The end of Wimbledon. Love Match?

Wimbledon ends tomorrow, and it's been a fun and exhausting tournament (aka delusional part-time tv viewing job for me). Although I was hoping for an upset, Marion Bartoli unfortunately lost to Venus Williams today in the Ladies' Singles final.

The only other playaz that I've been rooting for who are still in the tourney are Rafael Nadal and Jelena Jankovic. I would love to see Rafa upset Roger Federer in the Men's Singles final tomorrow.

In Mixed Dubz, Jelena has teamed with Jamie Murray, and they've made it to the finals! They're a cute team, and I'm wondering if there's a love match between them beyond their on-court partnership? Well, before I go off on a tangent about WTA/ATP hook-ups, I'll be rooting for them tomorrow as well.

P.S. The countdown to the Countrywide Classic in L.A. has begun!

Jim, I mean John

I'm a huge fan of the tv show "The Office", and the only reason I went to go see "Licensed to Wed" last night was because of the adorable and charming John Krasinski (who plays Jim on The Office). The movie was quite bad as I had expected, but (as I had hoped) it was so lovely to see John on the big screen and actually making out with someone (even if it was the annoyingly sad-faced Mandy Moore and not Pam/Jenna Fischer from The Office).

Wha???

In a huge upset today, France's Marion Bartoli beat Justine Henin in the Wimbledon Ladies' Singles semi-final. Bartoli completely stunned Henin with her amazing two-handed shots from both wings, giving hope to big girls everywhere! She'll meet Venus Williams in the Wimbledon final tomorrow. GO, LADY!

Churros & Becks!

Yummy! In January, when I first heard that David Beckham was joining the Los Angeles Galaxy, I immediately bought season tickets. But since Becks isn't due to play until July 21st (vs. Chelsea FC), I haven't been motivated to go to a pre-Becks game; until last night... I finally went to a game, and I'm really pleased with my seats. I'm twelve rows up from the South end goal, and the field is only about 50 feet ahead. The players' tunnel is about 20 feet to the right, and the boisterous Galaxians are just a few sections over. The overall atmosphere at the Home Depot Center is fantastic.

I CANNOT wait to see Chelsea walking out of the players' tunnel, and Beckham bending in a corner kick! Although I've had my regrets about shelling out a good chunk of change for the tickets, I'm looking forward to some major (league) soccer fun. Here's a new chant that I've come up with: "Olé! Olé! Olé! Olé! Churros & Becks! Churros & Becks!"

Gun Control

Happy 4th of July!



Picture courtesy of Lady Candy

James Blake's book

James Blake's autobiography Breaking Back: How I Lost Everything and Won Back My Lifecomes out today, and I am eagerly awaiting my Amazon delivery of it. James seems like a smart guy, and he's quite adorable too. So, I think his book is an ideal summer read for every tennis fan. Hopefully, I'll pick up some pointers for my game (and life) too!

U.S. Open Series commercial

I know we're not even done with Wimbledon yet, but the U.S. Open Series is right around the corner, starting with the Countrywide Classic on July 16th in Los Angeles, my hometown. I just saw the 2007 commercial for "The Greatest Roadtrip in Sports", which features a handful of top ATP and WTA playaz. Of course, I was delighted to see the Robby Ginepri segment, where he says that his favorite part of the series is "the ladies"! Well, he doesn't know what's coming because there are only a few things I like more than screaming "Go, Robby!".

Tommy Haas is OUT!

Of Wimbledon, that is... He pulled out of his upcoming 4th round match against Roger Federer due to a stomach muscle tear. So, Federer gets a free pass into the quarters (like he needs any help), and Haas' grass court bad luck continues. Remember when he rolled his ankle over a stray ball? Ouch! Anyway, I'm not a Haas fan by any means because (as you may recall) he prevented a delicious Marat Safin/Robby Ginepri match-up at the 2006 US Open. But, I still feel a little bad for that crazy German.

