Michael*

17 Catrinel Menghia 18 Frida Gustavsson 19 Simone Villas Boas 20 Elisa Sednaoui 21 Ariadne Artiles 22 Milla Jovovich 23 Candice Boucher 24 Nataniele Ribeiro

8

A tricky one for sure, but... Natasha Barnard [2] Erika Kundrotaite [1]

Probably not an ideal appointment, but with the FA dead set on having an Englishman in charge, ideal wouldn't have been an option in the first place. Still, Hodgson is a diplomat with tactical nous and international experience which, with us being so close to a major tournament, must surely all be prerequisites for the job at this point. Appointments based solely on reputations gained at club level haven't worked in the past and neither have those forced through by the press. Besides, they only wanted 'Arry because he perpetuates their idea that we're somehow unique in our passion for the game - an old-fashioned mentality that should really have gone out with the ark.

Topics merged. (Y)

The outfit is greater than the sum of it's parts, but the wings on their own... 3

Natasha Barnard [9] Tiiu Kuik [6]

It seems to me that this season is referencing current events (that is to say, the current events of the time) far more than in previous episodes, and that there are a few more laughs sprinkled in. Roger's 'Frere Jacques' routine cracked me up, as did the line "there's my baby. Move that brat out of the way so I can see her". Overall, I think it's shaping up well.

It was starting to feel like they were trying to tie up certain loose ends in preparation for a conclusion (especially all this business with the Observers), so I'm a bit surprised to hear that there's another season in the offing. Still, it's most welcome news.

So apparently, the word on the street is that Guardiola will walk in the summer. I'm a bit surprised, but I suppose this has been a strong possibility since the end of last season. He's only ever signed one year deals so the option to leave in relatively painless fashion has been a constant, and the level of commitment and attention to detail that his coaching style requires seems rarely conducive to long term appointments. What next for Pep? An extended lie down followed by a call from Roman Abramovich? If so, I don't envy him.

The more I see of Bregje, the more she reminds me of Melanie Laurent (which of course, I use as a compliment). Thanks to all for the pics.

5

Zuzana

The footballing purist in me wants Bayern to win, while the vindictive Sunderland fan in me thinks it would be funny for Newcastle to finish 4th and Chelsea to win the Champions League, ensuring only the Premier League's top three qualify for next season's tournament. :evil:

A reminder that baiting, bashing and flaming are not allowed here at BZ. Thread cleaned.

I'm suffering from such an acute case of 'anticipation fatigue' just now, that I'm beginning to think it's all a ruse, and that there is no movie.

Batman Begins

They'll be giving them the vote next. Two by Jack White and one by Grimes from Tuesday evening's edition of Later with Jools Holland.

Natasha Barnard [4] Nicole Harrison [1]

A Chelsea/Bayern final, who'd have thunk it (apart from Fred)? Hopefully, the contributions of Neuer and Schweinsteiger last night will put paid to the popular misconception that penalties are a lottery. Between them, they absolutely owned that shoot-out.

Natasha Barnard [7] Robin Holzken [3]

Despite Terry's undoubted gift for finding new and original ways to stab his teammates in the back, Chelsea were a lot more comfortable than I would have expected, particularly in the latter stages of the game when a sustained Barca onslaught looked to be on the cards. Also, way to rain on Ivanovic's parade Geoff Shreeves!

Leighton Meester [5] Adrianne Palicki [1]

Natasha Barnard [7] Tanya Mityushina [2]

Random cover version corner: Caitlin Rose (me neither) does Arctic Monkeys/Alex Turner's 'Piledriver Waltz' in countrified fashion.