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Cobe Life Christmas Gifts Top 8

It’s getting close to crunch time!

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By now you have probably walked the equivalent of a half marathon at the mall.  I know I’m beginning to feel like one of the Knights Templar on a Grail quest.  Each year it seems to get a little more difficult to find the right gift.  While the malls seem to get a lot more chaotic.  The reason for this is actually quite simple if take a moment to think about it.  With each thoughtful gift you purchase for someone special.  The next time you purchase a gift for that person, one of the possible items is already off the list.  What was once obvious, has now become obscure.  Should the holiday season be this stressful?  I should hope not.  So in the spirit of giving I’ve decided to put together a list of potential gifts you might have overlooked.  Gifts that will potentially surprise, show consideration, or just make things a little easier for the recipient.  So without any further ado, here’s my list.

The Top 8

1 – Memory card

Digital devices have become an integral part of almost everyone’s lives.  Cellphones, tablets, digital readers, digital cameras, and media players find their way into our pockets, and purses.  There was a time not too long ago that 16gb was more than enough space for anything.  16gb is barely enough for the operating system, some music, your favourite apps, and a few photos on your cellphone these days.  It might seem like a small thing, but a Memory card will definitely be appreciated.

2 – Orthotic insoles

I’ve lived a fair amount of my life with sore feet.  When I was younger I played soccer, ran track, was a street style skateboarder, and snowboarder.  Needless to say I did a significant amount of damage to my feet.  A few years ago I was told that I needed Orthotics.  From the very first step I took with the new insoles I wondered how I could have ever taken a step without them.  The change was so dramatic, and my demeanor so improved that my wife decided to try them.  Although she doesn’t require Orthotics, the improved comfort, and additional support make every day easier.  This is one of the surprise gifts I was talking about.  The recipient might not think much of the gift at first.  Convince them to wear them while fighting through crowds during boxing week, and I guarantee they’ll thank you.

3 – Coffee warmer

Who doesn’t know somebody that really loves their coffee?  For a lot of people, their day doesn’t begin until they’ve had their cup.  These are busy times, and many of us lead busy lives.  In between each satisfying sip of our favourite brew we might be getting ready for work, or already at work getting prepared for our day.  It doesn’t take long for the morning brew to get cold.  So what do we do?  We risk scalding our throats by drinking our first coffee of the day ridiculously fast.  But what if you didn’t have to?  With a coffee warmer on your desk at work or the kitchen table at home.  You could go about your morning routine without worrying the coffee is getting cold.

4 – Cellphone Camera Lens

Unless you are actually on holiday, the chances are slim you have a camera with you.  Well you do have a camera of sorts.  The cameras built into our cellphones have significantly improved over the years.  The picture quality is so good that carrying a traditional camera is almost unnecessary.  Unless you are really after high quality zoom, or macro photography shots.  Well with the addition of a simple clip on lens, small enough to carry in your pocket.  Your cellphone will gain some of the capabilities of a full size camera.  Instagram fans will thank you, and flood your wall with photos.

5 – Sports Cap or Toque

This probably seems obvious to a lot of you.  If you know a true sports fan.  Chances are good that you’ve seen them wearing a Cap or Toque with their team’s logo.  That’s exactly why I wouldn’t consider this an obvious gift.  Why get someone a gift that they already have?  Because they will smile wide and thank you for it. That’s why!  As most of you already know, I’m a true sports fanatic.  As a fan of the Denver Broncos I currently have two Caps, and a Toque.  My father is from the Netherlands so I support their soccer team.  I currently have four Netherlands soccer Caps.  Each one is slightly different, and I wear them all.  This is the one gift on this list that you definitely can’t go wrong with.  When in doubt, get them what they already love.

6 – Touch Screen Gloves

I actually got a pair of these as a gift a couple years ago.  They have quickly become my favourite gloves.  I couldn’t even tell you where my other gloves are.  I know that I have at least five pairs gloves, but my cellphone is so important to me I wouldn’t even consider wearing the others.  The original Touch Screen Gloves were about as simple as can be.  Now there are all sorts of styles to go with any outfit.  Everyone knows someone that could benefit from having a pair of these.

7 – Heated Scarf

Do I own one?  No, it’s definitely not the most masculine of gifts.  Hardcore hipsters aside, a Heated Scarf would be a welcome gift for any woman that has to brave the bitter cold of winter.  Have I tried one?  Yes, for the purposes of this article I figured it was important to get a first hand feel for what it’s like.  Even though I’m in great shape, and a little cold weather doesn’t really bother a man like me.  I found the Heated Scarf to be quite comfortable, and even soothing.  At least for the extremely short period of time that I actually wore it.  Still I can definitely recommend it.

