Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Semi-Final Predictions
Well, thanks to Hurricane Arthur, I've been operating in the dark since Saturday. I now just have time to say that Germany will win today, I fancy 3-1 and Argentina will win tomorrow - penalties!
Sunday, June 29, 2014
World Cup Round of 16 and we are off.....
Well Brazil squeaked through like most predicted and Columbia sailed past the toothless Uruguay. Great games to watch, it seems as though the smaller South American nations have more passion than any other team. Both Uruguay and Chile played like it was a fight to the death. I kind of like to see that from some of the English lads from time to time. I guess if you are making 100,000 pounds a week it will soften the blow of any loss.
A few things did pop to mind while watching yesterday's games.
That can't be the look he was hoping for.
In the second game, I'm going to take the Greeks on penalties or a slim 1-0. It's a clash of styles. Neither team can sit back and play out their normal game plan. There could be 1000 unopposed passes in this game, or they could surprise us with some attacking intent.
A few things did pop to mind while watching yesterday's games.
- Why did Alexis Sanchez keep tucking his shorts into his underwear. With miracle fibre wicking and cooling properties built in to each Puma shirt, you think they could have made a pair that Alexis would have felt comfortable in.
That can't be the look he was hoping for.
- David Luiz, what can you say about the big fella? A surging run forward one minute and then the spaced out look of a man who can't find his puppy the next.
- It was kind of nice to see the Brazilians have a good goal disallowed. Big Phil was not happy, but I didn't see him complaining when they got a penalty that they should not have had against Croatia.
- I don't know if it's the pressure of playing at home, but Brazil really play the victim card to its full extent. Every time they lose possession, it had to be a foul and of course, the cards should some out.
- James Rodriguez, what can you say. Goal of the World Cup for sure and he now has 5 in 4 games. Can he take Columbia past Brazil.
- All credit to the small, bald Uruguayan defensive midfielder. If I was a club manager, I would buy Egidio Arévalo and build a team around him.
In the second game, I'm going to take the Greeks on penalties or a slim 1-0. It's a clash of styles. Neither team can sit back and play out their normal game plan. There could be 1000 unopposed passes in this game, or they could surprise us with some attacking intent.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
oh oh, Sepp's not going to be happy....
After a sizzling start to the WC, a few things have gone pear shaped during the final round, let's start with the obvious.
Luis Suarez biting Chiellini isn't exactly a great advertisement for the great game. Who, other than Suarez, does that? I don't get it. Anyone who has played competitive soccer has thought to themselves at some point "that bastard, I'll have him". Some lash out with a hand or foot, but the smarter players take a number.
(Balotelli take note)
One of the great things about footy is that when you make a good tackle, you are allowed to some extent to follow through on an opponent who has stuck a toe in. That was always my first hope, that I could nail him in a fair tackle. It didn't always work out that way and on one occasion I had to wait two weeks to exact a measure of revenge (made it all the sweeter... a clumsy challenge on the half way line "sorry ref").
Suarez will surely be out for the remainder of the tournament and it will be no Suarez - no progress for the Uruguayan squad.
More dodgy refereeing. There used to be some simple rules when calling penalties, they weren't in the rules, but they made sense.
- If a player had lost control of the ball and was then tripped - no penalty
- If a player was heading away from goal and was tripped - no penalty
- You basically had to be taking away a goal scoring chance.
- It had to be a clear penalty and there had to be clear intent.
- If any challenge was scything or violent, disregard 1-3, it's a penalty
- Costa Rica - Italy. Tico player beats defender in box and gets cleaned out by the last defender who falls theatrically like he didn't see him coming. No penalty. Surest penalty since Suarez hand balled it off the line in 2010.
- England - Costa Rica. Sturridge about to shoot from the 6 yard line, and Tico defender takes his leg out. No call??? Sure penalty. Obvious. Who dives when hey are shooting from the 6 (ok maybe Ronaldo).
- Greece v Cote d'Ivoire. If I kick the back of the leg of an opposing defender and fall to the ground, it's not a penalty. Poor poor decision that made the difference between which team took an early flight home.
Some of the top teams just aren't performing.
Leaving aside the already departed of Spain, Italy and England, Brazil are struggling. Thank goodness for Neymar. Argentina are struggling. Thank goodness for Messi. Portugal are struggling.
Another thing we can do without is boring final round robin games. Case in point England v Costa Rica. England started all the spares which meant they were very disjointed as they hadn't played together as a team and Costa Rica, needing only a tie had their keeper wasting time with 43 minutes left! Also, they never had fewer than 6 defenders in their half and relied on kick and chase for offence. Costa Rica vs. Greece in the round of 16 could be a real doozy.
