Sebastian Vettel: Does He Deserve The Hate?

I remember the 2006 season, I was aware of a BMW Sauber third driver of Sebastian Vettel, I knew at the time he was 19 and is German. That is the most I remember of him, apart from him setting the fastest free practice time at the Hungarian GP, because of the thrilling championship battle Michael Schumacher and eventual winner Fernando Alonso provided. Suddenly, in 2007, he raced for BMW Sauber at the United States Grand Prix, where he replaced Robert Kubica because of the crash he had in Canada, and Vettel took his first point in Formula One, becoming the youngest point scorer at the age of 19, beating Jenson Button's record of 20 back in 2000. Scuderia Toro Rosso signed him up, and incredibly, he finished 5th at the Chinese Grand Prix, which many in the paddock took notice of the young German.

In 2008, he had a dismal season until the Italian GP, where he qualified in pole position, becoming the youngest ever pole sitter, in the rain and in a car that used to be a Minardi until 2005, and a car that wasn't quick enough to match the pace of the Ferrari or Mclaren's. The race on Sunday proved what a Talent he was by winning the Italian GP, finishing ahead of the McLaren of Heikki Kovalainen, even in an underpowered car compared to the likes of McLaren and Ferrari, and earned the nickname 'baby Schumi', a reference to a younger version of Michael Schumacher.

2009 saw a new set of regulations, including wider front wings, narrower rear wings and slick tytes re-introduced. He joined the Red Bull Racing team, losing out to the world championship to Jenson Button of Brawn GP, but yet won several races. In 2010 he became a world champion, and boy it wasn't easy. A crash with Mark Webber at Turkey almost ended his title challenge, as it came to the final race, the winner of the race, that was the only time he lead the championship in 2010; Alonso got held up by a strong Vitaly Petrov for Renault. Abu Dhabi GP of 2010 was the first time in Formula One history that four drivers were mathematically in contention for the championship (Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel).

In 2011 he dominated the season; reminded me of a Schumacher in the Ferrari-he collected 15 pole positions, the most ever in a season, and collected 11 wins in what was a season that Vettel was unstoppable. A few mutters about the legality of the front wing was brought into question, as from onboard footage showed that it flexed so much, that it almost touched the floor. However it was deemed legal after the FIA conducted a weights test. Also the revolutionary blown defuser, which is a system where blown exhaust gases are aimed at the rear diffuser, thus generating more downforce. This was Vettel's second championship, and the youngest double champion, beating Fernando Alonso's record.

2012 was a mixed season, struggled at the start, won the Bahrain round after pressure from Raikkonen. Fernando Alonso was running away towards his third championship for Ferrari, until Vettel kept winning races and form was there at the second half of the season. At the Abu Dhabi GP, he qualified 3rd, but due to having less than one litre of fuel for checks, he was sent to back of the grid, but Red Bull opted to start him from the pit lane so they can change settings so they can get Vettel up the grid. After two wing damages forcing him to pit, he managed an incredible 3rd, unbelievable considering how he lost time in the race. He could of won had it not been for several incidents. Brazil was even crazier. He didn't start well, and was spun out and hit by Bruno Senna, however he managed to get racing again and after a debate on wether he overtook on yellow flags, he was found to have overtook Vergne as a marshall was waving a green flag. Before that, he overtook a HRT under a yellow flag, but the HRT looked as if he went to wide. Anyway, Vettel found himself behind Alonso. Silly errors could of cost Vettel the championship to Alonso such as the pit stop where lack of radio communication meant Red Bull pit crew were late in fitting Vettel with new tyres. Vettel pushed. His hero Michael Schumacher let him by; Alonso was 2nd, Vettel ended up in 6th position which was enough for him to win his 3rd championship. A crash by Paul Di Resta in the final straight brought out the safety car, which lasted until the end of the race. The race ended, Vettel become the 3 times world champion, the youngest in fact, beating a dejected Fernando Alonso.

