BNTM 4

It's been such a long time since Britain's Next Top Model Cycle 3. The previous cycle was won deservingly by Lauren Mcavoy . I absolutely loved her.

This was one of her best photos taken in that cycle.

Consequently, she got her winning prize of a 6-page spread in Company magazine and of course as you can see , the cover.
For those of you who are less familiar with the series, it is an adoption of America's Next Top Model which is the pioneer of the Next Top Model series , created by Tyra Banks. Now she is raking in cash from all the royalties from these shows. Now that explains her 23mil in earnings over the previous year and being 68th on the Forbes Celebrity 100 List.

Factfiles on BNTM
1) The winner gets a contract with modeling agency Models 1, a contract with cosmetics giant MaxFactor and as stated above, the Company magazine spread.

2) The format is the same as any other Next Top Model series. It starts with challenges with rewards , photo shoot and lastly judging with an elimination.

3) The show does not screen the auditions, so you pretty much only get to see the contestants.

4) Contestants still have the phone to call their loved ones, but it is rarely shown.

The usual features of this review would be having comparisons with similar faces and of course additional information from my searching.
The show is still screening at Episode 9. You can catch the episodes from the BNTM4 Channel from YouTube.So let's cut the chase, lets get to the models.

Oh wait, judges first.

In the middle is the host Lisa Snowdon, she is former model herself. On the left is style guru and occasionally creative director Gerry Deveaux and on the right Huggy Ragnarsson , also a former model and one's of the most respected photographers. Gerry and Huggy are very prominent in the industry working with top guns such as Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Erin O'Connor.Both of them are debuting in the show, replacing Jonathan Phang and Paula Hamilton.
As usual, I always start with my favourite.This one is my very clear favourite and I'm sure it would anyone's. She has great personality, beautiful face and a very lovely smile.A nice accent too! She is Charlotte.

I went a long way capturing these frames as having her smile was hard to get. The swerve of her hair was perfect. Like the her smile yet? I do. She's attractive too.
So here's are some of her shots from the show. Here's her best photo, taken by none other than Huggy herself.
The photo is about "Modelling's 10 Commandments" and it is stated on the photo. Nice photo ey...Similarities, Nicole Linkletter, winner of ANTM Cycle 5.


I think I got this one pretty good. And yes I am bias, Charlotte's description would be longer than anyone else. So here are some of her other photos.

I can't remember the first one, but the second photo is about desire, it's like walking into the room and looking for someone. Obviously, both pictures aren't very strong.
She also mentioned that her idol would be Adriana Lima, what a great choice. She is fierce !!

Two more captures ....


And this caps it for Charlotte.

Next we move to Rachael.

I feel she has one of the best chances in succeeding in the competition. She takes very good photos and she is very confident. She has been accused by a few of being fake, but I'm not sure I can entirely be on their side. But if Gerry says she's fake, that's kinda bad. She's been quite lucky to have got some nice prizes in challenges, but will she be able to win the ultimate prize?

The rock star mannequin is certainly going all out!

Next we have Catherine.

She is the one of the thinner ones. She loves the vintage type of shoots. She too takes very amazing pictures, especially with beauty shots. She works one of the hardest in the show and she may make it all the way as well. Look-alike...........

Babin twins Amanda and Michelle from ANTM 7. Looks more like Amanda as she has the redder hair and a more feminine look.


Look out, Catherine has arrived!

Next 2, Leanne and Stefanie.

I'm running out of words and comments, so bare with me. Leanne had a strong start with solid pictures but would she be able to continue delivering?
Stefanie on the looks side, would attract many people, but her personality and attitude sometimes puts people off. But do the judges see that side of her? One things for sure, she is focused on the prize and that could be all thats required.

And lastly, Alex.

She had long hair in the beginning but the infamous makeover took it away, but she has settled with it quite well and is starting to show her best sides. She has the looks but can she impress the judges enough to compete with the front runners ?

