You are sat at the blackjack table and you have 13 in your hand. The dealer has 5. The correct thing to do is to stick with what you have, but sticking with 13 feels filthy. It is the sensible thing to do however, and that is what the book tells you to do. Assuming nobody is fiddling the cards, that’s another blog for another day, you are playing percentages and there is nothing you can do that will affect the outcome of which cards will be turned over. The only decision is whether you take the next card, or you leave it to the dealer. It is one of those situations where you will likely be left kicking your heels if you hand the dealer the six, but when the two Queens come, you sit there smugly knowing you made the right call. Losing and still knowing you made the right call is a small consolation, but you know it is the line you should continue to follow.
I have had a lot of random thoughts and discussions recently about a variety of things which have had me thinking about how I approach certain things and even as I write, I know what the right things to do are, but I don’t always do them.
My beloved Everton are going through something of a crisis right now. Average results to start the season and selling some key players in the squad and not replacing them, have led to ever growing dissatisfaction amongst the natives. To say they are restless is an understatement and the anger towards the chairman and board is reaching a head. If we win games and beat Liverpool tomorrow, everybody will forget the problems and rejoice. That is unlikely to happen, and so the deafening minority will continue to hammer Bill Kenwright and company.
I have always sympathised with Kenwright and I like him as a person. I have had a couple of conversations with him and always found him to be genuine and a good guy. Sadly, the time has come for him to make way – if and when somebody else comes in with the money. I am left in a situation where I like the guy and what he has done for the club, but I know that my team are slowly dying a death until there is significant investment in the club. I read the message boards and I hear the abuse in the stadium, and it will be these people who ultimately force the change at the club. It is sad, and I cannot bring myself to participate or speak up, but I have a feeling deep down that it is needed.
I have had similar discussions with my family about England recently. I admit that I am not particularly patriotic – that may be due to a confused heritage of English, Spanish and Brazilian. Anybody would be. When I see the rioting on television, it embarrasses me. When I watch Leeds Utd v Man Utd and all I hear is Leeds fans singing songs about the Munich air disaster and Man Utd fans celebrating the death of a couple of Leeds fan in Istanbul by wearing Turkish shirts and unfurling huge banners, I cringe. The first thing I will say is that stuff like this happens in many other countries – this is far from an England beatdown. But it is where I am from, and it is not something I am proud about.
HJ and I had a small wedding celebration for all of our family who did not attend our wedding in Canada a couple of weeks ago. The chap in the flower shop was talking about litter and how it is a real issue for him when he sees people blatantly throw litter on the floor. Don’t ask me how we got on to the conversation. He said that any time he sees somebody doing it, he taps them on the shoulder and says ‘Excuse me mate, I think you have dropped something!’
It got me thinking about the role I play when I see and hear things like this happening. In general, if it directly impacts me, I would do something about it. If it is something that I witness passively, while I may not be happy about it, I turn a blind eye and avoid potential confrontation. It is not the right card to play, but in this day and age, it can often be the safest one. I know that one person is not going to change the way a significant group of people chant at a football match. But I do know that until people, myself included, do confront such situations, nothing is going to change.
I feel like that is the general situation in England right now regarding a whole range of issues. We are incredibly lucky to live in Switzerland. There are plenty of problems in Switzerland also – who ever thought an impenetrable Swiss bank could be hit by a rogue trader? It is not pleasant waking up to see your own bank hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons. That said, there are a lot of things they get right and it is a decent place to live. There are quite a few family members who would have moved to another country if the circumstances were right. I am the only one that has. I wonder how many of my old schoolmates, colleagues, friends have moved away or think of moving abroad. How many of us strive to find something better or do we just put up with what we have through a fear of changing or because we simply just do not know that there is something better out there?
I fear for what the UK will look like in 20 years time. Are the economic problems, the social problems, the education problems so deeply ingrained now that it will take 20-30 years to change them? I don’t know, but I am not hopeful. Protesting and rebelling may be the best way forward as long as it is done in the correct manner. I do not have a great deal of confidence in Politicians – but again that is for another blog and another day. The same situation at Everton – I don’t like what so many are doing but similarly, change will be forced for good or for bad. If not, the situation remains the same and a slow painful death is inevitable. I just hope it is done in the right way. If I had been at that Leeds/Man Utd game, I would likely have kept quiet despite vehemently being opposed to such comments.
Unfortunately, I am no protester, even if I know I should do more and I guess I take the easy way out. I pick my right fights, and I avoid getting into losing battles. I guess not all situations in life have a guide book telling you how you should play your cards, but I’ll be the first to buy it if it does come out.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Short Sharp Jabs
It’s been a while since I have scribbled a few random sporting thoughts, so here goes.
Did anybody see the Floyd Mayweather fight? Youtube it if you didn’t - a truly amazing end to a fight. My take on it is this – the referee is 100% the one to blame for not having control over the situation and it is time for Cortes to be struck from the list. I love plenty of old people, but refereeing two world class fighters is not for them. It would have been interesting to see what would have happened if it was Floyd that had gotten knocked out – I suspect many boxing fans would have not been so critical then.
Great news that Sid Crosby is back skating at 100% again. Hopefully he will be cleared for full contact soon and he can get back to his best. Concussions are scary. Looking forward to seeing him play again this season – can you tell I am excited for the NHL season to start? Funny to see how even when they are both injured, Crosby steals the limelight over Malkin, just like when they are playing.
I have often written about my sympathy for coaches and the expectancy and demand for instant success. Kansas City Chief have lost arguably their three best players for the whole season – Moeaki, Berry and Charles – and after losing their first two games heavily, their coach is under pressure. Unfortunately, it is going to be a long hard season for them now, but changing the coach will not help.
Basel aside, this is as ruthless a Man Utd team as I have seen in a number of seasons and they are getting that degree of invincibility back. Last season, I didn’t rate them at all, but they are looking strong and sharp this season. It will be necessary as City will push them all the way in the league season, though it is still hard to see them getting past Barca again in the Champions League. They may not have started the season particularly well, but the connection between Messi and Fabregas is already looking immense.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Ireland v Australia match in the Rugby World Cup group stage – absolute cracker of a game. There have been a couple of decent matches but I am looking forward to the quarter-finals onwards. Rugby has a similar problem to Cricket in that they do not have enough top class teams to make a great competition throughout such a long period of time. This is hugely elitist but seeing South Africa beat Namibia 80-something to nil is not fun.
On the rugby lines, I have to say that the press about the England team having a few beers and bungee jumping was wildly exaggerated and unnecessary. I do not and will not understand while a guy like Mike Tindall would play away from home – did he honestly think he would get away with it? Muppet.
It is flying under the radar to a degree in European football but the Man City style has rubbed off in Malaga where they too have received a load of cash and a load of decent players. Aside from Valencia, Barca and Real, there is no reason why they cannot push for fourth place. It may be Europa League at best, but if they keep up this strong start to the season, and sign a few more players in January, then they really could fight Atletico for fourth.
