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My World Cup Predictions

My World Cup Predictions

The World Cup is here again and although I don’t agree with the regime and the fact that is it being held in Qatar, I’m sure millions around the world will watch the tournament regardless. I do this every now and again for World Cups, my World Cup Predictions where I try to forecast the winners and also the scores.

So here we go….

My World Cup Predictions

Monday November 21

Group B: England vs Iran – England to Win : Score Prediction 3-0  (Final Result : 6-2)  ✅ ❌
Group A: Senegal vs Netherlands – Netherlands to Win : Score Prediction 1-2  (Final Result 0-2)  ✅ ❌
Group B: USA vs Wales – USA to Win : Score Prediction 2-1  (Final Result 1-1)   ❌ ❌

Tuesday November 22

Group C: Argentina vs Saudi Arabia – Argentina to Win : Score Prediction 5-0 (Final Result: 1-2)   ❌ ❌ – Shock Result
Group D: Denmark vs Tunisia – Denmark to Win : Score Prediction 2-0 (Final Result 0-0)  ❌ ❌
Group C: Mexico vs Poland – Draw : Score Prediction 1-1 (Final Result 0-0)  ✅ ❌
Group D: France vs Australia – France to Win : Score Prediction 4-0 (Final Result 4-1)  ✅ ❌

Wednesday November 23

Group F: Morocco vs Croatia – Croatia to Win : Score Prediction 1-3 (Final Result 0-0) ❌ ❌
Group E: Germany vs Japan – Germany to Win : Score Prediction 4-0  (Final Result 1-2) ❌ ❌ – Shock Result
Group E: Spain vs Costa Rica – Spain to Win : Score Prediction 4-0 (Final Result 7-0) ✅ ❌
Group F: Belgium vs Canada – Belgium to Win : Score Prediction 4-0 (Final Result 1-0)  ✅ ❌

Thursday November 24

Group G: Switzerland vs Cameroon – Draw : Score Prediction 2-2   (Final Result 1-0)  ❌
Group H: Uruguay vs South Korea – Uruguay to Win : Score Prediction 2-0   (Final Result 0-0)  ❌
Group H: Portugal vs Ghana – Portugal to Win : Score Prediction 3-1   (Final Result 3-2) ✅ ❌
Group G: Brazil vs Serbia – Brazil to Win : Score Prediction 4-0   (Final Result 2-0) ✅ ❌

Friday November 25

Group B: Wales vs Iran – Draw : Score Prediction 1-1   (Final Result 0-2)  ❌
Group A: Qatar vs Senegal – Senegal to Win : Score Prediction 0-2   (Final Result 1-3) ✅ ❌
Group A: Netherlands vs Ecuador – Netherlands to Win : Score Prediction 2-1   (Final Result 1-1)  ❌
Group B: England vs USA – Draw : Score Prediction 2-2   (Final Result 0-0) ✅ ❌

Saturday November 26

Group D: Tunisia vs Australia – Tunisia to Win : Score Prediction 1-0
Group C: Poland vs Saudi Arabia – Poland to Win : Score Prediction 3-0
Group D: France vs Denmark – France to Win : Score Prediction 3-1
Group C: Argentina vs Mexico – Argentina to Win : Score Prediction 2-1

Sunday November 27

Group E: Japan vs Costa Rica – Costa Rica to Win : Score Prediction 0-2
Group F: Belgium vs Morocco – Belgium to Win : Score Prediction 3-1
Group F: Croatia vs Canada – Croatia to Win : Score Prediction 2-0
Group E: Spain vs Germany – Draw : Score Prediction 2-2

Monday November 28

Group G: Cameroon vs Serbia – Serbia to Win : Score Prediction 1-2
Group H: South Korea vs Ghana – Ghana to Win : Score Prediction 0-2
Group G: Brazil vs Switzerland – Brazil to Win : Score Prediction 3-1
Group H: Portugal vs Uruguay – Portugal to Win : Score Prediction 2-1

