The View from the Umpire Chair: Not Always the Best Seat in the House

Typically, when we watch tennis matches we focus on the players; watching it on our television or, if we are lucky enough, from a seat in the stands. But do you ever wonder what a tennis match would look like sitting in the umpire chair?

Sitting in the umpire chair during a match not only gives you the best view but you are the final say on all calls; a rather powerful position.

Although sitting in the umpire chair gives a sense of authority, the view from the top isn’t always as great as you would think.

In September of 2011, many top tennis officials decided not to participate in the US Open and opted to give up their prime seat on the umpire chair.

The 2011 US Open raked in a record high $23.7 million in prize money with the tournaments total earnings exceeding $200 million. Despite the tournament`s high revenue,  the gold badge chair umpires, some who officiate at the legendary Wimbledon tournament, only make $250 per day sitting in the umpire chairs at the US Open; the lowest pay for any Grand Slam tournament.

A retired gold badge chair umpire, Norm Chryst, stated that, “The U.S. Open … Read more at FryingPanSports

The Grand National

It’s one of those races which pulls in visitors from all over the planet – The Grand National is an iconic horse race which punishes both horse and rider, with a long history of injury for both.

Origins of the Grand National

The Grand National, or simply ‘National’ is known throughout the world as one of the toughest horse races on earth, with terrifyingly tall jumps, ditches and water troughs which pose serious threats to both horse and rider. The original course was laid out by a local hotel owner, William Lynn and a local Lord, the 2nd Earl of Sefton.

There is actually quite a bit of debate over when the first race took place, with some saying that this happened in 1836, whilst the majority saying that races before 1838 happened on a different course. It is clear that in 1838-89 the small, local race turned into a national extravaganza when the railway arrived in Liverpool, enabling a large influx of visitors to the race and an explosion of publicity.

Further Changes

The Grand National captured the imagination of the public in the UK and worldwide, however the race wasn’t originally a handicap race. This was done after … Read more at FryingPanSports

Tonight on the radio version of News, Notes and Rumors

We continue all NFL draft all the time tonight.

Our friend Paul Banks owner of Chicago Sports Guru and the Sports Bank.com joins us to talk about the draft.

Eric Galko, Dir. Of Scouting for OptimumScouting.com, joins us to talk about my Browns Mock draft and what corrections it needs.

NOTE:  There will be no show on Wednesday. 

 

IF you want Browns draft coverage of the live draft, join us.

Thursday join us for our live draft coverage starting at 7:30 PM EDT.  John Tuzey, senior draft analyst for theHuddle.com will be my co-host and we will get live updates from the floor of the draft from Eric Galko, and Samantha Bunten.  We will also talk to Bob Karlovec as well.

Friday the coverage will begin at 7:00 PM EDT and my co-host will be Matt Waldman of

Rookie Scouting Portfolio.  We will cover rounds 2 and 3.

Saturday we will begin coverage at noon EDT.  My co-host will be Ken Becks of

1stdownscouting.com/1st down.  We will be on the air for as long as the voice of the old man (me) holds up. 

Our NNR Sportsims.net football league will start on May 2.  The league is free to Read more at FryingPanSports

Garage Bike Storage Solutions

Everybody who owns a garage vow at some point or other that they must sort out all the stuff and organized it so that it looks nice and everything is at hand when they need it. But because of the sort of things you have to store, garages tend to become extremely cluttered spaces. One of the worst culprits are the bikes. They look innocent enough and make you think they won’t take much space but they always seem to get in the way. So lets look at some garage bike storage ideas I came across in a consumer product reviews website so that you can store your bike efficiently and without it getting in your way.

That article I referred says it is best to put a bike in a shed of its own if you have any form of outside space in your premises because it will free up space in your garage. However since this isn’t a option for most people then you have to make the most of the space available in the garage by using a efficient bike storing method. There are several such methods mentioned in that article which include the following.

1) Use … Read more at FryingPanSports

Surfing Options- More Than Just The Sea?

It’s hardly surprising that surfing is a sport adored by many. Whether you are successfully propelled towards the shore or instead, wiped out and plunged into the sea, aiming to mount an epic wave crest at just the right moment can be an exhilarating experience.

There are a few problems however, that make the sport less enjoyable in the winter months.

The technology of wetsuits has undeniably come a long way, with the best ones able to keep surfers warm in the extremist of cold temperatures. Wetsuit hoods are also available to help prevent painful “brain freeze”, though some people find these uncomfortable attire. You’ll have to peel yourself out of the suit eventually too and the delay between removing said suit and clambering into warmer garments can be unpleasant in bitter winter climates and can even promotes colds and/or flu.

The surfing aficionados that do face the icy temperatures to get their wave-riding fix also potentially face an ailment – appropriately named “Surfers ear” – in which surfers’ ears grow small, bone-like bumps inside the ear canals near to the eardrums – a defence mechanism of the body to keep the cold water and air out. Ear canals can … Read more at FryingPanSports