Saturday 30 June 2012

Flash Player for Android: Adobe calls time, declares it dead

Adobe’s hope that its Flash Player would become ubiquitous on mobile devices was spoilt by the iPhone’s success – and now it says that it’s not going to offer new versions on Android any more Flash on mobile – which … Continue reading

Source: http://www.ukstatepension.info/flash-player-for-android-adobe-calls-time-declares-it-dead/

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GPs! Have you completed your estimate of pensionable pay form?

Please note the importance of the form that every GP practice and every alternative provider of medical services (APMS) practice/centre (that is an employing authority) is legally required to complete and send to their commissioning PCT/LHB prior to the start of the 2011/12 pension year (01, April 2011)

read more

Source: http://nhslocal.nhs.uk/blogs/jeremy-syree/2011/02/gps-have-you-completed-your-estimate-pensionable-pay-form

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Jimmy Carr and tax

Rather than lecturing us about what is or is not morally acceptable, Mr Cameron should be giving us a lead in the way he was elected to do – changing the law rather than demonising individuals. It seems HMRC, encouraged … Continue reading

Source: http://www.pensions-advisory-service.info/jimmy-carr-and-tax/

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New Regulations About ERISA Plan Fee Disclosures

According to a July 13, 2011 press release from the U.S. Department of Labor, a final regulation is now in place regarding retirement plan fee disclosures. Pursuant to ERISA Section 408(b)(2), a rule issued in interim form on July 16, 2010, … Continue reading

Source: http://www.pension-calculator.info/new-regulations-about-erisa-plan-fee-disclosures-10/

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The Untouchables?

In an earlier life I was the Legal Director of the Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority, the predecessor body to the current Pension Regulator. One of the issues which took up a considerable amount of management and investigatory time concerned a … Continue reading

Source: http://www.uk-retirement.info/the-untouchables-15/

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Pensions Champions online course

The combination of the financial crisis, related threats to pensions schemes and changes to be introduced by the Government have pushed pensions higher up everyone’s agenda than ever before. What can we do about it? This course aims to train … Continue reading

Source: http://www.ukstatepension.info/pensions-champions-online-course-16/

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Friday 29 June 2012

?Europe to ruin British pensions??

Today’s Daily Express headline was alarmingly topical for delegates passing the news stands on the way to the NAPF Europe conference this morning. It gave the speakers pause for thought – and scope for humour, with Fritz von Nordheim of … Continue reading

Source: http://www.nhspension.info/europe-to-ruin-british-pensions-7/

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Sign the e-petition now

Sorry for the lack of blogs over the last couple of weeks but we have been busier than Harry Redknapp?s legal team. Fortunately, like Harry?s football team, we have a lot of very skilful and hard-working individuals. Since BMA members overwhelmingly rejected the pensions proposals, we?ve been doing all we can to urge the government [...]

Source: http://blogs.bma.org.uk/pensions/2012/02/14/sign-the-e-petition-now/

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Britain to become a nation of renters? but wait!

Having just seen a news article stating that Britain is to become a nation of renters, I felt that it contradicted slightly the other news I heard today which was that a leading mortgage provider are now offering a 100% … Continue reading

Source: http://www.annuitycomparison.info/britain-to-become-a-nation-of-renters-but-wait-10/

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Absense due to weather- do staff get paid?

Many employees and employers alike will be wondering whether staff will be getting paid if they are unable to get to work due to bad weather conditions. This unfortunately has no straight-forward answer and we look at the different scenarios. … Continue reading

Source: http://www.pensionscalculator.info/absense-due-to-weather-do-staff-get-paid-17/

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Income Replacement Insurance (PHI)

Today, I could be mostly stating the obvious! (Credit to The Fast Show)

Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/2hvohd/

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The answer is 'inflation'. What was the question?

Martin Wolf recently committed the Financial Times to a $71.88 lunch-time interview with Paul Krugman. Whatever the quality of the meal, the interview was poor value. Three questions were covered: what the Federal Reserve got wrong; what Japan got right; and how the eurozone might be saved. In each of the three areas, inflation provides the key.

Read the full blog post here

Source: http://www.iea.org.uk/blog/the-answer-is-inflation-what-was-the-question

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Hitting you where it hurts

You?ve probably been keeping up with the details of all the many nasty changes that the government is planning for your pension but until this month you may not have actually felt them. I?m guessing that if you have now … Continue reading

Source: http://www.pensionsuk.info/hitting-you-where-it-hurts-2/

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Thursday 28 June 2012

Annuity : Easy Loans Fast

Daniel asks? In US which financial company provides easy and fast payday loans please assist me its very urgent? plz suggest me a payday loan company which will approve me in half an hour please suggest the best one Sheila … Continue reading

Source: http://www.pensionlumpsum.info/annuity-easy-loans-fast/

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NEST?s been gelded by the ABI ? this is the result!

Here is a case study that will be of interest to Gregg Mcclymont�MP �@greggmcclymont� and those campaigning for “remasculating” NEST. As I’ve said before NEST is a pension eunuch. It cannot accept transfers, accomadate�chunky contributors or pass on the benefits … Continue reading

Source: http://www.iiht.info/nests-been-gelded-by-the-abi-this-is-the-result/

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Pensions Champions online course

The combination of the financial crisis, related threats to pensions schemes and changes to be introduced by the Government have pushed pensions higher up everyone’s agenda than ever before. What can we do about it? This course aims to train … Continue reading

Source: http://www.drawdown.info/pensions-champions-online-course-5/

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Flood emergencies: Government ducking its duty

This June looks like being the wettest for [...]

Source: http://touchstoneblog.org.uk/2012/06/flood-emergencies-government-ducking-its-duty/

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Pensions & the Self-employed

The Treasury are toying with the limits for Pension contributions.

Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/ul1fon/

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A British debt brake

Britain currently has two emergency fiscal rules. There is a commitment, roughly speaking, to eliminate the structural deficit and to start shrinking net debt by 2015-6. These short term measures are designed to deal with the current debt crisis. If … Continue reading

Source: http://www.inheritancetaxthreshold.info/a-british-debt-brake-2/

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The Argentine example isn?t helpful to Greece

As its crisis continues, more and more people are calling for Greece to follow the Argentine 2001 example and devalue its currency. This would imply leaving the euro and returning to the drachma, followed by a series of bank runs and capital controls … Continue reading

Source: http://www.statepensionforecast.info/the-argentine-example-isnt-helpful-to-greece/

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Labour comes clean on immigration

It is not often that political parties admit to having made mistakes, and this particular mea culpa has been a long time coming. But in an opinion piece for The Times today, Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, says that … Continue reading

Source: http://www.the-pension-service.info/labour-comes-clean-on-immigration/

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Wednesday 27 June 2012

The place cash has in an Investment portfolio

?Cash is king?. Isn?t that what ?they? say?

Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/xialjm/

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Pensionable pay in theory and practice

How well do you know your scheme’s pensionable pay definition? Many people might be able to quote a summary of it from the members’ booklet, or give the gist of what is pensionable for their scheme. The further you get from the precise terms of the rules, though, the greater the risk of getting it [...]

Source: http://www.pensionstalk.co.uk/disputes/pensionable-pay-in-theory-and-practice/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pensionable-pay-in-theory-and-practice

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Absense due to weather- do staff get paid?

Many employees and employers alike will be wondering whether staff will be getting paid if they are unable to get to work due to bad weather conditions. This unfortunately has no straight-forward answer and we look at the different scenarios. … Continue reading

Source: http://www.pension-release-uk.info/absense-due-to-weather-do-staff-get-paid-6/

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Destination Unknown: Two years of cuts for disabled people

Amid the sum of speeches and sound bites [...]

Source: http://touchstoneblog.org.uk/2012/06/destination-unknown-two-years-of-cuts-for-disabled-people/

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Lets Keep It Civil

Avid readers of Professional Pensions may have seen an ariticle in the 6th September edition regarding the case of Waddy v Foster Wheeler (yes, THAT Foster Wheeler – just can’t seem to keep out of the pension press can it??). … Continue reading

Source: http://www.illhealthretirement.info/lets-keep-it-civil-6/

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What is enough?

Source: http://blogs.birminghampost.net/business/2012/06/what-is-enough.html online dating website facebok login be naugthy find people in face book benaughty facebook

Source: http://www.inheritancetaxthreshold.info/what-is-enough/

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Unemployment is falling, yet so are real wages

I have a post at Left Foot Forward, [...] Source: http://touchstoneblog.org.uk/2012/06/unemployment-is-falling-yet-so-are-real-wages/ be naught internet date online dating website facebok login be naugthy

Source: http://www.nhspension.info/unemployment-is-falling-yet-so-are-real-wages/

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Annuity : Discount Car Insurance For Minors

William asks? Car Insurance Forecasting after at-fault car accident? On my way home from school, I accidentally hit an Audi A4 in the bumper by accident. I was at full stop, but suddenly a spontaneous cough came over me that … Continue reading

Source: http://www.annuitycalculatoruk.info/annuity-discount-car-insurance-for-minors/

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Tuesday 26 June 2012

FTSE350 High Yield

There has been a lot of conjecture recently around what better approaches to take during the recent market volatility.

Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/11406t/

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Pensions & the Self-employed

The Treasury are toying with the limits for Pension contributions.

Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/ul1fon/

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Ways to boost your practice revenue

I work with a number of medical practices across Worcestershire and the West Midlands and I am frequently asked to advise on practical ways to improve profitability. There are a number of changes that a general practice can make to help increase revenue and overall profits.

Some ways to increase your profits include:

read more

Source: http://nhslocal.nhs.uk/blogs/jeremy-syree/2011/08/ways-boost-your-practice-revenue

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Wimbledon 2012: day two ? live! | Jacob Steinberg

? Press refresh or turn on the auto-update for the latest
? All the latest stats and more with the IBM SlamTracker
? The full order of play for day two of Wimbledon 2012
? Today: Murray, Nadal, Tsonga, Hewitt all in men's action
? Serena Williams, Robson and Wozniacki in the women
? Click here for all our full Wimbledon coverage
? And you can email jacob.steinberg.casual@guardian.co.uk
? Check out our live gallery of day two

4.56pm: Rafa Nadal wins the second set 6-2 to take a two set lead over Thomaz Bellucci. It seems so long ago when Bellucci was 4-0 up in the first set. Different times, different times. Similarly James Ward is struggling in the third set of his match, the memory of winning the second set against Andujar 6-0 fading away. Sadly he's 5-3 down and the Spaniard is serving for the set. The No16 seed Marin Cilic has started badly in his match against Cedrik-Marcel Stebe and is 2-0 down.

4.52pm: A stat courtesy of tennis correspondnet Simon Cambers: no Aussie men in the second round at Wimbledon since 1938. Strewth.

4.44pm: Lleyton Hewitt's Wimbledon is over. Will there be another one for the former Wimbledon champion after a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 defeat to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Ten years after his only title here, he's out in the first round. Time catches up with us all. Yes, even this blog.

4.40pm: Serena's done it the hard way,. She took her time finishing the job off against Barbora Strycova and was broken twice in the second set, once when she was serving for the match, but she wasn't to be denied and held on for 6-2, 6-4 victory. What a difference 24 hours makes in the Williams family. Venus is out, but Serena marches on.

4.30pm: Andujar has won a game! Hurrah hurrah for Andujar! "Re Rafa playing left-handed - isn't he naturally right-handed, but played left when Uncle Toni said so?" says Gary Naylor. "There are quite a few tennis players who are ambidextrous, but none quite as ambidextrous as Australian batsman David Warner or, of course, perhaps the most outrageously gifted ball sports player of them all - Ronnie O'Sullivan." Yep, he is right-handed.

4.22pm: Cor blimey. James Ward has won the second set of his match against Andujar 6-0! Rule Britannia.

4.21pm: A primal roar from Nadal indicates he has won the first-set tie-break without dropping a point. Did you ever doubt him?

4.19pm: Bellucci has gone. He's shot. A lame drop-shot barely reaches the net and Nadal is 6-0 up in the tie-break. At the moment Bellucci doesn't look like winning another point, let alone a game. Poor guy. When it goes, it goes fast.

4.18pm: "I don't care what his namer really is, or about the evidence of my eyes," says Peter Harmer. "In my mind Nadal is playing John Belushi, and it's brilliant." That'll explain this tie-break collapse then. Nadal leads 3-0.

4.15pm: Having been 4-0 down in the first set, Rafael Nadal has taken Thomaz Bellucci to a tie-break.

4.10pm: Britain's James Ward lost the first set of his match 6-4 to Andujar of Spain, but he's going great guns in the second set, two breaks up and a 3-0 lead settling him down very nicely indeed thank you very much. Elena Baltacha is also in action against Karin Knapp over on Court 18. Not much to report on that one yet.

