Surviving “Paradise” and Happy Thanksgiving

Posted on November 27, 2013 by admin

Well the weather outside is frigid!!  Unusual for Thanksgiving this far south??  Anyhow, it is Wednesday (the day before) and that means it is Surviving “Paradise” the book day!  Please check out my book Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver at Amazon.com!  It is available for $8.99 in paperback, $4.99 in kindle edition and $4.99 at Barnes and Noble nook.  Follow a southern woman who relocates to southwest Florida only to be met by a ridiculous set of people and circumstances.  Neighborhood mayhem and shenanigans extraordinaire!  It is sure to make you laugh out loudSurviving Paradise, full of OMG drama!

Meanwhile, after Turkey Day, we have Rivalry Weekend in College Football.  Some really great games in store for us!  I will be at the annual GT – UGA game (sometimes referred to as “clean, old fashioned hate”!)  I will be pulling for the Jackets.  Perhaps with UGA QB Aaron Murray sidelined, GT has a shot.  I sure hope so.  I am very disappointed to be missing the Iron Bowl…1 Alabama at 4 Auburn.  This game means a lot as far as not only the SEC title game but the National title game as well.  I think Bama wins, but Auburn could possibly get it done.  Will have to DVR that one!

Other notable rivalry games, Oregon vs. Oregon State (this one could have meant so much more), Stanford vs. Notre Dame (again, this one could have meant more!), Clemson vs. South Carolina, Florida hosts FSU, Missouri hosts Texas A & M (a win send Mizz to the SEC title game), Duke vs. North Carolina (a win and the Dukies go to the ACC Championship game, and USC vs. UCLA.

More on these games as the weekend approaches.  For now…Have a great Thanksgiving and be safe!


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BCS Poll and Pats over Broncos in OT

Posted on November 25, 2013 by susan

BCS Poll out last night! 1 Alabama, 2 FSU, 3 Ohio State, 4 Auburn, 5 Missouri, 6 Clemson, 7 Oklahoma State, 8 Stanford, 9 Baylor, and 10 South Carolina.

Iron Bowl between 1 Alabama and 4 Auburn is going to be huge next Saturday (if only it was not at 3:30 pm EST, same time as GT – UGA game!)  Missouri needs to defeat Texas A & M to secure the SEC East, other wise it will be South Carolina.  OK State moves up after big win over Baylor, and Stanford hanging in at #8.  If only they had not lost those two games…USC and Utah.  I had such high hopes for seeing them in the National title game!  And, it would remiss not to mention Duke, #24 and on the road to winning the ACC Coastal Division.  Let’s hear it for the Dukies!

NFL action saw another classic, Brady vs. Manning, with Brady prevailing in OT, now has a 10 – 4 edge.  Do not think that statistic is  the measure of greatness between these two all time great QB’s.  This game was a tale of two half’s…first half the Pats had three turnovers and Denver was up 24 – 0 at halftime.  The second half..Broncos were the team that kept on giving…three turnovers themselves.  New England came storming back with 31 unanswered points.  Then Peyton led the Broncos down the field to tie the game, 31 – 31 and thus, OT.  Neither team moved the ball on their first position and then…the fumbled punt reception by Tony Carter (Denver).  Set New England up for the game winning field goal, final score 34 – 31.  One very crucial aspect of this match up was the coverage of Pats’ corner back Agib Talib on WR Be Be Thomas (GO JACKETS!).  He covered him like a blanket…I personally thought he was holding him most of the game.  Anyhow…did not go the way I was hoping for as I was pulling for Manning and the Broncos.  Both teams still sitting pretty as far as the playoffs, Denver at 9 – 2 and New England at 8 – 3.

It is COLD outside people…I do not like it.  Hope to get out to the movies this week, weather permitting…perhaps Dallas Buyers Club?  Keep warm everyone and back with you tomorrow!


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New CFB Polls…AP and Coaches…winners and losers!

Posted on November 24, 2013 by admin

Well, the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll are both out and there were winners and losers after this past weekend’s action in college football.  Big losers…Baylor (thumped by OK State 42 – 10 and Oregon, losing 42 – 10 to Arizona!).  Winners…Ohio State, Auburn and Clemson along with OK  State and Stanford, perhaps South Carolina and Missouri.  Missouri must defeat Texas A & M (losers to LSU yesterday) next weekend to clinch the SEC East.

