Red hot Atlanta Braves

Posted on April 17, 2013 by susan

The Atlanta Braves are red hot!  They are 12 – 1 for the first time since 1994 and won their tenth straight game last night at Turner Field over Kansas City, 6 -3.  Yes, there were home runs, five of them to be exact.  Juan Francisco, Jason Heyward, Dan Uggla, and of course, Justin Upton, all got in on the action.  When I say the Braves went out during the off-season and got some offense, I mean they got some OFFENSE!  Pitching has never been an issue, but the bullpen is suffering as Luis Avilan went down last night and was carted off the field with a feared torn hamstring.  Reportedly, he is feeling much better today and hopes to be back in action in two or three days!  Good news for the Braves as they are already without the services of Johnny Venters and Cristhian Martinez.  Another nice outing for Kris Medlin on the mound to start for the Braves.  With all the talk about the Washington Nationals prior to the start of the MLB season, the Braves are making believers out of everyone!  Keep it up guys!


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Tuesday sports news, after the tragedy in Boston

Posted on April 16, 2013 by admin

One day after the horrific events in Boston, hard to focus on other things.  Cannot help but look at the picture of the eight year old boy who perished in the bombings at the Boston Marathon, holding a sign that read ‘No more hurting people…Peace” and ask ourselves, Why?

Well, today is Tuesday and more sad news…longtime sports commentator Pat Summerall has passed away at the age of 82.  He was a kicker and receiver for the New York Giants and went on to be a star sports analyst for 41 years reporting on such events as NFL football games, The Masters, and the U S Open Tennis Tournament.  Condolences to his family.

Happy 58th birthday to Bruce Bochy, manager of the San Francisco Giants (shout out to my friend, Turk, scout extraordinaire for the Giants, see chapter 8, Beach People of my book Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver).

Finally, the Atlanta Braves go for their tenth straight victory tonight in the ATL hosting Kansas City.  Chris Medlin will be on the mound for the Braves.  7:10 pm EST on Fox Sport South    GO BRAVES!

For non-sports fans, STARZ is showing The Notebook again tonight.  This movies have been on every night it seems for about a week.  Love Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.  Not to mention James Garner and Gena Rowlands.  Is this not the best romantic movie ever?  Ever notice that in all the really good romantic movies, Sleepless in Seattle, Serendipity, others, the other guy or gal is really pretty great, they just are not “that one” or “the one”?  Think about it…


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Tuesday sports news, after the tragedy in Boston

Posted on April 16, 2013 by susan

One day after the horrific events in Boston, hard to focus on other things.  Cannot help but look at the picture of the eight year old boy who perished in the bombings at the Boston Marathon, holding a sign that read ‘No more hurting people…Peace” and ask ourselves, Why?

Well, today is Tuesday and more sad news…longtime sports commentator Pat Summerall has passed away at the age of 82.  He was a kicker and receiver for the New York Giants and went on to be a star sports analyst for 41 years reporting on such events as NFL football games, The Masters, and the U S Open Tennis Tournament.  Condolences to his family.

Happy 58th birthday to Bruce Bochy, manager of the San Francisco Giants (shout out to my friend, Turk, scout extraordinaire for the Giants, see chapter 8, Beach People of my book Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver).

Finally, the Atlanta Braves go for their tenth straight victory tonight in the ATL hosting Kansas City.  Chris Medlin will be on the mound for the Braves.  7:10 pm EST on Fox Sport South    GO BRAVES!

For non-sports fans, STARZ is showing The Notebook again tonight.  This movies have been on every night it seems for about a week.  Love Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.  Not to mention James Garner and Gena Rowlands.  Is this not the best romantic movie ever?  Ever notice that in all the really good romantic movies, Sleepless in Seattle, Serendipity, others, the other guy or gal is really pretty great, they just are not “that one” or “the one”?  Think about it…


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Jenna Bush Hagler welcomes first child

Posted on April 15, 2013 by admin

Jenna Bush Hager and her husband Henry Hager welcomed their first child this weekend, a daughter named Margaret Laura “Mila” Hager.  George W. and Laura are the proud grandparents.  Jenna has grown into a beautiful and talented young women and wife.  Congrats to them!