2013 provided a controversial start; at the Malaysian GP, Vettel was ordered to stay behind Mark Webber who had turned his engine down. Mark Webber won the race. But then Vettel wanted the win so bad he took over Webber and became the winner. It caused controversy amongst the media, fans and the team. "You wanted the win so bad, but you have some explaining to do", is what Vettel was told over the radio. Vettel has earnt a few boos, especially after retiring at the British GP, and at the Italian GP where the Tifosi booed him on the podium ceremony. He looks favourite to become a 4 times world champion. He keeps getting booed all the time; the fans are sick of him winning, but it is down to his driving and teamwork. At the Singapore GP, after the safety car come in at lap 31, he led Nico.Rosberg a stunning 3.2 seconds in just one lap, and built a 30 second gap before entering the pits then came out ahead of Alonso. Vettel then quickly finished with a lead of 32.6 seconds. Absolutely crazy.

Now, the booing stems down from when he controversially overtook Mark Webber, despite team orders forbidding him to do so. He has become the hated of F1. With a 60 point lead going into the Korean GP in 2 weeks time, he is on the verge of becoming a 4 times back to back champion. The only person to ever do that in.a row is Michael Schumacher. It seems that the former champion reckons Sebastian can equal or better his records. He is only 26, and has beaten Alonsos win tally; the former has 33 and the latter has 32. That must hurt Alonso, a two times champion. Vettel may be dominating Formula One, but he deserves credit for his records at such a young age. People prefer Alonso, but he has been inolved in more controversial incidents, including emails in the Spygate scandal of 2007. The only thing wrong is that Vettel did the dirty on Webber and that is it in theory, and perhaps becoming too boring. Anyway, it is down to the fans with the opinions, it seems that the 'haters' are holding onto Malaysia 2013. Alonso never got booed when he commited his crimes in 2007, Schumacher never got booed when he stalled his car on the Monaco circuit. Both have had several moments of controversy, but Vettel's only crime is to wanting to win by denying team orders.

GTA V: Preview

Not long now until the most hyped up game of 2013 hits our shelves, 4 days infact until Grand Theft Auto 5 is released and boy is it a big game. This week we have learnt that the map is ginormous, however critics have scoffed at how small the city portion looks compared to other GTA games. They need not worry as the city portion is bigger than Liberty City from GTA IV, and that was quite a big size.

Been sniffing around sites and videos to investigate the catostrophic detail of the game and i must say a video on youtube shows what one of the three protagonists would look like from above, then zoom out of the map to see the huge scale; i was impressed-same video did one for GTA IV, where it showed a zoom out of Niko Bellick, and the latter is no match for the size of the map of GTA V.

The map is apparently 49 squares miles. We all know how San Andreas (2004) was quite a huge map, but that was only 13 square miles, so in theory, GTA V is almost three times the size; that is pretty massive! We revisit Los Santos, a fictional counterpart of Los Angeles, in which we first seen in the hit Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. It will be a big rendition of the city, however the size of the countryside and desert will dwarf it, and there will be plenty of activity for players to be involved in.

Enough about the map, so what can we expect. We have three would be heroes; Michael-a former bank robber, Franklin who looks like a gangster and Trevor, the less said about him the better, as said in one of the trailers. The player will take control of these three in order to complete the story mode, including bank heists and helicopter chases. Away from.the missions, you can play tennis, road biking, skydive, base jumping, fly many types of aeroplanes, get involved in stocks and shares, buy cars. I'm amazed at what you can do, actually-what you can't do as animals will be included as you can hunt them or they can hunt you. The theme in this game is the economy, where everything is involved around money.

With the launch only being on PS3 and XBOX 360, the game looks like it could be a next gen title, as the graphical detail is phenomanol. 5 and half years of pain stacking work from Rockstar could see the £170 million cost of making the game see it hit $1 Billion (US Dollars) before the end of the year, but as November comes around with the PS4 and XBOX ONE launching as next gen' machines, it may not affect the popularity of GTA V. However, with Call of Duty Ghosts and FIFA 14 around the corner, GTA V will face competition for sales as the two biggest franchises launches towards the end of the year.

