Just got over my Jet lag (& hangover) following my 6 nights in Chicago so I'll confess the diet took a bit of stick unless of course Deep dish Pizza, Bacon Cheeseburgers, giant steaks and lots of beer are good for weight loss.
Well to be honest it turned out to be one long party, of us went me and two TT team mates. Getting the late light from Heathrow given us the morning to drive the 200 miles we didn't arrive until 9pm at our hotel. Basically it was a quick Shower, shave, change of clothes and out for some food.
Of course we were tired when we left the hotel at 10 pm we'd been up well over 20 hours (it was 4am in the UK) so the plan was food and bed. The food was good a big steak and as we set off walking back to the hotel we called in a bar with live music on to swill it down with a couple of beers. However as we were finishing our first drink a bloke that we didn't know brought us some more over, didn't really understand why.
Anyway after we finished these we decided to have another round so we could buy him one back, however the barman refused our money telling us our Boozy Billionaire had already paid ours in. This continued for the rest of the time we were there then he came over with 3 CD's of the band performing and gave them to us, he had bought them for us. Eventually we did get to leave about 3am quite the worse for wear but hardly spent a penny.
So off to the hotel but on the way back to the hotel we passed a small bar and decided to call in or one more so we could use the facilities and relieve our bladders. As we finished our drinks one of my mates had convinced himself that another person stood not far from us was a Aussie Rockstar (the lead singer from Jet). Of course we told him he was talking bullshit and it must be someone that just looks like him.
However he was convinced but wouldn't go over and ask so I thought we'd be there all night unless I faced the embarrasment of asking, well what do I know it turned out to be the genuine article and was a good laugh,you guessed it more drinks bought for us.
Well with night one gone could it get better, thats a difficult one, Thursday it was a Pub meal followed by a visit to a Blues Club, yes sure we had a few more beers but on the way back we saw a bar with a TT table and went in. People were playing a game called "Beer Pong" which invoved throwing TT balls in plastic cups. A couple of locals asked if we wanted to join in so been competitive we thought why not. What they had failed to mention was when our opponent scored we had to drink a cup of beer. Not going to mention what state we were in when we eventually got away.
So two crazy nights and Friday we went to the Howl at the Moon duelling Piano bar after eating at a sports bar and playing some Pool. Lets just say the piano bar was certainly a place for fun nd a good laugh full of groups celebrating bithdays, hen nights, etc. Got chatting with quite a few people, in fact everyone was so friendly people were just there for fun. About 1am the server brought us 3 what can only be descibed as very strong drinks saying they had been bought for us, I looked around and there was our Boozy Billionaire from night one. We went over for a chat and when the place was closing at 2am he asked if we fancied going to another Club that opens later, he paid for our taxi and admission into the next Club plus our drinks fo the rest of the night, honestly we tried to buy him drinks but he wouldn't have any of it. He actually left before us but not before iving us his buisness card, turns out he is vice president of a worldwide upmarket hotel chain.
Saturday drinking wise was probably our quietest night, we got tickets to see international blues artist Robert Cray, so it was a meal then onto the concert which was really good.
Sunday night we visited a couple of well known Chicago Blues Clubs Kingston Mines & B.L.U.E.S. on Halstead street in the Lincoln Park area, one act in particular Toronzo Cannon was superb actually bought his CD, hadn't heard him before but he played some awesome guitar.
Our last night we did a bit of a bar/club tour before going back our hotel sometime in the early hours. As we walked along the street a very large coloured gentleman appeared from a building and came up to us. He asked "is there was a strip club in the area". I explained we were from England and weren't that familiar with the area.
He started laughing and asked if we play basketball in England "We told him no" wanted to say schoolgirls play a similar sport called netball but looking at his size didn't want to test his humour.
Still laughing he said "don't you recognise me ?" Nope we said, he was shocked and couldn't believe it but thought it funny.
He was a good laugh though and quite a charactor I thought he said he played for the Spurs (San Antonio assume) but gave his name as Andre Johnson or something like that and when we checked it out that name wasn't on their squad list. Maybe just having a laugh at our exspense or maybe didn't want it to become knowledge he was out in the early hours. He did have a big flash car though.
Thats about it
Saturday, 10 April 2010
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Guess where I'm going ?
