Federer on fire in hot Miami…also March Madness!!

Posted on March 23, 2014 by admin

Roger Federer is on fire in the muggy heat of Miami…I will have what he is having!  He is looking good!  Still have to say, 80-90 percent humidity, not for me…that 80 degrees plus with no humidity in the California desert last week was sublime!  Speaking of sublime, Mr. Roger Federer is playing some sublime tennis, had the shot of the tournament today in his victory over T. de Bakker of the Netherlands, 6-3, 6-3.  Roger must have had dinner plans for sure as he made quick work of this match.  Mirka was sitting along side Anna Wintour (editor of Vogue) and Mr. Edberg was also in attendance…sounds like a nice dinner party to me!!  Earlier on the stadium court, Andy Murray made quick work of F. Lopez (the one his mother thinks is SO HOT!), 6-4, 6-1.  Andy said in his post match interview that he had enjoyed such great success over Lopez (a lefty) since he grew up playing with his brother, also a lefty.  Has not had that much success when it comes to that lefty named Nadal!  Anyhow, great match for Andy and interestingly, Ivan Lendl was there to watch.  The two parted ways prior to the start of the tournament so go figure?  Speaking of Nadal, he breezed past “Rusty”, ie. Leyton Hewitt last night, 6-1, 6-3.  Heard the commentators mention that they had seen Federer catching a bit of Rafa’s first match a couple of day prior.  Interesting…first I have ever heard of Fed watching an opponent’s match.  Now, Rafa has certainly been know to attend Roger’s matches, but that was a first as far as I know.  Continuing with last night’s results, Stan the man Wawrinka needed three sets to advance and Donald Young and John Isner of the USA also went the distance, with Isner prevailing.  Tommy Haas has withdrawn from the tournament due to a shoulder injury (hate to hear that) and Juan Martin del Potro has announced that he will undergo surgery on his left wrist and miss six months of action.  Such a shame for Del Potro…missing both Indian Wells and Miami and now this news released.

On the women’s side, Sharapova also needed three sets to advance, dropping the second set in a tie break but coming back to take the match 6-2 in the third.  Today, world number 1 Serena William played a very sloppy match, 40 plus unforced errors, but prevailed over Caroline Garcia in three sets, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.  Big sister Venus is taking the court now to face Casey Dellacqua of Australia.  (GO VENUS!)  Li Na advanced today in two sets, 6-3, 6-3 over Madison Keys of the USA and A. Radwanska continues to show no ill effects from the left knee injury as she cruised over Vesnina of Russia, 7-5, 6-3.   Also, entertaining match on the men’s side took place between Baghdatis and Tsonga with Tsonga winning in three long sets, 4-6, 7-6, 7-5.  Great effort by Marcus but the flamboyant Frenchman moves on!

Interesting match tonight between Sloane Stephens of the USA vs. Caroline Wozniacki (Rory Mcilory’s fiance!).  Also, Novak Djokovic will take on F. Mayer of Germany.

Moving to that tourney, March Madness, Dayton continue to roll, first Ohio State, last night taking out Syracuse of the ACC!  WOW!  Michigan advanced and Michigan State took out the Harvard “hotties” 80- 73, ending their upset run.  And how about Stanford, beating Kansas at the buzzer, 60-57.  (This just continues to decimate my bracket!)

At the half, Wichita State (undefeated regular season) leads Kentucky by six points, 37-31.  We all have heard Kentucky whine about their “tough bracket”, even Ashley Judd, the former Mrs. Dario Franchitti (are they or aren’t they?) and Kentucky alum and loyal fan complained on Kimmel, but the Wildcats are holding their own in the first half.  Wichita State is GOOD!!

Back later with this final!

The perfect season for Wichita State comes to an end…Kentucky wins 78-76.  What a game!!  ( I actually had this upset in my bracket!!)


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Federer on fire in hot Miami…also March Madness!!