November 12th promises to be a sensational day of fights if you like MMA and Boxing. Cain Velasquez v Junior dos Santos and Manny Pacquiao v Juan Manuel Marquez are gonna be two quality fights, and I am truly excited for both of them.
Carlos Tevez? I have to admit to finding the situation at Man City quite humorous. I felt a touch sorry for him in the summer….suffering from homesickness and wanting to return to Argentina….it felt like Man City held all the cards….with no club in Argentina or Brazil being able to afford him. Now, it seems like the situation is reversed….he can cause them all kinds of problems until they agree to release him for an affordable price while he can sit back and pick up his ridiculous salary. City have nobody but themselves to blame for A. paying stupid salaries and B. signing incredibly temperamental strikers…..Tevez, Adebayor, Balotelli etc.
Did anybody see the Floyd Mayweather fight? Youtube it if you didn’t - a truly amazing end to a fight. My take on it is this – the referee is 100% the one to blame for not having control over the situation and it is time for Cortes to be struck from the list. I love plenty of old people, but refereeing two world class fighters is not for them. It would have been interesting to see what would have happened if it was Floyd that had gotten knocked out – I suspect many boxing fans would have not been so critical then.
Great news that Sid Crosby is back skating at 100% again. Hopefully he will be cleared for full contact soon and he can get back to his best. Concussions are scary. Looking forward to seeing him play again this season – can you tell I am excited for the NHL season to start? Funny to see how even when they are both injured, Crosby steals the limelight over Malkin, just like when they are playing.
I have often written about my sympathy for coaches and the expectancy and demand for instant success. Kansas City Chief have lost arguably their three best players for the whole season – Moeaki, Berry and Charles – and after losing their first two games heavily, their coach is under pressure. Unfortunately, it is going to be a long hard season for them now, but changing the coach will not help.
Basel aside, this is as ruthless a Man Utd team as I have seen in a number of seasons and they are getting that degree of invincibility back. Last season, I didn’t rate them at all, but they are looking strong and sharp this season. It will be necessary as City will push them all the way in the league season, though it is still hard to see them getting past Barca again in the Champions League. They may not have started the season particularly well, but the connection between Messi and Fabregas is already looking immense.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Ireland v Australia match in the Rugby World Cup group stage – absolute cracker of a game. There have been a couple of decent matches but I am looking forward to the quarter-finals onwards. Rugby has a similar problem to Cricket in that they do not have enough top class teams to make a great competition throughout such a long period of time. This is hugely elitist but seeing South Africa beat Namibia 80-something to nil is not fun.
On the rugby lines, I have to say that the press about the England team having a few beers and bungee jumping was wildly exaggerated and unnecessary. I do not and will not understand while a guy like Mike Tindall would play away from home – did he honestly think he would get away with it? Muppet.
It is flying under the radar to a degree in European football but the Man City style has rubbed off in Malaga where they too have received a load of cash and a load of decent players. Aside from Valencia, Barca and Real, there is no reason why they cannot push for fourth place. It may be Europa League at best, but if they keep up this strong start to the season, and sign a few more players in January, then they really could fight Atletico for fourth.
November 12th promises to be a sensational day of fights if you like MMA and Boxing. Cain Velasquez v Junior dos Santos and Manny Pacquiao v Juan Manuel Marquez are gonna be two quality fights, and I am truly excited for both of them.
Carlos Tevez? I have to admit to finding the situation at Man City quite humorous. I felt a touch sorry for him in the summer….suffering from homesickness and wanting to return to Argentina….it felt like Man City held all the cards….with no club in Argentina or Brazil being able to afford him. Now, it seems like the situation is reversed….he can cause them all kinds of problems until they agree to release him for an affordable price while he can sit back and pick up his ridiculous salary. City have nobody but themselves to blame for A. paying stupid salaries and B. signing incredibly temperamental strikers…..Tevez, Adebayor, Balotelli etc.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Timing Is Everything
Being brought up in a tough comprehensive school in Leeds, its inevitable that one has a tough, hard man reputation. After publishing my wedding day vows last time out, I feel the need to recover some of my man pride...hence this random blog full of masculinity.
Over the years, I've come to learn that timing is everything. Hard work, intelligence and common sense certainly help, but timing is often just as key. My career path has been one example of this where things have just seemed to have fallen in place at the right time and the right place. The timing of my movements has worked well for me and among the networking, lengthy hours, risks and decisions, there has unquestionably been some fortunate timing to coincide. Had I not decided to study for a sports masters degree, I would never met HJ.
I was reminded of my impeccable timing a week after our wedding as we walked down the street alone in Prince Edward Island. As I occasionally do, I grabbed HJ's butt.....and if anybody recalls the size of my hands, it constitutes a heck of a grab. Behind us, about ten metres back, a local lady with her Starbucks coffee in hand shouts over 'Nice Grope Buddy' at the top of her voice. Lesson learned and timing impeccable as always.
It got me thinking of plenty of other embarrassing and uncomfortable situations that I have gotten myself in over the years. Ikea is not what I would call my greatest preference for a Saturday morning. Anybody who is fortunate to have avoided it in their lives thus far, will not know that they have this clever layout whereby you have to walk through and see the entire store even if you want to get one thing. That means everybody is walking and pushing trolleys in more or less the same direction.....not ideal if you have bad wind one day and are unable to wander away to a quiet area and let one go. All you can do is make your excuses and try and get to the scented candle section as quickly as possible. This may or may not have happened to me, just saying.
That takes me back to an old classic when I was in middle school...around 14 years old. I liked to try to be a cool kid, make classmates laugh and if I did get in trouble, charm the teachers my way. It usually worked for me. I also liked playing football and would be found kicking a ball every break and lunchtime. One lunch in particular, there was no football so I found myself particularly bored. After lunch, I was out with a group of friends kicking stones around and I launched one across the playground. With my impeccable timing, one of our teachers stepped out into the playground, as my stone skipped off the surface and drilled her in the side of her head. I had some sweet talking to do after that.
I would never suggest sitting around waiting for things to happen....they inevitably don't when you do. But it is funny how things turn out when you least expect them. Caught up in your own world, until it affects or involves somebody else whether you are walking down the street, shopping in Ikea or playing in the playground. Timing is everything.
Over the years, I've come to learn that timing is everything. Hard work, intelligence and common sense certainly help, but timing is often just as key. My career path has been one example of this where things have just seemed to have fallen in place at the right time and the right place. The timing of my movements has worked well for me and among the networking, lengthy hours, risks and decisions, there has unquestionably been some fortunate timing to coincide. Had I not decided to study for a sports masters degree, I would never met HJ.
