Master Ace,

I'm sorry to hear you didn't get DC tickets. :( But please do give us a report on the goings on outside the arena.

Other than Christopher, do you know of anyone who is going?

Jackie,

Thanks for the lesson. I really do need to get serious about becoming techie tangi someday. :)

Aussie Open Women's Doubles Draw:

http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/draws/wd/wddraw.pdf

Serena and Venus play Kuznetsova and Petrova in the 1st round!!

The defending champs, the Bondarenko sisters, play Robeta Vinci and Gisela Dulko in the 1st round.
---------------------------------------------------------
Aussie Open Men's Doubles Draw:

http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/draws/md/r1s2.html

As I looked upon the men's draw I did not happen to see Erlich/Ram who are the defending champions.

Davis Cup Stars Lopez/Verdasco play Cerretani/Starace in the 1st round.
----------------------------------------------------------------

3 HRS AND 5 MINUTES UNTIL AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2009!

Aussiemarg,
Did you check your e-mail to see if TAT has replied? You may have to click on link provided to confirm registration.

Crazyone thanks anyway

Master Ace yes I just did that,no reply.also went back to TAT to see if I could get through for my picks,still get same message

the Eagles need to get better in the Red Zone. My god.

aussiemarg:

I had the same problems with TAT trying to register for SP also, I finnaly gave up. I would not have time to do SP anyways. Hope it works for you.

Hang in there, Crazyone. Long way to go. Though we just got bailed out on that holding penalty. Otherwise, we were punting.

Crap. Another bloody field goal attempt and no touchdown. Grrrr.

Thanks, NP. Very interesting. We've talked about Pancho before, haven't we? I think we share a fascination for this tennis history stuff. :)

NP, merci, I like keeping my head (glorious locks or no) on my neck at all times, ya know!

*waves at Tangi and Jackie the social director*

Crazy and Sam (who must be at a bar), they play 4 quarters, so hang in there!

Afwu,
Erlich is still out with an injured shoulder. Ram is playing with Max Mirnyi.

AWFU 1216 thanks I dont feel so bad,whats wrong with this site too hard basket if you ask me,didnt have this trouble before,oh well I am another one in OZ could win $5000 but really why this hard.

Sherlock, it's not the scoreline that worries much as much as the overall poor play and failure to utilize gifts (like the turnover on the turnover, that call). The Cardinals have really come to play, while the Eagles don't seem to have any intensitiy.

Power back on - nice to be able to thaw out while glued to TV set for the night.

Paying 4 month old bills be damned!

Didn't realize ESPN2 would actually be showing AO at 7:00PM EST - what a surprise - probably 'cause Roddick is playing early - but who cares - at least they're on.

As noted - nice to see so many old ...err...experienced posters back to enjoy the first GS of the year - long time no read - but hope everyone is in good health and a happy place.

Yes, Sherlock, but Pancho fascinates me more than the others. What a charisma, though he certainly could be an ass.

NP, siggy.

Hello, siggy! Hope you feel better soon. Are you lurking even when you're not posting?

Jackie ... here's how a commenter responding to the "roundtable" series described your hubby: "He’s like a little yorkshire terrior - looks so harmless, but he won’t let go easily and could cause damage with those little teeth of so much grip!" Do you like? This comes from a fan, BTW.

Crazyone, agreed. Not sure if it's Cards offense is playing so well, or our defense playing like crap, but they're just moving the ball at will.

The Cardinals, the Cardinals!!!, are actually running the ball against the defense.

Hi, Flyer! Glad your lights are on and the bills are paid. Is Rog gonna take this thing?

When are the Eagles going to cover Fitzgerald? 2010?

Cardinals 21 Eagles 6

Flyer I just have to say what a great movie "Doubt" gee I can relate to it so well,I went to very strict Catholic boarding school around that time,regardless if you are Catholic religious or not,the questions it brings up,Meryl Steep Legend,also Phillip Seymour-Hoffman fantastic,also Amy Adams as the naive nun,I shed tears in the end just like Meryl,made me come out thinking more! I would recommend this film to everyone.great drama,funny moments as well.

The one thing I hope ESPN2 doesn't do is replay that horrible Andy Roddick moment from last year's AO. But I'm sure they will. Over and over again...before every one of his matches.

"When are the Eagles going to cover Fitzgerald? 2010?"

