Has the End of this Blog arrived?

Greetings Readers

I am not sure if I read the news on this blog site (blogger.com), but from the way that I have interpreted the news was that I will now have to buy a domain (since I have no domain - .com) in order to continue to blogging on blogger due to changes being made.

I am kinda of sad to hear this since I use the relatively easy publishing process. Sure, I had a website 8 years ago and thought that was the bomb. Since I discontinued my Internet service a long time ago I now have to pay for everything that usually comes with packages when you have Internet service.

I have Internet at work as well as the library and over at my friend's humbles abodes.

Why pay when I really do not need service? I made that decision a long time ago and I have to admit that after terminating service I was "lost" and kind of like "Oh my gosh how in the world am I going to live my life without the Internet?", but then I learned to live without. The expense I was giving up (back in the day I was paying either $ 20.00 or 24.99 a month) became my money again. Matter of fact, if I was to base my savings on $ 20.00 - times that by 12 and it comes to $ 240.00 a year. Taking in inflation, broadband (back in the day I was on dial-up) now the thing and much more expensive than dial up I think, Internet over a certain amount bytes which they may either had more money or cut you off I think an average cost these days would probably be $ 500.00, I think?

Sorry Readers, I got off track of the real topic.

This blog site. Again from what I just found out I think that in March my blogging days will be over. Unless I get a domain. I did check a few other blog services and I do see one possibility.

Then, I thought, my blogging for the past year has gone down. I have reasons, but do I really need to give you one? or ten? No. You Readers probably could care less. I know if the roles were reversed I would care less. Kind of like my ignorant bikers I follow... followed. Their blogging I think is over, but that does not stop me from stopping in from time to time to see if there is a new post. Ignorant was used and I did use as a label, but they did learn from their blogging when they did blog. Whether on there own or perhaps by my blogging and/or comments. I do not think of them as Ignorant anymore - they learn a lot as well blogged about biking. More so than myself about biking and I consider myself a hard-core biker.

I have a lot of unposted blog posts, but either they are no good to post, not finished, or I just have not gotten to post. I started blogging and blogged rarely in the beginning. Then, soon I blogged like a mad man thinking that I had to blog to get my blog post numbers high. Now, I am blogging rarely once more.

Is the circle complete? For me? I have not run out of blog topics. I have stuff on sport events. a topic about "Mr. Bent". Serena Williams threatening harm of a line judge at the US Open in New York. My views on Tiger Woods. A graffiti artist gets electrocuted while tagging a Transformer station in New Mexico and how this was sad and you need to feel sad for the guy (but he was tagging therefore it was illegal! A fucking tagging a transformer station - a dumb fuck). The White House Party Crashers. On on a former radio DJ that was on Alice - Jamie White. A "Mr. Dick". a few don't fucking bother me at a bus stop stories (my favorite topic to share with you Readers) and so goes the stories I have yet to share.

I have things to say - often blunt, sometimes rude, yet there are the nice, the generous and the few I got thrown under a bus (metaphorically speaking) stories.

I am in the dark and let me see if I can step up my blogging for this month and entertain you Readers for what could be my final days on blogger.com.

P.S. The picture is of the DTC area this morning looking Northeast from the Greenwood Village Movie Theatre. I am currently riding Tracey since Lily had something go wrong with her about two weeks ago. A nice morning ride to the Light Rail Station. Sorry the picture is not clear - I took of the flash and I can see that I was not holding the camera steady.

"The Beginnig of the End"

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Australian Open 2010 - Day 1

Greetings Readers

Welcome to

The First Grand Slam of the Decade

Not with a cheer, but a whisper

at the Australian Open.

Let me tell you I do not see this as an upset. Yet, Maria is ranked 14 in the world. Yes, she is known for winning. But.

I have to disagree that this was an upset. It was not an upset. Maria has been "scratchy"...

Ouch Readers, did I not type a while back that I would not use that word. I did not mean to type that specific word since I do not want to promote that word that gets overly used by Mary Carillo.

Maria has not been playing true to form nor in my humble opinion to what her ranking is. Yes, she had a downfall from 1st in the world to a ranking over a 100th in the world. Her shoulder, her serve and well I have to admit she has had some pressure from my words in the past - LOL.

She did have a good year last year coming back to her ranking now. Unforunately, her matches have reached quaterfinals and a couple of semi and finals - if I remember correctly. Matter of fact, she did win a title, but not a Grand Slam. WIth all that said that is why she is ranked 14th.

I do not make it any secret that I do not care for Sharapova - Her young ego, those Powershot(?) (Canon) commericals, her screams on hitting the ball on the tennis court (Matter of fact, I think she has the loudest decimal scream on the tennis court record), her "and ums", and her taking her time to get to line when it is not her serve. Yet, I do like the way she looks and I have to admit she is beautiful in way to me that is attractive. Perhaps because she is an athlete? I do not know.

Anyway, I wanted to say that Readers I was glad that Maria Kirilenko won, but I wonder what the finger to her lips means? Is it not to cheer for Maria being beaten? Or perhaps to indicate not to cheer for Maria on her way out of the Austrailian Open?

By the way Readers, as I was searching for that photo of the finger to the lips since that is what I wanted to show my Readers that was the image of Day 1 at the Australian Open 2010 I ran across this other photo of her. Wow is all I got to say - Oh so my type.

Onto other news - Nadal had a first set scare, but overcame, Clijster, Henin, Murray, Roddick all won this morning (United States Morning) or tomorrow's Australia time. Blake, Isner, Jankovic were delayed to tomorrow due to rain.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

2009 US Open Items Purchased

Greetings Readers

As per my usual custom – I have ordered this year’s US Open men’s towel. In addition to the towel I decided to order a new US Open backpack. And my friend also ordered her woman’s towel which she has been doing for the past three years.