AP Poll: 1 Alabama (56), 2 FSU (4), 3 Ohio State, 4 Auburn, 5 Missouri, 6 Clemson, 7 Oklahoma State, 8 Stanford, 9 Baylor and 10 South Carolina.  Michigan State in at #11, Oregon falls to #12, Arizona State moves to #13, LSU is #15 and how about Duke, # 24!

Coaches Poll: 1 Alabama (56), 2 FSU (6), 3 Ohio State, 4 Clemson (really?), 5 Auburn, 6 Missouri, 7 Oklahoma State, 8 Baylor, 9 South Carolina, and 10 Stanford.  Michigan State #11, Oregon #12, LSU #15, Arizona State only in at #18 (ouch, but clinches Pac 12 South with win over UCLA) and Duke at #24.

Baylor lost a golden opportunity to perhaps surpass Ohio State.  Stanford will play Arizona State for the Pac 12 Championship.  Clemson moves up to #4 in the Coaches poll…seems like perhaps the AP got it right with Auburn at #4.  WOW, that Iron Bowl next Saturday at 3:30 pm EST is going to be special!  Why did they not put in in primetime?  I will be at GT – UGA game…same time!  I am not happy!!!!  P.S.  Really a shame about UGA QB Aaron Murray and his torn ACL and thus he will need surgery.  Likely done for the season but I will not miss seeing him on the field next weekend at Grant Field against the Jackets.  Come on Tech…let’s get ‘er done and win against the Dawgs for once!!  Is that possible?  Well, we shall see!  Meanwhile, FSU continues to roll (as does Duke…yes this is football, not basketball but they are rolling in basketball with Jabari Parker as well) but the whole sordid drama surrounding QB Jameis Winston continues.  Will he be charged with sexual assault or not?  Will the Florida DA office and the TPD ever get it together and make a decision?  The saga continues and drags on and on…not good for the alleged victim and/or Mr. Winston.  Moving on…BCS Poll out later tonight and a couple of real class acts take the field tonight in SNF.  Mr. Tom Brady and the Patriots will host the one and only Mr. Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos.  The fourteenth meeting between these two players (Brady holds the edge).  I am pulling for Peyton and the Broncos!!  Be there or be square.

Now, time to catch up on a Hallmark Christmas chick flick I missed yesterday (Window Wonderland) keeping up with all the CFB action.

Until later…


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New CFB Polls…AP and Coaches…winners and losers!

Posted on November 24, 2013 by susan

Well, the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll are both out and there were winners and losers after this past weekend’s action in college football.  Big losers…Baylor (thumped by OK State 42 – 10 and Oregon, losing 42 – 10 to Arizona!).  Winners…Ohio State, Auburn and Clemson along with OK  State and Stanford, perhaps South Carolina and Missouri.  Missouri must defeat Texas A & M (losers to LSU yesterday) next weekend to clinch the SEC East.

AP Poll: 1 Alabama (56), 2 FSU (4), 3 Ohio State, 4 Auburn, 5 Missouri, 6 Clemson, 7 Oklahoma State, 8 Stanford, 9 Baylor and 10 South Carolina.  Michigan State in at #11, Oregon falls to #12, Arizona State moves to #13, LSU is #15 and how about Duke, # 24!

Coaches Poll: 1 Alabama (56), 2 FSU (6), 3 Ohio State, 4 Clemson (really?), 5 Auburn, 6 Missouri, 7 Oklahoma State, 8 Baylor, 9 South Carolina, and 10 Stanford.  Michigan State #11, Oregon #12, LSU #15, Arizona State only in at #18 (ouch, but clinches Pac 12 South with win over UCLA) and Duke at #24.

