The bet is finally over. The ten week challenge of losing ten percent of my body weight ended tonight, and I am sorry to say that I came up short. Ten weeks ago I weighed 99 kilos, and had to lose 9.9kgs – 22lbs. I weighed in tonight after a 10km run, and came in at 90.25 kilos....losing 19.8lbs.
I’m disappointed not to have achieved it – I don’t like to fail - but proud and realistic to know that I gave it a really good shot and it is still a decent amount to lose. I have a star running partner who has been amazingly supportive which I appreciate hugely. I had various trips over the last month – Mannheim, Hamburg, Leeds, Liechtenstein, North Carolina, and Leeds again – and that made it difficult at times.
After the all-important weigh-in tonight, I could potentially have tried the old boxing weight-cutting techniques but I somehow think running around with a black bin bag around me would have frightened the old ladies walking their dogs throughout Lausanne at night.
So, challenge over, and a new one begins. The next challenge is to cut down to 84kgs by the end of November. The cut is not as great but probably just as hard as I obviously have less to lose now. I am determined though to keep running and stay in good shape. Many people have said how easy it is to pile the weight straight back on, so that is one thing I want to avoid and now the challenge is to get in top shape and firm things up further.
Long term, the plan is to run a marathon early in 2011. But first things first. I have just done two 10kms, and we will see how that progresses, but I like the challenge. Just need to find a cool destination to do it in!
The mission continues....
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
You're taking the Barry
Next Monday, I’m in London for a concert. It’s not just any concert, it is a Bon Jovi concert. Now, a handful of people reading this will be shaking their head, and my reputation will be shot to pieces. Another handful of people will be reading this thinking what a great concert it will be. Maybe I am flattering myself by thinking that I have two handfuls of readers.
Anyhow, for me, it is a big day, and one I am really looking forward to. Many people have those musicians or bands in their lives that have been with them since they were kids. For me, Bon Jovi are one of two that have been a mainstay since I was Junior Bobby. I should credit my cousin Nick actually for that. He was the older, fairly cool cousin....not sure what went wrong there (!), and he rolled in one day with Slippery When Wet. It was the first album that I really listened to, and in those days, all tapes came with lyrics in the case also. So, that was me sorted. I played it over and over again and memorised all the words. If I am a geek now, I was a major geek then.
Time went by and they stuck with me, just one of those things. A lot of people switched off after Cross Road, and the likes of Always, but I’m a loyal guy, and I kept the faith. Monday is going to be fun. I am probably going to offend a large number of people with my singing – imagine the windows down in the car and your favourite tune playing on a hot summer’s day....well that will be me in the O2 next Monday.
The other musical mainstay is Barry Manilow. I have just lost the other handful of readers other than my mum and sister – I may as well drag them down in my demise. My Uncle and Auntie used to take me and my sister on car rides when we were kids, and those trips would not be the same without the Barry tape rocking the radio. Rocking may be an exaggeration I guess, but his tunes were a major hit in the back seat. Even now, I can turn Barry on every so often, and have one of those car moments. If Barry is in town any time soon, I’ll go to his concert. He is just one of those good old friends.
Don’t get me wrong, I am a Killers fan through and through, I love Coldplay and Green Day....I’m attempting to clutch back some of my reputation here. I was as distraught as anybody to learn The Killers had split up a couple of weeks ago, albeit temporarily I hope. I am though looking forward to Brandon’s solo album, I reckon it could be decent. All that said though, that news made me realise that there are few artists, musicians, bands etc, that have been around like good old Barry and Bon Jovi. Their concerts sell out every time, they cover some decades between them, they have a wide range of fans of all ages, and as far as I am aware, nobody has tried to assassinate them yet. They are keepers, and I for one will be sad when they pack up and call it a day.
I’ll get my coat.
Anyhow, for me, it is a big day, and one I am really looking forward to. Many people have those musicians or bands in their lives that have been with them since they were kids. For me, Bon Jovi are one of two that have been a mainstay since I was Junior Bobby. I should credit my cousin Nick actually for that. He was the older, fairly cool cousin....not sure what went wrong there (!), and he rolled in one day with Slippery When Wet. It was the first album that I really listened to, and in those days, all tapes came with lyrics in the case also. So, that was me sorted. I played it over and over again and memorised all the words. If I am a geek now, I was a major geek then.
