Its been a while since I blogged. Probably it's a lot to do with the traumatic news that has been relayed almost daily on the news media. So much that you could write, but so much that you dare not.
It's all doom and gloom with a flurry of dreadful things happening in the UK. We appear to be plagued by the jihadists, the fascists, the neo-fascists, the child murderers, and a lot of others who are equally bad. We can't string them up, and therefore seem to be firmly rooted in a moment in time where we have to simply accept that they are all a blight on our society. I emphasise 'all' as it's not just about the extremists, but is rather about an awful lot of unsavoury people.
No one has to live in the U.K. as unlike other darker regimes, there is freedom of movement and ease of migration. So if you don't like true democracy, free health care, free social support, money for labour (with a set minimum wage to prevent exploitation), free and sound education of your younger siblings and offspring, freedom of expression, freedom of dress code, legal support, fair justice systems, good housing stock, good public transport, access to financial support, freedom to practice a religion of your choice, a relatively safe environment (when the sick, and cowardly aren't butchering small children and unarmed soldiers who are alone) then buy a ticket and migrate elsewhere. It's your choice, not mine, not theirs, not his, not hers, but yours.
So with all of that in mind, what pops up but none other than Jack a blinking well needed breathe of fresh air Carroll. I giggled while in the bath yesterday thinking of his Britain's Got Talent Semi-Final appearance, and giggled again in the car on the several hour drive to our Capital City. One of my daughters didn't know who I was talking about and we YouTubed his performance at midnight and yep folks; I giggled again.
In no particular order, and with no apology for any errors, my giggles stem from amongst other things;
I'm a professional gymnast
Don't let him press the big red button
The other one is the leader of North Korea
Don't take it seriously, it's only a joke
If you dial the number, you don't get to speak to me
I thought that I would cut out the middle man
That wasn't my cup of tea
What do you think you are? A comedian?
I thought that I would do opera
Please don't vote for me because I wear glasses
Ha bloody ha ha. Jack Carroll funny guy. Go on: give him £250,000 an audience with the Queen and a blinking MBE as soon as is possible. Here is a chap who isn't just coping with his problems, not just trying to lead a normal life, but is now leading an extraordinary life. How many comedians have you watched and can remember their act days later?
Jack Carroll is an inspiration to us all. And to all of the troubled people out there, who think the world is against them, and who feel that they have to resort to nastiness, aggressive oratory, and aggression towards and then the butchering of the innocent. Stop and think; you ain't got it that bad at all. So take two growing up pills or buy a ticket and migrate. Oh, and if you butchered a young girl in Machynlleth, then face up to the horrors and admit that there is no body to dispose of as you incinerated it in your lounge.
Gosh, it's the first time in a long time that I wanted a tree and a piece of rope, to use on someone else. Would that be anger, revenge, or justice? Or would it be a natural outcome of a society deciding to fight back and thereby retrieve its ascendancy, rather than bending to the will of the diseased. I chose the last word in that sentence carefully.
In stark contrast we are graced with the presence of Jack Carroll; a person that is striving to put the 'great' back into 'Great Britain'. Now where was I? Oh I know, "The other one is the leader of North Korea", ha bloody ha ha.
31 May 2013
24 May 2013
Ingrid Loyau-Kennett
Choosing to stay rather than run and thereby coming face to face with a killer brandishing blood covered blades; leaves me in no doubt whatsoever that Cub Scout leader Ingrid Loyau-Kennett should be awarded the George Medal.
She showed bravery and compassion mixed with a sense of duty to her fellow man. Well done Ingrid Loyau-Kennett you are a hero.
She showed bravery and compassion mixed with a sense of duty to her fellow man. Well done Ingrid Loyau-Kennett you are a hero.
23 May 2013
Corps of Drums
The wicked did lie in wait
Seeking death and Heavens Gate
Thinking that they would gain fame
With intent to kill or maim
Both were cowards through and through
Choosing for not one but two
To first strike down and then slay
The soldier that then did lay
Upon this ground of England
Close to his family band
The Corps of Drums will now sound
Drummer Rigby on the ground
Roger Bennett
Penrhyncoch
May 2013
Seeking death and Heavens Gate
Thinking that they would gain fame
With intent to kill or maim
Both were cowards through and through
Choosing for not one but two
To first strike down and then slay
The soldier that then did lay
Upon this ground of England
Close to his family band
The Corps of Drums will now sound
Drummer Rigby on the ground
Roger Bennett
Penrhyncoch
May 2013
Rest in Peace Drummer Lee Rigby
Drummer Lee Rigby
Corps of Drums
2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
1987 - 2013
You were 100 times the man compared to the cowards who murdered you. They used both greater numbers and weapons, while all you had was a t-shirt in support of a charity. You outwardly wore your compassion, and the tributes from your family and friends are testimony of your caring, loving, and compassionate nature.
