biz n buzz

I love watching concerts in the past. The Free Style and Side A band were among my top favorite performers. I normally save my two months allowance to get the priority seats right beside the VIPs.  You know why? When the crowd starts to dance with tune already, the marshals can’t control the people from coming closer to the stage or could hamper them from jamming with the band members. So I got a huge discount on that case.

Now things have changed. As an avid fan of tennis, my interest have shifted to this type of sports.  All I want is to watch live matches on the covered court or sports arena. Often times I purchase the tickets ahead to time so as not to get affected by hoarders. Proper timing is necessary in reserving for a good location to view game. It must not be too low or you’ll suffer from stiff neck nor too high as you can’t see the important details of the game anymore.

Online ticket reservations are often hassle free. For NFR enthusiasts Wrangler National Finals Rodeo tickets are reserved few months ahead of the main event. For me the best seats are always on the Center Plaza, Rows A-L, Sections 105-107, 116-118. Thousands of Americans and tourists enjoys watching courageous men on Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping (Headers), Team Roping (Heelers), Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Steer Roping, Barrel Racing, and Bull Riding of course as the highlight of the event.

I watch tennis major tournaments together with tennis playmates. Before the French Open 2008 men’s tennis finals we’re really excited to watch the tournament. This is because the third time that the worlds #1 player Roger Federer will meet again with worlds #2 Rafael Nadal king of the clay courts.

We finally settled to watch it from a nearby restaurant. We’re glad to see other tennis enthusiast there. We really expected Federer to play different and much better, but instead we’re frustrated to see a lousy, one-side match. Nadal really proves to be the better player in the clay courts and there’s no doubt about it. It’s really a pity that Federer got a love set in the final set which seems to be unlikely for a world #1 tennis player.

Anyway, we hope to see again in the future some action between the two players in the French open, but I hope when that time comes Federer will be playing against Nadal in a much better form.

It has been an exciting night for me and my other tennis buddies as we didn’t only braved the heavy rains just to watch the French Open quarter elimination round held in Roland Garros, Paris. Much more we have enjoyed the rest of night cheering for our fave stars. It is now the seventh quarter finals between David Ferrer vs Lleyton Hewitt, Gael Monfils vs Jurgen Melzer, Ivan Ljubicic vs Nikolay Davydenko and Roger Federer vs Mario Ancic for mens singles.

Among the male players I find it remarkably entertaining to watch the game of Davydenko and Federer vs their good clay court rivals. It is just sad that Davydenko got defeated by Ljubicic earlier. For the final match, I wish Federrer wins the game of whoever he will be facing.

Having lived in a Buddhist country had lead me to a better understanding on the ecological concern of Thai people. It’s not being converted but anonymously practicing their positive ways towards showing respect to nature and its creatures. In today’s Earth Day, some of the reflections and meditations I found from one of the well known channels has caught my attention.

“He who has understanding and great wisdom does not think of harming himself or another, nor of harming both alike. He rather thinks of his own welfare, of that of others, of that of both, and of the welfare of the whole world. In that way one shows understanding and great wisdom.”
Anguttara Nikaya, Fours, No. 18

Here is a whole new buzz to feature on my health and lifestyle section. In playing tennis it’s always necessary to put dampers on rackets as it absorbs the vibration before it reacts on hands or elbows. Initially before getting into the court I make sure that I am equipped with comfy apparels to keep going. My underclothes might not be as sophisticated like shock absorber bras, but I make sure that it’s good enough to give me comfort specially on hot weather.

It feels more confident to use conservative cut of shock absorber running short hiding underneath my skirt. This one on the left photo is made of stylish cotton-feel running shorts with built-in hot pants and handy back pocket. It has a deep waistband for added comfort and cut away sections at sides for cute flared look. A soft and supportive Meryl Actisystem fibres keep the skin dry with mesh panels for added ventilation. Attractively versatile pair of shorts for all types of exercise. Only for 24.99 GBP.

