Striking up the band makes for a very fine day

Best. Venue. Thing. Ever.

I’m at the archery yesterday at Lord’s, settled into my seat when all of a sudden, out of nowhere, this great orchestra strikes up down the row from me.

Right there on a veranda off the pavilion at Lord’s, as hallowed British sporting ground as exists. It was wild and tres, tres cool.

I’m talking full-on orchestra, woodwinds and strings and drums and a band leader/conductor who wasn’t Tommy Dorsey but was close.

It was the Band of The Royal Yeomanry, part of the British armed forces, I’m told a rather significant band and it was excellent.

Having just arrived at Lord’s from beach volleyball where my senses were dulled by electronic (alleged) music with some Stones and Pet Shop Boys and Beatles thrown in for good measure, it was an incredible study in contrasts.

First off, Lord’s is old school. I mean guys in white sportscoats (Stewards? Members? Princes? Wannabes?) ushering to your seat and being ever so helpful.

I’m pretty sure, if truth be told, the last thing the lords of Lord’s wants is the hoi polloi like me wandering in their clubhouse or offices or whatever it’s called.

I’m pretty sure I was one of few middle-aged Canadians looking bedraggled in shorts and t-shirt who was simply walking around soaking in the atmosphere. No one said anything – they were far too polite for that – but it was one of those “when worlds collide” moments you get at things like this.

But a band?

A band is cool.

Usually it’s the PA announcer trying to entertain the crowd by talking and telling them what they’re about to see or, in the case of the beach, the blaring music and sights to stimulate the audience.

Archery? At Lord’s?

A full band in full military dress playing upbeat tunes that I didn’t know but that I liked an awful lot.

Sometimes when you come to things like this you’re not sure when you’re going to have a “moment.”

Sitting at Lord’s, watching archery after a military band played is the “moment” so far.

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Okay, okay, okay.

I haven’t used this yet because a bunch of readers have mentioned it so …

And, no, I haven’t seen a werewolf yet.

But I don’t tend to run in werewolf circles.

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When non-stories become stories, Vol. 5,240,981

I understand there’s a big kerfuffle about tickets and empty seats at some venues and how it’s cheating the poor Brits out of a chance to see things and, well, and yawn.

You can go back to whenever you like and hear tales of the IOC “family” not using their seats, especially early in the Games. Happened in Athens, happened in Beijing, happened in Barcelona and happened everywhere.

There’s no real solution. These are seats set aside for officials, other athletes, sponsors who pay enormous rights fees and it may not be the best thing in the world but it is, simply, what it is.

Short of offering them as rush seating at the venue at the time of the event – no one knows ahead of time how many are going to be used – I’m not sure there’s a solution.

I chalk the whole thing up to a nitpicky local tabloid media with nothing to do since they can’t tap into cell phones any more and most of the Tall Foreheads are either fired, in jail or on their way to the hoosegow.

It really is a non-story, actually. Heck, I was archery yesterday and the stands – including the IOC “Family” ones – were packed. Ditto beach volleyball and ditto basketball.

Every Games is going to have an early tempest in a teapot, ticketing is this ones. Thee will be others, and some of us will try to put some context on it.

And the tabs will spin it as they do.

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Oh yeah.

I’m typing most of this on the half-hour bus ride from the hotel to the main press centre while a lot of you are asleep.

Pardon the typos, luv.

(I heart this use of the language)

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Hey!!!!

Remember when I put out the plea for alleys around Trafalgar Square to investigate and one helpful Irregular gave me The Harp on Chandos Place?

I’ve been there!!!

One night after a shindig this Tall Expat and her Somewhat Less Tall Partner In Crime shepherded a gaggle of us there and if you haven’t seen Tall Expat and Somewhat Less Tall Partner in Crime leading 20 confounded Canadians around Trafalgar Square you should imagine human ducks trailing after the Moms with the food only more disorganized and a bit more wobbly.

Anyway, it was a great place, we stood outside taking increasingly large chances of being hammered by an oncoming taxi and had a fine night.

So, thanks.

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Yo, Raptors fans? You still here?