Some more good games to come today....
Sunday, June 22, 2014
World Cup - More great games and a few duds.
Well, England are out and that's a shame, but at least either Suarez or Balotelli will join them on the early flight home. Also, the Gods willing, the strutting mantis will have his fate sealed in about 2 hours from now. I don't normally cheer for the USA, they have more than enough boosters of their own, but if it means sayonara for pretty boy and his Portuguese team mates I'm prepared to make an exception.
I've been very disappointed in the quality of the commentary on tv and in the Globe and Mail. You'd think we could find some people who actually know what is going on. On commentator kept blabbering on about the value of goal difference, when it meant nothing in the next round since Croatia has 3 points and Mexico has 4 and they play each other to see who places second (assuming Brazil beats Cameroon).
That said, it's the sensationalists that bother me the most. 2 minutes of possession and a team is bossing the game. Going a goal up with 5 minutes to go and surely it's all over. Lose and the team was a shambles, win and the team is almighty. Case in point when people jumped on the Pirlo and Italy bandwagon after they beat England. how did it go against Costa Rica lads? You should never rely on the Italians for a favour.
What of Costa Rica, are they really any good? Well, they are well organized and have a good game plan, but I think they were underestimated by both Uruguay and Italy. That's not going to happen in the round of 16. It's a great country to visit, amazing wildlife, plentyful cheap fruit, beaches and bad roads. Will they make it to the last 8 - not a chance, unless they draw Algeria.
Ghana, the Black Stars, let's hope they advance. The game of the tournament so far was the 2-2 tie with Germany. Such a brave positive team with great kit to boot.
Belgium vs. Russia. Snorefest. Russia are awful, can't pass, can't shoot. Belgium are through to the last 16, but will need a favourable draw to advance any further.
Argentina. Not impressive, but Lionel Messi, what can you say. Here's a real superstar who just goes about his business.
South Korea. Only one guy on the team can head, and he's a 6' 5" sub. Don't ever start a fight with Algeria, they'll toss you around like a tennis ball if today's men vs. boys game is any example.
4 minute to game time.
I've been very disappointed in the quality of the commentary on tv and in the Globe and Mail. You'd think we could find some people who actually know what is going on. On commentator kept blabbering on about the value of goal difference, when it meant nothing in the next round since Croatia has 3 points and Mexico has 4 and they play each other to see who places second (assuming Brazil beats Cameroon).
That said, it's the sensationalists that bother me the most. 2 minutes of possession and a team is bossing the game. Going a goal up with 5 minutes to go and surely it's all over. Lose and the team was a shambles, win and the team is almighty. Case in point when people jumped on the Pirlo and Italy bandwagon after they beat England. how did it go against Costa Rica lads? You should never rely on the Italians for a favour.
What of Costa Rica, are they really any good? Well, they are well organized and have a good game plan, but I think they were underestimated by both Uruguay and Italy. That's not going to happen in the round of 16. It's a great country to visit, amazing wildlife, plentyful cheap fruit, beaches and bad roads. Will they make it to the last 8 - not a chance, unless they draw Algeria.
Ghana, the Black Stars, let's hope they advance. The game of the tournament so far was the 2-2 tie with Germany. Such a brave positive team with great kit to boot.
Belgium vs. Russia. Snorefest. Russia are awful, can't pass, can't shoot. Belgium are through to the last 16, but will need a favourable draw to advance any further.
Argentina. Not impressive, but Lionel Messi, what can you say. Here's a real superstar who just goes about his business.
South Korea. Only one guy on the team can head, and he's a 6' 5" sub. Don't ever start a fight with Algeria, they'll toss you around like a tennis ball if today's men vs. boys game is any example.
4 minute to game time.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
World Cup - A great first week...
Well it's been a great first week of footy in Brazil. Who predicted that Spain would be out after 2 games? It's hard to really explain what happened, except sometimes that's just the way it goes. Watching the Spain - Chile game yesterday, Spain had several relatively easy chances but just couldn't stick the ball in the net. An inch here and there and maybe they are still in with a shout. That said, it certainly was not the dominant Spain we are used to seeing. The style has changed and their mojo has gone.
Let's talk about the serious business of today - England vs. Uruguay the loser goes home. Luis Suarez says he's fit to play and he knows the weaknesses in the England team and will help his team mates exploit them. Well Louis, you better put in for a transfer because you will not be welcome back in England!
