Back At It

 Admit it. You're still in sweatpants eating Entenmann's crumb coffee cake straight from the box with your hands between zoom meetings. It's ok.  You are all of us. As we take our first tentative steps back into a changing world, here is a smattering of upcoming big-ticket and small venue events that might help bridge the gap between your quarantine couch sitting and the full-tilt social blowout you aren't quite ready for yet.

Uncle Hank is at it once again. Everyone's favorite punk godfather is on tour after being temporarily sidelined by the entertainment venue apocalypse that befell nearly all showmen and the stages that they performed on.  Now he's back at the tip of the spear headlining dates in Europe starting after the new year and in the US this spring.  As avid fans, we advise you to catch one of his hard-hitting stream of consciousness monologues live and up close. You won't be disappointed.  For more on dates and times and to buy tickets go to https://www.henryrollins.com/tour

Did you know that Duran Duran released a new album? Did you also know that it's pretty damn good? Future Past is the band's fifteenth studio album, coming nearly forty years after their debut.  It doesn't matter if you were an out of control screaming Duranie in 1983 clutching your newly purchased albums and dreaming of running away with Simon or if you were one of the Johnny-come-lately fans from the 90s, you will enjoy this new release AND you should jump on the opportunity to see them on their mini-tour of Europe. I had the distinct pleasure of seeing this band at the height of their popularity in New York a total of four times and it was spectacular. And although I'll never be fourteen again, I can try to recapture my youth screaming along with all the other die-hard Duran lovers. Keep an eye out for possible future dates in the US. https://duranduran.com/tour/

Sowing the seeds of love. I've never understood why Tears for Fears isn't included on the "best of" rotating playlist inside of everyone's head.  In 2004 they released Everybody Loves a Happy Ending and I thought for sure that was the last we'd see of Smith and Orzabal. Even the album title sounded like a swan song. Come to find out, after all the hiatuses and unfulfilled wishes the band is releasing The Tipping Point on February 25th, 2022 and they are going to tour in support of it. Music to our ears. http://tearsforfears.com

Think back to a time when we were sure we were coming out of pandemic mode but jumped the gun prematurely and started scheduling all sorts of events and concerts only to have our new plans canceled because wave after wave of new sinister variants, each with whimsical greek names, put us back in our hazmat suits and bunkers. In that brief moment of early hope, the Cruel World festival was born, and then true to its name, it ended up on the trash heap of events that never happened. Well, guess what? Cruel World has risen from the ashes with most of its original lineup intact (only Gary Numan and Marc Almond are gone from the bill). So if you want your dose of Blondie, Bauhaus, Devo, Morrissey, Psychedelic Furs, Violent Femmes, Echo & the Bunnymen, English Beat, Public Image Limited.. etc, etc, etc, then get yourself to Pasadena, California's rescheduled festival. http://cruelworldfest.com

Not ready yet? That's ok too. Netflix & Amazon prime video will be cranking out content until the end of time and we'll be here waiting for you.

Lady Boss Lived Large

 

It was the winter of 2013.  I was a busy mother of three, juggling scheduling conflicts and deadlines when I got the email that I'd be talking to superstar author Jackie Collins to help promote her new novel, 'The Power Trip'.  I was nearly sucked down by the undercurrent of ineptitude I felt. This was a woman whose novels I'd spent my middle school years trading in the bathroom with other like-minded heathens in plaid jumpers and knee socks. No set of questions I came up with seemed worthy. She was the glitzy, leopard print wordsmith of my formative years so I was determined to come to the interview with something that didn't make me seem like a swooning preteen. Back in the day, she was the antidote to the informational void we always encountered when asking about sex. That intimate knowledge wasn't going to teach itself and the nuns were doing everything in their power to make sure none of us had any idea what we were doing when we got out there. We needed her over-the-top sex-soaked novels for reference. She wrote about stylish, potent, powerful women in six-inch heels, with glorious flowing manes of hair, gripping five thousand dollar handbags, things twelve-year-olds with braces and acne couldn't even begin to grasp. 

