Indoor League 1
When you go to the pub today, your gaming facilities are normally either a UK version of "Pool", a Dartboard or a fruit machine, or all both. Go back 15 to 30 years ago, maybe the odd arcade, "Space Invaders" or "Pacman" being the favourite to rest in the local boozer counter. However this "sports" show the "Indoor League" which ran circa 1973 to 1978, opens up a feast of now old-fashioned and bygone pub games of a bygone age. Ever heard of Bar Billiards? Skittles? Shove ha'penny? Well find out about them in this 4 part regional Yorkshire Television produced episode, presented by Yorkshire Cricket great Fred Trueman, regarded as one of best fast bowlers in the history of the sport. What's great about the show, is it's non-pc as you like. Shown on daytime TV on a Tuesday, you had old Fred on the lash with his pint of beer and sometimes smoking a pipe on-camera as he presents the show, this was as small-time in sports you could get. This was a ratings success in Yorkshire.
Showing posts with label Sport. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sport. Show all posts
Monday, 22 March 2010
Friday, 12 March 2010
The English First Division Review: 1991/1992
Barclay English League 1991/92 Season Review Part 1/6
The Sport genre returns with a heavyweight pick here, with the return of our national sport on this blog. A 6 part highlights show on the 1991/92 Barclay English League season. This was the last year before the First Division became known as "The Premier League". This was the last time England's top clubs were under the full control of the Football Association. More money was thought to needed into the game, after the downturn in success in Europe for the top clubs since the early-mid 80s, the deteriorating state of stadia and making a brand new start as the threat of hooliganism had become more controlled by improved stadia and police techniques.
The programme highlights the battle at the top and the bottom battle for relegation, featuring the best moments and goals, the story of the campaign and build-up, and some of the funniest/silliest moments too, along with player interviews.
Would George Graham's Arsenal retain their league championship? The focus is on Howard Wilkinson's Leeds United and Alex Ferguson's Manchester United, as the title chasers. This was regarded as the second golden age for the Leeds team, recurring back to memories of Don Revie leading the team in the 60s and 70s to 2 league championships. Some of the bizarre moments include a referee being knocked out cold mid-game by a football to the head. Also to note, are star players like Gary Lineker, in his last year in the english league before playing in the Japanese League or "J.League".
The Sport genre returns with a heavyweight pick here, with the return of our national sport on this blog. A 6 part highlights show on the 1991/92 Barclay English League season. This was the last year before the First Division became known as "The Premier League". This was the last time England's top clubs were under the full control of the Football Association. More money was thought to needed into the game, after the downturn in success in Europe for the top clubs since the early-mid 80s, the deteriorating state of stadia and making a brand new start as the threat of hooliganism had become more controlled by improved stadia and police techniques.
The programme highlights the battle at the top and the bottom battle for relegation, featuring the best moments and goals, the story of the campaign and build-up, and some of the funniest/silliest moments too, along with player interviews.
Would George Graham's Arsenal retain their league championship? The focus is on Howard Wilkinson's Leeds United and Alex Ferguson's Manchester United, as the title chasers. This was regarded as the second golden age for the Leeds team, recurring back to memories of Don Revie leading the team in the 60s and 70s to 2 league championships. Some of the bizarre moments include a referee being knocked out cold mid-game by a football to the head. Also to note, are star players like Gary Lineker, in his last year in the english league before playing in the Japanese League or "J.League".
Saturday, 27 February 2010
A Feast of Lycra and not-so Lycra Men/Women in Snow and Ice 1972-2002
Alright, we end our Winter Olympics special with this rough, but brilliant highlighting music video of recent Winter Olympics bar 2006 and 2010, of course. Some really good footage of the earlier Olympics which are hard to find on Youtube. The Sports genre will take a break, but we'll be back to good ol' football and more.
List of Winter Games shown:
1972 -Sapporo, Japan
1976 - Innsbruck, Austria
1980 - Lake Placid, USA
1984 - Sarajevo, Yugoslavia (now Bosnia and Herzegovina)
1988 - Calgary, Canada
1992 - Albertville, France
1994 - Lillehammer, Norway
1998 - Nagano, Japan
2002 - Salt Lake City, USA
It's a very good highlights video with small clips of each Games opening ceremonies, and the features the most awe-inspiring and most excelled athletes of the games, so we see the likes on Torvill and Dean for '84, Alberto Tomba for '88 and so on. Also, period music of the time from each Olympics, If you want to know what the songs are, well, I'm horribly bad at naming these earlier ones. I've heard the 1972 one loads of times, I just can't put a name to it?
1972 -???
1976 -???
1980 -???
1984 - Irene Cara - What a Feeling
1988 -Erasure -Give a Little Respect
1992 - Snap - Rhythm Is A Dancer
1994 - Whigfield - Saturday Night
1998 - ???
2002 - James Williams - Call of the Champions
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Keep Your Head Down...and Skate!
Speed skating Men 10000M Oslo 1952 Winter Olympic Games
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhibkjBkomE
We're doing the rounds from the Winter Olympics again, with something a little different each time. We focus on the 1950s incarnation of Speed Skating at the Oslo, Norway Winter Olympics. Commentary is in Norwegian, but there is plenty to watch in this short clip. Speed Skating, a sport now dominated by lesser countries accustomed to the Winter Olympics like the Netherlands and South Korea and adorned in the latest very tight and aerodynamic lycra, taking place on artificial ice in an indoor arena.
In this clip, it shows a Norwegian (Norge) skater winning 2 races, going on to win the Gold medal in the 1000m event. The losing skater who unuckily slides off track is, hard to tell, telling from the flag in black and white, could be German. What we see here is a form of long track speed skating.