Let's hope it's a good clean game with England scoring early and often. Worst case scenario, Uruguay score first and cheat their way to victory (it's happened before) with theatrical rolls, time wasting, dives etc.
Hopefully, Suarez won't bite anybody. He was pretty good last season, hardly took a card and didn't chew on anybody, at least not on the field, what he does in his own time is his own business.
With the lack of pace of the Uruguayan central defence, I suspect that they will sit very deep with their 3 central midfielders just in front for protection. England will have to be clever, it could be Llalana time.
A win today and another against the Ticos and it will be onwards and upwards for the 3 Lions. A loss, and well for the first time since 1966 we will have met expectations.
Let's talk about the serious business of today - England vs. Uruguay the loser goes home. Luis Suarez says he's fit to play and he knows the weaknesses in the England team and will help his team mates exploit them. Well Louis, you better put in for a transfer because you will not be welcome back in England!
Let's hope it's a good clean game with England scoring early and often. Worst case scenario, Uruguay score first and cheat their way to victory (it's happened before) with theatrical rolls, time wasting, dives etc.
Hopefully, Suarez won't bite anybody. He was pretty good last season, hardly took a card and didn't chew on anybody, at least not on the field, what he does in his own time is his own business.
With the lack of pace of the Uruguayan central defence, I suspect that they will sit very deep with their 3 central midfielders just in front for protection. England will have to be clever, it could be Llalana time.
A win today and another against the Ticos and it will be onwards and upwards for the 3 Lions. A loss, and well for the first time since 1966 we will have met expectations.
Monday, June 16, 2014
World Cup Days 3 and 4.... Fess-up!
Well what a great weekend of football. Lucky it was raining most of Saturday so no way I could work on any outdoor projects. A perfect excuse to watch 4 games on Saturday and 3 yesterday.
The relatively high scoring continues as teams seem prepared to attack, referees give penalties and defenders kick the ball into their own net.
England lost, but actually showed that they can play. It seems most of the English would rather see that than parking the bus in front of the net and escaping with a 0-0. Hopefully, this more positive style will bear fruit against Uruguay and Costa Rica.
The one team that has no business being in this World Cup is Honduras. They are a violent, ill disciplined team who's hope is for a 0-0. Glad to see them lose, even if it was to France.
The one thing that players should realize, they must know, is that every move they make is tracked by a multitude of cameras. Thus:
Could you imagine if we all did that at work?
"Did you write this report Harris"
"Yes I did"
"Then you made all these errors"
Pfftt, rolls eyes, waves finger, points at memory stick...
"strike one"
Can Ronaldo live up to his billing today? I sure hope not. I hope he's an absolute flop, kind of like Messi was for the first 60 minutes before he scored the game winner.
The relatively high scoring continues as teams seem prepared to attack, referees give penalties and defenders kick the ball into their own net.
England lost, but actually showed that they can play. It seems most of the English would rather see that than parking the bus in front of the net and escaping with a 0-0. Hopefully, this more positive style will bear fruit against Uruguay and Costa Rica.
The one team that has no business being in this World Cup is Honduras. They are a violent, ill disciplined team who's hope is for a 0-0. Glad to see them lose, even if it was to France.
The one thing that players should realize, they must know, is that every move they make is tracked by a multitude of cameras. Thus:
- When you scythe somebody down around the thighs, don't point innocently at the ball.
- When you body check a player into the next century, don't drop to the ground and start rolling around feigning injury hoping the ref will forget that you just nailed someone.
- When a foul is called for something minor in the middle of the field, don't look incredulous at the referee and start waving your finger at him.
Could you imagine if we all did that at work?
"Did you write this report Harris"
"Yes I did"
"Then you made all these errors"
Pfftt, rolls eyes, waves finger, points at memory stick...
"strike one"
Can Ronaldo live up to his billing today? I sure hope not. I hope he's an absolute flop, kind of like Messi was for the first 60 minutes before he scored the game winner.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
World Cup Day #2 - Great Excitement.....
Well, no complaints about day 2 of the WC. Let's forget about the Mexico - Cameroun game as nobody watched it anyway. The other two games were crackers.
Spain vs. Netherlands started according to plan, although with Spain looking less convincing than in the pas. I actually witnessed Iniesta turn the ball over twice in the first half alone! Nevertheless, when Diego Costa fell over and was awarded the second dodgy penalty of the tournament it seemed like a familiar tale would be told. One moment of finishing magic from Van Persie just before half-time, however, and it was game on.
