College Football Saturday…FSU vs. Clemson..pick ’em?

Posted on October 18, 2013 by admin

OK folks, at long last, the headliner college football game this weekend features a match up between not only two top five teams, but two ACC teams!  (First time since 2005)  That would of course be 5 FSU visiting 3 Clemson at Death Valley in Clemson, SC on Saturday night at 8:00 pm EST on ABC.  To add to the hype, ESPN College Gameday will be live in Clemson, SC this Saturday beginning at 9:00 am EST.  So, before we look at “the” game, let’s mention a few other notable confrontations in store for us college football fans this weekend.  First, last night 10 Miami survived at North Carolina, 27 – 23 but needed a TD with sixteen seconds left on the clock to pull it out.  Also Miami star RB Duke Johnson went down and the extent of his injury is not yet known.  Tonight, a good one on ESPN, Univ. of Central Florida vs. Teddy Bridgewater and #8 Louisville.

Moving to Saturday’s action, 1 Alabama hosts Arkansas  (Tide rolls), 11 South Carolina at Tennessee (Gamecocks win), Washington State at 2 Oregon (Quack Attack rolls, and then rolls some more!), Syracuse at Georgia Tech (Jackets need a win in this one to keep bowl eligibility hopes alive, not to mention regain some confidence and respect), and then the two games that I think deserve third place billing…22 Florida at 14 Missouri and 24 Auburn at 7 Texas A & M.  I would take Missouri in a heartbeat at home, but without starting QB James Franklin for the rest of the season, this could be a very challenging game.  Auburn joins the top twenty five for the first time this past week but at Texas A & M, I think the Aggies and Johnny Manziel are too much for them.

The other big game (besides the aforementioned FSU vs. Clemson match up) is a Pac 12 game between 9 UCLA and 13 Stanford.  Stanford is coming off a VERY disappointing loss at Utah, a game they probably should have won.  UCLA is enjoying their return to relevance.  This game is going to be a great one, I want to pick Stanford but I do not feel sure about it.

Now, for the big one!  So nice to see the ACC game be the game of the week with National title implications involved!  My daughter graduated from FSU so I know who she is picking.  I am going to bet she does not read this post and…I am picking Clemson.  I think Dabo has Clemson believing and over the “Clemsoning” that has been it’s downfall in seasons past.  With the game in Death Valley, I think the Tigers get it done.  Two very talented teams with huge offensive weapons, defenses are good but will give up points, look for Clemson to win a shoot out!

OK, there you have it…my college football preview and picks.  I am really looking forward to Sunday night, SNF with Mr. Peyton Manning returning to the house that he built in Indy (Lucas Oil Stadium).  Take that Jim Irsay!  GO BRONCOS!  Peyton and Denver win over Luck and the Colts! (Of note: Vonn Miller returns from suspension on defense for Broncos)

Until later….


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Nashville recap…episode two

Posted on October 17, 2013 by admin

Already in this young second season of the ABC hit drama hit Nashville, I am beginning to wonder just how far they can go with all this DRAMA!  Rayna backs out of the tour with Juliette due to her family “situation”.  Juliette is pissed…but eventually succumbs to brings in the new teen sensation to open for her.  She also comes to Maddie’s rescue when Maddie runs away after some big “dog and pony show” supporting the symphony she attends with her Mom, sister and finds her “Dad” (Teddy) there with Peggy.   Juliette is a mess, but she does have a good heart when the chips are down.  Maddie is really wanting to know more about her real Dad, Deacon, and this is going to be a very interesting storyline as this season progresses.  Rayna and Deacon are not together, at least not for now, and Deacon is exploring a relationship with the hot shot lawyer who took his case pro bono when he insisted on trying to take on the blame for the accident he and Rayna were in, when in fact while he was drinking, he was not driving, Rayna was.  The interchange between these two characters is going to be interesting to follow.  She lost her husband in a tragic murder and later visited the young man who committed  the murder in a way of healing her anger and loss.  Two wounded souls coming together to help each other heal?   Meanwhile, Tandie has evidence that her snake of a father, Lamar, was in fact behind the death of her mother (Rayna’s mother as well, of course) in a “car accident” and decides to turn over evidence to the FBI that could bury him.  But people like Lamar always seem to find a way out of their devious and diabolic underhanded doings.