I'm not watching the game or anything, but this made me laugh Master Ace. Sounds like things are not going well.

aussiemarg
I can try to help you if you want. You can send me an email.

yeah this is a total disaster. I'm actually only half-watching this now, it's not close enough to hold my interest.

The eagles can't do anything on offense, while every single forking play the Cards try on offense works, no matter how difficult it looks. Reminds me of the French Open final :)

Sorry, I stepped to get groceries.

aussiemarg: The aseteroid is well fed, don't worry. It has been visiting the practice sites a little bit too.

Master Ace: I just saw the men's draw. I like Leander's quarter. A lot. I think they'll make the QFs. And by a stretch the SFs. Beyond that, am not too hopeful.

But wow, the top half is loaded. Youzhny/Zverev - Bhupathi/Knowles has got to be a cracker first round match. But, will we get to see it ? And Bopanna/Nieminen ???? Safin/Canas will get some TV timings, am sure.

What do you think about the draw, Master Ace?

Ptenisnet thanks so much,I have used my hubbys e mail,just waiting for him to get back to me,if any reply,if not I will send you a e mail thanks again.

hey, popsicle. We're in opposite camps, but I do like watcing your BFed play.
Other than Rafa, I like Mario, Kei, Tsonga, Gulbis and a few others. Among the ladies, JJ, Dinara, Mirza, and some more.
Who are your other favorites?

NP—
I saw Pancho quite a few times, including the first Hoad-Gonzales match—in a round-robin tournament at Forest Hills, shortly after Hoad won Wimbledon. He, along with Connors and Serena, were the fiercest competitors I’ve seen on a tennis court. I’m not much for inter-era comparisons, but if open tennis had arrived 20 years sooner, I’m sure he would at least be our greatest Wimbledon champion, and perhaps the ultimate slam champion.

no worries am.

Sherlock: I give up.

Greenhopper,
I will have to do my analyzation of the doubles draw later today before I sign off at 6 PM TW today or tomorrow morning.

Ms Tangi:

Sure as hell hope so!

AM:

Glad you enjoyed "Doubt" - thought everyone did an excellent acting job - never got to see the Broadway play - so was excited when I found out they were making a movie. If EAstwood's new movie is showing down there - "Gran Torino" - catch that as well - predictable ending not withstanding - also enjoyable.

On Rogi's haircut:

Apparantly he told a reportor who questioned him on his shorn locks that as long as it wasn't so short he was bald - it suited him especially for the hot weather in Aussie land.

Ross thanks so much for your views on Pancho,again how lucky you were to see him play live,my dad also a big Pancho fan,also saw him play,said he was just a brillant player as well.

this is so ridiculous. so ridiculous.

great story for the Cardinals and Kurt Warner...but yeah.

Hi Tanji, thanks, it's just a small bug, enough to justify to self lying prone on couch, stuffing self with foodstuffs not recommended by the government, ya know? ;)

As for lurking, life's been a bit too hectic, I'd come in on a blue moon here and there.... so I know Jackie is the new social director (congratulations)! Having parked self here all afternoon today, I gotta say... gosh, so many new names!

And where are Otto, Tari, DMS, Svelte, mme Dailily and all others... and it's Slam Time!

Master Ace,
Looking forward to your analysis.
Did you manage to get tickets to the USA-SUI Davis Cup before they were sold out?

Fler saw the shorts on that before "Doubt" looks a great film as well,my hubby will want to see that one,there are so many good films on at the moment.

I want to see Milk with Sean Penn,love Sean think he is a wonderful actor.

"Since you're so sure that "he unquestionably makes more excuses for his bad losses than the other players at his level," I'll just ask you one simple thing: Give me just three instances where Nole has committed this "annoying" sin and I'll admit you have a legitimate grievance. I want full articles or transcripts, not your own paraphrases or quotes taken out of context."

NP-- Here is your "one simple thing." There are plenty more, but I'll just leave you with some of my favorites. Also, since this was a topic from the last thread that I doubt others are interested in, this is the last I'll have to say about it. Refute away in the comfy knowledge that I'll let you have the last word.

http://tinyurl.com/84r8cd
http://tinyurl.com/9ehff2
http://tinyurl.com/4fvsjn
http://tinyurl.com/7fn3qu

Feel free to just read more of his press conferences after losses and compare the to Rafa's under the same circumstances (as that was the main comparison I made yesterday).

