201 Street

For the US Open 2009, tennis fans will get to watch live and for free through a streaming service.  There will be 150 matches, or perhaps more.  It promises to provide fans with over 300 hours of the game. 

In interactive-media console was created and constructed by IBM.  It has commentary available for users to put in their opinions of the game and updates of the stats around the clock among the services it created for diehard fans unable to attend the match because of money or scheduling conflicts.

The United States Tennis Association also has brought in two fresh partners in promotion of the game.  Stonyfield Farm and Westin hotels are also sponers of the US Open.  They will be providing their patrons the five tennis courts on which the matches will be played along with the usual commentary from various announcers In High-Def.

Pierce O’Neil, the United States Tennis Association chief business officer, has claimed that it is a milestone of a deal.  It promises to offer tennis fans the opportunity to see the game live for free, but in quality.  For those who didn’t get a deal with the US Open Sweepstakes, they now have a chance to still experience the game as if they were there.

Another member of the United States Tennis Association has said that the High-Def capabilities IBM gave them will allow fans to have a more vibrant view of the game in addition to it being live.  It is a big step for them in how they can make the game available for everyone of every means and not matter where they might be in the country.  They can the US Open tennis scores happening as if they were right there watching their favorite player.

During any trial or court case, a Las Vegas lawyer will learn that creative thinking will serve to solve problems that may not be solved through logical consideration.  A person skilled in adaption, of being able to see different situations in different, and perhaps unconventional ways, is one that will eventually be the most successful in business ventures. 

Some challenges must be solved logically, court cases are often times all or nothing, but sometimes is is necessary to view certain circumstances as a give and take, and those able to understand the means best employable to serve a specific need, are those that one will want on their team, be it a marketing team, , a team of lawyers, a sales team, a Tour de France team, or a coed-parks and rec softball team.  Problem solving is a skill that is required in everyday life, and one that is valuable in the corporate world. 

This is an idea based on lateralization, of going at a situation with more than one plan in one’s pocket.  This is best applied when one creates a diverse team, a team of people skilled in different ways.  Some think of situations visually.  Some think in terms of logic or mathematics…or in current times ethically and morally.  It is best to have a combined group of people on any team, each with the same long term goal for any given project, and also each with creative ways, different ways of going about attaining that goal. 

The best possible combination is that which combines the creative approach with the scientific approach.  Even though each performs a different task, both a hammer and a nail are necessary in building a table.  On top of that, so is it necessary to have a carpenter involved.  No one element is the most important, each one is necessary for performing the tasks required to meet the end result.  All ‘parts’ are necessary to create the whole.

The purse for the 2009 US Open tennis tournament this year will be 21.6 million dollars. This is the third year that the purse for the tournament has been raised by at least one million dollars. Also the top three men’s and women’s finishers will also take home a bonus pay out which will increase the money for the tournament to 24.2 million dollars. The singles champions will also take home a new Lexus IS convertible. Not bad for just two weeks of work huh?

Tennis is one of the few sports where male and female athletes get paid the same, at least when it comes to the US Open. This is the only grand slam tournament that does this and the US Open has been doing so since 1973. The bonus money goes to those players who rank the top three in both the men’s and women’s sides of the Olympus US Open series. This is a series of tennis events that all over North America. The US Open is the end of this season. The US Open tennis scores count towards the final rankings in the Olympus US Open series. This takes place for six weeks in the summer and it links 10 major ATP World Tour and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour tournaments that happen across North America.

This six week linking of tournaments has only been taking place since 2004, so it is a fairly new way that the tennis is being played. This has lead to some of the biggest payouts in tennis history, Roger Federer took home 2.7 million dollars in 2007 and Kim Clijsters took home 2.2 million dollars in 2005, this is the record for both men and women players in the sport. Last year Rafael Nadal and Dinara Safina took home the title of the Olympus US Open series.

The San Francisco Giants are having a great season so far this year. It is the first in the last couple of years that they have come out this strong, and things continually look better for the Bay Area team. This is great news for the team and also their many fans who are passionate about the game and their home team. The Giants are one of the oldest teams in the Major League Baseball circuit and are part of the National League West Division. They have the unique distinction of having won the most games in major league baseball history. While sports tickets are usually a hot item in most major cities, Giants tickets are selling faster this season due to the great excitement surrounding recent trade acquisitions and the current roster.