So September 17th is launch day, it promises to be one of the biggest launches in the history of gaming, it may fail students or make people pull sickies at work as people will be glued to the highly anticipated game of 2013, or the decade so far

Italian GP: Review-Vettel wins. Again!

Would you have bet on anyone winning the race other than Red Bulls Sebastian Vettel? If you did, you might be fustrated just like the Tifosi, who wanted a Ferrari driver to be on the top step of the podium at the famous 3.6 mile circuit. The race was certainly thrilling, and tense for the Red Bull pit wall as Vettel and Mark Webber had to short shift gears out of corners, as a gearbox issue was raised at the later stages of the races.

First lap was almost clean; Vettel flat spotted his front right tyre, but managed to maintain the lead on the first lap. Fernando Alonso passed Webber on the finish of the Curve Grande, but light contact was made on the chicane but never created problems. Paul Di Resta locked up his Force India into the second chicane, in which he crashed into Lotus' Romain Grosjean, ending Di Restas race. Hamilton was determined to make a positive impact on his race, however a communication issue ensured he missed a call into the pits, to replace a slow-puncturing tyre. He was fighting the likes of Raikkonen and Mclarens at the end of the race, and finished 9th. His title challenge is all but over as 175 are there for the taking, as Singapore is the venue in the next 2 weeks. Hulkenburg finished an impressive 5th, prompting rumours amongst the paddock that he could be heading to Ferrari.

Vettel leads Alonso by 53 points, 2 wins clear and on 222 points. Can anyone catch the German? He proved unpopular on the podium ceremony as the Tifosi booed which could be heard over the German national anthem. Stay tuned for more news and reviews.

Bloxwich Signal Box To Be Demolished

Bloxwich's signal box has stood in its place for more than 50 years, but with the new signalling system controlled at Birminghams signalling centre, it means the old pull system will be no more, as all will be controlled by computer; this means all signal boxes between Walsall and Rugeley are set for the same fate.

The benefits to this is that the section between Walsall and Rugeley is to be electrufied, meaning overhead gantries and wires are to be installed, and with the new signalling system, it means better speeds for trains. At present, the limit on the level crossing for trains was 20mph, but this is to be increased in the future when all of the level crossing will cease to exist, making drivers use Central Drive as a way to get to Beechdale and Willenhall.

Network Rail contractors have been working just off the signal box for the last few weeks, presumedly preparing the section for light signals controlled by conputer, which will replace the levering system.

It means another historic part of Bloxwich will be flattened, but local benefits will be good for the town. Faster electric trains, longer platforms, stopping service between Manchester Piccidilly and Stoke could be extended to Birmingham, and serve Bloxwich, one of the Birmingham to Liverpool trains that is twice an hour, one could be used on the Walsall section, also serving Bloxwich area, and the use of electric trains has a faster acceleration compared to the current diesel trains used on the line. The 16 miles section between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley is expected to be wired up by 2017, with preperation work happening next year. For now, Walsall has a poor train service for such a large town, this will end soon with connections to more destinations.

F1 Italian GP Race Preview 2013

Here we are again, I haven't posted anything for some time, but I am back. I am previewing tomorrows race where the Red Bull duo head the rest of the pack at the Italian GP, for tomorrows race. Ferrari at their home track are feeling the strain after Felipe Massa outqualified Fernando Alonso 4th and 5th respectively, and a tow that went wrong, as Alonso used Massa as a way of gaining a better time-hence what sounded like a criticism aimed at his team.

Sebastian Vettel is on the verge of winning 4 straight titles in a row, whilst Alonso aims to reduce the 46 point deficite infront of the Tifosi. Vettel at present is almost unstoppable; Hamilton who has gained 4 consecutive pole positions at the last grand prixs, has admitted he drove like an 'idiot', after only qualifying 12th aswell as being impedded by Adrian Sutil-Force India driver. He is aiming to make up positions tomorrow.

Mark webber is 2nd, and to the suprise of the F1 world, Nico Hulkenburg of Sauber qualified an amazing 3rd. Autodromo Nazionale Monza as the tracks official name, suits the Saubers, who has Ferrari engines, as Sergio Perez went from 12th to 2nd last year, beating the works Ferrari. Hamilton can use that knowledge to make up places tomorrow. Kimi Raikkonen had a suprise exit in Q2, as the Lotus Renault legend could not gain a place in the final part of qualifying.