Baylor lost a golden opportunity to perhaps surpass Ohio State.  Stanford will play Arizona State for the Pac 12 Championship.  Clemson moves up to #4 in the Coaches poll…seems like perhaps the AP got it right with Auburn at #4.  WOW, that Iron Bowl next Saturday at 3:30 pm EST is going to be special!  Why did they not put in in primetime?  I will be at GT – UGA game…same time!  I am not happy!!!!  P.S.  Really a shame about UGA QB Aaron Murray and his torn ACL and thus he will need surgery.  Likely done for the season but I will not miss seeing him on the field next weekend at Grant Field against the Jackets.  Come on Tech…let’s get ‘er done and win against the Dawgs for once!!  Is that possible?  Well, we shall see!  Meanwhile, FSU continues to roll (as does Duke…yes this is football, not basketball but they are rolling in basketball with Jabari Parker as well) but the whole sordid drama surrounding QB Jameis Winston continues.  Will he be charged with sexual assault or not?  Will the Florida DA office and the TPD ever get it together and make a decision?  The saga continues and drags on and on…not good for the alleged victim and/or Mr. Winston.  Moving on…BCS Poll out later tonight and a couple of real class acts take the field tonight in SNF.  Mr. Tom Brady and the Patriots will host the one and only Mr. Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos.  The fourteenth meeting between these two players (Brady holds the edge).  I am pulling for Peyton and the Broncos!!  Be there or be square.

Now, time to catch up on a Hallmark Christmas chick flick I missed yesterday (Window Wonderland) keeping up with all the CFB action.

Until later…


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UGA QB Murray injures knee, Mizz and Oklahoma State rolling

Posted on November 23, 2013 by susan

UGA QB Aaron Murray left the game tonight against Kentucky in the second quarter with an injured knee.  He needed assistance to leave the field and went straight to the locker room.  He would not return but non the less, UGA rolled over Kentucky, 59 – 17.  So, does this mean Murray will miss the rivalry game next weekend with Georgia Tech??  Will wait and see…Meanwhile, Missouri is leading Ole Miss in the 4th quarter, 24 – 10. (Now a FINAL!)  If Mizz  defeats Texas A & M next weekend, they win the SEC East.  4 Baylor is struggling in Stillwater, Oklahoma against Oklahoma State, trailing 35 – 10 in the 4th quarter.  They have not won there since 1939 so as of right now, it appears this is not going to change.  Amazing what the OK State defense has done to thwart the prolific offense of Baylor.  Good bye any hopes of passing Ohio State in the BCS if this holds up!  In Pac 12 action, 17 Arizona State has defeated 14 UCLA, 38 – 33 so they have won the South division.  They will meet Stanford (winner of the north division) for the Pac 12 Championship and the right to play in the Rose Bowl.  Disappointing for Stanford who had hopes of a National Title game but still, the Rose Bowl is the “Rose Bowl”!  It will be in Pasadena, as will the BCS National Title game.  Looking a whole lot like Alabama vs. FSU.  Still, Bama must defeat Auburn in the Iron Bowl next Saturday (WHY did they make it a 3:30 pm EST time,kickoff?  I will be at the GT – UGA game, could they not have put this monster game on in primetime?)  Also, must await the ongoing investigation in Tallahassee regarding FSU QB Jameis Winston.  Will they ever make a decision?  23 USC is leading Colorado 23 – 0 early but it may all be for naught, given the result of the Arizona State – UCLA match up as far as the Pac 12 Championship game is concerned!

OK guys…good night!  AP Poll, Coaches Poll out tomorrow afternoon and BCS tomorrow night!  Time to catch up with one of those feel good Hallmark Movie Channel Christmas movies!

Update: 10 Oklahoma State 42 – 4 Baylor 10 in the 4th quarter.  Bryce Petty, Baylor QB and the Bears having a really bad night!  Too many mistakes!


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CFB..new low for the Gators and how about the Dukies!

