Pickleball – Current Topics/Game Changes

Jeff

On a recent episode of the Pickleball Show, a discussion was held between the host, Chris Allen, and long-time Pickleball enthusiast Rodney Grubbs about the current and future status of the sport.

You can listen to the entire podcast at the link below, but for those who want just the Nitty-gritty, you can listen to several of the main points as outlined in the following (times are considered +/- references):

  • Will there ever be a “standard” pickleball ball that can be used on any court? 7:40

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  • Find out why there may be a need to change the Pickleball rating system. 11:48 (start here to understand the context)

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  • Will the size of the kitchen (NVZ) be changed to keep the game more competitive? 12:59 (start here to understand the context)

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    Listen to Episode 26 of the Pickleball Show:Pickleball Rocks with Rocket Grubbs

    STATUS QUOtes — 20150806

    Jeff

    “By appreciation, we make excellence in others our own property.” — Voltaire

    “Don’t fall before you’re pushed.” — English Proverb

    “You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing there will be no results.” — Gandhi

    “With hurricanes, tornadoes, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?” — Jay Leno

     

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    STATUS QUOtes — 20150805

    Jeff

    “Speed is useful only if you are running in the right direction.” — Joel Barker

    “No person is rich enough to buy back their past.” — Unknown

    “If you are looking for a friend who is faultless, you will be friendless.” — Rumi

    “Nothing is as obnoxious as other people’s luck.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald

     

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    Critical Role of Migratory Birds – Texas Hot Spot

    Jeff

    From the YouTube Video Notes (emphasis added):

    “Published on Jun 19, 2015 – Did you know the coast of Texas is the most important spot for migratory birds in the U.S. and Canada? Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center staff journey to this small island annually to study songbirds returning from their tropical wintering grounds and share this experience with local schoolchildren. Understanding these species and teaching the next generation about them is critical to their survival. Learn more in this video made possible with the support of ConocoPhillips. #WeSaveSpecies #StateoftheBirds”

    STATUS QUOtes — 20150804

    Jeff

    “Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember and remember more than I have seen.” — Benjamin Disraeli

    “Those who flee temptation generally leave a forwarding address.” — Lane Olinghouse

    “Glory is a poison, good to be taken in small doses.” — Honore de Balzac

    “They laughed at Edison and Einstein, but somehow I still feel uncomfortable when they laugh at me.” — Ashleigh Brilliant

     

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    Pickleball – Gold Medal Match: Open Womens Doubles – 2015 So Cal Summer Classic

    Jeff

    I enjoy watching the best players in the nation play Pickleball because I see that they have the same issues we all have. I am not implying that we are all as good as they are, but they make the same kinds of errors we make. The difference is usually the quality of the play. I am an average player and I generally play somewhere in that range so when a shot comes my way, it isn’t always a sophisticated hit, but the problems are the same as those faced by the better players.

    If you watch the championship video below, you will note that a good many points are not necessarily won by the team earning that point/fault, but by the other team losing it. In other words, in many cases a player fails to return or mishits a very playable ball and yields that point.

    The second set of the match appears to be a runaway, but Heidi Hancock & Tonja Major mount a major comeback.

    From the YouTube Video Website:

    “Published on Jul 17, 2015

    Are you ready to watch four amazing pickleball players at their best? Don’t miss this gold medal match from the So Cal Summer Classic in Oceanside, CA. Pickleball Channel was fortunate enough to get courtside, and we are proud to feature this match in its entirety. Watch Heidi Hancock & Tonja Major battle against Alex Hamner & Jennifer Lucore for gold in the Open Womens Doubles. We love featuring gold medal matches so our subscribers can witness the athleticism and speed required to play for gold!”

    House Sparrow Feeding Time for Fledglings

    Jeff

    Sierra Vista, AZ is known for the birds that visit that area year-round. There are migratory birds that leave south and central America as well as Mexico and spend part of the summer in the southeast portion of Arizona. While visiting that region recently, we took note of a house sparrow nest in a tree and a male and female that were taking care of their young.

    In the picture (below), the “dad” is bringing food to the babies. If you look closely you can see a grasshopper (or similar insect) just to the left of the tip of the yellow arrow (center of photo).

    The adult bird is getting ready to “cram” the insect down the throat of the chick. They do this with great energy.

    Male house sparrow cramming food into chick's mouth

    In this case, as in some bird species, both adults take turns feeding the chicks. This is a picture of “mom” watching the meal being delivered and perhaps providing instructions.

    Mother bird gives offering advice about feeding

    The male bird has left for a “refill” and both chicks look on in anticipation. The one on the left almost appears to be frowning as it awaits its turn.

    Chicks await more food delivery

    Here is another photo of the chicks looking on with apparent increased vigilance and vocalizations.

    Chicks calling for more food

    This scene repeated itself over time and we enjoyed watching the protocol of the house sparrow for taking care of its fledglings. It is estimated that these chicks were just a few days away from leaving the nest as they are rather large; as chicks go.

    Read More:

    House Sparrow (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology)

    Sialis: House Sparrow Biology

    House Sparrows Habits

     



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    STATUS QUOtes — 20150720

    Jeff

    “Joy is the best makeup.” — Anne Lamott

    “I have several times made a poor choice by avoiding a necessary confrontation.” — John Cleese

    “When you win, say nothing; when you lose, say less.” — Paul Brown

    “In Paris they simply stared when I spoke to them in French; I never did succeed in making them understand their language.[ed]” — Mark Twain

     

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