Part of the reason for the recent lull in Giants’ success is due to the transition it faced in losing Barry Bonds. He is one of the most famous baseball players in history, and was a major stabilizing and victory force on the team. Bonds’ father is former All-Star player Bobby Bonds and he is the godson of the Hall of Fame player Willie Mays. It seems he may have been destined for great things on the field. He began his major league career with the Pittsburgh Pirates and in 1993 he was signed to the Giants where he played through 2007.

The 2009 lineup for the Giants is an intermixing of players from the old and new. They made a great trade and were able to acquire veteran pitcher Randy Johnson. Johnson was one of the driving forces in the Arizona Diamondbacks World Series run in 2001. This was seen by many as a surprising upset due to its being their first time in the Series and they were up against the New York Yankees, a veteran team with a strong history.

As the smallest and most secluded of the four major Balearic Islands, Formentera is often overshadowed by its larger and more prominent neighbors. Majorca is the largest of the islands, and is often considered to be the essence of them. This, however, may be slightly misleading as each of the island has elements and aspects that are essential to its culture and perspective from the outside world. Tourism to each of the islands has increased dramatically in the last 30 years and continues to do so each year. Resorts are being built as this is being written and tourists are making plans to visit one or more this summer. Some of course, are already there. Formentera used to be accessible only by route of Ibiza, its closest neighbor. Direct lines to the Spanish mainland have been and continue to be established to serve the throngs of tourists it receives.

Even though the island is small, and easily explored, renting a car provides a great convenience to those who don’t want to cover the land by foot. Formentera car rental companies are there to provide the short-term vehicle access many people seek. The beaches on the Formentera are some of the most beautiful in the world, though that’s difficult to support due to the subjective nature of beauty. Some of the beaches are nude, or partial nude, which is growing in interest and participants every year. It can be an amazing experience, though more conservative beach goers may want to be aware of this, if they are uncomfortable with the idea.

One of the popular activities on this island is water sports. There are numerous swimmers, divers, snorkelers and surfers just off the shore of this incredible island. Windsurfing is popular here due to the air current coming in off the Mediterranean. It hosted the 2007 Techno 293 OD World Championships in the sports. The event was for participants who were under 17 years old and another junior event for surfers under 15. Kayaking is another popular sport, and there are individual or class and group tour kayaking available.

Spain is known for their beaches, their art, their cuisine and their fiestas.  In every village, festivals are occurring throughout the year, such as the Pamplona Bull Runs,  the Fireworks festival in Valencia, and the incredible festival of Seville, the the Feria de Abril.  Throughout Spain traditional forms of art and sport have elevated the participants to celebrity status and provide locals and visitors with incredible experiences.  Two such forms that occur daily, and that are celebrated with festivals, are the Flamenco Dance and Music, and the Bullfighters.

The traditional song and dance throughout the country of Spain is the Flamenco.  This is an emotional art form often touching on subjects such as nature and love, the songs are known for their tonal tragedy, their intensity and by the emotional depth of the musicians.  The core of this art is the song, sounding at various moments a bit lighter sometimes as in the bulerias, and more serious as with the soleares.  As with the dancing, this is often an improvised art, with the structure of traditional chords and rhythms providing the backbone for the improvisation.  The female dancers are recognized for their graceful and emotive hands and the incredible way they hold the positioning of their bodies.  The men are known for their ability to perform the tap dance like rhythms of the intricate steps of the Zapateado.  The music has hints of Asian influences, and the dance is similar to the dances of traditional India.

The information on where to catch these shows can be found in any of the five star hotels.  Spain is also the country of the Bull-fight and matadors, where the fiestas are the most traditional and represent the culture, the art and history of the entire country.  Regardless of the pressure put on the country by animal rights groups, the King of Spain refuses to ban the sport, which in Spain is considered an art.  The bull-fights are celebratory and ritualistic expressions, often connected with days of feasts honoring the Spanish conquest of the Moors.  Today, the bull fighting is a major business and many of the top bull-fighters are regarded with the reverence of the country’s rock stars and soccer players.  On visiting Spain either the Flamenco shows or the Bull-fights provide the traveler with the unique insight to this culturally and historically rich country.

