Saturday, CFB, Golf, Davis Cup

Posted on September 13, 2014 by susan

Oh what a Saturday, golf from the Fed Ex Tour Championship, CFB and Davis Cup tennis action!  Too much to write about in one post…follow me on my twitter account..Susan W. Shaver@survivingpara!

Golf..After day three, Billy Horschel and Rory Mcilroy are the leaders at -9 (Rory coming back from two strokes behind).  Horschel has shot rounds of 66, 66, and 69.  Mcilroy has rounds of 69, 65, and 67.  In second alone, Jim Furyk at -7.  Jason Day, Rickie Fowler, and Justin Rose are in third at -6.  Atlanta native Chris Kirk is at -5.  Final round tomorrow!

Davis Cup tennis news..France advances into the final and awaits the winner of Switzerland vs. Italy.  Federer decided to sit out the doubles today, and Switzerland lost in five sets to Italy.  So…tomorrow the maestro will have the chance to seal the deal for the Swiss against F. Fognini and send them into the Davis Cup final.  GO FED!  Coverage begins very early tomorrow, 6:00 am EST on Tennis Channel.

CFB in all it’s glory today…the “great escape” in the ATL for Georgia Tech.  They survived a tremendous second half comeback by Georgia Southern (28 unanswered points) to finally get a turnover and win the game, 42-38.  Thank heavens!  Their next opponent, 17 Virginia Tech was upset by ECU, 28-21.  VT trailed for most of the game but managed to tie it up at 21-21 with little time left.  ECU marched down the field to win the game 28-21.  Embarrassing?  So, after upsetting Ohio State last weekend, not a good Saturday for the Hokies.  Meanwhile the Ohio State University got well with a 66-0 thrashing of Kent State.  UGA and South Carolina are underway…there was an hour rain/weather delay.  Currently, South Carolina leads 21-13.  UVA took care of 21 Louisville, 23-21, welcome to the ACC!  WVU over Maryland with a last second FG, 40-37.  2 Oregon rolled over Wyoming, 48-14 and more Pac 12 action later…USC at Boston College and UCLA at Texas (in Arlington, TX).  Also, 4 Oklahoma will host Tennessee.

So…busy Saturday.  Like I said, follow me on twitter!  Thanks and enjoy all the fun!


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TGIF..Golf and Tennis

Posted on September 13, 2014 by susan

TGIF…and yes, Happy Friday everyone.  Now for golf and tennis news in a nutshell!

Round two of the Tour Championship was completed in Atlanta without rain..but it is coming down now!  Billy Horschel leads the pack at -8.  Chris Kirk, Rory Mcilroy and Jason Day follow at -6.  Kevin Na, Ryan Palmer, Jim Furyk and others at -4.  Onto round three tomorrow…weather will be a wait and see..more thunderstorms in the forecast!

Tennis from Switzerland!  Davis Cup action with Mr. Federer and Mr. Wawrinka in front of 18,000 adoring fans saw the Swiss take a 2-0 lead after today’s action.  Fed took the court first and had a bit of a tussle with S. Bolelli.  Federer prevailed, 7-6, 6-4, 6-4.  Stan the man was up next and he had little trouble with the sometimes feisty F. Fognini, winning 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.  Tomorrow Stan and Roger will team up for some doubles facing off against Seppi and Lorenzi of Italy.  Should be good!

College Football tomorrow..guess the biggest game will be UGA vs. South Carolina at 3:30 pm EST.  Until then..enjoy your evening!

P.S. Few more perhaps interesting CFB matchups for Saturday…UCLA vs. Texas in Arlington, Tennessee at Oklahoma, USC at Boston College and of course, Georgia Southern at Georgia Tech (Paul Johnson’s past and present collide!)


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Tour Championship at Eastlake, Day 1

Posted on September 11, 2014 by susan

The Tour Championship (Fed Ex Cup finals) Day 1 is in the books from Eastlake Country Club in Atlanta, Georgia.  Atop the leaderboard is Billy Horshel and Chris Kirk (an Atlanta native) at -4.  Bubba Watson, Jim Furyk, Jason Day, and Patrick Reed are in second at -3.  Matt Kuchar (Georgia Tech grad and golf star) and Zach Johnson are in third at -2.  Adam Scott and Rory Mcilroy finished today’s play at -1.  The forecast in the ATL is for afternoon thunderstorms (great…) so play will begin early tomorrow at 10:00 am.  On a personal note, this golf course is the only course I have ever played!  You all know…college PE class!!  It has gone through quite a resurgence since that time…really great area and the charter schools are tops! That is a result of Atlanta real estate mogul Tom Cousins and his group investing in and rebuilding the area.  Anyhow…kind of cool that I actually “played” a round of golf there!   (It was pitiful!)

