Whipped scream at the Cottage - Fulham 3-1 Liverpool

Trick or treat time in the Capital
Craven provides an eve of fright
Red trip down South for All Hallow’s Eve
Jack O’ Lanterns in the stands shine bright

Duff cross begins Snap Apple Night
Zamora drives home the pumpkin
Ghouls in Johnny Haynes screech and cackle
El Nino’s buckshot silences the din

Erik the Viking turns Grim Reaper
Thump before Degen saw Red
Crimson mist as Carra hits the shower
Dempsey seals it on the Festival of the Dead

Fifth loss one hell of a haunted hayroll
Garlic necklace to ward off the rotting?
Hodgson the Warlock hit the hammer with force
How Wolfman Gerrard must be hissing

Mr Maudes must have rued a few black cats
Missing Johnson, Aurelio, Skrtel
Further weakened with Lyon in mind
Torres sub was from the paranormal

The Gaffer reaches for the ghoul aid
“Boo” scrawled on a discarded ticket stub
“Grave problem,” the minority shriek
Positive still remain his fang club

Sure enough Rafa will raise the spirits
Were surely not out by a long sight
Steadfast in the Anfield hotseat
With him it was always love at first bite

31.10.09

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Curry compounds kill cancer cells

Molecules found in a curry spice have been shown to kill oesophageal cancer cells in the laboratory, reveals research published in the British Journal of Cancer this week.

Scientists at the Cork Cancer Research Centre, UCC, treated oesophageal cancer cells with curcumin – a chemical found in the curry spice tumeric. They found that curcumin started to kill cancer cells within 24 hours. The cells also began to digest themselves. The results additionally showed that curcumin kills cells by triggering lethal cell death signals.

“These exciting results suggest that scientists could develop curcumin as a potential anti-cancer drug to treat oesophageal cancer,” says Dr Sharon McKenna, lead study author at the Cork Cancer Research Centre, UCC.
“Scientists have known for a long time that natural compounds have the potential to treat faulty cells that have become cancerous and we suspected that curcumin might have therapeutic value.

Dr Geraldine O’Sullivan-Coyne, a medical researcher in our lab had been looking for new ways of killing resistant oesophageal cancer cells. She tested curcurmin on resistant cells and found that they started to die using an unexpected system of cell messages.”Normally, faulty cells die by committing programmed suicide – or apoptosis – which occurs when proteins called caspases are ‘switched on’ in cells. But these cells showed no evidence of suicide and the addition of a molecule that inhibits caspases and stops this ‘switch being flicked’, made no difference to the number of cells which died. This suggested that curcumin attacked the cancer cells using an alternative cell signalling system.

Each year around 350 people are diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in Ireland (7,800 in the UK). Less than 20 per cent of people survive oesophageal cancer beyond five years. It is the seventh most common cause of cancer death and accounts for around four per cent of all Irish cancer deaths.According to Professor Gerald O’Sullivan, Director of the Cork Cancer Research Centre at UCC, the research opens up the possibility that natural chemicals found in tumeric could be developed into new treatments for oesophageal cancer.

The incidence of oesophageal cancer has gone up by more than a half since the 70s, particularly in the Western world and this is thought to be linked to rising rates of obesity, alcohol intake and reflux disease, so finding ways to both treat and prevent this disease is extremely important. The development of natural compounds as chemo-preventative agents is also a very promising area of research”.

