When it was first announced that the 2010 World Cup Tournament was going to be held in South Africa, many people were concerned with the state of the political sector, the crime, the lack of adequate services be that transportation issues and enough boutique hotels.  South Africa was relying at that time on the taxis and minibuses, and that would not have been able to support the thousands of fans and spectators that will hit the cities of Johannesburg and Capetown for the games.

However last week, in the largest South African city, Johannesburg, the rapid transit bus system was rolled out.  The city had the goal of rectifying this problem far ahead of the date for the games, to ensure the prospective travelers and tourists of the world that yes, South Africa is safe and yes they are prepared.  The previous system was a bit sketchy as the buses themselves were run down and dilapidated, and were known for their large number of horrible crashes over the years.

The new buses are painted bright red and blue with detailed steel and metal work and glass.  They make quite a different impression than the older deadly fleet of buses.  The buses cost less to ride than the taxis, they are quicker, cleaner and safer.  These new buses were the cause of controversy when they were first in the planning stages, as the bus drivers and the taxi drivers threatened to protest.

This did nothing for the city of Johannesburg, and created an environment in which people from neighboring villages were afraid to come into the city.  But the opposition by the other drivers did not stop the city, and now the results are astounding.  The bus ride from the neighboring town of Soweto will now be almost half the cost that it was previously.  Now the city is working on still violent threats made by the taxi drivers, and their goal is to reach a solution far in advance of the beginning of the World Cup.

Grand Slam tennis tournaments refer to four different tennis tournaments: The French Open, Wimbledon, The US Open and The Australian Open.

They are called Grand Slams because in 1938 Don Budge won all four tournaments. The term originated from American writer Allison Danzig, who wrote that like a bridge player, Budge scored a ‘Grand Slam’ of victories.

The phrase started to become popular, but the Grand Slam events were in no way affiliated with one another until in 1989 when a committee was formed. This committee now forms the rules of all four Grand Slam tournaments.

Pete Sampras has won the most singles men’s Grand Slam titles with 14 titles total. Sampras, however, never did win a French Open title. Margaret Court has won the most on the ladies side with 24 titles to her name.

Only two men have won all four events in one year, Budge in 1938 and Rod Laver in 1962 and 1969. Three women have taken all four titles in one year, they are: Maureen Connolly in 1963, Margaret Court in 1970 and Steffi Graff in 1988. Graff also went on that year to win a gold medal in the 1988 Seoul Olympics; her 1988 season is referred to as “The Golden Grand Slam.”

Well, it’s the most wonderful time of year once again folks. No, not Christmas, nor that magnificent holiday, Thanksgiving. No, it’s time for the French Open and I say, screw presents and turkey, give me that sweet sweet clay. With Rafael Nadal coming off of his #1 tennis ranking last year, there’s no doubt that Roger Federer would love to take down his rival where he has shown himself unparalleled.

However, these two giants of the tennis world still have to struggle against some wild cards out to see them both go down. Novak Djokovic has certainly shown himself capable, confident, and adaptable; although Nadal has always put him in his place on clay. Andrew Murray has shown the world he can take down both of these champions and claims clay is his favorite court-type, possibly an idle boast but perhaps not. Moving on to the women’s side of the bracket, there is still going to be a bit of a power vacuum going on.

With Justine Henin’s retirement last year, it’ll be time for a new queen of clay to establish a reign. Ana Ivanovic is defending her title, but she also seems to be struggling a bit this year. Dinara Safina is going strong so far and showed last year that she can manage on clay, perhaps this time she‘ll deliver. Whatever the outcome is, remember that celebrating with public drunkenness and exposure lands you in trouble, don’t learn that one the hard way like I did last year.

Surf legend Jake Paterson of Australia and Paul “Hutty” Hutson, CEO of Quiksilver Southeast Asia, recently conducted a whirlwind tour of Phuket in anticipation of the upcoming Thailand Surf Series. The two were hosted by the Phuket Boardriders Club and their visit included inspections of surf venues as well as meetings with Wichai Phraisa-ngop, the Governor of Phuket, and the Deputy Mayor of Patong, Chairat Sukban.

The Thailand Surf Series is a progression of competitions featuring international surfers. It will be held on Phuket island. The goal of the series is to both promote and develop surfing in Thailand, including amateurs as well as professional. The event hopes to showcase rising Thai talents in the sport. Organizers would like to see future competitions in Thailand, including local and regional events as well as more international competitions.

Hutson and Paterson also wanted to emphasize the outreach of such events, especially with regards to issues such as keeping beaches clean. Hutson stated, “We would like to bring together local hotels, lifeguards and government officials to promote public awareness and a shoreline cleaning initiative at local surf beaches.”

The series should also bring a boast to local businesses throughout the summer. Phuket best hotels are usually within easy reach of the beaches and there are numerous restaurants and shops that will benefit from the influx of surfers and fans.