What happened in the second half will be analyzed to death on the sunny side of Europe, but here's the short version. The Netherlands capitalized on one of their two great assets, the balded Ardjen Robben. He makes it 2-1 with some sublime movement and skill. The Spain coach takes off the only real defensively minded midfielder he has - Alonso - and replaces him with a more attacking option. Spain's shape is irreparably damaged and the Dutch make them pay badly. It really could have been 6 or 7 by the end.
Millions of fans and players around the world were loving watching Spain desperately trying to regain possession from the Dutch. We all knew that they really weren't all that good. Holland, on the other hand, with a lot of relatively unknown players from the Dutch league, look pretty handy. My pool is in tatters.
Chile - Australia. It sure looked like the Chilean team would put a good roasting on the Socceroos, but the game turned after Cahill, known for his airial ability, rose above the towering 5' 7" frame of Gary Medel to head one home. After that, the Aussies can consider themselves a bit unfortunate not to have got a point out of this one.
You have to love the Chile team though. They seem very small, but they work their socks off and pressure all over the field. And, their fans are second to none for passion. I watched Chile play in Pretoria at the last world cup and their fans were few, but very noisy even an hour before kick-off.
So, should we count Spain out? Probably not. I think they will win their two remaining games and go through with Holland. I hope for Chile though.
The time for fun is over, England - Italy tonight.
Spain vs. Netherlands started according to plan, although with Spain looking less convincing than in the pas. I actually witnessed Iniesta turn the ball over twice in the first half alone! Nevertheless, when Diego Costa fell over and was awarded the second dodgy penalty of the tournament it seemed like a familiar tale would be told. One moment of finishing magic from Van Persie just before half-time, however, and it was game on.
What happened in the second half will be analyzed to death on the sunny side of Europe, but here's the short version. The Netherlands capitalized on one of their two great assets, the balded Ardjen Robben. He makes it 2-1 with some sublime movement and skill. The Spain coach takes off the only real defensively minded midfielder he has - Alonso - and replaces him with a more attacking option. Spain's shape is irreparably damaged and the Dutch make them pay badly. It really could have been 6 or 7 by the end.
Millions of fans and players around the world were loving watching Spain desperately trying to regain possession from the Dutch. We all knew that they really weren't all that good. Holland, on the other hand, with a lot of relatively unknown players from the Dutch league, look pretty handy. My pool is in tatters.
Chile - Australia. It sure looked like the Chilean team would put a good roasting on the Socceroos, but the game turned after Cahill, known for his airial ability, rose above the towering 5' 7" frame of Gary Medel to head one home. After that, the Aussies can consider themselves a bit unfortunate not to have got a point out of this one.
You have to love the Chile team though. They seem very small, but they work their socks off and pressure all over the field. And, their fans are second to none for passion. I watched Chile play in Pretoria at the last world cup and their fans were few, but very noisy even an hour before kick-off.
So, should we count Spain out? Probably not. I think they will win their two remaining games and go through with Holland. I hope for Chile though.
The time for fun is over, England - Italy tonight.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
FIFA World Cup #3 - Atheists and Singles where are you?
Back in the day when a player scored a goal he'd give it the old fist pump and maybe get a slap on the back from a few team mates and then it would be over. In today's game, it's quite different.
After a ridiculously overdone celebration by Neymar after he equalized against Croatia in today's first round match he did two things:
My real question is, what does a single fella do when he scores? Should he put his hand to his brow and survey the crowd in an "I'm still looking for Mr or Mrs Right" kind of an action, or maybe some kind of "I'll open up my heart gesture". Just running back to centre and looking chuffed isn't going to cut it in today's game.
And, what about the atheists, what's their brand? Maybe a punch to one's own chest in a sort of "I did that" gesture or some circular arm movements representing nature and science. Mind you, I'd want to see it when something goes awry as well.
Or, preferably, we could leave all the symbolism out of the game altogether and go back to the good old fist pump and slap on the back.
After a ridiculously overdone celebration by Neymar after he equalized against Croatia in today's first round match he did two things:
- Made the sign of a heart with his hands. I think this is mandatory now for anyone in a relationship. I can just see players on the flight home thinking to themselves, oh my word, did I do the heart thing after I scored that goal. Oh she's going to be livid if she was watching and I forgot. did I do it, I hope I did it......
- Pointed up at a couple of clouds. Some players like to do this after something goes well for them, but they never do it when they miss a sitter or score and own goal or get sent off.
My real question is, what does a single fella do when he scores? Should he put his hand to his brow and survey the crowd in an "I'm still looking for Mr or Mrs Right" kind of an action, or maybe some kind of "I'll open up my heart gesture". Just running back to centre and looking chuffed isn't going to cut it in today's game.
