Comments for Perfection

Comment on Tourism Tragedy by debzw

debzw — Tue, 13 May 2008 22:12:51 +0000

It’s sad that the Government has to “take measures” to protect tourists. But I do not think this problem is one which is only found in India. I have been on holiday to many countries and never had a problem (other than the usual pesky waiters/bar men who are looking for a new “holiday romance” every week!) with regards to my safety.
I work in an office full of women who are constantly discussing holiday destinations, but there’s always one who says “ooh, no, it’s not safe there.” But these horror stories are never going to put me off visiting a particular country. Is it safe to walk to the local village shop for a bottle of milk after dark? Not anymore! I make sure I feel safe wherever I am. Simple.
And my dad has been to India (on business, not at a tourist) and was treated like royality. Ok, so he’s not a woman, but he came back safe and sound, and with some lovely gifts for me and my mum – sent from his Indian business friends.

Comment on Yet another hurdle. by amyfenton

amyfenton — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:59:17 +0000

One of the main problems with this country, is it appears that those who genuinely need help or want to make a contribution to the UK find it difficult to convince the authorities…whereas those who simple avoid the authorities have no problems whatsoever.

Is it any wonder illegal immegration is such a big problem in our society?

Comment on Tourism Tragedy by amyfenton

amyfenton — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:53:46 +0000

I suppose many tourists now feel unsafe…no matter where they go, including to the UK.

Mind you, as we’ve seen already, there is and always has been an over-riding dominance in the press of “tragic stories”, be they news or feature articles.

So perhaps the lack of safety for tourists isn’t quite as worrying as it really is.

Comment on Falling Babies by amyfenton

amyfenton — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:22:02 +0000

I suppose in a way, it links to the views expressed in the British press that by exposing a child to viruses like colds and coughs, it can enhance their immune system…

The press likes to report on “extraordinary” behaviour in other cultures, but we never really see what people in these other cultures think about our behaviour…

Comment on Battle begins by pickthad

pickthad — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 15:45:34 +0000

Media coverage of the IPL in the British press has largely focused on how this new revolutionary competition threatens to eat away at the heart of the game – how the tournament itinerary clashes with and undermines international and English county cricket.

In doing so it has presented a relatively negative portrait of the Indian Premier League. And in one sense, the trepidation of the British media is valid.

County cricket in England is low on excitement, low on image, and low on sponsorship and television cash injection.

And to make matters worse, the IPL has come along and signed up world stars such as Shane Warne and Shane Bond – players who have lit up county cricket in recent years as part of the one foreign player per team rule.

Fans are now even less likely to follow county cricket when they can watch on Setanta Sports the world’s best compete in Twenty20 matches that are high on quality and entertainment.

Perhaps the IPL is as dangerous phenomenon. It auctions off players to the highest bidder. Players are missing international competition, lured in by astronomical paydays. And it serves as further proof that cricket is giving in to quick, easily digestable two hours matches.

Tradition is giving way to entertainment and ceremony.

But consider the other side of the coin. Cricket has taken off with the introduction of limited over Twenty20 cricket over the last five years. The Twenty-20 World Cup was a huge commercial success and a great boost to the image of the game.

Cricket needs that kind of boost. It needs kids to be entertained, to be inspired to pick up a bat and ball and take up the game for themselves – and on a worldwide scale.

Only then can cricket expand to more nations and become a more competitive game on the international stage.

The IPL can help this happen.

Look at the football Uefa Champions League, where the world’ best players represent the world’s best domestic teams. Success in the competition matches success in the World Cup, and television money and public interest are staggeringly high.

The IPL could well be cricket’s answer to the Champions League.

Cricket is a game of tradition, and that is part of what makes it special. But if it is to live on and flourish in the new business-orientated world of global sport, then it is initiatives like the IPL that need to be embraced.

Comment on Battle begins by nate8steele

nate8steele — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:27:00 +0000

The excitement and energy surrounding the launch of the IPL has been an amazing fillup for international cricket. Twenty20, despite what purists may say, has been the greatest step forward for the game. The enthusiasm and sheer noise of the Indian crowds shames our sleepy and half filled stadiums.