I sat behind a hockey legend earlier this week during Canada's game against Germany. My hockey knowledge is reasonably good from the last 3-4 years, but I'm struggling prior to that and historically, so I didn't really know much about Joe Sakic, even if his name sounded familiar. Turns out he retired last year at the age of 40, after a highly successful career. He never played in Vancouver but he is a local, and was a star for Team Canada and the Colorado Avalanche.
That's the end of my introduction of him, but seeing him sitting at a game, with his wife and three kids got me thinking. I was hoping and trying to watch the game, so was Joe. During the intermissions, and even during the periods themselves, he was bombarded with fans asking for photos and autographs. Granted, it was a one-sided game and not the most enthralling game one could wish to see, but I found myself paying more attention to him and how he dealt with it all, than the game itself.
Now the only reason why I knew who he was and recognised him was because I had bumped into him the night before at a ceremony. He was given a hero's welcome that night, and likewise during this game. He seemed so well mannered and pleasant throughout the various times I stumbled across him, as did his family.
I did however detect signs towards the end of the Germany game, that he just wanted to stop being pestered and catch a bit of the game. I couldn't fault him. It was distracting me and I just wanted to study the game. He genuinely seemed like a nice guy from the few times I saw him, but I could just sense frustration creeping in and he rejected a couple of requests and said he would sign the photos at the end of the game which sounded sensible.
The more I observed it all, the less I envied him more and more. Just one of the prices of fame and success I guess, but it cannot be easy constantly being in demand.
I have met a number of high profile people, mainly sportsmen and women, including some heroes of mine - Everton players to be precise. On the whole, I was quite disappointed with what I saw. You can hear stories frequently of people being disillusioned when meeting their heroes or famous folks, and questioning their attitudes.
Seeing Sakic, seemingly a nice guy, being pestered for most of the game however, just got me thinking, that it was totally reasonable that just some days, it's surely going to become annoying and frustrating. Money and success just does not matter, we all get out of bed on the wrong side some mornings, heck, I do regularly! So to be greeted with hundreds of requests from people who idolise you, must be tough at times.
Maybe I have been a bit harsh on some heroes and idols in the past, if I've seen how they have treated some fans or myself, and they have dropped in my estimation. Maybe they are divas and suffering from muppetitis, especially if they are young and early in their careers and have the attitude already. But maybe they are just having a tough day.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Pressure? What pressure?
Personally, I have generally thought pressure and intensity is good in sport. Everybody deals with it and responds to it in different ways, but it brings the best out of the best and whether as a spectator or an athlete, those high pressured, life or death games are the ones to watch or be involved in.
I've never quite witnessed such an intense focus as that which Team Canada are facing and have faced in these Olympics. Hockey is clearly the main event of this Olympics. The scrutiny from the media, the fans, everybody across Canada is absolutely huge and it is affecting the team. To concede a goal against the US after 41 seconds in such a big game was bad enough, but to concede a second 22 seconds after equalising was bordering on criminal. Yzerman and Babcock selected a team that possesses the experience at dealing with big hockey matches either in the Olympics or Stanley Cup, but nerves have crept in. The likes of Brodeur, Pronger and Neidermayer all looked vulnerable at times during that game, and we are talking about some of the best players the world of hockey has to offer.
Take Sid Crosby. If Ovechkin is the Cristiano Ronaldo of Hockey, then Crosby is the Leo Messi or Kaka. He's the clean cut, humble superstar of Canadian hockey, and seemingly unaffected by the attention surrounding him. The expectation on him is greater than ever in these Olympics, and for all the success he has had in the NHL, even he has not faced the pressure that he is faced with right now.
The same could be said for most of the Canadian athletes. They are receiving huge media attention, and it is clearly affecting a number of them. Jennifer Heil in the Freestyle Skiing was clearly disappointed to only win silver. Mellisa Hollingsworth felt compelled to apologise for coming 5th in the Skeleton, feeling as though she had let her nation down. I don't think it comes as a surprise that those Canadian athletes who have succeeded since Feb 12th, are those in the lower profile sports or those athletes with lower expectations on them.
That is not going to happen for Team Canada unfortunately. They now face a qualification game against Germany on Tuesday, and then Russia awaits in the quarter-finals. What was considered to be the dream final, has turned out to be the nightmare quarter-final match up. I do not envy the team and the pressure they face, though they can still turn this around and come good. Whether they will, I am not sure, but while this has been an amazing Olympics and one every Canadian should be proud of, playing on home ice is not always so favourable.