Individual events include the Jun “Monsoon Riders” competition on Kalim Beach and the “King of the Jungle” held on Kamala Beach in August. The final event of the series, the “Island Crown” will be held in September on Kata Beach.

The Surf Series will be the first such event for Thailand. Quicksilver is the leading sponsor of the series.

Spain and the islands surrounding the mainland in the Mediterranean have been tourist destinations for all of Europe for some time. Partly due to the weather, which remains temperate, for the most part, all year around. However, for those living inland, the summer temperatures get quite high, thus sending everyone running for the coasts. Temperatures inland can reach upwards of 115 Fahrenheit, and living in Phoenix, Arizona one can say that anything over 105 gets pretty uncomfortable on a day after day basis in the summer months. There are many beaches on the coast of the mainland and on any of the surround Balearic Islands that can offer up some relief and relaxation.

There are popular locations, filled with parties and dancing and there are also some more secluded area where one can really get away from it all. Most of the locals in town will close up shop and just head for the coast. For the die-hard tourist though, no need to worry, the most popular museums and galleries and other hot-spots remain open. Some beaches are filled with tourists such as Costa Blanca, but others are filled with the locals just escaping the heat. In all of Europe the most famous beach in the city is La Concha. This beach town in Spain shares the border with France and is fast becoming more populated and chic, but still a great place to get away to and remains pristine and beautiful even as it sits aside a big city.

If getting of the mainland suits one better, than anyone of the islands is the perfect choice. Take the island of Ibiza, known for quite a night life scene, there are many options for getting out and getting away. The island is small and any destination is just about 15 minutes from next. If where you are is not where you want to be, it’s a quick trip to get to where you would rather be. There are many options for water-sports and sunbathing as well as the perfect 5 star hotel Ibiza offers. This island has more than eighty different beaches to choose from. Everything from whale watching, to nude beaches to beaches specifically designed to provide fun for the whole family.

This year’s Giro del Capo runs from March 4th through March 8th. The event, first held in 1992, takes place in the Western Cape province of South Africa, in and around Cape Town, South Africa.

Historically, the Giro del Capo was a five-day stage race. This year, the format has been changed to be in alignment with UCI regulations. It will comprise four single day events. Each will be a UCI category ME 1.2 race. The result is a larger prize for each day’s events. The official name of the event has been changed to The Pedal Power Association (PPA) Cape Argus Giro del Capo Challenge.

Thirty teams are expected to compete in the Giro del Capo, including a record-breaking thirteen international teams. Teams can enter up to six racers in each day’s event. Races will be held on March 4-6 and March 8, with a rest day on Saturday, March 7th.

Sunday’s event, the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour is a 109 km circuit. It is the world’s largest individually timed cycling event and is expected to draw large crowds as well as media coverage.

Look for the Cape Town South Africa hotels to be filled with cyclists, reporters, officials, and fans. Likewise, restaurants and other businesses on the Giro route look to cash in on this growing world event.

Roger Federer has been ranked number one in men’s tennis for the past four years. He does not want to lost his position but it has been threatened this season, mostly due to Rafael Nadal. These two have a longtime rivalry which makes for very exciting matches. Nadal won the French Open and then the Wimbledon this year. After the summer Olympics, the U.S. Open tennis tournament takes place.

And the U.S. Open tennis coverage is sure to spotlight both Federer and Nadal. One is on his way out of professional tennis and the other seems to just be warming up. It will be exciting to see these two players in the finals, which most predict they will be. It will also be interesting to see how all of the professional players fair since there will not be much of a break from the Olympics to the U.S. Open.

America’s best shot for a tennis metal lies with the Williams sisters. Venus and Serena are both exceptional players and they are both going to the Olympics. It will be interesting to see if they play each other in the finals because that is what happened at Wimbledon. I wonder how their father feels when his daughters play each other. Either way, the 2008 tennis season is only starting to get exciting.

The Roland Garros 2008 tennis tournament is sure to be very exciting as women’s singles 3 times consecutive winner Justine Henin-Hardenne tries to set a new record by being the only woman in the open era to win 4 French Opens in a row. She has faced opponents like Ana Ivanovic (2007), Svetlana Kuznetsova (2006), and Mary Pierce (2005). It will be a surprise to see who she faces in the French Open 2008.

The men’s singles winner from 2007 was Rafael Nadal. He also won in 2005 and 2006. He too looks forward to setting a new record with consecutive French Open championships. He has faced Roger Federer the past 2 years and the world of tennis wonders if they will face off for the third time. After all, Nadal is known as the "King of Clay."

The clay courts slow down the ball and it produces a high bounce compared to the other types of courts, namely grass and hard. The French Open is very physically demanding because the playing surface is slow and there is no tie-breaker for the five-set men’s singles matches.