To wrap things up, you can catch the show by following the link above. I only have 1 month left to be able to write long reviews like this as I am returning to studying...lol
I hope you enjoyed reading this review and your thoughts are welcomed.

Credits to for all the photos and info.


~deyao~

We Are Gunner Spend

This is the 3rd and final part of my transfer talk posts, and obviously this one would be for my beloved Arsenal. 3 years being empty-handed is crisis for a big club, and there's so much disappointment after a season with much hype and potential. Again it is the nearly-s, should haves and bad luck that we tell everyone. Although we were struck by bad injuries to Rosicky,Eduardo and Van Persie, it would never a accepted for a reason of failure. So here comes me , one of the biggest Arsenal fan out there going to dissect the problem and probably find some solutions to them. For 1 day, Monsieur Wenger has step aside.

We'll head to transfer talk and the current team.

It was a season with so much possibilities because of a strong start to the season. We were leading the League by 5 points and one point and were so close to getting into the semi-finals of the CL. And yet, our lead was chipped as quick as a blink of an eye and the penalty given to Liverpool was as quick as the whistle blown for restarting play after Adebayor's leveler. That is what we would take from the season, anguish and agony.There's a new season ahead, so let's look forward.

We wave goodbye to Jens Lehmann and Mathieu Flamini for their services at the club and some of their exceptional performances over the years. Jens for making some great saves from spot kicks and Mathieu for being the hardman and your tireless effort during the last season. But I feel that your hastiness to leave in a hurry caught up and it's such a pity you will be playing in the UEFA Cup not the CL.

We've got an estimated 30mil to spend , so let's see what the press says, Wenger says and of course what I think. So far, we've got 3 confirmed additions for the new season.
First is the Mexican hotshot Carlos Vela.
He was bought was back in November 2005 but couldn't arrive instantly because of permit issues. So after a couple of seasons in the La Liga, he has qualified for this work permit.He is 20. The thing I'm very happy abt is his progress playing first team football and of course my long awaited dream of a winger since Marc Overmars in 2000!!! Pires and Ljungberg did fairly well but they were never close to matching the class of the Dutchman. Vela is a left-footer which makes him more like Overmars. It has been years since we had a left-winger, Van Persie did for awhile until he was transformed into a forward.

Next is Fran Merida.
He was signed in April 2006 officially when he turned 16 from Barca. Another coup by Spanish scout Cagigao who also stole none other than FABREGAS. We did pay some sum of compensation to Barca for Fran unlike nothing for Fabregas. I did watch Fran play in the European U-17 Championships last year. He seems a very interesting player, very quick, shoots from distances and also has some of Fabregas' sight for passing. Bojan Krkic was player of the tournament , there's when he caught my eye. I doubt there will be another coup as he has contract with Barca....haha. Hopefully he learns a lot of Titi.

And lastly we have Aaron Ramsey.
I really cant believe Wenger got him.Was very surprised. I read headlines like "Everton agree fee for Ramsey" and Man Utd having a club official statement agreeing terms with the player. At the end, he joined Arsenal. For a 17 year old, 5mil is not a small fee by any means, but with the potential he has according to the press, the price is irrelevant at times. It still causes some doubt as Theo Walcott too joined at a similar fee, but he is taking a little more time to blossom, and hopefully he does. He is going straight to the first team so we'll see how he does.

Possible and rumoured incoming and outgoing players.

The most highly speculated incoming player of the entire summer transfer window so far is of course Samir Nasri, the next Zidane? I don't like comparisons and neither do players today. Well according to sources an agreement has reached between clubs and player subject the medical. I guess this means done deal. What makes things more convincing is that he took a separate plane back from European Championships to make his way the London, I hope thats true. Again, the press use phrases like "wonderkid" and "next Zidane" which gives fans so much promise. He wasn't really given the opportunity to shine at the Euros, so I guess he should costs about 11mil. I really hope he joins.