8 – Saxx underwear

A few years ago I saw Saxx underwear for the first time while watching an episode of Dragons’ Den.  Men’s underwear specifically designed with a built in pouch to keep your family jewels from chaffing while playing sports, or just a long day at work.  The idea seemed simple enough, and being an active individual I was intrigued.  A couple years later while shopping I saw them for sale at a retail store for the first time.  I just had to try them so I bought a pair.  Saxx aren’t the most inexpensive of underwear.  One pair of Saxx cost what three pairs of boxer briefs used to cost me.  After wearing that first pair for one day.  I immediately returned to the store and bought the remaining three in my size.  Today the only underwear I wear is Saxx.  That’s how much of a game changer this underwear is to me.  They’ve expanded their lines to include compression sports briefs, and long johns as well.  Before you ask I do have some of both.  I’ve sung their praises to so many people that they should have made me a brand ambassador by now.  If you know an athletic guy, don’t hesitate.  Get him a pair of Saxx.

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FANTASY Uncategorized

Gridiron Pros Fantasy League Playoff picture – Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-35

Wow what a Season!

The final week of the Season determined which team finished first overall.  It determined which two teams would get the first round byes.  It determined who would snatch sixth place.  There was more on the line in the final week than I’ve ever experienced before.

Playoff Team Seedings

1 – Blitzkrieg: 9-4, 1591.26 points

Blitzkrieg had to beat the surging division rival, and last Season’s Champion For Whom the Bell Tolls for to retain their number 1 seed.  If they lost they would have fallen to third place, and had to play a quarter-final match.  Instead they get a well deserved break to try and figure out their roster issues.  They have only averaged 118 points per game over the last three games.  It’s been enough to compete, but is it enough to win a Championship?

2 – Grid Warriors: 8-5, 1770.09 points

All my team does is put up points week after week.  A full 160 total points more than the next closest Team for the Season.  Regular Season dominance doesn’t always mean post Season success though.  Averaging 142 points per game over the last three games is a good sign.  22 points per game better than the next closest Playoff team.  Do I feel confident?  Yes I do.  The only losses I’ve suffered all Season have been to breakout Fantasy performances.  As long as I don’t run into one of those, I will be the Champion.

3 – Pixie’s Pirates: 8-5, 1609.98 points

Pixie’s Pirates were my pick to win the championship at the beginning of the Season.  Injuries made their trip to the playoffs a little more difficult.  Losing David Johnson to injury really opened up opportunities for everyone else.  Their Roster is so stacked that I would consider them to be my most difficult opponent in the Playoffs.  They have only averaged 113 points per game over the last three games.  They would have averaged more but poor starting roster choices have limited their scores.   Starting the right group of Players each week will determine their fate.

4 – Swaggy B: 8-5, 1457.71 points

Swaggy B has pushed me for the Grid Central title all year.  In the end I was able to beat him in our Week 11 match, and that was the difference.  I’m glad that the only way we will meet again this Season is in the final.  Swaggy B is averaging 120 points per game over the last three games.  More importantly their team is fully healthy.  Although I wouldn’t consider them a favourite to win the championship.  They definitely fill the roll of Dark horse.

5 – Because you’re a Lannister: 8-5, 1357.88 points

The results of the Week 13 games hurt Because you’re a Lannister’s final seeding worse than anyone else.  They went from second overall with a first Round bye, to fifth facing a surging Playoff ready Team.  Averaging only 93 points per game over the last three games.  I would be surprised if they advanced past the quarter-finals.  Their only hope to advance is a huge game from LeSean McCoy.  Facing the lowly Colts it’s possible that McCoy could put up 40+ points.

6 – Stoniestars: 6-7, 1466.83 points

Ignore the regular season record.  Stoniestars finished the Season with more total points than Because you’re a Lannister, and Swaggy B.  They are averaging 120 points per game over the last three.  Cobe Life is the only team averaging more.  Their Quarter-finals opponent has made some poor roster choices lately.  Stoniestars looks primed to make a run for the title.  Last Season it took a late surge by For Whom the Bell Tolls for, and a little bit of luck to win the championship.  Are Stoniestars this year’s For Whom the Bell Tolls for?

Quarter-finals

Pixie’s Pirates vs Stoniestars

I just finished describing Stoniestars surging push to make the playoffs.  They are on a three game winning streak.  Well I don’t believe that another Cinderella Season is in the works.  Against any other team I might have picked Stoniestars to win.  Pixie’s Pirates is just way too strong.  I’m guessing that they will make the correct roster decisions, and post the highest scoring total this week.

Winner: Pixie’s Pirates

Swaggy B vs Because you’re a Lannister

Barring any significant injuries to key Players on Swaggy B’s roster.  I don’t think Because you’re a Lannister is packing enough star power to get the win.  This is Fantasy Football, and anything can happen.  I just don’t see the likelihood that everything goes wrong in just one week.