Naturally, I got through the interview, and nearly a decade later things have taken somewhat of a dark turn. Only two years after I spoke to her, Jackie Collins passed away just a few weeks shy of her 78th birthday leaving millions of fans stunned and a gaping void in the publishing world. Now, however, we have been gifted with a documentary, 'Lady Boss: The Jackie Collins Story', that covers the most intimate aspects of her life with the same frothy over-the-top joie de vivre that she employed while building her one-woman literary empire.

The film (which had its premiere at the Tribeca film festival and has already been shown on CNN) is currently available on Netflix and is a must for anyone who wants a peek behind the carefully crafted facade that hid her personal struggles. Jackie Collins lived as large as some of the characters in her novels and suffered epic setbacks that were clearly not as well publicized, probably due to her closely guarding her real life and the people in it, while promoting her public persona.  The director, Laura Fairrie, lets a cast of Jackie's closest friends and family narrate this immersive journey through her life, touching on her importance to the early 80s feminist movement, her revolutionary novels, her successful and failed relationships, and her loving family. The dynamic between Jackie and her superstar sister Joan is especially intriguing to watch. It's a heady mix of fact, scandal, and image crafting spun by a self-made woman who never took no for an answer and kept pushing forward no matter how large the obstacles in her way seemed. 

'Lady Boss' is hilarious and incredibly moving in equal measure, and since we've all been cooped up looking for good streaming content for the better part of two years now, I highly recommend you add it to your Netflix queue as soon as possible.   We miss you, Jackie!

Top Three Tips for Improving Your Slot Game Gambling Skills

Introduction

The one-armed bandit is still a top hit in casinos after almost a century. The game is designed to be completely random. There are entire floors dedicated to these games in land-based casinos, while online casinos have endless titles on offer. Still, because there are so many types of machines, you can make educated choices depending on what kind of fun you're after.

In this article, you'll learn to play slots more wisely, with some simple slot machine tips. Additionally, follow our guest specialist, Auli Wälkky, to stay updated about the slot world.

It All Begins with Choice

First of all, keep an eye on bonus offers. Some casinos offer free spins and other perks for newcomers. Casinos with more payment options will probably provide a smoother gambling experience too. Gamblers in Finland will surely have a blast with the casino bonukset.

Even in games like slots, where skill isn't a significant factor, smarter choices can lead to better results. So, do your research before you go around inserting coins. When online, look for reliable platforms with a wide variety of titles. Here's a quick guide to the main types of slot machines you're likely to find.

Single-Coin
It's the original type of machine. Because of its simplicity, this kind of machine is fading away. It has only one payline, very few symbols and cheap payouts. It can be a good place to start.

Multipliers
Multiplier machines are some of the most common ones. Those machines invite players to bet higher since the initial wager will multiply possible winnings. For instance, if you bet €2 and strike a €10 combination, you'll win €20.

Multiple Paylines
Machines with 25, 50, or more paylines belong to this sub-type. Those machines offer much more paylines than any other machine. However, you must pay to 'activate' those lines. It means if a winning combination lands on an ‘inactive' line, you lose anyway.

Progressive
Progressive jackpots are those machines you hear about when someone strikes a millionaire prize. It's called so because the jackpot increases with every bet it takes. In some cases, various machines are connected, leading to even higher payouts.

Top Three Tips for Better Gambling

Now that you know the kinds of slot machines available, it's time to choose one, according to your tastes and budget. There's really no magic secret about how to win at slots, let alone how to beat online casino slot machines.

However, there's more to this game than just inserting the coin and pushing the button. Check below the best tips for enjoying the best of this fantastic game.

Know Your Game
Never gamble blindly. Learn everything you can about your favourite game: bet range, Return to Player (RTP) rate, paylines. Is the jackpot fixed or progressive? Fixed jackpots tend to come out more often, especially the small ones.

Not learning those aspects can lead to wasteful choices. If possible, look for free versions of your game online so that you can get the feel of it.

Learn the Paytable
Get acquainted with the symbols and their values, so you can follow what's happening on the screen. Some games may offer you the option of betting on specific symbols. Knowing the paytable comes in handy in those situations.

This information is typically available in the game's menu. Reading reviews about your favourite game is also very helpful.

Respect Your Wallet
It's easy to lose track of your expenses when trying to get some bucks out of the machine. You can avoid this danger by setting a budget for your fun time, and above all, stick to it. A strict budget helps to keep you away from compulsive behaviour. Practice responsible gambling.

