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BJ Smith wins low scoring
Canadian Jackalope Open 2003
 Nineteen
seemed to be the lucky number for BJ Smith this year, as he scored a steady
19 points on the front nine and 19 more on the back nine for 38 Stableford
points off his 19 handicap to earn him the title of Canadian Jackalope Open
2003 Champion.
The heat, some wind, slow greens and a generally tough
Khao Kheow layout played Friday, September 5 off the yellow tees kept the
scoring relatively low this year, as in most divisions, the winning score
would not even have qualified for the top three in last year’s Open.
However, it was a good day out for most, as once again
the organizing committee, marshals and volunteers did an exceptional job
under less than ideal conditions to ensure this year’s Jackalope Open
lived up to its billing as one of the most anticipated and fun golf
tournaments on the Pattaya golfing calendar.
 Canadian
Jackalope Open 2003 winner BJ Smith (left) receives his championship trophy
from Mark Gorda (right).
Despite the heat, or perhaps because of it, a small army
of course marshals, Mark Gorda, Shawn Field, Richard Livingston, Wayne
Ogonoski, Ray Matti, and Steve Mascari made sure that no one became
dehydrated, as they traversed the course dispensing ice cold Canadian beer,
Heineken, vodka and clamato juice whilst keeping an eye on the tournament to
help keep play flowing at a reasonable rate.
 Nervous
smiles from (l to r) Jimmy, John and Stephen, as the par three island green
awaits them in the background.
With all the fun going on, it is sometimes easy to
overlook that this is a charity event, a major charity event at that, and
this year’s Canadian Jackalope Open raised in excess of 250,000 baht for
local Pattaya charities. As always, this money will be used for worthy
projects in the area, helping those less fortunate. Last year, funds went
towards personal Walkman players and extra batteries, a PA and entertainment
system in 6 dormitories, a sports field and concrete playing area, and the
center’s sign on Sukhumvit – all for the Karunwyet Centre for disabled
ladies, plus pillows, sheets, blankets, footwear and underwear for the boys
and girls at the Street Kids Foundation, and new school desks and chairs, a
computer system, and a cooker for the children’s annex at the Camillian
AIDS Centre at Maptaphut. As one can see, the list is impressive.
The Canadian Jackalope Open Golf Tournament organizing
committee would like to express its appreciation to the following hole
sponsors and prize donators for making this year’s tournament a success:
Moe Deverdenne, Bob Van Mol, Mark Gorda, Matt Millar, Keith Forte, 60’s
Bar, Mark Campbell, Derek Reaper, Joe Banks, Kevin Gansvoort, Wayne Ogonoski,
Shawn Field, Jack Levy Insurance, Jesters MC, Tahitian Queen, Canuckville,
Scar, MB Petroleum Services, Amerada Hess, Nexen, Dave Walsh, Blue Parrot,
Lemon Inc., Jerry Lien, Derek Reaper, Nirvana, Paul Erb, Crathco, Gerry
Carpenter, Ron Amero, The Haven, TAZE Inc., Pattaya Sports Club, The Blind
Beggar, Cafe Kronborg, Glen Dragland, and Pattaya Mail.
Special thanks also to Kim Fletcher and his team at
Shenanigans. Without question, Kim and his team are always the first in line
to sponsor, organize, or help in anyway they can, the many good causes in
Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard. The number of lives made better by this
benevolent crew is uncountable, but large indeed. This year, amongst other
things, Kim donated the amazing lucky draw prize of a free special meal
every day for an entire year, won by Ron Amero.
The other top prize in the lucky draw was once again the
much-anticipated 50/50 draw, the winnings of which this year reached 60,000
baht. Keith Sandstrom won, and immediately donated half back to the
Jackalope charity fund. Well done Keith.
Meanwhile, there was also a golf tournament going on,
with a ton of division and technical prizes up for grabs.
Jim Wickstrom shot the tournament’s low gross, carding
a scratch 76.
Brian Holden won Division 1 with 37 points, followed by
Arthur Hancock in second with 35 points and Ian Warwick in third, also with
35 points.
Trevor Schirmer won Division 2 with 36 points. Bob Moberg
finished second with 35 points, winning on count back over 3rd
place Barry Sherman, also with 35 points.
In Division 3, last year’s runner-up Dene Mundy won
this year with 37 points, with George Redgewell on 36 points in second and
Chris John with 35 points in third.
Nora Haugsjordet won the Ladies Division with her 34
points. Tai Kennedy finished second with 33 points.
Bobby Taylor won the Rabbits Division with 38 points, the
same number he scored at last year’s event when he finished in second
place. This year, David Lee finished in second with 31 points.