Yet again it is the cowards who strike while the brave and gentle die. Rest in peace Drummer Lee Rigby for your name will live on, whereas their names and what they stood for have already been cast aside. I will order and wear my help the heroes t-shirt with pride, and I hope that many others will do likewise in recognition of your sacrifice.
Corps of Drums
2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
1987 - 2013
You were 100 times the man compared to the cowards who murdered you. They used both greater numbers and weapons, while all you had was a t-shirt in support of a charity. You outwardly wore your compassion, and the tributes from your family and friends are testimony of your caring, loving, and compassionate nature.
Yet again it is the cowards who strike while the brave and gentle die. Rest in peace Drummer Lee Rigby for your name will live on, whereas their names and what they stood for have already been cast aside. I will order and wear my help the heroes t-shirt with pride, and I hope that many others will do likewise in recognition of your sacrifice.
Renault Clio Fuel Flap Failure and Fuel Cap replacement
Having found limited resources online regarding this problem, I have held back on Blogging on other subjects in order to keep these sequence of posts together and thereby make it easier for the reader to find the detail and resolve their Clio problem. Previous Renault Clio Blog Posts in this sequence explain how to disengage the Clio locking mechanism with hopefully no damage to your car bodywork or the Clio fuel flap. But in all cases any actions taken are your sole responsibility and do not proceed unless you are confident with what you are undertaking as I am unable to accept any responsibility for errors or design differences.
To help you try to resolve the problem I have also posted photographs and a diagram showing which bits to disengage and when the Clio fuel flap is open how to secure the protrusion to prevent the tiny piston re-engaging the hole.
You now need to obtain a lockable fuel cap as the fuel flap on the Renault Clio should no longer operate if you have disabled it and plugged the hole. The lockable fuel cap should prevent your fuel from being siphoned off and stolen, but it also protects your car from vandalism as certain things poured into or deposited into the fuel system may cause catastrophic damage to the fuel lines and engine. So providing a lockable fuel cap seems to be an essential requirement.
If you take off and look at your existing fuel cap you will see that there are lugs on the underside that engage into the Renault Clio design locking thread. DO NOT take a photograph as you could cause an explosion when your non intrinsically safe camera sparks within the flammable range of petroleum. I emphasis this point, DO NOT photograph. Also ensure that you are not smoking or using an electronic cigarette. No naked flames, no lights switched on or off, no camera click, no phone call, nothing, nowt, nil. Petrol vapours move rapidly out of the fuel system and cover a vast area quickly, so please ensure that you exercise a degree of common sense.
The fuel cap design that appears specific to Renault means that you have to use a compatible fuel cap. The compatibility is relevant to the age of the car. I recommend a google web search followed by looking at auction sites and mainstream online sellers as well as car specific sellers. I cannot recommend buying a used item. You have to ask yourself why a used item is for sale.
I found Renault Clio lockable fuel caps with two keys in the price range £10 to £25 including delivery. In all instances I would recommend telephoning a seller where the details are shown and stating the year of registration for your Clio of emailing them with the same query where a telephone number is not provided. I think that it is important to check compatibility in this way as I found three different fuel caps, but only one will fit our specific Clio date.
Renault can also provide a key coded lock at a price. This system means that your engine key will unlock your new fuel cap. But a few words of caution with this idea at circa £54 (not sure if that's with or plus VAT). If the new fuel cap is not secured to your Clio like the existing non locking fuel cap, and you drive your Clio away from the petrol station with the fuel cap on the petrol pump, then that's a lot of money to throw away. If you opt for the key coded Clio fuel cap through a main dealer, then check that they can, and if yes, that they will secure the new fuel cap to the rubber link fixing inside the fuel flap free of charge. Otherwise, I can only recommend sticking with the cheaper two key option, as it will be relatively painless if you drive away and forget the fuel cap.
We could have done with some help when the problem occurred with 'Serena' and I hope that some of these comments and the photographs and the diagram help you in some way. Scroll down to the other Blog posts in this sequence that were uploaded on different dates in order to get the full picture and advice that is offered in good faith and which you are free to accept at your own liability or simply reject as you continue searching for a solution to a locked fuel flap on a Renault Clio.