I am currently using the backpack I bought a few years ago, but I figure what the hell and ordered a new backpack from the US Open store. New colors and new design.

The towel is beautiful and this time they made the towel bigger, just a bit. They also got rid a few of the colors so now there are just fours colors – red, blue, dark blue and white. (I know Readers; white is not a color)

Oh in case any of you Readers are wondering I did buy one additional towel for my parents. That too is a custom I have started four years ago when I got an extra towel with my order.

I have yet to give it to them, but will do so the next time I visit the Ranch.

Now, the backpack. I do like the backpack, but to me it seems that the backpack is just a bit smaller that the first backpack I bought a few years ago.

I have worn the backpack a couple of times to work, but I have not fully committed to using the new backpack – for anything. I have the backpack in my room hanging on a chair with its tags still on the backpack.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

New Plaza near Arapahoe Light Rail Station

Greetings Readers

So many things have happened in the past month and a half. I have done the Ride the Rockies, then the French Open was on TV, then Wimbledon, then my parents coming up to visit and finally for the past three weeks - the 2009 Tour de France.

Beyond those important things in my life - the new plaza opened up near the Arapahoe Light Rail station. Now, there is a water fountain and a new way that is required for us people walking west from the Light Rail Station and Arapahoe. You know how I wrote about the new fucked up pedestrian path a while back and how there were some hair pin corners and how the old path was "Golden."

Well, now the new plaza path is even more fucked up that I thought it could get. There are some corners and hair pins turns which are even worse than I was complaining about.

Before mid week last week I was able to hold about 5 to 8 mph going down the pedestrian path when there are no walkers. When there are walkers I wait on my bike while holding onto the railing until all pass and then I can ride down (or up) the pedestrian walk. The corners were sharp, but doable after getting used to the corners.

Now, the new plaza path for wheelchairs (and probably bikes too) is fucked up on the top portion. There is a nice walkway, but 80 degree corners (as opposed to 90 degree corners) and then there are the metal railings. The metal railings stick out into the walkway making the walkway even more smaller (tight). I literally had to stop and guide myself around the corners and hairpin turns while holding onto the railing. Yes, Readers I think I will have to get a picture of this (if I have not by the time I publish this post).

However, the lower portion of the plaza is just a crescent moon circle walkway and very nice to go down (or up). I can literally break the sound barrier going down the walkway. So smooth, so new, and so not have to worry about any corners in lower portion of the walkway.

And before any of you Readers tell me that I should be walking my bike. Fuck you and fuck that. It is not posted (probably not yet, but I am sure it will be) that I have to dismount from my bike. Until then I am going to ride like I own that parcel of the plaza. Well, not just like that, but with smugness. I know, I know - what's new right.

There are some stairs on the upper and lower portion of the new plaza and I do feel that I will be walking down (and up) those steps pretty soon.

Oh yes, someone has blocked off the old walkway, so dealing with the lessor of the two fucked up walkways is not an option anymore. Story of my life - just deal with it.

P.S. I have a new neighbor (well, about month and half now) and I have to admit I am getting very attracted to her. I have some posts that I mentioned her, but I have not published. I guess that is one thing that keeps a smile on my face and a nice feeling overall. Whether or not she is involved I do not know, but not knowing and me thinking there might be an opportunity does not hurt my current status about her.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Wimbledon 2009 - Day 7

Greetings Readers

Rusty has done it!

"Come on!"

I was listening to the Wimbledon radio on the website only when they were able to provide match coverage since this particular match was on court 2, which has no live radio coverage. Only Centre Court and Court One has live radio round coverage.

I watching the live score tracker and seeing Lleyton was in a heap of trouble. Lleyton lost the first two sets (4-6, 2-6) and appeared to me he may be going back to Australia. Apparently, he called for a trainer and only the radio announcer could say it was probably a pull groin or something another.

Then, the inevitable happened. Rain. Rain delay.

I do think that helped Lleyton entirely, but it did help him rest until the rain delay was over. Lleyton came back 6-1, 6-2 and I was watching in awe on the Live Scoretracker. Rusty has a chance to make the match entertaining.

Then, it was over. Lleyton has done it and not without the support of the Australian fans at Wimbledon, which he thanked them personally. Lleyton won the 5th set 6-2. Amazing, but not amazing. Lleyton is moving on and without Nadal in his section he has an amazing chance to make it to the finals. I do not think I am reaching.

And these pictures are from his match today. His "Lawnmower" sign and his hand sign that he does when he wins. Lleyton of old and nice to see him getting deeper and deeper into tournaments after his surgery.

Readers - I also have updated and posted the first day of riding on the 2009 Ride the Rockies journal I kept. Please click on the history bar Ride the Rockies - Day 1 to read my detailed tour journal or click here for the link to the post. Still more to publish.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Wimbledon 2009 - Day 6

Greetings Readers

I know, I know, to my other faithful Readers - I have not been entertaining you nor enlightening you Tennis Readers with my 2009 French Open or 2009 Wimbledon match reviews for this year.

I do not know why I am not on the ball. I guess I was busy, but not that busy. I just have gotten into Wimbledon about mid week, because of Lleyton Hewitt. He is sort of an underdog for all he has gone through the past couple of years, but not that much of an underdog (though not ranked for Wimbledon). He has not been great for the past couple of years due to injuries, but when he does show up he can play like the Hewitt of the past. Yet, he has matured and knows that his time in the light is about over. Yet, he does not have the same attitude that Marat Safin has this year, which may be his last time on the Tennis tour.

