Wednesday, Surviving “Paradise” and I still love Roger Federer

Surviving ParadiseIt is Wednesday, and that is Surviving “Paradise” the book day at this blog!  But first, how about some Roger Federer news!  YES!  Fed played his first match at the Shanghai Masters 1000 event and took out A. Seppi, 6 – 4, 6 – 3.  Roger looked a bit rusty in the first set, lost his serve once but broke right back and had too many unforced errors for the match.  Also, first serve percentage needs to go up as he continues in the tournament.  Overall, solid performance by King Roger, now not enjoying a #7 world ranking.  Fully expect him to qualify for the year end final in London, especially with the official announcement that Andy Murray would in fact withdraw from the event as he is recovering from minor back surgery.  Most interesting to see Rafael Nadal, Fognini, Tommy Haas, and Lopez all sitting courtside to watch Mr. Federer return to action.  Hey, when you are an icon, you are simply the bomb!  Never seen Federer take in a Nadal match.  Anyhow, Roger’s agent has said Federer’s back is fine, not 100% but good so with his traditional smaller magic wand in hand, here’s hoping Fed works some magical moments to remember on the court in Shanghai this week,  Next up for Roger, the always entertaining Gael Monfils.

In Indy news, Dario Franchitti has left Houston and gone to Indianapolis where he will need another surgery performed on his fractured right ankle.  Talked with my Indy insider yesterday, Dario is going to be OK!  Speedy recovery and well wishes to him.  Team Gnassi is switching from Honda engines to Chevy for 2014 and also adding Tony Kanaan to their team (Kanaan is the 2013 Indy 500 winner).  Gee, Dixon, Franchitti, Kanaan and Kimball, should be a great team in 2014!

ABC hit drama Nashville airs tonight at 10:00 pm EST.  I read a little snippet somewhere that new record label mogul played by Oliver Hudson will be a recurring love interest for Rayna this season…um…they certainly did not seem to be feeling any “love” towards each other in last week’s episode.  Well, you know how these things go, sparks fly and then the tide turns.  Does not sound good for any kind of Deacon and Rayna romance, however.

Finally, the event du jour…please check out my book Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver.  A southern woman relocates to Sarasota, FL (“paradise”?) only to be met by a ridiculous set of people and circumstances.  Sure to bring you an entertaining read and a lot of laughter.  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.

That’s all for today folks!


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Bad night for the teams from Atlanta on Monday!

Talk about a bad night!  What a bummer!  The teams from Atlanta had a rough ride last night and it was not fun to watch.  First up, the Atlanta Braves were eliminated by the LA Dodgers in LA, 4 – 3.  The Braves went up 3-2 and one thought, hoped, just maybe they could bring the NLDS back to Atlanta for a fifth and deciding game.  Then came the two run homer in the 8th and it was OVER!  Sad way for the Braves to end such an outstanding year, winning their division going away, overcoming one injury after another.  The team on the field last night was almost not recognizable, missing pieces, the walking wounded.  I guess it made Magic Johnson a very happy man!

Then in Atlanta, the New York Jets defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 30 – 28, led by rookie QB Geno Smith who engineered a game winning drive down the field in the waning minutes to give them the field goal attempt and thus the victory.  The Falcons had FINALLY succeeded in engineering their own successful last minute 4th quarter drive, failing on other occasions so far this year, and had scored a TD to take the lead, 28 – 27.  But the defense could not get it done and the Falcons lost their 4th game of this young season, and their second consecutive loss in the Dome.  This has not happened ever since Matt Ryan came to Atlanta.  Really a shame as the Falcons were projected as strong contenders for the Super Bowl this year.  They have so much talent but have just not gotten the job done.  Have to again question that call by head coach Mike Smith, 4th and goal in the redzone in the first half and going for it instead of putting points on the board with a field goal.  Cost them dearly.  To add insult to injury, Fox Sports has breaking news that Falcon WR Julio Jones suffered a broken foot and may well be out for the season.  The Jets are 3-2, the Falcons 1-4.  Not what anyone was expecting for sure!

