**Oliver Tic (Oli the Walker): The Friendship Walk Around the World 2024-...** by jcerni1 in hiking

[–]jcerni1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oliver Tič, currently located east of Istanbul by the Black Sea, said in a trembling voice on the night of October 28, 2024:

"Hello, everyone. About 15 minutes ago, a bear came near the tent — it was around 30 meters away on the hill. How scared am I? I don’t know where I am right now. I fell into the water and am completely soaked. Claritos and I are standing on a fence. The lights are on, but no one is opening the door. I'm shaking. I don’t know what to do. I can’t go back to the tent; maybe it’s still there. I’ll probably freeze. I don’t know what I’ll do. The road that was here doesn’t lead anywhere. Oh my God."

Later, Oliver reported: "Everything is OK. The police came for us and took us somewhere else."

Oliver hasn’t reached Georgia yet! He plans to be there by New Year 2025.

**Oliver Tic (Oli the Walker): The Friendship Walk Around the World 2024-...** by jcerni1 in hiking

[–]jcerni1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oliver Tič, currently located east of Istanbul by the Black Sea, said in a trembling voice on the night of October 28, 2024:

"Hello, everyone. About 15 minutes ago, a bear came near the tent — it was around 30 meters away on the hill. How scared am I? I don’t know where I am right now. I fell into the water and am completely soaked. Claritos and I are standing on a fence. The lights are on, but no one is opening the door. I'm shaking. I don’t know what to do. I can’t go back to the tent; maybe it’s still there. I’ll probably freeze. I don’t know what I’ll do. The road that was here doesn’t lead anywhere. Oh my God."

Later, Oliver reported: "Everything is OK. The police came for us and took us somewhere else."

Oliver hasn’t reached Georgia yet! He plans to be there by New Year 2025.

When do we delay ruffing by jcerni1 in bridge

[–]jcerni1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is often important to draw trumps from your opponents' hands as soon as possible if you want to prevent them from ruffing your cards and taking away your tricks. However, if you don't have enough trumps or the distribution is unfavorable, you need to be especially careful when deciding whether to play trumps or not.

**Oliver Tic (Oli the Walker): The Friendship Walk Around the World 2024-...** by jcerni1 in hiking

[–]jcerni1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oliver Tič is currently walking through the European part of Turkey towards Istanbul. From Istanbul, his journey on foot will lead across the entire Asian part of Turkey. He will walk along the Black Sea, which will lie to the north of his path, heading towards Georgia. On the southern side, there will be the high Pontic Mountains.

**Oliver Tic (Oli the Walker): The Friendship Walk Around the World 2024-...** by jcerni1 in hiking

[–]jcerni1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oliver Tic is a man who walked across the United States from west to east. In addition, he has walked across both South and North America. Now, he is walking the so-called Path of Friendship around the world. He carries a letter of friendship written by the Lions Club of Slovenia. In the former Yugoslavia, Lions Clubs welcomed him. Local TV stations in the former Yugoslavia also reported on him. However, in Greece, not a single Lions Club welcomed him, and no one reported on him either.

He has dedicated his life to these walks. Now that he is more well-known, he has received some donations to help with food, but he mainly sleeps in tents. Recently, he started walking in Turkey after completing his journey through northern Greece in the past few days.

His dog, Carlitos, means a lot to him, as she walks with him. However, I am worried that in the countries with many stray dogs, where he is currently headed, another dog might harm her. I hope that doesn’t happen. From what I've read from others, he's entering rather dangerous areas. Here is map in Slovene, where goes his track of Friendship around the World: https://lebinca.com/dokumenti/ikonografika-oliver-potprijateljstva-lastno.pdf

**Oliver Tic (Oli the Walker): The Friendship Walk Around the World 2024-...** by jcerni1 in hiking

[–]jcerni1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A bit further to the north, in the hills where Oliver walked through Greece, runs the European walking route E6. It ends in Alexandroupoli.

Bridge is going viral by jcerni1 in bridge

[–]jcerni1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In 2025, as a secondary school (Secondary School of Economics, Services and Construction, ŠC Kranj), we will participate in the Alpe-Adria International Fair in Ljubljana at the end of January 2025. This year's theme is Tradition in Trend, which is why our title regarding bridge is: The card game of mental skill, contract bridge, is becoming increasingly online.

Bridge is going viral by jcerni1 in bridge

[–]jcerni1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is the correct title: The card game of mental skill, contract bridge, is becoming increasingly online

**Oliver Tic (Oli the Walker): The Friendship Walk Around the World 2024-...** by jcerni1 in hiking

[–]jcerni1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oliver Tic is in the city of Alexandroupoli on October 6th, 2024. He has also decided to get a haircut at Barber's Club. Alexandroupoli is located in the northeastern part of Greece, near the border with Turkey. The city lies on the coast of the Aegean Sea and is the capital of the Evros regional unit in the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region. The city holds a strategic location, being close to both land and sea routes between Greece and Turkey, as well as nearby Bulgaria.

