Family Circle Cup - One of Charleston's Best Kept Secrets

What is one of the best-kept secrets for tourists (or locals) in Charleston?

Family Circle Cup - Number One City

Which city was voted the Number One City in the United States in Conde Nast’s Reader’s Choice Awards for the 4th time in 2014?

Family Circle Cup - If I See Just One More Pineapple on a Home or Business...

What’s with all the ornamental pineapples?

Shameful...Exactly, Nothing But Shameful

Someone or a group of degenerates stole adaptive bikes owned by the non-profit Ride 2 Recovery last Tuesday from a storage unit at the Naval Medical Center San Diego.

I am a Navy veteran and also a cyclist and this equates to kicking the crutches out from under an injured person.

Cycling is very therapeutic for many wounded veterans. Fortunately I do not suffer any disabilities from my service, but I do know well how cycling can help those of us who do so simply to get away and only focus on the road or trail and what's ahead.

Imagine not being able to get a court and drill with a favorite hitting partner, get a match up with some friends or even go out and have some solo time with a backboard.

Shameful, truly.

Read the article.

Isotonix Activated B-Complex

Mosquitos, Gnats and Dryer Sheets...Go Figure

Aside from tennis, I've played many field sports, which come to think of it, really has not much to do with this topic.

Mosquitoes, gnats and some other flying irritants which have little else to do in their short-lived lives, but to simply irritate us humans (and other animals), can make life or your time out-of-doors less than enjoyable.

You may be walking your dog, walking to your car after work or simply enjoying a beautiful day beyond the environmentally enhanced confines of your home. They, these perpetrators of misdemeanors, almost felonious acts, don't always show up, but we've all been there.

If you are out hustling on the court, throwing these little devils off by not presenting an easily accessible landing strip for which upon they will either annoy you or draw blood from your body, then they usually go without notice and find tamer, more docile victims better suited for their assault - those less mobile at the time: friends, family, off-court teammates, any spectator.

What’s in Your Bag?

Everybody has something going on in the pockets of this carrier of tennis equipment and perhaps a whole lot more.

What's in yours? Let us know! (Use the comment form below.)

Here’s what is in mine:

Main Pocket

3 Prince EXO³ Rackets

2nd Pocket

Way too many loose balls (bound for the hopper), 2 cans of tennis balls

1st Side Pocket
Two sweat towels

Water bottle (Blue)

A shoe bag – never used

A rather obscene object some clown tossed in my bag at Moose League, but it’s great for a laugh between matches.

A zipper pouch I haven’t looked in (glad I just did) for years, which has:

• A spray bottle of sun block which I have never used along with a packet of Capri Sun Sport Drink powder mix stuck to it.
• A tube of IcyHot with a packet of Capri Sun Sport Drink powder mix stuck to it. Another tube of IcyHot barely used.
• A bottle of eye drops
• One adhesive bandage (the outside of the package seems more adhesive than the bandage probably is – some liquid got loose in here)

2nd Side Pocket

Pair of shoelaces (this is one of those tough things to come by quickly when needed – I have never used them), lip balm, roll of medical tape (handy, but doesn’t work so well on broken rackets)

Another Side Pocket (the working pocket)

• Cell phone, wallet, keys
• Three empty sunglasses pouches (not sure why)
• Note pad, pens and business cards (you never know)
• A Huggie (Koozie to some) with a drink ticket in it from a recent tournament

So take a look in your tennis bag and let us know What’s in Your Bag. You may be surprised.

The Wilson tennis bag I have been using for over 7 years is still doing great - nothing broken.

University of Minnesota's Identity Crisis - What is That?

University of Minnesota Police Department Suspect Sketch Artist and Eye Witness:

"So the suspect had one nose, two eyes and a mouth. Any ears?"

"Yes, two of them."

"Great, we're done here"

"Wait. I believe the person I saw was male."

"Can't use that...sexist."

"Okay, he was about 5'5'' and weighed about 260."

"Nope. Sounds obese. Can't use that either."

"Well, he was dark skinned and..."

"Stop right there! That's racist."

"No. He has this really great tan. It's my roommate."

"Alright mister. That’s quite enough out of you. Now you’re stating the obvious and we don't allow that here."

"Whatever."

Read the Story

Grigor Dimitrov Takes a Dive in Mexico

I'm not certain if Grigor ever dove from the cliffs in Bulgaria bordering the Black Sea during his youth and although Monte Carlo (his current home) is quite hilly, the terrain somewhat tapers toward the sea, so the odds are unlikely there.

But, if he (somewhat) apparently chose not to launch from from the top of the cliff and chose a more sane perch at a lower altitude, this was probably a rather wise decision being that he's defending his title at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel.

We know he won't take a dive in the tournament.

Check out the video.

   

Are Your Tennis Members Having Fun?

Back in the mid-90s I had the good fortune of being a resident and club member of Raintree, a country club in Charlotte, NC.

This was probably one of the best times I ever experienced as a member of a community and as a tennis player.

Back then we had two 18-hole golf courses, a 19th hole, as well as an upstairs dining patio overlooking one of the 18th holes, fitness facilities, locker room with lounge, swimming pool, another restaurant and one large party/convention/meeting area.

Oh, and a killer tennis membership and staff. It was a blast. Charlotte was growing, booming and there was plenty to do in the city and surrounding areas, yet most of these events and activities usually had to fall into my lap to gain my attention because my wife and I were never without something to do down on the tennis courts or with our tennis friends.

Happy New Year!

