Man Wakes Up From 11 Year Coma, Can’t Believe Roger Federer Is Still Competing For Grand Slams!

On December 12, 2004 Federer had 4 slam titles.

Either way this is pretty tragic. 19 years old and he lost 11 years of his life. Glad he’s okay now.

September 22nd, 2015 at 10:01 am

Tennis X is on it, Thanks!..Posted this guy on another thread.
—
Fed had 4 Slams already by 2004? And he is #2 in the world in 2015. The guys longevity at this high a level is amazing to say the least.

September 22nd, 2015 at 11:01 am

Amazing longevity by Roger who’s slam wins have spanned nine years, tied with Connors and two behind Agassi. If he wins another, he will pass Sampras’ record span of slam longevity.

Sampras’ slam wins spanned a record 12 years by comparison.

September 22nd, 2015 at 11:10 am

Glad the guy is okay and can enjoy Fed’s later success.

September 22nd, 2015 at 11:13 am

jesus wakes! (sorry couldn’t resist…). good that he is on the mend, but a sad story indeed.

now he can catch up on some tennis matches. :D

September 22nd, 2015 at 11:13 am

That guy was a life member at this forum.

I have to say, I wish I had fans like that.

September 22nd, 2015 at 11:15 am

Lindsay Gibbs of The Changeover started tweeting/retweeting what would happen if something similar happened to fans of other players:

Blue Clay Tennis @BlueClayTennis
“Isner fan awakes from 100-year coma, is unsurprised to see Wimbledon match still in the 5th set.”

Lindsay Gibbs @linzsports
“Jo-Wilfried Tsonga fan awakes from 9-year coma to find Tsonga still infuriatingly inconsistent, saying dumb things.”

Lindsay Gibbs @linzsports
Let’s apply the Fed story to other fanbases. “Andy Murray fan awakes from 7-year coma to find Murray still cursing himself, grimacing.”

Ang @4AllSurfaces
“Rafael Nadal fan wakes up from 10 year coma finds out he still hasn’t found wedgie proof underwear”

Rick Nashtag @PopsTwitTar
“Rafael Nadal fan awakes from 3 year coma, surprised to find Nadal still has hair”

——-
And some of my own…

Tommy Haas fan wakes from 15-year coma; finds out that Tommy hasn’t retired yet but is still injured

David Goffin fan wakes up from 20-year coma, surprised that Goffin still looks like he’s 16.

Andy Murray fan wakes from 10 year coma, surprised to learn that despite winning 3 more Wimbledons, 3 Aussie Opens, 2 more US Opens, 1 French Open, and 2 Davis Cups, Murray is still considered Scottish and not British.

September 22nd, 2015 at 11:35 am

WOW!!
I am so glad that no one gives hope on him and he is fine now.
I have heard stories of other comatose patients who ended up dead for their families gave up hope on them.
Now I hope they will never give up hope again.

September 22nd, 2015 at 12:41 pm

Apparently the Weak Era put him in that coma to begin with.

(Sorry I couldn’t resist.)

September 22nd, 2015 at 3:51 pm

“Ang @4AllSurfaces
“Rafael Nadal fan wakes up from 10 year coma finds out he still hasn’t found wedgie proof underwear”

Now THAT was classic! LOL.

September 22nd, 2015 at 4:25 pm

Sorry, but I’ve heard a lot of skepticism by other tennis journalists as to the validity of this story

September 22nd, 2015 at 4:54 pm

@Emily,
Thank you for the post, that was what I was talking about on the other thread.

September 22nd, 2015 at 5:57 pm

Do you have a link to specify the skepticism, Emily?

Here is the story in Spanish, which gives more details and I tend to believe.

http://www.puntodebreak.com/2015/09/21/quien-podia-imaginar-volveria-viaje

September 22nd, 2015 at 7:13 pm

Nevermind, Emily.

Think I found where the skepticism comes from. It’s in the comment section found below the article. Google Translated:

“Sigrid,
Assuming that this story is false, as I think like you, there are still many possibilities:
1) that Jesus is a fraud and has deceived PdB. These things happen even to good journalists.
2) PdB has learned that story out there (in a forum?) And decided to publish it without checking too. A newspaper is missing, but it is not morally wrong.
3) It is a story of JM Gutierrez Moron, who has spent her clarification. It is an error that can occur. And it’s okay to write fiction about tennis and personal dramas! I pity you decide that you can not write this or that subject because you have had the painful experience. Write stories he has every right to invent and use dramatic situations, or else soda would imagine that literature and cinema …
4) PdB a story that attempts to pocket as real, not to know what reason is invented. Wrong, wrong and wrong. It would be time to rectify.”

Mind you none of the skeptics in the comment section provide links to verify where the skepticism comes from and for all we know they could well be as anti-federer as many here and all over so… It’s up for grabs what to believe.

September 22nd, 2015 at 7:29 pm

lol…

Comment sections are inevitably as interesting as the article by Jose Moron.

There are those who also liked it. For example:

“Exciting story. Q joy and will of his family, particularly his mother. Fabulous q life has given him a second chance. Q To see only one thing remained the same Federer and his family.”

September 22nd, 2015 at 7:49 pm

To declare people anti Federer just because they don’t trust everything that is in the papers is a bit unfair.
That is same as declaring people who don’t trust CNN news anti American.
That’s ok, in both case I am happy to wear both, anti Federer and anti American, since I don’t trust neither papers nor CNN, if that is criteria.

September 22nd, 2015 at 8:04 pm

Wog Boy

And you think I trust CNN or any news outlet here?

Anti-Federer is your choice – of course.

On the other thread I was referring to CF1’s post not yours.

Anyway I even have problems with RT.com because Putin has gone sideways. Back in 2011, I still gave that Russian outlet more credibility than Al Jezeera. French TV and Free speech TV is what I go to but even then I question everything.

September 22nd, 2015 at 8:12 pm

It’s kind of a bittersweet story. It’s sad the guy lost 11 years of his life to the coma but it’s also cute how he’s still able to see his idol play at the top. I’m sure he’ll be delighted to discover who Nadal and Djokovic are and see the epic matches they (as well as Roger) have played in the last decade.

September 22nd, 2015 at 8:19 pm

I too, don’t think the story is to believed. Just seems strange to me.

elina Says:
Amazing longevity by Roger who’s slam wins have spanned nine years, tied with Connors and two behind Agassi. If he wins another, he will pass Sampras’ record span of slam longevity.

Sampras’ slam wins spanned a record 12 years by comparison.

September 22nd, 2015 at 11:10 am

Isn’t it better that Fed achieved what he did but in a shorter time span? (in fact he has), so not quite getting this elina.

September 22nd, 2015 at 8:19 pm

Another thing we disagree, Putin has gone sideways because he doesn’t bend over to the West the way that drunken idiot Boris Yeltzin was doing, I admire him for bringing pride back to Russian people and is looking after interest of his country.