Alexander Hleb looks close to leaving by the day to Barca, The only criticism I have is he can't strike the ball, my biggest problem. He is very creative and has quick feet but in terms of consistency, he doesn't really do it for me. 15mil pounds, I could consider for that fee. Gael Clichy will definitely stay as he just pen a new deal, so I guess the Italian interest would cool. Emmanuel Adebayor is Barca bound for 22mil? One thing I would say, it is nonsense unless the President,Coach, Wenger or Ade speaks. A Barca official made the statement? I could be one, listen to me!! I don't think anyone else is close to leaving. Dont get me started for Fabregas, I'm too tired.

The goalkeeper position is far from being in safe hands. Almunia had an above average season based on his clean sheets, but not too sure yet. I might be saying better things had he kept Stevie G's penalty out. Lol. Fabianski is still young so I should expect goalkeeper to come in.

For the fullbacks, I am very proud of Clichy and Sagna's contribution and being voted in the team of the EPL season. NOW YOU KNOW WHY FRANCE DID SO BADLY!! ANY manager would have had them over Sagnol and Abidal in any given day, Domenech needs his brains hammered. But I am slightly worried for their understudies, Hoyte and Traore are far from what we expect from the first team players, so I would add a right - back unless Wenger reignites Kerrea Gilbert's future.

Midfield. With Flamini's departure, we are short. Gilberto is not the player he use to be, and with the demand for pace ,tireless running and power, I don't think he is that player for it anymore. I heard rumours on Torsten Frings for 4 mil. He is 31, but I'll take him anytime. He is a German key man and he sure can fire those shots!

If Nasri comes in, Fabregas has understudies in him and Denilson, so it should be good enough. There was one sole rumour abt Brazillian Diego. He is rated at 25mil and is nowhere an Arsenal price range but as a manager, if Hleb leaves I'll definitely go for him. He is really really good. But it very unlikely Werder lets him go. Benzema from Lyon would be my dream player. Power and pace of this guy is incredible, but he has pledged to stay.

In the striking positions, we have plenty in options. We have Adebayor,Van Persie, Eduardo,Bendtner and Walcott. Adding another striker would add complications so I think it is not sound for any additions. Another view would be, since Walcott can play right wing, Bendtner is not yet a first team player and Eduardo is injured, there's actually room. There's been talk abt David Villa's desire to join us, but Wenger says he is not interested. With his exploits at the Euro 08, his 17mil tag is undervalued.

Possible transfers
Ins - Nasri , Frings
Outs - Hleb

Wenger's preferences
Ins - Zapata, Diogo(spelt correctly), Albiol, Kranjcar, Ben Arfa

Deyao the manager for the day
Ins - Benzema, Diego , Villa, Sneijder,David Silva
Outs- Eboue, Senderos, Hleb

Verdict- It would take an extraordinary effort to win the EPL. Defence needs to strengthen. Flamini's role needs a replacement. Van Persie and Rosicky's fitness has to be re-assessed to ensure they are less injury-prone. Need players taking shots from distance.

Players to watch - Eduardo and Carlos Vela.

This concludes transfer talk. Hope you liked what I wrote. Thanks for reading and comments are welcomed.

~deyao~

A certain Portuguese Player

No doubts, hats off to the team of the season, Manchester United, double winners of the most prestigious double in club football. A sensational effort by the Red Devils, and the most difficult thing, do it all over. So let's look into the transfer market.

Like the title says, there's a certain Portuguese player that has his heart on the bright lights of the Bernabeau. Let me put a few words into this, shocking, insane,disturbing,absurd and shameful. Ronaldo is the best player in the world at the moment but he is only 23 and he still got lots to learn , there's almost no better club to be at to improve. Now tabloids are flooding in saying he is a staggering 75 mil target by you know who, a few photos of him talking to a Madrid coach and he is staying one more year. This is outrageous and preposterous. But the blame is shared between him and the Spanish club.