Here is a couple of clues :-
Yes I've taken the plunge and booked a "Singles" holiday leaving 28th June hopfully it'll be fun and I'll make some new friends. It includes stays in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Palm Beach and Las Vegas.
And I wont be about for the next week, flying to Chicago tomorrow for the Easter weekend with couple of my TT team mates.
Yes I've taken the plunge and booked a "Singles" holiday leaving 28th June hopfully it'll be fun and I'll make some new friends. It includes stays in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Palm Beach and Las Vegas.
And I wont be about for the next week, flying to Chicago tomorrow for the Easter weekend with couple of my TT team mates.
Monday, 29 March 2010
It was a farce
I'm totally pissed off with the organisers of yesterdays local TT championships they managed to turn the whole event into a farce.
First they decided to include the junior events that are normally on a different date but that wasn't the real problem.
They only booked the Sports Centre until 6.30pm then proceeded in leaving half the tables empty while players got board waiting to be called to play. Despite people throughout the day warning of the danger of running over their time they kept assuring everyone they were on schedule for a 5.30pm finish.
Of course they hadn't considered the fact that some players may get to the later stages of more than one event and as always that happend.
On a good note I was one of them players, actually went through the full day unbeaten, actually never dropped a single set, was really pleased with the way I was playing and felt strong. So now I would like to tell you about all the events I won but of course the tournament ran out of time and we had to vacate the sports hall (I wasn't telling the karate class that followed they couldn't come in).
I actually did manage to win one event the handicap singles despite giving away big starts, was pleased as its a event I have never won and is always a challenge.
As for the rest I'm currently in the Mens final, Veterans final, doubles final (with Lofty) and semi-final of the hard bat.
I haven't a clue when these matches will be played they are talking about organised a evening to play them but I can't see it been easy getting all the players available at the same time.
What a bunch of plonkers.
First they decided to include the junior events that are normally on a different date but that wasn't the real problem.
They only booked the Sports Centre until 6.30pm then proceeded in leaving half the tables empty while players got board waiting to be called to play. Despite people throughout the day warning of the danger of running over their time they kept assuring everyone they were on schedule for a 5.30pm finish.
Of course they hadn't considered the fact that some players may get to the later stages of more than one event and as always that happend.
On a good note I was one of them players, actually went through the full day unbeaten, actually never dropped a single set, was really pleased with the way I was playing and felt strong. So now I would like to tell you about all the events I won but of course the tournament ran out of time and we had to vacate the sports hall (I wasn't telling the karate class that followed they couldn't come in).
I actually did manage to win one event the handicap singles despite giving away big starts, was pleased as its a event I have never won and is always a challenge.
As for the rest I'm currently in the Mens final, Veterans final, doubles final (with Lofty) and semi-final of the hard bat.
I haven't a clue when these matches will be played they are talking about organised a evening to play them but I can't see it been easy getting all the players available at the same time.
What a bunch of plonkers.
Thursday, 25 March 2010
After 20 years I thought I'd got the title for life
Well this Sunday is my towns table tennis championships and I've entered a few events and am hoping to come away with some trophys. To be honest my chances are good as I play in much harder leagues but have always supported the small town local league. On the other hand the physical demands of entering a lot of events will put my body to the test especially considering I'm also playing Saturday in the veterans county championships representing Yorkshire. We have three team matches whic will involve me playing 6 singles and 3 doubles matches.
So back to the local competition and last season I managed to win the Mens Singles (I hold the record with 9 titles stretching back to 1984, lost a few though) and the Veterans (over 40's) so will be defending these events.
But apparently these are not the only events I'm defending because this season they have decided to resurrect the "Hard Bat" competitions. This is where you can't play with your regular bat and have to use a old style bat which makes it difficult to spin the ball. Modern bats have come a long way in spin and speed so its very difficult to switch.
The last time this event was run was in 1990, yes 20 years ago but I'm sure you've guessed I won it that year so technically will be defending that title.
Other events I'm in are the Mens double and hard bat doubles (at least I can blame my partner for any defeats, lol).
Nearly forgot I've also entered the Handicap event where players are given a start, never won this and would love to but I'm sure the handicap committee will make it virtually impossible.
