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Post by quettalee on May 24, 2009 13:41:03 GMT -6
Well, I tried to do a mini search to see if we had a sports thread here before I started a new one; I didn't find anything. And we spent a lot of time posting about the women's NCAA basketball in the "Six Words..." thread, so I'm thinkin we don't have a sports thread. I know Katman is spending all his posting time watching his footy boys, so maybe if he has a thread he'll at least stop in and let us know how they're doing. I love sports--more watching now than playing--but I did have a fairly athletic upbringing...and I still walk for excercise...and will shoot hoops or take a few swings at the batting cage...but not to the extent that it's gonna open old wounds or anything like that. Lots of softball, basketball, and swimming during the early years...didn't have a volleyball team at our school until I was a sophomore...turned out to be better at vball than basketball, so I snagged a partial vball scholarship to college. Softball was my best sport, but our school didn't have a team, so that was limited to summer leagues. Love tennis, but never could develop the finesse or speed to be very good at more than watching. Always said if there was such a thing as reincarnation, I wanted to come back as a pro tennis player. I guess that was a phase like wanting to be a vampire. Lol. Used to never miss pro football when I was a kid--back when Dallas Cowboys had Roger Stauback and Miami had Bob Griese and Mercury Morris, but now I can't stand to watch pro sports of any kind. Like college football, love college basketball (Go Razorbacks ), and prefer to watch women's college sports above men's (no surprise there, I guess). So where is all this coming from you're probably asking...like we care about her pitiful, has-been sports career...?? Pfft. It's all about the women's softball tournament going on. It's got me all can't-watch-anything-else-or-turn-the-TV-off for the past four days. These kids amaze me with their talents...and make me a little melancholy about "days gone by". Lol. I had some great times playing softball. And some not-so-great times associated with playing softball. (Two ankle surgeries, two shoulder surgeries, a broken finger, and seven stitches to re-close a scar over my eye when I got hit with a line drive while pitching) Anyway, now we have a sports thread and sorry if there's already one going, FBM. Kat, you out there? C, I know you could care less most of the time unless it comes on wheels or skis and that those posts usually go in the seasonal threads, but I know you can always find something to say about most anything that's being discussed...so jump in anytime. Yinyang, are you the sports type at all? Does your son do any sports? Step, Vox, MG...any favorites? And last, but certainly not least and probably the closest kindred spirit I will find for this thread...Siren, can I please get a little amen for the sports thread? Are you watching any of this softball and will you be attending any of the World Series games in OK City, by any chance?
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Post by stepper on May 24, 2009 19:44:00 GMT -6
Well, I've been known to watch sports on the TV. (Mud wrestling is a sport isn't it?) Actually TG, it's a good idea. I can get all my sport updates here since I can't find much of an excuse for either A) sweating in mid summer heat on aluminum hard-on-your-butt seats simply to watch someone else play or B) freezing your butt off because they can't figure out how to end the season BEFORE it's so cold it's snowing. Okay. Is anone silly enough to think LeBron and Cleveland aren't going to win the NBA title this year?
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Post by Phalon on May 24, 2009 22:14:27 GMT -6
Should I take offense to this? You saying, Sis, that I talk too much? HA! Just for that I'm saying nothing....at least for now.
Just kidding. I'm working tomorrow, so I've got to get to bed now. Holiday hours though; only from 10am to 4pm. I feel the need to still get up early for a morning glide. I haven't been on the wheels in three weeks!!! I've been too busy spending all my spare time and spare money (there's a couple for the oxymoron thread - spare time and spare money) on the new garden.
Is gardening considered a sport? You can bet your behind it is in this case. Extreme Gardening; no wonder why I drop like a chunk of lead into the bed each night.
Anyway, I'll jump in soon....as soon as my aching feet can stick the landing.
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Post by katina2nd on May 25, 2009 0:04:21 GMT -6
I know Katman is spending all his posting time watching his footy boys, so maybe if he has a thread he'll at least stop in and let us know how they're doing. Yep have my very own thread, kindly started by Lady P just before the 07 Grand Final. Guess if we're gonna have a sports thread I'll saunter over and bore everyone to tears on here for a while. Footy has been going for nine weeks and the mighty Cats have yet to lose a match, though we came horribly close at the weekend, falling over the line by two points against the Bulldogs. Second on the ladder behind the also undefeated St.Kilda who have a better percentage, if we haven't already done so by then we'll take top spot when we kick their butts in five weeks time. The other big sporting event on the horizon is the Ashes Cricket series against England starting next month, more butt kicking coming up there. Ummm mud wrestling and gardening, future Olympic events maybe?
