Wimbledon

Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man has been watching the Wimbledon Championships. In particular, I really appreciate the preparation and maintenance of the grass courts. I share some information about Wimbledon.

Since the first Championships in 1877, Wimbledon has grown from its roots as a garden-party tournament to a Grand Slam tournament with a following of millions around the world. Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam tennis event still played on grass. As a professional tournament it attracts an attendance of around 450,000 people and through press, radio and television, a following of hundreds of millions throughout the world.

The Lawn Tennis Championship Meeting — the Championships — comes under the joint management of The All England Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) and The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). The All England Lawn Tennis Club is a not-for-profit organisation. The funds generated by The Championships, less tax, are used by the LTA to develop tennis in Great Britain. The Club has 375 full members plus a number of honorary members, including past singles champions and people who have rendered distinguished service to the game. In addition there are about 100 temporary members who are elected from year to year. These members are active players who are in a position to make regular use of the Club and to play in Club matches during their period of membership.

The Club grounds consist of 19 grass courts (including the Centre Court and No. 1 Court), five red shale courts, three Continental clay courts, one American clay court and five indoor courts, (two Greenset Velvelux and three Greenset Trophy). For Wimbledon 2008, there are 18 courts in total (Centre + Nos 1-19, except for Nos 12 & 13 removed as part of preparatory works for the remodelling of southern end of the grounds). The courts are prepared in a similar manner each year to produce the highest quality playing surface for the world’s best players in the modern game to display their full range of skills. That means the courts must have even and consistent bounce, as well as the ability to withstand prolonged wear and tear for a minimum of 13 days. The courts are sown with 100% Perennial Ryegrass (since 2001) to improve durability and strengthen the sward so that it can better withstand the increasing wear of the modern game. Independent expert research from The Sports Turf Research Institute in Yorkshire, UK, proved that changing the grass seed mix to 100% Perennial Ryegrass (previously 70% Rye/30% Creeping Red Fescue) would be the best way forward to combat wear and enhance court presentation and performance without affecting the perceived speed of the court. The grass plant itself has to survive in this dry soil. Expert research has again shown that a cut height of 8mm is the optimum for present day play and survival. The height of cut has been at 8mm for the past 13 years. The amount a ball bounces is largely determined by the soil, not the grass. The soil must be hard and dry to allow 13 days of play without damage to the court sub-surface. To achieve the required surface of even consistency and hardness, the courts are rolled and covered to keep them dry and firm. Regular measurements are taken to monitor the surface. If the court is too soft, when the players run, jump and slide, the pimples on their shoes will damage the surface and increase the chance of an irregular bounce. Unlike other surfaces grass is a living plant in an outdoor environment when weather varies throughout the year. Weather conditions in the run up to The Championships will have some effect on the way the courts ultimately play. The atmosphere can also have an effect on the ball which will seem heavier and slower on a cold damp day and conversely lighter and faster on a warm dry day. Paint is not used to mark the lines on the court. A transfer wheel marker is used to apply a white compound (500 gallons used yearly) containing china clay to make it durable. All the lines are 50mm wide, except the baselines, which are 100mm. There are 160 Court Coverers who are trained two weeks prior to The Championships. It is gradual training, which then builds up on the speed. Safety is paramount, but speed essential – approximate timings 22-28 seconds. (Source: The Official Web Site of Wimbledon 2008)

Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man would like to be invited to Wimbledon as the Official Yard Safety Super Hero! Think before you cut. It hurts! Be yard safe!

Richard T. Mudrinich
Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man
http://www.rescuerick.com

Summer YSAD

Today is Saturday, June 21, 2008. It is the First Day of Summer 2008. It is another Yard Safety Awareness Day (YSAD). YSAD? I am sad because I am thinking about all of the people who had yard accidents and got hurt or died. I celebrate because I want to create awareness so that other people can be rescued from yard accidents and live safe lives. Actually, Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man celebrates Yard Safety Awareness the first day of each season. Yard safety awareness exists all year long across all different season throughout the world. Please take a moment and learn more about yard safety. Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man is here today so that yard accidents go away. Think before you cut. It hurts! Be yard safe!

Richard T. Mudrinich
Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man
http://www.rescuerick.com

Dangerfield

I can relate to Rodney Dangerfield, the American comedian and actor best known for the catchphrase "I don't get no respect." Likewise, I don't get any respect either. Actually, Rodney received much more demand and respect than me. Nonetheless, there is danger in the fields. Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man is an innovator and inventor of various yard safety concepts, products, and services. Furthermore, nobody really cares about yard safety. It is pathetic. Think before you cut. It hurts in many many ways!