Teddy has proposed to Peggy (believing she is still pregnant with his child, she is not as she has miscarried) and he upsets his children and Rayna with his dumb a__ actions.  Gunnar grows a pair and decides not to let Will take credit for the hit song he wrote.  Good for Gunnar, he is a true talent, both as a song writer and a performer whereas Will is all smoke and mirrors, hiding his sexuality and trying to capitalize off of Gunnar’s talent.  Scarlett is enjoying time with her childhood friend, the preacher’s daughter, and who knows what lies ahead for her.  She is Rayna’s star on her new record label, but will she reunite with Gunnar, Avery, or neither?

Supposedly Rayna and new Edgewood Record owner, Jeff played by Oliver Hudson, will have an on and off love relationship this season but that has not yet materialized.  Still not sure she and Deacon are over.  Deacon is certainly going to have a relationship with daughter Maddie, that is evidently going to be a strong storyline this season.  How that will impact the relationship with Rayna remains to be seen but he is moving on at this point and Rayna is tying to as well.

This show is so full of drama, twists and turns, but then again, that is likely what keeps people watching and makes it likely to get renewed, right?  Really love Connie Britton, she was so great on Friday Night Lights, that I have to pull for this new show to succeed for her.  She is a joy to watch!


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Wednesday, Surviving “Paradise” and Peyton Manning is returning to Indy!

Posted on October 16, 2013 by susan

Surviving ParadiseMy oh my, some people never learn do they?  Colts owner Jim Irsay just cannot seem to know when to SHUT UP!  Mr. Irsay (or as I used to refer to him back when the release of Manning all went down, “that other guy”) made some stupid comments this week regarding Peyton’s time in Indy and the fact that they only won one Super Bowl among other idiotic comments.  For any of you not in the know, this weekend is one that Manning fans and myself have long been looking forward to as Peyton and the Broncos take on the Colts this weekend on SNF.  It is going to be so GREAT!  I totally get that the Colt’s organization could not pass up on the opportunity to take Andrew Luck (former Stanford QB great) as their next franchise quarterback.  But let no one ever forget that Peyton Manning is the reason the Colts still exist in Indy.  Were it not for Peyton Manning and the fourteen seasons he spent there, they would likely be in LA (hey, who would not want to be in LA?)  They play their games in the house that Peyton built, Lucas Oil Stadium, thus hosted a Super Bowl because of him and of course, the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital is a testament to the legacy and character of Mr. Manning and his love and devotion to the town of Indianapolis.  I am sure the fans will welcome him with love and appreciation.  As a huge Peyton fan, I hope the Broncos win and win big!

Meanwhile it is Wednesday and I am excited…Nashville is on TV tonight, 10:00 pm EST and again, Meg Ryan is returning to the screen in a NBC sitcom hopefully to debut in the fall of 2014.  I am a long time Meg fan, began watching her as Betsy Stewart Montgomery Andropolous on As The World Turns and have loved her ever since.  Excited to know she will be in front of the camera again soon! (see earlier post)

I am also excited to promote my book Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver which is the tradition at this blog and website on Wednesday.  Please check out this entertaining story about a southern woman who relocates to southwest Florida only to be met by a ridiculous set of people and circumstances.  Neighborhood mayhem at it’s best; it is full of both comedy and drama.  It is available at Amazon.com for $8.99 in paperback, $4.99 in kindle edition and also at Barnes and Noble nook for $4.99.

Thanks guys and have a great rest of your day!


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Meg Ryan planning to return to the screen…the small screen?

Posted on October 13, 2013 by susan

According to numerous entertainment websites, Meg Ryan is set to star in and co-produce a half hour sitcom for NBC which if given the green light would debut in 2014!  I am excited and hope it all comes to fruition.  I have missed seeing Meg on the screen and this follows the path of so many movie starts…segueing into TV roles.  The former romcom queen is set to play a former NY editor who returns to the publishing house where she was once a superstar only to find her former intern (age 30) is to be her new boss.  Her character will be a single mom of teenagers (bless her!) with an almost ex-husband and a meddling mother-in-law (again, bless her!).  Meg will co-produce along with her manager Jane Berliner (Universal Television) and the script is from former Family Ties Emmy nominee Marc Lawrence (also wrote screenplay for Miss Congeniality).

