Now that I've finally watched the last of the season on TV, I have a few Top 5 lists to share. Consider this my "High Fidelity" moment, if you will. At least the first of many. Weigh in; I'd love to hear what you thought this season.
Let's start with the fun stuff. The Memorable Villains.
5. Peter Weller as Christopher Henderson on 24 - It's something about his lazy yet businesslike voice that made him a fun foil for always-gruff Jack Bauer this season - at first you wanted to believe him and yet you knew you couldn't. In the end he started to redeem himself, and then blew it. And Jack put a hole in him. Not surprised. Nobody messes with Jack. Especially after killing three of his best friends (Tony!! You deserved better.)
4. Robert Knepper as T-Bag on Prison Break - Knepper is so good at this role, it blows me away. I find him so utterly creepy, yet I am totally impressed by the acting. I only hope he's a really nice guy in real life, because he plays the killer/pedophile so freakingly well that if I ran into him in public I would be tempted to scream and hide. I mean, he's so disgusting but so good at it, I actually felt sorry for him in a way when Abruzzi cut off his hand to free Scofield from the handcuffs. And I'm sure that's going to come back and bite the lot of them.
3. Wade Williams as Bellick on Prison Break - Another guy I love to hate. LOVE LOVE LOVE to hate this guy because he's freakingly creepy and mean, and he loves his job with the kind of insane passion that is disturbing, considering he's a prison guard for a living. When he's duct-taped in the tunnel and tied up and thrashing around, you can see madness and fury in his face, and we're still not sure which won. In real life I bet this dude likes puppies and flowers. That's what I tell myself, anyway. Not sure I believe it.
2. William Fichtner as Sheriff Underlay on Invasion - I've liked Fichtner since he was chemist Ryan on 'Grace Under Fire'. He started off as morally ambiguous, morphed into a villain, and turned into a hero in the space of one season of a low-rated show. Brilliantly done, and I'm so sorry we won't have a second season to enjoy him. Someone else will give him a job, I know it, and when he shows up, watch him in whatever role it is!
1. Gregory Itzin as President Logan on 24 - After several seasons of the morally upright President David Palmer, we get this slimy little weasel of a president who doesn't have a clue what he's doing and still thinks it must be the right thing because he's justified it to himself over and over and over. At first I despised Logan for his absolute weakness and unwillingness to make a decision. Then I despised him for his sheer stupidity and bull-headedness, all in the face of scandal and utter disaster, loss of human life, sacrifice and terrorism. GIVE THIS MAN THE EMMY ALREADY!!!!!
Honorable Mentions: Autumn Reeser as Taylor Townsend on The O.C. (annoying in her perfection but later flawed and likeable despite it); MC Gainey as Mr Friendly on Lost (what a great voice that creepy guy has!); Marne Patterson as Christie Jenkins on Charmed (a little wooden as an actress, but still I wasn't sorry when her sister had to destroy her at the end of the show so our heroines could have a happy ending); and last but certainly not least, Harry Hamlin as Aaron Echolls on Veronica Mars (were you sorry when Duncan hired a guy to put a bullet in that rapist/murderer's head, after all the pain he's inflicted on Logan and Veronica and everybody else in Neptune? No, me neither.)
Stay tuned for further lists! I love lists too much to stop now!!
Friday, May 26, 2006
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Random Thoughts Day
I have been sitting at home reading Stephanie Plum novels and not getting enough accomplished...does WNBA star Swin Cash have a cool name or what?...I'm wearing a Duran Duran t-shirt and was listening to Rush in the car on the way to the library - what does that say about me and my musical tastes?....I have been trying to learn to meditate, but in meditation class yesterday I fell asleep and did the whole 'head snap' thing - Angie is much better at it than I am, the meditation, I mean, I don't know about the head snap...Lloyd's girlfriend Stacey gets braces on this week so everybody wish her well (she works for an orthodontist so she's getting them free!)...they have an ADORABLE house - I should move in! ha ha ha ha
If you want to send Barbaro a get-well wish you can do it at vet.upenn.edu/Barbaro - I don't know who all really wants to, but I did it, 'cause I'm a big nerd...anybody else think goalie stretches are hot hot hot? If they're that flexible in all that padding, what else could they do, is all I'm saying...On Sportscenter the other day during a baseball game recap the announcer made a reference to REM's 'Driver 8' which is a damn good song and I was very impressed he even knew it...I suck at the video game 'Guitar Hero' - I told Lloyd I'm waiting for 'Drum Hero' to come out but I don't think he'd buy it, even if it existed.
Job hunting tip of the day: Leave the house. That's when all your calls will come back. I'm absolutely serious. I'm home all morning, nothing happens, I leave the house for 20 minutes, somebody calls.