Its gonna be a tough weekend but maybe I'll sweat out a few pounds.
So back to the local competition and last season I managed to win the Mens Singles (I hold the record with 9 titles stretching back to 1984, lost a few though) and the Veterans (over 40's) so will be defending these events.
But apparently these are not the only events I'm defending because this season they have decided to resurrect the "Hard Bat" competitions. This is where you can't play with your regular bat and have to use a old style bat which makes it difficult to spin the ball. Modern bats have come a long way in spin and speed so its very difficult to switch.
The last time this event was run was in 1990, yes 20 years ago but I'm sure you've guessed I won it that year so technically will be defending that title.
Other events I'm in are the Mens double and hard bat doubles (at least I can blame my partner for any defeats, lol).
Nearly forgot I've also entered the Handicap event where players are given a start, never won this and would love to but I'm sure the handicap committee will make it virtually impossible.
Its gonna be a tough weekend but maybe I'll sweat out a few pounds.
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Time to get the rocking chair out
Its that time of year again when I feel old, yes its my birthday tomorrow, another year on the clock.
To be honest I dont know what to say about the last 12 months and I'm unsure where the next year will take me. I feel like I'm at a crossroads and don't know where to go.
To be honest I dont know what to say about the last 12 months and I'm unsure where the next year will take me. I feel like I'm at a crossroads and don't know where to go.
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Tits and things
A few things happening :-
1. I was just looking out of the window yesterday morning and noticed a Blue Tit inspecting my bird box. I haven't had any nest there for two or three years so I reckon it'll be good to get a pair this year.
2. Played a Pool match for my team last night and one of my oppenents really irritated me. The match was level at 3 all and I got down to play a difficult black when he made a comment designed to distract me, it did and I missed I was livid felt like sticking my cue where the sun doesn't shine. Thought I'd blown it but he then missed his shot (think my glare may have done the trick), and I took my chance. To be fair to his team mates they all rolocked him and came over and apologised to me. Our captain won the next game to give us the match 5-3.
3. Supposed to be going away at Easter with a couple of friends but am flying with British Airways so am a touch worried. The cabin crew are going on strike and I'm due to fly the day after they return to work (31st). BA website says some flights will be aeffected but are not sying which will be flying, going to do this early next week.
To be honest I'm totally against this strike from the evidence I've seen, apparently its over the managements cost saving measures including reducing the staffing levels. However for the last two years BA have made massive losses and are in dange of going under f the trend continues. That coupled with the fact their cabin crew are among the highest paid in the industry, more than every other airline flying out of the UK.
Like many other industrys that have struggled in the credit crunch common sense needs to prevail, many workers have taken pay cuts, reduced hours, etc. just to keep a job. I've not spoken to anyone that feels this strike is justified, its totally at the wrong time.
4. Thinking of doing a singles holiday in the summer, been looking at a few but not decided yet, watch this space.
5. Its been a expensive month, Car tax had to be paid and when I got my quote they had hiked it £120 so I phoned up and gave them a rollicking saying it was far too much and I'd go elsewhere, strangely they then lowered their quote and I ended up paying slightly less than last year.
Also got the council tax bill, was up slightly (3%) and I pay over 10 months (april to Jan with Feb & March free). I actually paid the April and May payments.
6. Luckily I've some surplus money because I had a saving account mature, its one that I took out 5 years ago. I took they money I think I need out then reinvested the remainder for another
5 years to get a ok interest rate (got guarenteed 5.22% per year which is got in the current financial climate).
1. I was just looking out of the window yesterday morning and noticed a Blue Tit inspecting my bird box. I haven't had any nest there for two or three years so I reckon it'll be good to get a pair this year.
2. Played a Pool match for my team last night and one of my oppenents really irritated me. The match was level at 3 all and I got down to play a difficult black when he made a comment designed to distract me, it did and I missed I was livid felt like sticking my cue where the sun doesn't shine. Thought I'd blown it but he then missed his shot (think my glare may have done the trick), and I took my chance. To be fair to his team mates they all rolocked him and came over and apologised to me. Our captain won the next game to give us the match 5-3.
3. Supposed to be going away at Easter with a couple of friends but am flying with British Airways so am a touch worried. The cabin crew are going on strike and I'm due to fly the day after they return to work (31st). BA website says some flights will be aeffected but are not sying which will be flying, going to do this early next week.