Speed Skating has been part of the Winter Olympics from the start, from the inaugural 1924 Games held in Chamonix, France. The roots of the sport go back a few centuries but official races were first set up in the 19th century in Norway. The race and movements for this sport are rather complex. The most notable movement is the "Double Push" which is trying to skate as a straight as possible by pushing alternatively on each side, giving a swaying effect, with the head down, and the arms or arm carrying the momentum in its swing. The skaters also sometimes just skate, but not really sprinting, where the their hands are behind their back. This does looks rather laid back, but probably to conserve energy for the corners and final dash at the end. The races in long-track speed skating are usually fought between two competitors, and after 400 metres, they swap lanes in a straight run section of the ice rink.
The differences between now and the clip are massive. Skates were firmly fixed to the shoes, while in the 1990's what's called a "Clap Skate" was invented, which would detach from one side of the shoe, when lifted off the ground. No more woolly hats, but athletes are now consumed by lycra and now wear goggles too.
Norway dominated the 1952 event with 3 Gold medals in 3 of the 4 various length events, including 2 Bronze medals to go with that. This was in great thanks to Hjalmar Andersen, as seen in the Youtube clip.
Norway went to claim top spot in the overall medal tables with 7 golds and 16 medals in total, with the United States and Finland in 2nd and 3rd respectively.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhibkjBkomE
We're doing the rounds from the Winter Olympics again, with something a little different each time. We focus on the 1950s incarnation of Speed Skating at the Oslo, Norway Winter Olympics. Commentary is in Norwegian, but there is plenty to watch in this short clip. Speed Skating, a sport now dominated by lesser countries accustomed to the Winter Olympics like the Netherlands and South Korea and adorned in the latest very tight and aerodynamic lycra, taking place on artificial ice in an indoor arena.
In this clip, it shows a Norwegian (Norge) skater winning 2 races, going on to win the Gold medal in the 1000m event. The losing skater who unuckily slides off track is, hard to tell, telling from the flag in black and white, could be German. What we see here is a form of long track speed skating.
Speed Skating has been part of the Winter Olympics from the start, from the inaugural 1924 Games held in Chamonix, France. The roots of the sport go back a few centuries but official races were first set up in the 19th century in Norway. The race and movements for this sport are rather complex. The most notable movement is the "Double Push" which is trying to skate as a straight as possible by pushing alternatively on each side, giving a swaying effect, with the head down, and the arms or arm carrying the momentum in its swing. The skaters also sometimes just skate, but not really sprinting, where the their hands are behind their back. This does looks rather laid back, but probably to conserve energy for the corners and final dash at the end. The races in long-track speed skating are usually fought between two competitors, and after 400 metres, they swap lanes in a straight run section of the ice rink.
The differences between now and the clip are massive. Skates were firmly fixed to the shoes, while in the 1990's what's called a "Clap Skate" was invented, which would detach from one side of the shoe, when lifted off the ground. No more woolly hats, but athletes are now consumed by lycra and now wear goggles too.
Norway dominated the 1952 event with 3 Gold medals in 3 of the 4 various length events, including 2 Bronze medals to go with that. This was in great thanks to Hjalmar Andersen, as seen in the Youtube clip.
Norway went to claim top spot in the overall medal tables with 7 golds and 16 medals in total, with the United States and Finland in 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, its bobsled time! COOL RUNNI...Did they Actually Say That Though?
Jamaica Olympic Bobsled team 1988
We now enter Bobsleigh territory in our Winter Olympics season, once again from the Calgary 1988 games. Yes, it's the first ever Jamaican bobsleigh team, a tropical country with no snow/ice whatsoever, that became famed for their glorious failure (which could've turned to tragedy, mind you) which embodied the spirit of "The taking part" under the Olympic banner, not just winning that counts. Of course, the event would be even more well-known after the based 1993 film "Cool Runnings" starring one of my favourite North American actors, Canadian comedy actor John Candy. Anyway, this is perhaps a good time to seperate fact from fiction..later on.
The sport of Bobsleigh (made a winter sport in 1924) is a trecherous, horrendously fast slide down narrow ice chutes that turn and slope, reaching possible speeds of 118 mph. There are 3 divisions of Bobsleigh in the Winter Olympics, the 4-man bob, 2-man bob and 2-woman bob.
First of all, it's annoying to find out, the Jamaican bobsleigh team were not setting the standard before they crashed. No world record pace here. They did though impress, with some fast starts. However, real footage was of the crash was shown on the film "Cool Runnings". The Bobsleigh goes to one side, and one or the men could've broke their neck as the their helmets are hitting the ice as it continues to slide around 2 more turns pretty fast! But they were lucky.
The four men were not accurately portrayed in the film, but they were sprinters, just not Olympic-standard ones, but from the army. However, the idea of a Jamaican Bobsleigh team was inspired by pushcart racers, from which the American backers of a Jamaican team saw. The names of the real Jamaican Bobsleigh team were Devon Harris, Dudley Stokes, Michael White and Samuel Clayton. They had a team of coaches, not just one coach. John Candy's Irving 'Irv' Blitzer was a fictional character, and there was no connection to any cheating scandal, and there was no hot rivalries from other countries. Everyone wanted to see the Jamaicans do well.
They didn't carry the Bobsleigh to the finish line like you see in the clip. Would be too heavy I guess. Instead it slid to the finish line, with the men walking along. But what about some of the catchphrases of the film like "Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, its bobsled time! Cool Runnings!" they guys' chant as they begin to dash with the Bobsleigh? What about one of the characters who kissed a lucky egg? Did they sing "Jamaica have a Bobsleigh Team!"? Still unanswered questions, but I think it's likely to be from the film only!
We now enter Bobsleigh territory in our Winter Olympics season, once again from the Calgary 1988 games. Yes, it's the first ever Jamaican bobsleigh team, a tropical country with no snow/ice whatsoever, that became famed for their glorious failure (which could've turned to tragedy, mind you) which embodied the spirit of "The taking part" under the Olympic banner, not just winning that counts. Of course, the event would be even more well-known after the based 1993 film "Cool Runnings" starring one of my favourite North American actors, Canadian comedy actor John Candy. Anyway, this is perhaps a good time to seperate fact from fiction..later on.
