flashman181

Europe 2014 – Day 1

Posted: September 20, 2014 in Travel

They say the older you get the wiser you get. I am going to file that furfy away with ” all women are the same” . So even though I knew there was several hours of snouts in the trough awaiting from about 11pm on, numbnuts here still thought it was a good idea to have a few beers and half a bottle of wine over a big dinner with CLP Snr a few hours before hand! I blame the festive spirit oozing from all CLP crevices for this misjudgement. I forgot what ” starting holidays ” means now for the workers. So we rock out to the airport in plenty of time, smooth check in and make our way to Emirates lounge. All a bit old hat now I guess but it helps pass the time. Going to sound crass I know but I am often surprised at some of the people that fly business class or better. They look like they just walked off the set of Duck Dynasty! And they yap across rooms with inane stories. One good thing about the Brisvegas lounge is if has a dedicated bridge to board from, an opportunity to avoid mingling with the great unwashed for a bit longer. Plane left on time and all was as expected food and service wise. There are lie flat beds but I can’t sleep anyway . Of course CLP does, but then she falls asleep at security screening if if takes longer than 30 seconds!

On time for Singapore where you get off,turn around 3 times and get back on the same plane. Enough time for another ” keeper ” experience though! The Singapore Squat AKA – loo! It hard enough for guys to hit a large bowl from a short distance ( ya with me ??) while facing – how the hell do you expect us to crap into a bowl half the size while hunched over and one hand on the door. I took some photos but keeping them safe in iCloud. We were late leaving Singapore but it was ok – “We can make it up in the air”! A superb lunch I must say topped off by a rather large cheese board – yeah I know what cheese does to the nether regions! By now I had the hosties eating out of my hand( could have been some Gorgonzola left over to be fair) so got a mattress and a fluffy pillow and extended both stomach and body for an hour or two before reaching Dubai. I wouldn’t call it sleeping but it did involve some shut eye and no eating so all round quite helpful in the scheme of things.

After the SS experience there was going to be no DD (Dubai Dump) happening although it was tempting with some Caged Heat approaching. Yes after the leisure of BC , if was time for some cattle class for last leg to Paris. When you think about it , actually good experience for spending a few days with the cheese eating surrender monkies aka The French. Had deliberately saved any movie watching for this last leg and dutifully did so. Into Gay Paree by 830 pm meant we were entering our apartment around 1030 m so in total had been ” awake” for roughly last 48 hrs. For comparative purposes that feels about as long as watching 3 episodes of the Walking Dead back to back. The pre paid shuttle was rather useless with a typical non communicative frog at the wheel.

Time for some sleep as tomorrow have first booked tour- The Catacombes of Paris. I know cats are sacred over here but not sure how they can sell tickets for people sitting around watching them get their fur brushed? Time will tell.

Europe or Bust: A Second Crack

Posted: September 12, 2014 in Travel
Tags: on

Have always thought a second crack would be handy but that is a story for another day. With only a week to go its time to notify the adoring masses that there will be soon be a flog (ie a flood of blogs) so that they can adapt their schedule now to allow sufficient time to read and revel.

It all kicks off next Saturday morning at 0200. Why 0200? Because there were no 0300 flights. Actually though it was part of a master plan to fly first part of route to Dubai in Business class and not have to sell a Grandkid, or worse still, a functioning organ. Of course the flaw in the plan is that there will be eaties and drinkies in the lounge first (cause its free) and then eaties and drinkies on plane (cause its free) at a time when one is normally sleeping and not grazing. Time will tell the wisdom of this grand plan but luckily in BC on Emirates the headphone Jack doubles as a colonic irrigation input valve. For shits and giggles the waste is funnelled through to the cattle class wash basins.