Another top quality sports apparel is this shock absorber “2 in 1” sports bra tank pump. A cute dynamic racer back sports tank in black with dark grey side panels. It has a very cool Integrated Shock Absorber bra support and adjustable side fastenings for comfort and removable padding to suit your shape. Chafe-free, breathable style with soft and supportive Meryl Actisystem fibres to keep the skin dry. A sports top that really has everything! Only for 33.99 GBP.

Here’s the buzz about the tennis racquet that interest me lately. I’m talking about Head Flexpoint (FXP) Radical Team. It is considered part of the HEAD Team which is a new product line for frequent players who are serious about tennis. As you can see in the photo below is has two flexpoints in the middle of the racquet which contracts as the player hits the ball.

HEAD Team is a line for players who want the main performance characteristics and design of HEAD’s pro tour models in products that help them make the most of their particular swing style.

FXP Radical Team - For frequent players who love the game will enjoy the FXP Radical Team. A similar design to Andre’s Flexpoint Radical with a lighter weight, larger headsize and a more open pattern. It’s everything you like in the tour version with the extra advantage you want to keep your game the best that it can be.

It’s on 50 % sale in Super Sports, Future Park Rangsit. Originally 10,000+ baht which is now sold at 5,100 baht with free tennis jacket worth 780 baht.

Head Flexpoint Radical Team
Details of FXP Radical Team in the photo:
Beam: 21,5 mm
Head size: 102 sq. in.
Weight: 9.9 oz / 280 g (50 g more heavier than my current Ti S4 extended)
Balance: 335 mm / 1 / 3” HL
Length: Standard, 27”
Colors: black/orange
Gripsize: 1-5 or 4 3/8
String Pattern: 18/19
String Tension: 54
Swingstyle: S1

See how the Head swing styles vary from L6 L4 L3 L1 S1 S2 S4 S5 S6 to S10 as reflected on the frame of Head rackets. Below you can identify what type of stroke you need to follow and what appropriate racket would fit your style.

I’m no expert in this racquet sport but I’ll try to explain my new findings in the simplest manner. This is about the satisfaction I get using Nike Free 7.0. I have already used it twice on the hard court. The barefoot sensation, flexibility and speed are the best I got so far. I love it…I super like the feel of using it in the court.

On my earlier blog I have mentioned that from Nike Free website (inside -The Evolution>> 7.0 >> Learn from the expert) this shoes are fine for tennis. I didn’t knew that they meant only tennis training.

If you feel you’re playing this sport like athletes do then quit thinking you’ll do better with it. Let me give you one reason why. This shoes doesn’t have good support for the ankle like other tennis shoes can do.

It reminded me of the unforgettable experience my friend had when she tried to learn tennis 3 years ago. Unfortunately the ligaments on her left ankle got torn so the doctor had to let it heal by placing a cement cast which lasted for a couple of months or so.

The ankle sprain and ankle instability are some of the common conditions that tennis players often encounter. But I’m no tournament player either. So that means I can use this shoes as long as I’m conscious enough not to run hard or else it will get ripped off in no time. Or maybe I must try considering the use of Aircast. This way I could support my ankle to prevent it from any injury.

Me and T had a little walk in Future Park before we proceeded to the Fitness First.  We were too early for the class so we decided to check the latest apparells in Super Sports. Looking at T’s shoes I told him that he better scout for a new replacement so he won’t slip in the tennis court again.  The tracks were already smooth like volleyball that it can’t hold much on the hard court. 

While helping him out, I got attracted to the grey, purple and white combination of the new arrival in Nike women’s section. Then I tried how it feels wear light shoes and it really feels like floating in the air.  I fell in love with it in a matter of 1 minute. Wearing Nike Free 7.0 is comparably similar to wearing Crocs, made up mostly of spandex.  Only then it is fully covered and with cotton materials that fits just right for a workout exercise.  I may not have a bouquet of flowers however this purple thing is definitely the most practical gift I have ever received for Valentines. *wide grin*