RATE IT! Nike's Write the Future

The biggest sporting event on the planet is set to kick off in just a few weeks -- the World Cup! Here's a little taster from the brilliant folks at Nike...Write the Future.


Not only are all the football stars cool to see (Rooney! Ronaldo!) but check out the non-sporty types in it as well. Choice!


GO ENGLAND!!

RATE IT! Vanity Fair Loves the World Cup

I am not alone!

See, even Vanity Fair magazine can't keep its excitement for the upcoming World Cup on the down low. 


For a magazine that typically sees itself as refined & full of journalistic worth (Lindsey Lohan cover shoots aside), am I the only one who was surprised to see the world's football elite showing their patriotic pride (and more) while stripped down to their skivvies on the VH June cover? 



I'm very surprised. Very pleased too that goes without saying, but surprised nonetheless. I may have to make the exception and actually purchase Vanity Fair for this issue.


Finally! A highly-publicized American magazine clued in to what the rest of the world has known for *ages*...no, not how fine Cristiano Ronaldo is in his pants -- BUT what a big deal the World Cup of football is. Bigger than the Super Bowl, the Olympics... every sporting event on the PLANET! Kudos to Vanity Fair. Shame Owen Hargreaves wasn't available to support Canada in this photo shoot. 


The 2010 World Cup begins June 11 and runs through to July 11 in South Africa. June 11 cannot arrive fast enough in this household. 

RATE IT! Gossip Girl Season 3 -- Spoiler

Now we *all* know what Serena did this summer. Sort of. Photos would have been nice, thanks.

Great to see that the writers are current with their paparazzi flavours du jour (Cristiano Ronaldo, anyone?).

HATE IT/RATE IT! Cristiano On My Turf

The world's best footie player is in my backyard - so to speak. 

It's with mixed emotions that I "welcome" the former United star --- former member of MY TEAM -- to Toronto. I'm really thrilled that my hometown is making me proud, going all Cristiano ga-ga in the wake of his jetting over here. Toronto is footie mad to be sure, and it's about time such international talent set foot on BMO field (shame the natural grass will be torn up afterwards -- they should keep it but try telling the City of Toronto who owns the grounds why it makes sense). Fans are quite happy to see the other Real Madrid giants of the sport -- especially Kaka --- here too but Cris, as always is getting all the copy and headlines. And probably the girls.

Still find it weird to see him in Real's kit. 

(photo: Reuters)

HATE IT! Cristiano is Leaving Us

You know how some news is just too hard to take...

I'm still trying to get my head around the fact that Manchester United's star winger, Cristiano Ronaldo IS truly REALLY - it's no joke this time - LEAVING the club for the glam footballer realm of Real Madrid. Geez, just what that club needs, another massive ego. I think they might need a larger dressing room.

United fans have known it was going to happen *sometime*.... the timing was never sure, but the rumours have always been constant, the signs of Cris' want to depart for more sunny climes ever present. Just check out that sneer in the photo to the right. If I was his teammate, John O'Shea, sat beside him, I'd want to smack that look of disgust off his overly tanned visage. United gave Cristiano the worldwide platform to show his talent, to win overflowing armfuls of silverware --- no, no, NO Cris! Looking annoyed while at United is just not allowed. And thus, it is truly time for him to go...

It was fun while it lasted. And I have to offer a big heartfelt thanks for all that Cris did while a Red Devil. Now he can do step-overs into the Spanish sunset to his heart's content. Best of luck with Real - although, really I can't see you doing much better than you had done in Manchester, Cris. 

United will survive -- they always do! One player does not make THIS team. 

RATE IT! New Nike Ignite Ad

Love it! Here's the new Nike Ignite ad with an epic clash between Manchester United and Arsenal. Featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Cesc Fabregas....and a cameo by legend, Eric Cantona.

GO UNITED!

RATE IT! Love/Hate

Apparently, there's a fine line between love or hate, or in my Lose That Girl speak, rate or hate! Speaking of which...take a peek at this new Cristiano Ronaldo Nike commercial. Cris carted home some more serious footie hardware today receiving FIFA's World Player of 2008 trophy this evening in Zurich. Simply ~ he's the best player in the WORLD! 

Personally, I love Cris. He's a Red Devil and for that, I'm eternally grateful! And watch for Cristiano's cameo. Nice try, Ronnie - we all know it's you!  Thanks to c9 for the tip!

RATE IT! Stoke Get Spanked

It's raining, it's pouring and Stoke is in mourning! 

The dismal weather can't unleash a downpour on my mood -- Manchester United slammed Stoke City 5-0 today in the English Premiership. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 100th EPL goal...and his 101st. All is right in the world.

(photo: AP Photo)

RATE IT! Ronaldo Magic Rubs Off?

Funny Nike video featuring Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand, and team kit manager, Albert Morgan. Will Ronaldo's magic rub off on his kit? Watch and find out!

Thanks to c9 for the tip!