If you want to send Barbaro a get-well wish you can do it at vet.upenn.edu/Barbaro - I don't know who all really wants to, but I did it, 'cause I'm a big nerd...anybody else think goalie stretches are hot hot hot? If they're that flexible in all that padding, what else could they do, is all I'm saying...On Sportscenter the other day during a baseball game recap the announcer made a reference to REM's 'Driver 8' which is a damn good song and I was very impressed he even knew it...I suck at the video game 'Guitar Hero' - I told Lloyd I'm waiting for 'Drum Hero' to come out but I don't think he'd buy it, even if it existed.
Job hunting tip of the day: Leave the house. That's when all your calls will come back. I'm absolutely serious. I'm home all morning, nothing happens, I leave the house for 20 minutes, somebody calls.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Barbaro Update
Good news for all of you following the story of Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, injured during the Preakness Stakes Saturday. He's up and about with a plate and 23 screws holding his right rear leg together. His chances of survival are still 50-50 at this point, and infection could still kill him, but I admit I'm surprised he's still alive - and I'm happy he is, no question.
Barbaro doesn't know this, but he saved his own life. If he hadn't won the Derby, he would have been euthanized away from the track and the visibility of the crowd. And he's been the perfect patient, so I hear, which can only help. He's trusted everyone around him to take care of him, which is more than some horses get. All these things have gotten him where he is now - care in a facility in Pennsylvania (I believe associated with Penn State perhaps, and there is a website to wish him well, but I don't know it off hand). Fans have posted flowers and signs outside the facility, and kids are leaving him carrots. Every time I see something on this story on TV I end up in tears. He's earned the love of the fans in huge numbers, like Smarty Jones or Funny Cide.
In the meantime, keep praying for Barbaro and all the other horses who aren't quite so lucky. And hope that his story and the fans' appreciation is not only good for Barbaro but racehorses nationwide. If we can bring more attention to the sport and humanize the horses a little bit, the chances a vet somewhere will work this hard to keep a horse in a similar situation alive and thriving increase. And so do the odds that an owner will see past dollar signs and put forth the money needed to save a horse who just needs a little more care.
Barbaro doesn't know this, but he saved his own life. If he hadn't won the Derby, he would have been euthanized away from the track and the visibility of the crowd. And he's been the perfect patient, so I hear, which can only help. He's trusted everyone around him to take care of him, which is more than some horses get. All these things have gotten him where he is now - care in a facility in Pennsylvania (I believe associated with Penn State perhaps, and there is a website to wish him well, but I don't know it off hand). Fans have posted flowers and signs outside the facility, and kids are leaving him carrots. Every time I see something on this story on TV I end up in tears. He's earned the love of the fans in huge numbers, like Smarty Jones or Funny Cide.
In the meantime, keep praying for Barbaro and all the other horses who aren't quite so lucky. And hope that his story and the fans' appreciation is not only good for Barbaro but racehorses nationwide. If we can bring more attention to the sport and humanize the horses a little bit, the chances a vet somewhere will work this hard to keep a horse in a similar situation alive and thriving increase. And so do the odds that an owner will see past dollar signs and put forth the money needed to save a horse who just needs a little more care.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Say A Prayer for Barbaro
By the time you read this we'll know whether the Derby winner lives or dies, after Saturday's horrific misstep that may cost Barbaro his life. Surgery started at 12:30, and he has multiple fractures. I think if he were any horse other than the Derby winner, he might already have been euthanized.
As it is, that's still a possibility. And all it was, was a misstep. Nobody's fault, just an accident. I've said a few prayers for him. We know his racing career is over, but now what he's fighting for is his life.
These horses do what we ask them to because running is a part of them. And the ending isn't always pretty. Injury ends their careers or their lives, and people who look at them as only an investment send them off to slaughterhouses when they 'outlive their usefulness.' Were Barbaro to never run another race, he has more than earned a long stud career and that's what I'm hoping for right now for him, if he survives.
If you're considering finding a riding horse or a possible show jumper perhaps, consider a retired racehorse. There are more up for adoption than can possibly find homes. Some even help juvenile delinquents learn what it's like to care for another creature and get unconditional love in return. Check out NTRA.com and learn more - there are several organizations throughout the US, including Horse Haven here in Michigan.
In the meantime, think well of Barbaro, whatever the outcome, and every other horse who runs for our entertainment - and wish for better ends for all of them.
As it is, that's still a possibility. And all it was, was a misstep. Nobody's fault, just an accident. I've said a few prayers for him. We know his racing career is over, but now what he's fighting for is his life.
These horses do what we ask them to because running is a part of them. And the ending isn't always pretty. Injury ends their careers or their lives, and people who look at them as only an investment send them off to slaughterhouses when they 'outlive their usefulness.' Were Barbaro to never run another race, he has more than earned a long stud career and that's what I'm hoping for right now for him, if he survives.
If you're considering finding a riding horse or a possible show jumper perhaps, consider a retired racehorse. There are more up for adoption than can possibly find homes. Some even help juvenile delinquents learn what it's like to care for another creature and get unconditional love in return. Check out NTRA.com and learn more - there are several organizations throughout the US, including Horse Haven here in Michigan.
