When his opponent’s final groundstroke hit the net, Andy Roddick let out an enthusiastic, ‘Yeah’ looking over to his box which included eye candy fiance swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker along with “temporary coach” and David Cup captain Patrick McEnroe along with older brother John Roddick before celebrating his more routine third round victory over 31st seeded Italian Andreas Seppi, 6-2, 7-5, 7-6 (4) Sunday at a packed Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows.
“This is probably the most intimidating court in the world if you’ve never been on it before,” the just turned 26 year-old No.8 seeded American told CBS court reporter Mary Joe Fernandez afterwards to delightful laughter from the New York crowd which enjoyed what they saw.
There stood the former 2003 U.S. Open champion five years removed from his greatest career achievement where he won his only major by grinding from a couple of sets down fighting off match point against David Nalbandian in the semis before using that powerful serve to crush Juan Carlos Ferrero in a lopsided final. It’s the picture which followed after that last ace down the tee where you see a younger Roddick looking like a kid in a candy store with that ear to ear grin as if to say, ‘I really did it.’
That he did and at the time was ranked No.1 in the world and deservedly so. A lot has happened since then for the man who’s still America’s brightest hope when it comes to winning the final tennis grand slam of the year. It wasn’t long ago when he was the biggest threat on grass to Roger Federer pushing him a close fought four sets a few years ago before losing despite one of the best matches of his career. There was also that little run he had with former coach Jimmy Connors a couple of years prior when he went all the way to the final and once again made Federer sweat before falling in four.
Fast forward to the present and now Roddick’s fighting to get back in the top five as the men’s field gets even more competitive. A couple of nights prior, he had to overcome a young up and comer in Latvian Ernests Gulbis who hit the ball even bigger frequently pushing Roddick around for a ridiculous 79 winners- 37 more than the kid from Austin, Texas whose passion always comes out when he plays New York City.
Though the other birthday boy who turned 20 while Andy became 26 had him down a set and 5-3 a couple of points away from deep trouble, Gulbis never could finish off the determined American who used his guile and experience to stay in there. No way could his opponent who entered with a career mark two under .500 keep up this frenetic pace.
Finally, nerves crept in and he began misfiring from the baseline losing concentration while Roddick locked in grabbing the last four games of the set to square the match reeling off seven straight en route to a double break third set turning the tide. He’d pull out a tighter fourth set getting that final break to advance past a tough second round opponent.
“Tonight was probably one of those ones I won on effort,” he would later say Friday night after playing smart efficient tennis committing just 21 unforced errors to his opponent’s 60.
“He was definitely outplaying me for the first two sets. I felt like a little kid out here playing against him,” Roddick quipped before adding:
“And then the clock struck 12, and I started playing, well, as a 26-year-old.”
Laughter ensued from the remainder of a supportive crowd which stayed until 1:30 in the morning showing him the kind of love we’ve seen with our favorite New York sports stars with frequent chants of, “Let’s Go An—dy” and “An—dy Ro—dd—ick.”
Roddick’s always worn his emotion on his sleeves. When things don’t go well as they weren’t for nearly two sets, he’ll do something like smash his racket into smithereens before regaining his composure urged on by legions of supporters who he properly credited for keeping him focused.
“You guys kept me in there when I was losing my head,” a heartfelt Roddick told them to loud cheers. When asked by USA’s Michael Barkan if he had what it took to go all the way, he indicated:
“If this crowd comes with me the whole way, who knows?”
No question Roddick is fully aware how much the overwhelming support of the New York crowd can help him in his quest to win a second U.S. Open. It’s certainly been a challenging year which has seen him ousted in the third round down under, pulling out of the French due to a shoulder injury before a disappointing second round exit at another big slam he was once considered a large threat in Wimbledon.
Unlike many, he opted to skip the Beijing Summer Olympics and play a couple of tuneups which didn’t produce any titles falling to rising Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro in an LA final while losing in the quarters to 93rd ranked Serb Viktor Troicki at the nation’s capital a couple of weeks ago.
Perhaps the extra week off allowed him to enter the Open fresher than he’s been. Now 26, health is a concern for Roddick who still is one of the hardest hitters on the ATP Tour. For that reason alone, you can’t discount the Omaha, Nebraska native. Especially on the hard courts at Ashe.
Even if all the focus is on new No.1 Rafael Nadal, slumping four-time rating champ Roger Federer and even rising No.3 Serb Novak Djokovic, Roddick still has a puncher’s chance and might just get to go through two of the three with a potential quarter showdown against Djokovic and Federer as a projected semifinalist.
For now, Roddick awaits the winner between No.11 seeded Chilean Fernando Gonzalez and lefty Finn Jarkko Nieminen. If he continues to play steady and hit the ball firm as he indicated earlier today, he’s better than either and should setup that intriguing quarterfinal match against Djokovic provided he gets past dangerous 19 year-old Croat Marin Cilic tonight.
Despite winning in straight sets to make the Round of 16, Roddick is fully aware that he must step it up even more if he’s to make that serious push for a second grand slam under the bright lights.
This is his season. It’s the biggest reason he pushes on.
I’m pretty exhausted but then again, whose fault is that? I’ll get my rest and watch some U.S. Open tennis and maybe even check on this girl’s soccer game on the net. I kinda promised to follow how she does and well, I did do a special interview feature a few months ago which came out pretty fly if I may say so!
Anyway, I didn’t feel like blogging about the dreadful losses by either New York baseball team yesterday as it pretty much spoke for itself. Hey. At least one team has heart even if it’s not the one I’m crazy about. Ahh.
So, I felt more like linking up a cool more current video which I like and well the song rocks even if it’s Usher. He’s one of the few R&B homeys I can tolerate along with Chris Brown and “Rated” R. Kelly. :rofl: God. That’s so evil! Hahahaha.