Tomorrow, Roger Federer and Stan the man Wawrinka will represent Switzerland as they host Italy in Davis Cup action.  Roger, now back to his place as the #1 ranked Swiss player will begin play in the first match.  Action will be broadcast at 2:00 pm EST on Tennis Channel.  Always ready to watch Mr. Federer play!

Happy Thursday everyone!


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Surviving “Paradise” on Wednesday…as always!

Posted on September 10, 2014 by susan

It is Wednesday, Surviving “Paradise” day as always!  Please check out my book (story, screenplay, etc.) Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver!  The book is available at Amazon.com for $8.99 in paperback, $3.03 in kindle edition.  Follow a southern woman who relocates to a new town (in southwest Florida) full of great expectations – only to be met by a ridiculous set of people and circumstances.  This story is funny, entertaining, relatable, and tells a story about neighborhood mayhem at it’s best (or worst?).  Anyhow, check it out.  For more info, see the HOME page at this website and the BUY THE BOOK option on the menu bar!  Surviving Paradise

Well, Team USA has played their way into the semifinals at the World Cup Basketball competition.  Gee, I hope so!  It would be embarrassing otherwise!  USA!  USA!  Derrick Rose is looking very good!

Tennis is on pause now after the US Open.  We await the start of indoor hard court tennis action which will eventually wind up at the ATP Year End Finals in London.  Rafael Nadal is reportedly practicing very hard to get himself into shape after sitting out with his right wrist injury.  He should, he only leads Roger Federer in the rankings by just over 600 points.  Yes, Mr. Federer could be closing in on the #2 ranking in the world. Current world #1 Novak Djokovic is kicking back and relaxing awaiting the birth of his first child.  Congrats and well wishes to Novak!  Roger meanwhile will be back in action on Friday for the Swiss Davis Cup team!  You go Fed!! (Father of four!)

College Football this weekend..no huge games except for UGA vs. South Carolina.  Always a good, “spirited” battle between these two SEC East powerhouses!

We are in a bit of a lull as far as TV shows..the summer shows have completed their run and we await the start of the fall TV shows in the next week or two.  Looking forward to it!

Now, if only the theater near me would reopen after it’s “renovations”!  Some really good movies are due out later this month and in early October!

Until later…pic of me with highlights for my b’day!  Thanks for reading!b'dayhighlights2

Happy “Hump Day” one and all!


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US Open finals and CFB Polls

Posted on September 9, 2014 by susan

We have crowned two US Open Champions, one for the sixth time, one for the first time and the new CFB polls are out!

First, Serena Williams defeated good friend (hey, they partied afterwards with Joe Jonas) 6-3,6-3 in a scintillating performance to win her 18th Grand Slam title, her 6th US Open title, and her 3rd consecutive US Open title.  It is her first and only Grand Slam title of the year, in this the final tennis Grand Slam.  All hail Serena, perhaps the greatest women’s player of all time.  Also, congrats to Caroline, so happy to see her playing at such a high level and in her second Grand Slam final (first was at US Open in 2009).

Meanwhile on the men’s side, M. Cilic won in a dominating fashion over Kei Nishikori, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.  It was the first time two double digit seeds competed for the trophy.  Roger Federer has to feel a little better after seeing how easily Cilic won that match (well, probably he is not feeling better at all, nor am I!)  Anyhow, 14 Cilic just overwhelmed 10 Nishikori to claim his first Grand Slam title.  Congrats to M. Cilic, very well done and well deserved after an incredible two weeks of tennis.

Now, we take a break, and wait for indoor hard court tennis in the fall/winter leading up to the ATP Year End Finals in London.  Indoor hard court tennis…Mr. Federer’s specialty (one of them anyhow!)  As wonderful as Cilic was in his victory at Flushing Meadows, I cannot help but lament about what an opportunity it was for Fed…and how it got away!

Now, CFB Polls are out..always entertaining in some ways after week two of action!

AP Poll: 1 FSU (38), 2 Oregon (16…like this!!), 3 Alabama (1), 4 Oklahoma (2), 5 Auburn, 6 UGA (1), 7 Texas A&M (2), 8 Baylor, 9 USC, 10 LSU.

Coaches Poll: 1 FSU (51), 2 Alabama (1), 3 Oklahoma (3), 4 Oregon (6) ..what games are they watching???, 5 Auburn, 6 UGA (1), 7 Baylor, 8 Texas A&M, 9 LSU, 10 USC.

