Given the Steelers thrive on their balanced attack, the nod for out-and-out receiving prowess has to go to Green Bay, who are, if nothing else, an aerial unit.
Greg Jennings and Donald Driver provide Aaron Rodgers with two of the very best deep threats in the league. They are tall, rangy, speedy, and possess sticky hands – perfect weapons in a game that could be decided or saved by a last-minute Hail Mary drive.
Although most of a team’s passing success can be attributed to the play and composure – especially in big games – of the Quarterback, every so often a great passer and a great pass-catcher come together to create something special. A good receiver can make a difference on his own, but it will be limited by the positions his QB puts him in. With Rodgers and Jennings, the Packers have a combo to rival the modern day tandems of Brady and Welker, Schaub and Johnson, Rivers and Jackson, and past master-duos such as Aikman and Irvine, Montana and Rice, and Warner and Fitzgerald.
What the Packers don’t want to do – as I believe the Jets did – is underestimate the consistency and toughness of the Pittsburgh pass-catchers. When the Jets kicked the ball away in the fourth quarter, allowing Pittsburgh the chance to drive down the field and run out the clock, they neglected to factor that the team they were facing is one of the best in short yardage situations. Hines Ward is a machine over the middle. He can catch and muscle with the best of them and is a good bet to hold on to the football even when snatching in traffic.
The Pittsburgh receivers are good additions to a ground and pound kind of game that has been given the youthful injection it needed by Rashard Mendenhall after the departure of Super Bowl record-setter, Willie Parker. Tomorrow we’ll look into the position of Running Back in more depth,
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Monday, 31 January 2011
Sunday, 30 January 2011
Super Bowl XLV Preview 1.2: Quarterbacks…
Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger
With two Super Bowl titles (XL & XLIII) to his name already, Big Ben’s career resume is glittering, but his reputation is tarnished due to off-field issues ranging from drunken, inappropriate behaviour, alleged sexual misdemeanours and traffic incidents. Personally, I don’t think the gossip surrounding Ben’s behaviour has much foundation – he seems like too nice a guy and I reckon he’s only been fined for bringing the league into disrepute – something totally out of his control if the vicious rumours handed to the press by money-hungry girls prove to be false or exaggerated.
He’s a big time football star: that doesn’t give him the right to misbehave, but it does make him vulnerable in all sorts of ways. Temptations are manifold for a young man of physical and occupational stature, and those he declines are as real as the press need them to be as soon as they find a mouthpiece with which they can accuse. So the question people may ask, given the tumultuous season Roethlisberger has endured (serving a four game suspension as the curtain raised) is whether he has the mettle to stand tall in his third Super Bowl appearance?
I think he does.
Big Ben has, since he exploded onto the scene when Tommy Maddox went down, leading the Steelers to a league-best 15-1 record and the AFC Championship game, been a solid, driving force of this team; the heartbeat of the offence, he is the reason they have two Super Bowls and a league-leading 6 in total.
He is the reason this team plays tough, smash mouth football: it’s his style; his personality. When that kind of toughness and aggression comes from a QB, other teams better watch out. Roethlisberger will be calm, cool and collected in this game. He will make things happen. He will not be the reason his team loses and, if they win, it could very well be thanks to the hands of the man who has made Super Bowl MVPs 2 receivers.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
With two Super Bowl titles (XL & XLIII) to his name already, Big Ben’s career resume is glittering, but his reputation is tarnished due to off-field issues ranging from drunken, inappropriate behaviour, alleged sexual misdemeanours and traffic incidents. Personally, I don’t think the gossip surrounding Ben’s behaviour has much foundation – he seems like too nice a guy and I reckon he’s only been fined for bringing the league into disrepute – something totally out of his control if the vicious rumours handed to the press by money-hungry girls prove to be false or exaggerated.
He’s a big time football star: that doesn’t give him the right to misbehave, but it does make him vulnerable in all sorts of ways. Temptations are manifold for a young man of physical and occupational stature, and those he declines are as real as the press need them to be as soon as they find a mouthpiece with which they can accuse. So the question people may ask, given the tumultuous season Roethlisberger has endured (serving a four game suspension as the curtain raised) is whether he has the mettle to stand tall in his third Super Bowl appearance?
I think he does.
Big Ben has, since he exploded onto the scene when Tommy Maddox went down, leading the Steelers to a league-best 15-1 record and the AFC Championship game, been a solid, driving force of this team; the heartbeat of the offence, he is the reason they have two Super Bowls and a league-leading 6 in total.
He is the reason this team plays tough, smash mouth football: it’s his style; his personality. When that kind of toughness and aggression comes from a QB, other teams better watch out. Roethlisberger will be calm, cool and collected in this game. He will make things happen. He will not be the reason his team loses and, if they win, it could very well be thanks to the hands of the man who has made Super Bowl MVPs 2 receivers.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Saturday, 29 January 2011
Super Bowl XLV Preview 1.1: Quarterbacks…
Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers is the player of the moment. Every year, around this time, a champion comes to the fore; a team gels at the perfect juncture; destiny comes a calling.
The 2007 New York Giants won the NFC from 6th seed. Despite their heroic, road warrior effort, many, nay, most, assumed their endeavour would culminate with a loss to the undefeated (at that point 18-0) New England Patriots. Of course, as history will recall, it didn’t: the Giants won in the most unexpected fashion.
So there is a precedent for such underdog victories…but here’s the rub: despite not having won a Super Bowl since Brett Favre led the Packers over the Patriots at the end of the ’96 season (and Adam Vinatieri’s first, giving him an amazing 6 Super Bowl appearances and 4 wins – random trivia for you), and despite facing a team that have 2 of the last 5 Lombardi trophies gathering dust in their locker room, and despite being the sixth seeds and worn ragged from a three game cross country slog, they are actually the favourites to win this one.
I am surrounded by a warm glow at the thought of the Packers winning after calling it from the offseason, but I never anticipated the Steelers would be standing in their way*: the Steelers, the possessors of one of the NFL’s most vaunted defences; they play football twice a season with the brutal Ravens and come out smiling more often than not; the don’t win Lombardi trophies, they collect them.
• I actually figured the Steelers would miss the playoffs amidst Ben’s suspension, the Ravens’ and Texans’ ascendency and the necessity to reload after losing a couple of players through free agency and to injury. I was wholly wrong.
So the question is, can Rodgers man-up when it matters and cut-up the Steelers’ defence and win the first of what I hope could be many for this talented outfit, or will the experience and incessant brutality of the black and gold be too much for the up-and-comer?
He can do it.
Aaron Rodgers’ superb play this season is the reason the Packers are so dangerous – that and the quality of their opportunistic, fast-paced defence is top-notch, and Rodgers’ supporting cast is a fearless group of weapons ready to be deployed at any moment and in any way. He may only have been a starter for 3 years, but this is his sixth season with the Packers and in the league. He is not wet behind the ears anymore.
He had a bad(ish) game by his standards against the Bears and was intercepted twice. I doubt he will get out of this game pick-free, but he should be able to get away with one as long as he throws 3+ touchdowns, which I think he will. 230+ yards 3tTDs and 1 INT is my call, and I think it will be enough for the Packers to win on the back of a strong, clock-controlling running game, managed by Rodgers.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Aaron Rodgers is the player of the moment. Every year, around this time, a champion comes to the fore; a team gels at the perfect juncture; destiny comes a calling.
The 2007 New York Giants won the NFC from 6th seed. Despite their heroic, road warrior effort, many, nay, most, assumed their endeavour would culminate with a loss to the undefeated (at that point 18-0) New England Patriots. Of course, as history will recall, it didn’t: the Giants won in the most unexpected fashion.
So there is a precedent for such underdog victories…but here’s the rub: despite not having won a Super Bowl since Brett Favre led the Packers over the Patriots at the end of the ’96 season (and Adam Vinatieri’s first, giving him an amazing 6 Super Bowl appearances and 4 wins – random trivia for you), and despite facing a team that have 2 of the last 5 Lombardi trophies gathering dust in their locker room, and despite being the sixth seeds and worn ragged from a three game cross country slog, they are actually the favourites to win this one.
I am surrounded by a warm glow at the thought of the Packers winning after calling it from the offseason, but I never anticipated the Steelers would be standing in their way*: the Steelers, the possessors of one of the NFL’s most vaunted defences; they play football twice a season with the brutal Ravens and come out smiling more often than not; the don’t win Lombardi trophies, they collect them.
• I actually figured the Steelers would miss the playoffs amidst Ben’s suspension, the Ravens’ and Texans’ ascendency and the necessity to reload after losing a couple of players through free agency and to injury. I was wholly wrong.
So the question is, can Rodgers man-up when it matters and cut-up the Steelers’ defence and win the first of what I hope could be many for this talented outfit, or will the experience and incessant brutality of the black and gold be too much for the up-and-comer?
He can do it.
Aaron Rodgers’ superb play this season is the reason the Packers are so dangerous – that and the quality of their opportunistic, fast-paced defence is top-notch, and Rodgers’ supporting cast is a fearless group of weapons ready to be deployed at any moment and in any way. He may only have been a starter for 3 years, but this is his sixth season with the Packers and in the league. He is not wet behind the ears anymore.
He had a bad(ish) game by his standards against the Bears and was intercepted twice. I doubt he will get out of this game pick-free, but he should be able to get away with one as long as he throws 3+ touchdowns, which I think he will. 230+ yards 3tTDs and 1 INT is my call, and I think it will be enough for the Packers to win on the back of a strong, clock-controlling running game, managed by Rodgers.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Friday, 28 January 2011
NFC Conference Championship
NFC
Chicago Bears (2) Vs. Green Bay Packers (6)
The Story…
Perhaps the most storied of rivalries in the NFL, the Green Bay Packers/Chicago Bears biannual meetings are normally consigned to the regular season. A playoff grudge match of such proportions has, amazingly, occurred only once in these two long-standing franchises’ shared history, so as a form guide, we’re forced to look at their intra-divisional matchups.
The Bears, to the surprise of many, topped the NFC North after splitting the series with the Packers. The Pack have been in every major team’s rear view mirror for the last season or two as Rodgers emergence as an elite QB has turned them from a broken jigsaw into a team capable of seeing the big picture. This was supposed to be their year, but a couple of shaky losses in a conference that was this year flipped on its head.
The rivalry began way back in 1921 and has stretched over 181 regular and postseason contests. Between them, the clubs have 21 NFL Championships, with 4 coming since the Super Bowl era began (3 to the Packers, 1 for the Bears).
The Bears currently edge the series 92-83, with 6 ties throughout history. Astoundingly, they have NEVER met in the playoffs in the Super Bowl era, with their only postseason tussle coming in 1941 and going to Chicago by a 33-14 decision.
Who will win this, the most salivating matchup football fans could’ve hoped for..?
Prediction…
The Packers will win. Yes, oh yes, they will. Way back in August (on the 22nd, I might add) I predicted the Packers would win the Superbowl this season. I’m standing by that prediction and believe that they will win against this Bears team, who will be shown to be out of their depth. Mike Martz has had a great season with Jay Cutler, but their explosive start – exploiting the stuttering opening of many contenders – kept them in the playoffs when the back end of the season showed them to be just above average. If Cutler has a meltdown or fails to finish the contest, the Bears are screwed. Matt Flynn has proved himself a competent backup, and is definitely capable of utilising Green Bay’s deep threat should Rodgers go down with another concussion.
I think it’ll be close, but a solid win for the Packers. I reckon the Wisconsin outfit will notch up a 10 points victory over their most hated opponent.
Recap…
The Packers did as predicted and ran out winners, but by a mere 7 points that were under threat until the very last. The Bears didn’t do much wrong in this game and fought well considering Cutler was taken out early. Rodgers had another solid game and threw for 244 yards, but failed to throw a passing touchdown for the first time this postseason. He did, however, get into the endzone with his legs, as did James Starks, whose presence this January has helped the Packers no end. After Cutler went down, Caleb Hainee stepped in and threw 1 TD with 2 INTS to match Rodgers pair of picks.
The difference happened to be a defensive touchdown courtesy of BJ Raji, whose pick six effectively ended Chicago’s realistic chances of tying the game by opening up a 14 point margin, which the Bears only managed to reduce by half.
The Packers advance to face the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV. Will it be 4 for the Wisconsin bunch, or a record 7 for the Steel-town stampede?
Tune in this week for positional breakdowns…
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Chicago Bears (2) Vs. Green Bay Packers (6)
The Story…
Perhaps the most storied of rivalries in the NFL, the Green Bay Packers/Chicago Bears biannual meetings are normally consigned to the regular season. A playoff grudge match of such proportions has, amazingly, occurred only once in these two long-standing franchises’ shared history, so as a form guide, we’re forced to look at their intra-divisional matchups.
The Bears, to the surprise of many, topped the NFC North after splitting the series with the Packers. The Pack have been in every major team’s rear view mirror for the last season or two as Rodgers emergence as an elite QB has turned them from a broken jigsaw into a team capable of seeing the big picture. This was supposed to be their year, but a couple of shaky losses in a conference that was this year flipped on its head.
The rivalry began way back in 1921 and has stretched over 181 regular and postseason contests. Between them, the clubs have 21 NFL Championships, with 4 coming since the Super Bowl era began (3 to the Packers, 1 for the Bears).
The Bears currently edge the series 92-83, with 6 ties throughout history. Astoundingly, they have NEVER met in the playoffs in the Super Bowl era, with their only postseason tussle coming in 1941 and going to Chicago by a 33-14 decision.
Who will win this, the most salivating matchup football fans could’ve hoped for..?
Prediction…
The Packers will win. Yes, oh yes, they will. Way back in August (on the 22nd, I might add) I predicted the Packers would win the Superbowl this season. I’m standing by that prediction and believe that they will win against this Bears team, who will be shown to be out of their depth. Mike Martz has had a great season with Jay Cutler, but their explosive start – exploiting the stuttering opening of many contenders – kept them in the playoffs when the back end of the season showed them to be just above average. If Cutler has a meltdown or fails to finish the contest, the Bears are screwed. Matt Flynn has proved himself a competent backup, and is definitely capable of utilising Green Bay’s deep threat should Rodgers go down with another concussion.
