With a large amount of activities that I do, I plan and think about them meticulously in advance. I'm not the best on the fly, hence why I blog rather than stand on the street or in front of a crowd with a microfone spouting my thoughts or bad jokes. I make some decisions impulsively, but they are usually the ones that don't require much thinking.
Betting on sports, writing on sports, working on sporting events are all areas I have done or do, and all require significant thinking, planning and research. I do the same in my spare time when it comes to hobbies and fantasies in particular. The extent of my fantasies are in Fantasy Football, specifically NFL.
Fantasy sports require thinking if you want to earn bragging rights. The research required for selecting your team is essential. I want to avoid those players with injury problems, I want to avoid those inconsistent guys, I want to avoid those guys who shoot themselves in their thigh in nightclubs. I am looking for a solid group of guys who will consistently produce the goods for me, and one or two gems that I think will provide me with some value at some point through the season.
I play two main fantasy NFL league...I won one of them last season, and lost in the playoffs in the other. This season has not been a success. I tried a different strategy, and it just didn't work too well. There was one main reason for my failure however and I put it all down to one guy - DeSean Jackson. DeSean's contract with the Philadelphia Eagles finishes this year and he should be busting his cojones to get a nice new big contract. Instead, DeSean is sulking. DeSean is not showing up to practise and getting dropped for games. DeSean is getting injured (allegedly) early in games and not doing much. DeSean is fumbling balls. DeSean is dropping easy catches in the end zone when my two year old nephew could make the play. DeSean is not even looking like he is trying.
Me and DeSean are going our separate ways at the end of this season. I have had enough of him. I actually had a dream that DeSean died in a plane crash one week. Thankfully that was not the case, but it is over between him and I. If he had woken up and done what he should have been doing, this season would have been another success. Instead, it is now over and my team, just like DeSean, has nothing left to play for.
All I can assume is that DeSean did not pick himself in his own Fantasy team and he decided to sabotage his opponents by not playing well in the real game. That can be the only logical explanation. Folks in many sports and the likes of FIFA and UEFA worry about match fixing and illegal gambling on matches, but I think the real risk is Fantasy Football. Players are sabotaging other teams and under performing throughout and thus influencing the results of matches. I shall be forwarding this blog post to various authorities and suggesting they investigate.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
Rest in Peace Gary Speed
When you’re a kid, there is inevitably a role model or hero that you look up to. They may sing, act, play sport, they may be your parents. Like so many young boys, mine were largely footballers, and being an Evertonian, I desperately tried to find a Toffeeman that I could imitate. Sadly, as the mid-eighties came to a close, I was left with the likes of Preki, Robert Warszycha and John Ebbrell to try and imitate and that just didn’t cut it for me.
My first real memories were largely based around the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. I was mesmerised by Diego Maradona and he stole the show for me even though I was hardly skilful….a boy can dream. There were some iconic figures for my beloved Everton as the nineties kicked in however. Duncan Ferguson was right up there for me and so many Everton fans. Aside from the big names players or the top goalscorers, fans often develop soft spots for home grown talent or players that are fans of the team themselves. Ultimately, you know that they will give their absolute all for the team and fight until the last whistle.
As I grew up and developed as a player, I still hadn’t honed those Maradona skills, but I was as committed as anybody. Along with Laurence Budd’s left-wing magic, I often scored a fair number of headed goals – not because I was particularly tall, but I was willing to put my head in places where others were not, and I worked on timing my jump. Duncan Ferguson was an Everton legend as he was 6 foot 4 and scored a number of headed goals for them. However, there was another player, another Evertonian, who I tried to imitate when playing myself, as I was short of 6 foot, like him, but he was a master at timing his leap to perfection.
When I was Junior Bobby, the only football I could watch live was Leeds United. My Uncle Ken would take me to games and I was just happy to be watching live football. I was mesmerised. I was around 11-12 years old when I watched my first game at Elland Road and I would wear my Everton shirt deep under 17 layers of clothes so none of the scary Leeds fans would spot it, but I knew deep down that I was not betraying my team. I was fortunate however to witness one of the best Leeds teams in history, and the Leeds midfield at that time was as good as any around at that period. There is just one other conventional four-man midfield that I have viewed that was as balanced as that Leeds quartet of Strachan, Batty, McAllister and Speed and that was the Valencia midfield of Mendieta, Gerard, Farinos, and Kily Gonzalez.
And it was the latter of the quartet that caught my eye as a player to try to imitate. Gary Speed was the player who was not quite 6 foot, but was superb in the air. He was the Evertonian. He was the guy who was perhaps not the most pleasing on the eye like Maradona, but clearly worked incredibly hard to master the skills that he did have. He was the left-footer with a decent right, which encouraged me to use my weak foot as much as possible and become more comfortable with it. He was the player who clearly looked after himself extremely well on and off the pitch that enabled him to have such a long playing career. He was the guy who was so well respected in the game, that transitioning to become a coach proved successful in such a short space of time.
When I woke up to my mum’s text last Saturday to hear that he had died, I had a lump in my throat. I had absolutely no idea of the reason – I just assumed it must have been some illness that had been hidden, an accident, or a sudden heart attack which has seemingly become more common among active players in recent years. I was pretty shocked when I learned that it was suicide, as it seems so many others have been, as there were clearly no indicators to those in football, and certainly not to the regular fan like myself.
I have not had the opportunity to read much in the last day or so about it, but I can only assume that there was some form of depression involved. The PFA statement saying that players would receive information on suffering from depression and their acknowledgment that it was an issue, suggested as much, and in truth it is surprising that it has taken this news for them to realise that. The numbers on divorces, alcohol and drug addictions among recently retired players is scary, and the void left by retirement for so many is something that requires attention from football authorities.