Comrade Jim – The spy who played for Spartak

Greet the first Brit to play in the USSR
Alexei Smertin’s translator at Pompey
Learned Scholar who trained as a spy
Whilst sharing tea with high society

Strolled the road trodden by Bennett and Frayn
Stationed to Berlin for National Service
Eavesdropped communiqués now and then
And fraternised with local servicemen

Round leather bag again the common bridge
With a drunk centre back appearing grim
So a debut in front of a 50,000 mass
Lenin stadium stood to salute Communist Jim

Centre half a close "friend of the green snake"
Led to an opportunity almost 50 years ago
Therefore Jim donned the illustrious red and white
Running out to face Tashkent side Pakhtakor

It finished 2-2 for the Soviet juggernaut
"Chopper" aptly christened before the game
Though presented in public as Yakov Iordanov
Russian version of the lofty giants name

The Diplomat did enough to reappear
First Briton to play the Soviet league
Against Khairat Almaty in the next match
Denials simply add to the intrigue

Brush with national skipper Igor Netto
Authored the "Sport in Soviet Society"
Plenty for some, but not espionage Jim
Red exploits weave a quite brilliant story

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Red Armada - Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United

www.football-poems.com

Back on track, though I’d seriously never stressed that much
Protest boos would very soon change to cheers
Torres eased the pressure with a sublime strike
To end the worst spell for 22 years

Beach balls hurled onto the turf moments before kick off
Kop too let loose their salvo moments later
5th defeat would be the worst run for 56 years
And the fallen hero now branded a traitor

Whilst Psycho Vidic completed his hat trick
Masch also shelved for being too plucky
Steel aplenty as Chelski’s lead cut to six points
Whereas Carra was indeed very lucky

Pre-match disapproval vented at Hicks and Gillett
Gerrard’s injured groin added to the dismay
Devils stopped from reclaiming top spot
With a most dazzling and fervent display

Cue to plan United encircle Andre Marriner
Remonstrating two feeble penalty appeals
In the 65th Yossi slips in to Torres who turns Rio
Rising shot sends the Kop head over heels

Old hero Owen abused from all four corners
Amphitheatre converts to a cauldron of abuse
Is this another stroke from the wily Taggart?
But too difficult to ignore the howls and boos

Walk on, walk on! Gerry Marsden rings out true
What’s this an assist from Lukas Leiva?
Deep into what’s now billed United time
Goal machine Ngog slots past Van Der Sar

Cantona masks turn bitter and ugly
Anfield combat zone exhausted and charred
Perfect for the Gaffer’s 200th game in charge
All stand together and hail the Spaniard

25.10.09

Number 7
© Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Hope (Powell)

It’s brainstorming time at Grimsby, out comes the marker
Inventory of the merits of the prototype manager

“European knowledge a chief ingredient”
4 major tournaments and the nation’s adorement

Job description insists on “first-rate (wo)man management”
“Coach of the national team,” is the cliques lament

“We need someone special with a proven pedigree”
66 caps, 35 goals, Hope can guarantee

Silverware and honours most certainly applicable
Hat trick of FA cups and the League and Cup double

“Thorough understanding of the international game?”
“Add National vice captain,” to Hope’s mushrooming fame

“Ok, how about a touch of celebrity?” some yammer
“Ok, Sister of a feted ex Libertines Drummer?”

They exclaim, “find the best (wo)man to fit the frame
Distinctive name from English football’s hall of fame

After Grimsby give the elbow to Gaffer Mike Newell
Take a moment to mull over the FA’s crown jewel

More apt after Mr Newell’s lineswoman drama
Hope, Toffees Marley or Rehanne from Leicester?

Many illustrious Mariners have trodden the slope
Shankly, McMenemy, Buckley, and now maybe Hope?

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Balloon punctures Red march - Sunderland 1-0 Liverpool

Life proved a beach for the men from the Mersey
Out to prove they’re not a two man team
Reds flopped at the Stadium of Light
As 47,000 Black Cats took home the cream

Darren Bent did his prospects no harm
Ex Spur on a charge to enthral
Red hurls a round object on the grass
Thus the winner glances off a beach ball

With United heading the table
Anceloti’s men dropped three points
Devoid of injured Gerrard and Torres
The boys still managed to disappoint

Superfan Neil Wilkinson facebooked me
“Played off the park,” his signature tune
“You're not singing anymore,” was the chant
“Liverpool’s best player was the balloon”

Rafa refused to cite 'bad luck'
Still the goal was somewhat absurd
Dubious one by Bent or balloon
Were deflated but still undeterred

