Last Saturday (12 November) was an odd one for me as a referee. Of the three matches I was scheduled to work at the Scott Gallagher Facility, the first one was called off because not enough players from one of the teams showed up around kick off time. I was informed this was a late change because the other team's original opponents had dropped out of the league. The players that did arrive played a kickabout while my crewmates and I stayed out of the windy weather. The second game came off and that was fine, but the third game was not played because neither team showed up. It's nearly the end of the fall outdoor season (it ends this weekend), so that had to be a factor in all this.
That night, I was in O'Fallon, Missouri for a St. Louis Singles Meetup event at Culpepper's. We were asked to bring a book or two that others in attendance could take home. Hardly any books that I saw really appealed to me, but I found one novel that I did take home. It was a neat idea, although it might have worked better with more people there. (The venue was changed earlier in the week from one in Crestwood, so that may explain the attendance.) The next morning (13 Nov.), I refereed boys soccer games at St. Louis U. High. No problems, apart from high winds that did affect balls played in the air.
I was at Forest Park Community College last Monday night for the annual futsal referee recertification clinic. Few changes in the Laws of the Game, which were gone over at the clinic. Since I had paid my recertification fee and passed the online written test, I got my 2012 badge that night. Season starts the beginning weekend in December.
Tuesday morning (15 Nov.), I was in downtown St. Louis attending my first meeting of the GO! Network, a local group helping professionals in job transition. After a new member orientation, I took in a panel discussion by human resource professionals on how jobseekers can work with these pros on finding work. Quite interesting. We'll see how the GO! Network can help me.
I ran the IPMS/Gateway meeting that night, in which we had the final contest for 2011 Modeler of the Year, along with starting to take nominations for next year's officers.
Wednesday night was movie night at Webster University's Winifred Moore Auditorium. I was there as a volunteer for the Stella Artois St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF). Along with three other volunteers and the volunteer captain, I welcomed the audience to the theater, handed out SLIFF programs, and distributed and collected audience surveys and film ballots. The first film showed that night was "The Welcome," a documentary about US war veterans at a retreat to work out their feelings. Very interesting and moving film, I think. Then, there was a screening of 16 short films by St. Louis area filmmakers. Some most interesting films on display. Tonight, I'll be at Washington University's Brown Hall to volunteer at the screenings of two movies there.
Looking forward to welcoming my brothers and their significant others to town next week, for Thanksgiving.
Later.
18 November 2011
10 November 2011
Fun in Columbia, Missouri
Saturday morning (5 Nov.), I drove from home in St. Louis to Columbia, Missouri to participate in TigerCon 2011, the first scale model contest and swap meet hosted by Central Missouri Scale Modelers. About a dozen of my IPMS/Gateway mates from St. Louis made the trip (one was a vendor), and the show at Parkade Center was good overall. The hosts did a fine job for the first time out. I helped with contest judging in a few categories. In a category I DIDN'T judge -- Aircraft: Jet, smaller than 1/48 scale -- my 1:72 scale Su-24M (Fencer-D) took third. Admittedly, there were only three entries in that category. Still, I was very proud to accept this award at the ceremony that formally concluded the show.
I stuck around Columbia for several hours afterward, to shop, grab some dinner, and pay a brief visit to my friend Denise in town. After that visit, I drove home and set my clocks and watches back an hour for the end of Daylight Saving Time overnight.
The extra hour of sleep helped, as I had four soccer games to referee Sunday morning, with the first kicking off at 7:00 am. (!) This was the St. Louis Scott Gallagher Girls' Fall Classic at the Soccer Park in Fenton. I worked four matches -- under 13s and 14s -- with two of those games in the middle as referee. I was assistant referee on the other two matches, including a semi-final that went to a penalty shoot out. The two colleagues on my crew were younger and less experienced, but did a fine job overall.
After I got home, right away I joined the panel for this month's edition of Writer's Block from Naturally Autistic Radio. The hour-long show talked about writing and editing work from the perspective of practitioners on the autistic spectrum. The next Writer's Block is Sun., 3 Dec. at 12:00 pm Pacific Time. Details at www.naturallyautistic.com/radio-show/. (The archived show from last Sunday is available for download from that site.)