I was reminded of my impeccable timing a week after our wedding as we walked down the street alone in Prince Edward Island. As I occasionally do, I grabbed HJ's butt.....and if anybody recalls the size of my hands, it constitutes a heck of a grab. Behind us, about ten metres back, a local lady with her Starbucks coffee in hand shouts over 'Nice Grope Buddy' at the top of her voice. Lesson learned and timing impeccable as always.
It got me thinking of plenty of other embarrassing and uncomfortable situations that I have gotten myself in over the years. Ikea is not what I would call my greatest preference for a Saturday morning. Anybody who is fortunate to have avoided it in their lives thus far, will not know that they have this clever layout whereby you have to walk through and see the entire store even if you want to get one thing. That means everybody is walking and pushing trolleys in more or less the same direction.....not ideal if you have bad wind one day and are unable to wander away to a quiet area and let one go. All you can do is make your excuses and try and get to the scented candle section as quickly as possible. This may or may not have happened to me, just saying.
That takes me back to an old classic when I was in middle school...around 14 years old. I liked to try to be a cool kid, make classmates laugh and if I did get in trouble, charm the teachers my way. It usually worked for me. I also liked playing football and would be found kicking a ball every break and lunchtime. One lunch in particular, there was no football so I found myself particularly bored. After lunch, I was out with a group of friends kicking stones around and I launched one across the playground. With my impeccable timing, one of our teachers stepped out into the playground, as my stone skipped off the surface and drilled her in the side of her head. I had some sweet talking to do after that.
I would never suggest sitting around waiting for things to happen....they inevitably don't when you do. But it is funny how things turn out when you least expect them. Caught up in your own world, until it affects or involves somebody else whether you are walking down the street, shopping in Ikea or playing in the playground. Timing is everything.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The Last Supper
There comes a moment in everybody’s life when you realise it may well be the last opportunity you have to do something you have always wanted to or something you just love to do. For some, that moment may be death. For others, that may well be your stag do. Some people may actually believe they are the same thing, but there is a subtle difference....you can die more than once on your stag do.
Thankfully, I made it through the rain to coin a famous song. Starting at 4pm on Friday and finishing at 6pm on Sunday, I survived the weekend in my home town of Leeds. There was a bit of pain involved, and a serious lack of sleep, but sleep is overrated. And so are headaches allegedly.
People asked me if I was nervous and I genuinely was not. I have an excellent best man, and he planned a fabulous weekend with just the right mix of everything – rugby, football, golf, drinking, eating and a comedy Red Bull Flugtag. It certainly did cross my mind as I flew to Leeds on Thursday that I should appreciate a comfortable bed, normal clothes and good food however.
I prepared for the weekend on Thursday with the delights of my mum’s cooking. With my impending deaths on her mind, Mum wanted to cook me a good meal and I went for my all-time favourite last supper – Roast Beef, Yorkshire Puddings, Potatoes, Vegetables and Gravy. Hit the spot as always.
There are a number of moments where I am satisfied enough that if I am going to be struck by lightning any second, then so be it. Mum’s dinner is one, Everton scoring a last minute goal to win a key game is another, and a particular cuddle with my girl where our bodies just fit perfectly into each other’s arms is the other. I guess death and stag dos help remind us what are the key things in life and what they mean to us.
What I realised more than anything however is what a great group of family and friends I can count on. Leeds may not have been the first choice for many, but they braved the miserable weather and some incredibly rough women to spend a special weekend with me. Some dragged themselves across Leeds, some drove across the UK, and others flew in from other countries to be there and for that I am extremely grateful. I have hinted once or twice before that I am not always the most eloquent when I have to verbally speak about feelings but I hope that all the gentlemen who attended the weekend feel that I reciprocate the efforts that they put into our friendships. And even if it was just the anticipation of my impending deaths that enticed them to be there – the fact that I had had my favourite last supper ensured I was calm and prepared for what was to come.
Thankfully, I made it through the rain to coin a famous song. Starting at 4pm on Friday and finishing at 6pm on Sunday, I survived the weekend in my home town of Leeds. There was a bit of pain involved, and a serious lack of sleep, but sleep is overrated. And so are headaches allegedly.
People asked me if I was nervous and I genuinely was not. I have an excellent best man, and he planned a fabulous weekend with just the right mix of everything – rugby, football, golf, drinking, eating and a comedy Red Bull Flugtag. It certainly did cross my mind as I flew to Leeds on Thursday that I should appreciate a comfortable bed, normal clothes and good food however.
I prepared for the weekend on Thursday with the delights of my mum’s cooking. With my impending deaths on her mind, Mum wanted to cook me a good meal and I went for my all-time favourite last supper – Roast Beef, Yorkshire Puddings, Potatoes, Vegetables and Gravy. Hit the spot as always.
There are a number of moments where I am satisfied enough that if I am going to be struck by lightning any second, then so be it. Mum’s dinner is one, Everton scoring a last minute goal to win a key game is another, and a particular cuddle with my girl where our bodies just fit perfectly into each other’s arms is the other. I guess death and stag dos help remind us what are the key things in life and what they mean to us.
What I realised more than anything however is what a great group of family and friends I can count on. Leeds may not have been the first choice for many, but they braved the miserable weather and some incredibly rough women to spend a special weekend with me. Some dragged themselves across Leeds, some drove across the UK, and others flew in from other countries to be there and for that I am extremely grateful. I have hinted once or twice before that I am not always the most eloquent when I have to verbally speak about feelings but I hope that all the gentlemen who attended the weekend feel that I reciprocate the efforts that they put into our friendships. And even if it was just the anticipation of my impending deaths that enticed them to be there – the fact that I had had my favourite last supper ensured I was calm and prepared for what was to come.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Let Me Entertain You
There is a common feeling throughout that sport stars are overpaid. How is it justified that some skinny kid from Manchester can earn £150,000 per week, when so many people would aim for that in a decade? I actually have no problem with it. I like to be entertained, and clearly so do millions of other people whether it be on television, in the stadium or the arena. Last week I saw The Killers and Bon Jovi – both of which are totally different performances, but entertained me and the masses thoroughly. Brandon is shy and introvert, but he doesn’t really need to be anything else – the music speaks for itself. Jon is a natural entertainer and gets the crowd going as much as the music does. I love both of them.
Tonight is boxing. David Haye and Vladimir Klitschko will earn over £10m from 36 minutes of scrapping tonight. It may be less than 36 of course. It is not just a conversion - £10m divided by the number of rounds or minutes that the fight lasts though. The training, the PR, the general effort that has gone into building this fight up has been huge, and it is more than just the time in the ring tonight which makes this such a big fight. Plus, anybody who is prepared to be punched in the face by either of these two chaps deserves £10m.
