http://www.tabletennis11.com/other_eng/tt-blade-stiga-rosewood-nct-vii#.U9XC5lCnros
Because I've always loved Stiga blades and believe they're the best bang for the buck.
Because it's definitely faster than my current blade.
Because all wood blades rock!
This is how I remember whose serve it is when acting as the umpire. In a best of 5 format, the one who serves first also serves first in games 3 and 5, the opponent serves first in games 2 and 4.
You break the rubbers in to a point where the gameplay will be consistent. Chinese rubbers are notorious for being unbelievably tacky when brand new but lose some of its tackiness after a few hours of play.