Posted on November 23, 2013 by admin

CFB Saturday underway and the Florida Gators have secured a losing season for themselves…a new low for a team that was used to securing a place in the SEC title game and the National Championship game!  The Gators lost to Georgia Southern today, 26 – 20…ouch!  Meanwhile, Duke rallied at Wake Forest to win 28 – 21 and keep alive their hopes of winning the ACC Coastal Division and facing FSU in the title game in Charlotte.  FSU is beating up on Idaho and Jameis Winston is playing like he is unaware of the sordid controversy surrounding him.  7 Clemson hammered the Citadel, 52 – 6 and bids farewell to QB Tajh Boyd and likely WR Sammy Watkins in their last home game at Death Valley.  They will travel to Columbia, SC next weekend for their rivalry game with 11 South Carolina (who demolished Coastal Carolina today, 70 – 10).  Georgia Tech used their first meeting with Alabama A & M at Grant Field as a tune up for next week’s “good old fashioned hate” rivalry with UGA, winning 66 – 7.  David Sims (B-Back) rushed for 111 yards and led all GT rushers…about fifteen of them!  UGA hosts Kentucky in Athens tonight.  The battle is on the for Pac 12 North and so far, things are looking good for Stanford and not so good for Oregon.  9 Stanford leads California at the half, 35 – 10.  Meanwhile 5 Oregon is trailing Arizona, 28 – 9 at the half.  It is only halftime, so the Quack Attack still has time to get rolling!  The Pac 12 South will go a long way towards settling things tonight when 17 Arizona State visits 14 UCLA.  The Bruins will still have to play cross town rival USC in the final game of the season.  One of these three teams will represent the Pac 12 South against either Stanford or Oregon (Pac 12 North).

The featured game this afternoon is taking place in Baton Rouge…22 LSU hosting 12 Texas A & M.  At the half, the “Mad Hatter”, Les Miles and his Tigers have the upper hand, leading Johnny “Football” Manziel and the Aggies, 21 – 10.  Tonight, 8 Missouri can wrap up the SEC East with a victory over 24 Ole Miss.  This game is in Oxford, Mississippi and it should be a great one.  The BIG game tonight is on ABC at 8:00 pm EST when 4 Baylor visits Stillwater, OK to take on 10 Oklahoma State.  Baylor has not won in Stillwater since 1939!  Pick ’em…but I am going with Baylor!

Also earlier today, 13 Michigan State secured a spot in the Big Ten championship game with a 30 – 6 trouncing of Northwestern.  Meanwhile 1 Alabama had a walk in the park over Chattanooga, 49 – 0 and readies itself for a monster game next week at Auburn!

Until later…

More scores:  2 FSU 80, Idaho 14 (Really, 80 points?), Arizona takes down 5 Oregon, 42 – 16 (gee, disappointing for the Ducks), and Stanford is rolling over California appearing to be on their way to a Pac 12 North title, 63 – 13, now a final!   3 Ohio State had little trouble with Indiana, 42 – 14 but will it be enough if Baylor wins tonight?  The Buckeyes do clinch a berth in the Big 10 title game against Michigan State!  Manziel’s Heisman’s hopes taking a hit as the Aggies are on their way to falling to LSU, 34 – 10. (It is a final!)   UGA up on Kentucky 14 – 0 in the first half!   Stay tuned!


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Contact form back up so let us hear from you!! Surviving “Paradise”

Posted on November 22, 2013 by admin

Hey guys…quick post to let everyone know the contact form is back up and working.  Please let us hear from you.  Thanks!Surviving Paradise


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Contact form not working…sorry, will get it fixed!

Posted on November 21, 2013 by admin

meJust want to let you know that the contact form on my site is not working.  Had some issues with the server a few weeks ago…it was working before some changes were made but now it is not.  I was trying to test it by contacting myself (?) and discovered there was a problem…will get it fixed ASAP!

WOW!  This Jameis Winston thing is really garnering a lot of attention!  It boils down to…was it consensual or rape?  Have to wonder about the eleven month time line in this story…and cannot help but ask questions about Florida law enforcement and their handling of this “case”?  Believe me….I know how Florida law enforcement can be a puzzler…check out my book Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver.  I in no way mean to make a comparison of my experience to the experience of the “victim” in this alleged case.  Apples to oranges…to put it mildly, if there is real merit to her claim of sexual assault.  It is such a shame when this comes into the picture…makes it so UGLY.  Hopefully, this will get resolved in short order..charge the young man or exonerate him…don’t drag out the misery for all parties involved.  Have to say, I am not sure I see a happy ending here.

Anyhow..hope to have the contact form up and working soon!

Over and out for now…P.S. Contact me on my facebook page while the contact form is down if you like!!!