Meg has been lively a rather quiet life as of late (according to People Magazine) raising her daughter Daisy and hanging out with boyfriend John Mellencamp in NYC.  Sounds like a great vehicle for Meg to get back in front of the camera and follows the pattern of so many movie stars..think Don Cheadle, Anna Faris, Kristen Bell, William Macy and Halle Berry (committed to CBS drama Extant).  (Many others as well, too many to name) Great news for Meg Ryan fans!

Tonight, looking forward to catching The Good Wife and the new ABC enticing drama Betrayal!

Catch you tomorrow!


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Meg Ryan planning to return to the screen…the small screen?

Posted on October 13, 2013 by admin

According to numerous entertainment websites, Meg Ryan is set to star in and co-produce a half hour sitcom for NBC which if given the green light would debut in 2014!  I am excited and hope it all comes to fruition.  I have missed seeing Meg on the screen and this follows the path of so many movie starts…segueing into TV roles.  The former romcom queen is set to play a former NY editor who returns to the publishing house where she was once a superstar only to find her former intern (age 30) is to be her new boss.  Her character will be a single mom of teenagers (bless her!) with an almost ex-husband and a meddling mother-in-law (again, bless her!).  Meg will co-produce along with her manager Jane Berliner (Universal Television) and the script is from former Family Ties Emmy nominee Marc Lawrence (also wrote screenplay for Miss Congeniality).

Meg has been lively a rather quiet life as of late (according to People Magazine) raising her daughter Daisy and hanging out with boyfriend John Mellencamp in NYC.  Sounds like a great vehicle for Meg to get back in front of the camera and follows the pattern of so many movie stars..think Don Cheadle, Anna Faris, Kristen Bell, William Macy and Halle Berry (committed to CBS drama Extant).  (Many others as well, too many to name) Great news for Meg Ryan fans!

Tonight, looking forward to catching The Good Wife and the new ABC enticing drama Betrayal!

Catch you tomorrow!


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Shake up Saturday in College Football and more finals

Posted on October 13, 2013 by susan

Saturday was a wild ride in college football and the new AP Poll reflects the shake up complexion of the day’s results.

1Alabama rolled over Kentucky 48 – 7.  Texas A & M had a battle at Ole Miss, finally prevailing 41 – 38.  They needed a final drive in the fourth quarter with time running out to kick the game winning field goal.  Johnny Manziel was brilliant but had two costly turnovers.  He also gave Aggie fans a huge scare when he went down clutching his left knee but was able to return with a brace on it and played like it was a non issue.  Much credit to Ole Miss, they hung with them and defense remains a problems for the now 7th ranked Aggies.  UCLA is truly once again relevant, they have likely the number one QB recruit for next year’s NFL draft and they took care of California, 37 – 10 and move into the AP top ten at #9.  Virginia Tech continues to hang tough with their top five defense and took care of Pitt, 19 – 9.  The Hokies moves up in the AP Poll from #24 to #19.  Wisconsin thumped Northwestern, 35 – 6 and Wisconsin finds itself now a ranked team at #25.  Previously ranked at #19, Northwestern has now dropped from the rankings.  UGA fell to #15 after their depleted team suffered a loss to Missouri (now ranked at #14).  Much concern for Mizz going forward without starting QB James Franklin who suffered that separated shoulder and is out for the season.  Stanford (no, not my Cardinals!) fall to #13 after that loss to Utah.  Stanford and Oregon were the two Pac 12 teams I really felt had a shot at the National title.  Oregon remains right there, ranked at #2, with 5 first place votes.  Oklahoma fell from #12 to #18 after being shot down by Texas in the Red River rivalry.  FSU moves up from #6 to #5 and sets up a great showdown next weekend between the two ACC Atlantic powers, #3 Clemson and #5 FSU at Death Valley in Clemson, SC.  The game will be the featured game, 8:00 pm EST on ABC and College Gameday will be in Clemson, SC, for the second time this year.  How about the ACC!