So roll off the plane after what will seem like 3 days into the land of the Frog for some Prancing around Paris perusing points of interest and partaking in many pastries.There is some clamboring in catacombs but likely the highlight will be lunch at Le Jules Verne ( Post Code “bloody high up Eyefull Tower”) to celebrate the 55th birthday of CLP. Yep she is coming along this time – once again with BC you dont pay for excess baggage. Also getting reamed on a Champagne day tour which could be passable as spose to be some classic cathedral in the area and I do love me places of worship

Then it is off to Bounce around Barcelona and countryside with a weekend first in Lleida with family friends before Tapping into Tapas and Gorging on Gaudi for a few days in Barcelona itself. They have asked me to help finish off that that bloody Salada Basilica as it has simply become an eyesore. Mind you you gotta admire a civilisation that has a compulsory nanna nap after lunch written into law

Then the fun begins. Pick up a car in Perpignan and head back into Frenchy Town. First up we may care for a scone in Carcassone methinks. Little known fact – Maryhole is also a walled city. Must be – no one ever leaves!Then onto Millau, Aix En Provence and Chamberey at a leisurely pace over next few days albeit on the wrong side of the road. There are some interesting cheese caves near Millau and if I cant work a Monty Python line or two into there then I aint the clown I thought I was. A day to relax around Chamberey although a day trip to Lyon is likely.

Then it is 3 trains and a donkey into northern Italy for some Idling once again with friends for the weekend. Yeah yeah, I dont have friends – they belong to CLP and part of the package deal she brings to the table. Once in a while a cooked dinner would be nice too ? Anyhoo then it is another 3 trains and a unowinged biplane into Berlin via Milan and Frankfurt. I plan on being very quiet in Berlin as dont want to get shot. Certainly wont mention the war. For such an efficient race why do they have Oktoberfest in September? There will be segwaying of course and a day trip to Dresden.

Then it is off on a high speed train that goes so fast it floats on water – apparently – for some Cavorting in Copenhagen. I imagine we will eat a lot of Danishes. Is there anything else to do there after you sat on top of the Little Mermaid a few times? We plan to be or not to be at Kronborg Castle around Oct 21 – that could be too clever for the intellect of my general reader but look it up folks. Its what I do – edumacate the ill informed.

Finally then some Dozing in Dubai on way home as we always do. When not snoozing around the pool will go to the top of the Burj Khalifa via the Tom Cruise route. Yep – platform shoes and a face mask all the way baby. If able to get up the stairs it will then be a BC trip back on an A 380 this time so that I can arrive back home in a relaxed state for the gruelling days ahead of …………. well golf I guess. After the insufferable number of comments in last 18 months “well your golf handicap must be dropping” I can finally answer “well yes it is down to 10 now”. Of course now that I am in my purple patch of form there will be no stick and hole work for next 6 weeks. Well not on the golf course anyway – ya with me

Yes we have the T Shirt

Leaving Me Cold

Posted: August 22, 2014 in Midlife Crisis in Maryhole

Ok this could have easily slipped into a Monday Moan but somehow has only got worse in the last few days

Last week it was two bit celebrities with a tenuous link to Robin Williams filling media feeds with their memories of the gifted man

But that pales into insignificance in the face of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge videos flooding the internet. Now its a worthy cause no doubt although when I think of Lou Gehrigs disease I always harken back to the great Pride of the Yankees movie . The basic premise is that if challenged you have 24 hrs to video yourself, and upload sadly, with a bucket of ice water being poured over you or pay $100 to ALS charity. Once done you can then nominate 3 other people – a classic pyramid scheme that Bernie Madoff could only dream off. The twist in the tail though that I am sure your average moron may not know as water cascades over where their brain should be is that once accepted and even taken you still have to donate money to the cause – just less than $100. Now figures would indicate it is a roaring success with 13 million being donated in last couple of months – 50 times average donations . I dont think we need to see someone like Bill Gates soaking wet to understand that some people always give money to good causes. Its the fifth rung celebrities looking for more exposure that annoy – much as in the Robin Williams saga. The true givers in this world dont need or desire the recognition. If you a renowned twat like Bieber then you will try anything to sway public opinion. Or maybe you have a new movie coming out…….

Now if my Tina wearing a suitably tight T Shirt uploads a video I may have to change my mind. However in the meantime, much like the great Letterman tribute to RW, there are some worthy efforts if you care to browse.

