Just gun it

I was traveling on Sunday when the glorious U.S. Women’s Open final went down. So I missed it. I missed the whole thing. I missed the forehands and backhands and volleys and serves. But mostly, I missed the arm porn. So much arm porn. The match between Australian Samantha Stosur and American Serena Williams featured the most impressive gun show outside or an NRA convention – and considerably more sexy. So, such an awesome display of muscley goodness deserves its own post. While I can’t turn back time to watch the match, I sure can make up for lost time. Welcome to the gun show, kittens. Pick your favorite weapon: Sam or Serena?

Forehands
Backhands
Serves
Overheads
Two-Handed
Agony/Ecstasy
Victory Celebration
Everyone’s A WinnerReally, with a display like this I think we all took home a trophy.

Rafael Nadal Blasts U.S. Open Officials For Playing In Rain

Rafael Nadal, the defending  U.S. Open champion and the No. 2 ranked player in the world, ripped U.S. Open officials, after spending 15 minutes on a soggy Arthur Ashe Stadium court Wednesday afternoon, for putting money ahead of player's safety.

Nadal, who was last seen cramping up at a press conference Sunday,  could have been accused of having a Midol moment, but was later joined by Andy Roddick and Andy Murray in voicing their umbrage at tournament referee Brian Earley for allowing matches to be played on a rain-slicked surface.

"It's the same old story.  All you think about is money," Nadal could be heard telling Earley while the tennis player exited the court and the referee checked the surface to see if it was still playable.

Nadal's fourth-round match was suspended after he fell behind 3-0 to Gilles Muller.

Nadal insisted the match, which was started in a misty rain, should not have even started.  A heavier rain followed and the court got slippery and the ball got heavier.

What does Earley think this is...a Yankees-Orioles game?  Why not start the matches at 11 p.m. while you're at it.

"We want to feel good when we are playing the tournament," said Nadal.  "For sure we  cannot accept these things.  I work all my life hard to be playing...We have to fight to have  the power to say we don't want to go on the court when it's raining.  I think it's not fair."

Yesterday, the tournament postponed 54 matches due to the heavy rain and officials were eager to resume play.  If the Open goes an extra day, it would be the fourth year in-a-row the tournament has finished on a Monday.

The USTA issued a statement Wednesday afternoon explaining its decision to play in the inclement weather.

"All parties, including the players and tournament, want to get the U.S. Open back on schedule.  As of 12 noon today, the best information available to us indicated the chance of a two-hour window without rain.  Unfortunately, not all light rain and mist shows up on radar.  We have experienced referees, and they decide if courts are fit to play.  Conditions may not be ideal, but can still be safe.  However, if a player or players feel that conditions are unsafe, we listen to them, as we always done, and the referee uses that information as part of his/her assessment on whether to continue or halt play."

Nadal seems to think player's safety takes a back seat to television revenue.

In an interview with ESPN 2, Nadal said, "We're not feeling protected (by) the tournament.  I understand they need to put tennis on TV.  I understand the business side of it.  First and foremost, I think the players need to feel comfortable and safe."

Serena Williams tweeted her support for Nadal via Twitter.  "Preach @RafaelNadal preach."

In the 1999 Open, Mary Joe Fernandez injured her knee against Venus Williams after slipping on a wet court.  Fernandez won the first set, 6-2, but lost the next two, 6-1, 6-0.

Nadal better get used to it.  The forecast calls for rain through Saturday.

Naked Lady Monday: Bees Knees

The knee gets so little credit in the human anatomy. They’re knobby or knocked, and occasionally we’ve been known to go weak at them. But what they really are, when placed correctly with its constant companion the thigh, is a mighty protector of a lady’s virtue. Or, looking at it from another angle, an obstacle to overcome when seeking to passionately plunder said virtue. Still, whether clutched or crossed, the humble knee should be appreciated for its ability to spark our interest and stoke the imagination. And, of course, a swift knee to almost any other part of the anatomy has the ability to render another person immediately immobile. So, bottom line, knees – respect.

Cate BlanchettJust in case her knees weren’t modest enough, she’s got a full-body hose backup.

Angelina JolieBed head is almost always an instant knee weakener.

Kate HudsonWhen the humble knee is not enough, a book will help in a pinch. But, just make sure it’s a hardcover. A trade paperback won’t cover squat.

Marion CotillardIt probably would have just been easier to button her coat. Easier, but not more enjoyable.

Anna FrielGod, I miss “Pushing Daisies.”

Serena WilliamsI’ve seen how she fills out her tennis uniforms; there’s no way one knee would have sufficed.

Naomi WattsWorks backwards, too.

Lea MicheleWhen the “Glee” kids are doing it, you know it’s a trend.

Olivia WildeOver the weekend I caught a “House” rerun and then rewatched “When Night is Falling.” Let me tell you, that made for some very, very acrobatic dreams involving the lovely Ms. Wilde. Hello, wobbly knees.