Conclusion

Typically, the best online slot games to win are those with high RTP rates. A high RTP rate means that the machine pays more often. Progressive jackpots offer relatively lower chances of winning than any other type. So, narrowing your search for a game by theme, then by type, and finally, for betting range, you're sure to find the best slot machine for you.

Your Best Guide to the Easiest Banjo Songs You Can Learn as a Novice Player

The banjo is one iconic instrument, and learning to play it can bring a sense of real joy and accomplishment to anyone. But like the guitar, playing the banjo can be tricky and come with its unique challenges, and if you're a beginner, you will have to get attuned to your instrument and get to know it as much as you can. It's worth noting that some musicians believe that the banjo is easier to play compared to the guitar because it doesn't have as many strings. But one thing's for sure: it takes time and effort to master it, but when you do, you can delight your family and friends with your skill.

If you love country and folk music, you may already have a good idea of banjo tunes you can play, from Cripple Creek to Ground Speed to Ring of Fire. But there are more than a few songs out there, and if you want to be better in no time, here's your best guide to the most straightforward banjo songs you can learn as a novice.

Cotton Eyed Joe
Cotton Eyed Joe is up there in terms of popularity with banjo enthusiasts, and it's a traditional folk and country song that features prominently on the list of easy banjo songs. It's a charming song that can take you to the southeast portion of the country, and many banjo players identify with it. Many artists have made the song famous, although its origin is way before the music industry as we know it started! It's rumored to be sung by workers in plantations in Texas in the mid-1800s. But if you want to hear some modern versions of it, listen to the Moody Brothers, Bill Monroe, and Rednex, a band from Sweden. The song is played in A major if you listen closely, but you can also hear various phrases and melodies. The song works well with a five-string instrument along with Scruggs-style playing or picking.

Brown Eyed Girl
Van Morrison sang Brown Eyed Girl, and the single was launched in 1967. As you may already know, it was a big hit and is still seen as the signature tune of Van Morrison. Although Brown Eyed Girl is not a traditional bluegrass or country song (it's a pop-rock tune), you can take advantage of it as a beginner because you can play it using any banjo, and you can choose the style and tone you prefer, too.

Buffalo Gals
Another easy song to learn and play is Buffalo Gals, and it is one of our country's classic, traditional songs. Many believe that it was written as far back as 1844 by a minstrel named John Hodges. The song was a hit in the 1940s as well because they featured it in films like 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'Dixie.' If you would like to play the song, keep in mind that it works best on banjos with five strings with a clawhammer style. It is easy for beginners to learn as it has only several sections that repeat in the chords of D and G.

Other easy songs are readily available, but you can gain more confidence as you learn with these first three. Just remember to have fun!

An Oscilloscope – A Quick Overview

In this article, we will explain to you what an oscilloscope is, how it works as well as how it can be used.

What it is
An oscilloscope is used to visually represent a waveform for a period using a graph with the two axes. The parallel axis is used to represent time, while the upright axis is used to represent amplitude.

Oscilloscopes are used during music production to assist sound synthesis and dynamics processing. The signal chain of both usages has an oscilloscope placed at the end of the chain. The purpose is to allow it analyze the overall effects of all the plugins that have been placed ahead of it. Generally, Oscilloscope PLUGINS (WIN/MAC/LINUX) despite their frequent usage towards the end of the chain, like other analysis plugins, can be still be inserted anywhere. This will allow you to analyze that point's signal.



Usage Scope
When making music and you place a drum riff in the audio track of a DAW, what you will see is a stationary waveform region or clip. You can read this article to know what a waveform is. This static waveform is a representation of the initial audio when it was being inserted.

When an oscilloscope is finally inserted after every other thing has been placed in a signal chain, the stationary waveform will then be displayed straightaway. You can then see how it was affected by processing and also how it will look after final production.

If you are compressing a drum riff, using an oscilloscope aid in the observation of how the attack time affects each drum's hit initial spike (transient portion). If the attack period is fast, the transient will be squashed; hence, the height of the hit being displayed will decrease. But if a high ratio of compression, fast release time, and low threshold are combined, the height of the hit being displayed will increase because the tail and the hit have been increased.