The sport of Bobsleigh (made a winter sport in 1924) is a trecherous, horrendously fast slide down narrow ice chutes that turn and slope, reaching possible speeds of 118 mph. There are 3 divisions of Bobsleigh in the Winter Olympics, the 4-man bob, 2-man bob and 2-woman bob.
First of all, it's annoying to find out, the Jamaican bobsleigh team were not setting the standard before they crashed. No world record pace here. They did though impress, with some fast starts. However, real footage was of the crash was shown on the film "Cool Runnings". The Bobsleigh goes to one side, and one or the men could've broke their neck as the their helmets are hitting the ice as it continues to slide around 2 more turns pretty fast! But they were lucky.
The four men were not accurately portrayed in the film, but they were sprinters, just not Olympic-standard ones, but from the army. However, the idea of a Jamaican Bobsleigh team was inspired by pushcart racers, from which the American backers of a Jamaican team saw. The names of the real Jamaican Bobsleigh team were Devon Harris, Dudley Stokes, Michael White and Samuel Clayton. They had a team of coaches, not just one coach. John Candy's Irving 'Irv' Blitzer was a fictional character, and there was no connection to any cheating scandal, and there was no hot rivalries from other countries. Everyone wanted to see the Jamaicans do well.
They didn't carry the Bobsleigh to the finish line like you see in the clip. Would be too heavy I guess. Instead it slid to the finish line, with the men walking along. But what about some of the catchphrases of the film like "Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, its bobsled time! Cool Runnings!" they guys' chant as they begin to dash with the Bobsleigh? What about one of the characters who kissed a lucky egg? Did they sing "Jamaica have a Bobsleigh Team!"? Still unanswered questions, but I think it's likely to be from the film only!
Sunday, 21 February 2010
Sabotaged American Figure Skater Returns with a Flourish at Lillehammer
Nancy Kerrigan - 1994 Olympics LP
On to ice skating now, in our Winter Olympics section, as the present 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics rumbles on. Although she never won Gold medal, the American figure skater Nancy Kerrigan is considered one of the greatest never to have won the Gold. Only a month before, Nancy Kerrigan was purposely smacked by a combustilble baton on the knee, which was disturbingly planned out by Figure skating American rival Tonya Harding's ex-husband Jeff Gillooly, and her bodyguard, Shawn Eckardt. They ordered a man by the name of Shane Stant, to make the hit on Kerrigan. Harding was not completely guilty and actively tried to cover up the plot. In cruel fashion, Harding won the US Championships while Kerrigan was out of action.
A media frenzy ensues and a court case was taken out against Harding on February 1st, 1994, where she pleaded guilty, but still maintained her innocence, in perhaps a selfish attempt to not receive a jail sentance. Controversially, Tonya Harding was still allowed to participate in the Lillehammer 1994 Olympics, however her career floundered thereafter, and was then banned from figure skating for life, after these events. Harding finished 8th while Kerrigan, not quite the fairytale, but ended in second place for the silver medal, with one of her greatest performances on the ice. Kerrigan was lucky to have recovered from the incident in time for the Winter Olympics.
More off-topic, what was odd about the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics in Norway, was it only came 2 years after the previous 1992 Olympics in Alberville. This was to stop both the Winter and Summer Olympics clashing in the same. They would never of course clash directly, but the thought was, with the close proximity of the looming Summer Olympics, the Winter Olympics, not quite the ratings-winner as the Summer ones, was felt to be overshadowed by it.
On to ice skating now, in our Winter Olympics section, as the present 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics rumbles on. Although she never won Gold medal, the American figure skater Nancy Kerrigan is considered one of the greatest never to have won the Gold. Only a month before, Nancy Kerrigan was purposely smacked by a combustilble baton on the knee, which was disturbingly planned out by Figure skating American rival Tonya Harding's ex-husband Jeff Gillooly, and her bodyguard, Shawn Eckardt. They ordered a man by the name of Shane Stant, to make the hit on Kerrigan. Harding was not completely guilty and actively tried to cover up the plot. In cruel fashion, Harding won the US Championships while Kerrigan was out of action.
A media frenzy ensues and a court case was taken out against Harding on February 1st, 1994, where she pleaded guilty, but still maintained her innocence, in perhaps a selfish attempt to not receive a jail sentance. Controversially, Tonya Harding was still allowed to participate in the Lillehammer 1994 Olympics, however her career floundered thereafter, and was then banned from figure skating for life, after these events. Harding finished 8th while Kerrigan, not quite the fairytale, but ended in second place for the silver medal, with one of her greatest performances on the ice. Kerrigan was lucky to have recovered from the incident in time for the Winter Olympics.
More off-topic, what was odd about the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics in Norway, was it only came 2 years after the previous 1992 Olympics in Alberville. This was to stop both the Winter and Summer Olympics clashing in the same. They would never of course clash directly, but the thought was, with the close proximity of the looming Summer Olympics, the Winter Olympics, not quite the ratings-winner as the Summer ones, was felt to be overshadowed by it.
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
The Best Skier of All-Time?
ALBERTO TOMBA
Continuing our special focus on the past Winter Olympics from the 20th Century, it was only a matter of time, before we turned to quite simply, the most premier of the Winter and Alpine sports which is skiing. Now Skiing is broken up in different styles of event, featured in this short clip, is one of the most powerful and impressive skiers of all time, Italian Alberto Tomba, at the ultimate peak of his career, winning the gold medal for the Giant Slalom event, and the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Although the commentary is in Italian, that is only second fiddle to the visual aspect of "Tomba la Bomba", mastering the course with great skill in this nice, short clip.
Alberto Tombo, from Castel de Britti, near Bologna won 2 gold medals at the Calgary Olympics for both the "Slalom" and the "Giant Slalom", following a decent Bronze from the 1987 World Championships. He later won another gold medal for the Giant Slalom event and a silver at the regular Slalom, at the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics. His career declined after this year, and only just managed to win a silver for the Slalom at the 1994 Lillehammer event. He peaked once again 1995, with an impressive winning streak and won the World Cup title for the Giant Slalom. Afer a dismal performance at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, including a non-finish (crashing), he hanged up his boots for retirement.