My take on the issue: Playing in Madrid is a dream for any player................long time ago. They were the European champions back to back, the Galatacticos (Raul,Luiz Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Beckham, Zidane and Figo), this is in the past, Raul is the only one left and he is not even the Spanish National team. The glory days are over at Madrid and they are not that good as they were any more. And there are many players that made that wrong move, namely the most talented young Arsenal player in history, Nicholas Anelka. He is still talented but he could have been a World Player of the Year........could have. If Man Utd lose Ronaldo, it will be one of the most talked issues ever and regaining the title would be almost impossible. Man Utd won the title on the final day, Ronaldo scored 30+ goals as a midfielder and his contribution was outstanding , losing him would be suicide. But is he indispensable? We'll see.

The right-back is also and issue for Utd. Gary Neville may have regained fitness but I'm think he is past it. Brown is a good cover but not a permanent solution. Bosingwa was stolen by Chelsea and that leaves one target, Daniel Alves. If Sevilla is asking for 25mil, I think they should pay it because clearly a player like him would be perfect .He has power,pace and he rips free kicks. Shebby mentioned it before too. No other English club can pay that much , and since Chelsea got their right back ,only the two Spanish giants that are in their way.

A cover for centre back is also important thanks to a "brilliant" decision to sell Gerard Pique. One of the reasons I rate him quite highly is that he kept Arsenal out in OT while being in place for the injured Vidic. Not completely sure abt how he left or why, but he has signed with Barca.

Giggs and Scholes look more likely to be playing a 25-game season, so there's definitely need for signings there. Nani is growing but for the starting 11 would be just a season early. Park is technically quite good, but injuries are hampering his form.
There has been talk abt Palacios from Wigan, he seems quick and upcoming and surprisingly he was an Arsenal-find. 5mil could be a great deal.

Tevez will definitely get a permanent deal, 20mil would settle it. With Saha struggling with niggling injuries, he could be sold. That means there's room for one more. I heard Luis Fabiano and Karim Benzema were linked recently. But at least 20mil would only be enough to prise them away.

Could happen -
Ins - Alves, Palacios
Outs - Saha , Pique (done), Ronaldo (subject to speculation), Silvestre

Filty Fergie -
Ins - Benzema, Fabiano, Alves

And lastly, I'm not sure why they couldn't tie down Aaron Ramsey and worst still he's a Gunner.

Predictions - Man Utd will not regain the title if they lose Ronaldo. A winger and right back is urgent .

~deyao~

19 days

I always had a dream of having an article published on Friday's Star pullout or NST's Saturday special. I am always envious on how those writers manage to write such long and elaborate articles every single week. I was thinking, it must certainly take a lot of passion and interest to do it all over every week.
So my first posts on football in a very very long while. Like the title says, thats when the summer transfer window officially opens, but that actually the date a player can really join the club officially with Chelsea already taking the lead.
I would be focusing on possible transfers on the Top 3 teams in England, players that are linked, players that managers dream of and my views of course.I would really like to have it in a article style, so I'll try in incorporate a slightly more formal style.
I'll leave the Arsenal for the last. Lets look at Chelsea.
A new manager, but is there new hope? You bet there's new hope because Chelsea's got more than a European champion, they've got a World Cup champion (2002, Brazil). He's got a 100mil pounds kitty too. As mentioned, Chelsea has taken the lead in the transfer market, signing Portuguese right-back Jose Bosingwa to replace the ineffective Paulo Ferriera. Chelsea is not the only one with the right back problem , and they have stolen yet another target by Man Utd. Chelsea as team has never looked more settled than any team. With Jose's signings, it is obviously one of the most versatile and resilient teams out there, but credit still goes to Avram for managing it. I cant find much that Chelsea needs at the moment, Ballack, Lampard, Makele and Essien forms arguably the best central midfield that exists. The wingers though just require a little fixing, Malouda is not fit to be a Chelsea player, Sidwell is a disaster, Obi Mikel is average and it leave just Joe Cole who has been on and off. Wright-Phillips has not lived up to expectations.A winger would be great. Franck Ribery would be interesting.

