In a couple of weeks when there has been lots of good British News (eg Fran Jones won a 125 and is now provisional top 100), Tara Moore has just got her 4 year ban reinstated.

21 tests in that Colombian tournament, 3 seemingly independent players all tested positive to the same steroid for the first time.  One that Colombian farmers use on livestock. Tara should have known this according to the wankers in charge.

Excellent timing straight after two other players who ducked a drug ban won at Wimbledon.

Quick question.  Have some old clubs that I took from my Dad (guess he was in his 20s when he gave up, and would be nearly 90 now.  So think it is safe to say they are rubbish and need replacing.

If I ever took up the game again, how much should I be looking at spending. Maybe some nearly new second hands, or just get mugged at a golf shop and someone helping me pick?  Am thinking about playing when I jack in work in 3 or 4 years.  Might start going to the local range before that.  I don't want to take it very seriously, just want to be less rubbish.

Thanks

BMI was just my own target, just because I knew it was a little bit more than the 15kg that was the target in the diet.  Seemed a shame to not hit it. Similarly 13st isn't far away at all, so would be good to hit that then after thar maintain. No point in stopping at 13 stone and a tiny bit.

The diabetic nurse said that she was v pleased with my waist loss rather than weight loss, as that is the bad fat. That has gone from 38 to 34. 

I got cholesterol test results last time, but didn't get given them this time. She told me on the phone. I will ask next time I go in.  Assume it will just have followed everything else down and will now be better.

The removal of Metformin was the nurse's decision, but have noticed no difference in my fasting results since it was removed so seems fine .

 I was told once I had two low HbAc1 test results 3 months apart then I would be in remission, so think that is the aim.  I am still going to be seeing the nurse and can still do fasting blood sugar, so it won't be like I am not getting monitored. 

The shake diet also includes "coaching" for 12 months, but it is mediocre.  I feel like I am just getting standard comments that look like they are kicked out by computer every week on a schedule (eg these are the comments they send everybody on week 9), and of the 3 questions I asked, one took 9 days to get a response and the other two were never answered.  Not at all convinced that any comments are read either, as they ask my questions where I'd literally answered in my comments a few days previously.  Eg I told them my blood sugar results are really good, and a few days later they said I should get an appointment for the exact same blood sugar results in the next two weeks. 

A lot depends on how you define "a drug thing". Because real life is very different from the way the media portrays it.

People immediately think of addictions to illegal drugs. And, in relation to that, I completely agree with you. He does not fit that particular profile. As you rightly say, he is always extremely vocal. This is not the behaviour of someone taking "recreational" drugs.

But there are probably more "drug addicts" who do not fit that particular profile. There are millions of people addicted to prescription medication. Who, in order to seek to contain 1 medical condition, exhibit various other problems due to the "cure". Those people are more likely to exhibit the sort of symptoms, and the consistency, of these sorts of behaviours. Who take the same medication every single day.

He is not a stupid man. Far from it. Which, to my mind at least, begs the question as to exactly why he does not learn from past behaviours.

Very true. You'd hope next time he learns to not get to the point where he is on one round penalties and 10 second shot clocks.

Hi Tony.

Well I can definitely tie my shoelaces more easily now.

Yesterday I hit 82.9kg. it doesn't seem to be anything special, but is the exact spot (to 1 decimal place) where I get healthy weight on the BMI calculator.  I have been overweight, or obese for well over 20 years, and yesterday I wasn't.  I did celebrate with a bacon sandwich and the tiniest bit of fruit pie later, and now I am the wrong side of the line again.  I have done over 15 kgs since I was told I needed to go on the diet (3 or 4 of those kgs were lost pre shakes).

I am definitely keeping up the shakes for now, but now I have made it past 9 weeks I am going to vary my diet a bit more.  So more 2/3 shakes plus normal food rather than 4 shakes.  Need to get more below 82.9, so I can have the odd cake without going overweight.

