Despite losing to Poland, Andy Murray is still going strong on the courts.  This is in large part due to sheer determination, but there has to be a certain amount of luck that goes into the equation as well.  Of course, luck can never be counted on, and it’s certainly an impossible thing to measure, but perhaps it should be considered.  In a swift rank recovery such as this, where a major loss often turns around in a short amount of time, there are ways of looking at the numbers to realize that it isn’t just statistics we’re dealing with here.

Statistics are very difficult to count on anyway, especially if dealing with the age old pursuits of money or fame.  If the numbers were every truly reliable, then there would be only one formula, instead of the thousand that flood the marketplace every year with their new-fangled keys to success.  Luck and its own mercurial nature needs to play a bigger part in these determinations, because luck is the only common factor in looking at fame on a global scale such as this.  But luck, of course, is a funny thing.  It is that very character that defines chaos theory, behaving as both a particle and a wave, and it’s often delightful to watch people who think they have it.

It’s a bit like watching a dog chase a laser light on the wall.  Even the dog seems to know it’s not really there, and never will be, but it’s a very distracting thing, and it seems to be a great pleasure to be distracted in exactly that way.   Luck always behaves this way, and it disappears without giving any good reasons.  There are reasons why it is related in Greek myths to the God Mercury.  It does tend to play the role of the trickster, especially when people are actively looking for it.  This, in part, is one of the more fascinating things about fame that comes to sports figures such as Murray.  There is substance to the fame, and there is also an uneasy sense that it could disappear very quickly.  This makes it even more heartening when it does not go away.

Many cities around the country have set up a net work of bike sharing.  These are bicycle that are owned by a particular company, but are distributed throughout the cities for public use as very low costs.  Cities such as Portland, San Francisco and Minneapolis have been doing this for years, and recently the city of Manhattan has stepped up their efforts to make this a viable mode of transportation.  The bike stations are placed at various locations throughout the city, close to any hotel, Central Park, downtown and each of the five boroughs.

Anyone living in the area can easily access this mode of transportation, bringing the bicycle on the trains to further enhance the ease at which they get from one place to the next.  This is an extra added augmentation to the already competent public transit offered throughout the city.  And with the general population becoming more health conscious each and every day, this is one of the programs that is gaining in popularity.  During any given day in Paris, more than seventy thousand residents and tourists take advantage of this service.  New York is looking to match and eventually surpass that number.  This is a cost effective and healthy alternative to getting around some of the more congested cities of the world.  One very attractive aspect, is that this is an answer to transportation issues that is quickly implemented.  Programs set forth in Paris, doubled in just six short months.  As well as the quick implementation seen in Montreal.

The program involves the registration, for either use by the day, the week or the month.  The memberships can be purchases online and users receive cards, much like the transport cards used to ride the trains and the buses.  Members swipe their cards at the bike stations, enter a password and choose their bike.  Close to their destination, are similar stations where they just simply drop off the bike and continue on to their destination.  The first program of this kind is recorded in 1968, in the Dutch city of Amsterdam.  Although not entirely successful, as many bikes were stolen, improvements and organization have made this a viable and cost effective option in the cities around the world.

One of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe is on the East Coastline of Spain, and is located conveniently to other hot spots, Alicante and Valencia.  With many resorts and luxury hotels, Benidorm remains to be very well traveled.  Even in this economy, the rooms available on the island remained booked at 90 percent capacity all year round.  The central location is convenient for many Europeans as a quick getaway, being just a two hour plane flight from many of the major cities such as Berlin, London, Milan, Paris and Zurich.  Besides its central location, there is something for everyone on the beaches of this Spanish town, for those of every age.

Entertainment for children and for family vacationers can be found at one of the theme parks, of which 4 of the largest parks in Europe are found in Benidorm.  For the adults, there is a Casino that hosts international concerts and variety ensembles, and there is a wide variety to chose from for nightlife fun.  From cabaret shows, to disco clubs, and many live dinner theater and musical extravaganzas.  And for those seeking more fun in the sun, than the fun of the nightlife, there are many outdoor adventures, be it hikes or scuba diving and sailing off of one of the beautiful beaches.  And for a little more of a relaxing experience outdoors, there are many parks and gardens that are perfect for afternoon strolls.