Winner: Swaggy B

 

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True Fanatics League playoff picture – Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-34

How it stands

1 – Texas Proud:  11-2, 1638.34 points

Finishing as the Regular Season Champion a full 2 wins ahead of second place.  Texas Proud has put together a dominant Season.  With the most points accumulated by far, and entering the Playoffs averaging 128 points per game over their last three.  The road to the True Fanatics League Championship goes through them.  The combination of key Players from the L.A. Chargers, and Kansas City Chiefs has proven to be a winning combination.  Only one team in the Playoffs have averaged a better score over the last 3 games.  Texas Proud is still my pick to win it all.

2 – Aegon Targaryan: 9-4, 1347.27 points

At 9-4 Aegon Targaryan easily won their division, and earned the first round bye.  Selecting the correct roster each week will be a key component to their continued success.  With the second lowest total points for the Season, and the lowest average points per week over the last three games with 95.  Aegon Targaryan is going to need a little help from the Fantasy Gods to win the championship.  The one real advantage they have going in, is that they wouldn’t face Texas Proud until the final.

3 – Raider in the North: 7-6, 1293.10 points

Raider in the North earned the third place position with a Week 13 win over Cobe Life.  That match would decide who has the unfortunate possibility of facing Texas Proud in the Semi-final.  With the win Raider in the North has the seemingly much easier route to the Championship.  They only need to beat the sixth place team, and then the poorly performing Aegon Targaryan team to reach the finals.  They have averaged 22 points more per game than Aegon Targaryan over the last three games with 117.

4 – Cobe Life: 7-6, 1486.19 points

Losing that game to Raider in the North might be the nail in the coffin.  I was really hoping to avoid having to face Texas Proud until the final.  My team has faired well over the last three weeks, but difficult matches has limited my success.  Cobe Life is averaging 115 points per game over the last three.  If I want to win the championship I’ll need to score better than that.

5 – The Bottom Feeders: 7-6, 1389.31 points

The Bottom Feeders haven’t had the easiest trip to the playoffs.  They’ve had to deal with a lot of adversity all Season.  Losing the final game of the season cost them the easier route to the Championship as well.  They’ve only averaged 108 points per game over the last three.  They are probably looking at their road to the Championship, and wondering what’s the point?  They have to beat the two highest scoring teams in the league just to reach the final.  Still anything is possible.

6 – In Dak we Trust: 6-7, 1347.20 points

So In Dak we Trust has been able to sneak into the playoffs by winning their final game of the regular season.  That’s no small feat considering they had to beat Texas Proud to do it.  That’s right.  Not only did they defeat the number 1 seed.  They have the highest scoring average over the last three weeks with 133.  At this point your Regular Season record doesn’t mean squat.  In Dak we Trust is the hottest team in the True Fanatics League right now.  If it’s all about peaking at the right time.  Then In Dak we Trust might be ready to win the championship.

Quarter-finals

Raider in the North vs In Dak we Trust

Raider in the North was probably happy earning the third place spot.  In doing so though they suffered a costly loss.  Rob Gronkowski let his emotions get the best of him, and it looks like he’ll miss the quarter-final game.  I expect the loss of Gronkowski gives In Dak we Trust a significant advantage.  They will post another high score, and get the win.

Winner: In Dak we Trust

Cobe Life vs The Bottom Feeders

On paper this looks like a very even matchup.  It’s when you look at who’s likely to be unavailable for this match that things become predictable.  Ezekiel Elliot is still serving his suspension.  Zach Ertz has entered concussion protocol, and both Roethlisberger and Cousins have difficult matchups.  It’s an unfortunate situation for The Bottom Feeders, but a bonus for me.  It’s not an easy week for me either, but Cobe Life has  better bench Players.  I believe that will be the difference.

Winner: Cobe Life

Good luck to all of you, and for those of you that didn’t make the playoffs, thanks for a competitive Season.

 

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GAMING Uncategorized

Arcades: Then and Now – The Gamer in me GL-19

Giant Pac-Man

Flashback childhood

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It hasn’t been happening in every city, but I happen to live in one of the most progressive cities in North America.  In 2017 three new modern Arcades have opened in Toronto.  Two of them are owned and operated by Cineplex.  The Rec Room across from the Rogers centre, and the new Arcade plus VR experience in Scotiabank theatre.  The third modern Arcade recently opened at Nations Fresh Foods flagship store in the Stockyards.  That’s right, a grocery store is attached to a modern Arcade.  If you are familiar with the Dave and Buster’s entertainment centres, then you will have a good idea of what these Arcades are like.  These aren’t the dark, cramped, concrete floored teenage Hangouts from when we were kids.  These are spacious, clean, carpeted gaming dens.  Appealing to kids, and adults of all ages.  You can find everything from Skee ball to Virtual Reality games.

