Category: Uncategorized

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GAMING Uncategorized

The Gamer in me GL-8 That’s You

A Happy alternative

So I celebrated my birthday a week ago.  Unfortunately the actual day landed on a Tuesday so I waited until the following weekend to party.  Now usually my birthday celebrations involve a bunch of friends, a bar, too many drinks to count, and a lot of very bad choices.

Well this year I decided to do something different.  I wanted to avoid the embarrassing moments, and subsequent hangover.  Instead of going out, I invited a select group of friends over to my place.  In place of a dance floor and bar.  We had a living room and kitchen.  Instead of a DJ we had my PS4.  Sure there was still plenty of beer and wine in the fridge.  The drinks were going to happen no matter what I decided.  What really made this birthday special was the addition of a specific game.

That’s You

If you have a PS4 and haven’t played this yet?  Then you are doing yourself a serious disservice.  If you are a PS Plus member?  Log into the PlayStation Store and download it now for free.  Go ahead and do it now, I’ll wait….

Once you have the game loaded on your PS4. You will also need to download the companion App on your smartphone to play.  The way the game is played is simple. The game asks the group of Players a question.  Then each Player decides which one of them is the most appropriate answer.  The game might ask you which one of you is always late?  Then through the Application on your phone you select your answer.  The more Players that agree with you.  The more points you will receive.  The Player with the most points at the end wins.  There are also a few mini-games  that include sketching with your fingers, or taking a selfie.  They add additional elements to the game, but the real enjoyment is in the questions.

It might surprise you what some of your friends think about you.  Of course it’s all in good fun.  You won’t lose any friendships because of That’s You.  Well at least I hope you wouldn’t.  I’d be surprised if you aren’t laughing out loud by the third question.  Up to six people can play at once.  It makes for a very competitive game.  Keep the number of Players in mind though if you plan on having a That’s You party.

The game had me so enthralled that even though my fridge was full of beer.  I woke up the next day, and for the first time in about as long as I can remember.  I wasn’t severely hungover the day after my birthday.  I was so focused on the game that I forgot to drink.  That’s all the proof you need to know that it’s a great game.

Categories
FANTASY Uncategorized

Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-16 Wide Receivers

Top 8 Wide Receivers

Things haven’t changed much over the last few years at Wide Receiver.  The usual suspects are still at the top.  Although a couple of Players that have taken the next step, or found themselves in Fantasy favourable positions have cracked my Top 8 for the first time.

Antonio Brown

Is Antonio Brown the best Wide Receiver in the NFL?  The simple answer is yes.  Not as physically gifted as the majority of other Wide Receivers on this list.  Antonio Brown makes up for his lack of size with impeccable route running, and impressive quickness.  His ability to create separation from defenders is second to none.  He also happens to be on one of the most explosive offences in the league.  It doesn’t hurt to have Ben Roethlisberger throwing him the ball.  Especially when the two of them are so in tune with one another, that you’d swear that they have a psychic connection.

Now this is where things can sometimes cause a problem.  Roethlisberger has been pretty banged up over the years.  When he isn’t playing at 100%, or at all.  Antonio Brown’s numbers will take a hit.  Because he isn’t a tall Wide Receiver, the Quarterback can’t just throw jump balls at him.  Quite a few passes require perfect timing in to space.  Roethlisberger has perfected that timing.  His Backup hasn’t.  All in all though Antonio Brown won’t disappoint.  No matter who ends up under center.

Odell Beckham Jr.

Young, brash, cocky, and talented.  He’s been criticized for being a bit of a hot head, but that hasn’t affected his overall numbers.  OBJ could become the best Receiver in Fantasy Football if he continues to refine his skills.  Highlight catches have been his specialty, but I believe a 1500 yard Season with 12 touchdowns is in the near future.

There has been some concern about his Touchdown numbers regressing.  The popular opinion is that the addition of Brandon Marshall will limit the number of looks OBJ will get in the Red zone.  Well in 2015 Eric Decker still managed to haul in 12 touchdowns with Brandon Marshall playing opposite him.  Eric Decker!  Brandon Marshall hauled in 14 touchdowns of his own that Season.  I’m sure all of you would consider OBJ to be a far more talented Receiver than Eric Decker.  What that Season proved is that it’s going to impossible to shift the Defence to either side of the field when OBJ and Brandon Marshall are on opposite sides.  One on one coverage will create opportunities OBJ hasn’t had before.

Julio Jones

Considered by most to be the most talented, and physically gifted Wide Receiver in the league.  I agree by the way.  Julio Jones is borderline unstoppable.  In my opinion he is the Randy Moss of this generation.  If it wasn’t for the Atlanta Falcons having so many Weapons on Offence.  Julio Jones could potentially break 2000 yards receiving in a single Season.

What boggles me, and many other Fantasy Managers is why Matt Ryan seems to forget he’s on the field in the Red zone.  Honestly Julio Jones should be catching double digit touchdowns every Season.  It’s only happened once.  I don’t know if Atlanta thinks they are being clever.  Maybe using Jones to draw coverages away from the intended Receiver.  Whatever the reason somebody needs to remind them that Julio Jones would probably score if you told the men covering him that he’s the intended receiver.  After his ridiculous catch in last year’s Superbowl I think the Falcons might look his way in the end zone more often.

Mike Evans

Every year Evans gets a little better.  He’s definitely Jameis Winston’s favourite target.  He’s physically imposing, and incredibly athletic.  Year after year he’s battled against double teams and won.  Well things are about to change.  The addition of DeSean Jackson will help stretch the field, and prevent safeties from doubling Evans.  This could be the year that Mike Evans finishes as the number one Wide Receiver in Fantasy.  Tampa Bay is in a perfect situation to establish themselves as the team to beat in NFC South.  Looking to build off a 9 Win 2016.  The Bucs will put the ball in Winston’s hands to get them to the playoffs.  I expect his trust in Evans will be showcased early and often.

