iTopSpin
Current Posts => Latest Spin => Topic started by: ta0 on September 01, 2016, 12:48:10 PM
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This year the US Yo-Yo Nationals are 2 weeks earlier, in just 15 days. Unfortunately, for the first time since 2000, it seems they won't be hosting the US Spintop Nats :'(
This year it was impossible for me to attend. But I am surprised there is no more interest from players (does everybody want to skip a national title for a world title?).
I think we have these possibilities left:
1) Some last minute players want compete. I know Dazzling Dave will be at nats and he has freestyled in the past. Mike Durdak will probably be there and he could easily freestyle if he is not consumed by 4A. I don't know if jmadrigal would be up to freestyle. Topper777 is in town and has the skill but he has said in the past that he wouldn't compete. Anybody else? On the other hand, it wouldn't be nice if all the freestyles are lousy because nobody prepared.
I guess Tad wouldn't be happy with us telling him so close to the contest, but he probably could squeeze us at the hotel stage with the yo-yo sports freestyles. And we would have to provide our own medals. I will ship the NSTC top to the winner.
2)Somebody proposes to host them at some juggling fest from here to the end of the year and enough players commit to participate.
3)We have a virtual (video) contest. I have several ideas of how this could be done so it is similar to having live contest without requiring streaming capability from the players. This is probably the more interesting option.
4)Consider 2016 a spintop leap year ::)
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this makes jack sad :'(
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I will be there and would love to throw . I can say I will do my best if we have a competition. I just need to know soon for travel arangements.
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en que ciudad ser el evento ,,,,,y fechas
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If yo-yo Nationals does not work out...
Kansas City Jugging festival is coming up, perhaps too soon; September 24 & 25. From the folks who are already going there should be at least 7 players there who can regen... but I don't know if we can pull enough people in to crown a National Champ?
The virtual idea intrigues me.
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en que ciudad ser el evento ,,,,,y fechas
The US National Yo-Yo Contest is in Los Angeles, September 16 and 17.
I will be there and would love to throw . I can say I will do my best if we have a competition. I just need to know soon for travel arangements.
If yo-yo Nationals does not work out...
Kansas City Jugging festival is coming up, perhaps too soon; September 24 & 25. From the folks who are already going there should be at least 7 players there who can regen... but I don't know if we can pull enough people in to crown a National Champ?
The virtual idea intrigues me.
Several possibilities there, but time is at a premium. We need to hear from more players: who can and wants to compete in LA? in Kansas? Who is interested in a virtual contest?
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If we have a virtual contest we can unite the US nats and the Canadian nats so that Jack can compete . . . ;)
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grax penze seria en dic el evento,,,,zaludoz,,,
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If we have a virtual contest we can unite the US nats and the Canadian nats so that Jack can compete . . . ;)
That is most gracious sir ????
But if we make allowances for one we must make allowances for all....and that would turn into another worlds lol!!!
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If we have a virtual contest we can unite the US nats and the Canadian nats so that Jack can compete . . . ;)
That is most gracious sir ????
But if we make allowances for one we must make allowances for all....and that would turn into another worlds lol!!!
I'll wait till Canadian nats, if I train hard I think I can beat the current champ.....oh wait.........
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But if we make allowances for one we must make allowances for all....and that would turn into another worlds lol!!!
Well, Canada (the English speaking part) is almost like part of the US (just colder and with universal healthcare). I was thinking that one way of making sure the freestyle was recorded in one try was to use a phone call: you don't have to enter a country code when calling Canada from the US . . . So I definitely think that you should compete if we have a virtual contest.
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Would it be too much to ask for those who are interested in competing for spintop to contact the NYYC directly? I am guessing if there are at least 3-5 people, something could probably be done.
I had noticed spintops was absent from the program. It would be nice to put spintop competitors on the main stage.
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I'm willing to help out in any way. I would compete in LA if needed, although I have spent more time making tops than playing with tops recently.
I am interested in doing what is best for the spin top community, whatever that might be!
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Well that would be at least two of us that will be there and willing to throw :)
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Well that would be at least two of us that will be there and willing to throw :)
I guess we need just one more freestyle player. Perhaps Mike D.? Plus judges, as Val and Dale are not coming (probably first time for Dale since 2000).
I confess I was warming up to the idea of trying a virtual contest and perhaps having players like Tyler, Neff, Takeshi, Jon, Jack, etc. compete. But players who actually travel to a contest should be given priority.
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It seems to me that the best option at this time is going to be a virtual (remote) contest this year. That way we should have a good representation of US players. In addition, I think it is time we try something like this. Of course, we still want to get physically together at events during the year. But this will give us flexibility in the future.
