My Top 8 books read in 2014

In no particular order. 

The Climb - Chris Froome

The autobiography of the 2013 Tour de France winner is an excellent read. A lot of detail on his childhood and formative years before he turned pro. An intelligent, thoughtful and enjoyable book. 

The Litigators - John Grisham

One of the masters of the legal thriller, my exposure to Grisham is limited to one previous book - The King of Torts. That particular book didn't blow me away but The Litigators was a welcome surprise. 

Interesting characters, snappy dialogue and a fast-paced plot all add upto a really enjoyable read. 

The Moaning of Life - Karl Pilkington

Excellent. Read this after watching the series on Sky 1 and it was just as funny. In many ways the book is better than the tv series as Karl has more time to expand his ideas and lay down his "out there" views. 

I love a good travel book and you couldn't wish for a better narrator than Karl. Put him in any situation and he will always surprise you with what he does and how he thinks. 

Nice one. 

Blood on the Altar - Tobias Young

True crime story of an Italian man who murdered a 16 year girl.  Years later he moved to England and murdered another woman. 

Intersting crime case spanning 20 years.

Beyond the Horizon - Richard Parks

I rated this book 5 out of 5 on Goodreads.com.

Richard Parks is a remarkable extreme-environment athlete, and the humility of the man is laid bare on every page of this incredible narrative. 
What a guy. Total admiration.

Too Much Information - Dave Gorman

One of my favourite authors, this book sees Dave on fine form as he casts his discerning eye over advertising and social media. 

Fun, frivolity & high jinks all round. 

A la Mod: My So-Called Tranquil Family Life in Rural France - Ian Moore

Easy to read memoir of an English stand-up comedian who moves to live in France. It's middle of the road fare but there's enough warm-hearted humour to keep you entertained. 

Three Sheets To The Wind: One Man's Quest For The Meaning Of Beer - Pete Brown

A travel book about beer taking in countries such as America, Belgium, Japan & Germany.  It's a great book to dip in-and-out of. 

Honourable mentions:

Oasis: The Truth - Tony McCarroll

The Almost Nearly Perfect People: Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia - Michael Booth

A Tap on the Window - Linwood Barclay 

Get Her Off the Pitch!: How Sport Took  Over My Life - Lynne Truss

 

14 games deleted in 21 days

Quick review of the 14 ios games I've deleted since 18 August. 

80 Days. Completed on first play. No desire to replay game.

Swing Copters. Insane difficulty.

Bike Baron. Boring

Wordrix. Boring

Star Realms. Text, graphics much too small for iphone. Too much luck.

Micromon. Like Pokemon without the good bits.

Motorsport Manager. Bored to bits. Didn't even complete 1 race. 

The King of Fighters '98. Virtual controls obscure action. 

Boxpop. Nice game. For about 30 minutes. 

Hextris. See game above.

Epic Eric. One dimensional puzzle action game. Hopeless. 

Glue Knight. Annoyingly difficult. Too difficult. Not fun. It was fun deleting the game.

The Quest Lite. Should have given it more than 10 minutes but got bored.

Starbase Orion. Cost £5.49. Gave it 3 hrs play. 4X games not for me. 

Lost Yeti - Step to it.

Tips for the Step Challenge. 

Lost Yeti is fantastic puzzle game on ios created by Gionathan Pesaresi. If you're reading this then chances are you have already played the game. If not get onto the App Store to check it out. Or head to metacritic to read the glowing reviews. 

The reason for writing these tips is to encourage players to embrace and attempt the step challenge. I'm currently ranked no.1 player in the World across all three chapters. It's not because I'm some super-skilled player; it's down to simple practice. And a lack of challengers, which is hardly surprising when there are 1000s of ios games all vying for our time and attention. 

After completing all 60 levels and obtaining all the ice lollies I was keen to test my skills on the step challenge.

The step challenge is all about completing each level in the shortest number of steps or Perfect Run. The combined number of steps in each of the 20 levels for each chapter give you a ranking on the Game Center leaderboard. 

1. Nowhere to run

There are essentially 2 types of level in Lost Yeti. The first is the "free runner" whereby the Yeti will continue to move until he dies or reaches the exit.