Oscilloscopes aid in sound designing. It can be used to function as a sort of sonic microscope that the producer can use to observe a waveform's single cycles. With it, direct observation of the slow and low-pass filtration of a wave with rich harmonics as it progressively concludes its sharp corners is possible.



Also, you can observe the modulation of a pulse width when it has been placed on a wave (square). Generally, oscilloscopes have become very important in the understanding of synthesis concepts.

Setting Up Your Oscilloscope
Before you begin to use an oscilloscope, you must know certain things. The measurements given on the parallel axis could vary; it could be time division, samples, or musical values such as note lengths. On the other hand, dB is always the measurement found on the upright axis.

You can alter the axes' scales to allow you to view the waveform better by zooming in or out. The upright axis is usually set so that the display can be maximized. The parallel axis however is the more interesting. You can measure an individual wave cycle closely by zooming in, or you can view the larger waveform by zooming out.

An individual wave cycle's measurement, when used at a certain frequency, remains the same provided it is measured in milliseconds. If it is measured in samples, it indicates that the measurement is dependent on your DAW's sample rate.



One 100Hz wave cycle with a sample of 44,100kHz, in turn, will have a representation of 441 samples. But if this same wave cycle uses a 96kHz sample, it will then have a representation of 960 samples. Therefore, put this into consideration during the configuration of the units on the parallel axis.

Oscilloscopes working in a mode known as "free-running" draw the waveform usually starting from the left and moves to the right. It does this until the display's right-hand corner is hit. This action will then cause it to retrigger/reset thereby starting the plotting processing again.

The trace existing waveform is then overwritten. Consequently, the period the device uses in filling the display might not in perfect synchronization with the frequency of the waveform, this will lead the display to bounce around randomly.

To counter this, most oscilloscopes function in the mode called "classic". In this case, once the level has passed the parallel axis' center point, the device begins to plot from the display's left again. This way, the waveforms can be steadily observed.

Conclusion
Oscilloscopes have proved helpful in music production over the last couple of years. And until something better is invented, they will remain great tools for sound analysis.

Key Skills You Can Learn from Online Drum Lessons

Are you tired of air-drumming to Queen, Metallica, and your dream bands all these years? Do you want to bring out your inner Steven Adler and start a music band with a guitarist like Slash? If your answer is yes to any of the questions, it is time you sign up for online drum lessons.

Gone are the days when drums and any musical instruments were taught in person. The advancement in technology has now made it possible for you to get drum lessons from talented instructors at your home. From beginner to intermediate skills, suitable online drum classes will teach you all.

Here are some of the critical skills you can learn from online classes.

Coordination Techniques
From simple and primary rhythms to complex techniques, playing instruments like drums requires excellent movement and coordination. You are taught to work on coordination techniques starting from the very first online drum lessons. After learning the methods of one exclusive drum, the online instructors will take you through more drums and other subdivisions of a beat.

Hand and Foot Technique
Grips, motions, bass drum speed, control, and power are skills that require monitoring, especially in the initial stages. When you take up drum lessons online, the skilled instructors will help you find the proper grip, angle of attack, and more techniques by carefully monitoring your stance in every section.

When talking about grip, efficiently holding the sticks is critical to getting off to a good start. Online instructors will teach you easy ways to find the proper grip. As it takes comfort, personal preference, and practicality to achieve the right hand and foot technique, the instructors will also teach you to switch between different playing positions until you find the proper technique.

Vocabulary and Note Reading
From note reading to vocabulary and deconstruction, there are various learning techniques for drums. Vocabulary involves knowing the names of different parts of the drum kit, the history of each piece, and other terms of courses and learning methods.

Like instruments like guitar, keyboard, piano, etc., you have notes for drums. To play a known song or to compose new music, you must be well-versed with note reading.

Taking up drum lessons online will be an excellent way to start with the basics of note reading, vocabulary, deconstruction, and more. As online drum lessons offer classes for all students in different levels of expertise, you can take up beginner or intermediate drum classes any time for improving your note-reading skills.

Rudiments and Patterns
There are around twenty-six fundamental rudiments that almost all drummers understand. The primary or beginner level usually includes five rudiments along with their applications and uses in real music. In an online drum class, the experienced trainers will start with the essential rudiment and patterns lessons and gradually move on to creative drumming, showmanship, and more.