I think it’ll be close, but a solid win for the Packers. I reckon the Wisconsin outfit will notch up a 10 points victory over their most hated opponent.
Recap…
The Packers did as predicted and ran out winners, but by a mere 7 points that were under threat until the very last. The Bears didn’t do much wrong in this game and fought well considering Cutler was taken out early. Rodgers had another solid game and threw for 244 yards, but failed to throw a passing touchdown for the first time this postseason. He did, however, get into the endzone with his legs, as did James Starks, whose presence this January has helped the Packers no end. After Cutler went down, Caleb Hainee stepped in and threw 1 TD with 2 INTS to match Rodgers pair of picks.
The difference happened to be a defensive touchdown courtesy of BJ Raji, whose pick six effectively ended Chicago’s realistic chances of tying the game by opening up a 14 point margin, which the Bears only managed to reduce by half.
The Packers advance to face the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV. Will it be 4 for the Wisconsin bunch, or a record 7 for the Steel-town stampede?
Tune in this week for positional breakdowns…
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Thursday, 27 January 2011
AFC Conference Championship
AFC
New York Jets (6) Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (2)
The Story…
For the second year in a row, Rex Ryan has steered his trash-talking Jets to the AFC Championship game. Last year, they lost to eventual runners-up, the Indianapolis Colts, in a game that magnified the gulf of experience between the two teams – most notably their Quarterbacks. But the New York Jets are a different team, now, and they hope to extinguish the memories of watching Super Bowl XLIV on television and replace them with a plane ticket to Texas.
The Steelers are something else. I have never heard them compared to the Patriots of the last decade – the team that won three of four Super Bowls and gave rise to the legend of Brady, Bruschi, Vrabel and Mr. Ice, Adam ‘I now play for the Colts’ Vinatieri – but maybe they should. The Steelers have slunk to two titles from the last five. Winning tonight gives them a shot at claiming a .500 Super Bowl success record. That’s ludicrous. Sure, they’ve got to roll over the Jets first, but they have homefield advantage, playoff experience and a nonchalance about their talents – like a boxer who, with every landed punch, paints the Mona Lisa in Blood on the wall – that puts the fear of god into those lining up to play in Pennsylvania.
Prediction…
The Jets cost me over a grand in the first week of the playoffs, and I have to wish they’d been playing Pittsburgh when I needed them to lose. I think they will struggle to out-muscle a team that operates in a similar fashion, but with many more years experience. I imagine the Jets may take a while to bed into this game, with the home crowd and the distracting waving of the terrible towels playing a part in the first half – look to Pittsburgh to shut-out New York in the first quarter and build an enthusiastic lead by the half. Wouldn’t it be ironic if the Super Bowl XLIII MVP, Santonio Holmes, came-up with some late game heroics for the Jets and beats his old buddies when it matters most? Provided the Jets don’t leave this one too late, they will make a decent game of it. But I can’t see Pittsburgh laying down, so they’re my pick to make it to the Super Bowl.
Recap…
The Steelers got out of the blocks quickly in this one and raced to a 24 point lead at the half, shutting out the Jets for the first thirty minutes. As predicted, the Jets fought a tough game, but left it too late to start the comeback. I’ve often thought that the Jets would go the season undefeated if games were 5 quarters long, but in the available 4, they often lose out due to their slow-starting behaviour.
Sanchez could become the Jim Kelly of his generation if he keeps this up, provided, of course, that he gets a lot better and the Jets get unluckier still.
One thing I must do is call out Rex Ryan’s decision to kick away in the fourth instead of attempting the onside kick. With less than five minutes remaining and in a five point hole, giving the Steelers the chance to burn time off the clock – possibly scoring again and ending any chance of a New York comeback – there is no excuse for kicking deep. The best case scenario is that your D stops their O in 3 and forces them to punt…probably right back to where you started. Ryan has the biggest balls on record in the NFL, so it isn’t his bottle I’m questioning. It’s worse. It’s his tactics. I didn’t expect to be saying that post-game, but it’ll confuse me for a while yet, I think.
So the Steelers march on by a score of 24-19 and the Jets lose at the same point for the second year running. They are getting better, though – maybe next year.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
New York Jets (6) Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (2)
The Story…
For the second year in a row, Rex Ryan has steered his trash-talking Jets to the AFC Championship game. Last year, they lost to eventual runners-up, the Indianapolis Colts, in a game that magnified the gulf of experience between the two teams – most notably their Quarterbacks. But the New York Jets are a different team, now, and they hope to extinguish the memories of watching Super Bowl XLIV on television and replace them with a plane ticket to Texas.
The Steelers are something else. I have never heard them compared to the Patriots of the last decade – the team that won three of four Super Bowls and gave rise to the legend of Brady, Bruschi, Vrabel and Mr. Ice, Adam ‘I now play for the Colts’ Vinatieri – but maybe they should. The Steelers have slunk to two titles from the last five. Winning tonight gives them a shot at claiming a .500 Super Bowl success record. That’s ludicrous. Sure, they’ve got to roll over the Jets first, but they have homefield advantage, playoff experience and a nonchalance about their talents – like a boxer who, with every landed punch, paints the Mona Lisa in Blood on the wall – that puts the fear of god into those lining up to play in Pennsylvania.
Prediction…
The Jets cost me over a grand in the first week of the playoffs, and I have to wish they’d been playing Pittsburgh when I needed them to lose. I think they will struggle to out-muscle a team that operates in a similar fashion, but with many more years experience. I imagine the Jets may take a while to bed into this game, with the home crowd and the distracting waving of the terrible towels playing a part in the first half – look to Pittsburgh to shut-out New York in the first quarter and build an enthusiastic lead by the half. Wouldn’t it be ironic if the Super Bowl XLIII MVP, Santonio Holmes, came-up with some late game heroics for the Jets and beats his old buddies when it matters most? Provided the Jets don’t leave this one too late, they will make a decent game of it. But I can’t see Pittsburgh laying down, so they’re my pick to make it to the Super Bowl.
Recap…
The Steelers got out of the blocks quickly in this one and raced to a 24 point lead at the half, shutting out the Jets for the first thirty minutes. As predicted, the Jets fought a tough game, but left it too late to start the comeback. I’ve often thought that the Jets would go the season undefeated if games were 5 quarters long, but in the available 4, they often lose out due to their slow-starting behaviour.
Sanchez could become the Jim Kelly of his generation if he keeps this up, provided, of course, that he gets a lot better and the Jets get unluckier still.
One thing I must do is call out Rex Ryan’s decision to kick away in the fourth instead of attempting the onside kick. With less than five minutes remaining and in a five point hole, giving the Steelers the chance to burn time off the clock – possibly scoring again and ending any chance of a New York comeback – there is no excuse for kicking deep. The best case scenario is that your D stops their O in 3 and forces them to punt…probably right back to where you started. Ryan has the biggest balls on record in the NFL, so it isn’t his bottle I’m questioning. It’s worse. It’s his tactics. I didn’t expect to be saying that post-game, but it’ll confuse me for a while yet, I think.
So the Steelers march on by a score of 24-19 and the Jets lose at the same point for the second year running. They are getting better, though – maybe next year.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Murray Eyes Final...
This is how the Spanish press imagined today's Aussie Open action to be reported:
Andy Murray has beaten world number 46, Alexandr Dolgopolov in the Australien open Quarter-Finals and will progress to the Semi-final stage where he will meet Rafael Nadal...
Oh, wait...No he won't!
Rafael Nadal was BEATEN is straight sets today by compatriot, David Ferrer. Nadal appeared to be struggling with an injury from the second game onwards and slumped to a shocking 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.
Ferre, the seventh seed, has produced the biggest upset of the tournament by dispatching the man who many assumed would stroll to another Grand Slam title and become the first man since Rod Laver to hold all four majors at once in the process.
But Nadal's career is becoming increasingly hampered by injuries. Today - on the day of his second consecutive injury-plagued trip Melbourne - is the one year anniversary of his last retirement from the Australian open. In 2010, stepping out of the contest handed the match to Murray and opened the door for him to progress to the final where he lost to Federer.
And Rafa might have done it again... Ferrer will play Murray with the intention of raining on Britain's parade and securing the cup for Spain on behalf of his fallen compatriot.
With a pair of former champs likely to be contesting the other semi, anything could happen. But if Murray's ever going to win, this might be his best chance...
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Andy Murray has beaten world number 46, Alexandr Dolgopolov in the Australien open Quarter-Finals and will progress to the Semi-final stage where he will meet Rafael Nadal...
Oh, wait...No he won't!
Rafael Nadal was BEATEN is straight sets today by compatriot, David Ferrer. Nadal appeared to be struggling with an injury from the second game onwards and slumped to a shocking 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.
Ferre, the seventh seed, has produced the biggest upset of the tournament by dispatching the man who many assumed would stroll to another Grand Slam title and become the first man since Rod Laver to hold all four majors at once in the process.
But Nadal's career is becoming increasingly hampered by injuries. Today - on the day of his second consecutive injury-plagued trip Melbourne - is the one year anniversary of his last retirement from the Australian open. In 2010, stepping out of the contest handed the match to Murray and opened the door for him to progress to the final where he lost to Federer.
And Rafa might have done it again... Ferrer will play Murray with the intention of raining on Britain's parade and securing the cup for Spain on behalf of his fallen compatriot.
With a pair of former champs likely to be contesting the other semi, anything could happen. But if Murray's ever going to win, this might be his best chance...
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Happy Birthday Tiimo Noodlepip...
World famous artist, Tiimo Noodlepp, is 22 years old today.
In his honour I have created the belowe work of art depicting said luminary as a puff-smoking dragon.
We at THE HARE hope he appreciates it as much as we appreciate his continued contribution to the enrichment of our lives.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
In his honour I have created the belowe work of art depicting said luminary as a puff-smoking dragon.
We at THE HARE hope he appreciates it as much as we appreciate his continued contribution to the enrichment of our lives.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Monday, 24 January 2011
The World of Corto Maltese...
In 1967, Italian artist Hugo Pratt created the character of Corto Maltese. Fifteen year's after the writer/illustrator's death Pratt, a relative of actor Boris Karloff (whose birth name was William Henry Pratt), is probably best remembered for his seafaring hero, whose tolerance of culture and fervent humanitarianism earned him many fans.
Maltese himself is the embodiment of cosmopolitanism. No wonder then, that three years ago, on the fortieth anniversary of this popular character’s creation, Swatch released two watches in his honour.
The one of the left was on general release and was a snip at £42 (in fact, its still available from the website though not in store), and the other was a limited edition black 'n' white extravaganza that came with a black map and compass packaging.
In short, it was one of the nicest, most sought-after watches Swatch have made for quite sometime.
Like the Tintin specials released in the last decade, the Maltese watches are so cool, and so collectable, you could definitely get away with wearing one with something as smart as a suit - especially if you were fraternising with people in the know.
The ltd edition is worth paying for - I spent about £120 on mine I think and I don't regret it. Since then it's gone up in value so grab one while they are still there to be grabbed.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Sunday, 23 January 2011
NFL Wild Card Weekend...
In a weekend that saw the vibrant Chiefs, the playoff-tested Colts and the much-fancied Eagles fall to travelling teams, the major plaudits have to go to the one home team to prevail: the previously 7-9 Seattle Seahawks, who defeated the 11-5 world champions, the New Orleans Saints.
An historic division championship saw the sub .500 Seahawks stagger into the playoffs in 4th seed. Their vastly inferior record raised questions over whether the seeding process should be redesigned and removed an automatic top-4 berth for besting a bad division.
But it just wouldn’t work. Not unless the scheduling system was also updated to exclude double-headers between divisional rivals and if you took that step, there’d be no point in having divisions at all. Scheduling as it is – pitting good teams against tough opponents as a supplementary boon to high-drafting teams looking to go from worst to first in a year – places emphasis on winning your division.
Anyway, the Seahawks won and silenced their critics and the travelling Who Dat nation. Thanks in large part to holding that 4th seed. As the home team in the wild card round, the Seahawks were playing at Qwest Field – the NFL’s loudest stadium and the biggest advantage a soft secondary can ask for against the NFL’s most vaunted passing attack.
Here’s some interesting personal trivia for you: I placed a 4-part multiple on this weekend’s games. I went for the Ravens over the Chiefs (won), the Packers over the Eagles (won), the SEAHAWKS over the Saints (won!), and the Colts over the Jets (lost).
So I lost the bet thanks to Rex Ryan out-coaching Manning (yeah Manning), but for a while I was on cloud nine thanks to the Seahawks doing what I thought they might.
The Saints were without their running backs; they were travelling to the other side of the country; everyone knew they would have to lean on Drew Brees arm and Qwest Field is a nightmare for QBs who pass often and run complex schemes.
Sean Peyton is an awesome coach and, were it not for Marshawn Lynch breaking 8 tackles (wasting Tracy Porter in the process) en route to a 67 yard TD run in the fourth quarter, Drew probably would have kept the champs on the road to repetition.
But the Saints needn’t feel too bad: only New England has managed to win a playoff game the year after winning the big one, since Tampa Bay hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in 2002.
Can the Seahawks beat the Bears? Yeah, you know what? They can. But will they beat them at Soldier field? No. Soldier Field will see two more games this year as the Packer will upset the Falcons on their way to the Superbowl.
Prediction. Made.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
An historic division championship saw the sub .500 Seahawks stagger into the playoffs in 4th seed. Their vastly inferior record raised questions over whether the seeding process should be redesigned and removed an automatic top-4 berth for besting a bad division.
But it just wouldn’t work. Not unless the scheduling system was also updated to exclude double-headers between divisional rivals and if you took that step, there’d be no point in having divisions at all. Scheduling as it is – pitting good teams against tough opponents as a supplementary boon to high-drafting teams looking to go from worst to first in a year – places emphasis on winning your division.
Anyway, the Seahawks won and silenced their critics and the travelling Who Dat nation. Thanks in large part to holding that 4th seed. As the home team in the wild card round, the Seahawks were playing at Qwest Field – the NFL’s loudest stadium and the biggest advantage a soft secondary can ask for against the NFL’s most vaunted passing attack.