I am glad to see him playing like he is, but also I get to see Lleyton backwards cap, hear the "Come On!, and then see the imfamous "Lawnmower move" from Rusty when he bag's the elephant!

"Come On!"

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Lottery Tickets

Greetings Readers

Unless you live on the Frozen Tundra or on one of the islands in Indonesia then you know that the Pittsburgh Steelers have won the Super Bowl.

Which meant I won a few bets. Though some bets were offset due to me losing bets on the Australian Open finals.

Flashback - I made a statement on Friday to my co-workers that if the Pittsburgh Steelers win then I am bringing in Lottery Tickets for our department. That's it.

Present. The Steelers won and now I have bought my department some Colorado Lottery tickets. Granted, it is only one ticket per person, but in reality it is one more than you did if (or if the Arizona Cardinals won) to do something more than just root, yell, and scream. I did not clink beer bottles with anyone, I did not high five anyone nor did I give anyone a hug for the Steelers win. I do not condone those actions, which are OK yet they are something anyone would do for the sakes of just doing.

Of course, I made no Super Bowl bets with anyone in my department, but that does not mean that I can keep my kindness to myself. I went to the local gas station on my way to work and bought some Colorado Lottery scratch tickets - Wild Bill$ scratch tickets. Get three of a kind and win that dollar amount.

I ask any of you Readers would you have done that? Matter of fact, would the rudest person you have ever known done that? And more importantly I needed no "Thank you's" or even say "I get half of what you win." Whereas, I bet some young person who calls people out would think of him/herself and not of others and demand that any winning be split with him/her. Selfish and rude, but as long as you are not part of my life so be it. The world is bigger than you think it is and more open minded as well as humble and experienced with life.

P.S. The guy in the mail room we made a bet and he gave me ten dollars to buy my six pack of Corona, which was the bet between us. I went to the local liquor store near my house and this morning I gave him the change back from the 10 spot he gave me. On top of that I gave him a Colorado Lottery ticket just because. I won, but that does not mean that I should leave him losing. Would the rudest person you have ever known done that? Matter of fact, I am betting that most of my Readers would just say "good game" and drink the winnings without giving something back in return for a good sport to the person you made the bet with.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete.

Last Day of the First Month of 2009

Greetings Readers

I did stop by and see the Qdoba girl, but you Readers I will have to tell I only went for the sakes of going. I made the first move and I waiting in the beginning for a response, but nothing has happened since December.

No biggie. Life has gone on and believe me Readers there are a lot of women out there. Anyway, the hair was kind of teased up and that's about all I can say. She was working the register, but other than that I was all business.

I already knew that I was going to take my dinner to go. With that in mind I decided to be the customer and not be the talkative person that she knows. I am not embarrassed about being there after the Christmas Card incident. Hell, as I stated before I was there first and I do not planning on going to another Qdoba's farther away. I liked this place since it is a hop and a skip away from my humble abode.

I think I made eye contact a few times, but other than that I made no small talk. She asked her customary "How are you doing tonight?" and I replied "I am doing good." And I made no question to ask her anything else. I did see a nice ring on the left hand, but then again I am not sure if I saw that ring before. Never-the-less, that is a moot thing since I am not really trying for something with the Qdoba girl anymore.

In closing, the few moments I did see her I really did not see her.

Changing subjects - I never did show you Readers my Jack Daniel's merchandise that I picked up at the National Western Stock Show a couple weeks ago. Of course, you Readers will from last year will see some of the same items I purchased last year.

I know I just blogged about this recently, but I will re-list on what I bought at the booth. Two Large bar mats, two small bar mats, 2 black Bandanna, 1 metal Jigger, 2 Caps and one Black T-shirt. I will admit that the bandannas, the jigger, and one of the mats I will keep for myself. Otherwise, I plan to give the rest of the merchandise to my brother and a cap to my Dad.

This is nothing new for me since I have blogged about this before.

Oh Readers, I lost another bet so now I am down 9 bottles of beer. I know, I know sucks to be me, as my ex-old boss would say when things don't look good. The Australian Open Men's Final is tonight and I have picked Nadal to win. Yes Nadal, but in order to have a bet I had to choose him in order to have a bet. Again Readers all in good fun. I thought I would never say this, but I guess I am going to "Go Nadal." Damn, I can not believe I said this about Nadal who has to pick out his short from the crack of his ass almost every serve.

Tada - Another good deed last night. I was getting another ticket for Light Rail, when a Dad with two children asked me when the next E line was going to be hear.

"I don't know." I replied "I take the next train since it does not matter what line I take."

"oh ok. thank you anyway." and started to walk away.

I started to bike away then I said "Excuse me. Where are you going?"

"Downtown. Pepsi Center"

"Well, you could take a train down to either, Belleview, Broadway or 10th & Osage and then take another Light Rail train from there."

"Really?" he responded

Then, me being so kind as opposed to the rudest person ever known

"Although it is rush hour, people are getting off work, so should you decide that you and your children risk the chance of not getting a seat in the Light Rail Train at those stops. If you catch the Light Rail Train here you are almost guaranteed of getting a seat here."

"Your probably right. Thank you very much for the information and your help"

"Not a problem. Have a nice evening with the children."

Was that not an over and beyond of doing a good deed for me? Or was that something unexpected of me?

By the way Readers - It is time for the 31 days of Oscar on TCM

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Place Your Bets

Greetings Readers

As the blog post title reads - Place your bets with me. I am game on Australian Open matches and the Superbowl, but only if you not taking the Pittsburgh Steelers. Those black and yellow are my team to win. I have 90 percent belief that they are going to win, but there is that small chance that Arizona could pull it off. After all, who knew that Arizona would even be in the Superbowl.

