Ben

Was watching the football but now I've switched off my TV. Next goes the laptop soon enough, then it's time for some peaceful reading I should think.

I've got a couple of nice bookmarks now, including one I got from the Leeds University Fair that I went to the other day. How nice of them to offer free bookmarks.

Still only a couple of episodes into season 2 but it's not from want of trying.. there's no good websites to watch online apart from Megavideo, and I've not bothered to ask for the DVDs yet. Hmm.. possibly for my birthday next week.

I think the Uruguay and Ghana game might be more exciting than everyone's thinking, actually, but only because I think Uruguay are going to run rings around them. Forlan and Suarez will be on fire this evening. As for the Holland vs. Brazil game I had Brazil down to win and I still think they will, but at present it is 1-1. Unfortunately I've missed both goals because I turned on late and now I'm flicking to the tennis.. argh, can't do with this. And as he says this Holland score another goal..

My predictions for the quarter-finals - but I'm not holding out any hope for them being right.. Uruguay vs. Ghana. I think Uruguay should have the better of this one, they have a good partner-ship with Forlan and Suarez that’s proved effective so far, but I guess you can never count Ghana out, they have made it this far after all. Germany vs. Argentina. This is going to be a fantastic clash; the young, talented Germans, against Messi and company, who are just pumped up and raring to go. I’m going to say Argentina will take this one, even though the Germans are playing well, Lionel Messi will start bagging the goals in soon enough. Netherlands vs. Brazil. Holland against Brazil and again this should be a brilliant game, Brazil playing some wonderful stuff at the moment, but Holland look strong in attack – albeit not as much as in defence. I think it will be close once again, but with Brazil edging it, probably with a bit of magic we are so used to seeing. Paraguay vs. Spain. I think this will be the easiest of the quarter-final fixtures decide, I can honestly not see Spain slipping up at this point. They have been so strong, Villa has been firing on all cylinders, and they will be entirely too strong for the Paraguay squad.. Game on eh?

I absolutely can't wait for this one, even if it doesn't hold up to the book - well, let's be honest, it probably won't. Nevertheless, I'm excited, might have to have a re-read over summer.

I was shocked and amazed to see Federer lose on centre - anyone that has my twitter will have seen my shock at his loss. It's good for Wimbledon though, it means someone else will get a chance, and maybe quite possibly that someone could be Murray. He's got a very difficult match against Nadal now, but if he can get through that, the title should be his for the taking.

Chewing gum. Does that count as eating.. no, actually, probably not. As you were..

Then just extra time, or extra time and penalties? Interestingly enough France and Italy both out in the group stages, well - not much of a surprise considering there's always a few upset. Proud that we - England - managed to get themselves through to the knock-out stages. One Defoe goal and the national faith is restored. If you ask around most people will believe we can go onwards to beat Germany, and I'd like to think we can as well. Let's see. As for Japan at current, they've scored two fantastic free-kicks, and are 2-0 ahead. Good stuff to watch; step aside Ronaldo, it's all about Honda and Endo.

Well done Murray on his first round win.. that's about as much other tennis I have watched, haven't had much time if you've been watching the Mahut vs. Isner. Much applause deserved for both players, but I'll be honest when I say I'm glad Isner came out on top. He never stopped trying when he was swaying and looked like he was about to complex. Fair play to him.

Hello and welcome.

Likewise, at least you know you can look out for it in the future. It could have been worse if you never saw these good recommendations, then you might never have known about it.

Makes perfect sense Mitch, you mean just in the background, I do the same sometimes. On the other side of things, today's album is Eminem's new one, Recovery. I know rap isn't for everyone - and loads of people wouldn't look at at it twice - but I have to say he's one of the best lyricists around.

Welcome back Erin.

In some senses I wanted his opposition to put up a good fight and push him all the way, because although he's a fantastic player it's always good to see an under-dog play well. Nevertheless, I think I'm with you there, I didn't want to see him knocked out in the first round. Because he didn't it means we get to watch him play some more tennis, which is always a pleasure.

I don't have a local bookshop, or at least not one anywhere close. I didn't realise Amazon sold them, thanks.

Spain played very well tonight, although I think David Villa will rue that missed penalty, because it was the only blip in a faultless performance. He's going to get better and better as the tournament progresses, in my opinion.

Does anyone know any good websites where you can order/look at bookmarks? I can never seem to find anywhere that sells them, so I was thinking online might be my best bet.

She's fantastic, and I love the album you mentioned, it's great.

Judging by the opinions of everyone on hear, you certainly missed out there. I think even I can safely say that you should go back and have a look, and I'm barely 50 pages in.

Hey Chesil, how have you been? Yes, I've heard lots of good things about The Historian and I get the impression it'll be one of my favourite books this year, once I get stuck in. I can't wait for the summer holidays to be honest, much needed break, it's been a stressful school year.

Thanks Roland, I intend to get cracking with it shortly, thanks to the good recommendations I've read. I have to admit, it seems rather enthralling so far.

Some lovely pictures there Paula. I'd love to get into photography, I think I'll end up taking it up as a hobby.

A final set of 6-0 to Federer made sure the comeback was complete, this afternoon on centre court. 2-0 down and fighting to stay in the tournament, I was astounded to see him fight his way back and claw out a 3 set to 2 victory in a sensational five set match. He played amazingly to bring the game back, a key break of serve against Falla in the fourth when he was serving for the match. Well played Rodger.

Hey Noll, good to speak to you again, hope you've been well? Glad you're recommending The Historian strongly, I could tell from the first few chapters that I would really enjoy it, just like you said, the thought of settling down is actually worse than the reading. As it happens, I was thinking about tackling Dracula after I've read it, as I've never read it before. We shall see. Time to pull myself together and just get some reading done, I'm sure if I do then I'll begin to get through some more novels quickly..