Time went by and they stuck with me, just one of those things. A lot of people switched off after Cross Road, and the likes of Always, but I’m a loyal guy, and I kept the faith. Monday is going to be fun. I am probably going to offend a large number of people with my singing – imagine the windows down in the car and your favourite tune playing on a hot summer’s day....well that will be me in the O2 next Monday.
The other musical mainstay is Barry Manilow. I have just lost the other handful of readers other than my mum and sister – I may as well drag them down in my demise. My Uncle and Auntie used to take me and my sister on car rides when we were kids, and those trips would not be the same without the Barry tape rocking the radio. Rocking may be an exaggeration I guess, but his tunes were a major hit in the back seat. Even now, I can turn Barry on every so often, and have one of those car moments. If Barry is in town any time soon, I’ll go to his concert. He is just one of those good old friends.
Don’t get me wrong, I am a Killers fan through and through, I love Coldplay and Green Day....I’m attempting to clutch back some of my reputation here. I was as distraught as anybody to learn The Killers had split up a couple of weeks ago, albeit temporarily I hope. I am though looking forward to Brandon’s solo album, I reckon it could be decent. All that said though, that news made me realise that there are few artists, musicians, bands etc, that have been around like good old Barry and Bon Jovi. Their concerts sell out every time, they cover some decades between them, they have a wide range of fans of all ages, and as far as I am aware, nobody has tried to assassinate them yet. They are keepers, and I for one will be sad when they pack up and call it a day.
I’ll get my coat.
A Quick One
On Saturday night, I tuned into Prizefighter and once again thoroughly enjoyed the event. For those who have not seen or heard of it, it is an 8-man boxing competition, starting with quarter-finals running through to the final. It is an abbreviated version of 3 rounds x 3 minutes per fight. What that means is that the boxers give everything they have for nine minutes knowing that they have to win or go home – which makes every round and every fight important, and in turn, highly entertaining.
It effectively is what 20/20 cricket is to a test match basically. A shortened version tailored for television and entertainment. The crowds flock to see it, the atmosphere is excellent, and it makes for fantastic viewing on television.
Last night was the turn of the lighter guys, and it was as fast, frenetic and enjoyable as any of them so far. I now really want to see it move a step forward – being sold to other countries and networks, or for Barry Hearn to draft some foreign guys in. A country v country concept would work a treat here in my view.
Watching that made me wonder of which others sports could be shortened. Consider that in most sports, the longer the duration of the game, the more likely it is that the best players and athletes will prevail, it would level the playing field a fraction more. Imagine a tennis tournament of 16 players for example...perhaps one set per match with a tie-break. It would make for great viewing. Would Nadal and Federer be the best? Probably. Would it give the others a better chance? Definitely.
Take Athletics as another example. How about if we shorten the 100 metres to 10 metres. Would Usain win every time? It is unlikely. Ok, so perhaps I am going a little bit too far with my argument here, but I think there are more possible examples.
Of course, there are plenty of examples out there like 5-a-side football and Futsal, Rugby Sevens etc. The key though is having the top guys in the sport play that that version. That is the only way it would ever really take off in my view. Imagine seeing Real Madrid v Barcelona 5-a-side or Futsal with their top 5 players in the team. I know I would pay to watch it.
I am not advocating changing sports, not for one minute. But I do think that the likes of Prizefighter and 20/20 cricket have been a breath of fresh air to Boxing and Cricket, in addition to the regular format and competitions. It makes for great viewing, and is bringing good revenue into the sports also. Just something to consider I guess. If you ever get a chance to go watch a 20/20 game or Prizefighter event, I guarantee you won’t be bored.
It effectively is what 20/20 cricket is to a test match basically. A shortened version tailored for television and entertainment. The crowds flock to see it, the atmosphere is excellent, and it makes for fantastic viewing on television.
Last night was the turn of the lighter guys, and it was as fast, frenetic and enjoyable as any of them so far. I now really want to see it move a step forward – being sold to other countries and networks, or for Barry Hearn to draft some foreign guys in. A country v country concept would work a treat here in my view.
Watching that made me wonder of which others sports could be shortened. Consider that in most sports, the longer the duration of the game, the more likely it is that the best players and athletes will prevail, it would level the playing field a fraction more. Imagine a tennis tournament of 16 players for example...perhaps one set per match with a tie-break. It would make for great viewing. Would Nadal and Federer be the best? Probably. Would it give the others a better chance? Definitely.