September 22nd, 2015 at 8:22 pm

No, I liked the Putin who doesn’t bend over to the west. I just think he’s turned too corrupt to trust. Before the end of 2011 where I actually went was RT.com for news.

I detect the screws have tightened on the new there …on RT.com. Seems more ‘canned news’ to me than edgy like CNN used to be in the 80’s and part way through the 90’s. Now it’s all canned news in the US except for Free Speech News with is not financed by the usual corrupt media moguls.

September 22nd, 2015 at 8:27 pm

jalep, it was never secret that RT is financed by Russian government, as you can hear in the link I’ll give, but they are far more objective and truthful than CNN and mind, majority of the staff are Americans. Now have a look at this video and RT’s Anissa Naouai (an American) answers to (CNN) Christiane Amanpour, it is worth listening:

http://youtu.be/g1SUQ1qtdb0

September 22nd, 2015 at 8:40 pm

^^ “and mind you”

September 22nd, 2015 at 8:41 pm

Aaron Brown is who I trust but I don’t know where he’s gone, Wog Boy.

Brown left RT.com. Aaron was fired from CNN because he went rogue on the canned script. Hardly anything was said about it but I knew why he disappeared. Some years later he turns up on RT.com 2009 or 20010? Anyway was sighing with relief.

Chritian Amanpour is okay…not as anti-establishment as Brown but she was reporting for CNN for too long perhaps for my taste.

September 22nd, 2015 at 8:47 pm

Okay, I’ve heard Anissa and do like her but RT.com is sponsored by the Russian government which in the last couple years I’ve lost the confidence in that I had. Anything government funded I have to question. Still occasionally check what’s going on on RT.com but I noticed a change there.

Perhaps I’m hyper-alert to canned news because it’s slammed on us here. All I tune into is local news and that’s for the weather and local issues.

World issues – tend to go to French TV. National and political I go to Free Speech TV to which I donate. It only remains in existence on donations. No commercials, no big money sponsors – Even Public TV here has huge corporate sponsors and funded by the wealthy – it’s turned too much like ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, ect. In my car I have NPR on and it’s okay – more in-depth about refugee crisis and world news.

September 22nd, 2015 at 9:04 pm

@dear jalep,

Unfortunately, although it’s not pleasant to hear, but you really should listen to WB here.

And, btw, don’t believe anything you read or hear about Vladimir Poutine, who is an exceptional statesman. For my part, I believe that Poutine instead of Hollande would be a blessing for France, and that he is the rightful successor of De Gaulle.

September 22nd, 2015 at 9:17 pm

Et tu serais vraiment naïve de faire confiance à la télévision française, qui est sous le contrôle des grandes banques et de la CIA, tout comme les médias allemands, et on vient seulement d’apprendre l’ampleur de cette emprise dans un livre choc récemment paru.

September 22nd, 2015 at 9:23 pm

A blog for you:

les-crises.fr

It’s palatable and trustworthy.

September 22nd, 2015 at 9:25 pm

Did you read my posts mat4. Wog Boy is not telling me anything new.

It’s been clear to me not to trust what I read or listen to since as far back as my memory goes. Then world events only solidify the need to question over time. Went to Seattle to protest Bush taking us to war in 2003.

I suppose French TV is French government funded as well…I question it too. Just flip flop between it some Al Jazeera, occasionally RT.com.

Cycling News has a world politics forum there and I read it weekly because there are a lot of contributors there who speak Russian, are from Poland, and European countries that I like – and they provide links for verification.

September 22nd, 2015 at 9:28 pm

Ok, here’s a link on the story that explains why one might have reservations:
http://opencourt.ca/the-anatomy-of-a-viral-internet-tennis-story/

If people accuse me of just being anti-Federer, i took the story at face value at first and then Ben Rothenberg (NYT writer) expressed his disbelief and I thought about it a bit more. I don’t think it’s a huge deal, maybe it’s true, and while I’ll be above board and say I don’t worship at the altar of Federer, I also don’t like being conned. NBD

September 22nd, 2015 at 9:29 pm

Thanks, mat4. Guessed French TV wasn’t exactly free speech but didn’t know that…

Barely had to use google for your post @ 9:23 pm.

Will check out the site you posted. Appreciate it.

September 22nd, 2015 at 9:34 pm

” I believe that Poutine instead of Hollande”

all i can think of is french fries with gravy & cheese curds OR eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce…

i guess i should eat…?

September 22nd, 2015 at 9:39 pm

@jalep:

Yes, I did, and the only thing I misread is that you like A.N. (I read: “i don’t like her”). I don’t see what’s there not to trust — RT is quite balanced, and nothing has changed in the last few years except the world crisis, which is in a very dangerous phase. But you can’t say that on TV.

September 22nd, 2015 at 9:45 pm

@jane:

Have mercy! I’m trying to lose weight!

@jalep:

Why do I believe that you understand French without Google?

September 22nd, 2015 at 9:49 pm

Emily

Open Court = awesome. Love Stephanie Myles.

Mat4 – Free speech TV is good here. I like Thom Hartmann and many other new programs it has. Trust the outlet more than anywhere except for world news. Let me try harder here: I’ve curbed my enthusiasm for RT.com, not dispensed with it entirely.

Je suis sur que les anti-américain qu’il obtient. tout simplement pas comme anti-Federer comme vous et WB

September 22nd, 2015 at 9:56 pm

Okiegal woke up from a 3 yr coma to find out that the head to head between Rafa and Roger was 43-10..
Rafa still on top….however, Rafa still had wedgie problem and bald as Andre but Andre came to his rescue and loaned him his wig……He tried other underwear makers and couldn’t find one that would take care of his problem, so he quit wearing any at all, problem solved!! Hee Hee

September 22nd, 2015 at 10:00 pm

@jalep:

Ok, you made your point, you definitely use gtrans.

But I am not anti-Federer: I am anti-Nadal, although I tend to forgive him everything when he loses, and I don’t like Murray, because he beat Novak twice in slam finals, otherwise I would find him quite charming.

Then, I thought you were American.

WB is not anti-Federer, he’s anti-Skeezer. But, who knows, it could one and the same person.

September 22nd, 2015 at 10:24 pm

WB imho is more a closet antiFed, not so different in style than than a elina type. Anti skeezer? Never known one poster here who has claimed that. He is loved by all, no? ;)
—
Regarding posters claiming Fed is worshipped like a God, the Fed church, etc, etc. This is hilarious and always makes me laugh. I have seen no claim from any fan of Fed. Where this really come from is anti Fed fans, posting it over and over. It’s easy to see furthermore it comes from just being jealous/envious of a super talented, blessed tennis player. Its. All hype to try and create a “religious cult” that does not exist. What it is is just that, tennis fans appreciating and admiring the best player who ever picked up a tennis racquet. No prayers necessary.

