Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Art Graduate of the Year 2001

I bumped into a disorientated american last night, who was wondering round the dockside claiming he had come looking for a cup of tea?

I was obviously concerned for his welfare and took him into the Nova Scotia to feed him cider until the colour returned to his cheeks. He claimed to be searching for a former member of Lewis & Clark College, and produced a scrap of paper which he clutched like a treasure map.

It said:
Morgan Specht
Class of 2001 - Art
I am living and working as a Youth Worker with disaffected inner city youth in Bristol, UK for 18 months. I am living with my English girl friend which I met on my Overseas trip to Italy in 2000. I have continued rowing, in the country where it was born and even prequalified to row at Henley Royal Regatta this year! If you come to England, please drop by for some tea.

Brilliant.

Earl Grey, or perhaps some English Breakfast Tea?

She's very clever... really!

I was browsing through my copy of Il Nuovo Cimento last night, in order to try an keep abreast of all things scientific, when I was very pleased to read of one of our own...

Miss Lancaster has spent ages researching something called the "SZ" effect, and very impressive it is too. Unfortunately I found it to a be a little closer to the "Zzzzzz" theory.

Judge for yourself.

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Don't you ever learn?

When I was out walking the dog on Saturday morning, I spotted our resident ex-pat paddling down the docks in his scull, behind a Womens 8.

Now Morgan likes to make a point on a quiet day, but Saturday was the ultimate challenge... Could one man take on eight women and win?

The guantlet was down. The rate crept up in the scull, as did the work. He pulled out of the puddles and accelerated past the eight - only not quite as quickly as he had thought.

As Morgan lined up to take the 4 girl he had got so caught up in his personal battle that he entirely failed to spot the mens coxless four coming in the other direction... on the same side of the river.

All I can say is that it was a good job the launch was handy to pick him out of the drink!

Top swimming.

"For Sale" - One bent fin and rudder combo

A big congratulations to our newest steersman in the mens squad... Not for hitting a part of the docks wall, or a bridge, but for managing to whack his boat on a "For Sale" sign.

Said sign was floating in one of the tunnels, and neatly clipped Brownsword II on Saturday morning just after Marcus spotted it.

Luckily Janousek have come to the rescue!

Deep in the undergrowth

Instead of joining you all for a few beers last Saturday, I took Gurtrude deep into the Forest of Dean for a bit of wildlife spotting.

We had gone specifically to seek out the ginger one of the natural world - the endangered red squirrel.

Now I am no expert, but everything I read tells me that the red squirrel is being killed off by the grey squirrel. Apparently the grey is more aggressive, and more dominant, making the red a little more susceptable to its cunning ways.

Imagine my surprise then, when we peered into what looked like nature's version of a dancefloor to find the red and the grey joined at the mouth?!

Gurtrude enquired of the local forestkeeper, John LaRocca, and he told her that it is the first time he thinks this has happened...

Who knows?

Friday, November 25, 2005

As if you needed telling...

Once again my scientist mates have come up with the goods, and proven something that I thought was already blindingly obvious!

With tomorrow's fun and frolics on the horizon, here's some justification for your mistakes!

DANGEROUS: Prisoner on the run

We have recently been furnished with the prisoner photos for the 1999 intake into HMP Cambridge. Please pay close attention to the former attendee of Christ School, Brecon who we understand to be on the run in the Bristol area.

In a curious turn of events he doesn't appear to be diguising his previous incarceration and can still be seen wearing his Prisoner Uniform (identified by the words Cambridge and Aberdeen) at every available opportunity.

Investigators on his tail think he is highly unlikely to be seen wearing a Bristol uniform, but there is a slim chance he could follow this route to go "underground".

If you see him please contact BoatStoppers on 08000 DARKBLUKIT

Thursday, November 24, 2005

Schoolboys in 24hr drinking shocker!

What a coincidence...

I spotted Crusher and Pete V doing a little homework for their upcoming Instructors Award exams last night. Where better to do it than in the pub?

They were in there for hours, and I can only conclude that they were there killing time until midnight so that they could embark on some 24hr drinking!

I'm going back at lunchtime - fully expecting them to still be "up to their eyes in books"!

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Gbay.com

As you know, I am always looking to push the boundaries of technology, and I think I have come up with a great idea.

Today is the official launch of Gbay.com, a new interactive auction site!

Available only to you - oarsmen and oarswomen of CBRC, this new service will allow you to buy sporting goods and memorabilia to help your club fund the next round of boat purchasing.

Here at Gbay.com HQ we have built up a fine collection of rowing associated goods which will be appearing during the next few days. Auctions will then run on-line until the Christmas Dinner (5th December).

