Sport Archives - Page 3 of 19 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

The Swiss skis Brienzer Breeze

10th October 202510th October 2025 funtime65

And for Bandanini and Bandanettes out there asking… Jocktails takes a deeper dive into the Swiss skis Brienzer Breeze.

The amethyst-coloured cocktail served up this week by our Interlaken amis with a little help from Scotts Kitchen in Edinburgh.

Now the BB as we’re now christening it is a twist on the old favourite, the Hawaiian Seabreeze.

Which, of course, was on your Bandanaman’s list of go-to drinks for our Saturday evening Jocktails ritual back in Ireland.

A twist on an old favourite

Of course, we’re always curious to find new drinks.

And we were further prompted by interest from Cocktail Apprentice, the Son and Heir.

And so this is what you’ll be needing and we know you have it lying around the house.

The perfect mix

Ingredients:

1 and a half ounces of vodka

1 oz blue curacao

Half an ounce of coconut cream

Half an ounce of white rum

Two ounces of pineapple juice

Ice

Pineapple slice

And sparkling water to top it off.

Whole lot of shaking

Table set: Interlaken after trotty bike ride

So for the magic:

Prepare a highball or hurricane glass with ice to chill it.

Shake in a cocktail shaker and combine the vodka, white rum, blue curacao, cream of coconut and pineapple juice.

Before adding a handful of ice to it.

Shaking it vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to mix and chill everything.

Strain the cocktail mixture into the glass over fresh ice and garnish.

With a slide of pineapple, a cherry or lemon slice.

Get Interlaken

Find a mate, book a raft or a hot tub to go out on Lake Brienzer, Interlaken… and enjoy.

And, of course, for details of how to get there, where to stay and what to do.

Follow your Swissophile swally-drinking pal here.

Countries, Europe, Skiing, Sport

The Austrian Alps and a new big-skiing experience

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Frankly you’d never come down from the mountains these days and the Austrian Alps and a new big-skiing experience.

Because skiers who count raves in the slopes as highly as black, red and blue runs now have an extra leisure option.

Among the numerous new attractions in our old stomping ground of Wilder Kaiser and SkiWelt Söll.

All tailored for families.

With the Hexenwiese adventure play area at the bottom lift station now expanded.

To include an additional conveyor-belt lift and a tubing slide with the highlight a new sound installation.

All to allow Mum and Dad to relax in the newly designed, elevated sun terrace.

Flicks on the slopes

And because you can refuel at any one of the restaurant stations you really can spend the whole day on the slopes.

And even take in a movie now on the Keatabfahrt slope (ski piste number 43).

It’s Austria’s first ski-in cinema – open from Monday to Thursday.

And including popcorn and drinks.

So which ski-related movies would you switch on.

Double Oh heaven

For many of us we were first turned on to skiing seeing James Bond dropping from the skies and scooting around the peaks.

And even more impressive that he was able to make his cliff jump on Mount Asgard on Baffin Island in Canada.

And then have his high-speed ski chase in St Moritz in Switzerland.

For those who prefer a romcom (guilty!) then Chalet Girl is the quintessential boy meets girl love story in the mountains.

And I’m passing over my own slip-slidin’ missteps here with a then-girlfriend in Aviemore in Scotland here.

Chalet Girl showcases the ski resort of St Anton in Austria with some exterior shots in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Where Winter Olympic history is all around you and you can immerse yourself in it with your own selfie.

Have-a-go heroes

The greatest have-a-go hero story on the slopes is, of course, that of Eddie the Eagle.

Again highlighting the famous Garmisch ski jump.

There is definitely something about winter sports that brings out the dreamer in all of us.

And though it’s not skiing it is definitely the Jamaican bobsleigh team whose odyssey was celebrated in Cool Runnings is in our wheelhouse.

Which allows us to flag up the Caribbean (any excuse) and Calgary in Canada.

Licked it

If truth be told though we’ve probably got more in common on the slopes with Harry and Lloyd.

Although the hapless skiers in Dumb and Dumber were actually larking around in Main Street, Breckenridge in central Colorado.

Rather than Aspen.

But they did lick it.