And just to be clear, I think Djokovic is a spectacular tennis player and fully expect him to win multiple slams. I enjoy watching him play tremendously. I also think he's a whiner. (Similarly, I think John McEnroe is the most talented player to pick up a racket and would probably watch him play when he's 80. I also think he's a jerk.) Oh, and just to show I'm not totally bias towards my favorites, Rafa is a FAR more gracious winner and loser than Fed. There, I said it.

Go Roger!

that was the first stupid play I've seen from the Cardinals.

We look like absolute garbage...another NFC Championship Game, another loss.

but it's followed up by brilliance.

AM:

Can't disagree there - I alos would like to see "Milk" - but it's in limited release here and I'd have to do very outta my way to catch it.

This really is a crap day for the Eagles - as the Giants are out of it - I was hoping to see the Eagles take it all.

Oh well - that desire is a pale ghost when compared to my tennis hopes - so I'll keep the emotional anst painfully alive for the AO as shrug shoulders at the outcome of the footsie ball season.

Well wonders never cease Hubby rang they have e mailed me just have to got and activate the link,then I can go and put in my picks Yipee,thank god I say!

oh well. In team sports there's always a next year, unlike in individual sports...

Gosh, must be half time, talking films! Anyone saw I've loved you so long? Kristin Scott Thomas is understated elgance personified, the whole time I was watching her (mesmerized), I was thinking to self, hmmmph, exactly the kind of acting that will not win you awards, but so goooood you are!

Slumdog, I would've liked a lot more if my expectations hadn't been so inflated by all the hype (wonder if that's how some people feel about my Rogi?).... Doubt and Frost/Nixon on my radar now.... Oh, and I loved Bolt, I have a feeling I enjoyed it far more than my 4-year old niece did!

Amen, crazyone, but are we really going to be much (read: any) better?

Cristopher we are both on the same page there!

Pete

Enjoyed your comments and made me reflect on my KADs and how they came to be. It's all in the eyes for me.

I too cannot sit still for complete matches; even in person. that's what got me to volunteer at cincy b/c i could see so many matches without actually sitting down. I have set aside the australian open as my time to go through boxes of old family photos while watching.... between espn360, espn and tennis channel coverage something will be accomplished. MLK day helps on that front too.

and new to suicide pool so expect to see the loser's lounge but hope not day 1.

sun is setting here so it is getting close.

Hi All,

NP, Ross: Just in case you haven't seen:

http://tinyurl.com/8x6or7

on Pancho G. from SI Vault. Read this just a few weeks ago. Very sad; I had no idea.

Also, just saw ESPN Classis has a 1 hour preview of the AO starting at 6p. Hope everyone has fun.

Hi All,

NP, Ross: Just in case you haven't seen:

http://tinyurl.com/8x6or7

on Pancho G. from SI Vault. Read this just a few weeks ago. Very sad; I had no idea.

Also, just saw ESPN Classis has a 1 hour preview of the AO starting at 6p. Hope everyone has fun.

Sorry for the double.

Sorry, Crazyone and other Eagles fans. I am just stunned by the play of our defense. Is this the same "D" that stuffed Dallas, Peterson and the Vikes, and the Giants last week? Ugh.

Somewhere, Sam is dying.

Still a long ways to go, and Warner is capable of giving us a couple turnovers, but we've got to start playing some "D" and getting some pressure.

well...the Phillies won a championship eventually...so it'll be the same for the Eagles. It can take 20-30 years, but that's possible in team sports...

Ross, I can certainly buy that, given that Pancho was No. 1 for six or seven years. What a shame that his name is all but forgotten these days.

Christopher, you may choose not to respond in the comfy knowledge that you let me have the last word, but that doesn't mean your Rafa comparison was apt. Rafa has been playing with his left hand virtually his whole life, whereas Nole picked up his new racket only a few weeks ago. And I wasn't referring to your putative bias towards your faves, but against Djokovic. I'll check out the links to see if the bias is real.

Siggy!

Gawd - someone else who loved "Bolt" - so glad to hear it - everyone I told to go see it thought I was a nut case.

Does any one knows about Donald Young? And that doubles pair Erlich/Ram? haven't seen then together in a very long time.

jan, I actually refer people to that article often and have linked to it a few times here on TW. Thx anyway. Always good to see what a great player and a fascinating personality Pancho was.