Jordy Nelson

Life is good when you are Aaron Rodgers favourite target.  But there are so many targets in Green Bay?  I hear that said all the time.  Watch a Green Bay Packers game.  Pay special attention to third down plays, and Red zone plays.  Sometimes it seems like Jordy Nelson is the only Receiver on the field.  But he’s getting old, and suffered that torn ACL?  Did anyone notice him slowing down last year?  I sure as hell didn’t.  The 14 touchdowns he hauled in would prove otherwise as well.  Do yourself a favour, and draft Nelson with confidence.

A. J. Green

Take one look at A.J. Green, and it makes complete sense that he is such a successful Wide Receiver.  At six foot four inches tall, and two hundred ten pounds on a long lean frame he’s created to catch balls.  A.J. Green poses a serious problem for Defensive Backs.  If not for missing six games last season due to a hamstring tear.  A.J. Green would have undoubtedly kept his 1000+ yards per season streak alive.  Last season was A.J. Green’s first sub 1000 yards season.  His rapport with Quarterback Andy Dalton has been perfect from the very beginning.  They are truly one of the best Quarterback – Wide Receiver tandems in football.

This off season the Cincinnati Bengals added new offensive weapons John Ross, and Joe Mixon in the draft.  I don’t see A.J. Green losing many targets to either one of them.  Actually the addition of John Ross should stretch the field.  Safety’s will be forced to stay deep to prevent the big play potential of Ross.  Leaving Green with one on one coverage against Cornerbacks on the outside.  A battle that he’s proven time, and again that he can win.

Michael Thomas

Talk about a great Rookie Season.  92 Receptions for 1137 yards, and 9 touchdowns.  As a reward the New Orleans Saints let Brandin Cooks go, and made Thomas the number one Receiver.  What remains to be seen is whether Thomas can handle the increased pressure of being  number one.  I believe that he will handle it well.  With Drew Brees throwing him the ball in the Saints high scoring Offence.  The sky is the limit for Michael Thomas.

Doug Baldwin

This could very well be the year that Baldwin is considered among the elite Wide Receivers in the NFL.  What I am actually expecting is a mixture of his 2015 & 2016 seasons.  A stat line of something like 95 catches for 1100 yards, and 11 touchdowns is highly probable.  I believe that he could actually exceed those numbers.  It will depend on the production of recently acquired Running Back Eddy Lacy though.

Without question Doug Baldwin is a WR1.  I would draft him over Fantasy favourites like DeAndre Hopkins, T.Y. Hilton, and Demaryius Thomas.  With a healthy Russell Wilson back in the huddle.  Look for Doug Baldwin to find lots of room on the outside, and down field.  Another year in the Seattle Seahawks system has Jimmy Graham keeping defences honest so Baldwin won’t have to face too many double coverages.

 

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GOLF Uncategorized

PGA Championship Starting from Scratch SS-14

A marked improvement

I’m just going to come right out and say it.  Watching Golf on TV isn’t the most exciting thing that you can do.  Even if you are a fanatic like me.  Most PGA Tour events are about as exciting as The Antique Roadshow.  They have their moments, but most of the time it’s just more of the same.  The commentary doesn’t help either.  Nothing like stating the obvious 90% of the time.  God forbid if it’s overcast.  Even the network camera men have a difficult time locating where balls landed.  Good luck with figuring it out from home.  Now with all that having been said.  I do get a little excited for the Majors.

My four Majors in order from my most favourite to the least is The Masters, The Open, The U.S. Open, and then the PGA Championship.  Although it isn’t a Major I actually like The Players Championship more than the U.S. Open, and the PGA.  Why so little love for the PGA you wonder.  Well traditionally it’s played on the easiest course of the bunch.  I prefer seeing the top Golfers tested.  The other three Majors are filled with tradition, and a substantial amount of reverence.  The PGA Championship just feels a bit plastic to me.  It’s the last Major of the Season, so fans of the sport have witnessed a fair amount of drama in previous events by then.  Great shots begin to feel a bit pedestrian when you’ve already seen them achieved numerous times.

Well I’m watching the final round of the PGA Championship while writing this, and it’s more than grabbed my attention.  First of all, the changes that have been made to Quail Hollow in preparation for this event are stellar.  They took what was once a course that could be dominated by brute force long hitters.  They’ve turned it into a course that rewards precise Tee shots, and calculated risk, over basic long driving.  Any mistake made on this course can punish even the best scramblers.  I’ve complained that the PGA is far too easy at times.  Well it’s Sunday and the final group has just begun the back nine.  Currently five Players are tied for the lead at only 7 under par.  With the most difficult section of the course still to come.  This is anyone’s PGA Championship to win.  Another considerate addition for us watching at home is the addition of shot tracer technology when Players Tee off.  Actually getting to see how each Player shapes their shot.  It adds an element that was sorely missing from most PGA Tour broadcasts.  Not only do you get to see the end result of each Tee shot.  You begin to understand why each Player approaches each shot the way they do.

So only the final group is left on the course.  Justin Thomas out paced the field and has a 2 shot lead.  Only Kisner can catch him, but after missing his Birdie putt on 17 it seems very unlikely.  It was on the tenth Hole when I realized Thomas was going to win it.  Call it fate, luck, or divine intervention.  It began with an errant Tee shot.  It looked like he might have caught it out of the heel.  He hit a massive Draw heading way left of the Fairway.  What was likely to take Birdie, or maybe even Par out of the equation turned into a great Drive when his ball ricocheted off a tree, and landed in the Fairway.  His approach shot to the Green went long.  Still it left him with a relatively easy chip to get up and down for Birdie.  What should have been an easy Chip came out soft from the Bermuda rough, and left a tricky 8 footer.  Thomas’ Putt literally stopped on the left edge of the cup.  How it didn’t go in amazed everyone.  Thomas took the full 10 seconds to give it a chance to drop.  In the tenth second it did!