Take Athletics as another example. How about if we shorten the 100 metres to 10 metres. Would Usain win every time? It is unlikely. Ok, so perhaps I am going a little bit too far with my argument here, but I think there are more possible examples.
Of course, there are plenty of examples out there like 5-a-side football and Futsal, Rugby Sevens etc. The key though is having the top guys in the sport play that that version. That is the only way it would ever really take off in my view. Imagine seeing Real Madrid v Barcelona 5-a-side or Futsal with their top 5 players in the team. I know I would pay to watch it.
I am not advocating changing sports, not for one minute. But I do think that the likes of Prizefighter and 20/20 cricket have been a breath of fresh air to Boxing and Cricket, in addition to the regular format and competitions. It makes for great viewing, and is bringing good revenue into the sports also. Just something to consider I guess. If you ever get a chance to go watch a 20/20 game or Prizefighter event, I guarantee you won’t be bored.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Big Mouvers
The season has only just barely ended and the World Cup has not even started and I am already getting excited for the new season. Outside of Everton and the Premier League, my major passion is Spanish football and we have already seen two absolutely blockbuster moves which will only add to the excitement next season.
The first move was the signing of David Villa by Barcelona. Valencia have been struggling financially for some time now and it was only a matter of time before he joined one of the European giants. I have to admit to being a little surprised by the move from Barca’s perspective, given the formation they play and the presence of Zlatan. I do however think he is the perfect fit for the team and their style of play. His movement and finishing is world class and he can only benefit from playing alongside the likes of Xavi, Messi and Iniesta. There is no better goalscorer or finisher in Spanish football right now, and he is in my top ten strikers in the World.
I finally think Josep Guardiola has got it right. I like him as a coach, but I think he is slightly overrated. He had an amazing team at his disposal when he took the job, and has gotten many of his signings pretty wrong so far. I consider the Zlatan/Etoo deal and the signing of Maxwell as major failures, and while he has done well in coaching and developing some younger players, that has been a question mark for me in his short managerial career so far. Villa however is as much of a cert as any out there, and I think Guardiola has got this one right.
Where it leaves Zlatan though, I have no clue. I would be surprised if they change formation to accommodate him, or play him ahead of Villa. The only option is to offload him in my view.
The other major move was at the Bernabeu. I feel Manuel Pellegrini has been unfairly treated by Real and has done as good as job as feasibly possible given the major overhaul at the start of the season regardless of the quality of players coming in. There are still gaps in the squad – most notably down the left. I do not think anybody could have done more taking all that into account. Being fired this week was harsh to say the least.
That all said, I have to admit that the move makes sense. I am a huge fan of Jose Mourinho and Real simply could not pass up this opportunity to get him. He will keep the media on their toes, and he is big enough - possibly one of only a few coaches in the world – to demand total respect from the likes of Ronaldo and company. Barca have been far and away the better team in Spain for a couple of seasons now, and Mourinho is Real’s best hope of closing that gap.
It will be a truly fascinating season next year in Spain, and I am looking forward to more transfer twists and turns over the summer. I sense this could be the busiest summer for a while across Europe, and these moves have only whetted my appetite for next season.
The first move was the signing of David Villa by Barcelona. Valencia have been struggling financially for some time now and it was only a matter of time before he joined one of the European giants. I have to admit to being a little surprised by the move from Barca’s perspective, given the formation they play and the presence of Zlatan. I do however think he is the perfect fit for the team and their style of play. His movement and finishing is world class and he can only benefit from playing alongside the likes of Xavi, Messi and Iniesta. There is no better goalscorer or finisher in Spanish football right now, and he is in my top ten strikers in the World.
I finally think Josep Guardiola has got it right. I like him as a coach, but I think he is slightly overrated. He had an amazing team at his disposal when he took the job, and has gotten many of his signings pretty wrong so far. I consider the Zlatan/Etoo deal and the signing of Maxwell as major failures, and while he has done well in coaching and developing some younger players, that has been a question mark for me in his short managerial career so far. Villa however is as much of a cert as any out there, and I think Guardiola has got this one right.
Where it leaves Zlatan though, I have no clue. I would be surprised if they change formation to accommodate him, or play him ahead of Villa. The only option is to offload him in my view.
