The USPS is crazy, So is Chris Brown, don't invite Neil Diamond to the twisted taco and Gizzie is leaving Seattle.
Ladies and gentlemen, the midweek entertainment report!
CLAPCLAPCLAPCLACPLCAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAP!
This May stamps will go up another two cents, making it $.44 to mail a letter/envelope, whatever. I pay my bills online. I send emails. and if I need to mail anything, I am doing it UPS these days. I am like MOST people I think. Yet the post office thinks the way to get me back is RAISING the price for me to mail something? Good thinking United States Postal Service. you guys are about as smart as....
Chris Brown. Good job dude. At 19, your life is over. You beat up Rihanna, why? Because she pretended to throw your keys out of the window? How much money do you make? BUY ANOTHER SET OF KEYS! You give her two black eyes, two major contusions, and you reportedly bite her? Who are you, Blackula? So far, Jay-Z has said you will never work again, Wrigley's has dropped you, same with Milk, the NBA all-star game, the grammy's....good job there Chris Brown. And you can't even go to China, because your fans there WOULD have been screaming 11 year old girls, but they are too afraid now you will EAT THEM! You would be godzilla there. Not a great career decision you made when you hit Rihanna. The happiest man in the world right now is Michael Phelps. Yeah, he smoked from a bong, but you freaking beat up a chick. What's worse...
Did you catch the Grammys when Neil Diamond looked like a drunk dude doing karioke at Twisted Taco? (I hear it is a b!tchin' afterparty!) What a shame. He talked his song and not very well. Just stop dude.
Brett Favre's agent Bubba (his name isn't Bubba, but it is something like JimBob or Rufus. Something really RED, if you catch my drift) said that Favre is ready to retire. Hmmmm Where have I heard THIS one before? We'll see this cat next year on the Vikings if Minny can't trade for Matt Cassell. Bank on it.
Katherine Heigl and TR Knight have reportedly attempted to get out of their respective contracts with Grey's Anatomy. For Heigl, she has starred in a couple of movies and though word is that she is a total beyotch to work with, she has some star power, along with an Emmy. TR Knight though? Really? What are you going to if you leave the show? Do you have movie offers coming in we just don't know about? Are you going to be Ellen's Andy Richter? I can understand if the Dr. Burke guy was still around, but he isn't. You won that mini-battle. I think this would be like when Diane left Cheers. Just a GREAT career move for her and yours would be even worse TR. And really, the same goes for Heigl. (I know Grey's has slipped, but once Private Practice is cancelled and Addison comes back along with the writers, Grey's should be good again.)
Lastly, Nip/Tuck was pretty decent last night. Even wifey laughed at the guy that wanted his Captain Winky reduced because he could S his own D. As far as Aiden coming back, is this guy that big of a star? He hosted SNL last week, is in that He's Just not that into you, was in Wedding Crashers...is he really a star that I just am not aware of? If someone could fill me in, that would be great.
Thanks everybody, have a great rest of the week.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Best characters on TV
I was reading several blogs on yahoo! TV.com and most of the blogs are negative. House is worse than ever. Grey's Anatomy sucks. Private Practice is horrible. Come on yahoo! Be a tad more positive. Instead of talking about what's WRONG with TV right now (a LOT I grant you), let's discuss what is RIGHT with TV. Television may not have a Seinfeld, West Wing, Cheers, or M*A*S*H right now, it does have a TON of great characters. I will now break down the top 10 on TV RIGHT NOW!!!!
10. Dr. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth) from Lie to Me. What a fascinating character. This is a guy that knows when you are lying and can read you like a novella. Yet for some reason he can't or won't use these powers in his personal life. He doesn't always know when his daughter is lying and he won't use his talents to get his ex-wife back...or his hot co-worker in between the sheets. You want to know why he got into this and you can tell he is damaged and is possibly trying to correct the wrong that was done maybe as a kid. Lightman maybe means he can shed light on the common man?
09. Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) from Friday Night Lights. This character started out as a senior, then stuck around for another season and then stuck around ONE MORE YEAR. He was able to get the homecoming queen and she turned him into a bit of a lover and a one-woman-man. You got to see a softer side of him in season 2 and now in season three he is kind of whipped, but he is still Riggins. He still delivers the one-liners, but he set a goal of getting Lyla and he got her. If he has to tone down his cowboy ways, so be it. he is still Tim Riggins, the guy that tagged his 30+ neighbor while he was 16. Nice work Riggins. His dialogue is the best of the whole show; he is so witty.
08. Patty Hewes (Glen Close) in Damages. I don't watch this show, but Michael Wilbon of Pardon the Interruption loves her and I have caught an episode or two. I give her props. I read a few of the show recaps and it sounds like a show I could get into.
07. Brenda Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick) in the Closer. The star of the most successful cable show ever. How can you not have her on this list? I actually HAVE seen a few of the episodes and she is good. While I can't get into the show, I can respect it. She is tough and gets her confession every time.
06. Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) in The Mentalist. He uses his MIND to solve crimes. While this has been done before (The Profiler comes to mind) this guy is dreamy. I can say that very heteroly, but he is. His show is one of the hottest new shows out there and I cannot wait to netflix it. Let's be honest, his character is just plain interesting.
05. Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) in Friday Night Lights. Whether he is giving a speech to his Panther football team at the half or it is a discussion with Buddy, a heart-to-heart with a player (Saracen, Street, Riggins, Smash) or a husband/wife moment with Tammy, Coach Taylor is a great communicator, even if it is with just a look sometimes. he can speak from the heart, provide comedy, provide inspiration...he is the total package. I know the writers give him great material, but he pulls it all off. PLUS he is a UGA guy. But even if he wasn't, his attitude is classic and his character SHOULD go down in the annals as one of the greats. He schools Bud Kilmer and Billy Bob Thornton's Taylor.
04. Jack Bauer (Keifer Sutherland) in 24. I don't watch 24 (mainly because I still have a problem with when he goes to the bathroom), but the guy has saved the world 6 or 7 times. And he is short, so that makes it even more impressive.
03. Michael Scott (Steve Carrell) in The Office. Everyone has had a boss like this guy. Everyone. He is funny and annoying and if I ever become a boss, I hope I become as successful as he is. He is the World's Best Boss (according to his coffee mug) and those things JUST DON'T LIE. He inspires his troops and clearly he is good at what he does since his bosses have him touring around, giving speeches. I think what I like the most is that he is the every-man boss. Everyone has had one like him and he plays it to a T. Better than Ricky Gervis. Yeah, I said it!
02. Don Draper (Jon Hamm) in Mad Men. His dark side and shady past have intersected with his picture perfect family and great job. His character is so smart that I KNOW I don't understand all of his faucets. He can convey so much by just glancing out of the side of his eye while taking a drag off of a ciggy or sipping scotch. His quiet words are powerful and his past, revealed bit by bit makes you just want to tune in again and again. You want to know the REAL Don Draper. You may not understand it but you want more.
01. Greg House, MD (Hugh Laurie) in House. Of course House is winning. Heck, I put this list together BECAUSE of yahoo saying that House had lost his balls. Is he still the same prick he was in season one? No, but he has evolved. If he had not, yahoo would be saying that "Oh he needs to branch out!" You see how House does care about some of his friends (Wilson, Lucas), how he deals with his women (Cameron, Sela Ward, Cuddy), how he deals with his new team (a mistake, granted. Why get rid of the old team? The new one stinks in comparison.) But House is still twisted and still very funny. How he is able to solve cases by just looking at a plate of french fries is fascinating. i think THAT is why I watch: to see how he will solve the case this week. I do like that House is trying to branch into personal lives a bit more than just the cases. But I wish they would give House a relationship with Cuddy straight out. Just do it. Enough flirting. Put them together already! House is fun and I missed it tonight.
Just missing the cut: Ari Gold, Temperance "Bones" Brennan, Michael Scoefield, Dr. Christian Troy, Dr. Sean McNamara, McDreamy, Jim Helpert, Dwight, Tommy Gavin (rescue me)
10. Dr. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth) from Lie to Me. What a fascinating character. This is a guy that knows when you are lying and can read you like a novella. Yet for some reason he can't or won't use these powers in his personal life. He doesn't always know when his daughter is lying and he won't use his talents to get his ex-wife back...or his hot co-worker in between the sheets. You want to know why he got into this and you can tell he is damaged and is possibly trying to correct the wrong that was done maybe as a kid. Lightman maybe means he can shed light on the common man?
09. Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) from Friday Night Lights. This character started out as a senior, then stuck around for another season and then stuck around ONE MORE YEAR. He was able to get the homecoming queen and she turned him into a bit of a lover and a one-woman-man. You got to see a softer side of him in season 2 and now in season three he is kind of whipped, but he is still Riggins. He still delivers the one-liners, but he set a goal of getting Lyla and he got her. If he has to tone down his cowboy ways, so be it. he is still Tim Riggins, the guy that tagged his 30+ neighbor while he was 16. Nice work Riggins. His dialogue is the best of the whole show; he is so witty.
08. Patty Hewes (Glen Close) in Damages. I don't watch this show, but Michael Wilbon of Pardon the Interruption loves her and I have caught an episode or two. I give her props. I read a few of the show recaps and it sounds like a show I could get into.
07. Brenda Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick) in the Closer. The star of the most successful cable show ever. How can you not have her on this list? I actually HAVE seen a few of the episodes and she is good. While I can't get into the show, I can respect it. She is tough and gets her confession every time.
06. Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) in The Mentalist. He uses his MIND to solve crimes. While this has been done before (The Profiler comes to mind) this guy is dreamy. I can say that very heteroly, but he is. His show is one of the hottest new shows out there and I cannot wait to netflix it. Let's be honest, his character is just plain interesting.
05. Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) in Friday Night Lights. Whether he is giving a speech to his Panther football team at the half or it is a discussion with Buddy, a heart-to-heart with a player (Saracen, Street, Riggins, Smash) or a husband/wife moment with Tammy, Coach Taylor is a great communicator, even if it is with just a look sometimes. he can speak from the heart, provide comedy, provide inspiration...he is the total package. I know the writers give him great material, but he pulls it all off. PLUS he is a UGA guy. But even if he wasn't, his attitude is classic and his character SHOULD go down in the annals as one of the greats. He schools Bud Kilmer and Billy Bob Thornton's Taylor.
04. Jack Bauer (Keifer Sutherland) in 24. I don't watch 24 (mainly because I still have a problem with when he goes to the bathroom), but the guy has saved the world 6 or 7 times. And he is short, so that makes it even more impressive.
03. Michael Scott (Steve Carrell) in The Office. Everyone has had a boss like this guy. Everyone. He is funny and annoying and if I ever become a boss, I hope I become as successful as he is. He is the World's Best Boss (according to his coffee mug) and those things JUST DON'T LIE. He inspires his troops and clearly he is good at what he does since his bosses have him touring around, giving speeches. I think what I like the most is that he is the every-man boss. Everyone has had one like him and he plays it to a T. Better than Ricky Gervis. Yeah, I said it!
02. Don Draper (Jon Hamm) in Mad Men. His dark side and shady past have intersected with his picture perfect family and great job. His character is so smart that I KNOW I don't understand all of his faucets. He can convey so much by just glancing out of the side of his eye while taking a drag off of a ciggy or sipping scotch. His quiet words are powerful and his past, revealed bit by bit makes you just want to tune in again and again. You want to know the REAL Don Draper. You may not understand it but you want more.
01. Greg House, MD (Hugh Laurie) in House. Of course House is winning. Heck, I put this list together BECAUSE of yahoo saying that House had lost his balls. Is he still the same prick he was in season one? No, but he has evolved. If he had not, yahoo would be saying that "Oh he needs to branch out!" You see how House does care about some of his friends (Wilson, Lucas), how he deals with his women (Cameron, Sela Ward, Cuddy), how he deals with his new team (a mistake, granted. Why get rid of the old team? The new one stinks in comparison.) But House is still twisted and still very funny. How he is able to solve cases by just looking at a plate of french fries is fascinating. i think THAT is why I watch: to see how he will solve the case this week. I do like that House is trying to branch into personal lives a bit more than just the cases. But I wish they would give House a relationship with Cuddy straight out. Just do it. Enough flirting. Put them together already! House is fun and I missed it tonight.
Just missing the cut: Ari Gold, Temperance "Bones" Brennan, Michael Scoefield, Dr. Christian Troy, Dr. Sean McNamara, McDreamy, Jim Helpert, Dwight, Tommy Gavin (rescue me)
Sunday Night TV, flipping around the dial
I got a little remote happy last night while watching TV. Between the Pro Bowl, the Grammys, LeBron/Kobe, Jockeys, Friday Night Lights and Entourage Season 4 netflix, I had a pretty "busy" night last night. (And by busy I mean I sat on my butt from 4 until 11pm. I am worthless.)
Let's start with the Grammys. Before the broadcast we hear that Chris Brown allegedly beat up Rihanna. (or something along those lines. Assault. whatevs.) Why in the WORLD would Chris Brown assauly Rihanna? Is it because she is SOOOOO much better looking than he is and he knows that EVERYONE ELSE in the world wants to get a piece of that? Chris Brown should be rubbing her feet nonstop for stooping down to his level. Chris Brown doesn't deserve a Rihanna, especially not now.
On to the show, TI was a HUGE disappointment. Honestly. He sucked major balls. He should go to jail, NOT for a guns charge, but for his performances last night. The Swagger Like That song (well they all sucked in that one, and could MIA please have her baby already? She is like the preggers chick from Family Guy!) was turrbull and good think Justin Timberlake saved the duet the two did. TI, NO SIR! No standing O for you!
It was cool that Paul McCartney did the Beatles song, but did the Nirvana Drummer/Foo Fighters guy have to head bang while he drummed along? I don't remember Ringo ever doing that....
I was a bit disappointed with all of the duets, but that is just me.
Katy Perry, I watched on mute, and good thing I did I was told. Enh, she is just eye candy anyways. How come Britney Spears didn't perform?
And the funniest part was when lil wayne brought his entire family onto the stage to accept his award. Too bad that will be the high point of their lives because no one will remember them in 3 years....
I felt bad for Stevie Wonder. Thank goodness he couldn't see the Jonas Bros singing with him.
