Comments
Real respect for sport can be Olympic legacy
2009-09-04 09:27:34
In Paris for a TV programme, I wake up, get ready to go for a run, then take a look at the pouring rain and decide the hotel gym treadmill might be a better idea. (Cue my favourite treadmill story, about the woman in Texas who tried to recruit me to the George W Bush email prayer group while I was running on one - running on a treadmill, that is, not a woman in Texas).
The Parisian treadmill was not working, so I braved the rain. As often happens, the irritation evaporated quickly and something better than a treadmill jog emerged.
Looking for the Bois de Boulgone, I came across the Parc des Princes, scene of one of the greatest sporting nights of my life when Scotland beat France there thanks to a wondergoal from James MacFadden. I like stadia anyway so idled away a while just running round the perimeter of what used to be the national stadium and is still home to Paris St Germain.
I was running slowly enough - not by choice I'm afraid - to enjoy the exhibition of photographs all around the outside of the stadium. They were effectively a celebration of the stadium, and of sport.
Nearby was also a smaller rugby stadium, home to Stade Francais, so I had a little peek around that. By now I had lost my bearings for the Bois de Boulogne but out of nowhere came a 3-lane, 200-metre all-weather running track attached to Stade Francais, next to a gym and volleyball court. So I pottered round there for a while.
What struck me was not a contrast with London in terms of facilities - we have some of the best stadia in the world, and contrary to the myths peddled using misleading statistics on playing fields, the record of the government in extending sports opportunities is a good one - but the lack of litter, graffiti or vandalism. It tends to be the same at all the little 'stades' you see in towns and villages around France.
Of course France has its economic and social problems the same as we do, but what it says to me is an integral respect for sport and its power to do good. And with the 2012 Olympics round the corner, I hope and believe that such attitudes, ingrained in the British for good, will be part of the legacy.
As for the TV programme, it is a new one being made for Canal Plus, called POPCOM, all about communications issues. The first one, recorded today for broadcast on Sunday, will look among other things at the different ways governments have handled swine flu, and also the vexed question of politicians and their holidays. The 'peg' is the criticism Barack Obama attracted for taking an expensive holiday. Cue memories of all the flak TB took down the years.
If I were Obama, I would ignore the flak and understand that everyone needs a decent break from time to time, especially those whose breaks are always constantly interrupted, as his seems to have been.
The team preparing the programme asked me if GB also got criticised over his holidays. Yes, I said, for not taking enough, and wearing his tie on day trips out. So, when the message is clearly that you can't win whatever you do, best to do what you and your family want, Mr President.
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From India to Iran to Labour witPublish date: 2009-06-15 10:13:17
Memories of Princess DianaPublish date: 2009-06-14 09:54:55
A House Divided?Publish date: 2009-06-13 02:53:47
A humbling NHS experience, a media row and a good GB speechPublish date: 2009-06-12 10:48:46
Psychiatrists heading for relegation in 'disease prestige' league tablePublish date: 2009-06-11 10:25:35
The shrinks awaitPublish date: 2009-06-10 09:44:16
As Obama fights for healthcare, let's celebrate the record herePublish date: 2009-06-09 12:52:55
Anger at BNP seats must be turned into activismPublish date: 2009-06-08 14:11:10
Can today be as frenzied as Friday?Publish date: 2009-06-07 10:31:04