Here is the clear winner to date (as extra bonus he does call out Tina F)

Monday Moan August 18th 2014

Posted: August 17, 2014 in Midlife Crisis in Maryhole

Yes its been a while. This is not to imply all is rosy in Flashland but rather I have been so busy lately. Yeah ok, thought I would start with a joke……

So the weekend was looking good. A trip to Toowoomba for GS1’s 5th Birthday party and then a nice overnighter in our favourite new B&B. There was some light nuisance rain on the way out – not the forecast deluge at this stage. Yeah the weather bureau stuffed up – who would have thunk. But as we climbed what I assumed was the range the array of annoyances were not far away

I say assume “was the range” because one could not see more then 10 feet in front of you! Gimpland has always been to the forefront on towns where Mother Nature thought she could have some shits and giggles when to came to “local weather” but let me tell you Toowoomba is in Gold Medal position with daylight second – ironic really given there was actually none visible. Now, not going to start the whole headlights on/off argument again except to say that when I saw something coming my way I was able to discern a vehicle with lights on at about 12 feet and one without at about 5 feet. I rest my case Your Horror. So we muddled our way through the gloom to the party location where every one had a good time – except maybe Cleo the Clown who seemed to have an eternal grimace on her face. The lad did well pressie wise even if a bit over whelmed by the whole occasion. Then back out into the gloom and around to our B&B for a relaxing few hours before venturing out again.

After another visit with the kiddies it was time to head out for dinner at a local rain soaked establishment. Grievance 2. Why is it that people who live in towns that can indeed get cold eg Toowoomba, Melboring…. – feel the need to ensure all visitors know it is a cold town by dressing up like Nannook of the North whenever the skies turn grey between May and September regardless of, you know, the actual temperature. It was miserable weather but it wasnt cold as there was no wind. If there had been then the bloody fog may have lifted!!! So while trying to walk around people carrying 4 overcoats we sat inside only to be blasted by a Thermonuclear Heating device which increased the internal temperature from the pleasant God Given 22 degrees to a hellish 43! Not an enjoyable environment for eating

So next day dawned clear for the trip down the highway to Brisvegas to visit the Matriach. Now the Range is largely flowing again as in molasses occasionally moves forward but at the bottom of the range there should be a large neon sign stating “Turn off Cruise Control now. You will thank me later” . There is so much roadwork for the first 30-40 k it is a joke, Ok it was a Sunday, I dont expect “workers” to be leaning against their shovels. It would be nice though to actually see some evidence of work having been done in the previous week rather than pristine lanes closed simply because someone ordered too many barricades when on special and only place to store them it appears is on clearly perfect roads.

The overwhelming news last week was of course the sad passing of a true genius in Robin Williams. It took only 24 hrs though to get sick of the social media overdirve that filled my newsfeeds eveyrwhere which were mainly second rate celebrities recounting their interaction with him. The retweeted thoughts of Miley Cyrus and Khloe (not even Kym!) Kardashian took the cake. Then next day the screaming headline ” And now Lauren Bacall has died” ?? The two events are not related ya clowns. Sad in a way maybe but she was 140 yrs old and died of natural causes. I imagine she may well have been glad to go. I reset the world on its axis and watched Mrs Doubtfire again – a genuinely enjoyable expoerience

Speaking of which…

30 for 30 Docos Part 5

Posted: July 30, 2014 in Sport

The Best That Never Was

The 1981 recruiting of high school football player Marcus Dupree by multiple big-time college programs, his resulting injury-prone college and professional career, and how his pursuit by college and USFL teams changed the recruiting process

