Closed door event: ATP Finals in London pushes through

Image source: atptour.com

The effects of COVID-19 are experienced all over the world, across all industries. Regardless whether the virus has mutated into a lesser version of its original form or not, strict health and safety protocols are to be followed, still. The ATP Finals in London was held in O2 Arena behind closed doors, housing players and their teams in a bio-bubble, says Vijaya Prakash Boggala.

The United Kingdom has recorded more than one million COVID-19 cases, urging British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to announce a national lockdown anew. Other countries such as Austria, Portugal, and Greece have announced a lockdown for the second time around. The new lockdown protocols set in the UK are stricter than the first one as it requires all non-essential businesses to close. People are advised to stay home to prevent the further spread of the virus.

Even with stricter lockdown measures, the ATP was certain about pushing through with the Finals. The tennis governing body followed every health protocol set by the government and ensured the fans that all safety measures were conducted throughout the year-end tournament.

According to Vijaya Prakash Boggala, the Nitto ATP Finals should have been a feast for fans of lives sports, having Roland Garros 2020 Men’s Champion Rafael Nadal, world No.1 Novak Djokovic, and rising stars US Open 2020 Men’s Champion Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Diego Schwartzman, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Andrey Rublev playing the best tennis at one of the sport’s grandest stages. Tennis icon and former world no. 1 Roger Federer skipped this year’s ATP Finals to focus on recovery and the rehabilitation of his knee. 

Image source: list.co.uk

 
Vijaya Prakash Boggala writes medical abstracts and has contributed to the 2011 article, “A mortal case of moonshine.” Currently residing in Greensboro, NC, Vijaya Prakash Boggala is a fan of live sports such as tennis, basketball, and cricket. For more updates, head over to this page.

The GOAT debate: Is it Federer, Nadal, or Djokovic?

The term GOAT, or greatest of all time, is generally used in the sporting world. In tennis, the GOAT debate has been ongoing since Roger Federer broke Pete Sampras’ record for most Grand Slam titles. Some folks try to include others in the running, referencing other wins, not Grand Slam titles alone. 

Many long-time tennis fans are quick to turn to Federer as the GOAT, mentions tennis fan Vijaya Prakash Boggala. Rafael Nadal comes second due to his rivalry with Federer. Another contender for the crown is Novak Djokovic, with the most number of ATP Tour Masters 1000 titles. However, when it comes to fan love, Grand Slam titles, and overall respect, Djokovic falls short of being in the race for being named the sport’s GOAT.

True fans of the sport are tired of the GOAT debate, as certain players are the greatest during their time. The idea that only one reigns supreme in the sport is a selfish, unedifying concept, mostly unfair to other players. While even professional tennis players have their favorites, they are quick to defend the efforts of other pros included in the GOAT debate.

The rest of the sport would be in hot water should the debate continue. The three have definitely elevated the sport to incredible heights, but considering only three names to be the GOAT discredits all the achievements the sport’s legends have achieved. While rankings and statistics never lie, picking a GOAT would be a subjective thing. 

 

Vijaya Prakash Boggala writes medical abstracts and enjoys a variety of arts and DIY projects. He loves watching live sports, particularly tennis, basketball, and cricket. For more updates like this, head over to this page.

Doing photojournalism during the COVID-19 pandemic

he COVID-19 crisis will go down as one of the more historic moments of our century like the Spanish Flu was during the last one. Although it’s a tough time to go out because of the dangers of contracting the virus, now is the time to go out there and take pictures. Each shot we take at this time is a piece of history, according to Vijaya Prakash Boggala.

Image source: https://cpj.org/

Image source: reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk

The question is, how do you perform photojournalism during this pandemic? The photographers at the International Journalists Network served up a few best practices on how to take pictures on the field.
First and foremost, photojournalists should always mind and obey safety protocols like social distancing and wearing masks. No one should go out on a limb just to take a great shot. The good thing is there are now many devices that enable a photographer to take shots from afar like long lenses. You should also prioritize spending as little time shooting outside. This means you will have to thoroughly plan your work so you get in and get out fast.
When going on assignments or photography trips, preparation is key. Make sure you carry a first aid kit or medical supplies with you at all times. Aside from this, you should also keep up with the research on the COVID-19 virus so you can anticipate developments on the field while shooting on site.
You should mind how you treat your subjects. Make sure you’re honoring and capturing their dignity. Avoid increasing tension during an emergency and take shots only at calmer instances.
Finally, make sure to check your own condition to see if you’re feeling well. Reporting your own health may save the life of other photographers, your subjects, and your team, Vijaya Prakash Boggala adds.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala has written medical abstracts to published medical literature. He is also into painting, photography, and DIY projects. For similar reads, visit this blog.

Most difficult paintings styles to replicate

The world of visual art is known for great artists and the techniques that led to some of the world's greatest pieces of art. While some artworks are easily replicated, others are just downright impossible because of the level of difficulty the technique requires to make the said artwork. Avid painter Vijaya Prakash Boggala claims that these are some of the most difficult painting styles to replicate.

