BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!

Subject: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: mick p r.m s.c
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 04:08 PM

THE BECKHAMS are due in America tonight. Good at least they are not in the UK. Sorry America but we have had them and spain as had them now its your turn.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: skipy
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 04:10 PM

& we DON'T want them back!
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Becca72
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 04:17 PM

Most of us Americans couldn't give less of a crap that they're here.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 04:28 PM

And the Brits here won't give a damn either - at least they're a continent away from Maine.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: gnu
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 04:30 PM

Soooo, bend over?

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 05:30 PM

Would you like the rest of the grunts that play moronball as well?

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 06:02 PM

Had to GOOGLE them to find out who they are. A Spice Girl and a soccer star. WHOWHEE>
Does this mean that we can send you Paris Hilton?

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 06:16 PM

If I want Paris Hilton, it's a short hop across the channel on the Eurostar - thanks Mary, but no thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 06:29 PM

A FORMER Spice Girl at that....

and not even the pretty one.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 06:33 PM

But she's the smart one, right?
They said in an interview that they expect to become American teen Idols. I don't doubt it.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 06:45 PM

Can't we make them climb a fence and swim the Rio Grande, like most foreign workers have to do? Seems fair.. ;>)

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 07:21 PM

I think I read someone gave them a "reality program" of their own. I won't be watching it, wherever it might be.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: GUEST,Bob
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 08:30 PM

He only went there because she wanted a new start. The guy is braindead. He will be usual for carrying her handbag.

Hope he finds a good speech therapist over there.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: John O'L
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 09:53 PM

Didn't I read somewhere that The Spice Girls are putting the band back together? Maybe he's gonna be a roadie...?

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: GUEST,Victoria
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 11:27 PM

We can't all have your good looks, Liz. I guess you've had too many midfield headers.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: John O'L
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 11:40 PM

Hey, Victoria, I always thought you were the pretty one.
Well perhaps pretty's overstating the case a bit, but the one...hmmm...the one most likely to end up married to a guy like Beckham?
Yeah.
I always thought you were that one.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Barry Finn
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 12:00 AM

Who's Beckham & who are the Spice Girls?

Barry

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: robomatic
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 01:14 AM

More stuff that doesn't matter about people who don't know me.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 01:49 AM

They've always spoken very highly of me.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: suzi
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 02:39 AM

How sad you all are, isnt there enough topics here on mudcat for you all to discuss, without dragging young parents who clearly are doing their best to look after their family, and doing it well. Get a life yourselves.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: alanabit
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 04:21 AM

It is unpleasant to see such cattiness and spite here. David Beckham played some good games for England - some of which were literally to the point of exhaustion, as against Ecaudor in the World Cup. It is one thing to believe that his talent is overrated, it is another to take pot shots at him for any reason at all.
I would not want to be married to Victoria Beckham, but it seems to suit him fine. Good luck to both of them.
He is not likely to become one of the world's greatest academics - something he has in common with several of us Mudcatters. However, he comes over to me as basically kind and gentle. For God's sake, he is famous for chasing and wallopping footballs. If that does not interest you, you do not need to watch it. What harm has he done to anyone here to deserve this spite?

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: gnu
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 05:51 AM

alanabit.... He earned a whack of coin for playing a sport. Seems to be enough for some.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 06:55 AM

Both the Beckhams have aggresively courted publicity for many years now, aided and abetted by the lower echelons of the press. It would be difficult for any UKer not to kno0w who they are, whether interested in football or popp music, or not.

With the sort of blanket coverage this pair gets a lot of people get fed up with having the exploits of the Beckhams forever seeming to be of the greatest national importance. We are treated to this information whether we like it or not. Very much like Paris Hilton over here. I would guess that there would be a sizeable chunk of the population of the UK who would be glad not to hear anything more about their lives at all.

I just hope that, in the USA, their lives stay in the pages of magazines like Hello, rather than leaching into the general press and onto the TV news.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: GUEST,Oldspice
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 07:19 AM

There will be no worries, he is at the end of his career and her career is dead.

They will vanish in time or when he can't keep it in his trousers AGAIN !

