Business Today » Sports

Baseball Season in Minneapolis

Cliff — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 01:10:00 +0000

Last year, we were staying in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The weather there is crazy cold, indescribably cold. I don’t know why people live here. But, my boyfriend and I wanted to see The Minnesota Twins play baseball, yes baseball! Lucky for both the Twins and the Vikings, because they make their home in the Metrodome , it’s an all enclosed dome to keep the freezing snow out. It was March 31st, the first day of baseball season and Minneapolis just received 5 inches of snow!

At first I thought my boyfriend was kidding about watching a baseball game in Minneapolis, but he was very serious. The Minnesota Twins are his favorite baseball team. We made it to the Metrodome via the Hiawatha Light Rail, straight from the airport. So, we didn’t have to deal much with the very freezing weather conditions. We were really impressed with the Minneapolis transportation system. Very progressive and very efficient. We made it on half-price Tuesday, so we only paid $10 per ticket. Although, we were very disappointed because the Twin lost 9 to 1 to the LA Angels! Plus,the entertainment was somewhat lacking, the Twins mascot, a Bear was only on the field about 3 times, one time the Bear drove around in a golf cart, and another time the Bear shot t-shirts out into the crowd. We didn’t get shot at, which really would’ve been a great story to tell about how I was shot by a Bear.

The food at the Metrodome was surprisingly good. I got a half-pound Bratwurst hot dog, and that lasted me for the whole nine innings. My boyfriend had the Famous Daves BBQ chicken sandwich and he too had a hard time finishing the sandwich, it was big and messy. The only aspect of the food that let us down was the ice cream. We were hoping for a sundae served in a waffle cone with tons of chocolate syrup and whipped cream with a cherry on top, as the advertisement picture shows, but when we got to the counter, all they had was soft-serve ice cream!

After the game, we once again took the light rail to a downtown area where we could check into one of the better Minneapolis luxury hotels for the night. We made no reservations, this was a very last minute trip, where we barely had time to pack enough warm clothes for a one night stay.

This year, we planned ahead and have reservations at the same hotel and we purchased advance tickets online forthe March 18th game.

Baseball Season in Minneapolis is a post from: Business Today

Sports in Philadelphia

Cliff — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:48:18 +0000

One thing that is inarguable about the city of Philadelphia is the amount of passion that is contained, and sometimes not contained in its sports fans. Sports are a significant part of social orientation in this city as they are for major cities across the nation and it’s interesting to consider the culture of a city based on its orientation to sports. It becomes immediately obvious to guests in some of Philadelphia’s hotels how important sports are to the city. It’s equally interesting to consider city’s in relationship to their arts scene though to look at it in a combined fashion can sometimes be most interesting of all.

Philadelphia also has some amazing entertainment venues and cultural landmarks that contribute to its overall dynamic, atmosphere and cultural make up. It’s important to remember that this was once the second largest cultural, educational and commercial centers of the British Empire and it plays a prominent role in the development of the country. All of this early ambition, passion and cultural significance are expressed in the sports and arts communities of the city.

The Philadelphia Eagles are the city’s major football team and football is one of the more popular sports in the city. The Eagles have three NFL titles under their wings and have been in the Super Bowl twice though they have not yet won one. The 76ers are the NBA team for the city and this is also a popular sport. There are general sports fans and then there are sports specific fans and it’s interesting to find out which sport a particular person follows though they’re likely to be equally passionate about it regardless. Sports are an integral component of Philadelphian society as are the arts though the passion for them are expressed differently by the fans. It’s interesting that both aspects of society engage in important community make up and expressions for any city.

Sports in Philadelphia is a post from: Business Today

New York’s Ramones

Cliff — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:49:33 +0000

When it comes to five-star New York hotels, you’re talking about the finest of the fine. In the best city in the world, where cutting-edge design and beautiful customer service owe their origins, accommodations with flair and style are second-nature. There is always a bold attitude backed up by excellence, elegance, and a sixth sense for the finer things in life, in New York City. The hotels offer nothing less than the best of the city, and guests here will come to understand why this is the place where the trends are set. There is also a good deal of imagination and flair, to keep expectations high, and customer satisfaction even higher.

The inside of the hotels are as gracious and relaxing as the city outside is vivacious and unstoppable. Artists and writers for generations have been writing and otherwise trying to capture the heartbeat of the city, and the only thing for sure is that is does not rest. New York has every possible scene imaginable, and of course, as one would expect, attracts musicians from all over the world. One of the groups that manages to have the rhythms of New York is a band of local boys who made good, the Ramones. They were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, the year after Johnny Ramone died of cancer. This coda to the band’s history is a fitting bookend, a kind of royal ending to a pauper’s beginning.

