World Cup 2010 - 30 days and counting.

Being that it is now 30 days before the FIFA World Cup 2010 kicks off, I thought it appropriate to give my amateur rundown of my opinion on some of the favorites to win the cup and some of the dark horses. (Most of the teams have picked have a provisional squad, which is to be trimmed to 23 players before the tournament begins).

Argentina have goal scorers in Messi and Tevez, if they are on fire, Argentina will be hard to contain.

Brazil will always pose a threat even minus the omission of Ronaldinho. Kaka and co will provide plenty of class.

Germany have Ballack, Shweinsteiger and Podolski and when they fire, Germany fire.

Holland did not pick goal scoring sensation Van Nistellroy, though the likes of Van Persie, Robben and Sneijder definitely give the Dutch a chance.

Spain have injury concerns with Torres, Iniesta and Fabregas though if fit, they could follow up on their Euro 2008 crown.

Then there are some teams like England, Portugal, France and Italy. They could be threatening.

I'll throw in some dark horses in Serbia, Ivory Coast and Denmark.

May the best team win.

'The Family Moskat' - by Isaac Bashevis Singer.

Meshulam Moskat, Asa Heshel Bennet together with many other Eastern European characters make up this story of pre-Holocaust Jewish civilisation.

Singer draws to the reader, memories of a bygone era. It has drama, moments of joy, tragedies, sadness and laughter.

Epic.

'The Certificate' by Isaac Bashevis Singer.

David Bendiger is an aspiring writer who is fortunate enough to receive a 'certificate' enabling him to migrate to Palestine from Warsaw.

As he awaits his departure, David gets tangled up in the lives of three women. Is it love? Is it lust? Is it immaturity?

This is another brilliant Singer read.

'Everything is Illuminated' by Jonathan Safran Foer

Foer, who uses his name as the main character of the story, travels to the Ukraine from America to unravel the mystery saviour of his grandfather from the Nazi's. Alex, the Ukrainian translator English is hilarious and outrageous. It is as if he is using Google translator to convert his native Ukrainian into English.

Foer has a gift to amuse the reader, with an energetic type of prose, that is second to none.

'Indignation' by Philip Roth.

Indignation starts in New Jersey, journeys to Ohio and then onto war-torn Korea (1950's). Marcus Messner is of college age and continues his education, far away from his birthplace, his parents and childhood memories.

Marcus meets an entire new world, customs, practices and attitudes and the adaptation is a difficult one.

A short novel packed with rawness, sorrow and courage.

'Letting Go' by Philip Roth.

Letting Go is a group of stories and characters, molded together to form a harsh, thoughtful and emotional novel.

The story surrounds the academic life of Gabe Wallach and his involvement with fellow academic Paul Hertz and wife Libby. Amongst the characters is divorced mother Martha Renghart. Together, each with their own burdens and baggage, form a story line that is both frightful yet delightful.

'Portnoy's Complaint' - by Philip Roth.

Alexander Portnoy complains about his guilt ridden upbringing. In this explicit novel by Roth, sex and rebellion are the central themes as Portnoy complains about life, lack of love and more.

Roth captivates his audience with audacious writing, which is complete with lewd, profane and graphic scenes.