Naturalism: Best exemplified by William-Adolphe Bouguereau in his renditions of the human figure, naturalism takes years of training and a natural ability to master. There is a reason why the nude figure was considered the pinnacle of the achievement in the Royal Academy of France. Just the attention to detail alone and the depiction of the human figure makes it nearly impossible to replicate.

Abstract Expressionism: Looking at a lot of works of Jackson Pollock may give one the idea that merely splashing some paint on canvas can be considered art. While it does to a degree, not knowing the techniques behind the paintings of Pollock makes the assessment juvenile. One might come close to the style of Pollock, but creating a replica cannot be done.

Impressionism: One would think that because impressionism doesn't use a lot of fine details, it would be easier to replicate. However, according to Vijaya Prakash Boggala, there is a great difficulty behind the many impressionist styles in the art world. Impressionism combines the use of color and value to create images that don't necessarily rely on fine details.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala spends his spare time watching live sports, developing his skills in the arts, and working on DIY projects. He enjoys painting, favoring the use of oils and acrylics on different media. If you want to read more about art, visit this website.

NBA teams close facilities ahead of Orlando comeback

Image source: disneytouristblog.com

On July 7 to 9, NBA teams are set to fly to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando for the association’s comeback. Should players miss the mandatory testing for COVID-19, they will be forbidden to travel with their teams, and must arrange flights and drives for themselves to Orlando.

The Milwaukee Bucks reportedly shut down their training facility prior the scheduled fly out to Orlando after a round of COVID-19 tests taken Friday, July 3rd, came back with an undisclosed number of positive results. Vijaya Prakash Boggala says other teams like Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and Brooklyn Nets have closed down their training facilities following a series of positive results for the virus.

Image source: espn.com

Prior to playing in Orlando, a player must test negative twice before receiving a go signal from medical authorities, a provision stipulated in the league’s health and safety guidelines. Players who will fly or drive out privately to Orlando will have to test negative twice before heading to Walt Disney World Resort. Should they hop onto commercial flights, players are required to have a record of three consecutive negative COVID-19 test results to make it to the games, mentions Vijaya Prakash Boggala.

While entering the NBA “bubble” in Orlando requires a long list of health and safety precautions, the comeback is not regarded as a premature move for the league as strict protocols are being observed. In addition, autonomous decisions regarding training, testing, and self-isolation carried out by teams ensure the safety of players and other NBA officials.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala loves watching live sports like basketball, tennis, and cricket during his spare time. For more updates from Vijaya Prakash Boggala, click here.

Interesting photography subjects during this pandemic

This pandemic has shown us a different side of people, cities, and society in general. As we all gather ourselves in search of the new normal, photographer Vijaya Prakash Boggala believes that photography can give us a clear picture of our current situation and possibly what comes next. If you want to flex your photography skills today, here are some interesting subjects you can take on during this pandemic, provided you follow all necessary safety protocols such as wearing a face mask and follow social distancing rules.

Image source: weforum.org

Image source: theatlantic.com

Cityscapes
Streets are empty, there are hardly people around, and it looks like the setting of an eerie movie. Photographers can highlight the beauty of empty spaces, cityscapes that are devoid of humans as subjects. It’s also an opportunity to take photos of nearby sights that are often filled with people before the pandemic hit.

The new normal
Through photographs, we can define what the new normal is; people walking a safe distance from one another, people working from home, designated standing spots in supermarkets. Your photos can show how society is adjusting to the impact of COVID-19.

Food photography
A lot of people have taken to the kitchen to learn how to cook or bake. You can do the same and learn how to plate well as well as photograph your works. This small challenge can really help you improve your lighting skills, as well as photo editing skills if you like manipulating your shots in a computer.

Nature photography
Given that people have been avoiding nature-rich locations like national parks, Vijaya Prakash Boggala believes that nature photography would reflect something new. Here, we can see nature reclaim, heal, or even revert back to its original form.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala writes medical abstracts and has contributed to the 2011 article “A mortal case of moonshine.” In his spare time, he watch live sports and works on painting, photography, and DIY projects. Visit this website for more reads on Vijaya’s interests.

How the NBA helps its community during a health crisis

NBA was among the first sports associations to cancel its season due to COVID-19. The league’s announcement regarding the season’s suspension was followed by questions about the welfare of stadium workers and team staff who are usually paid by the hour.

Image source: nbanbcsports.com

Image source: cbssports.com

Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks owner, led the movement to support stadium workers who will lose their hourly income as a result of the suspension. Following Cuban’s statement, other teams announced their plans to assist their workers as well. Vijaya Prakash Boggala mentions that Cuban’s program to provide for their stadium workers financially inspired other sports associations to follow suit.

According to sports and communications analysts, the NBA is in the position to help and speak out for others, something team owners and players have acknowledged and embodied throughout the years. On top of having programs in place for non-salaried arena workers, NBA and Major League Baseball teams pledged donations to local food banks, emergency food services, disaster relief operations, food banks, hospitals, and other medical institutions. NBA player Jeremy Lin donated $150,000 to UNICEF to aid in the fight against COVID-19, shares Vijaya Prakash Boggala.

