Snoo: Sounds like something you might want to take up with Pete personally. *shrug*

For the record, he usually ignores, avoids, or doesn't appear to see any questions I field his way. I don't blame him -- my motives are never pure. :)

I've seen him get testy when folks personally attack him, and sometimes he'll respond in kind (providing light entertainment). I've also seen him get testy when people poke at his logic over-and-over (kind of a "won't drop the subject" circumstance). He doesn't appear to like that much.

I see this from two opposing angles:

First, as someone who has been on the receiving end of the same kind of criticism and questions as Pete receives. I hated it -- it was like being on trial. Normally, when a writer puts out work, you get minimum response or interaction with whoever may be reading. Here, you get it by the minute and it can and does go on for days at a time. You can either ignore the responses, confront them all, or confront a few. Options one and two cannot be done (you'd wind up with no audience or no sleep). So, you cherry-pick here and there and sop up the blood as best you can with napkins and band-aids.

Second, I see it as a poster, who asks questions and wants a response. If I bother to stick around here, and I'm posting here often, lining these people's pockets with my hit counts and loyalty.. by hell I want a damn answer to my stupid question.

Trying to blend the two is difficult, to say the least.

Pierre: Probably "Deck the Halls". It was the only one that I could ever sing without sounding like a cat with a poker up its butt.

Mine is The Italian Christmas Donkey.

"Tubular Bells" and "Little Drummer Boy"

Keep Smiling

la boheme: As someone who criticized Pete very early in my time on this board and someone who has never felt that I had to worry about disagreeing with anything he said, I find your comment baffling. For us to behave that way would make us not much better than the TWBARFs, don't you think? TWBAPB???!!!

I consider myself a super-feminist, but I really would have trouble getting upset about a man talking about watching movies (which my women friends fondly refer to as "chick flicks") and discussing fashion (which Mirka and many women seem to enjoy)as a way of showing that he can appreciate the emotional and sentimental side of life and thus gain the approval of a powerful woman. Believe me, I've seen hostile, anti-woman writing...and this ain't it. I'll call it out when I see it!

Dear Snoo: If I were writing the autobiography of Pete Sampras and I made a comment about the Sampras-Federer exo and you asked me if I'd even seen the exo, I wouldn't ignore your question. No, sir, I'd answer it... but then the moderators would have to wipe out my answer as they just did the work of the troll on the other thread! LOL

Snark sometimes begets snark, as you know well, snoo.

Ruth: As to your comment on TWBARf, my point exactly. As to the feminist issues, I guess we see it differently. I agree that Pete's comments are far from the worst I've seen (not even close), but I expect better in this day and age, and I think there is often a veiled hostility in Pete's commentary.

Hey "Little Drummer Boy..." Every time I hear that, I start to think about "Ravel's Bolero".

Other than that, almost all Christmas songs are good.

Except that Charlie Brown one, "Christmas time is here..." I heard that one today, it always brings me down, man! It is way too subdued. I guess there was a lot of Valium going around back then?

Ruth, how is asking Pete if he'd seen the exo snark? I seriously don't understand. "Pete, did you see the 3d exo?" That's exactly what I asked. That's not snark. That's a question. A sincere question. But whatever. Dang it's true, Pete really is beyond reproach. Got it.

And he didn't completely ignore the question, he said "it doesn't really matter if I watched the match or not, does it?"

Snoo: If he was beyond reproach, moderators would be axeing yours, mine, Ruth's and a few other commenters' posts as we speak.

I went back and hunted for that conversation, btw, and read through it.

I don't think your exo question was out of bounds. I'd have just said, nope, I didn't see it, and moved on. But maybe because you kept asking the question over and in progressive dramatic fashion, he got irritated, which prompted his (eventual) sarcastic reply?

I'm not defending, just searching for an explanation.

How about this one?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6YKDPDgSrc

I kept asking because he was directing snarky comments to me but not answering the question. I was curious as to whether he was basing his staunch defense of the integrity of the exo on what he'd heard/read or on what he'd actually seen, since my "preposterous" opinion was based on what I saw in the match.

I'm really trying to drop it but I feel like if people want to keep defending Pete I have to keep defending myself. So whatever. And now Ruth's saying I was the one who started with the snark which is just totally wrong.

Sorry steggy, I know you said you're not defending. I'm just, pffft. Disappointed, or something to that effect.

Hey check it out, Mardy Fish is engaged to a suitcase girl!

http://tinyurl.com/2gl2tn

Snoo, I don't think you should drop it. Instead, I think you should take it up with Pete. It apparently means quite a bit to you, and you seem very upset over the matter.

