Song of the Moment: Brandi Carlile-Downpour

Been listening to this song a lot today appropriately so since it's been raining all day long.  Something about this one that's very poignant.

Federer & Clijsters drop in rankings

Andy Murray moved ahead of Roger Federer on the ATP World Tour tennis rankings for the first time, while Australian Open winner Kim Clijsters dropped out of the top 10 of the women’s tour.

Murray, 24, rose one spot to No. 3 after he beat Spain’s David Ferrer in the Shanghai Masters final yesterday. That followed titles this month at the Thailand Open and Japan Open. The Briton, who is still seeking his first major title, has now won 25 of his past 26 matches. His last loss was against second- ranked Rafael Nadal of Spain in the semifinals of the U.S. Open in September.

Federer, the winner of a men’s record 16 Grand Slam singles titles, dropped one spot to No. 4. The 30-year-old Swiss fell out of the top three for the first time since June 2003, partly as he decided not to compete in Asia so as to recover from the U.S. hardcourt season. Serbia’s Novak Djokovic is already guaranteed to finish 2011 as the world No. 1 thanks to a season during which he won three majors and only lost three matches.

“I’m still not guaranteed to finish at No. 3,” Murray said on the ATP website. “I’m still going to have to win some more matches. But if you finish in front of Federer in a year, then there’s not many people in the last five, six, seven years that have been able to say that.”

On the women’s WTA tour, Clijsters dropped one spot to No. 11. The Belgian, a former world No. 1, missed the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open because of injuries. Thirteen-time major champion Serena Williams of the U.S. remained at No. 14.

Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark remained the top player in the rankings. Former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova of Russia is at No. 2, with Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in third.

bloomberg.com

Enjoy it while it lasts Murray, enjoy it while it lasts.  

As for Clijsters, well that's not a big surprise given she hasn't played much this year.  Hopefully next year will see her doing well and back in the top 10.

DWTS 13: Week 5 80's Week

I had a lot of fun last week, but being an 80's child this pretty much tops last week.  Ah, nostalgia.... anyway on to the dancing.

Hope & Maks Tango to Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer" a personal fave.  Len found it too loose linked, and saw lack of control.

Bruno on the other hand thought the opposite to him it was strong sexy and powerful.  Carrie Ann agreed with both saying that Hope needs to learn that less is more.

I found the whole thing a bit weird the love/hate tension element was there (given these 2 don't exactly get along most the time) but that's pretty much it really.

One minute she was being controlling and dominant the next Maks was dragging her around the floor.  The whole thing didn't balance well partnership wise.  The score was decent though 24/30.

Carson & Anna Jive to Wham's "Jitterbug" complete with cheer leader outfits and pom poms.  Bruno summed it up best loopier then looney tunes, the crowning achievement in madness lol.

Carrie Ann still enjoyed the fun aspect of it but expected more technique this being the halfway point of the competition.

I tend to agree with both judges. 

While I'm still enjoying his presence immensely from an entertainment value stand point, we are in week 5 and it's time to start separating/booting the weaker dancers in favor of the ones with more skill and talent  19/30 was their total.

Sorry Carson but I think it's time for you to go (entertainment can only get you so far).

Nancy & Tristan Rumba set to an 80's staple Spandau Ballet's "True".  Carrie Ann wants to see real passion and connection.  Bruno thought it was sensuous, sexy and not slutty.

Len found it simple and effective done with ease and elegance.  I thought it was not bad, I'll give her points for continuing to make an effort and somehow pulling it off.

Although at times during the dance it kind of looked like she was going through the motions of her routine.  So I'm still hoping she gets the boot soon too.  22/30 was the score.

 J.R. & Karina shook their stuff in a Samba to Gloria Estefan's Miami Sound Machine "Conga" that brought the ballroom on their feet in another ovation.

The audience and judges alike were mesmerized, the dance put them on top of the leader board for the first time in 3 weeks with 28/30.

Shake that groove thing! was pretty much the only thought going through my head while watching the dance.  Nicely done indeed.

Rob & Cheryl Rumba set to Lionel Richie's "Hello".  Bruno thought Rob looked like a dancing partner for the first time (like they were part of one unit).

He called it a sentimental performance.  Carrie Ann found it sexy and liked the control element to the dance.  Len thought he pulled it off not allowing Cheryl to lead him, but being in command of her instead.