The beaches of Benidorm, of which there are two major beaches, Levante and Poniente, are known throughout the country as some of the cleanest beaches of Europe.  They stretch for long expanses and the sand is an incredible shade of gold.  These beaches are credited with the continued success of the tourist industry, for they provide not only the pristine atmosphere perfect for those wanting peaceful and relaxing holidays, but the clear blue water is a great setting for any of the water sports offered by the many hotels and resorts, or for those simply wanting a nice swim.  This is one destination where one can escape to year round as the weather remains mild and sunny, even throughout the winter months.  There is no wonder that Benidorm has become the favorite spot for European travelers.

Throughout the years many have predicted that there was no way the World Cup would be held in South Africa.  Many feared that the country was still in too much of a disarray, just fifteen years having passed since the end of apartheid.  Those nay-sayers stated that the country and the people would just be ready to provide the adequate accommodations or services, such as transportation, roads, stadiums and luxury hotels.  South Africa is proving to those who doubted them, and to the rest of the world, that not only will they be ready, but they will provide fans, spectators and players with an unforgettable month of games, in some of the finest sports arenas in the world.

The Confederations Cup was concluded last week, and was a bit of a dress rehearsal.  Four venues hosted the games, and the safety and security of those in attendance was never an issue.  More modifications and upgrades to the transportation system will made prior to next year’s tournament, as well as at least fifteen thousand more rooms in the hotels.  One of the debates raging right now, involves a clash in culture, the vuvuzela trumpet, traditional blown throughout the games, has become irritating to some of the foreign spectators and talks of banning the trumpets during the World Cup are creating quite a controversy.

Free admission was offered for the Confederation Cup, close to seventy thousand.  More than three million tickets are expected to be sold for the World Cup, with discounts given to the local South Africans, and free admission to the construction workers who are giving their heart and soul into the building of the stadiums 6 days a week.  A handful of fans from Great Britain reported being mugged, and allegedly some money was stolen from the rooms of Brazilian and Egyptian soccer players.  However steps are being taken to ensure that the police and the security in 2010 will be adequately staffed.

This has become an emotional and an ethical issue, the hosting of the Cup in South Africa.  The world is still afraid of the country.  Still untrusting.  Advocates state that this small and struggling, yet very strong country and her people have given so much to rest of the world in regards to, among other things, the sport of soccer.  This is the way that it should come back to them.  Jobs have been created, and the attitudes and spirit of the people of South Africa has been lifted, giving them hope for the future, and giving back to the rest of the world, the beautiful country of South Africa.

What is becoming widely viewed by the entire world, and gaining architectural and stylistic praises is one of the stadiums of South Africa that will be host to some of the games taking place next June and July for the 2010 World Cup Soccer tournaments.  This stadium, described as looking like a large pot placed above a fiery ring, is Soccer City Stadium.  This venue will be remembered long after the games have ended and will carry the reputation that it is gaining as being one of the most spectacular and amazing arenas in the world.

The design was taken after a calabash, which is a gourd South Africans hollow out, and use either for cooking or for carrying water.  The colors in the brown and orange hues are lit with lights that circle the entire circumference along the bottom, meant to symbolize the fire that heats the cooking pot.  Completion on the stadium is scheduled for later in the year, and upon completion it will become the largest stadium, not only in South Africa, but on the entire continent.  Providing a venue located close to any boutique hotel, Cape Town or Johannesburg offers, is bound to attract tourists for years, if not to attend the games, then to at least have a first hand look at this amazing structure.

This will be the home of the final game of the World Cup to be held July 11, 2010.  This is a structure built using modern and innovative technology.  Over one hundred and fifty boxes will offer incredible views and five star service.  This is not only great for fans, but will provide perfect conditions for those working in the media.  The stadium will contain a fine dining restaurant that will seat three hundred at one time.  This construction has employed more than three thousand workers a day.  The construction schedule is running on time, and would have come in on budget, but the fluctuations in the prices of Italian and German steel has bumped them a bit over budget.  However, this stadium will be the treasure of the country, providing a legacy for further generations to come.