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 08:45 AM

Too late, Jacqui. Fox News covered them getting of the airplane, followed them to baggage claim and did the usual celebrity "let's hope they screw up royally" thing.
It has already started.
Have your MUTE button at the ready when watching the news.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 09:21 AM

I am sure they are breathing a sigh of relief to get away from the miserable UK. After reading these comments, it is no wonder the Beckhams wanted to get away from such miserable fucks as some of the previous posters have shown themselves to be.

Some of you should take a look in the mirror before you start complaining about others! You whine about "reality" and "stars", yet you are the first to open your mouths to complain. Get a life and let others lead theirs, they aren't bothering you unless you let them.

It is good for soccer in the U.S. and a little Spice never hurt anyone.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: goatfell
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 09:27 AM

at lest there will be welcome over there in AIRHEADLAND LA

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: goatfell
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 09:28 AM

not that all people from America are airheads but some are the same as over here, in particular those that watch that airhead programme BIG BROTHER

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 09:36 AM

They are vulgar.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: GUEST,Rebecca Loos
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 09:41 AM

Some of you are being very cruel in what you say about David.

Yes I agree he talks as if he has a speech impediment, yes I accept there isn't a lot going on between his ears.

On the other hand he has great ball control and a master with his head.

I am not so fond of Victoria. Yes she has done a lot for raising money for famine relief. Any time she appears on television in a bikini, charities say telephone hot lines are inundated with donations.

She is loyal to David and soccer. She had both half's of a practice ball inserted in her chest three years ago.

I knew David very well as many of you are aware. In my opinion he will be excellent at the distribution of his balls in LA.

Yes he may be caught off side a few times, but he is always forgiven.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 10:00 AM

How ever you call it, its a bit of a dirty trick sending our oldest ally the rapier wit of David Beckham and the singing talents of Victoria Beckham.

America has done nothing to deserve them.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: GUEST,ibo
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 10:07 AM

David has always conducted himself in the proper manner.When he was wrongly dropped from england he didnt complain,he kept his head down and improved his game for Madrid.Victoria has stood by him and been a good mother.They are so stupid that they have ammassed an incredible fortune TOGETHER,and it all smacks of jealousy.Get up off ypur backsides and strive to be as successful in your own lives,you saddos.Yes,they can be overexposed and annoying,but they are noticed and incredibly popular and rich.As for his voice,anyone from the london area has a voice that annoys me,awl royt me owl cock sparras

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Pistachio
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 10:14 AM

Thanks for the third to last line 'Guest Rebecca' it's a perfect description. Made me laugh out loud, it's such an un-natural outline!

I'm happy for them to be happy wherever they are.

We all need to SMILE more, even if it is raining and someone out there is a bit more rich than you. There are many who are poorer.

:0) H.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: GUEST,Rebecca Loos
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 10:40 AM

Ibo, you said

"David has always conducted himself in the proper manner.When he was wrongly dropped from England he didn't complain,he kept his head down and improved his game"

Your right to a point, Yes he did keep his head down, and yes I thought he conducted himself in the proper manner, but some may just say I am selfish.

As to Victoria being a good mum, Yes your right she is. Met her tearing her hair out in Tesco's last year during a period of the "I want these ones mummy" from the kids.

She would never use the services of a nanny and spends most nights in with them.

You went on to say,

"Get up off your backsides and strive to be as successful in your own life".

I did get of my backside, it was David that wouldn't !

Both David and Victoria, hate the media coverage they get, they shy away from cameras when ever they can, they are always being photographed with their hands over their faces. Victoria hates being caught in the mornings without make up shooting down to the garage for milk.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: GUEST,ibo
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 10:44 AM

Rebecca,do you fancy a shag,i have some tasty stuff in my pocket and its smoking.I would even roll it nice and tight so it fits lovely between your lips

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: autolycus
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 11:21 AM

What about those whose existential task in life is having to deal with failure?


In any case,( tho' this is ripe for a different thread),

What Is Success?





       Ivor

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: GUEST,Rebecca Loos
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 01:59 PM

Oh ibo ! Sounds nice. Are you married ? Do you talk funny ? if not could you place a penny on your tongue and put a hardman frown on your face ?