4.05pm: An all-German affair is being played out over on Court Three, where Phillip Kohlschreiber is taking on former world No2 and Virtua Tennis legend Tommy Hass. It's Hass who has the upper hand and leads by a set after winning the opener 6-3. Still on serve in the second.

3.58pm: It's looking increasingly forlorn for Lleyton Hewitt, two sets down to Jo-Wilfriend Tsonga, who's showing no signs of any discomfort with the finger injury he suffered at Queen's. 6-4, 6-4 and this is most definitely not a day to remember for Australian tennis.

3.55pm: That was fun while it lasted. A volley into the net and just like that Bellucci's double-break is wiped out. Move aside, Rafa's arrived.

3.50pm: "Do you think maybe throwing an early break or two is Nadal's version of Inigo Montoya fencing left-handed?" says Matt Dony. "There's no sport, otherwise." What if Nadal played left-ha... Oh.

3.48pm: Surprise, surprise, Nadal has one break back already. It's 4-1 to Bellucci with Nadal on serve. On Court Three, a potential opponent of Andy Murray, Kevin Anderson, has lost the first set 7-5 to the unseeded Grigor Dmitrov.

3.46pm: It's all over for Johanna Konta and there can be no doubting her claims to be British now. She did indeed have two break points, two chances to break McHale, but she could take neither and has lost 6-7, 6-2, 10-8. A terrific scrap, but the favourite is through by the skin of her teeth. You have to feel for Konta, but she will be back.

3.46pm: "Watching Wimbledon on TV made me wonder: why does TV show tennis matches from the angle it usually does (i.e. the main camera behind one of the players, with the other player in the top half of the screen)?" asks Johan van Slooten. "It looks a bit unnatural to me. Why don't they do it like in football (and most other field sports), with the main camera positioned close to the net and both players on the left and right of your TV screen. Or would that be plain stupid? Do you know?" Yes. If you watch tennis from the side, you'll spend most of the time looking from left to right and back again as the ball goes back and forth.

3.43pm: Is this really happening? Groans from Kevin Mitchell, sitting to my right, as a woeful forehand from Nadal flies off court and hands Bellucci a double-break. It's 4-0 to Bellucci in the first set. 4-0 against Rafael Nadal. Wow. Wow is the word.

3.41pm: Judy Murray will have to take solace in her son (presumably) winning this afternoon. Feliciano Lopez is out, beaten 7-6, 3-6, 7-6, 6-4 by Jarko Niemenen. It doesn't sound like there were many break points in that match.

3.38pm: In a fraught game, Konta saved three break points. She couldn't save four. McHale battles her way into a 9-8 lead and will serve for the match. The end is nigh. Or is it? She couldn't close it out yesterday. Will it be third time lucky?

3.32pm: Just like Djokovic against Ferrero yesterday, Nadal has been broken early on by Thomaz Bellucci, the Brazilian taking a 2-0 lead. If I don't sound very excited about this, it's because I think we all know it's not going to last. That said, Bellucci has started very well. Elsewhere Serena Williams is in control in her match, 3-1 up in the first set against Barbora Strycova.

3.28pm: McHale is taken to deuce on her serve but holds on. It's 8-8. Who's going to blink first? Now would be a good time for Konta to forget she's representing Britain.

3.24pm: Konta and McHale are back on Court 17. It's 8-7 to Konta on serve in the third...

3.20pm: And now a Mr Andy M: "Frankly I am shocked and appalled. Let's kick Rafa out of Wimbledon." Wow, this has really snowballed.

3.19pm: A Mr R Federer emails in to say: "DISGRACEFUL! WHAT IF THERE WERE KIDS WATCHING? THROW RAFA OUT OF WIMBLEDON NOW. UNACCEPTABLE."

3.14pm: Over on the BBC, Rafa Nadal has been asked who he beat on the way to his 2008 title, the first time he won here. The sort of thing you'd remember, right? Er, no. Embarrassment strikes as he screws up his face, shakes his head and tries to remember back four years before exclaiming "Shit!" on live television a full six hours before the watershed. He done a bad word! Red faces all round on the Beeb. That's it. Disqualify him. Disqualify him now.

3.08pm: "Ooo," winces the crowd as a Hewitt shot clangs off his racket and into an unwitting ballgirl. She's ok though. She's even smiling. They make them tough rond here. Tsonga is far too good for Hewitt and a delicate volley at the net seals the set. 6-3 to the Frenchman and it's a long way back for the Aussie veteran now. Champion here in 2002, out in the first round 10 years later? It's sadly looking that way at the moment. IBM Slamtracker tells me that Tsonga had one break point in that set and took it. Hewitt had two. He took neither.

3.04pm: The rain, rain has gone away and will probably come back in five minutes, but for now the players are back out on court. Well done players! Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Lleyton Hewitt are locked on serve but the Frenchman is hammering away at the Australian and has just broken for a 5-3 lead in the first set, winning the game with a glorious forehand pass. Oh Australia.

2.55pm: Petra Kvitova is through, but it was far from convincing against Akgul Amanmuradova from Wimbledon champion, whose reign may not last much longer if such slackness infects her game again. She was away with the fairies at the start, allowing the Uzbek to race into a 3-0 lead in the first set but a first-round defeat would have been no way for the champion to depart SW19, and she battled back to win 6-4, 6-4. Next up on Centre Court? It's only Rafa Nadal. What can IBM Slamtracker tell us about this? That Thomaz Bellucci has no chance needs to win 52% of rallies with two or fewer shots.

2.48pm: When play resumes, I'll be focusing mainly on the denoument of Johanna Konta's match against Christine McHale. They managed one game when they came out earlier and Konta held for an 8-7 lead in the third. As I type, they're putting the net back up on Court 17.

2.43pm: Hip hip! The covers are coming off.

2.39pm: I hope Cliff Richard's here!

2.38pm: Did you know that the "Olympics" are happening soon? Here's some news about the USA's plans for the tennis at Wimbledon, via that there Twitter.

USTA names John Isner, Andy Roddick, Donald Young and Ryan Harrison in singles and Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan and John Isner/Andy Roddick in doubles for Olympics.

USTA names Serena Williams, Christina McHale, Venus Williams and Varvara Lepchenko in singles and Liezel Huber/Lisa Raymond and Williams/Williams in doubles.

Mardy Fish chose not to play."

2.37pm: Word from the Met Office is that this will be but a passing shower. No, not Spain.