Satisfying but not the same

To say that I miss the camaraderie, and competition that was present every time I used to visit the local Arcade as a kid would be an understatement.  Showcasing your gaming skills to both friends, and total strangers was immensely gratifying.  It was an amazing feeling of accomplishment that today’s video games can’t recreate.  Even though today’s technology is leaps and bounds beyond what we grew up playing.  The same technology has made it possible to spend hours mastering a game in the comfort of our own home.  The games you can play at these modern Arcades are in Full HD, with cutting edge graphics.  They have elaborate housings with theatre quality sound, and modern control mechanisms.  Some of them are even in Virtual Reality.  Strolling into one of today’s modern Arcades, and dominating at your game of choice would really be something.  It would be something if you couldn’t essentially do the exact same thing at home.  We all have Full HD televisions.  Computer or Console Game systems are capable of running the most advanced games.  Joysticks, steering wheels, Flight simulator controllers, and gaming chairs can make you feel like you are in total control of the action.  You can even buy Virtual Reality headsets.  So when you see someone dominating at your favourite game in a modern Arcade.  It’s probably safe to assume that they’ve played something almost identical at home.  Is it enjoyable to dominate at a particular game? Sure it is.  Is it impressive to watch someone else dominate a video game?  It is as well.  The one thing that’s missing is the satisfaction, and respect that goes along with the understanding of what it took to get that good at playing that game.

Time and Money

What made mastering a game at the Arcade when we were kids so special?  It was the understanding from everyone present that you had to make numerous trips to the Arcade, and spend a shit load of quarters to become that good.  You made a decision to not only play that particular game.  You decided to keep playing it until you weren’t just good at it.  You were on a quest to be the best.  If it took you having to go to the Arcade every day after school, and all of your allowance to beat that game.  Then that’s what you were going to do.  We were so respectful of what it required to master a game.  When somebody would defeat me at a game like Mortal Kombat, or beat my high score on Elevator Action.  I wouldn’t be upset.  I’d be in awe, and congratulate them.

 ESports and Competitive Video Gaming

The emergence of ESports, and Competitive Video Gaming has tried to recreate the feeling of Video Game dominance we had as kids.  I believe that this has led to the sudden increase of modern Arcades popping up.  Try as they might.  Modern Competitive Video Gaming will never have the same satisfaction as slaying the Dragon and saving Princess Daphne in front of about 20 onlookers at your local Arcade.  It doesn’t matter how much money goes to the Champion, or if the event is live on Cable television.  Just knowing that all it took the eventual winner to be as skilled at the game as they are.  Was hours upon hours of game play.  Sitting alone in their bedroom or basement.  Closed off from the rest of the world.  Well physically closed off.  They probably have more “friends” online then you had students in your High school.  Does that really sound like victory to you?  If that person defeated you at your favourite Video game.  Would you be in awe, and congratulate them?  Maybe it’s just me.  Maybe I’m just too old school.  I wouldn’t congratulate them.  Truth be told, I probably wouldn’t care.

Fun with a capital F

Now here’s the thing.  It’s probably sounding like I’ve got a pretty serious hate on for the Modern Arcade.  Quite the opposite in fact.  I thoroughly enjoy them.  I see them for what they are.  Another option in a city full of options, of something to do when you’ve got a little free time.  You can spend as little, or as long as you’d like at an Arcade.  Unlike the movies or dinner where you are committed to a certain length of time.  How much you choose to spend is entirely up to you as well.  There’s no entry fee, or cover charge.  Just do whatever your budget allows.  Can’t find a babysitter for the kids?  No worries.  They’ll enjoy the Arcade even more than you do.  It’s quite literally a win-win situation.  So if you haven’t done it yet.  The next time you are trying to decide what to do on the weekend.  Give one of the Modern Arcades a try.  It won’t be what you remember, but you won’t be disappointed.

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Tiger’s return – Starting from Scratch SS-25

What should we expect?

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Tiger Woods is set to Tee off at 12:05pm tomorrow alongside Justin Thomas.  The Hero World Challenge is hosted by Tiger Woods so I wouldn’t expect him to drop out before the event begins.  That’s the only prediction I feel very confident about.  Beyond that, well your guess is as good as mine.  In this post I’ll make a number of bold predictions. Some of them will be positive in nature, but there will be a few negative.  Lets hope the positive predictions come true.  A healthy competitive Tiger Woods can only be good for Golf.

Will he complete all four Rounds?

