You know, Jake, I always wished I could play tennis. But the many years of playing badminton has kind of ruined me for it... In tennis, I always want to rotate my wrist but not the way I should but rather badminton style. And, as you know, that just doesn't work.

Another sport I love is the not really a sport but a lazy afternoon's walk that is constantly interrupted by that darn white ball. When I first started golfing in my 20s, I was at the driving range before hitting the links. I set that little bugger on the tee and smacked it for all I was worth - what did I know? I was a rookie! Well, that little ball took off straight as could be and didn't want to come down... In fact it cleared the nets at the other end of the range with ease! I figured it was a trick ball as I haven't hit one close to the nets since. I only get out once a year if I am lucky now - the family golf tournament though I haven't taken part in the whak-a-mole part in a few years due to medical problems or just not being able to make it. It did feel good though at my first one since moving back to Ontario - I was the only one to par a hole... hehe!

Anyway, good luck with the tennis and maybe some day I'll figure out how to play Whak-a-mole with that slightly bigger yellow ball with you.

I only tried playing golf once and that was enough -- I quit after the 3rd hole because a family of monkeys stole my last ball. The first two balls were lost in the jungle (San Miguel US Communications Station, north of Olongapo). Although I don't mind hitting a couple of buckets and drinking a few San Magoos, which seemed to improve my distance but not my accuracy.

I was also into racket ball a long time ago and that was a really good workout. I didn't bother to change my grip or tennis stroke. That smaller ball coming from behind really hurts when I'm protecting the front, especially when I am bending over exposing my ass as a target....he, he.

One day we will have a blow out at the 19th hole, OK. Take care my friend -- Jake

I just hope to develop some unorthodox shots in basketball so when I'm 65 I still give the young guys frets. Playing ball in Taiwan the older guys were often the harder to play against, not only because they're dirty as hell, but because you can't predict where that miracle shot is going to come from or how to stop it! Now working in the oil patch of Alberta I have no time to play ball, but I hope that one day I'll get back on the court and start unleashing moves never seen before. I've already perfected low-flying 360 degree layups and backward flips over my shoulder. What's next? A fade-away accompanied by a kick to the defender's groin? I'll save that one til I'm old enough not to get beat up for it ;)

Bob / Jake, on the subject of Golf in my 20s I visited Toronto my Ex Pat friend suggested 18 holes having played only half a dozen times relayed this only to be told yeh same as us two so we set off. Teeing off I was told by some Golf addict previously, 1st Tee only give it 3/4 and stay on the fairway, so as told I managed to do as instructed and scored a 6 on a par 4 not too bad for a rookie ! 2nd hole, Par 3, The Greenkeeper, having watched some of our previous attempts, was mowing the grass on the 2nd green stopped his mower and turned off his engine lit up a ciggy and waved us to play, My mate said, that B*stard is grinning at us let's see the smile wiped off his face. One  after the other, Bosh all three balls landed within 6' of the pin Wow what's that all about Brov ? We set off towards our green, lets make out it was nothing.!! Yeh, OK when arriving at the hole, I said to others thats $50 each from U guys me landing within 4' off the hole, Exit,  Greenkeeper far less smiley now, looking over his shoulder every 10' as he sped away. The next 16 holes back to normal lots of lost balls who cares ! And in the clubhouse is Cliff Thorburn World champion snooker player for 1980 and we end up giving him a game of Pool for beers. Excellent day must be said !!!

Jake- like the tennis blog. It's not one of my games as I was/am mainly into running. 'Loneliness of the long distance runner' for me. I just love jogging up and down the Dales in Yorkshire- wind blowing the stress out of my system and trying to think nice thoughts about all the 'sods' I've met. Mind you, at 69 now my joints are complaining a bit after being pounded for 60 years and God knows how many thousands of miles.

   I can't play tennis for toffee but I'm not bad at 'Table Tennis.' I discovered that I have very quick reflexes and a most unorthodox style of playing. It amuses me when I sometimes beat much better and more classically stylish players because they can't adapt to my unusual style fast enough. Haven't played for a few years now but all this talk of sport makes me want to look for a game again. Chris McG.

Jake- like the tennis blog. It's not one of my games as I was/am mainly into running. 'Loneliness of the long distance runner' for me. I just love jogging up and down the Dales in Yorkshire- wind blowing the stress out of my system and trying to think nice thoughts about all the 'sods' I've met. Mind you, at 69 now my joints are complaining a bit after being pounded for 60 years and God knows how many thousands of miles.

   I can't play tennis for toffee but I'm not bad at 'Table Tennis.' I discovered that I have very quick reflexes and a most unorthodox style of playing. It amuses me when I sometimes beat much better and more classically stylish players because they can't adapt to my unusual style fast enough. Haven't played for a few years now but all this talk of sport makes me want to look for a game again. Chris McG.

Hello Chris, I would have love to pound the pavement with you, especially through the scenic hills of Dales. Although anything beyond a short kilometer, I would be calling an ambulance for some oxygen....he, he.  I haven't play ping pong in a long time but I'm sure it would improve my tennis game regarding eye-hand coordination.  We should play for beers someday....he, he.

Respectfully -- Jake