Not that you have to resort to winter sport films, as we imagine that you’ll get your pick of the flicks on your Söll slopes… but just saying.

America, Countries, Ireland, Sport

Steel yourself for Irish Gridiron spice bags

27th September 202527th September 2025 funtime65

And as American Footballers take over Dublin this weekend steel yourself for Irish Gridiron spice bags.

Taking two of the cultural culinary staples of Pittsburgh and the Irish capital.

To create the Steel Bag,

Sponsors Aer Lingus are blending the homegrown take-away treat of a Spice Bag with Pittsburgh favourites like melted cheese and meats.

Which, of course, we know is a variation on a Philly Cheesesteak, but whisper that around Steel City.

While anyone who has been brought up, or reared their kids in Ireland, will be familiar with the smells of a Spice Bag from a weekend out.

Bag it up

Your bag is a mix of deep-fried salt and chilli chips, salt and shredded chilli chicken or wings, red and green and chili peppers, fried onions and a variety of spices.

That we’ve honed in on Pittsburgh rather than opponents Minnesota Vikings is no sleight.

On those brave men of the Mid West.

But rather because the Pennsylvanians have long had stronger links with Ireland,.

Particularly the Steelers owners, the Rooney family, whose rich Irish heritage dates back to the 1840s.

With the team’s fanbase, Steeler Nation, having also travelled across the Atlantic in huge numbers to see their team play on Irish soil.

Now gridiron fans who were around Earlsfort Terrace yesterday would doubtless have done a double take.

To see Steelers legend Brett Keisel rolling up his sleeves, serving the fusion feast.

Tailgate party on

Say cheese: Cheesesteaks and Arnold Palmers

And who knows the new dish might take on and the Steeler Nation might bring it back with them to adopt at their Tailgate parties?

Now, no quarter has been given in turning Dublin and the Aviva into an American Football outpost for the weekend.

With a Steelers Fan Tailgate set up at Merrion Square, presented by Aer Lingus.

With football themed fun for all the family.

Man of Steel: Pittsburgh’s ‘secret weapon’?

And fans can learn more about all the Steelers’ Black & Gold activities taking place in Ireland on the footie team’s website and the Vikings can be found on their site too.

Six-time Super Bowl Steelers entered a four-year partnership with Aer Lingus this year.

Establishing the airline as the Official Airline of Steelers Ireland and a Founding Partner of Steelers Ireland.

Deal us in

Aer we go: Aer Lingus and Pittsburgh Steelers

And Aer Lingus offers convenient travel options for fans from the US making their way to Dublin for the game.

With the airline flying 21 direct routes from North America to Ireland in 2025.

For next year, Aer Lingus will fly two new transatlantic routes from Dublin to Cancún, Mexico, and Raleigh-Durham in the US.

We found return flights with the national airline carrier through Dublin with pre-clearance from €815.65 for sample dates in October.

America, Countries, Deals, Sport

All set for kick-off in LA

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Soccer has come a long way in the US since George Best’s razzmatazz and Diana Ross’s mishit but we’re all set for kick-off in LA.

With Team USA better placed and Americans more invested for World Cup MkII.

With the hosts coming to the party next year on June 12 where they left off in 1994, in Los Angeles.

Now, many of our countries, and our wee one Scotland hasn’t qualified for nearly 30 years, are still dreaming of getting there.

But there’s no harm in planning ahead.

And if we’re really lucky our country will get placed in the City of Angels, ranked the No. 1 US city for football fans.

But if not the neutral will get to see a feast of international football, including eight matches at the SoFi Stadium.

Just the ticket

The first phase of FIFA World Cup 26 ticket sales is now open with the Visa Presale Draw.

Which gives fans their first chance to secure seats.

You need to register at FIFA.com/tickets and create a FIFA ID.

And registered fans will receive updates on sale dates and details of the ticketing process.

Additional phases will roll out through the start of the event.

With Phase 2, the Early Ticket Draw, running from October 27–31 October.

With successful fans invited to purchase tickets from mid-November to early December.

Phase 3 is the Random Selection Draw, beginning shortly after the Final Draw on December 5.

When fans can apply for specific matches based on revealed group-stage matchups.