And, what about the atheists, what's their brand? Maybe a punch to one's own chest in a sort of "I did that" gesture or some circular arm movements representing nature and science. Mind you, I'd want to see it when something goes awry as well.
Or, preferably, we could leave all the symbolism out of the game altogether and go back to the good old fist pump and slap on the back.
FIFA World Cup #2 - It all went according to script...
Was there ever any doubt? In Croatia, a plucky opponent with just enough well known players to be considered a threat, but without ever really having a chance to win. Heck, they even had the temerity to get the first goal, albeit an own goal, but did anyone really think that they would hold onto it? Resolute, is not a word I would use to describe their defending, especially in the midfield.
That said, when it did seem that they may steal a point, in steps Japan's Yuichi Nishimura to save the day with a penalty decision which could be described as very poor, but I'll leave it to the Croats to provide their own adjectives. And then at the other end, he calls for the foul on Cesar when a no call would have been equally just. Oscar scores with a toe poke to make the ref call seem irrelevant, but let's face it, the penalty was the turning point and Nishimura ensures himself of another plum assignment. I am sure the FIFA referees are all patting themselves on the back for a job well done. Sepp is a happy man tonight.
Game Notes
That said, when it did seem that they may steal a point, in steps Japan's Yuichi Nishimura to save the day with a penalty decision which could be described as very poor, but I'll leave it to the Croats to provide their own adjectives. And then at the other end, he calls for the foul on Cesar when a no call would have been equally just. Oscar scores with a toe poke to make the ref call seem irrelevant, but let's face it, the penalty was the turning point and Nishimura ensures himself of another plum assignment. I am sure the FIFA referees are all patting themselves on the back for a job well done. Sepp is a happy man tonight.
Game Notes
- There were a few theatrical falls, but all in all not too bad.
- Fun to see Big Phil getting so agitated on the sidelines about throw-in calls going the wrong way.
- If I have a defender such as Danni Alves whose attitude towards a winger crossing the ball into my box is at best, indifferent, I have a problem.
- When Brazil's best defender is David Luiz, I think I may have erred in my WC pool. I can't see Brazil going all the way on this performance (unless Nishimura gets to do all their games).
- Any time a bunch of players surround the referee he should immediately get the yellow card out and start taking names.
- Cesar looked like he was trying to impress at a try-out - making the easy save look spectacular.
World Cup Brazil - the good, the bad and the ugly...
Well the day has finally arrived and for a whole month it is unlikely that will have nothing to watch on tv. Bring it on!
It's time for tv and print journalists to stop talking about subways, security and which teams have been spotted on the beach and time to put the product on the pitch.
I caught a little bit of the Federation's Cup held in Brazil last summer and the atmosphere was crazy when Brazil were playing and the Selacao rose to the occasion playing expansive positive football. Let's hope it is infectious and in this world cup we are not faced with teams lining up in two rows of 5 as soon as possession is lost.
Let's get back to playing soccer the way it was meant to be played, by men (or women) who like to compete. Folks who like to get stuck in a tackle, force a turnover, burst forward into space, take players on, etc. etc. Let's get rid of zonal defending where the most important part is timing your run away from the player you are marking while thrusting your arm in the air and waving it about like a samba dancer. The off-side trap is for people who do not have the confidence to defend one on one.
Let's get away from the art of conning a referee. If someone gives a little tug on your shirt, fight through it! Isn't that why you spend those hours in the gym? Don't flop on the ground and roll over.
If you get a little kick or a knock, shake it off and keep going. Imagine you are back at school with no ref and you pulled the stunt that Dzecko pulled for Man City v Everton. Face down in the grass for 4 minutes because his team was winning, there were only a few minutes remaining and he tweaked his shoulder. Try that on the playground and by the time you get up you'd be alone and recess would be over. There should be a rule that if you go down and require the game to be stopped more than once, you are out. This would also get rid of that nasty tendency to kick the ball out of play every time one of these fakers get's an apparent injury.
Ronaldo. Don't get me started. It's a team game pal, not just another opportunity for you to build your brand. Keep your shirt on, please.
Who will be the most cynical team at the world cup? My bet is Honduras if their 'friendly' against England is anything to go by. Numerous 2 footed tackles, 4-5 yellows , a red and one sub every 3 minutes for the last 20 minutes of the game to try and hold on to a 0-0. Yes it will be fun to watch Honduras.
Dark horse of the tournament: Chile. I fancy them to oust Holland, who frankly, if they are relying on Wesley Schneider to carry them forward have sadly lost the plot. For Holland, they must rely on the flopper Arjen Robben and the finisher Robin Van Persie.