Simply amazing story. The tie in with the deputy sheriff involved with the “Mississippi Burning” three deaths was the first shock – just shows high school football even ranks above deep racism in these good old boys. Then we have the influence of religion in this story – the other classic trait in the south – where he trusts a minister more than any other actual sporting people like coaches!. Clearly a sublime athlete who could have been anything it is a story of wasted talent pure and simple but sadly Marcus himself is a bit pure and simple. He was big and fast and at times he glided across the field and you couldnt work out how they couldnt catch him ; other times he simply ran over the top. He struggled with weight and injuries but in a clear sign of some internal fortitude a few years after being crippled by a knee injury he dropped 50 kgs and got into shape all by himself. He subsequently did finally make it into the NFL even if a shadow of former self. The afro and the big glasses simply add to the whole package of someone just that little bit different and behind it all driving him was the story of a crippled younger brother who would never run. The coach from his Oklahoma College days gives a very frank and honest interview as well admitting his part in Marcus never filling his true potential post high school

The Announcement

No not the year I was voted Cleo’s Most Eligible Bachelor but rather

The events and aftermath of former Los Angeles Lakers player Magic Johnson announcing to the world that he tested positive for HIV.

Magic comes across as a genuine good guy – but then he is narrating the story. However you never hear bad things about him really and the standout friendship seems to be with old coach Pat Riley who really does come out of it smelling of roses. It was a magic time indeed in LA when he first ascended the throne and no doubt doing a lot of slam dunking off the court and not denying it. The Lakers were an extension of Hollywood La La land at the time and riding high. In the background all this time was his one true love Cookie who he did eventually settle down and marry – maybe not the smartest cookie in the box . The irony I guess is it appears he was ready to settle down and rack the cue so to speak – and then found out he was HIV positive. Of course how he , and those in the game, handle that devastating news is the crux of the yarn. Kudos to the Mailman for appearing as he was one of the loudest nay sayers at the time – no doubt reflecting the views of many but having the balls to say it then . There was never any accusation of drugs or homosexuality but in another one of those ironies his son who was conceived when he was HIV positive but not aware was tested HIV negative – as was Cookie – and is now openly gay. Magic also had a son from a previous relationship who it appears also is HIV negative but sadly stopped growing when he hit 5 feet 10. Some touching moments especially the HIV positive girl he consoles on live TV soon after announcement who appears in end credits now fully grown. No doubt it helps being a millionaire but he does show how to handle life changing events

30 for 30 Docos Part 4

Posted: July 25, 2014 in Sport

Slaying the Badger

Before Lance Armstrong, there was Greg LeMond, who is now the first and only American to win the Tour de France. In this engrossing documentary, LeMond looks back at the pivotal 1986 Tour, and his increasingly vicious rivalry with friend, teammate and mentor Bernard Hinault. The reigning Tour champion and brutal competitor known as “The Badger,” Hinault “promised” to help LeMond to his first victory, in return for LeMond supporting him in the previous year. But in a sport that purports to reward teamwork, it’s really every man for himself.

Sadly I thought this was the sequel to one of my favorite movies “Stroking the Beaver” but alas it was about cyclists. Once over my initial disappointment I was indeed engrossed as demanded and it is of course topical as La Tour de Frog is currently on. It gave a great insight into the team dynamics in this most odd of sports and of course another reason to hate the French – as if needed. LeMond comes across as the quintessential clean cut boy which he may well be but hard to imagine he rose to the heights he did without some partaking in a little skullduggery . The Badger at least agreed to be interviewed and is convincing in his own way where as the coach comes across as a prize twat. It did not make me want to sit down and watch this years race at all – not when I can get my cycling fill watching the Velodrome in Glasgow where we regularly win – but it was well worth the 90 minutes for an insiders look at the sport and the pre One Ball Armstrong era which forever tainted the sport.

The Price of Gold

The world couldn’t keep its eyes off two athletes at the 1994 Winter Games in Lillehammer – Nancy Kerrigan, the elegant brunette from the Northeast and Tonya Harding, the feisty blonde engulfed in scandal. Just weeks before the Olympics on Jan. 6, 1994 at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Kerrigan was stunningly clubbed on the right knee by an unknown assailant and left wailing, “Why, why, why?” As the bizarre “why” mystery unraveled, it was revealed that Harding’s ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, had plotted the attack with his misfit friends to literally eliminate Kerrigan from the competition. Now two decades later, “The Price of Gold” takes a fresh look through Harding’s turbulent career and life at the spectacle that elevated the popularity of professional figure skating and has Harding still facing questions over what she knew and when she knew it.