Their first eponymous album came out in 1976, after they had been playing for just a couple years. They released three more records in the following two years, and between the records and the performances, their place in rock and roll history was already established. At least by New Yorkers’ high standards. The Ramones had knocked the socks off their audiences with their intensity and brashness, despite their lack of any particular technical skills. Playing loud and fast was their trademark, and they have set the bar extremely high in this regard. Their early shows lasted less than half an hour, and included more than a dozen songs. A song every two minutes would be their trademark until the band split up in 1996. One of the first real punk bands in the U.S., and early on in that movement in the world, they held their own for their entire career. To this day, the Ramones holds a place in history, with music that is holding up well in the test of time.

New York’s Ramones is a post from: Business Today

Goa Bullfighting

Cliff — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:30:07 +0000

Savvy world travelers are always impressed by the quality and style in the five-star hotels in Goa. There is a splendid sense of otherworldliness and luxury here, featuring a rich and heady combination of new-world state of the art technology, and old world graciousness and class. Hospitality is a long tradition here, and visitors will understand why Goa has been such a popular global destination for generations. It truly is a world-class city, where local culture and tradition is preserved, and international influences make their way into the daily life here, and its eclectic nature is rather intoxicating.

Goa has long been a haven for the counter-culture, and has a fascinating, and very complex, history. There is an incredible mixture of ideas and perspectives here, and they make for some lively interactions. There are also some interesting cultural productions, too. One of the more fascinating spectacles from Goa’s history is the bullfight. Banned officially since 1998, there has long been talk of rejuvenating the tradition, and it seems that every few years there is a push both for legalization and against the practice.

Goa Bullfighting some argue, has its roots from the Portuguese occupation during the colonial days. In practice, it’s very different than in other parts of the world. Here, bullfighting is more along the lines of cockfighting, where two bulls are put into a ring. They are then coaxed and prodded to go after each other, and the most desirable fight is when the bulls run toward each other until they knock heads. The bull who can stay in the ring wins, and the one who limps away is the loser. As expected, this practice has a lot of animal rights activists on guard, and it also has a number of proponents claiming that it is a long tradition, and the ones who raise the animals keep them as beloved pets. Whatever argument makes more sense, it is still an interesting phenomenon, one that stems from a vivacious culture.

Goa Bullfighting is a post from: Business Today

Madrid’s Carmen Maura

Cliff — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:39:54 +0000

In that enviable rank of five-star, Madrid hotels have a natural advantage over the rest of the world. It is one of the most splendid cities on the planet, in one of the most fascinating countries in the world. The hotels here are, not surprisingly, a generous combination of grace and luxury, with some of the most cutting edge design and outstanding customer service that give Spain a reputation for hospitality. The hospitality here is as remarkable as the culture, with a vast array of museums and galleries, and performance spaces that offer the best in world theatre, music, and dance. Then there are the sumptuous restaurants, offering the best in world cuisine, where all of these things of high culture can be discussed.

One of the icon’s of culture in Madrid is the actress Carmen Maura. She was born in Madrid and began her film work in 1969, with the short, El Espiritu. Carmen Maura has been in a hundred films since then, and has worked with most of Spain’s most prominent directors, making her one of the most visible faces in contemporary Spanish cinema. She has won multiple awards, including the European Film Festival Best Actress Award twice. The second time was for her work in Ay, Carmela!, where she played an entertainer during the Spanish Civil War. This was directed by one of the most important names in world cinema, Carlos Saura.

Her most popular work, however, has been with the extremely influential Pedro Almódovar. Almódovar met Carmen Maura when they were working on a theatrical production of Sartre’s Dirty Hands, and they worked together on his first film, Pepi, Luci, Bom, in 1980. There have been multiple projects since then, and her most famous work, perhaps, was in his Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, which brought them both international attention and acclaim. Her own position in the history of Spain, having turned 30 when Franco died, makes her a particularly apt actress for Almódovar’s films, because she lived through a time when the traditions of hospitality and chivalry were starting to show their seams. Identity and liberation were pushed to their limits under the old-world notions, and generations of young people around the world would look for possible escape routes where the individual could find possibilities rather than repression. It is this link that makes her work in his films so remarkable on a meta-cinematic level, and her expertise as an actress that makes them work in the purely artistic sphere. Her work is still going strong, and it will be fascinating to see what the next decades will bring for this magnificent artist.

Madrid’s Carmen Maura is a post from: Business Today

Andy Roddick: America’s Tennis hope

Cliff — Tue, 19 May 2009 18:36:02 +0000

American tennis player Andy Roddick was a little bit of the American tennis gem there for a little bit. After winning the 2003 US Open, he then reached three other Grand Slam finals. Two in Wimbledon and another US Open, he lost to Roger Federer each time. He has failed to reach the finals in The French Open and the Australian Open.

Roddick holds the record for the fastest serve ever recorded in professional tennis of 155 mph.

After his amazing 2003 season he then suffered a series of injuries and has been fighting his way back to world number on status ever since. He currently sits at number six in the world. But competition is fierce now.