And finally, Keith Urban as part of the Bo Didley tribute? John Mayer is sort of OK, but Keith Urban? Really?
Entourage Season 4. I like me some Ari Gold (the best character on the show) but I love me some Lloyd (might overtake Ari before it is said and done). Ari and Lloyd are BY FAR the only reason I continue to Q this show up on netflix because I hate E and Turtle isn't funny anymore while Drama only has rare moments of worthfulness. At SOME point you would have thought that Ari could have talked Vince into firing Eric aka E since E does NOTHING but screw up Vince's career....but that's just me. Oh don't do this movie, don't go to that meeting, let's drop out of this, let's do that instead.....WHINE MORE A-HOLE! It is amazing that Vince even has a career anymore thanks to E! Well, not really amazing when you think that Lloyd and Ari are on his side!
Friday Night Lights had a few nice scenes that reminded me of season one, but I have just TWO things to say following this past week's episode: #1, Landry, you and Tyra broke up! #2, Hey Coach Taylor, this switch to the spread had better still get Tim Riggins his touches! And why wasn't Riggins featured more in that episode? I think Riggins could have a spinoff. I really do.
Finally, the best new show on TV is NOT The Mentalist (haven't seen it yet, but by GOD am I going to Netflix it), or Lie To Me (though I do really like that show)...but the best new show is JOCKEYS. I watched the first episode last night and I love how low reality TV has stooped: following Jockeys on Animal Planet. Are they calling Jockeys animals? (I didn't understand that). But the fact that two of the 8 the show is following are dating, and throw in the fights that will air on future episodes, this show CANNOT MISS. Now the only thing that troubles me is, are they midgets or just little people?
Let's start with the Grammys. Before the broadcast we hear that Chris Brown allegedly beat up Rihanna. (or something along those lines. Assault. whatevs.) Why in the WORLD would Chris Brown assauly Rihanna? Is it because she is SOOOOO much better looking than he is and he knows that EVERYONE ELSE in the world wants to get a piece of that? Chris Brown should be rubbing her feet nonstop for stooping down to his level. Chris Brown doesn't deserve a Rihanna, especially not now.
On to the show, TI was a HUGE disappointment. Honestly. He sucked major balls. He should go to jail, NOT for a guns charge, but for his performances last night. The Swagger Like That song (well they all sucked in that one, and could MIA please have her baby already? She is like the preggers chick from Family Guy!) was turrbull and good think Justin Timberlake saved the duet the two did. TI, NO SIR! No standing O for you!
It was cool that Paul McCartney did the Beatles song, but did the Nirvana Drummer/Foo Fighters guy have to head bang while he drummed along? I don't remember Ringo ever doing that....
I was a bit disappointed with all of the duets, but that is just me.
Katy Perry, I watched on mute, and good thing I did I was told. Enh, she is just eye candy anyways. How come Britney Spears didn't perform?
And the funniest part was when lil wayne brought his entire family onto the stage to accept his award. Too bad that will be the high point of their lives because no one will remember them in 3 years....
I felt bad for Stevie Wonder. Thank goodness he couldn't see the Jonas Bros singing with him.
And finally, Keith Urban as part of the Bo Didley tribute? John Mayer is sort of OK, but Keith Urban? Really?
Entourage Season 4. I like me some Ari Gold (the best character on the show) but I love me some Lloyd (might overtake Ari before it is said and done). Ari and Lloyd are BY FAR the only reason I continue to Q this show up on netflix because I hate E and Turtle isn't funny anymore while Drama only has rare moments of worthfulness. At SOME point you would have thought that Ari could have talked Vince into firing Eric aka E since E does NOTHING but screw up Vince's career....but that's just me. Oh don't do this movie, don't go to that meeting, let's drop out of this, let's do that instead.....WHINE MORE A-HOLE! It is amazing that Vince even has a career anymore thanks to E! Well, not really amazing when you think that Lloyd and Ari are on his side!
Friday Night Lights had a few nice scenes that reminded me of season one, but I have just TWO things to say following this past week's episode: #1, Landry, you and Tyra broke up! #2, Hey Coach Taylor, this switch to the spread had better still get Tim Riggins his touches! And why wasn't Riggins featured more in that episode? I think Riggins could have a spinoff. I really do.
Finally, the best new show on TV is NOT The Mentalist (haven't seen it yet, but by GOD am I going to Netflix it), or Lie To Me (though I do really like that show)...but the best new show is JOCKEYS. I watched the first episode last night and I love how low reality TV has stooped: following Jockeys on Animal Planet. Are they calling Jockeys animals? (I didn't understand that). But the fact that two of the 8 the show is following are dating, and throw in the fights that will air on future episodes, this show CANNOT MISS. Now the only thing that troubles me is, are they midgets or just little people?