It appears to me, and from the accounts of others that Tiger Woods is in better shape entering this tournament than he was last year.  He completed all four Rounds last year.  Even though it was obvious at times that he was playing through a fair amount of physical discomfort.  Barring a major physical injury during the event.  I expect Tiger Woods to play all four Rounds of the Hero World Challenge.

Can he finish under par?

Something a lot of people aren’t aware of is that Tiger Woods finished last year’s Hero World Challenge with 24 Birdies.  The most Birdies of anyone in the field.  Despite that he only finished the tournament 4 under par.  I would expect Tiger to improve on last year’s performance.  So yes I expect Tiger Woods to finish under par.

Can he finish in the Top 10 by score?

Here’s where things get far more difficult to predict.  Last year Tiger Woods would have to have shot an 8 under par to have tied Patrick Reed for 10th place.  Four strokes better than he finished.  Now I’ve already predicted that Tiger Woods will finish better than last year.  So do I think that he can finish in tenth position by score?  No I don’t.  It’s not that I don’t think he can shoot 8 under par.  I have a feeling that the scores will be a little better this year. I don’t think 8 under par will be good enough for 10th.  My prediction is that Tiger Woods will finish the tournament at 8 under par.  How about that for a bold prediction.

Will he keep pace with Justin Thomas?

Talk about a tall order.  2017 has been Justin Thomas’s year.  FedEx Cup Champion, PGA Tour Player of the year, and the PGA Championship winner is on a roll.   Seems almost cruel to Tiger Woods to pair them up on day one.  The truth is that it could be much worse.  Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Hideki Matsuyama, and Kevin Kisner could all be potentially worse Players to tee off with.  Justin Thomas has a tendency to go for it.  That type of play can lead to poor positions, and relying on your scrambling ability.  Something I expect Tiger will have to do as well.  Tiger Woods also has a total look of Focus while playing.  Something that seems to have the ability to rattle other Players.  It’s happened far too many times to be a total fluke.  Tiger’s playing partners tend to have there worst Rounds.  Don’t be surprised if Justin Thomas isn’t on the first page of the Leaderboard at days end tomorrow.  The question is will Tiger Woods have an off day as well?  I expect Tiger to be within two strokes of Justin Thomas.  It’s even possible that he could be two strokes better.

Looking ahead

So my predictions for the Hero World Challenge are mostly positive.  I’m hoping that this event is just the beginning for Tiger Woods this Season.  Now what I hope, and what I expect are two different things.  I don’t expect Tiger to be around for the entire Season.  I think that he will withdraw, or miss the cut in more tournaments than the number of tournaments he finishes.  I only expect him to play in one Major this Season.  That would be the Masters.  These are my predictions.  I really hope that I am wrong.

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GAMING Uncategorized

Promising PS4 games of 2018 – The Gamer in me GL-18

Picky picky

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Those of you that follow my Gaming posts know that I’ve become increasingly picky about which PS4 games I choose to purchase.  There wasn’t much in 2017 that really had me overly excited.  I was impressed with the Playlink games that we’re released though.  Of course those games don’t have anywhere near the amount of depth a major release does.

Fortunately 2018 looks to have a few major game releases that will have me waiting for the Video game store to open on release day.

A Way Out

Unlike a couple of the other games to come on this list.  A Way Out only began picking up interest at E3 this year.  Billed as a Co-op only split screen game.  Memories of playing couch co-op games as a kid have me interested to experience what a modern version will look like. From what I’ve seen, A Way Out is going to essentially be a video game version of the TV show Prison break.  A show that I was a fan of for two seasons.  It began to get just a little too unbelievable after that.  This game has me excited because 1- I love couch Co-op. 2- the ability to have both Players in completely different parts of the jail, but be able to see what each of you is up to is awesome. 3- unlike a lot of online games, it only requires one available friend to play with.

Detroit: Become Human

If you haven’t already heard about Detroit: Become Human then obviously keeping up on current events isn’t your thing.  Judging by the trailers and gameplay Videos I’ve seen. Detroit: Become Human is going to be a gorgeous looking game.  In the game you play three key characters that all have an important part to play in the story.  The primary subject matter is a popular subject these days.  If artificial intelligence reaches the point of becoming self aware. Should it be allowed to govern itself, and share an equal place in society?  I’ve always loved Android characters in films.  In Detroit: Become Human you get to decide the path they would take.  Awesome right!  I definitely think so.  I can’t wait for this game to be released because 1- it’s a game by Quantic Dream.  Easily one of my favourite software development companies. 2- the story is of particular interest to me.  Especially since you have a part in deciding where it goes.  3- the graphics look absolutely incredible.  Just watch a trailer or two, you will be impressed.