Posted on March 23, 2014 by susan

Roger Federer is on fire in the muggy heat of Miami…I will have what he is having!  He is looking good!  Still have to say, 80-90 percent humidity, not for me…that 80 degrees plus with no humidity in the California desert last week was sublime!  Speaking of sublime, Mr. Roger Federer is playing some sublime tennis, had the shot of the tournament today in his victory over T. de Bakker of the Netherlands, 6-3, 6-3.  Roger must have had dinner plans for sure as he made quick work of this match.  Mirka was sitting along side Anna Wintour (editor of Vogue) and Mr. Edberg was also in attendance…sounds like a nice dinner party to me!!  Earlier on the stadium court, Andy Murray made quick work of F. Lopez (the one his mother thinks is SO HOT!), 6-4, 6-1.  Andy said in his post match interview that he had enjoyed such great success over Lopez (a lefty) since he grew up playing with his brother, also a lefty.  Has not had that much success when it comes to that lefty named Nadal!  Anyhow, great match for Andy and interestingly, Ivan Lendl was there to watch.  The two parted ways prior to the start of the tournament so go figure?  Speaking of Nadal, he breezed past “Rusty”, ie. Leyton Hewitt last night, 6-1, 6-3.  Heard the commentators mention that they had seen Federer catching a bit of Rafa’s first match a couple of day prior.  Interesting…first I have ever heard of Fed watching an opponent’s match.  Now, Rafa has certainly been know to attend Roger’s matches, but that was a first as far as I know.  Continuing with last night’s results, Stan the man Wawrinka needed three sets to advance and Donald Young and John Isner of the USA also went the distance, with Isner prevailing.  Tommy Haas has withdrawn from the tournament due to a shoulder injury (hate to hear that) and Juan Martin del Potro has announced that he will undergo surgery on his left wrist and miss six months of action.  Such a shame for Del Potro…missing both Indian Wells and Miami and now this news released.

On the women’s side, Sharapova also needed three sets to advance, dropping the second set in a tie break but coming back to take the match 6-2 in the third.  Today, world number 1 Serena William played a very sloppy match, 40 plus unforced errors, but prevailed over Caroline Garcia in three sets, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.  Big sister Venus is taking the court now to face Casey Dellacqua of Australia.  (GO VENUS!)  Li Na advanced today in two sets, 6-3, 6-3 over Madison Keys of the USA and A. Radwanska continues to show no ill effects from the left knee injury as she cruised over Vesnina of Russia, 7-5, 6-3.   Also, entertaining match on the men’s side took place between Baghdatis and Tsonga with Tsonga winning in three long sets, 4-6, 7-6, 7-5.  Great effort by Marcus but the flamboyant Frenchman moves on!

Interesting match tonight between Sloane Stephens of the USA vs. Caroline Wozniacki (Rory Mcilory’s fiance!).  Also, Novak Djokovic will take on F. Mayer of Germany.

Moving to that tourney, March Madness, Dayton continue to roll, first Ohio State, last night taking out Syracuse of the ACC!  WOW!  Michigan advanced and Michigan State took out the Harvard “hotties” 80- 73, ending their upset run.  And how about Stanford, beating Kansas at the buzzer, 60-57.  (This just continues to decimate my bracket!)

At the half, Wichita State (undefeated regular season) leads Kentucky by six points, 37-31.  We all have heard Kentucky whine about their “tough bracket”, even Ashley Judd, the former Mrs. Dario Franchitti (are they or aren’t they?) and Kentucky alum and loyal fan complained on Kimmel, but the Wildcats are holding their own in the first half.  Wichita State is GOOD!!

Back later with this final!

The perfect season for Wichita State comes to an end…Kentucky wins 78-76.  What a game!!  ( I actually had this upset in my bracket!!)


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Mr. Federer to serve in Miami

Posted on March 21, 2014 by admin

Mr. Federer to serve in Miami…as the Sony Open gets underway in full swing.  Roger won his match today over the big serving Croatian I. Karlovic, 6-4, 7-6.  Fed looked very good, very few unforced errors, hit the ball crisply and served quite well.  Karlovic is a tough out so that was a good win for Federer to start his play in Miami.  Very cute moment shown on TV in the tunnel before taking the court, Fed getting a “good luck” kiss from very pregnant wife, Mirka (due in July with their third child).  Novak Djokovic had little trouble today, advancing over J. Chardy of France, 6-4, 6-3.  Chardy made it a bit more of a match in both sets, coming back from a break down in the first before succumbing and then injuring his ankle in the final game of the second set.  Andy Murray will take to the court later tonight against Ebden.  David Ferrer returned to tournament play with a easy win over Gabashvili, 6-4, 6-0.  Rafa must not begin his action at this event until tomorrow (#1 seed, #1 in the world).  Federer has not played this event in a couple of years so he can pick up some much needed points headed into the clay court season…the road to Roland Garros (French Open).  He trails David Ferrer (#4) by a mere 100 points and fellow countryman Stan Wawrinka (#3…that just sounds weird) by around 600 points.