I bet you can't wait to cash in on those early Christmas presents...

Watch this space.

Saturday Night Antics

Apparently we needed an excuse... so to celebrate:

The end of Fours Heads training (did we start? - ed)
The end of Learn2Row
The end of BIRC training (now that's stretching it! - ed)

We are all going to get stuck into some very dry sherry at The Park Bar, The Triangle, Clifton this Saturday (26th Nov).

Drinks will be served from 8pm, with a large amount of hip-shaking action to follow.

DJ Gurt will be gracing the decks, and MC Foghorn will be taking up otherwise useful dancefloor space.

Christmas present?

Reference Gurtrude's previous discussions regarding "what a rowing woman wears under her all-in-one", it would appear that Godfrey have come up with a competition solution:

http://www.godfrey.co.uk/productviewer.php?selproduct=285

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

More dietary advice

Full up with Lucozade Sport? Fed up with flapjacks? Bored of bananas? Then try Sport Beans.

No doubt they will prove to be a delicious alternative!

Hair today - covered up tomorrow

I was shocked to read of the lack of tolerance our fellow city dwellers show towards their elite athletes.

Imagine if our committee enforced such stringent rules for the covering of body hair, and no sweat on the equipment.

Come to think of it, is this not already in place for parts of the mens squad?

Monday, November 21, 2005

BIRC 2005 - Headlines

Congrats to those who attending the BIRC yesterday in Birmingham.

Rona Smith performed very well in the Womens Open Lwt event, pulling 7m16.8 and finishing 5th in class.

The top award however, goes to one of our new "elite scullers". Tony Larkham delivered 5m59.5 in Mens Hwt 35-39 event, and won himself a GOLD medal.

Not often you see CBRC at the top of the table!

Ladies, get your purses out!

Some of you may recall the variety of "cooing" noises that emanated from the erg room at Leander during training camp earlier this year?

It was indeed the moment that the CBRC womens squad discovered James Cracknell warming up!

Now's your chance to get even closer girls... And not only that, you can show him some (if not all) of your skills!

Row with James Cracknell for Char-i-dee

Crash weight gain?

Now the winter is properly here, and the body requires some additional fuel to run its central heating, I hear that one or two of the men are looking to "bulk up".

There has been talk of eating more pasta, more beer, or maybe some more cake. However, I am a bit of an expert in this area and can strongly recommend two courses of action:

maximuscle.com


British Lard Marketing Board

Jimmy?, Marcus? don't over-do it boys!

Come in 542, and 548!

Oh dear.

Guess who didn't hand their numbers back at Four's Head?

I have had a little note from those lovely people in London, informing us that if the numbers aren't back in the next 7 days then the crews will have to cough up £30.

Dont tell me, you have absolutely no idea where they are!

Une petit tete a tete

I hear that a couple of members of our esteemed establishment may have met for a little dinner during last week.

The details remain sketchy, but I am informed that a teacher from Clifton College loved to listen to his cox's voice so much that he went "extra curricular"...

...my investigations continue.

Friday, November 18, 2005

Hmmm - naked...

Whilst cruising the dockside on Wednesday afternoon, I came across a photographer setting up his equipment. Nothing unusual about that, we live in a beautiful city etc etc...

Then I took a closer look.

Was that UWE's rowers I could see? Naked? By the water? Clutching all manner of boating paraphernalia?

Blimey!

Look out for the inevitable 2006 Calendar.

With the current temperatures there was no requirement for a wide-angle lens.

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Lured by pasties...

Now that all ferries have to be tested by next spring, do you think we should get our friends on the docks to sponsor as social, and we'll come and stand on their boats?

Monday, November 14, 2005

Bristol Ariel Head - The medals were out!

A big hand for the first win of the winter. Despite having to lugg Pete down the course - Lucy, Toni, Emma D and Rach were all sporting some metalware by the end of the day.

They are now the holders of the Bristol Ariel Novice Pennant!

Puffing and Wheezing...

The old men managed to get themselves down the course at Vets Fours Head on Sunday in a very respectable time.

Our Vets Quad came home in a strong time of 21:44.65, which bagged them 20th place overall. They also managed 3rd in class (MVC4x) out of 9 punters.

Photos to follow.

The search continues...

You seek me here, you seek me there, you seek me in London RC?

I understand that the hunt was on in LRC on Saturday night to discover my true identity...

... and I hear that it was the crew of Windfall that were particularly vociferous in their pursuit. One or two members of the men's squad were seen leaving the boat house looking like they had seen a ghost (or maybe even pushed against a wall, jabbed in the chest a couple of times, and ranted at).