HATE IT! Brand Cristiano Ronaldo

Following in the misguided footsteps of a fellow footie star isn't necessary the best route to take. Yes, I'm speaking to you, Manchester United superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo. David Beckham, for all his earnest 'I'm a multi-platform star' with his perfumes, Sharpies and whatnots, is a bit of joke now, no? Who needs Brand Beckham, when you can slither into Brand Cristiano Ronaldo! Aw, Cris -- what were you thinking?

While at home in Portugal for a week of international World Cup qualifying matches, Cris unveiled his 2nd boutique in Lisbon. Ronnie is offering up all sorts of fashion pieces branded with the ubiquitous CR7, his intials & squad number. 

I applaud Cris and his desire to be a mini-fashion mogul, but really...who is going to wear this stuff? I adore Cris - he's simply the best footballer on the planet, but he should reserve his energies for the pitch and not tacky merchandising. No doubt these clothes, belts, shoes...all cost a pretty penny but why? Stick to calendars and football boots, Cris.

(photos: goffphotos.com)

RATE IT! 2009 Looking Good!

The world's best soccer player, Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, has unveiled his new official 2009 wall calendar.

Cris scored the most goals in the English Premier League last season, and won a bucket load of awards for himself, as well as the team last season. He doesn't have to remove his clothes to get attention...really!

Erm...yeah, David Beckham is *so* 2004!

RATE IT! EPL Countdown ~ It's Here

Good morning, English Premiership fans! The new season dawns! Bring it!

So much to look forward to...

~ a healthy Gary Neville in the United squad

~ (hopefully) a healthy Owen Hargreaves in the United squad!

~ Cristiano Ronaldo is still here (albeit healing from ankle surgery)

~ Avram Grant has left Stamford Bridge

~ 'The Special One' is back in European footie -- can't wait for those Championship League match-ups

~ Peter Crouch in Pompey. Finally...he gets to play!

~ Paul Ince as Manager of Blackburn. Finally...a Gaffer to give Roy Keane a run for the hottest Manager in the EPL title

All is right in the world now that soccer is back! United play Newcastle tomorrow. Can't wait!

RATE IT! Giggsy as Disciplinarian

Truth be told, this photo of Ryan Giggs pointing at Cristiano Ronaldo was actually taken after a goal was scored last season, but I prefer to imagine that it's Giggsy chastising C-Ron in response to his selfish shenanigans this Summer.

That finger gesture, Giggsy's stern look, and Cristiano looking cocky (as per usual). Got any ideas for captions?

(photo: AFP/Getty Images)

WANT IT! More Scenes Like This, Please!

MEMO TO CRISTIANO...

Stop sulking in Portugal...get on that shiny airplane, and report to Manchester United camp. Reacquaint yourself with your devoted team-mates (like Owen Hargreaves) and get back in the groove.

You are not BIGGER than the team...you are PART of the team. Real Madrid isn't going anywhere and neither should you!

All will be forgiven if you just wise up and show up. Please?!

RATE IT! United Champions DVD

With the Euro in full flight and the English Premiership season return waiting patiently in the wings, it's perfect timing for the DVD release of Manchester United's season review. 

Every goal, every game...and even a few interviews, this DVD is a fantastic way for the obsessed United fan in your life to relive the season double. See Sir Alex, Ferdinand, Tevez, Rooney, Hargreaves, Giggsy and G-Nev all dish about their season of success plus, fan fave, Ole Gunner Solskjaer is profiled in a special feature. My only beef - there should have been more player chats, and a longer section on the Munich anniversary.

The first release is available only in PAL format (if this wasn't reason enough to nab a multi-region DVD player, I don't know what is), but will eventually be available from North American retailers in NTSC. 

Overall the DVD is terrific but the section on Cristiano Ronaldo's stellar achievements is so bittersweet...living daily with all the rumours of his flirting with Real Madrid, it makes some of these highlights that we once swooned over, a little difficult to stomach. 

RATE IT! Hi-Jinx at the United Awards

On the night of Manchester United's Premiership win back on May 11, the team held their awards at Old Trafford. Here's the funny clip of Owen Hargreaves trying to be professional and answer the presenter's questions all the while Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani mug, and giggle (so HIGH pitched, Cris!) on his shoulder. 

RATE IT! United WIN Champions League!

HATE IT! The End of the EPL (for now!)

Wah! I'm going through English Premiership withdrawal! No more Cristiano post-game winks, no more Tevez dummy-celebrations, no more Owen Hargreaves stolen free kicks. My weekends just won't be the same. At least we have the Champions League match next week so we can hate Chelsea *one more time.*

RATE IT! Owen Hargreaves

Today is the final match day for the English Premiership. With Manchester United and Chelsea neck and neck at the top of the table, the title race will be decided after United play Wigan, and Chelsea meet Bolton. I'm ever hopeful that the end of the afternoon will see the Red Devils celebrating with the trophy. I think it's time for a glimpse of Owen Hargreaves and Cristiano Ronaldo. Not sure about the flip flops, C-Ron!