Monday night, I was at the Tivoli Theater in the Delmar Loop for volunteer orientation for the St. Louis International Film Festival, which started tonight and runs to 20 Nov. It was a brief orientation for us volunteers, about 25 of whom were there. I'll be working screenings at Webster University's Moore Auditorium on Wed., 16 Nov. and at Washington University's Brown Hall two nights later. Details on this event at www.cinemastlouis.org. I then drove to Crusoe's in Oakville for the Mehlville High Class of 1982 Reunion committee meeting, but it was called off due to the absence of a key member. We'll meet again later this month (28 Nov.).
Tuesday morning, I was at the Men's Wearhouse in Brentwood for the Yellow-Tie business networking event. It was a nice event, as I meet a few people for the first time to exchange info. I also ran into a few folks I know.
Last night, I was at Ronnie's 20 Cinema in Concord Village for the St. Louis premier of the documentary film "Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story." I saw a rough cut of this film last spring at a St. Louis United FC meeting. This film is the story of DeMerit, defender and captain of Vancouver Whitecaps FC of MLS, who rose from childhood in Green Bay, Wisconsin, struggling in England just after college trying to break into pro soccer, finally catching on at Watford FC and helping it get to the Barclays Premier League, and being called up to the US National Team and playing in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. A real inspiring story of perseverance and following one's dream. You can read more on DeMerit and this film at jaydemeritstory.com.
That's it for now. Happy Veterans Day tomorrow (11 Nov.) and a big Thank You to all the veterans out there, like my father, Harold R. Delaney, US Army Air Forces in World War II.
Later.
I stuck around Columbia for several hours afterward, to shop, grab some dinner, and pay a brief visit to my friend Denise in town. After that visit, I drove home and set my clocks and watches back an hour for the end of Daylight Saving Time overnight.
The extra hour of sleep helped, as I had four soccer games to referee Sunday morning, with the first kicking off at 7:00 am. (!) This was the St. Louis Scott Gallagher Girls' Fall Classic at the Soccer Park in Fenton. I worked four matches -- under 13s and 14s -- with two of those games in the middle as referee. I was assistant referee on the other two matches, including a semi-final that went to a penalty shoot out. The two colleagues on my crew were younger and less experienced, but did a fine job overall.
After I got home, right away I joined the panel for this month's edition of Writer's Block from Naturally Autistic Radio. The hour-long show talked about writing and editing work from the perspective of practitioners on the autistic spectrum. The next Writer's Block is Sun., 3 Dec. at 12:00 pm Pacific Time. Details at www.naturallyautistic.com/radio-show/. (The archived show from last Sunday is available for download from that site.)
Monday night, I was at the Tivoli Theater in the Delmar Loop for volunteer orientation for the St. Louis International Film Festival, which started tonight and runs to 20 Nov. It was a brief orientation for us volunteers, about 25 of whom were there. I'll be working screenings at Webster University's Moore Auditorium on Wed., 16 Nov. and at Washington University's Brown Hall two nights later. Details on this event at www.cinemastlouis.org. I then drove to Crusoe's in Oakville for the Mehlville High Class of 1982 Reunion committee meeting, but it was called off due to the absence of a key member. We'll meet again later this month (28 Nov.).
Tuesday morning, I was at the Men's Wearhouse in Brentwood for the Yellow-Tie business networking event. It was a nice event, as I meet a few people for the first time to exchange info. I also ran into a few folks I know.
Last night, I was at Ronnie's 20 Cinema in Concord Village for the St. Louis premier of the documentary film "Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story." I saw a rough cut of this film last spring at a St. Louis United FC meeting. This film is the story of DeMerit, defender and captain of Vancouver Whitecaps FC of MLS, who rose from childhood in Green Bay, Wisconsin, struggling in England just after college trying to break into pro soccer, finally catching on at Watford FC and helping it get to the Barclays Premier League, and being called up to the US National Team and playing in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. A real inspiring story of perseverance and following one's dream. You can read more on DeMerit and this film at jaydemeritstory.com.
That's it for now. Happy Veterans Day tomorrow (11 Nov.) and a big Thank You to all the veterans out there, like my father, Harold R. Delaney, US Army Air Forces in World War II.
Later.
03 November 2011
Wild Cards Win!
