Toronto, Canada – On October 3, Rogers Communications announced that customers can score premium soccer on their TVs, computers and smartphones. For the first time in Canada, Rogers brings exclusive live access to non-televised or tape-delayed matches through Sportsnet World Plus and Rogers Anyplace TV.

“At Rogers we are passionate about world-class sports and along with millions of Canadians, we love to take in the action in real-time, wherever we are,” said Anthony Antonelli, senior director, sports and on demand services, Rogers Communications. “Soccer is one of the most thrilling sports to watch live, and now our customers can catch multiple international league matches live at one time, on the device of their choice.”

Ultimate soccer fans can catch every single UEFA Champions League match and hundreds of UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa League matches this season.  Here’s how:

On your TV- Rogers digital TV customers can tune into 12 channels for all the action from Sportsnet, Sportsnet ONE and Sportsnet World. Sportsnet World subscribers have access to the new Sportsnet World Plus channels.

On your computer: Rogers digital television customers in Canada with an Internet connection who subscribe to Sportsnet World can live stream the matches on their computers via RogersAnyplaceTV.com.

On your smartphone: Rogers wireless customers can live stream the games on their smartphones with the Rogers Anyplace TV Live mobile app, available through the Apple App Store, Google Play and BlackBerry App World. For $5/month, the app provides 5 hours of viewing with overage charges of $1 per additional hour. Until April 30, 2013 overage charges are waived providing unlimited viewing.

The Rogers Anyplace TV Live app live streams Sportsnet channels and sporting events like Blue Jays games, basketball, hockey, tennis and music concerts, news such as CityNews, and kids programming like YTV and Treehouse. For more info on Rogers Anyplace TV and details on the live-stream, check out:www.RogersAnyplaceTV.com/sports.

About Rogers Communications

Rogers is a diversified Canadian communications and media company. We are a provider of wireless voice and data communications services and one of Canada’s leading providers of cable television, high speed internet and telephony services. Through Rogers Media we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised shopping, sports entertainment, magazines and trade publications, and digital media. For further information about the Rogers group of companies, please visit www.rogers.com.

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Liverpool Football Club took to the field at Ewood Park on Tuesday night in the midst of their worst run of form in 50 years. Normally considered a routine victory for the club from Merseyside, especially given the precarious position of opposing side Blackburn Rovers, victory was anything but assured for Kenny Dalglish’s men.

An electric start for the visitors saw Liverpool take a two goal lead thanks to some lethargic defending from Blackburn and two Maxi Rodriguez strikes. It was not long after however and Liverpool’s recent run of form seemed to kick in, first with the sending off of goalkeeper Alexander Doni, albeit substitute goalkeeper Brad Jones saved the resulting penalty, and two goals from Rovers striker Yakubu had levelled the scores.

With time running down and Liverpool having been forced to play with just ten men for the majority of the match, Blackburn were increasing the tempo and trying to find a goal which would earn them an invaluable three points. Unfortunately for the home fans however, it was the much maligned Liverpool forward Andy Carroll who grabbed a winner, powering a header beyond the helpless Paul Robinson.

Liverpool may not have played their best football this season, but they have also had their fair share of bad luck, and this game may signal a change in fortunes for the club. Having lost games in the dying minutes with alarming regularity this season, the result against Blackburn will have come as sweet relief to many of Liverpool’s fans and players, none more so than out -of-form striker Carroll.

The former Newcastle man has suffered a torrid start to his Liverpool career, notching just nine goals in his first 50 appearances for the club, much of which has been attributed his inflated transfer fee of £35 million and the resulting loss of confidence after he was unable to perform to a standard befitting the fee in his first few months on Merseyside.

This late goal could change everything for Carroll. The relief and joy of scoring was clearly visible on Carroll’s face as he ran off to celebrate his winning goal, and has already warned local rivals Everton that his side are high no confidence as they head into their FA Cup Semi-Final at Wembley on Saturday.

The challenge for Dalglish remains to get the best out of both Carroll and fellow striker Luis Suarez when they are both on the pitch together, and is an unenviable task. Should Dalglish succeed however, then the rest of the English Premier League will need to sit up and take notice as the physicality and aerial ability of Carroll interspersed with ball skills and finishing of Suarez could yet be a feared strike force.

Far more important than the three points received for the victory, as Champions League qualification is no longer a realistic proposition for Liverpool, is the sense of belief that it will have given back to the players whose lack of confidence has been visible in recent displays. Although not yet a squad capable of challenging for the EPL, they are a talented group who will feel confident about their chances of picking up their second trophy of the season in the FA Cup.