On the women’s side..Azarenka is not in action due to her injured foot.  After her poor performance at Indian Wells due to the injury, she has wisely decided to recuperate and sit this one out.  Jankovic, Vinci, and Bouchard (the Canadian darling of the Australian Open) were all upset today.  A. Radwanska showed no effects from her injured left knee (suffered in the final at Indian Wells) and easily defeated Oprandi of Switzerland, 6-0, 6-4.  Her movement was superb and she looks to be in fine form.  Li Na advanced into the third round thanks to a walk over.  Serena Williams (#1 seed and world #1) won yesterday as did Sharapova and big sis Venus is in action tonight.  Hope Venus has a good tournament, she should be feeling very confident after winning in Dubai (her first tournament win in quite some time!)

In the “Dance”, some upsets!  Harvard (hotties) are at it again, taking out Ohio State.  Also, Texas took out Arizona State last night.  And today, DUKE LOST!!  They fell to Mercer, 76-71.  My bracket is officially busted…I had Duke in my final four!

So. until tomorrow…have a great night!


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Mr. Federer to serve in Miami

Posted on March 21, 2014 by susan

Mr. Federer to serve in Miami…as the Sony Open gets underway in full swing.  Roger won his match today over the big serving Croatian I. Karlovic, 6-4, 7-6.  Fed looked very good, very few unforced errors, hit the ball crisply and served quite well.  Karlovic is a tough out so that was a good win for Federer to start his play in Miami.  Very cute moment shown on TV in the tunnel before taking the court, Fed getting a “good luck” kiss from very pregnant wife, Mirka (due in July with their third child).  Novak Djokovic had little trouble today, advancing over J. Chardy of France, 6-4, 6-3.  Chardy made it a bit more of a match in both sets, coming back from a break down in the first before succumbing and then injuring his ankle in the final game of the second set.  Andy Murray will take to the court later tonight against Ebden.  David Ferrer returned to tournament play with a easy win over Gabashvili, 6-4, 6-0.  Rafa must not begin his action at this event until tomorrow (#1 seed, #1 in the world).  Federer has not played this event in a couple of years so he can pick up some much needed points headed into the clay court season…the road to Roland Garros (French Open).  He trails David Ferrer (#4) by a mere 100 points and fellow countryman Stan Wawrinka (#3…that just sounds weird) by around 600 points.

On the women’s side..Azarenka is not in action due to her injured foot.  After her poor performance at Indian Wells due to the injury, she has wisely decided to recuperate and sit this one out.  Jankovic, Vinci, and Bouchard (the Canadian darling of the Australian Open) were all upset today.  A. Radwanska showed no effects from her injured left knee (suffered in the final at Indian Wells) and easily defeated Oprandi of Switzerland, 6-0, 6-4.  Her movement was superb and she looks to be in fine form.  Li Na advanced into the third round thanks to a walk over.  Serena Williams (#1 seed and world #1) won yesterday as did Sharapova and big sis Venus is in action tonight.  Hope Venus has a good tournament, she should be feeling very confident after winning in Dubai (her first tournament win in quite some time!)

In the “Dance”, some upsets!  Harvard (hotties) are at it again, taking out Ohio State.  Also, Texas took out Arizona State last night.  And today, DUKE LOST!!  They fell to Mercer, 76-71.  My bracket is officially busted…I had Duke in my final four!

So. until tomorrow…have a great night!


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Wednesday, Surviving “Paradise” day! and so much more!

Posted on March 19, 2014 by admin

It is Wednesday (I think) and that means Surviving “Paradise” day…the day I unabashedly promote my book Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver.  Please check it out at Amazon.com!  It is available for $8.99 in paperback, $4.99 in kindle edition, and $4.99 at Barnes and Noble nook.  It is a very funny, entertaining read about a southern woman who relocates to Sarasota, FL full of excitement, only to be met by a ridiculous set of people and circumstances.  Think neighborhood mayhem and multiply it by however many times you like, I guarantee you that it is impossible to match this level of “craziness”!  It is full of witty humor and satire.  So, give it try, I think you will like it!Surviving Paradise

Now, I have to admit I am sad to be back in the ATL after such a wonderful experience in Palm Springs, CA and at the Paribas Open in Indian Wells, CA.  It is so BEAUTIFUL there.  And such a great vibe, I really hope to be out there permanently someday soon!  Again, a few pics, of just how happy I was and also, think “Mr. Federer to serve”!meatIndianWells1IndianWells6

Meanwhile, it seems UGA is up to it’s usual shenanigans.  Four players arrested for “theft”.  Interestingly, they participated in spring practice according to reports.  I guess we will wait and see what happens in this latest incidence of UGA players behaving badly.