Prediction

Vettel is a strong favourite to level Alonsos win tally of 32 wins, at the age of just 26 compared to Alonso who is now 33. However, i expect the latter to gain positions on the first lap and challenge Vettel at stages of the race. Webber may have clutch issues so might fall back, and Hamilton will be a contender for a podium. Tune in tomorrow on BBC or Sky Sports F1 to view the historical race of the Italian GP.

FORZA!

Maidens Review: Ashes Test 2-England v Australia

England have totally destroyed Australia to take a 2-0 lead in the Ashes series by 347 runs, in a test dominated by a newcomer Joe Root, who made 180 runs in the second innings. Australia used to be a dominant force back in the day when team lineups included the likes of Steve and Mark Waugh, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and the list goes on. Back in 2007 Australia thrashed England in that years Ashes series. How times have changed.

First innings by England at the start looked shaky, but thanks to Ian Bells spell, he produced a stunning tally which England made 234 runs. Slightly comfortable but Australia had a chance to make use of a good pitch. However, the tourists made 128 in the first innings, and 235 in the second innings but could not match Englands unpresidented 234 then 349-7 declared.

Graeme Swann and Jimmy Anderson each created important dismisals, but the young Joe Root also contributed hugely to Englands successful Ashes series so far. I must say Australia were unlucky at times regarding decisions made against some dismisals, there were several reviews which were wrong but having that being said, it was highly unlikely that the Ausies would catch the overall target of 583. Michael Clarke said his sides batting wasn't to par and will use the extra weeks break before the next test at Old Trafford, Manchester; to improve the batting quality-"We must improve". Indeed so, England has a strong experience squad-Ian Bell, Graeme Swann, Kevin Pieterson, Matt Prior, Johnathon Trott, Jimmy Anderson and Alastair cook has has a few good years test experience and have won past Ashes tests before the current series. Australia has a very young squad, with Michael Clarke (Captain) being around for years with the likes of Shane Watson and Peter Siddle, the most experienced in the team. They will come back strong if they play their cards right, it isn't over yet and they could fight back.

More blog posts to come, keep an eye out.

HS2's costs spiralling out of control.

High Speed Rail 2 was originally predicted to cost over £30 billion, including the spur towards the North of England towards Manchester and Leeds. But the London to Birmingham/Macnhester and Leeds route is now predicted to reach £50 billion, and according to Newsnight when they did a feature on HS2 (17th July 2013), the eventual cost could even hit £70 billion.

The whole purpose of the high speed rail route is to easy capacity on lines such as the West Coast Main Line, and provide a faster journey between London and three major cities. The trains could reach 250mph, almost as fast as a Bugatti Veyron, but the overall flaws of the route are overweighing the postitives. As mentioned in a previous blogpost, the line would require to use tunnels under the countryside, cut throughs peoples homes and other land, which is causing a lot of controversy.

The first stage of the route would go from London to Birmingham, seving Birmingham Airport and Heathrow. However, peoples viewpoints are that the route would need to see more stations installed along the route, in order to generate customer and overall return in investment, as well as ease congestion on the West Coast Main Line. According to HS2 board members, the UK could not do without HS2, so they are maintaing a strong case for the line.

Most people are sceptics; the line is too expensive and with increasing predicted costs, it is unlikely to see an a return or break even. For every pound spent on the route, apparently more will be gained through ticket sales, which means that for every pound, there will be some profit. But this may not be the case; for every pound spent, the total spendage could like be half of that, meaning that HS2 could be proved useless. This will be a contunuing debate for many years running, some people are on the fence with this project, meaning they have no idea whether to back the scheme or not. We will see in the next couple of years about the developments. More to come regarding this big project, keep an eye out.

German Grand Prix: Can lessons be learnt from Silverstone?