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: GUEST,Uncle Boko
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 05:12 PM

I just wish he could speak properly!

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 05:56 PM

When it came to football Beckham was what is sometimes called a "one trick pony" - great at free kicks and long passes, not much cop at anything else.

I think this picture sums this charade up pretty well.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 06:58 PM

Great cover. They both look great.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: cookster
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 07:14 PM

Who wants Britany Spears?

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 07:22 PM

I disagree, Kevin - we forget too soon. Dave on the field was good at more than free kicks. As a play maker, pinpointing passes for others to score, he was pretty much unsurpassed. And in his early captaincy days he has been one of the better captains of the England squad in living memory. Let's not knock him unfairly for on-field things.

Does he deserve all the money and acclaim? Of course not. Has he dropped clangers in interviews? Well, not many actually, he just talks a bit funny. No, it's Posh, bless her, the constantly-pouting poser that should be kept away from a microphone.

I a normal world we wouldn't have thought twice about them. But the media built them up so much initially, they just had to fall. And watch it, I believe we will see a repeat of that in the US now.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: gnu
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 07:40 PM

Oh, he sucked? That's why he made more coin than the rest of us put together? You should hope to suck that bad.

Come on now? Who do you think is worth the coin?

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 07:47 PM

???

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: GUEST,ibo
Date: 14 Jul 07 - 08:38 AM

Miss loos,i once had a penny on my tongue and i think she liked it,if yer know what i mean

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Greg B
Date: 14 Jul 07 - 06:47 PM

LA has reported already made back their investment in Beckham
on ticket sales and promotions alone.

This is really what 'soccer' (as they call it over here) needs
to compete against other spectator sports and to gain a solid
(ahem) foot-hold.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 14 Jul 07 - 07:21 PM

I'd have thought the thing that's more likely to get the USA to appreciate soccer will be as the country turns Spanish.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Greg B
Date: 14 Jul 07 - 10:32 PM

Gooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllllll!

More likely, in fact, will be the growing up of generations of
'soccer kids' who've played the game since the cradle and continue
to do so into their twenties.

It's now a matter of getting them to watch truly admirable and
spectacular American players (or players on American teams).

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 14 Jul 07 - 11:29 PM

I just got back from a Red Bulls game (they lost). Soccer is doing fine over here. MLS, while not the largest professional sports league, is doing okay. They will survive.

I think people in other countries assume that soccer needs to be the #1 sport in the United States for it survive here. Unlike most countries, we have a variety of professional sports - and baseball and football will always battle for #1 and #2 spots, with basketball a close third. Hockey ranks behind that, and soccer behind hockey. You can be #5 and survive.

Soccer has fans here, and as you folks in the UK have seen - we are producing world class players.   Perhaps someday we will be more competitive in the World Cup, perhaps not. I don't think Mr. Beckham will have that kind of impact on us.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 01:07 AM

Whoever made fun of his speech should be ashamed. He sounds fine, in fact similar to many of the things we see on PBS which come from the UK. There should be no shame in a person's accent.

It does seem ridiculous for pro-sports folks to get so much money, but they wouldn't if the fans weren't so willing to pay to see them, so it doesn't seem fair to blame it all on the athletes.

I had no idea who they were when this thread was started. I don't really care and I wish them well. I do care that Mudcat seems to have become a place where folks bitch and complain and malign others.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: autolycus
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 04:19 AM

SOCCER

It's called soccer here in the UK by literate people who know the word is derived from AsSOCiation Football, yes AsSOCiation, to distinguish it from Rugby Football.

'Soccer' was in the Concise Oxford English Dictionary before the 1970s, described as colloquial.

Ignorant Brits say 'soccer' is only employed in the US.





The fact that people like the Beckhams are rich and famous tells us an enormous amount about our society and its, for want of a better word, values.






       Ivor

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 07:05 AM

"The fact that people like the Beckhams are rich and famous tells us an enormous amount about our society and its, for want of a better word, values."