Of the technical prizes, the standouts were Mark Muehr
winning the keg of beer (he now has many new friends), and Ning Fletcher for
following last year’s long drive win with this year’s highest gross.
Mention should be made of the great job Wayne Ogonoski
and Richard Livingston did at the unenviable task of registration and
tallying the scores. They also eventually were able to make it back to the
prize giving at The Haven despite one of the worst traffic jams in recent
memory, caused, we hear, by an accident. Mike Franklin for emceeing the
event and keeping the prize giving flowing at a good rate, and finally,
Stephen Beard and his Haven team who once again outdid themselves with a
delicious buffet, as well as keeping the drinks flowing.
Windsurfing bursts off the beaches in the war against drugs
Suchada Tupchai
Jomtien Beach sprang to life as the Pattaya winds
propelled windsurfing enthusiasts into the two-day competition promoting a
healthy, active lifestyle as part of the community’s war against
narcotics.
 Competitors
prepare themselves for the start.
Co-organised by Pattaya City and the Thai Windsurfing
Association the event was aimed at lifting the profile of this popular
competition water sport among the youth. Pattaya Mayor Pairat
Suthithamrongsawat was the guest of honor along deputy council chairman,
Pattana Boonsawat at the opening and closing ceremonies.
Competition began at 1.30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon with
over 20 racers lining up to gain points in their category. The Mistral One
design open, Under 20’s and Under 15’s categories. The Raceboard, the
division B and novice categories had their work cut out in the strive for
points over the weekend.
 Mayor
Pairat sounds the starting horn. Story on page 46.
Constant winds and skillful tactics saw some of the best
competition racing off Jomtien beach with the overall winner in Division A
being won by Aran Homraruen, a national windsurfing team member. Prayuth
Singhsart breezed in to top spot in Division B while his brother, Prayong
Singhsart sailed into first place in the Raceboard division.
Pruesana Chonprasop, a student at Burapa University won
the special novice award from Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat.
VFW Post 9876 holds
on to first place
PSC Friday Bowling
Gert and Bill both had over 500 series and beat last
place team Nice & Sleazy 4-0 to stay in first place, Shakey Pete’s
took 4-0 from Three Sisters and moved into second place. In other games Nam
Tip were 3-1 against Cafe Kronborg, Cafe Ole 3-1 with Night life and Jack
& Tar split 2-2 with Alt Koelle. The pins were falling better than
normal as their were eight bowlers over the 500 mark. The best game (245)
and best series (592) belong to Mia of Cafe Ole.
Over 200
bowlers.
Sunday Quiz League
Wednesday Quiz League
Kids are back in town
PSC Lawn Bowling
Big Blond Bomber Martin and Dave The Rave are back
playing out of their skin to out-bowl the Yingyangs girls Thong and Jeang
with some professional bowling. The Kids had a one sided match blowing the
girls away for the first time in two seasons. Boleyn Boys Steve the Streak
and Mad Dog Bill Jones won on the last end to beat the Dutch duo Big Frank
and Mr. Doctor D. Ned the Ted and Dancing Peter of the Team Somtams spanked
the asylum boys Gazza and his partner Bobby crush Carroll. In the games from
Division Two the new International Team The Dream Team Fat Boy Slim and his
new signing Nashers Terry, who bit at the ankles of the Rolex Twins all
night, got his bone in the end as they defeated the Rolex Boys. The
undertaker boys Keith and Gary from the team The Body Snatchers carted of a
Fantastic win over the old boys Reggie and Alan from JR bar, giving them a
great start to the season.
Team of The Week: Carlsberg Kids
Match of The Week: Windmills v Boleyn Boys
Player of The Week: Nashers Terry from the Dream Team.
Indoor Bowls League
Love Nest were still on cloud nine after their win last
week and maybe answers why they had a 15 - 0 whitewash by the Bakehouse
this week to bring them back to earth. Chatkeaw recovered from 4-0 down to
run out 11-5 winners against Double Trouble but the match of the night was
Thaied - Eddie and Mam - who came back from 8-0 down after four ends to
beat NoSawet 10-8 and retain their unbeaten record - until next week!
Pattaya Sports Club Thursday Night Darts
Yazuo Suzuki wins by ten shots clear of the field
The Haven Weekly Report
Monday September 1
St Andrews
Stableford
1st Yazuo Suzuki, 43 points
2nd Chang Suh, 33
3rd Jeff McLaury, 32
It has been a long time since anyone won a competition
out of The Haven by ten clear shots but Yazuo Suzuki managed to blow away
the field of all places at St Andrews with its two par sixes and difficult
approach shots to the greens. Playing his best golf of his current tour he
spread-eagled the rest of the hopefuls on a day when the field was depleted
due to the tournament in memory of George Davis being played at Ban Chang.