From that moment on Thomas played like a man destined to win, and win he did.

Your 2017 PGA Champion is Justin Thomas!

 

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FISHING Uncategorized

The Right Angle RA-10 Old Mill at night

While the city sleeps

Something that I have always liked about Toronto is how quiet it can be at night.  Sure it stays busy downtown at night on the weekends.  Head a little West, or North of the downtown core.  It can get as quiet as being on a river up North at dusk.  This particular evening I thought I’d give the Humber River a little South of the Old Mill a shot.

I have fished this area quite a few times.  Unless the Salmon are running it isn’t the greatest spot.  I have had some success catching the odd trout there.  That’s what I was fishing for that night.  This was gonna be a new experience for me.  I usually fish in the early morning.  I have never fished this particular spot at night before.  So I really didn’t know what to expect.

I decided to travel light.  I brought my 8ft light flex two piece rod, and spincast Reel with 8lb monofilament.  I only bought 3 lures with me.  A number 3 Blue Fox silver spinner.  A number 2 Panther Martin in the bumble bee colouring.  Lastly a Silver & Blue spoon.

Anyone that’s fished downstream of the Old Mill knows that there are a fair number of potential snags.  I figured that one of three things would happen to signal the end of my night.  There wouldn’t be any action, and I wouldn’t even get a single bite for a few hours.  I would lose all three lures to snags.  I would actually catch a nice sized fish, and satisfyingly call it a night.

I took the TTC subway to Old Mill station and made my way along the path downstream.  There are very few spots with access to the River that are suitable for shore fishing.  Just north of the Toronto Humber Yacht club is one such spot.  It also happens to be my favourite.

You can easily cast to both sides of the River.  I’ve also had some success here before.  Albeit the previously successful visits were in the morning.   I decided to begin my evening of Fishing with the Blue and Silver Spoon.  It ended up being a fantastic choice.  I decided to make my first cast along the near shoreline.  Practically the moment I closed the bail to begin working the lure back in I got a strike!   I didn’t even have to set the hook.  Fish on!  I reeled it in with ease because it was a small 5 inch Trout.  Still if was an indication of the right presentation, at the right time of night.  Then things were looking good.  Well it was a very good example.  Too good in fact.  I spent the next few hours casting, and reeling in fish.  Unfortunately they were all similar to the first one I caught.  Too small to put up a fight.  One thing is for sure.  The Humber River will have a healthy run of Trout for years to come.  I’ve never pulled more than 2 or 3 fish out of this section of the Humber before.  I caught over 6 small Trout in less than 3 hours.

What would have made the night complete was just one fish worth photographing.  Still I’ve had those days where you catch absolutely squat.  So I’m not going to complain.  What I will take away from this is that Fishing the Humber at night is a great idea.  If you live in Toronto, and find yourself with a sleepless night.  Grab a Pole, and head out to the Humber.  You won’t be disappointed.

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FANTASY Uncategorized

Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-15 Running Backs

Top 8 Running Backs

Most Seasons selecting the Top 8 Running Backs is easy.  This year, not so much.  The Running Back position has dramatically changed over the last decade.  For the most part the requirements they need to become a fantasy stud have remained the same.  A workhorse Back who gets 250+ touches. The ability to run & catch. A favourable offensive scheme.  Last but not least, durability.  Those requirements used to be commonplace.  That’s not the case any more.  Although there has been a resurgence of featured Backs in the NFL.  I’ll divide my Top eight Running Backs into two groups. The first group consists of my Top 4.

David Johnson

David Johnson is the real deal.  Strictly based on talent alone.  It’s hard to argue against him being the best.  Remove David Johnson from the equation, and I can’t even imagine what the Arizona Cardinals offence would look like.  He definitely fits the fantasy stud requirements.  He went over 2000 yards of total offence last year.  That includes 80 receptions.  That’s more than most Receivers!  In David Johnson you essentially get a Running Back, and a Wide Receiver with a single pick.  There’s only one other Running Back in the NFL that can offer you the same.

Le’Veon Bell

In a suspension shortened Season.  Le’Veon Bell had 261 carries, with another 75 receptions.  Had he played a full Season he would probably have eclipsed David Johnson’s combined total.  Where David Johnson is Arizona’s first, second, and third option on offence.  Le’Veon Bell is sharing the field with Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, and Eli Rogers on one of the leagues most potent offences.  Touchdowns can go to any one of those Players.  So predicting Bell’s Fantasy production from week to week is a gamble.

Ezekiel Elliot

Ezekiel Elliot had a ridiculous rookie Season.  322 carries for 1631 yards!  He only caught 32 receptions for another 363 yards, but who cares.  Oh yeah he reached pay dirt 16 times.  Did I say it was ridiculous?  Yeah I did.  So he isn’t built in the traditional fantasy stud Running Back mold.  So what!  His numbers resemble that of another Running Back that still managed to lead Fantasy teams to victory, Adrian Peterson.  When you can just grind out 1600+ yards on the ground, and get the ball across the goal line.  Trust me, that’s all you need.  The only thing that worries me is how long he can handle such a heavy workload?  We saw what it did to Adrian Peterson, and he qualifies as a superhuman in my books.  I’m willing to bet that Zeke can keep grinding out those yards for Dallas for at least a couple more Seasons.