The second is the "blockable" where the Yeti can be blocked so he can't move or has limited movement. 

It is generally a good idea to block in the Yeti as soon as possible to stop him moving. Then the path to the exit can be created ready for when the Yeti is released. 

2. A to B 

The shortest route or Perfect Run to the exit is more often the most obvious one. If it looks like the level can be done in 8 steps then it probably can. 

3. Broken Lines

When you select an object within a slidable row or column broken white lines will appear until you de-select or move the object. The Yeti will turn or stop if it hits a broken line. The same applies to the monsters. 

Effective use of the "broken line" is crucial to achieving good and Perfect runs on a lot of levels. 

This can be important on "free runner" levels when instead of letting Yeti run it's course and hit walls, you can shorten the run with smart slider movement. 

4. Flying Start 

The first second of a level will often determine whether you get a good run or a bad run. Whether it be blocking in your Yeti or setting up the exit strategy a fast start is crucial. 

A good example is level 20 of Snowy Hills . The first time I completed this level it took me about 100+ steps, and to be honest I think I fluked the level. My current record is 23 steps - which isn't no fluke. As a "free runner" level it's crucial to get a fast start. 

5. Block them monsters

The route to the exit is often made more perilous by those pesky monsters. Blocking them off so they can't move or are a trapped in an area can create routes for good runs. 

It's not always necessary or even possible to do this but moving monsters introduce timing issues - which can be a real headache. Ratini on Gloomy Cave is the master of upsetting best laid plans. 

6. A Clockwork Yeti

A Flying Start (4) is usually just the first of a series of careful moves that must be made to get a good run. The monsters all behave in a predictable manner and if they can't be blocked you'll have to perfect your timing. Don't wait for clear routes to appear. Anticipate when a clear route will occur. This usually involves setting your Yeti on a route towards a monster with the knowledge the monster will turn out of the Yeti's path (or won't be there when Yeti arrives). 

Anticipating clear routes is probably the most advanced tip here. 

A good example is level 12 of Mighty Glacier. Yeti starts off blocked into a space but he's still moving and racking up the steps. The level has 2 monsters and a corridor design. Blocking off the monsters and anticipating the clear route is key to getting a good run. 

Summary 

As you can see from my tips there's nothing particular super-skillful about what I've done to top the rankings. 

It's just about being focused, trying to get the perfect run on every level and practice. Try, try and try again and someday you could be the World's Best. 

I reckon I've done the perfect run on 80% of the game, so there's plenty of room for Step improvement. 

Armed with these tips you should be able to get less than 300 steps on Snowy Hills.

Less than 250 steps will take some more dedication. 

Less than 200 steps on Snowy Hills is a challenge. Do that and you become a Lost Yeti Step Master. 

Good luck on the Snowy Hills, in the Gloomy Cave and on the Mighty Glacier. 

Michael

twitter: parsley76

<update> On 12 March 2014 a landmark moment in Lost Yeti history. Achieved less than 200 steps on all 3 chapters. 

My Top 8 books read in 2013

In no particular order.

Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn

Contains one of the undoubted highlights of my reading year. Half way through the story there comes a "big grin" moment when I had to put the book down and mutter "damn, this is good". 

Sadly the last third of the book drops off and it's not quite the big bang ending I was hoping for. Still an unmissable thriller though. 

The Real Great Escape - Guy Walters

Anyone with any interest in WW2 or Prisioner of War true stories should read this. Well researched and fascinating to compare what really happened to the famous Great Escape hollywood film. 

The Gods of Guilt - Michael Connelly

The consistent high standard of this author's work is what draws millions of fans back to his novels. I've read over 20 of his books and it's only "The Overlook" that was a disappointment. 

This latest offering is Connelly at his best. The master of police and courtroom procedural thrillers. 

Ready Player One - Ernest Cline

Like alot of readers I use the Goodreads website (via the iPhone app) to keep track of the books I've read. The website allows you to rate the books you've read (out of 5 stars). I'm probably quite a harsh critic as I only rated one 5 star book this year; Mr Cline's debut novel. 