I think we can do this without requiring people to have streaming capabilities (in a few years this should not be a problem anymore). For this year players would only need to have the capability of filming their freestyle and uploading it to youtube or vimeo. To ensure that the freestyle is done in one try, the player will answer a phone call from a judge, and talk while on camera, at both the beginning and end of the freestyle. The judge would record the conversation, so the timing of the words could be determined very precisely.
We could have the contest at the end of october or beginning of november, to give players time to practice.
The event would be certified by ITSA (and we will talk to the Chico museum to see if they also recognize it on their spintop nats display).
What do you think?
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It's looking like a virtual contest is your best bet.
I can't regenerate, so I'd end up having to do the same tricks over and over again for 3 minutes or bow-out after about a minute! I can do a few fixed tip tricks but that's it. I don't have any routine, just whatever I feel like doing at any given point in time based on what I already know how to do.
I also think the judging and communicating over the phone is one of the few ways to ensure honesty, but it might be best to have a clock running in the background(large face school-type analog with second hand) and the ensuring no cheating. Let the player submit their best 3 minute freestyle, upload to YouTube. Can YouTube ensure things are "blind" until the contest viewing date so nobody can watch and re-submit?
Still, I think if we could get 1 or 2 more for spintops at Nationals, it would be great. I know I have to contact Andre for what I want to bring home with me. YYF tops in the new colors for sure, but I gotta couple of other "wants" items in mind to pick up as well.
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One draw back to a virtual contest is that we are staying in our own little corner as top throwers. The live contest is a way to expose new people to tops.
That being said I am ready to show off my "skillz" ::) wherever is decided.
I will still plan on being at Nationals if anyone wants to throw for a bit. We can bust out some printed tops!
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I am eager to try this I think it will be fun. It would be great to establish this for future events, not to replace events but to add another dimension to the sport/hobby/skill/whatever.
I think we can do this without requiring people to have streaming capabilities (in a few years this should not be a problem anymore). For this year players would only need to have the capability of filming their freestyle and uploading it to youtube or vimeo. To ensure that the freestyle is done in one try, the player will answer a phone call from a judge, and talk while on camera, at both the beginning and end of the freestyle. The judge would record the conversation, so the timing of the words could be determined very precisely.
I like this and I can't think of a better way to ensure a single attempt is made. This would simulate a typical contest setting and that is probably the way it should be done, but I can't help but entertain the idea where the "best attempt that day" could be submitted, as long as it was uncut (easy to tell if it were cut) and that all contestants shot on the same day (hold up an image sent by a judge, upload the video before the end of the day). I don't expect much support for this approach but just wanted to get the idea out there.
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One draw back to a virtual contest is that we are staying in our own little corner as top throwers. The live contest is a way to expose new people to tops.
i must say that it is exactly the first thing that came to my mind:
the feeling of togetherness in a competition,the stage fright, the humid atmosphere,the buzz to be in front of others at a given time and place etc ....will be lost
but the project is a challenge in itself, with the phone call thingy, and the possibility for everyone to record at special place with a team of cheer leaders...
in my opinion it should not replace the title of US National Champion
how about calling it the National Spintop Video Contest ?
jim
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but I can't help but entertain the idea where the "best attempt that day" could be submitted, as long as it was uncut (easy to tell if it were cut) and that all contestants shot on the same day (hold up an image sent by a judge, upload the video before the end of the day). I don't expect much support for this approach but just wanted to get the idea out there.
this is interesting ???
that would allow for a much better gauge of the players skill and would result in more complex and risky performances :o
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One draw back to a virtual contest is that we are staying in our own little corner as top throwers.
On the other hand, one could argue that the videos could get much more exposure.
in my opinion it should not replace the title of US National Champion
how about calling it the National Spintop Video Contest ?
Hopefully, it would replace the US nats only this year. But we can always have it as an option. This is a BIG country and getting together can be difficult.
The remote contest would be more representative and have more skilled players than what we have had for the last several years at US nats.
I believe National Spintop Video Contest would be a terrible name and we would not get players to participate.
The logistics would be simple. Even the Earl of Whirl (who has never come to nats) could participate with the help of Jay. :D
but I can't help but entertain the idea where the "best attempt that day" could be submitted, as long as it was uncut (easy to tell if it were cut) and that all contestants shot on the same day (hold up an image sent by a judge, upload the video before the end of the day). I don't expect much support for this approach but just wanted to get the idea out there.
this is interesting ???
that would allow for a much better gauge of the players skill and would result in more complex and risky performances :o
I have thought about it. The level of the freestyles would be great and the best player should win. But I think very few players would participate: no chance of having a lucky freestyle and beating a better player; your very best possible freestyle would be expected. Paradoxically, the pressure on the players would be much greater than with just one attempt. For whatever time we give them to upload the video (2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours?) they are going to be redoing the freestyle to record a better one. Even if they nail a perfect one, without any drops, they will try until the last minute to see if they can add another risky move. It wouldn't be much fun.