Now, it has been about 9 days since buying my Mountain Bike. And for the past nine days I have been riding that Mountain bike. I really have to say that I do love my new Mountain bike. I have been riding down concrete steps/stairs. I have been riding down the sides of hills. And I have riding like a Mountain bike rider as opposed to deeply trained road biker.

So, this morning - Friday - today was going to be stellar day. Meaning, the sun is going to be out and it is supposedly going to be in the high 50's. Amazing, since the beginning of the week were in the single and negative digits here in Colorado. And I have to admit I was cold for a few of those days. Even though I rode to work and felt fine, I just did not want to ride home after work. I do not have a clue why I felt this way.

Perhaps, I was still asleep and I could not feel how cold it really was. Who knows. What I did know that I felt the cold and I was not properly dressed each day. I forgot this, or neglected to wear that, or felt I did not need to wear this. It comes down to how much clothing and stuff that I want to haul around. And I do not like hauling a lot of stuff.

I made a few bets today and I expect to make a few more.

And this is a picture of me on Andrea on the bike rollers in my humble abode. Trying to set up the camera, beat the 30 second timer and get going and balanced on the rollers is pretty tough before the picture is taken. Needless to say, it only took two tries. This is me on the rollers that I bought last year? Or was it the year before. I can not remember. Although, I am sure that I have blogged about the rollers. Anyway, I wanted to share to you Reader me riding the rollers in Winter.

By the way Readers, I know that I have my Oakley's on the top of head, but if I do not have them on I feel naked when I have my biking gear on. Silly? Perhaps, but I just got to have them regardless.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

And Another Good Deed

Greetings Readers

Well, being on Australia's time for LIVE coverage has finally taken its toll on me last night. I had to crash and get some much needed sleep. I was getting very weary and fading throughout the past few days. In the Australian Open we have reached the Quarter and Semi Finals of the Australian Open.

With so few players left there is not much to say or write about. I can say this and say that, but I would be sounding like a broken record. For the women's Finals it is going to be Safina vs. S. Williams. For the men's we only have Federer confirmed this morning with his win over Roddick.

Another Good deed by me. I was waiting for the bus this morning at one of the bus stops I would catch the bus at. It is in the shade and with the wind blowing a bit and the temperature around thirty, I think, this morning I was a bit cold. As I was waiting and I was the only one waiting I saw that the bus stop was full of trash laying around the area. With me being me I decided that I am going to pick up the trash. All the trash at the bus stop. I did have my gloves with fingers on so I did not actually touch the trash with my fingers, but with gloved fingers. I picked up the newspapers, an empty 2 liter bottle, a couple empty 20 ounces bottles, and all the cigarette butts I saw around the waiting area.

Was that not a good deed? I ask how many of you would have done that? I bet most would not. Matter of fact I bet most, if not all, would kick the cigarette butts off the curb and into the street. Whereas, I picked up the butts and disposed properly in the trash receptacle attached to the bus stop. This was kind gesture that I did this morning and not the rude thing I did. I know for a fact that most of you would have waited and waited until bus came. Believe me Readers, this is not the first time I have done this, but I do not do this regularly either. Just when I feel like it. I am not saying that this offsets any sins, or get me into heaven, but you know what I did do a good deed and that is what counts - in anybody's book.

By the way, if any of you Readers feel or think that I just put someone out of a job, then you have an issue. Whether it is with me or perhaps yourself. I cleaned up one RTD stop and believe me - only the trash can and items of trash that seem big enough to get cleaned up get cleaned about every week or so. So, with me doing this good deed I should not have put anyone out of a job.

Speaking of good deeds - I told you Readers and my friends of me helping out that couple at the machine kiosk at a Light Rail Station the other day by getting them tickets to get out of the cold quickly. Yes, I did a good deed for other than myself. Yet, it was also brought up that I could have been rude.

That is true. I do not deny that could have happened. Yet, as I have pointed out in the past with you Readers and my friends beyond this blog I told you I have days that I have a "do not fuck with me" attitude. Or "don't bother me" attitude. Or I "just do not want to help" attitude. I have my reasons at those moments. But, none of those "attitudes" that I have been known to share about happened - I helped without any bad / ill thoughts and thought nothing more of it. Matter of fact, I have not been expecting any "Thank yous" or in the words of my ex-co-worker "just so awesome" from anyone.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. That is me. I have told you Readers all of my adventures dealing with the Good and the Bad - even the Ugly.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Gran Torino

Greetings Readers

As the Blog post shows - Gran Torino. I finally got to see this movie. I enjoyed this movie pretty well. Overall, this movie is very good, but not great. There is story, but the movie really focuses on Clint as opposed to the story and the title of the movie.

This is a drama, though there is/are some funny lines, DEPENDING on your point of view. I did laugh / chuckle smile at some of the dialogue by Clint that is offensive, but otherwise I kept a straight face and no laughing since this is drama movie and in the movie there were serious scene that would not make the lines funny.

I do recommend the movie if you are a Clint Eastwood fan, but I would not recommend this if you take offense to racial slurs, whatnot. And that is strong "subject matter" that brings this movie into a very good movie.

Clint did a good job, but I really do not see any sort of nomination for him or the film. It was just a very good movie. And the racial subject is a strong presence in the movie, but as the movie goes further you understand, I hope, that is what makes this movie the movie it is about. Without it - there would no very good movie. You may have not/will not like Clint's character in the beginning of the movie, but in the end you will/should.

As my in personal life - you Readers who have read about me may have thought / said / think that I am rudest person ever known, but if I / we really know each other then you would really know that I am not rudest person you have ever known. After all Clint helps out someone in the movie, which I would hope in all of our books that is nice thing to do for someone else. As opposed to thinking about yourself.