Presume you saw that they signed Alan Anderson yesterday but I wonder if you know that the deal is fully guaranteed because they like him so much as a quality guy and solid end-of-the-bench swingman who won’t hurt ‘em if he has to play long minutes.

Helluva story, Anderson is, and it’s a testament to him that he’s got a deal that’ll make him a little guaranteed money.

I’m told by People Who Know that with a roster now at 14, there’s virtually no chance of any additions right now, they want the flexibility an open slot gives them and the most likely thing is they’ll sign maybe three guys to non-guaranteed training camp deals.

Still some Jose chatter going on but nothing of huge significance and they’d still be fine opening the season with what they’ve got.

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Check out Stevie Boy Russell’s work yesterday.

Dude had a good day.

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Best thing I saw yesterday that wasn’t an orchestra on a veranda at Lord’s?

Am standing on the street outside 10 Downing waiting for a bus and there’s a war monument on the island in the middle of the road.

This soldier, in full uniform because he’s been working at the Games and in full on military gait, walks by me and, as he’s walking, turns his head to the right, looks at the statue and salutes.

He holds the salute for the 20 or so paces it takes to clear the monument that he keeps staring and I’m thinking this is pretty cool.

I have no idea if others do it or if this guy was just a tad over-exuberant but it was truly impressive to see.

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Let’s see.

I was on a bus for 40 minutes to the press centre early, a bus 45 minutes to the Horse Guard’s Parade in the morning, another bus to the media transportation hub after that, another 25 minutes to Lord’s, 45 minutes to the MPC (Main Press Centre) after to catch the basketball and then 40 minutes or so home.

Busy day but a fun one and at one point, all I really wanted to do was sit on the grass in Russell Square and chill.

Looks like a nice spot, doesn’t it?

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Comments

[Mike D.]

Doug, with the roster now essentially fixed is there any chance of the Raps adding Jamaal Magloire to the coaching staff? I know they said at the end of the season that they really liked his locker room and practice court influence. Or is he still looking to play another year or two somewhere?

Blogger's note: Last I asked, they were fine with staff as it is; haven't spoken to Jamaal in a while

[Peter]

I love Olympic Doug Smith Sports Blogs. Excellent stuff!

[David in Oakville]

Werewolves of London! WOOHOO.... probably one of the all time best drunken sing along songs. LOVE IT.

Did I miss your thoughts on the logo for this Olympics? I didn't even realize I was looking at the logo at centre court in US/France Men's Basketball until I saw the same design later. What the heck is it supposed to be? And really, a skinny, sausage looking, one eyed thing as a mascot? No wonder the logo and mascot are keeping a low profile.

And if we are talking about Brits and music, anyone else surprised by the Who Quadraphenia show/tour? Easily my favourite Who album and perhaps one of the all time great albums.. but 40 years on. As much as I want to see it, I am just not sure that 60 year olds should be performing songs about teenage angst and making your way in the world as an adult.

[codeJP]

Hey Doug,

Watching the olmypics up close I'm sure you've seen some great athletes.
I was just wondering what sport do you think has the greatest athletes? I was thinking Sprinters or basketball players. Can you imagine Lebron playing beach volleyball?! That'd be fun to watch

[Mos High]

Sounds like great fun to go up and down with the Olympic events. I sure would loved to have 2 weeks off work and just be up and down in the hussle and bussle of London.

Im sure there are so great people from around the world that one's could meet.

Now my negative part, most people around at work , friends family in stores etc really dont care about the Olympic's. I feel its because Canada really has no strong chance at a gold in really recognized or broadcasted events. In my house we routing for Bolt and all of the Jamaican track stars because thats my roots.
Im sure its the same in other communites. We would love to root for a Canadian or Canadian team. Maybe the average person is not exposed.

Im a positive person by nature. But not with this, I believe Canada has 300 odd super athletes who work hard and train there buts off. But again dont be suprised if they done end up with less then 5 medals.

Maybe a gold somewhere and just one.

[Farhan Lalji]

Do you folks have to take the bus? Seems like the tube would be better for some of these journeys.

We're at the Beach Volleyball on Thursday - CDN women playing I believe, any plans?