To be honest I'm totally against this strike from the evidence I've seen, apparently its over the managements cost saving measures including reducing the staffing levels. However for the last two years BA have made massive losses and are in dange of going under f the trend continues. That coupled with the fact their cabin crew are among the highest paid in the industry, more than every other airline flying out of the UK.
Like many other industrys that have struggled in the credit crunch common sense needs to prevail, many workers have taken pay cuts, reduced hours, etc. just to keep a job. I've not spoken to anyone that feels this strike is justified, its totally at the wrong time.
4. Thinking of doing a singles holiday in the summer, been looking at a few but not decided yet, watch this space.
5. Its been a expensive month, Car tax had to be paid and when I got my quote they had hiked it £120 so I phoned up and gave them a rollicking saying it was far too much and I'd go elsewhere, strangely they then lowered their quote and I ended up paying slightly less than last year.
Also got the council tax bill, was up slightly (3%) and I pay over 10 months (april to Jan with Feb & March free). I actually paid the April and May payments.
6. Luckily I've some surplus money because I had a saving account mature, its one that I took out 5 years ago. I took they money I think I need out then reinvested the remainder for another
5 years to get a ok interest rate (got guarenteed 5.22% per year which is got in the current financial climate).
Friday, 12 March 2010
What goes around comes around
This weekend I'm away playing TT for in the British league but had a disagreement with a team mate about transport arrangements.
We are playing at Derby which is about 80 miles south of where I live but my team mates all live around York which is directly north of me (14 miles). We were going to travel both days with one of the team taking on Saturday and me taking Sunday, however the player driving on saturday played awkward saying he wanted me to drive to his house and go from there because he said it was quicker going via Leeds than where I live from where he is picking the other players up.
Well refused considering when we travel north I their way fair enough and argued it wasn't out of his way to pick me up. He said he thought he was been reasonable but I told him no way was I driving north to travel south and I'd make my own way.
I also told him I was not driving two days and would stay over which I prefer anyway as its no fun driving home late saturday only to get up early to go back Sunday, plus I can get a htel for not much more than the fuel I would use. I explained the situation to my other team mates who understood my feelings and left it to them to sort out transport for the 3 of them Sunday.
I've since checked on a couple of route planner websites and the way he is going from where he picks the others up is actually 5 miles closer going via my house although it takes 4 minutes longer. So basically he has been a total prat in my opinion to save 4 minutes on a hour and half drive.
Must admit I was spitting feathers at the time but now I'm having a good laugh because the other two players are both having car problems and its looking like Mr Geography has got to drive both days.
As the title to this post says "What goes around comes around".
We are playing at Derby which is about 80 miles south of where I live but my team mates all live around York which is directly north of me (14 miles). We were going to travel both days with one of the team taking on Saturday and me taking Sunday, however the player driving on saturday played awkward saying he wanted me to drive to his house and go from there because he said it was quicker going via Leeds than where I live from where he is picking the other players up.
Well refused considering when we travel north I their way fair enough and argued it wasn't out of his way to pick me up. He said he thought he was been reasonable but I told him no way was I driving north to travel south and I'd make my own way.
I also told him I was not driving two days and would stay over which I prefer anyway as its no fun driving home late saturday only to get up early to go back Sunday, plus I can get a htel for not much more than the fuel I would use. I explained the situation to my other team mates who understood my feelings and left it to them to sort out transport for the 3 of them Sunday.
I've since checked on a couple of route planner websites and the way he is going from where he picks the others up is actually 5 miles closer going via my house although it takes 4 minutes longer. So basically he has been a total prat in my opinion to save 4 minutes on a hour and half drive.
Must admit I was spitting feathers at the time but now I'm having a good laugh because the other two players are both having car problems and its looking like Mr Geography has got to drive both days.
As the title to this post says "What goes around comes around".
Monday, 8 March 2010
Following my last Post
Following my last post and to answer the question Regina asked.
You ladies can now give the hubby a treat because here is the recipe for Yorkshire Puddings :-
There are basically only four things you have to remember to achieve good Yorkshire puddings:-
1. Never use self-rising flour or any kind of raising agent or baking powder. Contrary to what you may think, it actually results in flat, soggy puddings.