Speaking of nice things. The other day I was going home on Light Rail and I was getting my ticket from the machine kiosk when I went to the machine kiosk next to another machine kiosk that was being used by a young couple going to the Avalanche game downtown.

I touched the screen fast since I do know what to push in order to get my ticket. The young couple saw me do that and spoke

"Boy your fast!"

"Thanks, but I know what to push"

"Hey can you help us get a ticket to Downtown - Avalanche game."

"Sure." I walked to their Kiosk "One way or Round trip?"

"Round trip."

"How many tickets" I ask

"Two"

Then, I started pressing buttons on the screen and about 15 seconds later I was done.

"Thank you very much" the woman said"

"No problem"

"Thanks bud" he said.

And that was another good deed I am sharing with you Readers. I ask how many of you would have done that in single digit temperatures at night? Yes, this couple would have eventually gotten their tickets without my help, but I helped them get their tickets right away since the Light Rail train was coming up and I would hate for them, hell for anyone else, to be waiting for another Light Rail Train in the icy, cold blowing wind in the dark. If you think that if I was the rudest person ever known - would have I helped that couple out?

Sorry, I am not going to tell you the race of the couple since that is irrelevant - the subject is that I thought about someone else besides myself and in my book that is another good deed. I spent that extra minute or two in the cold helping that couple out as opposed to getting my ticket and walking to the Light Rail train to get out of the cold and into the heated Light Rail Trains.

Urgh - I lost another bet and now I am down a six pack of beer. Well, there are only a few more days left in the Australian Open, but not sure with the players left that I want to bet. We will see.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete.

The Australian Open 2009 - Day 5

Greetings Readers

I sort of put it together, but I guess I was blind to it. Australia and the Australian Open are where tennis players say their goodbye for the last time should this be there last year. Most of the time the players have told the world of their intentions, yet there are others that do not. Sometimes - between the Australian Open and the French Open players are tested and know whether or not to continue playing tennis.

Marat Safin has made it known that this is probably the last time and the last year that he will play Tennis professional at the Australian Open.

I have to be honest that his honesty was refreshing to hear. He knows that his tennis playing is not up to par and it is getting difficult to keeping playing tennis when he is not playing his best. Hell, would you get day after day and train and not make good results?

These are a couple of pictures that I am going to miss from him when Safin retires. His shoulder shrugs, whether the shoulder shrugs mean, “What that fuck was I thinking?” Why the fuck did I hit it the ball that way” or is it “I cannot fucking believe the call!?” Oh yes, Marat has said fuck and has been fined. Fuck – he probably ranks up the top 5 of getting fined on the court for his actions and or words in the tennis world. Perhaps I should do some research on this.

Anyway, the match was between Federer vs. Safin and most of us were expecting a battle. There was was no epic battle, but there was the battle with Safin himself. He has beaten Federer before and yes it was in Australia that Safin beat Federer to be Champion of the great Grand Slam years ago.

The match was so-so. Good, but not great. Safin was in control and subdue. There were some moments of rage about to erupt, but Safin managed to control himself.

Until the last set of the match. Safin was losing and it was serve. “Fault!” Safin turns around and apparently the center linesman called a foot fault on his serve. Oh yes, Safin and the fans, as well as myself, could not believe it. But I have to admit it was the vintage Marat we wanted to see and it was about to show itself.

Safin walked back of the court and basically was standing right before the linesman and looking over the short’s lineman. The linesman did nothing, except to stand with his hands behind his back and say nothing.

Safin was pissed and it showed. Safin was talking, but no yelling. There were a lot of arm and hand gestures being done by Safin. Yet, the moment was not complete until you saw the linesman Adam’s apple go up and down. The linesman swallowed and you could see literally see it happening. Wow. Of course, I probably would have done the same thing swallow since you are probably forbidden to talk/confront to a tennis player on the court. Though, I do not know.

That is just one of the moments I am going to miss on court when Safin takes the court at any of the last three Grand Slam tournaments this year. I am going to miss his anger, him destroying rackets, him throwing his rackets, him destroying the tennis walls; I am going to miss him arguing with the chair umpire. I am going to miss that Safin walk and playing style that is just unique to him alone.

Should this be the last Australian Open you play Marat Safin thanks for making us viewers see a lineman swallow in fear as you towered in front of him.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Australian Open 2009 - Day 4

Greetings Readers

Oh my, oh my - "She Out!" Boo yah. Now, the Australian Open 2009 has truly begun.

The timer went off this morning and I was able to awake myself from going to sleep for about two hours. I wanted to see the two night matches Live at Rod Laver Arena. To say the least I was not disappointed.

I was able to shut off the timer and then turn up the volume on the stereo so I can hear the match of V. Williams vs. Carla Suarez Navarro. I would estimate that I was about 20 minutes into the match when I started to hear, really hear, that the match was getting good and the crowd was coming alive. I turned on the TV and I soon saw the two women battling on the court.

I saw this young white little woman on the opposite side of Venus and I did not have a clue, at the time who she was. Of course, now I know all about her - Carla Suarez Navarro. Twenty years old, from Spain and taking the play to Venus in Rod Laver Arena.

Perhaps at the beginning of the match Carla was getting warmed up and not to mention this is a new opponent that Venus does not know.

Towards the end, I was trying not to yell too loudly, but at 4:02 AM (Mountain Time) I pumped my fist, smiled, yelled "yes!"

Standing proud on the opposite side of the court was a smiling short, petite young woman who just upset Venus Williams at the Australian Open. Readers, I have made it no secret that I do not care for the Williams sisters and so to see one (or them) get eliminated is something I like. Meaning, the players that I am rooting for gets to advance further into the tournament.