Inspiring Words at an Otherwise Difficult Time

One of our web site owners took the time to post the following to his web site.

Not much else need be said by us.

"It's cold and as I type it is raining out.  Yet, I know within me that it is good to be here, good to have friends and family, and I am thankful.  Today I learned that a friend of ours lost her son in a car accident, he was a good guy and very talented. He was 32.  These, things are tragic and painful, but I hope in light of it we can pause for a minute at least, to realize how lucky we all are.  We are lucky to have each other, and have something in common that we all love, enjoy, and brings us together i.e. tennis.   Tennis to me, is more than something I do, it is who I am.  I love everything about it, and moreover, love its people."

read on >>

Tennis Logos To Go

We've offered customized and personalize logos for quite some time at The Motto Shop, but this was only for clothing and accessory purchases. 

Now you can create your own Designed Standalone Logo for you to use on clothing, in print, your web site, etc. 

If you're a pro you may want to do so for branding your business, giveaways, tennis camps, academies or whatever event to put your stamp on it and gain exposure.

Team captains may want to use these for their teams and perhaps to show appreciation or brag a little for post season wins.

There are plenty of reasons, just get a little creative.

Hover to control the slideshow or click to view the album.
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What a Dish...washer

I love to cook - it's creative, social and comes in quite handy when one needs something to eat. This evening I made the main course for my mother along with two items she does quite well, Cole slaw and seasoned baked potatoes. Actually she is a good cook and does quite well at preparing most any dish.

The Cole slaw is a simple combination of white and red cabbage, a three to one ratio roughly, mixed in with just the right amounts of mayo, white or balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. All the cabbage is rough cut as this is not simply a side dish – it’s meant to be heartier in this case.

The potatoes are always baked, but prior they are hand rubbed with extra virgin olive oil and kosher salt. This makes a world of difference as these spuds are baking and even more so once the fork hits your mouth.

USMC vs South Korea in Drum Line Battle

Here they are, the United States Marine Corps, not representing the United States as occupiers and conquerors, but as competitors and perhaps comrades from a war and people we fought for and with, South Korea, in another country which we fought against, Japan.

It's odd how history (our history) show's how our intent and humanitarian efforts shine through the years even after having to or doing the most horrific things most of us would not wish for anyone.

We are not a country of occupiers and conquerors, even at times when perhaps being so would have made some type of strategic or economic sense.

So here we are, sparring in a drum line fight with the South Koreans, both sides giving praise to the other. 

I love how the USMC leader summarizes the performance, "It's a tie".

Belgian Waffles, U.S. World Cup Soccer, Football and Wimbledon

Julian Green of the U.S. celebrates after
scoring a goal during extra time.
(REUTERS/Michael Dalder)

Well, I would be lying if I said, "I really know what's going on at Wimbledon." Except for a few updates...okay, I'd still be lying.

There's something much larger going on right now and I can't be bothered with tennis, a sport I love so much. 

Another sport, soccer, is having its World Cup right now. I began playing soccer as a child down here in the South when most people were clueless if you mentioned the sport of soccer and you dared calling it football. I was selected for the All-State team and went on to college to play and I should have looked at other colleges I didn't know were looking at me (long story). But, I never called soccer, football. There's good reason - to prevent confusion and also to avoid some angry fans of the other game I also like, from making ignorant comments about the one I was playing at the time.

Happy Memorial Day - Honor Our Fallen

We know Memorial Day, on this given day, as a U.S. holiday, but many other countries have their dedicated times to remember those who gave their life serving their country as well.

As a child I enjoyed Memorial Day for several reasons: It marked the end of school and the unofficial beginning of summer; most events took place outdoors and it was getting warmer; and you could enjoy most all the American comfort foods if your family and family-friends adequately varied the menu.

Who cared about moderation? I was going to burn off the hamburger, hot dog and potato salad and baked beans way before going back for barbecue chicken, mac-n-cheese, salad and watermelon. The final snack/meal was raiding the coolers and/or refrigerators with some friends to see what we may have missed.

My father served in the Korean War and I gobbled up all the old war flicks, had my share of GI Joes and played Army more times than I can remember.

I never heard my father's stories until well into my teens (rightfully so) and I definitely wasn't mindful of politics, casualties and death (by so many means) in my youngest of years.

Breast Cancer Cause Donations

The following information is for all those concerned with the donation which will be made to a breast cancer organization or charity by us (on behalf of our customer) for purchase of our breast cancer cause line of clothing, Win the Battle!

C. Robert "Moose" Kahle Passes On

Moose, C. Robert Kahle, founder of the in/famous Moose Tennis League, passed on, not away, December 31st, 2013.

I didn't know what to think of Moose at my first Moose League outing. I didn't need to - he's a humble, inviting and witty guy.

And, I didn't and still don't know much about Moose. Again, I don't need to, didn't necessarily want to. He's that kind of guy.

Up On the Rooftop, Ouch, Ouch, Ouch

Many years ago, several business associates and I attended a trade show in Dallas and were asked by our boss to come down a few days early to enjoy ourselves while he and the CEO were to play a few rounds of golf with some customers. 

We didn’t spend an ounce of time surveying our accommodations at our hotel upon arriving and soon headed out the lobby doors to explore Dallas.

A Toadal Surprise in the Christmas Tree

I put up the Christmas tree, a modest Frazier Fir with good shape, a few days ago and we were in no hurry to do any decorating of the tree that night.

After waking up the next day I began to walk down the hallway and here was this little green guy (girl perhaps) just in front of me on the carpet.