Speaking of the ACC, Georgia Tech lost to BYU 38 – 20 and yes, it was ugly and it was painful to watch.  It is always a bit insulting when a team schedules you for their homecoming game and that is exactly what BYU did.  They returned the favor as GT had them for homecoming last year in Atlanta, and lost!  Without regurgitating all the negatives of this game and loss for the Jackets, I will say I do not get the negative Vad Lee (GT sophomore QB) talk.  Really?  They had at least six, maybe seven false start penalties, he was constantly running for his life and/or getting sacked.  And, he threw numerous passes that were beautiful and dropped.  One guy does not a game lose, folks.  I do not have the solution for them, I truly hope Coach Paul Johnson and his staff can come up with one, and soon!

Current AP Poll top ten is as follows: 1 Alabama (55), 2 Oregon (5), 3 Clemson, 4 Ohio State, 5 FSU, 6 LSU, 7 Texas A & M, 8 Louisville, 9 UCLA (welcome back to relevance) and 10 Miami.

In tennis news, Novak Djokovic outlasted J. Martin Del Potro to win the final of the Shanghai Masters 1000 event, 6 – 1, 3 – 6, 7 – 6.  Nole sure does not react well when the crowd cheers against him, he seemed a bit “touchy” about the huge crowd support for Del Potro.  Hey, it happens, but he won and it is back to back titles for Djokovic in China for the second year in a row.  Now, can Federer win his hometown tournament in Basel after announcing that he and coach Paul Annacone were going their separate ways?  That gets underway in another week.

Until later…


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Dawgs lose to Missouri but Mizz loses their QB!

Posted on October 12, 2013 by admin

WOW!  Huge win for 25 Missouri on the road in Athens today over 7 UGA, 41-26.  To be fair, the dawgs were without the services of five offensive weapons, two starting running backs, and three starting wide receivers, but those guys do not play defense.  You toss in four turnovers and you have a recipe for defeat…and that is exactly what the dawgs got (sorry, but as a GT fan, never really upset to see UGA go down in defeat!)  Aaron Murray did his best to bring the dawgs back and in the third quarter, outscoring Mizz 10 – 0, it appeared he just might get it done.  But Mizz came back, courtesy of some very neatly wrapped gifts from the Bulldogs, two costly fumbles and a very untimely interception.  Another interception came as time was running out.  (The Tigers lead the nation in interception take aways this year with 13).  Missouri is now 6 -0 but faces a serious challenge ahead as starting QB James Franklin went out in the second half with a separated shoulder (he was injured in the game against UGA last year as well, not good karma?).  Really bad news is that it is now being reported he will likely miss six weeks, effectively the remainder of the season.  Florida comes to Missouri next weekend and then South Carolina will follow.  Huge win, but also a huge loss for the Tigers of Coach Gary Pinkel.

In the Red River Rivalry, a shocker!  Texas out shoots 12 Oklahoma, 36 – 20 breaking a three game losing streak in this rivalry game.  Given the year the Longhorns have been having, this performance came out of nowhere and it truly was a dominating one.  Guess Mack Brown has a big smile on his face right now!  The old ball coach, Steve Spurrier is smiling right now as well, first South Carolina hammered Arkansas, 52 – 7, Clowney played the whole game, and that UGA-Missouri game outcome makes him happy as well.

10 LSU leads the 17 Gators 14 – 6 early in the 4th quarter, 2 Oregon leads 16 Washington, 21- 7 at the half, and 3 Clemson finally went up on Boston College early in the third quarter, 10 -7…perhaps the Tigers are looking ahead to next week’s BIG game with FSU!  Stanford will kickoff at 6:00 pm EST at Utah and Georgia Tech vs. BYU gets underway at 7:00 pm EST.

In tennis news, Roger Federer announced on his website that he and coach Paul Annacone have decided to go their separate ways after three and a half years.  Annacone was on board last year when Roger won Wimbledon and regained the number one ranking to set the all time mark for weeks at the #1 position.  This year has been very tough for Fed, I believe a bad back has bothered him throughout, and clearly he is not ready to call it a day.  Will be very interesting to see if Roger brings someone else in or sticks with longtime coach, friend, adviser, Severin Luthi, the Swiss Davis Cup captain.  Clearly, Fed wants to finish the year, make the year end finals in London and go into next year with the intention of making some noise!  I am all for it, not ready to see the Federer magic come to an end.

Back later with more football scores!