On the other hand, the one attempt freestyle will be less stressful than a normal freestyle on a stage in front of hundreds of people. The player would always have the excuse of bad luck and if he/she really messes up the freestyle he/she can always forfeit and not upload it. I think this could get some new players to try.
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ught about it. The level of the freestyles would be great and the best player should win. But I think very few players would participate: no chance of having a lucky freestyle and beating a better player; your very best possible freestyle would be expected. Paradoxically, the pressure on the players would be much greater than with just one attempt. For whatever time we give them to upload the video (2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours?) they are going to be redoing the freestyle to record a better one. Even if they nail a perfect one, without any drops, they will try until the last minute to see if they can add another risky move. It wouldn't be much fun.
On the other hand, the one attempt freestyle will be less stressful than a normal freestyle on a stage in front of hundreds of people. The player would always have the excuse of bad luck and if he/she really messes up the freestyle he/she can always forfeit and not upload it. I think this could get some new players to try.
The only problem I see would be some of us who have crappy internet connections might have issue with the time constraints to upload, and/or upload errors. I mean, for me, on my previous ISP, I was given a download time of over 3 weeks to download a file. When I hopped onto the provider that my neighbors had, the file pulled down in under 6 hours. I know, an extreme scenario, so it makes the "proof of the take" concept fare more important.
My issue with competition is that I'm not into skill toys to compete. It's simply not an objective that enters into my equation. But, I suppose I might make an exception for spin tops when I get better if anything just to pad up the entries to help secure that spin tops get "represented". However, I know what I need to learn. I doubt I could fill 180 seconds though, which is fine. Even if I could get a solid 100 seconds, that would be satisfactory for me. If I could get to that point, I'd know I'm on my way to 3 minutes. I've seen what I'm up against and seriously, they have no need to be concerned about me!
A video-based contest isn't for me as I'm also not into recording myself. Just not an activity I want to deal with. Regardless, I think this is a viable option. I think the "one and done" idea is what should be done. I also agree that people are going to do take after take until they get the "magic take" before uploading so therefore waiting until the last second will be fairly common.
We can also argue about exposure. I think as long as there are videos that people can find and enjoy, then that's sufficient. Since the videos won't be marked "private" or anything like that, they'll be searchable. I think they'll get sufficient exposure. I had to "dig" to find stuff on spintops. Surely, anyone with an interest will make more than a minimal effort. Now that I'm hanging out here, I don't need to do much looking as the people here do a fine job of sharing links, contest, making or just having fun. Jack's videos are great entertainment for me, while at the same time they do help motivate me to want to improve. They guy always looks like he's having so much fun, which is what this is all about anyways!
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The only problem I see would be some of us who have crappy internet connections might have issue with the time constraints to upload, and/or upload errors. I mean, for me, on my previous ISP, I was given a download time of over 3 weeks to download a file. When I hopped onto the provider that my neighbors had, the file pulled down in under 6 hours. I know, an extreme scenario, so it makes the "proof of the take" concept fare more important.
About half the time I need to drive to work to upload a video. So a same day upload requirement would disqualify me.
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About half the time I need to drive to work to upload a video. So a same day upload requirement would disqualify me.
With the one attempt format, verified by a phone call, we could give players more time to upload a video, even a couple of days.
On the other hand, with the other format someone might be pulling an "all-nighter" (but as with exams, not with the desired effect).
Access to fast and very fast internet is becoming more and more common. In a few years, lack of upload speed to stream video won't be an issue. Remote meetings in every field are the way of the future.
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Jack's videos are great entertainment for me, while at the same time they do help motivate me to want to improve. The guy always looks like he's having so much fun, which is what this is all about anyways!
thank you very much sir :o
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(but as with exams, not with the desired effect).
mmmmm i dont know, i vaguely remember a guy who stayed up recording around 2 am. with some decent results........cant remember his name though ;D
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If anyone is going to register, time is running out as I heard registration is cut-off at 23:59 Sunday.
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Did they actually add a top division? I asked Thad a while ago about it and he said I was the only person who asked. He said there was time in the event but needed someone to step up and run it.
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Did they actually add a top division?
I don't think there is one this time around. I can't check the registration form because I do not have a NYYL account. NYYL account log-in is required to access the form.
