 'over 1.5', watch the bet come through before halftime and enjoy the rest of the game.

TOTTENHAM vs MAN CITY:
At the lane, Tottenham always, always make it happen against the top teams. I don't care who wins, but I'm pretty positive we'll see a few goals.
Over 2.5goals

That's it. As always, remember these are nought but tips for your consideration. Edit, delete and espouse as deemed fit.
Best of luck people.

Yours in tipster-y,
Captaincue

IN MY OPINION

I have an opinion about everything: Wizkid or Davido, Racism, Homophobia, Ronaldo or Messi, The Oba of Lagos and the Igbos…but I rarely voice my opinion about anything. Well, unless it has to do with my ex-girlfriend (bless her soul. And face. And body. And…) that very pretty adorable bastard! Anyway, I digress.

I think the fact that anybody can justify whatever nonsense they say with “in my opinion” is just wrong, in my opinion (no pun intended, dishonestly). Everyone can have an independent view on any subject, true. But there should be a limit to the range of subjects to which people share those views.
As an Arsenal FC fan, I’ve seen the fickleness of football fans. I have heard people who know nothing about football, question team selection, tactics (or supposed lack of it), substitutions and transfer policies. If you ask me, Adebayor was very good, Eduardo Da Silva shouldn’t have been sold, RvP should have been allowed to rot on the bench…and the list goes on.

But nobody is asking me. That’s because my opinion doesn’t count. And that’s what everyone should always bear in mind.
It is acceptable if Nigerians voice their opinions about Nigeria, no matter how absurd – even if no one is really listening to them. My mechanic can make a suggestion about my car. But that’s all it will be – a suggestion. It is not out of place to voice your opinion in your family, although you should know no one really has to pay attention if you don’t contribute substantially to the GDP of your household.
But when people invest millions of pounds in a business venture – which is what media outlets, football clubs, religious institutions (dare I say), schools and the likes, quite frankly, are – you don’t expect anyone to listen to what you have to say. In that case, why bother to talk? Why??

My two cents (even if you didn’t ask for it - hypocritical, I know); if you don’t like something that doesn’t belong to you, look the other way. Find something you can live with. Again, if you, as an Arsenal fan, think Jose Mourinho is a better tactical manager, and if you really love tactics that much, simply support Chelsea. Same applies to every other facet of life. No one says you have to like “spoilt” kids like Davido. Rae Sremmurd doesn’t need your opinion on how to spend the money you didn’t help him make. I love Terry G, my ex thinks he makes noise. We coexisted…at least for a while. Again, I digress.

It is in human nature to not agree on everything. There will always be people who think otherwise. Those who think MJ was whack. Those who think people should sleep in the day and work at night. Those (of us) who think gay marriages shouldn’t even be up for discussion (Eeeww!!!).  But these people, myself inclusive, can apply what they think into their lives. And shove the rest, gently, very nicely, up their ass.

Do what you enjoy, as long as you are not hurting others. Be with who you like. Eat what you like. And stop disturbing the rest of us with your opinion. That, is my opinion.                    
--->>>L.J

WEEKEND BETTING TIPS (25/26-04-2015)

New weekend, new style. I think I should provide a report card of how the previous weekend's decision panned out. A fortnight ago, we had a 96% success. Last weekend, it dropped to 84.6%. All in the upper percentile but anything short of 100% is not good enough for me. That said, here you go:

BRIGHTON vs WATFORD
I rarely go into the lower echelons of these football leagues for my predictions just because they are woefully unpredictable. I feel good about this one though. Brighton have been dropping points left, right & center -- losing four of their last five; as against four victories and one draw for their visitors.
X2

SEVILLA vs RAYO VALLECANO:
They're really good, aren't they? Sevilla came back from the dead to draw Zenit in the Europa league on Thursday. That said, they'll have their work cut out against a Rayo side that have picked up 9points from the last 15. Still,...
1X, and that's a banker

BURNLEY vs LEICESTER:
Burnley keep it tight at the back as evidenced by consecutive one nil defeats. Leicester have three wins on the spin and are scoring goals for fun. Better safe than sorry.
Over 1.5

ATLETICO MADRID vs ELCHE:
Deservedly beaten in midweek, Atletico will be foaming at the mouth & will want to show they still have it.
Home win

UDINESE vs AC MILAN:
A fairly if unspectacular side. AC Milan have been decidedly underwhelming this season. Its almost painful to watch. Still, there's no way in hell they're losing this.
X2

CRYSTAL PALACE vs HULL CITY
Two sides who don't bother defending.
Over 1.5 goals please.

PEC ZWOLLE vs AJAX
The league is done and dusted. But Ajax still have their pride to play for. Which is why I'm doublechancing them
X2

DORTMUND vs FRANKFURT
Consecutive defeats to Gladbach and Munich was followed by an unconvincing 3-0 win against Paderborn last weekend. Defending is not Frankfurt's strong suit however. Need I write my prediction?
Yes.
Over 2.5

ESPANYOL vs BARCELONA
Barca have won 5 of the last 6 against their city rivals, drawing the other one. This will be another embarrassingly easy pasting.
Straightforward away win.

BAYERN MUNICH vs HERTHA BERLIN
Just to boost the accumulator, I'll include a home win.
Bayern victory

PSG vs LILLE
For shizzle, my nizzle, like dizzle...this will be a defeat for PSG-zzle. That was my best impression of Snoop Dogg and I don't think I have a career in hip hop. I should probably complete this degree program...
Actually, I take back that prediction. Over 1.5goals surely.

EVERTON vs MANCHESTER UNITED:
One of my more challenging predictions. Chelsea put a raincheck on United's hot streak because they're Chelsea. Nothing more. A solid, effective team of disciplined bastards. And Hazard. Everton are in good nick also, but they're no Chelsea.
Away win

ARSENAL vs CHELSEA
Terrence Howard was in JUICE with Tupac, I think. And that movie where Taye Diggs and Morris Chestnut. And a few others. EMPIRE is the first movie I've seen him play the lead role. Its a good movie. You should watch it.

--->>>Captaincue (tipster, gangster, superstar, master-blaster...)