I’ve mentioned this a few times but HJ and I have this ongoing joke about how I get an idea about going to a UFC, football or Boxing event, and I build it up and justify going by saying it is the biggest event ever or in ten years. This one actually is….seriously, I’m telling the truth this time HJ! It’s been years since a great heavyweight fight, and finally we have one. I was happy to pay the 200 Euros to get into the stadium tonight, as are 50,000 other folks, and millions will pay the £15-20 on PPV. Why? Because it will entertain and intrigue us.
Aside from the actual cost of watching or attending, what price or value does entertainment have for us? It is huge for me. I love to be entertained and I love to entertain. It doesn’t have to mean stepping into the ring with a Ukrainian beast to do that though. I enjoy nothing more than seeing my girl, friends or family smile, enjoy a moment or two, playing with my niece and nephew….although I suspect the big bag of sweets has more to do with their smiles and laughter.
I would never risk my boyish looks by fighting (stop laughing over there) so I would always have to find other ways of entertaining. I always fancied myself as a singer in my mid-teens, but when it got even remotely close to being possible that I would sing in a crowd, I bottled it. Singing wasn’t for me, didn’t like the sole focus or attention nor had a good voice. Not positive characteristics to replicate a Bon Jovi or The Killers. Playing football was slightly different. Perhaps it was because I formed part of a team, but for some reason, I always raised my game the more people were watching…especially if there were one or two girls viewing. Bowling or batting in the last over playing cricket was always something I relished and enjoyed. Knee and ankle injuries later didn’t help that, as well as discovering alcohol, so my next form of entertainment was and is to make people smile. Whether that is a joke, having fun, or a gesture that lets somebody know that I am thinking about them. The small things that entertain or make people feel good about themselves.
As I get older and maybe think a bit more than I did when I was a young pup, I realise the small stuff is just as important if not more so, than the grand gestures. My lady has certainly been key in that realisation. She is the most kind, caring and thoughtful person I know (will they make good vows?!). You don’t have to take the punch in the face, score the winning goal in the cup final, or blast out Mr Brightside – the card in the post, the smile, the phone call is just as important. But just accept that the love and smile in return is better than the £10m.
Tonight is boxing. David Haye and Vladimir Klitschko will earn over £10m from 36 minutes of scrapping tonight. It may be less than 36 of course. It is not just a conversion - £10m divided by the number of rounds or minutes that the fight lasts though. The training, the PR, the general effort that has gone into building this fight up has been huge, and it is more than just the time in the ring tonight which makes this such a big fight. Plus, anybody who is prepared to be punched in the face by either of these two chaps deserves £10m.
I’ve mentioned this a few times but HJ and I have this ongoing joke about how I get an idea about going to a UFC, football or Boxing event, and I build it up and justify going by saying it is the biggest event ever or in ten years. This one actually is….seriously, I’m telling the truth this time HJ! It’s been years since a great heavyweight fight, and finally we have one. I was happy to pay the 200 Euros to get into the stadium tonight, as are 50,000 other folks, and millions will pay the £15-20 on PPV. Why? Because it will entertain and intrigue us.
Aside from the actual cost of watching or attending, what price or value does entertainment have for us? It is huge for me. I love to be entertained and I love to entertain. It doesn’t have to mean stepping into the ring with a Ukrainian beast to do that though. I enjoy nothing more than seeing my girl, friends or family smile, enjoy a moment or two, playing with my niece and nephew….although I suspect the big bag of sweets has more to do with their smiles and laughter.
I would never risk my boyish looks by fighting (stop laughing over there) so I would always have to find other ways of entertaining. I always fancied myself as a singer in my mid-teens, but when it got even remotely close to being possible that I would sing in a crowd, I bottled it. Singing wasn’t for me, didn’t like the sole focus or attention nor had a good voice. Not positive characteristics to replicate a Bon Jovi or The Killers. Playing football was slightly different. Perhaps it was because I formed part of a team, but for some reason, I always raised my game the more people were watching…especially if there were one or two girls viewing. Bowling or batting in the last over playing cricket was always something I relished and enjoyed. Knee and ankle injuries later didn’t help that, as well as discovering alcohol, so my next form of entertainment was and is to make people smile. Whether that is a joke, having fun, or a gesture that lets somebody know that I am thinking about them. The small things that entertain or make people feel good about themselves.
As I get older and maybe think a bit more than I did when I was a young pup, I realise the small stuff is just as important if not more so, than the grand gestures. My lady has certainly been key in that realisation. She is the most kind, caring and thoughtful person I know (will they make good vows?!). You don’t have to take the punch in the face, score the winning goal in the cup final, or blast out Mr Brightside – the card in the post, the smile, the phone call is just as important. But just accept that the love and smile in return is better than the £10m.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
To Be Wronged Is Nothing Unless You Continue To Remember It
Most people who know me will know that my glass is never half full, or at least not for very long. I do however lean towards being half full, or quarter full, rather than half empty or three quarters empty. I have the same feelings as most people, I am far from being anything different or special in that department. I get down sometimes, I can be a miserable bugger at times and rumour has it that my patience at random times can waver. What I try to do however is not dwell on things and move on, and usually, after a bit of sulking or a quiet spell, I snap out of it pretty quickly and the smile returns.
I have had a few conversations in recent weeks which have inspired me to write this blog. I was telling a story about how my girlfriend’s car was stolen on the last day of the first year of university when we were moving out. About 95% of everything I owned was in the car and we had just booked a holiday. Given that the car was stolen when I was in the shower, I didn’t have a clean pair of socks to my name, nor a change of clothes, and we had just booked an expensive holiday. I was heartbroken.
That was horrendous at the time, but far worse was when I lost my laptop/had it stolen last winter. More than possessions, losing photos, files, work, ideas, personal details and information is far worse.
When you are 31 years old, these things happen at some point in your life. Loved ones die, accidents happen, mistakes are made. Nobody takes any joy from these things, but after a period of sadness, upset and sometimes anger, there is a reflection period and then I try to look for positives. There may not be many, but in everything we do, you can always find a positive or an opportunity – something that can offer hope.
I am in Edinburgh today. We got up and headed to the train station to find that the first train was delayed for 21 minutes which would mean that we would miss the main connecting train to Edinburgh. There may have been a curse or two I admit – why can’t trains run in the UK like they do in Switzerland? After ten of the 21 minutes had lapsed, it had dawned on me that I had left the Bon Jovi tickets at home. A quick phone call to Uncle George, who zipped down the road to pick me up and we got the tickets and back to the station with two minutes to spare. If the train had not have been 21 minutes late, we would have been sat on the train to Edinburgh without our tickets. Some strange and affected people I know may say it would have been a blessing to miss the Bon Jovi concert, but I don’t see too much hope for them.
Funny how these things happen. I am not comparing it to death or stolen items, but it is amazing how these things happen. Coincidences just come around the corner when you are not expecting them and instances which may appear to be negatives can turn into positives. With virtually everything I do, or what happens to me, I try to find opportunities from them. It keeps me sane rather than dwelling on the consequences or what may have happened.