Which I must give him points for as well.  Having said that do I think he deserves a spot in the top 3? not by a long shot at this point.

But it's like Len said in his taped commentary with this dance he at least became a contender and not a pretender.  Earning his highest score thus far 25/30.

Chaz & Lacey Samba to Kool & the Gang's "Get Down on It". 

So great to see Chaz really cutting loose and having fun again.  And even making an effort technique and step-wise.  Well done. Score same as last week 21/30

David & Kym Tango to Soft Cell's "Tainted Love".  Len wasn't impressed with his hold but loved the 80's feel.  Carrie Ann thought he needs to work on his musicality, but still sees him as a contender.

I thought it was a nice aggressive Tango, could have used a bit more of the hate you/love you push and pull element.  But a solid effort overall.  25/30 his highest score so far.

Ricki & Derek Foxtrot to Phil Collins "Easy Lover".

I just have to say this Derek was freakin' adorkable in his 80's outfit! ♥♥♥

Len thought the footwork was hit and miss, and the hold wasn't perfect.

Carrie Ann wished they'd stayed in hold because they're amazing as a team & without that Ricky really lost her timing.

Well nobody is perfect having been at the top for 3 weeks straight they had to have a week off some time.  Perhaps the pressure got to Ricky a little bit.

Personally I agree with Derek that music didn't go well with the Foxtrot at all no wonder it really threw them off.  24/30 is still nothing to cry about though but the fans will have to get voting.

DWTS 13: Week 4 Movie Score Themes

First off sorry for the lack of re-cap last week, just didn't have much to say about it.  I did make a few notes that I might incorporate into this week.

Oh, and while I was ecstatic that Lacey and Chaz got to stay Mark & Kirsten's elimination was shockingly unexpected.

I guess people were really turned off by her sexy Samba.  Usually that tends to have a positive effect.  Whatever the reason  I don't think they deserved it. 

I'm a huge fan of movie scores and t.v. scores in general so I always find this night to be one of the most fun, this one was no exception.

Chynna & Tony "Mission Impossible" inspired Tango complete with the drop from the ceiling via harness.  I think Tony probably regrets that though, looks like he hurt himself a little.

Sadly Chynna blanked out on the plot along with her entire routine tonight.  The judges were all in agreement on that front.

Though Carrie Ann thought what she did remember was spot on.  I hope she gets another shot next week.  I don't think she has had a chance to reach her full potential like something tells me she can just yet.

I have to commend Tony it had to be quite hard to choreograph a Tango of all things to this particular theme.  He did the best with what he was given really.  21/30 isn't terrible so we'll see what happens.

David & Kym "Indiana Jones" Paso Doble was his best dance by far in the competition in my opinion.

Though the judges said that about last week.  Carrie Ann and Bruno loved his work this week as well.  Although Bruno pointed out David should watch his turns.

Len was not surprisingly unimpressed (it was kind of the theme of the night for him this week).  I loved that he stayed in character through out, didn't freak out, or lose his place.

He looked confident, and like he knew what he was doing for the first time in the competition.  23/30 was their final score.

Carson & Anna danced a fun "Pirate's of the Caribbean" Viennese Waltz complete with Johnny Depp inspired look.  I'm not sure whether there was more content in it this time, or how much of it was actually done correctly (which was the judges complaint last week).

Bruno thought it was a bit like the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, Carrie Ann thought this was Carson's most butch performance but like Bruno thought it was a bit up and down.

Len didn't see any footwork, or technique but found it to be great fun.  In the end they found themselves at the very bottom of the leader board this week with 20/30.


Nancy & Tristan "Flash Gordon" Paso Doble (2nd weirdest song choice of the evening).  Len found the dance competent, but saw zero excitement.  Carrie Ann thought Nancy deserved more credit for her efforts (being the oldest contestant).

But that she needed to connect with the audience more which sort of went hand in hand with Bruno who mentioned she needed to get into her character more.

Honestly I'm over her being on the show.  While I still commend her for doing a decent job with the dancing.

Personality and watch-ability wise she's just plain boring, so I'm hoping she goes home tomorrow.  Although it could be Chynna and Tony instead.  Final score 21/30

Hope & Maks "You Got a Friend" Toy Story inspired Foxtrot complete with Jessie and Woody costumes.  Bruno found it lovely, Carrie Ann thought it was refreshing and made her smile all the way through.