LET IT BE

In June 2009, Manchester United agreed a then world-record £80m deal with them folks in the Spanish capital for a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. I saw this guy's debut for United and purposely watched him develop into the paragon of greatness that he is. I was sad to see him leave and many a United supporting fan's heart was broken. Their sadness took several turns for the worse when Sir Alex chose to replace the departed maverick with underwhelming names like Obertan, Valencia and a past-it Michael Owen. In retrospect, the team was just as effective, but the impact, flair and unique technique of the departed was sorely missed.
Every time Valencia failed to control a pass and/or shanked a shot and/or failed to find a teammate with a cross, United fans would groan in unison;
"Ronaldo would've controlled that pass"
"Ronaldo would've buried that chance"
And so on...

Yesterday, 22nd of April marked the fifth anniversary of the passing of Nigeria's own hip hop maverick; Dagrin. God rest his soul. His death coincided with the boom in social media in the country. The news spread like wildfire and the feeling all over the country was one of deep grief at a young Achiever's untimely death. The outpouring of love that followed was applaudable. I think I speak for several people when I say Dagrin's signature genial cackle in songs, along with his famed cherubic demeanour have been sorely missed.

Its immoral to speak ill of the dead (except the dead's name is Mussolini/Idi Amin...). It smacks of cowardice and preposterousness because the dead cannot defend themselves and their works. But we cannot forget the ones we lost, so we attempt to immortalize them by discussing history and the departed's impact every once in long whiles.

Absence breaks one's heart. Absolute absence (of a permanent kind) brings up all sorts of things. Posthumous honours are conferred, achievements are desecrated (or magnified), flaws are downplayed (or magnified). Legacies are fabricated. By the by, revisionism ensues.
The people that trivialize the achievements of the departed disagree with those who blow those achievements out of proportion. This almost always happens. So I'll give my own account/verdict because I experienced these things firsthand.

CR7 did not score every chance he had at United. CR7 did not successfully dribble every defender he faced at United. This might be unpopular but I'll say it: NOT every Dagrin track was 'great'! Yeah, I said it. But a large percentage of his work was fucking awesome. And will always be. That's the true measure of greatness. Recognizing and reconciling one's self with these facts will curb the tendencies of revisionism that pervade recounts of the works of the ones we lost.Do not impugn their legacies by adding to/taking away from what these folks did. Just let it be.
P.S: Now you can masturbate to the scenes of 'best of Ronaldo' while you listen to the CEO  album and cry into your Man United pillows...

--->>>Captaincue (..I look at what these people had done at my age and I almost despair. Almost!)

WEEKEND BETTING TIPS (18-19/04/2015)

A caveat to begin with: These tips are loose guidelines for betting folks. They're NOT strict, ironclad predictions. You should view, appreciate, espouse, edit and delete as appropriate. That said, we all share a common interest of winning big & you should realise I only post tips I believe are gonna come to pass. Here goes:

NICE vs PSG:
I know, I know. After PSG's disappointing defeat at home to Barcelona, I understand some of you will be ambivalent in staking on a PSG win. Not to worry boys, Ibrahimovic will be back and PSG will romp to victory. Mark my words.
Away win

BARCELONA vs VALENCIA:
"One for me and one for the Lady"
Waiter: "Pardon?"
*shifts uncomfortably in my chair *
"One Chapman for me and one Chapman for the lady"
Waiter: "One for you and one for the lady?"
"Yes, yes. Two Chapmen please!!"
Over 3.5goals please

GRANADA vs SEVILLA:
Sevilla are the Novak Djokovic of Spanish football right now. You struggle to pinpoint their strengths, but you won't be able to find any discernible weakness(es). Djokovic is a bastard.
X2

AJAX vs NAC BREDA:
Read above...
1X

EIBAR vs CELTA de VIGO:
I like Robert Ludlum's books. I have a soft spot for The Bourne Identity. A book that big is bound to contain some beautiful nonsense like; "Cain is for Delta and Carlos is for Cain...Cain is for Delta! Delta One is Cain! Medusa moves; the snake sheds his skin. Cain is in Paris and Carlos will be his!"
Celta annihilated Rayo 6-1 last week. They're certainly worth a punt at lowly Eibar, no?
Mr Ludlum said to accentuate the obvious -- that an opportunity will present itself. Recognize it. Use it.
Obviously, Celta are in form, and this is a big opportunity to boost my accumulator.
Celta Vigo win

TRABZONSPOR vs GALATASARAY:
The good thing about betting on the number of goals that'll be scored in a game is that you need not worry about the team that wins and all that. This is my forte.
Over 1.5goals

CAGLIARI vs NAPOLI:
Infuriatingly inconsistent. Napoli have been woefully unpredictable (which is a bad thing for tipsters!). After comfortable consecutive victories at home to Fiorentina and away to Wolfsburg, I think its wise to bet on a Napoli win here.

HOFFENHEIM vs BAYERN MUNICH:
For ge same reason as PSG, an away win please.

BAYER LEVERKUSEN vs HAMBURG:
Leverkusen have been my surest banker in recent weeks and I think they'll coast to victory at home to a woeful Hamburg side.
Home win

After examining these teams, I am going out on a limb and predicting Over1.5 goals in the following games:
CRYSTAL PALACE vs WESTBROM
LEICESTER vs SWANSEA
PSV vs HEERENVEN
INTERNAZIONALE vs AC MILAN
LYON vs ST. ETIENNE.

And for the audacious tip of the weekend, I'm calling the Empoli vs Parma game. The odd on a Parma win is 6.00. Lol. Both teams are rather, Parma's own stemming from an administrative meltdown rather than a dearth in quality. I'm staking on a Parma win, but it won't be in this accumulator. (Include/exclude at your discretion).
Good luck boys (and girls?!)

Yours in tipster-y;
Captaincue (can't call Chelsea/United, so I'll just enjoy the match)

WEEKEND BETTING TIPS (18-19/04/2015)

A caveat to begin with: These tips are loose guidelines for betting folks. They're NOT strict, ironclad predictions. You should view, appreciate, espouse, edit and delete as appropriate. That said, we all share a common interest of winning big & you should realise I only post tips I believe are gonna come to pass. Here goes:

NICE vs PSG:
I know, I know. After PSG's disappointing defeat at home to Barcelona, I understand some of you will be ambivalent in staking on a PSG win. Not to worry boys, Ibrahimovic will be back and PSG will romp to victory. Mark my words.
Away win

BARCELONA vs VALENCIA:
"One for me and one for the Lady"
Waiter: "Pardon?"
*shifts uncomfortably in my chair *
"One Chapman for me and one Chapman for the lady"
Waiter: "One for you and one for the lady?"
"Yes, yes. Two Chapmen please!!"
Over 3.5goals please