Hey Snoo Foo, you did have a good point, so don't worry about it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M7E31_JCJ0

Snoo, you're not pfft! You're pissed off, geesh. :) I've spent my time angry with the man over something he said or did. In tears, throwing things, and once, I even heavily dented a steel-cased server due to the guy. He can be a tactless, sarcastic jackass at times. He's um, a man. *shrug*

(No offense to other men.)

I did not watch the exos (bringing back that equine one more time, hee!) - they didn't interest me in the least. Not sure why, really. But I will say this. If Snoo, who is not anywhere near a Fed KAD, has seen these exos and has an opinion, I can't imagine not taking her opinion seriously. Or assuming she was trying to insult either player in any way.

Snoo: My feeling is this: if I were writing the autobiography of someone and probably killing myself trying to keep up with everything that person was doing NOW and had done in the past, and-- especially after I'd made a comment on something that person had done recently -- someone asked me if I'd even seen said something that the subject of my book had done and that I'd dared to comment on, I'd be pissed, I'd think that person was being a smartass, and I'd probably answer even more snarkily than you think Pete did! OK? (Sorry, I didn't see what Pete said to you, and I just thought, because you kept asking him the question, that he had ignored you.)

And, please, NOBODY -- except, yes, God -- is above reproach to me! Please remember that. Thanks. (Oh, and I'll probably behave as if my first grandchild, who is due next month, is also above reproach.)

Now, Pete has to write something about one of my faves that I think is inaccurate or unfair, just so I can jump down his throat -- for the ???th time since I've been posting here.

Steggy: I didn't realize, until you mentioned it recently, that you and I both started our comments on this blog by giving Pete hell for comments he'd made about Serena. :) Mine had to do with his seeming to blame Serena for the existence of a press release that the WTA (not her "people") had written about her.

steggy: None taken.

Also, can't a horse die in peace here? ;-)

I forgot to return Schwab's hello, so hello, Schwab! :)

No, Sam. You crazy? :)

I forgot to return Schwab's hello, so hello, Schwab! :)

No, Sam. You crazy? :)

Tari: It was a rhetorical question. ;-)

Crap. I'd swear I didn't do that. But...my keyboard was sort of resting on my stretched out legs, half on the desk and half on me while I was reclining...and it did go sliding off right after I hit "post". So I grabbed it clumsily - is that a word? - and might have mucked it all up. Whew. In short: Dang. I hate double posting. :(

Oops. Didn't catch that, Sam. :)

Come on Tari, we know you're angling for that year-end double post award. ;-)

la boheme: I just want to be sure you know that I never think that just because some version of sexism (or any of the other horrible isms) is not the worst I've seen, that means that it's not a bad thing. Thnigs can always be or get worse, unfortunately, but that should never be an excuse for overlooking it.

It's just that the idea of a man sucking up to a woman by trying to emphasize his "feminine side" because she has the power to help him get something he wants is very funny to me. I'd be more inclined to say, "You go, girl" to the Mirka character than "You sexist pig" to the Pete character, the would be coach who is trying hard to gain her favor. But, I guess we see this differently.

hey kids.

Awe - Snoo - sorry you got burnt a bit there. I'd take it up w/ Pete offline though, as its obviously upset you. Dunno - there was a good bit of snark and just just stuff rolling around (not from you, I didn't think..) but looks like you may have been a crossfire casualty.

I don't think anyone is beyond reproach here, 'ceptin' me because i'm perfect. heehee!

Ruth - congrats on your first grandchild! somehow I suspect that this child will pretty much do no wrong for oh - the next 20 or so years....!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night.

While Pete's initial post was pretty unbiased he seems to have gotten incredibly defensive when some posters suggested that Rog let Pete win(which i dont believe)...To compare an exhibition match to a Wimbledon final is just!!!!!

Ruth is both a troll and a typical religious Christian nutcase.

Peter Bodo (dodo) obviously dislikes Roger, maybe even hates him. Only he can know why and explain himself honestly, reasonably and rationally.
Maybe him being a typical patriotic American, and a non-American dominating and winning professionally in the sport of tennis so consistently for the last 4 years, and counting, like no American has ever done before, has at least something to do with his biased, bad feelings for Roger.

Victorious/Arthur/whatever alternative tedious name you want to call yourself by - if I didn't think that Ruth would laugh at your post, I'd delete it. You have yet to contribute anything interesting or valuable to this site, and are hogging valuable bandwidth. Don't push your luck. I'm ready to delete everything you write if you cross the line one more time. Normal TW rules apply to normal posters - trolls (that means you) are anyone's punchbag.