2.32pm: So as I stepped outside of the press centre to grab some lunch, shrieking Japanese fans suddenly descended upon the entrance, security guards having to make sure they couldn't get in. Nothing unusual there, I thought, I'm mobbed by an adoring public whenever I step out of my front door - only, believe it or not, the attention wasn't being poured on me but on victorious Kei Nishikori after his straight-sets win over Mikhail Kukushkin. Ushered inside, he did a television interview with a beaming Japanese man, before being rushed away. Alarmingly the exit was besieged by autograph-hunting Japanese fans - no way out and I wanted MA DINNER. Finally they were ushered away though, and all that was left were two female security guards, both chuckling about what had just occurred.

2.31pm: The covers are on and we're waiting for the roof to come on to Centre Court. I was just outside in the rain and it's only spitting for now. Let's hope it doesn't get any worse. Duh.

2.28pm: Rain!

2.20pm: And there it is: David Goffin wraps up victory over the No20 seed, Bernard Tomic. Elsewhere, on Centre, Petra Kvitova is beginning the defence of her women's singles title in relatively comfortable fashion, leading Akgul Amanmuradova 4-3 in the second after winning the first 6-4.

2.16pm: Esther Addley has been in the queue, checking the mood of the punters waiting to see Andy Murray in action, and finding what there is to enjoy at Wimbledon apart from the tennis.

2.14pm: Still on serve in the early Tsonga-Hewitt skirmishes, with the Frenchman leading 2-1 in the first. Elsewhere, the Tomic meltdown continues apace: Goffin is serving for a place in the second round at 5-4 in the fourth.

1.53pm: This blog will take a short intermission while I go off in search of the champagne bar some food. But before I nip off, here's Hugh Muir: "Tomic strangely one paced. Goffin dominating - his forehand to tomics backhand. Tomic sends backhand return skewing out to lose third set 6-4. The Australian needs a jump start." And also allow me to tell you that Petra Kvitova is over her early wobble and leads Akgul Amanmuradova 6-4, 2-0.

1.49pm: Brit down! Another brave defeat, Laura Robson crashing out at the hands of the wily Francesca Schiavone. Oh dear. It all started so well, Robson sprinting away with the first set, but she crumbled from there, going down 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. The serving in that match was particularly miserable, Robson throwing in eight doubles and Schiavone nine. Thanks IBM Slamtracker! Heather Watson remains the only British player to have won at this year's Wimbledon then. Don't even think about it, Andy. Don't you dare.

1.46pm: Bernard Tomic is in trouble now because more big serving from David Goffin has seen him win the third set 6-4. The Belgian lost the first set but has been in dazzling form since then.

1.42pm: The Lov-off is over and Alexandr Dolgopolov has triumphed over Alex Bogomolov Jr 6-3, 6-4, 7-5. Nicolas Mahut is also through - but not for a meeting with John Isner of course - after winning in five sets against Paolo Lorenzi. Aleksandra Wozniak has beaten Vera Dushevina 6-2, 7-5.

1.38pm: There's that British bulldog spirit from lia's Laura Robson! With Francesca Schiavone serving for the match at 5-2, the Italian helpfully does an Oli Golding and double-faults on break point to make it 5-3. What a comeback this would be, but Robson still has plenty to do. The IBM slamtracker told us that Robson needed to win more than 20% of break points - she's got 40%, but it may not be enough.

1.35pm: The mark of a champ: Kvitova has broken back and it's now 4-3 on serve. On Court 14, Kei Nishikori of Japan is very much in control against Kazahkstan's Mikhail Kukushkin - leave the Borat jokes at the door please - and leads 7-5, 6-3, 3-1.

1.29pm: Mardy Fish is on his way, two sets up against Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo. Not having it all your way now, Spain! Tiki-taka your way out of this pickle. Meanwhile Kvitova is looking anything but a champion over on Centre Court, where Amanmuradova leads her 4-2 in the first set. We have a result down on Court 16 too, Brian Baker beating Portugal's Rui Patricio 7-6, 6-4, 6-0. Oh dear. I think the toys might have been chucked out of the pram there.

1.21pm: After a game of around 582 deuces, David Goffin hangs on to his serve to take a 2-0 lead over Bernard Tomic at the start of the third set. What a grind. An engrossing grind, mind you. Thoroughly captivating and the young Belgian is on top. At this rate, Aussie hopes will rest on the shoulders of Lleyton Hewitt again.

1.19pm: A terrible start for the Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova over on Centre Court: she's 3-0 down against Akgul Amanmuradova. State of the women's game. I was on Centre for Sharapova's match yesterday. Admittedly feeble opposition, but she was in fantastic form and will take some beating on that evidence.

1.17pm: Judy Murray will be pleased to learn that Feliciano Lopez has won the second set against Jarko Niemenen. I saw Lopez in a hotel in Valencia last year. A handsome fan. I felt quite inferior and it's not often that happens, let me tell you.

1.14pm: More from the redoubtable Hugh Muir: "Tomic on losing serve first game third set whacks racquet twice into grass as he sits down. Warning - unsportsmanlike conduct. Who needs Nalbandian?"

1.05pm: It was all going so well for Laura Robson, but having lost the second set, she's dropped serve at the start of the third to Schiavone. Ah well. Another dream, crushed. A quick look at the IBM Slamtracker tells me that David Goffin won 85% of points on his first serve to Tomic's 60% in the first set. You do the math.

12.59pm: "Game and second set ... Goffin!" Oh I say! Nerveless from the young Belgian as he comes up with a love game when he was serving for the set, sealing it with a cracking ace. It's one set all and Bernard Tomic has a job on his hands here. A truly excellent match unfolding here and it would take a braver man than me, maybe John Terry, to predict which way it's going to go. "Goffin stays resolute...attacking Tomic's backhand and running him from side to side," says Hugh Muir, who's courtside for us. "Meanwhile Tomic goes languid, making more errors. Goffin dictates from back and mid court to take second set. Ends with an ace out wide. 6-3."

12.58pm: D-Lov is two sets up against B-Lov over on Court Seven. It's 6-3, 6-4, 1-1.

12.57pm: While my eyes are glued to the Tomic-Goffin tussle, Francesca Schiavone has levelled it up against Laura Robson. Dang! Blast!

12.53pm: A frisson of excitement on Court Three where the young Belgian David Goffin has taken a firm grip on the second set, overcoming the disappointment of throwing away an early break to take a 5-2 lead. This is a lovely match, possibly the best of the first round, both Goffin and Tomic playing some great tennis. They're evenly matched and some of the shot-making takes the breath away, although thankfully only for a moment, because I need oxygen to live.