The other major move was at the Bernabeu. I feel Manuel Pellegrini has been unfairly treated by Real and has done as good as job as feasibly possible given the major overhaul at the start of the season regardless of the quality of players coming in. There are still gaps in the squad – most notably down the left. I do not think anybody could have done more taking all that into account. Being fired this week was harsh to say the least.
That all said, I have to admit that the move makes sense. I am a huge fan of Jose Mourinho and Real simply could not pass up this opportunity to get him. He will keep the media on their toes, and he is big enough - possibly one of only a few coaches in the world – to demand total respect from the likes of Ronaldo and company. Barca have been far and away the better team in Spain for a couple of seasons now, and Mourinho is Real’s best hope of closing that gap.
It will be a truly fascinating season next year in Spain, and I am looking forward to more transfer twists and turns over the summer. I sense this could be the busiest summer for a while across Europe, and these moves have only whetted my appetite for next season.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Scout's Honour
Since the UEL Final in Hamburg last week, I have been in Liechtenstein for the U17 European Championships. It has been an interesting experience, largely due to my first taste of life in Liecht and at an U17 tournament. I have to admit that I knew very little about the country before arriving, but after two runs of 8km and 7km, I’ve covered the entire country pretty much. Everything is 15 minutes away – it is a little bizarre, but very handy when one has to travel between venues and hotels. Switzerland is 15 minutes away. Austria is 15 minutes away. I virtually ran through three countries in two of my runs – I have to admit that I felt like I was a hard core long distance runner even if it was only 7-8km.
The event itself is a fantastic tournament and it is great to see the stars of tomorrow performing against each other. I spent some time with the players and coaches before the tournament began, and while there are unquestionably some cheeky characters, on the whole, they were serious about their football and preparing for life as a professional player. This is almost certainly the biggest event of their short careers, and so everybody is determined to impress.
Similarly with the Youth Hockey tournaments, and most likely most youth tournaments in most team sports, what has caught my eye the most has been the huge number of scouts attending the matches. They are everywhere. I spent some time with an agent at the World Hockey Championships last year. He was scouting young European players, trying to identify future clients. He was one of hundreds of scouts and agents trying to charm players to either become clients, or join their team. Imagine one piece of really good bread made at the best bakery you can imagine, just laying in the middle of a big field. One bird will find it first, but it won’t be long before word has spread and hundreds of birds are scrapping over the same piece of bread. Usually the biggest most powerful bird will be victorious unless a cunning craftier bird who may be smarter and faster can nip in ahead of them. That’s the life of agents and scouts.
I have given plenty of consideration to both areas as potential future activities that I may get involved with. Analysing players and matches is something I enjoy and I am good at doing it. I am confident as far as that is concerned. What I do doubt however is being able to dive in ahead of the other 200 vultures to snare my guy. It is not in my personality and I doubt whether I could be that effective without being so brash and bold as so many of them are. I sense these are not professions where nice quiet guys – I’m not claiming to fit that category neither (!) – can be successful and prominent. It is cut throat to say the least and seeing a couple of scouts at this event and the methods they employed, I would not find that overly enjoyable.
The other thing which sprung to my mind the more time I spent with the players was just how young they are. These guys are anywhere between 15 and 17 years old and it is easy to forget that they are just kids. One or two are valued at millions already, and they have scouts desperately trying to get their phone numbers, meet their parents, tracking their movements. I would guess some of them are unaware of the extent of what actually goes on, but it is a sign of the times when one can see the lengths some scouts go to.
One scout in particular was complaining about how they can only go for players once they are 16 years old, and compared them to tennis players or musicians who could move to the States or Spain for better coaching or opportunities. He also complained at the amount of compensation clubs must play if they do snare a talent – around half a million pounds. His argument was ridiculously lop-sided and irrational, and I would be fascinated to know the view of his club if the roles were reversed and big clubs were constantly hawking around the best players of his team that they have invested so much time, money and effort in.
I read a great article about the migration of young European hockey players – whether they should stay in their respective countries or move to North America at an early age. The one resounding outcome of that report was that the smaller European nations were suffering badly because of the situation. If a kid stays, he receives a lower level of coaching but perhaps more ice-time. If he moves, he may receive better coaching, but it less likely to gain as much on ice experience. Financially, there is no comparison, and that often dictates the younger players to be tempted to North America. What it does mean however is that those players who remain in Europe are not exposed to the quality needed to push their game on and the leagues in turn remain at a lower quality – and then in turn are less likely to produce top quality players in future generations. For those players that leave for North America, they are replaced by cheap and poor alternatives, often ageing North Americans in the twilight of their careers. A similar scenario can be seen in football. If we take the best players out of the Czech Republic for example, how can we expect more players to emerge at a high level?
