Fields Of Gold

I'm quite looking forward to this World Cup. The last two haven't offered much apart from referees doing all but score themselves to keep South Korea going in 2002, and the most poorly-executed headbutt in history from Zidane last time. But there's a small tingle about this one which is drawing me in.

Plus, Mrs P rang last week primarily to say she had drawn Argentina in her work sweepstake, but also to ask if they are any good - can you tell she doesn't know too much about football?

For a punter like me, there are betting opportunities aplenty for the next month and, as it's a four yearly comp, I can get away with placing them without the usual tutting. Even the righteous have trouble imposing their morals on us during World Cups, although this could be a test case for their increased powers so one never knows. After all, they've already fired an opening salvo.

So enticing is this, that I'd be tempted to watch a couple of games in the pub if I hadn't been made to feel unwelcome in every single one of them. It's the first World Cup since the Health Act, so the half time exoduses would be amusing to see.

All in all, I'm rather in the mood for a bit of rousing football-related music. No, not that Corden rap rubbish - something inspiring whilst also evocative of a time when life was, well, more relaxed.

Shall we? I think it's in order, don't you?

70 Years Of Politics

Compare and contrast.

Politicians responding to swine flu, 2009:

The government is planning to create a series of mass graves to cope with a second outbreak of swine flu in the autumn.

A Home Office document warns that a mass burial site may be needed to cope with the potential crisis.

During the meeting, in which a senior official from Westminster council, gave a presentation, officials discussed the need for cemeteries and crematoriums to work seven days a week and the hiring of extra staff to cope.

Whitehall officials are also speaking to coffin makers to see if they could meet demands.

Retired doctors may also be called back to work to issue death certificates so GPs can focus on patients.

Politician responding to World War II, 1939:

‘War declared.’

Sweet Memories

They brought back Wispa, so couldn't they bring back Fry's Five Centres too?

It was a box of chocolates in a bar. Five centres, but in seven sections so you never knew what mix of flavours you were going to be treated to next. Phased out in 1992, apparently. Shame, as I right fancy one at the moment.