GRANADA vs SEVILLA:
Sevilla are the Novak Djokovic of Spanish football right now. You struggle to pinpoint their strengths, but you won't be able to find any discernible weakness(es). Djokovic is a bastard.
X2

AJAX vs NAC BREDA:
Read above...
1X

EIBAR vs CELTA de VIGO:
I like Robert Ludlum's books. I have a soft spot for The Bourne Identity. A book that big is bound to contain some beautiful nonsense like; "Cain is for Delta and Carlos is for Cain...Cain is for Delta! Delta One is Cain! Medusa moves; the snake sheds his skin. Cain is in Paris and Carlos will be his!"
Celta annihilated Rayo 6-1 last week. They're certainly worth a punt at lowly Eibar, no?
Mr Ludlum said to accentuate the obvious -- that an opportunity will present itself. Recognize it. Use it.
Obviously, Celta are in form, and this is a big opportunity to boost my accumulator.
Celta Vigo win

TRABZONSPOR vs GALATASARAY:
The good thing about betting on the number of goals that'll be scored in a game is that you need not worry about the team that wins and all that. This is my forte.
Over 1.5goals

CAGLIARI vs NAPOLI:
Infuriatingly inconsistent. Napoli have been woefully unpredictable (which is a bad thing for tipsters!). After comfortable consecutive victories at home to Fiorentina and away to Wolfsburg, I think its wise to bet on a Napoli win here.

HOFFENHEIM vs BAYERN MUNICH:
For ge same reason as PSG, an away win please.

BAYER LEVERKUSEN vs HAMBURG:
Leverkusen have been my surest banker in recent weeks and I think they'll coast to victory at home to a woeful Hamburg side.
Home win

After examining these teams, I am going out on a limb and predicting Over1.5 goals in the following games:
CRYSTAL PALACE vs WESTBROM
LEICESTER vs SWANSEA
PSV vs HEERENVEN
INTERNAZIONALE vs AC MILAN
LYON vs ST. ETIENNE.

And for the audacious tip of the weekend, I'm calling the Empoli vs Parma game. The odd on a Parma win is 6.00. Lol. Both teams are rather, Parma's own stemming from an administrative meltdown rather than a dearth in quality. I'm staking on a Parma win, but it won't be in this accumulator. (Include/exclude at your discretion).
Good luck boys (and girls?!)

Yours in tipster-y;
Captaincue (can't call Chelsea/United, so I'll just enjoy the match)

DON'T BE STUPID

In that epic scene in the Yorùbá comedy; Opakan, a guy was going to pay for his friend's meal. The one that was going to pay ordered something in the region of N150 while the dude he was going to pay for ordered for something in the region of N700. So the one that was going to pay decided to go Dutch. The result was catastrophic for the one they were gonna pay for. It was funny as hell.

After the victory of the candidate I supported (and voted for) in the Nigerian Presidential elections, I intentionally put a raincheck on the obvious narrative: "after failing, pick yourself up and go again"; as the old General has done. I will write something along those lines imminently of course.
In the immediate aftermath of the announcement of election results, we all celebrated in our ways. Politicians, shameless bunch that they are decamped to the winning side. People pledged support and cooperation to the incoming President. Associations and Institutions made elaborate pledges of allegiances to the General.
The one that particularly struck me was the announcement purportedly made by the association of prostitutes; aptly named : ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN PROSTITUTES (I kid you not) that all members of the noble association would give it to their loving customers pro bono for three days. I was delighted for boys when I saw that announcement on Linda Ikeji.

Then I saw on Nairaland the following day that a guy who meant no harm but  apparently believes everything he's told or sees refused to pay in the morning after doing a TDB. He got beat by her colleagues. To a pulp. I don't want to, but Lol. The guy's naiveté is remarkable, but after laughing at his error of judgement, I came to realize that some people are really ignorant of such things. They just don't know better.

This paragraph is dedicated to the people that make mistakes so the rest of us can learn and guard against making those mistakes. Fair play to y'all.

Lessons:
1. There's no honour in staying with the losing side
2. Do not eat more than the fellow who's paying
3. Go with enough money when visiting a brothel
4. Who does a TDB??!!!
Haba.

Captaincue (mi o kin lo to iseju marun...)

WEEKEND BETTING TIPS (11-12/04/2015)

As I'm wont to do, I'll begin with a caveat: These tips are loose guidelines for betting folks. They're NOT strict, ironclad predictions. You should view, appreciate, espouse, edit and delete as appropriate. That said, we all share a common interest of winning big & you should realise I only post tips I believe are gonna come to pass. That said, here goes:

MAINZ vs  BAYER LEVERKUSEN
I emptied my account once and had N2000 on me. I had to check when the prices at the cinema were between 500 and 700 naira. Still, I had to consider a lot of factors and convince my date to stick with the drinks -- that their popcorn was overrated and poor. The things being broke makes one do! Now, I imagine that in a couple of months, I'll be able to afford to go to the cinema regardless of prices.
With their rich vein of form, Bayer can afford to take anybody to the cinema AND order popcorn, caviar with other assorted debaucheries.
Comprehensive away win

HAMBURG vs WOLFSBURG:
Excellent, technically-astute players are required to play Wolfsburg's counterattacking style of football. And they do possess technically savvy players.
Wolfsburg victory

STANDARD LIEGE vs RSC ANDERLECHT
Two erstwhile great Belgian teams undergoing some sort of tough transition. Still, these two should conjure an outcome that'll exceed two goals
Over 1.5goals

LAZIO vs FC EMPOLI
Look, Lazio's form reads something like WWWWWW... ad infinitum. I still wouldn't put my money on a straight victory for them. They're not gonna lose though, I'm sure of that.
1X

HERACLES vs AJAX
An odd of 1.75 on an Ajax win is too good to pass up.
Away win please

MONCHENGLADBACH vs DORTMUND
BY hook, or by crook, this one will produce two goals. Mark my words..
Over 1.5

NAPOLI vs FIORENTINA
If you had a gun to my head and told me to call this one, I'd bet my brains on a win for the team from Florence. Napoli have been dire. Still, they'll up the ante for this.
Over 1.5

AC MILAN vs SAMPDORIA
Two sides with competent if unspectacular attacks and fairly porous defences. It goes without saying but I'm gonna say it anyway...
Over 1.5

BORDEAUX vs MARSEILLE
Another match that has Over 1.5 written all over it.