Greenhopper,
No. Please see my post to Tangi at 3:31 PM TW for explanation.

Ah, sorry, Master Ace. :(
Hope you have fun being a part of the atmosphere from outside.

Katada, great question about DY. Does anyone know anything? I thought I heard that he lost the wild card tournament, but did he not play the qualies? I didn't see his name there.

Katada,
Please see my post at 4:03 PM TW for situation on Erlich and Ram

2 hours to go before the start of the Australian Open and to participate in TAT suicide pool. Suicide pool for ATP and WTA will close at 7 PM TW.

Link to ATP suicide pool on TAT

http://tinyurl.com/7q523t

Link to WTA suicide pool on TAT

http://tinyurl.com/7scbjr

Flyer!! Rogiphilia and Bolt-love, we are positively kindred spirits! ;) What time is it where you are when Rogi plays Seppi tonight? Call me addled, you are in the Philippines, no?

Siggster -

I'm from Jersey - so I expect Rogi the Great to be playin' about 5:00 AM - crack of dawn time!

Young isn't playing AO, but apparently has entered a challenger that starts January 26. No injury cited. Weird.

katada: So glad you're here.

Thank you so much for the fantastic translation you did on the RN article in "elmundo". (1/11, @2:29p) I thoroughly enjoyed the interview and am amazed at your skills.

And based on some of the comments I've read since then, I'm happy to hear you're feeling better.

Aw - ishkabibble - it's snowing again - I refuse to go and shovel twice on my Sunday - and the first night of the AO.

REFUSE!

Ugh, I've just been browsing through the mother ship.

Rog cut his hair way too short.

http://tinyurl.com/a6gk3h

http://tinyurl.com/a8g8jb

Ooooopsie, Flyer, what Jersey and the Philippines have in common, I haven't the foggiest notion why I associated you with the Philippines! *hangs head, red-faced* Well, we are in the same time zone, what do you say, we stay up and root for our man in action! ;)

Or: honestly, it looks fine without the gel (did you see the practice photos on C Note's blog?). And it was a bit too long, this way he'll have time to grow it out to perfect length. Which will happen soon enough. This is USO 2006 length. Hopefully we'll have the same results here :)

Thanks, Ndesque. Choosing not to play the AO. Weird indeed.

Eagles, Eagles, Eagles. :( The left tackle doubles down on the end and leaves the all-pro safety Wilson free to crunch McNabb from the blind side. Hello, McFly?!?!?!

siggy @4:37p: Have you ever seen "The Valet"?

http://movies.nytimes.com/2007/04/20/movies/20vale.html

I liked KSThomas in this but I really like Daniel Auteuil who plays her husband. I found it to be a very funny movie.

Sherlock: I've stopped watching. It's just too painful, and not that interesting of a game. It's too easy for the Cards.

siggy - you from the Philly (USA) area?

Or do I also hang head?

Can't decide if I'll stay up all night - have loads of work and a meeting tomorrow - or if I'll go to bed early and get my arse up at say 4:30 to prepare for the sweating palms and irregular heartrate. Have to leave house latest at 7:00 AM for work - so my window of Rogi viewing is limited depending on when the master hits the court.

But - I will be there for the beginning of the match at least - so will abso - F - inlutely join you then.

Or: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/apphoto/photo?sportId=850&photoId=2125426

Thanks for the photos, Or. I'd adore him, bald or hirsute... but I must say, this particular do makes him look... so dashingly debonair.. but also... so-establishment! I really miss the giggly Rog.... *sighs* Also... his nose looks particularly prominent, and it's not exactly Roman patrician, pffft.

USA TV ALERT
--------------------------------------------------------

Australian Open Preview Shows:

6:00PM TW time:
Preview Show on Tennis Channel
Preview Show on ESPN CLASSIC

Approx. 1 hour and 56 minutes until the start of Australian Open 2009.
----------------------------------------------------------------

Roddick vs Rheinquist on Rod Laver Arena and Ivanovic vs Goerges on Hisense Arena.

Flyer,

Why don't you get up early to watch Rog instead of staying up? That's my plan. I think. And you gotta hire a shoveling neighbor kid. I'm begging you. :)

siggy,

I just saw the Frost/Nixon play a few months ago with Stacy Keach as Nixon. Excellent. I'm looking forward to seeing the movie.