Okay. Well, even for a dude like myself, it’s not too hard to admit that Usher’s got talent and is a genius who continues to churn out hit after hit. “Love In This Club” is just the latest hot track from the talented solo artists who the ladies probably scream the most about. You know what I’m talkin’ about here? So don’t deny it!
It’s been played all over the radio on Hot 97 and 105.1…And why not? It’s got IT! That special vibe which draws ya in. I can still hear it blaring over the loudspeakers at the Athletic Center in Park Slope.
“man i love dis song.”
With comments like that on YouTube, what’s not to like?!?!?!?!?!
Anyway, enough chatter. Here’s the latest Usher masterpiece:
Editor’s Note:This is the first in a series for a special project.
They had just lost a memorable World Series in dramatic fashion coming oh so close to four in a row and five world championships in six years. But when Luis Gonzalez got just enough of a Mariano Rivera cutter floating it into the outfield for the winning run, it wasn’t to be as the Diamondbacks stormed out of the dugout to celebrate a thrilling come from behind 3-2 Game Seven win beating the game’s best on the grandest stage.
Just like that, then rookie second baseman Alfonso Soriano’s eighth inning leadoff solo home run off a tired Curt Schilling meant nothing as did all the second guessing from Fox baseball analyst Tim McCarver on Arizona manager Bob Brenly staying with his starter too long. Instead, Arizona had done the unthinkable rallying for a pair off Rivera to win the 2001 World Series.
Though they fell short, the Yankees had fought valiantly and done New Yorkers proud in an epic series which followed that awful 9/11 tragedy. This run by Joe Torre’s resilient ballclub saw them dig out of an 0-2 hole rallying back to beat Oakland three straight highlighted on what became known as the signature moment of Derek Jeter’s career cutting off a short throw and then in one motion flipping to Jorge Posada who tagged out a standing Jeremy Giambi preventing that tying run from being scored in the seventh of Game Three.They never looked back as Rivera came onto get the final six outs saving it for Mike Mussina en route to reeling off three straight advancing to face the record setting 116 win Mariners in the ALCS.
It didn’t matter how many more wins Lou Piniella’s team had during the regular season as they were no match for the championship experience of these Yankees, who took the first two in Seattle winning the series in five to advance to a fourth consecutive World Series. Even with the dynamic duo of Schilling and Randy Johnson standing in the way, many still believed the Yanks would find a way to win doing it for a beaten up city which experienced so much pain and heartache on that fateful September day. A day no New Yorker will ever forget.
Here we were six weeks later captivated by Torre’s Yankees who just wouldn’t die and seemed destined to deliver a 27th world championship to grieving New Yorkers. They gave us a reason to believe anything was possible. Still, after the first two games in which the Diamondbacks outpitched and outscored them by a combined 13-1 permitting only six hits, it looked like the run would end quietly.
Now, they needed the next three all at The Stadium to have any realistic chance of making a four-peat possible. Even the most optimistic Yankee fans wondered if this was asking too much. A couple of rounds earlier, they’d rallied from that deficit stunning the A’s by winning twice in Oakland before returning home for a 5-3 Game Five triumph. Could they do it again?
They got a brilliant outing from Roger Clemens going seven allowing just a Reggie Sanders solo shot and two other hits while fanning nine before giving way to Rivera, who again was called on by Torre to get a six out save. It had been a clutch Scott Brosius two out RBI single a couple of innings prior which gave them the slimmest of margins. 2-1 Yankees. But with Enter Sandman in the game, he made quick work of Arizona retiring all six batters including four by strikeout. A Matt Williams ground out to Jeter was all she wrote allowing the Yanks to hang on and get back in the series.
Trailing 2-1 in the series, now came the unenviable task of having to face Schilling. Orlando Hernandez opposed him and did the job keeping the game tied at one apiece with the only runs coming on solo shots by Shane Spencer and Mark Grace an inning apart. With Hernandez done, Mike Stanton ran into trouble in the eighth allowing two runs in putting Arizona six outs away from a commanding 3-1 series lead.
At that critical juncture, Brenly took a huge risk replacing Schilling with closer Byung-Hyun Kim to try for a six out save. Asking the lesser experienced closer to get the last six seemed a bit much. However, he showed no signs of nerves striking out the side in the eighth. Now it was down to the wire. A one out opposite field Paul O’Neill base hit put the tying run to the plate but Kim reared back and struck out Bernie Williams swinging for the second out. Five outs. The Yanks were down to their last out with first baseman Tino Martinez standing in. He kept battling until he got a pitch which he drove to deep right center. Did it have the distance? Yes! Amazingly, the game was all tied. Arizona 3. Yankees 3.
It came on Halloween Night thrilling the packed house delivering hope to so many. There was no way they’d lose. Following a 1-2-3 10th by Rivera, somehow Brenly sent Kim out for a third inning. It had to be one of the most baffling decisions in postseason history. He still recorded the first two outs before Jeter came to the plate as the clock struck midnight officially making it the first ever November postseason baseball. The shortstop had already had a couple of huge moments under the spotlight including that fortunate tying homer against the Orioles in the 1996 ALCS which forever became known as the Jeffrey Maier game.
This time, Jeter would use the short porch again taking a Kim offering to deep right. No fan would need to reach out as the ball cleared the fence for a thrilling walkoff making the Yankees 4-3 winners leveling the series at two apiece. Jeter was now known as Mr. November. A nickname which has stuck with the popular shortstop who’s been there for all four championships along with six pennants.