For my audacious tip of the weekend (which you should include/exclude in the accumulator at your discretion), I'm betting large on a very straightforward Man United win in the Manchester derby.

There's your lot for the weekend. Cast your votes, stay safe and be excellent.
Yours in tipster-y;
Captaincue

WEEKEND BETTING TIPS (04-05/04/2015)

Again, I'm gonna begin with a caveat: This tip right here is just a loose guideline for betting folks. It is NOT a strict, ironclad rule. You should view, appreciate, espouse, edit and delete as appropriate. That said, we all share a common interest of winning big & you should realise I only post tips I believe are gonna come to pass. That said, here goes:

MAN UNITED vs ASTON VILLA:
What better way to start today's post than with my surest banker. Commonsense seems to have prevailed for LvG and United are now playing with a recognisable structure. Two wins on the bounce against Tottenham and Liverpool. Villa will be victimized.
Manchester United win

GUINGAMP vs LYON:
Lyon fucked my accumulator last time out by losing to Nice. I've recognized they have a problem breaking down teams playing on the counter. Playing away though, they'll have space to run in behind. I see a perfect away performance.
Lyon win

CORDOBA vs ATLETICO MADRID:
The Madrid side have lost a bit of steam; as evidenced by the fact that they've drawn three of their last five matches. Cordoba are on an unending losing streak however.
Away win

BAYER LEVERKUSEN vs HAMBURG:
I was sure General Buhari was gonna win the Nigerian Presidential elections, provided its not rigged. Barring a match-fixing scandal, this should be an easy home win

VALENCIA vs VILLARREAL:
Both sides play exciting, attacking football. But Valencia have been absolutely brilliant this past couple of weeks; scoring six goals in their last four games.
1X

TWENTE vs PSV:
PSV have wrapped up the Eredivisie title in my opinion. Their comfortable lead has led to a bit of complacency and they've consequently faltered in their last five fixtures. Normal services will return in this one.
PSV victory

DORTMUND vs BAYERN MUNICH:
This used to be a blockbuster. Then Bayern started picking off Dortmund's best players. Still, I think this fixture retains its capacity to bust some blocks.
Over 2.5goals

PALERMO vs AC MILAN:
Double chance on Milan. They've been disappointing.
X2

ARSENAL vs LIVERPOOL:
I had a girl over once. We were licking and frolicking when she squeezed my nipple. I don't know where she read that nonsense. You could finger my eyes with a hot, iron rod and get a more positive reaction from me than she did with that nipple squeezing episode. A couple of friends have confessed they like it. Different strokes for different folks, they say. I guess we can reach a compromise of a stroke; by way of the number of goals scored.
Over 2.5goals

CAGLIARI vs LAZIO:
The other club from the capital are in brilliant form; 6 consecutive wins in the league. Still...
X2

SEVILLA vs ATHLETIC BILBAO:
Will be an exhibition of attacking football; which is a recipe for a tonne of goals.
Over 2.5

WOLFSBURG vs STUTTGART:
Wolfsburg will have far too much quality for this lot -- which should get them the full three points in a fairly straightforward fixture.
Home win

FC UTRECHT vs AJAX:
A banker for me; despite the big odd on an away win.
Ajax victory

FC AUGSBURG vs FC SCHALKE 04:
An infuriatingly inconsistent side. Still, I don't see them losing at lowly Augsburg.
X2

OLYMPIQUE MARSEILLE vs PSG:
3goals will be scored in this fixture. At least. Stake big on it.
Over 2.5goals

For the audacious tip with a really large odd (4.12) of the weekend, look no further than a Real Soceidad victory away to Malaga. I'm well aware its David Moyes, but his side are in a purple patch. Include/Exclude in your accumulator at your discretion.
That's your lot for the weekend. Good luck boys.

Yours in tipster-y;
Captaincue

GERRARD, ORUBEBE, APOLOGIES & (IR)RESPONSIBILITY

A fortnight ago, Liverpool played host to Man United in a feisty fixture at Anfield. When commonsense finally prevailed for Mr Van Gaal, he quit trying to look clever, ditched his terrible 3-5-2 formation and reverted to the more traditional FourAtTheBack. That incited an upturn in form for the Manchester club and their supporters had high hopes of leaving Anfield with something. United dominated the first half, Mr Rodgers brought his inspirational captain (Gerrard) on for the second 45. He was sent off 38seconds later for stamping on the leg of the beautiful Ander Herrera.
After effectively costing his team the game with a forgivable rush of blood to the head, Gerrard had this to say after the match: "I've let down my teammates and the supporters -- I take full responsibility.....I've just come out here to apologise to the dressing room and the supporters."
After the match, his manager quipped; "At least he was man enough to come out and make that apology."
Fair enough, I remember I thought.

A fortnight later, Presidential elections held in my country (Nigeria). When the results were being announced, a former Minister of the Federal Republic suffered a meltdown and lambasted the chairman of the electoral body; accusing him of bias towards the opposition and rank incompetence on live television. The attack was vociferous. It was vicious. Later on, he had this to say: " I apologise generally to Nigerians -- especially to the younger generation. I want to say if my action hurt them, I deeply regret it. I am normally a man of peace and a child of God...... I earnestly beg to be forgiven in spite of the embarrassment caused to our dear people. I am indeed sorry. I was only pushed to the wall."
Fair enough, I remember I thought.

On first inspection (in both cases), I shrugged and said, " Oh, aren't we all susceptible to occasional brain farts?". Surely, if a man shows shows contrition and agreeable mortification (accepting responsibility), he should be forgiven.
On second inspection however, I read through the lines and cut through the bullshit. I think Gerrard and Orubebe are, regardless of their apologies, still, dickheads. Not because of the offense, but by the wording of their apologies and those those apologies were (not) offered to.

You 'accept responsibility' for stamping on a man's fibula with iron studs, potentially ending his career, get caught by the referee, noncommittally shrug your shoulders, point at your chest; gesticulating "Me?!", act surprised at being sent off before shamefully walking off for an early bath.
That is no wahala at all. When confronted with an embarrassing situation, its hard to know how to react on the spot. But when stuff boils over, normalcy returns and you're afforded time to reflect on your heinous misdeed. What you say at that point is a barometer of your person.

It is at this point that you publicly apologise to those you hurt (even if you surreptitiously abhor ill-feelings towards them). Gerrard apologized to supporters, teammates and 'younger folks who saw that'. The man he stamped conspicuously missing from that list. The man he hurt gàngàn! For God's sake.