Chang Suh turned out to be the best of the rest to take
his first podium placing with “Mad Dog” Jeff McLaury the next best a
further shot back.
Yazuo continued to dominate in the twos scoring two to
everyone else none and therefore totally swept the pot for the day.
Prior to the prize giving Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed back Rusty Barfield and Kevin Ganzevoort.
Wednesday
September 3
Khao Kheow
Stableford
1st Pete Murray, 38 points
2nd Arthur Hancock, 37
3rd George Jackson, 33
4th Mark Campbell, 32 cb9 17
5th Trevor Schirmer, 32 cb9 13
In what was scheduled as a warm up for the Jackalope Open
to be held on the same course on the following Friday, a large contingent of
golfers battled through the unusually slow greens and rough rough, no doubt
due to the very wet conditions that did not allow proper green keeping, with
“Shaky Pete” Murray prevailing to finally take the top spot after many
second places.
As is usual Arthur Hancock played a very steady round,
one under his handicap, to secure second with “One Ball”, making one of
his infrequent showings, taking third.
“The Mangler” kept his head long enough to record 32
points and squeeze out Trevor Schirmer over the back nine.
The twos pool was won by Mark Gorda who succeeded with
the only two of the day to clear the pot, again relying on his new found
karma from his new wardrobe.
Back at The Haven Richard welcomed back Kerry Jonsson,
Bryn Josteinsson and Mike Dabanovich, the latter at last returning on time.
Friday saw the whole contingent of golfers playing in The
Jackalope Open, a report of which can be found on the back page of the
Pattaya Mail this week.
Old friends and new friends win
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s Sunday
August 31
Green Valley –
White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Place A Flight: Klaus Schackt, net 67
2nd Place A Flight: An Kaesavane, net 70
3rd Place A Flight: Jim Wickstrom, net 73
1st Place B Flight: Jim Munns, net 69
2nd Place B Flight: Frank Pilkington, net 71
3rd Place B Flight: Seamus Brennan, net 75
Klaus often prevails in the daily comps but seldom does
so with a score right around the Standard Scratch Score (SSS) of the
respective courses which is no small accomplishment given his lean handicap
of nine. However, on Sunday he put the pedal down and navigated the Peter
Thompson design in 67, three below the SSS and for the first time in this
scribe’s memory lowered his handicap to eight! He needed a fine
performance to outdistance his housemate An who shot right net 70.
A Flight was rounded off by Jim Wickstrom, a Green
Valley resident who has a significant golf pedigree. Jim Munns took full
advantage of his last competition before a month long hiatus to the U.S. by
winning B Flight with a net 69, the first time he has shot net in the
60’s in stroke play. The Irish duo of Frank Pilkington and Seamus Brennan
filled the additional two steps on the podium.
Tuesday
September 2
Laem Chabang – White Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight: Rick Sharp, 39 points
2nd Place A Flight: Mark Wood, 38 points
3rd Place A Flight: Yasou Suzuki, 37 points
1st Place B Flight: Kevin Bowman, 40 points
2nd Place B Flight: Colin Davis, 36 points
3rd Place B Flight: Takeshi Hakozaki, 34 points
When Rick was advised that his winnings account was
depleted he did the only rational thing, he went out and won, thereby
replenishing it.
Mark Wood showed he was shedding the effects of jet lag
following his arrival from native Scotland by bettering his handicap and
gaining second in A Flight. The upper division was filled out by Yasou
Suzuki, who has been a consistent winner around town since he arrived from
Japan a few weeks ago.
Kevin Bowman was Man of the Match with his outstanding
40-point effort, good enough to provide him a four shot cushion over the
Donkey. Newcomer Takeshi Hakozaki scooped up his first Lewiinski’s loot
with a modest 34 points. Tomorrow he was to show it was no fluke!
Wednesday
September 3
St. Andrews 2000 – White Tees
Stableford
1st Place: Takeshi Hakozaki, 36 points
2nd Place: An Kaesavene, 35 points
3rd Place: Eddie Blackwell, 34 points
The competitive week was rounded off by Takeshi Hakozaki
standing atop the podium for the first time in his short Lewiinski’s Golf
Society career. While 36 will not always hold up for victory in Pattaya,
when it does it is usually on a demanding course such as this Desmond
Muirhead monster. Familiar names stood just below Takeshi-san in the
persons of An Kaesavane and Eddie Blackwell.
PSC Golf from The Caf้ Kronborg
Thursday September 4
Royal Lakeside
Golf Club
Stroke
A late change by the management meant that the long trip
to this super set up was the test for the day. Always a good test of golf
this has to be the best walking course of the lot, being flat with well
grassed fairways that seem to make you bounce on the grass as you go from
shot to shot.
