The Past is Not Eternal ...

Television station IB3 have produced a special programme on Rafa's 2009. Its in Mallorquin, but the pictures tell the story. And Rafa is - as ever - just Rafa.

It also contains quite a bit of footage from the WTF, with memories for me and the other Rafateers.

The programme is a timely momento ... but onwards to 2010!!!

Gorgeous Rafa vid ...

Animated Rafa ...

This clip is so funny. Rafa casually watching David Ferrer in his first singles of the Davis Cup final.

Davis Cup report ...

Rafa finally ended this strangest of topsy turvy years with the one trophy he felt best of achieving and probably most wanted to win ... the Davis Cup. For his part, he opened the tie with his first round singles against Tomas Berdych and it was a nervy Rafa for the first 10 games which were tied at 5-5 until Rafa's breakthrough came and he romped home the easy winner.

Back on his beloved clay and once over his nerves, Rafa played some of the lights out tennis we're used to ... and it was good to see, and good to see him so pumped and feeling it. David Ferrer won the next singles match from 2 sets down, and Feli and Nando completed the unassailable lead with victory in the doubles.

Here are some of the memories and the closure event of 2009 ...

Wooffie's O2 Report ...

Well, this report has been a long time coming. Simply because from Rafa's tennis perspective, there wasn't a lot to talk about. After the result alluded to in an earlier post, Rafa lost to both Davydenko and Djokovic in straight sets. He had a couple of breakers in both matches, but without an assailable lead in either, and his confidence and general all-round play continued to be patchy. I think this was just a case of a tournament to be got out of the way for Rafa as the final of the Davis Cup approached.

The highlight of the whole thing though was that it gave the Rafateers the opportunity to get together. Seven of us met up for dinner in an off-shoot of Rafa's favourite Spanish restaurant and it was terrific fun. Putting faces to (real) names for me and just sharing Rafa moments and having a good old laugh was just great. My pals from the Dark Side (Denzy, Rafan and Clare) were the ones I shared the days with, with a brief appearance of Pearl on the Friday.

So although Rafa lost, to be able to actually see him for the first time, and close hand practising on the Thursday was just terrific, as was experiencing the whole indoor arena aspect to tennis and the great event the World Tour Finals proved to be.

If this is a taster for Rome, then bring-it-on.

And Clare got in on the act too ...

... for this ass shot.


http://www.nadalnews.com/2009/11/29/wtf-clare-at-the-o2/

Rafateer at large ...

You will see the earlier post where Rafan's report made NadalNews. Well, Rafan only became the roving reporter for the site at the WTF, didn't she. So attached below are her reports and sample pictures and videos.

Vamos Rafan!!!

23rd November, 2009

http://www.nadalnews.com/2009/11/24/wtf-rafandreadys-back-for-more/

24th November, 2009

http://www.nadalnews.com/2009/11/25/wft-rafandreadys-back-for-a-practice-session/




25th November, 2009

Rafan makes it onto Spanish TV ... (again)



26th November, 2009


http://www.nadalnews.com/2009/11/26/wtf-rafandreadys-last-day/

Wooffie's off to the WTF at the O2 ...

Well ... can you believe it? I'm actually off to London tomorrow to catch my first ever real life glimpse of the Rafa-flesh. Tomorrow evening will be fabulous as the Rafateers are converging for a dinner and its going to be fantastic to all meet up.

I'm hoping to catch Rafa on the practise court on Thursday (Rafan is an expert now ... she can lead the way!!!) and on Friday, I will actually get to see the man himself play for the very first time. Can't wait. His opponent will be Novak Djokovic, so on Rafa's current form its going to be very, very difficult. But I shall totally enjoy the experience anyway.

Vamos Rafa!!!

Rafa didn't win yesterday ...

He lost against that twonk and that's all I'm going to say on the matter.

Rafateer in print ... (again!!)

Do you remember back in June our lovely Rafateer, Rafandready, actually met Rafa after he had to withdraw from Wimbledon. Well, yesterday (Sunday), she took the chance just to go up to the O2 arena to suss the place out and, well ... do a bit of Rafa-spotting.

