Sunday, January 26, 2014

Stunners in Land Down Under (Australian Open 2014 recap)

There were two new champions in Australia, as the Australian Open 2014 crowned Li Na and Stanislas Wawrinka as the winners of the women's & men's finals. Li Na won her first Australian Open title, by defeating Dominika Cibulkova in two sets. The latter had upset Maria Sharapova, and Agnieszka Radwanska before losing in the finals. Li Na was a finalist (runner-up) in Melbourne twice, before proving that "the third time is the charm." As for the men's side, Wawrinka beat Djokovic (quarterfinals), Berdych (semifinals), and Rafael Nadal in the finals. It is Wawrinka's first grand slam championship, and Li Na's second grand slam victory. Wawrinka will move up to No. 3 in the rankings, and Li Na is No. 3 in the women's side. These matches were great in Melbourne, and RSG is happy that Roger Federer made it back to the semifinals in Melbourne. Roger made the finals in Brisbane also, so he has raised his level of play to start 2014. Keep it up, RF! Hope you like the picture above, and it is Stanislaw Wawrinka in Indian Wells,CA (at BNP Paribas Open). Thankfully, RSG has seen Stanislas play doubles with Roger Federer in 2011 BNP Paribas Open. Two great swiss players, who can be the new "swiss duo."

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Diverse House Party 2014

Last night, G. Ripley attended a fun house party in AZ. The house party was diverse, because there was a person from Vietnamese, french, Indian, American, and Spanish descent. It was a cosmopolitan party, and the hosts were gracious. People watched the New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts game, and ate good food (plus drank some cool alco beverages). After the game ended, people talked and played "catchphrase" game. The party was a great way to start 2014 for me. For 2014, it is about continuing to be diverse in my actions. Next, RSG hopes to make it to a foreign country or new city in the USA. Last year, G. Ripley went to Tampa and New Orleans. Finally, G. Ripley went to the wine country in Temecula Valley, CA to close 2013. Both of those accomplishments made the bucket list. For 2014, G. hopes to make it back to Santa Barbara or Tampa. Hope this year is a great one for all friends! Hope you like the picture of Argentina, and the regions for growing Torrontes wine (white wine from South America). Enjoy the vino!