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

5 Reasons Why Everyone Hates the Yankees

Do you hate the Yankees? If you’re not a Yankees fan, then the answer is “yes.” Let’s take a look at five reasons why most people hate the Yankees.

Reason #5 – New Yorkers

People hate New Yorkers. If you’re not sure why people hate New Yorkers, it has everything to do with arrogance. Then again, perhaps it can be called overconfidence. Have you ever been to New York – The Empire State? Everyone has their head held high – too high. New York City might be the greatest city to visit, but this goes to New Yorker’s heads a little bit too much, especially Yankees fans, who have enjoyed more World Series titles than any other team.

Reason #4 – Legacy

Baseball fans might not want to admit it, but there is no chance that any other team will ever catch the Yankees in terms of success. That particular team would need to go on an incomparable run without the Yankees doing anything during that timeframe. This is highly unlikely considering the Yankees often have the most talented players in the league.

Reason #3 – Money

Whatever happened to winning fair and square? Okay, so the Yankees might play … Read more at FryingPanSports

Why I Prefer Not to Use Creatine Sports Supplements When Weight Training

Many of my contemporaries in the gym use a variety of legal sports supplements to help with their weight training and muscle mass gain.  I have used them in the past but now am completely committed to training and building up my muscle with no supplements.  I feel a lot better for doing so and have the peace of mind that I have achieved my muscle growth completely naturally with no artificial aids or sports supplements.

One of the most popular aids to weight training is something called the Creatine sports supplement.  Creatine helps to increase your muscle gain, but my experiences of using Creatine sports supplements have been negative.  I didn’t notice any visible muscle improvements in over three months of use, plus had some unpleasant side effects to using Creatine which included stomach cramps and frequent trips to the toilet.

If you are going to use a Creatine sports supplement then I would advise you always go and have a consultation at your local medical center.  They will be able to tell you if it is a good idea for you to take Creatine or not.  They will also help you look at other body building favourites including … Read more at FryingPanSports

Sports That Can Make You Fit

Fitness is one of the fast rising trends in the world today. Exercise and workout DVD’s, dietary supplements, fitness magazines, and the likes are out in the market to help people of different body types achieve their goal of becoming fit. One of the best ways to achieve fitness is by doing sports.

Sports involve physical athleticism. Thus, it can be very helpful in achieving a nice built. Muscles are being exercised plus calories are being burned. You will notice that all athletes have well-toned muscles. And, those muscles are not just for shows. Since muscles are being used constantly, it acquires strength that most non-athletic or gym buff people do not possess. Sports also improve reflexes that will help you avoid accidents in the future.

Sport is also a strategic and entertaining game. Thus, you will not only be fit with your body but also with your mind. Different sports teach different disciplines.

There are many sports that you can try. One of the best is swimming. It makes use of your limbs, helping them have a good shape. It also strengthens your lungs through exercised breathing. Swimming is not just for sports. It can actually help you survive … Read more at FryingPanSports