Here’s some interesting personal trivia for you: I placed a 4-part multiple on this weekend’s games. I went for the Ravens over the Chiefs (won), the Packers over the Eagles (won), the SEAHAWKS over the Saints (won!), and the Colts over the Jets (lost).
So I lost the bet thanks to Rex Ryan out-coaching Manning (yeah Manning), but for a while I was on cloud nine thanks to the Seahawks doing what I thought they might.
The Saints were without their running backs; they were travelling to the other side of the country; everyone knew they would have to lean on Drew Brees arm and Qwest Field is a nightmare for QBs who pass often and run complex schemes.
Sean Peyton is an awesome coach and, were it not for Marshawn Lynch breaking 8 tackles (wasting Tracy Porter in the process) en route to a 67 yard TD run in the fourth quarter, Drew probably would have kept the champs on the road to repetition.
But the Saints needn’t feel too bad: only New England has managed to win a playoff game the year after winning the big one, since Tampa Bay hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in 2002.
Can the Seahawks beat the Bears? Yeah, you know what? They can. But will they beat them at Soldier field? No. Soldier Field will see two more games this year as the Packer will upset the Falcons on their way to the Superbowl.
Prediction. Made.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Saturday, 22 January 2011
On Style: Gloves...
This here is a short and sweet post with simple rules and a couple of recommendations.
Every gent should own at least two pairs of leather gloves – one in brown, one in black.
I recommend Rocha John Rocha of Debenhams for a nice mid-range pair. £28 buys you a fleece-lined pair of luscious mitt-warmers with tough stitching, good water treatment and nice, tri-line detailing on the back of the hand.
Other colours are available, but there are only really two I would consider. One, of course, is white. White kid-leather gloves are a lovely addition to formal evening wear, especially white tie dos, but they are expensive and easily damaged. If you do stain them, get a professional to clean them for you – it is worth the money for the peace of mind alone.
If you are lucky enough to inherit a pair that have gone a bit stiff (its only skin after all) you can revitalise most brands by using a non-greasy, clear moisturiser. Simple wear the gloves and get a rubbing!
In terms of fit, white gloves – as they intended for indoor use and rarely meet the elements – should be unlined and skin-hugging.
The final colour I would consider is…NAVY! I once went on a real navy kick; buying a navy strapped watch with silver bezel, a navy belt with silver buckle, a pair of Kurt Geiger navy slip-on winkle pickers and a pair of navy leather gloves. Worn with a pale grey suit, I created for myself a striking and unusual outfit.
I thought about red, but I’m not quite enough of a pimp. But far be it from me to judge my readers and their potentially pimpish tendencies.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Every gent should own at least two pairs of leather gloves – one in brown, one in black.
I recommend Rocha John Rocha of Debenhams for a nice mid-range pair. £28 buys you a fleece-lined pair of luscious mitt-warmers with tough stitching, good water treatment and nice, tri-line detailing on the back of the hand.
Other colours are available, but there are only really two I would consider. One, of course, is white. White kid-leather gloves are a lovely addition to formal evening wear, especially white tie dos, but they are expensive and easily damaged. If you do stain them, get a professional to clean them for you – it is worth the money for the peace of mind alone.
If you are lucky enough to inherit a pair that have gone a bit stiff (its only skin after all) you can revitalise most brands by using a non-greasy, clear moisturiser. Simple wear the gloves and get a rubbing!
In terms of fit, white gloves – as they intended for indoor use and rarely meet the elements – should be unlined and skin-hugging.
The final colour I would consider is…NAVY! I once went on a real navy kick; buying a navy strapped watch with silver bezel, a navy belt with silver buckle, a pair of Kurt Geiger navy slip-on winkle pickers and a pair of navy leather gloves. Worn with a pale grey suit, I created for myself a striking and unusual outfit.
I thought about red, but I’m not quite enough of a pimp. But far be it from me to judge my readers and their potentially pimpish tendencies.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Friday, 21 January 2011
On Style: Underwear...
Seriously, boys, do NOT skimp on your underwear. Promise me something: never, ever, ever be tempted to buy a multi-pack of Primark boxer shorts again. Cheapness is not an excuse – shit underwear is false economy, and no one’s going to be impressed when you drop your Gucci strides to the floor to present your potential lover with some faded, unfitting, rags.
Looking good should permeate to the very basest levels. And since, as I’ve often advocated, those who dabble in fashion look best when wearing a cape of confidence, your underwear, and how it makes your old chap feel, can be the most prime source of said bravado.
Firstly, do away with anything that doesn’t hold your tackle in place: literally, throw it in the bin. Your penis will not only feel better when cradled lovingly by some cotton-elastic hybrid, but it will be visible instead of hidden away in a packaging that could have been made from old curtains.
Also, be not afraid of briefs. If you are well built (or even if you’re not) well-fitted briefs look and feel great – especially during sporting activities – provide you with the necessary support to keep your dangle safe and actually look good. Trust me. Brazil can’t be wrong.
Boxer trunks are the way forward for everyday comfort and style. They are also the prime choice for men on ‘the pull’. Briefs could embarrass you in front of a new partner if they’re not her thing. Play it safe with boxers trunks (and sex).
A few good brands to check out:
For tight-fitting trunks, go for Bjorn Borg (though make sure to wash the ones with a higher spandex content carefully to keep their bright colours looking vibrant for longer) and Calvin Klein wide waistband trunks (especially the world cup special editions in the colours of several countries flags.
For incomparably comfortable briefs go for DKNY, but a word of warning: briefs tend to run really small (this is especially true of Calvin Klein, which are a tighter brand than most in the boxer department too) so maybe buy one pair a size larger than you would normally go for. Take these home and try them on before buying anymore, because remember: underwear is un-returnable, and relatively pricey (if you’re buying the right stuff).
The best place on the Ethernet to find yourself a bargain is Asos.com and in the real world, go to TK Maxx for DKNY and Borg (if you’re lucky) and an outlet store for brand new CK.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Looking good should permeate to the very basest levels. And since, as I’ve often advocated, those who dabble in fashion look best when wearing a cape of confidence, your underwear, and how it makes your old chap feel, can be the most prime source of said bravado.
Firstly, do away with anything that doesn’t hold your tackle in place: literally, throw it in the bin. Your penis will not only feel better when cradled lovingly by some cotton-elastic hybrid, but it will be visible instead of hidden away in a packaging that could have been made from old curtains.
Also, be not afraid of briefs. If you are well built (or even if you’re not) well-fitted briefs look and feel great – especially during sporting activities – provide you with the necessary support to keep your dangle safe and actually look good. Trust me. Brazil can’t be wrong.
Boxer trunks are the way forward for everyday comfort and style. They are also the prime choice for men on ‘the pull’. Briefs could embarrass you in front of a new partner if they’re not her thing. Play it safe with boxers trunks (and sex).
A few good brands to check out:
For tight-fitting trunks, go for Bjorn Borg (though make sure to wash the ones with a higher spandex content carefully to keep their bright colours looking vibrant for longer) and Calvin Klein wide waistband trunks (especially the world cup special editions in the colours of several countries flags.
For incomparably comfortable briefs go for DKNY, but a word of warning: briefs tend to run really small (this is especially true of Calvin Klein, which are a tighter brand than most in the boxer department too) so maybe buy one pair a size larger than you would normally go for. Take these home and try them on before buying anymore, because remember: underwear is un-returnable, and relatively pricey (if you’re buying the right stuff).
The best place on the Ethernet to find yourself a bargain is Asos.com and in the real world, go to TK Maxx for DKNY and Borg (if you’re lucky) and an outlet store for brand new CK.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Thursday, 20 January 2011
On Style: Matching Pocket Squares, Shirts and Ties...
Simply, you should match your pocket square with your shirt (especially in the case of white, when at the office) or with your tie for a funkier look.
The former works best with white shirts and the Iconic Square fold as demonstrated recently. More exciting fold patterns (like the Winged Puff or Puff) look a bit flat with white, although the Winged Puff is a nice addition to a dinner suit when colour is not encouraged.
When matching your pocket square to your tie, you should attempt to pick-out the colour(s) of your neckwear, and not match the two perfectly. Ties and hankies cut from the same cloth can look a bit tacky, so be bold and mix it up.
With shirts for suits, I am an advocate of plain white. Focus on cut over colour with what will be your canvas, and focus solely on the interaction of your tie and square.
It is often a good idea to pick-out the secondary colour of a tie if you are wearing a multicoloured piece.
For example, I have a navy and yellow tie, which is predominantly navy with thin yellow stripes on it. The handkerchief I choose to match with this tie is dark yellow silk with Navy \dots all over it (I know, spots and stripes – how radical). This method adds colour and flare to an otherwise staid suit. Like I said, for office wear don’t be tempted to go crazy or you will look overtly effete and probably won’t be taken seriously.
Save the colours for the carnival; leave austerity in the office.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
The former works best with white shirts and the Iconic Square fold as demonstrated recently. More exciting fold patterns (like the Winged Puff or Puff) look a bit flat with white, although the Winged Puff is a nice addition to a dinner suit when colour is not encouraged.
When matching your pocket square to your tie, you should attempt to pick-out the colour(s) of your neckwear, and not match the two perfectly. Ties and hankies cut from the same cloth can look a bit tacky, so be bold and mix it up.
With shirts for suits, I am an advocate of plain white. Focus on cut over colour with what will be your canvas, and focus solely on the interaction of your tie and square.
It is often a good idea to pick-out the secondary colour of a tie if you are wearing a multicoloured piece.
For example, I have a navy and yellow tie, which is predominantly navy with thin yellow stripes on it. The handkerchief I choose to match with this tie is dark yellow silk with Navy \dots all over it (I know, spots and stripes – how radical). This method adds colour and flare to an otherwise staid suit. Like I said, for office wear don’t be tempted to go crazy or you will look overtly effete and probably won’t be taken seriously.
Save the colours for the carnival; leave austerity in the office.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
NFL Divisional Round: AFC Game 2...
AFC
New England Patriots (1) Vs. New York Jets (6)
The Story…
Arch-rivals, division foes, two teams linked by coaches, players and epic clashes down the years…
The New York Jets, led by the bubbly, brash, back-breakingly brazen, bulldozer of a blabber mouth, Rex Ryan, are coming to town. Not that the New England Patriots seem too worried. As Brady – the victim of Ryan’s multifarious put-downs – regards the Jets’ talk as hype, and his opponents’ confidence a smokescreen.
Some may think the Patriots arrogant, but with 3 Superbowl victories in ten years (although now a staggering five since their last) and a winning record to make yours eyes water, the Foxboro fighters deserve their serenity. And nor have they been lucky in their accrual of silver (platinum) ware. In fact, the Patriots have been decidedly unfortunate not to take at least a fourth title, potentially a fifth. Who can forget Super Bowl XLII that saw the unfancied New York Giants beat a team that entered the postseason with an unblemished record and a level of expectancy never before heard of? And then two seasons ago, when Brady went down injured and was replaced by then career back-up, Matt Cassel, who led the team to a division worthy 11-5 record only to miss out on the Playoffs via tiebreakers – almost statistically impossible. SO the Patriots are overdue a stroke of luck, though their haters (and they are numerous) may disagree.
Yet more overdue, though, are the New York Jets. It’s been 42 long years since Joe Namath, casually lounging poolside, promised the nation that the Jets would take home the Lombardi Trophy, in what was although Super Bowl III, the first to carry the title that whips-up the interest and imagination of every wide-eyed American boy, who one day dreams of bathing in confetti.
New York have waited patiently, and with Sanchez playing his best football at the right time, maybe this young Hispanic hero can do for the Jets what Eli did for the Giants and Joe did for history…
Prediction…
Rex Ryan believes in his team and, to an extent, I buy it. I think the Patriots will win – at least they should – but remember that one of the Patriots 2 losses came at the hands of the Jets by a score of 28-14. It was the one time the Pats were genuinely beaten – they looked ineffective against Ryan’s scheming. The loss to the Browns was a head scratcher, but an allowable slip in concentration. The loss to the Jets was a ball-buster, but they looked to get their revenge in game two. Which they did. Didn’t they?
I am always cynical when it comes to coaches and their intentions in the NFL. The best coach doesn’t just plan how to win the game…he plans how to beat his opponent in case they meet again. The Jets and Pats have been almost dead-cert locks for the postseason from the moment we kicked off in September. Halfway through and it was only a matter of time before they were confirmed as January contenders. Sure, games needed to be won, but I bet that by the time the rematch came around, the Jets were already planning round three.
Think on this: in their first meeting, the division was wide open – neither team had the edge and it was assumed that the winner of their head-to-head match-ups would take the division by those two games. For that reason, game one was meaningful and the Jets nailed the game plan.
Game two; the rematch: the Jets had slipped off the pace and looked unlikely to lock-down the division. The Patriots wanted revenge. Rex Ryan wanted to see what Belichick would do to beat his boys this time around. The score was a humiliating 45-3 to the Patriots. So Belichick’s got it sussed, right? This Divisional Round will be a walkover, right? Wrong! Ryan knows exactly how Belichick plans to beat him, and Belichick’s last look at the Jets was a charade. They have the minerals to win this game. Can they? Sure! But will they? Toss a coin…this one isn’t as clear cut as you might think, but I’m going with Tom Terrific and the Pats for sheer discipline and experience.
Recap…
I don’t get many wrong, but when I do it figures to be worth it! My hero, Tom Brady, has slumped to another disappointing playoff defeat – his second real stinger in two years. The Jets march on to face the Pittsburgh Steelers (who probably can’t believe their luck, now that Heinz field will be hosting the AFC Championship game) and provide broadcasters with an aesthetically pleasing match-up, that pits two great defensive minds against one and other for the right to play the NFC top dogs in Super Bowl XLV.
After holding New England to a first quarter field goal in the first half, and racking-up 14 points from two Sanchez tosses, the Jets never looked back.