Even if we all know Mr Orubebe will probably cut Professor Jega's throat with a garotte behind closed doors, it just smacks of a reprehensible character that you failed to include the man you impugned his honour in your apology.
But so long as you accept responsibility, its all fine and dandy.

Apology not accepted, you irresponsible twats.

--->>>Captaincue (not a fencist, so I'm saying #SaiBuhari)

THE MAFIA MANAGER (by V.)

SUMMARY
THE MAFIA MANAGER (A guide to the corporate Machiavelli) is a 1991 nonfiction book that significantly references Machiavelli's works on the art of managing stuff. A book mainly intended to not only offer insight into the dark, dark world of, as the author would call it;  ThisThingOfOurs (Mafia) -- but also provide 'knowledge of a particular sort' to persons looking to get to the top of the otherwise more legit world (ThisThingOfYours). And staying there.

THE PLOT
The book opens with a quote from the infamous Al Capone: "You can get a lot more done with a kind word and a gun than with a kind word alone".

The Mafia Manager consists three very distinct parts:
1.  MANAGING YOURSELF: which has a couple of subplots that discuss various topics like; decision making, time management, problems, handling business, concept of friendship (and enemies) and politicking.

2.  MANAGING OTHERS
The second part of the book discusses at length, under well structured subheadings, appropriate disposition, temperament and general advice on dexterity in the art of managing others.

3. THE REST OF IT
The final part of the book discusses more general stuff like negotiating, lying, secrecy, the rich, the equilibrium between business and family et all.

MY VERDICT
Once upon a time, I decided to clean the cobwebs around the house. So I took my broom and started to. Then I heard a silent hum somewhere in the room. Upon inspection, I saw that a fly had been caught in the convoluted web of a spider. It was fascinating. The spider was wrapping the fly with more cobwebs in very slow motion, and I imagined that must've been the Culicidae-ic equivalent of a man slowly burning to death.

I felt bad for the little fly, but I understood that the spider must also eat to survive. Am I no longer a good person for watching a little, vulnerable fly die a slow, painful death? Would I have been a bad person had I used a broom stick to save the fly from death's clutch? In the pursuit of happy-ness, you'll have to ask yourself these questions that are intrinsically embedded in the grey areas of moral ambiguity.

THE MAFIA MANAGER discusses manipulation, respect, authority, ruthlessness, discipline, loyalty, patience, women, restraint, men, enemies, friends, adaptability, obsequiousness, communication, faux-honesty and a great many other topics. There are axioms one is bound to learn by rote at the tail-end of each part, but the most remarkable thing is the quality of writing and quantity of memorable epithets that pervade the book. Check this:
"The most important thing in (y)our business is a reputation for honesty. If you can genuinely and sincerely fake honesty, you'll be a success"

And that's not even close to being the 'worst' bit of advice.

MY RATING
106 pages that'll inundate you with 'knowledge of a particular sort' AND further erase the already blurred lines of virtuosity -- what's not to read?

A bloody awesome read.

--->>>Captaincue (let the spider kill the fly, let the spider eat its kill & then kill the spider 24hours later)

BETTING TIPS (21-22/03/2015)

Good people of the football betting confraternity; I hail thee. Again, we are gathered here today to continue our bid to win N2million with a stake of N200 every other weekend. Godspeed. Here goes:

LYON vs OGC NICE
A huge slap in the face/A monumental kick to the groin of the much heralded 'best league in the world' aka the EPL that two Ligue Uuuuuuuuuuun sides are still in the Champions league. Nice have four losses on the spin. Lyon will make light work of them.
Comfortable home win

NORWICH vs NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Two form teams that play the most expansive style of football in the Championship. It'll be an entertaining match with a tonne of goals.
Over 2.5

ATLETICO MADRID vs GETAFE
Atleti looked a bit leggy in that entertaining match against Leverkusen in midweek. Still, they'll have too much quality for their opponents.
Home win

FC SCHALKE vs BAYER LEVERKUSEN
Over 2.5 goals

GO AHEAD EAGLES vs VITESSE
The stupidest club name in all of football. For that only, I'm staking big against them. Lol. Really, Vitesse have won four of their last five and GAE have lost four of their last five matches. Go ahead, see the writing on the wall with your eagle eye and bet on an away win.

TOULOUSE vs BORDEAUX
Christmas has come early boys! 2.75 on a Bordeaux victory. Am I mad?!
No. That's why I'm betting on an away win.

CD NATIONAL vs FC PORTO
Porto are really, really, really good. Consistent too. I see naught but a straightforward Porto victory.

ATHLETIC BILBAO vs UD ALMERIA
Bilbao's strong run of form has been somewhat surprisingly swimming under my radar. Not anymore motherfvkas. Not anymore.
Home win

FEYENOORD ROTTERDAM vs PSV
Feyenoord are in good nick, but PSV will edge a tight contest by the smallest of margins.
PSV win

Fsv MAINZ 05 vs VfL WOLFSBURG
Such is their attacking prowess that Wolfsburg don't bother defending. The bastards always outscore their opponents.
Away win

STADE REIMS vs AS MONACO
One of the rotten sides in Ligue1. I think Monaco will continue their beautiful run in the league by edging this.
Away win

QPR vs EVERTON
Two sides with fast, dynamic attackers and underperforming defenses. Recipe for a shitload of goals.
Over 2.5

UDINESE CALCIO vs AC FIORENTINA
Unlike those above, these are two sides that play brilliant, fast-paced attacking football. Another recipe for lots of goals. Variety is the spice of life, you see!
Over 2.5

RC LENS vs OLYMPIQUE MARSEILLE
Marseille victory all the way. And that's a banker.

FC BARCELONA vs REAL MADRID
A brilliant fixture to wrap things up. Why worry about who'll win and consequently fail to enjoy the match -- when you can just bet on over 3.5goals, open another can of beer and enjoy the spectacle.

That's your lot for the weekend. See you after the international break. I'll post a book review before the weekend runs out. A brilliant weekend. Bottoms up

Yours in tipster-y;
Captaincue

BETTING TIPS (14/03/2015)

CRYSTAL PALACE vs QPR
Palace have hit a bit of a purple patch in recent months due in no small part to the effects of their white haired coach. QPR will score too.
Over1.5

INTER vs CESENA
Comprehensively beaten by giant-killers; Wolfsburg in midweek, Inter will surely get back to winning ways against lowly Cesena.
Home win

WOLFSBURG vs FREIBURG
The first I dated was the one I thought was going to give me the most problem. We started dating two weeks after I asked her out. The one in my neighborhood that I was totally sure I'd get in my bed with minimum fuss has been consistently giving me the short end of the stick. I think Wolfsburg should start killing the minnows this weekend.
With some trepidation, I'll bet on a home win.