Trailer trash V Beauty Queen. Harding comes across as a very interesting if somewhat shady character who had a tough life and always had to fight hard for everything she got but couldnt escape the impact of shady characters she hung around with and on occasion married. Her pleas of innocence do not ring true but certainly she aint the sharpest skate on the ice so ignorance may have played some part. Kerrigan did not participate in the story which is unfortunate but then she appears to be very much the manufactured “star”. Ice skating does at least make cycling look mildly interesting so did have that going for it and while enjoyable in a Jerry Springer way it does scream “Only in America” – that is if you can hear it over Kerrigan screaming herself.

Parkys Wish List

Posted: July 15, 2014 in TV
Tags: Bird

After the Knighted One Parky opened up Thorpedo like a can of week old sardines the search was on for equally fascinating interview subjects who were prepared to divulge very well known information disguised as a shock revelation if the ca-ching counter was pleased. I was fortunate enough to get a leaked copy of the interview synopsis which also included the “big reveal” and it only cost me my dignity. Talk about reselling used items!

1. Clive Palmer. Relates his moderately successful brush with the Michelle Bridges 2034 week plan but then reveals “I HAVE GRAVY ON MY CHIPS”

2. Darius Boyd . Fascinating insight into his meticulous planning prior to media interviews before finally admitting “I AM DUMB AND SHOULD PLAY IN THE FORWARDS”

3. Tony Abbott. Trumpeted his promotion of sheilas (his term not mine) in his cabinet before declaring “I HATE WOMEN”

4. Eddie McQuire. Outlines his Top 10 things he loves about Sydney and then blows it by finally admitting “I HATE SYDNEY”

5. Kochie. Admits to an underlying admiration for the work of the Today Show before snarling “I HATE KARL” (who doesnt eh Kochie?)

6. Kim Kardashian. Had nothing to say luckily but did reveal “A BIG ASS ” when she went running out in a huff.

7. Campbell Newman. Apologised for closing down Maryborough Pathology before luckily wifey stepped in to declare “HE CANT DO IT ANYMORE ”

8. Alan Jones. Did not let Parky get a word in for 2 hrs and then Thorpey came and picked him up for lunch “THEY HAD THE SAUSAGES” a loose lipped waiter later divulged

9. Greg Norman. Details the seventeen majors he lost through sheer bad luck before begrudgingly stating “I CHOKED IN 96”

10. Greg Bird. Bought along his brain scans to dismiss those nasty rumors but in an ironic twist turns out they were under developed too so he finally admitted “WISH I WAS A QUEENSLANDER”

NEWS FLASH NEWS FLASH NEWS FLASH.

Carbon Tax repeal passed after Clive Palmer removes impasse

In totally unrelated news it was revealed that Palmer had drafted and Abbott ensured passage of legislation ensuring Greg Bird must remain a Blue for rest of playing career