Nuff said.

Trust Your Eyes - Linwood Barclay

Been meaning to read one of his books for a few years but never got round to it. 

Interesting premise hooked me and I was impressed with the engaging style which walks the fine line between realism and entertainment. 

Fine book and an author I will be keen to read more from. 

Cold Storage - Don Lasseter

A true-crime story of a missing young woman and a terrible murder. Incredibly compassionate and well researched. 

Leviathan Wakes - James S.A. Corey

Every now and again I like to dive into a big sci-fi Space Opera. Book one of a trilogy, Leviathan delivers on alot of fronts; intriguing characters, cool action, sinister plot, multiple viewpoints, engaging dialogue and interesting Worlds and technology. Very promising and should be fun to see how the trilogy unfolds. 

Becoming Johnny Vegas - Johnny Vegas

Candid and revealing insight into the real person behind the Johnny Vegas alter-ego. Really enjoyed this book. Johnny writes with warmth, humanity and surprising tenderness as he lays bare his struggles; body image, girls, what to do with life, to name a few. 

Not many autobiographies really change the way I think about someone. This was one of them. 

Honourable mentions:

Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter - Tom Franklin.

American on Purpose - Craig Ferguson.

The Story of The Streets - Mike Skinner.

Wool - Hugh Howey

Some highlights of 2013 Road Race season

8 clips showing some of my highlights from the 2013 Road Race season. (away from the Grand Tours)

Dwars Door Vlaanderen 2013. Thomas Vockler goes on a solo attack with 7km to go and is agonisingly caught in the last 25m.  Would probably have made it if Ian Stannard had not done a massive turn with 1km to go,

Cracking early season win for Geraint Thomas at the Tour down Under.

Peter Sagan wins Brabantse Pijl.  One of my favourite parcour.

Tour of Oman. Stage 5. Cracking early season battle between J-Rod, Contador and Froome.

Tour of Poland. Stage 6. Enjoyable and chaotic last 10 km. Particulary enjoyed Riblon's aggressive ride.

GP Wallonie. Picked this for 3 reasons. 1 - Thomas Voeckler. 2 - Jan Bakelants. One of the riders who really impressed me this year. His win here shows what a strong and canny rider he is. 3- The commentary of Carlton Kirby. Always entertaining. Loved his talk of Voeckler.

Couldn't do a list without including one of Cosmo Catalano's insightful race summaries. This is the
Milan-Sanremo recap.

GP Quebec. Great win for Robert Gesink and an exciting conclusion to this one day race.

January cycling review

The Tour Down Under was the first big race of the year. Andre Griepel collected 3 stage wins and Simon Gerrans won GC. The real story for me was the impressive showing of the local UniSA team. They picked up a super breakaway victory for Will Clarke on stage 2 and their rider Rohan Dennis won the Mountain & Youth classification.

Elsewhere there was another stage race in Argentina which I didn't follow: Tour de San Luis won by Levi Leipheimer.
The European season kicked off with the GP la Marseillaise. This was the first outing for my favorite Europcar team. They managed to ride a solid race and new rider Davide Malacarne finished 5th.
Team Europcar also relaunched their website, which was most welcome, as it now features an official shop.

Complimenting the new season I also joined the fantasy cycling game on the road.cc website. It looks more interesting than the other fantasy sport (football, cricket) games I've played before. There's an overall competition as well as separate prizes for each stage race throughout the season.

In other news a date has been announced for the verdict on the Contador doping case. February 6th will hopefully reveal the news the cycling world has been waiting for. If cheating has occurred I hope the punishment fits the crime. As a cycling fan I'd rather see Contador emerge free to ride after the verdict. He is arguably the best stage race rider in the world and certainly one of the best climbers. A stage race would be poorer without his presence. For me, at last years Tour de France, he made the attack of the whole tour. After struggling in stage 18, he made a ridiculously early attack on the next days stage. This attack resulted in the best stage of the tour and a stage that will live long in the memory. It put everyone on the back foot and forced a huge tactical error from Thomas Voeckler as he set off to chase Contador, which ultimately may have cost the Frenchman a place on the podium. Voeckler was the big loser that day, but it produced some epic road racing that day.
I have a feeling that Contador will be cleared of doping charges. The length of time this case has gone on would seem to suggest a favorable verdict for him. Then the world of cycling can move on to the next doping scandal. (step forward Marcel Kittel)

Early 6 Nations Preview

The 6 Nations after a World Cup year is usually a good time for countries to bring in new changes. England, France and Italy all have new coaches. I expect a very open tournament with plenty of exciting games. Here's a look at the prospects of each nation.

