I want to write a blog post.
But seriously I can't think of what to say, sure I could tell you about my sporting activities, my upcomng holidays, my weight loss attempts, etc. However thats what I usually write about, I want to do something different but my imagination as gone awol.
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Oldies can still beat the young uns
Was quite pleased with myself on Friday when I managed to win the York league pre season TT tournament. Its a individual handicap competition where you play in qualifying groups with the event accumalating in a finals night on Friday.
Got through my qualifying event on tuesday with no problem and turned up on the friday unsure who I'd be facing in the finals. Wasn't particurlary what I was hoping for as the other 3 finalists were a player out of the bottom division and two of the areas best up and coming juniors. As a decent top division player I knew I'd be giving big starts especially against the player from the bottom league and juniors that are improving are hard to handicap.
Matches in this event are up to 42 however division one players are given negative handicaps so you have to play up to a higher score, I was off minus 14 so my games would be played upto 56 (a long way).
Anyway first up I had the stronger of the two juniors and he was handicapped at "+14" which meant I had to beat him 56-27 or better for a win. Well the commitee had got it right I cant argue because the score was 56-28, take my -14 off add his +14 and we actually drew 42-42 for half a point each.
My 2nd match was off the bootom division player and he was off a massive "+35" handicap, hell he only needed 8 points to beat me. I knew I was obviously a much better player and would win the long rallies but couldn't afford any mistakes so just concentrated on returning everything, luckily he was unable to hit winning shots which helped my tactics. I got a great start not dropping a point in the first half changing ends 28-0 up eventually going on to win 56-3 (42-38 after handiaps).
So my final group match was against the No2 junior player, he had a handicap of "+20" so I needed a 56-21 win, managed to do the job 56-16 to take the honours 42-36. So two wins and a draw and I was thinking I'd won as none of the others could atch it but apparenty the top two play off a final. The player coming 2nd was the top junior who I had drawn with earlier.
But you can't have a draw in the final so before we started we tossed for a extra half point, I lost the toss which meant if I won 56-28 this time he would take the title, I needed to keep him to 27 or under.
To be honest it turned out easier than expected, I was playing well by this time and cruised to a 56-17 victory to give me the title 42-31. Its the third time I've won this event but the last time was 15 years ago. I'm pleased because I'm only the 2nd player ever to win on 3 seperate occasions and the last one was backs in the 1930's (no I wasn't playing then lol).
Got through my qualifying event on tuesday with no problem and turned up on the friday unsure who I'd be facing in the finals. Wasn't particurlary what I was hoping for as the other 3 finalists were a player out of the bottom division and two of the areas best up and coming juniors. As a decent top division player I knew I'd be giving big starts especially against the player from the bottom league and juniors that are improving are hard to handicap.
Matches in this event are up to 42 however division one players are given negative handicaps so you have to play up to a higher score, I was off minus 14 so my games would be played upto 56 (a long way).
Anyway first up I had the stronger of the two juniors and he was handicapped at "+14" which meant I had to beat him 56-27 or better for a win. Well the commitee had got it right I cant argue because the score was 56-28, take my -14 off add his +14 and we actually drew 42-42 for half a point each.
My 2nd match was off the bootom division player and he was off a massive "+35" handicap, hell he only needed 8 points to beat me. I knew I was obviously a much better player and would win the long rallies but couldn't afford any mistakes so just concentrated on returning everything, luckily he was unable to hit winning shots which helped my tactics. I got a great start not dropping a point in the first half changing ends 28-0 up eventually going on to win 56-3 (42-38 after handiaps).
So my final group match was against the No2 junior player, he had a handicap of "+20" so I needed a 56-21 win, managed to do the job 56-16 to take the honours 42-36. So two wins and a draw and I was thinking I'd won as none of the others could atch it but apparenty the top two play off a final. The player coming 2nd was the top junior who I had drawn with earlier.
But you can't have a draw in the final so before we started we tossed for a extra half point, I lost the toss which meant if I won 56-28 this time he would take the title, I needed to keep him to 27 or under.
To be honest it turned out easier than expected, I was playing well by this time and cruised to a 56-17 victory to give me the title 42-31. Its the third time I've won this event but the last time was 15 years ago. I'm pleased because I'm only the 2nd player ever to win on 3 seperate occasions and the last one was backs in the 1930's (no I wasn't playing then lol).