The news reminded me of an article I read a few weeks back from a television personality in Canada – Michael Landsberg. He is the presenter of a sports TV show called Off The Record – one of my favourites. It came following the death of a former Hockey player called Wade Belak. You can read it here - http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375694. It is as thought-provoking a read as you will find, and I suspect the case of Gary Speed is probably something similar. Sad times. I can only hope that the likes of the PFA further acknowledge depression as a major issue and work hard to build awareness and provide the tools and support for the guys like Belak and Speed, who have been role models to so many.
My first real memories were largely based around the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. I was mesmerised by Diego Maradona and he stole the show for me even though I was hardly skilful….a boy can dream. There were some iconic figures for my beloved Everton as the nineties kicked in however. Duncan Ferguson was right up there for me and so many Everton fans. Aside from the big names players or the top goalscorers, fans often develop soft spots for home grown talent or players that are fans of the team themselves. Ultimately, you know that they will give their absolute all for the team and fight until the last whistle.
As I grew up and developed as a player, I still hadn’t honed those Maradona skills, but I was as committed as anybody. Along with Laurence Budd’s left-wing magic, I often scored a fair number of headed goals – not because I was particularly tall, but I was willing to put my head in places where others were not, and I worked on timing my jump. Duncan Ferguson was an Everton legend as he was 6 foot 4 and scored a number of headed goals for them. However, there was another player, another Evertonian, who I tried to imitate when playing myself, as I was short of 6 foot, like him, but he was a master at timing his leap to perfection.
When I was Junior Bobby, the only football I could watch live was Leeds United. My Uncle Ken would take me to games and I was just happy to be watching live football. I was mesmerised. I was around 11-12 years old when I watched my first game at Elland Road and I would wear my Everton shirt deep under 17 layers of clothes so none of the scary Leeds fans would spot it, but I knew deep down that I was not betraying my team. I was fortunate however to witness one of the best Leeds teams in history, and the Leeds midfield at that time was as good as any around at that period. There is just one other conventional four-man midfield that I have viewed that was as balanced as that Leeds quartet of Strachan, Batty, McAllister and Speed and that was the Valencia midfield of Mendieta, Gerard, Farinos, and Kily Gonzalez.
And it was the latter of the quartet that caught my eye as a player to try to imitate. Gary Speed was the player who was not quite 6 foot, but was superb in the air. He was the Evertonian. He was the guy who was perhaps not the most pleasing on the eye like Maradona, but clearly worked incredibly hard to master the skills that he did have. He was the left-footer with a decent right, which encouraged me to use my weak foot as much as possible and become more comfortable with it. He was the player who clearly looked after himself extremely well on and off the pitch that enabled him to have such a long playing career. He was the guy who was so well respected in the game, that transitioning to become a coach proved successful in such a short space of time.
When I woke up to my mum’s text last Saturday to hear that he had died, I had a lump in my throat. I had absolutely no idea of the reason – I just assumed it must have been some illness that had been hidden, an accident, or a sudden heart attack which has seemingly become more common among active players in recent years. I was pretty shocked when I learned that it was suicide, as it seems so many others have been, as there were clearly no indicators to those in football, and certainly not to the regular fan like myself.
I have not had the opportunity to read much in the last day or so about it, but I can only assume that there was some form of depression involved. The PFA statement saying that players would receive information on suffering from depression and their acknowledgment that it was an issue, suggested as much, and in truth it is surprising that it has taken this news for them to realise that. The numbers on divorces, alcohol and drug addictions among recently retired players is scary, and the void left by retirement for so many is something that requires attention from football authorities.
The news reminded me of an article I read a few weeks back from a television personality in Canada – Michael Landsberg. He is the presenter of a sports TV show called Off The Record – one of my favourites. It came following the death of a former Hockey player called Wade Belak. You can read it here - http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375694. It is as thought-provoking a read as you will find, and I suspect the case of Gary Speed is probably something similar. Sad times. I can only hope that the likes of the PFA further acknowledge depression as a major issue and work hard to build awareness and provide the tools and support for the guys like Belak and Speed, who have been role models to so many.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Not for the Faint of Heart
In the past I have definitely touched upon a few sensitive topics in my blogs and have perhaps offended one or two people in the process. Well, you ain't seen nothing yet - this particular blog is going to knock your socks off and is not for the faint of heart.....don't read if you're squeamish...
If you haven't sponsored me and my Movember tache and you are reading this blog, you're a disgrace!!! I don't care if it is one dollar or one turkish lira, get your hand out of your pocket and sponsor Blogger Bobby's tache....you won't see it again after this next week!!
This is where it is at - http://mobro.co/robesteva
I'll put my money where my tache-laden mouth is and say that I will match all the donations made to me. I also don't care about birthday or christmas presents, a donation will suffice.
Don't be shy, and don't think of the tache or me, think of the good deed you are doing to a worthy cause.
If you haven't sponsored me and my Movember tache and you are reading this blog, you're a disgrace!!! I don't care if it is one dollar or one turkish lira, get your hand out of your pocket and sponsor Blogger Bobby's tache....you won't see it again after this next week!!
This is where it is at - http://mobro.co/robesteva
I'll put my money where my tache-laden mouth is and say that I will match all the donations made to me. I also don't care about birthday or christmas presents, a donation will suffice.
Don't be shy, and don't think of the tache or me, think of the good deed you are doing to a worthy cause.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Surprise Surprise
Who likes surprises? I kinda feel as if you dislike surprises, there is something strange about you. If you dislike shocks, then fair enough. I can understand that. If you are unsure whether it is a surprise or a shock, it may be like eating asparagus for the first time. The lovely taste and texture is a pleasant surprise, I like mine steamed with a little pepper on. The side effects that come with it however can be considered a shock. It took me months to work out there wasn’t something wrong with me.