Although it's pretty much the same aspect as Skiing down a hill, there is some difference between the Alpine sports of Downhill, Slalom, Giant Slalom and Mogul Skiing.
Downhill is one of the faster disciplines, starting from the mountain top or "piste", and make your way through the "Gates", which are the gaps between 2 level flags on a flexible pole-like thingy. The ski lengths are larger, hosting more exhilarating speeds than "Slalom".
Slalom is means to zigzag between obstacles. The course is much like Downhill, but the gates are more plentiful and smaller gaps between the gates, so the turns are more trickier. Men's Slalom has more gates than women's skiing.
Giant Slalom is simply the same as Slalom, but the gaps between gates are slightly larger. There is also "Super-G Slalom"...well, that's easy to find out for yourself!
Mogul Skiing is a mix of freestyle and downhill, but this is nowhere near as fast as Downhill. The skiers perform 2 jumps in the battle for points, which involves aerial skills and acrobatics. They then land of very bumpy terrain, and the important factors are not only speed, but keeping your balance.
Continuing our special focus on the past Winter Olympics from the 20th Century, it was only a matter of time, before we turned to quite simply, the most premier of the Winter and Alpine sports which is skiing. Now Skiing is broken up in different styles of event, featured in this short clip, is one of the most powerful and impressive skiers of all time, Italian Alberto Tomba, at the ultimate peak of his career, winning the gold medal for the Giant Slalom event, and the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Although the commentary is in Italian, that is only second fiddle to the visual aspect of "Tomba la Bomba", mastering the course with great skill in this nice, short clip.
Alberto Tombo, from Castel de Britti, near Bologna won 2 gold medals at the Calgary Olympics for both the "Slalom" and the "Giant Slalom", following a decent Bronze from the 1987 World Championships. He later won another gold medal for the Giant Slalom event and a silver at the regular Slalom, at the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics. His career declined after this year, and only just managed to win a silver for the Slalom at the 1994 Lillehammer event. He peaked once again 1995, with an impressive winning streak and won the World Cup title for the Giant Slalom. Afer a dismal performance at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, including a non-finish (crashing), he hanged up his boots for retirement.
Although it's pretty much the same aspect as Skiing down a hill, there is some difference between the Alpine sports of Downhill, Slalom, Giant Slalom and Mogul Skiing.
Downhill is one of the faster disciplines, starting from the mountain top or "piste", and make your way through the "Gates", which are the gaps between 2 level flags on a flexible pole-like thingy. The ski lengths are larger, hosting more exhilarating speeds than "Slalom".
Slalom is means to zigzag between obstacles. The course is much like Downhill, but the gates are more plentiful and smaller gaps between the gates, so the turns are more trickier. Men's Slalom has more gates than women's skiing.
Giant Slalom is simply the same as Slalom, but the gaps between gates are slightly larger. There is also "Super-G Slalom"...well, that's easy to find out for yourself!
Mogul Skiing is a mix of freestyle and downhill, but this is nowhere near as fast as Downhill. The skiers perform 2 jumps in the battle for points, which involves aerial skills and acrobatics. They then land of very bumpy terrain, and the important factors are not only speed, but keeping your balance.
Monday, 15 February 2010
East vs. West on Ice
1960 Winter Olympics USA vs. USSR
In 1960, many people around the world, feared the nuclear arms race between the 2 superpowers the USA and the USSR would likely culiminate into the war that would end all wars, before being nuked into oblivion. Thankfully the only contest fought between the 2 were taken place on an Ice Hockey rink. Taking place before "The Cold War" really peaked, with the rise of the Berlin Wall in 1961 and the "Cuban Missile Crisis" in 1962, here we witness the sporting rivalry between the 2 nations, that expanded into a fight for the most gold-winning nation of the 1960 Winter Olympics held in Squaw Valley in California.
In this match, the USA defeat the Soviet Union 3-2. Compared to other games played in this tournament, this was a pretty low-scoring game. The USA won all their games from group qualifiers to the final five group to claim the gold medal. They defeated the likes of other giants of the game such as, Canada, Czechoslovakia and Sweden. Canada eventually claimed silver, and USSR claimed bronze, winning both preliminary games, but only winning 2 games in the final five, including one tie game.
Looking at the bigger picture, the roles are reversed, and it was the Soviet Union that came out on tops in the overall medal league with seven gold medals, 3 over the second placed Germany, while the USA lie in third place with 3 gold medals.
In 1960, many people around the world, feared the nuclear arms race between the 2 superpowers the USA and the USSR would likely culiminate into the war that would end all wars, before being nuked into oblivion. Thankfully the only contest fought between the 2 were taken place on an Ice Hockey rink. Taking place before "The Cold War" really peaked, with the rise of the Berlin Wall in 1961 and the "Cuban Missile Crisis" in 1962, here we witness the sporting rivalry between the 2 nations, that expanded into a fight for the most gold-winning nation of the 1960 Winter Olympics held in Squaw Valley in California.
In this match, the USA defeat the Soviet Union 3-2. Compared to other games played in this tournament, this was a pretty low-scoring game. The USA won all their games from group qualifiers to the final five group to claim the gold medal. They defeated the likes of other giants of the game such as, Canada, Czechoslovakia and Sweden. Canada eventually claimed silver, and USSR claimed bronze, winning both preliminary games, but only winning 2 games in the final five, including one tie game.
Looking at the bigger picture, the roles are reversed, and it was the Soviet Union that came out on tops in the overall medal league with seven gold medals, 3 over the second placed Germany, while the USA lie in third place with 3 gold medals.
Sunday, 14 February 2010
All the Best Eddie!
Calgary 1988 Opening Ceremony Highlights
If you have recently enjoyed the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, then why not compare and contrast with the last Winter Olympics in Canada? Also situated in the west of the country, Calgary welcomes the world to all favourite quad-annually portions of Downhill Skiing, the Ski Jump, Slalom, Bobsleigh, Speed Skating, Ice Skating, Biathlon, the Luge and Curling. I'm sure I've missed a few others.