 Serge
Straeten.
Many people who play with us at this course, play it for
the first time, because it is just on the edge of the distance we travel
from Pattaya so we tend not to play it if we go to a course on our own but
an organized competition! Fine let’s go.
On the day the traffic down to the course was very busy,
but after booking in and arriving on the first tee we found the course
pretty quiet and could bimble around at our own speed with nobody around.
This of course led to a fine fast round that saw us back in the fine
clubhouse in short order.
 Rusty
in shock after a 12.
The golf was remarkable for two fine rounds as early on
Serge Straeten came in with a fine net 68 and tried to hang on as many
indifferent scores came in. Last score card in upset the applecart with Doug
Dempsey coming in with a net 64 and probably a fine handicap cut. Of note
was our 3 handicapper Rusty Barfield who came to the last having dropped
only 4 shots and proceeded to shoot a 12. Gives hope to us all.
 Doug
Dempsey after a fine win.
So the winner with a fine net 64 was Doug Dempsey ahead
of in second place Serge Straeten with a net 68. In third was Bob Benda, net
70, playing just over 2 weeks after an operation and showing how tough he
is, mind he was so tired after we got back he went home early and left his
phone etc on the table, most people would still be in recovery, anyone want
to buy a phone? Fourth, winning on a countback, was Alan Pearce with net 72,
beating out Neil Skilton.
Fine
food in a fine clubhouse.
Shenanigans 2003 Irish Open Championships
Friday October 3 is the date for the 2003
Shenanigans Irish Open Championships, this year with separate championship
trophies for the Men and Ladies, but everyone playing together in the usual
way.
The singles Stableford tournament will be at Plutaluang,
playing the East and South courses with a new teeing-off procedure. All
groups will tee-off from the first hole East Course, with booked tee times
from 07.30 to 12.30. The East and South nines have been booked for the whole
day, so the only possible delay will be if the group in front is not keeping
up, as the usual crossover delay between the nines has been eliminated.
Marshals will be evident on the course to give
‘assistance’, where necessary to ensure a smooth round for everyone.
Further encouragement will come from Kim and Shenanigans friendly staff
distributing Heineken and Chef Sunny’s yummy snacks.
Preferred tee times may be booked within the ‘Starting
Time Periods’ shown on the ‘Details & Entry Form’ subject to
availability.
As Plutaluang does not allow Golf carts to be pre-booked,
they will be pre-purchased for you on the day, provided the requirement is
clearly shown on the entry form, your paid entry is not left to the last
minute, and the available carts have not been taken up.
All other details are given on the Details & Entry
Form in Shenanigans (on the notice board and behind the bar) and bookings
can be made, using the form, at Shenanigans office, or see Kim or myself.
So, this year on Friday October 3 there will be two
Shenanigans 2003 Irish Open Champions, a Man and a Lady to share the honors
at the prize giving.
Sign-up early and be sure to state your preferred
tee-time period, and whether a golf cart is requested.
PSC Golf from
Bobby Joe’s 60’s Bar
Friday September 5
Phoenix
Stableford
When it came time to book the courses for the month, this
course was not the first choice for various reasons but when it was
suggested to fill the gap I said why not. Well having played it I was
reminded of why not. Do not get me wrong, go on your own or with a four ball
that likes to walk and you will find a course in pristine condition and well
worth a visit and it will give you a fine day out.
 You
will walk.
The day started out fine and ended even finer, with one
of Bobby Joe’s breakfasts and on return a buffet with fine cut meats and
all the normal salad items and fine crusty bread. Bobby cooked the sliced
meats himself and it was one of his very finest meals.
Breakfast under way one group decided to get away early
and were given the pins to put out, and as we drove down they phoned back to
say they were to play the Lakes and Ocean nines. Remember the ‘Jobs Worth
Syndrome?”, when we got there they were still on the practice green having
been told we had not booked till 10:30 so they had to wait, and so did we.
To be fair 3 groups or so did tee off but when we arrived the tee was empty
and a little customer care and common sense would have gone a long way. We
had a really happy bunch of campers. In all the time we have been booking
courses we have not met this attitude before.
 Tim
says “It really must be my Birthday”.
Finally started, admittedly a few minutes early, the
course was in fine condition and a lot of work has gone into the course.
Unfortunately if you need a cart reason seems to have gone out of the window
and the caddies are obviously under orders not to allow carts to go off
line. Off line means long walks to your ball as the average distance carts
are prohibited to approach the green is 100 yards. On the Lakes #8 the cart
sign is right 140 yards short of the green. On Ocean #9 my second shot
finished 70 yards short of the green, and for example, as the ‘Cart
Left’ was 135 yards short of the green, as usual the option was walk 65
yards forward and back then drive 30 yards past and walk back, or park at
the back and walk 110 yards to the ball. This really does slow the game down
and if the management of the course want to speed up play and make it user
friendly they have to re-think the ‘Stalag’ attitude. The course must be
most difficult to play for the very many older golfers who play there and
some cannot play it in the present circumstances.