Brazil v Croatia. A bit tighter than one would expect, but ultimately a Brazil win 2-1 or 2-0 with Neymar and Fred getting the goals.
Bring it on!
It's time for tv and print journalists to stop talking about subways, security and which teams have been spotted on the beach and time to put the product on the pitch.
I caught a little bit of the Federation's Cup held in Brazil last summer and the atmosphere was crazy when Brazil were playing and the Selacao rose to the occasion playing expansive positive football. Let's hope it is infectious and in this world cup we are not faced with teams lining up in two rows of 5 as soon as possession is lost.
Let's get back to playing soccer the way it was meant to be played, by men (or women) who like to compete. Folks who like to get stuck in a tackle, force a turnover, burst forward into space, take players on, etc. etc. Let's get rid of zonal defending where the most important part is timing your run away from the player you are marking while thrusting your arm in the air and waving it about like a samba dancer. The off-side trap is for people who do not have the confidence to defend one on one.
Let's get away from the art of conning a referee. If someone gives a little tug on your shirt, fight through it! Isn't that why you spend those hours in the gym? Don't flop on the ground and roll over.
If you get a little kick or a knock, shake it off and keep going. Imagine you are back at school with no ref and you pulled the stunt that Dzecko pulled for Man City v Everton. Face down in the grass for 4 minutes because his team was winning, there were only a few minutes remaining and he tweaked his shoulder. Try that on the playground and by the time you get up you'd be alone and recess would be over. There should be a rule that if you go down and require the game to be stopped more than once, you are out. This would also get rid of that nasty tendency to kick the ball out of play every time one of these fakers get's an apparent injury.
Ronaldo. Don't get me started. It's a team game pal, not just another opportunity for you to build your brand. Keep your shirt on, please.
Who will be the most cynical team at the world cup? My bet is Honduras if their 'friendly' against England is anything to go by. Numerous 2 footed tackles, 4-5 yellows , a red and one sub every 3 minutes for the last 20 minutes of the game to try and hold on to a 0-0. Yes it will be fun to watch Honduras.
Dark horse of the tournament: Chile. I fancy them to oust Holland, who frankly, if they are relying on Wesley Schneider to carry them forward have sadly lost the plot. For Holland, they must rely on the flopper Arjen Robben and the finisher Robin Van Persie.
Brazil v Croatia. A bit tighter than one would expect, but ultimately a Brazil win 2-1 or 2-0 with Neymar and Fred getting the goals.
Bring it on!
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
buying tires shouldn't be this complicated (advertising in general)
Let me start of by saying that I wouldn't call myself a consumerist, first, because I don't think it's actually a word, and second, I only usually buy stuff I need and then weeks or months after I need it. So it's entirely possible that all the advertising that comes my way I get a little more irritated about than the average person. That said, when you do need something, you'd think the businesses would be keen to help.
Thank goodness I only have to buy tires every 4 years or so. I remember having serious difficulty last time when shopping for a Ford Focus - hardly a rare tire size. This time, I have an odd sized low profile tire which came with my Elantra Touring SE. Looks very nice, came with the car.
I'm not wanting to go through a lot of comparison shopping so I decide to go to Canadian Tire. The service will undoubtedly be shoddy, but the tires available and the price decent. I mark down the tire size, stash the old tires and rims in the trunk and set out. What could possibly go wrong?
Enter Canadian TIRE, march over to the tire section, pick out a make and model that comes in my size and meets my high demands of economy and durability. Go to the order desk and state that 'I'm looking for some tires, I see you have some' What size? 215/14R17. We only have a Cooper Tire in stock. What are the specs? I don't know. Can you tell me anything about this tire? No, the computer doesn't give me that. (thinks, is this really then end of this conversation. No what kind of tire are you looking for? We can get them in quickly. Nada.) Steve goes home and starts an internet search.
(As an aside: I've never seen anyone anywhere outside of Canadian Tire Auto that is so inept with a computer keyboard. Every time, it's like they are working in a foreign language. And it takes 250 very slow clicks to get an oil change.)
I've heard the service at COSTCO is good, so I visit their web-site and pick out some good tires that come in my required size. I call COSTCO. After 5 or 6 rings, I hang up. Repeat several times until on the 7the ring, a message begins. I kid you not: 40 seconds of Welcome to Costco.... press 1 for English. If you want home economics press 1... Electrical press 2.... on and on.. automotive press 5 (now we are getting somewhere). For service press 1. For returns press 2. For TIRES press 4. Guess what number I pressed as my impatience grew. 3 what happened to #3? That's the way the number system works, there's a 3 between 2 and 4, you can't just randomly miss it out. Then dead air. No way to hit star and return.