Len was frustrated because he thinks she has potential to go all the way, but just isn't putting in the work.  I tend to agree with him on this one.

Unless she starts applying herself more soon, she's going to go home if not this week then the next. 24/30 was their total.

Rob & Cheryl "Superman"/ Clark Kent Paso Doble.  Carrie Ann seemed to rave about the fluidity of his movement (which I will give him points for)  But aside from that I wasn't particularly impressed.

He lacked aggression and dominance 2 most important ingriediants in a Paso Doble.  Len didn't mind it, but wanted more drama.  Bruno said he had musicality, but needed to be more assertive.

Ricky & Derek "Psycho" inspired Tango.  Carrie Ann said it best.  Brilliance in the ballroom.  This had to be the weirdest and hardest routine to choreograph in the history of the show.

And yet once again Derek showed why he's the king of masterful choreography.  Len's earlier complaint about drama was certainly fulfilled.

His comment was pretty spot on too Derek is like the U.S. postal service and he certainly does deliver every time.

It's no surprise that they received the best score of the night (and the first 10's of the season).

A near perfect 29/30.

Chaz & Lacey "Rocky" Paso Doble.  Just like the song Carrie Ann felt inspired and wanted to root for Chaz after it was over.

Just like the song he keeps fighting and getting stronger.  Bruno thought it was his best dance to date.

I thought it was well done, brought back a lot of the exuberant joy that was missing from his Rumba last week. Better dance with a better score then last week as well 21/30.

J.R. & Karina "Pink Panther" Foxtrot was the 2nd best dance of the night.  Len agreed said it was the best male dance with just the right amount of comedy and slapstick.

Carrie Ann found the performance flat (which was surprising).

Bruno found it fabulous, and was impressed with his ability to nail all styles of dancing.  I gotta agree this guy has a real shot of making it all the way to the finals along with Ricki and Derek.

They got the 2nd highest score again 26/30.

Martina Hingis & Roger Federer participating in 2012 Australian Open?

Former World No.1 Martina Hingis of Switzerland, along with compatriot Roger Federer, is expected to return to the Grand Slam with the 2012 Australian Open in a bid to compete in the London Olympics.

Hingis, 31, is understood to be partnering Federer in mixed doubles here and also participate in the first staging of a veterans' event for women.

Hingis, winner of five majors including the 1997 and 1999 Melbourne Park titles, has not contested a major tournament since the 2007 US Open.

If Hingis were to partner Federer in mixed doubles in Melbourne their Olympic stock would be enhanced, Herald Sun reported.

Apart from Hingis, the winners of the past four women singles majors - Kim Clijsters, Li Na, Petra Kvitova and Sam Stosur - as well as Serena and Venus Williams are expected to fill in their entries.

The Australian Open men's title will be celebrating its 100th edition, but officials chose remained tightlipped about the presence of a "special guest".

dnaindia.com

Song of the Moment: Ingrid Michaelson-Turn to stone

I've heard a bunch of songs from this artist on Grey's Anatomy over the years.  The more I hear the more I love.

Martina Hingis 2012 mixed doubles rumors still going strong

Leo Schlink of the Herald Sun newspaper in Melbourne reports that Martina Hingis is “expected to make a return” at the 2012 Australian Open, which will be held Jan. 16-29. 

The report says that Hingis would not return for singles, but rather for mixed doubles and a legends event.

The report comes a day before a scheduled press conference about the 2012 Australian Open, which is to feature a “a live Q & A session with our surprise tennis superstar guest.”

The report continues months of speculation about a possible return to competition for Hingis, stemming from her admission in July that she had been approached by a member of Roger Federer’s camp about possibly competing together for Switzerland in mixed doubles at the 2012 Olympics in London. 

Mixed doubles, which has not been an Olympic discipline in tennis since 1924, is being reintroduced at next year’s competition, which will be held in Wimbledon at the hallowed All-England Club.

At a tournament in Cincinnati in August, Federer discussed his intention to speak to Hingis about their possible partnership. It is not yet known whether Hingis’ possible play in Melbourne would be with Federer or another partner.


Paul McNamee, director of the annual Hopman Cup event in Perth that precedes the Australian Open, spoke of his intention to recruit Federer and Hingis to his tournament during the U.S. Open.

newyorktimes.com

Hope this Q&A clears things up once and for all.