Blogger's note: Bus is faster; no clue about my Thursday

[james]

Oakville David: Someone else is touring Quadraphenia. The Who hasn't existed since Keith Moon died.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

I would imagine your best-moment-soldier-saluting-yon-statue was strictly regulation. Can't imagine too many a Tommy going all rogue and freelance while on duty... or maybe that was James Johnson passing by?
Good signing on Anderson – he's absolutely earned it.
Cheers. Go Mary Spencer!

[doug]

watching Christin e Sinclair play soccer is a true delight, Canadians should embrace this gal as one of our finest athletes of all time....the way in which she plays, her passion, but most of all the true and utter will to win, and how her teammates follow....kudos to her and all the Canadian women at these games, they have did a marvelous job...so Snider/Thames traded, sad to see Snider goes and nervous as that kid could truly blossom and be a solid,solid major league player....AA for his whole tenure has tried to solve bull-pens woes be interesting to see how this attempt pans out, and I still can't figure out the Happ trade....ok great stories on your Olympic blog and insights....cheers..

[Jeff S]

When we signed AA last winter/spring I was looking forward to seeing him play. I remember his college days and thought he could really help the HOTH. Playing shorthanded gave him some minutes and I (along with most of my fellow SSH (Season seat holders)), was pleasantly surprised with his results. A great addition - a somewhat veteran presence who can score, and doesn't mind getting in the grill of someone when needed.

[Mos High]

I just give my opinion, dont expect or want everyone to agree. I know people call you out Doug when you make a spelling error, I have never but thanks for mocking me like I meant to say it like that. Its cool. I get it loud and clear

[Marc]

Doug

A couple of other pubs in your neighbourhood that are worth checking out:

The Lamb, at the end of Lamb's Conduit Street by Coram's Fields, is a great Victorian brass taps and oak pub, with good food (the Italian restaurant a couple doors further down is also fantastic) and excellent local Youngs beer.
http://www.youngs.co.uk/pub-detail.asp?PubID=421

Maybe 200m west of Holborn tube station is the Princess Louise. It has a stunning Victorian interior and excellent Sam Smith beer on tap.
http://www.pubs.com/main_site/pub_details.php?pub_id=182

And if you're at Horse Guards again, try St Stephen's Tavern, literally across the street from Parliament. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but the interior is great and the Badger beer is outstanding (try the Fursty Ferret).
http://ststephenstavern.co.uk/

And when you're at North Greenwich for the basketball, for the love of God don't eat at the stadium. There's a good pub called the Pilot Inn about ten minutes walk from the stadium that is much, much better.
http://pilotgreenwich.co.uk/

Blogger's note: Was in The Lamb opening night for a bit; and thanks on the others

[Omari]

Doug,

I'm confused as to the signing by BC of John Lucas III. Why wouldn't we take a flyer on Scott Machado who is younger and has excellent court vision, especially when Jose will depart within the next year? John Lucas is decent but does he have the potential to make us substantially better instead of being a middling team. No. Machado has the potential to be a steal, is younger but completed all 4 years of school and yet we go with Lucas. Makes no sense.

Blogger's note: Unless, say, Machado has another place to go and, really, undrafted teen point guards are a dime a dozen.

[Dave B]

Doug, you said the roster is now at 14. I only know of 13 signed. I have
1. Quincy Acy
2. Alan Anderson
3. Andrea Bargnani
4. Jose Calderon
5. Ed Davis
6. DeMar DeRozan
7. Landry Fields
8. Aaron Gray
9. Amir Johnson
10. Linas Kleiza
11. Kyle Lowry
12. Terrence Ross
13. Jonas Valanciunas

Who am I missing?

[Dave B]

Sorry Doug. I was missing John Lucas.

[Heath]

Love the pic of Russell Sq. My father-in-law's dedicated bench is right by the fountain and super daughter (2 1/2) loves the square. So nice to see again.

Isn't it great to see how Londoner's love the grass at parks, especially at lunch time? I was blown away the first time I went with how everyone flocks to the parks with their lunch in hand. So relaxing.