Tuesday November 29

Group A: Netherlands vs Qatar – Netherlands to Win : Score Prediction 4-0
Group A: Ecuador vs Senegal – Senegal to Win : Score Prediction 1-2
Group B: Wales vs England – England to Win : Score Prediction 1-3
Group B: Iran vs USA – USA to Win : Score Prediction 0-3

Wednesday November 30

Group D: Australia vs Denmark – Denmark to Win : Score Prediction 0-2
Group D: Tunisia vs France – France to Win : Score Prediction 1-3
Group C: Poland vs Argentina – Argentina to Win : Score Prediction 0-3
Group C: Saudi Arabia vs Mexico – Mexico to Win : Score Prediction 0-4

Thursday December 1

Group F: Croatia vs Belgium – Draw : Score Prediction 2-2
Group F: Canada vs Morocco – Morocco to Win : Score Prediction 0-2
Group E: Costa Rica vs Germany – Germany to Win : Score Prediction 0-3
Group E: Japan vs Spain – Spain to Win : Score Prediction 0-3

Friday, December 2

Group H: South Korea vs Portugal – Portugal to Win : Score Prediction 0-4
Group H: Ghana vs Uruguay – Uruguay to Win : Score Prediction 0-2
Group G: Serbia vs Switzerland – Switzerland to Win : Score Prediction 1-2
Group G: Cameroon vs Brazil – Brazil to Win : Score Prediction 1-3

After the Groups Stages – Evaluating my World Cup Predictions

I’m going to follow these closely and at the end, I will see what my success rate was both on win/lose and specific score predictions.

If you have any comments or different thoughts on the results, leave your comments below.

%

Overall Correct Results

%

Overall Correct Scores

4 Game Results in so far…

Piano Learning Tips For Beginners that Really Work

Piano Learning Tips For Beginners that Really Work

Many people dream of playing the piano but never take the plunge and start learning. Lots of students are simply unsure of where to start. There are several reasons why playing the piano can be an extremely rewarding experience. Playing the piano is not only a great way to relax and de-stress, but it can also boost your self-confidence. In addition, it’s a great way to meet new people and make new friends. If you’ve been thinking about taking up the piano, there’s no time like the present. With just some practice, you’ll be playing your favorite songs in no time. Playing the piano can be both a fun and a rewarding experience, but it takes time and practice to master this complex instrument. Here are a few tips for beginners:

Choose a Good App

As a beginner, finding a good piano-playing app should be the first position on your to-do list. If you’re starting to learn piano from scratch or returning to the instrument after a long break, there are a few apps out there that could be helpful in jumpstarting your journey. Many apps have a guide on how to play the piano for beginners and offer clear and concise instructions that can help you get started quickly and easily. In addition, they often come with a built-in metronome, which is essential for keeping tempo while you practice. Finally, most of these apps are affordable, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious beginners. So if you’re looking to start playing the piano, be sure to download one of these helpful apps.

Start by learning the basic chords

Chord refers to the simplest musical device in existence. It’s just two or more notes that are played together, but it can make for some really beautiful music! TogetherChords can be created by overlapping two melody lines or by playing multiple notes at the same time. When multiple notes are played together, harmony is created. The notes in a chord can be related to each other in different ways, depending on the type of chord being played. Major and minor chords, for example, have a different relationship between the notes than a seventh chord does. Chords can also be described by their function, such as tonic, subdominant, or dominant. Chords are an essential part of music theory, and understanding how to create and play them is essential for any musician. Once you know how to form chords, you can start playing simple songs.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes

It’s natural to be afraid of making mistakes when you’re learning something new, but don’t let that fear hold you back when it comes to playing the piano. Everyone makes mistakes when first starting out, which is perfectly okay. In fact, making mistakes is an essential part of the learning process. Every time you make a mistake, you’re giving yourself an opportunity to learn and improve. So do not be afraid of making mistakes, embrace them and use them as a chance to grow as a musician. You’ll be surprised at how noticeable your progress will be with time and practice. Just keep practicing, and you’ll eventually get it right.

Practice, practice, practice!