The health changes have been quite significant.  My blood pressure is down about 20%. My HbA1c test for blood sugar is down from 61 (type 2 diabetes is 48) to 37. I am no longer taking Metformin and feeling way more healthy.  Would love to know my cholesterol results, as they have been crap for some time. Think I might have beaten sleep apnoea too, but that is harder to judge, as I am asleep when it happens. I am definitely sleeping better though.  Will also try and get running hard again now the calories will increase.

Four 200 calorie shakes a day never stops being grim though!  Now need to just keep healthy. 

I wouldn't really want to sit with either.  But you get rough and smooth tables.  So many other stallers at tables.  The ones that just sit there for a minute every single hand before folding to balance their folding range.  So many who berate the fish, and teach everyone "how to play".  Not really sure I'd want to play with this version of Hallaert either.  All mute and with shades Vs the friendly fella I played with a few years ago (guess final stages of the main event explains it). 

I had no problems with the ban afterwards, seemed reasonable as not affecting equity in the tournament, and think it was clearly deserved.  Likewise, he did bring it on himself, hard to argue against that either, just think everything was a bit too heavy handed.

Forgot he folded a straight too under time pressure on a short clock when the river paired.

Doug Polk has done a video that is quite balanced.  youtu.be/gPXJ14gTQFI

Dunno what Du Point is on about the table speed on day 7 was clearly fine overall, and have played on a lot worse.  Kassouf was getting no real opportunity to stall more than 30 seconds and others took longer at times.  It is late in the main event, and a TV table, so was as quick as can be expected. Decisions are tougher when playing for many thousands. People can watch back as it should all be on poker go for day 7. Think people could watch the whole thing rather than clips. 

Don't know about neurodiversity, a few said it, just think he was getting more and more agitated with the situation, so was likely damaging his own chances more than others. There is a good chance that it is some kind of mental issues, and I don't think it was a drug thing, as he always talks ,"too much".

I have shared a table with him and I am definitely not his biggest fan, but...

I thought this was really badly handled on day 7.  The time to stop him was on earlier days when he was doing the likes of stalling with T5 off utg.

Day 7 he was given a 10 second clocks on hand 1.  I watched 2 hours on Saturday night and they barely gave him time to think before clocking him whenever he had a decision.  Remember one spot where he had QJ or QT suited and 12bbs after a Kenny Halleart open.  Thought it was a shove away from the main event, but he got no time to think it through.

I thought the table were just behaving like a lynch mob at times.  Pretty sad not one of them seemed to realise it was a wrong and asked if they weren't going a bit far.  Thought there was a bit of scope for someone to step in and calm the situation..

A whole round penalty for calling someone a "prick" seems excessive when he is on 12bbs, especially when there is a good chance he was being a prick at the time (certainly a couple of them were). 

Another round penalty for "bitches" when 7bbs seems crazy. I have never took a hand penalty for swearing and have said worse at a table. 
Felt like a power trip by the supervisors, as was swiping his T9 on a QJx board when one of his opponents was deliberately hiding his chips (hate twats that do this, just show your bloody chips, never gets enforced enough fwiw).  Give him penalties for excessive stalling or talking whilst others are thinking, not for minor swearing and trying to get a better view of chips).  Think it should be a fair game for all, and it isn't ok to rig the game against those you despise.

And it wasn't Hallaert who got the ear plugs, it was Adam Hendrix AFAIK.

And FWIW, Kassouf nicked about £150 from his mate from memory.  He lost his sponsorship and still gets vilified for it now (I even liked one of Barry Carter's posts taking the piss).  But that number is nothing on his loss of equity on day 7, and is nothing in comparison to a recent theft on these boards. I thought it was pretty shitty at the time, but think it is time people just moved on from it. 

Have heard a few say that this will lead to bad behaviour by others, but just can't see it.  We went through this 9(?) years ago and I struggle to remember anyone doing a Kassouf after, and can't remember many mini Hellmuths either. 