 

The upcoming German Grand Prix could be a crucial one for all drivers; after safety concerns at the British Grand Prix, it is hoped that Pirelli's new tyre design is much safer with Kevlar replacing metal inside the tyres. After four incidents last weekend, the race at the Nurburgring will prove whether the tyres can last a race distance. Pirelli insist that the kerbs are not to blame for the explosions of tyres.

Originally, Pirelli were initially tasked to make races more interesting by making sure that teams and drivers conduct more pitstops, and this has certainly been achieved but to much criticism from drivers for providing too many pitstops. Michael Schumacher has described driving with the Pirelli tyres like driving on Raw Eggshells last season. It is a bad criticism on Pirelli, one of the worlds most famous tyre manufacturer. The German Grand Prix this weekend should be an interesting one, the tyres will be heavily talked about during coverage and commentry, and it will be intersting if any of the drivers can catch Sebastian Vettel up in the drivers championship standings.

In response to the safety issues, FIA has permitted teams to conuct 2 3-day tests, which would in breech of rules regarding in-season testing, which recently Mercedes were cleared of all but a slap on the wrist. It was reported that Bernie Ecclestone, the F1 ring leader asked FIA boss Jean Todt if it is possible to conduct tests which Todt gave permission to. With the Mercedes tyre storm over, it turns out Ferrari performed similar tests but obviously no investigation has been carried out regarding Ferraris involvement in any Pirelli tests.

The race will occur this Sunday (7th July) and Alonso who is second in the standings will hope that he can catch Vettel up in the drivers standings; there is a 21 point gap, and Vettel will hope he does not suffer with a gearbox failure at his home grand prix. Mercedes are looking strong this season thanks to Nico Rosbergs almost faultless driving, and Hamilton as a good supporting act-who could of won in Britain but tyre failure ended any chances of a victory. Tune in on Sunday for the race.

theadamsexperience.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/the-adams-addiction-a-week-in-review/

Click on link in the title to be directed to 'The Matty Adams Experience' blog post.

Also follow him on Twitter @mattyadams19

Bike ride-John O'Groats to Lands End. Challenge Accepted!

Myself and my friend Chris Norton have planned to do an insane bike ride; consisting of 874 miles and plenty of locations to see. The challenge was thought of after a bike ride from Walsall to Birmingham Airport and back (36 miles) and would like to take on the beast of a route

Currently is a plan to keep bike riding like we already have done to prepare for it. We will consider buying road bikes with a light alluminium frame-providing speed and aerodynamic benefits. We could use mountain bikes, but road bikes provide more benefits compared to a more heavier mountain bike.

We will be wearing biking shirts and shorts, to allow our bodies more flexibillity and better comfort than standard clothing. We will have several so we can change them during the course of the journey.

The Route

We do not intend to break the 44 hour record, however, it is for self pride and determination so we both reckon it will take 10-14 days. On average for that we wil need to cover minimum 87 miles if we were to aim for 10 days. However it is possible to cover 120 miles on average a day, thus narrowing the amount of days.

Progress monitoring

I will be making posts on social networking such as Facebook and Twitter. Me and Chris will take pictures at popular locations and also tag our locations onto Facebook. Lastly, we plan to conduct video logs to show our friends what we are doing.

Finally, any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Mercedes 'Tyregate' storm.

It has come about recently that Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team took on a secret tyre test conducted by Pirelli, which has breached regulations regarding no in season testing.

The hearing will take place on June 20th, and if found guilty, punnishments could could occur such as championship points being stripped. The arguement by rival teams includes that Mercedes gained an advantage from the tyre test such as improving tyre durabillity. The 'secret' test took place after the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.

Why a secret?

Amazing how it has been deemed as a secret test which in turn means the team know it would be breaching rules if found out. After this, it appeared that Ferrari were asked about another test. Red Bull Racing says that they were approached about the test but rejected it. Lewis Hamilton and Ross Brawn vigarously point out the test was within sporting regulations and they have done nothing wrong. Thr current W04 has had a reputation of huge tyre delamination, therefore, coincidence or not, after this test Nico Rosberg won the Monaco Grand Prix where the tyres lasted very well compared to previous races and seasons.