We all know that practice makes perfect, and that is especially true when it comes to learning to play the piano. But what does it really mean to practice? According to dictionary.com, to practice is to “repeatedly perform or execute an action or activity in order to acquire proficiency in it.” In other words, practice is about repetition and mastery. It’s about practicing something over and over again until you can do it without thinking until it becomes second nature. Thus, the more you practice, the better and better you will become at it. So, set aside some time each day to sit down at the piano and just play around. Try different chords, experiment with different rhythms, and just have fun. The more you play, the faster you will progress. Soon, you’ll be playing your favorite music not only for fun but also as a proficient piano player. So don’t be discouraged and demotivated if it takes a little time to get the hang of things. Just keep practicing and you’ll be a pro in no time.

Conclusion

Anyone can learn to play the piano, regardless of age or natural ability. However, becoming a proficient pianist takes time, dedication, and practice. If you’re serious about becoming a skilled pianist, there are a few things you can do to help improve your chances of success. A good app and a consistent practice schedule will help you make the most of your time. Finally, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when learning something new, so don’t let them discourage you from pursuing your dream of becoming a pianist. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient pianist in no time!

Piano Learning Tips For Beginners that Really Work - Learning Piano
Fairmont Hotel Singapore, Hotel Review

Fairmont Hotel Singapore, Hotel Review

Where is the Fairmont Hotel Singapore located?

Fairmont Hotel Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Rd

The Fairmont Hotel Singapore is ideally located in a central part of town, only 15 minutes walk from the bustling Clarke Quay. Its central location means that it is situated very close to all major entertainment and shopping districts, plus, there is even a multi-storey shopping mall within the Fairmont Hotel complex.

The Fairmont Hotel Singapore offers 769 luxurious guestrooms and suites, a collection of 16 distinctive restaurants and bars.

Check-In

On check-in, we got a complimentary mango juice, which was very welcome after the 11-hour flight from London. Your bags are brought to the room 5 minutes after check-in, with the porters calling me ‘Sir Shane’ (which was nice).

The heat and humidity in Singapore can make you feel quite uncomfortable, but the Fairmont Hotel is very well air-conditioned and you feel very comfortable indeed. At no point in the hotel did we feel that the humidity or heat was getting to us.

Our Room

The guest rooms are luxurious with a comfortable bed, luxury bathroom and aromatherapy bath products. Our room came with a balcony and the views are stunning from the tower we were in. From the 22nd floor, you have a view of Singapore which looked over Singapore Bay, with stunning views of the Singapore Flyer, the amazing Marina Sands Hotel and views towards the city centre. The featured photo above shows the view by night with the lights of Singapore.

Breakfast

Breakfasts are served in three different restaurants but we found that the Asian Market Café was the best, as it had a large selection of foods from typical continental breakfast fare to Chinese / Asian steamed dumplings (which I had a good few of as they were very tasty).

The breakfasts are an experience to be savoured. You can if you wish to go for the normal breakfast, croissants, bagels, bread, cereal but the Asian breakfast is very special. It was the first time I tried steamed buns, and I have been hooked ever since.

Other Facilities at the Fairmont Singapore Hotel

In addition, guests of Fairmont Singapore have access to the Willow Stream Spa, one of the largest spa facilities in Asia, offering the best in Spa and Fitness services. The Spa Treatments at the Willow Stream are very reasonable and the facilities and therapists are excellent. I tried the massage, and as you overlook the city from 10 or 20 storeys up, you soon forget your troubles. The massage was excellent and any knots I had were soon eased.

The concierge staff at the hotel were also excellent and most friendly – they helped us book a city tour of Singapore as well as organising for our luggage to be held while we awaited our trip back to the airport. The staff were friendly and very helpful at all times.

Fairmont Hotel Singapore, Contact Information

If you intend coming to stay here during a visit to Singapore, the relevant details on contacting the hotel are provided below.

Address: Fairmont Hotel Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Rd, Singapore 189560
Phone: +65 6339 7777
Website: http://www.fairmont.com/singapore/

The verdict of the Fairmont Hotel Singapore

I loved my stay at the Fairmont Hotel Singapore, it was comfortable, upmarket, luxurious with great views and great staff. There was nothing about this hotel which I didn’t like. The Fairmont Hotel Singapore is an amazing hotel and would certainly return here on any return to the wonderful city of Singapore.