If you thought Game Four was stunning, Game Five was even more shocking. This time, the Yanks couldn’t score against Miguel Batista. The fifth inning homers by Steve Finley and Rod Barajas had held up for eight innings with veteran Greg Swindell coming onto get the final out. Would Brenly trot out Kim once more? You betcha! Posada greeted him with a double immediately bringing back images of Game Four. But Kim them retired the next two on a ground out and a strikeout to get within an out of a 3-2 series lead back to the Desert. Only Brosius stood in the way. But much like Martinez did the night before, the battle tested veteran third baseman battled and battled fouling off pitches before drilling one into the left field seats miraculously tying the game up.
This time, an embarrassed Brenly didn’t take any chances pulling a saddened Kim in favor of veteran Mike Morgan. A few innings later, it wouldn’t matter as a Soriano walkoff hit to right scored Chuck Knoblauch to give the Yankees another unbelievable come from behind victory.
Three straight wins. One more and they’d make history. Instead, two nights later the Diamondbacks destroyed them in Game Six hammering Andy Pettite for six runs in two innings before the pen got shellacked in a 15-2 laugher with the Big Unit working seven allowing two earned while K-ing seven for his second win of the series.
In their three wins all at home, Arizona had outscored the Yankees by a ridiculous 28-3 margin reminding many of the 1960 series which didn’t end well for the Yanks who had pounded the Pirates in three wins only to watch Bill Mazeroski walkoff in dramatic fashion for the only Game Seven World Series ending home run in history.
I can easily recall even my closest Yankee friend Ivan having zero faith in them being able to defeat Schilling in Game Seven with Clemens opposing him. One of those rare classic pitching match-ups you dream about before all the steroid allegations became public. Unlike him, I believed. Usually, I was the one who was negative but something about this team made me think they could still pull it off. They nearly would.
The Diamondbacks had squeaked out a run in the sixth but the Yanks came right back thanks to a one out RBI single from Martinez plating Jeter. Clemens had done his part striking out 10 in six and a third matching Schilling- a right handed flamethrower cut from the same mold pitch for pitch. After much criticism, Brenly decided not to go to his pen sending his ace out for the eighth. That’s when Soriano connected taking him yard to deep left putting the Yankees six outs away from what felt like their destiny. But this wasn’t about them as much as it was about the city of New York who needed this to recover from that dreadful disaster which still remains empty to this day. A sore spot for anyone who lives here.
The Yankees were going to win. Rivera came on in the eighth once more pitching around a two out hit by striking out Denny Bautista swinging to fan the side. Three outs to go. After the Yankee bats went quietly against Johnson in the ninth, Mo gave up a leadoff single to Grace up the middle. Everyone knew Arizona would sacrifice including Rivera, who had always been a great fielder. When the bunt came right back to him, he had a play at second. Unlike so many times where he makes the throw in his sleep starting a conventional 1-6-3 double play, he threw wildly allowing both runners to be safe with nobody out.
By now, you were getting uncomfortable. How could even the great Mariano wiggle out of this one? But then Jay Bell’s sacrifice failed to advance the runners with Rivera taking the out at third. One away. Two to go. Just when it felt safe to breathe easier, Tony Womack delivered a tying RBI double to right putting the winning run 90 feet away. Then the normally unflappable Yankee closer hit Craig Counsell to load the bases setting up the force at home. You still felt like he could somehow escape the dire situation and get the game to extras. But it wasn’t to be as Gonzalez got just enough of his broken bat on Rivera’s bread and butter putting it out of the middle infielders’ reach allowing the Diamondbacks to celebrate on their home field.
Even as a Yankee fan, I had to admit they’d earned it beating our best to conclude one of the most memorable World Series ever. Even if my team had fallen a little short, they had shown the heart of a champion which was what Yankee fans loved about those teams. They epitomized every hardworking New Yorker.
Even though they’d lost, I’d never felt prouder of them. As much as it stung, this was still one of those series you could hang your hat on.
Who knew at the time it would really be the last in which they were so close? Significant changes were on the way. O’Neill and Brosius would retire and Martinez was replaced by former Oakland MVP slugger Jason Giambi signaling the beginning of the end.
With a brand new network coming, the Yankees soon became transfixed on flexing their muscles by outbidding other teams on the biggest stars with Giambi becoming the first signing a preposterous seven-year $120 million deal.
There’s one quote which shall always standout about the competitiveness of George Steinbrenner which came moments following his team’s crushing loss in Arizona.
“I’m not a good loser. I believe in what Ernest Hemingway said: ‘The way you get to be a good loser is practice, and I don’t want to practice.”‘
Any Yankee fan could understand Steinbrenner’s sentiments. He was a perfectionist. In his world, losing was unacceptable. While it’s true you should have passionate owners like him who care about winning, it’s impossible to win every year.
Why mess with a winning formula which had brought them so much success mixing stars with solid fundamental players who knew what it took to win?
It’s one which continues to haunt the current Yankees who are headed for their first postseason miss since 1993.
Sometimes, the best moves you make are the ones you don’t.
-The amazing Mets continued their clutch stretch play thanks to a two out ninth inning rally coming from a run down against shaky Florida closer Kevin Gregg. After he retired the first couple, ex-Marlin Luis Castillo kept it alive with a two strike single followed by a David Wright base hit. Gregg then hit the dangerous Carlos Delgado with the first offering loading the bases for Carlos Beltran. As unclutch a big name star in this town with only the chronicles of Alex Rodriguez worse, the $119 million center fielder drove the first pitch he saw over the right field wall for a go-ahead grand slam which WFAN play-by-play man Howie Rose nearly orgasmed to.