The St. Louis Cardinals pulled it out last Friday night (28 Oct.), defeating the Texas Rangers in the seventh and decided game of the World Series. The Cardinals--well back of a postseason spot when September began--are MLB Champions for the 11th time. I would dare say it was the most improbable of those 11 titles. What a ride!
I had soccer games Saturday and Sunday mornings at the Scott Gallagher complex. They went well. I did fill in as referee on one of the Sunday games (a under-15 girls match) as the man who was originally to have refereed it was feeling a bit sore in one let and asked me to fill in for hjm. I did and it was a fine game that ended 2-1, with the deciding goal coming at the death off a free kick.
Sunday afternoon, after my games, I went to Saint Louis University to watch the Billiken men play Xavier in soccer. It was scoreless at the end of full time, with extra time to be played. I had to leave to go to Wentzville, Missouri for a meeting, so I missed the extra session. (Perhaps that was a good thing, as Xavier won the match in extra time, 1-0.) Late that afternoon, I was in Wentzville at Frank Ciccarella's house. He's organizing a bid IPMS/Gateway will make to host the 2014 IPMS/USA National Convention. Just one other member was at this meeting with Frank and I, but we discussed some items that needed planning right away. After the meeting, Frank and his wife invited me to stay for dinner, which I did. Very nice meal and some good conversation besides.
Tuesday night (1 Nov.), I ran the IPMS/St. Louis meeting. Little to discuss, so we got through it rather quickly.
This weekend will be most interesting. Saturday, I'm going to Columbia, Missouri for TigerCon 2011, a scale model contest and swap meet hosted by the Central Missouri Scale Modelers. It's the first show this club's done and I want to show them my support. Hopefully, some others from St. Louis will be there as well. I also hope to touch base with a friend of mine in Columbia before I head back to St. Louis that night. Early Sunday morning, I have some girls soccer games in Fenton. By early, I mean a 7 am kickoff for the first match. (Good thing Standard Time returns at 2 am Sunday.) That afternoon, at 3 pm Central Time, I co-host Writers Block from Naturally Autistic Radio. Hope you can tune in. You can get more info on that show at www.naturallyautistic.com/radio-show/.
Later.
I had soccer games Saturday and Sunday mornings at the Scott Gallagher complex. They went well. I did fill in as referee on one of the Sunday games (a under-15 girls match) as the man who was originally to have refereed it was feeling a bit sore in one let and asked me to fill in for hjm. I did and it was a fine game that ended 2-1, with the deciding goal coming at the death off a free kick.
Sunday afternoon, after my games, I went to Saint Louis University to watch the Billiken men play Xavier in soccer. It was scoreless at the end of full time, with extra time to be played. I had to leave to go to Wentzville, Missouri for a meeting, so I missed the extra session. (Perhaps that was a good thing, as Xavier won the match in extra time, 1-0.) Late that afternoon, I was in Wentzville at Frank Ciccarella's house. He's organizing a bid IPMS/Gateway will make to host the 2014 IPMS/USA National Convention. Just one other member was at this meeting with Frank and I, but we discussed some items that needed planning right away. After the meeting, Frank and his wife invited me to stay for dinner, which I did. Very nice meal and some good conversation besides.
Tuesday night (1 Nov.), I ran the IPMS/St. Louis meeting. Little to discuss, so we got through it rather quickly.
This weekend will be most interesting. Saturday, I'm going to Columbia, Missouri for TigerCon 2011, a scale model contest and swap meet hosted by the Central Missouri Scale Modelers. It's the first show this club's done and I want to show them my support. Hopefully, some others from St. Louis will be there as well. I also hope to touch base with a friend of mine in Columbia before I head back to St. Louis that night. Early Sunday morning, I have some girls soccer games in Fenton. By early, I mean a 7 am kickoff for the first match. (Good thing Standard Time returns at 2 am Sunday.) That afternoon, at 3 pm Central Time, I co-host Writers Block from Naturally Autistic Radio. Hope you can tune in. You can get more info on that show at www.naturallyautistic.com/radio-show/.
Later.
28 October 2011
One That Matters
I was lying in bed last night when I saw the extra innings played in last night's Game 6 of the World Series. The Cardinals' win over the Texas Rangers evened the series at three games each, and it will all be decided with the final game tonight. It's been a great run for the Cardinals the last two months, win or lose tonight. I do think they will win this one.