Reading and Writing Your Own Music
If you are a newbie to drumming, then developing a good foundation is essential and will help you transition to complex rhythms easily. Reading and writing is a crucial skill that all drummers should possess.

In any online drum class, the instructor will present you with reading and writing exercises where you will be taught to count notes while playing the drums.

Learning to read and play music notation or notes is similar to that of learning a new language. If you are learning to read music without the writing part, you will miss out on the chances to fully understand the new language. That is why trainers in online drum classes teach you to read and write and compose your music even during training.

Listening and Transcribing
Like reading and writing your music, listening, transcribing, and analyzing existing music is also a fundamental skill that good drummers must work on. It is never too early for you to get help from online instructors and begin listening to music with an idea of analyzing the piece.

With the online teacher by your side, you can listen to a famous metal song, pick out the drums from the mix, and write down the musical notations you particularly like. All teachers who are a part of online drum classes encourage this exercise, as it is a great skill that will help you conceptualize notes and understand why a note is used in a song.

Honing this skill will also help you communicate better with your online instructors, fellow musicians, peers, and more.

Tempted to buy a drum kit already? Before that, sign up for an online drum class today and learn the basics of drumming. Your instructor may even help you find a suitable drum kit if you are lucky.

How to Plan A Themed 1920s Murder Mystery Party

Hosting a party can be great fun. At the same time, it comes with a host of responsibilities including organizing the food, drinks, music, and décor. Whether you plan to throw a party at your home or in the backyard, appropriate arrangements need to be made in advance to avoid last-minute haste. Moreover, you can host your guests in your house, in the backyard, or at an outdoor venue and accordingly plan the arrangement to celebrate any occasion. Themed parties are quite popular these days. Among myriad themes that you can think of, the spooky ones click with most people. If you are a great fan of murder mystery stories, here's a clue on the theme you can choose for your next party. So, if you are all set to experiment, the 1920s murder mystery party can make an exciting theme. Be it a Halloween party or your Birthday, here's how to plan a mysterious gathering for your friends, family, or office colleagues. Select your game Planning games for your party can be great fun and when it comes to a killer theme, you are sure to enjoy the planning bit. Getting your guests to be active participants in the game can be a good idea. Just a show wouldn't be all that fun. You can nominate friends to don the Sherlock Holmes cap and get to solve a fascinating mystery plot. There are a zillion games you can find online.  If you have the Agatha Christie bug biting, go ahead and pen your original murder mystery. You can prepare the script for your guests so that they can read their lines from there. Having dialogues and actions can enable a quick-paced game ensuring that your invitees don't skip on any elements of the game.  If you want to keep it free-flowing, you can just draft a general outline on what is expected so that your guest can act out of their imagination. Context of the murder plot and character descriptions can help. Moreover, you can leave a few pieces of evidence to help them relate to the solution. Find interesting games to plan your murder mystery party at https://www.quora.com/What-are-games-that-has-murder-mystery-content.  Organize costumes and accessories 

Hosting a party can be great fun. At the same time, it comes with a host of responsibilities including organizing the food, drinks, music, and décor. Whether you plan to throw a party at your home or in the backyard, appropriate arrangements need to be made in advance to avoid last-minute haste. Moreover, you can host your guests in your house, in the backyard, or at an outdoor venue and accordingly plan the arrangement to celebrate any occasion.

Themed parties are quite popular these days. Among myriad themes that you can think of, the spooky ones click with most people.

If you are a great fan of murder mystery stories, here's a clue on the theme you can choose for your next party. So, if you are all set to experiment, the 1920s murder mystery party can make an exciting theme. Be it a Halloween party or your Birthday, here's how to plan a mysterious gathering for your friends, family, or office colleagues.

Select your game
Planning games for your party can be great fun and when it comes to a killer theme, you are sure to enjoy the planning bit. Getting your guests to be active participants in the game can be a good idea. Just a show wouldn't be all that fun. You can nominate friends to don the Sherlock Holmes cap and get to solve a fascinating mystery plot. There are a zillion games you can find online.