Off-topic, but I have a feeling that despite the fact I won't ever compete(yoyo for sure), there may be a valid need for me to register with NYYL.
I think at this point it's "too little too late". But, just between you, me and this forum, I'd say as a back-up, bring your music on a USB flashdrive or ready to play on your cell phone. In case there's a possibility, this would be your only option.
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I checked earlier today and also couldn't see the registration area because of the NYYL account. I plan to show up around 2ish to the finals location. I will come prepared just in case. If anything to throw tops in the parking lot :)
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I checked earlier today and also couldn't see the registration area because of the NYYL account. I plan to show up around 2ish to the finals location. I will come prepared just in case. If anything to throw tops in the parking lot :)
I hope you meet several players and you throw lots of tops. Topper77 (Derek) and phrawg2001 (Davin) were there last year. Ian Smith was a guy who said he could compete this year. And I imagine Mike Durdak will be there competing in 4A and can always cool down by throwing tops. Steve Brown and Miguel Correa are other possible people to throw tops with. And you will be able to play with Dazzling Dave and his large homemade tops.
But I don't think that there can be a valid national title competition if it is not announced beforehand!
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I'll be there and I will have some tops on me. However, I may not be available as I'm working the event.
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YO !
any news from the contest ?
top action.... ??
jim
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All I can share is that I was running sound and production and that kept me busy.
I did run into Dave as he was one of the judges and he had that new white delrin top he made(the 3.5" one) and it looked amazing in person. I swear, it looked and felt flawless. The next day as I was taking a break during the sporting division, Dave was talking to Hans and someone else and had the new YYF Elect-Trick with the new on/off switch and Dave told me I had to give it a try. It's hard to say "no" to that. So, I did. Played just as good as the "regular" and older LED versions. Hans said he was done with those other switches and I said "I agree. When they get stuck you gotta do all sots of things to resolve the issue. Switches re much better." I asked Hans when they would be out and while no "firm" answer was given, he said they were in the warehouse and would be likely going out soon. I said I would definitely get one, but the reality is I'll probably get 2. Neat new colors too!
I saw Dave and Michael Durdak playing with the 3.5" delrin top.
I didn't really have time to play much of anything as sound kept me busy.
Right now, and looking at this in a larger scope, they really figured out their time issues for running the event, leaving really not much time for spin tops for the main stage. 1A went longer than a regular division due to the use of "interview" videos played before player performances. Even so, I honestly think that to make it worth the time to do spin tops, I think they'd want to see at least 5 competitors, 3 at the very minimum. I don't want to have spin tops be on the prelims stage. I will say that if I get the gig for next year and the room and services are needed, I will stay as long as needed to run production in the prelims room. But, as I said, I don't have that secured yet and that will be determined maybe in a month or more. All I can say is what I'm willing to do if it does happen. I can even have competitors send their music directly to me but I would prefer it goes through the regular music upload system for tracking purposes.
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Well I was there and got to meet some fantastic people. Dazzling Dave let me throw a bunch of his tops, I spoke with Kyle about 3D printing and I also met phrawg2001 (Davin). I let as many people as I could throw the printed tops I brought along. I definitely think the competition could have happened with the people that were there. I had fun but not seeing tops on the stage really bummed me out. I hope next year we can get something organized with enough time.
One big highlight for me was getting to see Dave Bazan again. It's been along time since I have seen him and he was one of the first friends I made in the community back around 2001.
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Well I was there and got to meet some fantastic people. Dave let me throw a bunch of his tops, I spoke with Kyle about 3D printing and I also met phrawg2001 (Davin). I let as many people as I could throw the printed tops I brought along. I definitely think the competition could have happened with the people that were there. I had fun but not seeing tops on the stage really bummed me out. I hope next year we can get something organized with enough time.
One big highlight for me was getting to see Dave Bazan again. It's been along time since I have seen him and he was one of the first friends I made in the community back around 2001.
Dave Bazan was there? Wow! He hasn't been in a contest for at least 5 years. Did he throw any tops?
I understand your disappointment. Did you hear from anybody who had wanted to compete?
I am hopeful that next year we will have a good contest. I'll do my best to come.
The next thing is to plan for a replacement remote contest for this year title. I will start a poll and send emails next week to see who is interested.
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I sadly didn't get to throw tops with Dave. But I was nice to see him. I had heard he disappeared so I knew I was lucky to see him.
No one talked about competing outright but I saw enough people there with ability. Just makes me wonder why we can't get them to compete. Possibly with more notice and advertisements, we could catch a few more players.