The island of Ibiza offers numerous opportunities for sight seeing, cultural encounters, and outdoor adventures. Water sports are popular and some of the common ones include scuba diving, swimming and boating. Hiking the island is also popular and extremely common among locals. The island has two golf courses to accommodate die-hard tourists, but also to cater to residents. It’s nearly impossible to resist a round of golf on this island when beauty and scenic splendor surround the course. Tourists who are enjoying the luxury of the best of Ibiza town hotel should have no problem gathering information on the courses, renting the necessary equipment and getting directions. It’s also common for the best hotels to assist with transportation arrangements.

The island’s two golf courses are located in close proximity to each other. They are the Ibiza Golf Club and Roca Lisa Golf Club and are located in Santa Eularia. While they are two distinct clubs, they are currently in the process of fusing into one much larger complex. The Ibiza Golf Club opened in 1991 as an 18 hole, par 72 course. It is to be found in a beautiful, tranquil and serene countryside. And if that weren’t enough, the course has great views of the Mediterranean Sea. The course has a restaurant, pro-shop and hotel on sight.

The Roca Llisa Golf Club is smaller. It is a 9 hole course and driving range. The amazing views from this club include fabulous views of the cobalt sea. It is snuggly nestled in among pine tree groves. Also, it is open all year long, and while island residents account for most of the non-season golfers, tourists who enjoy the island in the winter months also make use of this great course. The Roca Llisa has qualified instruction available for beginners. There is also pro-shop on site. And with the Ibiza Golf Club right next door, its no problem to venture over for dinner and hotel accommodations.

In the year 2010, South Africa will become the focus of the sports minded.  For four weeks, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, an international tournament for football or soccer as we yanks call it, will be held in South Africa. It will be the first time that the tournament has been hosted by the country. This world class event is so popular, that its televised coverage exceeds the Olympics.   It is estimated that there will be over 3 million international visitors. This is a boon for South Africa in many ways. For one thing it’s planned that billions will be be spent on infrastructure in order to make the country ready to receive so many guests. As it is, the country already offers world-class transportation, telecommunications, tourism and sporting infrastructure. Not only that, the people are known for their gracious hospitality and their passion for the sport of Soccer.

Between now and 2010 South Africa will spend a small fortune on building new stadiums and renovating various other existing structures. There will be upgrades to the airports and improvements will be made to the country’s roads and rail network. It’s especially critical that the High speed rail system connecting Johannesburg, Pretoria and Johannesburg Airport, be running smoothly in time for the event.  To accommodate the millions of visitors, the construction of many new South Africa five star hotels will be required. All this work will provide thousands of new jobs, as well as continuous employment for the local economy. It’s reported that many South African countries will also contribute to the development of an adequate supply of power for the 2010 World Cup.  It’s critical that the electrical power supply be reliable.  A good portion of that power is designated to be derived from “green” energy.

The tourism industry will greatly benefit from the millions of visitors to the city & tournament.  The real hope of the nation is that foreigners will have a new, improved perception of South Africa. It is of particular importance that the idea of foreign investment will once again become appealing.  The improved image abroad will have an even greater impact on the entire economy.  South Africa is working diligently to be certain that they host the best World Cup Football tournament ever.

One of the most ideal places for deep-sea fishing is off the island of Mauritius. It has long been considered one of the worlds’ foremost areas for hunting the blue marlin.  Other species such as becune, bonitos, pelerin, yellow tuna and many varieties of shark can be found in the deep waters off the coast of Mauritius.  If you’re looking for that “Big Fish”, the blue or black marlin, here is where you’ll find it. From November until April, that object of desire can be tracked and captured in the waters off Mauritius. That is why so many are drawn to these waters, Mauritius is famous for having won so many world class fishing records. The most prestigious deep sea fishing competition is the Marlin World Cup is hosted in December by La Pirogue Hotel. While the marlin, which can weigh close to 1500 pounds, is the most sought after, there are many other impressive fish to be found. Recently, both the yellow and white tuna, weighing over 200 pounds have been caught.

