Firstly, a link for those who would like to see this week's Times column.
On Monday I went the fantastic cinema at The Barbican, a venue which has probably the best access and staff a wheelchair user could wish for.
The film in question was Ken Loach's 'Looking for Eric'. A thoroughly entertaining film, or rather, two films. There is a strange drop off in pace in the middle, as if there is confusion as to where to take the story, and then a cracking second half which is virtually a separate film.
Of course, the main attraction is Monsieur Cantona, and here I feel a confession coming on...
As a die-hard Arsenal fan (cut me and I bleed red), I can honestly say that in our rivalry with Manchester United there is only one thing I am jealous of.
No, it's not the silverware, the success in Europe, the obsessive mythologising so popular with football commentators, Wayne Rooney's good looks, and certainly not Alex Ferguson (who comes across as sinister, grumpy and a bit of a bully).
No, they can have all of that. The thing I envy, in case you haven't guessed, is Eric Cantona. And, yes, I said thing, because it isn't the man, it's the icon. Not just the notorious 'audience participation' (come on, we all knew it was wrong, but we all secretly loved it). But also a great player, an ability to score sublime, yet crucial goals, a talent for outwitting the tabloid press, a sense of humour, and now the demonstration that he doesn't take himself too seriously.
For all that, he's pretty useless on the trumpet...
...and Bergkamp was a better player.
On Monday I went the fantastic cinema at The Barbican, a venue which has probably the best access and staff a wheelchair user could wish for.
The film in question was Ken Loach's 'Looking for Eric'. A thoroughly entertaining film, or rather, two films. There is a strange drop off in pace in the middle, as if there is confusion as to where to take the story, and then a cracking second half which is virtually a separate film.
Of course, the main attraction is Monsieur Cantona, and here I feel a confession coming on...
As a die-hard Arsenal fan (cut me and I bleed red), I can honestly say that in our rivalry with Manchester United there is only one thing I am jealous of.
No, it's not the silverware, the success in Europe, the obsessive mythologising so popular with football commentators, Wayne Rooney's good looks, and certainly not Alex Ferguson (who comes across as sinister, grumpy and a bit of a bully).
No, they can have all of that. The thing I envy, in case you haven't guessed, is Eric Cantona. And, yes, I said thing, because it isn't the man, it's the icon. Not just the notorious 'audience participation' (come on, we all knew it was wrong, but we all secretly loved it). But also a great player, an ability to score sublime, yet crucial goals, a talent for outwitting the tabloid press, a sense of humour, and now the demonstration that he doesn't take himself too seriously.
For all that, he's pretty useless on the trumpet...
...and Bergkamp was a better player.
By "audience participation" I take it you mean the flying two footed kick into the crowd at....... Gosh i can`t remember where. Was it Crystal Palace ?