Despite two scoreless quarters – the first and third – the Jets were saved by two double-TD offerings in the second and fourth. It was Sanchez, not Brady, who looked the seasoned pro, throwing for 193 yards, with a 7.7 average, completed 16 of 25 passes for 3 TDs and a rating of 127.3.
Brady, on the other hand, threw 1 INT versus 2 TDs, 298 yards on 29 completions. His pick broke an NFL-record run of 335 attempts without a turnover. And it came at the wrong time.
This was the third meeting between these teams in the playoffs, and the first time the Patriots have lost. After last year’s loss to the Ravens at home, Brady has not won a playoff game at home since his record setting 2007, en route to the Super Bowl loss to the Giants.
The luck has left Foxboro; will the Meadowland crew carry it forward to Heinz Field and the brain-bashing Steelers?
Tune in next week for the answer…
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
New England Patriots (1) Vs. New York Jets (6)
The Story…
Arch-rivals, division foes, two teams linked by coaches, players and epic clashes down the years…
The New York Jets, led by the bubbly, brash, back-breakingly brazen, bulldozer of a blabber mouth, Rex Ryan, are coming to town. Not that the New England Patriots seem too worried. As Brady – the victim of Ryan’s multifarious put-downs – regards the Jets’ talk as hype, and his opponents’ confidence a smokescreen.
Some may think the Patriots arrogant, but with 3 Superbowl victories in ten years (although now a staggering five since their last) and a winning record to make yours eyes water, the Foxboro fighters deserve their serenity. And nor have they been lucky in their accrual of silver (platinum) ware. In fact, the Patriots have been decidedly unfortunate not to take at least a fourth title, potentially a fifth. Who can forget Super Bowl XLII that saw the unfancied New York Giants beat a team that entered the postseason with an unblemished record and a level of expectancy never before heard of? And then two seasons ago, when Brady went down injured and was replaced by then career back-up, Matt Cassel, who led the team to a division worthy 11-5 record only to miss out on the Playoffs via tiebreakers – almost statistically impossible. SO the Patriots are overdue a stroke of luck, though their haters (and they are numerous) may disagree.
Yet more overdue, though, are the New York Jets. It’s been 42 long years since Joe Namath, casually lounging poolside, promised the nation that the Jets would take home the Lombardi Trophy, in what was although Super Bowl III, the first to carry the title that whips-up the interest and imagination of every wide-eyed American boy, who one day dreams of bathing in confetti.
New York have waited patiently, and with Sanchez playing his best football at the right time, maybe this young Hispanic hero can do for the Jets what Eli did for the Giants and Joe did for history…
Prediction…
Rex Ryan believes in his team and, to an extent, I buy it. I think the Patriots will win – at least they should – but remember that one of the Patriots 2 losses came at the hands of the Jets by a score of 28-14. It was the one time the Pats were genuinely beaten – they looked ineffective against Ryan’s scheming. The loss to the Browns was a head scratcher, but an allowable slip in concentration. The loss to the Jets was a ball-buster, but they looked to get their revenge in game two. Which they did. Didn’t they?
I am always cynical when it comes to coaches and their intentions in the NFL. The best coach doesn’t just plan how to win the game…he plans how to beat his opponent in case they meet again. The Jets and Pats have been almost dead-cert locks for the postseason from the moment we kicked off in September. Halfway through and it was only a matter of time before they were confirmed as January contenders. Sure, games needed to be won, but I bet that by the time the rematch came around, the Jets were already planning round three.
Think on this: in their first meeting, the division was wide open – neither team had the edge and it was assumed that the winner of their head-to-head match-ups would take the division by those two games. For that reason, game one was meaningful and the Jets nailed the game plan.
Game two; the rematch: the Jets had slipped off the pace and looked unlikely to lock-down the division. The Patriots wanted revenge. Rex Ryan wanted to see what Belichick would do to beat his boys this time around. The score was a humiliating 45-3 to the Patriots. So Belichick’s got it sussed, right? This Divisional Round will be a walkover, right? Wrong! Ryan knows exactly how Belichick plans to beat him, and Belichick’s last look at the Jets was a charade. They have the minerals to win this game. Can they? Sure! But will they? Toss a coin…this one isn’t as clear cut as you might think, but I’m going with Tom Terrific and the Pats for sheer discipline and experience.
Recap…
I don’t get many wrong, but when I do it figures to be worth it! My hero, Tom Brady, has slumped to another disappointing playoff defeat – his second real stinger in two years. The Jets march on to face the Pittsburgh Steelers (who probably can’t believe their luck, now that Heinz field will be hosting the AFC Championship game) and provide broadcasters with an aesthetically pleasing match-up, that pits two great defensive minds against one and other for the right to play the NFC top dogs in Super Bowl XLV.
After holding New England to a first quarter field goal in the first half, and racking-up 14 points from two Sanchez tosses, the Jets never looked back.
Despite two scoreless quarters – the first and third – the Jets were saved by two double-TD offerings in the second and fourth. It was Sanchez, not Brady, who looked the seasoned pro, throwing for 193 yards, with a 7.7 average, completed 16 of 25 passes for 3 TDs and a rating of 127.3.
Brady, on the other hand, threw 1 INT versus 2 TDs, 298 yards on 29 completions. His pick broke an NFL-record run of 335 attempts without a turnover. And it came at the wrong time.
This was the third meeting between these teams in the playoffs, and the first time the Patriots have lost. After last year’s loss to the Ravens at home, Brady has not won a playoff game at home since his record setting 2007, en route to the Super Bowl loss to the Giants.
The luck has left Foxboro; will the Meadowland crew carry it forward to Heinz Field and the brain-bashing Steelers?
Tune in next week for the answer…
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
NFL Divisional Round: NFC Game 2...
NFC
Chicago Bears (2) Vs. Seattle Seahawks (4)
The Story…
These teams were the crème de la crème of the NFC five years ago. In Super Bowl XL, the Seahawks went down to a spirited Pittsburgh, led by Jerome Bettis, playing his last game for the Pennsylvanian outfit in his hometown of Detroit. The year later, in the Bears’ first appearance in the big game since their legendary 15-1 1985 Super Bowl season, Peyton Manning and the Dungy-led Colts met with destiny and spoiled the show. Since then, both teams have slipped somewhat. The Packers took control of the North and the Cardinals the west, meaning these two former stand-outs were sent to the wilderness.
Seattle’s coaching situation has been a carrousel of late, with Jim Mora lasting long enough at the helm to identify his team’s home colour as Seahawks Blue, before being replaced by USC hero, Pete Carroll. I love Carroll – he looks like my dad; like an academic in sweats; like a small man with a big heart and an even bigger desire to win.
Chicago, with former Denver Pro-Bowler Jay Cutler at the helm and Mike Martz pulling his strings, regained some of their bicep-laden swagger and reclaimed the North, ousting the Pack (who had been the Super Bowl pick of many, and, for some, still are) to second place, a Wild Card and ultimately sixth seed.
Seattle, on the other hand, snuck in to the playoffs on the back of a woeful 7-9 record. Never, in the history of the NFL, has such a rotten record found itself paraded in the playoffs. With it, the Seahawks got homefield advantage – a huge thing for Seattle – and used it to dismantle the World Champion Saints.
Now they head to Soldier Field where they figure to receive a cold reception. With their defence banged-up and Matt Hasselbeck busy dusting off his Zimmer, it could be too much to ask of these plucky underdogs to stop the Bears advancing to a third meeting with Green Bay for the NFC.
Prediction…
I see the Bears winning this one easily. They should overwhelm the Hawks early on and make the second half a desperate affair for the visitors. Carroll has done well to get this far (and will, somehow, leave the playoffs .500 and better off than his regular season record). I think Lovie Smith might make safe his job for another year by winning this game. It will be Cutler’s first trip to a Championship game, where he will meet Aaron Rodgers. I hope the Bears pull it off for Jay, other than that, I hope they get stiffed. I want both Cutler and Rodgers to have the stellar careers their talents deserve. What with the emergence of Matt Ryan of the Falcons, and Eli Manning’s proven credentials, the NFC is becoming stacked with hot young QB talent.
Recap…
The game went almost to form. The Bears did jump out to an early lead, scoring 21 unanswered points throughout the first half – 14 of them in the first quarter.
The second half, however, did not go according to plan. After notching up another touchdown, the Bears allowed the Seahawks a field goal; closing out the third with a 28-3 cushion. Then the Seahawks exploded. A run of three touchdown passes from Hasselbeck, rudely interrupted by one from Jay Cutler, helped the Seahawks lose this game by a respectable 11 points. The final score of 35-24 inflates the Seahawks’ contribution to this contest, as Chicago knew that with a 25 point lead and 4:40 left on the clock, they could afford to pull starters with snaring the NFC in mind.
So it will be, for all NFC North supporters, the dream clash (though Vikings’ fans may disagree). Green Bay Vs. Chicago for the right to take on the AFC champs in the Super Bowl…only two questions remain: will the Patriots edge the series over the Jets, and which conference will emerge victorious after this, the most engaging of seasons.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Chicago Bears (2) Vs. Seattle Seahawks (4)
The Story…
These teams were the crème de la crème of the NFC five years ago. In Super Bowl XL, the Seahawks went down to a spirited Pittsburgh, led by Jerome Bettis, playing his last game for the Pennsylvanian outfit in his hometown of Detroit. The year later, in the Bears’ first appearance in the big game since their legendary 15-1 1985 Super Bowl season, Peyton Manning and the Dungy-led Colts met with destiny and spoiled the show. Since then, both teams have slipped somewhat. The Packers took control of the North and the Cardinals the west, meaning these two former stand-outs were sent to the wilderness.
Seattle’s coaching situation has been a carrousel of late, with Jim Mora lasting long enough at the helm to identify his team’s home colour as Seahawks Blue, before being replaced by USC hero, Pete Carroll. I love Carroll – he looks like my dad; like an academic in sweats; like a small man with a big heart and an even bigger desire to win.
Chicago, with former Denver Pro-Bowler Jay Cutler at the helm and Mike Martz pulling his strings, regained some of their bicep-laden swagger and reclaimed the North, ousting the Pack (who had been the Super Bowl pick of many, and, for some, still are) to second place, a Wild Card and ultimately sixth seed.
Seattle, on the other hand, snuck in to the playoffs on the back of a woeful 7-9 record. Never, in the history of the NFL, has such a rotten record found itself paraded in the playoffs. With it, the Seahawks got homefield advantage – a huge thing for Seattle – and used it to dismantle the World Champion Saints.
Now they head to Soldier Field where they figure to receive a cold reception. With their defence banged-up and Matt Hasselbeck busy dusting off his Zimmer, it could be too much to ask of these plucky underdogs to stop the Bears advancing to a third meeting with Green Bay for the NFC.
Prediction…
I see the Bears winning this one easily. They should overwhelm the Hawks early on and make the second half a desperate affair for the visitors. Carroll has done well to get this far (and will, somehow, leave the playoffs .500 and better off than his regular season record). I think Lovie Smith might make safe his job for another year by winning this game. It will be Cutler’s first trip to a Championship game, where he will meet Aaron Rodgers. I hope the Bears pull it off for Jay, other than that, I hope they get stiffed. I want both Cutler and Rodgers to have the stellar careers their talents deserve. What with the emergence of Matt Ryan of the Falcons, and Eli Manning’s proven credentials, the NFC is becoming stacked with hot young QB talent.
Recap…
The game went almost to form. The Bears did jump out to an early lead, scoring 21 unanswered points throughout the first half – 14 of them in the first quarter.
The second half, however, did not go according to plan. After notching up another touchdown, the Bears allowed the Seahawks a field goal; closing out the third with a 28-3 cushion. Then the Seahawks exploded. A run of three touchdown passes from Hasselbeck, rudely interrupted by one from Jay Cutler, helped the Seahawks lose this game by a respectable 11 points. The final score of 35-24 inflates the Seahawks’ contribution to this contest, as Chicago knew that with a 25 point lead and 4:40 left on the clock, they could afford to pull starters with snaring the NFC in mind.
So it will be, for all NFC North supporters, the dream clash (though Vikings’ fans may disagree). Green Bay Vs. Chicago for the right to take on the AFC champs in the Super Bowl…only two questions remain: will the Patriots edge the series over the Jets, and which conference will emerge victorious after this, the most engaging of seasons.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Monday, 17 January 2011
NFL Divisional Round: NFC Game 1...
NFC
Atlanta Falcons (1) Vs. Green Bay Packers (6)
The Story…
The Falcons are the number 1 seed, but no one is talking about them as potential champs? Why? Well, they are young (with the exception of Tony Gonzalez, the mercurial Tight End, who adds much-needed maturity this spry gang) and untested. They have all the tools to be a very good team for a very long time, especially if Matt Ryan continues to improve (or at least maintain) the blistering production he’s enjoyed since entering the league a highly-touted youngster three years ago.
This year, though, it seems the Falcons’ sixth seeded opponents, the Green Bay Packers, are being taken more seriously as possible victors come February despite only just scraping into the playoffs as the last Wild Card by virtue of favourable tiebreakers.
These two teams met earlier this season and the Falcons nicked it on the last play with a field goal. The Falcons ended the season 13-3 and the Packers 10-6. That looks a world apart, but those 3 points to the Falcons, courtesy of the kicker’s boot and a sympathetic clock, made all the difference. Had the FG come from Mason Crosby in that matchup, their records would’ve been 12-4 and 11-5…not so different anymore.
A 3 point swing in a head-to-head contest isn’t enough to convince us that Matty ‘Ice’ Ryan has the minerals to oust Aaron Rodgers from the playoffs this year. Ryan will win Super Bowls. I am sure of it. Rodgers will win one. And it could be his years.
Prediction…
Way back last February, when the Packers lost a heartbreaker to my team, the Arizona Cardinals, I went home and placed a bet on them to win Super Bowl XLV. I got odds of 18-1 and they are shortening every week. I still think the Packers have the goods. They are the most explosive team in the NFC. Without the Eagles in the picture, the Packers are the most dangerous thing left on the blue side of the draw. I like the Falcons and think they will put-up great regular season records of the next few years if they hold this team together, but I just don’t see the threat in them. They are too strait-laced to outlast a shoot out, and I believe that is what this game will be. I think the Packers will score a lot of points – a lot! I think the question that persists is whether the Packers’ defence can stand-up to the surgical dissection of Boston’s greatest college product, Matthew Ryan. Who will win? The Packers by a surprising margin.