And the exact opposite is the same for me. I always try and keep grounded when great things happen. I sometimes get called out when I say something is ‘not bad’ rather than great. I like to keep things in perspective, and when I think something is great I certainly show it. I am the guy at Goodison Park who tries to keep people grounded when we are doing well, and tries to remain calm and steady when things are desperate. It is not that I do not have the highs and lows, I have plenty of them. Controlling my emotions and balancing them is key to how I deal with things and then I make my decisions.
I got lucky this morning. If the train was 18 minutes late, we would have been in trouble. There are some days when you hit every red light when you are in a rush. These things even themselves out, you’ll get the green lights some days, you just need to remember them when everything appears red.
I have had a few conversations in recent weeks which have inspired me to write this blog. I was telling a story about how my girlfriend’s car was stolen on the last day of the first year of university when we were moving out. About 95% of everything I owned was in the car and we had just booked a holiday. Given that the car was stolen when I was in the shower, I didn’t have a clean pair of socks to my name, nor a change of clothes, and we had just booked an expensive holiday. I was heartbroken.
That was horrendous at the time, but far worse was when I lost my laptop/had it stolen last winter. More than possessions, losing photos, files, work, ideas, personal details and information is far worse.
When you are 31 years old, these things happen at some point in your life. Loved ones die, accidents happen, mistakes are made. Nobody takes any joy from these things, but after a period of sadness, upset and sometimes anger, there is a reflection period and then I try to look for positives. There may not be many, but in everything we do, you can always find a positive or an opportunity – something that can offer hope.
I am in Edinburgh today. We got up and headed to the train station to find that the first train was delayed for 21 minutes which would mean that we would miss the main connecting train to Edinburgh. There may have been a curse or two I admit – why can’t trains run in the UK like they do in Switzerland? After ten of the 21 minutes had lapsed, it had dawned on me that I had left the Bon Jovi tickets at home. A quick phone call to Uncle George, who zipped down the road to pick me up and we got the tickets and back to the station with two minutes to spare. If the train had not have been 21 minutes late, we would have been sat on the train to Edinburgh without our tickets. Some strange and affected people I know may say it would have been a blessing to miss the Bon Jovi concert, but I don’t see too much hope for them.
Funny how these things happen. I am not comparing it to death or stolen items, but it is amazing how these things happen. Coincidences just come around the corner when you are not expecting them and instances which may appear to be negatives can turn into positives. With virtually everything I do, or what happens to me, I try to find opportunities from them. It keeps me sane rather than dwelling on the consequences or what may have happened.
And the exact opposite is the same for me. I always try and keep grounded when great things happen. I sometimes get called out when I say something is ‘not bad’ rather than great. I like to keep things in perspective, and when I think something is great I certainly show it. I am the guy at Goodison Park who tries to keep people grounded when we are doing well, and tries to remain calm and steady when things are desperate. It is not that I do not have the highs and lows, I have plenty of them. Controlling my emotions and balancing them is key to how I deal with things and then I make my decisions.
I got lucky this morning. If the train was 18 minutes late, we would have been in trouble. There are some days when you hit every red light when you are in a rush. These things even themselves out, you’ll get the green lights some days, you just need to remember them when everything appears red.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
A Hairy Situation
Two of the most important ladies in my life have a major conflict. You always hope that your mum and wifey-to-be will get along, but sometimes there are pretty major obstacles that get in the way of a harmonious relationship. For almost six years, this has been a major obstacle, and leading up to our big day, it could be even more contentious. So I have decided to end the debate here and now.
Some people like facial hair and others do not. It makes a difference I guess if you have to come into contact with it. Thankfully HJ loves it and has never complained even when I have gone for the Stanley Cup Play-Off style beard.
Mum however has not been Bearded Bobby’s biggest fan. Anything longer than a millimetre and Mum’s fading eyes miraculously spark into action even on the webcam, and a new shaving kit is ordered. When I make it back to Leeds and there is a welcome home kiss or a farewell kiss on my departure, I’m forced to pucker my lips out as far as possible to avoid any major bristly contact.
So you can see my dilemma and there is a compromise to be reached. I can hereby confirm that there will be facial hair on August 4th, albeit a shadow, nothing too bristly, but enough. Nothing too outrageous, but I am calling it now.
Shaving and trimming can be a pain sometimes, but I much prefer the facial hair to baby face. I remember being 13-years-old and sprouting my first little fury moustache, and finally plucking the courage to shave it off one day under the supervision of my dad and sister. They were ever so forthcoming in their help and advice, and suggested the use of after shave immediately after. So kind and thoughtful as they are.
Back at school, I was one of the most developed in a hairyfying sense. Nothing too monkey like, but I was one of the youngest to have hairs on my legs (apart from one unfortunate girl), and rather than revel in my maturity and masculinity, I always found it a little embarrassing. As soon as school broke up for summer back in 1994, I sat in the bath and impulsively decided to shave my legs. I thought it may make me look slicker, maybe run a little faster on the football pitch. And if I looked like a complete fool, I had six weeks to grow something back. Nobody warned me of the science behind shaving and that it tends to grow back faster.
I guess most kids go through this kind of stuff. The irony is that we are often desperate to get rid of it when we are younger and we are desperately clinging on to it when we grow older. Having a hair-challenged dad, I have asked two hairdressers in the last couple of years as to whether they think I will lose mine, and both have said not. Thankfully, I followed Dad’s advice for the aftershave, but got mum’s genes there.
So as I am reaching my prime, I am aiming for a happy medium and going for just a little facial hair, nothing drastic and nothing that will cause any facial rashes to any unsuspecting wife, mum, sister, auntie etc. But I’m calling it, so do not be surprised on August 4th. Hopefully the ladies will resolve their major differences and we will all live happily ever after.
Some people like facial hair and others do not. It makes a difference I guess if you have to come into contact with it. Thankfully HJ loves it and has never complained even when I have gone for the Stanley Cup Play-Off style beard.
Mum however has not been Bearded Bobby’s biggest fan. Anything longer than a millimetre and Mum’s fading eyes miraculously spark into action even on the webcam, and a new shaving kit is ordered. When I make it back to Leeds and there is a welcome home kiss or a farewell kiss on my departure, I’m forced to pucker my lips out as far as possible to avoid any major bristly contact.
So you can see my dilemma and there is a compromise to be reached. I can hereby confirm that there will be facial hair on August 4th, albeit a shadow, nothing too bristly, but enough. Nothing too outrageous, but I am calling it now.
Shaving and trimming can be a pain sometimes, but I much prefer the facial hair to baby face. I remember being 13-years-old and sprouting my first little fury moustache, and finally plucking the courage to shave it off one day under the supervision of my dad and sister. They were ever so forthcoming in their help and advice, and suggested the use of after shave immediately after. So kind and thoughtful as they are.