Closer to the tournament, any remaining tickets will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Festival for fans

So we’ve been well briefed then so back to everything around the tourney in one of our favourite cities in the Oo Es of Eh.

From the eve of Team USA’s big kick-off, June 11-July 19 there will be World Cup-related events across the city.

Highlights include an official FIFA Fan Festival, along with additional Fan Zones.

Best bar none

For those looking to watch with locals, Los Angeles offers countless football-friendly eateries and bars.

With nearly 40 LAFC-affiliated pubs, from La Chuperia in Lincoln Heights to The Sunset Room in Hacienda Heights.

Global supporters also bring their passion to LA’s pubs and neighbourhoods.

And fans from this side of the pond will feel at home at British-themed pubs including Ye Olde King’s Head in Santa Monica and The Cat and Fiddle in Hollywood.

And popular Irish pubs Tom Bergins in Mid-City and Ireland’s 32 in the Valley.

Deal us in

So they’re all set for kick-off in LA, we’re all set, so it’s just down to the players to make sure we get there.

We find the best way to get to America from Europe is through Ireland with pre-clearance.

And we found a sample Aer Lingus return flight from Edinburgh through Dublin for LAX from £1,406.19.

America, Countries, Deals, Sport

Tee up the Ryder Cup and Long Island

24th September 202524th September 2025 funtime65

Now they’re the perfect pairing, a match made in heaven and the golf club is the perfect pitch for the biggest occasion, so read on as I tee up the Ryder Cup and Long Island.

As thoughts turn this week to Bethpage State Park in Long Island our own roll back.

To when the US Open was held here and we were in town and one Lucas Glover took home the trophy.

My Irish-American cousin Eddie got his hands on a prize far bigger though than any golf bauble then, his beautiful new wife Sandy.

Proud Americans that they are, Eddie, Sandy, and their two future little Solheim Golfers will, of course, be cheering on the Yanks, as they should.

Long Island gateway

Long Island for me was my gateway into America as a teenager visiting the Oo Es of Eh for the first time.

And being treated like a lord by Eddie and my Irish-American rellies.

For most visitors to New York, of course, the closest they will get to Long Island is when they touch down at JFK Airport in Queens.

But the Island, as it is affectionately known, has its own attractions.

Which, if you can, you should visit on your New York trip.

The well-heeled, of course, put the Hamptons, on the far end of the Island, on the map.

Long before F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby and the Golden Age and Donald ‘Jay Trump’.

And, of course, tourists still flock to the tip.

For a peak of how the rich and famous might live and visit the iconic Montauk Lighthouse.

Which many of us will associate with the Dominic West TV blockbuster The Affair.

The Island’s Fab Four

Beach life: The Affair was shot on the Island

Long Island boasts four regions.

The North Shore is known for its opulent estates and harbourside villages.

Then there is the South Shore where racegoers gather at Belmont Park.

And partygoers converge on the UBS Arena, Jones Beach boardwalk for their kicking concerts.

The North Fork’s farmland and vineyards are the destination for foodies.

While, cycling and swimming friendly South Fork – The Hamptons and Montauk is where you can bag those celebrity sightings as some trophy fishing of your own.

Now whatever your pleasure, beaches, vineyards, museums, waterparks for the kids.

Or shopping at Americana Manhasset’s Miracle Mile.

The Island is a New York 19th hole you need to hang around for.

And on the tee

And on the golfing theme, you’ll notice too that Bethpage being a State Park means that you can play it too.

So just a few tips on how to tee up the Ryder Cup and Long Island.

And you’ll just have to get out and see it all for yourself.

Which, if you’re like me and coming from the Old World.

Then avail of pre-clearance through Ireland with Aer Lingus.

With sample fares for next month which we found from €659.36.

America, Countries, Europe, Food & Wine, Sport

Long Island Iced Teas and Ryder Cup cocktails

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And back when I turned out my Jocktails I almost blinded the Scary One… and my Long Island Iced Teas and Ryder Cup cocktails will do the same for you.

Now the beauty of cocktails is their surprise element and the Iced Tea kicks like a mule.

Because it is devilishly misnamed as an innocent soft drink when it’s an excuse to knock your socks off.