17.10.09

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Sunderland 1-0 Liverpool - A Balloon SCORES!!! (Soccer Saturday)

Caption comp :)

Reds concede the Bridge - Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool

Glen Johnson returned to his old stomping ground
Anelka prowled the Bridge like a ravenous hellhound

Applied the deadly killer punch on the hour
Florent’s late gift before the boys hit the shower

Stevie, Toro, Carra appeared very much jaded
In effect the whole team momentarily faded

With any luck it’s just a momentary blight
Have faith for surely Rafa will get it all right

Third battle defeat, but still remains the war
Red army though continue to sing for evermore

04.10.09

Number 7
© Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Samaritan Phil (Brown)

Inquest pre massacre at mighty Anfield
City strolled down to the Humber
One of the world’s prime suspensions
To try halt their Premier slumber

Whilst team Hull sought “clarity”
During a river walk last Wednesday
Said Phil, “we saved a girl actually”
“Considering her future shall we say”

Buoyant deed may not suffice
Tigers for the drop many will wager
And with that therein endeth
The story of the 40 plus teenager

With a grim 4 points from 7 starts
Good old Phil we cheered, ah bless!
A break for the Tandoori tan
Or simply a forlorn Tigress?

Number 7
© Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

24 hour book - the open allotment

24 hour book project

In collaboration with if:book, The Society of Young Publishers and CompletelyNovel.com, Spread the Word has commissioned The 24 Hour Book, a groundbreaking project to challenge a group of writers to write a new story about London in just 24 hours.

This is my contribution... Contribute here...( scroll to bottom of page )

And soon enough the allotment would be transferred into a mini bartering stall, buying and selling goods to raise further funds for those fortunate enough to secure a plot. “This,” thought Sidney would lead to major ramifications. “God knows who’d turn up,” he muttered with bated breath. Local people, the curious, this arty farties, the press, law enforcement...

He stares at the smelly woman, who shrilly announces herself as Avril – “gosh, how he hates her. It takes Sidney the greatest of willpower to stop throwing up when she offers her pale, small, callous ridden, dirty fingernailed hands in a regular friendly gesture. Sidney had never offered more than a grunt and a nod, a simple acknowledgment, for he loathed her more than that rotting thing that was commonly referred to as a corpse.

“Everybody’s talking about a dead body,” he screams silently. “The dead body, a dead body, the dead body, a dead body!” Despite the harsh weather, Sidney had started to perspire – “Jacket potato,” he whispers. Sidney had heard local youth hoodlums whispering, an urban myth, but he knew so much better. The lady in the store topping up her Oyster; “give her a one way ticket Endsville..”

Sidney jumps, his mobile resonates the daft sounding Hurdy Gurdy, rattling away with the phones vibrations. Sidney loathed the ringtone, but just didn’t know how to change it.

And later...

For after all this was a traditional British allotment growing traditional British veg. It would produce plenty. Not enough to shun the supermarkets, but plenty to share out.

Sidney reminisced fondly, recollecting Derek Trotter and Uncle Albert Trotter giving posh entrepreneur Miles a guided tour of their recently cleared plot and (by chance) discovering that money printing venture – the miraculous Peckham Spring.

Sure enough a discovery would be made here none too soon. Earlier than anticipated, but nevertheless inevitable. And when that happened maybe a little hell would break loose. The snoop parade would be over, pristine uniforms, flashing badges, Hollywood suits, Panda cars, and the flashing lights, oh the lights!

Sidney would join in the search. He’d wear the campaign T shirt, run errands, whilst stifling the volcanic bile rising from the pit of his stomach.

