Tennis

The Wimbledon tennis tournament is firmly underway. This usually means two things to me; dodgy weather and Tim Henman (or Henmania if you're a tennis fan). On the former point it always amazes me that people associate the Wimbledon fortnight with dodgy weather. If you picked any two week period during the summer over the last 30 years you would encounter at least 2-3 days of rain. Inclement weather is all part of the wonderful British summer.
This year Tim is not competing. He retired from tennis at 33. What will the British public do? Ah well, I guess they'll have to switch their devotion to a middle-class Scottish player called Andy Murray.

I like watching the odd game of tennis. My favourite ever player is Steffi Graf. She was so good to watch on court. "Skills to pay the bills" as they say and one of the most physically fit womens players of all-time. Her sliced-backhand is my favourite stroke of any player. A true legend.

The last bit of tennis I saw was on June 7th this year. I remember it well. I was in a bar in Saint Omer in France watching the final of the womens French Open. I was in the bar hoping to see the South Africa v Wales rugby game which was due on later. I caught the last thirty minutes of the match. That Ivanovic girl was making a good impression on me. She was easily the best player. I'd heard the name Ana Ivanovic before but had never seen her play. I was pleased when she won. I enjoyed her celebrations, climbing into the stand to reach her coach and parents. Always a dangerous thing to do but she managed that gracefully as well.
It was only later that I found out that it was Ivanovic's first Major win. As I was in France when she won she's become my favourite player now, notwithstanding she's beautiful as well. I think she will win Wimbledon this year.

I never did get to see that Wales rugby match. Probably for the best.

Alesha: My favourite Strictly Dance

From Strictly Come Dancing. Series 5. Week 4.

Alesha and Matt dance the American Smooth. Everything is just perfect about this performance. The music goes with it so well. I never tire of watching this.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing/video/index.shtml?week=10&video=1

Thoughts on E.R. series 13

Was Season 13 better than season 12? Yes. Very much so.I enjoyed this season, and I’m sure most ER fans will agree. For me, the development of Morris and Sam has been key to its success this season.Do you remember when Carter left and he spoke that legendary line to Morris : “You set the tone”.Well Morris is finally fulfilling his potential. He’s not the finished article yet, but boy has his character grown this season. (Top Kudos to the writers).

Sam has been the revelation of the season. Since becoming the killer of her husband and Alex’s father she seems a better person. (tragic and ironic). She’s developed stronger working relationships and is slowly discovering how to be a better mother to her son.

On the downside Neela, and new to this season, Dr Gates have been disappointing. This has been Neela’s worst season. Her presence and development as a surgical resident has been negligible. Its all been about the Gates/Ray love triangle. And wouldn’t you know it she chose the wrong bloke, until she finally came to her senses. A shame for Ray it was a bit too late.

Gates has been a major character this season. The writers have certainly given him enough screen time; he’s a main cast member now. His personality and storylines have done him no favours, elevating him to “bete noire” status.
I have no problems liking and empathising for a “bad” guy, my beef is with the actor John Stamos, not the character Gates. Stamos is just plain unlikeable and seems to be devoid of charisma. How many scenes has he done with Sarah where were supposed to believe he’s kind and caring? None of them have been convincing. I’ve watched a whole season of John Stamos waiting for just one spark of charisma, a twinkle in the eye, a killer smile, but sadly nothing came. His acting style is one-dimensional and that really worries me. We’re going to see more of Gates next season and Stamos’ acting is holding back a potentially great character.

Thirteen favourite moments of the Season (in no particular order)

• Ray catches Gates and Neela kissing in the hospital. The look on Ray’s face; priceless. [Jigsaw]
• Morris steps upto the plate with a difficult diagnosis. The D.I.D. patient. [Jigsaw]
• Abby listens in on the nannies talking in the park. [Parenthood]
• The Police investigate Pratt for suspicion of running an illegal clinic. Pratt replies “Isn’t one of you supposed to be the good cop?”
• Morris and Hope sing their socks off and give a rousing version of “Don’t go breaking my Heart” [I don’t]
• Abby returns home to find a stranger (Ames) sitting in her front room. Truly chilling.
• Its Christmas time. Hope asks Morris out, but he gallantly turns her down to remain friends for the time being. Playing the Long Game can work sometimes. Nice one Archie. [City of Mercy]
• Ray vs 18 Wheeler. Possibly the most important moment of the season. Shocking to the core. And in the context of the most upbeat episodes for years , true genius on the writers behalf. [I don’t]
• Morris vs Crenshaw. Archie squares upto the bullying egotist and shoots him down with a stinging verbal assault. Crenshaw was never the same again.
• The mysterious drinker in Ikes turns out to be Abby’s father. The writers were clearly foreshadowing this character for next season.• Sam takes care of a patient. Diana, the photographer, reveals “I don’t have any friends”. A heartfelt moment. Magic. Annabella Sciorra, the actress who played Diana was just great. Best cameo of the season by a long way. [Lights out]
• Dr Morretti is in the I.C.U. surveying his domain. As the viewer, I’ve got Ray on my mind….could he be mashed to a pulp fighting for his life in the very same ICU? The tension in those ICU scenes was immense. Clever, clever writing. [Sea Change]
• Its Sam’s birthday. Alex is many miles away getting help at a special school. She’s having a great time in the bar with her friends from work. Its almost the perfect birthday. Then she gets a phone call from Alex. A very subtle moment, but so powerful. Heart warming.

I’m hopeful Season 14 will better again. Well done everyone at ER.

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This was originally posted at: http://community.channel4.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9086031851/m/7700043258 ]

I can use a camera

My slowly expanding gallery on flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26338079@N08/

Facebook of course:

http://www.facebook.com/srch.php?nm=michael+edward+grant