Outstanding. lots of fun, lots of walking, lots of sunshine, lots of beer.
Did I say it was lot of fun? #1 seed Roger Federer went down in 4 sets. Nadal survived and the Englishman Andy Murray which the press is fawning over.
Speaking of...I went to the Media Center and saw Bud Collins in his quilt-patch pants. And the ever young Dick Ensberg.
But, enough.
Tour de France starts Sunday in Rotterdam and heads thru Antwerp and Brussels. Hope to be in one or the other...and see Lance when he comes thru.
World Cup watching England at a London Pub? Check. Wimbledon? Check. Tour de France? We'll see. Rangers keep rolling? So far. Mavs sign Dirk and others? To be determined.
Later.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Did I tell you we went to see Billy Elliot?
Did you know he's a deaf mute?
The lovely Cindy went to Leicester Square on Tuesday to buy half-price tickets for Billy at the Victoria Palace Theatre that night. Great job. And you can imagine how pumped we were to see it.
Beautiful old theatre sitting across the street from Victoria Station. So, we took the train and arrived, of course, a few minutes ahead of our 7:30 kick-off. Which came around 7:32...those Brits are not necessarily as prompt as they could be.
Nevertheless, at 7:32 a little kid comes running on stage and an old black/white film footage begins to run. (The musical is about a coal miner's strike in the 80's in the UK.) There's no sound on the film. All of a sudden there's this loud pop and bang in the sound system and everything on stage goes dark. Couple of minutes later a Stage Manager comes out and says there is a technical difficulty and that it will be repaired shortly.
About 15 minutes later another guy comes out - some dude higher up the Chain of Command - and says that they are working feverishly on getting this fixed and will get it done. By this time, some people are leaving. Most are staying. (Some kids in the balcony start to do The Wave.) When the show started there did not appear to be an empty seat in the house.
Finally at 8:15, 45 minutes after the scheduled sart, the dude returns. (I had told Cindy if we see that guy one more time, it will not be good news.) Sure enough. He said they had been unable to fix their problem, and that the "show would be abandoned this evening." Well, F that.
But, that's the way it was. As we left the theatre folks were talking to each other. This older gentleman next to us grumbles: "It's that British Petroleum Syndrome." And then I mumbled, "Or that English futbol problem." Chuckles.
But, they said since we bought on a credit card, the cost would be reversed...wonder if that half-price dealer agrees? I even half-heartedly asked about my 5 GBP program I purchased, and they told me to go to the counter and they would refund...and they did. I could have kept it as a conversation item for the Musical we did not get to see. But...it gave us more time for dinner and relaxing that evening, so all's well that ends well!
The lovely Cindy went to Leicester Square on Tuesday to buy half-price tickets for Billy at the Victoria Palace Theatre that night. Great job. And you can imagine how pumped we were to see it.
Beautiful old theatre sitting across the street from Victoria Station. So, we took the train and arrived, of course, a few minutes ahead of our 7:30 kick-off. Which came around 7:32...those Brits are not necessarily as prompt as they could be.
Nevertheless, at 7:32 a little kid comes running on stage and an old black/white film footage begins to run. (The musical is about a coal miner's strike in the 80's in the UK.) There's no sound on the film. All of a sudden there's this loud pop and bang in the sound system and everything on stage goes dark. Couple of minutes later a Stage Manager comes out and says there is a technical difficulty and that it will be repaired shortly.
About 15 minutes later another guy comes out - some dude higher up the Chain of Command - and says that they are working feverishly on getting this fixed and will get it done. By this time, some people are leaving. Most are staying. (Some kids in the balcony start to do The Wave.) When the show started there did not appear to be an empty seat in the house.
Finally at 8:15, 45 minutes after the scheduled sart, the dude returns. (I had told Cindy if we see that guy one more time, it will not be good news.) Sure enough. He said they had been unable to fix their problem, and that the "show would be abandoned this evening." Well, F that.