Back at school, I was one of the most developed in a hairyfying sense. Nothing too monkey like, but I was one of the youngest to have hairs on my legs (apart from one unfortunate girl), and rather than revel in my maturity and masculinity, I always found it a little embarrassing. As soon as school broke up for summer back in 1994, I sat in the bath and impulsively decided to shave my legs. I thought it may make me look slicker, maybe run a little faster on the football pitch. And if I looked like a complete fool, I had six weeks to grow something back. Nobody warned me of the science behind shaving and that it tends to grow back faster.
I guess most kids go through this kind of stuff. The irony is that we are often desperate to get rid of it when we are younger and we are desperately clinging on to it when we grow older. Having a hair-challenged dad, I have asked two hairdressers in the last couple of years as to whether they think I will lose mine, and both have said not. Thankfully, I followed Dad’s advice for the aftershave, but got mum’s genes there.
So as I am reaching my prime, I am aiming for a happy medium and going for just a little facial hair, nothing drastic and nothing that will cause any facial rashes to any unsuspecting wife, mum, sister, auntie etc. But I’m calling it, so do not be surprised on August 4th. Hopefully the ladies will resolve their major differences and we will all live happily ever after.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Sleep is Overrated
As I sat in the O2 arena on Friday night, it crossed my mind for the first time that it may be time to seek help. We all do crazy and random things occasionally, some more than others, but it is often when we reflect on them, that we delve deeper into the reasons why we did them or why we do them.
Last week was a hectic week. Great fun, plenty of travel, a thousand laughs, the occasional uncomfortable moment or two, a bit of sun, a lot of rain, some new faces, some old faces. All combined make some great moments. Even the bad moments, they all contribute to memories. The secret is trying to have some great memories and trying to ensure the great ones outweigh the tough ones, and not letting the tough ones weigh more heavily on one’s mind than the ten amazing ones. So, when I was bent over a Toronto toilet last weekend, producing the goods from my stomach, it was not exactly a moment I hoped would stick in my memory for too long. Note to self: several beers and car rides are not a good combo for sensitive Bobby. They never have been and they never will. Walk Bobby, walk. Hardly a proud moment but we move on.
Fast forward to Friday night and I find myself sat in the fantastic O2 Arena in London watching an old favourite of mine. Barry and I go a long way back. Back to the old days when Auntie Joan and Uncle George used to take my sister and I on these great long road trips to Primrose Valley and Filey. Thankfully I had not been introduced to alcohol at that point, or my love for Barry may not have developed so positively.
Friday night was fantastic. There is absolutely nothing like singing at the top of your voice, no matter how bad a singer you are, and just not having a care in the world apart from that very moment. Whether it be in the O2, in the shower, or in the car, there is something very cleansing about it, even if it is Barry. So, to give you a taste of Barry, I strongly recommend you click here and enjoy this song – bare with me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5IifdSv9Gk
Rewinding back to midweek and I found myself in Barcelona. I have been to one Clasico before – Figo’s return in white. While this was not quite the best game I have ever seen, it was a fantastic occasion and what better way to get absolutely drenched in a downpour than to be sat in the Camp Nou enjoying one of the greatest teams in the history of football. That may seem like a slight exaggeration, but I cannot think there has ever been anything better than this Barca team, and this Lionel Messi and I doubt anybody could genuinely oppose that. My man of the match was Lassana Diarra – amazing display for Real, and I was amazed once again by the midfield duo of Iniesta and Xavi. Everybody talks about their play on the ball which is special, but their work rate as that of the team itself, is often underrated as they work so hard to win the ball back. A different world to the O2, but an absolute pleasure to watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIw-J60gsZM&feature=channel_video_title
Rewinding further back to Toronto and UFC 129 – the first ever Mixed Martial Art event in Ontario and 55,000 fans came out to visit – some further than others. An amazing event, even when one is struggling with a hangover. We visited the Expo on the Friday and enjoyed a fantastic Q&A with Dana White – the UFC president. Fans could ask a question to the Dana, followed by any request they would like, and Dana would do his best to make that come true. Requests ranged from tickets, to sitting with the ring girls, to putting the belt on the champion, and Dana did his utmost to make them reality. What sporting organisation or federation in the world does that? I am unaware of any and that is what puts the UFC at the top of the chain as far as interaction with their fans goes and many could learn from this. A slight contrast to Barca and Barry, but an absolutely fantastic event but for different reasons. The highlight of the event for me was the gutsiest display I have seen in a long time from Mark Hominick, who will now have more fans after this fight than he did prior to it. This one is neither for the feint hearted, nor those with a queasy stomach from a hangover but here goes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YROSBBBlDE4
I sincerely hope you watched all three videos. It will give you a clearer idea of why I was sat watching Barry on Friday night, wondering what exactly was wrong with me. Maybe there is a reasonable crossover of fans between football and UFC, but throwing Barry into the mix, in the space of a week, has psychologist written all over it. I guess we cannot help how we are, and how we are made up, and there is not always a reasonable explanation for any of it. Probably best just to enjoy it all, even the less glamorous moments in the bathroom, keep smiling and store the moments in the memory bank.
Last week was a hectic week. Great fun, plenty of travel, a thousand laughs, the occasional uncomfortable moment or two, a bit of sun, a lot of rain, some new faces, some old faces. All combined make some great moments. Even the bad moments, they all contribute to memories. The secret is trying to have some great memories and trying to ensure the great ones outweigh the tough ones, and not letting the tough ones weigh more heavily on one’s mind than the ten amazing ones. So, when I was bent over a Toronto toilet last weekend, producing the goods from my stomach, it was not exactly a moment I hoped would stick in my memory for too long. Note to self: several beers and car rides are not a good combo for sensitive Bobby. They never have been and they never will. Walk Bobby, walk. Hardly a proud moment but we move on.
Fast forward to Friday night and I find myself sat in the fantastic O2 Arena in London watching an old favourite of mine. Barry and I go a long way back. Back to the old days when Auntie Joan and Uncle George used to take my sister and I on these great long road trips to Primrose Valley and Filey. Thankfully I had not been introduced to alcohol at that point, or my love for Barry may not have developed so positively.