Rudy Gobert, the first player in the NBA to test positive for COVID-19, pledged to donate $500,000 to different causes; $200,000 will go to game-day employees, $100,000 to families in Oklahoma affected by the virus, $100,000 to families in Utah for the same reason, and 100,000 euros to France, his native country. Reported or unreported, many NBA stars are helping their communities, and the nation fight COVID-19 in their own ways.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala writes medical abstracts. He also enjoys watching live sports like basketball, tennis, and cricket. Visit this blog for more updates.

Five photography projects to take on during quarantine

With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the world to slow down, there’s really nothing left for one to do but to stay home to prevent the virus from spreading. Businesses came to a halt, and events, regardless of the number of attendees, were postponed or canceled, giving photographers free time to improve on their skills and reinvent themselves.

Image source: iphonephotographyschool.com/

For some people, self-isolation is reintroducing them to their love for music, film, literature, and other art forms. The same should go for photographers. Days spent on quarantine don’t have to be boring. It’s the perfect time to brush up on food photography skills. Grab the simplest ingredients in the cupboard and practice composition and lighting, says DIY and photography enthusiast Vijaya Prakash Boggala.

Take on the A-Z photography challenge. Shoot a subject that corresponds to every letter of the English alphabet. The most challenging subjects will be the ones that start with letters X and Z. During quarantine, dedicate a day to learn to shoot oil and water. A photographer can focus on learning macro photography skills with this project. To play around with lighting, shoot by candlelight. Remember to include the candle in the frame to let the viewers understand the composition, says Vijaya Prakash Boggala.

Image source: boredpanda.com

Paint with light. Since this is a long exposure shoot, don’t forget to use a tripod for the whole duration. Draw around the subject, and create string lights as background. Staying at home for an extended period should fuel one’s creativity, not block it.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala writes medical abstracts and has contributed to the 2011 article “A mortal case of moonshine.” He is currently developing his skills in photography. For more updates, follow this Twitter page.

The different kinds of paint artists can use for their projects

Image source: Pexels.com

During his free time, medical abstractor Vijaya Prakash Boggala dabbles in art and photography. These pursuits are a great way to use one's creative energy. It's important to have the right materials to create good work. For visual artists, this means using the right kind of paint. What are the types of paint commonly used by artists?

Acrylic: For artists on a budget, acrylic is usually the best option. It can also be used on paper, canvas, wood, and even metal. Those who want a water-based material for projects can use this type of paint. Kids can also use this paint for quick and fast-drying DIY projects. However, brushes must be cleaned immediately after use for the paint can harden the bristles.

Image source: Pexels.com

Oil: Artists have been using oil-based paint for centuries. This kind of paint produces rich pigments perfect for creating texture. According to Vijaya Prakash Boggala, one needs to be careful when using oil as it can be messier than other types of paint. It can also take a long time to dry. This kind of paint blends well, allowing artists to improve details on their work further.

Watercolor: This kind of paint is probably the most commonly used among beginners. Watercolor is paint suspended in a water-based solution. While most artists use this paint with paper, this can also work with fabric, wood, and leather. The transparent layer it creates is also suitable for blending and layering.

Understanding when and how to use different kinds of paint will help artists find the most suitable type for their project. Practicing with paint help in polishing the skills of artists of all levels.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala writes medical abstracts for a living. Aside from doing art projects, he also enjoys watching live sports such as cricket, basketball, and tennis. Subscribe to this blog for more updates.

Can Coco Gauff win more titles in 2020?

Coco Gauff made waves when she reached the fourth round of Wimbledon, placing her as the youngest woman to reach the second round of a major since 1996. She became a crowd favorite during last year’s Wimbledon, and her succeeding wins enabled her to carry the fans to a new level of tennis.

Image source: thebiglead.com

Currently ranked No. 71 following her pilot WTA singles title, Gauff has all eyes on her as she trains and tries to grab more titles in 2020, says tennis fan Vijaya Prakash Boggala. Gauff finished 2019 with a doubles title in Luxembourg Open with Caty McNall, even with WTA’s age eligibility rule, a provision that limits the number of tournaments women under the age of 18 can play. Unlike most teens her age, Gauff isn’t looking forward to her sweet 16. Instead, she is on the lookout for major titles.

Image source: wtatennis.com

More than the driving privileges she will gain when she reaches 16, Gauff can participate in two more tournaments in 2020. With a ranking like hers, a player can gain entry into Indian Wells in March. Exhibition matches are not included in WTA’s age eligibility rule, allowing Gauff to participate in a few matches in 2020.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala says that Coco Gauff can play more tournaments in the future, including the Olympics and Fed Cup, given that she qualifies for them. Following a successful run in 2019, Gauff certainly is a player to watch out for.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala writes medical abstracts and have contributed to the 2011 article “A mortal case of moonshine.” In his spare time, he watches live sports and works on painting, photography, and DIY projects. Head over to this page for similar updates.