Richard T. Mudrinich
Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man
http://www.rescuerick.com

Daddy Day

It is FATHER'S DAY this Sunday, June 15, 2008. It is important for FATHERS around the world to teach their children about yard safety. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Also, I want to offer my condolences and sympathies to those individuals and families whose fathers have passed away.

In particular, I want to take a moment and reflect and pay tribute to my dad, Robert N. Mudrinich (December 22, 1930 - November 13, 1995). My dad died November 13, 1995. My dad was the greatest man that I have ever known. He was Christ-like in many ways, and he was very resourceful and patient. He reached out to those less fortunate as well as those more fortunate. He was self-taught on many levels. He was an innovative and inventive genius. My dad really was a super hero. Therefore, it is no wonder that I want to save the world from yard accidents. My dad would have been the biggest fan and ingenious supporter of the Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man yard safety advocacy. Now, my dad lives with Jesus; his body rests in Morefield Cemetery located in Hermitage, Pennsylvania. My dad was a saint. He would have worn a Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man T-Shirt around town with pride until it was threads. In many ways, I do not think that my dad would be surprised by my passion to reach out to other people. He would embrace Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man, while some others think I am just an idiot. I wish that he still lived on Earth. I miss my dad. I really loved my dad. He was a great man. Before I die, I want to ride a lawn mower across America and then continue around the world. I want to be buried in my Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man super hero costume.

If my dad was alive today, the Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man yard safety campaign and its various products and services would have already reached the entire world. Please visit the Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man website http://www.rescuerick.com for additional information.

In short, I want FATHERS to learn about yard safety. I want MOTHERS to learn about yard safety. I want FAMILIES to learn about yard safety. I want CHILDREN to ask their PARENTS about yard safety. Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man is here today to promote yard safety awareness and rescue individuals, families, and institutions from yard accidents.

In addition, Richard Mudrinich is a father as well - a father and pioneer of various yard safety characters, products, and services. His nickname is Mud. Some people think that he is backwards, yet he is not Dum(b). He is Mud - Man of Unexplained Desire.

Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man (Richard T. Mudrinich) is the father and inventor of yard (garden grass grounds landscaping lawn mowing turf) safety footwear, including boots, galoshes, overshoes, and shoes. He is the father of yard safety educational concepts, tools, and venues, including apparel, artwork, coloring and activity books, comic books, software, media, etc.

Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man has given birth to a family of characters to educate and entertain folks on his yard safety awareness message. It all started with Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man after Mud had a severe lawn mower accident that resulted in the partial amputation of his left foot. Next, Tripod the Dog become the faithful sidekick of Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man. Tripod has three legs after experiencing a yard accident as well. Furthermore, MowBoVatar was born as an ambassador to the technology communities and venues as part robot and part avatar programmed with the mission to broadcast the yard safety message. The Twin Blades were introduced to represent the economic, environmental, and humanitarian challenges that exist between commerce, health, and public interest with regards to the fragile balance of saving the people versus saving the company. Army Armadillo was born to highlight the need for personal protective equipment. Toxy Turfy advocates yard chemical safety. Shaky focuses on health and machine vibration concerns. Zilch is a number man who keeps count of yard accidents and dreams of the number zero when the goal of zero yard accidents is finally achieved. There is still work that needs to be done. Moreover, Mud is the father of Yard Safety Crusaders - a growing group of concerned citizens around the world who want to communicate the yard safety message.

In addition, Mud is a serial social adventurer and father of festive informative characters. While in college, Mud created Captain Junk Food and the Four Food Groups to promote healthy nutrition and a balanced diet.

Furthermore, Mud is Richard Mudrinich as well - probably the biggest most complex character of them all. Think. Dream. Think some more. Be whatever character you want to be. Be yourself first. Live.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! I MISS MY DAD!

Richard T. Mudrinich
Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man
http://www.rescuerick.com

Graduation

Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man attended a high school graduation ceremony last evening. After the commencement ceremony, I mentioned to several people that yard safety awareness might be added as a requirement for getting a high school diploma. Then, I mentioned my yard accident and offered to show my reshaped left foot. Later, at a dinner celebration at a local restaurant, I was asked who I am and what I do for a living. In essence, my string was pulled, and Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man provided yet another unique experience of education and entertainment.

Furthermore, I enjoyed hearing the commencement speeches providing perspectives, reflections and visions. Indeed, Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man has lived a very unique life. I recognized the opportunity for Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man to speak at graduation ceremonies to impart some education and entertainment to the graduating class, guests, and officials. In short, Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man would deliver a great and inspirational speech.

Actually, Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man gave a commencement speech to some yard safety crusaders last night. It was a wonderful experience.

Be yard safe! Think before you cut. It hurts! Educate and graduate! Congratulations!

Richard T. Mudrinich
Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man
http://www.rescuerick.com