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Post by fallenangel on May 25, 2009 20:14:29 GMT -6
Don't really watch sports or play. I do 4 wheel and fish ever now and then. Not thinking they are sports . My son plays basketball and I think it's only sport he watches as well.
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Post by quettalee on May 26, 2009 17:46:36 GMT -6
There you go...I'm so proud of you all! Those are all fine examples and it shall be noted from here on out, that they now have found a home. I've never been a participant or mud wrestling enthusiast, but I'm sure it has its highlights. I cannot comment on the NBA, because I know nothing. Is it the Cavs and the Lakers? Gardening was certainly like a sport when I was a kid because that's pretty much how we had food...pfft. Our garden beside the house was as big as two lots here in my neighborhood! Mom and Grannie used to run over two chest freezers and all the canning jars within three counties. I put out three tomato plants this year and hopefully the sport will be in trying to juggle the bountiful harvest of fruit! Kat, I'm happy for you and your boys. I hope it doesn't wear you down too much having to "drag over to a new thread and bore us all to death" with your Down Under Report & Updates. I have certainly been "muddin" as a sport, Yy! We used to go four-wheelin all the time in college. Pfft. I don't know if you could get me to slip and slide straight up the side of a wet mountain in a pick-up truck these days or not. A year ago I would've said "no way", but now...I'd probably do it. Fishing--certainly a sport if you didn't have to do it as a living as a kid. I love, love, love being on or around the water, but you probably aren't going to see me holding no cane pole nor rod and reel. I'll be happy to cook those fish up for you, tho...and hush puppies, and cole slaw, green onions, homemade bread and butter pickles...sound OK? That's about all you need when you're having fish. Very good, my team! I'm still waiting to hear from Siren about the softball. If she's going to the World Series, I'm already jealous. Stayed tuned, sports fans.
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Post by katina2nd on May 26, 2009 21:52:18 GMT -6
A whole Rainbow Trout, Broccoli smothered in a white sauce and sliced boiled carrots for tea last night, delish.
Alright alright, I know this is in the wrong thread but you started it with the cooking tips TG. ;D
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Post by Siren on May 26, 2009 22:11:09 GMT -6
Sorry, TG - I've been out of town and away from my computer. Yay! A sports thread! Now folks will no longer have to skip the "6 Words" thread to avoid my sports digressions. But again, I appreciate you all indulging me there. Yes, TG, I will be attending some of the Women's College World Series, right here in Okie City. Over the weekend, I got a message from my ex-boss, offering me free passes! Woohoo! Awfully nice of him to offer them. He remembered that I am a big fan. Of course, it would be a lot more fun if my Sooners hadn't LOST IN THEIR OWN REGIONAL. Gad! I still can hardly believe that! And to add insult to injury, their final loss came at the hands of one of OU's in-state rivals, Tulsa. *shaking head* Unbelievable! OU's first loss in the Regional was to Missouri. My dad tells me that Mizzou also beat UCLA the other night, knocking them out of the running. My uncle, who bets on most every sport, had picked UCLA to go to the Finals. I hope he's not dodging his bookie, now that his bracket is busted! My niece, Rachel, started softball practice today. She'll be a freshman in high school when school starts again. I told her to savor every minute, since high school goes so fast. I bet she'll find it hard to savor practice, once the weather really heats up! Jojo, my oldest niece, just graduated from high school. Her softball team made it all the way to the state semi-finals, losing by one run. She was heartbroken, but is consoling herself with the thought of having another very cool patch to put on her letter jacket. Kat, I'm thrilled to hear about the mighty Cats' unbeaten streak. Wonderful! Keep us posted. And please, next time you're at a game, hurl an insult at one of the boys, and have a coldie and a barely-edible pie for me! Thanks again for this thread, TG! I'll list my athletic achievements *large eye roll* in my next post. ~T
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Post by katina2nd on May 26, 2009 22:19:12 GMT -6
Kat, I'm thrilled to hear about the mighty Cats' unbeaten streak. Wonderful! Keep us posted. And please, next time you're at a game, hurl an insult at one of the boys, and have a coldie and a barely-edible pie for me! Thanks again for this thread, TG! I'll list my athletic achievements *large eye roll* in my next post. ~T Thanks Siren, and yep I'll certainly keep everyone up to date with our progress. Crikey you have a good memory [ a coldie and a barely-edible pie ] I'll list my athletic achievements as well when I get a chance, that will cause an even bigger eye roll then your's that's for sure.