Start again. Do you have these tires? No we don't have those. End of storey. Thanks anyway.
Call Canadian Tire back against my better judgement. "Can you order me in this tire that is listed on your web-site in this size that is also listed on your web-site?" "No, I'm afraid that none of my suppliers are showing that they don't have those" "Can I give you a piece of advice..........."
Dam it, now we are in for the long haul.
Wonder Tire and Auto to the rescue? Visit the web-site. It's a tough site to use, but I find some tires that look the business and come in my size. "Request a Quote" Now we are talking. Name, address, phone, e-mail, pet's name, etc. Request a quote. I don't have to wait long before the return e-mail pops up. and here it is in its full glory. I'd like to bring special attention to the final line:
What's the point? I request a quote, you send me through a bunch of hoops and then, you can't give me a price. How about labelling the tab No Quote, Send us your e-mail so we can spam you forever without getting anything useful in return.
OK, let's not give in so easy. Let's call the buggers. Do you have.....? No, we don't have that? drrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Call a couple of other places with similar results, before finally calling SSAuto on Westmoreland and Brunswick. At least there I got a no we don't have them, but we can order them in. They'll be here within the week and the cost will be... Sold. This is the same place I used to take my Subaru to for a service and on one occasion went to drive it away and the battery was dead, on another occasion a hose had been left uncoupled and the car simply stopped dead within a hundred yards and on two occasions I had to return because the engine light was on. It was a long time ago, but maybe I'll stay and watch the tire change.
While I'm on a bit of a rant, I'd like to put it out there to both Bell and Rogers, that Despite the weekly flyers trying give me piece of mind for about $300/year, I will not be installing a home security system any time soon. I recognize that it could be a bit of fun once in a while to see what my pets are up to using my smart phone (likely sleeping). I understand that it would be very useful if I'm wondering if I left the frying pan on the stove and the house is burning, but I can alert the fire department before the neighbours notice the thick smoke billowing out of the blown out window. Stop trying to convince me I need this crap. I have house insurance.
A similar shout out to that annoying female salesperson flogging on behalf of Riverview Ford Lincoln. I don't care how many times a day I have to hear that message in that comforting motherly voice "No Games, a better way to by a car". I'm not buying a car from you based on a touchy feely experience. I'd rather base my decision on quality, practicality, efficiency and price. Besides, I have an Elantra that will soon have new tires (and likely a flat battery and a yellow engine light)
Very similar to the above, the chirpy housewife from Sobey's "Just Better Prices" Hey, I already shop at Sobeys and if you think $3.99 a lb for tomatoes is a good deal, come and see me I've got a garage full of good deals.
Another exceedingly irritating ploy is the advertiser that sees you as a personal friend, even if you've never shopped at the place. "We'd like to truly thank you for loyalty and patronage of Franks Hair Piece Parlour this past year" Frank "F**K Off."
Fortunately, the invention of the remote control has done wonders for my stress levels when watching tv and there's always CBC on the radio.
I could literally go on and on for hours, but those tires aren't going to remove themselves from the back of my car.
Thank goodness I only have to buy tires every 4 years or so. I remember having serious difficulty last time when shopping for a Ford Focus - hardly a rare tire size. This time, I have an odd sized low profile tire which came with my Elantra Touring SE. Looks very nice, came with the car.
I'm not wanting to go through a lot of comparison shopping so I decide to go to Canadian Tire. The service will undoubtedly be shoddy, but the tires available and the price decent. I mark down the tire size, stash the old tires and rims in the trunk and set out. What could possibly go wrong?
Enter Canadian TIRE, march over to the tire section, pick out a make and model that comes in my size and meets my high demands of economy and durability. Go to the order desk and state that 'I'm looking for some tires, I see you have some' What size? 215/14R17. We only have a Cooper Tire in stock. What are the specs? I don't know. Can you tell me anything about this tire? No, the computer doesn't give me that. (thinks, is this really then end of this conversation. No what kind of tire are you looking for? We can get them in quickly. Nada.) Steve goes home and starts an internet search.
(As an aside: I've never seen anyone anywhere outside of Canadian Tire Auto that is so inept with a computer keyboard. Every time, it's like they are working in a foreign language. And it takes 250 very slow clicks to get an oil change.)