2. Make sure the batter is of the right consistency (a little thicker then unwhipped double cream) and as smooth as possible. Using an electric whisk helps, but is not at all necessary.
3. Make sure the oil is VERY hot before pouring the batter into the tin. It may be easier to heat the tin containing the oil on the stove top rather than in the oven. You should aim to have about 3mm/1/8 inch of hot fat in the bottom of the tin before you add the batter.
4. Try not open the oven door for the first 10 minutes of the cooking time and after that, only enough to have a peek at what's happening if you have to. the aim is to allow the puddings to rise, brown and set so they don't collapse.
Some say batter should be left to stand for 30 minutes however this isn't really necessary, though it doesn't hurt.
Remember that a large Yorkshire often has a slightly heavier base. If you want very light and airy Yorkshires, opt for individual or popovers.
By the way - provided they are wrapped tightly once cooled, Yorkshire Puddings freeze a very well.
Happy Yorkshire Pudding making!
Traditional Yorkshire Pudding Recipe
(see timings below)
This amount is enough to Make:
1 large (serves 4-6)
8 Individual (serves 4 -8)
12 Popovers (serves 4 -6)
24 Mini Yorkshires (suitable for parties)
Ingredients
2 Eggs
Approx 180ml/6fl.oz. Milk
100g/4oz Plain Flour
½ level teasp Salt
Vegetable Oil
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 220C, 425F, Gas mark 7. Put enough vegetable oil in a shallow baking tin (approx 20cm x 25cm/ 8x10-inches) or a 4-hole Yorkshire pudding tin or a 12-hole muffin tin to cover the base to a depth of approx 3mm/1/8 inch and place in the oven to get very hot. If roasting beef, you can use the fat from the roasting tin, made up with extra oil if necessary. (See note below)
If making mini Yorkshires, use a 24-hole mini muffin tin or 2 small 12-hole patty (bun) tins and place a scant teaspoon of oil in each hole before placing in the oven to get very hot.
2. Meanwhile, break the eggs into measuring jug, add enough milk to make it up to 300ml/10fl.oz. and whisk together.
3. Add the salt and flour and whisk until very smooth with no lumps.
4. Carefully remove the tin(s) from the oven, making sure the fat is very hot and fill as follows:-
Large Yorkshire - pour the batter into the centre of the tin, filling to 2/3rds
4 hole tin - pour the batter into the centre of the holes, filling to 2/3rds
Popovers - pour the batter into the centre of the holes, filling to half
Mini Yorkshires - pour the batter into the centre of the holes, filling to half
Return to the oven straight away and bake until well risen and golden as follows:-
Large Yorkshire - 30-40 minutes
4-hole individual Yorkshires - 20-25 minutes
Popovers - 15-20 minutes
Mini Yorkshires - 9 -12 minutes
Serve hot.
Traditionally served with Roast Beef or any Sunday Roast Dinner.
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Yorkshire Pudding - love it
Question: Who invented Yorkshire Pudding?
Answer - England’s national dish of Roast Beef and Yorkshire Puddings is recognized across the world but its origins are unknown.
•The first ever recorded recipe appears in a book, The Whole Duty of a Woman in 1737 and listed as A Dripping Pudding – the dripping coming from spit-roast meat.
•The next recorded recipe took the strange pudding from local delicacy to become the nation’s favorite dish following publication in The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy by Hannah Glasse in 1747. As one of the most famous food writers of the time, the popularity of the book spread the word of the Yorkshire Pudding. ‘It is an exceeding good Pudding, the Gravy of the Meat eats well with it,’ states Hannah.
•Mrs Beeton may have been Britain’s most famous food writer of the 19th century but her recipe omitted one of the fundamental rules for making Yorkshire pudding – the need for the hottest oven possible. The recipe was further wrong by stating to cook the pudding in advance before placing it under the meat an hour before needed. Yorkshire folk blame her error on her southern origins.
•The popularity of the dish – apart from its good match with roast meat– is that when meat was very expensive, the cheap and easy to make pudding would fill stomachs and leave less room for meat.
Serving Yorkshire Pudding
•In Yorkshire serving the pudding is traditionally with gravy as a starter dish with the pudding often is the size of the plate and followed by the meat and vegetables.
