Seriously?

A few days ago The Sean Sullivan decided it was time to make good on our blog crossfire promise. The topic of choice My Rafa (the tennis player not the puppy...there is no other side of the Rafa Puppy debate). As a courtesy, I was sent an advance copy of the proposed post. I will quickly recap it here since TSS fails to appreciate the beauty of word economy. He posits that Rafa is good maybe great but he is missing the oh so important X factor. He takes his stance further than our typical wine and whiskey fueled Rafa vs. Federererer debate. He comments not so much against his abilities as a tennis player but his abilities as a sports hero for the generations. He conspicuously makes no mention at all of his simian good looks...I guess some things are just untouchable. In short, my counter to his argument is a resounding: BOOOOOOO.

Four years ago, I was living with my family in NJ (yes this is a recurring theme of my 20s) and happened upon a 19 year old Rafa playing an early round match at the French Open. At the time, I was neither a tennis player nor fan. It just happened to be on TV. I was transfixed. The clam-digger wearing Spaniard had me totally spell bound. Not just with his tan body, awe-inspiring arms, and out of this world fashion sense...but with his game! He was into it! He was scrambling cross court hunting down every single ball. Corner to corner, if it was returned, he was going to chase it. Good shots elicited ferocious fist pumps and guttural yells of VAMOS!!! His desire to win was palpable. It was incredibly compelling and addictive. And that my friends, is how a tennis fan was formed. I watched the rest of that French open where he won his first slam title and rolled victoriously in the red clay of Roland Garros. Don't you tell me, Sean Sullivan, that he is no star!

All this before I learned of his compelling backstory. Never left Mallorca unlike so many young tennis stars who leave their families to go train. His uncle is his coach. The kid is NOT EVEN LEFT HANDED yet plays geniuously!! His game and his humble and honest sportsmanship has caused me to watch almost every slam match he has been in since 2005. I subscribed to the Tennis Channel and got DVR to watch this guy play!!

Let's, for a moment, consider one of the "Stars" you present as a counter to My Rafa. Tiger Woods??? Agreed, he is a great golfer...probably the best ever. But is is a TOTAL freaking snooze-fest. I mean talk about boring. I have never seen him throw a club, yell, curse and he certainly does not enter the course with anything resembling blood-lust for Mickelson. Much like my Rafa, he goes out there and plays his best game hoping to win... not hoping to destroy and embarrass his opponents. I for one, really appreciate and enjoy the fact that My Rafa seems to lack the affect that besieges so many professional athletes. He seems absolutely genuine in his desire to win and his gratitude and humility when he does.

He is also wayyyy more attractive than any of those other fools you mentions.

Advantage: Nadal.

Inexcusable and Indefensible

I apologize for being so delinquent in getting this post up. I have big news to share (albeit belatedly) : IT'S A BOY!!!!

My months long search for a puppy to call my very own has come to an end. I've had to deal with allergic idiots and crazy dog people to get him but I was steadfast in my resolve and the pup is, at long last, here.

Unsurprisingly perhaps, his name is Rafa. My Rafa from Philly brings me even more joy than My Rafa from Mallorca. We are early to bed and early to rise and spend our time walking around the hood eating trash off the ground (Rafa) and sticking our hands down puppy throats to retrieve trash (Carly Pumpkin). He is universally a hit...adored by people and dogs alike (except for that homicidal Scottie at the dog park).

Like peas and carrots me and my rafa are...and for those of you wondering, he absolutely, unequivocally adores my dog voice.

Be Still My Beating Heart

I used to be a faithful Idol watcher, texting in to support the likes of Kelly, Ruben, and Fantasia. Fantasia's "Summertime" made me cry and Kelly Clarkson's lyrics still guide me to this day. My allegiance to the show, however, has waned in recent years. But 2009 is the year of the Idol come back!!!! Tonight we find out who will be in the final and I am giddy with anticipation.
I am sure you all have been waiting with bated breath for me to weigh in on this topic. Here's my rundown of the contenders:

Adam Lambert: is a freak. I like him sometimes but generally I think he screams too much. And I hate scream-y music.

Danny Gokey: I do not like Danny Gokey. He can sing but he is boring. booo Gokey.

Kris Allen: Oh boy do I love me some Kris Allen. He is a better version of the Guy Who Sings Cover Songs (GWSCS) at the bar in college. Girls really love GWSCS and I was no exception. You with your moveable hair and your acoustic guitar. Watching KA's version of Heartless last night, I was transcended to 2002 and my senior year in college. I began wondering if he was going to be at the Alpha Delt late night.

The Idol version of The Guy Who Sings Covers Songs, though, seems to have some distinct improvements over the orginal (jackson rohm at my school). His failure to call out drink orders during his performances seems to suggest that he is not a full-blown alcoholic. His being married also might suggest that he is not teeming with college-town STDs. And finally, his career certainly appears to be on a better trajecotry than the guy who sold out Stadium (the bar...not an actual stadium) at Miami University.

I am really pulling for you Kris.