Happy Driving!
To help you try to resolve the problem I have also posted photographs and a diagram showing which bits to disengage and when the Clio fuel flap is open how to secure the protrusion to prevent the tiny piston re-engaging the hole.
You now need to obtain a lockable fuel cap as the fuel flap on the Renault Clio should no longer operate if you have disabled it and plugged the hole. The lockable fuel cap should prevent your fuel from being siphoned off and stolen, but it also protects your car from vandalism as certain things poured into or deposited into the fuel system may cause catastrophic damage to the fuel lines and engine. So providing a lockable fuel cap seems to be an essential requirement.
If you take off and look at your existing fuel cap you will see that there are lugs on the underside that engage into the Renault Clio design locking thread. DO NOT take a photograph as you could cause an explosion when your non intrinsically safe camera sparks within the flammable range of petroleum. I emphasis this point, DO NOT photograph. Also ensure that you are not smoking or using an electronic cigarette. No naked flames, no lights switched on or off, no camera click, no phone call, nothing, nowt, nil. Petrol vapours move rapidly out of the fuel system and cover a vast area quickly, so please ensure that you exercise a degree of common sense.
The fuel cap design that appears specific to Renault means that you have to use a compatible fuel cap. The compatibility is relevant to the age of the car. I recommend a google web search followed by looking at auction sites and mainstream online sellers as well as car specific sellers. I cannot recommend buying a used item. You have to ask yourself why a used item is for sale.
I found Renault Clio lockable fuel caps with two keys in the price range £10 to £25 including delivery. In all instances I would recommend telephoning a seller where the details are shown and stating the year of registration for your Clio of emailing them with the same query where a telephone number is not provided. I think that it is important to check compatibility in this way as I found three different fuel caps, but only one will fit our specific Clio date.
Renault can also provide a key coded lock at a price. This system means that your engine key will unlock your new fuel cap. But a few words of caution with this idea at circa £54 (not sure if that's with or plus VAT). If the new fuel cap is not secured to your Clio like the existing non locking fuel cap, and you drive your Clio away from the petrol station with the fuel cap on the petrol pump, then that's a lot of money to throw away. If you opt for the key coded Clio fuel cap through a main dealer, then check that they can, and if yes, that they will secure the new fuel cap to the rubber link fixing inside the fuel flap free of charge. Otherwise, I can only recommend sticking with the cheaper two key option, as it will be relatively painless if you drive away and forget the fuel cap.
We could have done with some help when the problem occurred with 'Serena' and I hope that some of these comments and the photographs and the diagram help you in some way. Scroll down to the other Blog posts in this sequence that were uploaded on different dates in order to get the full picture and advice that is offered in good faith and which you are free to accept at your own liability or simply reject as you continue searching for a solution to a locked fuel flap on a Renault Clio.
Happy Driving!
17 May 2013
Renault Clio Fuel Flap Failure
Along with the previous photograph and diagram in earlier Blog posts. This is the locking device into which the protrusion with the hole sits. You can just make out the tiny piston that moves up and down in and out if the hoke in the protrusion in order to lock the fuel flap.
Renault Clio Fuel Flap Failure photographs
This photograph supports the diagram and explanation provided in an earlier Blog post. The photograph shows the masking tape used to protect the bodywork and the protrusion from the fuel cap into which the piston locks. The white bit at the top of the protrusion is 'blu tak' used to fill the hole after which electrical tape was wrapped around to prevent the piston slipping back into the hole when the car was locked and unlocked in the future. The hole goes all the way through the protrusion and therefore the piston can be accessed from below and pushed up with a long thin screwdriver to disengage the lock.
Renault Clio Fuel Flap Failure
The fuel flap on the Renault Clio belonging to one of our daughters failed in the locked shut position. A search of on-line forums provided a release method but no images or diagrams. So I have uploaded an explanation to assist anyone out there who is faced with a possible huge repair bill.
Repair methods
(1) If you model has a release cable inside the boot on the same side as the fuel flap then use the cable to release the fuel flap.
(2) If the piston or release mechanism is near an air-bag operating cylinder or air bag device as mentioned in some forums, please exercise common sense and stay well clear as you may inadvertently operate the airbag with catastrophic results and possible serious injury.