In tennis news, Roger Federer played a doubles match with Ze Zhang yesterday at the Shanghai Masters 1000 event and they won in two quick sets.  Fed takes the court tomorrow for his first singles match against Andre Seppi.  He is in the same side of the draw as Novak Djokovic.  Looking forward to seeing Fed back in action and believing in good results to come!

Other MLB results:  The Red Sox failed to sweep the Rays in Tampa, losing 5-4 after a walk off  HR in the bottom of the 9th by Tampa Bay.  They get another shot tonight in Tampa.  The Oakland A’s defeated the Detroit Tigers, 6 – 3 and lead that series 2 – 1.  And St. Louis took care of the Pirates in Pittsburgh, 2-1 to even that series at 2-2.  Deciding game will be in St. Louis on Wednesday.  Still, such a shame about the Braves!


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NFL and Peyton updates continue…and how about pop culture and some sex!

OK, I bet I got your attention with that …the “sex” in the title.

First things first.  Tom Brady and the New England Patriots are undefeated no more, losing to the Bengals, 13 – 6…really?  Have to admit, I watched the golf and so NFL action is on you.. check ESPN.com!  But, this game in Dallas is a great one, it is a bit of “tag you are it” between Peyton Manning and Tony Romo.  In the 4th quarter, score tied. 41 – 41.  We will get a final on this one shortly.

SNF will feature Houston at San Francisco…worth watching if for nothing more than the beautiful views in and around the Bay area of San Fran!  California is so beautiful, but I prefer southern California.

MNF will feature the New York Jets coming to the ATL to play the struggling Falcons.  Hope the Falcons can turn things around and do what they have the talent to be doing..win ball games!  Meanwhile, the Braves are 1-1 with the team from southern California, the Dodgers and that is going to be a great series in MLB playoff action.  Red Sox won again today!

In Indy Race today in Houston, a horrific wreck took place involving my guy, Dario Franchitti and Takuma Sato.  I did not see it, was watching golf, remember?  Anyhow, just read the report, Dario taken to the hospital with a sore back and ankle.  Also, thirteen fans in the stands injured.  Just awful!!!  Scott Dixon finished second in this double header race, Dixie won yesterday, and Dixon goes into the final race of the season in first place in the points standings.  Still, all concerns must be with those fans and with Dario.  Thoughts and prayers go out to them….

Tonight, The Good Wife is on, episode number two and another new hot ABC show at 10:00 pm EST...Betrayal.  Thus, the “sex”.  Check it out.  I watched the first episode, Stuart Townsend (Charlize Theron’s ex) is one of the stars.  Everyone else noticing all the “movie stars” taking good TV roles?  Anyhow, it is shall we say “tantalizing”!  Also finally saw a movie last week, one at the theater.  It was Don Jon with Joseph Gordin- Levitt (directed the movie as well) and Scarlett Johansson.  It was all about sex!  Also starred Julianne Moore in a very interesting role.  Brings a whole new meaning to the concept of “Jersey Boys”!  OK, until the final of the Broncos and and the Cowboys!  And here it is…Denver 51 – Cowboys 48!  Romo throws interception with just under two minutes.  Broncos advance ball and run the clock down and kick winning FG.  Of course, Peyton wins!  4 passing TD’s  and one rushing TD.  Broncos remain undefeated!

Another update: Dario Franchitti suffered a fractured right ankle and a spinal fracture (will not require surgery) in today’s crash in Houston.  My, oh my!


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Three peat for USA, Freddie Couples and Tiger Woods today!