She first shocked me by saying that she was watching Juan-Martin Del Potro on the practise court and describing him as ... HOT *yikes*. But then she gave the all important news that the rumour was that Rafa was due to appear to practise at 2.30 pm. And he did.

Not only did she give an account of her adventures on the Rafateer thread ... she also sent her summary to our favourite Rafa web-site, Nadal News. And Miri, who runs the site, went and posted not only her story, but her pictures too as a feature on the site!!!

http://www.nadalnews.com/2009/11/22/rafandready-reports-from-the-o2/

If that wasn't enough excitement, we saw later the posting of the video clip from Spanish news where they were showing Rafa practising, and there was a pan shot to the crowd ... and our Rafan was only in it!!!



To complete the picture, here's Rafan's video footage ...

Wooffie's question answered ...

Its worked again. Ask the world's most boring question and it gets answered. LOL

How are you coping with the cold and wet of London in winter?
Julie

RN: It is freezing!!! Today it was very windy and when we got out of the boat that takes us to and from the arena it was really, really cold!

http://timesonline.typepad.com/rafael_nadal/2009/11/questions-for-rafa-football-should-follow-tennis-and-have-video-technology.html

Rafa media day interview ...

Rafa gives this (quiet) interview to the BBC as part of the media day ahead of the World Tour Finals.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/8371708.stm

After a year of pain, happiness in the No. 1 objective ...

In a week of revealing interviews, Rafa completes with another given to Neil Harman of The Times.

He's still incredibly open about his view on the Agassi saga, and again speaks of the pain of his family difficulties. The article ends with a lovely summing up ...

" ... I feel the hearts of the people.” And they feel his.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/tennis/article6926050.ece

Let the World Tour Finals begin ...

Don't they look smart? Well, apart from that twonk on the end. Rafa poses with the rest of the competitors in the WTF in the pre-publicity before the start of the tournament.

Our boy wears a suit soooo well.

For everybody there are tough moments. This year, mine came ...

As the end of the year fast approaches, Rafa has seemingly finally begun to open up on how its really been for him. The greatest start to his season ever, the sadness of his parents break up, the injury and pain of losing his French Open title and being unable to defend his treasured Wimbledon.

This is a magnificent interview given to The Guardian ... here are just some stand out comments for me ...

"It was a hard moment for me," Nadal admits. "I can't play Wimbledon and it's my favourite tournament. I also lost at Roland Garros and I have a few personal problems. So everything coming together made it hard."

Nadal's gaze remains steady as he recounts the source of that turmoil. "My parents' divorce made an important change in my life. It affected me. After that, when I can't play Wimbledon, it was tough. For one month I was outside the world."

Nadal looks terribly young amid that quiet admission. "I am OK now," the 23-year-old says of his parents' divorce, "but you need time to accept. And it's more difficult to accept when you are outside home and don't know what's happening. At least the injury gave me time to be with my friends and family."

Severe tendinitis and the collapse of his parent's marriage undermined Nadal's composure at Roland Garros. "I played with less calm. One of the reasons was the pain in the knees. And I was down because of the divorce. Soderling played really well and he beat me. But I wasn't ready, mentally or physically, this year."

He comes out of this interview as he does always ... a fine, upstanding, candid young man. Vamos Rafa!!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/nov/17/rafael-nadal-interview-atp-world-tour-finals

I've cried enough ...

Rafa talked to La Vanguardia's Sunday magazine over the weekend. Its very serious and reveals Rafa's deeper side ... and he's cried enough.

http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/41165122.html

Rafa's Parisian run ends against Nole ...

Nole was in imperious form today against Rafa and ran out a very comfortable winner, 6-2, 6-3. A ball called called 'out' by umpire - lovely Mo - but not by the linesman which would have given Rafa a break point in the opening came was challenged by Nole, and Hawkeye called it in ... much to the disbelief of both Rafa and Mo who had both seen the ball clearly long. So the chance went amiss, although it was fairly equal until Nole broke in the fifth.

And that was it ... Nole went on to win the next 7 games and played some blinding tennis. Rafa was powerless against it and although he didn't play particularly badly, he was no match for Nole today.

We're still looking for that confidence-boosting victory ... next up ... The Masters Cup and my countdown to actually seeing Rafa. *yikes*

Rafa post match interview ...

