Out on the Grounds

One quote comes to mind when I look at this photo; "He's a big, dumb animal, isn't he folks?" (Tommy Boy) Yep, that's Andy you see in the photo. Sometimes I wonder to myself why I ever helped him get hired at IDS. Then I wonder how his wonderful wife Pam can live with him day in and day out.

But, then I realize that he was born and raised in State College, PA and is a huge Penn State fan - even when he played football at Bucknell. Maybe he's not so bad.

In the Big House

I'm in the "Big House" today. What I mean to say is that today is my day doing stats on Ashe Stadium Court with Bill Macatee (pictured), Jim Courier and Tracy Austin. I'm actually writing this on my break. I have some fairly boring matches today: Kuznetsova, Jankovic and Djokovic. The Djokovic match should provide maybe a little entertainment.

Ashe stats is usually the worst assignment. One, because it's cramped - sort of like stuffing 7 people in a Chevy Geo. Two, because it's a tad more stressful since you're on headset with the graphics folks, writing hand stats, as well as passing notes to the commentators. Three, because if you screw up the score only a few million people see it. No pressure huh?

Enjoy the matches, I've got to run back to my position.

Unrelenting Tennis

Here was my schedule on Louis Armstrong Stadium today(photo):

Match 1: Ferrer v Vassallo Arguello

Match 2: Zhang v Kuznetsova

Match 3: Roitman v Murray

Match 4: Makarova v Chakvetadze

Match 5: Del Potro v Canas

What does all of that equal? Just shy of 12 hours of tennis, a full bladder and a tired brain. And it's only day number one. I have to admit that I made 4 scoring errors today - which I'm sure drops my ranking on the statisticians ranking list. But with the new stats program I'm not concerned just yet.

I'm hoping tomorrow is a better day for me.

Fastest Serve

Glyn Williams recorded the fastest serve of the day at the IBM Kids Day serve speed competition. The problem is that Glyn is almost 28. Glyn recorded a 101MPH serve during our testing this morning. Note the perfect form and his concentration on the ball. Also notice the "cute" wrist bands he has on. He definitely showed up prepared to break last year's record of 67.

Speaking of kids day, it was an absolute nightmare. Imagine a site full of 5-16 year olds, most of them screaming to the featured band Menudo. Yes, Menudo, the band made up of kids not older than 16. Weren't they popular 20 years ago?

US Open

I finally made it. Ray (see photo on left) and I drove from DC yesterday and arrived in Flushing around 12:30pm. Fortunately, that was just in time to make a run to Mamas - the best sandwich on the planet. Mamas makes their own mozzarella and they layer it on very thick. Along with the fresh meats, the pepper and mushroom mixture the put on is outstanding.

I didn't get any dinner, however, since we were here until 10:30pm. But I did make up for the missed dinner with a full breakfast this morning. I am currently stuffed!

So anyway, qualifying is under way and the main event is approaching. You know it's getting close when you see the kids day stage set up on Stadium Court.

The US Hopeless (as it's affectionately known by IDS'ers) will be another stellar event. Even if we are all worn out and already looking forward to going home. Only two and a half weeks to go for me!