LeSean McCoy

A few years back, if you were to ask me who my favourite Player in Fantasy Football is?   I would have answered LeSean McCoy.   I’ve been running a Keeper league for years.  For at least four of those years LeSean McCoy was one of my Keepers.  It took breakout Seasons from Antonio Brown, and Julio Jones plus the move to Buffalo to finally let him go.  I still wonder if I made the right decision.  McCoy is just special.  If he wasn’t a Buffalo Bill he’d challenge for top honors in the Running Back department.  His health is a bit of an issue also.  At 29 he has used up a lot of tread on those tires.  His Offensive Coordinators  recognized his talent, and were eager to use it.  Although his touches have decreased somewhat over the years.  It’s been because of injuries, not careful utilization of this star Running Back.

Now on to the other four Running Backs of my Top 8.  Any one of these Running Backs could finish in the Top 3 by Seasons end.  They all have the skill, and situation to succeed.

Devonta Freeman

It would probably come as a surprise to most.  Devonta Freeman is the NFL’s highest paid Running Back.  No way, you’ve got to be kidding right!  Well I’m not, and you know what?  He deserves it!  At only 25 years old his last two Seasons had 1500+ total yards, over 1000 of those rushing, and at least 13 touchdowns.  Keep in mind that those numbers are with Tevin Coleman on the roster getting touches, and touchdowns.  In other words Freeman doesn’t need to completely carry the load like the previous Running Backs on this list.  He’s on one of the most dynamic offences in the league, and fits the scheme perfectly.  Atlanta will be looking to get back to the Superbowl, and recognizing that Freeman is a key piece was the first step.  I wouldn’t worry about a decrease in performance because he got paid.  I actually expect Atlanta to use him more to get their moneys worth.

Melvin Gordon

Melvin Gordon finally showed the ability his high draft price demanded of him last year.  In fairness it was his first Season as the undisputed lead Back for the Chargers.  That might have been all he needed to free up his conscience, and just focus on the job at hand.  If the Chargers are going to get back to having some success in the AFC West.  They are going to need to be able to establish a good Running Game.  Philip Rivers has to face a murderers row of Pass Rushers in that Division.  In order to keep those Defences honest they will have to run the ball, a lot.  Sounds like a perfect situation for Gordon right.  Well it could be.  The Chargers just need to learn how to get out to a lead.  Otherwise Gordon’s opportunities could be limited.

DeMarco Murray

Another workhorse Back who gets the majority of the touches on the Offence.  The risk here is his health.  DeMarco Murray has a history of injuries.  He’s been relatively healthy the last few Seasons, but with such a heavy workload.  It feels like his next carry could be his last.  If he can avoid the injury bug, then Murray is in the perfect situation in Tennessee.  He is the key to the offence.  Whether it’s running through defenders, or catching balls out of the backfield.  Murray has transformed the Titans from an up and coming franchise to a real contender in their division.

Leonard Fournette

I hate doing this.  I hate including Rookies in my Top 8 lists.  Of course I did it last year, and that worked out.  So maybe this will become a habit.  First of all Fournette is a beast.  He had 300 carries in only 12 games in 2015.  He only played in 7 games in 2016 due to injury.  That’s probably a blessing in disguise for the Jacksonville Jaguars, because he will begin this Season fresh.  There has been a lot of speculation about how high his ceiling is on the struggling Jaguars.  Well those same Jaguars were struggling when Maurice Jones Drew was there, and his numbers were relevant.  If you are hoping for Ezekiel Elliot type numbers.  Just prepare to be disappointed.  I don’t expect Fournette to have to carry the Offence on his back.  I see him as more of a short yardage, and goal line Back.  He’ll also get plenty of first down opportunities to establish the run, and wear down Defences.  The addition of Fournette just makes the Jaguars’ Offence better.  They might finish the Season as a losing franchise, but it won’t be for a lack of scoring.  You can be sure that Fournette will get his fair share.

 

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GOLF Uncategorized

The Golf Equipment lie – Beginner’s guide to Golf

The whole truth

I am very precise about equipment selection.  I am not one to buy into all the hype new equipment releases are surrounded with.  First hand testing, customer feedback, and a proven record of success mean far more to me.  You won’t see me wearing Beats headphones simply because they’re popular.  Truth be told Beats headphones are average at best.  If you want great sounding headphones that really add some dynamic sound.  The most important feature to look for is a low impedance.  The Sennheiser Momentum earphones absolutely annihilate the Beats Studio earphones in that category, and many others.  Don’t just buy into the hype if actual performance is important to you.  Some of you might be doubting the validity of my opinion.  Well I’m not just a fan of electronics.  I’m a Cedia certified electronics technician.  I’ve worked for a number of Electronics retailers including Futureshop, 2001 Audio Video, The Source, HiFi City, and Bay Bloor Radio in positions ranging from Sales Associate, to Head systems installer, to Store Manager.  Trust me when I tell you that I know what I’m talking about.  I was questioned by a number of people why I didn’t choose to add electronics to my categories on Cobe Life.  Truth is that the internet is already full of information from well qualified individuals on the subject.  Cobe Life is about my hobbies, not my career.

The Golf Equipment Lie

In an attempt to keep Golfers constantly upgrading their equipment.  The Golf industry has been carefully attaching very restrictive labels to certain equipment categories.  Over the last few years the number of categories has increased.