Merry Christmas to you Arthur.

I'm not sure what is the right place for Fed cup news.

There is a lot of discussion and debate in Israel as what Russian players will make it to Israel, apperantly a russian newspaper reported this morning that Chaki is in a bad mental place ever since the robbing and who knows what will happen with her at the begining of the year (I have a feeling they weren't just talking about the Fed Cup, I don't think we will see her at AO...)

So, if she shows up in Israel, I'll be shocked.

Maria too, is still iffy. Hopefully she'll show up. She needs to make herself avilable, doesn't she? I really want to see her here.

Not mean or sarcastic Arthur...but may I say my opinion...that there is nothing wrong with your opinions, but your presentation is simply against the sensible rules of this site, which means you have to find other ways to get your point across, other than personal attacks, which I'm sure an intelligent person as you are is capable of doing. Because a person who deliberately doesn't care for the rules, is a troll by definition, and that is why the moderator called you that, not because he/she is mean or violent, but because that is you, a troll. No offense really. Just to be nicer, I can switch the admittedly rude sounding word with say, sweetheart. So, by definition, you are a sweetheart.
Without rules, and sweethearts running around, this place turns into a zoo. You must understand that.

Arthur, I sincerely feel bad that you feel this site sucks so bad, but really, if that's the case, why are you posting here? Well thankfully, I'm sure the moderator is gonna help you with that. Bye bye.

Just stop in for a quick hello because I've got to hit the mall, I haven't maxed out my credit card yet. Arthur, stay positive, and chill out, the moderators do a great job. Just look at other site like ESPN. Merry Christmas America and god bless my home country of Sweden. My wish for the New Year is that the present conflict between native Swedes and the recent Muslim immigrants is resolved in a peaceful way. I'm not choosing side, but what native Swedes want is the violence to end. Peace on earth and Happy new year to all. Go Justine, world's #1!

Hi Sammy. Happy Holidays to you too.=)

Moderator: Thanks for saving that post for me. No better way to start the day than with a good laugh! I must get down on my knees and express thanks that the lowly troll, too, can contribute to the merriment -- even when he/she doesn't intend to do so -- at this joyful time of the year! LOL

Seriously Arthur, who spiked your eggnog?

Just driving by to wish everybody a happy and safe holiday. If you are flying in the midwest today...go with God! Have patience.

I just dropped by friend and her daugther at the airport, they are flying out to Indiana. They are delayed...delayed...delayed...and she just called and said *HORRORS* her teenage daughter's IPod has lost charge, and the adapter is packed and checked!!!!!! I suggested she go to the gift store and buy a book. I could see her eyes rolling as I said it.

To all the tribe, enjoy the day!

Merry Christmas, happy holidays to everyone.

Big, huge hugs to all.

rudy: You're not kidding. My sister beat the worst of the weather yesterday flying east from Minnesota.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season.

*hugs Tari*

if Federer wasnt so well liked and adored by so many die-hard fans, then bodo would like him more. Also, bodo doesnt like Federer because Federer pretty much wins everything all the time which means bodo has to keep thinking up stuff to write about him, and since bodo is not very creative, he gets frustrated. Plus, anybody who's favorite player is not Federer, ends up not liking Federer because he makes their favorite player look bad, like bodo and his fave, sampras.

One of these days, I'm going to write up a penny-psych teatise on people's reactions vs. whether they refer to Pete as Pete, Peter, Bodo, bodo, Bozo, or bozo or combinations thereof.

I think it could be ground-breaking stuff.

Don't forget Dodo.

rudy3 - that story made me laugh very hard.... of course, the thought that my ipod would loose its charge midtrip is a minor fear of mine. (I always embark with it fully charged....)

I also need to avoid bookstores - as I invariably come out with multiple books. which are heavy when travelling...

ANYHOW!

heppy holidays to everyone! to those who don't celebrate christmas - enjoy the time off work! i'll be going dark for a few days - so won't post till later in the week. (Play nice in the sandbox kiddies - give the mods a break too!)

Enjoy everyone!

Steggy,

LOL! I'll call him Pete.

Snoo Foo,

Dodo- LOL

BTW- Happy Holidays all! Hope that your wishes come true this New Year. I'm praying to win Mega Millions in order to do a "Spectator" Golden Slam!

I thought the dodo was extinct ...

steggy: Too funny - go for it!