We're sure they have full explainations, but the Opening Ceremony highlights consist of dancing dinosaurs breaking out of eggs, Canadian cowboy drum/percussion bands, celebrating the heritage of the state, you know, some more cowboys, Native Indians and not forgetting lasso artists. Balloons of every colour rage into the sky. You can tell by now, compared to recent Opening Ceremonys, are alot more linear, less artistic in production, but dammit when you think about, these tough sports don't really need fluff around the ears to advertise them really.
12 year old figure skater Robyn Perry, lights the Olympic flame. Of course, she did not compete in the actual competition.
Held in Calgary, Alberta the 15th Winter Olympics was held at McMahon stadium. The stadium wasn't built exclusively for the Olympics, as it has been a Canadian Football stadium. Canadian Football is somewhat similar to American Football -they cheat with their hands- but has a larger playing field and a different number of men in a team.
These are highlights of the Opening Ceremony, however also on Youtube, some wonderful person indeed, has uploaded it, in it's full entirety, 33 parts infact. Now I only want to whet your appetite, because I will posting quite a bit more about more Winter Olympics videos in the days and weeks to come.
This is an highlights clip of the opening ceremony, which is not as impressive as Canada's recent effort, but still here for archives sake. The 1988 Olympics contained some amazing achievements, not forgetting the fact, that the host country failed to win a gold medal. However, us Brits think about the tail-end, or the bottom rung of the talent in this edition, our Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards, Britain's best ski-jumper at the time, and the celebrated but unlucky Jamaican Bobsleigh team.
If you have recently enjoyed the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, then why not compare and contrast with the last Winter Olympics in Canada? Also situated in the west of the country, Calgary welcomes the world to all favourite quad-annually portions of Downhill Skiing, the Ski Jump, Slalom, Bobsleigh, Speed Skating, Ice Skating, Biathlon, the Luge and Curling. I'm sure I've missed a few others.
We're sure they have full explainations, but the Opening Ceremony highlights consist of dancing dinosaurs breaking out of eggs, Canadian cowboy drum/percussion bands, celebrating the heritage of the state, you know, some more cowboys, Native Indians and not forgetting lasso artists. Balloons of every colour rage into the sky. You can tell by now, compared to recent Opening Ceremonys, are alot more linear, less artistic in production, but dammit when you think about, these tough sports don't really need fluff around the ears to advertise them really.
12 year old figure skater Robyn Perry, lights the Olympic flame. Of course, she did not compete in the actual competition.
Held in Calgary, Alberta the 15th Winter Olympics was held at McMahon stadium. The stadium wasn't built exclusively for the Olympics, as it has been a Canadian Football stadium. Canadian Football is somewhat similar to American Football -they cheat with their hands- but has a larger playing field and a different number of men in a team.
These are highlights of the Opening Ceremony, however also on Youtube, some wonderful person indeed, has uploaded it, in it's full entirety, 33 parts infact. Now I only want to whet your appetite, because I will posting quite a bit more about more Winter Olympics videos in the days and weeks to come.
This is an highlights clip of the opening ceremony, which is not as impressive as Canada's recent effort, but still here for archives sake. The 1988 Olympics contained some amazing achievements, not forgetting the fact, that the host country failed to win a gold medal. However, us Brits think about the tail-end, or the bottom rung of the talent in this edition, our Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards, Britain's best ski-jumper at the time, and the celebrated but unlucky Jamaican Bobsleigh team.
Friday, 12 February 2010
Scrummy Scrum Action 50 Years ago
Challenge Cup Finals 1960-62
Alright, that post title sounded a bit gay. Anyway, our first Rugby post before we descend into Winter Olympics hysteria(!) for the Sports section. It;s hard to believe that 1960 is now 50 years ago, the decade of peace and love. This is good old classic footage from the Challenge Cup Finals 1960, 1961 and 1962. This is an annual knock-out tournament for the Rugby Football League, and it is still running today. The competition between British clubs was founded back in 1896.
This clip seems to a be a more recent recording, harking back to the 1960's, like a VHS compilation perhaps. Notice in the clip,s how bare the Rugby pitch is, in the meaning of there being no sign of any advertising boards or pitch ads. If you watch the clip, you'll find out the scores, but here are the line-ups:
1960: Wakefield Trinity vs. Hull
1961: St.Helens vs. Wigan
1962: Wakefield Trinity vs. Huddersfield
Alright, that post title sounded a bit gay. Anyway, our first Rugby post before we descend into Winter Olympics hysteria(!) for the Sports section. It;s hard to believe that 1960 is now 50 years ago, the decade of peace and love. This is good old classic footage from the Challenge Cup Finals 1960, 1961 and 1962. This is an annual knock-out tournament for the Rugby Football League, and it is still running today. The competition between British clubs was founded back in 1896.
This clip seems to a be a more recent recording, harking back to the 1960's, like a VHS compilation perhaps. Notice in the clip,s how bare the Rugby pitch is, in the meaning of there being no sign of any advertising boards or pitch ads. If you watch the clip, you'll find out the scores, but here are the line-ups:
1960: Wakefield Trinity vs. Hull
1961: St.Helens vs. Wigan
1962: Wakefield Trinity vs. Huddersfield
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
"You CANNOT Be Serious!" Vs. The Iceman
Borg McEnroe Match Points 1980
The last 5 mins of an epic 1980 Wimbledon Men Singles final between the mouthy American John McEnroe and the calm and collected Swede Björn Borg. This is the fifth and final set!
This was Borg's fifth consecutive Wimbledon title and his last Grandslam title to be won. He reached the following year's Wimbledon Final, with an almighty winning streak of 41 matches at Wimbledon, however he lost to McEnroe this time.