Expound further, it doesn't tell me much. he was a successful football player; she was in one of the most popular groups in the history of pop music. You would hardly expect them to be broke.

my Latin teacher used to tell me that the word 'soccer ' came from the Latin. But he was a violent man, who wiggled his ears - so we didn't enquire further.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: alanabit
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 07:07 AM

It means they are perceived to be very good at something. I, personally, would say that only one of them is. However, I do not recall many complaining letters to Mudcat about the fortunes amassed by Conrad Black, Robert Maxwell, Jonathon Aitken, Duncan Sands and other more anonymous contemporaries of their ilk. That tells me a lot more about our society and its "values". For some reason, it seems less respectable for one of the oiks to amass a fortune.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: GUEST,Casper
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 07:15 AM

In an interview on American tv Victoria was asked, "Is your little boy stringing sentences together now?"
"Yeah, a little bit here and there."
"And what about Brooklyn?"

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: GUEST,wordy
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 07:45 PM

They represent all that is vacuous and debilitating about celebrity culture. Because of them thousands of youngsters are growing up thinking all you have to be is pretty (female) a sportsman(male) and the world is your oyster. So why bother with education? It's for nerds and failures.
"Give me money, that's what I want".
As to a culture, judge it by its heroes and heroines.And the people who buy the mags and papers with the vacuous pair on the cover.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: alanabit
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 08:08 PM

I can understand people disliking football. I can live with those, who do not like celebrity culture (although it has been with us as long as mass media have existed). However, before you can convince me that David Beckham got paid for doing nothing, you will have to convince me that his achievements were a fluke. Had it happened only once or twice, I could give credence to that argument. However, you are going to have your work cut out to convince me that you could have done this.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: John O'L
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 08:27 PM

If the Beckhams aren't fair game who is? The McCartneys? The Hiltons? Do we have to be nice to everyone who jumps up screaming "Look At Me!"?

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: alanabit
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 03:29 AM

Let me put it another way. Do we have to be spiteful and contemptuous towards people, who have more loot or fame than ourselves? It seems to be what you are advocating.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: John O'L
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 04:15 AM

The loot doesn't concern me in the least, but I must confess to a degree of annoyance at the fame and the way it is misused. As has been noted earlier, they court attention. This is what they want. Their other careers being over, there is only limited time now for them to screw a few more million out of their public images. For goodness sake, the Spice Girls are getting back together "so their kids can see what it was that they did". Should that really be left to go through without comment? We here on this thread (all of us) are playing their game by their rules. This is what they do now.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Stu
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 05:07 AM

"When it came to football Beckham was what is sometimes called a "one trick pony" - great at free kicks and long passes, not much cop at anything else"

Seeing as that was his main role in the team, and the one he most enjoys - so what?

Beckham might not be able to match some of the mighty intellects that are displayed here on the Cat, but the's the best crosser of the ball and taker of free kicks in the world. He has an incredible ability to judge distance, read a game and anticipate the actions of his teammates, and then deliver the ball to them in a manner that is both accurate for the strikers and panics defenders.

His ability to inspire a team by his mere presence was demonstrated last time he played for England, and who can forget the world cup qualifier against Greece at Old Trafford when he single-handedly kept England in the game and then scored of the free-kick in extra-time - arguably one of the best and most crucial goals ever scored during an England game. His workrate might have declined with age, but he's a long way from being past it.

Shame he went to America, where he'll earn pots of wedge but is essentially wasted. He should have gone to the Villa.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: alanabit
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 05:47 AM

People also forget that when Michael Owen scored his incredible goal against Argentina in 1998, the pass came from David Beckham. If you watch that goal carefully, you will see Beckham curled it around a defender, putting it so perfectly into Owen's stride that he had a yard start on his defender. One trick pony? I don't think so.
I actually could not give a dog's bollocks about the Spice Girls. I was quite happy to ignore them the first time. They are not doing me any harm though, so I can equally happily ignore them this time around. They are in the entertainment business and courting fame is an essential part of their job.
As it happens, I don't like dancing. Had Nureyev danced on my back garden, I would probably have drawn the curtains. I don't resent his fame for a minute though. I save my resentment for the cruel, the rude and the devious.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: alanabit
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 06:09 AM

To clarify my previous post I mean the likes of the Aitkens, Archers, Blacks and Maxwells of this world. No disrespect was intended to anyone who holds different views from me.
Here is what I was talking about in my first paragraph. Can Beckham set England moving?