Did we just say that? Well, I was in the car and he did. Sometimes, you get the impression the Met announcers think this is some sorta miracle that the NL’s highest payroll is winning these kind of big games and now up two games over the reeling Phillies with a month to go. Granted. The Mets have had their share of injuries but you want to talk about over the top. Rose and Co. have lost their minds. If they sugarcoated anymore, you’d think they were adding even more sugar to a batch of cookies.
Take nothing away from Jerry Manuel’s club’s resiliency. They deserve to be where they are atop the NL East. But why shouldn’t they be? The Phillies are very flawed as proven with that eighth inning implosion in which Delgado tied it with a homer followed by a couple of more big hits including by David Murphy. They just don’t have enough pitching and their big hitters come up pretty soft in big spots. Paging Chase Utley and Pat Burrell. Jimmy Rollins is no better. Ryan Howard’s hit or miss literally. Honestly, the two guys I’d fear in a big spot are outfield overachievers Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino as they always seem to be in the middle of a comeback.
As for the fading Marlins, they’ve always been a flawed team due to the lack of fundamentals in the field and at the plate. Have you ever in your life seen a more undisciplined free swinging team which struck out more than Fredi Gonzalez’ bunch? Unless the ultra talented Hanley Ramirez matures and Dan Uggla (soon to be renamed Uggly for his dreadful 2nd half and fielding), they’ll continue to fail in big spots. As for their pen, Gonzalez deserves plenty of criticism for sticking with Gregg when he’s continually choked away leads blowing game after game to put them seven out. How in the world did he not send out ex-Met Matt Lindstrom for the ninth when he needed only five pitches to record the final out of the eighth? Just call it a case of bad managing 101. When your team desperately needs a game as much as his did, you don’t always stay conventional and remain loyal to struggling performers.
Precisely why managing by the book is vastly overrated.
Not surprisingly, the Marlins nearly tied it with a two out rally of their own scoring twice off Luis Ayala before he finally got Wes Helms to bounce out to short stranding the tying run at third and winning run at second. Does this mean the luster is finally off the ex-Nat pickup as temporary closer for the Mets? Who knows? Manuel is mixing and matching doing the best he can because he doesn’t got much no thanks to Omar Minaya. If the Mets do fall short, it won’t be for lack of heart cause they got plenty of that. But due to a pen which makes every Amazin fan squeamish.
Still, they should have enough to win the division. Especially with Jose Reyes playing well while Wright and Delgado rake. With plenty of contributions from unsung heroes such as Damion Easley, Murphy and even light hitting defensive catcher Brian Schneider who amazingly enough has gotten a couple of more big hits than A-Rod the past two months, they should score enough runs to support a superior staff led by Johan Santana, Oliver Perez and Mike Pelfrey. Now if only they could get Pedro back on track.
-I know it’s a few days late but what you saw from Joe Girardi’s Yankees those first couple of crucial games against the Red Sox was really how it’s been all year. They just never come up with the big hit or even the big pitches. It’s easy to point the finger at last year’s MVP along with Jason Giambi, who at least saved them the humiliation of a sweep driving in all three Thursday. However, it’s awfully hard not to get on Andy Pettite for his poor showing in such a big spot. To be outpitched by old and older knuckler Tim Wakefield is embarrassing. Even if a banged up Sox club didn’t hit every ball hard, there’s no excuse. Aside from that, who didn’t like that money showing by that pen in a Boston seven-run eighth featuring a Dustin Pedroia grand slam turning a close game into a laugher? Not like they couldn’t have used Kyle Farnsworth there?!?!?!?!?! Oh. That’s right. He was traded for the uselessPudge Rodriguez who looks about ready for retirement.
So, is there anyone out there who doesn’t believe the former Texas catcher didn’t cheat his way to an MVP season in 1999 and was still producing fairly well just a few years ago? I’ve always liked Pudge and he does belong in Cooperstown when it’s done but it’s very hard for me not to think he did something out of the ordinary to manufacture those numbers.
-Whoever would’ve believed that Carl “DL” Pavano would actually be 2-0 after two outings even outpitching Yankee killer A.J. Burnett last night?
-It’s not often you see Andy Roddick outslugged from the baseline but finding a way to persevere and pull out a well earned four set win over the other birthday boy six years younger talented Latvian Ernests Gulbis. Especially when the now 26 year-old American was dangerously close to being down two sets just a couple of points before reeling off the next seven games to assume control. Who knows. Maybe this big win gets the former 2003 U.S. Open champ going for a run and possible quarterfinal against No.3 ranked Serb Novak Djokovic. Who wouldn’t want to see that come down with probably Roger Federer waiting in the wings for the semis? In a year where the final tennis grand slam doesn’t have quite as much appeal on the women’s side with former champ Maria Sharapova sidelined and French Open winner Ana Ivanovic losing in the second round to a little known Frenchwoman, they sure could use the best players on the men’s side to go far.
-I don’t care about who Djokovic “hooked up” with at the Olympics in Beijing. What I want to know is why hasn’t he asked countrywoman Ivanovic out yet? At least it might better explain her poor second half bad thumb and all.
-When Osi Umenyiora went down during last week’s meaningless exhibition versus Brett Favre and the Jets, of course it was said not to be that serious due to the first MRI coming back negative. But anyone who saw the way the Giant sack leader landed had to know better. By the next day not surprisingly, he was done for the year putting a damper on Big Blue’s Super Bowl defense. There ya had it again. Just another reason there are too many NFL preseason games. How many times have you seen a big name star go down before the first real snap? Football more than any other sport can be brutal to its fans. This was just the latest example. Does it all end for the Giants now? Not really cause even if Michael Strahan doesn’t have his “heart in it,” they can move Mathias Kiwanuka back to his original position and get plenty from rising pass rusher Justin Tuck. I still think Steve Spagnuolo finds a way to keep his attacking D a step ahead. Especially with a secondary which should be improved with promising rookie Kenny Phillips. As much as we look at the D, the offense doesn’t have any injuries and should put up points. This is now Eli Manning’s team and time. I expect him to step up.