In the midtown school better know as Georgia Tech, a very bright and ambitious student did what is very difficult, took the “T” off the TECH tower…making it shine brightly as…ECH for a few hours.  Apparently there are so many security measures involved in protecting the much beloved landmark, not to mention the weight and measurements of the “T”, that only a brainiac GT student could pull this off.  Sadly, the youngster is in police custody although students are calling the individual a “hero”.  Well, I don’t know about that but it was “clever”!  The “T” will be replaced and life will go on at the school UGA refers to as the “joke by Coke”.  Um…I trying to think in light of these two stories which school is the “joke”?

Everyone got those March Madness brackets filled out?  I fear mine is not so good.  I sat down and in a jiffy, just went for it.  I have a final four of Arizona, Florida, UVA, and Duke.  I have Florida vs. Duke for the title with Florida winning.  Gee…I don’t know.  Should I have gone with Arizona?  What about the Dukies?  Then there is Michigan!  Oh well, too late now so we will go with it and enjoy the action and see how it all unfolds.  The dance begins officially Thursday (tomorrow, I think, remember, I am still on PT!).

Back to tennis…action is getting underway at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne.  Really surprised to see Roger Federer decide to play this tournament at the last minute.  Then again, since he has no points to defend here since he did not play last year (or the year before) why not pick up some points and keep moving back up in the rankings if all goes well?  Have to say, really glad I went to see him in California.  I have done Miami, thanks but no thanks.  Still, should be great tennis as most all of the big names are there on both the men’s and women’s side.  The Williams sisters have rejoined the party so Serena will have to be dealt with in Miami.  Look for her to come on strong after skipping Indian Wells.  Also, big news broke today that Andy Murray has parted ways with his coach Ivan Lendl after just two years.  Hum…  Word is that Stefan Edberg is is the house and was seen practicing with Roger!  Good news!

Tonight, another new episode of Nashville airs on ABC at 10:00 pm EST.  This year is taking us on quite a ride of new and unexpected twists and turns.  Another ABC hit I love, The Following with Kevin Bacon!  Just watched my DVR and caught up!  OK folks, if you missed this week’s episode I will tell you now, stop reading…spoiler alert…Claire is ALIVE!! Love this show.

Until later…

Update:  Apologies…Nashville will not give us a new episode until next week!  Bummer!  Oh well, tennis is on most of the night on tennis channel?  Sorry!


Posted in Blog, celebrities, events, football, gossip, Human Interest, pop culture, rumors, sports figures, Surviving "Paradise", susan shaver, Susan Willoch Shaver, Tennis, tv shows | Comments Off on Wednesday, Surviving “Paradise” day! and so much more!

Wednesday, Surviving “Paradise” day! and so much more!

Posted on March 19, 2014 by susan

It is Wednesday (I think) and that means Surviving “Paradise” day…the day I unabashedly promote my book Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver.  Please check it out at Amazon.com!  It is available for $8.99 in paperback, $4.99 in kindle edition, and $4.99 at Barnes and Noble nook.  It is a very funny, entertaining read about a southern woman who relocates to Sarasota, FL full of excitement, only to be met by a ridiculous set of people and circumstances.  Think neighborhood mayhem and multiply it by however many times you like, I guarantee you that it is impossible to match this level of “craziness”!  It is full of witty humor and satire.  So, give it try, I think you will like it!Surviving Paradise

Now, I have to admit I am sad to be back in the ATL after such a wonderful experience in Palm Springs, CA and at the Paribas Open in Indian Wells, CA.  It is so BEAUTIFUL there.  And such a great vibe, I really hope to be out there permanently someday soon!  Again, a few pics, of just how happy I was and also, think “Mr. Federer to serve”!meatIndianWells1IndianWells6

Meanwhile, it seems UGA is up to it’s usual shenanigans.  Four players arrested for “theft”.  Interestingly, they participated in spring practice according to reports.  I guess we will wait and see what happens in this latest incidence of UGA players behaving badly.