I cannot fault the kids for chasing their dreams and securing their financial futures. I cannot fault the clubs for chasing the best players. I cannot fault the scouts and agents for ultimately doing their jobs. I do not like however some of the ethics and morals of scouts and agents which are borderline and whose actions are often against the rules. This is something that can be monitored better by the authorities. I know if I was a parent of one of these boys, I would certainly be more in favour of those scouts, clubs and agents who play by the rules and have the best interests of the players at heart. That would be the only way I could play it if I do get involved in scouting or agency, and just hope and pray many parents and players feel the same rather than being sucked into the lure of big bucks.
The event itself is a fantastic tournament and it is great to see the stars of tomorrow performing against each other. I spent some time with the players and coaches before the tournament began, and while there are unquestionably some cheeky characters, on the whole, they were serious about their football and preparing for life as a professional player. This is almost certainly the biggest event of their short careers, and so everybody is determined to impress.
Similarly with the Youth Hockey tournaments, and most likely most youth tournaments in most team sports, what has caught my eye the most has been the huge number of scouts attending the matches. They are everywhere. I spent some time with an agent at the World Hockey Championships last year. He was scouting young European players, trying to identify future clients. He was one of hundreds of scouts and agents trying to charm players to either become clients, or join their team. Imagine one piece of really good bread made at the best bakery you can imagine, just laying in the middle of a big field. One bird will find it first, but it won’t be long before word has spread and hundreds of birds are scrapping over the same piece of bread. Usually the biggest most powerful bird will be victorious unless a cunning craftier bird who may be smarter and faster can nip in ahead of them. That’s the life of agents and scouts.
I have given plenty of consideration to both areas as potential future activities that I may get involved with. Analysing players and matches is something I enjoy and I am good at doing it. I am confident as far as that is concerned. What I do doubt however is being able to dive in ahead of the other 200 vultures to snare my guy. It is not in my personality and I doubt whether I could be that effective without being so brash and bold as so many of them are. I sense these are not professions where nice quiet guys – I’m not claiming to fit that category neither (!) – can be successful and prominent. It is cut throat to say the least and seeing a couple of scouts at this event and the methods they employed, I would not find that overly enjoyable.
The other thing which sprung to my mind the more time I spent with the players was just how young they are. These guys are anywhere between 15 and 17 years old and it is easy to forget that they are just kids. One or two are valued at millions already, and they have scouts desperately trying to get their phone numbers, meet their parents, tracking their movements. I would guess some of them are unaware of the extent of what actually goes on, but it is a sign of the times when one can see the lengths some scouts go to.
One scout in particular was complaining about how they can only go for players once they are 16 years old, and compared them to tennis players or musicians who could move to the States or Spain for better coaching or opportunities. He also complained at the amount of compensation clubs must play if they do snare a talent – around half a million pounds. His argument was ridiculously lop-sided and irrational, and I would be fascinated to know the view of his club if the roles were reversed and big clubs were constantly hawking around the best players of his team that they have invested so much time, money and effort in.
I read a great article about the migration of young European hockey players – whether they should stay in their respective countries or move to North America at an early age. The one resounding outcome of that report was that the smaller European nations were suffering badly because of the situation. If a kid stays, he receives a lower level of coaching but perhaps more ice-time. If he moves, he may receive better coaching, but it less likely to gain as much on ice experience. Financially, there is no comparison, and that often dictates the younger players to be tempted to North America. What it does mean however is that those players who remain in Europe are not exposed to the quality needed to push their game on and the leagues in turn remain at a lower quality – and then in turn are less likely to produce top quality players in future generations. For those players that leave for North America, they are replaced by cheap and poor alternatives, often ageing North Americans in the twilight of their careers. A similar scenario can be seen in football. If we take the best players out of the Czech Republic for example, how can we expect more players to emerge at a high level?