Category – Super Game Improvement Stigma      – Newbie, Hacker

Category –  Game Improvement      Stigma      –  Amateur, Casual player

Category –  Player Improvement           Stigma      – Mid to Low Handicapper

Category – Player Tour level                         Stigma      – Scratch Golfer

This perceived classification has led to an increased number of Players choosing to use the wrong equipment.  For instance consider a Mid handicapper that hits a very low trajectory ball flight.  Instead of purchasing a Player Improvement 3 Hybrid or Long Iron.  This particular Player would probably benefit from the purchase of a Game Improvement, or Super Game Improvement Hybrid.  The reason I would suggest this is because generally those categories are designed to provide a higher launch.  The additional increase in launch angle should help carry the ball further with lower lofted clubs.  For somebody with a naturally low ball flight.  The end result should be an increase in Carry distance, a more predictable landing zone, and better gapping between clubs.  The sad reality in this example is that this Mid handicapper probably wouldn’t even consider what’s best for them.  Pulling a club from their bag that’s for a Newbie is beneath them.  Why someone would completely ignore technology designed to improve their game is the Golf industries greatest deceit.   Think about it.  Would you judge someone for driving a Lamborghini Aventador because it doesn’t come with a manual transmission?  The reason it doesn’t is because precise gear changes during rapid acceleration, or braking is impossible with a traditional Standard transmission.  In simpler terms they made driving a high performance sports car easier.  Generally speaking that is the goal of new technology.  To make things easier.  Technological advances in Golf have done just that.  Made the game of Golf easier.  Originally these advances we’re meant to entice players to buy new equipment.  During the Tiger era when Golf was experiencing a boom it worked.  The problem started when sales began to decline.

Can a Golf club be too good?

To answer this question we need to ask ourselves why we buy new clubs in the first place?  The three most significant reasons we buy new clubs are because our current clubs are worn out, we feel we require a specific club for a certain utility, or poor performance from our current clubs.  I’d say that the strongest reason of those three is poor performance.  It takes many Rounds of Golf to wear out your clubs.  You may occasionally have to replace Wedges because the faces are worn.  The other clubs in your bag will last a long time.  Once you’ve been playing for a couple years you will have assembled a full 14 club set that includes every club your game requires.  Once that’s done, buying a club for a specific utility is done as well.  What gets me, and most of you to our local Golf equipment store to test new clubs is poor performance.  As a Beginner it’s easy to end up purchasing clubs that might not suit you.  As your swing develops.  Your stance, swing path, ball position, and flight path will change as well.  The clubs you thought were right for you in the beginning, could feel wrong to you after a few months.  Brands use different lofts, and kick points for their clubs.  Different brands use different shaft lengths.  Some companies prefer to build in a natural Draw bias to their clubs.  What suits each individual is entirely different.  So in the beginning don’t be surprised if you end up changing some, or even all of your clubs at some point.

What if you weren’t a Beginner when the first major advancements to forgiveness, and launch started happening.  When you purchased your first set of Cavity back Irons with perimeter weighting, and a flexible face.  The larger sweet spot, and increased distance these clubs added was significant.  In fact it was so significant that Golfers became something that they rarely ever are.  Satisfied!  An established Golfer had a complete set so buying a club for utility purposes was out.  Poor performance was no longer an issue with these newer clubs.  That left the only reason to buy new clubs was when your current set wore out.

Industry panic sets in.

You can be damn sure that waiting for their customers clubs to wear out wasn’t an option for the manufacturers, and retailers.  Thus began the Category to Player system.  The only way to get established Golfers to give up playing their current equipment.  The manufacturers, and retailers had to convince Golfers that they were better than the equipment they were currently using.  This had an added benefit.  It allowed them to market the easiest clubs to use to total Beginners.  This would significantly reduce the learning curve of a traditionally difficult game.  Which in turn would fuel a Beginner Golfer to want to “upgrade” to a more advanced set of clubs sooner.  By the time the average Player decides to switch from Game Improvement to Player Improvement.  Their playing ability allows them to slightly overcome the disadvantages of playing with more difficult to hit clubs.  Their handicap may actually suffer a little bit, but reverting back to “Amateur” clubs feels like accepting mediocrity.  Does sound counterproductive to you?  It does to me.  If you’re a car enthusiast then you’ll know that electric cars are the performance cars of the future.  Teslas already own the drag strips across North America.  There’s been a fair amount of resistance to them.  They don’t sound like muscle cars.  They don’t look like muscle cars.  All they do is reach the finish line first.  Well if you were in a race.  Isn’t finishing first the goal?  I’ll tell you right now when I landed a 185 yard par 3 Tee shot about 6 feet from the hole with my 6 Hybrid.  Nobody discounted the achievement because I was using a Super Game Improvement club.  When a good friend of mine got his first hole in one with his Adams Blue 9 Iron.  The group playing with him didn’t care what club he used.  They were just happy to be there to see it.

Pay attention to what the PGA, LPGA, and Champions tour Players are playing.  You might be surprised how many Game Improvement clubs you see.  Jordan Spieth actually plays Titleist 716 AP2 Irons.  Jordan Spieth! So if you have a shiney new set of Player Irons in your set then you must strike it purer than Jordan.

Do yourself a favour, and ignore the industry labels.  Buy what’s right for your game, and cross that finish line first.

Beginner’s guide to Golf

Continue reading “The Golf Equipment lie – Beginner’s guide to Golf”
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FISHING Uncategorized

The Right Angle RA-9 Wonderful water hazards

Unlikely fishing spots

First of all I stumbled across these locations by total fluke.  If I hadn’t taken up Golf a few years ago. I would never have realized the relatively untapped potential of Fishing the small ponds on Golf courses.  The first time I realized the potential to catch some really decent Bass was during an early Round of Golf with a good friend of mine at Mayfield Golf course.  We were on the 7th Hole of the White course.  While I was preparing to Putt, a greenskeeper rode by with Fishing equipment in his cart.  At first I thought I must be seeing things.  I figured it had to be some strange piece of equipment for course maintenance that I mistook for Fishing gear.  I went back to concentrating on my next Putt, but the image of the Fishing gear was too distracting to hole it.  I ended up two putting for Bogey.  The eighth Hole requires you to hit your Tee shot over a Pond.  After making a really nice Tee shot with my 3 Wood.  I took the long walk around the Pond to find my ball on the Fairway.  From there I could see the same Greenskeeper clearing some debris from the far end of the Pond.  I could see his cart parked off to the side, but it was too far away to get a good look at it’s contents.  I hurried up and took my next shot, which wasn’t a very good one by the way.  I decided to just go pick up my ball, and make my way over to the Greenskeeper.  As I approached I could see that my original suspicions were correct.  He definitely had Fishing gear in his cart.