Skull and Bones

Something that I feel has been missing from the Video game world for quite some time is Pirates.  Sure there have been games that incorporated a few scenes or levels on the high seas.  A dedicated game about living the life of a pirate hasn’t been available.  Although it’s really just an Assassin’s Creed game.  Assassin’s Creed Black Flag has had a hand in revitalizing the Pirate genre.  It definitely has the feel, and look of a Pirate game, but that’s where it ends.  At no time during that game do I feel like a Pirate.  You always know that you are an Assassin first and foremost.  Although it remains to be seen, Skull and Bones is supposed to be a much more realistic adaptation of Pirate life.  I truly hope that’s the case.  I’m totally stoked for Skull and Bones because 1- who doesn’t want to play the role of a Pirate Captain sailing the Seas. 2- online multiplayer ship to ship combat could be amazing if done right. 3- the solo Campaign sounds both challenging, and exciting. Let’s just hope it isn’t only 8 hours long like some recent letdowns.

There will be more

Those are the big three for me currently, but as Developers continue to push the PS4 limits.  You can be sure that the number of quality games will increase.  There’s been recent speculation about when the PS5 might be released.  All I can say is that I hope it isn’t anytime soon.  It’s been my experience that it takes most Developers close to three years to really understand a new console.  Now that they are getting the most out of the PS4.  Lets allow them to run wild with it.

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GOLF Uncategorized

Golf misconceptions – Beginner’s guide to Golf

Even the truth can be misleading

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After three Canadian Seasons of playing golf, I’ve learned a few things.  Not everything the major manufacturers say necessarily applies to the Beginner Golfer.  The looks, and feel of Golf clubs are given far too much credit when rated by trusted reviewers online.  These things have factored in to some of the poor equipment choices Beginners can make.  In this article I’m going to explain how to better understand as a Beginner what information actually applies to you.

Looks, feel, and demand

I watched a Video on YouTube recently where the reviewer was testing five different Irons from five manufacturers. He based his final score for each club on a number of factors including shot consistency, distance, appearance, and cost.  The club that actually performed the best overall finished second because the reviewer didn’t like the looks of the Iron.  He suggested that we should actually purchase the inferior product because it looks better in the bag.  He’s not alone in his thinking.  I’ve seen, and read many reviews of excellent products that get dismissed because they don’t have a classic look.  Golf Digest routinely gives out it’s Gold star ratings for a number of Golf products from balls to Drivers.  Be careful how much credit you give their ratings though.  They make a point of factoring in Product demand when considering their final rankings.  That’s right it’s also a popularity contest.  Two clubs could perform equally as well, but if one is from a major manufacturer with a team of tour Pros, and marketing.  Well that’s the club that’s going to get the Gold star because lots of people like it.  Beginners shouldn’t concern themselves with customer demand, or how pretty a club looks in the bag.  All they should be concerned about is how a new piece of equipment will improve their game.  I understand the motivation that a lot of these online reviewers have.  Make the Big Golf Manufacturers happy, and there could be some free swag, or marketing dollars coming your way.  Qualitative categories like looks, or feel, and skewed categories like demand allow reviewers to consistently keep whichever Big brand product they like near, or at the top of their rankings. Nobody can argue about Feel, because what feels right to each person is unique.  In some cases Feel is more about the Shaft of a club. If you are getting professionally fit.  What a reviewer says about Feel isn’t valid at all.  Looks are really about what makes you confident, and comfortable over the ball.  Read any of the reviews you can find online about my Adams Yes Milly Putter.  All of them will make a point of telling you how ugly it is.  I can admit that the Black and Yellow colour scheme is a bit garish.  It makes lining up the ball an absolute breeze through.

I don’t mind the look.

The majority of reviewers will highlight all the technology that went into the Putter.  The C-Groove milled face, true alignment sole, heel and toe tungsten weighting, and high contrast alignment were all considered top of the line tech.  Unfortunately for Adams though the Looks category kept the overall ratings down.  I easily tested 20 different Putters before selecting the Yes Milly.  I only based my final selection on two factors, price and performance.  Price always plays a role, but not as much when it comes to Putters.  I know that I’ll keep the right Putter for years.  I might go through three sets of Irons before I change my Putter.  For that reason I’m willing to spend more.  Fortunately for me, all of the technology crammed into the Yes Milly Putter came relatively cheap.  Adams was bought by Taylormade, and the Yes Putter division was dropped reducing Demand.  The many reviews proclaiming how ugly it was didn’t help it’s market value so it went on clearance relatively quickly.  In the end I had narrowed it down to the Odyssey White Hot 2.0 vs the Yes Milly.  The Milly won because I was able to consistently lag long Putts closer to the hole.  Like I said, Performance always wins.