I would like to also mention something I've observed. The EPL today is one of the toughest and definitely the quickest and physically toughest league there is. And hence, the quickest and toughest only survive. And this has proven fairly true with players like Shevchenko and Kalou, they are less physical players and often out-muscled.
Players like Drogba and Adebayor survive not just because they are good finishers, they are physically quick and tough which gives them an edge on any day. Christiano Ronaldo is a much better player than ever since he bulked up over the years, and the difference is tremendous. Physically strong, quick,strikes the ball well and is good in the air.I'll go further on my next post.

Could happen:
Ins - Samuel Eto'o, Ronaldinho (you never know), Deco
Outs- Sidwell, Boulahrouz, Pizzaro, Ben-Haim

Scolari the dreamer :
Ins - Ribery, Torres

Jose Factor:
Outs - Carvalho, Essien, Lampard, Drogba (AC), all highly unlikely but the press makes things that much interesting


Next will be Manchester United..

~deyao~

A Delighted Fan

Ryan Cabrera has done at least one of his big fans proud. His new album is a "HIT", to me at least.
The new cover, it should at least show his face. But his new style of hair, poses many questions......
Reading wikipedia, his album sales were a mere 4000 on the first week, and it dropped out of the top 200 lists as well. Maybe it's probably lacking up-to-date fans and maybe they are mostly based in the US. I would say, in terms of tracks for a place int he billboard, there are at least 3.

Wake Up World, Ryan's back! Some would say , Ryan Who? The others would say I don't like that guy. The better answers form some would be , is he that guy who sang "True"? Yes, it is!

I've listened to it many times, I would stand by the 8/10 rating. The album has a lot of Ryan I haven't seen, a little rockier, and the lyrics are simply different. I am very happy with the album.
Songs that I recommended
1) In Between Lights - The song has a bit of Ryan's previous "Hit Me With Your Light kind of style. The beat of the song would get anyone going.

2)Enemies - There's a pharse called keep your friends close , keep your enemies closer. Ryan's pharse - Keep your enemies close and your lovers closer. This is going to be his 2nd single after "Say". Thumbs up!

3) Say - His first single. Very attractive tune and the chorus is obviously "Say what you wanna say", like John Mayer. Chorus is very plain, the verses are nice.

4)Sit Back, Relax - Good chorus . Shows the rockier Ryan.

5)Tango - Another song a nice chorus, has the beat as well.

6)How Bout Tonite ,Say You Will and I Shoulda Kiss You - The slower ones which use to fill most of his albums. I got a bit impatient as the previous songs were so quick.

7)I Will Remember You - Seems like a parting song. Probably one of the only songs that really stand out.

Very sorry, I almost recommended every track, but it's the truth, if you like his kind of music, you'll love this. 3 long years I wondered where he went, really happy he's back.
I'll leave it with the "Say" music video, enjoy!


~deyao~

A Song In 24hrs

Been having a job lately, which explains the long pauses between posts and the lack of thorough reviews. But I'm free for the moment and been doing some viewing on youtube. But that day I came across a Marie Digby video I haven't seen before and it was pretty impressive given the length of time she had, and yes it was 24 hours. I think she was invited to sing in a baseball game and she needed to create a song with little time to spare. She did it and it's not a super great song, but it's good. 24 hrs...It's called When the Lights Go Up At Fenway

Then, there was videos posted on the online concert I watched about a few weeks ago. Was very happy to find them, but I really liked the way she sang the last song, Unfold, what a way to close the show.This is such an amazing song. My rating for all her versions of Unfold after listening to them for at least 20times each.
Rated No.1 - Bathroom version. haha.
Rated No.2 - DeepRockDrive version. Video below
Rated No.3 - Song in the album. The song is a bit too fast, just can't feel the touch of the song at times.



Footie post for the first time in awhile next. Transfer talk !