September 22nd, 2015 at 10:40 pm

mat4,
I am not anti-skeezer we just disagree every now and then, I am trying to keep my promise to you, one that I gave you sometimes ago.
I am not even anti-Giles, I love shim, such a knowledgeable and nice poster who respects other players and doesn’t know the meaning of the word “hate”..

September 22nd, 2015 at 10:41 pm

It’s sad, mat4. I can’t write at all in French other than some expressions, sil vous plais. mais ouis, can read French depending on if it’s kept simple. Lets say – can get a decent idea if I need to pursue the post, article further with help from g-trans.

Born and raised in the USA, mat4. But not blind to the atrocities. Then again, where is Utopia? When I traveled to Greece in 2004, the anti-American feeling was palpable around me on a couple islands where I visited.
________________

Okiegal I can see you are in good spirits. Hope you have answers soon, if not already.

September 22nd, 2015 at 10:43 pm

You see mat4, you try to be nice and stay away from certain posters but they don’t stay away from you, they love nipping like a cattle dogs, that is in their nature so let them enjoy nipping, toothless nipping..

September 22nd, 2015 at 10:47 pm

@Jalep….just trying a little humor, but things are no better. Got a bad report from last tests…MRI and MRC…. we see the oncologist tomorrow…..I’m so scared…..You always dread going to the Dr for what they might say. I’m hurting deep in my gut..it’s a weird feeling….a sinking feeling…..what will kill me is to see a once robust strong man wither away…….I’m so sad for him…..Love him so very much….

September 22nd, 2015 at 10:52 pm

Okiegal, don’t expect you to go into it here but did they stage the cancer yet? yes or no?

Am a non-religious type but have kept you and Okieguy in thoughts and prayers.

September 22nd, 2015 at 10:56 pm

skeezer, i don’t mean to undermine what you’ve said, however, when i read your post i remembered i piece i read earlier this year by a fan of roger’s that compares his own devotion to a religion. definitely not anti-fed but does use those ideas you mention:

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/the-cult-of-roger-federer-what-is-it-that-inspires-such-obsessive-devotion-10277255.html

and the article mentions foster-wallace who is the one that maybe started the whole idea?

the bbc also did a piece, i’ll see if i can find the link.

September 22nd, 2015 at 10:58 pm

here’s the bbc one: it focuses on “fed heads” not really the so-called “religious” aspect…

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/33418784

September 22nd, 2015 at 11:02 pm

David Foster Wallace, rip, died in 2008, was a Federer Fan, jane.

But the example of his genius writing I’m familiar with was one of his short stories published in the New Yorker or another magazine years ago. Short story was an account of his ridiculous vacation on a Cruise Ship in the Caribbean – loved it. Have not read Infinite Jest but if I see it cheap, I’ll buy it.

September 22nd, 2015 at 11:12 pm

jane,
Thanks for the link, but I have to respond to that(10:58). First of all, if your read it astutely, these are books they are referring to with opinions to sell them. As an example ;
“David Foster Wallace was among the first to diagnose the phenomenon, in his 2006 essay “Federer as Religious Experience”.”
This is a subjective analysis by someone who is wants to get noticed by their writing. Its really just an imo. He assumes his summarizations. Really, does anyone claim they pray to Fed and think he is God?
The only thing that makes honest sense by this writer is the ending;
“So – can I say for certain whether Federer is the greatest player of all time? No, I can’t. But do I believe him to be the best? Yes, emphatically. “

September 22nd, 2015 at 11:16 pm

After re reading it jane, I think it could also be interpreted as a writing as love and admiration for Fed the tennis player, so scratch that. And sorry to hearhe had passed, it was well written, agree or not.
Just don’t buy in that the majority if Fed fans are thinkin this guy is a God of some type. This idea has always been more from anti Feds. The guy is human, just a great tennis player.

September 22nd, 2015 at 11:23 pm

Is this the website you mean, mat4?
http://www.les-crises.fr/

September 22nd, 2015 at 11:30 pm

skeezer, i got the impression he (independent piece) adopts the language of religion/devotion just to capture his experience with other fans of rogers. but it seems like he’s a tennis fan who loves fed. the bbc piece focuses more on fed fans who will not watch tennis when fed retires. just shows that in some cases the “religious experience” language is used by devoted fans. i still wonder if foster wallace might’ve started it all with that famous essay, but fed fans would know more about where it originated.

September 22nd, 2015 at 11:32 pm

jalep, yes, i know dfw was a huge fed fan and a great writer i thought. you and i talked about that other piece once before! i looked it up back then. have you seen the biopic out now? the end of the tour or something? i think i’ll wait until it’s on netflix… too bad he decided to end it all.

September 22nd, 2015 at 11:37 pm

@Jalep….no not yet..so frustrating….

September 22nd, 2015 at 11:56 pm

“French fries with gravy and cheese curds.” OMG I’ve read some outrageous stuff on here but that….why that quite takes….the biscuit. ;)
@OK
Thinking about you.
@jalep
Can also get Al Jazeera but also a news/magazine prog based in Paris but in English, which I listen to, as not so UK centric. Also have splendid Guido Fawkes, he is a great antedote to Fox.
But no, believe about a zillionth of what I read/hear.

September 23rd, 2015 at 1:11 am

Fan wakes up after 10 years in coma and finds Rafa and Fed fans still arguing like immature kids on tennis-x.com

September 23rd, 2015 at 1:59 am

@jalep:

Yes, it is. It’s moderate but good. I prefer Investig’action, the blog of Pierre Jovanovic, then Stratpol is excellent too, and many others.

About popularity: it’s not that bad, but the US are an empire, and act like one. Without mercy.

Anyway, we all know that Western democracy is a farce, and that our countries are controlled by financial capital. So, when I read that Poutine is a dictator, LOL…

About Fed… I guess he plays a beautiful game, but I also like a Murray when he is aggressive, and combines defensive slices, offensive returns and net game; I enjoy watching Djokovic mixing his shots, playing deep, defending then counter-attacking; I like Robredo’s game, when you always know what he will do next, or Tsonga when he’s at his best, when he’s spectacular.

JMac was also spectacular, just gliding on the court, playing semi-volleys with a wooden racquet with so much lazy easiness… and then, Wilander, playing mind games against Lendl — their USO final was such a great match…

So, yes, I am an anti-Giles, an anti-Sienna, who believe that everything started with their favs. There’s so much more about tennis.

September 23rd, 2015 at 2:12 am

To be an immature kid is so refreshing…

September 23rd, 2015 at 2:13 am

@Okie:

I pray for you, but, like I said, you will have to be brave.

September 23rd, 2015 at 2:14 am

poutine margot, poutine!

September 23rd, 2015 at 2:20 am

hang in, okie…best wishes.