A hole lot of fun

The famously raucous New York golf fans, of course, need no extra stimulant for next week’s biennial clash with Europe.

Golf tournaments have never been, nor would we want it to be, a booze-free haven.

With visitors to our own Open Golf Championship as likely to be seen in a Guinness tent or hospitality suites (guilty?)

All good when it doesn’t spill over to antisocial behaviour from the balconies, banks and grandstands.

We will, like many of you, be shouting at the television, glass in hand.

And not putting off any player.

Over to your bartender

Part of the team: On my travels in France

If you want to channel your own Long Islander then this is how to make Robert ‘Rosebud’ Butt’s Oak Beach Inn from 1972.l

Courtesy of our own go-to BBC site.

You will need 25ml of vodka, of tequila, of gin, of triple sec, of white rum, of lime juice and of lemon juice.

Fill with ice cubes and garnish with two lemon wedges and two mint sprigs.

Now with the Ryder Cup being played out and supported by dozens of nations, we can have even more fun with it.

And adapt a cocktail for all the different nationalities of players on show or the states from which they originate.

This year’s Ryder Cup cocktails

There is even an official Ryder Cup cocktail for this year’s Bethpage shoot-out.

Following on from the Elijah Craig Roma Old Fashioned from two years ago.

Check out the Elijah Craig bourbon and fix The Mulligan.

By pouring 2 oz. Green Tea Infused Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon.

With 4 oz lemonade, a splash of soda water and garnish with a mint and lemon wheel.

Just a little something to get your party started.

My Long Island Iced Teas and Ryder Cup cocktails.

And should the Ryder Cup whet your appetite for a visit to Long Island and it should.

The. we found a random Aer Lingus return flight to JFK from €603.81 from Dublin with pre-clearance.

Just don’t let me fly!

MEET YOU ON THE COURSE

America, Countries, Deals, Flying, Music, Sport

When Ne-Yo gave me everything

10th September 202510th September 2025 funtime65

It always pays to be up the front which is how I came away with a prized possession when Ne-Yo gave me everything in the USA.

When I came to reach highest to grab his sweat towel just at the point when he was belting out his classic toon with Pitbull.

And yeah, picture me with a Kodak, although we had moved on from that by 2017.

And our friends from the American Travel Fair in Washington DC boomeranged us holding the precious cloth later on.

All of which memories came flooding back as news pinged in my inbox of Pitbull’s much-anticipated run in Las Vegas.

Tonight, let’s enjoy life

Pitbull is taking the party to the Neon City this weekend, Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13.

As part of his Pitbull: Vegas After Dark The Residency.

Short notice we grant you but you might want to come back on November 21 and 22.

And a hint there for someone with that week being when I’ll have marked up six decades on this third rock from the sun.

This being Vegas there’s always a fight going on with this weekend seeing Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford going at it at the Allegiant Stadium.

Although Vegas brings out the lovers not the fighters in us.

Whether that was the Beatles LOVE Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage back in the day.

Or dancing to the Whip-Its with Cami from Utah off the Strip.

The Big Fight

Spell it out: Muhammad Ali at the Hall of Excellence

Not that we don’t enjoy watching a good fight or wrapping ourselves up in boxing memorabilia, hype and thunder.

Channel your inner Muhammad Ali then at the Hall of Excellence where The Greatest’s boxing gloves are on display.

Along with Tiger Woods’ golf ball from his first Masters win, Olympic gold medals and all seven of Tom Brady’s championship rings.

Take a self-guided tour, narrated by such voices as Oprah Winfrey, Bob Costas, our old pal from Huntington Beach Snoop Dogg, and Morgan Freeman.

Think outside the box

In her shoes: The ruby slippers at the Sphere

If, of course, its showmanship you’re after follow the yellow brick road to the newest experience at Sphere for a mind-bending showing of The Wizard of Oz.

Which is expanded to fit the 360°, 16k definition screen.

You’ll be wrapped in colour and movement as seats rumble while you feel cool breezes and the sweet scent of poppies fills the air.

And we got a whiff of how much fun these shows are from taking in Shrek at Universal Studios in Orlando.

Before the show, take photos with the giant ruby slippers installation outside.