If there’s an area to be concerned over, it’s the kicking game where they don’t know if NFC championship hero Lawrence Tynes will be ready for next week’s opener versus the Redskins. Given how poorly Josh Huston has performed, they better get Tynes back sooner rather than later.
-It ain’t often they do something right but kudos to the Knicks for acquiring Patrick Ewing, Jr. from the Rockets in exchange for <gulp> all-time draft bust Frederic Weis. Where’s Ed Tapscott these days anyway?
-Is Chad Johnson plain crazy having his name legally changed to Chad Javon Ocho Cinco or just taken too many hits to the head? Here’s the link.
-Mike Lupica’s correct that the Yanks salvaging that final game versus Boston felt more like “saving face” than saving their season. However, the Daily News know it all columnist is quite wrong if he actually believes the best way for them to field a World Series contender in their new Stadium next year is to spend, spend, spend. That change in philosophy is what turned a once modern day dynasty into a colossal disappointment with little to no chemistry continuing to head the wrong way.
-Only in the NL West could the defending NL champion Rockies who improved to eight under .500 (64-72) thanks to a pair of Garrett Atkins homers and five RBI’s in a 9-4 road win over the Padres still be within six of the first place Diamondbacks. Who says history can’t repeat?
-I liked Barack Obama’s speech 45 years to the day after Dr. Martin Luther King’s historic “I Have A Dream” speech in accepting the Democratic Presidential nomination in Denver. However, what the heck were they thinking turning it into that fake Washington cathedral stage?!?!?!?!?!
-And finally, here’s a cool sports video on YouTube I just can’t get enough of of Olympic triple world record gold medalist Jamaican runner Usain “Lightning” Bolt featuring hilarious commentary.
As promised over 12 hours later from this morning’s previous Clapton/Winwood concert theme revisited entry, I’m following up with some more Winwood stuff I’ve always liked.
So, let’s take a look at one of the most overlooked gifted musicians of our time:
i always liked this song as a kid. it kinda reminds me a more simple time when it all seemed so much more reachable. it still is but it’s much harder these days. this song gives me hope! it’s so musical too. particularly the end.
there’s a reason this album was so successful. cause all the songs rocked! then again, you really can’t go wrong with his immense talent and great singing voice. when I think of keyboard solos, I think of Winwood. listen to the end and you’ll see what I mean.
this definitely is one of his best solo works and it got so popular, it was used in beer ads and sometimes TV shows.
I’d link up more cause there’s a lot more stuff from his illustrious past dating back to his Traffic days. But I chose to focus on the songs I remember. And maybe some of my younger generation will at least recognize them.
Even at this early hour which describes how whacked my schedule is due in part to being tired yesterday afternoon and then daydreaming about something off the wall, I suddenly feel the urge to post something and not just copy and paste my latest creative work from my Xanga.
No. It’s not quite sports and won’t discuss how the Giants plan to defend a Super Bowl without Osi Umenyiora or breakdown the early rounds of the U.S. Open on whether Roger Federer can suddenly find it again.
However, as many know, I’ve got a deep passion and appreciation for music. I’ve attended great concerts and it’s less than a month until I get to see one of my fave bands Weezer rock the Garden on Sept.24. Usually, I do video features on rap or current rock bands.
Today isn’t one of those as for some reason, I felt like logging onto YouTube and digging some more of that epic Eric Clapton/Steve Winwood Feb.26 MSG concert in which they ranged from vintage Blind Faith hits to classic Jimi Hendrix…
I’ll never forget that night as it truly was magical and even more special to go see this Hall of Fame all-time duo perform with my Dad who of course goes back and really enjoyed it. At the time, I was a curious spectator wondering how they would be when really deep down, I knew it would probably be great. But I’m from the younger generation and though I always appreciated the 1960’s influence on rock n’ roll due to my diversification, I still sat there up in 407 waiting to see what it would be like. Seeing them come on earlier than expected and the kind of loud respectful cheers from a more experienced and knowledgeable crowd made me realize the impact and that no matter if it were some four decades later, their legion of fans were still there making them never forget.
As the night went on and I got drunker, even in that messed up state, I knew what I was witnessing was true greatness between a couple of the most gifted musicians ever. Watching Clapton on guitar was just pure heaven. He was so smooth. No wonder they called him Slowhand. There one of the greatest guitarists stood on that grand stage in NYC easily banging out chord after chord and shredding solo after solo like it were nothing. But what was even better was Winwood’s unbelievable versification going from one instrument to the next without missing a beat playing everything well. Guitar. Piano. Keyboard. Organ. Synthesizer. The man was awesome blending extremely well while showing off such great pipes. Clapton’s are good but Winwood’s are out of this world.
Perhaps that’s why all these months later, I felt like reexamining that classic sound where the past which I wasn’t part of was brought back to life kinda like an old Dark Shadows episode on DVD. Yes. I’m a huge fan and collect them.
So, I’m going to link up some more Clapton/Winwood stuff because I really came away impressed even as I limped back to the car out on my feet. But boy was I happy I got to see it!
this is one of my father’s favorites and I like it as well as it’s just greatness and what I admire most is it’s just about the music. no words. and you don’t need them cause the instruments do the talking.
by this point, I was pretty gone but hearing it made me so proud that even in that state, it didn’t matter. With head spinning and hanging on, I so loved it and if you know me, I’m a huge Jimi fan like my Dad. This was such a treat along with Little Wing!