Finishing on a more positive note, would like to see Halleart or Margets win. Sat next to Hallaert in Vegas 3 years ago.  Really nice fella, and good for the game.  Margets would be such a good result though, maybe Krissy B would be more deserving, but she is pretty high up in most deserving women. Been at the top a long time, and about time one of the last longer women wasn't doom switched late on.  Mizrachi would also be good for the game, but he has had more than his share of run good this year.

Which just leaves my personal Glasto '25 highlight, a cameo appearance by Robert Smith. For oldies like Tom, he's The Cure frontman.

Rather oddly, he did two duets with some unknown bimbo - Oliver Rodrigo or somesuch? He has that lovely familiar voice, & she had a squeaky pre-pubescent girl's voice, never heard a worse harmonic blending & her screechings ruined it. I have no idea what she is famous for, but with the sole exception of her tits she hid her talents well.

Love Olivia Rodrigo.  She has had all sorts of obscure indie bands supporting her, so knows her onions, and just comes across so well.  Her hand were surprisingly good too.

I am now obsessed with Princess Nokia and Drop Dead Gorgeous.  Has a bit of a potty mouth, and don't think she likes men much.  Think all young girl pop stars need to have a potty mouth now though (see Charlie XCX).

Not sure why but the line "I'm the big bad wolf, little red motherfucker" amuses me a great deal.  It is a banging tune though, but the rest of her songs/raps are all over the place.  Can't really imagine Taylor Swift singing that line, though maybe in a couple of years.

Now, just need to go defend Will Kassouf, suspect 99% of people are on his side, so there may be no need...

Just got back from Wimbledon today! Watched Mimi Xu in her semifinal. Tough three set loss after a second set comeback. She did really well in many parts of the match and I'm sure she's gutted as she could have taken that one.

Her first serve is really big. 17 aces in this match! If she gets some consistency with it and improves her second serve too then it could be a really good weapon.  My first time watching Junior tennis - watched both the men's Junior semis too and it is really bizarre that they don't have lets on serve. If it hits the net cord on serve and goes in then you just carry on the the point.

Now I suppose she has to focus on improving so she is ready for all her grass court wild cards next summer.

Fun day out but so hot. I'm wilted.

Good stuff.  Do enjoy the outside courts.  I did watch quite a bit of that game as not many in the office on a Friday and can just put the phone by my screen.  Obviously not watching every point, but can stop for the crucial ones.  Think Xu has finished her A levels now, as she did at least one in the summer. She has a birthday where she could have moved up a year, but not sure on this. 

Assume she can concentrate more on tennis now, so won't be hanging round for next season's grass tournaments. Her serve speed is already good enough for decent tournaments, so sure she'll do ok too.  She talks a good game too, and only saw the girls tournament as practice.

She has 18 months on Klugman, so hopefully Klugman can step up a bit by next year and hasn't hit a plateau already.

The let thing is definitely unnerving.  Not sure why they do it.

Can’t beat the aria buffet!

Would recommend seeing a show, cirque du soleil etc

Plus how have you not been to vegas before?! Go well

Thanks Chris! Just never managed it with the kids and fam stuff!

Wynn is the nicest Cardroom, and you get better drinks.

Can't go wrong with food options there, but cost is $$$.   Am a big fan of the Asian stuff, buffet and terrace point cafe first thing (just walk to the bar if on your own).

Where are you staying, as can let you know options near there?  Heat us horrendous, so you don't want to walk far in the daytime.

Go to the pools when they open.  They are empty and the temperature is manageable.  Is an easy thing to do on the first day or two when you come from the UK.  Sorts out the jetlag, feeling grim pretty quickly too. 

Tip is like 15/20% and if you don't they aren't going to be happy.  Even when you get a Starbucks to go (I tend to aim 10% here). 

Have fun and good luck.

Appreciate it doobs thanks, some great info here. Was kind concerned about the tipping stuff as haven’t been to the US in a long time.

I’m staying at planet Hollywood with Sky. Are you over there?