I mean really, Oregon beat Michigan State.  What were the voters in the USA Today Coaches Poll watching..or were they?  Anyhow..it is early so take a deep breath.  A whole lot of college football yet to be played.

Tonight, MNF has Megatron and Detroit vs. Eli and the NY Giants.  Detroit up early 14-0 with Megatron doing his thing..two TD catches!

Later…


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US Open semifinals..there are no words…

Posted on September 7, 2014 by susan

US Open men’s semifinals today at US Open were, well, there are no words…two huge upsets, very disappointing to me on a personal note, and not what anyone was expecting!

Kei Nishikori took out world #1 Novak Djokovic, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6, 6-3.  What a performance by Nishikori at this year’s Open, winning matches late into the night, defeating #1, #3 (Wawrinka) and #5 (Raonic).  Then, Mr. Federer took the court after a rain delay to face M. Cilic.  It seemed the table was set for Federer to get that elusive Grand Slam title #18.  Rafa not in NYC, Djokovic and Murray out, but NO!!!  M. Cilic took out Federer in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.  Roger looked a bit sluggish and Cilic was superb.  His serve was incredible and Roger could not break him.  Fed suffered a break in each set, Roger did break once but was broken right back and when all was said and done, both Federer and Djokovic were sent home.  I am terribly disappointed but all credit to both Cilic and of course, Nishikori.  So, Monday night the US Open final will be Nishikori vs. Cilic.  Not exactly what prime time was hoping for but that is what it is going to be!

College Football action today…not going to even comment on the SEC games…all vs. lesser opponents.  Same for #1 FSU.  Unbelievable games in the Pac 12.  USC defeats Stanford in Palo Alto, 13-10.  Second year in a row the Trojans have taken down the Cardinals.  This game had nineteen penalties, other “controversies”, but USC took the game with a 53 yard field goal and then forced a fumble by Stanford QB Hogan to seal the deal.  GREAT College Football game.  Oregon is currently hosting Michigan State.  They trail 24-18.  Did not expect this.  Ducks looked very good to start the game, and the uniforms are cutting edge cool.  But Michigan State has come roaring back and this game is in the second half and who knows…

Ohio State is tied with  Virginia Tech 7-7 early at home.  It is EARLY.  Also early, Notre Dame leads Michigan 7-0.  Finally, Georgia Tech had a rough start in New Orleans but defeated Tulane 38-21.  GO JACKETS!

All Right, All Right, All Right!  Time to kick back and lick my wounds…disappointed #Fedfan!

Few updates: The Ohio State trails Virginia Tech 21-7 at the half.  Notre Dame 21-0 over Michigan.  And Mariota and the Ducks are rolling…lead Michigan State 46-27 with just over a minute left in the game!


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Oh what a night…Fed in five sets!!

Posted on September 5, 2014 by susan

Oh what a night….Federer in five sets under the lights at the US Open over Monfils, 4-6, 3-6,6-4, 7-5 (saved TWO match points!), 6-2.  It was a night to remember, a night with stars in the house, Clive Davis (thank you Clive Davis for re-tweeting me!), Kevin Garnett, Lindsey Vonn, and Gwen Stefani to name a few!  The star on the court, the greatest star on the tennis court in the history of the sport, Mr. Roger Federer was in trouble after two sets.  Conditions were very windy and Fed just did not have his “A” game.  But Fed’s “B” game is still a force to be reckoned with.  Gael Monfils is one of the most entertaining players you will ever watch play the game, but he has never won a Major.  Mr. Federer has 17 and just might be on the cusp of grasping #18 if he can defeat M. Cilic in the semifinals and meet up with Novak Djokovic as expected and hoped for in the men’s final on Monday, September 8th.

But back to the drama from last night.  After two sets, Roger was down two sets and he has only come back from a two set deficit twice in his career at the US Open.  He brought a lofty 27-1 record into the match playing under the lights in NYC and that appeared in jeopardy.  Then the champion that Federer is, pulled through to take the third set.  The fourth set looked like it was a lock as well when he broke Monfils early, but then he suffered a break.  All OK, he broke again and saved two match points on his serve and took the fourth set 7-5.  In the fifth, Monfils was spent, and Federer had his “A” game at last, his serve was back and he rolled to a 6-2 deciding fifth set, game set and match Mr. Federer!!

