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.
Friday, 21 January 2011
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.
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