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: John O'L
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 06:17 AM

I have no interest in English football or the Spice Girls. I don't read tabloids or watch news on commercial television, yet I know this family intimately. I know the accents, the speech patterns, I know the fashion lapses, the hairdos and colours, I even know the kid. I have no interest in these people at all. All I know about them has been hammered into me by advertisements. Possibly I am out of order, and possibly I am attacking the wrong party, but I resent being treated that way, and they are the ones in the spotlight. (It is probably worth noting here that I am not familiar with any of the football achievements listed above.)

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: GUEST,patty o'dawes
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 06:33 AM

Ah come now people. The Beckhams are a young family and doing ok at that and we feel the need to berate their every move? It's a sunny day here and they haven't killed anyone and we should be above the cheap tabloid pot shot taking.

Ok so he erred on the side of 'morality' once - considering the temptation he has that's not a stoning sin in my book.

According to their respective families as they grew up as kids, he was always training on the footie field and she spent a lot of her time in singing/dancing classes. No drugs, no alcohol, no underage pregnancies, no petty criminal records, no hanging around on street corners making a nuisance of themselves - not that bad as role models are they?

Now they have kids of their own, are great parents and fully supported by close knit families. No hanging the kids out of first floor windows a la Whacko Jacko style, no draping them in aunty Maud's curtains and no over used nannies.

I'd rather my kids have their posters on their walls than some coke snorting minor celeb who gets in the gutter press for throwing the occasional punch as they fall out of a club at three in the morning charlied up to the nines.

Oh but I feel so affronted - they are on my tv screen, then turn it off, quit the whining and do something else.

They are doing no harm, if some say they make kids aspire to unrealistic goals of stardom instead of the more tried and tested academic paths - then ask yourself why your child has grown up like that. Like all teen idols they are here and now. People place too much importance on them, and unless you are from the generation that still has teen idols, you ain't never got get it.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: kendall
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 07:27 AM

Just for the record, I don't have anything against any sports figure. It's just that I have a problem with a system in which people who are paid millions to engage in some silly ball kicking thing while teachers have to go on strike to get a living wage. Where the hell are our priorities?
Celebrity worship baffles me. Most of them are totally screwed up, Paris Hilton,Anna N. Smith for instance. What kind of example are they setting? How about O.J? is he still looking for the "real killer" on every golf course in America?

You have probably guessed that I am a long time fan of Andy Rooney.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: alanabit
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 07:55 AM

Actually John and Kendall, if you are telling me that the media has its priorities screwed, I am in full agreement with you. I suppose the most galling part of the media coverage is that they constantly pitch to the lowest common denominator of human interest. That is the really unsavoury aspect of this celebrity culture.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: GUEST,patty o'dawes
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 09:35 AM

Kendall I agree - celebrity worship baffles me too. But it didn't when I was twelve years old. The age I would imafine of the ajority of the Beckhams' fans.

The examples of 'celebs' you quote are or have been all involved in skirmishes with the law ( altho in OJ'S case perhaps that is a gross understatement) or/and drug taking. You are right, not a good example. Like I said the Beckhams' may live a shallow existence in some of our eyes, but they manage to do so without hurting anyone or themselves.

And the how much is a footballer worth when compared to a teacher is a no win argument. The value that is put on people or commodities does not and never has followed a 'worthy' code.

A Picasso may sell for the price of a third world country's debt. A racing driver may earn more in promo deals in a year than a doctor will earn in a lifetime. The accrued royalties of Dark Side of The Moon could build twenty hospitals and the same number of schools and still be a small fortune. Monetary value is what someone is willing to pay for an item and since currency began has always been so.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: greg stephens
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 09:40 AM

Alanabit: come on, don't be a spoilsport If we are not be allowed to take the piss out of Posh'n'Becks, what pleasures are left in life?