Elsewhere, I had some soccer clinics this past week. Monday night (24 Oct.) was the monthly in-service clinic at Grand Glaize Library in west St. Louis County, in which we learned how to use our words to keep control of a match and deal with players, coaches and spectators. Two nights later, I was at the Soccer Park in Fenton for a required clinic going towards my re-registration. With other referees, I learned about how to "Wait and See" on offside situations, to apply anticipation and presence in being where the game situations develop, along with the dynamics of using the whistle and dealing with exposed cleats in player challenges. Having completed this session, and providing proof of my passing the written online test and paying for registration, I was issued with my 2012 referee uniform patch and the latest copy of the Laws of the Game. I'm free for another year.
Last weekend was me work three Midwest Regional League under-16 girls' matches at Oakville High School on Saturday (22 Oct), which went pretty well, considering how these teams were. In my middle, which was the first match of the set, I had to issue four cautions (three for unsporting behavior, one for dissent) and called two penalty kicks, but otherwise the match was fine. The next day, I ran line on two Elite Clubs National League girls' matches at the Gallagher Complex. These had out-of-town teams that were anxious to get going home, and it showed in their play. Generally, they went well.
Last Tuesday night saw me run the IPMS/Gateway business meeting, in which the club's board planned the next month's general meeting and discussed other club business.
This week, I got off some applications for jobs that I feel fit my skills and experience. I'll follow up next week on these and maybe something good will come of them. We'll see.
Later.
Elsewhere, I had some soccer clinics this past week. Monday night (24 Oct.) was the monthly in-service clinic at Grand Glaize Library in west St. Louis County, in which we learned how to use our words to keep control of a match and deal with players, coaches and spectators. Two nights later, I was at the Soccer Park in Fenton for a required clinic going towards my re-registration. With other referees, I learned about how to "Wait and See" on offside situations, to apply anticipation and presence in being where the game situations develop, along with the dynamics of using the whistle and dealing with exposed cleats in player challenges. Having completed this session, and providing proof of my passing the written online test and paying for registration, I was issued with my 2012 referee uniform patch and the latest copy of the Laws of the Game. I'm free for another year.
Last weekend was me work three Midwest Regional League under-16 girls' matches at Oakville High School on Saturday (22 Oct), which went pretty well, considering how these teams were. In my middle, which was the first match of the set, I had to issue four cautions (three for unsporting behavior, one for dissent) and called two penalty kicks, but otherwise the match was fine. The next day, I ran line on two Elite Clubs National League girls' matches at the Gallagher Complex. These had out-of-town teams that were anxious to get going home, and it showed in their play. Generally, they went well.
Last Tuesday night saw me run the IPMS/Gateway business meeting, in which the club's board planned the next month's general meeting and discussed other club business.
This week, I got off some applications for jobs that I feel fit my skills and experience. I'll follow up next week on these and maybe something good will come of them. We'll see.
Later.
21 October 2011
Going Nuts About the World Series
I'm not the biggest of baseball fans, but I'm glad to see the Cardinals in this World Series, considering they were counted out of postseason contention one month ago. They are now playing the Texas Rangers in the best of seven series. The Cardinals won the opener at home Wednesday night, but lost game two last night. The series picks up in Arlington, Texas tomorrow night (22 Oct.). Go Cardinals! Perhaps the Rally Squirrel that first appeared at Busch Stadium during the National League Division Series will make an encore appearance. We'll see.
I had a busy weekend of soccer refereeing last weekend. It started on Saturday morning (15 Oct) with three league matches at the Scott Gallagher Facility. The last one, an under-17 girls' match, was one I refereed and was assessed on. This was my annual maintenance assessment, for my recertification. I passed the assessment, with the assessor pointing out some things I did right and a few things I can improve on for next time. Glad to get that out of the way. The next day (16 Oct), I did two boys matches in the Midwest Developmental League at Chaminade College Prep. They went well, including my middle in the first match, an under-13 contest that was decided at the death by the visitors. Quite a thrilling match, I must say. I'm back on the pitch this weekend with travel league matches.
