A big hooray to the news that the patron saint of the Genius Switch, David Letterman, has signed a four year extension to host the Late Show. This will take Dave through 2010.
And the world can continue.
Quote of the Day:
"I don't believe in working out. My philosphy: No pain, no pain." -Carol Leifer
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Sunday, September 03, 2006
I Heart Andre
I knew this day was coming. Even I, a delusional SuperFan, knew Andre Agassi was not going to win the US Open. I was, however, hoping he could make it to the 4th round and pass the torch to Andy Roddick.
But by the middle of the second set, I knew that wasn't happening. For the first time this tournament, he looked uncomfortably pained. I was watching with Jenn, and we were in awe of how this man, a mere shell of his former self, was giving this match everything he had and making his opponent earn the victory. With a ruptured disk in his back, he was still serving at 114mph and running to the net. His winning of the second set made us euphoric, and for a moment, allowed us to believe that maybe he could pull out a win. But as the match wore on, the reality of the situation became all too apparent, and I began to savor each point to its fullest.
I was disappointed with the way the match ended. I am not a fan of using aces to end a game, a set or especially a match. I feel you should win by beating the man, and the ace is the easy way out. However, I do give Benjamin Becker a lot of credit. He was playing his idol, and showed much class in victory.
The tears formed and the applause was loud in Jenn's living room as Andre said his goodbyes on the court. Showing true emotion and sincere gratitude, I could think of no greater way to say goodbye to this tremendous athlete and extraordinary man.
I became an Andre Agassi fan in 1990. He was arrogant and flashy and was so exciting to watch. His brashness, flowing locks, very good looks and colorful clothing were matched only by his natural talent. I was instantly smitten, and he has been a mainstay on the Hierarchy since.
I remember that July afternoon in 1992 when Andre won Wimbledon. I was so happy for him winning his first major and the realization of his life goal. It was around this time I began subscribing to Tennis magazine. Not for any tips for my own game, mind you. Rather, solely for pictures and articles on Andre.
There have been many ups and downs over the past 16 years. Those flowing locks became a buzz cut to the chrome dome we know today. I watched him become only the fifth player in the Open era to win all four grand slams. Further, the only one of those five who has an Olympic gold medal as well. I supported him though the brown & white striped shirt period. I bought the Rebel camera because he endorsed it. I paced nervously through numerous five set nailbiters; cursing the loses and cheering the victories. I've seen many coaches and girlfriends go through the revolving door. There have been tears of joy and tears of sadness. And through it all, I remained a fan.
Today is one of those rare days where the tears are of joy and sadness. Joy, because he'll get the treatment his back is in dire need of, and sadness to have to say goodbye to such a phenominal athlete.
I know this isn't the last we'll see of Andre. Whether it be in charity work or the senior's tour, I know the love affair will continue. I can also take comfort in watching players like James Blake and Andy Roddick on the court. Andre has influenced a generation of tennis players and through them, his legacy can only grow.
I love you, Andre Agassi. Thank you.
Quote of the Day:
"The scoreboard said I lost today, but what the scoreboard doesn't say is what it is I have found. And over the last 21 years, I have found loyalty. You have pulled for me on the court and also in life. I've found inspiration. You have willed me to succeed, sometimes even in my lowest moments. And I've found generosity. You have given me your shoulders to stand on to reach for my dreams, dreams I could have never reached without you. Over the last 21 years, I have found you and I will take you and the memory of you with me for the rest of my life. Thank you." -Andre Agassi
But by the middle of the second set, I knew that wasn't happening. For the first time this tournament, he looked uncomfortably pained. I was watching with Jenn, and we were in awe of how this man, a mere shell of his former self, was giving this match everything he had and making his opponent earn the victory. With a ruptured disk in his back, he was still serving at 114mph and running to the net. His winning of the second set made us euphoric, and for a moment, allowed us to believe that maybe he could pull out a win. But as the match wore on, the reality of the situation became all too apparent, and I began to savor each point to its fullest.
I was disappointed with the way the match ended. I am not a fan of using aces to end a game, a set or especially a match. I feel you should win by beating the man, and the ace is the easy way out. However, I do give Benjamin Becker a lot of credit. He was playing his idol, and showed much class in victory.
The tears formed and the applause was loud in Jenn's living room as Andre said his goodbyes on the court. Showing true emotion and sincere gratitude, I could think of no greater way to say goodbye to this tremendous athlete and extraordinary man.
I became an Andre Agassi fan in 1990. He was arrogant and flashy and was so exciting to watch. His brashness, flowing locks, very good looks and colorful clothing were matched only by his natural talent. I was instantly smitten, and he has been a mainstay on the Hierarchy since.