Steggy, also Peter Bodo(I use that) or Mr. Bodo.

"I suggested she go to the gift store and buy a book. I could see her eyes rolling as I said it."

LOL, rudy. Sign of the times ...

gollum...gollum...gollum...

oh my...what drama, but thanks everyone for the fireworks, Im half asleep in an airport in Minneapolis, on an unfortunate Xmas Eve flight back to visit family, and I run across all the TW fisticuffs, which is making my last hour wait at least entertaining, though Im sad to see another Federer inspired brawl being the cause!

just want to wish all at TW a Happy Holiday; out of desperation, im on my third glass of wine as I've been reduce to eating cold nachos, this airport bar is thin pickens, Im lucky i got any food at all! but never fear, when i get home things will be grand...

dear Ros, I still say I deserve a shot at the TWBARF presidency, I love being a Roger lunatic and pushing my beloved Rafa fans (and Bodo of course) to the edge, its what I live for! The Roger respect thing is like politics, we all see things differently, and no amount of common sense or facts will change another's opinion ...

I should know, ive been battling for years and nothing ever really changes, but its still fun... I think its great to debate Pete on the whole Roger thing, but ultimately, its just tennis and not a big deal ..

Merry Xmas all !

i'm a little late here, can someone provide a time/quote to the arthur trolling, or 'threat' or whatever nasty thing said here? need a laugh!

Yikes, I just noticed that somebody posted this under the name of "Sarah" -- it's the first time I've noticed another commenter under the same name as I have.

*****************

"Posted by Sarah 12/22/2007 @ 4:10 AM
" On the whole, I also think that TWBARFs (Those Who Worship Before the Altar of Roger Federer) often make Federer less appealing to the rest of us, because they are so shrill and defensive on his behalf. Sorry folks, but some of you reallyl asked for it."

So this explains your replies to comments in the Roger & Pete post. Were you drunk or are you always that embarrassing?
It must be difficult to retain credibility as a journalist when you allow people's opinions to alter your perception of the subject/person."

**********************

Just wanted everybody to know that this comment was not by me.

Moderators, please let me know if I need to choose another name to post comments by.

A discussion on Fed KADs, Fed trolls and Fed BWARFS is seriously pointless on TW for the simple reason that the blog comment sections of both Tignor and Bodo are infested with them and even the more reasonable Fed fans defend them under an "all for one, one for all" motto.

Or...thanks for the link to 2002 Hopman cup...Fed/Mirka vs. Hewitt/Molik. That's great!

Fed KAD...(I'm at the altar, but not quite in a kneeling position!)

Roger is in Dubai now, preparing for his 5th straight inevitable and foregone conclusion Dominant World #1 caliber year which begins for REAL in 18 days in Melbourne, IF he's healthy.

Wimbledon 2001 for REAL with a 19 year old future dominant World class phenom beating the 4 time defending champ at his own game (S and V) on his own surface.
Any questions?

The 4 time defending champ was over the hill at that time. Any questions? There are better ways to defend your semi-god while kneeling in front of his altar, shelton.

hj, Roger was WAY before his best and prime and Undisputed World #1 status at that time, and Pete was 29 or 30, and in just the one year before, was dominating the men's game, although not as well as Roger is now and for last 4 years. Any questions?

Hj is just one of those many Pete fans who just can not accept reality that Roger has already beaten Pete's best mark with 5 straight Wimbledons, 3 Australians, and tied 4 US Opens, and lost 2 French Finals, losing to same one player 3 straight years. Also, hj is bitter that Roger will shatter the record of 14 Slams this year, and the next few years. He will also break the record of 286 total weeks World #1 in 2009 or 2010.
Bitterness and jealousy of Roger's non-American greatness and complete domination, unlike Pete in his prime, for already 4 years in a row, has some Pete fanatics, defending Pete even now, and taking away from Roger's many accomplishments, TRUTHFULLY.

lol, Hunter...what a silly little rant.
You really are a credit to the Federer fandom. Really.

Just a note: I'm not a Sampras fan. I'm not even American so I don't really care all that much about American greatness either way but don't let that stop you from writing another cute rant. It's amusing.

Shelton, neither Sampras nor Federer were at their peak at that time so their matches or not that informative. You think that it's the ultimate proof that Federer > Sampras. I don't attach that much importance to that one match. Simple. Let's leave it at that, shall we?

Personally, I'm not a fan of either Sampras or Federer but as a tennis fan, I can't help but have a great deal of respect for the both of them.