Also, during Canelo-Crawford weekend, you can catch the Eagles live as the legendary rockers continue their residency.

And because we always try to fly out of Ireland because, well because, but also its preclearance.

Aer Lingus flies nonstop from Dublin with fares starting at €206.61 each way.

America, Countries, Ireland, Sport

Gridiron’s Farmageddon… on a Dublin field

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Scotland has its Old Firm derby, England’s East Anglia their Old Farm version and for College Football it’s Gridiron’s Farmageddon… on a Dublin field.

Yes, it’s that time of year again when tailgaters come over in their tens of thousands to Ireland.

For the 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic which this year features one of college football’s fiercest rivalries.

College footie fans need no explanation but maybe the rest of us do.

It is, of course, Kansas State University’s ‘Wildcats’ face-off with Iowa State University’s ‘Cyclones’.

Mascots touchdown

The latest iteration of which will take place at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow, August 23.

And with a uniquely Irish flavour with a commercial on the EPSN feed of mascots Willie the Wildcat and Cy the Cardinal.

Swapping the gridiron for a lively Irish pub session.

Now putting on any American Football game is akin to a military exercise and the Aer Lingus game just gets bigger every year.

Aer force Lingus

Flying high: Wildcats in town with Aer Lingus.Photographer: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

Aer Lingus operated special charter flights to Ireland, transporting players, coaches, cheerleaders and band members to Ireland.

While hundreds more supporters and friends have travelled on scheduled transatlantic services from cities across the US.

Aer Lingus also transported 947 pieces of baggage to Dublin.

Including 268 pieces of sports gear and 136 band instruments – 84 from Kansas State and 52 from Iowa State.

On top of that 16 tonnes of cargo made the journey from the colleges to Ireland via Aer Lingus’s scheduled cargo services.

Have a craicing time

Only here for the cheerleaders: Aer Lingus packing the fun Pic: Naoise Culhane.

All worth it though with the game alone projected to generate over €130 million for the Irish economy.

Dublin will be transformed into a festival of American football, with pep rallies, tailgates, live broadcasts, and immersive cultural experiences.

Blending the best of Irish and American traditions.

A full schedule of events as well as updates and key timings can be found on the Official Game Week App.

Following last year’s record-breaking audience of 5 million viewers, ESPN will once again broadcast the game live across the U.S.

Which this year will have a new twist.

Gridiron’s Farmageddon… on a Dublin field.

And it’s just half-time

And will be mega in its own right and a teaser.

For the Pittsburgh Steelers v Minnesota Vikings’ historic first NFL game on September 28.

Countries, Sport, UK

What’s the deal with Trump Turnberry?

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And the question on every tourist’s lips today, naturally, is what’s the deal with Trump Turnberry?

Well, Trump Turnberry is one of two golf resorts the Scots-American owns in the land of his mother Mary, who was from the Isle of Lewis.

The other being Trump International in Menie in Aberdeenshire.

Now if you want to reach the US President just now he’s staying at Turnberry.

Though he’s likely not spending much time in the Presidential Suite.

And rather shooting the lights out on the Championship course.

Duel in the Sun

Rock of ages: Ailsa Craig in the background

Which those of you who are old enough will remember for one of the most famous Open Golf Championships.

Still known as The Duel in the Sun, then young pretender Tom Watson held off Jack Nicklaus under the baking (no, seriously) sun in 1977.

The Open has been contested three times since, delivering drama every time.

And champion golfers in Greg Norman, Nick Price and Stewart Cink.

That victory, on the last occasion the major was played in this idyllic corner of Ayrshire in 2009.

As memorable for Watson forcing a play-off at the ripe young age of 59.

A political golf ball

All of which doglegging around history leads us to the thorny subject of when the Open will be returning to Turnberry.

The course, which has unparallelled view of the Irish Sea and its famous rock, Ailsa Craig or ‘Paddy’s Milestone’ has become a political golf ball.

The R&A, which chooses the venues, said last year that Turnberry wouldn’t be considered.

“Until we’re comfortable that the whole dialogue will be about golf”.

Which, of course, was a not-so-subtle dig at the man we all recognise again as the Leader of the Western World.