Friday, 10 September 2010
No more Mr Nice Guy
We I reckon I'm not one for falling out with neighbours but I'm afraid its going to happen with one of them. Basically the back end of his garden borders the side of mine and his fence and hedge is a disgrace.
First the fence is rotten and falling to bits, he tried to claim it was mine but research proved it was put up by previous occupeants of his home and is on his part of the land, been reasonable I offered to go halfs a few months ago but he appears to be not going to do anything.
Also his hedge is a tangled web of privet, wild roses and various other giant growths, its over 3 metres high and the law states 2 metres is the maximum it should be. I asked him about it 3 months ago and he promised to cut it back, I'm still waiting for him to take some action.
Of course he isn't bothered because its virtually out of site from his house but its first thing I see when I look out my window, it also blocks light.
Anway I've started to take the bull by the horns, chopping some of it down, not bothered how it looks from his side or if his fence accidently gets damaged, he wont be happy but what the hell.
Anyway rant over, so what else is hapening, for one starting to think about my trip to Budapest as its less than 4 weeks now, sort of planning what I want to see and do when I'm over there.
As for eating, its a little negative as I've been feeling hungry a lot so probably more as passed my lips than planned. To counter that exercise as been good so I don't think I've done any damage.
Got British League TT at Accrington this weekend, sort of looking forward to it but been feeling a sore achilles heel so hoping it holds up to the matches.
Tonight I'm out for a Chinese meal with a few ex workmates, haven't seen some of them for ages so looking forward to it, off in the car so wont be drinking, will be leaving early because of tomorrows TT.
Pool league starts again on Monday night was down practising last week when one of the 2nd team lads challenged me while we were chatting to a game of Chess, hell haven't played for ages and actually enjoy it so took up the challenge andmnaged to beat him.
Got my official golf handicap "16" which will be tough to play to but it'll make me work, having an away day on Wednesday with a couple of friends to a diferent course.
Thats about it folks.
First the fence is rotten and falling to bits, he tried to claim it was mine but research proved it was put up by previous occupeants of his home and is on his part of the land, been reasonable I offered to go halfs a few months ago but he appears to be not going to do anything.
Also his hedge is a tangled web of privet, wild roses and various other giant growths, its over 3 metres high and the law states 2 metres is the maximum it should be. I asked him about it 3 months ago and he promised to cut it back, I'm still waiting for him to take some action.
Of course he isn't bothered because its virtually out of site from his house but its first thing I see when I look out my window, it also blocks light.
Anway I've started to take the bull by the horns, chopping some of it down, not bothered how it looks from his side or if his fence accidently gets damaged, he wont be happy but what the hell.
Anyway rant over, so what else is hapening, for one starting to think about my trip to Budapest as its less than 4 weeks now, sort of planning what I want to see and do when I'm over there.
As for eating, its a little negative as I've been feeling hungry a lot so probably more as passed my lips than planned. To counter that exercise as been good so I don't think I've done any damage.
Got British League TT at Accrington this weekend, sort of looking forward to it but been feeling a sore achilles heel so hoping it holds up to the matches.
Tonight I'm out for a Chinese meal with a few ex workmates, haven't seen some of them for ages so looking forward to it, off in the car so wont be drinking, will be leaving early because of tomorrows TT.
Pool league starts again on Monday night was down practising last week when one of the 2nd team lads challenged me while we were chatting to a game of Chess, hell haven't played for ages and actually enjoy it so took up the challenge andmnaged to beat him.
Got my official golf handicap "16" which will be tough to play to but it'll make me work, having an away day on Wednesday with a couple of friends to a diferent course.
Thats about it folks.
Thursday, 2 September 2010
A Free Weekend
Well this weekend I'm now free, had entered the North/East Yorkshire TT championships at Scarborough but just heard they have decided to cancel. This really narks me because I entered to support the local event because I could have entered the Northern masters at Sunderland which is a ranking event. Of course they have let me know too late to enter the other event.
Well at least I'll be in competition the following weekend, playing for my Club in the British League at Accrington, its gonna be tough as we haven't the strongest of teams due to players leaving through work commitments. I've moved a place so will play harder games than last season but will be doing my best. I'm looking forward to it though because I reckon I'm playing well in training, feeling really sharp at present.
So what do you do with a free weekend, reckon it'll be some gardening nd I've some outside painting needs doing so weather permitting maybe knock that off the list. Probably get a round of golf in Saturday also.