Three peat today at the President’s Cup for Captain Freddie Couples, Team USA and #1 player in the world, Tiger Woods.  The USA won the President’s Cup for the 8th consecutive time, the third consecutive time for Freddie Couples as the “Captain”.  Also, for the third straight time, Tiger Wood’s singles match was the clincher for the USA.  Woods injured his aching back on hole 14 and struggled through the remaining four holes to “get ‘er done” for Team USA!  Way to go!  The USA came in to today’s play with a commanding lead, only to see the international team make a huge surge in singles play.  The Cup has been hampered by rain and wind throughout and today was no different.  Non the less, USA wins, final score, 18.5  to 15.5.  Really great performances by all the players in all four days of competition, but very fitting to see USA, Freddie and Tiger seal the deal in one of the many “houses that Jack built”!

Meanwhile, Peyton Manning and the Broncos are playing the Cowboys in the “house that Jerry built”!  Hard to tear away from watching the riveting finish to the golf, but Peyton and Denver lead the Cowboys, 28 – 17 at the half.  Earlier, switching over to catch the action, the Broncos trailed 17 – 7…WHAT?  Not to worry, the earth has righted itself on it’s axis, and Peyton and the Broncos are back in business.  Stay tuned…second half to follow folks!

Also, to wrap up yesterday’s exciting college football action…there were three big games between ranked undefeated teams. Two of those games were close and exciting, one was a blowout.  FSU embarrassed Maryland, 63 – 0, discussed in yesterday’s earlier post.  4 Ohio State defeated 16 Northwestern on the road, 40 – 30.  The score is an insult to the actual outcome of the game, should really go in the books as a 34 – 30 victory.  Northwestern gave the Buckeyes all they wanted and more, as time was expiring Northwestern had the ball for one last gasp and tried the old hook and ladder play which resulted in a TD for Ohio State with no time left, thus the 40 -30 final score.  Late game featured 5 Stanford hosting 15 Washington.  What a ball game!   Stanford won 31- 28 and survived!  Thank heavens as Stanford is one of “my teams” along with the Quack Attack.  Washington QB Keith Price was a stud and had 350 yards passing.  Ty Montgomery was the Stanford hero, amassing 290 all purpose yards, running back the opening kickoff for a TD untouched.  So Stanford remains undefeated!  2 Oregon rolled over Colorado after a slow start, winning 57 – 19 without the services of DeAnthony Thomas.  Baylor put up 73 points on West Virginia (42), no defense in that one!  LSU rebounded from their tough loss to UGA last weekend to take care of Miss State, 59 – 26 (Jeremy Hill the star along with QB Mettenberger) and 13 South Carolina survived Kentucky, 35 – 28.  At one point, South Carolina led, 27 – 7.  18 Florida had little trouble with Arkansas in the swamp, winning 30 – 10 and Auburn “upset” 24 Ole Miss in Auburn, 32 – 20.

Latest AP and Coaches Polls are as follows: AP Poll: 1 Alabama (55), 2 Oregon (5), 3 Clemson, 4 Ohio State, 5 Stanford, 6 FSU, 7 UGA, 8 Louisville, 9 Texas A&M, and 10 LSU.  Coaches Poll: 1 Alabama (57), 2 Oregon (4), 3 Ohio State, 4 Clemson (1), 5 Stanford, 6 FSU, 7 UGA, 8 Louisville, 9 Texas A&M, and 10 Oklahoma.

LSU is #11 in the Coaches Poll.  Mercifully Northwestern was not penalized too much, finishing at #19 in the AP Poll and #18 in the Coaches Poll.  Maryland went bye -bye as they should and Virginia Tech entered the top 25 at #24 in the AP Poll and #25 in the Coaches Poll.

In tennis action, Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal, 6-3, 6-4 in the final of the China Open.  A bit of consolation for Nole who will be replaced as the world #1 tomorrow by Rafa.  The tennis gods are smiling for me however, as Roger Federer returns to action next week at the Shanghai Masters 1000 event.  We all know that at the end of the day, it is all about Fed for me!


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Georgia Tech falls in Miami as second half gets ugly!