In the midtown school better know as Georgia Tech, a very bright and ambitious student did what is very difficult, took the “T” off the TECH tower…making it shine brightly as…ECH for a few hours.  Apparently there are so many security measures involved in protecting the much beloved landmark, not to mention the weight and measurements of the “T”, that only a brainiac GT student could pull this off.  Sadly, the youngster is in police custody although students are calling the individual a “hero”.  Well, I don’t know about that but it was “clever”!  The “T” will be replaced and life will go on at the school UGA refers to as the “joke by Coke”.  Um…I trying to think in light of these two stories which school is the “joke”?

Everyone got those March Madness brackets filled out?  I fear mine is not so good.  I sat down and in a jiffy, just went for it.  I have a final four of Arizona, Florida, UVA, and Duke.  I have Florida vs. Duke for the title with Florida winning.  Gee…I don’t know.  Should I have gone with Arizona?  What about the Dukies?  Then there is Michigan!  Oh well, too late now so we will go with it and enjoy the action and see how it all unfolds.  The dance begins officially Thursday (tomorrow, I think, remember, I am still on PT!).

Back to tennis…action is getting underway at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne.  Really surprised to see Roger Federer decide to play this tournament at the last minute.  Then again, since he has no points to defend here since he did not play last year (or the year before) why not pick up some points and keep moving back up in the rankings if all goes well?  Have to say, really glad I went to see him in California.  I have done Miami, thanks but no thanks.  Still, should be great tennis as most all of the big names are there on both the men’s and women’s side.  The Williams sisters have rejoined the party so Serena will have to be dealt with in Miami.  Look for her to come on strong after skipping Indian Wells.  Also, big news broke today that Andy Murray has parted ways with his coach Ivan Lendl after just two years.  Hum…  Word is that Stefan Edberg is is the house and was seen practicing with Roger!  Good news!

Tonight, another new episode of Nashville airs on ABC at 10:00 pm EST.  This year is taking us on quite a ride of new and unexpected twists and turns.  Another ABC hit I love, The Following with Kevin Bacon!  Just watched my DVR and caught up!  OK folks, if you missed this week’s episode I will tell you now, stop reading…spoiler alert…Claire is ALIVE!! Love this show.

Until later…

Update:  Apologies…Nashville will not give us a new episode until next week!  Bummer!  Oh well, tennis is on most of the night on tennis channel?  Sorry!


Posted in Blog, celebrities, events, football, gossip, Human Interest, pop culture, rumors, sports figures, Surviving "Paradise", susan shaver, Susan Willoch Shaver, Tennis, tv shows | Comments Off on Wednesday, Surviving “Paradise” day! and so much more!

Back from Indian Wells! My oh my!

Posted on March 16, 2014 by susan

Hey guys!  I am back from beautiful Palm Springs, California and the Paribas Open at Indian Wells.  Really nice to put a check mark on one of the top items on the old bucket list in March!!  It is spectacular!  The tennis was amazing, got to see Federer play Tommy Haas and in IndianWells6meatIndianWells1PalmSprings2the quarterfinal against Kevin Anderson.  Seeing him play in person and just how special it is cannot be understated.  I will share a secret some of you may not know.  Everyone thinks Roger plays without making a sound.  Well, he is of course quiet except when he utters encouragement to himself.  Unlike some others who grunt and shriek, he is famous for his quiet play.  But, he does actually make a slight sound when he serves.  Perhaps every player does that, with the exertion it takes to put that just right serve into play.  At any rate, it was really something to see.  The match against Haas featured great shot making and was played at a very fast pace.  The match against Anderson was more fluid and had a softer feel to it.  At the end of the day, there are really no words.  If you love tennis, go to Indian Wells if you get the chance at least once in your lifetime!  The facilities are incredible, the crowds are fantastic, the staff is friendly and helpful, and the weather is incredible.  Palm Springs is also beautiful, there are actually four cities between downtown Palm Springs and Indian Wells.  I will share a few pics in this post as promised!!