I’ve never been great with titles even on famous hits such as this unless I’m really in tune a la Jimi or GNR. But once it was played, I knew I’d heard it many times while in the car when were once a family vacationing or going out to eat in the city. It brought back so many vivid memories. Winwood’s voice is just terrific. I never really got to hear his old stuff and of course go back to his solo career which had its share of hits. However, listening to him here and recreate this magical sound with Clapton was out of this world.
I’d be lying if I said I was familiar with this song before it got played and it was one of their last at the show I went to. This one sounds just as tip top from the show a couple of nights later which my buddy Andrew attended and came away amazed when we scored our next bball game at Berkeley Carroll in Park Slope. And yes. That’s cause it was truly special. And now. All these months later, I can honestly say this has easily become one of my faves. There’s just something about it and how it’s played. I can’t quite put a finger on it. You just feel it and know!
this is just very smoothly played and so relaxing. almost like calming affect. I never realized how nice the organ could mesh with the guitar. tho i have always appreciated it and the piano in music even if guitar shall always reign supreme. Clapton’s solo is wonderful. soloing is just what makes the guitar so special. then to go right back from it to the song, such a smooth transition which only the greats possess.
this one’s quite familiar and not due to the much quicker pace they play at which is how it’s really supposed to sound but due to an old beer commercial. might’ve been Miller Genuine Draft where Clapton plays it as a much slower and more deliberate sexier pace. beer commercials. still, i prefer the faster version as it really kicks ass.
everyone has heard this popular hit. it’s just pure greatness and well, who doesn’t love the title and what’s said?!?!?!?!?!?! no. I’ll never ever try it. I’m not that type but still…that was a very different era. wish the sound quality was a little better. everything they play sounds like art.
it was one of the first songs and maybe the one they came out to. I do recall it getting huge pops and for good reason. God. Listen to that solo from about 1:14 to 1:42. Greatness! And yes. I really dig this song. It’s just so good!
i don’t know what i like better. this or Voodoo Chile. I love Jimi and always will but listening to Winwood who worked with him on the original combining with Clapton to make this sound was something else! it can’t be described. they’re so talented, it’s scary. what a tribute!
i really like the bass played by Clapton in this song. it just really sounds good and Winwood’s pipes are something else. and yes. this is what they started with. you couldn’t ask for more. tho some were disappointed they played no Cream stuff. it didn’t really matter cause the two-plus hours they played was quite remarkable. like extended jam sessions captivating the audience.
Winwood’s special tribute to the late great Ray Charles and wow does it sound phenomenal. his organ playing is something to behold. it really seems to bring out his voice. the video is pretty darn good as you can see him playing those special chords on the third and final show in NYC. the crowd really seemed to love it and the ending was incredible.
There’s only so much you can link up of these two legends. Just getting the opportunity to see them re-team and play so wonderfully was a privilege. Maybe I’ll link up some more after.
Lately, I just haven’t felt like writing about sports. I’ve stopped covering games and just don’t have the passion to write about what everyone knows. The Yanks suck and have zero heart while the Mets are the polar opposite and resilient as ever evidenced by last night’s eighth inning comeback over the Phillies. Kudos to them as they haven’t played like dead men walking as opposed to what’s taken place in the Bronx in what will be a very quiet and sad chapter closing the only Yankee Stadium.
One of these days, I’ll get motivated again and give everything and more. I just don’t want to half ass it. For now, another lyrical writeup waxing poetic which is how it’s gone lately.
“Somewhere” by Derek Felix AKA D Flex
Somewhere you stand all alone Smiling and laughing in your new home You’re one of those cuties I used to know And there ya are in your glory fully grown
Someone who’s clearly in touch with herself And doesn’t need all sorts of wealth Just fun, happiness and lots of health Which explains why you smile even by yourself
Cause you’ve got it going on in more ways than one That’s your beauty and why you’re in the zone Nobody can ever rain down telling ya you’re done Until you decide what you want cause you finally won
This is your entertaining kinda game That keeps ‘em guessing in your domain Cause lately you’ve been all in my brain A couple of years later and still not the same
Somewhere you are like a shooting star Living it up way too far Driving your fancy car While getting songs played on the guitar
You attract ‘em like magnets who want to stick like glue Fantasizing of doing it every which way to you While you call out as their wishful dreams ring true But there you stand grinning cause they ain’t nothing but fools
You’re playing them better than ya ever had before Yet they still get down on their knees begging for more The next victim quickly knocks on your door Then leaves knowing it meant nothing to ya
You always were smooth like butter on a roll No wonder I wanted to take ya against the pole At the time I didn’t know it was all just for show And here we are later and it’s still taking a toll
Somewhere you stand in all your glory While I ponder what’s been your story Has it been everything and more without fury Or is there something I didn’t envision making it blurry
Only you aren’t giving any warning signs Instead just looking as good as ever feeling fine Relaxing and taking it all in while sipping wine If only God knew how much I wanted to make ya mine
Maybe it wouldn’t be so hard if I’d played along Then perhaps I’d be hearing a different song Instead the same tune plays in my head reminding me what went wrong It’s why I still look around wishing for a new dawn
Finally there’d be a way to make things right All these months later you’d still look out of sight With the moonlight shining down on your face making you bright Lighting up the night making me want to take you home tonight
Somewhere you’re sitting in your room Cool and calm as ever in full bloom Knowing full well in your world there’s never any doom Where every night is perfect with a full moon
You always had such a nice way Giving off the right vibes and knowing what to say But there I stood older and confused on any day Studying and admiring your eyes which could make it May
