Vegas & The Aftermath - Diary

[RED-DOG]

"Like a teenage butterfly, drawn to the flame that was San Francisco...."

Ralph Shalston.

I'm sure that moths are closely related to butterflies.

And what's the odd "t" between friends.

I'll continue with the next installment of my Coombe Hill ramblings when I find some inspiration, but The Summer of Love is on the back-burner for now.

I'll hold my hands up to the butterfly, but my phone has to take the rap for the t.

[tikay]

Been meaning to recommend a book called Gentleman thief, the recollections of a cat burglar by Peter Scott - since I think you mentioned you like true crime books. A copy can be picked up very cheaply on ebay if you're so inclined.

Lovely, thank you.

Yes, I enjoy books on "Real Crime", gangster stuff, Wall Street, Bios, "light" Science stuff (especially anything about CERN), etc. Don't read fiction though.

Fingers crossed I'll be paying a visit to Foyles this weekend, so I'll see if they have got it.

[tikay]

I'm guessing you saw a bit of the golf last night Tony as I saw you mention Monty's win on the tft thread. It felt wrong to be rooting against Monty but given what the mentioned Gene Sauers had been thru I just wanted him to win.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Sauers

What a story. I wish he'd won now.

Love these "against all odds" things. Sometimes we give up too easily when the going gets tough, but there are plenty out there who have overcome huge problems on the way to success, or even surviving.

Thanks for the nod on that Lester Piggott special on TV last night. I recorded it, & will watch it tomorrow.

And here comes The Minstrel.....

[tikay]

Jeez... Loads to catch up on here!

I thought you might like this video  (if you haven't seen it already)

Dazzling Danzer!

Good work Marky, will watch.

Love him, think he is really the sort of guy that can help make poker more attractive to newbies. Sharing a table with him on the WSOP PLO8 was just about the most enjoyable session of the whole Vegas trip for me this year.

[tikay]

Yesterday was Swan Upping day.......

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swan_Upping

It's something that could only happen in England, I fancy.

The bloke in charge is known as the "Swan Marker", or "Marker of the Swans", which is an official title, & he is a member of the Royal Household. Has a uniform & everything. Proper feather in his cap, too.   

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marker_of_the_Swans

It's a proper do, too, no messing about.

Look silly? Don't be daft. It's tradition, Royalty, and did these feet, in ancient time......

Click to see full-size image.

Click to see full-size image.

[Tal]

There's quite a hierarchy for it. Some people take great pride in their seniority, but others just say that's swan upmanship.

[TightEnd]

thought you might like this

Click to see full-size image.

[tikay]

Meanwhile, in the USA.....

July 4th is the Annual Nathans Hot Dog Eating Contest affair.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan's_Hot_Dog_Eating_Contest


This year, one contestant choked to death whilst trying to ram hot dogs down his throat.  As a mark of respect, the organisers postponed the Annual Pie Eating Contest scheduled for the next day.


http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/08/south-dakota-man-dies-hotdog-contest

I adore the USA, & especially the people, who seem to me to be generally kind, caring & warm-hearted. Each to their own is fine & good, different cultures & all that. I do find this Hot Dog Eating thing all a bit repulsive though. Sickening even. 

Anyway, here's some edifying photographs for you. Enjoy.

Click to see full-size image.

Click to see full-size image.

Click to see full-size image.

Click to see full-size image.

[tikay]

thought you might like this

Click to see full-size image.

A big "LIKE" to that.

I hope it's genuine.

To those who don't do so good at exams, that must mean so very much. At that age, failing exams hurts like hell, damages our self-esteem & scars us for life.

[Nakor]

thought you might like this

Click to see full-size image.

A big "LIKE" to that.

I hope it's genuine.

To those who don't do so good at exams, that must mean so very much. At that age, failing exams hurts like hell, damages our self-esteem & scars us for life.

I will bite then  . . . . . away from the rights and wrongs of KS2
KS2 is a academic test.  Scoring the abilities of individuals at achieving specific academic targets.

Although the letter is well written and the sentiment is well meaning (as long as all pupils receive the same letter pass or fail) it does cover over the fact that you are being tested in specific areas, against specific criteria.

When you are 17 if you fail your driving test the instructor does not say, that's alright as you are a nice person who excels in other areas, don't worry about it.  If you fail your first year at Uni you don't get a supporting letter praising you for your work at Oxfam, or caring for your sick Gran.

Its just another step towards de-sensitising our youth to the harsh realities of life, your childhood is where you build your coping mechanisms, if you never lose or fail, or are given excuses at every corner where will you learn to strive, survive, improve etc

If one pupil goes to secondary school with a inkling that academia is not for them because they are not that sort of person it is very sad IMO.  I am not sure any pupil should be lost to academia at 11 and too me that letter promotes that more then it helps those that are below average.

And what if you are the child that does not play an instrument, speak a second language or visit interesting places, bet that group feels highly motivated by this communication.

In fact reading the letter again it would far more sense if it was written to the parents.

[bobby1]

I'm guessing you saw a bit of the golf last night Tony as I saw you mention Monty's win on the tft thread. It felt wrong to be rooting against Monty but given what the mentioned Gene Sauers had been thru I just wanted him to win.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Sauers

What a story. I wish he'd won now.

Love these "against all odds" things. Sometimes we give up too easily when the going gets tough, but there are plenty out there who have overcome huge problems on the way to success, or even surviving.

Thanks for the nod on that Lester Piggott special on TV last night. I recorded it, & will watch it tomorrow.

And here comes The Minstrel.....

It was an ok doc but they spoilt it a little by showing the Royal Academy ride from the furlong pole instead of the home turn.

[Tal]

10:43:00 15-07-14

Thank you. Your bet has been placed.

Blonde Markets -> Tikay's Diary -> The letter -> Time of first 'It's all political correctness gone mad' post

Under 60 minutes

10/11

Stake: £22
Returns: £42




Damn!

[tikay]

Interesting debate incoming on that letter.

I have a slightly different take to Mr Nakor, though I agree with his underlying beliefs as to mollycoddling kids. It's not that black and white though, imo.

Will reply later, or tomorrow, as I am off to bed now, as I have to work tonight.

[DaveShoelace]

Meanwhile, in the USA.....

July 4th is the Annual Nathans Hot Dog Eating Contest affair.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan's_Hot_Dog_Eating_Contest


This year, one contestant choked to death whilst trying to ram hot dogs down his throat.  As a mark of respect, the organisers postponed the Annual Pie Eating Contest scheduled for the next day.


http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/08/south-dakota-man-dies-hotdog-contest

I adore the USA, & especially the people, who seem to me to be generally kind, caring & warm-hearted. Each to their own is fine & good, different cultures & all that. I do find this Hot Dog Eating thing all a bit repulsive though. Sickening even. 

Anyway, here's some edifying photographs for you. Enjoy.

Click to see full-size image.

Click to see full-size image.

Click to see full-size image.

Click to see full-size image.

The best books and podcasts in the world are the Freakonomics brand. They did an interesting recent show on this

http://freakonomics.com/2014/07/03/a-better-way-to-eat-a-new-freakonomics-radio-podcast/

[Marky147]

Jeez... Loads to catch up on here!

I thought you might like this video  (if you haven't seen it already)

Dazzling Danzer!

Good work Marky, will watch.

Love him, think he is really the sort of guy that can help make poker more attractive to newbies. Sharing a table with him on the WSOP PLO8 was just about the most enjoyable session of the whole Vegas trip for me this year.

Sound quality isn't great, but it's still watchable, and a decent enough little clip.

Very much in the Tabatabai mould of poker player, who has you smiling as you give them your money