12.47pm: Once again, Goffin's advantage didn't last long. It's back on serve in the second set, Tomic serving at 2-3 down. Bad newsfor British fans too, because Laura Robson has been broken by Schiavone. It's 4-3 in the second set. David Cameron to declare war on Italy posthaste.

12.45pm: A tweet from the official Wimbledon: "Breaking celebrity lunch news! We've just spotted @GregRusedski1 in the canteen. He went for the salmon." Poor form there from the Guardian columnist, who should really be eating mung beans and lentils, or something soy-based.

12.42pm: "I find it morally wrong for you to say keep these foreigners off our courts," says C Johnson, on whom there are no flies.

12.32pm: Bad news for Judy Murray: Feliciano Lopez has lost a first-set tie-break against Jarko Niemenen. 7-6 to the Finn. Mardy Fish, who really should have a better record on grass, has also won a tie-break against Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo. But the big story this lunchtime is an astonishing performance from the world No74 Kiki Bertens, who also had a rare old time in Paris. Having won the first set against the No19 seed Lucie Safarova, she's only gone and won the second set 6-0! A bagel! What a turn-up that is. Hurrah for the Netherlands! The summer's not a total wash-out for the Dutch after all. Now they just need Robin Hasse to beat DelPo later. Easy.

12.28pm: Our man on Court Two, sends this missive.

David Goffin, the Belgian much lauded after taking a set off Federer at the French struggling against Bernard Tomic. First set 6-3 Tomic. The boy Goffin, who looks only slightly older than the ballboy behind him, can't yet deal with Tomic's forehand. Just held his first service game in the second set though. Slipped in the second game. Has small cut at the top of his shin. Looking at it distractedly."

Saying that, it's all Goffin at the start of the second: he's only gone and broken to lead 2-0.

12.21pm: There we go. All Goffin did was delay the inevitable and Bernard Tomic has won the first set 6-3. Our nifty Slamtracker, courtesy of the good people over at IBM, informs me that Tomic got an impressive 81% of first serves in compared to a measly 60% from Goffin. They did tell us he needed to win more than 72% of points on his first serve though, but he got 2% less than that and still won the set. Is there no obstacle Tomic can't overcome?

12.17pm: Some housekeeping as we dart around the courts like a manic host at a dinner party. On Court Nine, Jesse Levine of the US of A has won the first set 6-4 against Slovakia's Karol Beck. WHAT SORT OF NAME IS KAROL FOR A MAN, THESE BLOODY FOREIGNERS, COMING OVER HERE, PLAYING ON OUR COURTS Alexsandra Wozniaki is a set up against Vera Dushevina and Kiki Bertens is causing a stir against the No19 seed Lucie Safarova after winning the first set 6-3. And she leads 3-0 in the second set.

12.16pm: Just when Goffin thought he was back in, Tomic boots him back out. He was unable to push on after breaking Tomic and no sooner had he got back into it at 3-2 was he suddenly 5-2 down. Tomic has a rocket of a forehand and it's proving too hot to handle so far. He gave Novak Djokovic quite a scare in last year's quarter-final. The sky's the limit for this kid, although he's going to have to serve for the first set at 5-3, Goffin surviving a set point and battling hard to hang in there, a timely ace coming in most handy. Meanwhile Dolgopolov has taken the first set 6-3 against Alex Bogomolov Jr.

12.04pm: Well, well, well. Tomic isn't going to have this all his own way and a loose game from him sees Goffin break back afte a loose backhand from the Australian. It's 3-2 on serve in the first set. This one could go the distance. In the Lov-off, it's advantage Ukraine, Alexandr Dologopolov 5-3 up over Russia's Alex Bogomolov and serving for the set. Elsewhere it's nip and tuck with few players able to eke out any advantage in these early stages, eyeing each other up nervously like teens at a school disco. No such problems for Laura Robson though, because she's just stormed to the first set against Francesca Schiavone, winning it 6-2. Magnificent stuff from the young Brit there. Could this be our year? Could it? COULD IT?!?!?!?!!??!?!

11.53am: The loss of the logo hasn't hurt Robson at all - she's already a break up against Schiavone, the 24th seed, and leads 3-1 in the first set. Bernard Tomic is also in sparkling form early on against David Goffin, who clearly hasn't been swotting up on his Aussie foe enough. It's a high-quality game but Tomic's forehand is proving pivotal at the moment and an early break in the first set has him in a commanding 3-0 lead.

11.50am: A strange scene down on Court Two where there's a break in play while Laura Robson has a logo cut off her shirt. Apparently it was too big. A logo? Too big? Uefa wouldn't approve.

11.46am: His nike-emblazoned bandana in place, Bernard Tomic gets things going against David Goffin, who's presumably been swotting up on his opponent. This could be an excellent match and Tomic looks to be in fine fettle, his forehand purring early on. There's not a great deal to report elsewhere but I note that Feliciano Lopez and Jarko Niemenen, who both beat Tim Henman here in his dotage, are in action over on Court 18. Can anyone vouch for Judy Murray's current whereabouts?

11.41am: A former child actor, Oli Golding was quite the showman yesterday. He ran the full gamut of emotions during his defeat to Igor Andreev and the tigher the match became, the more irritable he got. He's a tetchy kid and struggled to keep his temper in check during his more difficult moments. Indeed after losing one point he smashed a ball up into the air, and it landed not too far away from the unwitting Andreev. Then when he lost the third set, he picked up the ball and nearly smashed it into the crowd before thinking better of it. He kicked balls, he threw his racket to the floor and he screamed in frustration - teenagers.

If he ever does become a star though, how about renaming Henman's Hill ... wait for it ... Golding's Green?

11.28am: Was yesterday the last time we'll see Venus Williams at Wimbledon? Well beaten by Elena Vesnina, it was the first time she had gone out in the first round here. Her sister, Serena, will be hoping for better against Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, which takes place after the Tomic-Goffin match.""> The key for Serena could be to dominate the short rallies. Over on Court Three, Laura Robson's match against Francesca Schiavone is about to get underway. You can follow that here with Marcus Christenson.

11.24am: "Enjoy your day but keep your fingers crossed," announces the public announcer. Showers are forecast for 2pm. Bring on the wall roof.

11.22am: Our ">nifty IBM slamtracker tool informs me that Bernard Tomic is going to have to win more than 36% of first serve return points against David Goffin.