Tennis is Sport which can sometimes have a bizarre player shelf life. Björn Borg retired at the age of 26 in 1983, really an age where you are still at you're physical peak. It was after another defeat to McEnroe at the US Open in 1981, that seemed to take the biscuit, and he gradually became more inactive throughout 1982 with no Grandslam tournaments attended. Borg actually made a comeback in 1991, but lost every match playing in ATP tournaments from 91-93. Borg now appears on the Senior circuit, sometimes playing McEnroe, fiery as ever, which was a legendary rivalry in the late-70's and early 80's for the sport of tennis.
The last 5 mins of an epic 1980 Wimbledon Men Singles final between the mouthy American John McEnroe and the calm and collected Swede Björn Borg. This is the fifth and final set!
This was Borg's fifth consecutive Wimbledon title and his last Grandslam title to be won. He reached the following year's Wimbledon Final, with an almighty winning streak of 41 matches at Wimbledon, however he lost to McEnroe this time.
Tennis is Sport which can sometimes have a bizarre player shelf life. Björn Borg retired at the age of 26 in 1983, really an age where you are still at you're physical peak. It was after another defeat to McEnroe at the US Open in 1981, that seemed to take the biscuit, and he gradually became more inactive throughout 1982 with no Grandslam tournaments attended. Borg actually made a comeback in 1991, but lost every match playing in ATP tournaments from 91-93. Borg now appears on the Senior circuit, sometimes playing McEnroe, fiery as ever, which was a legendary rivalry in the late-70's and early 80's for the sport of tennis.
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Thrashed, Mullered, Destroyed...
Leeds United 7 - 0 Southampton - 1971/72 - First Division
Leeds United thrash Southampton 7-0 at Elland Road in a chilly February Division One match. Featuring a feast of goals from the likes of Jack Charlton, a couple of goals from Scottish striker Peter Lorimer, English forward Mick Jones and features one of the club's most famous players, Billy Bremner, giving us a talking-head round-up of his view of the match. Commentary from Barry Davies. Clip seems to be taken from either "Match of the Day", but seems most likely a documentary.
1972 was part of great era of the early-60's to mid-70's, Leeds United enjoyed under the management of Don Revie, who turned the team around from a struggling relegation Division Two, to a team that never failed to finish below 4th place in the top division, the First Division. The enjoyed league wins in 1968–69 and 1973–74 seasons, as well as cup win under their belt, coming close to European success, falling to A.C MIlan in 1973 in the final of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, and also to Bayern Munich in 1975. After Revie resigned as manager, the club's fortunes spiralled, despite having the like of Brian Clough in charge, with a disasterous start to the new season, both on and off the pitch, and Cloughie only lasted 44 days in 1974.
Southampton had been in the First Division since 1966, and had been moderately successful, finishing high enough to play in Europe. 1972 isn't a well-remembered year for the Saints, as it was the tipping point for their relegation from the First Division in 1974.
Leeds United thrash Southampton 7-0 at Elland Road in a chilly February Division One match. Featuring a feast of goals from the likes of Jack Charlton, a couple of goals from Scottish striker Peter Lorimer, English forward Mick Jones and features one of the club's most famous players, Billy Bremner, giving us a talking-head round-up of his view of the match. Commentary from Barry Davies. Clip seems to be taken from either "Match of the Day", but seems most likely a documentary.
1972 was part of great era of the early-60's to mid-70's, Leeds United enjoyed under the management of Don Revie, who turned the team around from a struggling relegation Division Two, to a team that never failed to finish below 4th place in the top division, the First Division. The enjoyed league wins in 1968–69 and 1973–74 seasons, as well as cup win under their belt, coming close to European success, falling to A.C MIlan in 1973 in the final of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, and also to Bayern Munich in 1975. After Revie resigned as manager, the club's fortunes spiralled, despite having the like of Brian Clough in charge, with a disasterous start to the new season, both on and off the pitch, and Cloughie only lasted 44 days in 1974.
Southampton had been in the First Division since 1966, and had been moderately successful, finishing high enough to play in Europe. 1972 isn't a well-remembered year for the Saints, as it was the tipping point for their relegation from the First Division in 1974.
Monday, 18 January 2010
Learn to Chuck an Arra' with Cheeky Chappie Eric Bristow
Darts - The Crafty Cockney Way Part 1
Another youtube video from the world of darts, but this time a more meaty offer. "Darts - The Crafty Cockney Way" is presented by blonde-dyed Darts legend Eric Bristow (nicknamed the Crafty Cockney, yes). This is the first part of 5, of a full VHS introduction into playing Darts efficiently. It outlines the whole basics of the sport, with a male/female couple of unknown Darters demonstrating how to throw and balance your body. If you're not interested in that, there are some archive footage near the start, of Bristow winning his 5 World Embassy Tournament wins in 1980, 1981, 1984, 1985 and 1986, as well as some 1988 and 1989 coverage later on. Some soundbites from other darters like Jocky Wilson, Cliff Lazarenko and Paul Lim.
The programme itself, seems to be quite Americanised, I can just tell from that typical 80's background music and the graphics. Not forgetting the American voiceover, and there is a section about American Cricket. What is that? A mixture of Touchdowns and wickets? No, it's a completely unrelated Darts game popular in the States where you only use about half the board numbers (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20), and roughly it's about trying to eliminate your opponent, by closing/shutting out the numbers and their trebles and singles. OK, let's not bore you about that, but it's a bare-back introduction to Darts with a few titbits of talking heads, and it's still a gem of a find in youtube terms.
Another youtube video from the world of darts, but this time a more meaty offer. "Darts - The Crafty Cockney Way" is presented by blonde-dyed Darts legend Eric Bristow (nicknamed the Crafty Cockney, yes). This is the first part of 5, of a full VHS introduction into playing Darts efficiently. It outlines the whole basics of the sport, with a male/female couple of unknown Darters demonstrating how to throw and balance your body. If you're not interested in that, there are some archive footage near the start, of Bristow winning his 5 World Embassy Tournament wins in 1980, 1981, 1984, 1985 and 1986, as well as some 1988 and 1989 coverage later on. Some soundbites from other darters like Jocky Wilson, Cliff Lazarenko and Paul Lim.