If you have the Agatha Christie bug biting, go ahead and pen your original murder mystery. You can prepare the script for your guests so that they can read their lines from there. Having dialogues and actions can enable a quick-paced game ensuring that your invitees don't skip on any elements of the game.

If you want to keep it free-flowing, you can just draft a general outline on what is expected so that your guest can act out of their imagination. Context of the murder plot and character descriptions can help. Moreover, you can leave a few pieces of evidence to help them relate to the solution. Find interesting games to plan your murder mystery party at https://www.quora.com/What-are-games-that-has-murder-mystery-content.

Organize costumes and accessories


Slip into the mood of the theme! The main attraction of a murder mystery is solving it. For this, you will need a detective as well. You can arrange for trench coats, gloves, and hats for your guests playing detectives in the game. Alternatively, in your invite, you can request your invitees to dress up to the theme.

If you aren't too keen on over-shooting your budget, simply think of options from what's you already have in the closet. Gowns, furry coats, even the bridesmaid dress can do the trick. There is an array of thrift stores where you can shop for vintage clothes and accessories.

Renting costumes, jewelry, and pros from rental stores for the quintessential 20's decade pieces is going to beef up the party look. Some shops sell and rent curated murder mystery collections. Recreate the 1920s glam with your slaughtering creativity!

Send invitations
  Grab every opportunity to think out of the box, after all, you will be hosting a murder mystery-themed get-together! While downloaded games can enable e-invitations, you can try sending the old fashion mail with a red seal to give a glimpse of the planned occasion.

Things to highlight in your invitation card

• Event details – you can assign character details on individual cards. 
• How to dress up – Give away hints on the character's attire so that your guest can dress for the occasion
• Mention the venue, time, and other details in tune with the party's theme. Add some pixie spirit to those details.

Plot the venue
If you're hosting a 1920s themed murder mystery party, you can't miss the relevance of a fireplace, pre-historic architecture, candelabras, and a chaise longue. Depending on the number of guests, you can either host your party at a hired apartment or at a restaurant ready to do the arrangements on your behalf. Want to keep to the budget, simply go bizarre on ideas.

You can play with the colors of the upholstery, reshuffle the furniture, thematically orient the layout of the floor and walls as well as dramatize with 1920's inspired flower arrangements. Vintage chairs, rugs by the fireplace, side tables, bar furniture, etc. can spruce up the downtown vignette for your ‘murderous' revelry.

What are you serving and how?


From your crockery to cutlery and the food at the table, it can all be crystallized with the theme. Just think of wine, beer, and cocktails being served in classy gold-rimmed glassware and elegantly detailed trays. 

Sit-down dinners look formal. A vase or two and candlesticks can give the dinner table that perfect feel and look. However, if there are too many guests, you may need to rethink the space as sit-down dining can stab their comfort. Simple yet delectable starters take the cake. Hop over to this site for delightful ideas on what to serve your guests at a murder mystery party.

Set the stage
Once your guests have arrived at the party, they can be given the envelope that includes details of the game, its rules, and other directions on dos don'ts. You can keep the suspense going by just hinting at the plan for the first half of the party. Intermittently, you can toss surprises to make it thrilling. For instance, turn down the lights and play ballroom music to encourage your guests to slay the dance floor.

Mid-way through the party, you can handover the second envelope to your invitees to declare the game results. For instance, you can secretly whisper into the killer's ears that he/she is the one.

Let the party roll with others making guesses as to who the killer is and finally, you can announce it and give away gifts and goodies to those who made the right guess. Giving away awards for the best-dressed individual, the best actor, etc can make it an unforgettable party.

Of all the things you do, just be sure to keep the suspense through the final execution!

Can Rafael Nadal end his career with the most Grand Slam titles?

"I always say the same, that I would love to finish my career being the player with more Grand Slams." Those were the words of Rafael Nadal after his French Open victory last year, and if it was the case that all four of tennis' Grand Slams were played on clay, then we are sure there would be no competition for the 34-year-old. However, unfortunately for the Spaniard, they are not, and that is why he is up against it if he truly wants to finish his career with the most major titles.

Last year, Nadal's record-extending 13th French Open triumph brought him level with Roger Federer on an impressive 20 Grand Slam titles. But, whilst Nadal excels on the clay courts of Paris' Roland Garros, he arguably lacks the skill of his counterparts, namely Federer and Novak Djokovic, on the other surfaces.