Now the F1 world will wait to see what happens at the hearing on 20th June. Breach of rules usually ends up with a punishment. Worst case scenarios include stripping on championship points, race wins or a financial penalty. As only 2 races have occured after the test, Nico Rosbergs win could be overturned and Hamiltons podium at the Canadian GP could be eleminated.

It is up for debate, what do you readers think?

Walsall in for huge benefits-Cinema and improved links.

Train awaiting departure for Wolverhampton at Walsall: London Midlands more recent electric stock could be used to extend services from the town to Liverpool Lime Street and Crewe using West Coast Main line and the proposed electrified route north of the town.

Walsall is set to rake in benefits which would put town on the map, and further improve the towns economy as proposed plans for town are on the increase-including the Waterfront North project to include a cinema.

The waterfront project has been a huge regeneration project to improve the look of the town, and with the new flats running along the canal, it has fairly improved this side of the town-the only problem is now that the North side of the canal is empty land (next to new car park) and the empty land opposite Smiths Flour Mill flats. This area is set to be completed with clubs, resturants and the proposed Cinema, which could prove a major attraction for the town. Currently, the Premier Inn hotel which has recently been completed is the only project as well as the car park been completed on the North side of the canal. The hoardings are still up meaning there is meant to be work improving more parts of this area. The main benefit is that it is in a central location, and is next to the main shopping area and retail park. There are also bus links outside the area to the Manor Hospital and Wolverhampton-with the bus and train stations a few minutes walk away.

Electrification of Chase Line

As meantioned in one of my previous blog posts, the work on this project is meant to last from 2014 to 2019. However, a recent development has come out last week that the re-signalling work and speed upgrade is delayed until 2017. But Network Rail insists the electrification work is set to continue.

It has come to my attention that other than the plans to have services from Walsall to Liverpool, but the country's largest transport operator First (who gained the West Coast franchise, then lost it due to errors), plan to have their Northern Rail operations go from Manchester to Birmingham. This project could serve as a platform for this service hence providing more links to more locations for the town. Also an extra platform has been mentioned; providing the town with 4 platforms altogether.

Midland Metro

There has been a proposed route from Wolverhampton to Wednesbury, which would serve Walsall if the plans go ahead. The only problem is funding and whether the plan is going to go ahead. Just recently, Centro announced that Wolverhampton will gain an extension, which could in the future, continue to the proposed line that would serve Walsall. Reedswood and Clarkes Lane in Willenhall, has see work done to cut down trees and clear the areas for where the route will go. But that is the only progress so far.

UPDATE: I Have found out that First do not run Northern Rail, but another company.

Alle Deutsch Endgültige (All German Final).

Tomorrow, (25th May 13), Wembley sets the stage of the all German Champions League Final, between Bayern Munich and Barrusia Dortmun. Wunderbar!

After an El Classico was expected, both German teams destroyed Barcelona and Real Madrid and in such a brilliant fashion. Bayern Munich would love to win after the upsetting defeat against Chelsea last season (2011-2012) and this would be some consellation. Lose, and this will be be heartbreaking for the team and fans.

Benefits

From a economical point of view, the influx of fans from Germany will give the tourism a slight boost and the economy of London. Public transport will see a rise in revenue and passenger numbers slightly.

Overall the underdogs Dortmund would like a win, it would humiliate their German rivals somewhat and it is great that the final is unique and a change from a Spanish or English club in a final.

RAW Review – Monday 13th May 2013 – (Spoilers).

Please follow link to Matthew Adam's blog.

http://theadamsexperience.wordpress.com/

North Korea silence. (DPRK-so not to offend).

Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea to you and I) has gone awfully quiet lately, considering the hermit kingdom were in a state of war, they haven't even launched their so called 'nukes which would destroy USA.

Here is the problem-the government in Pyongyang rather spend money on the military and weapons than their own people, most who are struggling with food and most are in severe poverty. Foreign support is very minimal-sources such as food and money come from China.