Good morning. Thank heavens for Heather Watson. And thank heavens to the heavens for not opening up yesterday, although we may not be so lucky today. To adopt my Michael Fish stance for a brief moment, there's a 70% chance of rain this afternoon; thank heavens for the Centre Court roof. It wasn't a great day for the Brits yesterday ? is it ever? - and Watson's maiden 6-2, 6-1 victory over Iveta Benesova salvaged some pride. Otherwise it was disappointment all round for the home players, although Oli Golding could take plenty of positives even in defeat to Igor Andreev. He had a glorious chance to take a 2-1 lead in sets, only to double-fault on set point, eventually succumbing in four. The most galling aspect was that blip aside, he served magnificently, hit his forehand viciously and mostly kept his nerve ? although he'll need to curb some of his strops. Teenagers, eh? One to watch though. Elsewhere Josh Goodall and Naomi Broady exited immediately, but keep an eye out for Johanna Konta, who returns to action against the No28 seed Christine McHale after their match was suspended due to bad light. Twice Konta broke when McHale was serving for the match; the score is delicately poised at 6-2, 6-7, 7-7. Is an Isner-Mahut on the cards? Perhaps not.

So this could yet be a famous day for British tennis. First up is Laura Robson against the former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone. The Italian's form has slipped of late though and Robson, who was beaten by Maria Sharapova in the second round last year, will be confident of progresssing. Jamie Baker is also in action on Court One. He takes on three-times Wimbledon finalist Andy Roddick, and may tentatively feel he can spring a surprise against the 30th seed. Unlikely though. As ever, then, we look to Andy Murray who has a tricky draw against dangerous floater Nikolay Davydenko, a one-time world No3 but now the world No47. Murray should go through, but if he's off his game, he could be in for a nerve-wracking match.

He's last up on Centre Court. Before him the women's champion Petra Kvitova takes on Akgul Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan, before the great Rafael Nadal opens his campaign. Today's designated punchbag is Thomaz Bellucci. Away from Centre, there are plenty of intriguing matches to hold your attention throughout the day. Today could herald a passing of the torch in Australian tennis, the stage set for Lleyton Hewitt to pass the crown on to young Bernard Tomic. It's 10 years since Hewitt beat David Nalbandian in the final here. How times have changed. Now he could be out in the first round ? it's a daunting match against No5 seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for him. As for Tomic, who we are obliged to refer to as "one of the true characters on the game", he takes on the talented Belgian David Goffin. Meanwhile over on Court Three, there's going to be some Lov lost - heh heh! - as Alex Bogomolov Jr meets Alexandr Dolgopolov. It's the match absolutely no one is calling The Lov Affair.

Play is set to begin at: 11.30pm BST.


guardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2012/jun/26/wimbledon-2012-day-two-live

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The economic history of the world in one little graph

  That headline is a big promise. But here it is: The economic history of the world going back to Year 1 showing the major powers’ share of world GDP, from a research letter written by Michael Cembalest, an analyst … Continue reading

Source: http://henrytapper.com/2012/06/20/the-economic-history-of-the-world-in-one-little-graph/

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Monday 25 June 2012

Investment in Intellectual Property Via A SSAS

SSAS, A small self administered scheme is a pension scheme established by the operators of a business, who appoint themselves as members and trustees. They dictate investment policy and ultimately benefit from the proceeds. That investment policy can range from investing money in shares to loans to the business.
A SSAS can purchase an asset from [...]

Source: http://www.pensionpractitioner.com/blog/intellectual-property-investment-via-ssas/92/

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Naomi Klein?s green shock doctrine

The environmental case for restrictions and restraint is never made with reluctance. It always comes wrapped up in a moralistic rant against lifestyle choices environmentalists disapprove of, so that most environmentalist arguments could be summarised as follows: catastrophic climate change … Continue reading

Source: http://www.pensions-advisory-service.info/naomi-kleins-green-shock-doctrine/

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Satisfaction or Fairness?

We had a Financial Services Authority (FSA) ?Treating Customers Fairly? (TCF) telephone assessment today.

Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/7nxyby/

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Jimmy Carr and tax

Rather than lecturing us about what is or is not morally acceptable, Mr Cameron should be giving us a lead in the way he was elected to do – changing the law rather than demonising individuals. It seems HMRC, encouraged … Continue reading

Source: http://www.pensiontransferuk.info/jimmy-carr-and-tax-2/

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The government brought us here

If someone had told me when I joined the BMA over 13 years ago that one day I would be writing a blog about doctors taking industrial action (over anything) then I might have feared for their mental health. After all, doctors are hardly known for their militancy, and yet here we are. Amid all [...]

Source: http://blogs.bma.org.uk/pensions/2012/05/31/the-government-brought-us-here/

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Robin goes to Hollywood, or Mr Hood goes to Washington

I can’t work out whether to go with [...] Source: http://touchstoneblog.org.uk/2012/06/robin-goes-to-hollywood-or-mr-hood-goes-to-washington/ pension lump sum pension transfer retirement age uk retirement calculator annuity calculator

Source: http://www.retirementageuk.info/robin-goes-to-hollywood-or-mr-hood-goes-to-washington-2/

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Manchester Jelf Employment Seminar: Book now!

FacebookTwitterDeliciousDiggStumbleUponAdd to favoritesEmailRSS With a continual and increasing level of change to UK employment requirements, it is certainly a really good time to kick-off another of the acclaimed Jelf Employment Seminars. As usual, we will be fielding our range of expert educators, speaking … Continue reading

Source: http://www.jelfgroup.com/blog/2012/05/manchester-jelf-employment-seminar-book-now/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=manchester-jelf-employment-seminar-book-now

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Gove row shows why Labour doesn?t get a look in

Reading this morning’s papers, you would have known that Michael Gove’s proposals to scrap GCSEs and bring back two levels of qualification for 16-year-olds have sparked a row. But to a greater extent than any recent government, this row is … Continue reading

Source: http://www.pension-release-uk.info/gove-row-shows-why-labour-doesnt-get-a-look-in/

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Markets welcome Bank of England stimulus

The continuing crisis in the euro zone has prompted the Bank of England to announce plans to launch a new stimulus package. Bllions of pounds of cheap credit will be offered to banks to lend to companies in a £140billion … Continue reading

Source: http://www.illhealthretirement.info/markets-welcome-bank-of-england-stimulus/

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New Focus of ERISA Fee Litigation

According to Troutman Sanders ERISA attorneys Jonathan A. Kenter and Gail H. Cutler, the outcome of a recent 401(k) plan lawsuit known as Tussey v. ABB did more than force the sponsor to write a check for $37 million. It led to lessons learned about the need to regularly review record-keeping and investment management fees, negotiate for rebates if possible and adhere to documented investment guidelines. What it did not resolve was "whether the record keeping costs of a 401(k) plan may be borne exclusively by those participants whose investment funds enjoy revenue sharing...while participants whose accounts are invested in investment funds with no revenue sharing pay little or nothing."

