Anton's Ideas

I am not going to indulge myself this year in telling you everything that is going to happen in 2014. This time last year I got seven of my top ten forecasts hopelessly wrong, so I am restricting this year to three dead certs.

Firstly sport. I am tipping Argentina to win the world cup if, and only if, they have to play Brazil before the final, or some other country knocks Brazil out for them. A quarter final match would be the best time for Pope Francis’ XI  to meet and beat Brazil, probably 2-0 or 2-1. The final should be Argentina v Germany or Italy and a 1-0 scoreline after extra time is the most likely result. But all this does not say who I would LIKE to win the trophy. Being a Scots Australian who was born in England and educated in France and  Switzerland, I have to stick with my favourite soccer team. Italy! I don’t know why I love the Azzuri, I just do. It’s like my support of the Pittsburg Pirates which probably stems from my favourite uncle being a native of Pennsylvania who taught me the game in exchange for cricket lessons. But  if Italy win I’ll be happy and if Argentina win I’ll be richer. Oh, and while on the subject of sport, this year the British golf open is at the Royal Liverpool links at Hoylake. As the tenth hole is only 784 yards from my home I shall be glued to the television that week trying to spot  my house!

My second forecast is in the field of politics. I have a very strong feeling that David Cameron is going to call a snap election just when the Eastern European immigration crisis is coming to a head and the Tories will squeeze back in, this time in coalition with  UKIP who should pick up at least fifty seats. Election to clash with the golf? Heavens, I hope not!

And finally an entertainment forecast. Absolutely nothing new that is worth watching for even five minutes will break out in our sitting rooms  anywhere in the English speaking world. As far as drama is concerned 2014 is going to reach a new low in the world of the small screen.

Right, that’s the forecasts over, so all I have to do is wish everyone a very happy and enjoyable, above all enjoyable, year and for those of you who are so inclined I would be very grateful for a short prayer that my cancer hurries up and disappears. I am beginning to get a little fed up with it. Thanks.

All the best.

Anton