Everyone else seems to be talking about the UK's first Olympiad since 1948, so one more comment will make little difference to the cacophony. It won't be long before the world's media, junketing politicians and hospitality-soaking businessfolks descend upon us, along with - well, maybe - a few sports enthusiasts.
If your teeth are now grinding in frustation, as you fretfully wish that you were to be among the attending hordes, console yourself with the reminder that the very best vantage point from which to view any Olympic event is one's own armchair.
Having said that, let me really annoy any of you who yearned to attend but were unlucky in the ticket lottery. I may have only minimal interest in most of the imminent goings-on, but that didn't stop me putting in my application. Consequently, I am now awaiting the arrival of my allocated tickets for the Ladies' Football Final and subsequent doling out of gongs. In addition, when the spectacle of the Closing Ceremony enthralls the global audience, look carefully among the spectators within the stadium and you may well see me, as I have forked out a paltry £20.12 apiece for a pair of seats.
Envy me my good fortune. Scowl at my lack of appreciation of it. Be very jealous and very irritated.
If it's any consolation, this is England and it will all be taking place during the very height of summer, so it will probably rain.
Showing posts with label Sport. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sport. Show all posts
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Friday, 22 October 2010
I wish that I could do that
I gather from news published by the BBC that Mr. Wayne Rooney, a professional football player, has signed a new and more lucrative contract with his employer, Manchester United Football Club. For the uninitiated, this comes swiftly in the wake of his highly publicised insistance that he wished to leave the club, accompanied by equally public and unequivocal criticism of how his employer conducts its business.
It was only for the briefest of moments that I mused upon this, before the reluctant recognition that my own talents in a different sphere are hardly of a similar magnitude to Mr. Rooney's footballing skills. That being so, I shall not be trying a similar ploy in the hope of realising a salary increase.
My forbearance does not arise solely from my lack of bargaining power, but also takes account of the difficulty of implementing an equivalent strategy. Any such attempt upon my part would be doomed to failure, due to my inability to think of any area in which criticism could reasonably be levelled at my employer.
It was only for the briefest of moments that I mused upon this, before the reluctant recognition that my own talents in a different sphere are hardly of a similar magnitude to Mr. Rooney's footballing skills. That being so, I shall not be trying a similar ploy in the hope of realising a salary increase.
My forbearance does not arise solely from my lack of bargaining power, but also takes account of the difficulty of implementing an equivalent strategy. Any such attempt upon my part would be doomed to failure, due to my inability to think of any area in which criticism could reasonably be levelled at my employer.
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Oxymoron No. 37: American Sporting Entertainment
When one has to set off no later than 06:40 for the daily commute, staying up until the early hours to watch television is probably inadvisable.
Monday's suffering, however, was more than justified by the spectacle of the Saints fighting back from a 0-10 deficit to thump the Colts 31-17, a record-equalling turnaround which was as entertaining as it was mathematically impressive.
This year's Superbowl was almost good enough to persuade me that I should watch American football more frequently than once annually. Almost, but not quite.
Meanwhile, I continue to contemplate an MLBTV or ESPN subscription, as Spring training looms with no suggestion that Channel Five might resume its twice-weekly baseball coverage. A live game almost every night? Not, perhaps, a good idea; I shall have to continue to root for the Cardinals without spectating. At least it will afford me some empathy with Ali, the chap behind the counter of our local corner shop. Born in Huddersfield but long resident in Surrey, he claims to be a Liverpool FC supporter while refusing to admit that he's never actually been to Anfield. At least I have the excuse of a major ocean standing between me and St. Louis...
Monday's suffering, however, was more than justified by the spectacle of the Saints fighting back from a 0-10 deficit to thump the Colts 31-17, a record-equalling turnaround which was as entertaining as it was mathematically impressive.
This year's Superbowl was almost good enough to persuade me that I should watch American football more frequently than once annually. Almost, but not quite.
Meanwhile, I continue to contemplate an MLBTV or ESPN subscription, as Spring training looms with no suggestion that Channel Five might resume its twice-weekly baseball coverage. A live game almost every night? Not, perhaps, a good idea; I shall have to continue to root for the Cardinals without spectating. At least it will afford me some empathy with Ali, the chap behind the counter of our local corner shop. Born in Huddersfield but long resident in Surrey, he claims to be a Liverpool FC supporter while refusing to admit that he's never actually been to Anfield. At least I have the excuse of a major ocean standing between me and St. Louis...
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