Today, Roger lost to Novak Djokovic in the final in three sets, 6-3, 3-6, 6-7.  So glad to see Roger make his second final in the Masters series already this year, winning in Dubai and finishing as the runner-up in Indian Wells (would of course like to have seen Fed win the tie break and take the tournament but congrats to Nole).  Federer broke back in the third set at 4-5 after being broken earlier in the third.  The tie break was pretty much all Djokovic.  Roger was his own coach as both Edberg and Luthi were not in attendance.  Gavin Rossdale (hubby of Gwen Stefani) was in his box and there was some speculation as to weather he or Mirka (Fed’s wife, of course) were coaching him.  He responded when asked in a post match interview that he was his own coach for the week!

Next, the top guys all head to Miami for the Masters 1000 tournament in Key Biscayne which begins March 26th.  Both Fed and Nadal will be playing there this year after skipping this event for the past couple of years.  That will mean a lot of points to be picked up by both players.  Roger will move back into the top five in the world in tomorrow’s rankings (Monday) as well he should.  Also, John Isner will move back into the top ten.  Saw a great doubles match between Isner/Querrey and Mahut/Tsonga.  Anyhow, just a fabulous experience for me in California!!

The women’s final was won by F. Pennetta of Italy over A. Radwanska, 6-2, 6-1.  Radwanska was compromised, apparently aggravating a left knee injury which inhibited her movement.  Great win for Pennetta who upset Li Na in the semifinals.  This tournament was one of many upsets during the ten days of the main draw for sure!  I also saw Radwanska play Jankovic and I had a courtside box seat.

OK, enough about the wonder of Palm Springs and Indian Wells!  Will post some pictures as I said and move on to…that thing we like to call “March Madness”!

Number one seeds heading into the dance are Florida (overall #1 seed), Arizona, Wichita State (undefeated regular season!) and Virginia (winning their first ACC tournament title since 1976 today over Duke, 72-63!)  Florida survived Kentucky, 61-60 and Michigan fell to Michigan State in the Big Ten tournament, thus Virginia getting that fourth #1 seed.  Tomorrow, we will all need to get those brackets filled out!

Glad to be back with you guys and enjoy some pictures!


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Nadal out at Indian Wells! More upsets as well!

Posted on March 10, 2014 by susan

Rafael Nadal (world number one) is out at Indian Wells.  He was just taken out by A. Dolgopolov of Ukraine, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6.  Dolgopolov had the opportunity to finish it out earlier, serving for the match at 5-4 in the third set but Rafa broke back and the third set went to a tiebreak.  Rafa (back still seems to be bothering him) is the defending champion and after tonight’s match, he is headed home.  Pau Gasol (Lakers star and fellow Spaniard) was in the house to watch Nadal (two hour drive up to Palm Springs from LA!)  It has been a day of upsets, following on yesterday’s oustings of some top seeds as well.  Tsonga fell to Batista Agut in three sets and Thomas Berdych lost to Benneteau of France in two sets.  Berdych later called it the worst match he ever played.  Um..?  Also today, Maria Sharapova lost to Camila Giorgi of Italy in three sets.  Andy Murray struggled, but managed to win in three sets over Vesely of the Czech Republic.  Roger Federer had more of an adventure today with a very hard fought victory over Toursonov of Russia, 7-6, 7-6.  Thank heavens!  This means he makes the fourth round on Wednesday.  Now, I just need them to schedule him for the night session (I have a courtside ticket!!).  He will play the winner of T. Haas vs. K. Nishikori which will be on very late tonight on the east coast (actually the wee hours of the am as Ana Ivanovic will play Sloane Stephens of the US first in the “night” session).  The other Swiss guy, Stan the man is red hot.  He dispatched of A. Seppi of Italy in forty nine minutes, 6-0, 6-2.  Roger and Stan are scheduled to play a doubles match tonight in the late session.  I hope this will mean they put Roger on Wednesday in the late session for sure!

OK guys, it is over and out for a few days.  I am headed west and will be back with great stories and pictures!

Enjoy the tennis!!