Although the result is anything but a foregone conclusion for either side, with both the red and blue halves of Merseyside descending on Wembley this Saturday one thing can be taken for granted, there’s going to be fireworks.

Image Courtesy of  AHMAD FAIZAL YAHYA / Shutterstock.com

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Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has capped off another memorable week with revelations of prostitutes followed by a roadside prang in the space of just 24 hours.

The Italian hit headlines on Wednesday, when his agent, Mino Raiola, confirmed that he had enjoyed a ‘brief involvement’ with Jennifer Thompson, who shot to notoriety in 2010 when she alleged that she had been paid £1,200-a-night to have sex with Wayne Rooney, who plays United, while his wife, Colleen, was pregnant with their son, Kai.

The affair is said to have taken place at Balotelli’s Cheshire mansion in February, just two days before he publicly declared his love for his girlfriend, Raffaella Fico, after opening the scoring for City during their 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers.

Revelations of Balotelli’s liaison with the call girl were made all the more remarkable by the fact that he had taunted Miss Thompson about her fling with England hit man Rooney when he saw her in a Manchester restaurant last year by chanting ‘Rooney! Rooney!’

Little over 24 hours after his agent’s revelation, Balotelli was involved in further drama as his white Bentley collided with a Vauxhall Corsa in the Deansgate Locks area of Manchester. The 21-year-old was unharmed but his female passenger taken to hospital as a precaution while the driver of the other car also emerged from the incident, which City insists was not the player’s fault, unscathed.

The incidents are merely the latest in a growing list of controversies since Balotelli’s €22million move from Internazionale in summer 2010.

He was involved in an on-field squabble with team mate Aleksandar Kolarov over who would take a free kick during City’s draw with Sunderland in the English Premier League last weekend, which saw the Abu Dhabi-owned club’s bid to wrestle the title from local rivals Manchester United falter further.Manager Roberto Mancini later revealed that he had considered substituting his compatriot as early as the fifth minute of the 3-3 thriller.

He was fined £250,000 by City at the beginning of March after being photographed leaving a Liverpool strip club in the early hours, less than 48 hours before his side were due to take on Bolton Wanderers, while in January he was given a retrospective four-match suspension by the Football Association for stamping on the head of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Scott Parker during their clash at the Etihad Stadium, which City won 3-2 thanks to a stoppage time penalty from Balotelli.

Last October, on the eve of the Manchester derby, he was forced to flee his Cheshire home after a fire caused by setting off fireworks in the bathroom saw police and fire crews tend to the blaze. Balotelli proceeded to score twice against United at Old Trafford in the 6-1 rout, during which he revealed a t-shirt bearing the words ‘Why always me?’

Image Courtesy of  Left Eyed Photography / Shutterstock.com

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Energy rates are going to rise over the next 5-10 years and consumers who resist switching to new, energy efficient lighting will see their lighting bills rise 15-20 percent over the next decade. So warns Rodney Heller, Lead Lighting Designer at Energy Performance Lighting (EPL) in Madison. Heller, a nationally recognized leader in the field of energy efficient lighting, explains that the reason energy rates will soon be on the rise comes down to common sense and simple economics.

“Electric utility companies need to maintain a certain profit margin in order to stay in business,” said Heller. “Right now, 20-30 percent of the energy that is taken off the power grid goes to powering light bulbs. As more and more people cut their energy consumption by using new, more efficient lighting, the utilities’ profit margin will be reduced substantially.

As a result, they will need to raise their rates. In turn, businesses and consumers that stick with the older, less efficient light bulbs will see their electric bills rise 15-20 percent over the normal rate of inflation in the next decade.”

Heller is the executive producer of a recently released video special entitled Electric Light: Dawn of a New Era . The program features interviews with several of the nation’s most eminent lighting experts and explores dynamic electric lighting changes that are already well underway. Consumers will have a wide range of lighting options to choose from, including compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), Halogens, LEDs (light emitting diodes) and OLEDs (organic light emitting diodes).

“There will be more change in lighting over the next few years than there has been in the previous 100 years,” said Heller. “I highly recommend that consumers take a little time to educate themselves about how the newer forms of lighting not only will save them money but will make their lives better. Consult an expert to help you understand about the color of the light and where and how to place the light to create the ideal atmosphere, whether it’s to relax at home or to become more productive at work.”

