Archive for the ‘Sports’ Category

posted by Savanah on Jun 17

Beginning June 21, 2010 is the Wimbledon tennis championships, and there’s no better place to be other than at the Wimbledon Village . Wimbledon Village is London’s very perfect villages, which will give you a rural sense of lifestyle full of beautiful buildings. The Village offers independently owned chic shops, bars and cafes nestled amongst quaint period structures, where you’ll get a chance to say ‘hi’ to the locals and hear the clip-clop of horses’ hooves on the pavement. This place will make you feel as if you’re in the countryside, but you’ll still be in the hubbub of the City of London.

The chic shops, like Diane von Furstenberg, Max Mara, Joseph, Matches and Cath Kidson will offer Wimbledon tourists the best retail therapy about and will satisfy even the most pickiest of shoppers who’s every whim will be met by these exquisite boutiques. You’ll be impressed with the haute couture, fine arts, jewelery, antiques and books. After giving your credit card a serious work-out, it’s time to relax and be thoroughly pampered in one of the many salons and beauty shops, which all have been featured in Health and Beauty magazines.

Then it’s time to grab a bite to eat; the Wimbledon’s culinary feasts will not disappoint, especially at the exemplary, posh Lydon Restaurant . Or, if the London fog has cleared revealing a beautiful day, then there’s nothing more wonderful than to picnic at the Wimbledon Common or in Cannizaro Park. Delicious pastas, cheeses, wines and many other types of tasty morsel can be purchased at the Bayley and Sage, a food hall selling gourmet foods at the Village. While at the Commons, keep an eye out for Wombles, these curious creatures are native to this part of London.

There is a business and service section of the Wimbledon Village, consisting of estate agents, schools, architects and doctors. Wimbledon Village’s Museum of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, which just opened and is a wonderful place to catch up on all the Wimbledon tennis history is a ‘must see’, or check out the Southside House where you be informed of the local history. Wimbledon Village has something for everyone, not only for the tourist, but for those who live and work in London.

posted by Savanah on Jan 8

Tennis rackets actually have an interesting history, originally made from human skin, and by monks no less.  Why human skin?  Because racquets as we know them today had not yet been invented so players had to use their hands to throw the tennis ball around.  Obviously, this grew uncomfortable and irritating to the hand, so gloves started to get used.  For some, webbed gloves proved useful but were not by any means as efficient as the paddle others used, which was way more effective.

Eventually, the form of the first tennis racket came into being during the English medieval period.  They were positively delicate in shape and form with small heads and long handles.  Playing against walls stopped too as the net was now a requirement of the game as it continued in its evolution to help players make better tennis scores.  In England, the majority of the changes to the game occurred in the 1900s under the eye of Walter Wingfield.  He had a patent that would alter how tennis was played and what you played it with it.  Ultimately, he helped to standardize the game with rules and the equipment with exact sizes and measurements to ensure a fairer and more even playing environment.

For the tennis racket this meant that with laminating and strings that bounced the ball better, players had a better edge.  However, laminating does not exactly make for the lightest technology by which make something.  Rackets back then that have been tested in their weight were an astounding fourteen ounces, which might not seem heavy at first, but after a couple of matches, it can be a lot more heavy than it was.  The heads also continued to be small, which made little since, though the strings did allow the ball to bounce better.  The very best of them back then cannot compare to modern technology and synthetics materials used to create superb tennis rackets used at place like the Australian Open.

posted by Savanah on Nov 24

Dubai has enticed the best golfers in the world to knock the ball around the Dubai Creek Golf Course. It doesn’t matter which room you choose at one of the many amazing hotels. Dubai UAE is going to really get you when you hit the golf course. The club is packed full of all the best amenities and facilities. Who wants to spend much time with amenities when one can get the most thrill out of the course itself. It has been voted one of the top 100 must play courses in the world. The design, ambiance, operation and grooming of this course is tip top. The challenging level will appeal to everyone.

This is a par 71 course measuring at 6,857 yards. It guarantees a memorable experience as the players make it to the 18th whole. The creek itself becomes a part of the course for at least four holes. These well manicured fairways roll through out and between mounds, trees and water. Not only does the creek become part of the course but there are a few lakes that have been built in. All adding to the absolute beauty of the course as a whole.

After keeping out of the date and palm trees, hopefully, and making the perfect shots down the fairways, the course sets a thrilling end. There are two par four holes to close with. The Seventeenth whole can still be won by just playing smart. The 18th whole, however, takes full concentration and understanding of the elements of the day. If you make the big shots and are wanting to keep the games going, hit the driving range, a par 3 course or the outstanding practice range that are equipped to keep you there all night. However, if you had a poor day on the course, get signed up for a lesson at the first Golf Academy in the region. Get some advise from the pros.

posted by Savanah on May 11

Musee D’Orsay, Le Louvre, The Roland Garros French Open Venue. All places where legends have walked. Whether these legends paint in oils or mold clay, all descending on Paris are artists in their own right. The French Open brings the ‘clay specialists’ of tennis to the City of Lights from May 24- June 7.

Under the lights of the Paris skyline Rafael Nadal has made the red clay his forte, winning four consecutive titles, joining the company of Bjorn Borg and 1920s tennis princess Suzanne Leglen.

For the few who have had success on the clay, there are many more that have found it to be their nemesis. The French Open is the only major title that has eluded Roger Federer, and Nadal is looking to keep it that way.

With Justine Henin’s retirement leaving her unable to defend her title in last year’s open, Anna Ivanovic, number seven in the world, took the clay court title and will do her best to defend it.

Don’t count out Serena Williams, whose number one ranking was currently lost at The Australian Open to last year’s French Open runner up Dinara Safina.

On the men’s or women’s red clay courts, the competitiveness of the 2009 French Open will be at its peak. The Open could be a place for revenge, for Federer and Williams or continued prosperity for Nadal and Safina. Nonetheless, The French Open and the bright lights of Paris are for legends, all artists, each working in their own way.