September 23rd, 2015 at 2:21 am

Will have to google that jane. Thought “poutine” was that Russian bloke matt keeps referencing…;)

September 23rd, 2015 at 2:30 am

he has a lot of nadal vs federer matches to enjoy.

September 23rd, 2015 at 8:08 am

@Margot
@Mat4
@Jane

I’m trying very had to be as upbeat as possible, but my spirit is sinking. When I think of what’s in store for the future I actually get nauseous. But I do want to express how I appreciate your concerns.
A BIG THANKS!!

September 23rd, 2015 at 8:34 am

`I admire him for bringing pride back to Russian people and is looking after interest of his country.`

`Pride` doesn’t pay the bills, however..
Putin is a dictator and a kleptocrat worth some 200 billion dollars
Fine, he is popular with the Russian people (but still chooses to rig elections, nice) because these kind of leaders are all they have ever known,
He has also, without a doubt, failed to diversify & improve the Russian economy (it’s now nothing more than an over-sized petrol station and with oil prices plummeting), and instead he and his cronies have sucked it dry and turned it into a kleptocracy.
There will be reckoning at some point if he decides to hang around long enough…

September 23rd, 2015 at 8:34 am

CDP,
Where did you get that from, are you his personal secretary or maybe from objective western press? He doesn’t need to rig election, that is the most stupid statement, he is so popular with n Russia (and wider). You just posted a load of crap, brainwashed crap.

September 23rd, 2015 at 8:41 am

Brainwashed crap eh?
Yeah right, he’s a glorious leader blah, blah & blah;
http://gawker.com/5864945/putin-clings-to-victory-as-russias-voter-turnout-exceeds-146
It’s NOT crap that Russia’s economy IS crap and in the toilet;
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a4b9944c-3f77-11e5-b98b-87c7270955cf.html#axzz3mZcMjwAt
This dude has actually assassinated dissidents in foreign countries i.e. MY COUNTRY using radio-active materials that could have killed many others.
Russia is run by a bunch of thieving scumbags.
Nobody wants to invest in Russia, it’s a pit and it is going DOWN!

September 23rd, 2015 at 11:05 am

This, this, this…from the commentary beneath the first article cdp posted:

“Voting irregularities? What happened in Florida in 2000 and Ohio in 2004 was just as bad, and as we speak, the GOP is systematically trying to deny voting rights for tens of millions of (mostly Democratic Party) voters. Higher-tech and legalized voter fraud is still voter fraud and the disenfranchisement is just as bad.

The same two people will be leading the Russian Federation for 25 years and it’s inching closer to a monarchy/dictatorship? A Bush or a Clinton has had a major role in American government for the last 30 years.

Russia is responsible for war crimes in Chechnya? I don’t even know where to begin, but let’s start with an illegal war in Iraq leading to a million dead Iraqis, the execution of its own citizens without trial, and drone strikes that are responsible for thousands of deaths.

You know what? He’s not wrong. Although I think the conclusion to draw here is the BOTH countries are messed up, I really think we should recognize that we’re not exactly viewing Russia from atop the moral high ground.”

September 23rd, 2015 at 11:39 am

Okiegal

I have been thinking of you a great deal and wanted to ask how you were and whether there was news of your hubbie – but I didn’t want to send a message out of the blue – now I see your comments – I’m feeling very sorrowful for you – I’m hoping this moment is the lowest point you will reach – that the medical news will include a strong strand of hope for both of you to hold on to and use as the beginning of remission and to complete recovery.

September 23rd, 2015 at 11:42 am

cdp, the second link you posted blocked me from viewing it unless I join and pay a fee.

Information is no longer accessible over the internet from my country like it used to be. Free the interwebs!

September 23rd, 2015 at 12:00 pm

So where are you posting from Jalep,
Russia?
hehe
I’m not siding wholeheartedly with our corporatist/bank controlled `democracies` either Jalep, it’s not an `either or` situation (although I know they are still better than Russia in just about every way).
Very into politics so that means I view the lot of em with a critical eye.
Speaking of, I know lots of rich Russians here in London and my assessment of most of them is…

bleuch!

September 23rd, 2015 at 12:36 pm

Its become a petrol station, little more.
Here’s the info from the FT;

`Russia’s economy contracted by 4.6 per cent in the second quarter compared with the same period in 2014, the largest drop in six years, marking the country’s first recession since the financial crisis in 2009.
The Federal Statistics Office did not offer any details with its first estimate, but analysts said the preliminary figure was likely to be revised downward as sectoral statistics — which includes retail sales, industrial production and household incomes — pointed to an even steeper drop in real terms.
The 4.6 per cent contraction was slightly worse than analysts’ consensus estimate. Economists warned that the renewed slide in oil prices, which has pushed the rouble lower, would make a quick recovery even more unlikely.
The figure comes after the first quarter of this year when the economy contracted by a relatively mild 2.2 per cent. Until June, the Russian government had been assuring the public that the worst of the current crisis was over as the rouble stabilised after undergoing a severe depreciation at the end of last year.
But the first drop in real incomes during president Vladimir Putin’s 15 years in power, which came about in December 2014, has proved a profound obstacle to overcome.
According to figures published last month, the slide in consumer spending deepened in the second quarter with retail sales falling by 9.4 per cent in June. Growth in the industrial sector, which had been flat in the first three months of the year, also dropped by almost 5 per cent in the second quarter.
“With oil prices having fallen further over the past few months it remains too soon to speak about a recovery,” said Liza Ermolenko, an analyst with Capital Economics.
Economic growth already slowed to a crawl last year due to a long-running investment dearth. The blow dealt by the oil price drop was worsened by western sanctions imposed over Russia’s role in the Ukraine conflict, which blocks many Russian companies and banks from borrowing abroad.
Fears that this squeeze would trigger a broader systemic crisis receded when the rouble stabilised around 50 to the US dollar this spring after a steep fall. It has since depreciated to 64 to the US dollar — raising fresh concerns.
“This is by far the most severe crisis Russia has experienced, even if you compare it to 1998 and 2008, and we have not seen the worst yet,” said Irene Shvakman, director at McKinsey in Moscow. “The banking sector may turn out to be the weak link.”
Since last summer, the Russian government had promoted import substitution, hoping that the weak rouble would make it competitive again to manufacture goods which Russia has largely imported since the collapse of the Soviet Union. But analysts said the contraction in industrial production showed that any such positive effect had been shortlived..`

Anyway maybe this isn’t the right board for this kind of discussion.

September 23rd, 2015 at 12:38 pm

If Russia is such a wonderful country why are journalists, critical of the state/foreign policy etc., being murdered right left and centre?
Russia committed genocide in Chechnya and was laying waste Afganistan long before the Americans arrived.
I’m no apologist for American/British foreign policy BTW. It’s been an unmitigated disaster actually , but come on.
@jane
googled “poutine”…hmmmm seems like a dish only lumberjacks should be scoffing…;)
@OK
Take care darling. Huge internet hugs coming your way.