It was 17 – 17 at the half and then it just got ugly in the second half for the Jackets.  They could not stop the explosive plays of the Miami offense and credit Hurricane QB Stephen Morris who was clearly playing on a gimpy ankle.  They had numerous plays over 35 yards.  On the flip side, not good decision making by Jacket QB Vad Lee in running the option.  The turnovers were equal, 3 – 3, but GT did not capitalize on theirs, Miami made the Jackets pay dearly for the ones they gifted.  Really a shame as a close game that GT looked to be in turned into a rout, Miami leading 45 – 23 with time running out.  As a lifelong GT fan, I am disappointed and concerned.  But, those announcers who are already questioning is Vad Lee the right QB going forward?  Really?  He is clearly a much better passer than the young talented freshmen Justin Thomas.  I am sure Thomas is a superb talent but Lee has spent two years trying to learn this option attack which he did not run in high school.  One does not hit the panic button in situations like this.  It is a painful loss, a disappointing performance, but a game I did not really expect GT to win.  I thought we got the VT victory (which we tragically did not) and I had this game as a loss.  Anyhow, it is ugly and not fun to see if you are a fan of the yellow and gold.  And to think GT led this game early, 17 – 7…oh my!  GT gets meaningless late score so final score, Miami 45 – GT 30.

Elsewhere, UGA leads Tennessee 24 – 17…perhaps a letdown after the big victory over LSU last week.  Update: UGA 24 – Tennessee 24!  Still time to go in that one (9 minutes in the 4th).  Early on, Colorado leads 2 Oregon, 10 – 8…WHAT?  I think the Quack Attack will right itself!  (And they do, 43 – 16 at the half!)  3 Clemson continues to roll over Syracuse, 42 – 14 and is there an upset brewing in the Big 12?  Kansas State leads 21 Oklahoma State, 27 – 23..game not over yet. Final: Oklahoma State 33 – KSU 29.

1Alabama and 7 Louisville both win easy.  3 Clemson finishes off Syracuse 49 – 14.  And hold the line…Tennessee up 31 – 24 over 6 UGA with 2 minutes left…wait for it…31-31 going to OT (Dawgs without both Gurley and Marshall, knee injury).  Dawgs win in OT 34 – 31..Vols RB lost control of ball trying to extend for the endzone and ruled a touchback.  UGA makes no yards in their possession but kick a field goal to save their season.  Good teams are lucky…it is just a fact folks!

Isn’t college football great…never know what will happen from one week to the next!

In tennis news, Rafael Nadal will face Novak Djokovic in the final of the China Open.  Regardless of the outcome, Nadal will ascend to the #1 ranking in the new ATP rankings this coming Monday.  Rafa will be #1 in the world for the first time in two years.  Congrats to Rafa.  Also, my guy, Mr. Federer, has arrived in Shanghai where he will compete next week in the Masters 1000 event along with both Nadal and Djokovic.  I am so hoping Roger can have a good finish to this year and head into next year with momentum.  I want Roger to win another Slam and go out on his own terms…he deserves that and so do we!

Watch out for that 5Stanford vs. 15 Washington game late tonight!

Over and out for now!

P.S.  Why not check out my book Surviving “Paradise”.  It is guaranteed for a good laugh, and laughter is good for the soul.  GT fans need a diversion right now…maybe for this season?  I hope it is not that dismal!


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College Football Saturday…early…FSU ROLLS!

This Saturday’s action in college football features (featured) three top 25 battles between undefeated teams; 8 FSU hosting 25 Maryland, 5 Stanford hosting 15 Washington, and 4 Ohio State visiting 16 Northwestern.  Well, one is in the books and it was not even remotely close!

FSU just demolished Maryland and Jameis Winston, freshman QB for FSU was all he has been billed as and more.  He three for 5 TD passes and 393 yards.  When his replacement came into the game in the late 3rd quarter to finish the game, FSU was up 49 – 0 and the Noles continued to score, finishing with a 63 – 0 beat down of the Terps.  Wander how head coach Randy Edsell of the Terps is feeling about that?  Also, Maryland starting QB C j Brown was knocked out of the game with what appeared to be a targeting hit on a defenseless player but was not called.  He did not return, but Brown does not play defense and the Terps were no match for the Seminoles and their high octane scoring offense.  Surprising as Maryland came in with one of the top rated defenses in the county.  May not really have face much tough competition this year so far, certainly not of the caliber of FSU.

