By Michael Elliott
BNP Paribas- Hot-selling stock listed on the Dow Jones? Nope. Luxury resort in the Caribbean? Sounds like it could be. Tennis tournament in Indian Wells, CA? Bingo. The purported professional “fifth major” just concluded in the desert near Palm Springs with Novak Djokovic dispensing of Milos Raonic for the men’s title. The Serb cooked the Canadien’s bacon 6-2, 6-0 to reinforce the fact that there is very little resistance on tour to Djokovic’s #1 ranking.
On the women’s side Serena Williams’ new look got cooked, speaking of, by #11 seed Victoria Azarenka in a rather surprising upset. The straight-set thumping (6-4, 6-4) revealed a few cracks in Serena’s game, the utmost being that she cannot continue to simply believe that when coming from behind she can will her way to victory. Vika would have none of that in the match and held strong to close the match out after Williams rallied back from being down 5-1 in the final set.
Oh, Serena’s new look, you ask? She has ditched her longer, frizzy hair for a more sleek, straight look. Much shorter but not quite bobbed. The most revealing items of Serena’s on-court persona were the newly-initiated nose stud and red lipstick. To go along with her ever-present belly button diamond dangler it gave her a rather avant-garde look, if you will. Serena looked pretty. But her game didn’t.
RollHer Derby- That spelling might gall some of you but it is perfect English in the “come-have-some-fun” sport of roller derby! My lovely wife Debra and I ventured over to Santa Rosa Park one brisk evening and took in the match between our local Central Coast Roller Derby Micro Bruisers versus the Loco City Derby Girls who hail from Lodi. And fun we had!
It was a kick watching the two teams battle it out on the improvised concrete roller rink. There was food and drink to be had and smiles galore. The competition was real and the players were totally engaged. The Bruisers, featuring among others, Haddie Nuf?, Lily Musthurt, Miel Muerte, Me So Lethal and Ivanya Skull defeated Loco City 160-148. Lodi’s Sin, Durrty D, Moleficent, Bi-Polar Roller, Abby Normal and Prim & Improper were a game bunch indeed.
Brought back memories of watching roller derby on television as a kid, listening to announcer Dick Lane as he called the action between the L.A. Thunderbirds and the Texas Outlaws. Anyone remember Ralphie Valaderas, Ronnie Raines or Sally Vega for the T-Birds? Big John Hall or Shirley Hardeman for the Outlaws?
Anyway, if you are looking for a fun-packed evening and inexpensive entertainment I would suggest taking in a Bruisers match. These women are a joy to watch and are very appreciative of those in attendance. Next home match is on April 16th. Just watch out for the flying elbows if you go!
March march- Well, the field of 68 has been pared to the Sweet Sixteen as the NCAA men’s basketball tournament marches onward towards the Final Four in Houston. Surprises here and there, status quo laying bare.
The excitement some of these games bring is nonpareil. In the first round Cincinnati’s game-winner at the buzzer is waved off as St. Joseph’s advances. Providence sinks Southern Cal off an inbounds buzzer-beater. Round Two found Notre Dame eeking by Stephen F. Austin with a tip-in bucket with 1.5 seconds left. Wisconsin’s Bronson Koenig hits a prayer three-pointer from the corner, with the clock expiring as the ball made its way towards the swishing game-winner against Xavier.
And the most heart-breaking loss of this year’s tourney to date has to be Northern Iowa blowing a ten-point lead in the last thirty seconds of regulation, allowing Texas A&M to escape with the victory in two overtimes. The emotional gamut ran by all involved was quite titillating. For Northern Iowa, cheers to tears.
Stalwarts Kansas, North Carolina and Duke are still kickin’ tail and taking names but beware of this year’s possible upsetters. Oregon, Oklahoma, Virginia and Gonzaga could have a say in Houston. As could my darkhorse, Villanova. Enjoy the games…and wings…and beer!
Michael is going down to the local machine shop prior to the next roller derby match to have his elbows sharpened. For grudge match he can be reached at [email protected].