Recap…
Aaron Rodgers: 31/36 for 366 yards. The Green Bay QB put on a show as the Packers lit-up the score board and melted the icy composure of Matt Ryan by beating the number 1 seeds 45-21. In three career playoff games, Mr Rodgers has thrown for 969 yards and10 touchdowns. In nearly 1,000 yards, he has thrown 1 INT. 1. That is all. He is amazing. He is the next big thing, but RIGHT NOW. The Packers move on the NFC Championship game where they will face their long-time divisional rivals, the Chicago Bears, or the 8-9 Seattle Seahawks, who must travel to Soldier Field and oust the toppers of the Packers’ division is they wish to progress to their second NFC Championship game this century.
What really, really impressed me about this Packers team was their third down efficiency, which has been absolutely outstanding this postseason. 8/12 is a superb 67% success rate, and at one point, Rodgers has completed a string of 10+ yard throws, all on third down, that made the Falcon’s secondary look softer than Smaug’s belly.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Atlanta Falcons (1) Vs. Green Bay Packers (6)
The Story…
The Falcons are the number 1 seed, but no one is talking about them as potential champs? Why? Well, they are young (with the exception of Tony Gonzalez, the mercurial Tight End, who adds much-needed maturity this spry gang) and untested. They have all the tools to be a very good team for a very long time, especially if Matt Ryan continues to improve (or at least maintain) the blistering production he’s enjoyed since entering the league a highly-touted youngster three years ago.
This year, though, it seems the Falcons’ sixth seeded opponents, the Green Bay Packers, are being taken more seriously as possible victors come February despite only just scraping into the playoffs as the last Wild Card by virtue of favourable tiebreakers.
These two teams met earlier this season and the Falcons nicked it on the last play with a field goal. The Falcons ended the season 13-3 and the Packers 10-6. That looks a world apart, but those 3 points to the Falcons, courtesy of the kicker’s boot and a sympathetic clock, made all the difference. Had the FG come from Mason Crosby in that matchup, their records would’ve been 12-4 and 11-5…not so different anymore.
A 3 point swing in a head-to-head contest isn’t enough to convince us that Matty ‘Ice’ Ryan has the minerals to oust Aaron Rodgers from the playoffs this year. Ryan will win Super Bowls. I am sure of it. Rodgers will win one. And it could be his years.
Prediction…
Way back last February, when the Packers lost a heartbreaker to my team, the Arizona Cardinals, I went home and placed a bet on them to win Super Bowl XLV. I got odds of 18-1 and they are shortening every week. I still think the Packers have the goods. They are the most explosive team in the NFC. Without the Eagles in the picture, the Packers are the most dangerous thing left on the blue side of the draw. I like the Falcons and think they will put-up great regular season records of the next few years if they hold this team together, but I just don’t see the threat in them. They are too strait-laced to outlast a shoot out, and I believe that is what this game will be. I think the Packers will score a lot of points – a lot! I think the question that persists is whether the Packers’ defence can stand-up to the surgical dissection of Boston’s greatest college product, Matthew Ryan. Who will win? The Packers by a surprising margin.
Recap…
Aaron Rodgers: 31/36 for 366 yards. The Green Bay QB put on a show as the Packers lit-up the score board and melted the icy composure of Matt Ryan by beating the number 1 seeds 45-21. In three career playoff games, Mr Rodgers has thrown for 969 yards and10 touchdowns. In nearly 1,000 yards, he has thrown 1 INT. 1. That is all. He is amazing. He is the next big thing, but RIGHT NOW. The Packers move on the NFC Championship game where they will face their long-time divisional rivals, the Chicago Bears, or the 8-9 Seattle Seahawks, who must travel to Soldier Field and oust the toppers of the Packers’ division is they wish to progress to their second NFC Championship game this century.
What really, really impressed me about this Packers team was their third down efficiency, which has been absolutely outstanding this postseason. 8/12 is a superb 67% success rate, and at one point, Rodgers has completed a string of 10+ yard throws, all on third down, that made the Falcon’s secondary look softer than Smaug’s belly.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Sunday, 16 January 2011
NFL Divisional Round: AFC Game 1...
AFC
Pittsburgh Steelers (2) Vs. Baltimore Ravens (5)
The Story…
This is one of two AFC intra-divisional match-ups this week, and probably the most likely to end in the emergency ward. There are few teams in the NFL that can inspire the terror of either Pittsburgh or Baltimore when seen lurking on your schedule: both are brutal and bloody, brain bashing behemoths, hell-bent on bruising their way to victory. They’re not just trying to win, they’re trying to beat you. Fortunately for every other team in the National Football League, these two hard-nosed football teams reside in the AFC North, and are required to tear strips off each other twice a season, in between and around beating on the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns.
And here we are; round three. After two close run affairs, it is the Ravens who come into this contest with most to prove. Pittsburgh’s win over them in their second regular season encounter gave them the tiebreakers needed to clinch the division despite identical 12-4 records. That gives the Black and Gold valuable home advantage and a week to rest some banged up players.
Big Ben Roethlisberger – winner of two Superbowls already in his career – will relish the week to prepare, both physically and academically, for his most favoured foe. Ben loves to rumble, and this week will bring just that.
Prediction…
Don’t expect the scoreboard to light up, or huge offensive plays to dominate. This will be a low yardage affair, with defences stifling offences and forcing mistakes. Expect fumbles and interceptions to decide the outcome and the score to be within a touchdown. If the Steelers go ahead early it could be over, but the Ravens need to keep their foot on the gas if they get the better of the first half. Ben won’t take losing at home to this storied rival lying down. Remember the last two minutes of Super Bowl XLIII? Don’t give Roethlisberger the ball with 2 minutes left. He will beat you. Who will win? I want to say Baltimore, but my head says homefield advantage might be too much to overcome – Pittsburgh by a slither.
Recap…
After leaping out to an indescribably fortunate first half lead (21-7), Baltimore handed it to the Steelers in almost embarrassing fashion. This was not a pretty contest, despite the competitive score. The yardage was meagre and the Ravens offence never really clicked in the way that would have made beating the Steelers possible. The Pennsylvania standouts are fast becoming the playoff team of the last five years. With two Super Bowls in that stretch and an almost mandatory inclusion in the playoffs, the Steelers have an increasingly regular habit of looking the team to beat in January. They now head into the AFC Championship game, hoping the Jets can surprise the Steelers’ booby team and send the Patriots into a tailspin, and leave them with homefield advantage and the chance to beat Rex Ryan’s trash-talking mean, green machine that turned them over in the regular season 22-17. As an interesting aside, the Steelers have sent the Ravens home in the playoffs three years straight. That’s some grudge building in the AFC North. Can Big Ben make it three rings and match Brady’s bullion? It would be remarkable if he could bring title No. 7 to Pittsburgh, but right now, they look good for the challenge.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2) Vs. Baltimore Ravens (5)
The Story…
This is one of two AFC intra-divisional match-ups this week, and probably the most likely to end in the emergency ward. There are few teams in the NFL that can inspire the terror of either Pittsburgh or Baltimore when seen lurking on your schedule: both are brutal and bloody, brain bashing behemoths, hell-bent on bruising their way to victory. They’re not just trying to win, they’re trying to beat you. Fortunately for every other team in the National Football League, these two hard-nosed football teams reside in the AFC North, and are required to tear strips off each other twice a season, in between and around beating on the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns.
And here we are; round three. After two close run affairs, it is the Ravens who come into this contest with most to prove. Pittsburgh’s win over them in their second regular season encounter gave them the tiebreakers needed to clinch the division despite identical 12-4 records. That gives the Black and Gold valuable home advantage and a week to rest some banged up players.
Big Ben Roethlisberger – winner of two Superbowls already in his career – will relish the week to prepare, both physically and academically, for his most favoured foe. Ben loves to rumble, and this week will bring just that.
Prediction…
Don’t expect the scoreboard to light up, or huge offensive plays to dominate. This will be a low yardage affair, with defences stifling offences and forcing mistakes. Expect fumbles and interceptions to decide the outcome and the score to be within a touchdown. If the Steelers go ahead early it could be over, but the Ravens need to keep their foot on the gas if they get the better of the first half. Ben won’t take losing at home to this storied rival lying down. Remember the last two minutes of Super Bowl XLIII? Don’t give Roethlisberger the ball with 2 minutes left. He will beat you. Who will win? I want to say Baltimore, but my head says homefield advantage might be too much to overcome – Pittsburgh by a slither.
Recap…
After leaping out to an indescribably fortunate first half lead (21-7), Baltimore handed it to the Steelers in almost embarrassing fashion. This was not a pretty contest, despite the competitive score. The yardage was meagre and the Ravens offence never really clicked in the way that would have made beating the Steelers possible. The Pennsylvania standouts are fast becoming the playoff team of the last five years. With two Super Bowls in that stretch and an almost mandatory inclusion in the playoffs, the Steelers have an increasingly regular habit of looking the team to beat in January. They now head into the AFC Championship game, hoping the Jets can surprise the Steelers’ booby team and send the Patriots into a tailspin, and leave them with homefield advantage and the chance to beat Rex Ryan’s trash-talking mean, green machine that turned them over in the regular season 22-17. As an interesting aside, the Steelers have sent the Ravens home in the playoffs three years straight. That’s some grudge building in the AFC North. Can Big Ben make it three rings and match Brady’s bullion? It would be remarkable if he could bring title No. 7 to Pittsburgh, but right now, they look good for the challenge.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Saturday, 15 January 2011
On Style: Lighters and Cigarette Cases...
You need only answer one question to ascertain the relevance of this post to your accessory cabinet: do you smoke?
Not: are you a smoker? That’s not the same thing. I’m not asking if you send your mates off on their hols with instructions to bring you 10,000 cut-price Super King Black back in their suitcase, or whether you wake up in the middle of the night with nicotine cravings so bad, you suit-up and head down to Esso for a midnight puff.
I mean would you smoke? If the answer is yes, you must equip yourself with at least one decent lighter (Zippos are the classic choice) and perhaps a cigarette case that matches.
Really serious puffers might want 2, or even three sets: gold, silver and bronze, but if you were to choose a neutral or statement lighter you don’t need to go so overboard.
Zippo do bright and pastel colour lighters that are cool, but look a bit childlike when you whip them out of a Jeff Banks three-piece and spark-up.
I like classic lighters – I even own a Polo cigarette case with a built-in petrol lighter, which is cool but weighs a bloody tonne.
Spend £20-30 on a good Zippo and, if the opportunity presents itself, direct friends and relatives to colour alternatives for Christmas or Birthday gifts (for a man who takes his wardrobe so seriously, having gifts bought for you that a superfluous to requirements is an irksome and potentially embarrassing endurance. For that reason, items that would compliment, but are unessential to your sartorial swag, make perfect gifts. You don’t need another Zippo, but it would sure be nice to have one. You don’t need novelty socks, and their receipt is one annoying trip to the dump that you definitely don’t want to make).
It does look cool to have a Zippo that matches your watch case, belt buckle, tie slide, cufflinks, cigarette case and business card holder, but don’t go worrying over it too much.
Just the right amount…that should do fine…
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Not: are you a smoker? That’s not the same thing. I’m not asking if you send your mates off on their hols with instructions to bring you 10,000 cut-price Super King Black back in their suitcase, or whether you wake up in the middle of the night with nicotine cravings so bad, you suit-up and head down to Esso for a midnight puff.
I mean would you smoke? If the answer is yes, you must equip yourself with at least one decent lighter (Zippos are the classic choice) and perhaps a cigarette case that matches.
Really serious puffers might want 2, or even three sets: gold, silver and bronze, but if you were to choose a neutral or statement lighter you don’t need to go so overboard.
Zippo do bright and pastel colour lighters that are cool, but look a bit childlike when you whip them out of a Jeff Banks three-piece and spark-up.
I like classic lighters – I even own a Polo cigarette case with a built-in petrol lighter, which is cool but weighs a bloody tonne.
Spend £20-30 on a good Zippo and, if the opportunity presents itself, direct friends and relatives to colour alternatives for Christmas or Birthday gifts (for a man who takes his wardrobe so seriously, having gifts bought for you that a superfluous to requirements is an irksome and potentially embarrassing endurance. For that reason, items that would compliment, but are unessential to your sartorial swag, make perfect gifts. You don’t need another Zippo, but it would sure be nice to have one. You don’t need novelty socks, and their receipt is one annoying trip to the dump that you definitely don’t want to make).
It does look cool to have a Zippo that matches your watch case, belt buckle, tie slide, cufflinks, cigarette case and business card holder, but don’t go worrying over it too much.
Just the right amount…that should do fine…
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Friday, 14 January 2011
On Style: Watches...
Here’s a topic that could run for years and years and years. Given my daytime occupation as an apprentice watchmaker, I am obviously somewhat obsessed with this subject.
So I’ll be as brief as I can.
Watches are the most significant part of your attire. They will feature more than any other item you wear, even if you have two, three or more you rotate. People will come to regard your watches as a part of and will always hold an opinion – whether candid or not – on your wrist-wear. A man’s watch says more about him than the rest of his garb. That can be a good, o equally bad thing.
Rule number one: A watch is a status symbol. Therefore do not attempt to buy and carry off a watch significantly above your station. If you work in a petrol station and earn, let’s say, about a grand a month after tax, do NOT save up and buy a £6000 Rolex. It is ridiculous. Wearing that watch may be cool, but it is too much for you. The service charges would eat into your wage, and woe betide you if it actually BROKE! As they is a rule on how much a man should spend on his girlfriend’s engagement ring, so too should you impose a limit to your watch-buying pursuits. I think that spending one months salary on a watch is about as much as you can justify, and, to be honest, I would advise all of you not earning six figure salaries, to stick to half that.