Enjoying the flirtation and that reassuring pretty smile Always wishing I could stay for a while Fast forward and here I am going mile after mile Longing to run into you walking down an aisle
Knowing full well I already had my chance But never really took it due to circumstance Why does my conscience always take this sorta stance Can still see you smiling and getting down while ya dance
Somewhere the party goes on Somewhere it’s happening till the break of dawn Somewhere you’re the center of it so well known Somewhere I sit with my mind wandering totally withdrawn
If I could see you Everything would be alright If I could see you It would really make my night
You always had that look in your eyes Which really did it lighting me on fire Could never see into them without being surprised Envisioning us together going wire to wire
It would be true paradise No reason to hold back Ya’ll always were the biggest prize Explaining why you nearly gave me a heart attack
You’d stare at me and I’d turn beet red Knowing full well I so badly wanted you When all I desired was to hold ya in my arms instead Working while daydreaming that you’d finally ring true
If I could see you I know I’d be okay If I could see you This time I’d know what to say
Finally expressing all my vivid thoughts Getting that wonderful smile that always appealed There’d be enough time instead of being caught Cause deep down I always knew you were the real deal
You’d nod your head understanding how I felt Making it the perfect dream scene And there I’d once again feel my heart instantly melt So desiring to make you my special queen
We’d make love all night long Bringing our worlds forever together United we could do no wrong It’d all be perfect including the weather
If I could see you I’d no longer feel insane If I could see you It would no longer rain
With you around the sun would always shine Perfectly lighting up your vivacious face Cause damn girl you’re so fine Making it truly the best sorta place
You’d never be all in my brain I’d finally have you which was all I ever needed I wouldn’t feel ordinary nor ever the same Just to see you every day I’d no longer feel defeated
Everything would finally feel real Never been anything fake about you Would be like an amusement park on a ferris wheel Where you’re always happy and no one’s ever blue
If I could see you Just one more time If I could see you Everything would be just fine
Looking at you would settle me down I’d never mess this up all I want is a second chance Aware that I’d no longer feel like I might drown Just to be with you would be fun now let’s dance
We’d move to the beat like never before Laughing and smiling as the songs blared out For once in my life, I’d finally be really sure Cause with you by my side, there’d never be any doubt
You’re the one who inspires me the most You’re the one I want to really get to know You’re the one I’d like to take out to the coast You’re the one I can picture myself with and finally grow
Princess Allura always captured the affection of the evil Prince Lotor in the epic cartoon Voltron.
It’s been a while since I blogged about my love of Voltron which i grew up watching. In the previous couple of entries, I examined how the mighty robot defended against all of King Zarkon and Witch Haggar’s evil schemes to successfully defend Planet Arus.
It was always a unique cartoon where you had Voltron force leader Keith, Hunk, Lance, Pidge and the beautiful Princess Allura taking the place of Sven in the blue lion to team up in five separate lions and formulate Voltron- Defender of the Universe.
Even when challenged, they found a way to win those fun filled battles and best of all, good prevailed over evil. If only that were really always true.
In another entry, I linked up a cool video depicting Zarkon’s sadistic son Prince Lotor’s passion/obsession of Allura. It’s probably the best video ever made as it really defines his true feelings about the Princess who during the series loathed him despite his overtures and wild fascinations of being together.
As I was in search of a video for this entry, I found myself watching that previous one which is on my faves at YouTube and then discovered a new video also dedicated to the Lotor/Allura relationship.
This one’s a tad different as it shows them breaking the ice. The individual who put it together did a sound job using scenes with them together and even made a bold music selection going with Britney Spears’ “Break The Ice off her latest Blackout album released last Fall which prominently featured hit, “Gimme More,” which she bombed at last year’s MTV Music Awards.
Perfect for what they wanted to illustrate. I’m not a big fan of the on and off again pop tart but I’ll just say it’s a decent track. Even with all her chaos, she’s made a bit of a comeback this year. So, let’s at least give her that as sometimes, the lives of these stars can spiral out of control due to all the crazy media coverage. Not long ago, I honestly thought she’d wind up dead and even had a dream about it. What can I say? My dreams are never ordinary. I’m glad it didn’t come true.
In any event here’s the cool video. So judge for yourself:
The Olympics are wrapping up finally this weekend in Beijing and the pennant races are heating up. Plus football is actually back with the annual Giants/Jets preseason tilt tonight. So, what’s floating around my brain? Shall we:
1.It’s pretty pathetic how bad our men’s and women’s relay teams performed botching routine handoffs of the baton to not even give themselves a shot of winning gold. Passing the baton is something which is taught during high school outdoor track as I can recall learning it along with teammates. You want to make sure to get the baton in the next runner’s hands. Making sure they secure it is vital. Of course, sometimes, as they begin to pull away, they don’t have it tucked away safely which also can lead to problems. It’s really all about communication and teamwork. If you work together, then it shouldn’t be an issue. Practice makes perfect. This was something NBC track and field analyst Otto Bolden referenced as unlike other countries, Team USA always has a wealth of options when choosing four runners. Perhaps that’s a disadvantage because there won’t be a lot of consistent reps going in which might be why our country embarrassed themselves a couple of nights ago.
Whatever the reason, we’ll never know if our Olympic men could’ve pushed the new world record 4×100 Jamaican holders, who led by triple gold medalist record holder Usain “Lightning” Bolt and Asafa Powell blitzed the field producing a record time of 37.10 easily beating out Trinidad and Tobago and bronze medalist Japan.
It should also be noted that botched handoffs also were the Jamaican women’s undoing in their 4×100 race opening the door for the Russian Federation to take the gold. Not only was their mishap brutal but it interfered with England’s lane forcing them to be disqualified too. What ashame.