I cannot fault the kids for chasing their dreams and securing their financial futures. I cannot fault the clubs for chasing the best players. I cannot fault the scouts and agents for ultimately doing their jobs. I do not like however some of the ethics and morals of scouts and agents which are borderline and whose actions are often against the rules. This is something that can be monitored better by the authorities. I know if I was a parent of one of these boys, I would certainly be more in favour of those scouts, clubs and agents who play by the rules and have the best interests of the players at heart. That would be the only way I could play it if I do get involved in scouting or agency, and just hope and pray many parents and players feel the same rather than being sucked into the lure of big bucks.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Sporting Flurries
One of my favourite boxing writers (Steve Kim – Maxboxing) regularly ends his articles with some what he calls ‘flurries’ – basically short snippets of thoughts and information. Barring any copyright issues, I’m going to blatantly steal his idea for some of my random sporting thoughts this week.
• In terms of atmosphere and ambience, Montreal’s Bell Centre is right at the top of venues in North America. Watching the Habs’ Stanley Cup play-off matches there and UFC 113, the atmosphere is absolutely amazing and the fans are outstanding. That is high on my list of arenas to visit....given the fantastic attendances for UFC and Boxing events there, I am hoping it is not too long before a big event returns there.
• I am gutted by Paul Daley’s actions in UFC 113. Intentionally hitting an opponent after the final bell is inexcusable – not good for the sport, and not good for British MMA fighters. The UFC did the right thing in cutting him.
• I am expecting a huge flurry of transfer activity this summer in European football. So many major teams have to strengthen and rebuild, I predict some big money being spent and some major movements. The World Cup will certainly help, but I would expect it regardless. We just need the first big one to start the chain of events.
• Big fight for Amir Khan tonight and one which I expect him to win. I was not impressed with the weigh-in brawl, quite unnecessary, but it will certainly add to the spice tonight. I am disappointed not to be going to this one, I think it will be an entertaining fight. That said, the Mitchell/Katsidis fight could be even better. Massive test for Mitchell, if he wins this one, he establishes himself as a major player at world level.
• I am planning on writing some old school analysis on the 32 World Cup teams in the coming weeks. I always find it tough positioning and ranking the African teams – Cameroon and Ivory Coast especially. Maybe it is because of their inconsistencies, but not an easy task for me. Should be published by start of June anyway.
• I am interested to see the coverage given to the cricket 20/20 World Cup. ESPN selling radio commentary on their site, and Eurosport France showing it among others. Could it be catching on outside of cricket-playing nations? There have been some superb games, anybody watching cannot fail to have been entertained by some.
• On the contrary, I have no interest at all in watching the FA Cup final. Call me a sporting snob, but it just does not interest me as a game. Sad but true.
• Heading to Liechtenstein today for the U17’s European Championships – looking forward to seeing the next star of the future and my three Everton boys.
Bon Weekend!
• In terms of atmosphere and ambience, Montreal’s Bell Centre is right at the top of venues in North America. Watching the Habs’ Stanley Cup play-off matches there and UFC 113, the atmosphere is absolutely amazing and the fans are outstanding. That is high on my list of arenas to visit....given the fantastic attendances for UFC and Boxing events there, I am hoping it is not too long before a big event returns there.
• I am gutted by Paul Daley’s actions in UFC 113. Intentionally hitting an opponent after the final bell is inexcusable – not good for the sport, and not good for British MMA fighters. The UFC did the right thing in cutting him.
• I am expecting a huge flurry of transfer activity this summer in European football. So many major teams have to strengthen and rebuild, I predict some big money being spent and some major movements. The World Cup will certainly help, but I would expect it regardless. We just need the first big one to start the chain of events.
• Big fight for Amir Khan tonight and one which I expect him to win. I was not impressed with the weigh-in brawl, quite unnecessary, but it will certainly add to the spice tonight. I am disappointed not to be going to this one, I think it will be an entertaining fight. That said, the Mitchell/Katsidis fight could be even better. Massive test for Mitchell, if he wins this one, he establishes himself as a major player at world level.
• I am planning on writing some old school analysis on the 32 World Cup teams in the coming weeks. I always find it tough positioning and ranking the African teams – Cameroon and Ivory Coast especially. Maybe it is because of their inconsistencies, but not an easy task for me. Should be published by start of June anyway.
• I am interested to see the coverage given to the cricket 20/20 World Cup. ESPN selling radio commentary on their site, and Eurosport France showing it among others. Could it be catching on outside of cricket-playing nations? There have been some superb games, anybody watching cannot fail to have been entertained by some.
• On the contrary, I have no interest at all in watching the FA Cup final. Call me a sporting snob, but it just does not interest me as a game. Sad but true.