•Servings today are restrained with the puddings cooked in muffin tins and one or two served alongside the meat and vegetables.
•Yorkshire pudding isn’t reserved only for Sunday lunch. A large pudding filled with a meaty stew or chilli is a dish in its own right.
•Cold left-over Yorkshire Puddings make a lovely snack with a little jam or honey. Yorkshire Puddings do not reheat well, becoming brittle and dry.
Answer - England’s national dish of Roast Beef and Yorkshire Puddings is recognized across the world but its origins are unknown.
•The first ever recorded recipe appears in a book, The Whole Duty of a Woman in 1737 and listed as A Dripping Pudding – the dripping coming from spit-roast meat.
•The next recorded recipe took the strange pudding from local delicacy to become the nation’s favorite dish following publication in The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy by Hannah Glasse in 1747. As one of the most famous food writers of the time, the popularity of the book spread the word of the Yorkshire Pudding. ‘It is an exceeding good Pudding, the Gravy of the Meat eats well with it,’ states Hannah.
•Mrs Beeton may have been Britain’s most famous food writer of the 19th century but her recipe omitted one of the fundamental rules for making Yorkshire pudding – the need for the hottest oven possible. The recipe was further wrong by stating to cook the pudding in advance before placing it under the meat an hour before needed. Yorkshire folk blame her error on her southern origins.
•The popularity of the dish – apart from its good match with roast meat– is that when meat was very expensive, the cheap and easy to make pudding would fill stomachs and leave less room for meat.
Serving Yorkshire Pudding
•In Yorkshire serving the pudding is traditionally with gravy as a starter dish with the pudding often is the size of the plate and followed by the meat and vegetables.
•Servings today are restrained with the puddings cooked in muffin tins and one or two served alongside the meat and vegetables.
•Yorkshire pudding isn’t reserved only for Sunday lunch. A large pudding filled with a meaty stew or chilli is a dish in its own right.
•Cold left-over Yorkshire Puddings make a lovely snack with a little jam or honey. Yorkshire Puddings do not reheat well, becoming brittle and dry.
Friday, 5 March 2010
The big one
Got a big TT match coming up next tuesday we are playing our closest rivals in the Local TT league. This season is really tight and if either team wins big it could settle the destination of the Championship. We've played twice already and haven't beaten them yet drawing the first encounter and losing the 2nd clash 6-4 so hopfully it'll be our turn.
Despite losing to them last time we have a very narrow one point advantage but there is 7 matches to play so a lot can happen, every games is pressure.
http://www.yorkshirenet.co.uk/sportinfo/external/links/link.asp?ID=1940
Not much else to report except I thought I'd grown taller the other day, went to the shopping centre near York and saw some casual trousers I liked at Marks & Spencers, they were a good bargain so decided to buy.
I usually buy from M & S because they do 29" inside leg which fit me without alterations, other places tend to do 30". Anyway to cut a long story short (pardon the pun) I got home tried them on and they were at half mast, far too short.
So I got out my tape measure and checked them to find they were only 27" so it was back to the shop. The manageress couldn't believe it as they were clearly marked, so we went to check others in the rack. Unbelievably they all varied some were 27", some 28" but eventually we found one solitary pair the correct size, she had to take the rest off display and email head office.
Just wonder what happend to quality control.
Despite losing to them last time we have a very narrow one point advantage but there is 7 matches to play so a lot can happen, every games is pressure.
http://www.yorkshirenet.co.uk/sportinfo/external/links/link.asp?ID=1940
Not much else to report except I thought I'd grown taller the other day, went to the shopping centre near York and saw some casual trousers I liked at Marks & Spencers, they were a good bargain so decided to buy.
I usually buy from M & S because they do 29" inside leg which fit me without alterations, other places tend to do 30". Anyway to cut a long story short (pardon the pun) I got home tried them on and they were at half mast, far too short.
So I got out my tape measure and checked them to find they were only 27" so it was back to the shop. The manageress couldn't believe it as they were clearly marked, so we went to check others in the rack. Unbelievably they all varied some were 27", some 28" but eventually we found one solitary pair the correct size, she had to take the rest off display and email head office.
Just wonder what happend to quality control.
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