I've never quite witnessed such an intense focus as that which Team Canada are facing and have faced in these Olympics. Hockey is clearly the main event of this Olympics. The scrutiny from the media, the fans, everybody across Canada is absolutely huge and it is affecting the team. To concede a goal against the US after 41 seconds in such a big game was bad enough, but to concede a second 22 seconds after equalising was bordering on criminal. Yzerman and Babcock selected a team that possesses the experience at dealing with big hockey matches either in the Olympics or Stanley Cup, but nerves have crept in. The likes of Brodeur, Pronger and Neidermayer all looked vulnerable at times during that game, and we are talking about some of the best players the world of hockey has to offer.
Take Sid Crosby. If Ovechkin is the Cristiano Ronaldo of Hockey, then Crosby is the Leo Messi or Kaka. He's the clean cut, humble superstar of Canadian hockey, and seemingly unaffected by the attention surrounding him. The expectation on him is greater than ever in these Olympics, and for all the success he has had in the NHL, even he has not faced the pressure that he is faced with right now.
The same could be said for most of the Canadian athletes. They are receiving huge media attention, and it is clearly affecting a number of them. Jennifer Heil in the Freestyle Skiing was clearly disappointed to only win silver. Mellisa Hollingsworth felt compelled to apologise for coming 5th in the Skeleton, feeling as though she had let her nation down. I don't think it comes as a surprise that those Canadian athletes who have succeeded since Feb 12th, are those in the lower profile sports or those athletes with lower expectations on them.
That is not going to happen for Team Canada unfortunately. They now face a qualification game against Germany on Tuesday, and then Russia awaits in the quarter-finals. What was considered to be the dream final, has turned out to be the nightmare quarter-final match up. I do not envy the team and the pressure they face, though they can still turn this around and come good. Whether they will, I am not sure, but while this has been an amazing Olympics and one every Canadian should be proud of, playing on home ice is not always so favourable.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Risky Business
Buying tickets on the black market and from scalpers for any event is always risky. It is riskier than ever in Vancouver right now. VANOC introduced a 'fan-to-fan' market place to provide spectators with a regulated method of selling their tickets at prices which they wanted, and enabled fans to buy tickets, if they were prepared to meet the prices that the sellers demanded.
Once the transaction is done on the official website, a new ticket with a new bar code is sent to the buyer, and the old ticket is worthless with the bar code inactive.
On the face of it, it's a pretty solid idea, and one that I do not recall seeing elsewhere. As well as trying to bring some order about the resale of tickets, and to avoid fake tickets being created and circulated, VANOC take a 10% cut which the buyer must pay, so it's a handy littler earner for them.
There is one major flaw however for anybody wanting to buy tickets from scalpers. Usually, the main doubt when buying a ticket is its authenticity - is it a fake or not? The main issue now is that the ticket can appear to be completely authentic and real, but could already have been sold on the VANOC website to somebody else. Of course, personal information is taken when one buys a ticket from the official website, but you can guarantee that not all of those purchased are under the correct names. There will inevitably be some people who purchase what they believe to be authentic tickets on the black market and their tickets do not work when they arrive at the event. If and when it gets to that point, complaining and trying to seek money is likely to fall on deaf ears from the organisers.
Authorities want to stamp out the black market....regulate and profit from it themselves. They are unlikely to have any sympathy for those caught out with this loophole for the scalpers.
Once the transaction is done on the official website, a new ticket with a new bar code is sent to the buyer, and the old ticket is worthless with the bar code inactive.
On the face of it, it's a pretty solid idea, and one that I do not recall seeing elsewhere. As well as trying to bring some order about the resale of tickets, and to avoid fake tickets being created and circulated, VANOC take a 10% cut which the buyer must pay, so it's a handy littler earner for them.
There is one major flaw however for anybody wanting to buy tickets from scalpers. Usually, the main doubt when buying a ticket is its authenticity - is it a fake or not? The main issue now is that the ticket can appear to be completely authentic and real, but could already have been sold on the VANOC website to somebody else. Of course, personal information is taken when one buys a ticket from the official website, but you can guarantee that not all of those purchased are under the correct names. There will inevitably be some people who purchase what they believe to be authentic tickets on the black market and their tickets do not work when they arrive at the event. If and when it gets to that point, complaining and trying to seek money is likely to fall on deaf ears from the organisers.