Otto's around all the time! Just not today. Tari disappeared more recently, DMS has been gone forever, the others since summer, maybe? It IS amazing how this site keeps growing. I always wonder how many posters there are.

jan--
Thanks for that amazing article. I'm surprised I hadn't seen it before. I knew Pancho was an sob, but wow!

Crazyone -

Humf, the long hair looked good on AND off court, and I hate the gel-ly look.

Tangi - as always you are the voice of reason!

BTW - there are NO nice little kids around here who would ever think to shovel someone's snow - they all just walk by laughing as I puff my way thru the white stuff.

Master Ace, Thank you as always you are the the inform guy here, sorry that I didn't read it before asking the question, may apology. They were the defending champions.

Just a Note, thankyou for your kind words, glad that you enjoy the articule about Rafa at elmundo.es. Is not that easy to transalate, but every time I can and find and articule I will take the time so every one here will know about it. Hugs

Will wonders never cease?

Eagles just nabbed a looooong pass - a comeback in the offering?

"Rafa has been playing with his left hand virtually his whole life, whereas Nole picked up his new racket only a few weeks ago."

Sweet fancy Moses, NP, I was obviously JOKING about wanting to see Rafa JOKINGLY say after a loss that he "played left-handed." As I said, it would funny.

You may not agree with me, but you would have to think me insane to make that as a real comparison rather than a joke!

Or: that's an argument against using the gel, not the haircut. Anyway it'll grow out soon.

Wow, we actually scored a touchdown!!!! Miracles never cease. Now we need the defense needs to step up.

Eagles scored on a McNabb pass to Celek.

Cardinals 24 Eagles 13
4:08 to go in 3rd quarter - still time for Philly to come back

Key play: McNabb pass to Curtis on 3rd and 19.

WWhhhoooo HHooooo Let the games begin!!!!!

looking forward to spending the next couple of weeks with everyone...
my picks:
I would love for Venus and Tsonga or Rafa
but i think Serena and FADErer will win

ok kids, time to cover Fitzgerald.

Katada,
That is okay.

Since there are preview shows, time for me to hang around is 20 minutes. At 5:40 PM TW, I will be off TW until tomorrow morning from my day job.

Hope your favorites do well for the next 2 weeks.

Gotta go - till later everyone.

Just a note, merci for the link, no.. have not seen that film, it's on my list now!

Flyer, no, not Philly but close... I live in the DC suburbs, and thanks to Obama, we have 2 whole days off, yay! So tonight (and tomorrow, too), I was looking: a) attend in person inauguration party whose admission ticket includes 4 drinks... and get mauled in the melee; b) attend a private get together... with flowing free drinks and stimulating company; or c) lounge on my couch, stuff self with junk food and drool at Rogi gracing my tele screen. Weelll! That said, I feel for you, having to leave Rogi at 7:00 to get to work, eeeek!

Master Ace, I hope you have a really enjoyable time watching the Australian Open.

Come on, the Cards are gonna win this game...no way no how would the gods of war allow Philly fans to have a World Series AND Super Bowl Champion in the same decade, let alone the same year.

Vamos Rafa!

greenhopper!

Can't forget your question. My other faves. Well, nobody rises to the level of Rog, of course. Murray and Santoro (for their variety). Lopez, Gasquet and Haas have nice games. Your guy is always fun to watch, of course. JJ, too! We're definitely in the same camp there.

yello fuzzy, you're not on the Mandwagon?

Eeeeeeeeeeeeek!

What happened to Fed's beautiful hair????

First Roddick's brush cut, now this?

*sobs*

Eagles scored on a McNabb pass to Celek but Akers missed the extra point

Cardinals 24 Eagles 19 0:49 to go in 3rd quarter

oh-kay Akers. What was that?

Oh well, doesn't really matter. 5 point game!

DEFENSE, DEFENSE.

Well done, Eagles. Unless the Cards get some big plays, I think they're toast. The Eagles "D" has woken up, and Warner's going to be seeing a lot of green in his face for the next 15 minutes.

Well, well. It seems we have a ball game.

I, myself, would have gone for two after the last TD. But now there's a lot of time to play, and a lot of sweaty palms in Phoenix.

crazyone
I f#rt in his general direction...
I'm just kidding, Murray would be my pick, and is my second pick to win. But I am hoping FADErer will rise to the occasion, his comments about all the Murray talk could be a motivating factor.

wow, the Eagles have 165 yards this quarter, and the Cards have one.