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It’s change that’s coming literally at the speed of light. In fact, there will be more change in the world of electric lighting in the next few years than there was in the past 100. Halogens, CFLs, LEDs.

This change has spawned public uncertainty and it affects everyone. Though Congress recently de-funded the January 1st ban on the 100-watt incandescent bulb, the federal law is still on the books. Retailers who sell the bulb will technically be violating the law. As the remaining incandescent bulbs are phased out in the very near future, some people are already hoarding them.

“Lighting technology is changing dramatically and it’s much more than just grabbing a light bulb from the hardware store shelf,” said Rodney Heller, Lead Lighting Designer at Energy Performance Lighting (EPL). Heller is a nationally recognized leader in the field of energy-efficient lighting and is based in the Madison area.

He has also produced a new, 30-minute television special entitled, ‘Electric Light: Dawn of a New Era.’ The program will premiere on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10 on Friday January 6, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. (CST). It will also air on Channel 36 on Saturday January 7th at 12:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (CST).

Heller recommends four steps that will help businesses and consumers adjust to the future of electric lighting:

1. Don’t be afraid of change
2. Realize that there are many more choices than just the compact fluorescent (CFL) bulb. For example, halogen bulbs provide instant brightness and last 6 times longer than incandescents.
3. Select cool/blue colors for alertness and warm/yellow colors to relax
4. Don’t fret the higher cost of LEDs. The energy savings will quickly offset that cost and the price of LEDs will drop by the end of 2012.

“We’ve got many different bulb choices for selecting energy efficiency, wattage and light color,” said Heller. “We are only now beginning to understand how the color of light affects us physically and psychologically. Not only will you be able to save up to 75% on your lighting bill, you’ll be able to install lights and never have to replace them in your lifetime!”

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In what seemed more befitting a movie screen than in a soccer match, Thierry Henry was welcomed back to the Emirates Stadium and in return, scored the winning goal for Arsenal in a 1-0 FA cup win over Leeds United on Monday, pushing the club into the fourth round of the FA Cup to face Aston Villa at the end of January.

Henry’s goal for the North London club sincerely verified Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger decision to bring the French striker back to the club on January 6, on loan from New York Red Bulls, to cover for Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh, who are currently participating in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. His performance also extended his already impressive goal record with the club to a 227 total.

Wearing the number 12 on his jersey instead of his recognizable number 14, which at the time of his loan is being worn by Theo Walcott, Henry was substituted into the match in the 68^th minute and received a standing ovation for his second debut with Arsenal. Ten minutes later, Henry was able to slip behind the Leeds defenders and put the ball into the bottom-right corner, giving Arsenal the only goal of the match, and the lead that would allow them to continue in the FA Cup tournament.

”The feeling I had when I scored was amazing,” the 34-year-old Henry told ESPN television. ”I think I will always remember tonight.” The outcome of the match provoked flashbacks of Henry’s previous reign at Arsenal which lasted from 1999-2007. The eight-year long stint with the English club turned Henry into one of the most successful players for ‘The Gunners’ in the early 21^st century, making him a legend in club history.

Henry’s career has gotten him the Premier League Golden Boot four times; he won the FIFA World Cup with France in 1998, and also won the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona in 2009. At the age of 34, Henry is still going strong, winning more trophies and awards for whoever he plays for.

Although he is set to return to the United States in March, Henry will be sure to provide goal opportunities on English ground throughout his stay and cement his affectionate place in the hearts of Arsenal fans. By season end, he might even have created other opportunities for himself and his future career.

CHEN WEI SENG / Shutterstock.com

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With many of the stars having a good trip with their international teams the week before, this past week brought about some great matches that have caused some big changes in the standings. This includes Chelsea regaining a top three position, Stoke City taking the fourth place position, and Liverpool slipping down two spots to fifth place.

However, Manchester United and Manchester City are still going head to head for the leading position in the league, making the space between the leaders and the followers in the standings quite large.

Arsenal 1:0 Swansea City

Arsenal came out in better form than they had in their 8-2 loss to Manchester United two weeks ago, allowing them to move up in the standings and maybe motivate the team to reach their usual top four position once again.

The win was not a pretty win, with the only goal coming in the 40^th minute from Andrei Arshavin after a terrible mistake between Swansea goalkeeper Michael Vorm and one of his defenders. This left the net wind open for Arshavin to help Arsenal win a big three points that they desperately needed.