This world class sport is at its best in Mauritius, where the waters off the coast can be close to 100 feet deep. Fishing boat rentals can be arranged by most five star hotels in Mauritius. Necessary features of the boat include a radio, basic safety devices and of course, fishing equipment.  For many, deep sea fishing is a seasonal affair.  It can be experienced in many waterways across the globe at various times of the year. However, the best time to enjoy fishing in Mauritius is between November and April.  The climate at this time of year is at its most temperate, with warm temperatures and relatively low humidity.  For those of you who are still hunting “the one that got away”, come visit Mauritius for an exciting experience. Who knows?  You may find that “Big Fish” here.

One of Thailand’s most visited tourist sites is Phuket, and island off of the Southern coast off of Mainland Thailand. The island is considered a paradise, with hillside forests, an incredible coastline with pristine beaches, and the clear green waters of the Andaman Sea are filled with exotic and abundant marine life. There are many options for activities in Phuket, educational tours, art museums as well as history museums. And the five star hotels Phuket offer some of the finest golf courses in the world. However, one must consider the many outdoor options as this beautiful island is best experienced by being out in it, wandering or hiking through it.

Until very recently, the only way to travel to some of the areas outside the main town, was either by horse back, sitting atop an elephant, or by simply hiking in on foot. These are still activities that can be arranged as there are many companies that offer such tours. Day trips on the top of elephant is not only an experience of the day, but a glimpse into the past and the present history as elephants have played a major role in Thailand, from farming to rescue to transportation.

Today however, while there are still not many roads, there are those that are best traveled on in four-wheel drive vehicles. This has opened up an entirely different kind of tour, and one that has become quite popular, the 4-wheel drive Safari. This tours take the visitor through the dense forest and into villages that had been inaccessible previously. The tours are anywhere from one day, to week-long adventures. And the great thing about this mode of getting into the jungle is that there are many bike paths that wind in and out of the fairly rugged terrain, perfect for the experienced mountain biker, and the jeeps will transport the rider and their bike into the various campsites. Biking has become so popular here that there are now different paths set up for varying levels of skilled riders. Some are more relaxing and picturesque, while other paths are filled with steep downhill runs and tricky twists and turns.

There are many natural wonders to see during a ride, as well as those wonders of the historical and archaeological world. There are parks and other cultural venues that are intermixed with the trails and the paths along the way as well. Many who chose to view the island this way will often combine biking, kayaking, canoeing and of course, the elephants.

A few months ago, the Formula One Grand Prix took place in the streets of downtown Singapore. For the first time the race took place at night, which was a marketing strategy as the rest of the world watched it live on Sunday afternoon. Although the race created havoc as far as Saturday night traffic was concerned and did cost the taxpayers quite a bit, it was a much needed and very necessary boost in terms of creating income for local businesses and for the reputation of the city-state on the whole. Officials wanted the world to see Singapore as more than just a successful business and financial center. It was necessary to set up more than 1,500 stadium lights,specially created and burning four times as brightly as those used at other major sporting events such as baseball or football. All things considered, the custom made lights, the downtown traffic slowing, and the inconvenience of the race happening right downtown has put about sixty percent of the cost on the government of Singapore, costing them just about $100 Million for the next 5 years that the race will be set in Singapore.

Even with all the cost, the minister of industry and trade, S. Iswaran, states that it will help to ease the conservative and stodgy image Singapore has garnered over the years, and will help substantially to boost the economy . In the short term, it has helped local businesses as tourism had jumped last year during the dates surrounding the race. In the present economy it is quite a boom for all businesses from retail to the restaurant and service industries, to the Singapore luxury hotels. One traveling lounge, moving from city to city with the race over the years is an exclusive club for drivers and other celebrities attending the race. The Amber Lounge has in the past been set up temporarily in the hotels of the various cities, but for the first time a free standing building was constructed to house the lounge for the next five years that the Grand Prix will be scheduled in Singapore. All in all, the benefits have far exceeded the inconvenience and the initial cost of the hosting the race.

Tickets are now available for the first ever international cricket match to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The event, a one-day international between Australia and Pakistan, will take place on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at the Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium.

