After Atalanta

You know, Lorena Ochoa, I went to bat for you . When that idiot commentator asked whether you were thinking retirement when you announced your engagement last summer, I noted that no man would ever be asked that question. And your response that you would continue to play made my rant seem justified. So, really? You're retiring ? At age 28? To concentrate on your family duties and charitable work? I mean, I think you're good and all, and I know your new new husband, like, owns an airline and you probably don't need the money, but your first name is not Annika. I mean, if you want to pull a Kim Clijsters, I would be fine with that, but I am not so sure I can be as supportive of that comeback. I do have to thank you, though, for getting me out of this blogging slump I have been in. I was just whining about the lack of blog-worthy sport news when I casually glanced and Yahoo! sports and there you were! Ochoa will hold a press conference Friday to share more details about this ...

How long do you think you will stick around the golf scene, doing commentary? You know, 'cause you're married and all? Of course you've been married for a while now. You even have two kids ! And yet you still work! Amazing! And so I wonder why it is you asked the number one golfer in the world, Lorena Ochoa, how long she plans on sticking around golf--right after you asked her when her pending nuptials will take place. Yes, Ochoa is getting married in December viewers of today's LPGA Championship found out. You know, there are a lot of players out there who are married. Some even have kids and have continued to play at very high levels--a la Julie Inkster. And there are plenty of married women and mothers who play sports other than golf. This probably isn't just a gender thing, though, is it Rich? It likely has a lot to do with American beliefs about Mexican culture and the role of the woman/wife. Thankfully Ochoa assured you that she fully intends to keep playing. ...

It is soooo obvious which women in the gym are brides-to-be. They are the ones logging many miles on the treadmill, counting hundreds of crunches on physio balls, and lifting teeny tiny weights in an effort to tone (but not build--god forbid--bulk) shoulders (for those going strapless), upper back (for those going backless), and pecs (for those going for the plunging necklines). And all the while sporting those very large diamonds that are so popular these days. And while some of these women are doing it on their own many get help in various forms such as trainers, or the many , many websites out there dedicated to getting women to their desired shape for one day. And now, according to today's Boston Globe , gyms are offering special packages for brides-to-be. Total Performance Sports in eastern Massachusetts has a Bridal Survival Fit Camp. The gym may call it "fit camp" but the article (including the photo caption which reads: "future brides and members of wedding...

I have plenty of opinions on civil marriage and even more on the wedding industrial complex. But I blog about sport so I don't get a chance to vent them here. But I heard a story recently--if you'll pardon the pun--that marries the two. A NY NPR member station had on the mayor of Cooperstown who was talking about planning for the tourist influx that occurs in the small town every summer during and around induction weekend. She mentioned that she is marrying two baseball fans next weekend. The groom is wearing a Phillies uniform; the bride is donning a Padres uniform. (Or maybe it's the opposite; I can't remember exactly.) Putting aside the fact of the wedding/marriage, I thought it was a rather bold move in a society in which there are more rules and regulations surrounding weddings than there are in any sport. Good for you, I thought. Far braver than some of my queer friends who joke about how their weddings are the only time they will ever be caught in a dress. Basica...