Authorities want to stamp out the black market....regulate and profit from it themselves. They are unlikely to have any sympathy for those caught out with this loophole for the scalpers.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Spare a thought
It is a common assumption that when a major event comes to town, most if not all local industries, stand to benefit financially from the large number of tourists and spectators that are attracted to the city willing to flash the cash. The same is happening in downtown Vancouver.....throw a flag on some random t-shirt, and folk will be all over it pretty quickly.
Spare a thought however for taxi drivers. I wouldn't usually suggest it, or feel much sympathy myself....they're a strange and random bunch...often good for a solid footy chat (in London at least), but not a crew that I would usually feel sorry for....they do it enough themselves.
In Vancouver, the public transport system has been bolstered - trains, planes and automobiles at every corner and venue, ready to whisk you away at little cost. Highly commendable from the LOC's perspective, great if you're a fan....not so good if you're a taxi driver however.
Not only are they one of the view folk unable to really profit (or even make their regular income) from having so many tourists in the city, but to provide them with a further kick in the marbles, a number of key roads in the city have been closed so that the traffic can be controlled. Pretty harsh all round really, so spare a thought for Vancouver's taxi boys.
Spare a thought however for taxi drivers. I wouldn't usually suggest it, or feel much sympathy myself....they're a strange and random bunch...often good for a solid footy chat (in London at least), but not a crew that I would usually feel sorry for....they do it enough themselves.
In Vancouver, the public transport system has been bolstered - trains, planes and automobiles at every corner and venue, ready to whisk you away at little cost. Highly commendable from the LOC's perspective, great if you're a fan....not so good if you're a taxi driver however.
Not only are they one of the view folk unable to really profit (or even make their regular income) from having so many tourists in the city, but to provide them with a further kick in the marbles, a number of key roads in the city have been closed so that the traffic can be controlled. Pretty harsh all round really, so spare a thought for Vancouver's taxi boys.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Frustrating Arse
I consider myself to be a patient guy. I know those close to me will say that is not always true, and at times it isn't. But as far as football goes, I'll say with confidence that I am patient. I have to admit though that it's running low at the moment....not with Everton, but with Arsenal and Arsene Wenger.
I have the utmost respect for Wenger, and if I was a kid just starting to get into football, Arsenal would likely be close to the being favourites as a team I would follow. All the principles that Wenger and Arsenal apply and follow, I respect and appreciate...quite refreshing in today's football. Their development of players, scouting, training techniques, and refusal to spend over-inflated prices in the transfer market is highly commendable.
With all that said, they should be winning silverware and I have started questioning Wenger and some of his decisions over the last 6-9 months in particular. I could go back longer, but after all he has achieved, he deserves some leniency and credit, in my book anyway.
I was never a big fan of Adebayor, good player but I've never been a fan of his character. That said, watching the game against Chelsea on Sunday, they were crying out for a player like him or Drogba to give them some presence in attack. Wenger's refusal to replace Adebayor, and sticking with Bentdner, is a massive mistake and this has occurred so many times at Arsenal in recent seasons with a failure to replace the likes of Seaman, Vieira and Henry particularly well by refusing to splash the cash.
They're are fluent in attack, but are limited in terms of variation without a focal point in attack. That is not the biggest issue of their play, but it is one aspect which is not helping them. They look fragile when countered.....Chelsea mugged them, and even Everton did only a couple of weeks ago. There is a lack of balance there, that does leave them vulnerable when countered. Another weakness and something that has existed for a while now. Wenger stubbornly sticks to his principles, and it is costing them dearly.
I question Wenger, and I question the board. Are they content to stick with Wenger, his policies, and their policies, thus continuing to achieve a top four finish and aim for the cups? Would they contemplate changing Wenger and the direction of the club to give them a better chance of success? It is hard to say they are regressing as a team, but they are certainly being caught up by other clubs, and I think they will flirt with falling out of the top four in the coming seasons.
I'm frustrated as a neutral, I'd be steaming if I was a Gooner. They should be challenging for major honours, but they are not. Maybe it is time for a change.