I've heard the service at COSTCO is good, so I visit their web-site and pick out some good tires that come in my required size. I call COSTCO. After 5 or 6 rings, I hang up. Repeat several times until on the 7the ring, a message begins. I kid you not: 40 seconds of Welcome to Costco.... press 1 for English. If you want home economics press 1... Electrical press 2.... on and on.. automotive press 5 (now we are getting somewhere). For service press 1. For returns press 2. For TIRES press 4. Guess what number I pressed as my impatience grew. 3 what happened to #3? That's the way the number system works, there's a 3 between 2 and 4, you can't just randomly miss it out. Then dead air. No way to hit star and return.
Start again. Do you have these tires? No we don't have those. End of storey. Thanks anyway.
Call Canadian Tire back against my better judgement. "Can you order me in this tire that is listed on your web-site in this size that is also listed on your web-site?" "No, I'm afraid that none of my suppliers are showing that they don't have those" "Can I give you a piece of advice..........."
Dam it, now we are in for the long haul.
Wonder Tire and Auto to the rescue? Visit the web-site. It's a tough site to use, but I find some tires that look the business and come in my size. "Request a Quote" Now we are talking. Name, address, phone, e-mail, pet's name, etc. Request a quote. I don't have to wait long before the return e-mail pops up. and here it is in its full glory. I'd like to bring special attention to the final line:
Steve,
Thank you for choosing Wonder Auto & Tire - Fredericton North. Your online
quote request submitted at http://www.wonderauto.com/ on 04/30/2014 at 12:14 PM
Products submitted for quote:
--- 1 of 1 ---
Manufacturer: Pirelli
Model: Pirelli Tires 2013
Product Name: Cinturato P7 All Season Plus Tire
Fitment: 215/45/17
Tire Size: 215/45R17XL
Part Number: 2339100
Price: N/A
Thank you for choosing Wonder Auto & Tire - Fredericton North. Your online
quote request submitted at http://www.wonderauto.com/ on 04/30/2014 at 12:14 PM
Products submitted for quote:
--- 1 of 1 ---
Manufacturer: Pirelli
Model: Pirelli Tires 2013
Product Name: Cinturato P7 All Season Plus Tire
Fitment: 215/45/17
Tire Size: 215/45R17XL
Part Number: 2339100
Price: N/A
What's the point? I request a quote, you send me through a bunch of hoops and then, you can't give me a price. How about labelling the tab No Quote, Send us your e-mail so we can spam you forever without getting anything useful in return.
OK, let's not give in so easy. Let's call the buggers. Do you have.....? No, we don't have that? drrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Call a couple of other places with similar results, before finally calling SSAuto on Westmoreland and Brunswick. At least there I got a no we don't have them, but we can order them in. They'll be here within the week and the cost will be... Sold. This is the same place I used to take my Subaru to for a service and on one occasion went to drive it away and the battery was dead, on another occasion a hose had been left uncoupled and the car simply stopped dead within a hundred yards and on two occasions I had to return because the engine light was on. It was a long time ago, but maybe I'll stay and watch the tire change.
While I'm on a bit of a rant, I'd like to put it out there to both Bell and Rogers, that Despite the weekly flyers trying give me piece of mind for about $300/year, I will not be installing a home security system any time soon. I recognize that it could be a bit of fun once in a while to see what my pets are up to using my smart phone (likely sleeping). I understand that it would be very useful if I'm wondering if I left the frying pan on the stove and the house is burning, but I can alert the fire department before the neighbours notice the thick smoke billowing out of the blown out window. Stop trying to convince me I need this crap. I have house insurance.
A similar shout out to that annoying female salesperson flogging on behalf of Riverview Ford Lincoln. I don't care how many times a day I have to hear that message in that comforting motherly voice "No Games, a better way to by a car". I'm not buying a car from you based on a touchy feely experience. I'd rather base my decision on quality, practicality, efficiency and price. Besides, I have an Elantra that will soon have new tires (and likely a flat battery and a yellow engine light)
Very similar to the above, the chirpy housewife from Sobey's "Just Better Prices" Hey, I already shop at Sobeys and if you think $3.99 a lb for tomatoes is a good deal, come and see me I've got a garage full of good deals.
Another exceedingly irritating ploy is the advertiser that sees you as a personal friend, even if you've never shopped at the place. "We'd like to truly thank you for loyalty and patronage of Franks Hair Piece Parlour this past year" Frank "F**K Off."
Fortunately, the invention of the remote control has done wonders for my stress levels when watching tv and there's always CBC on the radio.
I could literally go on and on for hours, but those tires aren't going to remove themselves from the back of my car.
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