(3) If there is no release cable and you want to try to release the fuel flap to gain entry to the fuel cap then:
(A) use masking tape to cover and protect the area below the fuel flap and at the bottom of the fuel flap against damage,
(B) use a long thin screwdriver inserted from the bottom of the fuel flap and aimed at a small circle some 0.5 cm in diameter to press the centre of the circle and thereby push up a piston from the hole to disengage the lock
(C) when the fuel flap is open use electrical tape or similar to tape the piston into its housing and to wrap around the holed assembly attached to the fuel flap to prevent the piston re-engaging into the lock
Notes: you need to use masking tape to protect the bodywork and the lower part of the fuel flap or you will damage the paintwork. Do not try to prise the flap open fully without disengaging the piston as you will damage the mechanism. You can use a torch and by slightly prising the fuel flap from the left hand side you will see the piston. On our Clio it looked like a small black circle.
Repair methods
(1) If you model has a release cable inside the boot on the same side as the fuel flap then use the cable to release the fuel flap.
(2) If the piston or release mechanism is near an air-bag operating cylinder or air bag device as mentioned in some forums, please exercise common sense and stay well clear as you may inadvertently operate the airbag with catastrophic results and possible serious injury.
(3) If there is no release cable and you want to try to release the fuel flap to gain entry to the fuel cap then:
(A) use masking tape to cover and protect the area below the fuel flap and at the bottom of the fuel flap against damage,
(B) use a long thin screwdriver inserted from the bottom of the fuel flap and aimed at a small circle some 0.5 cm in diameter to press the centre of the circle and thereby push up a piston from the hole to disengage the lock
(C) when the fuel flap is open use electrical tape or similar to tape the piston into its housing and to wrap around the holed assembly attached to the fuel flap to prevent the piston re-engaging into the lock
Notes: you need to use masking tape to protect the bodywork and the lower part of the fuel flap or you will damage the paintwork. Do not try to prise the flap open fully without disengaging the piston as you will damage the mechanism. You can use a torch and by slightly prising the fuel flap from the left hand side you will see the piston. On our Clio it looked like a small black circle.
13 May 2013
Mikhail Tal
Following the 'Jan Sendall and Paul Clark inaugural Memorial Handicap Rapidplay Chess Tournament' where I scored for me a respectable 2.5/7 given my fifteen years absence from the chess scene; I'm now working my way through the complete games of Mikhail Tal; former World Chess Champion.
Tal is recognised as a dashing, imaginative and sacrificial player who acquired positional sense. If there is anyone who I should model myself on then it has to be Mikhail Tal. Simply because my previous play as a sacrificial player was all about the King hunt, whereas the new me has to adapt and develop if my chess re-birth is to be a success.
When I finish this book, I'm going to begin looking at ideas and themes and avoid getting bogged down in the quagmire of opening theory. I intend that the next chess publications that I study will be the ones recommended by my good friend Adam. From time to time I shall try to update the Blog with my chess progress. Meanwhile it's back to the coffee and the book and the pocket chess set that have dug out and dusted off. Today I looked at two games, tomorrow it will be a third.
Tal is recognised as a dashing, imaginative and sacrificial player who acquired positional sense. If there is anyone who I should model myself on then it has to be Mikhail Tal. Simply because my previous play as a sacrificial player was all about the King hunt, whereas the new me has to adapt and develop if my chess re-birth is to be a success.
When I finish this book, I'm going to begin looking at ideas and themes and avoid getting bogged down in the quagmire of opening theory. I intend that the next chess publications that I study will be the ones recommended by my good friend Adam. From time to time I shall try to update the Blog with my chess progress. Meanwhile it's back to the coffee and the book and the pocket chess set that have dug out and dusted off. Today I looked at two games, tomorrow it will be a third.
12 May 2013
A Tale of Two Hoppity's
I was allocated my FIDE Chess Player ID of 1803247 following the tournament in Tanygroes. I regard this FIDE ID as my first step towards achieving a good chess grade through enjoyable means.
I am now at home and reflecting on the Handicap Rapidplay tournament, along with the advice that I received from two good friends (who are also excellent chess players) prior to the tournament.
My Welsh FIDE Rated friend (rated that is if one of his opponents in a FIDE competition hadn't managed to score zero and mess it all up for everyone) suggested ideas and themes to avoid well studied openings, playing a particular chess App that is available for the iPad and future purchases of two books (in particular about strategies and things).
Whereas my German IM and Playmaten photographenfriend suggested reading a chess book after fifteen years absence, just in case the knight moves differently these days!