Take heart from a win in LambethPublish date: 2009-06-06 18:46:40
JP is right there was no proper campaign but Tories still weakPublish date: 2009-06-05 13:47:20
Do we care more about the NHS or moats?Publish date: 2009-06-04 00:21:23
Guardian of social justice or attention-seeker?Publish date: 2009-06-03 10:19:33
Who says Britain can't deliver the best?Publish date: 2009-06-02 08:08:38
Mainstream has a duty to vote against BNPPublish date: 2009-06-01 11:03:29
Let Diversity inspire a vote against the hate-filled BNPPublish date: 2009-05-31 12:24:20
White House whack at UK media well-timed but sure to be ignoredPublish date: 2009-05-30 13:41:00
Elvis has a plan to make MPs King againPublish date: 2009-05-29 12:09:44
At least there's a campaign on in ItalyPublish date: 2009-05-28 09:04:32
A blow to gay rights and a boost for Cameron's short-termismPublish date: 2009-05-27 11:27:41
It's my blog and I'll be a big kid if I want toPublish date: 2009-05-26 23:25:58
Highs feel better after so many lowsPublish date: 2009-05-26 10:13:12
Only one present countsPublish date: 2009-05-25 11:05:46
Contrast Cheney and BushPublish date: 2009-05-24 12:11:45
Sex (or at least the female form) obsessed BritainPublish date: 2009-05-23 20:49:57
Sport at both ends of the financial spectrumPublish date: 2009-05-23 09:57:23
Stronger together - whether Scotland or expensesPublish date: 2009-05-22 10:22:36
Back to Number 10, familiar faces, familiar argumentsPublish date: 2009-05-21 10:14:34
Speaking up for ParliamentPublish date: 2009-05-20 11:44:17
Peace in the Middle East - yes he canPublish date: 2009-05-19 09:37:35
Breaking news - one frenzy at a timePublish date: 2009-05-18 10:34:30
Getting a good look at Vince CablePublish date: 2009-05-17 09:36:55
How do you solve a problem like Silvio?Publish date: 2009-05-16 09:32:21
It was the internet wot won itPublish date: 2009-05-15 10:04:57
There now follows ... a good whack at CameronPublish date: 2009-05-14 17:21:28
They got their kit off - so you get your cash outPublish date: 2009-05-14 07:41:11
Expenses row must not obscure Tory intentions on minimum wagePublish date: 2009-05-13 16:12:08
We love you Burnley, we do ... what a nightPublish date: 2009-05-13 02:37:17
A tweet cannot express the wonders of TGVPublish date: 2009-05-12 08:48:31
It's Mind week - Get it off your Chest with me and Stephen FryPublish date: 2009-05-11 06:29:15
Hate the Mail, love ObamaPublish date: 2009-05-10 10:04:00
Burnley 1 Reading 0 - a biased reportPublish date: 2009-05-09 21:26:32
MPs expenses - time for party leaders to meet againPublish date: 2009-05-09 09:50:19
Should happiness replace prosperity as national goal?Publish date: 2009-05-08 08:43:23
Musings from a sleepless nightPublish date: 2009-05-07 07:33:49
Darren Fletcher - an injustice that has to be rightedPublish date: 2009-05-06 09:52:29
Maggie's legacy not as great as she thinksPublish date: 2009-05-05 08:33:02
Here's hoping Cardiff is metaphor for CameronPublish date: 2009-05-04 09:38:30
More Mr Benn and Co pleasePublish date: 2009-05-03 10:03:00
Going Fourth with JPPublish date: 2009-05-02 18:25:41
Journalism - print first, think laterPublish date: 2009-05-02 09:10:01
In praise of two poetsPublish date: 2009-05-01 10:26:36
JP hits the road againPublish date: 2009-04-29 18:52:11
My night with Eddie IzzardPublish date: 2009-04-29 10:53:25
Explaining the 50p top tax ratePublish date: 2009-04-28 09:22:53
George Best and Martin McGuinnessPublish date: 2009-04-27 09:02:35
Cameron confused over indepdendence and impartialityPublish date: 2009-04-26 12:20:56
Guide ro Marathon running part 2Publish date: 2009-04-25 11:01:34
Good signals on coal and the OlympicsPublish date: 2009-04-24 10:45:28
Tips for the London MarathonPublish date: 2009-04-23 17:29:27
Missed the Budget, saw why it matteredPublish date: 2009-04-22 23:09:31
Football good, politics bad. AllegedlyPublish date: 2009-04-22 00:00:24