LA Premier League

Earlier tonight, I attended a soccer/football match between Celtic and LA Vale of the LA Premier League. The latter team is managed by the English pop star, Robbie Williams. An unusual amount of fans (along with the paparazzi) attended this amateur league match primarily just to check out Robbie himself. But, he wasn't there as he's due to attend the Concert for Diana in London. There were some C-list English celebrities on his squad though: (singer and Williams' BFF) Jonathan Wilkes and (Pop Idol host) Dec Donnelly. Anyway, my friend and I were rooting for her boyfriend's team Celtic, but LA Vale unfortunately won 2-1.

Tom Jones looks good on the dancefloor!

I just read that Tom Jones is going to perform a cover of the Arctic Monkeys' "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" at the Concert for Diana tomorrow (July 1st). Now THAT is something I have to see/hear...

Die Hard

I just saw LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD, and although I didn't think it would be my cup of tea, it was surprisingly quite fun. Justin Long is in it, and he's witty as always. And, fellow TENNIS PLAYA, Timothy Olyphant, is the cute villain.

Going into the 2nd week of Wimbledon

Unfortunately (and as per usual) now that my 2 belovEDS (Robby Ginepri and Marat Safin) are out of Wimbledon, I'm trying to decide whom to root for... With apologies to the remaining American players, I'm going with the Serbs: Jankovic, Djokovic, Ivanovic, and Tipsarevic. They're feisty, talented and hard-working. I also dig Nadal (those guns!) and Kuznetsova. Anyone but Federer, Henin and Sharapova - they annoy me.

I still love you, Marat!

Boo.... Marat Safin just lost to Roger Federer in the 3rd round of Wimbledon (6-1, 6-4, 7-6). I'm so sick of Federer. Marat, at least you can look forward to some Lady Hooligan love when you come to L.A. for the Countrywide Classic in July.

Yay! Marat won today!

My beloved Marat Safin is due to meet Roger Federer in the 3rd round at Wimbledon. Hmmm.... Let's hope some 2005 Aussie Open semi-final FIRE ignites under Safin's (oh so delightful) bum!

Check 1-2

For my first Wimbledon post, I'll just say that I'm so glad Marat Safin won his 1st round Wimbledon match today. Unfortunately, my other belovED, Robby Ginepri, lost in the 1st round. At the very least, Robby can claim that he was the first ever PLAYA to compete at Wimbledon in a sleeveless shirt (back in 2003). Hey now!

Baby Rex!

Congrats to Lady Shelly and to (LH May '07) cover model, John, on the birth of their son Rex (literally born yesterday on June 23rd)!!

P.S. Happy Birthday, Joyce!

Lady Hooligan Approved: Hint Water

by Hillzie

Lady Hooligans: I think we can all agree that we want to feel healthier, happier and have great skin. We’ve long been told that drinking eight glasses of water each day is recommended for proper nutrition and doesn’t hurt the epidermis, but who can work up a thirst for good old-fashioned water when there’s constantly a mocha frappuccino or dry martini within reach?

Enter Hint Premium Essence Water. Your taste buds will thrill to the taste of natural flavors skinny-dipping in purified water. No sugar or artificial sweeteners, no calories, NO CATCH! There’s not even a drop of mysterious herbs or mystifying chemicals in these delicious natural beverages.

While the hooligan in you may crave the fleeting pleasure of a quickie with Johnny-Come-Latelies such as Tab Energy and Coke Blak, the lady in you knows that you’ll regret it in the morning. Hint has made the right choice both fun and easy with their appealing variety of flavors (lime, pear, cucumber, pomegranate-tangerine, cranberry-orange, apple, mint, tropical punch, peppermint, and raspberry-lime). Kat, our Editor-in-Chief and resident Persian Princess, has taken a liking to the cucumber flavor. After working up a sweat on the tennis court or doing research for her provocative prose, Lady Lorelei enjoys the pear. We think you'll fall in love with your own flavor of Hint too.

