GOD BACKED AT 4/1 TO REVEAL SELF WITHIN 2009

Popular Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has released a number of interesting propositions for betting markets going into 2009. Whether you're into betting on celebrities and gossip or politics and economic policy there's literally something for everybody. One of the big ones that caught my eye initially was the so-called God Line. If the lord God is to reveal himself (or herself) in a definitive manner in the 365 days that constitute 2009, Paddy Power will be paying out at 4/1. With economic crisis, several wars and the constant threat of terrorism, certain punters may think that the time is right for a confirmed god appearance. Many handicappers are refusing to be swayed by Paddy's odds on 2009, preferring to back the Mayan tip of 2012. For me, I'm not confident in a monotheistic deity appearance at any point this year, although certain cults (generally of the doomsday variety) may be picking up what they may look at as some particularly generous odds. Paddy Power has made no distinction between a god appearance and a possible apocalypse and this could be where the handicappers find the value. OTHER MARKETSDisocvery of aliens on Mars is paying out at a mere 50/1 and full legalization of marijuana in the United States is listed at 12/1. I'm looking at both of these on a multiplier, for obvious reasons.