He was violently back to good old planet earth by a hellish wail, no a shriek, he was sure he’d heard a bloodcurdling one – after all such howls frequented his dreams during large segments of what he referred to as the “dark hours.” Had the discovery been made? Sidney’s head whirred as his mind instantly replayed the dozen possibilities he had he had countless played out. The moment of truth had arrived, the body, or what was left of it had been discovered. Surprisingly he felt no fear, no shakiness, perspiration and he even found himself stretching to extend and straighten his lanky gait and posture. Just a sure feeling of what was soon to follow. Sidney was ready, he’d savour what was to happen, enjoy the torment and grief. He’d manipulate and throw many off guard. And then he’d accept his sure to come fate, meet his destiny, embrace it.

The electric signals sent another scene flashing through his mind, that of John Doe, lucid and calm, rising up to meet the bullet fired by Detective Mills that would penetrate his skull in se7en. He would as such embrace his destiny.

Eid festivity celebrations draws in the crowds - Eid in the Square 2009

www.islamonline.net
Emdad Rahman

The English capital was once again filed with much colour, fervour, celebration and vivacity as people from diverse communities and walks of life came together to celebrate Eid Ul Fitr.

A fun day out for all Londoners saw this annual event bring together thousands of Londoners, providing a vast and plentiful array of childrens activities, stalls and live performances.

For the fourth year running, the office of the Mayor of London, with the assistance of the Muslim Council of Britain, came together to bring 'Eid in the Square.'

Trafalgar Square was transformed into a performance tent with the landmark Square playing host to storytellers, exhibitions, singers, musicians and theatre.

Guests were also treated to a superb range of nasheeds by various artists. Included were live performances and acts from Pearls of Islam, Mecca2Medina and Ashiq Ar Rasul amongst others.

The now customary Eid in the Square celebrations presented by Murtaza ‘Murtz’ Ali, Aki Dean & Saba Zaman were first announced and celebrated in 2006, in a huge event in Trafalgar Square organised by the Mayor of London and the Muslim Council of Britain.

The celebrations and festivities have continued to be held on an annual basis and have become more more vibrant, colourful and popular by the year.

“It’s a beautiful day, and a great time to celebrate this wonderful time,” said Aaley Hilmi, 24.

“I’ve travelled from Birmingham to join all the people I see around me. It’s my first time here and it’s beautiful to see so many different humans happy on one plain.”

The performance and exhibition tent featured beautiful works of Islamic Art and Islamic Ceramics. There was also a “Reelhood” Screening by the Muslim Youth Helpline.

Huwa, 17 lives in London; “I’ve really had an enjoyable day,” she told Islam Online.

“Eid in the Square is a wonderful opportunity for London's communities to come together. We are thankful to Mayor Boris for facilitating this.”

This year there was an additional children’s Marquee on the North Terrace with lots of fun with calligraphy, painting and other activities. The Light of Guidance Theatre were also in top form, delivering performances on contemporary issues and the resonance of Islam’s teachings in today’s world.

The group specially produced ‘Who’ll win the Million?’ for Eid in the Square, a short play about Abdul Malik, who hopes to win a million dinars to visit his grandson Adam in London and soon finds himself in the hotseat of the Arab version of ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire’.

Shaheena Bibi got drooling tastebuds in a frenzy as she talked delicious Eid foods of all cultures, whilst Mohsen Keiany talked about his Persian art.

Attendees were also treated to a sneak preview of Mahmood Jamal’s soon to be launched Penguin Book of Mystical Verse.

Mounir Saidoune and Tayeb Fghoul from North African Arts W10 treated London to classic north African drumming.

There was also an ensemble from Sajid Ahmed Khan, the foremost exponent of Qawwali in Europe.

“Over the years Eid in the Square has broken down and challenged many misconceptions about Muslims,” said Sara, a resident of Greenwich borough. “This is the second time I have attended. I enjoyed the performances and Shelina’s hosting so much last year I’m back for more. I haven’t been disappointed.”

As readers will be mostly aware Eid in the Square celebrates the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the glorious day of Eid Ul Fitr. The day of Eid is one of both cultural significant in Islamic life as well as an occasion for spiritual blessings. It is a festival of great happiness and celebration and is rejoiced by millions of Muslims around the world, bringing communities, families and friends together.