2 Oregon appears to be headed for a big win over 16 Washington, 45 – 24 with under four minutes left in the game!  5 Stanford is in a battle at Utah, tied 14 – 14.  3 Clemson survived Boston College, 24 – 14 and will be undefeated when 6 FSU comes to Death Valley next Saturday night.  10 LSU over 17 Florida, 17 – 6.  GT meanwhile just underway against BYU and already trails 7 – 0.  Now tied 7 – 7.  Homecoming for BYU and it is not a compliment when you are the “homecoming date” in this sense!

Texas A & M vs. Ole Miss on ESPN at 8:30 pm EST.  Stanford and Utah in a battle (Yikes, Stanford trails Utah 21 – 14 in the second quarter) and GT vs. BYU just midway through first quarter.

Final: Utah 27 – Stanford 21!  I hate it!!!  Big fan of the Cardinals but they were outplayed, had turnovers and failed to convert on 4th down near the goal line with time running out.   One of three unbeaten teams to fall…along with Oklahoma and Michigan who went down in a thriller…losing in 4OT to Penn State at Happy Valley…43 – 40.  That game was special!

Enjoy your evening and the rest of the action!

 

 


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Dawgs lose to Missouri but Mizz loses their QB!

Posted on October 12, 2013 by susan

WOW!  Huge win for 25 Missouri on the road in Athens today over 7 UGA, 41-26.  To be fair, the dawgs were without the services of five offensive weapons, two starting running backs, and three starting wide receivers, but those guys do not play defense.  You toss in four turnovers and you have a recipe for defeat…and that is exactly what the dawgs got (sorry, but as a GT fan, never really upset to see UGA go down in defeat!)  Aaron Murray did his best to bring the dawgs back and in the third quarter, outscoring Mizz 10 – 0, it appeared he just might get it done.  But Mizz came back, courtesy of some very neatly wrapped gifts from the Bulldogs, two costly fumbles and a very untimely interception.  Another interception came as time was running out.  (The Tigers lead the nation in interception take aways this year with 13).  Missouri is now 6 -0 but faces a serious challenge ahead as starting QB James Franklin went out in the second half with a separated shoulder (he was injured in the game against UGA last year as well, not good karma?).  Really bad news is that it is now being reported he will likely miss six weeks, effectively the remainder of the season.  Florida comes to Missouri next weekend and then South Carolina will follow.  Huge win, but also a huge loss for the Tigers of Coach Gary Pinkel.

In the Red River Rivalry, a shocker!  Texas out shoots 12 Oklahoma, 36 – 20 breaking a three game losing streak in this rivalry game.  Given the year the Longhorns have been having, this performance came out of nowhere and it truly was a dominating one.  Guess Mack Brown has a big smile on his face right now!  The old ball coach, Steve Spurrier is smiling right now as well, first South Carolina hammered Arkansas, 52 – 7, Clowney played the whole game, and that UGA-Missouri game outcome makes him happy as well.

10 LSU leads the 17 Gators 14 – 6 early in the 4th quarter, 2 Oregon leads 16 Washington, 21- 7 at the half, and 3 Clemson finally went up on Boston College early in the third quarter, 10 -7…perhaps the Tigers are looking ahead to next week’s BIG game with FSU!  Stanford will kickoff at 6:00 pm EST at Utah and Georgia Tech vs. BYU gets underway at 7:00 pm EST.

In tennis news, Roger Federer announced on his website that he and coach Paul Annacone have decided to go their separate ways after three and a half years.  Annacone was on board last year when Roger won Wimbledon and regained the number one ranking to set the all time mark for weeks at the #1 position.  This year has been very tough for Fed, I believe a bad back has bothered him throughout, and clearly he is not ready to call it a day.  Will be very interesting to see if Roger brings someone else in or sticks with longtime coach, friend, adviser, Severin Luthi, the Swiss Davis Cup captain.  Clearly, Fed wants to finish the year, make the year end finals in London and go into next year with the intention of making some noise!  I am all for it, not ready to see the Federer magic come to an end.

Back later with more football scores!