So Mr Esso, you can buy a £500 watch, and that will do for you (for now, until your unpublished manuscript catches the attention of Harper Collins…).
Rule number two: Choice is more important that cost. Who buys a gold Rolex? One of three types of people: folk with too much money and not enough sense (pricks); Rolex nuts (misguided pricks); Pikeys (Pikeys). It’s a crass, in-your-face statement of how much money you have, and makes you look a wee bit like you don’t know what you’re doing.
Class is not always reflected in monetary value – in fact, it is often restraint and personal selection that wins the admiration of ones peers, not balls-out mendaciousness.
Choice something that is versatile, timeless and you – follow those three pointers and you will get years of wear and pleasant comments out of your purchase.
If you happen to know a watchmaker, ask their advice when buying vintage: I picked-up an unmarked 1920s gold Rolex on eBay for £18 inc. p&p. that was missing the glass – an easy repair job, adding immense value and, more importantly, wearability to the piece. Over time, your collection will grow if you are a fan of fine timepieces. Your first steps on the horological ladder should be concerned with case metals. Get yourself a gold watch, a silver watch, one of each with a black strap and one of each with a brown. Then graduate to rose gold (if you dare attempting to coordinate it with the rest of your outfit – rewarding but challenging). A good, early-doors suggestion would be the Swatch full-blooded gold and/or silver as the straps, as with all swatches are easily interchangeable with little risk of damage.
Personally I think you should hunt for something weird and wonderful that speaks volumes about your personal style. Put a bit of money aside and spend time thinking about what you want and comparing the prices of the vintage items you find.
The bargains and gems are out there; you’ve just got to be patient.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
So I’ll be as brief as I can.
Watches are the most significant part of your attire. They will feature more than any other item you wear, even if you have two, three or more you rotate. People will come to regard your watches as a part of and will always hold an opinion – whether candid or not – on your wrist-wear. A man’s watch says more about him than the rest of his garb. That can be a good, o equally bad thing.
Rule number one: A watch is a status symbol. Therefore do not attempt to buy and carry off a watch significantly above your station. If you work in a petrol station and earn, let’s say, about a grand a month after tax, do NOT save up and buy a £6000 Rolex. It is ridiculous. Wearing that watch may be cool, but it is too much for you. The service charges would eat into your wage, and woe betide you if it actually BROKE! As they is a rule on how much a man should spend on his girlfriend’s engagement ring, so too should you impose a limit to your watch-buying pursuits. I think that spending one months salary on a watch is about as much as you can justify, and, to be honest, I would advise all of you not earning six figure salaries, to stick to half that.
So Mr Esso, you can buy a £500 watch, and that will do for you (for now, until your unpublished manuscript catches the attention of Harper Collins…).
Rule number two: Choice is more important that cost. Who buys a gold Rolex? One of three types of people: folk with too much money and not enough sense (pricks); Rolex nuts (misguided pricks); Pikeys (Pikeys). It’s a crass, in-your-face statement of how much money you have, and makes you look a wee bit like you don’t know what you’re doing.
Class is not always reflected in monetary value – in fact, it is often restraint and personal selection that wins the admiration of ones peers, not balls-out mendaciousness.
Choice something that is versatile, timeless and you – follow those three pointers and you will get years of wear and pleasant comments out of your purchase.
If you happen to know a watchmaker, ask their advice when buying vintage: I picked-up an unmarked 1920s gold Rolex on eBay for £18 inc. p&p. that was missing the glass – an easy repair job, adding immense value and, more importantly, wearability to the piece. Over time, your collection will grow if you are a fan of fine timepieces. Your first steps on the horological ladder should be concerned with case metals. Get yourself a gold watch, a silver watch, one of each with a black strap and one of each with a brown. Then graduate to rose gold (if you dare attempting to coordinate it with the rest of your outfit – rewarding but challenging). A good, early-doors suggestion would be the Swatch full-blooded gold and/or silver as the straps, as with all swatches are easily interchangeable with little risk of damage.
Personally I think you should hunt for something weird and wonderful that speaks volumes about your personal style. Put a bit of money aside and spend time thinking about what you want and comparing the prices of the vintage items you find.
The bargains and gems are out there; you’ve just got to be patient.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Thursday, 13 January 2011
On Style: Mixing and Matching...
A couple of years ago, I noticed the emergence of a trend that has always sat rather uneasily with me, but, in the name of progress, I have persevered with my experimentations in this field in order to find an interpretation of the rule I like.
I have suits – many suits. Sometimes I want an outfit that is as well-fitting as a suit, but less formal. Jeans don’t do the trick, because they instantly make the outfit too casual and too edgy for this particular look.
So what do you do? You mix and match, that’s what!
The hardest and fastest rule here regards the fabric: if the jacket and the pants both sport a distinctive weave, don’t wear them together. If one is patterned and the other plain that should be okay, though. In terms of colour, I much prefer black trousers with either a navy or (and you might be surprised/have the urge to vomit) a brown jacket. Mixing black and brown has been a no-no since the dawn of fastidiousness, but most notably in the case of brown shoes with a black suit. I actually think that due to the rising trend in ‘industrial’ fashion (think All Saints), black and brown can work well if worn in even quantities (especially if the style of the mixed clothes is ‘worn’).
A rag-like scarf, brown All Saints Merino wool jumper, black tapered jeans, brown military boots and a brown, tough weave jacket looks awesome, so why not with suits?
Mixing colours is a dangerous, but potentially rewarding pastime. You could end up with a striking combination, or looking like your grandmother’s living room.
For interviews and formal situations, stay smart and stick with the full suit. In your free time go nuts and experiment. That’s all I can say…
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
I have suits – many suits. Sometimes I want an outfit that is as well-fitting as a suit, but less formal. Jeans don’t do the trick, because they instantly make the outfit too casual and too edgy for this particular look.
So what do you do? You mix and match, that’s what!
The hardest and fastest rule here regards the fabric: if the jacket and the pants both sport a distinctive weave, don’t wear them together. If one is patterned and the other plain that should be okay, though. In terms of colour, I much prefer black trousers with either a navy or (and you might be surprised/have the urge to vomit) a brown jacket. Mixing black and brown has been a no-no since the dawn of fastidiousness, but most notably in the case of brown shoes with a black suit. I actually think that due to the rising trend in ‘industrial’ fashion (think All Saints), black and brown can work well if worn in even quantities (especially if the style of the mixed clothes is ‘worn’).
A rag-like scarf, brown All Saints Merino wool jumper, black tapered jeans, brown military boots and a brown, tough weave jacket looks awesome, so why not with suits?
Mixing colours is a dangerous, but potentially rewarding pastime. You could end up with a striking combination, or looking like your grandmother’s living room.
For interviews and formal situations, stay smart and stick with the full suit. In your free time go nuts and experiment. That’s all I can say…
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
On Style: Pocket Watches...
It would be fair to ask whether one really needs a pocket watch these days. Rather surprisingly, I would say that you don’t. Believe it or not I do not own one functioning pocket watch (but am in the process of repairing one I got cheap on the internet).
The reason why I don’t find pocket watches a necessary addition is simply because to wear one with a wristwatch is bloody ridiculous, and thus removes the greatest tool on your person for expressing yourself. As a pocket watch is, quite obviously, kept in your pocket, it is an even more functional item than the wristwatch and really only demands wearing when you are going for full-on Victoriana.
And for that reason I’m restoring one as we speak, but only because I’m a devilishly self-indulgent fashionista. So sue me.
They are a bit of an extravagance, but lovely things to own and to wear occasionally, especially with French cuff shirts that may not allow for your normal watch due to their wrist-hugging tendencies.
Wear them exclusively with waistcoats, which can be worn without the jacket for a bit of edgy Victorian cool.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
The reason why I don’t find pocket watches a necessary addition is simply because to wear one with a wristwatch is bloody ridiculous, and thus removes the greatest tool on your person for expressing yourself. As a pocket watch is, quite obviously, kept in your pocket, it is an even more functional item than the wristwatch and really only demands wearing when you are going for full-on Victoriana.
And for that reason I’m restoring one as we speak, but only because I’m a devilishly self-indulgent fashionista. So sue me.
They are a bit of an extravagance, but lovely things to own and to wear occasionally, especially with French cuff shirts that may not allow for your normal watch due to their wrist-hugging tendencies.
Wear them exclusively with waistcoats, which can be worn without the jacket for a bit of edgy Victorian cool.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
On Style: The Churchill Look...
This post is in addition to the ‘Having a Look’ post, published previously:
If you want a little help getting started, look to old-fashioned politicians for inspiration – they had some of the best, most iconic looks that can be recreated very simply. I’m no entirely sure about the hat, but if you want an example of Great British Style, you can’t go far wrong with Winston Churchill, the epitome of masculine grit.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Monday, 10 January 2011
NFL Wild Card Weekend...
Who Rocked?
In a weekend that saw the vibrant Chiefs, the playoff-tested Colts and the much-fancied Eagles fall to travelling teams, the major plaudits have to go to the one home team to prevail: the previously 7-9 Seattle Seahawks, who defeated the 11-5 world champions, the New Orleans Saints.
An historic division championship saw the sub .500 Seahawks stagger into the playoffs in 4th seed. Their vastly inferior record raised questions over whether the seeding process should be redesigned and removed an automatic top-4 berth for besting a bad division.
But it just wouldn’t work. Not unless the scheduling system was also updated to exclude double-headers between divisional rivals and if you took that step, there’d be no point in having divisions at all. Scheduling as it is – pitting good teams against tough opponents as a supplementary boon to high-drafting teams looking to go from worst to first in a year – places emphasis on winning your division.
Anyway, the Seahawks won and silenced their critics and the travelling Who Dat nation. Thanks in large part to holding that 4th seed. As the home team in the wild card round, the Seahawks were playing at Qwest Field – the NFL’s loudest stadium and the biggest advantage a soft secondary can ask for against the NFL’s most vaunted passing attack.
Here’s some interesting personal trivia for you: I placed a 4-part multiple on this weekend’s games. I went for the Ravens over the Chiefs (won), the Packers over the Eagles (won), the SEAHAWKS over the Saints (won!), and the Colts over the Jets (lost).
So I lost the bet thanks to Rex Ryan out-coaching Manning (yeah Manning), but for a while I was on cloud nine thanks to the Seahawks doing what I thought they might.
The Saints were without their running backs; they were travelling to the other side of the country; everyone knew they would have to lean on Drew Brees arm and Qwest Field is a nightmare for QBs who pass often and run complex schemes.
Sean Peyton is an awesome coach and, were it not for Marshawn Lynch breaking 8 tackles (wasting Tracy Porter in the process) en route to a 67 yard TD run in the fourth quarter, Drew probably would have kept the champs on the road to repetition.
But the Saints needn’t feel too bad: only New England has managed to win a playoff game the year after winning the big one, since Tampa Bay hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in 2002.
Can the Seahawks beat the Bears? Yeah, you know what? They can. But will they beat them at Soldier field? No. Soldier Field will see two more games this year as the Packer will upset the Falcons on their way to the Superbowl.
Prediction. Made.
Whose year is in the books?
The Indianapolis Colts are no more. Jim Caldwell’s playoff perennials fell at the first hurdle (and cost me a 78-1 multiple I was riding on). Goodbye boys, time to elt someone else have a go.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
In a weekend that saw the vibrant Chiefs, the playoff-tested Colts and the much-fancied Eagles fall to travelling teams, the major plaudits have to go to the one home team to prevail: the previously 7-9 Seattle Seahawks, who defeated the 11-5 world champions, the New Orleans Saints.
An historic division championship saw the sub .500 Seahawks stagger into the playoffs in 4th seed. Their vastly inferior record raised questions over whether the seeding process should be redesigned and removed an automatic top-4 berth for besting a bad division.
But it just wouldn’t work. Not unless the scheduling system was also updated to exclude double-headers between divisional rivals and if you took that step, there’d be no point in having divisions at all. Scheduling as it is – pitting good teams against tough opponents as a supplementary boon to high-drafting teams looking to go from worst to first in a year – places emphasis on winning your division.
Anyway, the Seahawks won and silenced their critics and the travelling Who Dat nation. Thanks in large part to holding that 4th seed. As the home team in the wild card round, the Seahawks were playing at Qwest Field – the NFL’s loudest stadium and the biggest advantage a soft secondary can ask for against the NFL’s most vaunted passing attack.
Here’s some interesting personal trivia for you: I placed a 4-part multiple on this weekend’s games. I went for the Ravens over the Chiefs (won), the Packers over the Eagles (won), the SEAHAWKS over the Saints (won!), and the Colts over the Jets (lost).
So I lost the bet thanks to Rex Ryan out-coaching Manning (yeah Manning), but for a while I was on cloud nine thanks to the Seahawks doing what I thought they might.
The Saints were without their running backs; they were travelling to the other side of the country; everyone knew they would have to lean on Drew Brees arm and Qwest Field is a nightmare for QBs who pass often and run complex schemes.
Sean Peyton is an awesome coach and, were it not for Marshawn Lynch breaking 8 tackles (wasting Tracy Porter in the process) en route to a 67 yard TD run in the fourth quarter, Drew probably would have kept the champs on the road to repetition.
But the Saints needn’t feel too bad: only New England has managed to win a playoff game the year after winning the big one, since Tampa Bay hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in 2002.
Can the Seahawks beat the Bears? Yeah, you know what? They can. But will they beat them at Soldier field? No. Soldier Field will see two more games this year as the Packer will upset the Falcons on their way to the Superbowl.
Prediction. Made.
Whose year is in the books?
The Indianapolis Colts are no more. Jim Caldwell’s playoff perennials fell at the first hurdle (and cost me a 78-1 multiple I was riding on). Goodbye boys, time to elt someone else have a go.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Sunday, 9 January 2011
On Style: Spectacles...
This section may be irrelevant to you.
Do not do a Clark Kent and wear fake prescription glasses because you like the look. It is not worth the embarrassment of being found out, which will happen the second somebody asks to try on your glasses (which should be within five nanoseconds of you debuting your faux blindness in public).