Beginner’s guide to Golf

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Categories
FANTASY

The Road to Victory – Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-33

You could win your Fantasy League if

… you drafted Adam Theilan as a backup Wide Receiver.  Adam Theilan has gone from a boom or bust secondary option to the undisputed number one Wide Receiver in Minnesota.  He has more Fantasy points than A.J. Green, Julio Jones, or Michael Thomas.  Guaranteed he was drafted at least 3 Rounds after any of those Players.  Whoever has them on their Roster got a ridiculous deal.

… you took a chance and drafted Leonard Fournette when the other Managers didn’t trust a Rookie to succeed in Jacksonville.  Fournette has been given every opportunity to succeed.  The Jaguars truly treat him the way a featured Back is meant to be treated.  Lots and lots of carries.  DeMarco Murray, Carlos Hyde, Marshawn Lynch, and Devonta Freeman were all being drafted ahead of him in a lot of Leagues.  He’s out paced them all.

… you have any two skill position Players from the New Orleans Saints on your squad.  It used to be that the Saints Wide Receivers, and Running Backs couldn’t be trusted week to week.  Drew Has a tendency to spread the wealth so to speak.  Well that isn’t the case this year.  Michael Thomas, Ted Ginn, Mark Ingram, and Alvin Kamara are having Fantasy relevant success each and every week.  Of Drew Brees is racking up the Fantasy points as well.  Even the Defence could potentially help you win a few games.

… you waited until the final Round of the draft, and picked up the Jacksonville Jaguars as your Defence.  Man did you score.  Expected to have a relevant Season.  I don’t think anyone, myself included expected the wrecking crew that the Jaguars have become.  Draft after draft I’ve seen Managers reach for the Broncos, Patriots, or Seahawks Defence.  Sure they all have potential.  None of them have the potential for the huge Fantasy games that the Jags have had.  10 Sacks in a single game was enough to make me a believer.

… you snatched Jerick McKinnon off the waiver wire, the second Dalvin Cook went down.  I’m beginning to believe that any Running Back could be a success in Minnesota.  Similar to how affective the Broncos zone blocking Offensive line was in 90s.  What makes McKinnon even more of a threat is his pass catching ability.  In the rare case that a Defensive line closes the Running lanes, McKinnon goes from sharing snaps with Murray to becoming the lead Back.

… you didn’t listen to all of the negative hype around Larry Fitzgerald’s age.  It’s almost like people thought last year was a fluke.  Fitzgerald is like a fine wine.  He only gets better with age.  Especially in PPR formats.  It’s no fluke that he’s about to have back to back 1000+ yard Seasons.  Fantasy is all about opportunity, and opportunity is all about targets.  Since the Arizona Cardinals moved Fitzgerald to the slot, his number of targets have gone nowhere but up.  He recently signed a one year extension to come back next year.  I won’t hesitate to draft him.

… you kept looking for the next breakout Player while others remained passive.  As a result you picked up Ju Ju Smith-Schuster.  What some may have seen as a flash in the pan has become one of the top targets on arguably the Leagues most potent Offence.  Even though the Steelers are yet to have a breakout high scoring game.  It isn’t for a lack of Fantasy scoring.  All it would take is some better Red zone execution, and the Steelers skill Players will take their Fantasy Managers to the Championship.

… your Quarterback is a second year Starter.  Carson Wentz, Jared Goff, and Dak Prescott have kept up with the Fantasy veterans. They might not have the Fantasy points ceilings of Tom Brady, Drew Brees, or Matt Ryan.  Chances are good that they didn’t cost you anywhere near as high a Draft pick as those well known names.  So provided you made a few smart picks in the early Rounds.  Your Fantasy roster should match up well with anyone of these signal callers as your QB.

Categories
FISHING

The End is Nigh – The Right Angle RA-17

It keeps getting colder

Every morning I get out of bed, and the hardwood floors feel a little bit colder.  I can deny it as much as I want but the floors don’t lie.  Winter is coming!  The Starks would be happy.  I’m sure as hell not.  Winter and I don’t mix.  I tried to enjoy snowboarding enough to make winter just a little bit fun.  It didn’t work.  The bitter cold, snowstorms, and brutal winds make anything outdoors it’s own form of torture.  So begins the countdown till spring.  For those of you that visit my website hoping for a new post on fishing.  Winter is like the break before your favourite television show’s final Season.  You wait patiently in anticipation of what will happen next.  Will it be what everyone expects, or some crazy twist?  Of course they could ruin everything you’ve watched by totally screwing up the ending like they did in Lost.  During the off season you don’t just sit alone in your basement and wait.  You fill the void that’s left with whatever substitute you can find.