• Heading to Liechtenstein today for the U17’s European Championships – looking forward to seeing the next star of the future and my three Everton boys.
Bon Weekend!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
There are no endings, only beginnings
I wonder in an average lifetime, how many seriously major decisions each person has to face. I am not referring to those decisions one has to make at work in terms of which supplier to select, or on the pitch deciding whether to cross the ball in hard or low and curled to the far post. It is those major personal life-changing decisions that we all face at some point – career choices, moving abroad, marriage etc.
I am thirty years old and I feel as though I have made quite a few of them. I made another one only last week. The thought process that goes into these decisions is probably different for us all. For me, I am not one to make rash decisions when it comes to them. If it deciding where to go on holiday or whether to go see a fight in Vegas, I’ll decide within seconds/minutes and decision is made. It is similar with other decisions one has to make, I guess it is those ones which have the least impact should it turn out to be the wrong decision.
For the major decisions, I deliberate over them for quite a while. It may be about the decision itself (changing job), it may be about the timing (getting married – it was always going to happen HJ, it was just when!), but I leave nothing to chance and examine every possible effect my decision may have. I guess it is my way of minimising all risks, and the overall risk that it may be the wrong decision.
I am lucky. Ever since I was young boy with my little cap and shorts, I’ve had key people in my life who I have been able to talk to and rely on for advice. My parents, uncles, my lady....all of whom have always listened to my rambles, whinges, sulks, and in turn offered a devil to play advocate or advice on the situation. Probably more than anything, it is those conversations and interactions which gives me the confidence to make the decisions that I have made. Having the support of those people is fundamental for me. Not everybody has those people around them and I realise that I am fortunate.
The other key part of this decision-making process is the post-decision making feeling. It is not always post-decision in fact, as it can form part of the decision-making process. For me, once I have made a decision, and this applies to the small and the major ones, I do not have regrets. It is obviously easier said than done, but I try not to harbour on any negative outcomes and just make the best of it. I know deep down that I have given it plenty of thought, spoken to those people who have an opinion that I value, and if it does not work out, then so be it.
Most people around the same age have made and are frequently making these decisions. It’s part of life I guess. You just have to make the decision if one is there to be made, find the right time, and then stick your chest out and live with the outcome. It is not always easy, far from it, and it takes some cojones at times, but if it you’re unhappy or something is not right, there is one person and generally only that one person who can do something about it. Life is too short for regrets, and unless somebody knows better than me, you only live once. There are no endings, only beginnings.
I am thirty years old and I feel as though I have made quite a few of them. I made another one only last week. The thought process that goes into these decisions is probably different for us all. For me, I am not one to make rash decisions when it comes to them. If it deciding where to go on holiday or whether to go see a fight in Vegas, I’ll decide within seconds/minutes and decision is made. It is similar with other decisions one has to make, I guess it is those ones which have the least impact should it turn out to be the wrong decision.
For the major decisions, I deliberate over them for quite a while. It may be about the decision itself (changing job), it may be about the timing (getting married – it was always going to happen HJ, it was just when!), but I leave nothing to chance and examine every possible effect my decision may have. I guess it is my way of minimising all risks, and the overall risk that it may be the wrong decision.
I am lucky. Ever since I was young boy with my little cap and shorts, I’ve had key people in my life who I have been able to talk to and rely on for advice. My parents, uncles, my lady....all of whom have always listened to my rambles, whinges, sulks, and in turn offered a devil to play advocate or advice on the situation. Probably more than anything, it is those conversations and interactions which gives me the confidence to make the decisions that I have made. Having the support of those people is fundamental for me. Not everybody has those people around them and I realise that I am fortunate.
The other key part of this decision-making process is the post-decision making feeling. It is not always post-decision in fact, as it can form part of the decision-making process. For me, once I have made a decision, and this applies to the small and the major ones, I do not have regrets. It is obviously easier said than done, but I try not to harbour on any negative outcomes and just make the best of it. I know deep down that I have given it plenty of thought, spoken to those people who have an opinion that I value, and if it does not work out, then so be it.
Most people around the same age have made and are frequently making these decisions. It’s part of life I guess. You just have to make the decision if one is there to be made, find the right time, and then stick your chest out and live with the outcome. It is not always easy, far from it, and it takes some cojones at times, but if it you’re unhappy or something is not right, there is one person and generally only that one person who can do something about it. Life is too short for regrets, and unless somebody knows better than me, you only live once. There are no endings, only beginnings.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Body of Evidence
The weekend constituted a great cocktail party, a fantastic performance by Floyd Mayweather and two long runs. All combined results in my body not being in optimum condition right now, but it was all worth it, and part of an excellent weekend.