Monday Moan – The Half Hearted Edition

Posted: July 14, 2014 in Midlife Crisis in Maryhole

Its hard to moan really when you have just spent time with a fifth booteeful and healthy Grandchild but I do have certain obligations to the hordes of fan. Can hordes be singular? And then there was wonderful 10 course degustation at Restaurant 2 on Friday followed by (a bad nights sleep!) the very entertaining and rather talented Wayne Brady at Lyric theatre on Saturday with the CLP. Then Sunday morning dawned and despite wonderful advancements in digital magazines the CLP still enjoys the feel of a long cylindrical object in her hand – so has to buy the Sunday Mail paper version – and then roll it up tightly! Eventually when she had finished…………….. unwrapping it (dirty minds!) there in all its glory was the front page with the the big headline “I AM GAY” and a picture of Bigfoot. I said to her ” Hey blossom where did you get this 10 yr old paper from” ? I was somewhat stunned when she informed me that it was actually Sunday July 13th 2014 edition! So no one knew? Of course they did but I do agree it is no one’s business . We all have that one question we hate being asked all the time. Mine is “Arent you George Clooney” ? Am sure Thorpedo was sick and tired of being asked all the time. After all his biography quite clearly stated that he screwed several sheilas, both in sluggos and full body suit, in his day and as it is in print it must be true. So why does it suddenly become front page “news”. Yes I almost vomited typing “news” too. Then the penny dropped – but I wasnt bending over to pick it up in these uncertain times. Parky was talking to Thorpy on Sundy. Yes Y indeed. Well he got paid 400 k of course. Now once again no problem with that and good luck to him if New Idea would only go to $390 k because they shelled out big on the Princess Kate triplets yarn. But I did spew in my weetbix when all the comments were how “brave” he was. No folks, if he was truly brave he would have announced it years ago but of course in a sad reflection of some world wide cultures that could have killed off some sponsorship deals in the lucrative Asian market. Once again no problem with him earning a crust but lets see this for what it really is – a cynical publicity stunt which of course has worked. How many gay athletes may he have helped if he been “honest” all those years ago. Ian Roberts came out 20 yrs ago and yet there is still a stigma attached to an athletes sexuality – in some circles. Of course no one was game to say that to Roberts. This little black duck did not watch it of course – too pumped for the Kylie Bonking Hutcho segment later – but from the snippet I saw he didnt say he was gay, more a case of ” I am not Straight”. Maybe we need another term for that gray area between being gay and being straight ? Graight? Maybe just Confused ?

So QLD won the dead rubber of SOO 3 and yawns escaped across the land followed by all the “what ifs” like if Cronk had played the first two games would Qld be looking at nine series wins? Probably but the only certain thing is if we had scored more points than NSW in GAME 1 OR 2 we would have won. I think – its another of those gray areas. Parker was superb of course and the rest is in the who cares bin. Speaking of money grabbers was decidedly surprised and disappointed to see Bennett leave the Knights especially when he trotted out the old “it isnt You, its Me” Seinfeld line. Had not been that disappointed with Bennett news since he turned down the offer to coach the Newcastle Jets soccer team as well because you know then it would have been………… wait for it…………….. Benny and the Jets! Then to top of a bad media day we had the ridiculous scene of some floozy trying to interview the quiet man of NRL about the Bennett news – one Darius Boyd ,who must rank as one of the dullest people around. Great winger , personality of a block of cement. Floozy 1 would have known all this of course but still makes for that sound bite for the media to play on loop for 48 hrs.

You only need news to last 48 hrs because you know in every 48 hr cycle PUP Palmer will make a goose of himself and grab a headline or three.

And a Kardashian will either fall pregnant, marry a celebrity, divorce a celebrity or become a celebrity. Apparently

ESPN 30 for 30 Docos – Part 3

Posted: July 3, 2014 in Sport

June 17, 1994

Quick-cut archival footage captures the various US sporting events on the day in question and the emotions they generated, including but not limited to the opening of the World Cup soccer tournament, the Knicks/Rockets battle in the NBA Finals, Arnold Palmer’s last round in the U.S. Open, and the New York Rangers’ celebration of their Stanley Cup victory — all of which are overshadowed by O. J. Simpson’s run from the police.

Naturally the OJ story dominates and reminds you of the bizarre nature of it all – which must have been surreal at the time in the city. The constant pleas of the police to soothe OJ down and prevent a tragedy do them proud. One cant help but think of Seinfeld though with the glove trial (6’54”)and the Kramer/Gendason car chase. Arnie was of particular interest to moi and as so often happens in these cases ends with a whimper not a bang – or in this case a 3 putt.

Run Ricky Run

A profile of Ricky Williams focuses on his brief 2004 departure from the NFL, when he sought self-redemption amidst media criticism and fresh rumors of marijuana use.