When I reached him he was almost finished clearing out some plastic from the Ponds edge.  I said good morning as I approached, and he responded in kind.  Immediately he asked if there was something he could help me with.  I told there wasn’t, but that I was interested in why he had Fishing gear in the back of his cart.  He looked a little uncertain of how to answer at first.  Then he just smiled and said watch this.  He proceeded to walk over to his cart.  He opened a tackle box, and pulled out a small jar filled with worms.  He removed one from the jar, and walked back over to the Pond.  He told me to watch closely.  He then threw the worm into the Pond about 6 feet from shore.  I watched it slowly sink to the bottom.  Almost as soon as it touched bottom a Bass swam in and swallowed it completely.  It wasn’t just a little Bass either.  It was easily a two to three pounder.  “Holy shit”! I was shocked.  I never expected to come across any real Game fish in any of these Ponds.  He then told me that in the early morning before the first Tee times.  Him and a couple of the other Greenskeepers fish the Pond for Bass.  They just catch and release them.  They even have a deal that whoever catches the smallest one has to clean the garbage pails at each Hole at the end of the day.  My next question was obvious.  Would it be Ok if I fished the Pond at some point.  He told me if I were willing to show up there at 4:45am I’d be welcome to join them.  I just had to bring my own equipment, and only use barbless hooks.  Done and done!

Turns out that the Pond at Mayfield Golf course isn’t the only one to offer some great Fishing opportunities.  I recently attended a Charity Golf tournament at Granite Ridge Golf course in Milton.  As we were preparing to Tee off on the first Hole.  I noticed that a few of the Tournament organizers had their Fishing equipment with them.  While the rest of us played our 18 holes.  They were going from Pond to Pond catching Bass.  Thankfully I had a pretty good Round that day or I would have been really upset.  I haven’t fished there yet, but it’s definitely on my list of places to try.  Especially after I heard them talking about their afternoon Fishing.  Between the three of them they caught 5 Bass that day.  The majority of their Fishing was in the late morning.  Imagine how well they might have done if they started earlier!

One other place I’ve recently learned about that has quite the Bass population is Glen Eagle in Bolton.  A Friend of mine found out I had taken up Golf.  First opportunity he had he joined me for a Round at Centennial Golf course in Etobicoke.  While we were on the Tee box of one of the Holes with a water hazard.  I mentioned to him that I had come across a couple of courses that had decently sized Bass in the Ponds.  He was surprised I didn’t know about that already.  You see he used to work at Glen Eagle Golf course in Bolton in the summers.  He told me that the Ponds there were full of Bass.  For pure amusement he used to catch leopard frogs, and toss them out to a middle of a Pond.  He was interested in seeing if they could make it back to the shoreline before a Bass ate them.  According to him, more often than not the Frog lost.  I asked him if he knew who to ask if we could fish the Ponds there.  At his next opportunity he’s going to swing by and see if there’s someone there he knows that can get us in.  I really hope it’s a yes.  I’d hate to have to risk getting charged for trespassing.

So if you live near a Golf course, or have one conveniently located for you.  It might be worth stopping in, and asking if they would mind if you tried Fishing their Ponds after hours.  You might stumble across an untapped gem.

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Uncategorized

The Gamer in me GL-8 Hearthstone

Hearthstone

If you enjoy Collectible Card Games, but rarely find the time to get together with others to play?  Then I would highly recommend that you download the Hearthstone Game Application.  It is as simple to play as the easiest Collectible Card Game.  Despite it’s simplicity it still manages to maintain a fair amount of depth.  For those of you that are relatively new to Card Games.  The Hearthstone learning curve is very short, so it makes for a great place to start.  Hearthstone takes full advantage of it’s Application based play by providing you with Goals, and Challenges to overcome.  Something traditional Card Games aren’t able to offer.

Something else that’s somewhat unique about Hearthstone is the limited card base you are forced to construct your deck from.  I actually found it to be quite challenging to construct a cohesive deck in the beginning.  This actually makes it that much more satisfying when you begin to see your Deck Design come together after playing a few games.  Another bonus for new Players is that Hearthstone can be played entirely for free!  Just by playing, and completing Challenges.  You earn a virtual currency that can be used to purchase packs.  Of course like the majority of Application based Games you can make in app purchases.  Spend some real money, and buy a bunch of packs so you can build stronger decks right away.  As tempting as that may seem.  I personally won’t do it.  The Game selects your opponent by your skill level, and Win-Loss-Tie  record.  So you will generally be matched up against balanced opponents.  I’ve been matched against a few people who have purchased packs, and still managed to defeat a few.  It makes winning all the more sweeter.  Of course I have come across decks that are so stacked.  I really had zero chance of victory.  The odds of playing that particular individual is extremely slim though.  Their Win-Loss-Tie record will quickly place them out of reach.