Anyone who doubts how much this guy still loves playing tennis and wants to win need only watch the replay of his expression and excitement when the match was his!!  Yes, he is 33 years old now and a father of two sets of twins, but he is moving better than he has in years (as per John McEnroe, Brad Gilbert, and me) and he wants this badly.  I want it for him, I want it for me, and I want us to have this moment together!!

So, tomorrow, Cilic vs. Federer, Djokovic vs. Nishikori and then we shall see..do we get that rematch we all want after the Wimbledon final..Federer vs. Djokovic.  I say YES!! GO FED!

Women’s semifinals are taking place today.  Wozniacki is in action against Peng of China, Woz is up 7-6 after one set but trails 0-2 in the second.  Update: Caro now up 4-2 in the second set!  Later, Serena Williams vs. E. Makarova.  Stay tuned…great action on the women’s side today!

Wozniacki advances into the final (first time at US Open since 2009) as Peng is forced to withdraw to injury (finally, it was a disgrace it took so long, she was in terrible pain!).  Caro through, 7-6, 4-3 (retired)  Caro as always, class act and concerned for well being of Peng!


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Surviving “Paradise” on Thurdsay..

Posted on September 4, 2014 by susan

Surviving “Paradise” on Thursday…yes, Wednesday came and went but we did have a holiday weekend and things got away from me just a bit…so…

Here we are on Thursday and today is the day I will start with promoting my book/screenplay/story..Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver.  Follow a southern woman who relocates to a new town full of great expectations – only to be met by a ridiculous set of people and circumstances!  When I say ridiculous…I am being kind!  Check out the HOME page at this website for more info and the BUY THE BOOK option on the menu bar!  Thanks.Surviving Paradise

Now..onto to some US Open tennis action!  Serena Williams takes out F. Pennetta in two sets, after dropping her serve twice in the first set. 6-3, 6-2.  E. Makarova will play her first semifinal in a Major after taking out Azarenka in three sets, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6.  Azarenka is still struggling to regain her top form after coming back from a really bad foot injury (saw her struggle at Indian Wells).  She will get there for sure, in the meantime, congrats to Makarova.  Carolina Wozniacki reaches her first semifinal at the US Open defeating S. Errani, 6-0, 6-1.  Welcome back Caro!!

On the men’s side, Djokovic defeated Andy Murray in four sets last night, 7-6, 6-7, 6-2, 6-4.  Andy still struggling to come back to top form after back surgery last year and Djokovic looks really strong after a not so stellar performance in the two hard court tournaments prior to the Open.  Nishikori advances into the semifinals over Wawrinka, 3-6, 7-5, 6-7, 7-6, 6-4.  Great performance by Kei Nishikori!

M. Cilic is currently battling T. Berdych and has won the first two sets, 6-2, 6-4.  Berdych is up in the third set 4-1.  Tonight at 8:00 pm EST on ESPN, Gael Monfils vs. Roger Federer…the match that really matters (to me and millions of others).  Monfils has had a terrific tournament but so has Roger.  Fed has had a tremendous year so far (especially when compared to last year, bad back, etc.) so if Fed can pull out this victory (I think he can!) than we are hopefully moving towards what we all want..a Federer vs. Djokovic final.  Will have to wait and see but if Federer can continue with his “turn back the clock” incredible play…he has a wonderful chance to pick up Grand Slam title #18!  And we all thought that could only happen at Wimbledon!  Still, more tennis must be played and won!

CFB this Saturday, couple of really good games between top twenty five teams from the Pac 12, USC vs. Stanford and Michigan State vs. Oregon.  Going to go with the Ducks and gee…I don’t know…Stanford?

Until later…

Update: Cilic comes back to win in three sets over Berdych…6-2, 6-4, 7-6.  He is into his second semifinal of a Grand Slam.  He will also face the winner of tonight’s match – Fed vs. Monfils!  GO FED!


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Tuesday..US Open and CFB

Posted on September 3, 2014 by susan

It is Tuesday (I think) and we have some great US Open results and the new CFB rankings out after week one!