Not there now.  Don't think there is anywhere really good in the Horseshoe to eat. Steakhouse isn't great and is expensive. Think Paris is better unless you want cheap food court stuff and then Horseshoe is ok.  Rob was a fan of the Crepe place in Paris, not tried it.   

Not tried new Gordon Ramsey Burger in planet Hollywood, would be tempted. PF Changs is like bad western Chinese. Never again. 

Get down the Wynn if you want a decent meal for a treat.  Don't do it on a weekend if you want to get in, unless booked.  They never seem that bothered if you are on your own.  Would do that over steak place in Horseshoe.  Uber is good, but taxi is probably less than $20 anyway.  Don't think there was much difference in prices between them. 

Sure Aria buffet is fine and close, had it years ago. Just get a load of water at CVS or ABC stores.  You'll go through loads, and you will be parched at 4am because of alcohol/air con and faced with an overpriced mini bar in room.

Don't really mind cards in Planet Hollywood. Used to be ok, but think the Cardroom has moved, so might be different. Daily deepstacks aren't bad at Horseshoe if you want a cheap practice game (v fishy). MGM is further than you think when walking!  I thought that was ok too.

Lots of solid trainer/sneaker shops in Miracle mile in PH.  Gave my kids lots of choice.  There are plenty of food options in there too if you just want casual dining.

Loads of cirque choices, and everyone seems to enjoy them.  Shows aren't my thing.

Wynn is the nicest Cardroom, and you get better drinks.

Can't go wrong with food options there, but cost is $$$.   Am a big fan of the Asian stuff, buffet and terrace point cafe first thing (just walk to the bar if on your own).

Where are you staying, as can let you know options near there?  Heat us horrendous, so you don't want to walk far in the daytime.

Go to the pools when they open.  They are empty and the temperature is manageable.  Is an easy thing to do on the first day or two when you come from the UK.  Sorts out the jetlag, feeling grim pretty quickly too. 

Tip is like 15/20% and if you don't they aren't going to be happy.  Even when you get a Starbucks to go (I tend to aim 10% here). 

Have fun and good luck.

Xu so much more solid than Klugman right now.  Klugman seems erratic in every game I see her in now, same last year too.  She'll do a blistering shot then miss the court by more than a metre. 

Don't know if Xu goes all the way this week, but she has the tools to do so.  Probably best for Klugman, that she doesn't face her.

Whilst on the topic of geriatric blondes, anyone recognize the long-term blonde punting ledge on a Luton FT last week? G Luton must be super soft these days. CLUE - he forced through an 8 way chop.

Quite surprised to see Greg Wallace on the FT too.

Gregg?  #MasterTwat 

https://x.com/cj87EFC/status/1942626581144617003?t=P59_VxzbSAy6vhcvXUJwtQ&s=19

There is a small grass tournament at Nottingham this week.  Edmund is playing Broady and a few other interesting Brits.  Does anyone know if you can just pop in and watch?

I tried looking for tickets, but kept getting Nottingham Open links instead, and couldn't even find it in events on the Nottingham tennis centre website.  Obviously not going to drive an hour and a half on a work day just on the off chance I can watch

Pretty enjoyable day of tennis. Kartal is 1 win away from being GB number 1.
Norrie is Scottish again :-)
Emma put up a good showing

More than that for Raducanu; she is playing the best she has in years, and drops from GB number 1 to 3.

Kartal near guarantees a seeding for the US Open if she wins.  Don't think she has many points to defend right up to the Tunisian tournament she won. Kartal has opened up well for her.  Even the potential quarter final isn't that tough.  She is about 50/50 today.

Tougher for the other 2 to get seeded, as Raducanu has points to defend at the Citi Open, but could see them all in the top 30 after the US swing.  Maybe they are all more likely to get seeded in Australia?

Girls and boys Singles has started btw.  Klugman seeded 2, Xu not seeded and Stojsavljevic already out (spelling tests easier from now on).

Good to see Norrie playing well again.  Who had Norrie/Kartal for a week 2 double?