September 23rd, 2015 at 12:59 pm

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/22/eu-governments-divisive-quotas-deal-share-120000-refugees#comment-60050090

Not exactly helping resolve the conflict in Syria either. And, before anyone rubbishes the UN, it’s all we’ve got.

September 23rd, 2015 at 1:19 pm

Thank goodness for people like CDP on these comments sections to actually provide fact-based opinions. While I agree, some Western media has not been balanced in its opposition to Putin, there are lots of non-corporate controlled media and research groups that can clearly document the embezzlement and corruption under his rule. Forget the human rights abuses and rule of law going out the window. Mr. Putin is a menace to rule of law and justice around the world. Thanks again CDP!!!

September 23rd, 2015 at 1:20 pm

You’re surely welcome DtM!

And speaking of non corporate media controlled research institutes, old Vlad FINALLY made the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project’s (OCCRP) Man of the Year!
CONGRATS!
Wow, What an honour;https://www.occrp.org/personoftheyear/2014/

:)

September 23rd, 2015 at 1:41 pm

It is sad to see people defending Vladimir Putin. In doing so, it is spitting on the graves of Russian democratic reformers such as Anna Politkovskaya, Alexander Litvinenko and Boris Nemtsov, not to mention innocent civilians killed in Russia and around the world. Also those Russians who gave up their freedom such as Pussy Riot and Mikhail Khodorkovsky. I know some people don’t agree with the Western media or the U.S. government – they have done some terrible things, but at least they have way more checks and balances to be caught when they act against the public interest. What Putin is doing is on a scale so far beyond that it is awful for people to try to defend that. There are lots of other leaders who don’t don’t bend to the West, but to point to a war criminal like Putin is justifying the inexcusable.

September 23rd, 2015 at 2:03 pm

“West, but to point to a war criminal like Putin is justifying the inexcusable.”
Are you serious? How many countries Putin bombed during his mandate and how many countries your govermant and NATO bombed only in this century (not to talk about last one)? You have a guts to talk about “war criminal”, you got a be joking, right? You have a guts to talk about “genocide”, right? When I think better you actually have a right to talk about both,
“It takes a thief to catch a thief”.
The rest of your post is as week as a piss and full of hate, not worth commenting.

September 23rd, 2015 at 4:18 pm

Woah, guys, c’mon. America and Russia are assbackwards just in different ways. Let’s all R-E-L-A-X.

September 23rd, 2015 at 5:21 pm

From a poor guy who was in an accident, got in a coma, woke up amazed by Fed’s accomplishments……….to debating Russia? Wow what a stretch.

September 23rd, 2015 at 9:34 pm

What about Russia criminalization of homosexuals?! Just this fact recently shows their state of mind, going backwards.

September 23rd, 2015 at 11:12 pm

Daniel, at least try to get your facts right:

“Homosexuality was decriminalised in Russia in 1993. The new laws do not ban homosexual acts but place restrictions on what can be said to children about homosexuality.

The law states that it seeks to “protect the younger generation from the effects of homosexual propaganda”. It says the “promotion” of homosexuality, including giving the impression that gay relationships are normal, could harm children because they are not capable of critically assessing such information.”

I am not saying or judging this law since neither I nor my family have a problem with gay population, I have a friends, I attended gay engagement dinner party with my family of my friends before the flew to Amsterdam to get married, but homosexuality isn’t criminalized nor it is illegal, but propaganda is, there is a difference between the two. Is it harsh or not, well it is their country and up to them to decide how they want to live. I don’t see any interference in laws of Saudi Arabia or other staunch allies of certain country abou their draconian laws.

September 23rd, 2015 at 11:35 pm

Ok, my response to Daniel is awaiting moderation, fair enough.

September 23rd, 2015 at 11:36 pm

Fair enough Wog Boy, bus basically a gay or Lesbian couple can’t adopt an orphan children for example.

I had always wanted to go to Russia (Moscow and San Petersburg were always on my to do list) but am boycotting going there together with other countries with narrow minded approach. To me is unacceptable in the world we live today and I won’t give my tourist money to them. Prefer to visit Australia and Melbourne, for AO hopefully, and other places in that corner but will skip Russia until they change their view.

September 24th, 2015 at 12:25 am

Wog boy,
Your posts still will have major critisisms in todays world globally. Be careful. Using the “well your country does the same” is a poor defense. Is that an excuse for a countrys position or action?
As far as using the word “Propoganda”…… to some its just a cop out to explain the defense of a subject/topic, not an answer.
—
This is a tennis site about tennis, globally it has peaceful like mind talks about the subject, lets keep it that way, no?

September 24th, 2015 at 12:57 am

skeezer,
Try to read again, I quoted the law, they are not my words, I clearly marked them and stressed that I neither condone nor condemn Russian law, I just corrected Daniel for what he thought the case is, BTW the similar law enforcement exist in 13 states in USA, the people have been arrested ever now and then, but not charged, I leave you to find thos 13 states, it is called “anti-sodomy laws”.
Are you moderator to tell me what I am suppose to post and what not, I was responding and not initiatin subject.

September 24th, 2015 at 1:25 am

^^^ The point was, it would be nice if you said “Daniel, Wog Boy and others, this is tennis site…” and not to single out one the posters, who was only responding BTW.

September 24th, 2015 at 1:50 am

Oh Daniel, not going to Russia is your loss not theirs. I mean, Australia and the New World cannot offer anything Old Europe can in terms of history, culture, art… But, in a way, I understand you. I will never willingly set foot in Croatia, ever again.

Pussy Riot became marketing tools against anything Russian – Russian tradition, Orthodoxy, culture. You reap what you sow.

September 24th, 2015 at 3:57 am

People seem to think that just because America has bad, backward laws in some states or has made horrible decisions geo-politically it should excuse Russia’s deplorable human rights record and foreign policy. Sorry but that’s called deflection.

September 24th, 2015 at 7:42 am

@Kath…Thanks for asking….we came to Okla City yesterday. The oncologist has hooked us up with a liver specialist. He’s apparently got a blockage in the area of the bile duct, backing up the flow of the bile which is causing the jaundice. We are now waiting for them to come and get him for another MRI. HE’S dreading that because he has to hold his left arm over his head and he has a turn rotator cuff, very painful to do. They are going down his throat to scope the liver. He’s extremely yellow and very itchy……All we do is wait!! Frustrating.

@Margot….Appreciate your caring thoughts…need all I can muster up…..and from Europe too…WOW!!

September 24th, 2015 at 1:10 pm

“For my part, I believe that Poutine instead of Hollande would be a blessing for France”.

“I admire him for bringing pride back to Russian people and is looking after interest of his country.”

Good heavens, I couldn’t even suppose that things are going so bad in France (and Australia, too?). Something fishy, indeed.
Well, I sincerely wish to those dreaming of living under such a person: let your dreams come true as soon as possible. Or, maybe, move to Russia from your horrible western democracies?