Talking Golf I played last Monday and when I arrived at the Club went into the boot of the car to get my golf shoes and they weren't there. Well it had been nine days since my previous round so I thought them lost, however it appears I'd left them and they were still in the locker room, how lucky is that.
Well at least I'll be in competition the following weekend, playing for my Club in the British League at Accrington, its gonna be tough as we haven't the strongest of teams due to players leaving through work commitments. I've moved a place so will play harder games than last season but will be doing my best. I'm looking forward to it though because I reckon I'm playing well in training, feeling really sharp at present.
So what do you do with a free weekend, reckon it'll be some gardening nd I've some outside painting needs doing so weather permitting maybe knock that off the list. Probably get a round of golf in Saturday also.
Talking Golf I played last Monday and when I arrived at the Club went into the boot of the car to get my golf shoes and they weren't there. Well it had been nine days since my previous round so I thought them lost, however it appears I'd left them and they were still in the locker room, how lucky is that.
Friday, 27 August 2010
The Sky is Crying
20 years ago today the guitarist I believe was the best to ever walk this earth was sadly killed in a helicopter crash following a concert at Alpine Valley in Wisconsin.
The man I'm talking about is Stevie Ray Vaughan and today the Sky is crying to his memory.
SRV is respected by many of the worlds top guitarists alive today, here are a few of them including Eric Clapton, BB King, Buddy Guy, Bonnie Rait, Robert Cray, Jimmy Vaughan, etc playing a tribute "SRV Shuffle"
Clapton, Guy, Cray and his brother Jimmy were the last to play with him on that fateful night 20 years ago. My favorite Stevie song is probably "Change It".
Of course one thing I regret was seeing Stevie in concert but here is the next best thing (in two parts).
Stevie Ray Vaughan RIP
The man I'm talking about is Stevie Ray Vaughan and today the Sky is crying to his memory.
SRV is respected by many of the worlds top guitarists alive today, here are a few of them including Eric Clapton, BB King, Buddy Guy, Bonnie Rait, Robert Cray, Jimmy Vaughan, etc playing a tribute "SRV Shuffle"
Clapton, Guy, Cray and his brother Jimmy were the last to play with him on that fateful night 20 years ago. My favorite Stevie song is probably "Change It".
A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of visiting the SRV statue that as ben erected in his honour in Austin Texas.
How about a bit of Accoustic here is Stevie playing a 12 string accoustic guitar
Of course one thing I regret was seeing Stevie in concert but here is the next best thing (in two parts).
Stevie Ray Vaughan RIP
Monday, 23 August 2010
A new adventure & phone
My adventures are about to continue, I'm going to get back on track with my ambition to see all the worlds great cities. October I'm going to add Budapest to my list, booked a flight and hotel for 6 nights got a good hotel deal so am quite happy.
Apparently it is actually two cities seperated by the river Danube, I'm staying at the Pest side which seems to be where all the main shopping, restaurants, etc is. Buda across the water is quite hilly and as the castle among its historic sites. My hotel looks nice and in a good location, its called inn-side Kalvin house.
http://www.kalvinhouse.hu/house_eng.htm
I'm flying with easyjet from Luton on 6th October, its gonna be a adventure because I can't speak Hungarian so they better speak good english, lol. One thing for sure I'll feel rich when I get my money with the rate been over 300HUF to the £.
On another note I've treated myself to a new mobile phone, my old one was certainly showing its age.
Apparently it is actually two cities seperated by the river Danube, I'm staying at the Pest side which seems to be where all the main shopping, restaurants, etc is. Buda across the water is quite hilly and as the castle among its historic sites. My hotel looks nice and in a good location, its called inn-side Kalvin house.
http://www.kalvinhouse.hu/house_eng.htm
I'm flying with easyjet from Luton on 6th October, its gonna be a adventure because I can't speak Hungarian so they better speak good english, lol. One thing for sure I'll feel rich when I get my money with the rate been over 300HUF to the £.
On another note I've treated myself to a new mobile phone, my old one was certainly showing its age.
Friday, 20 August 2010
One Year
For me today is a sad anniversary, its exactly one year since Jane passed away, I imagine its something I'll never fully get over but at the same time I know I've to keep looking forward.
Just felt I should share my sadness with my blog friends, must admit many of your words were greatly appreciated at the time.
Thinking back its strange how actual friends in real life shy away from talking to you when sad events happen, I'm sure I've been guilty of the same error of judgement myself in the past but now I have learned people who have lost someone close actually need to talk about it, well thats how I was anyway.