Here's Rafa discussing his victory against Tsonga yesterday ...

Rafa routs Tsonga ...

You could have forgiven us for doubting Rafa in this one. Tsonga in good form, the defending champion, in front of a partisan Parisian crowd ... and Rafa playing woeful at best.

But this was the day that the 'real' Rafa did indeed show up. Tsonga started magnificently and could have broken Rafa in his opening service game, but he hung on. Tsonga's tennis in the first set was about as good as he could play, but Rafa was up to it and broke to take the first 7-5. Rafa struggled at 0-40 down early in the second, but played some blinding, effective, attacking stuff and broke in the eleventh game to then serve out and win the match ... again at 7-5.

Tomorrow Rafa faces his buddy Nole, who knocked out that git, the Sod.

I am so happy for him ... hopefully this will be the turning point he needs to give him confidence that has been so sadly lacking of late. Vamos Rafa!!

Rafa squeeks past Robredo ...

Rafa only just nudged it past Tommy Robredo, coming out the 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 winner, as Robredo stood to serve out for the match ... and bottled it - thank God!!

The 'real' Rafa seemed to turn up for the final 2 games, but I'm glad he did. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga awaits in the quarter-finals.

Cheeky Marat ..

Video clip attached shows a bit more of the dire events of the Almagro match, but wait till the end as Rafa rudely keeps Nico waiting and when he comes out and bends over to put something in his bag, Marat has left the court and can't resist just slapping that "famoos ass".

Know the feeling ... like I should be so lucky ...

Dreadful ...

An utterly appalling display by Rafa in his first round match against fellow Spaniard, Nicolas Almagra. Rafa had to save 5 match points and Almagro - through cramp - was barely standing by the end of it. Rafa ran out the winner in a 3-6, 7-6, 7-5 scoreline. Vid clip attached shows snippets of all the day matches.

"She's" in town ...

Well ... it now seems a customary event in that the fragrant Xisca joins Rafa in Paris. I've copied the link below, but if you ask me, it looks like they're arguing in pictures 1-6. Tsk Rafa!!!



http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/vtpC0g2B4PP/Rafael+Nadal+in+Paris/BqixEuaGQLf/Rafael+Nadal

Rafa the matinee idol ...

I totally LOVE this photograph. Reminds me of the old 1940s studio shots for film stars. Adorable ...

And here's the link ...

http://www.purepeople.com/article/nadal-safina-tsonga-et-les-autres-les-stars-du-tennis-comme-vous-ne-les-avez-jamais-vues_a43493/1

Rafa honoured by French Academy of Sport ...

Rafa was honoured last night by the French Academy of Sport for his spectacular achievements in 2008. Most noteably, winning "their" tournament for the 4th year in succession after pulverising Feds.

Another nice suit, Rafa. *winks*

Here's the video clip ...

Rafa's also been quoted that he doesn't hold any grudges against the French crowds. Gentleman that he is ... Pity you can't say the same about those uncouth Parisians.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5j5h4avIATUyCgMOoHN8WgAujQNmw

And what of Uncle Toni ...

We haven't seen or heard much of Uncle Toni since the USO, but he's quoted here in a small article in the link attached.

I've put it through Google translation and for whatever is said about the coaching, the schedule, his tactics, the fact that he's never played tennis competitively, Toni has helped to raise a fabulous tennis player and fine young man - and for all of it, its been done out of love ...

"I've always claimed that my nephew was a mixture between effort and kindness, because success should not be understood unless it is accompanied by a correction. I've always wanted Rafa out, and a good player, also a good person. I wanted a get a mixture effort and kindness and an example for youth.

What really matters is happiness, but the dilemma is how to achieve it. I have always tried to have him present to the family and friendship, basic elements in the life of a person. The good people enjoy life more than others."

http://www.marca.com/2009/11/04/tenis/1257347174.html

Rafa appears on CNN Talk Asia ...

Whilst Rafa was playing at the Shanghai Masters, he gave an interview to CNN Talk Asia which was aired today.

Typically, he was nearly an hour late - rude Rafa - but here it is to enjoy ...

Rafa's "Universal Spaniard" award ...