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Matt Damon revews wedding vows

Posted on April 15, 2013 by admin

Surviving “Paradise” loves Matt Damon.  What a class act!  Matt Damon renewed his wedding vows this weekend at Sugar Beach resort in St. Lucia with family and friends.  Matt has been married to Luciana for eight years.  They met at a bar in 2003 in Miami when he was filming Stuck on You with Greg Kinnear.  They have four children, one hers from an earlier relationship and three together.  They had a very small ceremony and he has long wanted to do something special for his wife.  Gotta love this guy!  The renewal ceremony was attended by friends, Ben Affleck and wife Jen Garner, Michael Douglas and his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, brother Casey Affleck and the wonderful and talented Don Cheadle along with others.  A source referred to it as a very happy, family oriented celebration.  Congrats to them!  He is a gem.  Damon is currently working on two movies, Moments of Men with pal George Clooney and Behind the Candelabra and Elysium.  He appears this summer along Michael Douglas in the bio/movie about the life of  Liberace.


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Tragedy strikes finish of the Boston Marathon

Posted on April 15, 2013 by susan

Oh, what a world we live in!  Tragedy strikes the finish of the Boston Marathon as two explosions occur near the finish of the famed Boston Marathon today.  This occurred about three hours after the winners crossed the finish line.  Reports are coming in and are currently unconfirmed.  Reportedly, 68 people have been taken to a nearby hospital.  There are at least 23 injured and 2 people dead.  The NY Post reports that 12 are dead.  So, right now, chaos and confusion in the midst of this senseless tragedy.  This is a very popular and traditional day of revelry in Boston.  The Red Sox were playing at Fenway Park which is approximately 1.5 miles away from the race.  Red Sox defeated the Rays, 3 -2.  Doesn’t seem to be particularly relevant in the wake of this horrific event.  Stay tuned…more info will continue to come in on both sports and news stations.  Really?  What is the world coming to?


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No Kobe – Lakers defeat Spurs!

Posted on April 15, 2013 by susan

No Kobe, but Lakers find a way to defeat the San Antonio Spurs last night in the Staples Center.  Final score, Lakers 91 – Spurs 86.  WOW, almost seems like the Lakers played some defense!  Dwight Howard led the Lakers with 26 points, 17 rebounds, 2 steals and 3 blocked shots.  Gasol added 16 rebounds with 7 points and back-up point guard (Steve Nash still out with injury) added 23 points.  The Lakers held Spurs point guard Tony Parker to 4 points on a night of going 1 for 10 in shooting.  Well, one more game to go, Wednesday night against the Houston Rockets at home.  The Jazz (trail the Lakers by one game for the coveted 8th playoff spot, but hold the tie break) will play Minnesota tonight and finish with Memphis on Wednesday night.

Do the Lakers make the playoffs with Kobe out after surgery to repair a torn Achilles?  Yes, but how far will they make it once they do?  Great opportunity for Howard and others to showcase themselves and perhaps pull off something special.  Have to wonder if all the minutes Kobe Bryant has logged in his attempt to carry the Lakers into the playoffs contributed to his season ending injury?  Never for one moment doubt that Kobe will be back.  The rehab from this kind of injury is supposed to be anywhere from 6 to 9 months.  Still, Kobe, who turns 35 this summer, will NEVER let this be the way he goes out!

Stay tuned…playoff picture in the West is going down to the wire!


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No Kobe – Lakers defeat Spurs!

Posted on April 15, 2013 by admin

No Kobe, but Lakers find a way to defeat the San Antonio Spurs last night in the Staples Center.  Final score, Lakers 91 – Spurs 86.  WOW, almost seems like the Lakers played some defense!  Dwight Howard led the Lakers with 26 points, 17 rebounds, 2 steals and 3 blocked shots.  Gasol added 16 rebounds with 7 points and back-up point guard (Steve Nash still out with injury) added 23 points.  The Lakers held Spurs point guard Tony Parker to 4 points on a night of going 1 for 10 in shooting.  Well, one more game to go, Wednesday night against the Houston Rockets at home.  The Jazz (trail the Lakers by one game for the coveted 8th playoff spot, but hold the tie break) will play Minnesota tonight and finish with Memphis on Wednesday night.

Do the Lakers make the playoffs with Kobe out after surgery to repair a torn Achilles?  Yes, but how far will they make it once they do?  Great opportunity for Howard and others to showcase themselves and perhaps pull off something special.  Have to wonder if all the minutes Kobe Bryant has logged in his attempt to carry the Lakers into the playoffs contributed to his season ending injury?  Never for one moment doubt that Kobe will be back.  The rehab from this kind of injury is supposed to be anywhere from 6 to 9 months.  Still, Kobe, who turns 35 this summer, will NEVER let this be the way he goes out!