Let me tell you... You'll never find me, and my pursuit of the best rumours in town will continue!

Viva Gurt

Windfall found adrift

Reports are coming in that some of our boats were the victim of vandalism over the weeekend.

Windfall, was picked out of the Thames on Sunday morning by a friendly boatman from a club down stream. It was without riggers or rudder, but all else pretty much intact. The hull has taken a bit of a battering...

What's more, the Police Boat was also found on the ground in Dukes Meadow with a damaged hull.

It appears the boats had been removed from the trailer by vandals, sustaining damage to both.

A nasty end to a good weekend.

BetLush.com - Results

Well there you go!

Far be it for me to be a smug boy, but I quote from Friday:

Windfall
"BetLush.com says don't say I didn't tell you!"

Many congrats to the girls who delivered big on the course on Saturday. I hear that they partied hard in LRC by way of celebration.

The photos show a strong crew dynamic, good technique, and a real passion for the line.

I am off to the bookies to pick up my winnings!

The Results

So well done to you all for Saturday. Not sure if any of you saw Gurtrude and I? We were stood under the 2nd lamp post on Hammersmith bridge.

Here are the classified results:

Brownsword II 20:35.18 - 194th








Dionysus 20:51.14 - 229th








Waterwitch 22:44.01 - 407th









Windfall 23:36.48 - 457th








City of Bristol 23:39.37 - 462nd









Police Boat 23.50.75 - 470th








Looking forward to picking up my winnings from BetLush.com!


Fours Head 2005

The results are coming...

I am just awaiting the delivery of ALL of the photos.

Friday, November 11, 2005

You might have seen him...

You might have spotted one of our newest club members out on the water. Tony is one of two elite scullers to have recently joined us. He is, however, the only one with his own website.

BetLush.com - Starting Prices

As the race approaches, it is time for a round-up of the the crews, and of the starting prices.

Tommorow's high and lows will no doubt be played out on the water, but I understand that we are going to have a good day weather-wise. LushWeather has reported that tomorrow will be dry, and chilly with a fair breeze. With the amount of rain we have had recently the PLA is reporting a strong stream, with plenty of crap in it. (probably not as much as will be on it! - ed)

Looking at the prices, the most recent development has seen the favourites move out. Colds seem to have swept through the crew of Brownsword II, who are now claiming to be down on power and delivery. BetLush.com says a strong 6-1 probably flatters.

Sid Miller's developments have been well documented this week. As such, no one is rating what will be a scratch crew on the day. BetLush.com says they've probably got the fitness, but not a great way to start a race. Possibly worth an each-way flutter at 15-2, but save your money!

Waterwitch has continued to improve over the last couple of weeks. Previously documented slide issues (upper body weights!) have been conquered, and the steering is much improved. BetLush.com says they'll do very well if they dont tangle. A good punt at 13-2.

In the mid table is where the form gets spicey. City of Bristol have had their heads down for a few days and have been strengthening their chances. Previous training ground battles have seen the Police Boat steal a march, but those days might be over. The powerhouse in CoB is undisputed, but the talent spotters have been taking a long look at Police Boat. BetLush.com says we're tipping Police Boat to come out on top (8-1), unless CoB can make it look pretty as they come past the black buoy (17-2).

And finally Windfall. Ignore these girls at your peril. The masters of subtlety and understatement, this crew has been quietly getting on with the job. The rates have been creeping up, as has the power. BetLush.com says dont say I didn't warn you - a naive 12-1.

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Battle of the Super Subs

With the early week news that Sid Miller is to employ a Super Sub on Saturday, I hear that Leander have now got on the case.

Sid's Super Sub is a man of exquisite talent, total commitment, extreme athleticism, with an almost unnatural talent to move a boat.

On the other hand, Leander's Super Sub hasn't really been on the money for the last few months, having been seen arseing around in all sorts of places since his last outing in Athens in 2004.
Bristol
(yes I know it's not him - but it's the best Google could come up with!)

Leander
(it really is Him!)

Talent aside, both have sacrificed everything to be there on Saturday. Well,
I say everything, I mean tickets for Engalnd v Australia at Twickenham!

Full story can be found here

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Lookee Likee

It has come to my attention that one of the stalwart members of our club bears a close resemblance to his namesake.

I'm struggling to tell the difference...

Dr Jones

Dr Jones

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

What do you dream of?

I have it on good authority that the men's skipper might be losing it...

I overheard him in conversation last night, and I was so shocked I am not sure what to make of it.

He said that he is so concerned about his steering duties this weekend that he has started dreaming about black boys!

