Poopers will be pop party picks this weekend considering it’s been pretty downhill the world over through the week. India played sports spoiler through and through and a favourite holiday destination is in turmoil. However depressing, you’ve got to know the news nuggets to hold your own through that weekend dinner.

Blue boo

Dada has been a dud so far with not a miracle in sight from his blue-eyed boys of Indian cricket. The Wednesday batting debacle at Trent Bridge is a good excuse to demand “no Sachin, no game” and revive the cry for “no win, lesser fees”. The more sporty ones can go into raptures about newcomer Alex Wharf or giant Steve Harmison. Also, keep your fingers crossed for an Indian turnaround and know a tennis elbow when you see one (“a sprain caused by or as by playing tennis”).

Olympics angst

Still with sport — and still down in the dumps — you better know your silver from your gold when babbling about the bungle that was Olympics 2004, for India. Feel proud for sharpshooter Rajyavardhan Singh Rat-hore but let it rip when it comes to the rest of the pathetic performers and the doping dodos. Your heart might bleed for the Lee-Hesh medal miss, but don’t jump the gun and say you expected Anju Bobby George to leap to glory.

Iraq line

It’s all happening in Iraq but the tremors are being felt closer home. If Wednesday’s mahamichhil for peace in Iraq played traffic-stopper for a few hours in the city, riots rocked a holiday destination beyond the border. So, if you have major travel plans to Kathmandu, spend this weekend discussing it with those in the Nepal know.

Inside out

Finally, cast a veil on the doom and gloom and watch that wispy veil over inner and outer wear lift tantalisingly. Night wear is becoming the cynosure of nightlife, at home and hot spot. If you haven’t been able to catch any of those haute nightwear fashion shows in the city yet, take our word for it that they have been all the rage lately. While the boys slurp over the slinky show at Dublin to push up Friday night fever, girls can go one up by bragging about that imported bra and even flaunting a sexy strap or two.