The Korean war ended in 1953 with armistice talks between North and South; both technically still at war, but North keeps giving South threats. Recently, due to sanctions by the UN regarding Nuclear weapons, it annoyed the North. It got that bad that they planned to destroy US cities-but how can they have nukes? For one the country hardly has any electricity-and the bit they have, it comes on and goes back off.

They are so insecure that they do not want you filming. You are in deep shit if you did because they would consider it a crime against the state-as Kenneth Base found out. He is now serving time in a labour camp. The American has been trying to appeal the decision but failed. Also, BBC documentry programme led an investigation into the country. They posed as foreign students discretely filming some aspects deemed illegal, such as poverty stricken children. 

Anyway, so far all I know it is a messed up country and the brainwashing and propaganda is over the top. Nukes haven't been released and as far as I am concerned it never will. Situations in the country will never ease. Kim Jong In I thought would of improved freedom in the country, and also allow the reunification of both Koreas to help improve the Norths situation. I am very wrong.

High Speed 2

The £33 billion line between London Birmingham then Manchester/Leeds is causing a lot of opposition; due to the fact that the line would literally go through or split peoples houses, forcing them to re-locate.

Positives:
The only high speed line in Britain is High Speed 1 between London and Kent-which is for the Javelin and Eurostar services. The HS2 would severly reduce journey times to/from the capital to several major cities. The economy is set to benefit somehow but that is up for debate. The line could use current rail-lines such as the West Coast Main Line meaning that the trains can be used onto both types of track. Speed-250mph; people can only dream of going that speed in a Bugatti Veyron. The trains would be going so fast it would give Virgin Trains Pendolinos who runs 125mph some competition.

Negatives
It is understood the overall cost will be £33 billion. As the coalition have been boasting about cuts, it is a lot of money and it is amazing how at a time like it is how that chunk of money can be used. It has been branded a 'rich-boys toy'. If you are poor or not well off-forget it. It wil cut through areas of natural beauty such as the Chilterns; so tunnels are being thought of to get over that problem, as well as go through owners properties-meaning they have to move. Can the costs be recovered? That is the big question on wether the investment in a big project can break even. It will take years-not in my lifetime anyway.
Conclusion: The positives and negatives are fairly balanced. Worth noting that the first train between Birmingham and London wil not be seen until 2025; then the second phase will be between Manchester/Leeds and London in 2033. This country invented the railway-about time we caught up with the high speed game. Many countries around the world are leagues ahead of us.
Your views?

Chelsea dominates Europe again!!

Image Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22445388 BBC 2013

Chelsea fans  will be overjoyed with the fact that they have now won the Europa League; with the not so favored interim boss Rafael Benitez about to depart, he should leave his position with his head held high.

Love them or hate them-depends who you support, they deserve credit. Sometimes hitting headlines for wrong reasons, they definitely put on a show tonight against Benfica. The heavily criticized Fernando Torres hit the net then Branislav Ivanovic. Last seasons Champions League victory would be considered worth more value, but this should not put down Chelsea's victory one bit. 

Now the big question is where do they go from here? Rumors have it that Mourinho could be back with the team and this will be fantastic for English football and the team. Mourinho is the 'special one', and Premier League domination could swing into Chelsea's favour next season if the rumor is true.

Benitez was a few seasons ago with Liverpool and many Chelsea fans did not like the fact that a boss from a rival club should join them. He suffered boos to begin with, but he has worked wonders and brought European success for the club, which should satisfy Roman Abramovic. Davis Luiz has been a fantastic player, he may look like Sideshow Bob from the Simpsons, but he has proved to be a fantastic Defender/Midfielder. Torres; well very goal shy at the beggining of his innings, but he now produces goals and some monents and lest we forget his stunning goal against Barcelona in 2011-2012 Champions League semi final; he has scored tonight (15th May 2013) and deserves a lot of credit-could argue that he is proving his worth after all.

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Life After University

I thought why not point out the highs and lows. 3 years of studying Broadcasting and Journalism, meet some some amazing people now I am at a point where I am facing reality.