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Post by Phalon on May 27, 2009 7:31:58 GMT -6
I think that would be an Olympic combo-sport, Katina - they are so closely related at times. The Mudathon took place here earlier this spring; I've barely recovered.
I love watching the Olympics; summer or winter, it doesn't matter. When it's time, for two weeks I get absorbed into watching television like TG's "can't-watch-anything-else-or-turn-the-TV-off" comment about women's softball.
One of the Summer Olympic sports, of course, is cycling. Anyone here bike? I'm not a cyclist by any means; that's one of Gabbin's gigs. But I do love a nice, long bike ride. Last year for Father's Day, the girls and I got Hubs a spiffy new bike with the idea we could all go one family bike rides; the one he was using was my ten-speed I bought in Germany over twenty years ago. Dang, I loved that bike, and went everywhere on it. But it wasn't the type of bike that could be ridden on the dirt and gravel trail here in town.
And shoot, wouldn't you know it, but as soon as he got his spiffy new bike, I messed up my arm and riding a bike was out of the question. Every dump made me want to scream. This summer though, we plan to do a lot of biking. I got my start the other day with LX and her friend who lives about five miles out of town - the trail is a straight-shot from here to there.
She spent the weekend here, and LX and I rode her home via the trail Monday evening. What a gorgeous ride through the woods. Blooming were wild phlox, trillium, false Solomon's Seal and all sorts of other wildflowers I could name, but won't bore the tears out of you by listing them. But I have to mention the ferns! Just past where I used to turn around on my roller-skis is a glen in the woods. I've always missed it, only being past my turn-around-point once or twice. It looked like a fairyland in an enchanted forest. Under the canopy of trees, the forest floor was covered with cinnamon ferns so tall I'm sure they reached above my head. It was absolutely breathtaking.
And now I've gone and got off topic again. As TG said, my sporting posts usually belong in the seasonal threads.
Back on topic for a sec - I'm off to roller-ski now. I didn't get to go the other day as planned; I forgot about the Memorial Day parade, and when I got to the track, the marching bands were already assembling.
Later maybe I'll post my athletic achievements and add to any eye-rolling going on in here.
Go Cats!
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Post by quettalee on May 27, 2009 17:16:35 GMT -6
Pfft. I knew it! I knew it! I would've bet my whole letter jacket and all the patches that you were going to the Series. That's the main reason I started the thread; because I knew in my mind you were already going and I wanted to talk softball! I am truly jealous. I hope you have a great time and just take a sec during one of the games to think about "good ole Q stuck over there way in Indiana while I'm here in the bleachers...watching all this softball." Lol. Am I pitiful yet? Kat! You came back. I knew you could. Gams, not to worry with the flowery commentary--it's all good. Remember, we like living outside the box around here. I think it adds to the whole ambience--taking us to another level of the sports...vision...girl verses nature...finding all She has to offer out there...always challenging yourself to a new turn-around point...farther on beyond the ferns. Battle on, sis. www.ncaa.com/brackets/2009/ncaa_bracket_DI_softball.htmlCheck out the brackets, T. I'd like to see GA do something since they have never been this far...and I am kinda a GA girl since mom is still there. I also like AZ, just because that would be Mare's pick. And there's those Michigan girls right in the mix--I kinda like MI girls, too... Who's your pick? I'll miss the first two games tomorrow.
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Post by Siren on May 28, 2009 10:29:26 GMT -6
I'll agree with my dodging-the-bookie uncle, who picked FLA to go all the way. We shall see. But then, I'd love to see those Big 12 gals from Mizzou make a run at it and shock the highly-vaunted programs.
A buddy and I are headed to the early evening game. She has to work tomorrow, so that may be all we see tonight. I'll probably head back out tomorrow. Saturday, I have a show, and rehearsal that afternoon.