Here's Rafa receiving the "Universal Spaniard" award. If we gloss over the hair ... he is suited and booted and looking fabulous. Great suit, soooooo stylish. And its nice he took his Mum along. Who - I have to say - is looking fabulous.

Here's some more footage including some of the interview ...

The Beatles mop top ...

Rafa's hair. When he was a young warrior with the long tresses held in place by his bandana ... I loved it. The lurid dreams of running your fingers through it ... *gasps*. But as time has gone on and he's got just that little bit older and ... dare I write this ... its looking a bit ... gappier ... he's started to cut it.

It was a disappointment at first, but I've grown to like it. But today's effort when he went to receive his award for "Universal Spaniard" ... well Rafa, its truely awful.

Check it out.

Such a pity really, as the clothes and the body are HOT.

Maymo speaks!!!

Aaaaaah ... lovely Maymo. I adore him. Well, firstly ... he has the greatest job in the world as he gets to put his hands on the Rafaflesh every single day. But boy, is that man committed. Wherever Rafa goes, Maymo goes. Work, rest and play. That's dedication ... or getting paid for what most of us would do for free. LOL. Anyway, we can't understand a blinkin' word he is saying, but apparently he's talking about Rafa's diet. But ... there are also some lovely salacious Rafashots in the vid. too. Vamos the Rafaels !!!!

Rafa in practise ...

Rafa is in Manacor back in practise for the remainder of the season. He's under the watchful of eye of Uncle Toni and Maymo and reporting that he is happy to be fit enough to now train and not just be playing matches.

Will we see Rafa succeed in one of the two remaining 2009 tournaments? Here's hoping ...

Rafa to receive "Universal Spaniard 2009" award ...

Rafa's website has reported that he is to recieve the Universal Spaniard 2009 award tomorrow as an honour to represent his sporting achievements and the fine young man he is.

Rafa Nadal will receive tomorrow Thursday 29th of October at 5:00pm (local Spanish time) in the 'Fundación de Mapfre' Auditorium, the 'Universal Spaniard 2009 Award', given to him by 'La Fundación Independiente' for his successful sporting career and excellent civic behaviour.

The organization described Rafa as "an excellent example for our society. Specially for our youngsters."

The celebration will honour all kind of athletes who have excelled not only in their profession but most importantly, in their determination to help project Spain's name across the world through hard work, sportsmanship and good values.

Rafa and the Conde trophy ...

Well ... its still slow Rafanews, so my best offering is hunnnnnnnnnndreds of video clips of Rafa and a very big trophy. (But not necessarily the one we are all really interested in ... if you get my drift). *winks*

Rafa at Real with Rafadad ...

Rafa makes his way to his seat at last Wednesday's Champions League match at the Bernabeu ... which Real lost 2-3 against Milan. Shame.

That is - of course - once people stopped calling to him for their picture to be taken with him. How popular is lovely Rafa ...

Rafa at the Real Club de Tenis of Barcelona ...

Rafa today turned up at Real Club de Tenis of Barcelona to collect his replica trophy, having lifted the real thing five times previously.

Absolutely certain now that he won't ever drop this tournament. And thinking about it ... if he loves it, as he's a member of the club and as he has an inherent sense of honour and tradition - why should he if it makes him happy. Hang the knees !!!

As it was apparently raining today in Barcelona, he went indoors to have a hit with some of the kids from the tennis academy.

Rafa at the Castellon golf pro-am ...

Rafa indulged today in one of his favourite pastimes - boring, old golf - as he took part in a pro-am competition with his pal, Sergio Garcia.

Following which ... he'll be hot footing it off to the footie. Yep ... a very Rafa-indulgent day.

Rafa pics of his jolly hollies ...

In September, Rafa and his mates went for a boys' holiday to Monaco. I scrolled the interweb for pictures, but found none. Clever Rafa ...

Anyhow, he has decided to share a couple of snaps with via Facebook ...

Rafa to receive replica trophy ...

On Thursday, Rafa will travel to the Real Club de Tenis, Barcelona - of which Rafa is a member - as he is to be honoured with a replica of the Trofeo Conde de Godó trophy to mark his achievement of being the only player ever to win it 5 years in succession.

With the continued debate surrounding Rafa's schedule and the constant cry that Barcelona should be one of the tournaments he drops ... I think this honour puts the tin lid on it that he won't in 2010 ... like he was ever going to.