Guys, do you really need a tennis site to demonstrate your political wisdom?

September 24th, 2015 at 8:57 pm

No, what about you, you just did it..on the same tennis site, you couldn’t resist, could you? Trying to be smart? Fine with me.

September 24th, 2015 at 10:30 pm

New Fed fan here.

Roger Federer is timeless; he’s perfection meant to stay till eternity; the definition of the word elegance is ‘Roger Federer’.

There simply isn’t any comparison between Roger and anybody else.

September 25th, 2015 at 1:59 am

@Wog Boy – I’m not from the U.S. and I don’t agree with a lot that has been done in the name of the West or U.S. policies. So we agree on that. As for Putin, though, don’t praise an awful tyrant and look up the names: Anna Politkovskaya, Alexander Litvinenko and Boris Nemtsov. All of these remarkable Russians have been assassinated by the Putin Regime. These people dedicated their lives to cleaning up corruption and making life better for all Russians. Don’t dishonour those Russians because the U.S. and the West have done things wrong. Putin’s record and his tyranny and thieving from the Russian people is well documented. He is no hero.

September 25th, 2015 at 12:33 pm

Dan the Man, was guessing you weren’t from the US.
Doubt anyone, including me, would know about the names you mention. But I’ll look them up, thanks – my weekend off. :D

And my ancestors are from Russia and I love that country, despite like here in the US, it has had some unfortunate leaders.

This taken from the comment section of the 1st article cdp linked sums it up well:
“Although I think the conclusion to draw here is the BOTH countries are messed up, I really think we should recognize that we’re not exactly viewing Russia from atop the moral high ground.”

Of course, most of the atrocities of the West go unreported and that’s my biggest complaint and why I go searching for information and the other side of the story — one can’t just listen and read the news in America and simply believe it’s the truth. Those days are long gone, if they ever existed.

September 25th, 2015 at 12:55 pm

Oh yes, do remember the story of Alexsander Litvinenko and reading about Boris Nemstov.

Heinous crimes. The problem in judging a government as a whole for me is that equally heinous crimes are carried out with mine and everyone’s tax dollars. The ‘democratic’ press is not exactly a model of free speech or transparency, so of course we don’t hear about what wicked things we do and I can only imagine based on anti-American sentiment. As far as backgrounds go, the elder Bush was head of CIA and that’s as suspicious as Putin’s resume but does anyone grasp the idea or just turn a blind eye to it.

Trump leading in the GOP polls…un-freaking believable.

September 25th, 2015 at 1:47 pm

This thread should’ve been about Fed. What in the world are you people discussing ? And why ?

September 25th, 2015 at 4:02 pm

I can appreciate Feds fans that get p*ssed with the insuation that they put him up on some god like pesdestal,just like i get p*ssed with the insinuation that Rafas fans are fangirls obsessed with pictures of him in his underweaer,when in fact nothing could be furthur from the truth,i cant even remember the last time any fan female or otherwise even talked about anything like that,it seems to be fans of other players that bring up such things,end of rant….

September 25th, 2015 at 4:35 pm

It’s called ‘mixing it up’ on a slow week in tennis when any thread becomes fair game to be turned into GOAT debate, weak era theories, world politics, east v west, north v south…

RF, please forgive us at the Dysfunctional tennis-x blog. I’m apt to post randomly about current match news on any thread too, since tx didn’t make one for this weeks’ tournaments.

There are plenty of Federer fans here and ample opportunities to talk about him. Welcome. RF. Don’t think this particular story had many actually believing it. But I liked it.

September 25th, 2015 at 4:39 pm

Anyway yeah fantastic news,alot has happened in 10 years,but Roger is still ranked number 2 and still competing for GS titles INCREDIBLE….

September 25th, 2015 at 4:42 pm

Gypsy Gal,

The tennis in Tokyo has been awesome. Radwanska v Pliskova …every one of the quarterfinals great tennis. Got to see Giorgi vs Ana Ivanovic for the 1st time and it did not disappoint – 2nd round match, sadly. Of course, watch it on replays, since the tennis is being played while I’m on night shift.

September 25th, 2015 at 4:44 pm

Jalep i havent actually seen any tennis this week,too busy with work,im studying for my NVQ Level 3,shame as there has been some great tennis on,and i do like those two girls….

September 25th, 2015 at 5:12 pm

What is NVQ Level 3, GG?

September 25th, 2015 at 6:31 pm

Dan the Man,
I was about to take Ben’s and skeezer’s advice and relax and move away from the off topic subject but since you call me again I will be short. You discredit yourself a n the first post by calling Pussy Riot and Mikhail Khodorkovsky (oligarch) “democratic reformers who gave up their freedom,,,”, no need to elaborate that. You just throw the names of three killed people in accusing another one for killing the without any prove knowing tha most of the people (like jalep) will read it and agree with you without trying to check the facts and thinking “hang on a minute, why would he kill them”, that is how mass media operates.
Litvinenko was FSB (KGB) secret agent who defected and joined British intelligence service and not democratic fighter,it is in his job description that if he do that he will be hunted and either killed or brought back to face the music, that is the rule of every secret servis whether it name is KGB, CIA, MI6, Mosad, once you chose that life your life is not yours anymore. Do you know that in the war, spies are not considered war prisinors and you can shot them on the spot?
As for other two killed, Putin maybe dictator but he is not stupid, there is far to many reportes who are not writing nice about him in Russia and also opsition leaders, he is not going to shot them all nor to scare and every president would like to have such “strong” opposition as late Boris Nemtsov was, Putin did not have any interest to eliminate any of those two, but somebody else had.
You were smart enough not to include Boris Berezovsky, who was found dead in England in his bathtub not long ago, as Putin victims, originally they did try to say that, but when Berezovsky’s letter, that he sent few weeks before his death, to Putin in which one he is asking him for forgiveness and to allow him to return to Russia surfaced it was declared suicide. If I follow you logic I might say, his western mentors eliminated him since they didn’t want him to go back to Russia with everything he knew.
I am pretty sure you know all of this but by selectively posting and counting on disinterested posters you know they will take it for granted as they do most of the time.
Last but not least, doesn’t matter where are you from, your choice of words are full of hate and yes, your posts are as week as piss, have a nice day.

September 25th, 2015 at 7:21 pm

Wait, Wog Boy, you don’t think I try to check the facts?

September 25th, 2015 at 7:40 pm

You don’t even read my posts anymore, WB.

September 25th, 2015 at 7:41 pm

https://cpj.org/killed/europe/russia/

September 26th, 2015 at 1:14 am

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/07/31/uk-britain-russia-litvinenko-idUKKCN0Q516K20150731

His widow claimed Putin ordered the murder.
You pay your money and you make your choice, I guess.
BTW watching Russian activity in the Ukraine, makes us in Europe a little edgy, to say the least.
Gonna leave this topic now.