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Braves Beat for 2/7/09
No Score Atlanta this week, but that doesn't mean there still isn't a Braves Beat.....also appearing on scoreatl.com!
The Atlanta Braves organization has officially offered free agent lefty Tom Glavine a one-year contract worth between $1M-2M. The 300 game winner returned to the Braves last season after spending several years with division rival New York. Glavine went on the DL for the first time of his career last season, and his season ended early when he needed surgery to fix the injury. The pitcher has repeatedly said that he aims to pitch in 2009 and several recent pitching sessions have shown he should be healthy enough to do so. The Braves have solidified the pitching rotation with acquisitions of Derek Lowe and Kenshin Kawakami but lost long-time Brave John Smoltz. Braves officials have indicated that the team still is seeking a leftfielder but only has about 7M left to spend this off-season.
Reliever Will Ohman, who spent 2008 with Atlanta after coming over in a trade with Chicago along with Omar Infante, has caught the eye of several of the Braves’ biggest rivals this off-season. The Braves offered the lefthander a contract back in December but recently the Phillies and the New York Mets have expressed interest in bring in Ohman for this upcoming season.
Former Brave Hank Aaron celebrated his 75th birthday last week with several high profile guests in attendance. Former President Bill Clinton, former Braves owner Ted Turner, and MLB Commissioner Bud Selig were among many people who wished the former Home Run King well on his big day.
Pitchers and catchers will soon report to the Braves spring training facility in Florida to prepare for a very important 2009 in a season. The battery units are scheduled to report next Saturday with the remainder of the roster to arrive February 18. Catcher Brian McCann and Chipper Jones will only stay for a brief stint though as both are expected to make the final roster for the Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Jones was on the team in 2006 along with Jeff Francoeur. Jones is expected to split time at 3B and DH along with Mets third baseman David Wright. McCann meanwhile should get most of the playing time behind the dish, as Joe Mauer of the Twins will likely miss the WBC as he recovers from off-season surgery.
The Atlanta Braves organization has officially offered free agent lefty Tom Glavine a one-year contract worth between $1M-2M. The 300 game winner returned to the Braves last season after spending several years with division rival New York. Glavine went on the DL for the first time of his career last season, and his season ended early when he needed surgery to fix the injury. The pitcher has repeatedly said that he aims to pitch in 2009 and several recent pitching sessions have shown he should be healthy enough to do so. The Braves have solidified the pitching rotation with acquisitions of Derek Lowe and Kenshin Kawakami but lost long-time Brave John Smoltz. Braves officials have indicated that the team still is seeking a leftfielder but only has about 7M left to spend this off-season.
Reliever Will Ohman, who spent 2008 with Atlanta after coming over in a trade with Chicago along with Omar Infante, has caught the eye of several of the Braves’ biggest rivals this off-season. The Braves offered the lefthander a contract back in December but recently the Phillies and the New York Mets have expressed interest in bring in Ohman for this upcoming season.
Former Brave Hank Aaron celebrated his 75th birthday last week with several high profile guests in attendance. Former President Bill Clinton, former Braves owner Ted Turner, and MLB Commissioner Bud Selig were among many people who wished the former Home Run King well on his big day.
Pitchers and catchers will soon report to the Braves spring training facility in Florida to prepare for a very important 2009 in a season. The battery units are scheduled to report next Saturday with the remainder of the roster to arrive February 18. Catcher Brian McCann and Chipper Jones will only stay for a brief stint though as both are expected to make the final roster for the Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Jones was on the team in 2006 along with Jeff Francoeur. Jones is expected to split time at 3B and DH along with Mets third baseman David Wright. McCann meanwhile should get most of the playing time behind the dish, as Joe Mauer of the Twins will likely miss the WBC as he recovers from off-season surgery.
Melanie Oudin to make Fed Cup debut...
From today's ajc.com. Thanks Todd Holcomb!
Teenager Melanie Oudin of Marietta will make her debut against No. 1 Argentine player Gisela Dulko in the second match of the Fed Cup today at Surprise, Ariz.
“I’m really excited,” Oudin said. “I’ve been working really hard.”
I wrote a piece on Oudin for Score Atlanta. Let's dig into the SBF archives for another look.......
For most people, realizing what they want to do when they grow up is a long process that some don’t even figure out until they are grown. For sixteen year-old tennis phenom Melanie Oudin, the decision has been made and she’s already a success. Just one week after Oudin appeared in Sports Illustrated as one of the top 15 teens in American sports, the Marietta native won her first professional tournament in Lexington, Kentucky. Oudin, who trains at the RSC Academy under esteemed coach Brian de Villiers, reached No. 2 Junior Girls player in the world and was recently the top seed at the French Open Junior championship. Then after winning seven of ten ITF events, Oudin turned pro and has shot up to No. 232 in the professional ranks.