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 09:51 AM

The media has ALWAYS courted heroes - and popular culture has ALWAYS made legends out of people who deserve to be forgotten.   When we sing songs about Jesse James or Pretty Boy Floyd or any of the hundreds of murder ballads that came out of Europe - who are we glorifying and why????   

What harm is it to watch the Beckhams do their thing? Seeing them on TV is going to make children run out and get tatoos and boob jobs about as much as singing "Tom Dooley" will cause someone to commit murder.

This is modern folklore, like it or not. From what I gather, the Beckhams failed to rob a bank, overdose on heroin, or murder innocent children.   The stuff legends are made of.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: alanabit
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 09:53 AM

I don't mind taking the piss out of them a bit Greg. Did you see what Ali G did on Comic Relief? It's just the bitterness and anger at two harmless people, which bewilders me.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Stu
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 11:50 AM

"This is modern folklore, like it or not. From what I gather, the Beckhams failed to rob a bank, overdose on heroin, or murder innocent children.   The stuff legends are made of."

But that free kick against Greece is the stuff legends are made of. He'll go down as one of the all-time greats.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: autolycus
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 02:33 PM

No, no, alanabit, we're not bitter and angry at them at all. The target is our whole society for the misconceived value-system.

Of course there is unlikely that there's goibg to be much connection between the value to us all of the job, and the pay (tho' some of us say,'Well, why on earth not?').

One trouble tho' is that it's people who are rich who are a group whose opinions are valued !!!! (when you've perhaps already established the lack of connection between worth and pay.

Another trouble is that loads of people (not just The Beckhams) being paid ridiculous amounts actually, if you think harf about it, has inevitable, anmd often painful consequences for the rest of us.

e.g. the prices at the top rise, which pulls up the prices at the next level, which pulls up the etc. etc. etc. , all the way down.

is there really nothing wrong with some having 3, 4, 5 houses, 10, 15, 30, 100 million, both with the world being in the state it's in?

The rich are NOT isolated from the rest of us; their situation affects EVERYBODY.






       Ivor

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: alanabit
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 06:05 PM

Autolycus, I actually share your disdain for unfair distribution of wealth and privelege. Celebrity culture may be an annoying symptom of that, but at the end of the day, it is a pretty insubstantial part of the whole. One of the points I was trying to make earlier, is that although entertainers may receive a lot of attention in the media, they are pretty small change when it comes to having a major share of wealth. I could not name the wealthiest people in Britain, but I could name some of the better known pop stars and sportsmen. I doubt very much that even one of those people would have any real economic clout. The real power is in the hands of people most of us have never heard of.
I actually think that in our society David Beckham deserves his loot no less than many top ranking company executives. I also admit freely that he is ultimately less useful to society as a whole than a good nurse, a good teacher or even a competent dustman. However, Ron Olesko is absolutely right to point out that heroes have been made in any age, without any consideration of their intrinsic value to society at large. On the one hand people take pot shots at Beckham for his supposed lack of intellect. On the other hand, they seem to feel he should share some of the responsibility for the injustices of society. I can't find it in my heart to begrudge him a healthy bank account and a good looking bird.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: autolycus
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 05:01 AM

Looks like I just need to repeat, society is the target, not the Beckhams.






       Ivor

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: alanabit
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 06:45 AM

I've no problem with that.
Alan.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: GUEST,Harry
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 07:00 AM

Stop talking about these two creeps, it's not about their wealth or his football skills or her once being in a girl band.

The two of them are a bloody pain in the ass to look at the way they get on.

In reality they are a joke, doesn't matter how many times he screws around, she hangs on to him to remain in the limelight.

It's that that little girl from Liverpool who goes out with Wayne Rooney.

She has caught him twice with Prostitutes and still hangs on to him.

They may be wealthy without their men, but would soon fade into obscurity.


Entertainment for the semi illiterate.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: redsnapper
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 07:11 AM

I agree with alanabit. It's sad that there are many here who spend most of their time here griping and whingeing about others.

David Beckham is harmless enough and was/is a fine footballer and if they are happy together that's good. I agree that there's a lot wrong with societal values that makes some people vastly overpaid but I don't have a problem with the Beckhams themselves.