I have the utmost respect for Wenger, and if I was a kid just starting to get into football, Arsenal would likely be close to the being favourites as a team I would follow. All the principles that Wenger and Arsenal apply and follow, I respect and appreciate...quite refreshing in today's football. Their development of players, scouting, training techniques, and refusal to spend over-inflated prices in the transfer market is highly commendable.
With all that said, they should be winning silverware and I have started questioning Wenger and some of his decisions over the last 6-9 months in particular. I could go back longer, but after all he has achieved, he deserves some leniency and credit, in my book anyway.
I was never a big fan of Adebayor, good player but I've never been a fan of his character. That said, watching the game against Chelsea on Sunday, they were crying out for a player like him or Drogba to give them some presence in attack. Wenger's refusal to replace Adebayor, and sticking with Bentdner, is a massive mistake and this has occurred so many times at Arsenal in recent seasons with a failure to replace the likes of Seaman, Vieira and Henry particularly well by refusing to splash the cash.
They're are fluent in attack, but are limited in terms of variation without a focal point in attack. That is not the biggest issue of their play, but it is one aspect which is not helping them. They look fragile when countered.....Chelsea mugged them, and even Everton did only a couple of weeks ago. There is a lack of balance there, that does leave them vulnerable when countered. Another weakness and something that has existed for a while now. Wenger stubbornly sticks to his principles, and it is costing them dearly.
I question Wenger, and I question the board. Are they content to stick with Wenger, his policies, and their policies, thus continuing to achieve a top four finish and aim for the cups? Would they contemplate changing Wenger and the direction of the club to give them a better chance of success? It is hard to say they are regressing as a team, but they are certainly being caught up by other clubs, and I think they will flirt with falling out of the top four in the coming seasons.
I'm frustrated as a neutral, I'd be steaming if I was a Gooner. They should be challenging for major honours, but they are not. Maybe it is time for a change.
Monday, February 8, 2010
The North American Experience
There are alot of things that are better in North America than Europe (and vice versa of course!), but one of the things which stands out most to me, is the experience of a major sporting event. Facilities, hospitality and attitudes are changing in Europe especially, but there is still some way to go to rival the event experience in NA.
The Superbowl. I know, I'm lucky and spoiled, I'm the first to admit. An experience as good, probably better, than anything I have experienced. I'm taking the sporting aspect out of the equation. It was a very good game, but there's been better. What makes it so impressive is the experience.
The first thing that smacked me in the face, and it's not the first time, was the lack of segregation among the fans - it simply wasn't necessary, and it added something to the experience. Fans enjoying banter, sometimes borderline with their wit, but generally good humoured, all of which added to the day. There was a feel good factor - everybody happy to be there, and wanting to have fun. The Saints fans celebrated quite impressively, the Colts fans went home quietly....obviously disappointed, but generally peaceful and good natured. It is a stark contrast to football in England, and many other football leagues across the world. It is inconceivable to imagine fans sitting together at a football match back home. Even now, after lord knows how many games I have been to, I am still frequently surprised at the pure anger and volatility at some football matches. It is one of the few major negative aspects of football which needs work and can be improved. I guess it is a social issue, one which requires major exploration which I'm not going to do, but it detracts from what is an amazing game, and incredibly entertaining. Maybe it is an issue largely within football rather than location, but having attended football/soccer games in NA, they get those right too. Lessons need to be learned.
Along the same lines, another feature that impressed me at the Superbowl was a message running across the LED boards throughout the game. It read "Text 'fan' and seat number to 84532 to report any unruly behaviour". I suspect it was not used and rarely is. I also suspect that it is often used incorrectly with folks pulling pranks...it crossed my mind to get my Dad ejected! But it is a fantastically discrete way to report violence, racist remarks, throwing objects etc, which most fans feel uncomfortable and intimidated about addressing physically in person. Great idea, and one which could be adopted in many other sports.
The last feature was the national anthem, and the national anthem being produced in sign language in the stadium, big screen, and on television. I am always impressed with the way the anthem is embraced in NA, and the respect it is shown. Booing anthems is not smart or cool. The feature of sign language is probably considered as a luxury and not necessary for so many regular sporting events, but should be considered for major worldwide sporting events where the aim is to reach and cater for as many people as possible.