Those seeking adventure need look no further than the city of Dubai when making their plans for the summer.  While this city is located in the middle of the desert, the options are endless.  Many may have the misconception, that the city must be drab, a boring wasteland, but this is not the case.  Just about every five star hotel in Dubai has an incredible golf course, swimming pool, and a concierge who will set plans for whatever it is one would like to participate in.  From setting up trips to the camel or horse tracks, to the rentals of boats and equipment for water skiing and wind surfing, to the tours throughout the desert for numerous outdoor adventures.  

Sand skiing has become quite popular over the years.  This is similar to cross-country skiing  in the cool climates throughout the world, and offers up quite a work-out.  Many enjoy four wheel driving through the deserts of Dubai as well.  Most travels unfamiliar with the climate and the temperature of the desert regions would do best to seek advice of the experts, or to take them along, as many guided tours are available, and are just a bit less risky.

The town of Hatta is located just about one hour from Dubai, and is a popular location for jeep tours and motor-cycle excursions.  Para-gliding is another venture one must embark on, should one possess the courage, as the views from the air are just incredible of the coasts.  The beaches are beautiful, the water surrounding is incredibly clear and bright blue,  and the skyline of Dubai is filled with some of the most wondrous works of architectural achievements in the world.  Once one discovers the thrills and adventures to be had in this city, one most always comes back time and again.

Motor sports and water sports are gaining popularity in Dubai.  Many of the five star hotels Dubai advertises and supports offer many opportunities for visitors to partake and enjoy in these outdoor activities.  These adventures are becoming part of the progressive and active lifestyles of the locals, and an integral aspect of the tourism industry.  Go-cart racing is one of the sports gaining a passionate following.  This increase has led to the growth in popularity and participation throughout the entire city of Dubai.  Many of the competitions and races have also acquired international fans and participants as well.  Nearby towns often organize tours for those wishing to participate.  The entire industry of tourism has been affected in a positive manner.

These are often times, events that are sanctioned and supported by the government, and adhere to strict rules and regulations.  The Dubai International Rally is fast becoming one of the largest events occurring each year in the city.  Those who compete, and of course those who win, are held in very high esteem, and carry their prestigious awards with pride.  Many of the young children are now following their favorite sportsman’s careers, and are becoming inspired to follow in their footsteps.  Many training schools have opened and many are seeing the possibility of making their careers in this kind of adventurous field.  One of the largest indoor tracks in the entire Middle East, is located in Dubai, the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Road.

And for those wishing for a bit of water in their adventure, the coasts of the Arabian Sea are just perfect.  The climate is such that sports taking place outside, are just about year round events.  Water-skiing and jet skiing are gaining in popularity, with many of the locals as well as the tourists.  Most locations along the beaches offer equipment rentals and classes, so this is an attainable adventure for all.  In all, one of the best place for outdoor fun, is the incredible city of Dubai.

Peter Tong was born in England in 1960. He attended the King’s School in Kent and developed his love for music early in life. His first interest was in percussion and drumming, though it quickly evolved into DJ work. When he was only 15 he performed his first public show by DJing for his friend’s wedding. He also began his career as a promoter while still in school. He and a few of his friends would book shows for local bands at concert halls. After he finished school he established a mobile disco that operated out of a transit van before starting his own club, Family Function. He continued his work as a promoter and worked with the then unknown Culture Club .

Tong is internationally known and has worked in nightclubs across the globe. He is a prominent local Ibiza figure and is most known for his DJ work at the club Pacha. He was a major attraction and brought great crowds for Pure Pacha nights. Tourists would visit the island and stay in Ibiza town hotel to see him perform. In 2008 he was a major element in the founding of the International Music Summit in Ibiza.

Tong has had a diverse career that has included work as a writer and editor. He worked as a staff writer for Blues and Soul magazine for a year and was then promoted to features editor. He left the magazine in 1983 when he became an A&R manager for London Records. While he was there he became exposed to Chicago’s emerging house music sound and was greatly interested and influenced by it. In 1986 he organized a compilation album, The House Sound of Chicago, Volume One, to expose this new sound to a greater audience. It was the first British release of this style of music. Tong also had a guest appearance, playing himself, in a film that dealt with a DJ who had to cope with becoming deaf. The film was made in 2004 and titled It’s All Gone Pete Tong. It refers to cockney slang phrase meaning “wrong.”