In "The Next Frontier in Fiduciary Oversight Litigation?" (April 27, 2012) they suggest that courts will likely be asked to opine as to whether ERISA fiduciaries have justified prevailing revenue sharing arrangements, taking allocation and class-based fee levels into account. Their recommendation is to decide on a disciplined approach that makes sense rather than making arbitrary decisions. Allocation rules to consider include the following:

  • Apportion record keeping fees on a pro-rata basis so that each participant is only charged his or her "fair share." Credit any revenue sharing received back to the "funds or participants as part of a periodic expense balance true-up."
  • Levy the same record keeping fee for each participant. Allocate revenue sharing monies ratably "to all investment funds or participants."
  • Adopt a combined pro-rata and per capital allocation such that a record keeping fee would consist of a fixed amount and a variable amount. Imposing a cap on total fees could be included.
  • "Hard wire the allocation method in the plan document" so that how record keeping fees are charged becomes a settlor function versus a fiduciary task.

In 2007, the ERISA Advisory Council's Working Group on Fiduciary Responsibilities and Revenue Sharing Practices reviewed industry practices as a way to improve disclosure for 401(k) plan participants. One recommendation made to the U.S. Department of Labor thereafter was to categorize payments for certain professional services as settlor functions and thereby protect fiduciaries from allegations of breach. Another request was for clarification that revenue sharing is not a plan asset "unless and until it is credited to the plan in accordance with the documents governing the revenue sharing."

With ERISA Rule 408(b)(2) fee disclosure compliance just ahead, numerous questions remain. This had led litigators and transaction attorneys alike to comment that further lawsuits and enforcement actions are likely to follow.

Note: Interested persons can read "Final Regulation Relating to Service Provider Disclosures Under Section 408(b)(2)," published the U.S. Department of Labor in February 2012.

Source: http://feeds.lexblog.com/~r/PensionRiskMatters/~3/u9cX5iu64Nk/

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Sunday 24 June 2012

Public Pension Reform is Seen as Urgent

According to "State Pension Reform, 2009-2011" by Ron Snell (National Conference of State Legislatures, March 2012), all but seven states have made "major changes" in order to lower pension fund obligations. Increasing employee contributions, reducing employer contributions and/or tightening up … Continue reading

Source: http://www.pensionforecast.info/public-pension-reform-is-seen-as-urgent-7/

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Euro 2012 webchat: Daniel Taylor answers your questions

Daniel Taylor was in Kiev and on hand to answer your queries ahead of England's Euro 2012 quarter-final with Italy

1.32pm: Daniel has arrived in the comments section. guero1 asks: Hi Daniel,. What's the latest on Italy's tactics for this game, will we see four at the back or a return to the three which dealt with Spain so effectively? I'm more than a little concerned about how we would react to an unconventional approach from the opposition, we struggle enough in midfield as it is, we could find ourselves swamped against 5 Italians orchestrated by the magnificent Pirlo.

Daniel replies:

What's been very clear over the last few days is that Hodgson is going to devote a lot of his tactics to trying to reduce the influence of Pirlo. He was unusually open about this when asked the other day and talked at length about the importance of wide players not drifting too wide, ie being compact (something Milner is good at).

The part I found most interesting was that he stressed the importance of Gerrard and Parker not straying too far forward if Pirlo is playing a deep role himself. In other words, don't lose your own position simply to get nearer to him. The danger if they did that being that there would be too much space behind England's two central midfielders for Italy to exploit. So expect to see Rooney dropping back at times to help midfield and try to stop Pirlo controlling the game.

On Italy's defence, it is difficult to be too sure but the Italian journalists I spoke to yesterday seem to think he will stick with four at the back. They, too, could not be 100% and, partly to stop team leaks, Prandelli is breaking with his usual policy and won't tell the players until an hour before kick-off.

1.38pm: legaff asks: During WC2010, Rooney received a lot of bad press (which was justified), especially when he talked about the fans into the live camera at the end of a game. But that was nothing compared to Nasri's behaviour to the press throughout these Euros. Do you think that, in comparison to other nations, the decorum of English players has never really been that bad?What's been your take on the French side and do you think Blanc's tactics let the team down or did the players simply not play good enough football on the pitch? Also, if you could pick one player or manager who has been entertaining throughout the tournament in regards to press conferences / interviews, who has it been? Balotelli seems to have entertained the hacks during yesterday's press conference.

Daniel replies:

Nasri was stupid but, in fairness, I guess you get moments like this everywhere. I've seen Gary Neville calling a journalist a 'fat ****' on a Manchester United flight and telling another, on a separate flight, to eff off etc etc, all with sponsors and other passengers around. One was because the journalist had written that he may retire, which is something GNev subsequently admitted was true. The other was even more daft.

Ashley Cole was asked to talk in the mixed zone after winning the European Cup (when you'd think most players would be happy to be interviewed) and replied: 'F*** 'em'. It happens. I could give you another 100 examples, in fact. The difference with Nasri is that he has a terrible relationship with the French media and when the team has just limply gone out of a major tournament the timing was terrible and he won't be allowed to forget that. After that, I guess it depends where you place swearing at a journalist in terms of bad behaviour.

I only saw the second half of the Spain-France game ? one of the things about covering these events, you are very often working during the actual matches ? but I was surprised with France's tactics and just how devoid of ideas they were, or at least mildly surprised. I didn't think they were particularly great against England either, however much they controlled possession.

As for press conferences . . well, Balotelli stole the show with Italy yesterday. He wasn't even meant to be doing it but just decided 15 minutes before. Otherwise the Blokhin press conference after the England was probably the most memorable, offering a journalist outside 'man on man' and, even when he was heading out at the end, pointing at the door and beckoning him to go outside. We don't get that with Hodgson.

1.43pm: cinquez asks: I have a question, that I doubt Mr Taylor will answer. Why is the media obsessed with Balotelli's behaviour when in international and club football his temperament has been much better than Rooney, despite a lot more abuse and provocation? Mr Taylor recently had an article about the merits of Balotelli. Was it he that should've sat out three matches for deliberately kicking an opponent on international duty? Or swears at referees in the domestic league every week without rebuke? Mr Taylor read my comment under his article, I wonder if he is honest enough to admit the inconsistencies in his own work, not that he is alone.

Daniel replies:

Not entirely sure of your point. I could show you 1,000 articles dissecting Wayne Rooney's temperament ? just look at the criticism that came his way after his red card against Montenegro.