Shocks are not nice. I consider these negative generally. A phone call in the night is generally a shock unless I am in North America and it is my bank's fraud team being over efficient. When I was a child, I assumed a call overnight meant bad news....for no real reason other than having old grandparents in a different country. My parents know the rule, death and illness means updating me wherever in the world I am. Anybody who lives away from their family, or perhaps even just for holidays, is likely to have a rule on this. It’s not a pleasant thought but essential to have a rule in place.
Surprises are great. I associate surprises with positivity. I love nothing more than surprising people. I enjoy coming up with great ideas for gifts, random gestures such as turning up on people's doorsteps in different countries, and generally doing things that will raise a smile on people's faces. I feel as if that has not happened as much as I would have hoped recently due to the fact that HJ and I have been so busy, but I am planning on raising my game in 2012 in this department.
Shocks are overrated, I have to say. Surprises however are underrated and I would propose that anybody who reads this blog post comes up with a pleasant surprise that is going to raise a smile for somebody else. It doesn't have to cost money, though a random bouquet of flowers never harmed anybody.....a gesture will do! Carry an old lady’s shopping bags up the street. I’ll never forget doing that once as a kid. An old lady asked me to help her and I duly carried her heavy shopping bags a mile up the road to the bus stop. I was thinking that I was in for a great little tip, until the bus came and we were still some way short of the stop. I flagged it down and the driver waited – the old lady hopped on, and as the doors were closing, she said ‘I’d love to give you a little something but my bus is here! Bye!’ I was gutted for a short period of time, but found it funny more than anything. I quickly realised that doing such gestures and providing surprises, and potentially receiving them, is a great reward for spending a bit of time, care, and effort on somebody else. I feel a new year's resolution coming on!
Shocks are not nice. I consider these negative generally. A phone call in the night is generally a shock unless I am in North America and it is my bank's fraud team being over efficient. When I was a child, I assumed a call overnight meant bad news....for no real reason other than having old grandparents in a different country. My parents know the rule, death and illness means updating me wherever in the world I am. Anybody who lives away from their family, or perhaps even just for holidays, is likely to have a rule on this. It’s not a pleasant thought but essential to have a rule in place.
Surprises are great. I associate surprises with positivity. I love nothing more than surprising people. I enjoy coming up with great ideas for gifts, random gestures such as turning up on people's doorsteps in different countries, and generally doing things that will raise a smile on people's faces. I feel as if that has not happened as much as I would have hoped recently due to the fact that HJ and I have been so busy, but I am planning on raising my game in 2012 in this department.
Shocks are overrated, I have to say. Surprises however are underrated and I would propose that anybody who reads this blog post comes up with a pleasant surprise that is going to raise a smile for somebody else. It doesn't have to cost money, though a random bouquet of flowers never harmed anybody.....a gesture will do! Carry an old lady’s shopping bags up the street. I’ll never forget doing that once as a kid. An old lady asked me to help her and I duly carried her heavy shopping bags a mile up the road to the bus stop. I was thinking that I was in for a great little tip, until the bus came and we were still some way short of the stop. I flagged it down and the driver waited – the old lady hopped on, and as the doors were closing, she said ‘I’d love to give you a little something but my bus is here! Bye!’ I was gutted for a short period of time, but found it funny more than anything. I quickly realised that doing such gestures and providing surprises, and potentially receiving them, is a great reward for spending a bit of time, care, and effort on somebody else. I feel a new year's resolution coming on!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Painful Reading
Bookshelves and book collections say a lot about people. Imagine my parents feelings when my sister started her serial killer book colllection in her teen years. Not something which gives you a warm loving sensation and confidence that you've raised a normal child, but she didn't turn out too bad I guess.
On my bookshelves - you'll find one in Leeds and one in Lausanne - there is a wide and extensive collection of sports books...largely autobiographies and some historical and reference books, but the common theme is sport. You will also find the Dexter collection which I love and somewhere in the loft, you'll find the complete works of Shakespeare but there is as much dust as pages.
One of the most enthralling but harrowing books I have read in the last couple of years is the Theo Fleury autobiography. If you don't know who is, he was a star ice hockey player in the NHL and for Team Canada, and he shares his life and particularly how he was sexually abused during the early days of his hockey career by one of his coaches. Not an easy read, but pretty compelling and sad at the same time.
It was around a year ago that I read the book and I was reminded of it last week when a similar story hit the headlines. If you don't live in the States or love american sports, you may not have heard the story, but the most successful coach in College Football was fired due to him being aware of one of his coaches allegedly abusing a number of young students in the last 10-15 years. Another story broke this morning of another accusation in another university.
Pretty scary to think that we put our faith and trust in coaches, trainers, and teachers to guide and educate children, and this kind of thing can happen. I have a high tolerance of hearing and watching blood and guts....that may come from my love of Dexter, UFC or maybe my sister's influence, but I cannot abide with this kind of stuff and I think it is one of the worst crimes that can be committed. I hope the book gets thrown at these guys, and I don't mean any from my bookshelf, if they are guilty. It's the only way kids, schools, and communities can get over it and recover their belief. I fear that this is more rife than we realise.
On my bookshelves - you'll find one in Leeds and one in Lausanne - there is a wide and extensive collection of sports books...largely autobiographies and some historical and reference books, but the common theme is sport. You will also find the Dexter collection which I love and somewhere in the loft, you'll find the complete works of Shakespeare but there is as much dust as pages.