An amazing game is generally a bonus, something you can never guarantee, but the delivery of experience is something that can be prepared and achieved, and you'll be hard pushed to find a better example of a sporting experience than the Superbowl.
The Superbowl. I know, I'm lucky and spoiled, I'm the first to admit. An experience as good, probably better, than anything I have experienced. I'm taking the sporting aspect out of the equation. It was a very good game, but there's been better. What makes it so impressive is the experience.
The first thing that smacked me in the face, and it's not the first time, was the lack of segregation among the fans - it simply wasn't necessary, and it added something to the experience. Fans enjoying banter, sometimes borderline with their wit, but generally good humoured, all of which added to the day. There was a feel good factor - everybody happy to be there, and wanting to have fun. The Saints fans celebrated quite impressively, the Colts fans went home quietly....obviously disappointed, but generally peaceful and good natured. It is a stark contrast to football in England, and many other football leagues across the world. It is inconceivable to imagine fans sitting together at a football match back home. Even now, after lord knows how many games I have been to, I am still frequently surprised at the pure anger and volatility at some football matches. It is one of the few major negative aspects of football which needs work and can be improved. I guess it is a social issue, one which requires major exploration which I'm not going to do, but it detracts from what is an amazing game, and incredibly entertaining. Maybe it is an issue largely within football rather than location, but having attended football/soccer games in NA, they get those right too. Lessons need to be learned.
Along the same lines, another feature that impressed me at the Superbowl was a message running across the LED boards throughout the game. It read "Text 'fan' and seat number to 84532 to report any unruly behaviour". I suspect it was not used and rarely is. I also suspect that it is often used incorrectly with folks pulling pranks...it crossed my mind to get my Dad ejected! But it is a fantastically discrete way to report violence, racist remarks, throwing objects etc, which most fans feel uncomfortable and intimidated about addressing physically in person. Great idea, and one which could be adopted in many other sports.
The last feature was the national anthem, and the national anthem being produced in sign language in the stadium, big screen, and on television. I am always impressed with the way the anthem is embraced in NA, and the respect it is shown. Booing anthems is not smart or cool. The feature of sign language is probably considered as a luxury and not necessary for so many regular sporting events, but should be considered for major worldwide sporting events where the aim is to reach and cater for as many people as possible.
An amazing game is generally a bonus, something you can never guarantee, but the delivery of experience is something that can be prepared and achieved, and you'll be hard pushed to find a better example of a sporting experience than the Superbowl.
Blogging Inspiration
It's been long over due, but here is my blog. I usually start alot of conversations by apologising for something - I probably do it too much to be honest - but I'll apologise now if it doesn't grab you! It is probably the reason why the X icon was created in the top right corner on the webpage.
I've considered writing alot more over the last year, and after plenty of deliberation and finding other things to do (delaying tactics clearly), this is the start of new dawn....a blogging dawn. I've been encouraged to write more by my girl - you'll probably dislike the design, but hopefully the words make a bit of sense! And inspired by a couple of friends who have blogs - even random ones on subjects that I generally have no interest in, but can appreciate and enjoy for the way they are written.
One day I will get round to writing a book....not quite sure if and when that will happen, but I'll be writing more and more, and that will hopefully inspire the development of some thoughts to write one.
I'm not too sure exactly what I'll write about, but the likelihood is that it will have a sport theme to it. There may be some other random subjects, I do need to diversify things, so we'll see how that goes. It may be a load of rubbish, but trying never killed anybody (well, maybe one or two), and let's just see where this takes us to.
Here goes!
I've considered writing alot more over the last year, and after plenty of deliberation and finding other things to do (delaying tactics clearly), this is the start of new dawn....a blogging dawn. I've been encouraged to write more by my girl - you'll probably dislike the design, but hopefully the words make a bit of sense! And inspired by a couple of friends who have blogs - even random ones on subjects that I generally have no interest in, but can appreciate and enjoy for the way they are written.
One day I will get round to writing a book....not quite sure if and when that will happen, but I'll be writing more and more, and that will hopefully inspire the development of some thoughts to write one.
I'm not too sure exactly what I'll write about, but the likelihood is that it will have a sport theme to it. There may be some other random subjects, I do need to diversify things, so we'll see how that goes. It may be a load of rubbish, but trying never killed anybody (well, maybe one or two), and let's just see where this takes us to.
Here goes!
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