Stay tuned…playoff picture in the West is going down to the wire!


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Adam Scott outduels Angel Cabrera in playoff to take Masters title

Posted on April 14, 2013 by susan

Adam Scott became the first Australian to win the Masters, defeating Angel Cabrera in a playoff, birding the 10th hole.  Cabrera and Scott both birdied the 18th in regulation to end up at -9.  They both birdied the 18th hole in the first playoff hole and went on to the 10th.  Cabrera, with his son on the bag as his caddie, narrowly missed a birdie shot leaving the door open for Scott, who made a beautiful putt to birdie the 10th and take the title.  Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!!!  Really love Adam Scott, such a classy guy, and so pretty!  Not a fan of his caddie, Steve Williams, however.  Hate to bring up the negative, but we all know how Stevie ran his mouth after Tiger Woods fired him.  Really, Stevie?  No one would even know who you were if it were not for fourteen years with Tiger, much less those $$$ you have in your bank account.  Oh well, this is about Adam Scott’s breakthrough win with his first major title.  Congrats to him and his family!  The Masters never fails to deliver when it comes to drama and excitement.  Today was no exception.  Rain fell most of the day, starting out as a light rain and by the latter stages, heavy rain under grey skies.  Non the less, the patrons cheered on the action and when all was said and done, Adam Scott received his green jacket, courtesy of last year’s winner, Bubba Watson.

This is the second consecutive year The Masters has been decided by a playoff and also marks the third time this has been the case in the past five years.

The final leaderboard is as follows: Scott -9, Cabrera -9, Jason Day -7, Marc Leishman -5, Tiger Woods -5 (have to wonder what could have been if not for the two shot penalty?), Brandt Snedeker -4, Thorbjorn Olsen -4, Sergio Garcia -3, Matt Kuchar – 3, and Lee Westwood -3.

Rory Mcilroy had a nice final round but a disappointing Masters, finishing at +2.  Phil Mickelson had a very disappointing Masters to say the least, final score of +9, Ouch!.  The young fourteen year old from China, Quan, finished  his historic round of golf with a score of +12.

So until next year, so long from Augusta!  Next major up, the US Open!


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Adam Scott outduels Angel Cabrera in playoff to take Masters title

Posted on April 14, 2013 by admin

Adam Scott became the first Australian to win the Masters, defeating Angel Cabrera in a playoff, birding the 10th hole.  Cabrera and Scott both birdied the 18th in regulation to end up at -9.  They both birdied the 18th hole in the first playoff hole and went on to the 10th.  Cabrera, with his son on the bag as his caddie, narrowly missed a birdie shot leaving the door open for Scott, who made a beautiful putt to birdie the 10th and take the title.  Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!!!  Really love Adam Scott, such a classy guy, and so pretty!  Not a fan of his caddie, Steve Williams, however.  Hate to bring up the negative, but we all know how Stevie ran his mouth after Tiger Woods fired him.  Really, Stevie?  No one would even know who you were if it were not for fourteen years with Tiger, much less those $$$ you have in your bank account.  Oh well, this is about Adam Scott’s breakthrough win with his first major title.  Congrats to him and his family!  The Masters never fails to deliver when it comes to drama and excitement.  Today was no exception.  Rain fell most of the day, starting out as a light rain and by the latter stages, heavy rain under grey skies.  Non the less, the patrons cheered on the action and when all was said and done, Adam Scott received his green jacket, courtesy of last year’s winner, Bubba Watson.

This is the second consecutive year The Masters has been decided by a playoff and also marks the third time this has been the case in the past five years.

The final leaderboard is as follows: Scott -9, Cabrera -9, Jason Day -7, Marc Leishman -5, Tiger Woods -5 (have to wonder what could have been if not for the two shot penalty?), Brandt Snedeker -4, Thorbjorn Olsen -4, Sergio Garcia -3, Matt Kuchar – 3, and Lee Westwood -3.

Rory Mcilroy had a nice final round but a disappointing Masters, finishing at +2.  Phil Mickelson had a very disappointing Masters to say the least, final score of +9, Ouch!.  The young fourteen year old from China, Quan, finished  his historic round of golf with a score of +12.

So until next year, so long from Augusta!  Next major up, the US Open!


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