Not to mention his tennis rival Roger Federer has been knocked out as the world number one, he still sits in between Roddick and the number one ranking. And then there is Rafael Nadal, who has just become a tennis powerhouse. He is going for his fourth consecutive title at The French Open this year.

The French Open has been a place of defeat for both Roddick and Federer.

Roddick has seen prosperity on the grass courts of Wimbledon, and could find that to be the surface he excels on and of course the US Open.

Time will tell if Roddick can ever regain his former number one glory.

Andy Roddick: America’s Tennis hope is a post from: Business Today

Water Sports in Goa

Cliff — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:23:41 +0000

There are beaches in a city of India that epitomize the true nature, the Goa luxury. Travelers from Europe found them long ago, and the rest of the world is traveling to this city as well, for a bit of relaxation on the tropical white sand. For many, a few days of rest gives way to the need for adventure. This is possible here in Goa, as there are many water sports and activities that offer a bit more speed, a bit more action. Most all of the activities on the water are best enjoyed from October through April. The seas are calm and the climate is perfect during this time of year.

For those wishing speed and exercise there are many opportunities for jet skiing and water skiing. Jet skiing is extremely popular off the shores in Goa. There are many locations to rent the machines along the beach. And although they are easy to operate, they do travel at high speeds. Instructors offer classes to those new to the sport. The beaches most popular for jet skis are Colva, Candolim and Aguada . Another high speed thrill is water skiing. During the season, the waters are calm and for beginners this is a great place to learn. There are instructors at most locations as well. Some of the best places to learn and to book some time out with a driver are Bogmallo Beach, Cidade de Goa, and the Taj Hotel.

Wind surfing and para-sailing are also becoming extremely popular. Both involve a bit of speed, a bit of strength and a bit of courage. Once one is able to operate a wind surf board, it can be a thrilling experience. This sport does take time to master, a very good sense of balance and coordination is required. Local experts advise the best time to try this out for the first time, and few times after that is in the early morning. Experts find it more exhilarating in the late afternoon and evening when the winds pick up. Best location for this sport is known as the beach at Dona Paula. Para-sailing, for para-sailing one must be comfortable with heights, as this sport gives the bird’s eye view of the landscape, the coasts and beaches and the water. This is a brilliant way to spend the afternoon and it is suggested that one brings the camera along with them. Baga Beach and Majorda are two popular sites to hire a driver to take you out, on the open water, in the clear, blue sky. In all, every water sport in Goa will leave one with the memories of a lifetime.

Water Sports in Goa is a post from: Business Today

Wimbledon Highlights on the Tennis Channel

Cliff — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:57:08 +0000

The Wimbledon tennis tournament is halfway through and it has been very exciting. Several promising players have already been knocked out of the tournament and several expected players are still in. That being said, Federer, the king of grass, is trying to win for a sixth straight year.

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, is going to try to win and he is playing very well since he won the French Open for a fourth time. He has been in the number two position for a while now and I think he would like nothing better than to knock Federer off and become the number one ranked men’s player.

I just hope that Federer wins the French Open before he retires.

Wimbledon Highlights on the Tennis Channel is a post from: Business Today

French Open Inspires Cardio-Stamina

Cliff — Thu, 22 May 2008 22:17:47 +0000

Few things in life inspire me the way athletes do. I am not much of an athlete and I would say that my cardio-stamina is lacking but I still love to try to improve. When I watch professional athletes, I always feel like I should try to be more like them. Watching the French Open tennis news coverage always inspires me to get out my racket and play a match or two.

I love, love, love to catch the French Open results and I always make bets with my husband to see who we think will win, versus who we want to win. I knew that Justine Henin would win that past two years and my husband owed me twenty bucks or so. Now last year her French Open scores were amazing. I don’t think she lost a single match. I wish that I could be that methodical and just play my heart out and win.

I also get inspired when I watch the Olympics and I see the runners or gymnasts, the divers or the swimmers. Most all of those athletes work so hard at what they do that they have little time for anything else. That inspires me to want to do more with my life and not be selfish about my time and it inspires me to be more physical.

French Open Inspires Cardio-Stamina is a post from: Business Today

French Open Tennis is Best of Grand Slam Tournaments

Cliff — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:16:09 +0000

I love playing tennis and I love watching it. I find that watching all of the Grand Slam tournaments keeps my personal game better because I get inspired by watching the athleticism.

I think the French Open tennis results decide who the best athlete is because the clay court makes it harder to play. The winner has to be able to really play because the ball is slowed down quite a bit.

I love watching all of them though. The Australian Open gets me pumped for the whole season. The French Open shows who is the best. Wimbledon brings elegance to the sport and the U.S. Open bring entertainment.

French Open Tennis is Best of Grand Slam Tournaments is a post from: Business Today