Odds makers say Google CEO has best chance to be Time ‘Person of the Year’

(New York, NY (November 2, 2006) – Marking its 79th issue, Time’s Person of the Year 2006 is slated to hit newsstands on Christmas day. Sportsbook.com, the world’s largest online sportsbook and casino has opened odds on who will grace the cover of this coveted and often controversial issue of Time.

Time’s Person of the Year is an annual tradition that began in 1927 after Charles Lindbergh made his historic flight over the Atlantic. Over the years it has sparked controversy since it is often thought of as a reward, or accolade by the public and media. However, the issue merely profiles the man, woman, or idea that has most influenced the events of the past year, either positively or negatively. In the past, people and subjects such as Mahatma Gandhi, Adolf Hitler, John F. Kennedy, Ayatollah Khomeini, Bill Clinton, and the American Soldier have all captured the front page of Time’s annual edition. In 2005, the magazine took a philanthropist approach as Bill Gates, his wife Melinda, and U2’s Bono shared the cover.

At the front of odds makers’ list for potential candidates for this year’s edition is Google Chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt at 9-2. Schmidt was recruited to help bring Google to the forefront of internet search engine software and has now made Google the single largest search engine in the world. The Google mogul, whose net worth is estimated at $5.2 Billion, has also recently joined Steve Jobs on the Apple board to take on Microsoft and reigning Person of the Year Bill Gates.

Another top candidate for the Time Person of the Year is former U.S. Vice President turned Environmental Guru Al Gore, with 5-1 odds. Gore, who lost the presidential election to two-time Person of the Year George W Bush in 2000, has reinvented himself as a champion of the environment. His critically acclaimed documentary An Inconvenient Truth has earned him a cult following and praise around the globe for its green message. Gore has also just been appointed as Advisor to UK Chancellor to the Exchequer Gordon Brown, who will likely succeed Tony Blair as the next Labour Party leader.

Also in the running for Time Person of the Year 2006 is CEO of Apple Computers Steve Jobs along with Global Warming and Mother Earth at 7-1. Jobs, the mastermind behind the iPod and iTunes, has revolutionized the computer industry and changed the way people listen to music. Jobs is recognized as a visionary who continues to push the computer in directions where Microsoft’s Bill Gates can only dream of going.

Global warming makes headlines everywhere these days with huge research studies warning us of the catastrophe that lies ahead if nothing is done. Even without a new Tsunami or hurricane the size of Katrina, the environment and climate change continue to weigh on people’s minds. .

Potential controversial candidates exist in abundance as well. Few will argue the impact that leaders like North Korea’s Kim Jong-Il, Hamas’ Sheikh Hasan Nasrallah and Iran’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad have had on global politics this past year. Jong-Il and Nasrallah have been given 10-1 odds while Ahmadinejad is listed as a 20-1 long shot.

Time Person of the Year 2006 - Odds to Win

Eric Schmidt 9-2

Al Gore 5-1

Steve Jobs 7-1

Global Warming/ Mother Earth 7-1

Tony Blair 8-1

George W. Bush 10-1

Sheikh Hasan Nasrallah 10-1

Kim Jong-Il 10-1

Dick Cheney 12-1

Tony Snow 14-1

Madonna 14-1

Condoleezza Rice 14-1

The American Soldier 15-1

Hilary Clinton 15-1

The Iraqi People 16-1

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad 20-1

Angelina Jolie 20-1

The Islamic Insurgents 20-1

Ken Lay & Jeffrey Skilling 25-1

Darfur Refugees 25-1

Mel Gibson 25-1

Tom Cruise 28-1

John T. Schiller 35-1

Abu Musab al-Zarqawi 35-1

Moqtada Sadr 40-1

Ismail Haniyah 40-1

Bill Frist 100-1

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