What was said in jest all too soon turned out to be true at the board.
I used ideas and themes to fill my opening void, and there I was in one of the rounds when to my surprise my opponent moved a Knight from g8 to f8, i.e. straight line and from one colour square to a same colour square. I stopped the clock and said "excuse me but I think that you have just made an illegal move". But being a gent, I also mentioned that it was ok to retake the move and to move any piece.
In another round my opponent stopped my clock and said something with the word "lose" in it. I was unsure what was said so I asked again several times. Each time the statement was repeated, but I was confused. Was my opponent trying to cast a spell, or had I really fallen foul of some obscure rule? So I called over the Arbiter. He questioned my opponent, who told the Arbiter that I had lost. I was worried that I had contravened some new rule whittled up during the last decade and a half of self induced chess exile. Further interrogation by the Arbiter concluded that my opponent was claiming that I had lost on time. "Don't be silly" said the Atbiter, looking at the clock carefully, "he still has two minutes left!".
I went on to deliver checkmate with a pawn, Rook and a Hoppity. So my reminiscence at the end of the day; is very much a tale of two hoppity's along with gratitude towards two friends.
And that would be that, if it wasn't for my honesty. You see folks I have to own up to my astonishing error in one of my won games. Striving to place a Rook on the 8th Rank I found that my arms had somehow shrunk and astonishing as it might seem, I let go of the Rook on the 7th. Where it was sat enprise and on the same rank as one of my opponents Rooks. Needless up say, he took it, and I was left thinking that I need to use the Rack the next time that I visit the gym.
I am now at home and reflecting on the Handicap Rapidplay tournament, along with the advice that I received from two good friends (who are also excellent chess players) prior to the tournament.
My Welsh FIDE Rated friend (rated that is if one of his opponents in a FIDE competition hadn't managed to score zero and mess it all up for everyone) suggested ideas and themes to avoid well studied openings, playing a particular chess App that is available for the iPad and future purchases of two books (in particular about strategies and things).
Whereas my German IM and Playmaten photographenfriend suggested reading a chess book after fifteen years absence, just in case the knight moves differently these days!
What was said in jest all too soon turned out to be true at the board.
I used ideas and themes to fill my opening void, and there I was in one of the rounds when to my surprise my opponent moved a Knight from g8 to f8, i.e. straight line and from one colour square to a same colour square. I stopped the clock and said "excuse me but I think that you have just made an illegal move". But being a gent, I also mentioned that it was ok to retake the move and to move any piece.
In another round my opponent stopped my clock and said something with the word "lose" in it. I was unsure what was said so I asked again several times. Each time the statement was repeated, but I was confused. Was my opponent trying to cast a spell, or had I really fallen foul of some obscure rule? So I called over the Arbiter. He questioned my opponent, who told the Arbiter that I had lost. I was worried that I had contravened some new rule whittled up during the last decade and a half of self induced chess exile. Further interrogation by the Arbiter concluded that my opponent was claiming that I had lost on time. "Don't be silly" said the Atbiter, looking at the clock carefully, "he still has two minutes left!".
I went on to deliver checkmate with a pawn, Rook and a Hoppity. So my reminiscence at the end of the day; is very much a tale of two hoppity's along with gratitude towards two friends.
And that would be that, if it wasn't for my honesty. You see folks I have to own up to my astonishing error in one of my won games. Striving to place a Rook on the 8th Rank I found that my arms had somehow shrunk and astonishing as it might seem, I let go of the Rook on the 7th. Where it was sat enprise and on the same rank as one of my opponents Rooks. Needless up say, he took it, and I was left thinking that I need to use the Rack the next time that I visit the gym.
Jan Sendall and Paul Clark inaugural Memorial Handicap Rapidplay ChessTournament Round 7
Now safely back home and on the laptop I am able to update my Round 6 and 7 games. In the seventh round I yet again was given 5 minutes to my opponents 25 minutes in this inaugural Handicap Rapidplay tournament. I was quite happy going into the last Round with 1.5 points as that was 1.5 points more than I expected. An uneventful opening moved itself into a solid middle game whereupon I was able to swap off the major pieces and slowly move into a won Rook, Knight and Pawn endgame. I had the added satisfaction of finishing the tournament with my first checkmate of the day.