September 26th, 2015 at 1:34 am

BTW, watching NATO activities on the Russian border makes us in the rest of the world a little edgy, to say the least.
Gonna leave this topic now.

September 26th, 2015 at 1:49 am

Jalep its a National Vocation Qualification in Social care for the elderly,or Diploma as they also call it now,cant believe youve never heard of it in your line of work,or maybe its something different in your part of the world?….

September 26th, 2015 at 4:29 am

All sorts of National Certifications are available but no, not called NVQ3…

I’m an OCN w = National Oncology RN Certification. In the past had my CRNI but have let it expire because I don’t work on IV teams anymore — haven’t for 15 years since switching to oncology. Kept OCN for home health. Thinking about getting PMHN = Psychiatric Nurse national certificate but have to work in the specialty for 2 years. There are all kinds of National certificates on offer but require practice in the specialty for x number of years, then sitting for a test. Study materials can be very expensive unless your workplace offers to pay.

So it’s likely similar to what you are doing. It was required after 2 years working at the cancer center where I worked and the hospital paid for study materials and test…then I got a raise but that wasn’t my main incentive.

IV team I did straight out of Nursing School, took the test after a year and taught clinicals at a Community college. Love sticking people, accessing central lines, and placing PICC lines and teaching.

Good luck with your studies, GG! It’s something to be proud of, for sure :D Kudos!

September 26th, 2015 at 11:11 am

Hopefully, I left this thread in time…

To answer just a few questions: yes, the situation in France is very difficult. We lose 30 thousands jobs per months, we have about 2700 billions euros of debt, unemployment is about 20%. And it’s getting worse, since we have absolutely no instruments to change the trends dictated by the EU, whose laws and contracts are above the French laws. So, yes, it’s that bad.

About Putin (ok, not Poutine, as it should, since Russians all speak French!):

Since Putin is the boss:

GDP went from $195 billion (1999) to $2,113 billion in 2013.

Per-capita GDP went from $1,320 to $14,800.

Inflation went from 36,5% to 6.5%.

Gold reserves went from $12,6 billion to $511 billion.

Government debt went from 78% of the GDP to 8% of the GDP.

Average monthly pension went from 499 rubles to 10,000 rubles.

Average monthly wage went from 1522 rubles to 29,940 rubles.

What would I give for a president like that in France. Charles, come back from heaven, please!

September 26th, 2015 at 12:41 pm

Hi Jalep many thanks for the reply,and the good luck wishes,i will need it to be honest eek,fortunatly its not a test they do actually tell you what your doing right or wrong,but its alot of paper work and it takes a year to complete hmm,but a bunch of us girls are doing it together with our manager and the assecore so it wont be as daunting as i first thought,sorry im late in getting back to you,many thanks for the advice too,you sound pretty good at your job,CHEERS….

September 26th, 2015 at 1:19 pm

mat4, don’t know what to say to you or Wog Boy. Have tried to make my position known. Said I liked Anissa and many programs on RT.com. Putin should not bend over to the West. Sorry but I’m still skeptical of both sides.

Switching the subject – someone on Cycling News posted this song on the music thread, thought it was beautiful and was wondering if you can suggest similar French music. And yes, I have the lyrics translated. Just love it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgAPjIk9bx8

September 26th, 2015 at 3:48 pm

Gypsy. Did not go into nursing for the money. Both parents died of cancer…long stories. But yeah, I try. I’m absolutely certain you do too. xxoo

September 26th, 2015 at 3:51 pm

actually like this version better than the one posted above — less discotheque mix.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyUp1rnv7rY&list=RDAyUp1rnv7rY#t=15

September 26th, 2015 at 4:16 pm

Jalep sorry to here that,mine parents too are both long gone mum from breast cancer,and dad from kidnet failure,i love my job but as you say im not in it for the money but for job satisfaction,all you can hope to do in this life is your best XX….

September 26th, 2015 at 4:38 pm

@jalep:

Sorry, it’s now a misunderstanding. I understood your position, and I now remember that you wrote also a sentence about Putin. But I wasn’t answering to you in my last post. The moment you seek the truth, it’s OK with me — while I am mostly well informed, I am myself prone to (big) mistakes. The last one was about Tsipras — when I learned the truth, I was quite shocked (btw, they don’t live that bad in Greece, and even now probably better than Americans; it’s not like Macedonia, Serbia or Ukraine).

I answered here a not about Hollande and Putin, and somebody wrote that he had more than 200 billions.

So, no, that post wasn’t meant for you. Although, frankly, I do admire Vladimir Vladimirovich…

September 26th, 2015 at 4:53 pm

@jalep:

About the song: it’s one my favourite song, and the original is here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrgcRvBJYBE

And here you have the lyrics:

http://lyricstranslate.com/en/Le-Vent-Nous-Portera-Le-Vent-Nous-Portera.html

Bertrand Cantat, the singer, is infamous — you can read the wiki page about him.

Then, watch this recent spot:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoXNwGKA8cg

He’s the singer. Here are the lyrics:

Right at the sun

Turning the stage upside down everyday
Just like a beast in the middle of the arena
Never giving up, just trying
To look right at the sun

And the spotlights beating up your heart
When love turns back to dust
Never getting over it, freezing
But looking right at the sun

Where sleepless men meet
Hell is just as short-sighted as heaven
You were told nothing ever goes unpaid
Just take a look right at the sun

And the Earth goes on turning
Everything vanishes in the light
Steel and shadows walking
Right by your side

In the scent of unparalleled nights
And the radiance of spellbound bodies
Her lips tasted like honey
We were looking right at the sun

The wind scatters the oaths away
Et words fall back, upside down,
We don’t remember how to spell
Looking right at the sun

And the Earth goes on turning
Everything vanishes in the light
Steel and shadows walking
Right by your side

Besieged by the siren songs
Sentinels in the middle of the plain
The cutting edge of the ever-alert eye
To look right at the sun

September 26th, 2015 at 5:01 pm

@jalep:

I posted an answer about the song, but I gave too many links so it’s moderated for now. Should appear soon.

September 26th, 2015 at 5:03 pm

mat4,

http://youtu.be/V1bFr2SWP1I

Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Once in a lullaby

Somewhere over the rainbow
Blue birds fly
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Dreams really do come true ooh oh

Someday I’ll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney tops
That’s where you’ll find me

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole – Somewhere Over The Rainbow

September 26th, 2015 at 8:27 pm

lovely how music can transcend almost anything. thanks you guys for sharing all these fun, soulful tunes. :)

September 27th, 2015 at 1:11 am

jane,

The song is beautiful, but Bertrand Cantat… is a beast. That was the point. He composed “Droit dans le soleil” after a pause of 11 years, last year.