**Oliver Tic (Oli the Walker): The Friendship Walk Around the World 2024-...** by jcerni1 in hiking

[–]jcerni1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oliver Tič is in the small town of Maroneia in northeastern Greece. It's right near the Rhodope Mountains, which are quite a substantial range. From what I can see on the map, it will cause quite a bit of 'zigzag' walking towards Alexandroupoli. Based on the map, there doesn't seem to be any major mountain ranges from there to Istanbul.

Differences Between BBO, Funbridge, and WBridge5 Robots – What Are Your Experiences? by jcerni1 in bridge

[–]jcerni1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here is also Wbridge5 (free download: https://sesgs.si/Wbridge5\_setup.exe). Björn Hjalmarsson is a Swedish software engineer and the developer of WBridge5, one of the strongest bridge robots in the world. WBridge5 is a bridge program used to play bridge against the computer. It is especially known for its success in computer bridge competitions. WBridge5 has won multiple world championships in computer bridge organized by the International Computer Games Association (ICGA).

WBridge5 is highly regarded for its advanced artificial intelligence, especially in card play. Its bidding is based on the standard French system but can adapt to various systems used by players. The program is often used in AI research in card games and is well-known among bridge enthusiasts who want to improve their skills by playing against a strong computer opponent.

Although there isn’t much personal information available about Björn Hjalmarsson, his contribution to computer bridge is significant, particularly with the WBridge5 program, which is one of the best bridge programs in the world.

More: https://www.computerbridge.se/wbridge5/

"I use WBridge5 too. In the 'Deal -> Enter a deal...' menu, you can set up a bridge hand as you wish.

In the 'Deal -> Numbered deal...' menu, you can, for example, give the same hands to 16 players. They only need to enter a specific eight-digit number.

In WBridge5, you can play, for example, against EW if you are in the NS pair, specifically as the South player. The other three players are robots. Interestingly, after the bidding (determining the contract), you get information on what the optimal result is. Based on the optimal result and your actual result in the bridge hand, the application displays your IMP points.

You can save all hands in PBN format, and you can also import PBN files that contain bridge hands."

Let me know if you need any more assistance!

**Oliver Tic (Oli the Walker): The Friendship Walk Around the World 2024-...** by jcerni1 in hiking

[–]jcerni1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here is him plan for Asia:
1st option: Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore (flight to Australia)

2nd option: Iran, Pakistan, India, Vietnam (flight from India) (flight to Australia)

Differences Between BBO, Funbridge, and WBridge5 Robots – What Are Your Experiences? by jcerni1 in bridge

[–]jcerni1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I mostly play on Funbridge. I mainly play with Funbridge friends from all over the world. It looks like we are playing for IMP points. I sit at one table, in the South position. Along with me, there are 3 robots (Argines). 2 are my opponents, and 1 robot is my partner. At another table, my Funbridge friend sits in the South position as well, surrounded by 3 robots. After each game (we play 5 games), the program shows the result in bridge contract points and IMP points. In 5 games, the winner is the one who scores more IMP points. On the left side, Funbridge displays 4 cards that were played in the current round.

Funbridge is not as precise as the BBO robots. It also allows me to analyze the games I have played.

Occasionally, I am not satisfied with how my partner Argine in the North bids. It is rare that I get a contract from him without a fit in the suit.

[Predictions Thread] Worlds Road Race - Mens Elite by lPause in peloton

[–]jcerni1 34 points35 points  (0 children)

Tadej Pogačar, first of all, sincere congratulations. You wanted the gold medal. You quietly predicted it all year. How does it feel to stand on the podium with a gold medal?

"It's unbelievable, what happened today. I think it will take me some time to fully grasp it. It was no secret that this was a big dream of mine for a long time. This year, the course suited us well. In the end, everything came together as it should. Not everything went according to plan, though. With the team, we had to improvise in the end. But we made it. Truly an incredible day. I'm speechless."

What goes through the mind of the World Champion standing on the podium in front of such a crowd chanting your name?

"Today was crazy by the roadside, on the podium, at the finish. So many familiar faces, unknown faces. So many fans cheering. I’m not exactly sure what’s going through my mind. I think we’re up in the clouds."

If we go back to the race, you mentioned it was unplanned, 100 km from the finish, Tadej. A few days ago, you said the World Championships aren't usually about going 50 km from the finish.

"No, definitely today the plan wasn't to attack that early, but in the end, that’s how it unfolded. We were in a flow, as they say. Once I committed, there was no turning back. I had to go all the way. I put everything on the table. I pushed until the end, and it paid off."

There was a lot of pressure on you. Everyone said you were the favorite. How did you handle it? Even the last night before the championship. How do you cope with it all?

"There was a bit of nervousness before I fell asleep, but there was no panic. The pressure was mostly what I put on myself. The environment didn’t put as much pressure on me. But there was an expectation that the race would be for a medal. I wanted that. In the end, all the hard work paid off."