More Important But: Eye-Candyland

Danke, Davydenko, danke! It’s Sept. 7th, 2006, and Nikolay Davydenko has just beaten Tommy Haas in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open of tennis, and I’m thrilled! I’m not a Davydenko fan per se, but I rooted for him because in the previous rounds of the tournament, his opponent, Haas, personally upset me by advancing over two players I covet: Robby Ginepri and Marat Safin.

Haas first defeated my beloved Robby Ginepri in the 3rd round of the Open in a close 5th set tie-break. I know there are more important things in the world, but if Haas had lost to Ginepri, I could have witnessed a SUPREME eye-candy tennis match between Ginepri and Marat Safin in the 4th round. Now, I can only dream of the Ginepri vs. Safin match-up. In my despair, all I was able to do was root against Haas simply because he prevented a Pretty vs. Pretty match.

I probably should talk to Lady Doc about my irrational and immature feelings towards Haas, but most sports fans need therapy for their absurd notions towards players and teams. So, I don’t think I’m that bad off (yet). I understand that Haas has no clue who I am and has no ill-will towards me. But, in my vision of eye-candyland, Hass is a colossal villain. I mean, check out the match that could have been. Here’s Robby, a 23-year-old All-American piece of candy who resides in Georgia (and has my unwavering devotion):

Then, there’s the 26-year-old Russian hot-head and all-around hottie, Marat Safin:
Why Haas, why? I just wanted to see Robby play (and ultimately beat) Marat in five sets of SWEATY, SHIRT-LIFTING, GRUNT-FILLED, PRETTY (and maybe a little dirty) TENNIS. Sugar! Is that too much to ask?

According to atptennis.com, Robby and Marat have only played twice before in the past, but I missed both matches. This summer’s U.S. Open draw gave me hope and another chance. I just wanted to see some candy battle candy, but Haas ruined it for me (and other discerning tennis hooligans, I mean fans).

To add insult to injury, Haas beat Safin in the 4th round, in another unconvincing 5th set tie-break win. So, when Haas advanced over another one of my sweet lads and met Davydenko in the quarters, all I cared about was Haas losing, which is probably bad karma. But, I’m hoping that sports fans (especially tennis and soccer fans, which I count myself among) get a karmic free-pass when it comes to wishing losses upon others.

Nonetheless, in eye-candyland, the stakes are high, and I play for keeps, Playaz! What??? Paging Lady Doc.....

Robby pic © Atlanta Peach
For more info on Robby, visit www.robbyginepri.com

Marat pic Copyright Control
For more info on Marat, visit safinator.com

CONNERISMS

by Hillzie and Kat

Conner, the Lady Hooligans’ tennis coach, has allowed us to discuss and define some of his on-court expressions, which we lovingly call “Connerisms”. Conner punctuates our weekly one-hour class on Court 8 with one, two and three-word phrases to help guide us in our tennis journey. They often prove useful off-court as well. And, yes, Conner is a Pretty; did you even have to ask?

Accelerate = Finish the stroke by accelerating through the end of the swing. Legend has it this will help prevent “homeruns” and run-ins with the dreaded tape.

Finish Your Swing = If this requires explanation you may not be ready for the wisdom of Conner.

Get Low or Git Low = Bend those knees and get down for that shot. This has something to do with physics.

Get Up, Git Up, Get There or Git There = Move your ass and sprint to the ball!

Good = A nice, decent shot. Variation: Nice.

Mercy = Noun: an extra chance to take your shot, after blowing the first and second feed. Verb: when you beg for one more feed.

No = Just playin’. As in, “Nadal is coming by later to hit with you. No.”

Pimp Snap or Pimp Snizzap = A certain je ne sais quois needed for a tasty serve or over-head shot. A phat snap of the wrist.

Pink or Pinkie = An actual pink tennis ball thrown into the mix to keep us on our toes. Kind of like getting the Whammy on Press Your Luck. No wait, Conner’s dog ball was more like a Whammy. Thud! Thank goodness someone stole that.

Regroup = The mother of all Connerisms. After losing your focus, your balance or your racquet you must regroup and get back in the game. It’s a life lesson, really.

