Sampras Book

I thought I'd switch gears and read something fun for the summer. I picked up Sampras book A champion's Mind. Now that his 14 Grand Slam record is broken I was curious to get a glimpse of his life and to learn about the tennis  tour.

I was never a fan of Sampras. Despite being an avid tennis follower, Sampras went under the radar for me. Despite his achievements he lacked the charisma and thrill  (Not to mention being rude to his fans off court).

Reading the book did not change my view of Sampras. But it gave me some appreciation of the tough conditions of being on the tennis tour. There was a lot of insight of his rivalry with Andre Agassi. He talks about his struggles with a mentor, coaches, the media and his health. He shows a lot of respect and admiration to the person who eclipsed his record, Roger Federer. If you are a tennis fan the books makes an interesting read.

Reading War and Peace

It was one year back when I embarked on this literary pursuit. A year later my mission is accomplished and it is worth all the time and effort.

Reflecting on this masterpiece here and now would not do it justice. I just want to mark the end of a journey. I enjoyed every moment along the way. In essence you don't read War and Peace; you live it. It is a reflection of life itself narrated through historical events of Napoleonic era and evolving around the Russian society.

Even though the journey is over, the experience is far from finished, and will continue with the human struggle to find meaning in life.

One for History

Congratulations Roger on record breaking 15th Grand Slam title. It couldn't have come in a better way with an epic final at Wimbledon (where it all started) against Andy Roddick with Pete Sampras (holder of 14 Grand Slam title record) in attendance. Well done to the greatest player in Grand Slam tennis history.

French Victory

 

The ceremonial first tear escaped during the playing of the Swiss national anthem, down his left cheek, followed by more. Finally, the French Open was played Sunday by Roger’s rules, No. 1 being: there is crying in tennis.

Sports of The Times - Open Emotions From Federer - NYTimes.com

Well deserved win for Federer at Roland Garros (French Open). This completes Roger's Grand Slam trophies with the one that eluded him for so long. It is a moment for history tying Pete Sampras's record of 14 Grand Slam titles.

The debate is on again of who is the greatest player to ever play the game. With this victory eyes are on Roger again. Funny how lately he was discounted with his game in decline. The tears that came down his eyes in victory and loss says it all: he is human; we are human; we have our winning moments and losing moments. Today is a winning moment and well deserved one.

Obama’s Speech in Cairo

 

This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they are out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. No matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who hold power: you must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.

Text - Obama’s Speech in Cairo - Text - NYTimes.com

A timely speech from a timeless city as described by Obama. The good thing is that he did not come to preach but to extend a hand with humility. There has been so much mistrust between America and the Muslim world. I though the speech did a wonderful job of presenting a fresh start and hope for new beginning. Such is the change that swept the US and brought about a new leadership; only if we could experience the same through true democracy.

The Winning Moment

 

It was the winner as it turned out. “Honestly, I made it and said voila,” Federer said.

French Open - At the French, the Elephant has left the Room - NYTimes.com

For tennis fans, this year's French  Open is full of surprises. The biggest is the exit of 4 times champion and number 1 ranked Rafael Nadal.  So you would think this would clear the way for the number 2 ranked Roger Federer to capture the one title he is missing. It is not that easy.

When Federer faced Tommy Haas in their fourth round match things didn't exactly go according to plan. Roger lost the first two sets and was facing a break point in the third. And then:

The second-seeded Federer would win, conquering his own evident nerves and Haas’s still-evident talent. But it would require a stirring comeback that began with a bold forehand winner on that break point at 3-4, 30-40 in the third set before the Swiss could close Haas out: 6-7 (4-7), 5-7, 6-4, 6-0, 6-2.

It's a good life lesson when things don't go as you like. You pull yourself together and you make it and voila! Good luck Roger you can make this happen.

Women in Parliament

 

"It's a victory for Kuwaiti women and a victory for Kuwaiti democracy," Ms Awadhi told AFP news agency.

"This is a major leap forward," she said. The right to vote and stand for election to Kuwait's parliament, the oldest in the Gulf, was extended to women in 2005.

BBC NEWS | Middle East | Kuwait votes for first female MPs

A truly festive result. At least in one dimension. Four women make it to parliament in Kuwait for the very first time where no women has made it since gaining their rights in 2005. Congratulations Masooma. Congratulations Aseel. Congratulations Rola. Congratulations Salwa (I am glad my vote counted!). Congratulations to Kuwait for glimpse of hope of a better future with the participation of women.