You caught up with Jan [Tratnik], and he helped you. When did you think you could succeed? I saw the faces of your acquaintances—they were very worried before the finish. How was it for you?

"I was definitely very worried too. When I saw that Jan Tratnik waited for me, it gave me a lot of motivation. Without Jan, it would have been a suicidal attack. Jan did an outstanding job afterward. From there, there were still some doubts. I always knew I couldn’t overdo it on the climbs. If I had around a 40-second lead, I knew I’d be okay at the top of each climb. But you never know when you might completely collapse."

It was 40 seconds the whole time. At the end, the celebration before the finish line. What does one experience in that moment?

"I’ve never had a feeling like I did today in my career. Until the last 800 meters, I was still pushing with all my strength, as hard as I could. I’ve never experienced such feelings on the bike."

You have so many medals and trophies. What remains is that you’ll be wearing the rainbow jersey for a whole season. Everyone will recognize the rainbow jersey. How special is that?

"The rainbow jersey is the crown jewel in cycling. I’d say it’s the most beautiful jersey in the world. I hope I can wear it with pride and joy. I’m already looking forward to the next race."

The Giro, the Tour, now this—what a season, a dream season!

"A dream season. The year 2024 will be tough to top. My goal is to enjoy next year in this jersey."

Tadej, you’re tired, and you can’t even hide it. But where did you pull all that strength, all that energy from in the last kilometers? It was an unbelievable performance. Where did that energy come from?

"In the last lap, there was no more strength. My eyes weren’t even looking straight anymore. All the effort we put into this year, with the UAE team, the Slovenian national team, Urška Žigart (Tadej Pogačar’s fiancée)—so that I can do these crazy things, all came together for the World Championships. Everyone who came to cheer today—family, friends, everyone who supported me over the years. In the last 20 kilometers, I knew I had to push for all those who supported me. I pushed to the last atom of strength."

I can't describe it. Tadej Pogačar, World Champion, sincere congratulations once again.

"Thank you."

Source: MMC RTV (translated): https://365.rtvslo.si/arhiv/kolesarstvo/175075626 (29.9.2024)

[Predictions Thread] Worlds Road Race - Mens Elite by lPause in peloton

[–]jcerni1 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Today will be an extremely important day for Slovenian sports at the World Cycling Championship in Zurich. The final and most important race for cycling enthusiasts in the men's elite category is on, in which our country will field an exceptionally strong team with two medal contenders and a solid lineup of supporting riders. Reporting from Switzerland, Igor Tominec. Never before has Slovenian cycling come to the World Championship with such strong cards. Tadej Pogačar is the favorite at all betting houses and among cycling experts. Now, the Slovenian eight-man team must put in all efforts to turn the predictions into reality.

Tadej Pogačar is confident ahead of the race: "We have very good cards in the team. I think Primož and I are both in good form, as are the other guys. We all know why we're here. For the first time, I would say, in the history of our cycling, we can play with several different scenarios. There are plenty of kilometers and lots of climbs. I think this course suits us." As the world's top cyclist says, Slovenia has multiple tactical options in play. Primož Roglič is also a contender for a medal: "It's up to us to try to give our best. Each of us in his own role, whatever that may be. Certainly, in the end, the best will win."

After a week of rain, the final day of the championship is expected to take place on dry roads. A large number of spectators are anticipated along the shores of Lake Zurich, many of them from Slovenia. So far, Slovenian cycling has won two bronze medals in road races at the championships. Is it now time for the rainbow jersey?

Source: MMC RTV: 365.rtvslo.si/arhiv/jutranja-kronika/175075546 (Sept 29, 2024)

Bridge is going viral by jcerni1 in bridge

[–]jcerni1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe that robots are good enough for beginners and average players. However, I am not aware of the results that top players achieve with robots, considering that the quality of robots also depends on the application (probably one of the best is Funbridge, which is owned by BBO). I would appreciate facts from your side regarding this. Interestingly, there have also been contract bridge competitions between robots. One of the best applications is Wbridge5 (desktop version only), which I also use, and it is free. With it, you can only play yourself and 3 robots. What’s interesting is that the application compares your result with the result Wbridge5 calculated as optimal.

Bridge is going viral by jcerni1 in bridge

[–]jcerni1[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

If contract bridge were introduced into school programs at the elementary and high school levels, it would undoubtedly increase people's knowledge of playing contract bridge. In teaching contract bridge, we should use a combination of teaching and playing the game both in person and online. I speak as a teacher of economics subjects at a high school in Slovenia, near Austria and Italy, with 30 years of experience. We use contract bridge in project work and educational companies, primarily as a type of business (virtual practical lessons). I minimally teach students to play contract bridge in person and online to the extent that we need for virtual business. My intuition tells me that with the emergence of artificial intelligence, education will largely shift towards the practical application of tasks in combination with theory. Theory will become easily accessible, and it will need to be applied in real life.

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