I’m Scottish too: In his native New York

Although 50,000 signatories to a petition to stop the Open returning to Turnberry aren’t to be moved on that.

Thing is though that we might very well be on the home stretch with this one.

Not discounting another R&A objection that the infrastructure around Turnberry needs updating.

To accommodate the growing crowds who turn up for the four days of golf each July.

With numbers doubling from the 150,000 in 2009 to 300,000 now.

Turnberry bargaining chip

But the Donald will be wanting to leave with a W (that’s a win for those not down with the kids) from his game on his own course.

And his talks with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

And the 2028 Open Golf Championship host course has not been selected yet.

Not, of course, wanting to go against our own local course here near to North Berwick, the iconic Muirfield links.

But despite not being a golfer himself Starmer must know.

That Turnberry is the best bargaining chip he has with Donald Trump in his Trade Talks.

Whether anyone listens to us, and they should, we’ll leave it there.

Deal us in

Look at that: And views of the courses from your bedroom

Only to come back to the premise we set out with and what’s the deal with Trump Turnberry?

Well, you don’t have to be a champion golfer, or President, to stay there.

Trump Turnberry hotel offers 204 guest rooms, including 4 suites.

And the iconic two-bedroom suite at The Turnberry Lighthouse that rises above the ruins of King Robert the Bruce’s Castle.

All grand then and we found that it will set you back nearly four grand for three nights with a round at the Ailsa Course thrown in.

Although that would be good value for that duffer at a pound per shot!

America, Countries, Sport

Take me out to the ball game

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No marks for originality here but don’t tell me the song hasn’t been going through your head… take me out to the ball game.

A lot has been going on in the world in the last seven days.

But the one thing everyone has been talking about is the Coldplay Couple.

Caught on a kisscam in Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Not that the kisscam originated to expose amorous astronaut company CEOs but sneaky Pete’s and Petras will be extra-wary now.

Kisscam has become part and parcel of the American stadium experience, now extended to music concerts.

And, of course, the first thing humiliated Mrs Astro will have said to Bad Boy Businessman will be ‘I will fix you’.

When it was my first rodeo

The truth is that none of us are safe from the prying lens so just be sure you’ve nothing to hide.

As I discovered at the Coors Field in Denver… and I was indoors at the time.

Practising my rodeo skills on the electronic bull.

Only for it to be shot up on the big screen.

Now entertainment in the Oo Es of Eh has always been even-handed with the fan as valued as the athlete.

And even if you’re not clued up on the intricacies.

And it took two quarters for The Scary One to work out that in American Football you pass the ball forward.

Fly balls and podgy presidents

There is always plenty going on in the crowd.

Whether it’s having your hot dog thrown along the row of seats to you.

Trying to catch a fly ball and fans will push their grandparents outta the way for these lucrative artefacts.

While the Seventh Innings Stretch transcends sport.

Dating as far back as the 1860s with Brother Jasper, who brought baseball to Manhattan University.

And started the practice when he called for a break in the game to catch breath.

Where it really takes off is in 1910 when the portly President Howard Taft took time out to stand and stretch his legs.

During a Washington Senators and Philadelphia Athletics match.

And the crowd followed suit in respect.

A date at the game

Duck stops here: The Anaheim Ducks hockey team

The Seventh Innings Stretch now being a thing all that was needed was a song to sing along with.

And so the legend of the baseball anthem Take Me Out To The Ball Game written a few years earlier by Jack Norworth.

Who the story goes was riding a subway in New York.

When he saw a sign that read Baseball Today –Polo Grounds.

In Polworth’s room, Katie’s (and later Nelly’s) fella calls to ask her out to see a show.

To which she agrees but only if he takes her out to the baseball game.

The tradition, of course, has been built upon over the years.

Harry’s game

And if there is one figure most associated with it in modern days it is Chicago sportscaster Harry Caray.

Who any visitor to Wrigley Park, the second oldest ballpark in the country will recognise from his statue.

And who we all honoured in the Windy City at the American Travel Fair, IPW, last month.

Though on this occasion my antics weren’t captured on the big screen.

Not that I ever would but certainly not if I ever want these, or future hosts, to take me out to the ball game.