I have never been much of an athlete, though I love sports dearly. My dad raised me on ABC's Wide World Of Sports, which began a love of boxing and track events that I have to this day. Played summer-league softball as I got older, and was a pretty good catcher. One of my few regrets in this life is that they didn't offer varsity softball when I was in school. I would have been so proud to earn my letter in a sport. I was a lousy basketball player, and couldn't make the team. So, I captained the cheer squad instead. Enjoyed doing that, though I would rather have been on the court. But it let me travel with my buddies on the team. My oldest sister and I used to rise at dawn to watch Wimbledon and French Open tennis coverage every year, and always attended an invitational high school girls basketball tourney held in our home town at Christmastime.
My family is still sports crazy. It's often the main topic of conversation at the dinner table, whether it's what the Sooners are up to, our favorite NFL teams, local high school players, or my niece's teams. We especially love the NFL, college football and women's basketball, and softball. We're just biding our time till my Sooner gals' basketball season starts again.
I have an unusual connection to pro boxing, as a ring announcer at local bouts. Yep, I'm the one who says, "Ladeeees and jenamen...in the blue corner...". It is so much fun, and they actually pay me for it!
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Post by Phalon on May 29, 2009 5:46:38 GMT -6
Really? I've never cared for boxing, but oh-my-gosh, that is just too cool.
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Post by quettalee on Jun 3, 2009 21:08:33 GMT -6
That is very cool, T. Go you! So...how was the tournament?! I haven't felt much like chatter or clever conversation the past couple of weeks, but you can bet I didn't miss a game. It wasn't hard--even from my couch--as opposed to being there in the stands. Pfft. There were some great games with a bunch of big-time hitters. Like a freshman that comes into the World Series as a DH with the bases loaded and hits a walk-off grand slam!! She'll relive that moment in her life many many times. And what about the SEC showing up big for the first time?? I should've been rooting for FL all the way but I just couldn't warm up to Nelson. She was just too prissy and what's up with flipping that ponytail around to the right constantly? Maybe I was just too taken with Lawrie. What a player. I knew by the look on her face on Tuesday night about the top of the 5th inning that it was going to be over in two games. She started out looking a little sluggish (can't imagine why), but then it looked like she went to another level and it was the most determination I think I've ever seen on an athlete's face. It even looked like Nelson saw it too. Watching her in the dugout while FL was at bat, you could see the confidence drain a little more each time Lawrie threw a strike. Then she made a couple of infield errors and it took her fire. Lawrie truly was the better pitcher in the end and Washington deserved to win. But Danielle should never... ever give up pitching for a singing career! Bless her heart, did you get to hear her sing the Canadian national anthem...or was that something only those of us confined to our couches got to enjoy? That's my rundown. Next up, Womens NBA! Oh...didn't someone back a couple of posts say something about the Cavs taking the NBA trophy?? Hard to do that from your couch as well, I would imagine. Go Magic!!
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Post by Siren on Jun 5, 2009 9:50:03 GMT -6
Lol! So funny that you mentioned Nelson's ponytail. That drove me CRAZY! *shaking head and laughing* I'm guessing that was a long-held nervous gesture. Because wouldn't the ponytail have been more out-of-her-way hanging down her back? Or maybe she's just vain about that beribboned hair, and wanted everyone to see it. BTW: hair bows in the College World Series? Come on! I relished the joy of the Georgia team, who fell in the semifinals. They were scrappy little blue-collar kids, who realized, every moment, how awesome it was to make Georgia's first-ever appearance in the Big Dance. No superstars on that team. They just ground out the wins. And, in the end, that wasn't enough. As their senior shortstop turned to the dugout after taking her (and the game's) last at-bat, she tossed her bat and raised her arms as if to say "We did it!". And her teammates poured out to meet her as if they'd won. It was very touching, and was the rarely-witnessed essence of what amateur sport is about: the experience of the game itself.
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Post by quettalee on Jun 6, 2009 9:46:43 GMT -6
Happy French Open Final Morning to you, T!! I, too, have been watching Saturday morning Gland Slam matches since I was a teenager. Did you hear them say Steffi will turn 40 next week?! Time does run on, doesn't it?
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Post by quettalee on Jun 6, 2009 9:54:42 GMT -6
I found this and thought you might enjoy it too... I got to see them play only twice...once here in Louisville as an exibition and once when it was for points. No Grand Slams for me though. I have Bjorn's autograph, but didn't actually get it myself; it was a gift. I saw Jimmy and Ivan--just not playing tennis. Lol.