Show Me Again, Again or Uno Mas = Despite your turn technically being over, Conner will make you see the error of your ways and give you a chance or chances to finish on a Good one.

Soft Hands = Noun: when you possess a delicate drop shot-making ability, especially up at the net. Verb: when you need to figure out how to get this delicate drop shot-making ability.

Sugar = A sweet, universal replacement for foul language. As in, “Sugar!”

That’s Dirty = A sly shot that wins the point. Not necessarily fair or sportsmanlike, but a winner. Is “Dirty” bad or good? You be the judge. Variation: Dirty-Dirty. Unsportsmanlike.

That’s Tough = A hard ball to get to. Completely fair and all, but you got beat.

Too Good = What we strive for! A shot that is beautiful and unbeatable. A fair and untouchable winner.

Twisty or Twisty McGee = Not holding your proper stance and twisting your mid-section too early during your stroke. Variation: Hold Your Position. The more direct approach.

Win by Two = When a competition is close there must be a definitive winner. Tying is for sailors. Players win by two.

Connerisms © CK

Lady Hooligan Points

by Kat

Aretha said it THE best when she sang, “R.E.S.P.E.C.T, find out what it means to me!” Please allow me to give you my view on Lady Hooligan Points. This isn’t about points on a scoreboard or about winners and losers. It’s about getting out there and being cheeky. It’s about making your fellow Lady Hooligans proud! You win figurative Lady Hooligan Points and RESPECT by getting out of your shy comfort-zone, doing something fun and giving your friends a laugh. Perhaps some real-life examples can help illustrate the concept:

Scoring a golf-cart for the Ladys (sic) to get them from the parking lot to the stadium entrance = POINT!

Snagging a picture with Paradorn Srichaphan or the Audio Bullys = POINTS!

Pulling a prank on your tennis instructor = POINT!

Tickling a Pretty’s muscular tattooed arm on his way out of the bar = POINT!

Yelling “Go, Lady!” and/or “Sell, It!” at an athlete = POINT!

E-mailing Lady Sovereign’s foxy DJ and getting a reply = POINT!

Are you catching my drift? It’s basically a fun personal dare. Once you’ve done the deed, claim the point (or points if it’s a huge score). Hopefully, your fellow Lady Hooligans witnessed the act of cheekiness. In that case, just look at them, smile and say “Lady Hooligan point!” If there are no witnesses, pictures are great. Stories and e-mails are also acceptable, as we have no need to doubt fellow Lady Hooligans. In fact, your colleagues will most likely grant you points without you having to claim them since a point for you is ultimately a point for ALL LADY HOOLIGANS!

Listen, I’m not saying go out there and be obnoxious. There’s a fine line between cheeky and obnoxious, but don’t let that scare you. Trust me, missing a Lady Hooligan Points-possibility is worse than making a fool of yourself. Life is so short, and opportunities are few. I have one word to share with you: KEANE. They’re one of my favorite bands, and all three members of the band were hanging out by our tennis court one Sunday morning. But, I froze! The fact that I was sweaty and self-conscious prevented me from just saying hello to a group of fellas whose music means a lot to me and from scoring huge points.

I’ve been scarred by that incident. It may sound silly, but the fellow players who were present can verify my paralyzing meltdown. It was uncharacteristic of me, and my fellow Lady Hooligans and I have since come up with a confidential plan to overcome shyness if a difficult mission ever presents itself again.

As far as Keane, I never thought I would have the chance to meet them again. I thought just writing about “the incident” would be cathartic and help heal my wound. But, their fantastic new album, Under the Iron Sea, has just been released, and they have been promoting it around town. So, long story short, with the help of my kind friends (specific thanks to Lady Sophie, Lady Lorelei and Lad Raul), I was lucky enough to meet the band! Redemption!

Lady/Lad Hooligans present, Picture taken, E-mail sent and Story told = LADY HOOLIGAN POINTS scored!

So, take it from me, please don’t let a fun opportunity pass you by. Give the LADY HOOLIGAN POINTS concept a try, and feel free to e-mail me about it.

Go, Lady! & Sell It!