“It’s not that much different than Juniors,” Oudin said of turning pro. “Only, there’s money now if you win. I don’t think about that though. I play like I’ve always played because I love it.” Now that Oudin is a pro, her day has become drastically different than the typical 16 year-old’s life. A normal day starts with Oudin waking up at 7:30 then training from 11:30 until 4:30 with fitness training continuing into the evening. This is where Oudin, who is only 5’5 works on improving her game so she can tackle taller players. “I’m quick, that’s one of my strengths, so I hit all types of shots in practice.” Her coach de Villiers notes that she works hard and has wanted to go pro since she was nine years old. “You see the ones willing to put in the work, make the sacrifices and reach the goals. She is one of them.”
Due to Oudin’s age, she can only play in 13 tournaments this year and 17 next year. This restriction hasn’t stopped her though from seeking a wild card to this summer’s US Open, the grand slam event that Oudin has called her favorite. “New York is pretty cool itself and the event is nicely set up.” According to de Villiers pros can only gain entrance into qualifying rounds if they are ranked in the top 200-220, and Oudin is right on the cusp of that special number. If a wild card spot doesn’t come, the player and coach will still head to NYC for the US Open juniors, likely Oudin’s last event as a junior player.
As for the future, the sky is the limit. Oudin says that she’d love to compete for the Fed Cup and while she hasn’t thought about the Olympics in 2012, “that would be awesome.” Her coach knows she will be successful, as di Villiers says of Oudin, “I’ve always had a long-term plan for her and it’s started clicking.” If things keep clicking, Oudin may be the one to carry the mantle of best American player into the next decade.
Teenager Melanie Oudin of Marietta will make her debut against No. 1 Argentine player Gisela Dulko in the second match of the Fed Cup today at Surprise, Ariz.
“I’m really excited,” Oudin said. “I’ve been working really hard.”
I wrote a piece on Oudin for Score Atlanta. Let's dig into the SBF archives for another look.......
For most people, realizing what they want to do when they grow up is a long process that some don’t even figure out until they are grown. For sixteen year-old tennis phenom Melanie Oudin, the decision has been made and she’s already a success. Just one week after Oudin appeared in Sports Illustrated as one of the top 15 teens in American sports, the Marietta native won her first professional tournament in Lexington, Kentucky. Oudin, who trains at the RSC Academy under esteemed coach Brian de Villiers, reached No. 2 Junior Girls player in the world and was recently the top seed at the French Open Junior championship. Then after winning seven of ten ITF events, Oudin turned pro and has shot up to No. 232 in the professional ranks.
“It’s not that much different than Juniors,” Oudin said of turning pro. “Only, there’s money now if you win. I don’t think about that though. I play like I’ve always played because I love it.” Now that Oudin is a pro, her day has become drastically different than the typical 16 year-old’s life. A normal day starts with Oudin waking up at 7:30 then training from 11:30 until 4:30 with fitness training continuing into the evening. This is where Oudin, who is only 5’5 works on improving her game so she can tackle taller players. “I’m quick, that’s one of my strengths, so I hit all types of shots in practice.” Her coach de Villiers notes that she works hard and has wanted to go pro since she was nine years old. “You see the ones willing to put in the work, make the sacrifices and reach the goals. She is one of them.”
Due to Oudin’s age, she can only play in 13 tournaments this year and 17 next year. This restriction hasn’t stopped her though from seeking a wild card to this summer’s US Open, the grand slam event that Oudin has called her favorite. “New York is pretty cool itself and the event is nicely set up.” According to de Villiers pros can only gain entrance into qualifying rounds if they are ranked in the top 200-220, and Oudin is right on the cusp of that special number. If a wild card spot doesn’t come, the player and coach will still head to NYC for the US Open juniors, likely Oudin’s last event as a junior player.
As for the future, the sky is the limit. Oudin says that she’d love to compete for the Fed Cup and while she hasn’t thought about the Olympics in 2012, “that would be awesome.” Her coach knows she will be successful, as di Villiers says of Oudin, “I’ve always had a long-term plan for her and it’s started clicking.” If things keep clicking, Oudin may be the one to carry the mantle of best American player into the next decade.
My dog is scared-UGA is BAD!
I have been shouting at the television so much that my dog is scared of me. I have watched UGA grab its collective ankles against South Carolina and it is halftime with UGA trailing the Lamecocks 41-25.
I am so freaking angry that I think I might just stop using punctuation and proper syntax
Oh so a coach CAN come from Western Kentucky into the SEC East, realize he has an ALREADY talented roster so he just stays out of the way enough to let them do their thing. I didn't think WKU coaches could DO that...
Does it make me semi-Democrat that I realize that UGA is headed towards its 10th straight defeat, third straight without Felton but I still blame Felton and will blame him for UGA losing the rest of its games this season? I know he isn't the head guy anymore, but I still want to blame him for all of our shortcomings. I feel like a Liberal right now...