5 Stanford hosting 15 Washington should be a great battle.  Stanford fell to Washington last year and certainly would like to not repeat that mishap.  This game seems like it may be the closest of the three battles of the ranked unbeaten, as I think 4 Ohio State will be too much for 16 Northwestern, even though that game is a home game for Northwestern, just outside of Chicago.  I want Stanford to win and I would actually like to see Northwestern upset Ohio State.  Stanford game is on at 10:30 pm EST, late game here on the east coast.  The Ohio State – Northwestern battle will be featured on ABC at 8;00 pm EST.

Other games of note. Virginia Tech continued their winning ways and Logan Thomas had another good game as they took care of North Carolina, 27 – 17.  Carolina is now – 3 on the year?  Clemson is already rolling in the Carrier Dome over Syracuse, welcoming them to the ACC with a 35 – 7 lead in the 2nd quarter.  Tajh Boyd is having quite a day already.  In Miami, the game I am watching, Georgia Tech and 14 Miami are tied at the half, 17 – 17.  Really pulling for the Jackets to win this one.  They have looked good offensively, (RB Deon Hill especially, playing his first game since the season opener after recovering from an illness) but I cannot understand not having Vad Lee in the game when they had 3rd and long inside of Miami’s 40 yard line.  Justin Thomas (freshman QB) was seeing some playing time, but as talented as Thomas is, Vad Lee has got to be the guy.  Also, the better passer.  GT really misses Jamal Golden, return specialist and in the secondary as well as Isiah Johnson in the secondary.  Both are out for the year.  Second half to come so GO JACKETS!

In Ohio where they are really trying to play the President’s Cup, rain continues to come and go, the US is up 10.5 to 6.5 over the international team.  They are trying to get in as much of three different formats  as possible today.  Kuchar and Woods won again and are still having fun!

More later…


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CFB Saturday preview and golf in rain delay

It is raining and lightening is on the way in Dublin, Ohio, so round two of the President’s Cup is in a “holding” pattern.  The USA is up in five matches, only Bradley and Mickelson trail the “internationals”.  Woods and Kuchar are still at it, going strong (up one over Oosthuiezen and Schwartzel)  and doing their Price of Bel Air handshake.  These two are good together and Tiger really seems to be enjoying himself on the golf tour this year, after a rather tumultuous past few years.  Anyhow, hope they can continue with the foursome play today and finish up before darkness descends.  Update: action set to resume at 5:45 pm EST.  Lefty and Bradley have turned it around, they are on fire and up 4 shots!!  Currently USA 3.5, internationals 2.5 as play continues.

Meanwhile, some great college football is on the tap for this weekend.  Last night’s action saw UCLA survive Utah, 34 – 27.  Utah is a very underrated team and the Pac 12 is DEEP this year!  Texas defeated Iowa State, 31 – 30, courtesy of a blown cal by the referees, now being referred to as the “no fumble” call.  Wonder if Mack Brown’s trousers are burning?

25 Maryland vs. 8 Florida State at noon on Saturday could be a very interesting game.  The Terps are a very pleasant surprise this year, and good for  the ACC.  Georgia Tech travels to Miami to take on the 14th ranked Hurricanes at 3:30 pm EST.  Miami does not have the defense that VT brought to Grant Field last Thursday so look for the Jackets to roll out their triple option attack in a much better fashion.  I am hoping for the upset!

6 UGA will face traditional rival Tennessee, Dawgs should win with ease but then again, one never knows.  2 Oregon will face Colorado…Quack Attack should get it done but DAT (DeAnthony Thomas) has been in a walking boot all week and not expected to see action.  24 Ole Miss will face Auburn, Arkansas will travel to the swamp to take on 18 Florida, Kentucky will face 13 South Carolina and 10 LSU will face off against Miss State.  Two games I am interested in are 4 Ohio State vs. 16 Northwestern and the big one, 5 Stanford hosting 15 Washington State and QB Keith Price.