SEVILLA vs ELCHE
Home win with at least a two goal margin.

BORDEAUX vs PSG
PSG victory. And that's a banker

PSV vs GRONINGEN
Another home win

CELTA vs BILBAO
Promises to be an exhibition if attacking football played at breakneck speed.
Over 2.5

HERTHA vs SCHALKE
Absolute breathtaking stuff from Schalke at the Bernabeu in midweek. Do I think they'll keep it up? Fcuk yeah, I do!
Away win

EVERTON vs NEWCASTLE
Two sides with awesome attacking talents and woefully out of form defenders. The result? Goals. Lots of goals.
Over2.5

HEERENVEN vs AJAX
What the hell is wrong with Ajax? Dropping points regularly and consistently destroying accumulators. Still, an odd of 2.5 on an Ajax win is too good to pass up for me.

ESPANYOL vs ATLETICO
Espanyol have an OK attack, but I reckon their defense will be their undoing here.
Atletico Madrid win

HELLAS vs NAPOLI
Will be a tight fame, but Napoli will edge this one.
Away win

All the best. Good luck boys. And girls.
Yours in tipster-y;
Captaincue

AMBITION, CONTENTMENT & MATERIALISM

I was going to do a three-part miniseries with the titles(ambition, contentment, materialism), and post on separate dates, but that seemed too much like a corporate thing; like I'm writing a newspaper column. So I decided to incorporate all three in one little, lovely blog post -- as this is a personal blog & I don't want to lose that personal feel to whatever missive I come up with. Besides, I can revisit this page and expand on it at a later date. Hope you people enjoy this one.

As a scientist, you gotta have a little bone of atheism in you in order to be able to follow (and believe) Darwin's theory of evolutionism. Geologists will have us believe (with good explanations, mind you) that the entire solar system was formed about 6billion years ago when a spinning, disc-shaped hot cloud of interstellar gases (and dust) in our part of the galaxy (the Milky way) developed a very hot epicenter which resulted in a series of thermonuclear reactions that provided the proto-Sun's energy through hydrogen fusion. Further turbulence of the solar nebula led to the condensation of these gases, and invariably led to the birth of the planets; as it were.

What evolutionism fails to effectively account for is the origin of those gas clouds.
Outside of school, most everyone believe there's a God somewhere/everywhere in charge of everything. Religion provides us with an alternate explanation of a being decreeing stuff to  'BE'. On the surface, the demographic of Nigerian citizens are essentially Christians and Muslims. Christianity/Islam comes with rules/regulations that serve as guidelines for people of those faith(s).

To contextualize the post, I'm gonna fictionalize an instance: "In one of the technical drawing classes that a sweet bastrd of a young man (Captaincue) took in senior secondary, the class was to design a spanner. When he got his drawing sheet back, he scored a 6/10 because there were a couple of double-lines on his work. He wasn't particularly chuffed-- as he'd put in a lot of work in that stuff. So while wallowing in his unhappiness, a mate told him he ought to be thankful. That some people got as little as 2 out of 10." End of story.

By his (my) reckoning, 60% of the score wasn't enough. 80% was the aim for him. That resolve, that aspiration, that intent,  is what I define as ambition. 

Recognizing the fact that he would've scored higher had he (re)sharpened his pencils AND eventually accepting that '6/10 isn't that bad!'. That equanimity, that tranquility -- that's contentment.

Knowing there are double-lines on his work and sneaking into the teacher's office to correct all errors in order to score higher however; that greed, that animalistic hunger, that steely-eyed determination to get more; often at the detriment of religions' core values -- that's materialism.

What will you be content with? How lofty are your ambitions/goals. What're you willing to do to make those goals of yours come to fruition? How unscrupulous can you get? How ruthless can you be? How godly can you be? How low are you willing to go? Are you going to look at those that got 2/10 and say Alhamdulilai or you're gonna look at those that scored 10/10 and punch your desk?
When does being content with happenstance become a steady decline into the cesspit of mediocrity?
When does untamed materialistic tendencies escalate into a narcissistic spate of blatant disregard for basic human decency? Why does this even matter...?!!

Well, I think everything we achieve is somewhat dependent on what your definition of those three words are. Just do your thing. Surely, God will judge us all on judgement day.
I think.
They say.

(Cue: lots of the former, agreeable amount of the middle & a healthy dosage of the latter)

---CAPTAINCUE (...is a freelance writer taking on gigs for unridiculous money. Send me a direct message on Twitter @Captaincue or send me a mail with your writing needs at kaptaincue@gmail.com)

Football Betting Tips (07/03/2015)

Yo! We back. A bit of advice to begin with; do NOT stake with money that, if lost, will disrupt the linear flow of your life. Don't get yourself in ruinous debt to bet on games. As I always say, N200 (a week) to win N2million. I think I'll write a short story on gambling. If you're here for this weekend's tips, here goes:

HANNOVER vs BAYERN MUNICH:
18goals in their last 3 Bundesliga fixtures. The odds on an away win is a meagre 1.22, but they all count in an accumulator.
Bayern victory

HAMBURG vs BORUSSIA DORTMUND:
I had the distinct displeasure of watching Hamburg play 'Gladbach a fortnight ago. They're truly a horrible side. Against a resurgent  Dortmund, it should be a straightforward away win.
Dortmund win

EVIAN vs MONACO
A deceptively competent side steadily getting their key players back from a debilitating injury crisis. What's not to bet on!
X2

HERACLES vs VITESSE
A game that guarantees goals.
Over 1.5goals

AUSBURG vs WOLFSBURG
Wolfsburg's form reads like : WWWWD. A sure banker for me
Away win

PADERBORN vs BAYER LEVERKUSEN:
This is a no-brainer for me.
Bayer victory

EMPOLI vs GENOA
I have no doubt Genoa are going to win at Empoli, but better to err on the side of caution when staking on an accumulator. Plus, there's the small matter of my N200.
X2

AJAX vs EXCELSIOR:
You see 16, 17 year olds making thousands of dollars every week in the Dutch league and reminisce what you were doing at 17. I'll tell you what I was up to. I was trying to lose my virginity. Without perspective, it could be rather disheartening. The young, little bastards!
Ajax win

ATLETICO MADRID vs VALENCIA:
My favourite kinda game to stake on. I don't care who wins (though I'm leaning towards a Valencia victory) -- so I'll just bet on goals and watch them score all those goals in the first half. A high-scoring encounter.
Over 2.5goals

NOTTINGHAM FOREST vs BORO
Over 1.5goals

Ten games. That's it for this weekend
Good luck boys.