Sunday night, I went to a meetup in north St. Louis County of coffee and jazz lovers at a member's home. We--the host, myself, and three others--had a nice time talking, listening to jazz played on the stereo, and enjoying coffee that the host sells out of her home. She talked about her business and offered any of us to join her, but I said no. Home-based business is just not for me.
Tuesday night, I ran the IPMS/Gateway meeting at Calvary Presbyterian Church. We had a nice turnout of members and of models for the monthly "beauty contest." Two people came to our meeting for the first time and I chatted with both of them and recognized them at the start of the meeting. Hopefully, both will be back next month.
This afternoon, my parents and I went to the County Health Clinic in Sunset Hills to get our annual flu shots. They cost each of us $25, but will be well worth it to stay healthy this flu season.
That's it for now. Wish you all a great weekend. Later.
I had a busy weekend of soccer refereeing last weekend. It started on Saturday morning (15 Oct) with three league matches at the Scott Gallagher Facility. The last one, an under-17 girls' match, was one I refereed and was assessed on. This was my annual maintenance assessment, for my recertification. I passed the assessment, with the assessor pointing out some things I did right and a few things I can improve on for next time. Glad to get that out of the way. The next day (16 Oct), I did two boys matches in the Midwest Developmental League at Chaminade College Prep. They went well, including my middle in the first match, an under-13 contest that was decided at the death by the visitors. Quite a thrilling match, I must say. I'm back on the pitch this weekend with travel league matches.
Sunday night, I went to a meetup in north St. Louis County of coffee and jazz lovers at a member's home. We--the host, myself, and three others--had a nice time talking, listening to jazz played on the stereo, and enjoying coffee that the host sells out of her home. She talked about her business and offered any of us to join her, but I said no. Home-based business is just not for me.
Tuesday night, I ran the IPMS/Gateway meeting at Calvary Presbyterian Church. We had a nice turnout of members and of models for the monthly "beauty contest." Two people came to our meeting for the first time and I chatted with both of them and recognized them at the start of the meeting. Hopefully, both will be back next month.
This afternoon, my parents and I went to the County Health Clinic in Sunset Hills to get our annual flu shots. They cost each of us $25, but will be well worth it to stay healthy this flu season.
That's it for now. Wish you all a great weekend. Later.
13 October 2011
On the Run of Late
It's been a bit humid, but not too hot here lately. Been running around the neighborhood in recent days, tuning up for soccer refereeing assignments this weekend. Last weekend, I had some Midwest Regional League (MRL) under-15 girls matches on the Illinois side. I worked two games on Saturday in Columbia's Oerter Park, and three on Sunday at Waterloo Senior High School, which I had never been to before. The games generally went fine, although I did cramp up a bit in my last game on Sunday. This weekend, I have arranged for a maintenance assessment on one of my matches. Wish me well.
Last Monday (10 Oct.), with Mom's help, I had my hair dyed, using Just for Men. It covered over the vast majority of gray in my hair, with just a bit of gray on the sides. It came out real well and I'm happy with it. That night, I was at the Mehlville High Class of 1982 Reunion planning meeting at Crusoe's in Oakville. Laura (Bryant) Muehlhauser, a classmate who's a hair stylist, said the dye job looks natural. I do appreciate her expert opinion on hair matters. At the meeting, we discussed several possible venues for the reunion, and should nail that down with a date at our next meeting in early November. Stay tuned.
No good news on the job search, though. I went to a Yellow-Tie networking happy hour at West County Nissan in Ballwin Tuesday night. It was quite nice, and i did meet a couple of people at their first Yellow-Tie event. Time will tell if any of these contacts made that night will pan out for me.
I'm off to the Missouri Aviation Historical Society meeting in Clayton tonight after dinner at home. The group has a business meeting, followed by the general meeting.
Go Cardinals! They play the Brewers tonight in game 4 of the National League Championship Series, leading 2 games to 1 in the best-of-7.
Later.
Last Monday (10 Oct.), with Mom's help, I had my hair dyed, using Just for Men. It covered over the vast majority of gray in my hair, with just a bit of gray on the sides. It came out real well and I'm happy with it. That night, I was at the Mehlville High Class of 1982 Reunion planning meeting at Crusoe's in Oakville. Laura (Bryant) Muehlhauser, a classmate who's a hair stylist, said the dye job looks natural. I do appreciate her expert opinion on hair matters. At the meeting, we discussed several possible venues for the reunion, and should nail that down with a date at our next meeting in early November. Stay tuned.