First, US Open!  Roger Federer (the one and only) over Bautista-Agut in three sets, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2!  He will meet G. Monfils in the quarterfinals as Monfils won in a surprising three set victory over G. Dimitrov, 7-5, 7-6, 7-5!  Will be entertaining for sure.  Monfils is always entertaining but look for Federer to get through into the semifinals.  Roger is now 25-1 under the lights at the US Open after tonight’s win.  He had 36 winners with 25 unforced errors and won 35 of 57 points at the net.  Perhaps more importantly, he was 6/13 on break point opportunities (has been the Achilles heal for Fed the past couple of years!)  So…after today the quarterfinals are set on the men’s side: Federer vs. Monfils (look for it to be under the lights on Thursday night!); Cilic vs. Berdych (Cilic won in a grueling five set match over G. Simone, 5-7,7-6,6-4,3-6,6-3) and Thomas Berdych was clinical in his three set win over D. Thiem, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.  Then there is the huge quarterfinal matchup between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic (tomorrow) and Stan the man Wawrinka vs. K. Nishikori.  Nishikori won in five sets late last night (2:20 am finish) over M. Raonic, 4-6,7-6,6-7,7-5,6-4.  Two great quarters tomorrow on the men’s side!  Wawrinka vs. Nishikori and Djokovic vs. Murray!

Not be be ignored..coming up late tonight..Caroline Wozniacki vs. Sara Errani.  Really pulling for Caro…love to see her get it done and reach the semifinals in NYC.  (Very windy conditions at Flushing Meadows tonight!) Serena played doubles today with bis sis Venus and lost and also was treated for an ankle injury.  Hope she can be on her game for her singles match!

Now…CFB.  Polls out after week one…always interesting.  Top ten in both AP and USA Today Polls are as follows: AP 1 FSU  (46), 2 Alabama (1), 3 Oregon (5), 4 Oklahoma, 5 Auburn, 6 UGA (2), 7 Michigan State, 8 Ohio State, 9 Texas A&M, 10 Baylor.

USA Today Poll: 1 FSU (51), 2 Alabama, 3 Oklahoma (2), 4 Oregon (2), 5 Auburn, 6 Michigan State, 7 Ohio State, 8 UGA (1), 9 Baylor and 10 Stanford.

So..UGA getting some first place votes and moving on up.  Glad to see Oregon getting some first place votes…big game this Saturday between Michigan State and Oregon (should learn a lot after that game!) and interesting that Alabama stays at number two but no first place votes!

UCLA at #11, LSU at #12 (with one first place vote) and Stanford #12 in the AP Poll.  USA Coaches Poll has LSU at #12 and UCLA at #11.

It is early folks, it is early!

Tomorrow, Wednesday, Surviving “Paradise” day and more tennis!

Later!

P.S. GO FED (always) and Go Wozniacki!


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US Open results on Labor Day

Posted on September 1, 2014 by susan

US Open results on Labor Day…and first and foremost..Happy Labor Day everyone!  So…Serena Williams over Kanepi 6-3, 6-3.  E. Bouchard (the “new darling” of tennis) falls to E. Makarova, 5-7, 4-6.  Bouchard was treated for “heat illness” but all things aside, Makarova outplayed her and deserved to win the match.  It has been very hot and humid in NYC during the day matches…I get it..it is hot and humid in the ATL!  Tonight, Victoria Azarenka will continue her comeback against Krunic.  Go Vika!

On the men’s side…Djokovic advanced in three sets, 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 over Phillip Kolschreiber and he will face Andy Murray in the quarterfinals.  Murray won in three sets over J. Tsonga, 7-5, 7-5, 6-4.  Congrats to Nole who has now made 22 consecutive quarterfinals at Grand Slams.  Andy Murray looks stronger and more on his game than he has looked all year.  Should be a great match up.  Wawrinka is now on the court against 32 year old Tommy Robredo and it has started to rain…when it is that hot and humid..a bit of rain is usually on its way!  This match will hopefully get completed and tonight Nishikori will face Raonic.  Go Stan the man! Update: Wawrinka in four sets! 7-5, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2!!

Tomorrow…the one the matters..Roger Federer in action.  I really hope it is under the lights!  Will have to check the schedule tomorrow am to find out.

Meanwhile, I did watch a replay of the Georgia Tech – Wofford game from this past Saturday.  Feel a bit encouraged.  Justin Thomas (redshirt sophomore QB) looked really good in the second half.  The first half was bad..second half, encouraging.  Perhaps the Jackets are contenders in the Coastal Division of the ACC afterall.  Will have to wait and see…it is only week one of CFB!

Rizzoli and Isles on TNT at 9:00 pm EST.  All the other shows have wrapped up their summer runs.  (Tuesday night…tomorrow)  In a few weeks…the fall shows return!!  Meanwhile, there is more US Open tennis coverage tonight on ESPN2!

On a personal note..I have to vent!  The theater near me is still closed!!  On a holiday weekend no less.  I know with the renovations they are going to hopefully make it awesome but still…no movies!!  Anyhow…

Again, Happy Labor Day!

Azarenka comes back from one set down to win in three…4-6, 6-4, 6-4!!


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