Everton 2:2 Aston Villa

After an entertaining match that saw several goals and drama with penalties, neither Everton nor Aston Villa was able to come away from the match with a win.

The first goal of the match came off the boot of Everton forward Leon Osman in the 19^th minute. This gave Everton the lead going into the second half. However, Aston Villa was able to equalize in the 63^rd minute when midfielder Stilian Petrov was able to get past Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard.

Drama came five minutes later with a penalty kick awarded to Everton’s Leighton Baines who was able to hit the back of the net. After a strong battle in the closing minutes of the match, Aston Villa was able to equalize yet again from a shot off the boot of Gabriel Agbonlahor in the 83^rd minute, giving both teams a point in the standings.

Manchester City 3:0 Wigan Athletic

Sergio Aguero, Manchester City’s most popular newcomer from this past transfer window, showed he was more than worth the money paid for him by contributing all three of the goals in their win against Wigan Athletic.

Aguero scored early in the first half, putting the ball in the back of the net in the 13^th minute. It wasn’t until the second half when Aguero would put in two more goals to finish his hat trick and stop any chance of Wigan making a comeback in the latter half of the game. With this win, Manchester City sits in second place due to goal difference between Manchester United.

Sunderland 1:2 Chelsea

Chelsea moved back into the top four of the Premier League with their win against Sunderland, who they outplayed the entire match. The first goal of the game was scored by Chelsea defender John Terry in the 18^th minute, and was the only goal scored in the first half. Daniel Sturridge, in covering for the injured Didier Drogba, put the second goal in for Chelsea in the 50^th minute.

Although there was a glimmer of hope shown in Sunderland when substitute Ji Dong-Wong scored in the last minute of the match, Chelsea was able to defend well through injury time and secure the win.

Wolverhampton 0:2 Tottenham

Although the game was uneventful in the first half, Tottenham’s Emmanuel Adebayor was able to secure a goal and the lead in the 67^th minute. Jermaine Defoe, Tottenham’s second forward paired up with Adebayor, scored the second goal in the 80^th minute.

Tottenham was able to rally in the last half hour of the match in order to secure the win against Wolverhampton, and also move farther away from regulation.

Stoke City 1:0 Liverpool

The one and only goal was scored from a penalty kick off the boot of Stoke forward Jonathan Walters in the 21^st minute. The rest of the match was evenly battled between the two sides; however, Liverpool was unable to capitalize on chances while Stoke’s defense showed to be the stronger of the two teams.

Liverpool slipped down the standings with their first loss of the season to Stoke City, although both teams were evenly matched throughout the entire game.

Bolton 0:5 Manchester United

Javier Hernandez came out in form for his first start this season scoring in the first five minutes of the match. Wayne Rooney also continued his form with a goal in the 20^th minute, then another goal five minutes later. Hernandez scored his second goal of the match in the 58^th minute with no sign of Bolton having a chance to get one in the net.

Finally, Rooney finished his hat trick in the 68^th minute, making it back to back hat tricks for the player. Another high scoring match leaves Manchester United at the top of the standings, along with making more room in between them and other teams in the middle of the standings.

Norwich City 0:1 West Bromwich Albion

Thanks to a very early first half goal, West Brom was able to get their first win of the season while visiting Norwich City on Saturday. Peter Odemwingie was able to capitalize on a mistake in the third minute of the game between one Norwich defender and backup goalkeeper Declan Rudd, filling in the first spot due to John Ruddy’s suspension.

This one goal was all West Brom needed in order to get their first win, allowing them to forget about their three game losing streak and hopefully keep away from the relegation zone.

Fulham 1:1 Blackburn

With the two teams sitting in the relegation zone, and in desperate need of a couple points, the battle between Fulham and Blackburn concluded in a draw that keeps both teams without a win so far this season.

Although putting up a great fight at the beginning of the match, Blackburn was the first to score with a blistering shot off the boot of Ruben Rochina in the 32^nd minute. Thankfully, Fulham were able to come back six minutes later from the help of Bobby Zamora, making it all even going into the uneventful second half.

Queens Park Rangers 0:0 Newcastle United

With five newly transferred players in the starting squad for Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle United had the mindset of coming out of the match with a win since the players would not be in sync with each other. However, QPR were the team to watch this match due to having the most scoring chances in the match even though they could not capitalize on any of them.

Newcastle move up to sixth place, leaving them secure until next weekend.

Marius Wigen / Shutterstock.com

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