 Ray
& Chantal present to Frank (L), Tim (C) and Gene (L).
That said the course is getting better and much thought
has gone into making it tougher. The scenic views are the best on any
course, overlooking ‘The Golden Buddha’ and it is not a bad course to
walk, although the course are making noises for one person one cart, no
walking. The round will never be finished.
On the day some fine scores were posted, less the scribe
who was suffering from blood pressure, and Max Matthews came in the winner
by a street living up to his prophesy of the day before he would win and
exactly stating his front nine and back nine.
 Ray
& Chantal present to Max (L) & Bill (R).
Back at Bobby’s and after his fine food we got Ray
Spurling and his daughter Chantal to present the prizes. Of note was Tim
Holt’s win in the lucky draw for the 4th time on a trot on his birthday.
Wonder what he stood in?
Winner: Max Matthews
Near Pin: L2 Bob Benda, O3 Bill Chadwick, O7 Bob Benda
Long Put: O9 Roger Pidcock
Lucky Draw: Bob Pearce, Gene Scalf, Frank Sinclair, Tim Holt
Trayling Chaidara pairing wins at Treasure Hill
Mike Franklin
Mam Trayling and Lamud Chaidara paired successfully with
a gross 72 to win the September 2 Shenanigans Pairs Scramble at Treasure
Hill. Their scramble handicap of 6.8 resulted in a 65.2 net score,
comfortably beating runners-up Arthur Hancock and Toi Blair’s net 69.6.
 Mam
and Lamud, winners of the September 2 Shenanigans Pairs Scramble, are
congratulated by Mike Franklin.
The weather was perfect apart from a brief light shower
and the course, always impressive in its jungle setting, was in excellent
condition. The white tees for the men were well back, adding to the task of
playing this challenging course, and there were rumblings from some quarters
about the ladies tees being often a long way ahead in the distance. They
certainly featured well in the prizes, and why not? You still have to get
the ball in the hole!
The technical winners were Nora Haugsjordet with near
pins on #2 and #17. Lamud Chaidara on #13 and Daryl Blair saved face for the
men by being closest on #6.
 Arthur
Hancock and Toi Blair, runners-up, with Mike Franklin.
Inevitably, Lamud Chaidara sank the longest putt on #9
and, regrettably, John Kennedy’s eighteen inch long putt on #18 did not
stand up as Fabian Arp managed to pop in a respectable putt from around10
feet.
Back at Shenanigans the familiar ‘long table’ was
assembled and the victorious ladies were generous in getting the drinks
about. Margaritas were frequently jugged and dispensed resulting in the
usual apr่s-golf party atmosphere. The Blairs, Daryl & Toi,
visiting from Nigeria, were welcomed back, as were the Rysers, Stefan &
Toy, fresh back from their trip to Switzerland.
The next Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society outing is
to Plutaluang on Tuesday September 16, playing a Pairs Combined Stableford.
Sign-up in pairs please at Shenanigans, and if you can do so with another
pair it helps in making up the field.
The entry forms for the Shenanigans Irish Open
Championships are out on the notice board and behind the bar. Sign-up early
to get the tee-off period you want and see the press release in Pattaya Mail
for details of the 2003 Championships and the new teeing-off procedure. Or,
get up to date with all the golf news at the Shenanigans web site at
www.shenanigans-pattaya.com
Favorites lead from the front
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
The Bunker Boys chose their favorite
course at Green Valley as the venue for their monthly 36 hole event on 1st
and 2nd September. This month the format was a two-player team, better
Stableford score format and the eight pairs found the course in superb
condition, apart from the earthmoving changes which are currently making a
mockery of the handicap indexes for some holes.
The first day saw pre-tournament favorites Harry Riley
and Ciano Glavina head the field by three points from Goran Peterson and
Magnus Johansson and the surprise package of Duncan McGee and Paul Rose.
Prior to the event it was estimated that a team scoring of a combined two
day total of 90 points would be the winners and the forecast was surpassed
by Harry and Ciano on the second day when they posted a frightening total of
92 points. Duncan McGee and Paul Rose again surprised the field with their
second day total of 46 points which helped elevate them into second place
overall on 88. Magnus and Goran repeated their first day posting of 42
points to take third with a creditable total of 84. Ciano Glavina and John
Preddy won the Bunker Super Sawng award on the first day with their birdie
two’s whilst their feat was unmatched on day two. The low score of Bruce
Ogilvie and Keith Stanbury was recognized with the Bunker Banana Booby but
this hid the fact that they played some excellent golf. Consistency let them
down. That is what two-day events are all about, after all.