Gonna be a great football weekend, as always!


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Nashville and President’s Cup action

ABC hit drama Nashville returned last night with episode two of this young television season.  It is abundantly clear after watching last night that their are new characters and new plot twists in store.  Edgewood Records (the record label Rayna helped create) has a new owner, a character played by Oliver Hudson (you know, Kate Hudson’s brother).  He is a perfectly lovely guy in real life, but on the show he is a class A jerk!  He poaches Will away from Highway 65, the offshoot fledgling record label Rayna has created.  Will and Scarlett were her first two artists, now she just has Scarlett.  Scarlett has moved in with her uncle Deacon after the accident.  Gunnar performs a beautiful ballad he wrote himself (without Scarlett) tapping into his inner thoughts and feeling about his outlaw brother’s death.  I think Gunnar should be on Rayna’s radar for her next label addition.  Avery accompanies Juliette back to her “roots”, a trailer park in Alabama.  She is trying to drum up interest in her new album release.  I cannot tell if a relationship is in the works between these two or not but he has no qualms about telling her what he thinks.  Avery is Scarlett’s ex (ex #1, Gunnar is ex #2).  Teddy has been very attentive to Rayna and the girls since the accident, clearly he is missing his family.  Rayna tells him he needs to move out, as much as she appreciates all he has done, they need to move forward with their lives.  It would appear Rayna will not be moving on with her life with Deacon, at least not for now.  He feels he will never play guitar again due to his injured wrist, but we know that he will be sober and play guitar again, Scarlett will make sure of it.  Maddie remains very angry at Rayna after finding out that Deacon is in fact her biological father.  And, there is a new rival for Juliette, the latest hot, young singer who finished in second place in the current best of show in realty singing competition.  Juliette is not happy but the new owner of Edgewood is very taken with her.  So, did I leave anything out?  Probably, but with all that drama, it is very hard to keep up with.  Better on TV than in real life, right?  Previews indicate Liam will return and play Rayna’s love interest after the accident, and she may have suffered some injuries to her vocal cords.  So…until next Wednesday, breathe in and breathe out!

Meanwhile, in golf news…President’s Cup action got underway today in Ohio.  Tiger Woods played along side Matt Kuchar and they were an excellent pairing…they even had their own secret handshake after a good shot, one that played homage to an oldie but goldie TV show..The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.  Too funny!  USA finished up today’s play ahead, 3.5 to 2.5 over the internationals.  However, it took a key par putt from Steve Stricker (paired with Jordan Spieth, the youngest with the oldest), on the 18th hole to seal the deal today.  This was four ball play today, tomorrow will feature “foursomes”.  Coverage resumes on Golf Channel tomorrow and then switches to NBC for the weekend.  Let’s go USA…get ‘er done!

In NBA news, Kobe Bryant returned to practice yesterday in LA.  Kobe is recovering form surgery for his torn achilles suffered just prior to the playoffs last season.  Anyone betting Kobe won’t start the season for the Lakers?

 


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Nashville and President’s Cup action