Friday night was fantastic. There is absolutely nothing like singing at the top of your voice, no matter how bad a singer you are, and just not having a care in the world apart from that very moment. Whether it be in the O2, in the shower, or in the car, there is something very cleansing about it, even if it is Barry. So, to give you a taste of Barry, I strongly recommend you click here and enjoy this song – bare with me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5IifdSv9Gk
Rewinding back to midweek and I found myself in Barcelona. I have been to one Clasico before – Figo’s return in white. While this was not quite the best game I have ever seen, it was a fantastic occasion and what better way to get absolutely drenched in a downpour than to be sat in the Camp Nou enjoying one of the greatest teams in the history of football. That may seem like a slight exaggeration, but I cannot think there has ever been anything better than this Barca team, and this Lionel Messi and I doubt anybody could genuinely oppose that. My man of the match was Lassana Diarra – amazing display for Real, and I was amazed once again by the midfield duo of Iniesta and Xavi. Everybody talks about their play on the ball which is special, but their work rate as that of the team itself, is often underrated as they work so hard to win the ball back. A different world to the O2, but an absolute pleasure to watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIw-J60gsZM&feature=channel_video_title
Rewinding further back to Toronto and UFC 129 – the first ever Mixed Martial Art event in Ontario and 55,000 fans came out to visit – some further than others. An amazing event, even when one is struggling with a hangover. We visited the Expo on the Friday and enjoyed a fantastic Q&A with Dana White – the UFC president. Fans could ask a question to the Dana, followed by any request they would like, and Dana would do his best to make that come true. Requests ranged from tickets, to sitting with the ring girls, to putting the belt on the champion, and Dana did his utmost to make them reality. What sporting organisation or federation in the world does that? I am unaware of any and that is what puts the UFC at the top of the chain as far as interaction with their fans goes and many could learn from this. A slight contrast to Barca and Barry, but an absolutely fantastic event but for different reasons. The highlight of the event for me was the gutsiest display I have seen in a long time from Mark Hominick, who will now have more fans after this fight than he did prior to it. This one is neither for the feint hearted, nor those with a queasy stomach from a hangover but here goes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YROSBBBlDE4
I sincerely hope you watched all three videos. It will give you a clearer idea of why I was sat watching Barry on Friday night, wondering what exactly was wrong with me. Maybe there is a reasonable crossover of fans between football and UFC, but throwing Barry into the mix, in the space of a week, has psychologist written all over it. I guess we cannot help how we are, and how we are made up, and there is not always a reasonable explanation for any of it. Probably best just to enjoy it all, even the less glamorous moments in the bathroom, keep smiling and store the moments in the memory bank.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Drama Queen
If you live in Switzerland and are not Swiss, chances are you watch a lot of television series on DVD. I think HJ and I have watched more in the three and a half years we have been here than ever before. So, as I am sat on another plane to good old Barcelona, I have decided to rank my favourites and also those that have bombed in my view. Why are mindless random exercises far more appealing than the things (ie work) I have to do?
1. Top of the list for me undoubtedly is Dexter. I love the books and the show is just as good. Killing is not good kids, but killing those who do genuinely bad things and get away with them? Hmmm, now there is the dilemma. The other issue is, Dexter is a charmer. A fantastic show which has to rank at the top of my list.
2. A very close second for me is The Sopranos. Absolutely quality show and one that had me completely hooked. A little brutal at times, though still possibly comes second to good old Dexter in that ranking also. Tony is another character that is kind of hard to dislike too much, despite doing some pretty shocking things.
3. Next on my list is a show which I have only seen two series of but I have been hooked – Burn Notice. This one seems to fly under the radar a little, but is fantastic nevertheless. This one is a bit of an underdog, and if you have not heard of it, this one gets my recommendation. Not as brutal as the first two, but action packed and a ridiculously cool and hot lead couple.
4. This one may not exactly increase my street cred but HJ and I are huge fans of The Good Wife. An intelligent show with some great characters .We are halfway through the second series right now and we are in the painful situation of having to wait a whole week for the next episode – the one advantage to DVD sets! We hope you have switched the DVD player on recently Mum!
5. This one is pretty much English I think and does not seem to have transferred to other countries particularly well, but Spooks is one of our all time favourites. This may be controversial, but it just nudges 24 out of my top five, which gives you a fair reflection of how good I think it is.
Honourable mentions go to The Wire, Hustle, 24, Friends, Brothers & Sisters, Grey’s Anatomy and Prison Break.
Selecting my worst and most overrated five does not seem quite so easy but I will give it a shot.
1. This may upset a fair few folks but I have to say Lost ranks as my overrated and disappointing series. The first season caught my attention, but I drifted pretty quickly as the storylines wandered. The initial idea seemed good, but trying to squeeze more than one season seemed unrealistic. Failure to keep my attention past the first season is a clear sign of a failed show and for that reason Lost tops me list.
2. Next up is certainly going to upset one or two people fairly close to me as Gossip Girl gets my vote here. I don’t particularly find the ladies particularly attractive (that definitely will upset one or two folks) and the story lines are a bit of a joke really. It is overrated and reality is, folks watch it for the hot girls and boys, or the fashion, and it doesn’t do it for me I’m afraid.
3. As an all-time lover of Friends which should really be in my top five as I can watch that show day or night, I have to say that I was hugely disappointed with the spin off Joey. I watched it, but can’t say it particularly thrilled me and it could have been so much. Bit of a shame.
4. Maybe this should be a little closer to the top of this list but The Hills is pretty much a fine example of everything that is wrong about television these days. At the risk of sounding like an old man, it is absolute garbage.
5. Glee. No need to say much more I don’t think.
So there you have it. That is the official Bobby Rankings for tv shows. Apologies if I upset anybody, I'm just not quite at the Gleek level just yet.
1. Top of the list for me undoubtedly is Dexter. I love the books and the show is just as good. Killing is not good kids, but killing those who do genuinely bad things and get away with them? Hmmm, now there is the dilemma. The other issue is, Dexter is a charmer. A fantastic show which has to rank at the top of my list.
2. A very close second for me is The Sopranos. Absolutely quality show and one that had me completely hooked. A little brutal at times, though still possibly comes second to good old Dexter in that ranking also. Tony is another character that is kind of hard to dislike too much, despite doing some pretty shocking things.
3. Next on my list is a show which I have only seen two series of but I have been hooked – Burn Notice. This one seems to fly under the radar a little, but is fantastic nevertheless. This one is a bit of an underdog, and if you have not heard of it, this one gets my recommendation. Not as brutal as the first two, but action packed and a ridiculously cool and hot lead couple.
4. This one may not exactly increase my street cred but HJ and I are huge fans of The Good Wife. An intelligent show with some great characters .We are halfway through the second series right now and we are in the painful situation of having to wait a whole week for the next episode – the one advantage to DVD sets! We hope you have switched the DVD player on recently Mum!
5. This one is pretty much English I think and does not seem to have transferred to other countries particularly well, but Spooks is one of our all time favourites. This may be controversial, but it just nudges 24 out of my top five, which gives you a fair reflection of how good I think it is.
Honourable mentions go to The Wire, Hustle, 24, Friends, Brothers & Sisters, Grey’s Anatomy and Prison Break.
Selecting my worst and most overrated five does not seem quite so easy but I will give it a shot.