Dubai is rich in culture and the arts, and most of its residents have a passion for sports, particularly football and cricket. It has 5 main football clubs, Al Wasi, Al-Shabab, Al-Ahli, Al Nasar and Hatta to represent it. Football is not only the number one sports passion shared by residents, but outsiders also flock in for this popular sport. However, a Western tourist staying in a 5 star Dubai hotel should keep in mind that football in Dubai might feel a little more like soccer. It is the literal “foot” ball that they play, not the hand held passing football most Americans are used to. Football in Dubai is not only supported by the fans, government initiatives have helped to incorporate it into all skill levels and life circumstances. This means that football tournaments exist at schools and colleges, as well as at the regional and national level. It’s very common to see a game spontaneously begin in local parks and community gatherings.

Cricket is easily the second most popular sport in Dubai, though sports enthusiasm doesn’t end there. Golf and tennis are other popular sports. In 2005 the International Cricket Council moved its headquarters from London to Dubai. This was a major move and demonstrated the citizen’s extreme interest in it. It also put Dubai in the international cricket spotlight. This move was determined by a vote of 11-1 in support of it. The city has hosted multiple India-Pakistan matches and smaller leagues are constantly developing. For fans of golf and tennis, Dubai hosts the annual Dubai Tennis Championships and the Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament. Both of these events attract stars and professionals from around the world. For a city so rich in culture, history, landscapes, architectural and the arts, a major sporting event can be a great alternative option for the busy tourist. It’s also a wonderful way for locals to be part of a community and stay healthy.

The U.S. Open tennis coverage is always excellent. The Tennis Channel deliver quality coverage with excellent commentary. Most are retired pros. This year will also be great because the Olympics are in the middle of tennis season. The players will play for their countries, get very little rest and jump right into the U.S. Open. And my prediction is that Roger Federer is going to win.

Then again, Nadal won the French Open for a fourth time this year, then beat Federer on grass at the Wimbledon. It was a fantastic match and both men were great sports and wonderful examples. Noticeably missing from the stands is Nadal’s secret girlfriend, Xisca. It’s not a secret any longer that he’s taken. Federer girlfriend, Mirka Vavrinec.

I wonder if we will see either of these ladies at the Olympics. No matter what, the 2008 Olympics in Beijing will be exciting and the U.S. Open will too!

The 2008 Wimbledon tennis tournament began today in England. Defending champ Roger Federer is hoping to make more history by winning for a 6th time. He lost in the recent French Open to clay court king Rafael Nadal, but he hopes to prove he deserves his number one ranking by winning on the grass court. Nadal made history himself when he won the 2008 French Open tennis tournament in Paris earlier this year. He is the first to win 4 in a row. And he is ranking number two.

Winning the French Open will give Federer his career Grand Slam and if he is able to win, he will be able to retire with no regrets. However, Nadal not only doesn’t want that to happen, he wants to win at Wimbledon and become the number one ranked. It is difficult because both of them are so likable and have such great public images. Only one can win and only one can be number one. I guess we’ll just have to wait 2 weeks to see who comes out on top.

Those who play golf on a regular basis tend to think that their instructors have the best job in the world. Many wonder just how one goes about landing that fantastic job that keeps them out on the greens nearly all day long. Just like any profession, careers in golf require an individual to have a strong foundation of education to start from. The sport of golf is now a multimillion-dollar industry that stands all on its own and has developed very unique nuances. Getting an educational degree geared for the golf industry is the best way to get one’s foot in the door.

Though there are plenty of curriculums that revolve around golf instruction, there are many more professions that branch out from the golf industry. In fact, there is a golf job for just about any practical skill set. From management to grounds keeping, individuals will be able to find a degree that will get them where they want to go. When one decides teaching golf is truly their calling, they can look forward to a career instructing young children or even big name professionals. The only limits to a career in golf are the ones individuals make for themselves.

With the warmer, spring-like weather just around the corner I have been preparing my tennis equipment for another season.  It will be nice to get out into the fresh air again!

As well as playing  I am looking forward to the upcoming grand slam tournaments on TV.  The French Open 2008 looks like it is going to be very entertaining.  I wonder if Nadal and Henin will pull it off again?  Summer will bring the grass courts and rain! of Wimbledon tennis!  I do hope the rain holds off this year!

It promises to be a very competitive year for myself and for professional tennis players.  I am looking forward to some great competition.