 

This Hotel Review is my honest opinion of the Fairmont Hotel Singapore and this post was not paid or solicited. The content within the review of this Singapore Hotel is simply my recollection and opinion of a stay at the Fairmont Hotel in Singapore during a multi-stop personal holiday.
  • Comfort 95% 95%
  • Service 100% 100%
  • Food 98% 98%
  • Spa 94% 94%
  • Pool 90% 90%
  • Would Repeat? 100% 100%
Eastenders Indian Restaurant, Waterford – Restaurant Review

Eastenders Indian Restaurant, Waterford – Restaurant Review

Eastenders Indian Restaurant – Authentic Indian Restaurant situated on the Quay in Waterford, Ireland

Eastenders Indian Restaurant situated near the bridge in Waterford (South East of Ireland) is one of my regular eateries and always provides an excellent and authentic Indian cuisine experience.

I have a few criteria whenever I quote that a restaurant is an ‘excellent restaurant’.
Firstly I’m looking for comfortable surroundings, good service, interesting menu, food displaying the skills of an excellent chef. I also look for good presentation of the food and consistency of enjoyment (i.e. over repeat visits all of the above points are always in place).

The Indian starters here in Eastenders are very good. My favourites are Onion Bhaji, chrum fry (mushrooms) or the aloo pakora (potato). They also have a great selection of main courses (all using secret chef’s recipes). Some recommended mains  are the Chicken Korma which is mild and creamy, the Lamb Tikka Masala and the Chicken Rizalla (which includes a boiled egg in the sauce!).

I have always had good food and good service here at Eastenders, for take away or dine-in. Take Away orders are usually ready in 15-20 mins and it is always piping hot. I used to live around the corner from the Eastenders Restaurant and every two or three weeks I would get a takeaway from here. We were never disappointed – there were once or twice I felt that there was a bit too much sauce but apart from that I have enjoyed the food there.

Another plus in my book, is the Indian Music playing in the background. It really annoys me when I go to a Chinese or Indian Restaurant and Boyzone or Mariah Carey are on in the background. I am looking for the cultural experience, so the music of that country should be played.

A Buffet Indian Lunch is served on Sundays from about midday.

Prices are very reasonable and mains start from about €9.

Eastenders Indian Restaurant – Location

Eastenders Indian Restaurant, The Quay, Waterford, Ireland

Eastenders Indian Restaurant, The Quay, Waterford, Ireland

  • Service 70% 70%
  • Food 90% 90%
  • Location 77% 77%
  • Value for Money 90% 90%
  • Would Return? 90% 90%

This is an old review of the Eastenders Indian Restaurant in Waterford and my review was accurate at that time (March 2012). I have not been there since but if I am I will update this review to reflect my thoughts. I have not been sponsored or paid to review this restaurant and my opinion is my own and based on service and food at the time of my visit.

Pa Pa Thai, Waterford : Thai /Asian Restaurant Review

Pa Pa Thai is an excellent Thai restaurant in Waterford

Authentic Thai decor, a fantastic menu, and great service.

If you are in Waterford and you are looking for a good Asian or Thai Restaurant, check out Pa Pa Thai, located near the Peoples Park in Waterford.

Pa Pa Thai is one of my regular restaurants in Waterford … The service is also excellent and the food is excellent.
The Lunch is €13.95 for a starter, main, sides and tea/coffee or you can simply choose a main with side dish from €8.50.
The Early Bird menu has more to offer with a varied selection of starters, dinner, rice/chips/noodles, dessert and tea/coffee at €19.95.

 

The A La Carte menu offers a wide choice but my recommendations are…

 

Starters

 

Try the Mixed Starter which is a selection of delicious starters & sauces.

 

Main Courses

 

  • Pad Neau Nam Manboi (in Oyster Sauce) : (Mild) – Chicken or beef stir-fried with oyster sauce, onions, mushrooms & seasonal vegetables
  • Gaeng Khew Wan (Thai Green Curry): A wonderfully flavoured, little spice, made with coconut milk, red curry paste, aromatic herbs & fresh vegetables with your choice of meat
  • Masaman Curry (Potato & Cashew Nut Curry): This full flavoured but mild curry is bursting with delicious flavours such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, cardamon, cumin & coconut milk with your choice of meat
  • Yum Neau (Beef Salad): Slices of tender beef mixed with onion, tomato, cucumber, lemon grass, coriander & mint, together with a zesty dressing & served on a bed of lettuce – I find this option very refreshing!
  • Seau Rawng Hai (Weeping Tiger Steak): Sirloin steak sliced & served on a sizzling platter with homemade sauce made from soy sauce, palm sugar, coriander & garlic – has to be tried as it is excellent!

 

It is rare for a restaurant to have so many good options on the menu, in Pa Pa Thai it is often difficult to choose from the great menu choices; Pa Pa is a consistently good restaurant.

Whatever you choose from the menu, you can be guaranteed that it will be good. Enjoy!

Address: Pa Pa Thai, 2 Canada St, Waterford, Waterford City, Ireland
Phone: 051 877 648

 

 

  • Service 100% 100%
  • Food 100% 100%
  • Value for Money 100% 100%
  • Would Return 100% 100%
Hotel Opera Cadet, Paris, France : Paris Hotel Review

Hotel Opera Cadet, Paris, France : Paris Hotel Review

Hotel Opera Cadet Hotel Review

Address : Opera Cadet Hotel, 24, rue Cadet, 75009 Paris, France

Hotels in Paris are usually small and basic but the Hotel Opera Cadet is one notch above that. The hotel is ideal for the traveller who is looking for a friendly hotel, with good breakfasts and nice clean rooms. The customer service was excellent and the staff do speak English (although we always try to speak French when in France). I booked this hotel because of the many positive hotel reviews I saw online.

Before I arrived at the hotel I actaully went on street view and was able to find the hotel easiliy – therefore on arrival from the Metro, I was able to see landmarks and I found the hotel very easily. The Opera District of Paris is very nice with many fancy and upmarket hotels, that’s not to say that the Hotel Opera Cadet is not upmarket – but we are talking 5 Star hotels which are out of my budget. The nice thing about this hotel is that it was good value for money in a district of Paris where you can be charged a lot for hotel rooms.

The Opera Cadet Hotel is located about 5 mins Metro ride from the Galleries Lafayette near the Opera district and the hotel is 1 minute from Cadet Metro stop down a quiet side street. Check-in is very efficient with the English speaking staff. The rooms are a good size (not huge, but adequate), with features such as TV, Air Conditioning (which can be very useful in July and August), a nice bathroom and some rooms have a small terrace which overlooks Rue Cadet. Rue Cadet is a small street with local traders, fruit shops and some very nice bistros at the end of the street which are enjoyable and cheap to eat in.

There is a delicious buffet breakfast service and breakfast is available from 7:30am to 10:30am with a wide variety of food to cater for all tastes. Friendly waiting staff are on hand to provide teas and coffees. A courtyard area at the back of the breakfast area allows for Al-fresco breakfasts – very Parisienne.

WiFi at the hotel is available but WiFi costs €5 per hour and reception is limited to the main areas of the hotel and was not available on the 2nd floor (This may have changed since my last stay at the hotel). This was the only issue for me. I always think Hotels should by default offer customers who are staying overnight, the benefit of Free Wifi. People who stay at hotels have already spent money in booking the room, but there is other revenue from areas of the hotel such as food, drinks and for hotels that offer activities such as golf, spa or leisure activities.

The Opera Cadet Hotel in Paris is one I will be returning to again, not only for the location, good breakfasts and nice staff, but also due to the fact that it is quiet, comfortable and great to come back to after a long day walking the streets of Paris.

Hotel Opera Cadet : Rated 3 star (continental rating)
Would Return: Yes
Would Recommend the Hotel : Yes
Hotel Opera Cadet Paris, Website : http://www.operacadet.com/

 

  • Service 94% 94%
  • Breakfast 85% 85%
  • Room 89% 89%
  • Would Return? 90% 90%
Hotel Location

Hotel Opera Cadet