In 2003, he killed his lover, Marie Trintignant, an actress and the daughter of the famous Jean-Louis Trintignant. His ex-wife Krisztina Rády committed suicide in 2010, while he was sleeping in the same house. His son was with him.

The song is beautiful, but the man is horrible. How can it be?

September 27th, 2015 at 4:16 am

That’s why:

… On t’avait dit que tout se paye…

And the words play:

Chaque jour on retourne (à) la scène
juste(s) fauves au milieu de l’arène
On ne renonce pas on essaye
De regarder droit dans le soleil

It could mean also:

Every day we remember the scene
Like a wild beast in the centre of the arena
We don’t give up, we try to watch
Right in the sun…

Then, you have:

Quand l’amour revient à la poussière
On ne se console pas, on s’enraye
Mais on regarde droit dans le soleil

When love turns back to dust
You Never get over it, you just freeze
But you still look right at the sun

The third strophe is also a reminiscence:

A la croisée des âmes dans sommeil
L’enfer est myope autant que le ciel
On t’avait dit que tout se paye

Where sleepless souls meet
Hell is just as short-sighted as heaven
You were told nothing ever goes unpaid…

Etc. etc.

His wife testified in court that Bertrand Cantat never rose his voice on her, that he was a tender, mild man. Who will ever understand what’s hidden in every each of us?

September 27th, 2015 at 4:28 am

Wogboy/Mat4 music as they say is the food of love,great song choices guys,love Somewhere Over The Rainbow it always makes me cry, for some reason i think of my late mother when i here it :(….

September 27th, 2015 at 5:34 am

GG,
Evrebody thinks of somebody when that man (who is not with us anymore) sings that songs with his astonishing voice with only one instrument, ukulele. It is song from “Wizard of Oz” with Judy Garland with Hawaian ingredients, sounds very different since Iz gave his heart and soul to that song.

September 27th, 2015 at 5:49 am

Wogboy its a beautiful version of that song probably the best version ive ever heard,also the late Eva Cassidy did a beautiful version dont know if you ever heard it?she had the most amazing voice,sadly lost a battle against cancer i think?….

September 27th, 2015 at 6:06 am

Wogboy did you listen to that song from the link you gave me the other day the Sadeness by Enigma song sorry just curious?….

September 27th, 2015 at 6:08 am

GG,
Of course I did, I listened it before I posted the link and I loved it, including entire scene effects.

September 27th, 2015 at 6:12 am

@5:49am

Should say “native Hawaian” instead just “Hawaian”

September 27th, 2015 at 6:18 am

mat4 – thanks for the links and music! ( you too, WB). I lack culture, of course. It’s odd – I don’t follow PSM or Adrien Rabiot, but do occasionally happen to see a match and found this video last winter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRt53EzwWW0

Had a vague idea the lyrics might be good and tried but couldn’t find the music. Finally a CN poster comes up with the music last week!

A long-time and very dear friend, sometimes lover, ex-fiance of mine is Greek – his parents are wonderful. There’s a big Greek Orthodox close-knit community in Portland – wealthy as well. I find myself on opposite sides of the political spectrum – but it’s cools. Just stupid politics.

Anyway when I went to Greece with him he clued me in that Greeks, really wealthy ones, do not leave Greece. His family were Peloponnese shepherds and immigrants to the US – where they made good and happen to be quite patriotic Americans consequently. In my view a little out of touch, but it’s no surprise.

We haven’t discussed current Greek political affairs – doubt we’d be on the same side. Anyway, all I know is what I read on RT.com over last spring and summer. I liked the finance minister and thought he’d be good for Greece …so you can tell me now how naive I am! ;) Tsipras seemed to blow with the wind – correct me if I’m wrong, please… cheers.

September 27th, 2015 at 2:30 pm

Another thing mat4, when you do feel the need to chastise me would you do it in French, please? It’s so much easier on my poor ego.

September 27th, 2015 at 2:47 pm

Jalep i shouldnt actually say this here but Football is my favorite sport,so many thanks for those highlights,never actually seen this guy play,but thats deffinelty some silky footballing skills….

September 27th, 2015 at 2:55 pm

yeah, Gypsy — I know it’s your favorite. Not that I know that much about football, either the European type or the NFL thing, but I’ve begun watching …mostly Italian teams, if I can get it. Paris St. Germaine has that guy with the pony-tail I like, too. Around 30,000 of those views on that youtube vid are from me trying to work out the music and lyrics…

Have thought it would be nice if Tennis-x had a ‘cafe’ thread stickied where all things non-tennis related could be discussed.

September 27th, 2015 at 3:04 pm

Jalep lol know who you mean but cant think of his name,used to enjoy watching Brazil,Italy,Holand from the international teams,funnily enough i have never been a fan of our English Premier League,as they all seem like a bunch of over payed prima donas,i mostly follow lower league stuff,but Arsenal are a side that have always played really beautiful football,used to love to watch Thiery Henry and was gutted when he retired….

September 27th, 2015 at 3:18 pm

BTW Completely agree on the last sentence of your post,i remember Dave and Ajet had an argument about football not tennis that lasted for the best part of a week,then Ajet stopped posting after that,and hasnt been seen here since,oh the irony….

September 27th, 2015 at 3:21 pm

Good thing Bertrand Cantat is French. In this country he’d still be in prison for life with no possibility of parole:
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/jul/25/bertrand-cantat-back-music-fans-boycott

And yet, his writing so beautiful.

GG, if you have time look at link. It makes me wonder — it’s not uncommon really though with genius artists.

September 27th, 2015 at 3:40 pm

On a happier note:

Here’s my favorite Scottish artist:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xARuGF27Bcg

Probably, like the video because they’re wearing cycling helmets. Addictive and hypnotic, rhythmic – his voice kills me. Insane talent.

September 27th, 2015 at 4:02 pm

Paris St. Germaine footballer with the ponytail is most likely Zlatan Ibrahimovic, good friend of Nole and though officially Sweedish, he is actually another Balkan boy. He comes during Paris masters to watch Nole and Nole brought him once down from the stands to play/hit the ball with him after the match. It looks like jalep has a crush on Balkan boys, Nole, Greek friend, Zlatan..
This was after Nole defeated Federer in 2013 Paris masters:
http://youtu.be/zYpSpKXDKQE

September 27th, 2015 at 4:31 pm

And here is Zlatan during FO, cheering Nole:

http://youtu.be/3tFCj6qI1mI

September 27th, 2015 at 4:37 pm

Yeah, won’t deny it — crush on Ibrahimovic, that’s him — he looks like fun :D
Maybe it’s down to the fantastic food I’ve come to associate with Balkan boys.

Thanks for those, WB!

September 27th, 2015 at 5:49 pm

Jalep sorry its late,but thanks for all the links also from Wogboy and Mat4,not to everyones taste but i love Radiohead as i love the Indie type dirty rocker grunge sounding music….

September 28th, 2015 at 8:24 am