The cocktail party was great fun....just a random idea of mine. A combination of champagne jellies with vodka soaked strawberries, some random cocktails involving Jagermeister and Corona, along with some jazzed up spicy meatballs went a long way to my rough disposition this morning. It proved to be a good learning experience however and I picked up on a number of useful points. Firstly, never allow non-alcohol drinkers to make cocktails. Secondly, healthy cheesecakes do actually exist and taste pretty darn good. Thirdly, it sometimes takes several cocktails to prove it, but Norwegians can dance. Fourthly, dressing up in slick suits and foxy dresses is not so painful after all. Finally, it is always a pleasure spending quality time with good friends and last night was one of them.
My plans of waking up and watching the boxing live were hopeful to say the very least. I watched it first thing this morning and enjoyed every minute of the fight even if there was a sad tinge inside me at not being there. Floyd Mayweather produced another superb display and outclassed and outboxed Shane Mosley. I actually dreamt that Sugar Shane knocked Floyd out in the fourth round, and in reality he came close in the second. It was one of the first times I have seen Floyd seriously stunned. He recovered extremely well, and closed it out, giving Mosley next to no chance of connecting with him. Absolutely masterful, and no doubt in my mind we are watching one of the all-time greats. It will be a travesty if we do not see him and Manny get it on.....but I am not too hopeful still.
The running is now becoming fun. Even after a night of drinking cocktails, I ran in the rain and thoroughly enjoyed it. It makes a huge difference that I have a star running partner, who pushes me to go further and gives me great support. Without that, I would not be running as far as I am now. I stepped on the scales this evening and weighed in at 93.5kg. The weight loss challenge has been going for five weeks now and I have lost 5.5kg.....I have until the end of this month to lose another 4.5kg, and I’m feeling a bit more confident now. I am guessing the second half of the challenge is going to be much tougher than the first, but positive side of it is that there’s still plenty more weight to shed! The running fun continues, and will have to continue this month, despite being on the road for two whole weeks and racking up the air miles. It is going to be a challenge, but we all love a good challenge don’t we?
The cocktail party was great fun....just a random idea of mine. A combination of champagne jellies with vodka soaked strawberries, some random cocktails involving Jagermeister and Corona, along with some jazzed up spicy meatballs went a long way to my rough disposition this morning. It proved to be a good learning experience however and I picked up on a number of useful points. Firstly, never allow non-alcohol drinkers to make cocktails. Secondly, healthy cheesecakes do actually exist and taste pretty darn good. Thirdly, it sometimes takes several cocktails to prove it, but Norwegians can dance. Fourthly, dressing up in slick suits and foxy dresses is not so painful after all. Finally, it is always a pleasure spending quality time with good friends and last night was one of them.
My plans of waking up and watching the boxing live were hopeful to say the very least. I watched it first thing this morning and enjoyed every minute of the fight even if there was a sad tinge inside me at not being there. Floyd Mayweather produced another superb display and outclassed and outboxed Shane Mosley. I actually dreamt that Sugar Shane knocked Floyd out in the fourth round, and in reality he came close in the second. It was one of the first times I have seen Floyd seriously stunned. He recovered extremely well, and closed it out, giving Mosley next to no chance of connecting with him. Absolutely masterful, and no doubt in my mind we are watching one of the all-time greats. It will be a travesty if we do not see him and Manny get it on.....but I am not too hopeful still.
The running is now becoming fun. Even after a night of drinking cocktails, I ran in the rain and thoroughly enjoyed it. It makes a huge difference that I have a star running partner, who pushes me to go further and gives me great support. Without that, I would not be running as far as I am now. I stepped on the scales this evening and weighed in at 93.5kg. The weight loss challenge has been going for five weeks now and I have lost 5.5kg.....I have until the end of this month to lose another 4.5kg, and I’m feeling a bit more confident now. I am guessing the second half of the challenge is going to be much tougher than the first, but positive side of it is that there’s still plenty more weight to shed! The running fun continues, and will have to continue this month, despite being on the road for two whole weeks and racking up the air miles. It is going to be a challenge, but we all love a good challenge don’t we?
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