Rant 190 8/7/12 Subject: The way we brits support(or don't, as the case may be)

Rant number 190


For anyone who has had their head under a rock for the duration of today, today was the Wimbledon Men's singles final. Nothing too remarkable in general, but augmented somewhat by the fact that it was the first with a Brit in it for donkeys years.

Now, I'm not really one for Tennis, it goes on for a long time, not much really happens, the commentators get far too enthusiastic about everyone and there is far too much towelling down going on (and never the ladies!)

None the less, good on Andy Murray. He's done what Brits have been trying to do for a long time without success, got to the top two. Ultimately, he didn't get the top prize, but none the less - he's done all of us proud.

Have people ever been negative about it though? I can't say that he is a guy who endears me, but bloody hell - does he give it a go.  He doesn't owe anyone anything, other than him self. If he's tried hard and failed against a better opponent, there is no shame in it.

I just don't understand the attitudes being thrown about. Our football team in the Euro's were a bit crap - no other words for it. Nobody then abused them for it.
Andy comes second out of all of those people - against one of the worlds finest tennis players, and gets a bit of a stick.

Way to be supportive Britain.

I hope that it is being done - tongue in cheek only, and that everyone is doing their best to be glad for the guy. He's tried hard and he's fought hard against one of the best, no-one can really fault him for that.

Negativity is fine when its deserved. God knows I'm negative often, but I always try to be fair.

Let him enjoy the moment, god knows he's feeling bad enough about not quite hitting the top.

Rant over.

Rant 44 - 13/2/12 Subject: Martyred celebrity syndrome

Rant number 44


I'm sure you have heard by now that Whitney Houston is dead. Its a sad loss of life at only 48, it really is.

I get that.

What's annoying me though, is the endless talk of her, as if she was a bloody saint. Because- to break a bit of news to you all.

She          just          wasn't.

She was famous for repeated visits to rehab for drug and alcohol addiction. Once again - its sad but true.


Now, todays rant isn't about Whitney. Its just inspired by her - because I am fed up of the sycophantic rubbish that comes along every time a celebrity takes a step too far and dies.

I know it is not traditional, to speak ill of the dead - and I'm not suggesting that anyone spends time speaking about the bad points. What I don't want to hear is endless stories etc about how bloody brilliant they were - with no mention of the darker truth.

If I'm very unfair to Whitney for instance. No-one has spoken her name in any big way in years. She was old news and - following repeated abuse of her body and some resultantly bad concerts, she wasn't going to be making any front pages any time soon. Except for in one situation...

And we know what one that is don't we?

The press at the moment are talking about her as if she was a modern day great, a current shining star. And she just wasn't alas.

Amy Winehouse was unfortunately quite the same. Her career had peaked and was falling and - with her inability to stop snorting, inhaling, injecting and quaffing - it wasn't going anywhere quickly. After though, there was little talk of the truth of her addiction.

What we should all realise, is that just because they are celebrities, it does not mean that they have some armor against the stresses of their chosen profession. The media push them so far that escapism seems to be the only way out for some - with the direst consequences sometimes. They then continue to turn them into saints and martyrs, its just silly.

How about someone talking about the addiction and struggles of Whitney. Why not tell the glazed over masses the truth for a change? How about that?

And worst of all, are the endless notes of condolence, flowers, facebook updates and various other personal messages to someone you don't really know. It just seems to be all about being seen to be caring - as opposed to really having an opinion.

Death is sad, but it happens to us all sooner or later. When a tragedy like this happens, rather than creating a saint, maybe we should take a look at the way we treat our 'stars'

Whitney was the baby of the 80s & 90s, but it didn't last. Imagine being a household name, then being a footnote. It had to hurt.

What a mess.

Rant over.