(Or perhaps he meant black buoys?)

BetLush.com - Word from the dockside

I have been keeping my ear to the ground to see how the crews are shaping up for the weekend...

It seems that Sid Miller has been the victim of the water gremlins in the last few days, with their odds moving out at a rate of knots!

Following a couple of difficult weeks in the boat, it appears that the coach was making some headway. Then things started to happen?

First, they broke their blades. Not one of them like normal people, but 3 of the blade handles had cracked. Not bad going, but not good either!

Then injury struck. Dom Hall had a recurrence of an old injury he has not had since he was a teenager.

Mild tendonitis in his wrist has ruled him out of the race. Consultation with an expert has confirmed the muscles have been stripped out through long term abuse (!? - ed). Rest now required.

A few phone calls later, and a super-sub was slotted into the boat to form the club's only scratch four for raceday. Subs were then acquired for the final week of training, when the wind picked the boat from the tressles and dumped it to the ground.

An order has now been placed for a new fin, new rudder, and some gel coat.

A robust 5-1 early price now moving to 12-1. What else can happen?

Monday, November 07, 2005

Dodgy Tachograph?

I had a call from Tollgate Hire this afternoon to apologise for the dodgy tachograph in the hire van at the weekend - I found this very confusing?

For those of you not "in the know", a tachograph records the movements of commercial vehicles including speed, distance travelled, time spent sitting still, whether it is towing etc.

Now the man at Tollgate said that either the recorder was playing up or that something very odd must have happened. According to the paper slip, at some point the van was recorded as being still on a relatively level surface, and attached to the trailer. After a short reversing motion the driver got out, the trailer was then removed, and the van travelled off...

It gets stranger.

It then says, having travelled some distance, the driver's door was opened, someone got in, and the van was brought to a swift halt.

How very confusing?

Perhaps Mr Beever could explain how the van might move on its own!

The things people do...

A big congratulations to our intrepid Doctor Jones on his safe return from the Snodonia Marathon. I understand that during the race (which Charlie completed in 4hr7min), there was approximately 3hr50mins of no jokes.

Clearly this is to be encouraged, and I have therefore entered him for the Sodbury Slog (a race I am a little more familiar with!).

In the meantime, please visit the good Doctor's website and read about his efforts. Then give him lots of money - he is only £100 short of his target.

Well done Charlie - room for a celebratory Foie Gras?

Enough to make your eyes water

Whilst talking to a great friend of mine in the pub recently, I understand that one of our members has been signed off-games for a few days.

Professor Massimo Rashetti of Turin University Hospital ("Massive Rash" to his mates), confirmed a case of severe chaffing has occurred through excessive erging by a member of the women's squad.

Obviously he observed client confidentiality, but did mention that Rona might be able to expand on the condition...

Friday, November 04, 2005

BetLush.com Latest Prices

The market is now alive with chat, as the crews ready themselves ahead of next week's race. The punters have voted with their feet, and their wallets. Here is the latest betting and form guide:

12.30 Barnes - Fours Head Chase 4m
------------------------------------------
Brownsword II 100-30, 3-1
Sid Miller 9-2, 5-1
Waterwitch 4-1, 5-1, 11-2, 15-2
City of Bristol 10-1, 11-2
Police Boat 10-1, 8-1
Windfall 18-1, 12-1

12-1 Bar
------------------------------------------
Non Runner - Jimmy's Crew

BetLush.com Top Tip
The level of training has started to intensify this week across the field as a whole. Browsword has moved in to 3-1 on account of early morning training sessions in hurricane conditions. Sid moves out to 5-1 following no appearance on the water in the last 7 days, whilst the quad goes the same way as concerns of tangling surface, now at 15-2.

The discussion setting the punters alive is the contest between City of Bristol and the Police Boat. I hear from the boathouse that the Police Boat are the underdogs, but have shown more consistency, moving them to 8-1. In a recent head-to-head on the docks CoB lost out, but that has that only served to fire them up? Currently moving to 11-2.

But what of Windfall? At 12-1 they remain the outsiders, but providing they don't pull up in the race, BetLush is sure it'll be a valuable experience, and may yet prove the punters wrong.