2.Watching Bolt fly during that third leg putting distance between him and the other competitors to setup Powell’s final 100 for an easy victory was breathtaking. He also didn’t get a good handoff either but made sure to secure it and then just took off like an eagle soaring through the sky past everyone else. The 22 year-old is a freak of nature taking advantage of his 6-5 wingspan flying on the track. His Beijing performance will be remembered forever. Three Olympic golds. Three world records. Automatically a place with the greats. For more on what Bolt accomplished along with his country in track and field, yahoo’s Mike Powell had a good take on this along with the USA failures which produced the least gold medals since 1992 at Barcelona.
3.That USA men’s semifinal five set volleyball win over Russia was tremendous. Especially considering that they blew a two set cushion and allowed their opponents to gain momentum. But when the chips were down even after an iffy missed call, they persevered and came up golden with an awesome block to reach the gold medal round for the first time in 20 years. Great stuff!
4.Maybe next time Bernard Lagat will represent Kenya. Think he would’ve performed this miserably his home country? Just call it the American jinx as our long distance runners never seem to fare well.
5.Maybe it’s just me but doesn’t anyone really care if the Redeem Team takes gold? They’re supposed to.
6.Did anyone in the Yankee brass ever think their season would come down to Carl “DL” Pavano? Amazingly enough, he made it through one inning at Camden Yards unscathed and didn’t hurt himself yet. Don’t hold your breath!
7.Hey. When A-Rod and Giambino deliver clutch two out base knocks, maybe it explains how Pavano could be starting.
8.All the Mets do is keep winning games despite no Billy Wagner with even Luis Ayala tossing a perfect ninth last night fanning a pair to notch a save in a game Johan Santana maxed out tossing a career high 121 pitches during seven scoreless fanning eight. Best of all, the southpaw wanted to be out there begging Jerry Manuel to send him out for the seventh due to counterpart Roy Oswalt keeping it close and going the distance despite the loss:
“He pleaded, begged. ‘I don’t want to come out of this game,’ he said. … I had to give him the benefit of the doubt. It’s only fair to him what he’s brought to the team.”
When you’re a big ace with your team in a pennant race, that’s how it should be. About time.
9.DL Pavano Update: Pavano’s already given up four hits and they’re only in the second. He’ll be begging out by the next inning before he injures his pinky finger. I wish I was kidding.
10.I like how the Rays keep finding ways to win games despite two of their best players Evan Longoria and Carl Crawford out of action. Joe Maddon’s your Manager of the Year by a wide margin even if Ron Gardenhire somehow gets the Twins into the postseason minus Santana.
11.With a home run and five RBI’s, Pat Burrell became the third Phillie to reach the 30 home run mark this season joining teammates Chase Utley (31) and Ryan Howard (34) yet it still probably won’t be enough to beat out the Mets and make October. The Phils just don’t have enough pitching and really need last year’s MVP Jimmy Rollins to wake up. When Jayson Werth’s contributed more, that’s not a ringing endorsement for the mouthy shortstop who dissed Phillie fans. Isn’t it about time he shut up and played?
12.He slugged a three-run homer off John Maine for No.26 to go with over a .330 average and now more than 90 RBI’s. Yep. Even if Lance Berkman’s team isn’t going to see October, he’s right up there in the MVP race with Albert Pujols and Utley. David Wright should also get some consideration as he’ll finish in the top five in RBI’s and should eclipse 30 again. But figure teammate Jose Reyes to take away some votes with his huge second half.
13.DL Pavano Update: After loading the bases, the Birds cashed three in to go ahead 3-2 and now have six hits off the $40 million Man. So much for an awe inspiring outing with a certain YES Classic in the making.
14.Have you ever heard a broadcaster make as many excuses as Michael Kay does? After Johnny Damon made that second drop for the Jays’ winning run a few nights prior, he actually indicated it was because the center fielder didn’t tap his glove like he normally does to make catches. Give me a break. Between him and John Sterling and the irksome Suzyn Waldman on the radio, you can go nuts. Is this really what the Yankee broadcasts have become? A charade of buffoonery tooting their own horn.
15.Where are the American ‘contenders’ in this men’s Olympic marathon? Just saying.
16.DL Pavano Update: After surviving inning two, he’s already thrown 50 pitches with only 28 for strikes. The growing question is will his arm fall off?
I know his last two outings at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre stunk but you’re telling me Phil Hughes couldn’t have done better? Boy. Do the Yankees look foolish now not taking the Santana deal. As much as I was against it, they sure messed up and screwed up Hughes and Ian Kennedy’s development. They can still bounceback from this but who exactly is calling the shots? They don’t have a clue.
17.I wonder what Joe Torre thinks about all this as he tries to get his new team into the playoffs. Must be a relief to be away from the circus.
18.He’s been performing much better but Lastings Milledge still isn’t going to have a better season than Ryan Church, who missed so much time due to a concussion. Is that still a bad trade considering the loud ovation Church received in his return last night?
19.If C.C. Sabathia goes undefeated, he just might sneak in and win the NL Cy Young from Brandon Webb. Speaking of Cy contenders, good thing the Giants didn’t agree to trade Tim Lincecum for Alex Rios. Just imagine what he could do on a good team.
20.Doesn’t look like we’re missing much in the first half of this Giants/Jets battle.
21.Here are our U.S. Open picks:
Men’s Semis: (1) Nadal vs (6) Murray, (2) Federer) vs (3) Djokovic
Champion: Djokovic over Nadal in four sets
Women’s Semis: (6) Safina vs (7) V. Williams, (2) Jankovic vs (5) Dementieva
I’ll get my rest and watch some U.S. Open tennis and maybe even check on this girl’s soccer game on the net. I kinda promised to follow how she does and well, I did do a special interview feature a few months ago which came out pretty fly if I may say so! 
no. I’ll never ever try it. I’m not that type but still…that was a very different era. wish the sound quality was a little better. everything they play sounds like art.