John Florence 1309 v RBA 0-1
2.5 / 7 and a very happy tournament experience indeed. The highlight must have been finding my Chess Mentor RG Taylor present and being able to reminisce with him and plan some ideas for the future. One of these may be about obtaining a FIDE Chess ID Number and taking a holiday to play in one or two Swiss Tournaments on mainland Europe. So seeing that meeting my old friend was the best part of the day for me, it is only fitting that I leave you with a chess photograph of the said friends:
Welsh Representative in the Commonwealth Championships held in India (albeit ill health prevented Bob from taking up the place when the Championships were held). Photograph taken with a Canon 600D and f/1.8 Prime Lens handheld indoors without flash.
John Florence 1309 v RBA 0-1
2.5 / 7 and a very happy tournament experience indeed. The highlight must have been finding my Chess Mentor RG Taylor present and being able to reminisce with him and plan some ideas for the future. One of these may be about obtaining a FIDE Chess ID Number and taking a holiday to play in one or two Swiss Tournaments on mainland Europe. So seeing that meeting my old friend was the best part of the day for me, it is only fitting that I leave you with a chess photograph of the said friends:
RG Taylor, 12 May 2013
Newport Chess Club
Former National Master Graded 200 (English System)
Welsh Representative in the Commonwealth Championships held in India (albeit ill health prevented Bob from taking up the place when the Championships were held). Photograph taken with a Canon 600D and f/1.8 Prime Lens handheld indoors without flash.
Jan Sendall and Paul Clark inaugural Memorial Handicap Rapidplay ChessTournament Round 6
I became a tad tired and packed away the iPad for post my Round 6 and Round 7 games.
My time just slipped by against my Round 6 Opponent Awne Osinga. Five minutes simply isn't enough time when you are this much out pf practice. I cant tell you where my time went, as I moved swiftly every move, and was astonished when I noticed that my flag had fallen. I was equally astonished when my opponent noticed that it had gone some twenty moves later. Hey ho, happy days, as I thoroughly enjoyed the game up until Osinga noticed the win. It was a tight position, in which I had probably thrown away a few opportunities.
RBA v Awne Osinga 1468 0-1
1.5 / 6
My time just slipped by against my Round 6 Opponent Awne Osinga. Five minutes simply isn't enough time when you are this much out pf practice. I cant tell you where my time went, as I moved swiftly every move, and was astonished when I noticed that my flag had fallen. I was equally astonished when my opponent noticed that it had gone some twenty moves later. Hey ho, happy days, as I thoroughly enjoyed the game up until Osinga noticed the win. It was a tight position, in which I had probably thrown away a few opportunities.
RBA v Awne Osinga 1468 0-1
1.5 / 6
Jan Sendall and Paul Clark inaugural Memorial Handicap Rapidplay ChessTournament Round 5
RBA Bennett, 12 May 2013
The problem with being addicted to caffeine is that while drinking your coffee the next round can start. White pieces and caffeine against a lower graded player made no difference as once more I lost. The opening and middle game was equal and then I managed to make it unequal. Unfortunately, not in my favour. Rook and minor pieces middle game became too complicated for yours truly who made an inaccurate King move and allowed my opponents white squared Bishop into too strong a position and my pieces fell one by one.
RBA v Julie van Komenade 1781 0-1
Jan Sendall and Paul Clark inaugural Memorial Handicap Rapidplay ChessTournament Round 4
The problem with being graded higher than most of the field, is that you always get the up float to the higher group if there is an odd number of players with the next highest score, but you never get the down float to the lower group. So there was me after three rounds and running third from last out of 24 players and expecting to be on board eleven, to find myself on board nine against a competent player.
The Kings pawn game started well for me and I was able to squeeze out if the opening and into the middle game with equality. My Bishops done a good job of controlling a few diagonals and with a central Knight I was able to go the exchange up for a Knight and pawn to Rook. With the added bonus of winning back the pawn quickly and being able to force the Queen and Bishops off the board. This let me into a won double Rook against Rook and Knight ending which cancelled down even better to a Rook v Knight ending. I kept my head in Round four, and even though I was stuffed after the lovely SUNDAY lunch in Tanygroes, I still managed to gobble up a few Kings side pawns and cancel out my Rook for his Knight to leave a won King and Pawn endgame.
Phew, thank you Colin, I needed that.
Colin Denham 1672 v RBA 0-1
1.5 / 4
The other news brought to me at lunch, is that my travelling companion James Cook managed a draw in Round 3 when his opponent failed to prosecute checkmate with a double Bishop and King v King endgame. So I suppose that the learning outcome after this Round and the Round 3 news; is that endgame knowledge is extremely important.