ABC hit drama Nashville returned last night with episode two of this young television season.  It is abundantly clear after watching last night that their are new characters and new plot twists in store.  Edgewood Records (the record label Rayna helped create) has a new owner, a character played by Oliver Hudson (you know, Kate Hudson’s brother).  He is a perfectly lovely guy in real life, but on the show he is a class A jerk!  He poaches Will away from Highway 65, the offshoot fledgling record label Rayna has created.  Will and Scarlett were her first two artists, now she just has Scarlett.  Scarlett has moved in with her uncle Deacon after the accident.  Gunnar performs a beautiful ballad he wrote himself (without Scarlett) tapping into his inner thoughts and feeling about his outlaw brother’s death.  I think Gunnar should be on Rayna’s radar for her next label addition.  Avery accompanies Juliette back to her “roots”, a trailer park in Alabama.  She is trying to drum up interest in her new album release.  I cannot tell if a relationship is in the works between these two or not but he has no qualms about telling her what he thinks.  Avery is Scarlett’s ex (ex #1, Gunnar is ex #2).  Teddy has been very attentive to Rayna and the girls since the accident, clearly he is missing his family.  Rayna tells him he needs to move out, as much as she appreciates all he has done, they need to move forward with their lives.  It would appear Rayna will not be moving on with her life with Deacon, at least not for now.  He feels he will never play guitar again due to his injured wrist, but we know that he will be sober and play guitar again, Scarlett will make sure of it.  Maddie remains very angry at Rayna after finding out that Deacon is in fact her biological father.  And, there is a new rival for Juliette, the latest hot, young singer who finished in second place in the current best of show in realty singing competition.  Juliette is not happy but the new owner of Edgewood is very taken with her.  So, did I leave anything out?  Probably, but with all that drama, it is very hard to keep up with.  Better on TV than in real life, right?  Previews indicate Liam will return and play Rayna’s love interest after the accident, and she may have suffered some injuries to her vocal cords.  So…until next Wednesday, breathe in and breathe out!

Meanwhile, in golf news…President’s Cup action got underway today in Ohio.  Tiger Woods played along side Matt Kuchar and they were an excellent pairing…they even had their own secret handshake after a good shot, one that played homage to an oldie but goldie TV show..The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.  Too funny!  USA finished up today’s play ahead, 3.5 to 2.5 over the internationals.  However, it took a key par putt from Steve Stricker (paired with Jordan Spieth, the youngest with the oldest), on the 18th hole to seal the deal today.  This was four ball play today, tomorrow will feature “foursomes”.  Coverage resumes on Golf Channel tomorrow and then switches to NBC for the weekend.  Let’s go USA…get ‘er done!

In NBA news, Kobe Bryant returned to practice yesterday in LA.  Kobe is recovering form surgery for his torn achilles suffered just prior to the playoffs last season.  Anyone betting Kobe won’t start the season for the Lakers?

 


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Wednesday, Surviving “Paradise” and the gift of laughter!

Well it is already October!  My how time flies when one is having fun!  This month we have Halloween, then in November we look forward to Thanksgiving.  Then it is December and gasp!, Christmas.  When thinking about gift giving, why not give the gift of laughter!!  Check out my book Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver.  It is guaranteed to make you laugh and also those who are near and dear to you.  It is about a southern women who relocates to a town in southwest Florida only to be met by a ridiculous set of people and circumstances.  It is full of comedy and drama and misadventures.  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.  What better way to get a good laugh for yourself and share with others!

Meanwhile, Nashville returns tonight again at 10:00 pm EST on ABC.  I fell in love with this new show last season.  The jury is still out for me as this season has just gotten underway.  Of course we cannot expect a hint of “happily ever after” at this point, how else could this nighttime soap hope to stay on air.  Juliette will receive a new rival, a hot young reality TV star.  Liam is set to return this season, bringing into doubt any hope of Rayna and Deacon having a  happy ending.  Lamar is a snake for sure, and we will surely find out more about that as the season progresses.  Then there is Teddy, Rayna’s estranged husband.  Is he a good guy, or merely an imposter.  We shall see as the season goes on.  Look for my recap tomorrow.

Turning to sports action…The President’s Cup gets underway tomorrow.  USA!  USA!  Coverage will be on Golf Channel on Thursday and Friday.

In tennis action, Rafael Nadal advances in China.  Roger Federer is set to return to action next at the Shanghai Masters 1000 event.  We all know I am all about Fed!  Let’s look for Roger to finish the year strong and give us hope of another title and a strong finish to his incomparable career in the next year or two.

There are some really great college football games in store for us this weekend…more about that as we get closer to Saturday.  For now, check out Surviving “Paradise” and laugh. and then share the gift!Surviving Paradise


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