The Great Wall gets greaterPublish date: 2009-04-21 09:55:22
Two sides to police storyPublish date: 2009-04-20 11:39:54
Budgets, Balls, billionaires and Susan BoylePublish date: 2009-04-19 12:31:45
Do muscles have memories?Publish date: 2009-04-18 09:44:44
Bring back standing at footballPublish date: 2009-04-17 14:50:22
When Facebook friends fall outPublish date: 2009-04-16 12:29:16
Guardian sightings and the email and bath plug agendaPublish date: 2009-04-15 11:32:16
The spin is all in the prismPublish date: 2009-04-14 09:22:41
A setback, not a crisisPublish date: 2009-04-13 12:55:19
The real lessons from Damian McBridePublish date: 2009-04-12 10:49:47
Will English always be the dominant language?Publish date: 2009-04-11 10:02:02
On the pipes and what makes a ScotPublish date: 2009-04-10 11:06:20
John Prescott lazy? NO WAYPublish date: 2009-04-09 09:11:31
David Frost is seventyPublish date: 2009-04-08 08:48:38
The Speaker, BBC2, tonight and tomorrow 8pmPublish date: 2009-04-07 14:25:31
Obama, colds and being woken by Korean missilesPublish date: 2009-04-06 11:59:24
When a call matters more than protocolPublish date: 2009-04-05 11:33:42
Green Cities Champions LeaguePublish date: 2009-04-04 10:19:53
Could Cameron have delivered the G20 deal?Publish date: 2009-04-03 10:11:59
Of Benn and BonoPublish date: 2009-04-02 08:21:16
Memo to Sarko - allez vite a LondresPublish date: 2009-04-01 08:46:17
Happy April Fool's DayPublish date: 2009-04-01 01:44:05
Eurostar, Le Monde and a thought for the G20 sherpasPublish date: 2009-03-31 09:17:22
Why Kevin Rudd made an impactPublish date: 2009-03-30 10:24:41
Pre-G20 hype matters less than post-G20 processPublish date: 2009-03-29 13:17:28
The Damned UnitedPublish date: 2009-03-28 10:37:04
A hobby horse, a plug and a bit of sportPublish date: 2009-03-27 10:22:23
Cloughie - he had a lot to be big-headed aboutPublish date: 2009-03-26 09:38:36
A sad sight of the old fearing the youngPublish date: 2009-03-25 17:03:07
Post-modern, post-structural, or bullshit?Publish date: 2009-03-25 08:18:02
Learning the right lessons from ObamaPublish date: 2009-03-24 08:53:15
Lazy Dave needs to keep an eye on lazy KenPublish date: 2009-03-23 11:16:14
Farewell favourite restaurant, hello hometownPublish date: 2009-03-22 08:18:09
Dave, Danny and have the Tories really changed?Publish date: 2009-03-21 08:55:13
Life beyond Dover ...Publish date: 2009-03-20 10:11:21
My friends in The New Statesman - Fergie, Fiona, Tony, Sarah, Kevin, 'Dacre,' and a great GB idea for the G20Publish date: 2009-03-18 10:38:22
Iraq, Iran, GB, Obama and diplomatic chessPublish date: 2009-03-17 10:07:13
The Age of StupidPublish date: 2009-03-16 08:27:13
Is all change good?Publish date: 2009-03-15 10:00:06
The pressure of being a post-modern sex godPublish date: 2009-03-14 10:00:55
Cameron still hasn't sealed the deal with businessPublish date: 2009-03-13 09:21:49
Stand up for social workersPublish date: 2009-03-12 08:31:17
Surely Malcolm Tucker could have told Armando Ianucci ... You can't spin a spinnerPublish date: 2009-03-11 10:58:25
Start of a new approach from Labour?Publish date: 2009-03-10 09:54:12
A peace process still strongPublish date: 2009-03-09 08:21:05
Day of destiny for the real footballer of the yearPublish date: 2009-03-08 09:21:06
Private advice to Peggy Mitchell - the leaked note in fullPublish date: 2009-03-07 08:17:21
Boris, the Tories and the tummy-tickling poodle pressPublish date: 2009-03-06 09:49:37
A day in the life of the self-obsessed TV reporterPublish date: 2009-03-05 07:55:47
GB - good speech, well deliveredPublish date: 2009-03-04 19:31:05
Notes on the environment, a role in EastEndersPublish date: 2009-03-04 10:58:56
She may be my 'wife' but it is time to rebut!Publish date: 2009-03-03 10:52:59
Some speeches matter more than othersPublish date: 2009-03-02 12:04:45
Mental health and the Carling Cup FinalPublish date: 2009-03-01 09:08:17