Yours in tipster-y,
-->>>Captaincue (thank God for perspective)

WHITLOW, BRAS & ALL THAT...

Hi all, I'm Captaincue. Remember me? I thought as much! The betting tip(s?) I provided to folks, who like myself, hope to win 200million naira with 200naira, last week was disastrously bad. So I was contemplating skipping this week's -- to get me back on my tipstery feet, so to speak. Fortunately/unfortunately, that decision was made for me when my right thumb contacted whitlow. I think its funny how something as trivial as a sore finger can affect the whole person. Like that one time I had a little boil square on my groin. It was situated right where my trouser band usually is -- such that I couldn't pull my shorts up to my navel & look like Honourable Obahiagbon. Neither could I sag more than I usually do; else, the good boy image I've been cultivating in the neighborhood would be eviscerated in the eyes of puritanical hypocrites around here. That shi made me miserable. This whitlow thing likewise.

Trying to type on your phone with a sore thumb is akin to trying to fondle boobs with the bra still on; totally doable, but very frustrating. (Captaincue, March 2015)

During the brief recess occasioned by a little health niggle, I've not been totally useless though. I read and reviewed quite a number of books. I managed to jot some stuff in my books which I'll develop into articles shortly. In the meantime, let's end this little get-together with a little benediction. Everyone should grab a drink while I say that prayer:  Here's to pressing boobs (living life) through the bra (regardless of frustrating confinements) & hoping she (Providence) will take that fcvking bra (challenges) off pretty soon. Amen?
Bottoms up.

--->>>Captaincue (Amen)

IT HAS BEGUN

Everybody in the family, save for my mother and two of my sisters love(d) football. The first tournament I can really recall is the Korea/Japan FIFA world cup in 2002. I wasn't even in my teens yet, but I'd discovered a sport I really love(d). Then the following year, after my older cousin came from Lagos for his pre-degree program, we started watching club football at viewing centres on weekends. On the opening weekend of the 2003 English Premier League season, Man United played host to a certain Jay-Jay Okocha's Bolton Wanderers. The minute, little details escape my memory, but I remember (vividly!) Sir Alex motioning to the bench for a thin, sprightly, pimple-faced teenager to begin his warmup. I remember there were a few vociferous objections from many United fans about Ferguson's choice of a sub. Little over five minutes later, that teenager came on, sauntered about the pitch with flair and élan, had grown men on their asses with fantastic dribbling moves I'd never watched on live television before AND affected the game such that a slender 1-0 lead turned into a robust 4-0 thrashing of Okocha's team. I knew I was watching the very beginnings of an individual's greatness, if ever there was one. The memories of the beautiful David Beckham who had departed for Madrid the previous summer was put on the back burners. Old Trafford had a new hero;
C-fcvking-Ronaldo.

There's an inescapable feeling of joy in one's gut when you witness the inceptions of (potentially) great things. I like writing, you see. And I get beside myself with pride, and joy when people think my prose is not that bad. I know how perverted it seems to cherish the opinions of strangers over the internet, but hey, Vox populi, Vox dei.

So I had the honour of guest-posting on a blog I follow religiously; naijasinglegirl.net & the feedback on the comments section has been awesome. Click HERE to read.
Also, I did a review of an upcoming artiste's LP. The guy is a friend too. I had fun writing that coz I did it for a fee *giggles*, but I've been unable to contact the blogger that posted my review for permission to repost on this blog. You can read the review HERE

Forgive me for getting ahead of myself, and I trust you'll ignore the braggadocio, but that feeling I got in 2003 at that viewing centre? I feel the same way about myself. I feel like I'm gonna be great.

Rather disturbingly, I had the same feeling when Jonathan came into power. So you can forget everything you just read about my incepting greatness, and watch my writing career crumble like a pack of cards.
Or not!

--->>>Captaincue (*****, please don't kill my vibe)

BETTING TIPS (21/02/2015)

TOTTENHAM vs WEST HAM
Rumour has it that big, fat SAM will be leaving at the end of the season. Perhaps that has affected the team. In the battle of the hams, there's no ham in betting on a Tottenham victory.
Home win.

EVERTON vs LEICESTER
Everton played with the swagger of last season in their Europa league victory; scoring four goals in the process. I'm still not fully convinced.
Over 1.5

SOUTHAMPTON vs LIVERPOOL
On our family comp, I remember I did something with my console and super Mario defied the laws of gravity. The motherfucker floated in the air and flew past 'home'. I had to restart the game and lose a bet.  It did not make any sense. And I suspect this tip won't make any sense:
Liverpool victory

CELTIC vs HAMILTON
In the dick-measuring contest of the Europa league, Celtic had the same size against one of them big-boys (Internazionale). A whopping 3inches. I keep telling you people, size is not everythi... (*taps mic* is this thing working?)
Comfortable home win

WILLEM II vs AJAX
A tasty odd of over 2.0 on an Ajax win here. As you should know, I love spicy, tasty things served to me on a silver. Red wine to boot.
Ajax win

SUNDERLAND vs WEST BROM
West brom are in swashbuckling, mid table firm. Sunderland are in dire straits.
No prizes for guessing what I'm staking on.

SWANSEA vs MAN UTD
The result of this United team is not up to the sum of its parts and I lay the blame squarely at the feet on LvG and his faux philosophy. Still, the bastards should have too much for Swansea.
United win

IPSWICH vs READING
Old, fat, chewing-gummy Yakubu is back in England. With Reading. Reading have been blowing hot n cold for a while now. Worth a punt though, even if its just to watch Yak miss from a yard out and spoil my accumulator.
X2

AUSBURG vs BAYER LEVERKUSEN
Away win

That's your lot for the weekend. Best of luck boys.