Some funny Rafa moments ...

Clip showing a collection of some of Rafa's funny moments, and also some of his infamous not-so-funny ones ...

Rafa reflects on the remainder of the season ...

Rafa arrived back in Mallorca yesterday for a flying visit before going off to play in a pro-am competition, the Castello Masters, Costa Azahar, with his pal Sergio Garcia and other luminaries such as Roberto Donadoni, Javier Clemente, and Johann Cruyff. He'll spend the evening watching his beloved Real Madrid against AC Milan.

He found time to speak to the Times on his final thoughts on Sunday's match and what the remainder of the season may bring him.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/tennis/article6881674.ece

Rafa arrives at the airport ...

Poor Rafa ... he's spent god knows how many hours travelling back from Shanghai and is pounced for TV interviews before the van has even been loaded with the luggage.

Fashion ...

How about we have an article??? The Rafakit is of extreme interest to myself and another reason why Rafa has been a breath of fresh air to mens' tennis. He pushes the boundaries and breaks the mould. We have all been a bit mixed about the Shanghai Shorts ... but his choices always keep us talking !!! ... To be honest, I prefer him out of the kit!!!

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/match-tough/fashion-sense/article1329178/

Rafa's injury history ..

This is quite an emotive subject ... Rafa and the trouble he's had with injury, particularly his knees.

This is a Spanish report capturing the history. Some of it is difficult to watch and/or remember ... but there is also a lot of footage showing the magnificent physicality and stunning hard play of his tennis. And reminds me of why I love this man as a tennis player, and the sheer energy, excitement and diversity he has brought to mens' tennis ... Vamos Rafa!!!

Rafa arrives home ...

Lovely Rafa arrives back in Palma from his exploits in the Far East ...

Rafa waits for no man ... except cheeky Feli !!!

Before Rafa's match in Shanghai against Tommy Robredo, poor Tommy was left waiting whilst Rafa did he usual routine of being late and then performing ALL of his rituals before declaring himself ready (even though this clip is speeded up!!) ...



But then move on to his match with Feli ... and the cunning fox DARED to keep the great man waiting ... naughty Feli !!!

Shanghai summary ...

I have been neglecting my Rafa-duties on here of late, so I need to catch up.

Firstly in the quarters, Rafa faced Ivan Ljubicic who retired injured at the start of the third set when it was one set all at 3-6, 6-3 ...



Which brought about a semi-final encounter with his close friend, the lovely Feli Lopez *swoons* ... who retired ... injured at 1-6, 0-3 down !!!

... so Rafa had a fairly comfortable passage into the his first final since May where he was to meet an in-form Nikolay Davydenko.

And in form he was. Rafa was broken early in the first set but recovered the break and actually held set points which he was unable to convert. Davydenko though was playing a fantastic match and the first set had to be settled on a breaker, which Davy won 7-3. Rafa, still looking for confidence, did what he always does in these circumstances and retreated further and further back from the baseline. He was broken in the second set and ran out the loser 6-3.

He still, however, remained upbeat (of sorts) in his presser and said he felt at least he could compete at 100% against a top 10 player. Its all a question of time, Rafa. Keep working and trying, and lets not forget that this young man had only practised for a couple of days before flying out to the Far East. So its a couple or so weeks rest and practice till the tour picks up again in Paris. Vamos Rafa!!!

Spanish TV clip of the final ...



Rafa's trophy ceremony and his little speech ...

How many tennis balls can Rafa hold at one time? ...

... already forgotten the answer.

I just wish I was one of those he put between his legs ... *whistles*

Players Party in Shanghai ...

... and Rafa looks gorgeous. *sighs*

Rafa defeats Robredo ...

Rafa came out the victor in the battle of Spanish totty today, 6-1, 6-4. Rafa was pleased with his first set performance, but disappointed with the bad couple of games he had at the start of the second which saw him quickly go down 2-0 and there were points for 3-0.

"The important moment for example, in my opinion, the beginning of the second was very important, because I was playing really well, 6 1, having the control of the match, playing aggressive, and Tommy didn't have lot of chance. So playing two bad games in the beginning of the second, he has a lot of confidence later, and the set was difficult in the second."