One of the most enthralling but harrowing books I have read in the last couple of years is the Theo Fleury autobiography. If you don't know who is, he was a star ice hockey player in the NHL and for Team Canada, and he shares his life and particularly how he was sexually abused during the early days of his hockey career by one of his coaches. Not an easy read, but pretty compelling and sad at the same time.
It was around a year ago that I read the book and I was reminded of it last week when a similar story hit the headlines. If you don't live in the States or love american sports, you may not have heard the story, but the most successful coach in College Football was fired due to him being aware of one of his coaches allegedly abusing a number of young students in the last 10-15 years. Another story broke this morning of another accusation in another university.
Pretty scary to think that we put our faith and trust in coaches, trainers, and teachers to guide and educate children, and this kind of thing can happen. I have a high tolerance of hearing and watching blood and guts....that may come from my love of Dexter, UFC or maybe my sister's influence, but I cannot abide with this kind of stuff and I think it is one of the worst crimes that can be committed. I hope the book gets thrown at these guys, and I don't mean any from my bookshelf, if they are guilty. It's the only way kids, schools, and communities can get over it and recover their belief. I fear that this is more rife than we realise.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
White Mo-Rabbits
You are probably thinking that today is November 1st, the day after Halloween, the first day of the month before December, and you may even have whispered ‘White Rabbits’ wherever you may be. To others, it may just be another day. To me, it is something different. Today, ladies and gentlemen, is the start of Movember.
I think it is fair to say that Movember is pretty North American and it is slowly reaching Europe, though I know some folks that did it last year and probably received plenty of abuse because of it. As I scribbled randomly in my last blog, I aim to do more for charity and this is where it begins.
So what is Movember I hear you ask? Well, for the month of Movember, men all around the world are growing moustaches…..they start the month cleanly shaven, and proceed to develop a Tache for one month……usually in comical fashion. It is a charity campaign with the funds raised going to prostate cancer and other cancers which affect men. My dad has been doing Movember for years…..perhaps he should do the reverse this month and shave it off. I don’t think that will go down too well but I’d like to see it in the name of charity. Unfortunately, no beards nor goatees are allowed neither.
If you read my blog regularly and did so prior to our wedding, you’ll know the dilemma I have between pleasing two pretty important ladies in my life in terms of facial hair. I do my best but it is not easy. I am assured by my Mo Sista that growing a moustache…..a comedy and likely itchy and irritable moustache….will have no impact on the number of cheeky kisses I will receive in the month of Movember. And we are spending much of the month in America so my mum will not have to suffer the view of my tache apart from the occasional photo update.
You can find more information and see my profile – it is pretty tame right now but I promise to post photos on a regular basis to keep you fully informed on the growth and comical development. I ask each and every one of you who reads this blog, to make a small donation. Don’t click the X and pretend you don’t read my blog – I know where you live. Remember, it is a good cause and it will not be funding my blackjack session in Vegas I promise. My Mo Sista and I would greatly appreciate any donations (http://mobro.co/robesteva) – however small, however big – you can then say you have done your good deed for the month and done something for charity. I’ll be the one to look daft and I’ll be your Mo Bro for Movember.
I think it is fair to say that Movember is pretty North American and it is slowly reaching Europe, though I know some folks that did it last year and probably received plenty of abuse because of it. As I scribbled randomly in my last blog, I aim to do more for charity and this is where it begins.
So what is Movember I hear you ask? Well, for the month of Movember, men all around the world are growing moustaches…..they start the month cleanly shaven, and proceed to develop a Tache for one month……usually in comical fashion. It is a charity campaign with the funds raised going to prostate cancer and other cancers which affect men. My dad has been doing Movember for years…..perhaps he should do the reverse this month and shave it off. I don’t think that will go down too well but I’d like to see it in the name of charity. Unfortunately, no beards nor goatees are allowed neither.
If you read my blog regularly and did so prior to our wedding, you’ll know the dilemma I have between pleasing two pretty important ladies in my life in terms of facial hair. I do my best but it is not easy. I am assured by my Mo Sista that growing a moustache…..a comedy and likely itchy and irritable moustache….will have no impact on the number of cheeky kisses I will receive in the month of Movember. And we are spending much of the month in America so my mum will not have to suffer the view of my tache apart from the occasional photo update.
You can find more information and see my profile – it is pretty tame right now but I promise to post photos on a regular basis to keep you fully informed on the growth and comical development. I ask each and every one of you who reads this blog, to make a small donation. Don’t click the X and pretend you don’t read my blog – I know where you live. Remember, it is a good cause and it will not be funding my blackjack session in Vegas I promise. My Mo Sista and I would greatly appreciate any donations (http://mobro.co/robesteva) – however small, however big – you can then say you have done your good deed for the month and done something for charity. I’ll be the one to look daft and I’ll be your Mo Bro for Movember.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Bobby's Ten Commandments
I have been giving some thought to what we should all learn from 2011 and abide by for 2012. If you’re wondering why I am blogging about this now, it is because Christmas will be here before you know it.
They don’t all apply to me directly….some of them are things I have witnessed and experienced from others, but I am sure you can work it out for yourselves. There are some that can be considered as New Year resolutions, others that I should really apply now rather than wait until then.
Thou shalt:
1. Not lift yourself up out of my seat in an aeroplane by pulling the seat in front to raise myself - there's nothing worse than it happening to you when you are sleeping.
2. Not write stupid things on Facebook when your auntie, grandma, or anybody else you respect and respect you can read it. Especially relevant for juniors but adults are daft too. NB: This one is not for me!