Many Happy
Returners at Pattaya
Pattaya Country Club has been getting some good reports
recently and the Bunker Boys chose it as the venue for their weekly
Stableford tournament on Friday, September 4. Many of the regulars were
missing, presumably “loosening up” in preparation for the following
day’s “Jackalope” major but the small field was still divided into two
divisions as normal, with the cut at nineteen and under.
In division two Kerry Jonsson, newly returned from Japan,
posted a reasonable 33 points, one behind David Johnson, newly returned from
England, but Neil Griffin, newly returned from work, showed he has not lost
any of his skill by recording 36 points. In division one Terry Phur scored
35 points on a course where he performed so well in a recent PSC event, to
share second place with the Bunker’s in-form player at the moment, Ciano
Glavina, but way out in front, having recently returned from his annual
visit to Europe, was Norman Brooks, who managed the day’s only sub-par
round, a fine 38 points.
Kerry Jonsson picked up the Bunker Super Sawng award for
his sole birdie two and the Bunker Banana Booby was shared by the day’s
low scorers, Bill Chadwick and Mick Ramshaw.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
The big fight of the year, for some, takes place on
Sunday morning Pattaya time when Oscar DeLaHoya (36-2) and Shane Mosley
(38-2) finally meet in a rematch of their June 2000 scrap. They’ll be
duking it out for DeLaHoya’s WBA & WBC Jr. Middleweight belts and lots
of money. DeLaHoya gets 25 million USD while Mosley is assured of 8. Oscar
has lost to Felix Trinidad and Mosley. Shane Mosley lost twice to Vernon
Forrest who just lost twice to Ricardo Mayorga. The odds favor DeLaHoya by a
large margin, as do most boxing people. Only one writer has come out for
Mosley and he’s full of hot air. Right now DeLaHoya is a better fighter
than he was 3 years ago. Mosley isn’t. Take DeLaHoya via a mid bout K.O.
call in the 7th and I’ll drink to that.
Couple of weeks ago in the good old USA there was a
women’s fight that was suppose to jump start female boxing to heights
unknown. Didn’t happen. A total mismatch between Layla Ali and Christy
Martin. Ali was taller, heavier, had more speed & reach plus youth. The
Flying Frog of Pattaya has his views on the next women’s fight that will
put it on the map. “Hey Howie, what do you think about a real woman fight
Layla Ali vs. Lucia Rijker? I trained with Lucia in the 80’s, she hit like
a little Mike Tyson, buddy, believe me. I think Layla doesn’t have the
punching power to hurt Lucia. I think they won’t allow the fight like the
they didn’t with Christy Martin. This fight never happened also, cause
they knew Lucia would have knocked Christy Martin out in the early rounds.
Same is gonna happen to Layla’s beautiful career (no hard feelings Layla,
I respect your boxing talent). I wish I had Don King’s money and put that
fight together.”
The Frog is right about Rijker. One would hope that if
she hit like a “Little Tyson” she didn’t bite like one (I know that
was a cheap shot but not beneath me. You throw one down the middle, I’ll
whack it out of the park). Rijker (16-0) does have a couple of problems. Her
first problem is inactivity. She’s been MIA the last couple of years with
only a couple of fights. She’s been in the ring twice since 1999. The last
in June against English Lass Jane Couch (20-5) whom she beat easily. The
other problem is more serious. Rumor has it that she would have problems
passing a “substance test”. That’s what they do say.
There are the trailblazers in life that sometimes go
ignored. Chamroen Songkitrat was one of those. He was the first Thai fighter
to fight for an actual world championship. He did this not once but three
times back in the early 50’s. What is even more astonishing is that he did
it with a record of 7-5-1. Doesn’t sound like but sometimes figures lie.
He lost for the OPBF Featherweight championship by a 12 round decision to
Larry Bataan in Manila, on July 26 of 1952. He did put the champ down. In
October of the same year he defeated Speedy Cabanella for the vacant OPBF
Lightweight title. Moving down to 118 he became the first Thai fighter to
fight for a real world title when he challenged National Boxing Association
(NBA) and the European Boxing Union (EBU) titleholder Australia, Jimmy
Carruthers (21-4) on May 2, 1954. “The Australian southpaw fighter and
Thai boxer had fought barefoot during a heavy rainstorm. In this fight,
Chamroen opened a deep cut over the right eye of the champion, but
Carruthers was able to build up points with his very fast jabs and superior
boxing skill until the end of the last round (only 12 rounds).” At the
time of the fight Carruthers was 21-0. Carruthers retired after the fight
for 7 years. Tried to comeback and lost 4 of 5.