The programme itself, seems to be quite Americanised, I can just tell from that typical 80's background music and the graphics. Not forgetting the American voiceover, and there is a section about American Cricket. What is that? A mixture of Touchdowns and wickets? No, it's a completely unrelated Darts game popular in the States where you only use about half the board numbers (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20), and roughly it's about trying to eliminate your opponent, by closing/shutting out the numbers and their trebles and singles. OK, let's not bore you about that, but it's a bare-back introduction to Darts with a few titbits of talking heads, and it's still a gem of a find in youtube terms.
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
The LAST TIME All the Greatest Darters Were Under One Roof...
The Lakeside - 1993
As we currently have the BDO Darts tournament at Lakeside on the box right now, here's a blast from the past highlight reel of the 1993 tournament. Been watching the Lakeside Darts over the recent years? Noticed it's just not somehow got that same magic feeling? No Phil Taylor, no Eric Bristow and no Raymond Van Barneveld? Well, the 1993 Embassy tournament at Lakeside was probably the last undisputed World Darts championship, before, an unprecented split occured, as an army of some of the most well-known players including an impressive embargo of all previous active Embassy champions, who left to join the PDC. This was in reflection that the BDO (British Darts Organisation), was not doing enough to modernise the pub sport into an international professional sport, and we're not talking about forcing darter's to downsize their beer bellies. Also ratings were down, and the image of the beer drinking/smoking Darts "athlete", was thought to be perhaps the cause.
By the time of this 1993 tournament, the 16 unsettled professional Dart players were refused to wear the logo of their newly formed inner-faction the "World Darts Council" on their shirts. The BDO, rather bullish and old-fashioned, banned the players from BDO competition, as they complained of their Council not being recognised. The 16 players were Phil Taylor, Dennis Priestley, Rod Harrington, Alan Warriner, Peter Evison, Richie Gardner, Jocky Wilson, Eric Bristow, Keith Deller, John Lowe, Bob Anderson, Cliff Lazarenko, Kevin Spiolek, Jamie Harvey, Mike Gregory and Chris Johns.
So they set up their own Darts organisation called the PDC, and their first World Championship would be televised on Sky Sports in 1994. Since then, the PDC have risen from peak to peak, now over-taking the BDO in talent. However, the BDO are still regarded by all, that it is the Government body of UK Darts.
The song in this compliation is the appropiately title of Queen's "The Show Must Go On". I know for fact, this is not a fan-made compiliation, but it featured in the BBC's 1996 Embassy coverage, as a historical montage, rather random though.
As we currently have the BDO Darts tournament at Lakeside on the box right now, here's a blast from the past highlight reel of the 1993 tournament. Been watching the Lakeside Darts over the recent years? Noticed it's just not somehow got that same magic feeling? No Phil Taylor, no Eric Bristow and no Raymond Van Barneveld? Well, the 1993 Embassy tournament at Lakeside was probably the last undisputed World Darts championship, before, an unprecented split occured, as an army of some of the most well-known players including an impressive embargo of all previous active Embassy champions, who left to join the PDC. This was in reflection that the BDO (British Darts Organisation), was not doing enough to modernise the pub sport into an international professional sport, and we're not talking about forcing darter's to downsize their beer bellies. Also ratings were down, and the image of the beer drinking/smoking Darts "athlete", was thought to be perhaps the cause.
By the time of this 1993 tournament, the 16 unsettled professional Dart players were refused to wear the logo of their newly formed inner-faction the "World Darts Council" on their shirts. The BDO, rather bullish and old-fashioned, banned the players from BDO competition, as they complained of their Council not being recognised. The 16 players were Phil Taylor, Dennis Priestley, Rod Harrington, Alan Warriner, Peter Evison, Richie Gardner, Jocky Wilson, Eric Bristow, Keith Deller, John Lowe, Bob Anderson, Cliff Lazarenko, Kevin Spiolek, Jamie Harvey, Mike Gregory and Chris Johns.
So they set up their own Darts organisation called the PDC, and their first World Championship would be televised on Sky Sports in 1994. Since then, the PDC have risen from peak to peak, now over-taking the BDO in talent. However, the BDO are still regarded by all, that it is the Government body of UK Darts.
The song in this compliation is the appropiately title of Queen's "The Show Must Go On". I know for fact, this is not a fan-made compiliation, but it featured in the BBC's 1996 Embassy coverage, as a historical montage, rather random though.
Sunday, 3 January 2010
Tragedy Ensues at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix...
Murray Walker announces Roland Ratzenberger's Death
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT1ysM7NgyY
1994 was a year of real tragedy for Formula One, as the BBC's Murray Walker, announces the death of the Austrian driver Roland Ratzenberger, when crashed in the qualifying on Saturday 30th April. The motor was offset by the high wind pressure during a backstraight, and crashed into a wall, dying of basal skull fracture. This was not the first death of an F1 driver since 1986, and more shock was to come, as 3-time world F1 champion Ayrton Senna crashed and died at the same course, the following day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT1ysM7NgyY
1994 was a year of real tragedy for Formula One, as the BBC's Murray Walker, announces the death of the Austrian driver Roland Ratzenberger, when crashed in the qualifying on Saturday 30th April. The motor was offset by the high wind pressure during a backstraight, and crashed into a wall, dying of basal skull fracture. This was not the first death of an F1 driver since 1986, and more shock was to come, as 3-time world F1 champion Ayrton Senna crashed and died at the same course, the following day.
Saturday, 26 December 2009
Boxing, Literally...on Boxing Day
Classic Tyson.Bruno vs Tyson part 1 of 2
Or really just an excuse to extend my wafer-thin, stick-thin sports clips on this blog so far. Still a beloved favourite of the British public, a 28 year-old Frank Bruno faces one of Boxing's most feared slugger, American "Iron" Mike Tyson. By this point, Tyson was at his peak of prowess, being an undisputed champion and undefeated, a tremendous feat for a 22 year-old. Tyson beforehand, became the only man to ever knock out other Boxing legend Larry Holmes, and finished off Michael Spinks in his last ever Boxing match.