~deyao~

The 10th Cycle

It's been rather long since I blogged abt ANTM, one of my favourite TV shows. Although it seems like it's starting to decline, but since it has lasted for the 10th cycle,so I don't think there is too much pressure on the show. Starting with watching one of my first episodes in cycle 3 where the models posed on the rocks,couldn't remember much. But I would say, there were at least 4 very good cycles in 4,5,6,7.
Cycle 4 - Everyone loved Kahlen Rondot and she was very good, but Naima was clearly the winner based on her final runway.
Cycle 5- Almost a clear winner too, Nik and Bre were no match for Nicole, although she wasn't really likable.
Cycle 6 - This one was quite tough, I thought Joanie would be won it based on some of her unbelievable pictures, but Danielle had more of what the judges liked.
Cycle 7 - The battle between the insane and perfectionist. No one really likes a perfectionist , so it was quite clear. But you just gotta love Caridee.

So as usual, the winner of the cycle gets this.
Saleisha gets the winner's shoot with Tyra as winner of cycle 9!

So, for those who hasn't watched the entire cycle, I'm not giving away the winner.
But as usual, I neutrally highlight the potential good ones from the first few episodes even knowing the winner.
So here it goes, my personal favourite, Katarzyna.

She originates from Poland, so the pronunciation goes like this. It sounds like "Ka-Tar-Jennna"if you choose to go the easy way, but it's the closest I can explain. She has this very likeable look and very European-ish which people will love. In terms of personality, I gotta say she seems slightly missing at times. But with her extremely unique style, could she make it all the way?

This was her best shot from my take. The photo is based on a music genre , Emo. The short hair did do wonders.

Next up, is the Russian beauty , Anya.

She didn't really standout at first, but when she took off, she was unbelievable. At first, her Russian accent sounded nowhere like an American and everyone was fearing that she couldn't speak. But soon people took notice that her accent was actually very authentic and special. She sounds quite funny at times too! Judging after judging , the comments about her porcelain skin never stopped flooding. I have plenty of hopes on her.

And here's a model with a comparison. She hails from Somalia. So there's only one name that pops in the judges name. It's no other than supermodel Iman.

Oh wait!!! I haven't the even mentioned the contestant's name yet. Haha. She's Fatima.

Resemblance? Maybe not with these pictures. Well she has a very painful story in her life and probably really influenced Tyra. For many reasons, there's always doubt in the judges about her. Watch to find out why. But with pictures as graceful as the one on the right, it may be making history on ANTM.

And next we have Lauren.

She is at least 6 feet tall. The photo is a shoot for supermodel Elle McPherson's line. She took very stunning pictures in this cycle, but.....she walks like Sarah in Cycle 5 = Disaster. Is it because of her height, no excuses here. But with Tyra and Jay's walking lessons,can she do the walk and overcome this weakness?

In every cycle, we will have full figured models (plus size) trying to break the drought in ANTM. We seen countless ones getting eliminated. But this cycle, she is confident and she is proud of her size. She's Whitney.

The picture is mainly based on having paint poured on your face and it's based on the expressions, less of the body movement other than the hands. She did really impress the judges in the audition and she takes some marvelous photos too. With the odds against plus-sizes, is it gonna take a miracle to make history?

Blondes have been my prefered choice over a few cycles, but this one is totally forgotten. She kinda made history as well, like Ebony in the previous cycle, what did she do, you recall...
She's Kimberly.

She is a blooper I tell you and I am too disappointed to describe her . But sometimes, she does remind me of stunning Aussie supermodel , Gemma Ward.


99/100 people would probably disagree but this is just what I see. Personal opinion. But I confirm, Gemma is a gazillion times better.

So here's 10 reasons to watch ANTM cycle 10.
1. There is a new judge, and who would the new judge replace.
2. There is a returning contestant who failed to make to into the final 13.
3. The winner will have a billboard in Times Square.
4. Contestants return to a country visited before.
5.A visit by guest judge from another Next Top Model series.
6.Tyra doing a photo shoot she has never done before.
7. A new opening theme !
8. The most unique judging location and time?
9.Another double elimination?
10.Two contestants with identical names.

Here's all I can do for a preview. This is almost the best I could do, trying to brighten a dimming flame. But no doubt we will always hail Tyra Banks!

Credits to for the pictures

~deyao~