It’s the nickname for Venice and how, despite repeated ravages to its empire, it always appeared serene and in charge. The same can be said for Serena Williams, who took her final bow at the US Open last weekend after 25 years at the very peak of the world of tennis. She was eliminated in the third round, but no one cared, because she is the Greatest of All Time and, even better, she thanked her mom and dad.

Now, for this week’s Omnium Gatherum…