Inside the chocolate factoryPublish date: 2009-02-28 10:23:59
GB on the G20, JP on Jeremy KylePublish date: 2009-02-27 09:14:36
Charity and the credit crunch, please give generously!Publish date: 2009-02-26 08:55:12
Why oh why are the Tories not home and dry?Publish date: 2009-02-24 09:44:59
Me, Dermot and ten top songsPublish date: 2009-02-23 10:02:19
Names round-upPublish date: 2009-02-22 08:43:39
What's in a name?Publish date: 2009-02-21 09:58:14
Editing the New StatesmanPublish date: 2009-02-20 11:42:36
Salute Peter M’s proper use of the F wordPublish date: 2009-02-19 09:58:58
Labour's communications challenge for the NHSPublish date: 2009-02-18 10:34:39
In praise of KeighleyPublish date: 2009-02-17 14:33:57
A night at the EmiratesPublish date: 2009-02-17 00:06:51
When marriage is testedPublish date: 2009-02-16 13:36:35
Spare me the myths and the whiningPublish date: 2009-02-15 13:29:50
Dave Cameron - is that all there is?Publish date: 2009-02-14 11:11:55
Boris Johnson: F is for ...Publish date: 2009-02-13 07:55:10
The Cameron vacuumPublish date: 2009-02-12 14:48:33
Lincoln, Obama, Blair and the 24 hour media culturePublish date: 2009-02-11 10:28:47
Eighteen interviews later ...Publish date: 2009-02-10 19:24:45
Time to talk about Time to Change on NewsnightPublish date: 2009-02-09 22:47:49
So that’s what they mean by online community?Publish date: 2009-02-08 12:12:51
First blogPublish date: 2009-02-05 15:23:57
Jane A
2009-09-04 21:12:09Why shouldn't people who work 24/7 under international scrutiny have a decent holiday?
I want my decision makers rested, refreshed & happy, not exhausted and divorced.
Thomas Rossetti
2009-09-04 19:53:10Sorry. Meant to write, "I still think..."
Thomas Rossetti
2009-09-04 15:12:06Interesting post, Alastair!
I've always been staunchly anti-socialist and convinced that places like France are doomed, but whenever I go there, I marvel at how beautiful and functional it seems to be. France does indeed have some very nice municipal stadia, just as it has beautiful towns without identikit shops. (Where in Britain can you find a town without a McDonald's, Marks & Spencer, Pizza Express, WHSmith, Burger King etc.?)
It think that governments in France just care less about what people think. If something is a good idea -- and benefits the country -- they just go ahead and do it. This is why they have a sensible nuclear programme, an incredible high-speed rail link, and managed to build their bit of the channel tunnel *years* before we did.
I still right-wing private enterprise is the best way forward for Britain, but the situation in France certainly makes you think.
Brian Hughes
2009-09-04 12:43:34PS I think it may help that their local councils are relatively free of party politics.
But my perceptions may be clouded by holiday-induced rose-tinted specs and of course l'herbe de l'autre homme semble toujours plus verte
Emilie Perron
2009-09-04 11:08:28Bienvenu en France - si tot apres vos vacances... merci d'avoir reconnu l'importance de nos petites stades. Dommage que c'est Londres et non pas Paris pour 2012. J'aime votre blog et votre roman m'a beaucouip plu. Je regarderai Popcom
Harry G
2009-09-04 11:05:16It helps that Paris has a socialist mayor, not blundering Boris. What I dread about the Olympics is the idea of all the work being done by Blair and then Brown's governments, and Cameron and Johnson lording it. Please God don;t let it happen
Chas
2009-09-04 11:03:43Did you join the prayer group? Did TB?
@jlocke13
2009-09-04 10:32:35As a French resident i look forward to hearing your words of wisdom....The French media were of course obsessed with Sarkozy's holiday plans this summer(or more accurately they are obsessed with his wife Carla Bruni) I see GB braved the Lake District this year..how wonderfully British..Oh and once more I find myself agreeing with you (this must stop) about family first..