I remember that July afternoon in 1992 when Andre won Wimbledon. I was so happy for him winning his first major and the realization of his life goal. It was around this time I began subscribing to Tennis magazine. Not for any tips for my own game, mind you. Rather, solely for pictures and articles on Andre.
There have been many ups and downs over the past 16 years. Those flowing locks became a buzz cut to the chrome dome we know today. I watched him become only the fifth player in the Open era to win all four grand slams. Further, the only one of those five who has an Olympic gold medal as well. I supported him though the brown & white striped shirt period. I bought the Rebel camera because he endorsed it. I paced nervously through numerous five set nailbiters; cursing the loses and cheering the victories. I've seen many coaches and girlfriends go through the revolving door. There have been tears of joy and tears of sadness. And through it all, I remained a fan.
Today is one of those rare days where the tears are of joy and sadness. Joy, because he'll get the treatment his back is in dire need of, and sadness to have to say goodbye to such a phenominal athlete.
I know this isn't the last we'll see of Andre. Whether it be in charity work or the senior's tour, I know the love affair will continue. I can also take comfort in watching players like James Blake and Andy Roddick on the court. Andre has influenced a generation of tennis players and through them, his legacy can only grow.
I love you, Andre Agassi. Thank you.
Quote of the Day:
"The scoreboard said I lost today, but what the scoreboard doesn't say is what it is I have found. And over the last 21 years, I have found loyalty. You have pulled for me on the court and also in life. I've found inspiration. You have willed me to succeed, sometimes even in my lowest moments. And I've found generosity. You have given me your shoulders to stand on to reach for my dreams, dreams I could have never reached without you. Over the last 21 years, I have found you and I will take you and the memory of you with me for the rest of my life. Thank you." -Andre Agassi
Saturday, September 02, 2006
The Week in Review
Sorry for the lack of postings, my friends. It's been an interesting week...
First, my beloved computer is in the intensive care unit at Tekserve. The stupid people at the Apple store did not catch my computer's problem, which when I returned a week later, told me all my files are corrupt. Of course, I have nothing backed up, so all my files are threatening to be lost. This does not make me happy. First, because the Apple store cost me $300 unnecessary dollars. Second, I had asked the Apple store the first time around to back up my files and I was willing to spend the extra $50 to have that done. Third, not correcting the problem. Fourth, telling me nothing can be done and refer me to Tekserve. Fifth, having to spend $600 on the possibiliy, but no promises, for my data to be recovered. Bottom line, if you have an Apple computer, bypass the "genius bar" and go directly to Tekserve. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.
***
Last Sunday was my favorite day of the year, Emmy Awards night. My comments:
* Conan did an excellent job hosting. The Bob Newhart running gag was hilarious.
* Yay for Jeremy Piven winning Best Supporting Actor, Comedy. I question his ascot choice, but a worthy win. Would have also been content to see Bryan Cranston take an Emmy home for his great performance as Hal in "Malcolm in the Middle", but alas, it was not meant to be.
* I'm not upset that Dave and Stephen Colbert lost the Emmy for Outstanding Individual Performance, Variety. I'm upset that they lost to BARRY MANILOW. Really? Two brilliant performers lost to the man who writes the songs? It doesn't seem right.
* Also glad to see "the Office" win for Best Comedy. Nice to see former roomates Conan O'Brien and Office Executive Producer Greg Daniels share the stage.
* John Spencer got a very nice response during the death montage. Very well deserved.
* I love Dick Clark. In terms of the industry of television, he is one of my heroes. But he needs to stop going on camera. It's just too sad. Although he looked a thousand times better than he did on New Year's Eve.
* Best dressed honors go to Felicity Huffman, Helen Mirren, Evangeline Lily, and Virginia Madsen. Worst dressed goes to Paula Abdul. It also pains me greatly to say that Candice Bergen looked horrible. Usually she is the epitome of fashion and class, but not this night.
***
It's been an emotional week for me, as Andre Agassi plays in his final US Open. I have been an Agassi fan since 1990, and he has been a mainstay on my all-time Hierarchy since.
Both his first and second round matches have been epic and dramatic. I find myself pacing and hyperventilating a lot. At least with Cal Ripken, I knew when his final game was coming and could prepare for it. With the US Open, I never know when Andre will play his last match and want so badly for him to win.
If anything, I would like to see him get to the 4th round to face Andy Roddick. It would make a great story and really have his career go full circle. Especially now with Jimmy Connors coaching Andy. Throughout this tournament, many comparisons have been made between Andre and Connors. It just seems too perfect not to happen.