The Kings pawn game started well for me and I was able to squeeze out if the opening and into the middle game with equality. My Bishops done a good job of controlling a few diagonals and with a central Knight I was able to go the exchange up for a Knight and pawn to Rook. With the added bonus of winning back the pawn quickly and being able to force the Queen and Bishops off the board. This let me into a won double Rook against Rook and Knight ending which cancelled down even better to a Rook v Knight ending. I kept my head in Round four, and even though I was stuffed after the lovely SUNDAY lunch in Tanygroes, I still managed to gobble up a few Kings side pawns and cancel out my Rook for his Knight to leave a won King and Pawn endgame.
Phew, thank you Colin, I needed that.
Colin Denham 1672 v RBA 0-1
1.5 / 4
The other news brought to me at lunch, is that my travelling companion James Cook managed a draw in Round 3 when his opponent failed to prosecute checkmate with a double Bishop and King v King endgame. So I suppose that the learning outcome after this Round and the Round 3 news; is that endgame knowledge is extremely important.
James Cook, 12 May 2013
Jan Sendall and Paul Clark inaugural Memorial Handicap Rapidplay Chess Tournament Round 3
My third game was an excellent example of the what the lack of opening preparation can do to you at club and tournament level.
Against 1. d4 I went for a Kings side fianchetto and sort of muddled my way along for the next thirty or so moves until my position collapsed as one of his hoppity's gained too many squares around my King. So it has to be back to the drawing board for me to ready myself for a proper tournament later this year or next. I need to prep some good opening material for both colours as well as gaining match fitness.
Tony Haigh 1959 v RBA 1-0
0.5 / 3
Against 1. d4 I went for a Kings side fianchetto and sort of muddled my way along for the next thirty or so moves until my position collapsed as one of his hoppity's gained too many squares around my King. So it has to be back to the drawing board for me to ready myself for a proper tournament later this year or next. I need to prep some good opening material for both colours as well as gaining match fitness.
Tony Haigh 1959 v RBA 1-0
0.5 / 3
Jan Sendall and Paul Clark inaugural Memorial Handicap Rapidplay Chess Tournament Round 2
At least in this game I had the white pieces and 10 minutes compared to that of 20 for my opponent. 'Dim ots' as they say in Welsh; I still lost.
RBA v Howard Leah 1606 0-1
1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. bc4
and a return to my childhood and the piano opening that was bashed out day after day especially at school and during my early club days. I had the better play in this game and when my opponent went pawn hunting with his Queen on my queenside, I went King hunting on the Kingside.
Unfortunately I cane close, but alas I did not break through and his pawn superiority won the one sided double and then single Rook ending. The highlight of this round being my discussions with two players about the strong Swiss tournaments in Gibraltar and Bulgaria and the ease with which a few of them enter these events annually. So the inspiration from my friend Adam a few days ago has now been fuelled by learning of the first hand experiences of others. Meanwhile I need to sharpen my play and learn what the top players are using these days. Gosh fifteen years is a long time, but with two rounds gone, I'm good to say that it's all very enjoyable and it does indeed stretch the mind.
0.5 / 2
RBA v Howard Leah 1606 0-1
1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. bc4
and a return to my childhood and the piano opening that was bashed out day after day especially at school and during my early club days. I had the better play in this game and when my opponent went pawn hunting with his Queen on my queenside, I went King hunting on the Kingside.
Unfortunately I cane close, but alas I did not break through and his pawn superiority won the one sided double and then single Rook ending. The highlight of this round being my discussions with two players about the strong Swiss tournaments in Gibraltar and Bulgaria and the ease with which a few of them enter these events annually. So the inspiration from my friend Adam a few days ago has now been fuelled by learning of the first hand experiences of others. Meanwhile I need to sharpen my play and learn what the top players are using these days. Gosh fifteen years is a long time, but with two rounds gone, I'm good to say that it's all very enjoyable and it does indeed stretch the mind.
0.5 / 2
Jan Sendall and Paul Clark inaugural Memorial Handicap Rapidplay Chess Tournament Round 1
Well the tournament organisers used my last published grade of 1875 which was a tad disappointing as I was hoping for a 200 to 300 drop for a handicap tournament when I haven't played for a decade and a half. Hey ho as wifey would say, and a disgruntled Roger sat down with 5 minutes on the clock and unfortunately the black pieces, compared to the 25 minutes allocated to my opponent Roland Spencer 1471
With the better game and only 10 seconds left on my clock I offered a draw that was duly and correctly accepted. Roland praised me as not being rusty so that sought of proves the comment made by my youngest, "playing chess is like riding a bike". Yeah ok, but it doesn't half hurt when you fall off.
