Sonoma Country Life

FIFA World Cup 2010 in the Media and West Coast TV Game Schedule

Before we get into the scheduling of FIFA World Cup 2010 games on the tele here on the West Coast, what did you think of this month's rather steamy Vanity Fair front cover featuring the most remarkably ripped players sporting nothing more than their team color undies?

Bit below the belt, VF, though a lot of this prestigious periodical's regular female readers might well be inclined to hang on to this entertaining issue a little longer than usual. "Oh, it's all fake," commented one male bystander (who wishes to remain anonymous). No, I don't think so. But really, that's another story. And one that could be told alongside a people's literary-choice debate as to what's going on with Vanity Fair editorial and yet another airing of Tiger Wood's already infamously dirty laundry.

Sells a few more online issue subscriptions to eager, early adapters of the new Apple I PAD is my guess.

And despite this bold new approach, there are still lots of really good, well-written articles to discover within the pages of Vanity Fair, either online or in glossy print. I hope the powers that be on that particular publication are able to find the right balance to maintain a credible viability. 

Back to the world's biggest ball game, and yes, to the rest of the planet, it's actually 'Football' fever we are talking about here.  For an inspirational look at the love of the sport around the world, pick up a copy of this week's May 24th 2010 issue of Sports Illustrated featuring "It's The Beautiful Game".

Superb photography and accounts from all over the globe, including phenomenal shots of a barefoot boy and his dad kicking a ball through the rubble-filled streets of Haiti and another of  trio of young players in Kenya with their poignant, plastic bag ball.

For anyone who has parented a young soccer player in the frequently over-esteemed US youth sporting culture, do us all a favor and buy that issue for your kid.

Printed out the televised schedule (see link at top) today amidst much banter between the locals as to group viewing logistics, particularly for the major games.

Like England Vs USA on June 12th at 11.30 pm Pacific coastal time. Now that should be exciting.

More news to follow on the best North Bay spots to watch games. Meanwhile, with readers all over the world, it would be great to hear from soccer fans as to where you'll be watching the big games.

Someone Remind You of Basil? Check out Fawlty Towers Look Alike Competion

Am anxiously awaiting delivery of the newly epic Fawlty Towers remastered box set which I will duly review and report back to all the fans of classic British Comedy out there in Sonoma Country Life Land. 

Now that the extended famiglia has departed back to the old country, it's time to put my feet up on the coffee table, flick the lights off, make a pot of tea and take a well-earned break of a November evening by the glow of the LCD.

In the meantime, you really should check out the Fawlty Towers Look Alike Contest.

Is there a Basil driving you nuts in your own eclectic domestic establishment? No? Maybe then it's Sybil's shrill demands that remind you of home sweet home? Check it out for a laugh and see who you can think to nominate. John Cleese, the great man himself will be judging this on November 15th, so get your camera, a bow-tie or twin-set and bouffant do and get creative!

Named the #1 television series of all time by the British Film Institute, the BBC celebrates this comedy classic by releasing the deluxe, special edition DVD box set – Fawlty Towers Remastered to commemorate the show's 30th anniversary.