The Hoddle of Coffee: Tottenham Hotspur news and links for Wednesday, July 8

Hey, everyone!

Now, for some quick thoughts.

Ramble of the Day

I spend a decent amount of time thinking about the easiest job might be, at least for me. I used to think it was hosting a morning talk show like Live with Kelly and Ryan, hosted by Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest (and previously hosted by Michael Strahan, Regis Philbin, and Kathie Lee Gifford). They always made it seem like they were pulling topics as they came to mind to open the show, ad-libbing everything effortlessly with no preparation. I’ve spent enough time doing the Hodde to know that even if I have free rein, it actually requires some preparation and thought. (Also, there is definitely a specific talent to being good on television.)

I have also thought being the presenter of Terrace House might be an easy gig for me, considering I do a lot of this with my sisters while watching the very few reality television shows that we do watch. That also led me to believe that the EastEnders punditry show, as Adam Hurrey described it, would be fun, that they’ve been airing since they ran out of episodes, but a quick look into it makes it seem fairly dull. (Dull, especially compared to the episode I’m currently watching that involved a house exploding.)

I think I have actually discovered what the easiest jobs, are, though, and who has them — Pat Sajak and Vanna White of Wheel of Fortune. I’ve watched some of it recently, and I’m sure the same rules apply about having a talent for being on television, but those two seem very much like they’re on autopilot, and it also seems like their job doesn’t require much out of them other than being on autopilot. Sajak cracks jokes when he thinks of them and otherwise just accepts comments and delivers the lines as he should; White maintains her role where we don’t hear from her until she does the casual chat with Sajak at the end. They’ve both definitely hit a point where they don’t have to try hard anymore because their jobs aren’t going anywhere, and their large salaries aren’t, either. This is not a criticism; they’ve probably earned it, so good for them.

tl;dr: I have thought certain television jobs are easy, but clearly the easiest jobs on television belong to Pat Sajak and Vanna White.

Stay informed, watch and read this: Black Players for Change, a group of 77 MLS players, more formally introduce themselves with a video and announce a partnership with Players Coalition

Links of the Day

MLS is Back tournament: Nashville’s opening match was postponed after five players tested positive for COVID-19, as was Toronto’s opening match because of a travel delay; five Vancouver Whitecaps players opted out of the MLS is Back tournament

David Squires addresses Wigan going into administration in his latest cartoon.

A longer read: Jeff Carlisle on the MLS is Back tournament as concerns about the coronavirus continue for ESPN