Cassano gets a lot of bad press, and does stupid things ? does that mean the Italian press shouldn't write about Balotelli either? I'm sure they write about both, just as the English press write about Balotelli, Terry, Rooney etc etc. We try to pick out interesting subjects and Balotelli is a fascinating one, and clearly a key personality in this game. If Prandelli starts him, he could do anything.

Your tone suggests my article on Balotelli was some kind of hatchet job (unless I'm mistaken) but, genuinely, I think you're seeing something that isn't there. Cristina, his sister, has emailed me to say she and her family loved it.

Maybe, in the nicest possible sense, lighten up?

1.54pm: thisgunforhire asks: Daniel, I can't help feeling, despite the nation's new found giddiness, that Roy's boys have been extremely fortunate to get this far and, performance wise, aren't massively improved on South Africa. I'm thinking in particular of Theo's fluky goal v Sweden and the first half shambles v Ukraine. They should really already be out.

Daniel replies:

You're lulling me into a place where I will get accused of being anti-Roy ?

However, I certainly agree the team haven't always looked very good. I found the giddiness after the 1-1 draw with a not-hugely-brilliant France side really strange. Our possession and control of the ball that day was awful (Ashley Young, seven passes; AOC, 11 passes etc etc). We just played with good structure and all the usual English qualities. And as I tried to point out at the time, France weren't great.

A journalist on the bus yesterday said to me; 'You do realise that if Capello was still in charge, he would be getting hammered for these kind of performances?'

That said, everything has to be put into the context of the disadvantages RH has had to face and they have been considerable - bundled into the job with a few weeks' notice and then the late rush of injuries. So to finish top of the group is a really good achievement.

1.57pm: trinder19 asks: I know you're miles away from Manchester but do you think there's anything at all to the De Rossi to City story? From what little I know, he seems a Roma boy to the core and having signed a long contract only this year, isn't going anywhere.

Daniel replies:

City went for him in January (Mancini loves him) but he wanted huge money - as in Tevez-style huge, over �200,000 a week - and they were never convinced he was going to leave Roma anyway.

De Rossi said the other day he had many offers from England, and it wouldn't surprise me (though I'm only guessing) that MUFC might have been in for him too.

He's a great player and, from the limited time I've had with him, I 've been really struck by his presence too. it's all in his eyes. And that beard. Cool bloke.

2.01pm: Brett Turner asks: Would Rooney pose the biggest threat coming off the bench against a tiring defence that's had to battle with Carroll for 60 minutes? I know I'm playing Devil's Advocate a bit here.

Daniel replies:

Maybe the other way around? Bring on Carroll late on and see whether he can do to them what he did to Chelsea in the FA Cup final? I'd go that way, myself.

2.08pm: SpinningHugo asks: (i) Has any discernible rancour amongst the player about Terry's presence leaked out? (ii) Can Rooney play as badly two games on the bounce?

Daniel replies:


i) nothing ? in fact, Hodgson and Gerrard both pointed out yesterday that Terry had been a big part, both on the pitch and behind the scenes. I think footballers are generally pretty good at just trying to get on with these things. It's complicated, and it could have been a problem. Lescott, for example, has serious issues about what has happened. Welbeck, someone who looks up to RF and shares the same representatives, must have found it difficult, but I get the impression they have just tried to block it out as best as they can until the end of the tournament. Since that first week it hasn't really been brought up. In fact, it's actually been a controversy-free competition for England, from start to finish, which I think is a big plus point for Roy and how he has gone about the job. Everyone has been very professional.

ii) I thought Rooney looked anxious in that first half against Ukraine and that was a horrible miss from Young's cross, but the goal should have soothed his confidence. There was always going to be a lot of pressure on him for that first match but he might be a bit more relaxed now. It's strange though because Rooney scored 34 goals last season but didn't always play well. He has admitted this himself - that his all-round game has been better in the past but he is making up for it with his scoring.

2.13pm: robalolex asks: On penalty kicks, do you know whether the culture of avoidance is still in place in Team England? I'm hopeful that Roy Hodgson's more cerebral approach to football extends to accepting the shoot-out is part of the game and that he's studied the research in the area...? Misplaced hopes?

Daniel replies:

There's certainly no avoidance ? Joe Hart has already been given a DvD of all the Italy penalty-takers and the players have been practising after every training session.

What Hodgson has refused to do is decide his five penalty-takers in advance and I think that's the right decision. I've mentioned in this nib in today's Observer ?

Roy Hodgson is doing the right thing in not designating in advance the five players he wants to embark on the lonely walk from the centre circle in the case of a possible penalty shootout. Hodgson's players have been practising at the end of each training session so he will already have a good idea about who is the most accurate and who might just put it over the bar. He should also know enough about his players to understand who can keep a steady hand and who might lose their nerve. Choosing his five now would do little other than give the impression he is not entirely confident of beating Italy over 90 minutes. Likewise, telling his players in advance would leave the nominated ones with too much time to let it play on their minds. Anyway, how could he be sure they would still be on the pitch after 120 minutes? The Hodgson way is far better. "If we have to hold the shootout at the start of the match, I'll pick five players," he said. "Otherwise, no."

2.21pm: dionysusreborn asks: Cut to the chase, who's starting tonight?

Daniel replies:

Almost certainly the same team ? that's certainly the one Roy has been working with in training

Though I think Rooney will drop back a bit more to pick up Pirlo, as mentioned above

So barring any late surprises: (4-4-1-1) Hart; Johnson, Terry, Lescott, Cole; Milner, Gerrard, Parker, Young; Rooney; Welbeck.

2.26pm: Hoppo asks: Which players do England really need to step up tonight? My thought would be the wingers, who aside from Walcott have not contributed too much in the final third so far?

Daniel replies:

I think we need to see more from Young, who was ok against Ukraine but disappointing against Sweden and hardly in it against France

People talk about Milner ? but that's what he does, as Barney Ronay's piece yesterday pointed out. He will never dazzle you with his football but he gets about the pitch and does a lot of unseen work.

Otherwise, I think if England are to have any realistic hopes of actually winning this competition we need Rooney to spark. Yes, he scored against Ukraine but he was quite erratic whereas England really need him in the zone. In short, we need the Euro 2004 Rooney. If he can get close to that, we have an attack that can worry any defence.

2.31pm: Daniel is signing off now. Thanks for all your questions. Feel free to continue the debate on our live blog ahead of tonight's games.


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Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/jun/24/euro-2012-live-webchat-daniel-taylor

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