2 Oregon appears to be headed for a big win over 16 Washington, 45 – 24 with under four minutes left in the game!  5 Stanford is in a battle at Utah, tied 14 – 14.  3 Clemson survived Boston College, 24 – 14 and will be undefeated when 6 FSU comes to Death Valley next Saturday night.  10 LSU over 17 Florida, 17 – 6.  GT meanwhile just underway against BYU and already trails 7 – 0.  Now tied 7 – 7.  Homecoming for BYU and it is not a compliment when you are the “homecoming date” in this sense!

Texas A & M vs. Ole Miss on ESPN at 8:30 pm EST.  Stanford and Utah in a battle (Yikes, Stanford trails Utah 21 – 14 in the second quarter) and GT vs. BYU just midway through first quarter.

Final: Utah 27 – Stanford 21!  I hate it!!!  Big fan of the Cardinals but they were outplayed, had turnovers and failed to convert on 4th down near the goal line with time running out.   One of three unbeaten teams to fall…along with Oklahoma and Michigan who went down in a thriller…losing in 4OT to Penn State at Happy Valley…43 – 40.  That game was special!

Enjoy your evening and the rest of the action!

 

 


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College Football Saturday 10/12/13 and tennis updates

Posted on October 12, 2013 by susan

The semifinals took place in Shanghai this am and we have an upset!  1Rafael Nadal (seeded #2) fell to 6 J. Martin Del Potro, 6-2, 6- 4.  Surprisingly poor performance for Rafa who has looked unbeatable and a tremendous effort by Del Potro.  He will face #1 seeded Novak Djokovic who ousted 7 Tsonga, 7 – 2, 7 – 5.  Nice to see Del Potro in the final of another Masters 1000 event (his third final appearance).  Roger Federer has fallen to #8 in the points standing for the year end final in London, surpassed by countryman Stan Wawrinka.  But remember, everyone moves up one on the ladder due to Andy Murray’s announced withdrawal.  Top eight get in.  Federer will play in Paris and Basel.  He should make it in and then next year, given the horrible year he has had, he will have virtually no points to defend.  Thus, if he can regroup and pull it together, he can make a rise next year and hopefully give us some more magic!

Great college football games on tap for today.  Some SEC upsets could be in the making and two great Pac 12 games are in store for us.  6 Georgia and 25 Missouri are already underway, Missouri leads 14 – 7 in the first quarter.  UGA is missing two top running backs and three top receivers.  Missouri is looking to legitimize their ranking in the top twenty five and beat a top tier SEC team.  Elsewhere, 17 Florida traves to Death Valley to take on 10 LSU (pick ’em?  No, I am going with LSU); Ole Miss plays host to 9 Texas A&M and Johnny Manziel; 1 Alabama takes on Kentucky (Bama should roll).  In the ACC, Pitt visits 24 Virginia Tech and Boston College takes on 3 Clemson in the “other” Death Valley.  Clemson has a huge date next weekend at home with FSU coming to town!

Red River rivalry takes place today in Austin, as 12 Oklahoma comes a calling on the Longhorns and beleaguered head coach Mack Brown.

Pac 12 games feature 5 Stanford at Utah and 2 Oregon at 16 Washington.  Gameday was in rainy Seattle this morning and we got to see tailgating Washington style, known as “sail gating”!  Pretty awesome…DeAnthony Thomas is expected to start for the Ducks and will be interesting to see how his injured ankle holds up.  This game is likely to be a high scoring affair and Washington with QB Keith Price is for real.  That was evident in their game last weekend against Stanford (narrow victory for the Cardinals at home).  I am picking the Quack Attack but stay tuned…4:00 pm EST kickoff and it should be a great one.

Georgia Tech looks to regroup and reestablish both the running game and heal it’s passing game tonight at BYU.  This game airs at 7:00 pm EST on ESPNU.  Always a tough place to play for the visiting team but hope the Jackets can get a victory!

Footnote:  Horrible news regarding the death of Adrian Peterson’s two year old son after being assaulted by the boyfriend of the child’s mother.  Thoughts and prayers with him and his family, friends, etc.  Scary world we live in folks!