So, sitting here now waiting for my grade, also waiting for work experience at BBC Radio Shropshire, but faced with a tricky situation; as I have finished I am now looking for work. However, I am at the position of claiming JSA due to a not so nice situation. It isn't nice, making me negative, but it will not stop me getting somewhere in life and nor should it put me down.

I have great friends giving me advice and assurance that things will be ok. I have aims and targets. A 2:1 grade will give me the chance to apply for a BBC technology trainee-ship in Birmingham, a course tied with Birmingham City University. Anyway, I have been through a lot, and I WILL get somewhere. Will be hard but it is life.

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Mancini Madness

When Mancini replaced Mark Hughes at Manchester City, it was only only a matter of time before they won titles. Mancini's super spending on talent brought them FA Cup triumph then Premier League title last season. An embarrassing defeat Saturday changed things.

The 2012-13 FA Cup final, I expected City to destroy Wigan Athletic due to the signings and Wigan's relegation woes. How wrong I was. Ben Watson provided a stunning header and only goal of the game. That goal only put Mancini's managerial position into dispute. But why? Mancini put a premier League trophy drought of 44 years out the window on the last day of the season in 2012 thanks to the likes of Aguero, Nasri, Balotelli, Hart.

The reason for his departure apparently was relationships with players. Ballotelli was in the headlines quite a lot for his spats with Mancini, hence why Balotelli ended up AC Milan. My view is that the players was not up to standard in a trophy-less season and you may expect a team with billionaire owners to wipe the floor with the opposition such as £7 million Wigan. Also his job was up for dispute before the loss at the weekend (reference needed).

It must be hard for a City fan; so much expected after a brilliant 2011-2012 season where the Premier League title was won. Seeing fans crying summed up the 2012-2013 campaign. Can the new appointment bring positivity for the blues?

Your views?

UPDATE: Due to a report in The Sun newspaper, indeed it turned out relationships with players are the reason for Mancini's demise: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4928042/Roberto-Mancini-kitman-in-amazing-Twitter-attack-on-sacked-City-boss.html

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Wolves: What has happened and who is to blame.

It is embarrasing being relegated once from the top flight, but being relegated again must be hard to stomach for any Wolves fan. The pitch invasion said it all: dissapointment.

Too late now to place any blame? Well now Wolverhampton Wanderers face the likes of Walsall and strugglers Coventry. You could argue that is the players fault for not playing better. A true die-hard fan would blame the owners for not putting hands in their pockets and investing in fresh talent. My view is that the refurbed stadium in order to hold more fans was a waste of time and money and that money could of kept the team in the Premier League.
Also the now departed manager Dean Saunders. He didn't have enough time to adapt since Stale Solbacken got the sack. So it is in the Wolves fans hands who they blame for the dismay.

Views?

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Walsall set to benefit from rail electrification scheme.

Above: The left unelectrified line at Walsall station whilst the right is the electrified part from Birmingham that stops under the Saddlers shopping centre.

 

Walsall for many years now have had an electrified route between the town and Birmingham New Street. However, as the line north of the town towards Rugeley recently re-opened to passenger use in the early 1990's, that has not had any sort of electrification-until the upcoming future.

Announced in July 2012 as part of a £9 billion railway announcement, the Chase Line which runs between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley, has been granted £30 million funding to electrify this part of the line between the latter and Birmingham New Street. The 16 mile stretch will have the work begin to electrify the line between 2014-2019, and has a wide range of benefits for the town.

• Currently the line has been going through a speed upgrade from 45mph to 75mph.
• The level crossing at Bloxwich will close so trains can go through that section quicker.
• It was announced as part of the scheme that future services could include a through service to Liverpool Lime Street, allowing Walsall, Bloxwich and Bloxwich North to have more connections to more destinations.
• Faster services to and from stations; 4 car trains could be implemented onto the line in the future.

Currently, diesel trains are only permitted to use the line north of Walsall, but as the electrification scheme will go ahead, this would allow faster services and potentially used as a diversion for trains needing to get to/from Birmingham that can not use the Wolverhampton line to/from Stafford. Not only this but more seats can be used on the line and hopefully it will attract more passengers to use the trains instead of cars in the near future.

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