3. Not waste as much food as we do. It is bad planning and caused by a lot of travel, but I need to be more resourceful.
4. Not shop as much at the big supermarkets and will support local producers more.
5. Not get my hair cut after six pints. In Manchester. In a non-English-speaking Japanese hairdressers. Have an inch taken off. And pay £17.
6. Not offer to help friends with their Fantasy Football draft if they cannot be online. Picking Peyton Manning was a genuine mistake….could have happened to anybody.
7. Not suffer from man-flu and be a drama queen whenever I get a cold this winter.
8. Directly do more for charity in 2012. Whether it is a sponsored run or something, I should do more and I will.
9. Not leave an Everton match early despite having to catch a flight or attend a party. They can wait, missing late goals and action is more important.
10. Continue to travel plenty but ensure that A. there is a gym in the hotels we book and B. when I take my running/gym gear, I actually work out instead of bringing it back clean.
11. Not to watch any more international friendlies – the players don’t care about them so why should i?
12. Not to come up with twelve commandments when I promise to only give ten.
They don’t all apply to me directly….some of them are things I have witnessed and experienced from others, but I am sure you can work it out for yourselves. There are some that can be considered as New Year resolutions, others that I should really apply now rather than wait until then.
Thou shalt:
1. Not lift yourself up out of my seat in an aeroplane by pulling the seat in front to raise myself - there's nothing worse than it happening to you when you are sleeping.
2. Not write stupid things on Facebook when your auntie, grandma, or anybody else you respect and respect you can read it. Especially relevant for juniors but adults are daft too. NB: This one is not for me!
3. Not waste as much food as we do. It is bad planning and caused by a lot of travel, but I need to be more resourceful.
4. Not shop as much at the big supermarkets and will support local producers more.
5. Not get my hair cut after six pints. In Manchester. In a non-English-speaking Japanese hairdressers. Have an inch taken off. And pay £17.
6. Not offer to help friends with their Fantasy Football draft if they cannot be online. Picking Peyton Manning was a genuine mistake….could have happened to anybody.
7. Not suffer from man-flu and be a drama queen whenever I get a cold this winter.
8. Directly do more for charity in 2012. Whether it is a sponsored run or something, I should do more and I will.
9. Not leave an Everton match early despite having to catch a flight or attend a party. They can wait, missing late goals and action is more important.
10. Continue to travel plenty but ensure that A. there is a gym in the hotels we book and B. when I take my running/gym gear, I actually work out instead of bringing it back clean.
11. Not to watch any more international friendlies – the players don’t care about them so why should i?
12. Not to come up with twelve commandments when I promise to only give ten.
Monday, October 10, 2011
There Are No Endings, Only Beginnings Part II
Random thoughts often pop into my head – sometimes they are totally new random thoughts and sometimes they are the same random thoughts that I have previously had which are triggered by events and occurrences that I experience or see.
I wrote a blog post back in May 2010…it surprised me to see that I’ve been writing this blog for so long. The title of the blog post was ‘There are no endings, only beginnings’ and as I read through it, I’m pleased to say my feelings haven’t changed on this one, so here is the sequel.
I was recently reminded of this blog by a good friend of HJ and mine. Back in 2005-06, we studied together on the Fifa Master degree and we met a German-speaking Italian called Erika Riedl. She will be the first to admit that her English was not the best back then and with my sultry but strong Yorkshire accent, I don’t think we understood each other for a good three months. Thankfully, after Erika spent some quality time with HJ, everybody’s favourite MC Megha Shah, and Dani, her English improved and our conversations slowly but surely began to make sense.
Fast forward to 2011, and we have all been great friends for some years now. Hj, Erika and I lived together for a good period of time while I was commuting to and from London and we spent many an evening on our couch in Montchoisi watching random tv shows….Erika usually napped during them, but that is just between you and I.
Last month, Erika quit her job and has decided to follow her dream by competing internationally as a Skeleton Slider. She will not thank me for giving away her age, but think of mine and you won’t go far wrong.
If you do not know too much about Skeleton, watch this and imagine you are wearing this helmet - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snMCJa6nYCk
My admiration for Erika runs much further than having the cojones to stick a helmet on and shoot down an ice track at some 150km per hour. How many people you know make a decision to leave a great job without something lined up, never mind to test themselves in such a tough sport at the highest level? I have absolutely no idea what it takes to be a top class Skeleton slider, and if I am brutally honest, I don’t really want to find out. Erika has been doing this part-time for two years now and I am not sure I know many other people who have the single-mindedness, determination and ability to do what Erika is doing.
The new season is just around the corner now and Erika will be sliding to Canada, the US, Germany, Latvia and around Switzerland. Check out her website: http://www.erikariedl.com/Erika_Riedl/Hola%21.html. Erika is looking for sponsors and donations right now, so anybody reading this and wanting to support her, contact her through her website. If you don’t have a spare quid and you are on Facebook, click this link and click ‘like’ on her page – it will give her a better chance of seeking sponsors if she has a great FB following, and you can follow her journey this winter.
HJ and I are going to be avidly following you this winter Riedl – we are so proud of you and good luck!! Whatever comes of the next six months, win or lose, rain or shine, you will never sit back in your rocking chair in forty years’ time wondering what could have been. You may have severe arthritis and a few creaking bones, but your mind will be at ease in the knowledge you have done everything possible to succeed!
I wrote a blog post back in May 2010…it surprised me to see that I’ve been writing this blog for so long. The title of the blog post was ‘There are no endings, only beginnings’ and as I read through it, I’m pleased to say my feelings haven’t changed on this one, so here is the sequel.