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Post by katina2nd on Jun 6, 2009 20:19:45 GMT -6
That brings back great memories TG, saw those two ladies in several epic encounters. Martina's serve and volley game pitted against Chris with her pin point shots from the baseline, certainly made for a fascinating contrast.
The golden days of Tennis IMO, Chris and Martina, Tracy Austin, Hana Mandlikova, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, Billie Jean King, Connors, McEnroe, Lendl and of course the great Swedes Borg, Willander and Edberg and our own John Newcombe, Evonne Goolagong and Margaret Court.
Had the privilege of seeing all of them in action.
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Post by Phalon on Jun 6, 2009 22:24:06 GMT -6
That's pretty impressive, Katina, having the privilege of seeing all those legends!
This is the time of year my sporting interests turn to hockey. Isn't that kind of weird; it's nearly summer, and I'm all into what's typically thought of as a winter sport. But it's the Stanley Cup Championship, and once again the Detroit Red Wings are playing for the title.
I love hockey; it's such a fun game to watch, fast-paced and exciting, and I've been a Red Wings fan since I was a little kid. It's almost inevitable, growing up about an hour and a half from Detroit, the Motor City with the seasonal nickname "Hockey Town". We'll catch a game on television every-so-often during the regular season, but not many - the season is just so long. But watching the Stanley Cup games are always a must, no matter who is playing.
The Red Wings have won the Cup eleven times - last year was one of them - and are going for it again this year in a repeat of last year's match-up with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Detroit lost Thursday's game in Pittsburgh, tieing up the series 2/2. Back in Hockey Town tonight, they won in a blow-out: Red Wings 5; Penguins 0. Back to Pittsburgh on Tuesday to hopefully wrap things up for the year.
Most Appropriate Name in hockey out of this year's championship players goes to Pittsburgh's goalie. His last name is Fluery.
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Post by quettalee on Jun 7, 2009 21:30:35 GMT -6
Omg, Kat, I totally forgot you are a tennis guru! I'm with Gams. What a totally impressive list of matches that you have seen! Couple more names that I thought were worth mentioning...Sabatini and Sampras...always entertaining.
Never been a big hockey fan...not sure why. Probably because I never had anyone to watch it with or root against. I'll tune in on Tuesday!
No sports for me this weekend. It was an Andy Griffith marathon, however. Just as good.
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Post by Phalon on Jun 8, 2009 21:08:04 GMT -6
See ya there Tuesday evening, TG. I'll bring the popcorn....and psst....don't forget, we're rooting for the Red Wings.
There's a long standing Red Wing's Stanley Cup tradition involving octopi. It's thrown on the ice for good luck. "The Legend of the Octopus" started in 1952, when a National Hockey League team played two best-of-seven series to capture the Stanley Cup. The octopus, having eight arms, symbolized the number of playoff wins necessary for the Red Wings to win the Stanley Cup.
Since you're vegetarian, and would probably take offense to throwing octopi, (and most sane people would), we can use those candy gummy worms to throw at the television instead; they kinda have the same texture. Bluck to both.
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Post by Siren on Jun 9, 2009 0:06:54 GMT -6
Saw a promo for the big game, Gams. I admit, I was surprised that NBC is carrying it. Is hockey really that popular, nationwide? That may just be snobbery from me, since I'm not a fan of the game. As TG said, it helps to have someone to root for. I will keep my fingers crossed for your Red Wings, and hope they have something to crow about on Wednesday.
Wow, kat, I am so in awe of the tennis gods and goddesses you've seen! Thank you for bringing back some great memories with the names you mentioned. I have only seen them on tv, except for two. We were lucky to see Chris and Martina at an exhibition. They spent most of the "match" goofing around and playing to the audience. At one point, Chris pretended to be annoyed with the way she was playing, and handed her racket to a teenage girl she pulled out of the audience. The girl, awestruck, looked across the net at Martina, who stood at the baseline wearing an evil grin, twirling her racket ominously. She pretended she was going to hammer the kid, but instead shared a nice little volley with her. Afterward, Chris led the dazzled kid back to her seat, and let her keep the racket! As I said, C & M goofed around for most the show. And that was fine; we were thrilled to just be breathing the same air as they! But when they settled down and played seriously for awhile, it was thrilling. You summed it up perfectly, kat - Martina's powerful serve-&-volley vs Chris' finesse and pin-point accuracy. We felt honored to see it in-person. That is a fun pic, TG. Thank you for posting it.