Thursday, November 03, 2005

Breaking News: David Blunkett

Being close to the news wires, I have picked up this statement which has been released this morning by David Blunkett:

... . ... .. .... ... .. .... .. . . . ..... .. . ... . ... .... . . .
.... . . . . . . ... . ... . . . . . . . . . .. .... . . . .. . . .. .
..... ... . .... . ..... . . . . .... ... . . .... ....... . ...... .
....
.. . ...... ..... . ...... . . . ......... .. . . ..... . ........ ..
..... . ....... ...... .. . .... ... ....... .... .. ... ... ... . .
...
.. . . ........ . . . ...... . . . ...... .. ... ..... .. ... ....
... ... .. ... .. . ... .. .... ... .. .... .. . . . ..... .. . ... .
..
... . . . . ..... . . . . . . ... . ... . . . . . . . . . .. .... . . .

.. . . ...... ... . .... . ..... . . . . .... ... . . .... ....... .
------


I thank you!

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Beware Dog Walkers

We are no strangers to dog walkers along our lovely dockside, and normally I appreciate them as animal loving types. However, my cousin from the North - Ivor Lush - has sent me a copy of an article from his local paper.

---------------
Extract from the Yorkshire Evening Post:

"A drunk who claimed he had been raped by a dog was yesterday jailed for 12 months by a judge. Martin Hoyle, 45, was arrested by police after a passing motorist and his girlfriend found a Staffordshire bull terrier, called Badger, having sex with him at the side of a road in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

Prosecutor Ben Crosland said the couple had stopped to help because they thought Hoyle was being attacked by the animal. But when they got closer they saw that he had his trousers round his ankles, was down on all fours and the dog was straddling him from behind.

"The defendant mumbled something about the dog having taken a liking to him," said Mr Crosland. "The couple were extremely offended and sickened by what they saw." Another passing motorist contacted the police and Hoyle was arrested as he walked with the dog down the road.

Hoyle, of East view, Marsh, Huddersfield, told police "I can't help it if the dog took a liking to me. He tried to rape me."

He repeated the rape allegation at the police station and added "The dog pulled my trousers down." Hoyle, who has had a long-standing alcohol problem, was jailed for 12 months after he admitted committing an act which outraged public decency.

His barrister said Hoyle had no memory of the incident because of his drunken state, but was now very remorseful and incredibly embarrassed.

Jailing him, Judge Alistair McCallum told Hoyle "Never before in my time at the bar or on the bench have I ever had to deal with somebody who voluntarily allowed himself to be buggered by a dog on the public highway. Frankly it is beyond most of our comprehension. It is an absolutely disgusting thing for members of the public to have to witness.
---------------

Some people take animal loving too far!

BetLush.com - Form Guide

With the draw now available for Fours Head I have decided to start my newest online venture: BetLush.com

The first race I am proposing to feature will be Fours Head, with odds being offered for fastest womens crew and the fastest mens crew.

To give you a flavour of where to place your money, here is the BetLush.com Form Guide.

City of Bristol
A well tested crew contained within one of Sims finer shells, BetLush.com expects big things. Slight concern over mid race punch, with variations in pulling power throughout the crew. Untested over the distance, with some first time racers. It'll be interesting to see how they cope with the tide. One to watch. BetLush.com 10-1

Waterwitch
A new approach from this crew. It is a few years since CBRC have fielded a quad in this event. Crew comprises some seasoned performers who are stepping up in difficulty with 2 blades. Concerns remain over steering, and whether Liz will look her best for the photos. Pushing the market out. BetLush.com 4-1

Windfall
An ageing shell featuring some of CBRC's "Next Generation". With little in the way of pedigree, this could be the surprise combination. The crew has looked well on the docks, although running out a little less often than some of the competition. Could have a secret weapon in the cox's seat. An outsider at BetLush.com 18-1

Police Boat
Following recent breakages, this crew has had an unexpected change in their steed. On the plus side the breakages have come through excess power, which has left the market puzzled. Looked good in the (pad)docks and in training, but the presence of one of CBRC's sexiest coxes might distract from the tactics. Good late race pace but look closely for dodgy photos. Worth an each-way flutter. BetLush.com 10-1

Brownsword II
Another untested combination, with recent crew selection including 2 new boys. A careful look at the training regime puts the weight of firm favourites on their shoulders. The lack of cox should allow strong pace, although the steersman may take a slightly longer course than necessary. BetLush.com's Stroke Man of the Year 2004 is a vital part of the machinery. BetLush.com 100-30 Fav

Sid Miller
Some old timers make up this veteran crew. Powered by "The Voice", the engine-room has shown strong results on the ergs. Training form has been intermittent, with the stroke man taking time out to run the Snowdonia Marathon as a "warm up". Experienced over the distance, BetLush.com wonders if the power will be too much for the technique. A long shot at BetLush.com 9-2

BetLush.com's tip: Police Boat on an eachway flutter to make the most of the stream, and take advantage of Waterwitch's potential to tangle with the opposition.