The one-day international (ODI) will be the first in a series of five matches between the two teams. A second match in Dubai on April 24th will be followed by three matches in Abu Dhabi. On May 7th, the two teams will meet up in Dubai again for a one-off Twenty:20 match.

As the inaugural event at the new Stadium, organizers expect the event to sell out quickly and are hopeful that the other matches in the series will also play to a full house. Cricket fans traveling for the match should have no problem finding a Dubai UAE hotel near the stadium.

The Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium seats 25,000 specatators and was designed for world-class matches. Shaped like a bowl, the circular stadium provides great viewpoints from almost every seat. It can host ODIs, test matches, and Twenty20 tournaments. Dubai Sports City is also building three additional stadiums to host a wide-range of sports from fild hockey to football, basketball, to track and field, as well as volleyball, ice hockey, and handball.

Reporters are converging on Beijing to begin coverage of the 2008 Olympics starting  on 8/8/2008. To host the games, the Chinese government assured the International Olympic Committee that journalists and press from across the globe would have open Internet access, removing the effects of a firewall that censors numerous sites from public view across the country. The New York Times reports that despite initial denials, the Internet is being censored at the Olympic Press Centers.

This news comes as another unfortunate example of the Chinese government reneging on the pledges made to host the games in the first place. Clear blue skies and an improvement on their human rights record were some of the other pledges made. According to the Times article, President Bush has met with Chinese activists to discuss the situation. Many are boycotting the games to express their disapproval; however, the President has said he would attend the games and use the gathering as an opportunity to openly bring messages of freedom to Chinese officials and citizens.  With a little more than one week left before the games, it will take a miraculous effort on China’s part to win over the hearts of the world for the global games.

Today marked the first rounds of the 2008 Wimbledon tennis tournament. The grass court is usually very difficult for some players to master but not for all. World ranked number one champ Roger Federer is defending his title and is hoping to win for a 6th time. But, Spain’s Rafael Nadal is hoping to finally win it too. Since Nadal won the French Open again this year, Federer is going to have to work harder. Nadal is the only thing that stands in Federer’s way of a career Grand Slam. I think if he retires without the FO title, he will regret it.

The recent French Open tennis tournament news showed ATP number two Rafael Nadal after losing on clay to Juan Carlos Ferrero in Rome. Nadal has only lost one other time since 2005 and that was to long-time rival Roger Federer.

Nadal had several blisters on one of his feet and he was in pain and uncomfortable. He had his trainer tape his foot a couple of times during the match. Roger is probably hoping that Nadal will still be discombobulated during the French Open coverage so he can finally beat him on clay.

I am personally hoping that the French Open tennis tournament results show Roger getting the one trophy that has eluded him during his great career. He is now 26, which is old for professional tennis. And the French Open is the only trophy he has not won.

With the French Open quickly coming up, many tennis-enthusiasts are daydreaming about visiting Paris to view this wondrous tournament. I often wish that I could take my racket and play in Paris at the same time as the French Open.  Actually being in Paris when the French Open results are declared and the winner is set in stone would be a wish come true. However I will not be in Paris this spring so I will have to catch the French Open results on the broadcasts of the tournament.

I hope that the rain will hold off until the tournament is over. It really must be a nusance for the compettiors to have it storm while it’s their time to shine. I wonder if many of the results have been scewed because of inclimate weather. I guess there’s no way of knowing for sure so they’ll  just have to take their chances and hope that it stays sunny.

One thing that I don’t miss about my days as an avid tennis player is the physical endurance each player must possess. Not only do they play in set after set, the sun is glaring down on them. while this tournament is the most widely broadcasted tennis tourament, I would much rather watch on my own tv.

The marathon world record-holder said yesterday that he was unlikely to compete at the Beijing Olympics because China’s air pollution would damage his health.

The Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie, 34, is a favourite for a gold medal this summer but is likely to focus instead on the 10,000 metres because he suffers from asthma.

“The pollution in China is a threat to my health and it would be difficult for me to run 42km in my current condition,” he said. “But I am not pulling out of the Olympics altogether.”   Read more