Odd story about one cool dude. A rare talent that struggled with many issues but eventually found peace, it would appear, through yoga, weed and the love of a good woman. Once again a creepy Dad is in the background whose impact is difficult to fully assess but no doubt significant. No doubt the yoga etc maintained his physical ability beyond that normally associated with a man his age in a brutal sport. Or maybe he was still stoned

Fernando Nation

The euphoria created by Fernando Valenzuela’s 1981 arrival with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

As with majority of these “sports” docos there is much more to the story. In this case the new Dodgers stadium was built on previous Mexican housing projects Chavez Ravine thus causing massive social upheaval – and pissing off the Mexican “fans” . The call went out for a “Mexican Pitcher” and they hit the mother lode with a chubby unassuming youngster Valenzuela. The “fans” came back in droves as Fernandomania was born in an historic 1981 season – Rookie of the Year/Cy Young/World Series championship

Tim Richmond: To the Limit

The career of NASCAR driver Tim Richmond, his flamboyant lifestyle, and his 1989 death from AIDS.

Nascar doesnt float my boat but it was clear this guy was a talent. He liked to party too and had charisma to burn. Then he started to cough a lot and was generally unwell. The story kept being rolled out was Pneumonia and then a relapse. The rumours started of course but continually denied. It was 1991 that Magic Johnson informed the world he was HIV positive. It wasnt going to happen in 89 in a “real man’s sport”. As with Johnson it was contracted through sampling many ladies at different times. Or at the same time. Where he loses any sympathy with this viewer was his continued exploits with ladies when he knew he was infected .

ESPN 30 for 30 Sports Docos – Part 2

Posted: July 1, 2014 in Sport

Unmatched

A look at the rivalry and friendship between tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova.

The weakest to date. Of mild interest if you did not know of their friendship I guess but largely a love in and lets face it one of these sheilas broke our Sharkies heart. The other one he married.Archival footage shared over a cuppa and backslaps is a tad dull. Everts boobs appeared to have increased over time. I suspect they may be married by now

No Crossover: The Trial of Allen Iverson

The 1993 trial of Hampton, Virginia high school athlete Allen Iverson, convicted for his role in a racially tinged melee, and its impact on both the community and on Iverson’s life. (90 minutes in length)

A complex lad it would appear with a lot of anger issues. The trial clearly highlights racism in the community but this kid was no angel. Overall comes across as a story of wasted potential despite some of his achievements. A sad reflection on a time and a place. May be Todd Carneys role model ?

Without Bias

The death of Len Bias from a cocaine-induced heart attack, two days after Boston selected him as the second overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft, and its impact on casual drug use, especially by the sports community.

Another great, if sad, basketball yarn. Excellent participation by those closest to the event but do find it very hard to understand how their faith can lead parents to say its all ok “he is with God now.” This mother lost two sons in relatively quick succession and no doubt does excellent work now but dont know how she got there. The plight of the second, less known, son is probably even sadder

The Band that Wouldnt Die

A profile of Baltimore’s love affair with football and the Colts, focusing on the Colts Marching Band. After the Colts decamped for Indianapolis in 1984, the band remained in Baltimore and helped promote the eventual return of theNFL to the city.

Only in America. An interesting story though highlighting initially the complicity of professional team owners but essentially the story of community being held together by their love of their team living on in the band that never went away. And there is a happy ending with the Ravens winning the big one in 2000 and 2012. If it was the Dallas Cheerleaders with Debbie, I may have been glued to the screen more – at least I assume that is glue.

Catching Hell

The relationship between Chicago Cubs fans and Steve Bartman following Game 6 of the 2003 National League Championship Series

But oh so much more. Compares the impact on a player and on a fan whose actions (in different eras) directly impacted on a game, a series and a clubs history. Baseball is a game loaded with curses and this story addresses the two best – Bambino and Billygoat. There is even an interesting seque to the definition of scapegoat. Deals significantly with the Bill Buckner Red Sox howler as well as the vilified Cubs fan who interfered with a foul ball – or not ? Baseball can be paint drying territory but this insight to the culture is tres fascinating. On a side note great to see Wrigley Field again – wish I had seen this before visiting last year as would have sought out seat 113