But, that's the way it was. As we left the theatre folks were talking to each other. This older gentleman next to us grumbles: "It's that British Petroleum Syndrome." And then I mumbled, "Or that English futbol problem." Chuckles.
But, they said since we bought on a credit card, the cost would be reversed...wonder if that half-price dealer agrees? I even half-heartedly asked about my 5 GBP program I purchased, and they told me to go to the counter and they would refund...and they did. I could have kept it as a conversation item for the Musical we did not get to see. But...it gave us more time for dinner and relaxing that evening, so all's well that ends well!
I'm with Donnie
For the first time in 12 years, Dirk Nowitzki will not be a Maverick when the clock strikes 11 tonight.
His free agency, confirmed Tuesday when the notification that he will opt out of the final year of his contract arrived at the Mavericks' office, is not expected to last long. In fact, when he wakes up Thursday morning in Germany, he'll probably have a handshake deal waiting for him.
"My intention is to get on a plane and go to Germany with flowers and chocolates," Mavericks president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said. "We want to show him and Holger [Geschwindner, Dirk's longtime consultant and friend] all the respect they deserve.
His free agency, confirmed Tuesday when the notification that he will opt out of the final year of his contract arrived at the Mavericks' office, is not expected to last long. In fact, when he wakes up Thursday morning in Germany, he'll probably have a handshake deal waiting for him.
"My intention is to get on a plane and go to Germany with flowers and chocolates," Mavericks president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said. "We want to show him and Holger [Geschwindner, Dirk's longtime consultant and friend] all the respect they deserve.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Mavs have mild interest in Jefferson
I'm so excited.
http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nba/news/story?id=5340850
http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nba/news/story?id=5340850
Sunday, June 27, 2010
The English get what they deserve
We watched the USA-Ghana game at a pub along the Thames River last night. And the entire place was rooting for Ghana. Funny though, there were few black folk in the house. I told Cindy afterwards I predicted Germany would beat them today 4-0. Got close.
But, we did not see the game. Took a road trip (aka train) to the Windsor Castle today and toured it during the futbol game. Great way to spend the afternoon. Lots of great royal history. Grand castle of course.
One of the things that was most memorable...the current Queen Elizabeth and her sister Margaret when they were little girls, there were photos of them with their pet dog...a Corgi! His name was Dookie! As in a Duke. (Maybe explains why students at Duke are called what they are.) Anyway, I'm sure this explains why Norman (and Corey before him) appear to be so regal.
I know you folks will not believe this...but it is sooooooooo hot here. And it may only be in the 80's (uggggh!), but with no A/C in a lot of these places, i.e., buses, tubes, trains, pubs, restaurants, etc. that more than makes up for the outside temp.
Oh well. Bitch, bitch, bitch.
We're having fun.
Later.
But, we did not see the game. Took a road trip (aka train) to the Windsor Castle today and toured it during the futbol game. Great way to spend the afternoon. Lots of great royal history. Grand castle of course.
One of the things that was most memorable...the current Queen Elizabeth and her sister Margaret when they were little girls, there were photos of them with their pet dog...a Corgi! His name was Dookie! As in a Duke. (Maybe explains why students at Duke are called what they are.) Anyway, I'm sure this explains why Norman (and Corey before him) appear to be so regal.
I know you folks will not believe this...but it is sooooooooo hot here. And it may only be in the 80's (uggggh!), but with no A/C in a lot of these places, i.e., buses, tubes, trains, pubs, restaurants, etc. that more than makes up for the outside temp.
Oh well. Bitch, bitch, bitch.
We're having fun.
Later.
Friday, June 25, 2010
The BBC
The Brits have VERY BORING TV including VERY LAME attempts at game shows.
But, I just saw their funniest bit. In honor of the Uruguay (Your-a-gwie') futbol team, they're playing a game of "Your a Gwuy" or "Your a Gwirl." They put human silhouettes on the screen and the contestants guess if it's "Your a Gwuy" or "Your a Gwirl." Okay. It's funny for about 1 minute. But for them, that's great!