Unlike many Collectible Card Games, Hearthstone doesn’t suffer from timing issues.  Everything you do happens on your turn.  There is no worry about your opponent interrupting your turn.  You also won’t have to worry about resource management, or “mana hosing”.  Each turn you automatically gain an additional resource point towards playing cards.  When designing a deck from your allotment of cards.  The first step is to decide which of the nine classes you are going to play.  In the beginning you only have access to the Mage class.  You are required to unlock the others in order to play them.  The remaining eight classes are the Druid, Hunter, Paladin, Priest, Rogue, Shaman, Warlock, and Warrior.  Each class has cards that are specific to it.  All classes also have access to a number of neutral cards that can be used to complete a deck.  Depending on which cards you open in your first few virtual packs.  That will help you determine which classes you should build in the beginning.  As you win games, and complete Challenges more packs can be purchased.  The cards you open will eventually allow you to build competitive decks with all the classes.

Another thing that intrigues me about Hearthstone is not knowing the Card pool.  Sure I could go online, and study lists of all the available cards.  I really don’t see a good enough reason to do so.  I find it more enjoyable to keep that element of surprise.  Every game I play has that pre-release feel to it.  The potential for almost anything to happen.  It’s an element that’s sorely missing from the majority of Collectible Card Games these days.

Being able to play wherever, and whenever is a welcome change.  The average Game is over within 15 minutes.  You don’t require a lot of free time to play.  The game doesn’t penalize you for losing either.  Conceding a game because something unexpected came up isn’t an issue.  Actually some of the Challenges don’t even require you to win matches.  For example one of my previous Challenges required me to defeat 100 minions.  Not a single game transpires without me killing at least a few of them.  As long as I kept playing I would eventually defeat the Challenge.  It’s a game I can’t imagine ever getting bored of. Whether you treat it as a casual distraction, or are determined to master a particular class.  Hearthstone is a game that any fan of Collectible Card Games can enjoy.

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GOLF Uncategorized

Golf Etiquette – Beginner’s guide to Golf

10 things to know when playing Golf

1 – Make sure to arrive on time. This should be a goal you endeavor to reach for all things in life.  When it comes to Golf though, it has an increased importance.  Tee times can be pushed way back, or in some cases forfeited if the intended Players don’t arrive on time.  In the most extreme cases your credit card can be charged for a Round of Golf you never even got to play.  Do yourself and your playing partners a favour, and arrive on time.

2 – Keep your cellphone on silent. If you’ve ever watched a single Golf tournament.  Then this should be obvious to you.  It should be obvious to anyone that’s taken the time to develop a decent Golf swing.  Just think of all the thoughts that go through your head before you swing.  I know mine.  Establish distance to the ball during practice swings – align my body parallel to intended trajectory – rotate my body through the backswing – keep my right arm as straight as possible – don’t forget to allow the club to release through impact.  That’s what I think about before I take my swing.  It’s actually a lot simpler than it used to be.  As you get better your checklist becomes smaller.  Now what happens if during all that, a cellphone notification comes in?  It’s bad enough if it’s a playing partner’s cellphone.  It’s even worse if it’s your own.

3 – Know your turn.  This isn’t common knowledge.  Most Beginners are unfamiliar with who plays first on each Hole, who plays first from the Fairway, or who Putts first on the Green.  There is an order to each one for very good reasons.  Decide who Tees off first on the first Hole by whatever method you prefer.  Each subsequent Hole, the Player who scored best on the last Hole Tees off first.  Followed by the others in order of best to worst.  If the previous Hole was a tie, then whoever has the better overall score Tees off first.  The reason for this is simple.  It allows the Players that are trailing to get a read from the leaders Tee shot.  Teeing off first can be a significant disadvantage.  When playing from the Fairway or surrounding area.  Whomever hit their Ball closest to the Pin plays last.  The reason for this is about safety.  As long as each Player remains behind the next Player to hit.  Then nobody risks being hit by a ball that a member of their group is playing.  When on the Green the closest to the Pin plays last as well.  This comes as a surprise to most Beginners.  The natural urge is to Putt your ball into the Hole if it’s nice and close.  Especially if it appears to be in the way of another Player’s ball.  The proper thing to do is mark your Ball’s position, and pick it up.  Then replace it, and Putt when it comes around to your turn.  Why all the trouble you ask?  Hitting it close to the Hole has earned you a reward.  You get to watch the path each other Player’s ball took.  Getting a read for how the slope of the Green affects the roll of the ball.

4 – Don’t walk through another Player’s putting line.  Putts are very sensitive things.  The slightest imperfection on the Green can affect the path of the ball.  Imagine how upset you would be if your perfect read got messed up because someone you were playing with left a spike mark on your line.

5 – Don’t spend too much time looking for lost balls.  One of my previous Posts was about selecting the right Ball for a Beginner.  Budget played an important role in that decision.  One of the reasons why is that you shouldn’t play a Ball that you are afraid to lose.  It seems like every time I play at an inexpensive Golf course.  I come across people who seem determined to earn their Scout badge for Woodland tracking.  They spend so much time looking for that expensive ball that Play slows down to a crawl.  Do everyone a favour and play balls you can afford to lose.

6 – Hit a provisional ball.  Something I wasn’t aware of as a Beginner is the rule concerning lost balls, or out of bounds.  Your next shot is supposed to occur from the same place your last shot was from.  This presents a slow play problem if you lose your ball after cranking one from the Tee with your Driver.  Walking back to the Tee box to take your next shot is too much of a hassle.  If there is any likelihood that your Ball is lost, or out of bounds.  Just Tee up another Ball right away and hit it just in case.   Maybe go with a club that you are very confident with.  That way a third shot shouldn’t be necessary.  It’s easier to just pick up that Ball if you find the original.  If you don’t find the first Ball you hit, then play the provisional.  Remember to add an additional stroke to your score.