And two, it shuts up those so bias announcers rooting for either Williams before the tournament starts. There are other players out there who deserve a chance to win and be talked about. After all, the tennis world is better and more importantly getting older for Serena and Venus.

When Carla won that match, she smiled, sort of pumped her first, but I think she was just so happy in the moment to take down Venus. Fuck it, we all would be happy to take down a top seeded player if we were not seeded in a tournament.

And my thinking - literally Carla was a "giant killer" like a female version of David and Goliath if there was ever one.

Since I was happy Carla won it was now time to watch the Brit - Andy Murray.

Holy shit what happened in the past five months? Andy Murray fucking looks like a well oiled machine. He's changed since last year and he looks like someone to watch out for. I really was impressed with the entire match this morning (our morning). Though again, he had a bit of a rough start when the match started, but perhaps that just him getting used to the court, and the player he was playing. Murray's match was over at about 6:00 AM Mountain Time. Easy put away for him.

Before coming to work I stopped by the store and bought some Lipton Pure Leaf Iced Tea. When I got to work I gave five of my closest Tennis watchers a drink on me. Wasn't that nice of me?

P.S. What kind of pissed me off was the post press conference. They showed Venus, but not Carla. Why? Then when referring to the match throughout the remaining time the Australian Open was on TV it was labelled "Venus Highlights" when in fact the highlights should have reference both players since it showed equal time on Venus and Carla. And then there is Pam, suggesting that Venus was not at 100% healthy and perhaps it was something else. When in fact, Venus just got beat - Get over it - praise Carla and stop talking about the Loser of the match. After all Pam, you are an American and knowing you from what I see on TV you talk about the winners and hardly the losers if they are not seeded (or ranked.)

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Australian Open 2009 - Day 3

Greetings Readers

Day Three of the Australian Open and there have been some very interesting physical changes of many Tennis players in the past four months that I have not watched Tennis. New bodies, hair cuts and clothing

And the biggest change that is noticable right now is Marcos Baghdatis. I am so use to him having hair. And now to see him have a shaved head is kind of wierd. On top of that he is unseeded and his rank has dropped from last year due to some injuries.

Fear not, I as well as the Australian Tennis fans, are excited to see Baghdatis once again in Melbourne. Last year, as I have mentioned to the prior of the start of my blogging of the Australian Open 2009 I re-capped the ending of the Hewitt vs. Baghdatis match last when Marcos left the with the start of tears beginning and him walking to the locker room at 4:34 AM Melbourne Time.

How difficult was that to watch. An epic Battle. The Aussie fans love Hewitt since he is from Australia, but the Aussie crowd also like Marcos from two years when we Tennis Fans were treated to Marcos playing another epic match against another great tennis player in the finals...

Anyway, I finally got to see him in action this morning. Good to see his playing, but I have to say when he banged his tennis racket on the ground during the break it was good to see. Yet, he was fined 770.00 dollars for racket abuse. When he did that, he turned on the "afterburners" and won. Baghdatis will never be close to regular racquet abuse as Marat Safin does, but we tennis fans love to see that.

Way to go Marcos and I hope you do well and give us tennis fans another epic battle in Melbourne And a picture from last year.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Australian Open 2009 - Day 2

Greetings Readers

"Come on!"

And you faithful Tennis watchers know who says that phrase and technically who started those two words in Professional Tennis play.

After all, when he started saying this years ago many thought that he was being rude. In reality, he was saying that to himself to get himself pumped up and to keep his play the way he wanted to play.

Many people in the beginning thought that was "rude." Many people thought they knew him and assumed that he was being rude.

Yet, after a bit it later revealed that Mr. Hewitt was saying that to himself, even though he yelled those two words out with the arm raised and all fingers pointed at his face. There was never any finger pointing at the opposite side of the court to his opponent.

Here we are the year is 2009 and now we faithful Hewitt fans expect and want to hear those two words yelled "Come on!" with Hewitt's cap turned backwards on his head, arm raised in the pose with his fingers pointing to his face after winning a point (and perhaps the match.)

Welcome Readers Day Two - Not a day for me really to say much or had any desire to watch. I do not care for the Williams sisters, Nadal or any American player for that matter. But there were a couple of matches that I wanted to see - Amelie Mauresmo, Andy Murray (and hear his roar and see him flex his Biceps after winning like last year - oh yeah that's just what I might have done), and of course I want to see the "Monfils's shuffle" like he did at the US Open this past year after winning his match.

And you loyal Tennis followers have to wonder why Americans are not really followed. A few are good players - the Williams sisters, yet the others are not. Most are arrogant and perhaps that is because of general way Americans are seen (and I do not disagree.)

Hewitt - "Come on"
Safin - His Anger and Tantrums are what we like and expect to see
Santoro - his playing even though he knows he's over the hill, but give 100% play
Ivanovic - so Sweet and humble (unlike the William Sisters)
Federer - Earning his place among the elite Tennis players in history
Bagdahtis - becoming a fan favorite

as so goes the list.

As you can sort of read each of those Non-Americans have personality of something. Whereas the Americans I am going to list a few.

Roddick - give poor, poor post game interviews, pains for me to watch him being him.
S. Williams - "I am good and your not", but not literally said that way by her.
Fish - nothing really to say
Ginepri - friend of James Blake
Blake - I would have to admit the nicest American player out playing.
Scoville Jenkins - Young, up and coming player still new to the ATP so not arrogant yet and enjoys playing tennis. Go for it and keep it up.

Anyway, I think there were two upsets, but really only one and that would be Radawanska.

Otherwise, so far so good for the Australian Open.