But, I just saw their funniest bit. In honor of the Uruguay (Your-a-gwie') futbol team, they're playing a game of "Your a Gwuy" or "Your a Gwirl." They put human silhouettes on the screen and the contestants guess if it's "Your a Gwuy" or "Your a Gwirl." Okay. It's funny for about 1 minute. But for them, that's great!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
UK Today - OK Today
Don’t worry about the future. Everything’s fine today.
As most of you know from watching the news the UK had a big Tax Raise passed yesterday – the VAT (aka National Sales Tax) was raised from 17.5% to 20% (that would be a 14% tax hike to you) and various government benefits were decreased. But, not a problem. Today was about beating Slovenia (ok, $1 to the first person that correctly identifies the bordering countries of Slovenia – oh hell, just name the Continent it’s on) and moving on to the Knockout Round of the World Cup.
On the newscasts this morning, the first 15 minutes was spent covering the futbol game. And then, “in other news…the VAT was raised…” But, the image of England was at stake in the soccer game, damnit! The coverage was about “fear of losing, being disgraced, etc, etc.” France had been sent home yesterday and the team was labeled as “2nd-class citizens.” Such was the importance of today’s game.
When we had Audit Opening Conference on Monday, the fellow in charge proudly announced he would not be here on Wednesday afternoon. Not only did the company I was at unofficially shutdown this afternoon but I think all of England were either in Pubs or standing on the sidewalk hoping to get in. My guy had a room reserved at the pub across the street and I boldly asked if I could tag along. Oh yes. But the next sentence was, “I suppose you’re rooting against England because of the US?” I assured him, when in Rome…plus, I wasn’t about to be the Lone Ranger rooting for the opposite team of all these folks. Luckily if both England and the US won then both would advance, so that’s how we had to hope it turned out. (The game was at 3; he said we’d leave at "half past two" - that's "two-thirty" to you - and we did.)
It was close, but that is how it did turn out. Surprisingly (though I guess in true English no-frills tv form), there was no score of the US-Algeria game ever given, though they occasionally would flash the “current standings” on the screen and we surmised that the US was in a tie (that would be a “draw” to you, which combined with an English win would eliminate the US). But, at the very end of the game they flashed up the standings and the US was 1st with 5 points! We couldn’t believe it actually. And it’s bizarre in that it seemed as if nobody had internet – I guess these are throwback times where people are truly engrossed in the moment of their game and nothing else at all is of interest. Very different these English folks. Not that vocal or passionate. Calm exterior. Conservative in dress and style.
James told me later that the US scored just as the England game was completed – imagine that, they got to watch both games – and “that’s why you play the full 93 minutes.” Good line! That must have been dramatic. England scored its only goal in the first half and held on to the very end. The US scored at the very, very end.
The experience of watching the England game was one that I won’t forget, but in an unusual way. The people were obviously very interested and focused. And there was this pervading fear of losing, even though they were the favorite. With soccer being such a low scoring game a tricky bounce here or there can certainly change the outcome of the game. All you have to do is look at the 1-1 tie/draw between USA–England when their keeper fumbled the ball into the net. (One of the guys today pointed out to me that he has not played since. Poor guy will probably have to leave the country.) The only goal scored today obviously brought huge cheers. I was ready to fist-bump and high-five but they don’t do that. They just sorta shake their head and cheer. I kinda wanted to show them how to let loose! If this had been a Cowboys game and they just scored the only touchdown of the game, we would have all been running up to the screen and acting nuts…well, some of us might, hrrmph, be inclined to do that.
The only time I’ve been to Chicago I went to Wrigleyville and watched a Cubs playoff game in a bar. Those folks were jazzed and cheering on every pitch. I don’t think the English could take that sort of adrenaline rush.
In the end I was very glad that England won. I did not want to be around for a meltdown. No telling what would have happened. They would have probably put their heads down and headed home to begin their new life with a 20% VAT.