I was recently reminded of this blog by a good friend of HJ and mine. Back in 2005-06, we studied together on the Fifa Master degree and we met a German-speaking Italian called Erika Riedl. She will be the first to admit that her English was not the best back then and with my sultry but strong Yorkshire accent, I don’t think we understood each other for a good three months. Thankfully, after Erika spent some quality time with HJ, everybody’s favourite MC Megha Shah, and Dani, her English improved and our conversations slowly but surely began to make sense.
Fast forward to 2011, and we have all been great friends for some years now. Hj, Erika and I lived together for a good period of time while I was commuting to and from London and we spent many an evening on our couch in Montchoisi watching random tv shows….Erika usually napped during them, but that is just between you and I.
Last month, Erika quit her job and has decided to follow her dream by competing internationally as a Skeleton Slider. She will not thank me for giving away her age, but think of mine and you won’t go far wrong.
If you do not know too much about Skeleton, watch this and imagine you are wearing this helmet - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snMCJa6nYCk
My admiration for Erika runs much further than having the cojones to stick a helmet on and shoot down an ice track at some 150km per hour. How many people you know make a decision to leave a great job without something lined up, never mind to test themselves in such a tough sport at the highest level? I have absolutely no idea what it takes to be a top class Skeleton slider, and if I am brutally honest, I don’t really want to find out. Erika has been doing this part-time for two years now and I am not sure I know many other people who have the single-mindedness, determination and ability to do what Erika is doing.
The new season is just around the corner now and Erika will be sliding to Canada, the US, Germany, Latvia and around Switzerland. Check out her website: http://www.erikariedl.com/Erika_Riedl/Hola%21.html. Erika is looking for sponsors and donations right now, so anybody reading this and wanting to support her, contact her through her website. If you don’t have a spare quid and you are on Facebook, click this link and click ‘like’ on her page – it will give her a better chance of seeking sponsors if she has a great FB following, and you can follow her journey this winter.
HJ and I are going to be avidly following you this winter Riedl – we are so proud of you and good luck!! Whatever comes of the next six months, win or lose, rain or shine, you will never sit back in your rocking chair in forty years’ time wondering what could have been. You may have severe arthritis and a few creaking bones, but your mind will be at ease in the knowledge you have done everything possible to succeed!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Dying in the Wool
You are sat at the blackjack table and you have 13 in your hand. The dealer has 5. The correct thing to do is to stick with what you have, but sticking with 13 feels filthy. It is the sensible thing to do however, and that is what the book tells you to do. Assuming nobody is fiddling the cards, that’s another blog for another day, you are playing percentages and there is nothing you can do that will affect the outcome of which cards will be turned over. The only decision is whether you take the next card, or you leave it to the dealer. It is one of those situations where you will likely be left kicking your heels if you hand the dealer the six, but when the two Queens come, you sit there smugly knowing you made the right call. Losing and still knowing you made the right call is a small consolation, but you know it is the line you should continue to follow.
I have had a lot of random thoughts and discussions recently about a variety of things which have had me thinking about how I approach certain things and even as I write, I know what the right things to do are, but I don’t always do them.
My beloved Everton are going through something of a crisis right now. Average results to start the season and selling some key players in the squad and not replacing them, have led to ever growing dissatisfaction amongst the natives. To say they are restless is an understatement and the anger towards the chairman and board is reaching a head. If we win games and beat Liverpool tomorrow, everybody will forget the problems and rejoice. That is unlikely to happen, and so the deafening minority will continue to hammer Bill Kenwright and company.
I have always sympathised with Kenwright and I like him as a person. I have had a couple of conversations with him and always found him to be genuine and a good guy. Sadly, the time has come for him to make way – if and when somebody else comes in with the money. I am left in a situation where I like the guy and what he has done for the club, but I know that my team are slowly dying a death until there is significant investment in the club. I read the message boards and I hear the abuse in the stadium, and it will be these people who ultimately force the change at the club. It is sad, and I cannot bring myself to participate or speak up, but I have a feeling deep down that it is needed.
I have had similar discussions with my family about England recently. I admit that I am not particularly patriotic – that may be due to a confused heritage of English, Spanish and Brazilian. Anybody would be. When I see the rioting on television, it embarrasses me. When I watch Leeds Utd v Man Utd and all I hear is Leeds fans singing songs about the Munich air disaster and Man Utd fans celebrating the death of a couple of Leeds fan in Istanbul by wearing Turkish shirts and unfurling huge banners, I cringe. The first thing I will say is that stuff like this happens in many other countries – this is far from an England beatdown. But it is where I am from, and it is not something I am proud about.
HJ and I had a small wedding celebration for all of our family who did not attend our wedding in Canada a couple of weeks ago. The chap in the flower shop was talking about litter and how it is a real issue for him when he sees people blatantly throw litter on the floor. Don’t ask me how we got on to the conversation. He said that any time he sees somebody doing it, he taps them on the shoulder and says ‘Excuse me mate, I think you have dropped something!’
It got me thinking about the role I play when I see and hear things like this happening. In general, if it directly impacts me, I would do something about it. If it is something that I witness passively, while I may not be happy about it, I turn a blind eye and avoid potential confrontation. It is not the right card to play, but in this day and age, it can often be the safest one. I know that one person is not going to change the way a significant group of people chant at a football match. But I do know that until people, myself included, do confront such situations, nothing is going to change.
I feel like that is the general situation in England right now regarding a whole range of issues. We are incredibly lucky to live in Switzerland. There are plenty of problems in Switzerland also – who ever thought an impenetrable Swiss bank could be hit by a rogue trader? It is not pleasant waking up to see your own bank hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons. That said, there are a lot of things they get right and it is a decent place to live. There are quite a few family members who would have moved to another country if the circumstances were right. I am the only one that has. I wonder how many of my old schoolmates, colleagues, friends have moved away or think of moving abroad. How many of us strive to find something better or do we just put up with what we have through a fear of changing or because we simply just do not know that there is something better out there?
I fear for what the UK will look like in 20 years time. Are the economic problems, the social problems, the education problems so deeply ingrained now that it will take 20-30 years to change them? I don’t know, but I am not hopeful. Protesting and rebelling may be the best way forward as long as it is done in the correct manner. I do not have a great deal of confidence in Politicians – but again that is for another blog and another day. The same situation at Everton – I don’t like what so many are doing but similarly, change will be forced for good or for bad. If not, the situation remains the same and a slow painful death is inevitable. I just hope it is done in the right way. If I had been at that Leeds/Man Utd game, I would likely have kept quiet despite vehemently being opposed to such comments.
Unfortunately, I am no protester, even if I know I should do more and I guess I take the easy way out. I pick my right fights, and I avoid getting into losing battles. I guess not all situations in life have a guide book telling you how you should play your cards, but I’ll be the first to buy it if it does come out.
I have had a lot of random thoughts and discussions recently about a variety of things which have had me thinking about how I approach certain things and even as I write, I know what the right things to do are, but I don’t always do them.
My beloved Everton are going through something of a crisis right now. Average results to start the season and selling some key players in the squad and not replacing them, have led to ever growing dissatisfaction amongst the natives. To say they are restless is an understatement and the anger towards the chairman and board is reaching a head. If we win games and beat Liverpool tomorrow, everybody will forget the problems and rejoice. That is unlikely to happen, and so the deafening minority will continue to hammer Bill Kenwright and company.
I have always sympathised with Kenwright and I like him as a person. I have had a couple of conversations with him and always found him to be genuine and a good guy. Sadly, the time has come for him to make way – if and when somebody else comes in with the money. I am left in a situation where I like the guy and what he has done for the club, but I know that my team are slowly dying a death until there is significant investment in the club. I read the message boards and I hear the abuse in the stadium, and it will be these people who ultimately force the change at the club. It is sad, and I cannot bring myself to participate or speak up, but I have a feeling deep down that it is needed.
I have had similar discussions with my family about England recently. I admit that I am not particularly patriotic – that may be due to a confused heritage of English, Spanish and Brazilian. Anybody would be. When I see the rioting on television, it embarrasses me. When I watch Leeds Utd v Man Utd and all I hear is Leeds fans singing songs about the Munich air disaster and Man Utd fans celebrating the death of a couple of Leeds fan in Istanbul by wearing Turkish shirts and unfurling huge banners, I cringe. The first thing I will say is that stuff like this happens in many other countries – this is far from an England beatdown. But it is where I am from, and it is not something I am proud about.
HJ and I had a small wedding celebration for all of our family who did not attend our wedding in Canada a couple of weeks ago. The chap in the flower shop was talking about litter and how it is a real issue for him when he sees people blatantly throw litter on the floor. Don’t ask me how we got on to the conversation. He said that any time he sees somebody doing it, he taps them on the shoulder and says ‘Excuse me mate, I think you have dropped something!’
It got me thinking about the role I play when I see and hear things like this happening. In general, if it directly impacts me, I would do something about it. If it is something that I witness passively, while I may not be happy about it, I turn a blind eye and avoid potential confrontation. It is not the right card to play, but in this day and age, it can often be the safest one. I know that one person is not going to change the way a significant group of people chant at a football match. But I do know that until people, myself included, do confront such situations, nothing is going to change.
I feel like that is the general situation in England right now regarding a whole range of issues. We are incredibly lucky to live in Switzerland. There are plenty of problems in Switzerland also – who ever thought an impenetrable Swiss bank could be hit by a rogue trader? It is not pleasant waking up to see your own bank hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons. That said, there are a lot of things they get right and it is a decent place to live. There are quite a few family members who would have moved to another country if the circumstances were right. I am the only one that has. I wonder how many of my old schoolmates, colleagues, friends have moved away or think of moving abroad. How many of us strive to find something better or do we just put up with what we have through a fear of changing or because we simply just do not know that there is something better out there?
I fear for what the UK will look like in 20 years time. Are the economic problems, the social problems, the education problems so deeply ingrained now that it will take 20-30 years to change them? I don’t know, but I am not hopeful. Protesting and rebelling may be the best way forward as long as it is done in the correct manner. I do not have a great deal of confidence in Politicians – but again that is for another blog and another day. The same situation at Everton – I don’t like what so many are doing but similarly, change will be forced for good or for bad. If not, the situation remains the same and a slow painful death is inevitable. I just hope it is done in the right way. If I had been at that Leeds/Man Utd game, I would likely have kept quiet despite vehemently being opposed to such comments.
Unfortunately, I am no protester, even if I know I should do more and I guess I take the easy way out. I pick my right fights, and I avoid getting into losing battles. I guess not all situations in life have a guide book telling you how you should play your cards, but I’ll be the first to buy it if it does come out.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Short Sharp Jabs
It’s been a while since I have scribbled a few random sporting thoughts, so here goes.
Did anybody see the Floyd Mayweather fight? Youtube it if you didn’t - a truly amazing end to a fight. My take on it is this – the referee is 100% the one to blame for not having control over the situation and it is time for Cortes to be struck from the list. I love plenty of old people, but refereeing two world class fighters is not for them. It would have been interesting to see what would have happened if it was Floyd that had gotten knocked out – I suspect many boxing fans would have not been so critical then.