Next Chamroen was scheduled to fight for the vacant world
Bantamweight title against Robert Cohen (34-4) from France. Chamroen was
outpointed through 15 rounds on September 19, 1954. Cohen was stripped of
the NBA belt because he failed to defend his title against Mexican fighter,
Raul (Ratong) Macias (36-2).
So, the vacant NBA Bantamweight championship fight was
promoted in San Francisco between Chamroen and Macias. “In the 3rd world
title match of Chamroen, he could not resist the more powerful Macias, as he
was stopped in the 11th round by TKO. He tried to come back again but he
took the only 1 win over Danny Kid, but in the 2nd fight, he lost by KO in
the 9th round to Billy Peacock (38-26), and he retired after that fight. All
those that Chamroen fought were quality. Robert Cohen when he fought
Chamroen was 32-1-2. He won two more title fights and then fought a draw
with the great South African Willie Toweel (43-6). Cohen was never the same
losing his next three and then retiring. Chamroen had been in poor health
for years as the results of a stroke. He died on August 29, 2003 at nearly
75 years of age.
There are some Thai fighters that don’t get the
recognition they deserve because they actually take the chance to play on
the world stage. Rattanachasor Voraphin (52-8) a Bantamweight/super
flyweight is a good example. A good fighter that’s taken some chances. Of
his 8 loses, four have come to fighters considered among the best in the
world, all Champions.
Chris Johns (32-0), Tim Austin (25-1) for the IBF Bantam
title, Gerry Penalosa (46-5) for the WBC International Super Fly title and
Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson (42-3). All those “L’s” came on the road.
Back home, as Voraphin was at Sukothaihamarthirat University recently, he
had little trouble with really over matched Eldred Romero (2-1) getting the
KO at 2:52 of the 6th. What the hell a fighter of this caliber was doing
fighting a guy with only two fights is a mystery. ThisIsThailand.
PH3 Run 1017
It seemed nobody wanted to be scribe this week so I
yelled out “I will do it”. Thanks to Red A-hole for the scribe board
and pencil you donated. We all formed our usual circle and dealt with our
hash tradition of new shoes, only two pairs this week. The hares were
called in to explain the run, paper white, checks and F.T.’s are
Mexican colours.
So off we all went following Poncho who led us to the
start of the paper. A tricky start too, lots of zig zagging, a nice
little loop F.T. I found with Charlie Manson. Next interesting bit which
fooled a lot of us including Big Nosed Bastard who was running in a
circle like a trail leading to a T and everyone turning left and coming
back to the same trail, many went backwards towards the a-site whinging
‘do you call these hashers?’ Try turning right on-on, it was. Well
done the hares! Good trails and some tapioca and a few swampy parts, I
even recognised a section where C. and myself had done a live hare run a
couple of years back. Toward the end of the run came the final check,
going left was in my mind but Fini said that leads towards a temple, so
we all chucked a right and further down all the coloured arrows pointed
to the on-in, you couldn’t miss seeing them.
Then across Siam Country Club road and into the a-site
next to the big lake. Sir Airhead sitting in the back of a pick up
shouting ‘Hey Mate good one?’ As the sun set we all formed a circle
and Dr. Pinky called in Ewok to do the raffle. Blowfly then called in
Necro Feel Me Up to take a seat on the ice for losing his military i.d.
card on the bus on the way out to the run, luckily an honest hasher
handed it in, being his first trip he was warned about katoys/kamoys when
walking around Pattaya.
Sir Airhead takes the circle and ice time for the
hares, nice short drive out near Papa Rays which brought back some good
memories. What about the run shirt? Nice print of Energizer Bunny on the
back with lightning striking her up the butt, she was called in but
wasn’t too impressed, the hares admitted to letting the children lay
the paper. I guess in years to come the kids will be experienced hares.
Whilst this is going on I noticed that all the Belgians had buggered off
and Elephant S., where is the respect for this hash? They were probably
racing off to Shenanigans for an early feed.
Next Sir Airhead calls yours truly in and Flying Sheep
S. for part 2 of the rule 6 award for the katoy offence, I got rid of the
pretty pink toilet seat and passed it on to FSS who was also in the
picture with the katoy (special note to KBB in Australia ‘Richard and I
are holding your trophy). Sir Chicken F. calls Sir Airhead to take a seat
for a hash trash offence and presents him with this weeks hash trash
award. He then ices two cheap bastards who weren’t wearing hash shirts.
Lady Rose was given a t-shirt for being the 65,000 runner on the PH3.