Frank Bruno's jovial personality hit the right notes with the British public, although at the time, having never won a professional Boxing Championship belt. By the time of this match, Bruno had suffered a couple of losses, not to mention a 21 match undefeated winning streak in the early 80's.
This is the full match in 2 parts with American commentary. Our poor Bruno, although with a great early flare in the 1st Round, Tyson is just too powerful and aggressive. Bruno lacked endurance, due to his bodymass, which caught up with him here.
Bruno and Tyson met again in 1995, although a much more dissappointing affair for Bruno, this time having carried the WBC title.
Or really just an excuse to extend my wafer-thin, stick-thin sports clips on this blog so far. Still a beloved favourite of the British public, a 28 year-old Frank Bruno faces one of Boxing's most feared slugger, American "Iron" Mike Tyson. By this point, Tyson was at his peak of prowess, being an undisputed champion and undefeated, a tremendous feat for a 22 year-old. Tyson beforehand, became the only man to ever knock out other Boxing legend Larry Holmes, and finished off Michael Spinks in his last ever Boxing match.
Frank Bruno's jovial personality hit the right notes with the British public, although at the time, having never won a professional Boxing Championship belt. By the time of this match, Bruno had suffered a couple of losses, not to mention a 21 match undefeated winning streak in the early 80's.
This is the full match in 2 parts with American commentary. Our poor Bruno, although with a great early flare in the 1st Round, Tyson is just too powerful and aggressive. Bruno lacked endurance, due to his bodymass, which caught up with him here.
Bruno and Tyson met again in 1995, although a much more dissappointing affair for Bruno, this time having carried the WBC title.
Saturday, 19 December 2009
Youtube Sports Sweepstake
The umpteenth edition of the Sweepstake series, this time for sport.
Gary Newbon & Jimmy Greaves Football argument Central TV 1983
Let's start off with a lesser-known gem. An argument ensues over whether injustice is being served in Football, when it comes to there being no TV evidence or replay, that a referee and double check with, in certain events in a football match, because even with the ref and linesman monitoring, they still can't see everything, as the view may be obscured by a crowded penalty box.
Gary Newbon in this argument, supports a call for TV evidence, while Greaves is against, as the coverage could be prone to edit and interference. Greaves also attacks Newbon's personal favourite team Birmingham City, in a heated moment. The youtube user claims their friendship was ended after this. Can anybody clarify this? Comment if you know, folks!
Torvill & Dean - 1984 Olympics - Bolero - HQ
Historic moment for Britain at the 1984 Winter Olympics. Probably our most celebrated Gold Medal at the Winter Games. Now 25 years ago, Jean Torvill and Christopher Dean achieved an all-perfect score in Sarajevo. 12 sets of 6.0 for Maurice Ravel's "Bolero"! Never been achieved before or since. The couple won a bronze at the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics, and can now be seen on celebrity talent show "Dancing On Ice" on ITV, on round about February every year, and they are the mentors.
Did Torvill and Dean ever get it together. Rumours were rife, at the time afterwards, and the answer was simply no., although many wanted to believe it. The 2 managed on a business only basis, but it is a true friendship. Dean married French Canadian World Ice Dance Champion Isabelle Duchesnay in 1991, but divorced in 1993. He then went on to marry second wife, US skater Jill Trenary, in 1994. Torvill has been happily married to Phil Christensen, since 1990.
BBC Grandstand April 1990
This clip is a brilliant flashback to an age before the Premiership, the ridiculously high wages and the multi-million foreign chairmen that make teams into overnight sensations. The now elusive Bob Wilson presents the league standings at the end of Saturday matchday. Spot the teams that are now Premiership regulars like Bolton Wanderers, in the lower divisions, and the others in their former glories like Norwich City, Sheffield Wednesday and Wimbledon.
Not to mention the great instrumental track from Bruce Hornsby and the Range's "That's Just the Way It is".
Gary Newbon & Jimmy Greaves Football argument Central TV 1983
Let's start off with a lesser-known gem. An argument ensues over whether injustice is being served in Football, when it comes to there being no TV evidence or replay, that a referee and double check with, in certain events in a football match, because even with the ref and linesman monitoring, they still can't see everything, as the view may be obscured by a crowded penalty box.
Gary Newbon in this argument, supports a call for TV evidence, while Greaves is against, as the coverage could be prone to edit and interference. Greaves also attacks Newbon's personal favourite team Birmingham City, in a heated moment. The youtube user claims their friendship was ended after this. Can anybody clarify this? Comment if you know, folks!
Torvill & Dean - 1984 Olympics - Bolero - HQ
Historic moment for Britain at the 1984 Winter Olympics. Probably our most celebrated Gold Medal at the Winter Games. Now 25 years ago, Jean Torvill and Christopher Dean achieved an all-perfect score in Sarajevo. 12 sets of 6.0 for Maurice Ravel's "Bolero"! Never been achieved before or since. The couple won a bronze at the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics, and can now be seen on celebrity talent show "Dancing On Ice" on ITV, on round about February every year, and they are the mentors.
Did Torvill and Dean ever get it together. Rumours were rife, at the time afterwards, and the answer was simply no., although many wanted to believe it. The 2 managed on a business only basis, but it is a true friendship. Dean married French Canadian World Ice Dance Champion Isabelle Duchesnay in 1991, but divorced in 1993. He then went on to marry second wife, US skater Jill Trenary, in 1994. Torvill has been happily married to Phil Christensen, since 1990.
BBC Grandstand April 1990
This clip is a brilliant flashback to an age before the Premiership, the ridiculously high wages and the multi-million foreign chairmen that make teams into overnight sensations. The now elusive Bob Wilson presents the league standings at the end of Saturday matchday. Spot the teams that are now Premiership regulars like Bolton Wanderers, in the lower divisions, and the others in their former glories like Norwich City, Sheffield Wednesday and Wimbledon.
Not to mention the great instrumental track from Bruce Hornsby and the Range's "That's Just the Way It is".
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