Glad you mentioned Gabriella Sabatini, another favorite from my younger years. I remember Lucy Lawless said that she modeled Xena after Gabriella's dark good looks.
I met the great boxer Sugar Ray Leonard through work a few years ago - a charming fellow, and boyishly handsome. It's a tribute to his skill that his good looks remain. I have also met former heavyweight contender James "Quick" Tillis - an enormous man, but seemingly very gentle. I'll always remember how his huge hand enveloped mine as we shook hands. I have worked with former World Lightweight Champion Sean O'Grady a couple of times, too. In my high school days, I had a big crush on Sean, and had his pictures up on my bedroom walls. So, to later get acquainted with him as an adult was a bit mind-boggling!
I saw another childhood idol, Olympic figure skating Champion Dorothy Hamill, perform in OKC on a pro tour. In the audience were many women around my age with their children. They may have pretended that the evening was all about the kids. But you could tell that the moms were more excited to see Dorothy than the kids were.
I met former NFL star Bubba Paris at an OU women's basketball banquet a couple of years ago. His daughters, Ashley and Courtney, are OU's beloved Paris Twins, who now play pro basketball.
Many rodeo stars came through the radio studio over the years, since OKC is the home to the International Finals Rodeo, many major horse shows, and some Professional Bull Riders events. One of my biggest thrills ever was interviewing Jim Shoulders not long before he died, considered by many to be the greatest rodeo cowboy who ever lived.
Another legend in-person was seeing Annika Sorenstam play golf in Tulsa a couple of times. I won't bore you with that story again! But it was something I won't forget.
~~~~~~~~
I posted this last night. Re-reading, it sounds like I'm bragging about who I've met and what I've seen. I didn't mean to. One memory led to another.
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Post by quettalee on Jun 9, 2009 14:56:34 GMT -6
No way, Siren! I was all into your memories. Sugar Ray and Dorothy Hamill...how cool is that?! And I didn't know about the Xena/Sabatini connection.
I can't remember any other sports legends that I've met, unless I can count Johnny Weismueller. After all, he was an Olympic swimmer before he started swinging through the jungle and wrestling crocs. He was an older man when I shook his hand...and red-headed! He was the Grand Marshall in a parade when I lived in FL--probably grade school, maybe Jr. high. After the parade, he sat on a "throne" in the middle of the town square and you could shake his hand. I had to wait my turn for him to sit down and I couldn't believe how tall he was! Pretty exciting for a kid to shake Tarzan's hand.
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Post by Siren on Jun 10, 2009 1:03:11 GMT -6
That is a VERY cool story, TG. I would have been thrilled to meet Johnny, hands-down, the greatest Tarzan of all. His animal magnetism, combined with his tremendous physique and athleticism, and the wildness he brought to the role (in the first few movies particularly), set him apart. And his competitive achievements were astounding. A quick glance at Wiki reveals that Johnny "was one of the world's best swimmers in the 1920s, winning five Olympic gold medals and one bronze medal. He won fifty-two US National Championships and set sixty-seven world records." And did I mention he was a gorgeous hunk of man? I have a decorative screen in my living room, the kind you can put photos in. Mine is full of classic film star black & white portraits. Right in the center is Johnny.
Gams, I need to stop posting so late at night (like now). Fatigue makes me put things so poorly, I sound like such an *ss. I didn't mean to question hockey's popularity. What I meant to say was, it was surprising to me that the playoffs are on mainstream network tv, and not a sports channel. But then, NBC needs the help. Their ratings are horrid. They know that the NHL will bring in more viewers than their regular programming. I like to think NBC's ratings woes are payback for canceling "Third Watch". Yes, I do carry a grudge! Enjoy the playoffs, Gams!
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Post by katina2nd on Jun 10, 2009 22:09:53 GMT -6
I posted this last night. Re-reading, it sounds like I'm bragging about who I've met and what I've seen. I didn't mean to. One memory led to another. Like TG said Siren, no way, it was a fascinating read, even though it made me envious. Lovely story about Chris and Martina also. I like to think NBC's ratings woes are payback for canceling "Third Watch". Yes, I do carry a grudge! Enjoy the playoffs, Gams! Sheesh I gotta make sure not to get on your wrong side.