Hey Trey Thompkins, did you really say that you would LOVE Bob Knight becoming the next UGA coach because he would make you even better than you are now? Are you GOOD right now? I didn't realize watching your shite performance thus far in this contest. And PS, if you LOAF like you did on 7 (yes I counted) occasions under Knight, he's going to run your ARSE off the floor.
Oh, Chris Barnes looks like he might be hot, let's DEFINITELY not run plays for him Hermann!
PS, Pete Hermann, you ARE allowed to call time outs. Maybe you didn't realize that, but you ARE allowed to use them.
Oh, TWood hit about 4 shots in a row, but yeah Dustin Ware, let's NOT pass him the ball!
As talented as Dustin Ware MIGHT be ONE DAY, Zac Swansey might need a BIT more playing time.
Albert Jackson may be the WORST waste of size since the Mir space station. Seriously, he looks and plays like Lurch from the Adams family out there. COME ON AJAX, Get a flipping rebound! Learn how to box out! YOU CAN DUNK THE BALL! That is allowed! (Unless you don't have the athletic ability to do so, which I wouldn't doubt.)
Is there a reason Jeremy Price isn't getting some reps out there?
Hey I know Corey Butler is a former walkon that Felton LOVED him some, but he is a senior (thank goodness!) and he is NOT a part of Georgia's future. Let's get Travis Leslie in there OR keep Chris Barnes out there!
I would SIT Trey Thompkins for the REST of the game for his loafing.
I would like to thank Eddie Fogler for NOT dropping any F-bombs in the first half. I hope he can control himself in the second half.
The SEC tourney will be held in Tampa? Why?
Did you see the Gamecock dance team's outfits. OH MY LORD. I might need to get Wifey one of those for the anniversary...
Seriously, how does Darrin Horn come in from WKU and look around and say, "You know, I have a system I want to put into place, but with the talent I have, I think I will wait a year to do so. All I'll do right now is possibly encourage these guys and just tweak a bit. No major overhauls, just minor things for now. I don't want to mess with these vets." Doesn't he know that you are supposed to go in and change EVERYTHING and screw up an NCAA berth lock and go to the NIT?
I hate Albert Jackson.
Thompkins is loafing and he thinks he is a superstar. WHAT HAVE YOU EVER DONE?
Where is Price?
Can we go ahead and forfeit the rest of our games?
You know how UGA went and Voided the Harrick years from the record books...can the athletic department do the same thing for the Felton years?
And even though it doesn't have anything to do with UGA, I also hate watching Duke flop on defense worse than Vlade with the Kings. Can Coach K just not teach Defense? I think the ONLY thing he tells them is, "well you can't play defense so when a guy runs at you, just fall down and I will scrunch my face up like a rat and whine and hope to get a charging call!" PLAY REAL DEFENSE! And PS, you almost lost to Miami after losing to Crapson, I mean Klimpsen. You are going to lose HARD CORE to UNC.
Oh great, The Georgia game is back on. Well if the Five Guys bacon cheeseburgers don't give me a heart attack by age 36, watching Corey Butler and Albert Jackson will by the age of 28. Can't wait!
I am so freaking angry that I think I might just stop using punctuation and proper syntax
Oh so a coach CAN come from Western Kentucky into the SEC East, realize he has an ALREADY talented roster so he just stays out of the way enough to let them do their thing. I didn't think WKU coaches could DO that...
Does it make me semi-Democrat that I realize that UGA is headed towards its 10th straight defeat, third straight without Felton but I still blame Felton and will blame him for UGA losing the rest of its games this season? I know he isn't the head guy anymore, but I still want to blame him for all of our shortcomings. I feel like a Liberal right now...
Hey Trey Thompkins, did you really say that you would LOVE Bob Knight becoming the next UGA coach because he would make you even better than you are now? Are you GOOD right now? I didn't realize watching your shite performance thus far in this contest. And PS, if you LOAF like you did on 7 (yes I counted) occasions under Knight, he's going to run your ARSE off the floor.
Oh, Chris Barnes looks like he might be hot, let's DEFINITELY not run plays for him Hermann!
PS, Pete Hermann, you ARE allowed to call time outs. Maybe you didn't realize that, but you ARE allowed to use them.
Oh, TWood hit about 4 shots in a row, but yeah Dustin Ware, let's NOT pass him the ball!
As talented as Dustin Ware MIGHT be ONE DAY, Zac Swansey might need a BIT more playing time.
Albert Jackson may be the WORST waste of size since the Mir space station. Seriously, he looks and plays like Lurch from the Adams family out there. COME ON AJAX, Get a flipping rebound! Learn how to box out! YOU CAN DUNK THE BALL! That is allowed! (Unless you don't have the athletic ability to do so, which I wouldn't doubt.)
Is there a reason Jeremy Price isn't getting some reps out there?