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Sad Thursday…Federer loses to Monfils in three sets and more…

Posted on October 10, 2013 by susan

Well, I guess I am psychic!  I woke up at 6:30 am today and knew, Roger Federer was losing.  I cut on on the TV and alas, I was right!  Federer went down today in Shanghai to G. Monfils, 4- 6, 7 – 6, 3 – 6.  DARN!  And you know I want to say it in another way.  I have yet to see the full replay, more on that later.  Another disappointment for Roger Federer in what has been a very bad year.  All credit to Monfils who is a very entertaining and talented player, perhaps inconsistent, but when on, really amazing to watch.  He had 15 aces to Fed’s 3.  Roger was not at his best, as he has not been for this entire year.  Really a shame, but I still think Fed will make it into the year end finals in London.  There is the Paris Masters 1000 event and his hometown event in Basel still left on his schedule.  So what does Roger need to do?  Well, in my opinion just try to finish out this year to the best of his ability.  I believe the back is an issue.  Moreover, he needs to really look at making the change to a larger racquet in the off season, find one that he is truly comfortable with and really get up to speed with it.  It will give him more power, but he will have to negotiate the precision he is so well know for and how it affects his ability to perform in that capacity.  At the end of the day,  Roger is going to have to become a bit of a “grinder” if he wants to make a mark in 2014.  Nadal and Djokovic are grinders.  Roger has not had to succumb to that in his illustrious career, he could rely on his artistry, his precise shot making and his mental toughness.  The mental toughness has taken a beating and he will need to regroup and regain that confidence but he still has shots that make you look and make sounds that bring people form other rooms into the viewing area to see what you are watching.  I believe he can make 2014 a better year, I really do and that has nothing to do with the fact that I am a Fed fanatic.  He will not have the tremendous amount of points to defend next year, as he has had this year.  All the victories he enjoyed in 2012 have come back to haunt him this year as he has not been on his game, perhaps suffering from a bit of an injured back, and he has not defended those points and it shows in his drop in the rankings.  Do not despair, the end is not here! (making it even worse, Federer and Zhang lost in the double today as well)

Rafael Nadal advanced today in two sets over Berlocq, although he had to come back from being down 5-2 in the tie break in the second set.  Still, Rafa is the player of the year this year.  Djokovic advanced with ease and will next face the other Swiss guy, Stan Wawrinka who is enjoying the best year of his career.  Del Potro is still in it, David Ferrer was upset, and Thomas Berdych is out as well.  Likely looking at another Djokovic – Nadal final  Greatness for sure, but do not enjoy the pounding of the ball to death that takes place in matches between these two.  Really miss seeing the majesty of Federer tennis.  Hoping it can return, sooner as opposed to later.  I know all about father time, he has played 57 consecutive Grand Slams, has to have taken it ‘s toll, etc.  Still, I believe he has another year or two in him, great champions only know one way…so come back to us Roger, we still want more!

In MLB news, the Oakland A’s and Billy Beane are still trying to win game5 (think Moneyball and Brad Pitt).  I really want them to get it done tonight as they will face the Tigers in the fifth game of the ALDS in Oakland.  Come on Oakland!  Get it done! (Update: Tigers 3 – Oakland 0, Tigers advance to face the Red Sox.  Verlander had no hitter going through the 6th.  A’s had two men on base in bottom of the ninth with two outs and it did not happen, again)

Nashville was on last night and Liam and Rayna are currently a duo, both personally and professionally.  However, the character of Liam, played by Michiel Huisman has to be coming to an end shortly as he has signed on to be a character in Game of Thrones.  Supposedly, Jeff (played by Oliver Hudson) will be an on and off love interest for Rayna.  Don’t see that now but you know how things change in these nighttime dramas.  Deacon had a painful night at an AA meeting, revealing some of the history with his alcoholic father.  Tough to watch…going to be interesting to see how his interaction with Maddie goes as the season continues.  Juliette, well I have words for her but I just won’t use them.  She is a mess, in more ways than one.  Peggy continues to lie to Teddy (now officially divorced from Rayna).  He thinks she is carrying his child, a son, but she has actually miscarried.  My oh my, what women will do to get their man!  Ha Ha  Rayna has suffered damage to her vocal cords in the car accident with Deacon and she will try to hide that from Jeff for as long as possible…Good luck with that!

For today…still mourning another Federer loss….and I got a speeding ticket!  First one in over eight years…I hate the expressways, hidden speed limits, being lost and so on and so on…just a bad day today!  Hope yours has been better!

 


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