Although I do occasionally buy things from Argos, I am quite sniffy about the place. Perhaps it's the Elizabeth David sovereign rings and bracelets with names embossed on them. Perhaps it's the grim little area you have to sit as you wait for your order to be delivered from the warehouse round the back.
But my estimation of the place has sunk a little more following a flick through their Christmas catalogue. They are selling a toilet seat cover with the legend 'Santa Sat Here' emblazoned upon it.
Know we now...Forget mince pies, re-runs of James Bond on the telly, robins, holly, snow or even the birth of Jesus Himself; Argos believe that nothing says Christmas like a cover for your bog
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Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Monday, 17 October 2011
Man Child
Discussions concerning Wayne Rooney's petulant behaviour during the latest England match continued at the weekend The genius-like Alan Shearer was consulted as to whether Rooney should be taken to Euro 2012 next summer (Rooney is suspended for the first 3 games) and his response was filled with the usual footballer's guff. 'Wayne Rooney' claimed Shearer with utter conviction 'is the difference between England winning or losing a tournament.'
Shearer seems to have forgotten that England haven't been close to winning a tournament since 1996. In the intervening 15 years, whilst England have faltered, stumbled and gone backwards we have watched Germany fall and rise again; we have seen Spain shake off the mantle of nearly-men to bestride the world of football. That's not to mention the French who, inspired by Zidane, were an end-of-millennium force of nature.
But we'll ignore all of that (just like Shearer) and examine Rooney's contributions in tournaments to determine how his influence raises England to the status of world beaters..
2004. He gets injured during a vital match against Portugal which England go on to lose on penalties.
2006. Injured during the build up to this World Cup. Never looks fit and gets himself sent off during a vital game against Portugal which England go on to lose on penalties.
2008. England fail to make the Euro 2008 tournament. England lost their last qualifying match against Croatia. A result which sent the Croats through and consigned Steve McClaren to 'ridicule by tabloid' - a time honoured tradition for England managers. Rooney's contribution to this game? Nothing. He was suspended.
2010. Rooney is seen on the pitch for all of England's games but his most telling contribution was a foul-mouthed tirade against his own supporters who had the temerity to complain about their team's lack lustre display (a 1-1 draw against footballing behemoths Algeria).
If we were to agree with Shearer's comment (no Rooney = no chance for England) then we'd also have to say that Rooney continues to let his country down. His petulance means that he can't cope with the pressure of playing for England in high-profile games. His latest indiscretion is yet another incident that have robbed England of his services just when he is most needed. That he is a great footballer is open to question. What can't be questioned is that he is a 26 year man-child who needs to grow up fast if he is fulfil his potential.
Shearer seems to have forgotten that England haven't been close to winning a tournament since 1996. In the intervening 15 years, whilst England have faltered, stumbled and gone backwards we have watched Germany fall and rise again; we have seen Spain shake off the mantle of nearly-men to bestride the world of football. That's not to mention the French who, inspired by Zidane, were an end-of-millennium force of nature.
But we'll ignore all of that (just like Shearer) and examine Rooney's contributions in tournaments to determine how his influence raises England to the status of world beaters..
2004. He gets injured during a vital match against Portugal which England go on to lose on penalties.
2006. Injured during the build up to this World Cup. Never looks fit and gets himself sent off during a vital game against Portugal which England go on to lose on penalties.
2008. England fail to make the Euro 2008 tournament. England lost their last qualifying match against Croatia. A result which sent the Croats through and consigned Steve McClaren to 'ridicule by tabloid' - a time honoured tradition for England managers. Rooney's contribution to this game? Nothing. He was suspended.
2010. Rooney is seen on the pitch for all of England's games but his most telling contribution was a foul-mouthed tirade against his own supporters who had the temerity to complain about their team's lack lustre display (a 1-1 draw against footballing behemoths Algeria).
If we were to agree with Shearer's comment (no Rooney = no chance for England) then we'd also have to say that Rooney continues to let his country down. His petulance means that he can't cope with the pressure of playing for England in high-profile games. His latest indiscretion is yet another incident that have robbed England of his services just when he is most needed. That he is a great footballer is open to question. What can't be questioned is that he is a 26 year man-child who needs to grow up fast if he is fulfil his potential.
The Return of the Wrinkly Rocker
If you have listened to the radio, or looked at a paper or music magazine recently you can't have failed to notice that Noel Gallagher has 'returned'.
I find him a bit of an enigma.. You see, I think that he is quite engaging - in a grumpy-old-man sort of way. He's like the sarky mate you meet up with down the pub who you've known since school.
However, if he were playing in my back garden I wouldn't draw the curtains to watch him. His songwriting - based as ever on a queasy necrophiliac desire for the songwriters of the 60s - was getting old after Oasis' second album. But now, 15 years later it's just tiresome.
And not only is the music pretty tired he looks awful - he dresses like Jeremy Clarkson and has what appears to be a cheap version of the hair worn by Ronnie Lane in his New Faces days.
I find him a bit of an enigma.. You see, I think that he is quite engaging - in a grumpy-old-man sort of way. He's like the sarky mate you meet up with down the pub who you've known since school.
However, if he were playing in my back garden I wouldn't draw the curtains to watch him. His songwriting - based as ever on a queasy necrophiliac desire for the songwriters of the 60s - was getting old after Oasis' second album. But now, 15 years later it's just tiresome.
And not only is the music pretty tired he looks awful - he dresses like Jeremy Clarkson and has what appears to be a cheap version of the hair worn by Ronnie Lane in his New Faces days.
Back again
A mixture of holiday, hospital appoitments and house sitting duties have kept me away from my laptop and hence from writing. Looking forward to starting again.
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