I have a very weak prescription for my left eye. I only use my glasses when reading black on white on an electric, backlit or projected screen. Without my glasses correcting some axial lisp I seem to have developed, my eyes go a googly – rolling in my head, flickering…the works. This is not a good look, so I have been forced to invest in some half-framed Police specs in brown.
Nice, but not at all naughty enough for my liking. Glasses are one of those things that can either draw the eye or turn it; they can be boring as sin – so boring you can forget anyone even bothering to appreciate the fineness of your tweed (take that as you will…) – or they can be outrageously riveting. Although in almost all regards I would plump for restraint, spectacles are one area I would go wild.
Ideally you should own a ‘sensible’ pair in black or, my favourite, tortoiseshell, in the right shape to accentuate your face (in a similar way to facial hair being able to work wonders with your mug, glasses can create illusions too), and a ‘jazzy’ pair.
Now, I’m not talking Tim Wonnacott – but it must be said, his glasses are cool, because he clearly loves them and gives so little of a shit about what you or I think, we have no choice but to assume he is right and that we are blazing buffoons for not owning in excess of fifty pairs of rainbow coloured reading glasses. Mad, aren’t we? – but I am advocating a similar strategy as employed by the Antiques Roadshow and Bargain Hunt regular.
Go wild with style. Preferably in a colourway that is transferable, but if not at least pick one you can wear with most of your favourite cloths comfortably.
You may notice, as I have done, that your wardrobe possesses a palette. Unsurprisingly, this is often your favourite colour and as long as that colour suits you better than all others, then that’s a good thing. I have seen many a woman obsessed with fuchsia pink, but unaware it makes her look like a rose bush or an inside-out whale. Shudder.
I have one brand name for you: Etnia Barcelona. Check them out. Find the style you like. Pick the colourway. Go nuts.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Do not do a Clark Kent and wear fake prescription glasses because you like the look. It is not worth the embarrassment of being found out, which will happen the second somebody asks to try on your glasses (which should be within five nanoseconds of you debuting your faux blindness in public).
I have a very weak prescription for my left eye. I only use my glasses when reading black on white on an electric, backlit or projected screen. Without my glasses correcting some axial lisp I seem to have developed, my eyes go a googly – rolling in my head, flickering…the works. This is not a good look, so I have been forced to invest in some half-framed Police specs in brown.
Nice, but not at all naughty enough for my liking. Glasses are one of those things that can either draw the eye or turn it; they can be boring as sin – so boring you can forget anyone even bothering to appreciate the fineness of your tweed (take that as you will…) – or they can be outrageously riveting. Although in almost all regards I would plump for restraint, spectacles are one area I would go wild.
Ideally you should own a ‘sensible’ pair in black or, my favourite, tortoiseshell, in the right shape to accentuate your face (in a similar way to facial hair being able to work wonders with your mug, glasses can create illusions too), and a ‘jazzy’ pair.
Now, I’m not talking Tim Wonnacott – but it must be said, his glasses are cool, because he clearly loves them and gives so little of a shit about what you or I think, we have no choice but to assume he is right and that we are blazing buffoons for not owning in excess of fifty pairs of rainbow coloured reading glasses. Mad, aren’t we? – but I am advocating a similar strategy as employed by the Antiques Roadshow and Bargain Hunt regular.
Go wild with style. Preferably in a colourway that is transferable, but if not at least pick one you can wear with most of your favourite cloths comfortably.
You may notice, as I have done, that your wardrobe possesses a palette. Unsurprisingly, this is often your favourite colour and as long as that colour suits you better than all others, then that’s a good thing. I have seen many a woman obsessed with fuchsia pink, but unaware it makes her look like a rose bush or an inside-out whale. Shudder.
I have one brand name for you: Etnia Barcelona. Check them out. Find the style you like. Pick the colourway. Go nuts.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
On Style: Sunglasses...
It is important, nay, imperative, that you own at least one good pair of sunglasses. And by good, I don’t just mean some unbranded piece of crap you paid more than you were comfortable with because you were desperate: I mean reputable, reliable, guaranteed if possible, shades from a world-renowned dealer. And yeah, they are gonna cost you a bomb.
But it’s a bomb worth dropping. You can’t put a price on the health and safety of your peepers, so why skimp on a piece of kit that can not only protect their functionality, but make you look awesome in the process?
There are a couple of brands I would advise giving some consideration: Top of the list for build quality, range diversification and classic chic are Ray Bans. If you want the Aviator look, buy Ray Bans. If you want lightweight wire frames, buy Ray Bans. And seeing as you NEED a pair of Ray Bans Wayfarers, you’re probably going to have to buy RAY BANS.
As for those staple Wayfarers (that I might have mentioned you NEED) there is now plenty to choose from, in comparison to the more barren days of old.
The classic black frames (in Medium or Large, but not Small…don’t ask) now come in less classic, but twice as cool, red, blue, green, yellow, pink etcetera, etcetera, etcetera…
Coolest of all, though, and probably the second most wearable (after the black, which tend to go well with most things), are the tortoiseshell Wayfarers of the collapsible variety.
These are the pinnacle of nineteen-fifties, road tripping, rock ‘n’ roll, quiff-sporting modishness. They come in a sweet leather case, in which you can keep your near indestructible specs in when not in use, and they look classy with damn near everything you team them with, by virtue of their muted tones and dark lenses. About £140 from retailers, but cheaper online – hunt around and get yourself a bargain.
My personal favourite for Italian elegance, are the windscreen-esque shades from fashion stylist John Varvatos. At £170 a pop, they aren’t cheap, but they are sexy. They are also good for your eyes. A scientific study released over a year ago, lauded the benefits of large, screen like sunglasses that cover, not just the eye, but the surrounding area. Such overstated styles can vastly reduce the damage to your eyes and, if worn whilst riding a scooter or motorbike – pastimes for which their style would suggest they are tailored – they will keep the bugs out of your eyes and the eyes of passers-by on you.
For sport, choose Oakley: pricey but damn near indestructible and still the sleekest thing on the market by far. The new styles are more form than function, but they style feature Oakley’s trademark build quality. Be wary of smaller styles – especially ladies. I own a pair of Oakley Darts, which look great and fit well, but the lenses are not the top end and distort the bottom range too much for my liking and the price. Stick with the balls to the wall sports models like the Romeo and Juliet styles. You can’t go wrong.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
But it’s a bomb worth dropping. You can’t put a price on the health and safety of your peepers, so why skimp on a piece of kit that can not only protect their functionality, but make you look awesome in the process?
There are a couple of brands I would advise giving some consideration: Top of the list for build quality, range diversification and classic chic are Ray Bans. If you want the Aviator look, buy Ray Bans. If you want lightweight wire frames, buy Ray Bans. And seeing as you NEED a pair of Ray Bans Wayfarers, you’re probably going to have to buy RAY BANS.
As for those staple Wayfarers (that I might have mentioned you NEED) there is now plenty to choose from, in comparison to the more barren days of old.
The classic black frames (in Medium or Large, but not Small…don’t ask) now come in less classic, but twice as cool, red, blue, green, yellow, pink etcetera, etcetera, etcetera…
Coolest of all, though, and probably the second most wearable (after the black, which tend to go well with most things), are the tortoiseshell Wayfarers of the collapsible variety.
These are the pinnacle of nineteen-fifties, road tripping, rock ‘n’ roll, quiff-sporting modishness. They come in a sweet leather case, in which you can keep your near indestructible specs in when not in use, and they look classy with damn near everything you team them with, by virtue of their muted tones and dark lenses. About £140 from retailers, but cheaper online – hunt around and get yourself a bargain.
My personal favourite for Italian elegance, are the windscreen-esque shades from fashion stylist John Varvatos. At £170 a pop, they aren’t cheap, but they are sexy. They are also good for your eyes. A scientific study released over a year ago, lauded the benefits of large, screen like sunglasses that cover, not just the eye, but the surrounding area. Such overstated styles can vastly reduce the damage to your eyes and, if worn whilst riding a scooter or motorbike – pastimes for which their style would suggest they are tailored – they will keep the bugs out of your eyes and the eyes of passers-by on you.
For sport, choose Oakley: pricey but damn near indestructible and still the sleekest thing on the market by far. The new styles are more form than function, but they style feature Oakley’s trademark build quality. Be wary of smaller styles – especially ladies. I own a pair of Oakley Darts, which look great and fit well, but the lenses are not the top end and distort the bottom range too much for my liking and the price. Stick with the balls to the wall sports models like the Romeo and Juliet styles. You can’t go wrong.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Friday, 7 January 2011
On Style: Earrings...
Should you or shouldn’t you? I say get your ear pierced first, then at least you have the option. I had mine done after losing a bet (for which the punishment was an elective form of bodily invasion- I went for needle Vs. earlobe to avoid anything grimmer) a few years ago and although I rarely (I mean, like, months apart) wear a ring or stud, the hole is still there, usable and totally unnoticeable.
People always react with shock when I tell them I have my ear pierced.
“You,” they say. “But you’re so clean-cut…so strait-laced…you wear suits to the pub.”
“Yes, but I’m a man of my word,” I say, flashing a smile as the light flashes over the golden hoop, from which a cross bearing the blasphemous image of Christ hangs. “I said I’d do it, and I did. It’s fucking super so get over it.”
My input to that illustrative conversation there was a lie. Not only do I not own an earring of such George Michael-esque proportions, I have trouble defending my body maiming antics.
But an earring offers you instant change – the chance to revise your look in seconds. I can go from side swept hair, a suit and polished brogues, to a spiky do, faded t-shirt and ripped jeans, high-tops and a stud, or my personal favourite, a ring.
Seriously, double gold hoops can be done with class and style: think Daniel Day-Lewis or Colin Farrell (more so the former).
Also, try this on for size: get yourself a silver segment ring and take out the closing bar. Slip the now three-quarter circle through your ear and – here’s the money shot – turn it upside-down. It look’s like your ear is pierced in two places and that the ring goes all the way through. I was inspired by a beautiful Frenchman, who first sported this style in my presence before trying to fondle me. I forgave him, though, for his impeccable style (see Etnia Barcelona Glasses too, one of his choice accessories) and utmost Frenchness. This look is Rock ‘n’ Roll in a can. Try it on for size when being too slick for Silverstone in sleet sits awkwardly with a social function.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
People always react with shock when I tell them I have my ear pierced.
“You,” they say. “But you’re so clean-cut…so strait-laced…you wear suits to the pub.”
“Yes, but I’m a man of my word,” I say, flashing a smile as the light flashes over the golden hoop, from which a cross bearing the blasphemous image of Christ hangs. “I said I’d do it, and I did. It’s fucking super so get over it.”
My input to that illustrative conversation there was a lie. Not only do I not own an earring of such George Michael-esque proportions, I have trouble defending my body maiming antics.
But an earring offers you instant change – the chance to revise your look in seconds. I can go from side swept hair, a suit and polished brogues, to a spiky do, faded t-shirt and ripped jeans, high-tops and a stud, or my personal favourite, a ring.
Seriously, double gold hoops can be done with class and style: think Daniel Day-Lewis or Colin Farrell (more so the former).
Also, try this on for size: get yourself a silver segment ring and take out the closing bar. Slip the now three-quarter circle through your ear and – here’s the money shot – turn it upside-down. It look’s like your ear is pierced in two places and that the ring goes all the way through. I was inspired by a beautiful Frenchman, who first sported this style in my presence before trying to fondle me. I forgave him, though, for his impeccable style (see Etnia Barcelona Glasses too, one of his choice accessories) and utmost Frenchness. This look is Rock ‘n’ Roll in a can. Try it on for size when being too slick for Silverstone in sleet sits awkwardly with a social function.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Thursday, 6 January 2011
On Style: Canes...
Mid-calf, fold-over, military-style boots for men have arrived. When worn with a tapered-leg jean, they can create a modern, edgy silhouette that screams rebellious cool.
But with so many on the market, what should you buy and how much should you spend?
Once again, All Saints lead the way with their stylistic offerings. They are, without exception in my opinion, the best looking, pre-worn boots on the market. BUT, as always, they would require you to re-mortgage your house and sell your kidneys – both of them – in order to stump-up the price tag.
Finding a wide selection of this style in high street shops is harder than you might think, given their ubiquity on the pages of fashion magazines. In Manchester, in particular, only Artisan off St. Anne’s Square has what you could call choice. Topman is always worth a look, with Bank, Office and Superdry sporting a few examples. Always check out TK Maxx for bargains – my brother picked-up a pair of canvas calf boots in black – you wouldn’t think these would look anywhere near as good, but their more casual styling means they are far more wearable than the arresting appearance of leather boots.
If you can find a decently priced pair, nothing will help define your casual look better. But make sure you wear them with either skinny, or tapered leg jeans – the rest will fall into place.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
But with so many on the market, what should you buy and how much should you spend?
Once again, All Saints lead the way with their stylistic offerings. They are, without exception in my opinion, the best looking, pre-worn boots on the market. BUT, as always, they would require you to re-mortgage your house and sell your kidneys – both of them – in order to stump-up the price tag.
Finding a wide selection of this style in high street shops is harder than you might think, given their ubiquity on the pages of fashion magazines. In Manchester, in particular, only Artisan off St. Anne’s Square has what you could call choice. Topman is always worth a look, with Bank, Office and Superdry sporting a few examples. Always check out TK Maxx for bargains – my brother picked-up a pair of canvas calf boots in black – you wouldn’t think these would look anywhere near as good, but their more casual styling means they are far more wearable than the arresting appearance of leather boots.
If you can find a decently priced pair, nothing will help define your casual look better. But make sure you wear them with either skinny, or tapered leg jeans – the rest will fall into place.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
On Style: Jewellery...
Britain has a rich history of jewellery production. With so much quality gear flying around, it wouldn’t hurt you to know a little bit about the kind of stash you might come across at various antiques fairs, bric-a-brac stores and curio emporia you might find yourself browsing in search of that special, signature piece.
For years I toiled in the hunt for a Rose Gold ring that I could call my own. I wanted something unique; standout; engaging, but it wasn’t as easy as I’d hoped to find what I had in mind, or even to know what I had found when I found it.