Brian Hughes
2009-09-04 10:18:27I'm sure the French structured system of local government helps. Their local councils have much more influence than do our town or parish councils.
Whilst the Départements get on with the dull old business of local government such as emptying the bins and keeping the streetlights lit, these genuinely local councils (which have real powers and significant budgets) take care of the local environment making decisions such as what colour the geraniums in the traffic-calming planters should be and on similarly important (I'm not being completely facetious) local matters.
I was chatting once to a deputy mayor in Provence (comme on fait) and he explained how the system helps to nip low-level antisocial behaviour in the bud. Because people feel genuinely involved in decisions about their local environment they are more likely to help in its protection.
Our, typically British, hotch-potch of local government with its muddle of one, two and three tier arrangements seems far less engaging (but, alas, almost impossible to reform - there's far too much inertia, "the old ways are the best")...
Trevor Malcolm, Portsmouth Hampshire
2009-09-04 09:30:58BEEF UP SAYING HOW GRATEFUL YOU FEEL
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SIR: your blog observations, 1 September, “No Worries” possibly ousting thank you out of pole position as an expression of gratitude, yes, abit of eavesdropping today confirmed your worst suspicions
And it’s got to stop. It’s a pleasure to leave comment here, because you, sir, are a Gentleman-Blogger. Whereas other bloggers are virtually the doolally Village Idiot incarnate. Therefore, like me, know jacksh*t ‘bout nuffinck to speak of
I sense an urgent need for a fresh approach to politeness. For example, during today, when I did say “thank you” I sounded like a Complete Wuss. Lifeless, and limp as the local vicar’s handshake, with “you’re welcome” – I fared no better
So, no choice but to retreat, in search of fresh strategy. First, I wondered what outcome do we expect from these daily micro-interactions with folks we hardly know?
Suppose my very life depended on making the next human being I bumped into feel “juiced, emotionally juiced, in the moment” – that means, for me to feel alive, I have to fulfil their basic psychological need for significance, to acknowledge their importance, right? Proof they matter
But those poor devils, out there. After yet another grim, bleak, long Monday at the office, shuffling paperwork, and knowing worse follows all week till Friday, hell, we’d ALL yearn for a moment that makes us feel like someone extra-special
For instance, say you’re a supermarket shopgirl, stuck behind a counter in front of a till, checking out barcodes on junk food all day. Yet, chances are, you mostly get ignored by the very customers you’re serving. Bewildering, that
Nor do they need “no worries” and “thank you” expressions. Prolonged eye-contact, perhaps? Mmm, that sounds more promising, if appropriate. Paying them one genuine compliment? Now, you’re talking. Getting better
If a muffled “thank ya” is the best gratitude we can muster, then bland, unsmiling silence in response is about as much “response” as we deserve. Didn’t going to school teach us to try that little bit harder? We were told “politeness costs nothing” - remember? Same goes for compliments, I’d guess. Ironically, when they connect, they make YOU feel better, in return
Why’s that, then? Maybe because the special quality of such day-to-day, mini-exchanges is in direct proportion to the amount of your Self you are willing to share with other people. Sharing produces that synergy where one plus another one equals beyond a mere two. Far beyond, especially if, given time, you get exceptionally good at it
In the anecdote you relate, (your blog, same day, 1 September), getting the bottled water you asked for, from the Lady of Primrose Hill, then mechanically blurting out a muffled “ffanks, love” may’ve made you sound like the Complete Wuss my own experiments today made me feel
Instead of expecting something quotable and legendary, in response to my grunted mutter, I propose to give more first, then maybe get something back later. Yes, I really am that naïve. Or else it’s your own Life you ruin, if you can’t be arsed to apply wiser strategies
So, next time you petition the Lady of Primrose Hill would she please condescend to allow a Thirsty Soul like yours, to purchase bottled water, let your mindset think more resourcefully and elegantly first
Only then, open your mouth and speak more eloquently from there. There, you can feel the difference. Oh, unless you’re racked with self-doubt. And renowned for your self-effacing humility and nervous modesty. But hey, you aren’t. Or are you?
Trevor Malcolm
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