Great news that Sid Crosby is back skating at 100% again. Hopefully he will be cleared for full contact soon and he can get back to his best. Concussions are scary. Looking forward to seeing him play again this season – can you tell I am excited for the NHL season to start? Funny to see how even when they are both injured, Crosby steals the limelight over Malkin, just like when they are playing.
I have often written about my sympathy for coaches and the expectancy and demand for instant success. Kansas City Chief have lost arguably their three best players for the whole season – Moeaki, Berry and Charles – and after losing their first two games heavily, their coach is under pressure. Unfortunately, it is going to be a long hard season for them now, but changing the coach will not help.
Basel aside, this is as ruthless a Man Utd team as I have seen in a number of seasons and they are getting that degree of invincibility back. Last season, I didn’t rate them at all, but they are looking strong and sharp this season. It will be necessary as City will push them all the way in the league season, though it is still hard to see them getting past Barca again in the Champions League. They may not have started the season particularly well, but the connection between Messi and Fabregas is already looking immense.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Ireland v Australia match in the Rugby World Cup group stage – absolute cracker of a game. There have been a couple of decent matches but I am looking forward to the quarter-finals onwards. Rugby has a similar problem to Cricket in that they do not have enough top class teams to make a great competition throughout such a long period of time. This is hugely elitist but seeing South Africa beat Namibia 80-something to nil is not fun.
On the rugby lines, I have to say that the press about the England team having a few beers and bungee jumping was wildly exaggerated and unnecessary. I do not and will not understand while a guy like Mike Tindall would play away from home – did he honestly think he would get away with it? Muppet.
It is flying under the radar to a degree in European football but the Man City style has rubbed off in Malaga where they too have received a load of cash and a load of decent players. Aside from Valencia, Barca and Real, there is no reason why they cannot push for fourth place. It may be Europa League at best, but if they keep up this strong start to the season, and sign a few more players in January, then they really could fight Atletico for fourth.
November 12th promises to be a sensational day of fights if you like MMA and Boxing. Cain Velasquez v Junior dos Santos and Manny Pacquiao v Juan Manuel Marquez are gonna be two quality fights, and I am truly excited for both of them.
Carlos Tevez? I have to admit to finding the situation at Man City quite humorous. I felt a touch sorry for him in the summer….suffering from homesickness and wanting to return to Argentina….it felt like Man City held all the cards….with no club in Argentina or Brazil being able to afford him. Now, it seems like the situation is reversed….he can cause them all kinds of problems until they agree to release him for an affordable price while he can sit back and pick up his ridiculous salary. City have nobody but themselves to blame for A. paying stupid salaries and B. signing incredibly temperamental strikers…..Tevez, Adebayor, Balotelli etc.
Did anybody see the Floyd Mayweather fight? Youtube it if you didn’t - a truly amazing end to a fight. My take on it is this – the referee is 100% the one to blame for not having control over the situation and it is time for Cortes to be struck from the list. I love plenty of old people, but refereeing two world class fighters is not for them. It would have been interesting to see what would have happened if it was Floyd that had gotten knocked out – I suspect many boxing fans would have not been so critical then.
Great news that Sid Crosby is back skating at 100% again. Hopefully he will be cleared for full contact soon and he can get back to his best. Concussions are scary. Looking forward to seeing him play again this season – can you tell I am excited for the NHL season to start? Funny to see how even when they are both injured, Crosby steals the limelight over Malkin, just like when they are playing.
I have often written about my sympathy for coaches and the expectancy and demand for instant success. Kansas City Chief have lost arguably their three best players for the whole season – Moeaki, Berry and Charles – and after losing their first two games heavily, their coach is under pressure. Unfortunately, it is going to be a long hard season for them now, but changing the coach will not help.
Basel aside, this is as ruthless a Man Utd team as I have seen in a number of seasons and they are getting that degree of invincibility back. Last season, I didn’t rate them at all, but they are looking strong and sharp this season. It will be necessary as City will push them all the way in the league season, though it is still hard to see them getting past Barca again in the Champions League. They may not have started the season particularly well, but the connection between Messi and Fabregas is already looking immense.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Ireland v Australia match in the Rugby World Cup group stage – absolute cracker of a game. There have been a couple of decent matches but I am looking forward to the quarter-finals onwards. Rugby has a similar problem to Cricket in that they do not have enough top class teams to make a great competition throughout such a long period of time. This is hugely elitist but seeing South Africa beat Namibia 80-something to nil is not fun.
On the rugby lines, I have to say that the press about the England team having a few beers and bungee jumping was wildly exaggerated and unnecessary. I do not and will not understand while a guy like Mike Tindall would play away from home – did he honestly think he would get away with it? Muppet.
It is flying under the radar to a degree in European football but the Man City style has rubbed off in Malaga where they too have received a load of cash and a load of decent players. Aside from Valencia, Barca and Real, there is no reason why they cannot push for fourth place. It may be Europa League at best, but if they keep up this strong start to the season, and sign a few more players in January, then they really could fight Atletico for fourth.
November 12th promises to be a sensational day of fights if you like MMA and Boxing. Cain Velasquez v Junior dos Santos and Manny Pacquiao v Juan Manuel Marquez are gonna be two quality fights, and I am truly excited for both of them.
Carlos Tevez? I have to admit to finding the situation at Man City quite humorous. I felt a touch sorry for him in the summer….suffering from homesickness and wanting to return to Argentina….it felt like Man City held all the cards….with no club in Argentina or Brazil being able to afford him. Now, it seems like the situation is reversed….he can cause them all kinds of problems until they agree to release him for an affordable price while he can sit back and pick up his ridiculous salary. City have nobody but themselves to blame for A. paying stupid salaries and B. signing incredibly temperamental strikers…..Tevez, Adebayor, Balotelli etc.
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