0.5/1
With the better game and only 10 seconds left on my clock I offered a draw that was duly and correctly accepted. Roland praised me as not being rusty so that sought of proves the comment made by my youngest, "playing chess is like riding a bike". Yeah ok, but it doesn't half hurt when you fall off.
0.5/1
Jan Sendall and Paul Clark inaugural Memorial Handicap Rapidplay Chess Tournament
Here I am at the "Jan Sendall and Paul Clark inaugural Memorial Handicap Rapidplay Chess Tournament" held in Tanygroes Ceredigion on the 12 May 2013 and lo and behold I bump into my Chess Mentor RG Taylor of Newport Chess Club fame and the Welsh Representative in the Commonwealth Chess Championships held in India (albeit Bob ended up not playing on that occasion due to ask minute serious ill health). Bob was astonished to see my name on the list of competitors as he knew that I had not played chess for 15 years and I was astonished to see Bob as I had not seen him for a little longer than that.
My plan for today's competition was 0/7 providing that I enjoyed myself, and by meeting Bob the enjoyment criteria has already been met!
My plan for today's competition was 0/7 providing that I enjoyed myself, and by meeting Bob the enjoyment criteria has already been met!
4 May 2013
Yet another national disgrace
It's astonishing that a country that lingers with incompetence when failing to get rid of the bad, simultaneously fails to welcome with open arms the good.
The red carpet should be rolled out for Hashmat Nawabie and all others who risked their lives under fire and will continue to risk their lives as the coalition forces now withdraw. They each done what they believed was right, and to now deny them asylum, is a shocking stance for a democratic country to take. Freedom must also be about safety, as you cannot fight a war in the name of freedom; while denying a safe outcome for some. This is not about immigration, this is not about quota's, this is not about whether or not this was a 'just war' (are any wars truly just?), this is simply about doing the right thing.
There is no more to be said. Not welcoming Mr Nawabie and others like him is a disgrace.
The red carpet should be rolled out for Hashmat Nawabie and all others who risked their lives under fire and will continue to risk their lives as the coalition forces now withdraw. They each done what they believed was right, and to now deny them asylum, is a shocking stance for a democratic country to take. Freedom must also be about safety, as you cannot fight a war in the name of freedom; while denying a safe outcome for some. This is not about immigration, this is not about quota's, this is not about whether or not this was a 'just war' (are any wars truly just?), this is simply about doing the right thing.
There is no more to be said. Not welcoming Mr Nawabie and others like him is a disgrace.
2 May 2013
Lunar Sputnik Apollo N1 Vostok Saturn Soyuz Gemini
I now know why the United States of America had to place an astronaut on the moon.
The CCCP launched the first rocket into space and they were the first to orbit the earth. The CCCP put the first satellite into space and relayed the first radio signals from space back to earth. They were also the first to have a capsule return safely to earth and they brought back the first photographs from space of the earth. They were the first to put an animal in space, the first to put a human being in space, the first to put a woman in space, the first to put civilians in space. The CCCP were also the first to put two crewed rockets in orbit simultaneously, and the first to have one of their cosmonauts compete a space walk. The only thing left was for someone to safely land on the moon and get back.
Therefore Kennedy's rhetoric for a moon landing was a much needed statement at a time when Russia had consistently won hands down, time and time again.
The CCCP launched the first rocket into space and they were the first to orbit the earth. The CCCP put the first satellite into space and relayed the first radio signals from space back to earth. They were also the first to have a capsule return safely to earth and they brought back the first photographs from space of the earth. They were the first to put an animal in space, the first to put a human being in space, the first to put a woman in space, the first to put civilians in space. The CCCP were also the first to put two crewed rockets in orbit simultaneously, and the first to have one of their cosmonauts compete a space walk. The only thing left was for someone to safely land on the moon and get back.
Therefore Kennedy's rhetoric for a moon landing was a much needed statement at a time when Russia had consistently won hands down, time and time again.
Season 10
Thank you Bro for the Mountfield petrol engine lawn mower that I found in your skip when I visited you a decade ago. As an anniversary treat, I may strip it down and spray it this year. A fantastic machine that starts first time after each winter break, still put to use ten years after it was discarded.
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