In his career, which spells back to 2003, Nadal has won the Australian Open just once, Wimbledon twice and the US Open four times. Of course, that is nothing to turn your nose up at, many professionals would love to boast that haul of Slams, let alone the whopping 13 French Opens on top of that. But for someone of Nadal's standards, it is disappointing that he has not been able to get as good a grip on the other tournaments as he has on the French Open.

2010 was the last time he won at Wimbledon, whilst the following year was his last outing in the final of the English championship. His sole victory in Melbourne came way back in 2009, and with four finals since then, it is hard to believe that he has not added to that victory 12 years ago. But with defeat coming to Federer and Djokovic (x2) in three of those four finals, it shows their superior ability on that surface over Nadal, just as the Spaniard's recent 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 triumph over Djokovic at Roland Garros proves his dominance on clay.

Flushing Meadows is somewhere that Nadal has found a bit of form in recent years, however. In the last decade, he has won the US Open four times, with his two most recent victories coming in 2017 and 2019, whilst a run to the semi-finals was shoved in between. Last year, the Spaniard chose not to defend his American Grand Slam crown due to safety concerns around the coronavirus pandemic, but this year he'll certainly be hoping to regain his title.

With the Australian Open approaching, Nadal is the second favourite behind Djokovic - according to Betdaq. But it is going to take something special from the World No.2 if he wants to stop the Serbian from winning his record-extending ninth title, and his third successive victory Down Under. With the news that his coach won't be making the trip to Melbourne due to covid travel restrictions, that task is made even harder for Nadal.

Another triumph for Djokovic at Melbourne Park would really have Federer and Nadal sweating. That would take the Serbian to 18 Grand Slam titles, whilst he would fancy his chances of reaching 20 by the end of the year, given his recent success at Wimbledon and previous victories at Flushing Meadows. That aside, the World No.1 also has an age advantage over both Federer and Nadal. So, in the long run, you would have to fancy his chances of overtaking the pair in terms of Grand Slam titles.

The long-awaited return of Federer also poses a threat to Nadal's Grand Slam hopes. The Swiss legend is set to miss the Aussie Open but should return for the other three Grand Slams later in the year. However, just four Grand Slam victories since 2011 will provide a glimmer of hope for both Djokovic and Nadal.

If Nadal wants the GOAT status and to finish his career with the most Grand Slam titles, then there is no question that he will need to win more than just the French Open throughout the next couple of years.

If he can do that, then there is no reason why he can't retire with the greatest haul of major trophies. From there, if Djokovic does overtake him, then it doesn't really matter, as the goal is to retire with the most!

Six English footballers currently playing abroad

While the English Premier League has long been a stomping ground for the best talent from all over the world, it's significantly rarer to see English players make the move from their home nation and home leagues to the many different leagues the world has to offer. But, if you're willing to put in the research, you'll find that there are a number of once household names who now find themselves playing abroad. Read on, as we look at six players, you'll recognise from their Premier League days, who are now playing abroad

Kieran Trippier (Atlético Madrid, Spain)
Having performed well at the 2018 World Cup in Russia for England, it's fair to say that Kieran Trippier caught the eye. With the right-back struggling for a regular starting position in the Tottenham Hotspur line-up, Trippier made the move to Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2019, and since then he has made himself a regular under coach Diego Simeone. Atlético are one of the favourites to win La Liga in the football betting, and Tripper's contributions are a part of that.

Chris Smalling (Roma, Italy)
Chris Smalling had become a figure of mockery at Manchester United by the time he was granted a loan move to Seria A side Roma. But the centre-back impressed greatly at the Italian club, who made the transfer permanent in the summer of 2020. Smalling is proof that although a player may struggle in the Premier League, a move abroad can often have a revitalising effect.

Ashley Young (Inter, Italy)
Staying with the theme of former Manchester United players, Ashley Young also made the move to Serie A in January 2020. Young was a valuable player for United over the years, but similar to Smalling, the former England international eventually became a source of ire for Manchester United fans, and a move to Inter brought him out of the spotlight, and gave him a fresh start in a new league.