RS

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: autolycus
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 09:17 AM

'course, that there are things wrong with societal values says much about us.





      Ivor

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Rapparee
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 09:25 AM

I've been watching this thread grow and grow and it leaves me with a question:

Who the hell ARE the Beckhams and why should I be glad they're here?

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 09:28 AM

Rapaire - don't worry about it if you have no idea. If you can't figure it out, why ask us????????????????

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Big Phil
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 09:42 AM

It is amazing how a couple who are as dull as a nine bob note can get such a fortune as the Beckhams have. But its down to the fools who pay to see Mr B kicking a bag of wind, and Mrs B trying to sing while earning a fortune for doing so, so its really OUR fault they are so wealthy......... not theirs.........

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 02:36 PM

yeh but I'm a windbag and I try to sing, there's no justice...

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Scoville
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 04:48 PM

Okay, but only if we can send y'all Paris Hilton in trade.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: John O'L
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 06:25 AM

Well after having searched my soul, re-examined my motives and purged my bladder, it seems that I have probably been unnecessarily harsh on Mr. & Mrs B.
I think exceptional sportsmen & women should be celebrated, (not idolised), and it seems that he has been exceptional.
It is the system within which they must necessarily work that arouses my ire.
It uses them, they use it, It becomes part of them, they become part of it, I buy the monogrammed toilet rolls, the profits go to the corporate shareholders,
my in-bred nextdoor neighbours.
Something is very wrong, and the Beckhams, innocuous though they may be, are contractually obliged to be the public face of it for the immediate future at least, and I guess we're all stuck with that.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: autolycus
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 11:49 AM

that's brilliant, John.

I'm full of admiration for that soul-searching.

That worth turning into an online tradition.






       Ivor

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 01:50 PM

You miss the point of the British thread originator, Rapaire - from which perspective it's not "Hooray they're here", it's "Hooray, they aren't here any more"

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: alanabit
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 01:57 PM

Respect from me too John. And as it happens, I feel pretty much the same way as you do about the media circus and celebrity culture.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Flatpick
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 07:01 PM

Two of the people I don't need to share my century or friends with - all I have to say on the subject.
Sorry, USA, you have been my host on several vacations, you shouldn't have to endire this, you got them now, a new low in shallow.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Soldier boy
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 10:40 PM

Whats all the fuss about folks, especially across the pond in the US of A?
Us Brits have a reputation for breeding a culture of loathing and disrespect for those that achieve success and wealth, whereas the USA has a reputation for idolising and seeking to emulate those that achieve success and wealth. So why all the carping?
They are just two people that have earned millions who now, in the twilight of their careers, are chasing the dollar in America.
If you keep on offering the riches that a capitalist society can offer to pay homage to a new religion of celebrity worship what do you expect?
You are quickly becoming a last-chance saloon and retirement home for ex or failed british celebrities (although personally I would not include David Beckham in this category 'cause I still believe he has a lot to offer the English football team!)
What really gets me is this seemingly blind, compulsive and unending need for society in general to raise so-called celebrities up to god-like status. It makes me want to puke!

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: John O'L
Date: 27 Nov 07 - 07:51 AM

I've just watched LA Galaxy play an exhibition match against Sydney FC. It was good entertainment, it had something for everyone, but the reason I've revived this thread is that before the game there was an hour-long interview with the man himself, David Beckham. I found him to be pleasant, polite, articulate, intelligent, down-to-earth and entertaining.

It was hard to realize that this was the same guy who has been in my peripheral awareness for so long. He's nothing like I've been led to believe.

BTW he mentioned that he's hopeful of captaining England in the World Cup of 2010.

I also learned tonight that LA Galaxy is paying him a million dollars a week. That's obscene.

Subject: RE: BS: the Beckhams are in America, HOORAY!
From: Rowan
Date: 27 Nov 07 - 04:32 PM

And one of the Beckhams kicked a goal in Sydney last night so, unless you regard Sydney as American (some people do, you know), one of them wasn't in America at the time.

Cheers, Rowan