This morning I actually spoke to Janes Mum on the phone, we had a good chat, seemed the right thing to do.
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
A Big Jump
A few months ago I mentioned I had set myself targets with regards to national rankings with my TT. At the time I was rated No149 in the Veterans and stated my aim was to get into the top 100, thought it would be tough but its no good setting easy targets.
The following two ranking lists I moved up slightly, first to 146 and then to 144 so was sort of pleased. Well the new list as been issued and I'm delighted to say I'm up again and this time its a big jump, I've moved up 39 places to No105, just 5 short of my target.
Reckon this is due to my good performance at Hinkley in July where I managed to beat 5 players ranked above me. One word of caution is I'm certain to move down on the next list due to the fact the new season is starting and there will be bound to be some new players coming into the veteran ranks (over 40's). Also I'm not playing the first major ranking tournament of the season in september because I'm defending my over 50's title in the North/east yorkshire championships the same weekend. I have however entered the 2nd major ranking event at Wolverhampton at the start of October.
Still not got an initial ranking in the over 50's due to lack of events, this should change after Wolverhampton, I'm aiming for top 30 in this age group.
The following two ranking lists I moved up slightly, first to 146 and then to 144 so was sort of pleased. Well the new list as been issued and I'm delighted to say I'm up again and this time its a big jump, I've moved up 39 places to No105, just 5 short of my target.
Reckon this is due to my good performance at Hinkley in July where I managed to beat 5 players ranked above me. One word of caution is I'm certain to move down on the next list due to the fact the new season is starting and there will be bound to be some new players coming into the veteran ranks (over 40's). Also I'm not playing the first major ranking tournament of the season in september because I'm defending my over 50's title in the North/east yorkshire championships the same weekend. I have however entered the 2nd major ranking event at Wolverhampton at the start of October.
Still not got an initial ranking in the over 50's due to lack of events, this should change after Wolverhampton, I'm aiming for top 30 in this age group.
Monday, 16 August 2010
My IQ is 125 (or is it better) - thanks Sandii
Just reading the posts of my blog friends and Sandii had posted about IQ tests and posted a link to a free test site.
To be honest I've never done one before but what the hell I thought I'll give it a bash.
Well as you can see I scored 125, don't know if that is good. I will add I don't know how they calculate it but if they use time it takes you to complete in the equation reckon I should be better because I got a phone call in the middle of the test.
Free-IQTest.net - IQ Test
Of course you can all now have a go yourselves using the link.
To be honest I've never done one before but what the hell I thought I'll give it a bash.
Well as you can see I scored 125, don't know if that is good. I will add I don't know how they calculate it but if they use time it takes you to complete in the equation reckon I should be better because I got a phone call in the middle of the test.
Free-IQTest.net - IQ Test
Of course you can all now have a go yourselves using the link.
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Far Far Away - ok i want to travel
As most of you know I love travel its one of my passions along with Sport and music but its a while since I travelled totally solo and I need to build up confidence to do it again. Sure I went on a Singles holiday recently but that was different that was travelling with other singles and fun in its own right, I've actually another one booked to Spain in November.
So where should I go, I'm not a beach bum would rather visit a interesting city with plenty to see and do and if you can add some decent nightlife even better.
Think if I do go anywhere it will probably be in September for a long weekend somewhere in Europe. Not that I only want to see Europe I want to eventually visit every continent while I'm on this earth, there are cities I want to see and some holidays I want to do, reckon I'll start a list but if anyone as good ideas I'll maybe add them.
So here are a few of the european cities I want to visit that I've not yet been to :-
Berlin, Barcelona, Budapest, Vienna, Rome, Florence, Lisbon, Brussels, Rekyavik, Moscow, Madrid.
Have done Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Luxemburg, Hamburg, Valletta to mention a few.
So where should I go, I'm not a beach bum would rather visit a interesting city with plenty to see and do and if you can add some decent nightlife even better.
Think if I do go anywhere it will probably be in September for a long weekend somewhere in Europe. Not that I only want to see Europe I want to eventually visit every continent while I'm on this earth, there are cities I want to see and some holidays I want to do, reckon I'll start a list but if anyone as good ideas I'll maybe add them.
So here are a few of the european cities I want to visit that I've not yet been to :-
Berlin, Barcelona, Budapest, Vienna, Rome, Florence, Lisbon, Brussels, Rekyavik, Moscow, Madrid.
Have done Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Luxemburg, Hamburg, Valletta to mention a few.
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