No good news on the job search, though. I went to a Yellow-Tie networking happy hour at West County Nissan in Ballwin Tuesday night. It was quite nice, and i did meet a couple of people at their first Yellow-Tie event. Time will tell if any of these contacts made that night will pan out for me.
I'm off to the Missouri Aviation Historical Society meeting in Clayton tonight after dinner at home. The group has a business meeting, followed by the general meeting.
Go Cardinals! They play the Brewers tonight in game 4 of the National League Championship Series, leading 2 games to 1 in the best-of-7.
Later.
07 October 2011
From September into October
September ended with the monthly referee clinic (26 Sept.), in which we reviewed changes in the Laws of the Game for this season. (Mostly in administrative areas.) I ran the IPMS/Gateway business meeting the next night, and attended a business meeting of the Missouri Aviation Historical Society in Clayton on the 29th.
I was up bright and early on Sat., 1 October to be at the Thornhill Branch Library. They were reserving meeting room dates for the first half of 2012 and I wanted to make sure IPMS/St. Louis had its first Tuesdays lined up. Sure enough, I was the first person there and when the library opened at 9:00 am, I got our regular meeting dates. Back home and with a change out outfit, I went to the Soccer Park to referee three girls' soccer matches that afternoon and early evening. They were all Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) matches. I had the middle on the first one, a under-15 match, and then ran lines on the under-17 and under-14 matches that followed. They went well--my middle went with no real incident--and I was happy with my performance.
The next morning, I was at St. Louis U. High to run line on a under-18 Midwest Regional League (MRL) match. That went well, if rather one-sided. Back home after that, I co-hosted the October edition of Writer's Block, from Naturally Autistic Radio. The show went quite well. You can find out more on that program and others at www.naturallyautistic.com/radio-show.
The week started off with me getting my hair--which was cut at the hair salon the week before--colored to cover the gray. Expect some new photos of me soon. Tuesday (4 October), I ran the IPMS/St. Louis meeting, where I gave the good news about our meeting dates and welcomed a first-time visitor to our group. I was at a dermatologist the next afternoon to have someone check out the rash on my chest, back and upper arms. He told me it was eczema and recommended some treatment, including a prescribed creme, which I obtained from the pharmacy later that day. I'm starting to show signs of improvement, and hopefully that will continue in the coming weeks.
I have MRL soccer refereeing assignments coming up tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday in Columbia, Illinois. Hopefully, they should go real well.
Later.
I was up bright and early on Sat., 1 October to be at the Thornhill Branch Library. They were reserving meeting room dates for the first half of 2012 and I wanted to make sure IPMS/St. Louis had its first Tuesdays lined up. Sure enough, I was the first person there and when the library opened at 9:00 am, I got our regular meeting dates. Back home and with a change out outfit, I went to the Soccer Park to referee three girls' soccer matches that afternoon and early evening. They were all Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) matches. I had the middle on the first one, a under-15 match, and then ran lines on the under-17 and under-14 matches that followed. They went well--my middle went with no real incident--and I was happy with my performance.
The next morning, I was at St. Louis U. High to run line on a under-18 Midwest Regional League (MRL) match. That went well, if rather one-sided. Back home after that, I co-hosted the October edition of Writer's Block, from Naturally Autistic Radio. The show went quite well. You can find out more on that program and others at www.naturallyautistic.com/radio-show.
The week started off with me getting my hair--which was cut at the hair salon the week before--colored to cover the gray. Expect some new photos of me soon. Tuesday (4 October), I ran the IPMS/St. Louis meeting, where I gave the good news about our meeting dates and welcomed a first-time visitor to our group. I was at a dermatologist the next afternoon to have someone check out the rash on my chest, back and upper arms. He told me it was eczema and recommended some treatment, including a prescribed creme, which I obtained from the pharmacy later that day. I'm starting to show signs of improvement, and hopefully that will continue in the coming weeks.
I have MRL soccer refereeing assignments coming up tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday in Columbia, Illinois. Hopefully, they should go real well.
Later.
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