During my quest for aesthetic brilliance, I spent a short period of time researching hallmarks. Knowledge of hallmarking practices not only helps you ascertain whether what you’re buying is worth your wedge, but is also a neat little party trick.
Imagine your grand Aunt Doris sliding off her wedding ring and you, without the aid of a microscope or chemical testing, telling her it was made in 1949 in Birmingham – she’d be singing your praises all the way to her colostomy appointment. Britain signed the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and thus all jewellery made of precious metal has been conveniently stamped by one of four domestic assay offices (London, Birmingham, Sheffield and Edinburgh) to prove its quality.
The act made trading in non-marked metal an illegal practise and guaranteed consumers a fair deal. In 1998 the BHC (British Hallmarking Committee) reviewed the 1973 document, which had been found to contain many inconsistencies and errors, and re-standardised the system. One notable change to the assaying of precious metal was the removal of the mandatory date stamp. A chart of symbols/dates from 1916-1974 can be seen below. In addition to the removal of date marks, seven new standards of fineness were added to the already stringent testing procedures that all assay offices are required to undertake.
Hallmarking has been around since the 1300s, but the current system is constantly being refined. Recently, Palladium was added to the list of metals that require a hallmark.
So here’s how to impress your friends and work out what that ring you’ve seen in your local antiques centre is made of and where it comes from.
Firstly, look for the assay office mark. There are four of these and very easy to identify. London has a Leopard snarling; Sheffield a Yorkshire Rose; Birmingham an Anchor; and Edinburgh a turreted castle.
Next your need to know what type of metal it is: the colour can be a clue but is often misleading. White gold is rhodium plated and can often be confused for silver or platinum, and what appears to be rose gold could just as easily be copper if it lacks a hall mark.
Attempting to divulge the following in an eloquent way would be cluttered and confusing, for both you and I, so here is a handy list of hallmarks and their meanings:
The following numbers may appear on metal of various colours. Yellow, Rose, White and all other varieties of gold carry the same numbers to denote their purity. Due to the impurities added to achieve different colours, the purest gold available is yellow – its natural colour. All the example charts below assume the piece was caste in Sheffield (check out that sweet rose!) Furthermore, the 990 rating for Gold is 24ct, and the 999 is ‘fine’ Gold. Also, the G is just an example date mark and the orb for platinum is optional. Just thought you’d like to know.
And as for Silver…
Not to be confused with its cheaper cousins, Platinum is one pricey metal. Anything made of platinum will carry the following:
Palladium has just joined the group and is identified by this rather cool hallmark:
Now, these rules apply to Britain only. Foreign countries have different system – few as exhaustive. I believe that other carats of gold are available the world over, but as far as the British Isles go, the above should serve you well. Visit www.assayoffice.co.uk/Services/UK_Hallmarks.asp for more information.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
For years I toiled in the hunt for a Rose Gold ring that I could call my own. I wanted something unique; standout; engaging, but it wasn’t as easy as I’d hoped to find what I had in mind, or even to know what I had found when I found it.
During my quest for aesthetic brilliance, I spent a short period of time researching hallmarks. Knowledge of hallmarking practices not only helps you ascertain whether what you’re buying is worth your wedge, but is also a neat little party trick.
Imagine your grand Aunt Doris sliding off her wedding ring and you, without the aid of a microscope or chemical testing, telling her it was made in 1949 in Birmingham – she’d be singing your praises all the way to her colostomy appointment. Britain signed the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and thus all jewellery made of precious metal has been conveniently stamped by one of four domestic assay offices (London, Birmingham, Sheffield and Edinburgh) to prove its quality.
The act made trading in non-marked metal an illegal practise and guaranteed consumers a fair deal. In 1998 the BHC (British Hallmarking Committee) reviewed the 1973 document, which had been found to contain many inconsistencies and errors, and re-standardised the system. One notable change to the assaying of precious metal was the removal of the mandatory date stamp. A chart of symbols/dates from 1916-1974 can be seen below. In addition to the removal of date marks, seven new standards of fineness were added to the already stringent testing procedures that all assay offices are required to undertake.
Hallmarking has been around since the 1300s, but the current system is constantly being refined. Recently, Palladium was added to the list of metals that require a hallmark.
So here’s how to impress your friends and work out what that ring you’ve seen in your local antiques centre is made of and where it comes from.
Firstly, look for the assay office mark. There are four of these and very easy to identify. London has a Leopard snarling; Sheffield a Yorkshire Rose; Birmingham an Anchor; and Edinburgh a turreted castle.
Next your need to know what type of metal it is: the colour can be a clue but is often misleading. White gold is rhodium plated and can often be confused for silver or platinum, and what appears to be rose gold could just as easily be copper if it lacks a hall mark.
Attempting to divulge the following in an eloquent way would be cluttered and confusing, for both you and I, so here is a handy list of hallmarks and their meanings:
The following numbers may appear on metal of various colours. Yellow, Rose, White and all other varieties of gold carry the same numbers to denote their purity. Due to the impurities added to achieve different colours, the purest gold available is yellow – its natural colour. All the example charts below assume the piece was caste in Sheffield (check out that sweet rose!) Furthermore, the 990 rating for Gold is 24ct, and the 999 is ‘fine’ Gold. Also, the G is just an example date mark and the orb for platinum is optional. Just thought you’d like to know.
And as for Silver…
Not to be confused with its cheaper cousins, Platinum is one pricey metal. Anything made of platinum will carry the following:
Palladium has just joined the group and is identified by this rather cool hallmark:
Now, these rules apply to Britain only. Foreign countries have different system – few as exhaustive. I believe that other carats of gold are available the world over, but as far as the British Isles go, the above should serve you well. Visit www.assayoffice.co.uk/Services/UK_Hallmarks.asp for more information.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
NFL Round-up: Week 17...
Who Rocked?
After propping up my opinions for the last few weeks, the Seahawks finally get it right when it matters. By beating the Rams this week they are the champions of the NFC West, despite having only won 7 games all season. This is the first time in history a losing-record has made it into the playoffs and, by virtue of winning their division, the Seahawks take the 4th seed, which mean they will host the number 5 seeds and defending world champions, the New Orleans Saints. Can they turn over an 11 win team and progress to face either Chicago or Atlanta? Yes they can. Will they? Wait and see…
Green Bay finished off a tough schedule with an essential win over division rivals and winners, the Chicago Bears. Green Bay were the most fortunate of the Giants, Bucs and themselves: all three needed a win to have any chance of progressing, but only the Packers were assured a spot if the score came up in their favour. As it happened, all three teams won, but the Packers top the Wild Card standings on tiebreakers and go forward to play the dangerous Philadelphia away from home.
Whose chances were knocked?
The Rams lost an effectively sudden-death game to end rookie of the year, Sam Bradford’s hopes of leading this up-and-coming unit into the playoffs in his first season at the helm. They can take heart from his performances and Steve Spagnolo will have these boys in the playoffs next year, or the year after at the latest.
The Bucs lost out at the last and, after a great season, have nothing but the anguish of missed opportunities and a low draft pick to show for it. Shame about how it worked out for them – they deserved better.
But I never really took them seriously and I think their presence in the top 6 would’ve been at the expense of someone far better and more talented.
Like the Giants, for example: the surprise Champs of 2007 were looking so very good after 8 weeks that I had already ordained them as the team to beat. The Giants AND Green bay were my favourites to make it to the NFC championship game for a rematch of the 2007 game that saw Brett Favre’s storied career n Wisconsin come to a dramatic close with an overtime interception that allowed the upstart road warrior Giants to get into the Superbowl, where they beat the 18-0 Patriots.
Eli Manning will have to go home and polish his ring until September comes. But he’ll get chances…the Mannings always do…
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
After propping up my opinions for the last few weeks, the Seahawks finally get it right when it matters. By beating the Rams this week they are the champions of the NFC West, despite having only won 7 games all season. This is the first time in history a losing-record has made it into the playoffs and, by virtue of winning their division, the Seahawks take the 4th seed, which mean they will host the number 5 seeds and defending world champions, the New Orleans Saints. Can they turn over an 11 win team and progress to face either Chicago or Atlanta? Yes they can. Will they? Wait and see…
Green Bay finished off a tough schedule with an essential win over division rivals and winners, the Chicago Bears. Green Bay were the most fortunate of the Giants, Bucs and themselves: all three needed a win to have any chance of progressing, but only the Packers were assured a spot if the score came up in their favour. As it happened, all three teams won, but the Packers top the Wild Card standings on tiebreakers and go forward to play the dangerous Philadelphia away from home.
Whose chances were knocked?
The Rams lost an effectively sudden-death game to end rookie of the year, Sam Bradford’s hopes of leading this up-and-coming unit into the playoffs in his first season at the helm. They can take heart from his performances and Steve Spagnolo will have these boys in the playoffs next year, or the year after at the latest.
The Bucs lost out at the last and, after a great season, have nothing but the anguish of missed opportunities and a low draft pick to show for it. Shame about how it worked out for them – they deserved better.
But I never really took them seriously and I think their presence in the top 6 would’ve been at the expense of someone far better and more talented.
Like the Giants, for example: the surprise Champs of 2007 were looking so very good after 8 weeks that I had already ordained them as the team to beat. The Giants AND Green bay were my favourites to make it to the NFC championship game for a rematch of the 2007 game that saw Brett Favre’s storied career n Wisconsin come to a dramatic close with an overtime interception that allowed the upstart road warrior Giants to get into the Superbowl, where they beat the 18-0 Patriots.
Eli Manning will have to go home and polish his ring until September comes. But he’ll get chances…the Mannings always do…
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Monday, 3 January 2011
On Style: Calf Boots...
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Sunday, 2 January 2011
On Style: Leather Jackets...
Leather jackets are a minefield. Get it right, and you’ll look cool as sin; get it wrong and you’ll look like your dad at a fancy dress party, wearing his own cloths (think about it – even he knows he’s out of date).
Although the concept of leather outerwear is, and always will be, timeless, certain style smack so firmly of an era, they should be avoided at all costs. If you try it on and, looking back at you from the mirror is a character you remember seeing on television when you were little, hang it back up. Reefer jackets are about as retro as you should go, and only if you have the rest of the Starsky & Hutch regalia to go with it.
What seems to be in at the moment, are these crinkled leather, waist length, elasticated hem bomber jackets. I love these when the leather isn’t too crinkled and the collar is ludicrously high. Short, Nehru style collars are not cool anymore unless you’re a motorbike aficionado, so steer clear.
The thing is, buying a leather jacket should be one of those experiences for a man that ranks alongside buying his first can; his first straight-blade razor; feeling his first pair of breasts and the associated undercarriage. In short, it should be almost spiritual.
Bur right now, the shift in trend has left the future of the currently fashionable leather hanging in the balance. Is there longevity to anything that’s around at the moment, or would you be well advised to save the £200+ it will cost you to gamble, and spend it instead on a full-length woollen overcoat instead..?
I know where my money’s going…
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Although the concept of leather outerwear is, and always will be, timeless, certain style smack so firmly of an era, they should be avoided at all costs. If you try it on and, looking back at you from the mirror is a character you remember seeing on television when you were little, hang it back up. Reefer jackets are about as retro as you should go, and only if you have the rest of the Starsky & Hutch regalia to go with it.
What seems to be in at the moment, are these crinkled leather, waist length, elasticated hem bomber jackets. I love these when the leather isn’t too crinkled and the collar is ludicrously high. Short, Nehru style collars are not cool anymore unless you’re a motorbike aficionado, so steer clear.
The thing is, buying a leather jacket should be one of those experiences for a man that ranks alongside buying his first can; his first straight-blade razor; feeling his first pair of breasts and the associated undercarriage. In short, it should be almost spiritual.
Bur right now, the shift in trend has left the future of the currently fashionable leather hanging in the balance. Is there longevity to anything that’s around at the moment, or would you be well advised to save the £200+ it will cost you to gamble, and spend it instead on a full-length woollen overcoat instead..?
I know where my money’s going…
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Saturday, 1 January 2011
On Style: Having a Look...
Whenever dressing yourself, or, in broader terms, defining in your mind ‘a look’ that will become your own, it helps to have a model in mind; a case study from whom you can draw your influence.
Some people choose actors, some writers or artists – whatever medium you feel best represents your personality, is sure to hold many an example that will be able to help you solidify the mental image.
I personally have a summer model, a winter model and a formal model. You to could instigate a seasonal shift in your style without much trouble, and the benefits are simple and manifold.
With a model in mind you needn’t agonise over the form of your outfit, only the components that will make it complete. Rather than starting-out with a blank canvas, the outline has already been drawn. All you need to do is fill in the blanks.
Your own look could easily become a mishmash of your favourite styles. This, I would say, is preferably. If you idolise the people you base your own look on, then you will idolise their clothes, and, by proxy, your own. This kind of reverence will not only encourage you to respect your outfit, but also to have confidence AND cause your own look to become a separate, almost tangible entity in your own mind.
Soon, you will be basing your style on YOURSELF. Weird, but true.
Give it a go: be bold and be yourself. You can’t go far wrong.
Unless you’re an absolute Muppet…then it could be a rough ride.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Some people choose actors, some writers or artists – whatever medium you feel best represents your personality, is sure to hold many an example that will be able to help you solidify the mental image.
I personally have a summer model, a winter model and a formal model. You to could instigate a seasonal shift in your style without much trouble, and the benefits are simple and manifold.
With a model in mind you needn’t agonise over the form of your outfit, only the components that will make it complete. Rather than starting-out with a blank canvas, the outline has already been drawn. All you need to do is fill in the blanks.
Your own look could easily become a mishmash of your favourite styles. This, I would say, is preferably. If you idolise the people you base your own look on, then you will idolise their clothes, and, by proxy, your own. This kind of reverence will not only encourage you to respect your outfit, but also to have confidence AND cause your own look to become a separate, almost tangible entity in your own mind.
Soon, you will be basing your style on YOURSELF. Weird, but true.
Give it a go: be bold and be yourself. You can’t go far wrong.
Unless you’re an absolute Muppet…then it could be a rough ride.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
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