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Post by Siren on Jun 11, 2009 13:36:15 GMT -6
You're safe, kat. Just keep your nose clean! You have such an interest in tennis, kat, that it makes me wonder - are you a tennis player? Read good news yesterday, that the Chicago Bears signed a deal with Juaquin Iglesias, a former OU star. Now that we have him and a new quarterback and a few more additions, I feel more optimistic about the coming season. (Silly me!)
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Post by katina2nd on Jun 12, 2009 21:55:21 GMT -6
You have such an interest in tennis, kat, that it makes me wonder - are you a tennis player? Only on a social level many "many" years back Siren, thought of turning pro except I had one drawback, any semblance of talent.
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Post by quettalee on Jun 13, 2009 6:31:36 GMT -6
Sorry about your Red Wings, sis. I watched the game last night and was thinking that maybe you were getting to watch it as well--with your brothers. Considering the circumstances, that would be a sorta cool thing...right?
Oh and I had the popcorn...with butter, sea salt, and a little parmesan...but no octopus or gummy worms. I actually used to like the gummy creatures, but they have the gelatin-made-from-animal-hooves in them so I don't partake anymore. So throwing is fine.
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Post by Phalon on Jun 14, 2009 7:27:04 GMT -6
You, Siren? Sound like an @ss? Never!
It's not surprising you'd question hockey's popularity nationwide. It's most often thought of a winter sport played only in areas where snow and ice is abundant, such as the Midwest, North-east, and Canada. It's only been recently, I believe, that the NHL has expanded to include teams from Dallas, Atlanta, Florida, and California. Interestingly, with the expansion, Detroit is now in the Western Division, among the California teams. To spark interest for the sport in places where professional hockey previously wasn't played, the NHL divided the old divisions, placing some of the more popular teams in the new divisions. Detroit's got the largest fan-base at away games, so they were placed in the west to bring fans to the games.
Right, TG! Cooler still, was that we watched most of the game with Mom. It was kinda funny really - the nurses came to each room to announce it was game time, and ask the patients if they wanted to watch. The entire hospital floor blared hockey; depending on the play, "yay"s and "awwww"s in unison came from every room.
After visiting hours, we grabbed some dinner in a bar and grill; of course, the game was on. I'm surprised I didn't leave without food all down the front of my shirt from getting startled from the "yays" and "awwws" (mostly awws) while I was trying to eat.
Mom is not a sports fan, but she was really getting into it. My Dad was a huge baseball fan, and used to take us all to Tigers games when we were kids. Every time Mom went, the Tigers lost, (not surprising, since they lose most of their games). Dad used to joke that she was a jinx.
Mom watched, and maybe that's why the Red Wings lost? LMAO as teams always look for excuses for losing - anything except playing poorly, which the Red Wings did Friday night.
Again, Siren....you? Bragging? Never! Very cool memories!
The only famous sports personality I've met was Bad Boy basketball star Charles Barkley, long before he was a bad boy, or considered much more than a local star. It was when he first started out with the Philadelphia 76ers; he had an apartment in the same building which housed the travel agency where I worked. He used to come off the elevators, bound across the lobby, leaping over the small fountain in the center as the mostly senior residents' jaws hung open, and burst through the doors of our office where he'd answer the phone, "'XYZ Travel', this is Charles Barkley speaking"....causing the callers' jaws to hang open, I'm sure. Occasionally, he'd bring in weird local products he was asked to endorse, asking our opinion.
He moved out of the building once he hit fame. I saw him again years later in the airport; he was sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall, and flanked by two body guards. I stopped to say "Hi"; I could tell from his expression it took him a while to place my face, but eventually it came to him, and we had a very cordial conversation.....nothing at all like you'd expect from someone who by that time had gained a foul-mouthed bad boy reputation.
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Post by stepper on Jun 14, 2009 18:38:46 GMT -6
Chris Evert and Jimmy Connors were my favorites, Borg just plain dominated, and Arthur Ashe was great. And sadly I agree they are from the golden age of tennis. Fortunately, the Williams sisters are stiring interest in the game again. But, I never saw any of them in person - you guys are so lucky to have such great experiences!
Phalon, I may be able to help even though the season is over. All I have to do is root for the other team. That seems to have some sort of magical effect robbing the team of breaks, good calls by the refs, and winning seasons. It may not be too late ~ me rooting for the other team may still have detrimental effects.
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