1. This may upset a fair few folks but I have to say Lost ranks as my overrated and disappointing series. The first season caught my attention, but I drifted pretty quickly as the storylines wandered. The initial idea seemed good, but trying to squeeze more than one season seemed unrealistic. Failure to keep my attention past the first season is a clear sign of a failed show and for that reason Lost tops me list.
2. Next up is certainly going to upset one or two people fairly close to me as Gossip Girl gets my vote here. I don’t particularly find the ladies particularly attractive (that definitely will upset one or two folks) and the story lines are a bit of a joke really. It is overrated and reality is, folks watch it for the hot girls and boys, or the fashion, and it doesn’t do it for me I’m afraid.
3. As an all-time lover of Friends which should really be in my top five as I can watch that show day or night, I have to say that I was hugely disappointed with the spin off Joey. I watched it, but can’t say it particularly thrilled me and it could have been so much. Bit of a shame.
4. Maybe this should be a little closer to the top of this list but The Hills is pretty much a fine example of everything that is wrong about television these days. At the risk of sounding like an old man, it is absolute garbage.
5. Glee. No need to say much more I don’t think.
So there you have it. That is the official Bobby Rankings for tv shows. Apologies if I upset anybody, I'm just not quite at the Gleek level just yet.
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Rain In Spain
It has been a while since I posted some random ramblings and after a week in Spain, it seems like the perfect time to do so. Here is what I learned…or remembered….last week.
The word drizzle does not exist in Spain. When it rains, it pours, and boy did it pour this last week. It is rare that we get time just to chill and relax – we travel plenty but usually it is fast and frenetic. Every so often, when the batteries are a little depleted, we try and get away for a good old fashioned break. When you want to relax, you want sun. Hence why we went to Sevilla. They were vicious rumours about the city being one of the hottest cities in Europe. It rained all week. Still, it was heartening to know that there was a heat wave in the UK and Switzerland was glorious.
The good old Spanish media. Real Madrid scrape a draw against Barca with ten men and the media hammer Jose Mourinho saying that it was no way for a Real team to play against any team, especially after spending hundreds of millions. Fast forward to Wednesday night and their Copa victory playing virtually the same style and Mourinho is suddenly a tactical genius. No team can live with this Barca by taking the game to them but Mourinho has got them well drilled and organised enough to compete. Kudos to Javier Clemente who was 100% correct in supporting Mourinho and the style in his Marca column – if only the rest of the paper wasn’t so blinded and fickle.
I have wanted to go to Sevilla for a number of years now so it was great to finally get there and see what the buzz is about. I can confirm that Semana Santa is not the best week to go there however. That said, wandering around with Oranges hanging from the trees every few yards was fantastic. Buying a huge box of strawberries for less than two Euros was just as pleasant. I could get used to stuff like that.
As cool as some elements were in Sevilla, there was one slightly bizarre trend. Every chap has to make the occasional crotchal rearrangement, but the number of rearrangements among the Sevillanos was extreme and slightly disconcerting….so much so that Burns and I were rolling around laughing if cringing every time we spotted it. It was common. We are not weird. Just for the record.
So we moved from Semana Santa and the rain in Sevilla to Madridand their rain midway through the week. Madrid is a pretty cool city, but I think undoubtedly our favourite place is the Mercado de San Miguel. Always full of people, but they are worth fighting through for a sandwich or two. Anybody wanting a reason to go to Madrid or planning to go soon, check it out – I am prepared to put my reputation on the line for this place. Heck, I’ll even put Burns’ on there too.
My last random thought from the week, that I can remember anyway, was from the Copa del Rey final. Having spent a fair amount of time in Barcelona, I know the sentiments that run there so I was not surprised to hear the Catalan fans boo the Spanish national anthem before the game. I was surprised though that TVE muted the sound from the stadium and isolated the anthem, while other television channels played it normally. English fans were hammered when they booed the US anthem in Vegas for the Hatton/Mayweather fight and rightly so. This is no different. Gerard Pique spiced things up after the first game by telling the Madrid players that Barca were going to win ‘their king’s cup’. I would love to be a fly on the wall in the next training camp of the Spanish national team after some of the things that have gone down between Barca and Real in the last few weeks.
The word drizzle does not exist in Spain. When it rains, it pours, and boy did it pour this last week. It is rare that we get time just to chill and relax – we travel plenty but usually it is fast and frenetic. Every so often, when the batteries are a little depleted, we try and get away for a good old fashioned break. When you want to relax, you want sun. Hence why we went to Sevilla. They were vicious rumours about the city being one of the hottest cities in Europe. It rained all week. Still, it was heartening to know that there was a heat wave in the UK and Switzerland was glorious.
The good old Spanish media. Real Madrid scrape a draw against Barca with ten men and the media hammer Jose Mourinho saying that it was no way for a Real team to play against any team, especially after spending hundreds of millions. Fast forward to Wednesday night and their Copa victory playing virtually the same style and Mourinho is suddenly a tactical genius. No team can live with this Barca by taking the game to them but Mourinho has got them well drilled and organised enough to compete. Kudos to Javier Clemente who was 100% correct in supporting Mourinho and the style in his Marca column – if only the rest of the paper wasn’t so blinded and fickle.
I have wanted to go to Sevilla for a number of years now so it was great to finally get there and see what the buzz is about. I can confirm that Semana Santa is not the best week to go there however. That said, wandering around with Oranges hanging from the trees every few yards was fantastic. Buying a huge box of strawberries for less than two Euros was just as pleasant. I could get used to stuff like that.
As cool as some elements were in Sevilla, there was one slightly bizarre trend. Every chap has to make the occasional crotchal rearrangement, but the number of rearrangements among the Sevillanos was extreme and slightly disconcerting….so much so that Burns and I were rolling around laughing if cringing every time we spotted it. It was common. We are not weird. Just for the record.
So we moved from Semana Santa and the rain in Sevilla to Madridand their rain midway through the week. Madrid is a pretty cool city, but I think undoubtedly our favourite place is the Mercado de San Miguel. Always full of people, but they are worth fighting through for a sandwich or two. Anybody wanting a reason to go to Madrid or planning to go soon, check it out – I am prepared to put my reputation on the line for this place. Heck, I’ll even put Burns’ on there too.
My last random thought from the week, that I can remember anyway, was from the Copa del Rey final. Having spent a fair amount of time in Barcelona, I know the sentiments that run there so I was not surprised to hear the Catalan fans boo the Spanish national anthem before the game. I was surprised though that TVE muted the sound from the stadium and isolated the anthem, while other television channels played it normally. English fans were hammered when they booed the US anthem in Vegas for the Hatton/Mayweather fight and rightly so. This is no different. Gerard Pique spiced things up after the first game by telling the Madrid players that Barca were going to win ‘their king’s cup’. I would love to be a fly on the wall in the next training camp of the Spanish national team after some of the things that have gone down between Barca and Real in the last few weeks.
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