Mmm

Last week Hugo Chavez took back control of Venezuela's oil wealth from the likes of BP, Chevron, Conoco, Shell, Statoil through nationalisation. Back in January, he put the multi-national oil companies on notice of his intention to nationalise the oil industry and on May 1st this came into effect. Out of the 6 multi-nationals, it was only Conoco who had not signed the renegotiated terms, but they were expected to do so. An analyst wondered if Venezuela's state run oil company has the expertise to cope. 51 years ago, Britain and France wondered expressed similar sentiments when Gamal Abdel Nasser decided to nationalise the Suez Canal - the Egyptians managed fine and I'm sure Venezuela will too - Africa take note, the minerals belong to Africa and her peoples so make sure your peoples are the ones to benefit and not the rapacious, blood sucking, environmentally unsound, exploitative multinationals.

Brazil also decided to tell Merck where to go with regards to the patent for one of the AIDS drugs Merck manufacturers. Following Brazil's decision to break the patent, Merck offered to supply the drug at a 30% discount.

Chelski, Chelski, Chelski, what can I say?! Didn't I tell you we would rout you at Anfield?! Hell should have frozen over before Geremi was allowed to take a penalty and as for Arjen Robben, as he came off the pitch after the end of extra time, Mourinho asked him about penalty taking and the manner in which he waved his hand was a clear indication of his regard for the shootout - his gesture said whatever and lo and behold, he whatevered his penalty. We shut up Chelski and now it's time to shut up Gennaro Gattuso. Chelski can make Mourinho happy by winning the only trophy he hasn't won, the FA Cup. SAF was given a fine bottle of Italian by Carlo Ancelotti after Milan comprehensively dismantled TTFUTM at the San Siro. He hopes to toast Milan's success in Athens - that will be a forlorn hope because Rafa "The Master Tactian" Benitez is already working on a plan to nullify Kaka & Seedorf. I do hope Paulo "One Club" Maldini will be fit for the final because that would be just reward for his longevity and loyalty - I still don't think he's much of a looker, he's always remind me of an apparition.

The NBA playoffs are throwing up some interesting results as both last years finalists, the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat are out.

Have a good week.