7 – Last to Putt should pull the flag.  When your group has reached the Green.  If you are the closest to the Hole.  The last of your group to Putt.  Then make it your responsibility to pull the flag.  You are going to have a fair amount of time to get a read for your Putt, so the time it takes to pull the flag shouldn’t be an issue.  You shouldn’t have to worry about replacing it.  By the time you make your Putt.  Somebody else in your group should already have the flag.

8 – Dress appropriately for Golf.  I’m not saying that you should be doing your best Payne Stewart impression.  One thing for sure is that you should always check to see if the course has a dress code.  I’ve been on courses that require collared shirts, and don’t allow jeans.  Most courses require Golf shoes.  At least Cross trainers should be worn.  Don’t show up at a Golf course in sneakers, and expect to play.

9 – Wait until it’s totally safe to Tee off.  I haven’t been hit by an errant shot yet.  I’ve had quite a few balls come close though.  It’s one thing when somebody slices a shot from the next Hole over, and screams four!  It’s a completely different thing when the group behind you Tees off way to early, and almost hits someone in your group.  When that happens I just pick up their Ball, and toss it in my bag.  They can come ask me for it if they’re feeling brave.  If you are in a rush, and can’t wait for the group ahead of you to finish the Hole.  Then you shouldn’t be out Golfing that day.

10 – Respect the course.  I love playing on a well maintained course.  Seeing the Ball roll true on Greens.  Hitting the Fairway, and having a nice flat lie to hit your next shot from.  Instead of being stuck in somebody’s divot.  It isn’t just the Greens keepers responsibility to keep the course in good condition.  It’s your responsibility as well.  Don’t leave garbage on the course.  Take the extra ten seconds to replace your divots.  Repair your pitch marks on the Greens.  Hopefully you will help set an example for others, and the courses you play will be far more enjoyable.

Follow these guidelines, and your Rounds will be far more enjoyable to you, and others.

Beginner’s guide to Golf

 

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FANTASY Uncategorized

Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-15 Injuries already!

Injuries with a Fantasy impact before the first game of Preseason.

If there’s one thing I truly hate.  It’s injuries to key Players before they’ve even played a snap.  It’s the beginning of August, and the first Preseason game is yet to be played.  I have already spent some time adjusting my draft board more than once.  Thankfully my Keeper league team has yet to be affected.  Can’t say the same for a couple of my Competitors though. 😁 These are the injuries that could seriously effect your Fantasy team.

Andrew Luck

There has been a lot of speculation about Andrew Luck as he prepares to return from off season shoulder surgery.   The one thing that is for sure is that the original time line was incorrectly optimistic.  As of right now, Andrew Luck’s return is totally unknown.  It could be before the final game of the Preseason, or it could be against Jacksonville in Week 7.  Not knowing when he will return is worse than knowing he won’t be available until Week 7.  As a Fantasy Manager you can make the necessary adjustments to your draft grades if you know.  What makes matters worse is that Luck is the key to the Colts offence.  If he misses any significant time then you will need to adjust your values for a number of Players.  Is T.Y. Hilton a Top 10 Wide Receiver if Andrew Luck isn’t throwing him the ball?  He isn’t to me.  Donte Moncrief, whom I consider a potential breakout Player.  He becomes a Player I wouldn’t even consider drafting unless he fell into the final Rounds of a draft.  Do you think Scott Tolzien can keep Defences honest enough to avoid having the box stacked against the run?  I sure as hell don’t.  Frank Gore is a great workhorse Back.  Asking him to produce against a stacked box is too much though.  Every one of these Players goes from being a Fantasy staple to a complete gamble.

Kenneth Dixon

So in this case we know what the final diagnosis is.  Kenneth Dixon is done for the Season.  Hopefully you aren’t in one of those ridiculous leagues that drafts in July, and picked Dixon.  If you are, well sorry about your luck.  If you are like the majority of us, and have yet to draft.  Then Dixon going down has opened up some interesting possibilities on the Fantasy front.  The Ravens weren’t going to have a bell cow Running Back.  With Dixon out for the Season two Running Backs are likely to see a greater number of touches.  Who benefits most will depend on the play calling.  I believe that Terrance West will gain the majority of touches in Dixon’s absence.  This year will be his opportunity to prove to the Ravens, and the rest of the league that he can be a lead Back.  Danny Woodhead’s value doesn’t change much.  He will still serve as a change of pace, or third down pass catching Running Back.  He will gain a few additional snaps, but not enough to really affect his draft position.  As always Woodhead comes with a lot of injury risk, and that will always push him deeper into drafts.

Will Fuller

A couple Seasons ago DeAndre Hopkins was a Top 5 Wide Receiver.  Last Season he was supposed to back it up with another great Season.  That never happened.  There was a couple of reasons for his decline.  The first was incredibly terrible Quarterback play.  The second reason was the immediate impact of the Houston Texans first Round pick out of Notre Dame Will Fuller.  It’s not like Fuller is challenging Hopkins for the number 1 Wide Receiver position.  He isn’t nearly as talented as DeAndre Hopkins.  What he is though is incredibly fast.  His ability to burn opposing Defences deep can come in handy in close games.  With one of the Top Defences in the league it only took one big play to win games.  Well Will Fuller busted his Collar Bone today.  Which means to Fantasy Managers that he won’t see the field until some time in October at the earliest.  What does this mean for the rest of the Fantasy roster in Houston?  One thing is for sure, DeAndre Hopkins goes back to being the only real threat at Wide Receiver.  C.J. Fiedorowicz will be counted on to handle an increased work load.  The real benefactor here though is Lamar Miller.  Houston’s best chance of winning close games is to control the clock, and run the ball.

These are just a few of the early injuries.  Pay close attention during Preseason, and adjust your draft boards accordingly.  Trust me the injury bug is far from done.