Basketball

This has to go down as one my best stories this year so far.

There were two NBA regular season games played in London in March. The first ever games played outside North America. Since I’ve been playing basketball for more than 15 years now, I thought this was a great chance to see how the pros do it.

Through some really interesting chain of connections that went as far as Spain, one of my friends managed to get two free tickets. So on a Saturday night we went to see the game. The O2 Arena was packed, but we had excellent seats.

The Nets played The Raptors. The game was very entertaining and the organisers did everything by the NBA book, with cheerleaders, some acrobatic shows, shooting contests, etc. In one of the long time-outs in the fourth period they’ve announced that some prizes are to be given away by one their sponsors to some randomly chosen lucky spectators. We were all made to stand up and start clapping and shouting. Then they told people in the upper gallery to sit down. And people in sectors so and so to sit down. And people in rows so and so... After a few more of these calls we were still standing. It wasn’t long before we heard a guy announcing “Row F, Seats No 190 to 195, you are the winners!!!” I tried to check my ticket, but when I saw my face on those giant screens and felt the spotlights in my eyes, I knew something had happened. Yes, my friend and I and three other “neighbours” had just won a high definition Flip video camera. Nothing extraordinary, but a fantastic experience. The cheerleaders came with the prizes and I offered to swap my prize for one of them, but had no luck.

After things had cooled down a bit, we realised that the other winners knew our connection as well and also got free tickets. This was when it all became clear. So one guy, big NBA organiser, gives five free tickets to some of his friends and then they all win the raffle. We couldn’t stop laughing. Actually he came to see us at some point. We asked if he had anything to do with our win. He smiled and pretended to look confused. We smiled back. There was another guy who won an exotic holiday for two in one of the other time-outs. We figured he must have been a better friend. Or his manager’s cousin.

So in the end things weren’t as random as we were made to think. And what’s even more interesting is that although I usually believe in justice and fairness, I didn’t mind this time. I didn’t care that more than 20,000 people were most probably tricked. Why? Probably because the stakes were so small. But also, because I won!

The Nets eventually won the game by 137 to 136. It took them three extra periods. What a night!

Gliding

I had my first ever flying lesson last weekend in a motor glider. Fantastic experience! 

My instructor was very relaxed. He gave me the controls for most of the flight, except for taking off and landing. He also helped me find the airfield, as I got lost. And he showed me how 3G feels like.

Grey Hair

Here’s something worth mentioning: I spotted my first grey hairs the other day. Exactly two of them. My better half was laughing with joy thinking I’ll soon catch up with her. No chance there, darling!

This came a bit of a surprise. Judging by the appearance of my family, I didn’t think I was genetically inclined to get grey hair, at least not yet. Anyway, whatever the causes it looks like it’s here and it’s here to stay.

But when I had some time to actually think about it, I realised my grey hair didn’t come too early at all. It’s all part of the natural process we call aging. A fairly slow chain of small changes that most of us fail to notice. And when we do, we panic! So, some of us go on the search for the legendary Fountain of Youth. Others, start drinking “aloe vera – sweet potato – Q10” cocktails.

It’s quite interesting that in all my years in school, I wasn’t taught much about aging. Or maybe, I just didn’t listen because I didn’t care. But now, I do! So in trying to monitor these changes, I made this list with a few things that are noticeably different. I’m not talking about changes in behaviour or thinking, as this will open Pandora’s Box. These are physical changes.

- I’m slower. I can see this clearly when I play sports. I can’t run, or turn or stop as quickly as I used to.

- I’m forgetful. And I keep forgetting these important dates, when I’m supposed to buy flowers, or go somewhere romantic.

- I’ve got quite a few wrinkles. Enough to get me anti-wrinkle creams for Christmas.

- I need less sleep. Maybe because I’ve got more things to worry about.

- Aches for no apparent reasons.

- I’m always tired.

- I’ve got two grey hairs

But it’s not all doom and gloom. There’s always the chance that Aubrey de Grey is right. And of course, look at George Clooney. He’s got grey hair, hasn’t he?