He never was going to be pushed though, and came out the easy winner. He will next play Ivan Ljubicic in the quarters.

Here is a clip of the match:-

Rafa the Formula 1 machine ...

Rafa gave a very good interview today, recorded in The Times, where when asked about the alarming number of withdrawals and injuries at this tournament he commented:-

"This end of the season is tough for everyone except for me this year," Nadal said. "When you put the body all the time at the limit, it is difficult. It's the same as Formula 1. They have the the best cars in the world, but at the same time these cars are broken more than your car. That's the reason, because the car is always at the limit. So we are the same."

Get them told, Rafa ...

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/tennis/article6874848.ece

Rafa superb as he defeats Blake in three ...

Despite losing the second set on a tie-breaker, Rafa was in superb form today and playing some of the best tennis he has done since returning from injury. His serve was much improved and his movement was excellent. The victory obviously meant an awful lot to him when looking at his on-court celebrations.

Is the boy back?? Vamos Rafa!!!

Rafa's preview interview before the match:-



Spanish TV report on the match:-



The final game of the match which is great for Rafa's celebration, but best of all ... a fantastic bare chested view ... simply gorgeous.

Rafa in Shanghai ...

Rafa practices in Shanghai ahead of his first match in Shanghai with fellow Spaniard, David Ferrer. The return of last year's US hardcourt season's sleeveless top is very welcome, however, Rafa seems out of sorts to me ... not at at buoyant, not his usual self ... not, Rafa.

Here are some clips of Rafa's previous matches with James Blake ...

Rafa practising in Shanghai ...

Rafa gets some practice in ahead of the start of the Shanghai Masters.

Rafa appears in l'Equipe Sports & Style

Trust me ... I have searched high and low to find a link to replicate the article for this, but sadly ... I can't. Anyhow, shall we just enjoy the pictures???

No man is an island ... except for Nadal

Rafa appears in a interview done with ESPN magazine back in June that seems to have passed me by.

Anyhow ... some lovely detail is in here so the link is attached for happy reading. Enjoy!!

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=4180348

Rafa gets a tough draw in Shanghai ...

The draw has been announced for the Shanghai Masters and its not going to get any easier for Rafa as attempts to play himself back to form and fitness.

He has a tough opening round assignment against the winner of James Blake vs. Ivo Karlovic and the first seed he could meet is No. 14 Tommy Robredo in the third round. In the quarter-finals, he could face No. 7 Fernando Verdasco or No. 11 Gael Monfils. Unseeded Lleyton Hewitt and Ivan Ljubicic are also possible quarter-finalists.

In the second quarter of the draw, the following are potentially awaiting. Juan Martin del Potro plays the winner of Jeremy Chardy vs. Jurgen Melzer in his opening round. The Argentine could meet No. 16 David Ferrer in the third round. Ferrer has a tough opener with Frenchman Richard Gasquet. In the quarter-finals, del Potro's possible seeded opponent is No. 5 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or No. 9 Robin Soderling. Tsonga plays the winner of wild card Shao-Xuan Zeng or Dudi Sela, while Soderling opens with Romanian Victor Hanescu.

Just do your best Rafa ...

Cracks in the Armada ...

On Friday it was announced that Barcelona will be the venue when Spain take on the Czech Republic in December in the final of the Davis Cup. There was some intial confusion as to whether it would be clay outdoors, or indoors clay ... with the answer being the latter.

However, it seems that daggers have been drawn over territories, with Juan-Carlos Ferrero championing his home town of Valencia, Nando and Feli were championing their home town of Madrid ... and Rafa kept stumm (although he does have his links with Barcelona, is a Catalan speaker and is very outspoken about the altitude in Madrid).

Anyhow ... Barcelona it is with Rafa having the following views on the subject ...

"I don't say no for Barcelona nor yes for Valencia; neither I say no for Valencia nor yes for Barcelona," said Nadal. "If everyone goes on saying his opinion, we will not be a team,' he argued. "Players should dedicate to play, not to making choices.'"

"This is not good for the team. It looks to me that Fernando and Feliciano made their private war for Madrid. It looks that the rest of us don't like Madrid."

Here's the link ...

http://www.uzbekistannews.net/story/552674