By the way Readers it was hard to watch the Gonzo vs Hewitt match. Two years ago, Gonzo (oops Readers that is his nickname his real name is Fernando Gonzalez) was someone who met Hewitt in the semi finals if I remember correctly and I thought who in fuck was this guy. Arrogant and taunting the crowd since the crowd was for Hewitt since he is Australian. Now, Gonzo has made himself a present and earned the respect of me and a few others. So, when I saw that these two were going to do battle I did not know who to root for.

In the end I wanted Hewitt to advance since this is really his home country's Grand Slam tournament, but I think it was of injuries, a recent surgery and just getting old that Hewitt lost to Gonzo. Who knows readers this could be his last year if his hip does not heal, mend good. With that that is why I put Hewitt's picture on today's post.

"Come On!"

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Australian Open 2009 - Day 1

Greetings Readers

You loyal Tennis Fans, especially of the Australian Open, You do Remember Tipsarevic from last year?! His picture is posted first.

Flashback

If there was a match to sum up the Australian Open it would be the Epic Tennis battle on the First Friday (In the United States) that we saw two warriors take the stage under the Tennis lights of Melbourne's Australian Open. Note: this match does not over see the emotional match of Bagdahtis vs. Hewlitt last year, which to me was the match of the tournament.

He gave Roger a run for his advancement in the tournament and nearly, nearly, dethroned the number one player in the world, at that time.

Present

Day One has finished and now we American in the United States are waiting for 7 PM Mountain time for Day Two - LIVE coverage to begin.

Yesterday was an okay day and I would have to say it was good. Aussie Ana had me worried and it pained me to see her serving toss suck. And it sucked big time. In the end Ana pulled the win, but I am going to have to say she better get into form or else she will be going out of the tournament pretty early.

Now, onto the unknown seed, to us Americans anyway. An Aussie to boot, which Melbourne will love to support in the Australian Open. Unfortunately, we viewers did not get to see this match. Though the camera crews were able to get a camera over to the court towards the end of the match.

Bernard Tomic - 16 years old. That picture says it all. He won. And I liked how he won. Though, in the grand scheme of things he barely pulled the win out so I can not fully support him advancing to the next round. Yet, his next opponent did play a four and a half tennis match so Tomic does have that for him. Meaning his opponent has played longer than him. I do root for the underdog so I do hope that he does advance to the next round.

Bad news? Good news? I do not know and it does not matter to me, but many American players were eliminated on the first day of play at the Australian Open.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Australian Open 2009 - Qualifying Round

Greetings Readers

Today (technically yesterday) is the official start of the Qualifying rounds at the Australian Open 2009.

Oh Yes! Readers another year has come and gone and now we are onto the first of the four Tennis Grand Slam in 2009. Every year it begin in Australia - Melbourne.

The website

http://www.australianopen.com

The official start will be on Monday, January 19 2009, but their time, not U.S. time. And you faithful readers know that this will be the hardest two weeks to begin the New Year with. Again, I want to see live action so that means that play will start late at night in the Mountain Time Zone in the United States. Of course I could catch the tape delay, but then I would not be satisfied with that alone. That being said I will be up into the wee hours of the morning and perhaps staying up all night and morning.

The biggest news for me is that Maria Sharapova will not be able to play and defend her title from last year. Apparently, she is still out with the same injury that kept her from playing in the US Open and the Beijing Olympics last year. And I guess to look further than that we viewers do not have to put up with Yuri. Woo hoo!.

I had to use the picture from last year when she won and the she lowered both knees to the court in victory. However, using this picture and the tone of my post it appears that she is "sad." I know I am bending the truth, but I needed a picture that was worthy of the Australian Open 2009 - The Grand Slam of the Asia / Pacific.

I hope, desire, that we viewers are treated to another fantastic first week of the Australian Open, especially the 24 hours of Friday and Saturday of the first week of play last year - that was spectacular! And the epic matches that lasted wee into the night (in the United States) and the Morning (Australia and United States.) Seeing Federer being taken into a 5 set match and then seeing Hewitt start his tennis match at Dawn in the United States was unfucking-believeable. Or in the words of my ex-co-worker "just so awesome!" Those tennis players that played in that 24 hours were tested to the best of there playing abilities. Who knew that Australia could have a "Super Saturday" on the first Saturday of a Tennis tournament?!

And was it not tough for us hard core tennis watchers see Bagdahti start to cry when leaving the tennis court when Hewitt eliminated him from the Australian Open 2008?!

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

2008 US Open Items I Purchased

Greetings Readers

You know Readers; I never showed you my US Open items that I purchased this year. I bought a towel, a water bottle and a mouse pad.

I think, I mentioned that this would be the third year that I have bought a US Open towel. Basically, this is my tradition. A must have item and an item that I have to get my parents.

Besides the US Open towel I have been buying other items that have the US Open Logo on.

This year I bought the water bottle and mouse pad since last year I bought the bandannas, for which I was disappointed in my purchase.

I sure that I might have mentioned before, but the reason why I was disappointed was that I spent like $ 8.00 for the bandanna and the US Open logo was an inch or two high and about three inches wide. Pretty small logo on such a big bandanna.

Now, I saw that there was a cool looking yellow colored black US Open Logo water bottle for a reasonable price - $ 6.00. And the mouse pad, that have the official poster logo for the US Open 2008 on the face of the logo looked pretty darn good.

So, that being said here are pictures of the water bottle and mouse pad. As well as this year’s US Open towel and the previous two years US Open towels that I have with the oldest at the top of the picture. Though the thing that I noticed with the US Open Towels this year they are getting smaller.