Hey I know Corey Butler is a former walkon that Felton LOVED him some, but he is a senior (thank goodness!) and he is NOT a part of Georgia's future. Let's get Travis Leslie in there OR keep Chris Barnes out there!
I would SIT Trey Thompkins for the REST of the game for his loafing.
I would like to thank Eddie Fogler for NOT dropping any F-bombs in the first half. I hope he can control himself in the second half.
The SEC tourney will be held in Tampa? Why?
Did you see the Gamecock dance team's outfits. OH MY LORD. I might need to get Wifey one of those for the anniversary...
Seriously, how does Darrin Horn come in from WKU and look around and say, "You know, I have a system I want to put into place, but with the talent I have, I think I will wait a year to do so. All I'll do right now is possibly encourage these guys and just tweak a bit. No major overhauls, just minor things for now. I don't want to mess with these vets." Doesn't he know that you are supposed to go in and change EVERYTHING and screw up an NCAA berth lock and go to the NIT?
I hate Albert Jackson.
Thompkins is loafing and he thinks he is a superstar. WHAT HAVE YOU EVER DONE?
Where is Price?
Can we go ahead and forfeit the rest of our games?
You know how UGA went and Voided the Harrick years from the record books...can the athletic department do the same thing for the Felton years?
And even though it doesn't have anything to do with UGA, I also hate watching Duke flop on defense worse than Vlade with the Kings. Can Coach K just not teach Defense? I think the ONLY thing he tells them is, "well you can't play defense so when a guy runs at you, just fall down and I will scrunch my face up like a rat and whine and hope to get a charging call!" PLAY REAL DEFENSE! And PS, you almost lost to Miami after losing to Crapson, I mean Klimpsen. You are going to lose HARD CORE to UNC.
Oh great, The Georgia game is back on. Well if the Five Guys bacon cheeseburgers don't give me a heart attack by age 36, watching Corey Butler and Albert Jackson will by the age of 28. Can't wait!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Phelps out, Jared back in?
The Michael Phelps smokes pot-omigosh story just took an interesting twist. I can understand (well, I can't really, but for the sake of this piece, I will "understand") why Kellogg's dropped the 14-time gold medalist (kids and their moms are the biggest target of Kellogg's cereal, so you DON'T want a dude smoking pot-once- as your spokesman), but now Subway has dropped Phelps.
First off, I didn't realize Phelps was a Subway spokesman.
#2, does this mean now the marketing department will superimpose Jared into all of Phelps's commercials? Jared will now be swimming instead of Phelps?
I am not certain why Phelps is being hit so hard. He smoked pot ONCE that we KNOW of (at a South Carolina frat party. he should be punished for THAT, not for smoking from a bong). I know it is illegal, but why is EVERYONE jumping all over this guy? Gary Sheffield and Jason Giambi are KNOWN steroid users that aren't talked about, but Phelps smokes POT and he is made into the scum of America. REALLY? Come on.
I think the REAL reason Subway dropped Phelps was that after he got stoned, he probably goes to Subway and has some sort of "all-you-can-eat-free card" and was abusing the local franchises. He probably bought for his stoner buddies too. Maybe he was making scores in the Subway parking lot?
I DOUBT IT! The fact that he was suspended for 3 months from swimming, gimmie a break. Either do something REAL, or just let this thing slide and go away.
And PS, weed ISN'T a performance enhancing drug. It ISN'T. Let's let this thing slide. Let it go away. And ps Subway, you guys probably did this to just make headlines. Enjoy Jared being your #1 guy again. And make the Subway Melt part of the $5 footlong! (I guess that's what I am secretly mad about)
First off, I didn't realize Phelps was a Subway spokesman.
#2, does this mean now the marketing department will superimpose Jared into all of Phelps's commercials? Jared will now be swimming instead of Phelps?
I am not certain why Phelps is being hit so hard. He smoked pot ONCE that we KNOW of (at a South Carolina frat party. he should be punished for THAT, not for smoking from a bong). I know it is illegal, but why is EVERYONE jumping all over this guy? Gary Sheffield and Jason Giambi are KNOWN steroid users that aren't talked about, but Phelps smokes POT and he is made into the scum of America. REALLY? Come on.
I think the REAL reason Subway dropped Phelps was that after he got stoned, he probably goes to Subway and has some sort of "all-you-can-eat-free card" and was abusing the local franchises. He probably bought for his stoner buddies too. Maybe he was making scores in the Subway parking lot?
I DOUBT IT! The fact that he was suspended for 3 months from swimming, gimmie a break. Either do something REAL, or just let this thing slide and go away.
And PS, weed ISN'T a performance enhancing drug. It ISN'T. Let's let this thing slide. Let it go away. And ps Subway, you guys probably did this to just make headlines. Enjoy Jared being your #1 guy again. And make the Subway Melt part of the $5 footlong! (I guess that's what I am secretly mad about)
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