Next in was Miserable C., he was presented with his 100 run t-shirt; it
looked just like him on the front. Well done P.T. who received his 150th
run mug at last. Next in was King Yao Yao who was awarded his own
personal huge condom so he could start his own sperm bank, the Queen even
cracked up when she saw this? The hares were called in to sing a song
about the water melon tree, way too short. Finally the hash hymn and off
to Shenanigans we all go. An entertaining bus trip, I entertained with a
couple of Hamersley songs. Whilst this was going on Baby’s Arm dropped
his guts and stank the whole bus out.
Great food and beer in Shenanigans. Then entertainment
later by table breaker and his harmonica. Then after the down down comp
with yours truly winning. To finish off quite intoxicated at this time I
bumped into Tampax in the TQ, he said he lost his camera and will be back
next week with a new unit.
On-On
A-holeo
Fitness Tips: Further reasons to take care of yourself
G’day readers,
Take a look through this week’s column and ask
yourself, who really would want to have to worry about all of this stuff on
top of all the other problems we have to deal with in modern living. The
simple solution is to take better care of yourself from as of right now, if
you aren’t already. Get your kids to do the same and make sure that your
entire family eats healthy food in less than massive portions but frequently
throughout the day. Then make sure that you have regular exercise with daily
activity. Start now.
A spoonful of protein
reduces sugar...
Diet, together with medication, has been the principle
means of control of diabetes and high blood sugars. But dietary
recommendations have changed over the years from eliminating sugars or
carbohydrate-rich foods, to reducing fat to cutting calories in general.
Now, new research is beginning to turn all this upside down. Some oils
(i.e.. olive, canola) for example are thought to have positive benefits for
both weight loss and blood sugar control. This also makes life more liveable
for patients with diabetes by increasing that section of the diet containing
some fats.
Carbohydrates on the other hand have been divided into
low and high Glycaemia Index (GI), with a recommendation to increase those
that are slowly absorbed (or with a low GI score). More recently, research
on protein intake has revealed some even more startling findings. Working
with people whose diabetes had progressed so far that they were about to be
put on full medication (insulin) therapy, a group of Dutch researchers have
found that protein, in the form of amino acid supplements, is able to
partially reverse the problem.
Progressive diabetes: Diabetes occurs when blood sugars
are unable to be metabolised as energy in body cells. In the early stages
this is because the hormone insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas,
becomes less efficient in aiding the metabolism process. This stage is
called insulin resistance and is characterised by a greater than normal
output of insulin, but reduced efficiency. After a period of resistance,
production of insulin from the pancreas begins to decrease. Typically it has
been thought that this is irreversible and reflects a breakdown in the
pancreatic cells involved in insulin production. By giving an amino acid
supplement added or not added to carbohydrate in two samples of patients
with diabetes, the Dutch researchers showed that insulin production can be
increased. This suggests that pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin,
may be able to be ‘restarted’, even when they were thought to be dead.
Take home message: The implication of this, if further
proven, is that expensive medications for diabetes may at least be delayed,
if not avoided, thus enabling diabetic patients to enjoy a more ‘normal’
life.
Combined with weight loss and increased activity, the
prospects for people with diabetes is much brighter than the lifetime of
treatment indicated in the past.
For reference: Van Loon L, and others. Amino acid
ingestion strongly enhances insulin secretion in patients with long-term
type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care, 2003;26:625-630.
...and a spoonful of
anxiety increases it
Anxiety and stress have typically been thought to be
unhealthy, but difficulties in measuring this and in defining its unhealthy
effects has led medical practitioners to be sceptical. A recent review of
the effects of anxiety on blood sugars, however, suggests a clear
association.
Scientists from the University of Washington conducted a
‘meta-analysis’ of all research carried out on anxiety and high blood
sugars (hyperglycaemia), which precedes and accompanies diabetes. From 11
studies that fitted the criteria for the analysis, the conclusion was
reached that if measured properly, anxiety does seem to raise blood sugars.
This could be important because hyperglycaemia, and its outcome in diabetes,
often leads to other health problems.
Around 80% of diabetic patients for example will die of
heart disease. Anxiety therefore may be more closely linked with heart
disease than had been previously thought. Stress and anxiety are also
factors in obesity for some people. Binge eaters tend to be those who
over-eat when anxious or stressed and hence dealing with anxiety may be a
first step in aiding weight control and reducing ‘downstream’ health
problems.
Take home message: Diabetes treatment may benefit from
anxiety management in more cases than may be realized.
For reference: Anderson and others Anxiety and poor
glycemic control: a meta-analytic review of the literature. International
Journal of Psychiatry Medicine,2002; 32(3):235-47.
Now you know you don’t want to be a part of this, if
you are you already know what you need to do as your doctor has given you
directions.
Take care of yourself.
Carpe’ Diem
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