Yours in tipstery:
Captaincue

BETTING TIPS (14/02/2015)

This past week was my birthday (Wednesday). There was no birthday sex, there were lots of birthday texts, and wishes, and prayers and all such valuable but intangible stuff. I'm not gonna throw a tantrum and do a Yaya Toure. There was just a lot of time for sober reflection. Or drunken reflection -- some might say. Reflection is the keyword.

When I examined the circumstances, the happenings & non-happenings around and about me, I think Alhamdulilai is what I should say.

That over with, here's your tip for the weekend:

BOURNEMOUTH vs HUDDERSFIELD
I've had an eye on the home side all season as they continue to churn out results week after week. Its high time I staked big on them.
Bournemouth victory

BLACKPOOL vs NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Forest have arrested their decline by changing their coach; something that has seen them win two in a row. I think Nigeria should follow suit.
Away win

TORINO vs CAGLIARI
Comfortable win for Torino. They've been that good.

There will be wins for:
PSG
Napoli
Both Milan sides
Sunderland
Stoke
Both Madrid sides
Barca
Valencia
and Juventus.

Apologies for the pithy tips. I'm putting in a 4hour shift at work this morning. I'll gist you people.

Good luck boys

Yours in tipstery,
Captaincue (Happy Val. Do not make babies...!!)

O Captaincue! My Captaincue!

“
O Captain! My Captain! our
fearful trip is done;
The ship has weather'd every
rack, the prize we sought is
won;
The port is near, the bells I hear,
the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady
keel, the vessel grim and
daring:
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of
red,
Where on the deck my
Captain lies,
Fallen cold and
dead.
O Captain! My Captain! rise up
and hear the bells;
Rise up—for you the flag is
flung—for you the bugle trills;
For you bouquets and ribbon'd
wreaths—for you the shores a-
crowding;
For you they call, the swaying
mass, their eager faces turning;
Here captain! dear father!
This arm beneath your
head;
It is some dream that
on the deck,
You've fallen cold
and dead.
My Captain does not answer,
his lips are pale and still;
My father does not feel my arm,
he has no pulse nor will;
The ship is anchor'd safe and
sound, its voyage closed and
done;
From fearful trip, the victor ship,
comes in with object won;
Exult, O shores, and ring, O
bells!
But I, with mournful
tread,
Walk the deck my
captain lies,
Fallen cold and
dead.
”
O Captain! My Captain! is a poem written by Walt Whitman in 1865 to celebrate the life of Abe Lincoln.

I'm gonna use the same format in the following poem, but I'll alter the words. Here goes:

   "
O Captaincue! My Captaincue!
Your daunting voyage is underway
You have no idea what nautical terms to use
But you know you'll do just okay

Your dreams are this close, yet they're still so far
Getting ever closer to your goals
A beautiful sight on the horizon
Your ship sailing -- steady as she goes

But O heart! Heart! Heart!
O the bloody tears of anguish
When you were marooned by damaging self-doubt
Constraining potential you should unleash

O Captaincue! My Captaincue!
Back in the saddle, you fucking bastard
Don't give a rat's derriere whose ox you gore
Realize most of your fears are fictional like Asgard

Whenever you're on the verge of despair
Think dear Captain -- Think!
Think of all the battles you've fought
Think dear Captain -- Think!
Think of all the lessons you've been taught
Think dear Captain -- Think!
Think of all the problems you should sort
Think dear Captain -- Think!
Some day, you'll be planted in the ground -- by your lonesome -- left to rot
Think dear Captain -- Think of all these
Will you give it your best shot, or will you not

Rise like a Phoenix
Remember these as your journey into the
world
Let hard work be your prefix
Be different like a remix

You have your heading dear Captaincue
Weigh anchor and set sail
Towards the shore of your goals
May the odds forever be in your favour.
                                             "

A chronically happy birthday Captain. Enjoy.

--->>>Cue (just thought I'd write me a lil something before heading out)

WEEKEND BETTING TIPS (07/02/2015)

As usual, we are gathered here to make some serious money off those motherfcvkers. Have a meritorious weekend. Without further ado:

TOTTENHAM vs ARSENAL
There was a story this week about Clark Carlisle, an ex-footballer who got hit by a lorry in his native England. In actual fact, he jumped in front of the lorry coz he wanted to die & 'end it all'. After weeks in hospital, he came out to apologize to the driver of the lorry who must've been seriously traumatized. Mr Carlisle was depressed you see! People still snigger at people with 'mental' illness. It is 2015 people. We cannot be oblivious to it. Depression exists. If anyone reading this is in a similar state, please talk to someone immediately. Anyone. When you have another perspective to view things from, you're well on your way to wellness.
Phew.

Its all in the head, isn't it! For a decade now, Tottenham have been threatening to catch their North London neighbours, only to bottle it at the very end. Both teams are in really good nick going into this one and I'm going to err on the side of caution here.
Over 1.5 goals.

MAN CITY vs HULL CITY
Routine Manchester city win over a woefully out of form Hull.
Home win

EVERTON vs LIVERPOOL
When a man takes his own life, its called Suicide.
When a man takes another's life, its a Homicide.
When there's a mass killing, its a Genocide.
When you kill unwanted guests, you use a Pesticide.
When there are two teams in a large city with no Premier League Title between them, we call it Merseyside.
Over 1.5goals

MIDDLESBROUGH vs CHARLTON
1X

WOLFSBURG vs HOFFENHEIM
A famous victory over Guardiola's soldiers is still fresh in memory. An excellent side.
Big win for Wolfsburg

RENNES vs MARSEILLE
Marseille have been a little wobbly of late. I don't like. Normal services will resume in this one.
Away win

ATLETICO vs REAL
When people see a boy like myself (gangly, and a little nerdy) go after a classy girl, I imagine they turn up their noses and tell themselves he couldn't possibly sleep with THAT chick. Yet, he bleeps her. Repeatedly. Using all the styles in that Kamasutra flick. And Atletico keep bleeping Real. This one is hard to call for me.
Over 1.5goals

BILBAO vs BARCA
over 2.5goals.

GUINGAMP vs MONACO
Monaco. Hmmm. A girl has a sugar daddy that sponsors her education at Harvard. 4semesters into her education, the man drastically cuts his supply of cash. It shakes the girl initially, but those few semesters have rubbed off on her such that she can still hold her own in a community of degree holders.
Double-chance on Monaco because she's a dropout.

Also, bet on straight victories for Porto and PSV.

11games. That should do very nice with our agreed 200 Naira.

Its a wrap boys.
Yours in tipstery;
Captaincue.