I know Andre's in a lot of pain, and I hope he doesn't do any permanent damage to himself. Still, as a diehard, I want to see him win as much as I can. These matches have really been amazing and it reminds me what makes tennis such a great sport and why I watch it in the first place. Andre has much to do with me watching tennis in the first place. He's been a great ambassador for the sport, and even with him not on the tour, hope he still remains a presence.
Go Andre!!
***
On Wednesday, Cheryl and I made our triumphant return to trivia. With the help of HYP and Jared, we played 80s and 90s pop culture trivia. Naturally, we came in first. Our reward: free tickets to see the Wedding Singer on Broadway. Sadly, Constantine from American Idol is in it now, so that will be an automatic minus for the evening. Still, winning is nice.
***
Happy Labor Day weekend everyone.
Quote of the Day:
"At least I could have lost to Wolverine. He has claws for hands!" -Stephen Colbert responding to losing to Barry Manilow. Hugh Jackman, who plays Wolverine in the X-Men movies was also nominated for hosting the Tony's.
First, my beloved computer is in the intensive care unit at Tekserve. The stupid people at the Apple store did not catch my computer's problem, which when I returned a week later, told me all my files are corrupt. Of course, I have nothing backed up, so all my files are threatening to be lost. This does not make me happy. First, because the Apple store cost me $300 unnecessary dollars. Second, I had asked the Apple store the first time around to back up my files and I was willing to spend the extra $50 to have that done. Third, not correcting the problem. Fourth, telling me nothing can be done and refer me to Tekserve. Fifth, having to spend $600 on the possibiliy, but no promises, for my data to be recovered. Bottom line, if you have an Apple computer, bypass the "genius bar" and go directly to Tekserve. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.
***
Last Sunday was my favorite day of the year, Emmy Awards night. My comments:
* Conan did an excellent job hosting. The Bob Newhart running gag was hilarious.
* Yay for Jeremy Piven winning Best Supporting Actor, Comedy. I question his ascot choice, but a worthy win. Would have also been content to see Bryan Cranston take an Emmy home for his great performance as Hal in "Malcolm in the Middle", but alas, it was not meant to be.
* I'm not upset that Dave and Stephen Colbert lost the Emmy for Outstanding Individual Performance, Variety. I'm upset that they lost to BARRY MANILOW. Really? Two brilliant performers lost to the man who writes the songs? It doesn't seem right.
* Also glad to see "the Office" win for Best Comedy. Nice to see former roomates Conan O'Brien and Office Executive Producer Greg Daniels share the stage.
* John Spencer got a very nice response during the death montage. Very well deserved.
* I love Dick Clark. In terms of the industry of television, he is one of my heroes. But he needs to stop going on camera. It's just too sad. Although he looked a thousand times better than he did on New Year's Eve.
* Best dressed honors go to Felicity Huffman, Helen Mirren, Evangeline Lily, and Virginia Madsen. Worst dressed goes to Paula Abdul. It also pains me greatly to say that Candice Bergen looked horrible. Usually she is the epitome of fashion and class, but not this night.
***
It's been an emotional week for me, as Andre Agassi plays in his final US Open. I have been an Agassi fan since 1990, and he has been a mainstay on my all-time Hierarchy since.
Both his first and second round matches have been epic and dramatic. I find myself pacing and hyperventilating a lot. At least with Cal Ripken, I knew when his final game was coming and could prepare for it. With the US Open, I never know when Andre will play his last match and want so badly for him to win.
If anything, I would like to see him get to the 4th round to face Andy Roddick. It would make a great story and really have his career go full circle. Especially now with Jimmy Connors coaching Andy. Throughout this tournament, many comparisons have been made between Andre and Connors. It just seems too perfect not to happen.
I know Andre's in a lot of pain, and I hope he doesn't do any permanent damage to himself. Still, as a diehard, I want to see him win as much as I can. These matches have really been amazing and it reminds me what makes tennis such a great sport and why I watch it in the first place. Andre has much to do with me watching tennis in the first place. He's been a great ambassador for the sport, and even with him not on the tour, hope he still remains a presence.
Go Andre!!
***
On Wednesday, Cheryl and I made our triumphant return to trivia. With the help of HYP and Jared, we played 80s and 90s pop culture trivia. Naturally, we came in first. Our reward: free tickets to see the Wedding Singer on Broadway. Sadly, Constantine from American Idol is in it now, so that will be an automatic minus for the evening. Still, winning is nice.
***
Happy Labor Day weekend everyone.
Quote of the Day:
"At least I could have lost to Wolverine. He has claws for hands!" -Stephen Colbert responding to losing to Barry Manilow. Hugh Jackman, who plays Wolverine in the X-Men movies was also nominated for hosting the Tony's.
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