As it was, everyone was in a good mood and the beer continued to flow, one pint at a time.
And now as a bonus they play again this weekend, as will the US, so there will be more opportunities to be disgraced. Just on a bigger stage.
As most of you know from watching the news the UK had a big Tax Raise passed yesterday – the VAT (aka National Sales Tax) was raised from 17.5% to 20% (that would be a 14% tax hike to you) and various government benefits were decreased. But, not a problem. Today was about beating Slovenia (ok, $1 to the first person that correctly identifies the bordering countries of Slovenia – oh hell, just name the Continent it’s on) and moving on to the Knockout Round of the World Cup.
On the newscasts this morning, the first 15 minutes was spent covering the futbol game. And then, “in other news…the VAT was raised…” But, the image of England was at stake in the soccer game, damnit! The coverage was about “fear of losing, being disgraced, etc, etc.” France had been sent home yesterday and the team was labeled as “2nd-class citizens.” Such was the importance of today’s game.
When we had Audit Opening Conference on Monday, the fellow in charge proudly announced he would not be here on Wednesday afternoon. Not only did the company I was at unofficially shutdown this afternoon but I think all of England were either in Pubs or standing on the sidewalk hoping to get in. My guy had a room reserved at the pub across the street and I boldly asked if I could tag along. Oh yes. But the next sentence was, “I suppose you’re rooting against England because of the US?” I assured him, when in Rome…plus, I wasn’t about to be the Lone Ranger rooting for the opposite team of all these folks. Luckily if both England and the US won then both would advance, so that’s how we had to hope it turned out. (The game was at 3; he said we’d leave at "half past two" - that's "two-thirty" to you - and we did.)
It was close, but that is how it did turn out. Surprisingly (though I guess in true English no-frills tv form), there was no score of the US-Algeria game ever given, though they occasionally would flash the “current standings” on the screen and we surmised that the US was in a tie (that would be a “draw” to you, which combined with an English win would eliminate the US). But, at the very end of the game they flashed up the standings and the US was 1st with 5 points! We couldn’t believe it actually. And it’s bizarre in that it seemed as if nobody had internet – I guess these are throwback times where people are truly engrossed in the moment of their game and nothing else at all is of interest. Very different these English folks. Not that vocal or passionate. Calm exterior. Conservative in dress and style.
James told me later that the US scored just as the England game was completed – imagine that, they got to watch both games – and “that’s why you play the full 93 minutes.” Good line! That must have been dramatic. England scored its only goal in the first half and held on to the very end. The US scored at the very, very end.
The experience of watching the England game was one that I won’t forget, but in an unusual way. The people were obviously very interested and focused. And there was this pervading fear of losing, even though they were the favorite. With soccer being such a low scoring game a tricky bounce here or there can certainly change the outcome of the game. All you have to do is look at the 1-1 tie/draw between USA–England when their keeper fumbled the ball into the net. (One of the guys today pointed out to me that he has not played since. Poor guy will probably have to leave the country.) The only goal scored today obviously brought huge cheers. I was ready to fist-bump and high-five but they don’t do that. They just sorta shake their head and cheer. I kinda wanted to show them how to let loose! If this had been a Cowboys game and they just scored the only touchdown of the game, we would have all been running up to the screen and acting nuts…well, some of us might, hrrmph, be inclined to do that.
The only time I’ve been to Chicago I went to Wrigleyville and watched a Cubs playoff game in a bar. Those folks were jazzed and cheering on every pitch. I don’t think the English could take that sort of adrenaline rush.
In the end I was very glad that England won. I did not want to be around for a meltdown. No telling what would have happened. They would have probably put their heads down and headed home to begin their new life with a 20% VAT.
As it was, everyone was in a good mood and the beer continued to flow, one pint at a time.
And now as a bonus they play again this weekend, as will the US, so there will be more opportunities to be disgraced. Just on a bigger stage.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
