Bits and bobs around the World Cup.

 "Zapping" as I always do on my TV, I've been coming across many little "snippets" probably not seen by many of you, simply because you don't zapp on the same channels as I do!
The first one I'd like  to share with you is the storu of what the Germans call "Uwe Seelers" (their name for those horrendous "instruments" that make so much permanent background noise). The Germans call it that because it's not far away from the correct name, something like "uwzuevelas" (roughly) and, of course "Uwe Seeler" was one of Germany's most popular footballers years ago, and is still popular.
It appears that these things are a part of football tradition in S. Africa,  

There is now a large publicity campaign for "ear plugs" particularly for the European fans who can't take the noise any more!
Interestingly enough - the manufacturer of the ear-plugs is the same as the manufacturers of the instrument!
Both items are sold out, and they are busily making more!
The ear plugs carry the mention that they are equally effective against moaning women folk! Surprise you that they are sold out....?
The second little snippet is the difference in attitude between football profi's.
Whereas the French players were "invited" to visit a shanty township and all they were worried about was not bumping into the French Government Minister who was doing the same tour, same day, same time and who had sharply criticised the hospitality arrangements of the French team, in particular that it was costing over a million Euros - they didn't see each other.
Whilst the French were being "invited", the German players had already arranged their offering to the Township people.
For each march, they had invited 300 people from the shanty towns (mainly children). The German players (for they paid for it all themselves - privately) came up for the Tickets, the transport there and back, all food and drink, and a little BBQ party for everybody at their more modest Hotel  (more modest that is than the French) on each day concerned - after the match!
I know which attitude I prefer, and it is being repayed, the Germans are popular, the French detested - in S. Africa AND in their own country.
But there we are - one million isn't enough, just ignore those shanty town places and things and rake in what you can - get home and  "poops" to everyone!
All possible thanks to the "hands of Henry"!

Of course - if you don't like my ideas, if you prefer the French idea then just click on the image above!