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It was a fun Yo-Yo Contest. I was judging a lot, but did my best to talk with as many people as I could, and I always had my tops with me to try to get people to play.
It was a bit sad to see that at the hotel there were VERY few top players. I did not see hardly anyone playing without me coming up to them to ask or work with them.
I was pleasantly surprised at how many people were good at it. There were quite a few yo-yo players who asked to try out my 3 1/2 delrin fixed top, and were good with it! I cannot remember all the names, but Dave Bazan, Hans, John Wolf, Dennis Shatter, Mike Durdak of course, and I think Philip White??? It was funny, almost anyone who asked to use it was better then me.....but not super interested in competing or pushing the limits of tops.
When at the Performance Center there were more players, Davin, Jose, and even Mark Hayward showed up. It was cool seeing Jose's 3D printed tops. I can see a lot of potential for making larger tops with this technology. Light weight, yet super strong!
I did not get much time to throw at the Center, as that was the time for all of the finals, and I had to judge.
Overall it was a fun time. I wish we could have run the Top contest, but not enough players who are PASSIONATE about tops to run the contest.
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Thanks for the reports. I am interested in hearing what goes on out there but it seems like I am never able to attend. I appreciate getting the inside scoop from everyone.
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It was a fun Yo-Yo Contest. I was judging a lot, but did my best to talk with as many people as I could, and I always had my tops with me to try to get people to play.
It was a bit sad to see that at the hotel there were VERY few top players. I did not see hardly anyone playing without me coming up to them to ask or work with them.
I know what you mean. While I had my Sophia and a Quicksilver Hybrid(Fixed) in my cargo shorts pockets, the only time I thew a top was when you stopped me on the way to make a phone call to one of my employees. If it wasn't for the fact I had to run sound, I'd have spent way more time out throwing tops.
For me, I'm passionate about this toy, but competition isn't what I'm in this for. My skills have also somewhat stalled. If I could do a lot more, I would be inclined to perhaps try to fill in a spot for spin tops, but I can't fill 1 minute, much less 3 minutes! I guess that it might become an objective to push harder and develop a routine so its available in case its needed.
Also, for me, it's a bit odd to throw a top around what I would consider peers since I'm mostly throwing for myself at the park. I was just glad my first throw went well, but I almost messed up the corkscrew, exiting kinda sloppy but I landed it!
I will try to step up my game. I can't promise any sort of objective timeline but I will push harder.
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Another tradition down
The toilet / Sad :-[ :-[
RFC
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There were quite a few yo-yo players who asked to try out my 3 1/2 delrin fixed top, and were good with it! I cannot remember all the names, but Dave Bazan, Hans, John Wolf, Dennis Shatter, Mike Durdak of course, and I think Philip White??? It was funny, almost anyone who asked to use it was better then me.....but not super interested in competing or pushing the limits of tops.
When at the Performance Center there were more players, Davin, Jose, and even Mark Hayward showed up.
Overall it was a fun time. I wish we could have run the Top contest, but not enough players who are PASSIONATE about tops to run the contest.
Was Mark there? He had initially signed up to compete at worlds but because of other stuff in his life he could not practice. If I had known I would have push him to compete at nats. I don't think I know Phillip White, but I see he won 4A. Ian Smith was 6th and Mike Durdak was 9th in the same division. John Wolfe (also on the Figaro Gallery) was first on 5A. We have lost many excellent possible top competitors to 4A (which because of the string is not attached to the yo-yo is probably the most related division to tops) and 5A (second most related division). Another one from years past that we lost to 4A was Bryan Figueroa. And of course, Miguel Correa to 5A. Perhaps if we had the top contest after the yo-yo finals we could get them to compete.
Another tradition down
The toilet / Sad :-[ :-[
RFC
The tradition skipped a heartbeat or two but has not been pronounced dead. We will resurrect it, battles and all. :)
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hello everybody ,
thank you for the reports
anyone saw Mark Mc Bride ?
The tradition skipped a heartbeat or two but has not been pronounced dead. We will resurrect it, battles and all. :)
on the whole my project to drag the ITSA energy toward a national/world spintop festival, in which the competition in freestyle will be accompanied by other activities, seems to match the present situation
1 day 2 days : it's too short
ideally :
wednesday thursday : workshops in schools
friday : spinning in town, in parks,one flashmob + grand opening
saturday :contests+outdoor activities+woodturning
sunday:trophies+open food and bar for participants
dreams are still free , let's profit !
;D ;D
jim
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hello everybody ,
thank you for the reports
anyone saw Mark Mc Bride ?
Yes, Mark was there. I talked to him for a minute during a break during Prelims.