Steven Taylor (Odisha, India)
Fans of English football may be surprised to learn that former Newcastle defender Steven Taylor is still playing, but the now 34-year-old is plying his trade in the Indian Super League with Odisha. After leaving Newastle in 2016, Taylor has been on a footballing odyssey around the world, which has included spells in the USA, New Zealand and now India.

Jay Bothroyd (Consadole Sapporo, Japan)
Cardiff City supporters will be interested to learn of the progress of Jay Bothroyd, who is currently to be found playing for Japanese side Consadole Sapporo in the J1 League. Now at the ripe old age of 38, Bothroyd was once a solid English league player, making the biggest mark at the south-Wales club, where he endeared himself to supporters with his work rate and goals.

Jordon Mutch (Aalesand, Norway)
After enjoying Premier League football with Cardiff City, QPR and Crystal Palace, Jordon Mutch is now plying his trade in Scandinavia, having signed for Norwegian club Aalesand earlier this year. This move followed spells with Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada, and South Korean side Gyeongnam.

The biggest Scottish Cup Final shocks

The 2020 Scottish Cup Final is set to take place on December 20th, and there's no shocks when it comes to Celtic's involvement. The Bhoys have been finalists and winners over the last three years, and the latest Scottish FA Cup odds are firmly in their favour, as they take on Hearts at Hampden Park. You can usually guarantee that either Celtic or Rangers, or both Glaswegian clubs will contest the final – so we've trawled through the archives to the times that neither side made it all the way, ultimately providing a huge shock.

2014-15: Falkirk 1-2 Inverness CT
Inverness sprung a massive surprise in the semi-finals, beating Celtic after extra time to secure their place in the Scottish Cup final, for the first time in their history. By beating Falkirk within 90 minutes, they also won their first ever title, and thanks to their league position, were already rewarded with a place in the Europa League second qualifying round, prior to their cup success.

Inverness had taken the lead in the 38th minute through Marley Williams, and after Carl Tremarco was dismissed with 15 minutes remaining and Peter Grant equalised for Falkirk, it looked as though it wouldn't be their day. But when James Vincent pounced on a loose ball from six yards out, Inverness stole a later winner and celebrated their first major trophy.

2013-14: St Johnstone 2-0 Dundee United
The season before, a new name was engraved on the trophy, with St Johnstone reaching the final for the first time in their 130-year history, and winning the Scottish Cup. Their opponents Dundee were playing in their tenth final, but defeat culminated in an eighth loss for them. Both sides entered at the fourth-round stage, and Dundee had beaten Rangers in the semi-final 3-1, to secure their place. Celtic had taken an early exit in the fifth round.

A goal late on in each half secured the win for The Saints. A whipped corner from David Wotherspoon saw centre-back Steven Anderson jump highest and head the ball into the back of an empty net to open the scoring. There was just enough time to restart play before the referee blew up for half time. A one-goal lead is always a narrow one and tensions increased throughout the second half. The result was sealed five minutes from time, when Steven MacLean slid in to challenge keeper Radosław Cierzniak, before punting the ball over the line.

2011-12: Hibernian 1-5 Heart of Midlothian
Two Edinburgh rivals met in the 2012 Scottish Cup final, and it was the first time that Hibs and Hearts had faced each other in the tournament final since 1896. The match took place at Hampden Park, rather than Murrayfield, which is where their previous final was contested. Hibs had sailed through the rounds en route to the final, while Hearts needed replays in both the fifth round and quarter-final, before beating Celtic in the semis.

Hearts put in a dominant display to annihilate their city rivals, although things could have been different, but for injury to Hibs' first-choice goalkeeper Graham Stack, who also missed the semi-final win. It proved to be a frantic first half, and within 50 minutes, five goals were scored.

First, Darren Barr opened the scoring for Hearts, before Rudi Skacel's deflected shot made it 2-0. Hibs pulled one back before halftime, but Hearts regained their two-goal advantage. A second bookable offence for Hibs' defender Pa Kajubi saw a penalty awarded and Danny Grainger duly put it away. Ryan McGowan added a fourth on 50 minutes, and Skacel got his brace with 15 minutes of the match remaining, to complete the rout – and deliver the biggest winning margin since 1999-2000.