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Tennis underway from Indian Wells, CA

Posted on March 8, 2014 by admin

Tennis from Indian Wells, Ca (the Paribas Open) is underway!  Thank heavens Roger Federer got through today over Mathieu of France, 6-2, 7-6.  It almost became more of an adventure than Fed and/or Fed fans wanted!  Federer breezed through the first set and was serving for the match at 5-4 in the second when he was broken.  The second set went to a tie break and Fed prevailed, 7-6.  Whew…he is through into the third round.  I really need Fed to keep winning as I have tickets to the fourth round and the quarters later this week!  Hope to catch Fed in Indian Wells either Wednesday or Thursday evening.  It looks like if this schedule holds up, it would be on Wednesday evening perhaps in the round of 16 ( I have a court side box seat!!!).  Stefan Edberg is there, and his girls enjoyed watching Dad win today.  Hopefully, I will get that chance later next week.  OK, elsewhere, Andy Murray advanced in three sets, dropped the first set to Lucas Rosol but went on to win in three.  Stan the man Wawrinka is in action as well, just getting underway against I. Karlovic (Stan wins the first set 6-3).  If things go according to plan, Stan and Roger could meet in the quarterfinals.  They are also playing doubles together and won yesterday to the thrill of the fans on Stadium 2!  World number one Rafael Nadal will take the court on the main stadium tonight to face off against Stepanek.  Also, Maria Sharapova will be in action against J. Georges of Germany.  Earlier today, American Sam Querrey fell in three sets to A. Seppi of Italy.  Really a shame, Sam is such a nice, laid back California guy, hate to see him not advance.  Ana Ivanovic survived a scare, losing the first set in her match and then prevailing in the second and third set, very tight match.  Last night, V. Azarenka went down in two quick sets to Lauren Davis of the USA.  Vika does not seem to have fully recovered from a foot injury and one has to wonder should she have played this tournament?  Also on the women’s side, the number one seed Li Na (world number one Serena Williams is not playing this event) advanced in two easy sets.

So, the action will continue on into the late night here on the east coast (going to get worse with the time change to daylight savings time tonight, I hate this change) and tomorrow action will resume on Tennis Channel at 1:30 EST featuring Novak Djokovic.  All I can say is, I need Federer to keep on winning.  I will be there next week and hope to see Mr. Federer in action live; check that off the “ole bucket list” for sure!!

GO FED!

Moving to Miami, (golf), Tiger Woods shot a round of 66 (low round for the day) to move himself right back into contention.  Bad back and all, he made eight birdies (yes, eight) and Tiger now sits in fourth place, behind Patrick Reed, Hunter Mahan, and Jason Duffner heading into tomorrow’s final round.  Woods will play the final round alongside Mahan.  The course is not in the best of shape due to the storms the past couple of days, take Rory Mcilroy’s round of 75 today.  So, tomorrow should be interesting!!

Until later…


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Surviving “Paradise” day and much more!

Posted on March 5, 2014 by admin

It is Wednesday, Surviving “Paradise” day.  Please check out my book, Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver.  Follow a southern woman who relocates to a new town in southwest Florida, full of excitement, only to be met by a ridiculous set of people and circumstances.  It is full of humor and satire, certain to not disappoint!  It is available in paperback for $8.99 at Amazon.com, $4.99 kindle edition, and $4.99 at Barnes and Noble nook. Surviving Paradise

Now for some sports and pop culture news.  Last night, Georgia Tech upset 7th ranked Syracuse at the Carrier Dome, 67-62.  The Jackets led at the half, 31-23 and despite a strong comeback by the “Cuse” in the second half, they did not falter and held on for a big upset win.  Syracuse was playing without the services of one of their stars, J. Grant.  Non the less, sometimes the stars just align and they did last night for Georgia Tech to pull off the upset.  Great effort!

NFL news…old news but good news…Peyton Manning has been cleared to play after being examined (as per his contract).  A few more years of Peyton in Denver for sure!

Last night in Madison Square Garden, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic played an exhibition match, prior to the start of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, CA this week.  Novak won in two sets, 6-3, 7-6.  All in good fun and great for the crowd at the Garden.  Still, have to wonder a bit about Murray and his form after his back surgery?

Finally, moving to pop culture, the cute new show About A Boy (yes, just like the movie starring Hugh Grant) was on again last night.  I stand corrected.  The “guy” is not played by the actor who played Matthew on the New Adventures of Old Christine (he is actually on The Crazy Ones).  Non the less, he is cute and hilarious as is the show.  Will be interesting to see if this new sitcom makes it.

It is Wednesday and that means another new episode of Nashville.  Speaking of drama….

Until later!

P.S. Tiger Woods has announced he will play at Doral, starting tomorrow (bad back).


Posted in Blog, celebrities, events, football, golf, gossip, Human Interest, pop culture, rumors, sports figures, Surviving "Paradise", susan shaver, Susan Willoch Shaver, Tennis, tv shows | Comments Off on Surviving “Paradise” day and much more!