The 2011 Death Pool

[Dymetrie]

This has come from Mrs Dym's forum (and probably occured there from somewhere else) and I thought it might be an interesting exercise

Begin blatantly stolen thread idea!

As 2010 staggers to a close with a remarkable lack of celebrity deaths, it's time to open the 2011 Death Pool.

First and most importantly, this is not about wishing for anyone's death. If the idea of guessing who is going to die in 2011 offends you, I am sorry. If you want to discuss the idea of it rather than joining in, please start another thread and I'll be happy to listen to your arguments.

Secondly, the rules.

1) You get to pick up to four people, and one business.

2) Your selections must be famous, in that if they should sadly leave this mortal life, they get an obituary in the Times, the Telegraph, the NY Times or other august organ.

3) One must be a politician or world leader, one must be an entertainer (the definition of entertainer is wide, to encompass art, literature, film, TV, music, journalism and anything else you can think of). The other two can be more of the same or something else, it's up to you.

4) At least one of your picks must be under 50 years old as at 01/01/11

5) You MUST NOT cheat by contriving (in any way, shape or form) to bring about the death of any of your picks. Nature or terrorists are likely to do the job for you, your job is to sit back and wait.

6) Nothing in the rules precludes two or more posters from having the same person as one of their picks.

7) You may also pick one high street shop or national business which you think may go bust in 2011.

You get 10 points for each one of your picks who die, with an additional bonus of 25 points for any who were under 50 on 01/01/11.

10 points for a high street shop going bust too.

On 31/12/11, assuming I haven't kicked the bucket myself, I will award a small prize (monetary value of 0.0001p or thereabouts) to the poster who has amassed the most points.

You have until 31/12/10 to post your picks. If any one of your picks dies prior to 2011 you get a free pick of another person.

To summarise: Four famous people, at least one under 50. One high street shop. Go.