. Did I mention that I fell through the ice of the pond behind my house as a child?  Well I did.  Twice actually.  All I can remember is how brutally cold it was.  Especially when the legs of my jeans froze solid and stuck to my thighs.  I wasn’t afraid I’d drown.  The Pond wasn’t that deep where I went through.  The walk back to the house in the freezing cold could have probably killed me though.  Now I imagine falling through the ice while fishing out on the middle of some lake.  If I didn’t drown I’d probably die from setting myself on fire.

The sad reality

Now here’s the Kicker.  I don’t want to leave everyone hanging until spring.  Sure I’ll probably take at least one fishing trip, and definitely go to the Toronto Sportsman show.  That will provide me with a few things to write about, but it’s far from enough.  So maybe, just maybe mind you.  Purely for those of you that are dedicated to my Fishing posts, and because it could be the most brutally entertaining video I end up posting on YouTube.  I might actually go Ice Fishing this winter for the very first time.  If I go please wish me luck.  If I don’t return?  When people ask about me.  Tell them that I was the kind of guy that would risk it all to make everyone else’s life just a little bit better.

Categories
FANTASY

Playoff Strategy – Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-32

As long as you are in

For the majority of Fantasy Leagues there are only 3 games left until the Playoffs.  With the kind of injury filled, high scoring rookies, and unpredictable Quarterback play we’ve had this season.  There’s a very good chance that a record of 7-6 can get you into the playoffs of your league.  That doesn’t necessarily mean that you had an average Season either.  I expect there to be some powerhouse Fantasy teams at 7-6.  Once you are in the Playoffs, winning is more about selecting the correct Players each week.  Sounds obvious but it isn’t.

The hard choices

During the Regular Season you’ll hear Fantasy analysts constantly tell you to roll with your high draft pick Players.  I’d tell you to avoid overthinking things.  Keep it simple.  If Todd Gurley is on your Fantasy Team just play him.  Well things can be very different in the Playoffs.  What if Todd Gurley is against the division rival Seattle Seahawks?  The Seahawks excel at stopping the run.  If you also have Adrian Peterson on your bench, and he’s facing the San Francisco 49ers.  A team he scorched for over 100 yards earlier in the Season.  The choice should be Adrian Peterson.  His potential ceiling is much higher that week.

Don’t ignore your Defence

Quite a few Fantasy Managers will draft a strong Defence in the 11th or 12th Round, and just roll with them all Season.  Well that’s a fine Strategy during the Regular Season.  In the Playoffs though, things get a little different.  For Managers that already stream Defences you know what I’m talking about.  You want the best possible Defence against the worst possible Offence each week.  I’ll try to hold on to a high waiver position entering the Playoffs so I can grab that Defence that’s playing against a troubled Offence.  This year the teams I’m hoping to take advantage of are the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, and Green Bay Packers.  The Giants Offence is totally hindered by injuries.  The other three teams have serious issues at Quarterback.  Find the right Defence against any of those teams, and they could end up as one of your top 3 scoring Players on your Fantasy Team that week.

Winter is not your friend

Something that I have noticed over the years that so many Fantasy Managers ignore during the Playoffs is the effects of weather on your Fantasy Players.  A little snow can ruin your quick cut Running Back’s day.  Your Quarterback that creates plays by escaping the pocket could be in big trouble if the field is slick.  Their are top tier Wide Receivers that are known to have issues catching balls in the cold.  You need to be aware of these situations.  I know we rarely think about our Kicker’s impact.  Trust me, you will when your Kicker finishes with negative points because you started him against Buffalo during a snow storm.  During the Playoffs I try to start Players who are scheduled to play in a dome, or somewhere down south. I don’t have to worry about a sudden storm, or temperature drop that reduces the chances of having a decent game to below zero.

Add depth

Nobody in the NFL likes to admit this, but there can be some intentionally vicious play in the final few weeks of the NFL Season.  During the Fantasy Playoffs NFL teams will face off that have the potential to face each other again in the upcoming Playoffs.  Statistically the greatest number of injuries happen during the first three weeks of the NFL Season.  The second largest number of injuries happen during the last three weeks of the Regular Season.  The NFL will sugar-coat it by saying that the grueling regular season takes it’s toll, and Players just break down.  Watch the key matchups with Playoff implications, and pay close attention to the late hits, head hunting, and low tackles.  One leg injury, or key Player knocked into concussion protocol could mean the difference between playing for a division Championship, or ending up as a wild card team.  Take a good look at your roster, and figure out which skill position would handicap you the most if a Player went down.  Do yourself a favour, and either pick up a serviceable Player as a backup, or make a trade right now for a potential Starter in case your guy gets injured.  Don’t wait for an injury to happen.  Cause when it does, your Competitors will be far less likely to make a deal.

Good luck in the Playoffs!