Ireland
The Irish regions are in very good form at the moment and I think Ireland will start as joint favorites for the Championship with France. Two things initially stand-out, no O'Driscoll for the tournament; and will there be a hangover from their disappointing World Cup exit?
I expect Ireland to be the most consistent team of the tournament, and with the strength in their experienced forwards they will be difficult to beat. Ominously for the other nations both 10s, Sexton and O'Gara are in good form at the moment. Ireland to win a very close championship.
Predicted finish: 1st

France
The World Cup runners-up have Philippe Saint-Andre as their new coach. Predicting the form of France is a fruit-less task, though it's safe to expect the unexpected. Saint-Andre hasn't picked many new faces from the squad that played in the World Cup. In recent years the biggest flaw in the French team was having an unsettled first 15. If the new coach can give key players, such as Trinh-Duc, a run of games, then France can more successfully develop their brand of total rugby.
France may get off to a slow start in the tournament but I expect them to win most of their games.
Predicted finish: 2nd

England
The only way is up for the men in white after a nightmare last few months for the national team. A new coach, in Stuart Lancaster, though likely to just be an interim solution. As such, I expect England to really roll the dice (by their own standards) and blood some young players in key positions. Farrell at 10 and Ben Morgan at 8 should definitely get at least two starts. The main problem with England is their lack of creativity. Their backs in general don't have the natural flair or creativity compared to other teams. (France, Wales). That said, England always possess a strong set of forwards which ensures they are a match for any team.
With Toby Flood injured for the opening game the selectors have called up Charlie Hodgson, which amazes me. Charlie has had so many poor games for England that his international career should be truly over by now. How many chances does a player need to prove he's not international class? I don't care if Charlie's club form is excellent, he'll never the cut the mustard in my eyes.
Predicted finish: 3rd

Wales
Arguably the best performing 6 Nations team at the World Cup. Though this translated in Wales dropping 2 positions in the IRB rankings - how strange. Wales have struggled in the last 20 years to string together two consecutive good seasons. Which means the Welsh will have a disappointing year in 2012. Pundits may point towards a fresh crop of exciting young talent, North, Priestland, Faletau et al but that doesn't necessarily create a successful team.
It is worth highlighting the enormous talent of Dragons number 8 Toby Faletau. Still only 19 and one of the stand-out players of the World Cup, this kid should be one of the stars of the tournament. It will be fascinating to see how he responds to being a marked man. I'm sure he'll rise to the challenge.
So why have I only predicted a 4th place finish for my beloved Wales? Simple - the fixture list. England and Ireland away, two defeats. I'm actually a bit worried about the Irish backlash. I think the margin of victory will be over 20 points. Wales have France at home in March and by that stage Les Bleus should be too good for the men in red.
My one hope for the tournament is that Jason Tovey gets selected ahead of Dan Biggar in the squad.
Predicted finish: 4th

Scotland
Must be slightly depressing to be a Scotland supporter. A lack of world class players over the last 10 years means it's all about the "team" performance. Coach Andy Robinson is making steady progress with the talent available and in lock Richie Gray they have a potential Lions pick for 2013.
I was a fan of Nick De Luca when burst onto the scene but he hasn't really caught fire at International level.
Scotland will be competitive but they lack that bit of class to break into the top 3.
Predicted finish: 5th

Italy
Former Perpginan coach, Jacques Brunel, is the new man in charge of Italy. I think Italy are still years off regularly recording two wins in the championship. Difficult to know what difference Brunel can make in his first season. The Wooden Spoon beckons again.
Predicted finish: 6th