I do not have a picture of my friend’s towel, but basically the same except she purchased the woman’s US Open towel.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

DNC 2008 - Day 2

Greetings Readers

As the title for the Post today reads this was Day Two of the DNC (Democratic National Convention) in Denver, Colorado. Today, I was able to tell most of my friends of my experience and what I saw in Downtown Denver on the first official day of the DNC on Monday. I showed everyone who cared to see some of the pictures I took.

I also told them that I was careful of what I was taking pictures of and how I acted in the vicinity of the Law enforcement that were stationed and mobile in and around the Downtown area. And yes readers, I told my friends I was on my best behavior so I would not draw any unnecessary attention to myself. Worse yet, I did not want to be put into a holding pen for people being arrested and/or confirmation that you are who say you are. Apparently from what was told to me was that there was a tent that held make shift corrals that would hold arrested people for processing and holding,

Anyway, after telling most of my friends today of what I saw yesterday I decided that if there was no chance of any heavy rain showers in the afternoon I was going to bike down to Downtown Denver once more and also to Civic Center Park to see what’s what.

So, as 4 PM came and went I looked out the window and the skies looked ok, in a manner of speaking. I was not able to leave early like I did the day before, but I was still going to go even leaving later than the day before. I rode home fast and had everything ready to go from this morning. I grabbed two half frozen water bottles I made the night before I went to sleep last night and added cold water to fill the water bottle to the top.

I wanted to take the shortest route to bike that I thought would be the best to take to Downtown Denver, but then I decided to take the same route the day before. I knew the path and I now know the terrain. Plus, I knew that I would be able to get over 50 miles in a round trip bike ride.

Traffic all along the Cherry Creek bike path was pretty sparse compared to the day before. And this time I did not have to go slow since I had taken the pictures that I wanted the day before. I also decided to get off at the Colfax exit and head to the State Capitol and Civic Center Park.

Flashback – before leaving for the DNC in Downtown Denver I decided to call my parents and see what they know or seen on TV from the New Mexico TV stations broadcasting. My mom said that they showed “stuff” from inside the Convention Center and the Protesters, but overall they are not showing Denver in general. When my mom says that she means the Democratic National Coverage who are filming the DNC in Denver.

Back to the present – I decided to show you readers Denver from different views from my digital camera. I want you Readers to see Denver and not see just what is being shown on TV. Which I can only assume is coverage from inside the Pepsi Center and command centers located near the Pepsi Center.

I think I have “dished” Denver in the past about how Denver is not a true city, but a residential city. And I still support my view on that. However, I wanted to show you Readers on this post that Denver is a pretty city and if any of the news coverage would film Denver from different locations in Denver they can show that Denver is much more than what the DNC is being broadcast on National TV.

Sorry readers, I have not seen what is being broadcast on TV, but I can assume that what my mother said is what is being shown all over the United States is basically nothing. I am interested in what is being broadcast, but with the US Open in progress Tennis is my number one priority. Everything else is second to the US Open. This is one event that I look to every year and this one event that I actually make it a point to buy merchandise from the US Open Shop.

As I got near the Civic Center Park I could see and smell the protesters. Smell meaning that I could smell the BO of the hippies and what not. I was about 20 yards away from the actual protesters, but the odor was noticeable from 20 yards away. I stink from time to time, but not like the BO that I smelled yesterday. So, with that I stayed on the perimeter of Civic Center park for the most part and then I was able to get close where no one was really around that part of Civic Center park.

I just did not want to smell that strong B.O. There was a group, a rap group, which was performing in Civic Center Park. They sounded nice, but I only listened for a couple minutes before leaving for the State Capitol. I wanted a shot of Civic Center Park and all the people (protesters) from the State Capitol. Yet, when I got to the State Capitol and looked towards Civic Center Park I could not see the people in mass on the South side of Civic Center Park. I took a few pictures that showed the view from the State Capitol looking west. I think that the pictures came out pretty good.

After a bit I decided to skate (ride) just East of Downtown Denver and see how much law enforcement was present around the perimeter of Downtown. Not very much as opposed to Downtown Denver itself. I did see another bike corral at the “Cash Register” building. It was a small bike corral compared to the two corrals I saw the day before. I talked with the person handling the corral. They explained what was explained to me yesterday, but I pretended that I did not know how the bike corral worked.

I soon left and headed North on Lincoln and I think I turned West on 18th and then headed Northwest on 18th all the way to Union Station once more. I had no urge to go to Union Station, but it was on the street that I was taking and that is where I eventually ended up.

I soon found myself at the MSNBC set up and that was when I heard “nice rims.” Oh yeah. I said, “thank you very much” and posed for my picture that was taken by him. I then took a picture of a trailer and truck that was parked right across the street that had some spray painted words on the trailer.

I noticed it was just past 8:00 PM and I knew that the time to go home was here. I knew that I was not going to take Cherry Creek Bike path home and that I was going to take the same route home yesterday which was the South Platte bike trail home. This time I was going to go to the Millennium Bridge and see if I was going to be able to take the South Platte trail home. I say this since the South Platte Trail does come kind of close to the Pepsi Center, which means I was not sure that if the South Platte Trail was closed off. Yesterday, I had took Colfax across I-25 and then eventually got onto the South Platte Bike Trail with no problems.

Well, the return trip along the South Platte was faster since I sort of knew the path from the day before. Nothing to report really, except I did not see any bikers riding towards Denver and I did not see any walkers on the bike path like I did the day before. And as I went past the "new" Mile High Stadium I saw two searchlights panning over the stadium. You can see that white dot of light on the top part of the stadium..

Overall, I did 50.34 miles yesterday to and from the DNC. Not bad at all. Basically, one hundred and five miles in two days time. And you know what Readers? I am handling the bike rides like any training bike ride – no problem at all.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete