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My World Cup Predictions

My World Cup Predictions

by | Nov 21, 2022 | Featured, In The News

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…

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Piano Learning Tips For Beginners that Really Work

Piano Learning Tips For Beginners that Really Work

by | Oct 24, 2022 | Featured, Lifestyle, Music

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
Best Things to do in Prague

Best Things to do in Prague

by | Oct 11, 2022 | General Travel, Travel

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a wonderful city to visit.  If you are visiting, you will want to know what to do in Prague? This guide will bring you through the best the amazing city of Prague has to offer, where to eat and where to stay.

Prague’s has a long and interresting history going back over a millennia. Prague is up there with other cities like Paris and Vienna when it comes to culture, architecture and history. The Vlatava River runs through the city and with Prague’smany world-class museums and baroque style churches and bridges you will cross the river a few times on your trip.

The ideal amount of time to spend in Prague would be 3 to 4 full days. If you enjoy walking you can certainly get all these 20 sights visited in 2 days. Bring good walking shoes and if you are visiting from October to March, check the weather and dress accordingly. I visited in mid-February and it was 8C but feeling like 3C with a slight wind chill factor – scarf, hat and gloves very much required.

The Czech Republic does not use the Euro and has the Czech Koruna as the unit of currency. It is located about 2.5 hours from Ireland and about 2 hours from the UK. Most budget airlines fly directly to Pragues Václav Havel Airport about 12km west of Prague. Connections to the city are available by bus and taxi or private car transfer. 

Top Things to do in Prague

This is my list of the best things to do and see in Prague. Prague has a lot to offer and in my view gives Paris a run for its money as it has tons of history, and architecture and has great food and is wonderful value for money.

The Astronomical Clock

The Prague astronomical clock, or Prague orloj, is a medieval astronomical clock that is over 600 years old and it is located in the Old Town Square in Prague. you will often find tours of the area and you can get guided tours around Prague which explain the history and the mechanism of this 600-year-old piece of medieval engineering.

Old Town Square

Old Town Square, in Czech known as Staroměstské náměstí, is the main central square of the historic part of Prague. Old Town Square is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Prague, along with Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. It is almost impossible to miss it if you’re coming to Prague as a tourist.
Franz Kafka, a German-speaking Bohemian novelist, and short-story writer was born very near here.

Astronomical Clock Prague
Charles Bridge Prague

Charles Bridge

Known as Karlův Most in Czech, Charles Bridge, is a medieval stone arch bridge that crosses the Vltava river in Prague. Construction of the bridge began in 1357 under the order of King Charles IV, and construction finished in the early 15th century. Because King Charles ordered its construction, the bridge has his name.

This was the only means of crossing the river Vltava River until 1841 as it was an important connection between Prague Castle and the city’s Old Town. You can actually go into the Powder Tower and you get great views of the city, giving the best Sunset Views.

The Palace and Cathedral Grounds

The castle and palace grounds are visible from the river. Simply head up the hill from Charles Bridge you can enter the castle grounds and enjoy the area. You may also see the changing of the guard. At night, don’t forget to say hello to the ghost (I got a spooky and unexplainable picture here many years ago).

St. Vitus Cathedral Prague is situated entirely within the Prague Castle complex.

Wenceslas Square

Wenceslas Square is the main square in the center of Prague. However, it is not actually square but more like a 700m long boulevard with many shops and restaurants along the length of it, Wenceslas Square reminds rather of a boulevard full of shops, focusing on various products from fashion to technologies. The square has been the place where many of the most famous demonstrations have taken place in Czech history. The focal point for Wenceslas Square is the National Museum which was founded in 1818 and was built in the neo-renaissance style. When I was here in 2002 the building was quite dull and ravaged by the elements but on my return in 2020 the building had been cleaned and sandblasted and looked amazing.

Some other of the Best places to visit Prague – in short

If you are in Stare Mesto take a look up as you are walking the street and you may just see the Golden Statue of Sigmund Freud. You can also get a great view of the city if you take the Petrin Hill Funicular. Finally, if you are interested in literature then you just have to visit the Franz Kafka Museum.

Food in Prague

The Food in Prague is amazing. If you want to try the local delicacies then you have to try Knedlíky, or Czech Dumplings and the best place to find these is Deminka at Škrétova 1, 120 00 Nové Město, Czechia – wonderful service and you have to pair the food with a Pilsner Urequel. If you are looking for a snack then try the Grand cafe orient for its strudel and coffee.

Prague is a wonderful city and I have traveled there about 4 times now, each time I found something new to enjoy. The food and the friendliness of the people are real selling points of the city.

A view of Prague from the Palace side of Prague taken at Dusk
All you need to know about renting an apartment in another country

All you need to know about renting an apartment in another country

by | Sep 27, 2022 | Lifestyle

All you need to know about renting an apartment in another country

Packing up your life and moving abroad is an exciting prospect, with so many new adventures awaiting. But it does require a lot of careful planning, particularly when it comes to finding somewhere to live.

Thanks to the internet, this is now much easier to do than it has been in the past, with it possible to find a rental online that’s ready for you to move in as soon as you touch down. Rental sites such as Rentola allow you to compare rental properties around the globe, based on your budget, accommodation type, and the number of bedrooms.

For example, if you head to Rentola Dublin, you can browse properties in various neighbourhoods and find the ones that fit your budget. By using a rental comparison website with multiple listings in the same destination, there’s also less chance that you’ll be ripped off.

Decide where you want to live

First things first. You need to decide which country/city most appeals to you as your next “home”. Are you planning on moving somewhere that you’ve visited before or is it a destination you’ve always dreamt about living in long-term?

When deciding where to live, take into consideration the costs of living, the local culture, and the overarching lifestyle, and make sure they all appeal to you. If you can’t find reliable articles online, search for expat forums where you can ask questions about what it’s like to live in a particular neighbourhood, access to public transportation, and recreational opportunities.

Figure out your budget

There’s no point setting your sights on living somewhere expensive like Manhattan if you’re on a small budget. Be realistic about what you can afford and use this to guide your search.

You should also remember that there are lots of additional expenses to consider in addition to rent, such as security deposits, utility payments, and transportation costs. Some landlords may also require that you pay several weeks’ rent upfront, so add a bit of “buffer” into your budget.

Not only do you need to think about rental costs but also the expenses of day-to-day life. If you’re someone who likes to eat out a lot, take into consideration the costs of doing so in your chosen destination. Prefer to cook at home? The price of groceries can vary widely from country to country, so do your research about what the average person spends at the supermarket on a weekly basis.

Know what type of accommodation you want

In some destinations, you will have a wide variety of housing types to choose from, including apartments, villas, and townhouses. In others, the high density of people may mean that small apartments are the norm, and finding anything more substantial may be next to impossible.

If there is a choice available, consider the type of accommodation that you would prefer and the lifestyle it offers. Perhaps you want to try something different from what you have previously known, which may even mean sharing your new home with a flatmate. Not only is this a great way to meet people as you’re settling in but it will help to keep costs down too.

To furnish or not to furnish

Fitting your place out with furnishings can be not only expensive but stressful, particularly while you’re still settling into a new place. Some rental properties come with furnishings, which will save you the hassle of trying to transport bulky items from the point of sale to your new home. You may pay more for a furnished apartment but it could save you a lot of time (and even money) in the long run.

Have your documents ready

Just like renting an apartment in your home country, there will be documents that are required before you receive your key. These may include your passport/ID card, evidence of employment, or even a bank statement showing that you have sufficient funds available. You may also be asked to sign a tenancy agreement saying that you will leave the property in the same condition that you found it.

Plan your move

Now for the exciting part – packing up your belongings and getting ready to start your new life abroad! If you need to secure visas, make this a priority as they can take weeks or even months to process. Without the correct visa, you won’t even be able to get on the plane to start your journey!

Next, book your flight/train/bus tickets, preferably as far ahead of time as possible as prices usually increase as you get closer to the departure date. Keep in mind that you may need to book extra baggage if you’re bringing a lot of stuff and it will probably be cheaper to do so at the time of booking than at the airport.

Need to move more than just a few suitcases? Start researching the most affordable and efficient way of moving your possessions with the help of a relocation company.





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