January 31

Yes, I know I'm a day late, but forgive me. I would like to say congratulations to Rafael Nadal and to Fernando Verdasco. What a match it was. Verdasco looked incredible; his offensive style of play threw Nadal for a loop, but he held tight, played his defensive tennis and pulled it out. I would dare say Fernando Verdasco might be the third best player in the world. His athleticism is impressive to say the least, but I am looking forward to a great men's final. Tennis doesn't get the respect it deserves, by the way. These are outstanding athletes and the sport is very entertaining to watch, but these days people don't go for it, just like they don't go for baseball or soccer. It's all about football and a little basketball and even some hockey. The fast paced, high scoring, hard hitting, instant gratification sports. If there's not a lot of scoring or if people aren't crushing each other, no one appreciates it. But, that's the way society works these days; everything has to entertain us right now. No one cares about how much skill it takes to play the sport or how great it is to see a hard fought, low scoring game. I can't believe how many times I've heard, ''I don't like baseball, it's boring." That's just foolishness. Baseball is the furthest thing from boring. The guys are throwing the ball 90 miles an hour! And then the other guys are actually hitting it! Do you realize how good of an athlete you have to be to play the sport? It's wildly entertaining, you just have to appreciate it, so don't tell me it's boring. Go out and learn about the game, then watch one, you'll see how great it truly is.