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Surviving “Paradise” day and the new Sexiest Man Alive

Posted on November 20, 2013 by susan

Surviving ParadiseWow folks…it is Wednesday, that day when I promote my book Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver.  It is also the day when People Magazine named it’s annual “Sexiest Man Alive”.  What a combo, uh?  OK, first things first as always…please check out my book Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver.  It is available at Amazon.com for $8.99 in paperback, $4.99 in kindle edition, and $4.99 at Barnes and Noble nook as well.  It is a funny story full of both comedy/drama about a southern woman who relocates to southwest Florida only to be met by a ridiculous set of people and circumstances!  Imagine that…something ridiculous happening in Florida!  Crazy neighborhood mayhem that can only be described as “Lifetime Movie” material…perhaps “sitcom” material.  Stay tuned on that one!

Now, for the ladies out there, we have a new Sexiest Man Alive this year…non other than Adam Levine of Maroon 5 and judge on the very popular show The Voice.  I like it…and I know Blake Shelton is going to have so much fun with this!  I would love to have seen it go to Matthew McConaughey (it would have put him in that rarefied air of  “repeat” along with George Clooney and Brad Pitt) but I do believe he is featured in the issue.  Take nothing away from Mr. Levine, he is gorgeous!  Congrats to him!

Nashville returns tonight with a new episode…10:00 pm EST on ABC.  This show is moving along in its second season and after what I thought was an “iffy” start, is picking up steam and holding us captive with the drama and great plot twists and turns.  I am almost finished watching We’re The Millers on demand (it got late and I needed my sleep last night).  It is hilarious!!  Jen is almost naked and Jason Sudeikis is simply superb!  (Did the Jen almost naked get your attention)  Something tells me that the last thirty minutes of this movie are going to have a “feel good” finish!

Sports news…Missouri QB James Franklin is expected to return this weekend in the game against Ole Miss.  If Mizz wins out, they win the SEC East.  Interesting game this weekend…LSU vs. Texas A & M.  The Mad Hatter (Les Miles) matching wits with Johnny “Football” Manziel.  Should be a REALLY good one!

NFL will feature the Manning vs. Brady matchup for the 14th time…Broncos visiting the Patriots.  I am going to go with Mr. Manning and the Broncos!

Have a great Wednesday!


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Latest BCS Poll and Broncos defeat Chiefs!

Posted on November 18, 2013 by susan

Latest BCS Poll has graced us with its presence and not too much variance from the AP and Coaches Polls.  Baylor appears to be gaining ground on Ohio State (points wise) just as they passed the Buckeyes in the AP Poll.

Here it is: 1 Alabama, 2 FUS, 3 Ohio State, 4 Baylor (getting close between #3 and #4), 5 Oregon, 6 Auburn (victorious in the game of the year so far!), 7 Clemson, 8 Missouri, 9 Stanford and 10 Oklahoma State.  South Carolina comes in at #11, Texas A & M at #12, Michigan State #13, and UCLA #14.  Texas A & M vs. LSU this weekend should be a good one!

NFL action last night saw Peyton Manning and the Broncos defeat the Kansas City Chiefs, 27 – 17, handing Kansas City their first loss of the season.  They are now tied atop the division with Denver currently holding the tie break.  The Denver offensive line did a tremendous job of protecting Peyton and allowing him to remain upright in the pocket.  More importantly, they protected him from suffering further damage to his right high ankle sprain.  Next weekend, the Manning – Brady Bowl XIV, the fourteenth meeting between these two great QB’s.  This time Peyton is of course with a different team.  Denver will travel to Foxboro to take on New England and Mr. Brady.  The following week the Broncos will travel to Kansas City for the second game between those two teams.  Very pivotal couple of weeks for Manning and the Broncos.  Peyton must remain healthy!  Psst..little brother Eli (the one with great hair) has started to have a bit more success as the NY Giants have now won three games after a horrific start.

Almost Human debuted on FOX last night and it was quite good (this coming from someone who does not usually like sci-fi, futuristic dramas).  Bet all you guys are happy to see Minka Kelly back on the small screen!  The show will air again tonight at 8:00 pm EST.

Until later!


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