In the meantime, think well of Barbaro, whatever the outcome, and every other horse who runs for our entertainment - and wish for better ends for all of them.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Preakness Stakes
There are a few moments in race-calling history that make the hair on my arms stand on end. They include the 1973 Belmont Stakes call of "Secretariat is moving like a tremendous machine", or the 1991 Breeders Cup Juvenile race when poor Bertrando got passed with these words, "And Arazi blew right by him!" And you can't forget the immortal words, "The unconquerable, invincible, unbeatable Cigar!"
Add to that list, "And Scrappy T blew the turn!"
On its face, it doesn't look like much. But here's what happened during the 2005 Preakness Stakes (if you haven't already seen the video, and if you haven't, look that one up online, as well as the '73 Belmont). Scrappy T took the lead over a handful of other horses coming around the far turn to the home stretch. Jockey Ramon Dominguez could see that Jeremy Rose and Afleet Alex were coming up on their outside, and urging Scrappy T on, he hit his horse with a left handed whip.
Scrappy T didn't like it. He veered outside so suddenly he cut Afleet Alex off, and Alex almost went to the ground. That's when the race caller shouted out, "And Scrappy T blew the turn!"
That collision could have been the end to Alex's life, not to mention his career. To put that into perspective, here's what watching a horse break down during a race is like. Imagine Barry Sanders getting hit helmet-to-helmet and collapsing on the field, or Ben Wallace going up for a dunk and hitting his head on the rim - perhaps concussed, perhaps paralyzed, perhaps worse. You're putting 15 thousand pounds of pressure on a horse's ankle bone during a race - and that bone is no bigger than your wrist. A lot can go wrong.
But back to the race. In that moment, when Alex scrambled to right himself, my best friend and I shrieked in panic. But Alex and Rose, the professionals always, got up, acted like nothing had happened, and won the race convincingly. They knew the near-spill wasn't anyone's fault, except maybe Scrappy T's, and you can argue he didn't know what the consequences could be. He just reacted like a temperamental racehorse. Dominguez did know the consequences, and he turned to make sure the others were okay, knowing the race was lost and despite that, everyone had been very lucky.
You can probably say that incident led to the foot injury that ended Alex's career after his win in the 2005 Belmont Stakes. Still, I'm grateful it ended how it ended for everyone involved, and I admit it's hard for me to watch the event to this day, watching Alex's knees buckle, his nose brush dirt, and Rose nearly pitching over his head.
So for this weekend, let's hope for a great Preakness, with excitement not of last year's sort, but with good racing nonetheless. Watch to see how Brother Derek and Sweetnorthernsaint handle less traffic, and how Barbaro does against them. If any one of them gets a clear unchallenged trip, watch out, but I don't think that's likely. If Barbaro is rested after his monumental Derby effort, watch for him to repeat. If he's not, and Brother Derek is feeling rested, he'll take the Black-Eyed Susans.
Add to that list, "And Scrappy T blew the turn!"
On its face, it doesn't look like much. But here's what happened during the 2005 Preakness Stakes (if you haven't already seen the video, and if you haven't, look that one up online, as well as the '73 Belmont). Scrappy T took the lead over a handful of other horses coming around the far turn to the home stretch. Jockey Ramon Dominguez could see that Jeremy Rose and Afleet Alex were coming up on their outside, and urging Scrappy T on, he hit his horse with a left handed whip.
Scrappy T didn't like it. He veered outside so suddenly he cut Afleet Alex off, and Alex almost went to the ground. That's when the race caller shouted out, "And Scrappy T blew the turn!"
That collision could have been the end to Alex's life, not to mention his career. To put that into perspective, here's what watching a horse break down during a race is like. Imagine Barry Sanders getting hit helmet-to-helmet and collapsing on the field, or Ben Wallace going up for a dunk and hitting his head on the rim - perhaps concussed, perhaps paralyzed, perhaps worse. You're putting 15 thousand pounds of pressure on a horse's ankle bone during a race - and that bone is no bigger than your wrist. A lot can go wrong.
But back to the race. In that moment, when Alex scrambled to right himself, my best friend and I shrieked in panic. But Alex and Rose, the professionals always, got up, acted like nothing had happened, and won the race convincingly. They knew the near-spill wasn't anyone's fault, except maybe Scrappy T's, and you can argue he didn't know what the consequences could be. He just reacted like a temperamental racehorse. Dominguez did know the consequences, and he turned to make sure the others were okay, knowing the race was lost and despite that, everyone had been very lucky.
You can probably say that incident led to the foot injury that ended Alex's career after his win in the 2005 Belmont Stakes. Still, I'm grateful it ended how it ended for everyone involved, and I admit it's hard for me to watch the event to this day, watching Alex's knees buckle, his nose brush dirt, and Rose nearly pitching over his head.
So for this weekend, let's hope for a great Preakness, with excitement not of last year's sort, but with good racing nonetheless. Watch to see how Brother Derek and Sweetnorthernsaint handle less traffic, and how Barbaro does against them. If any one of them gets a clear unchallenged trip, watch out, but I don't think that's likely. If Barbaro is rested after his monumental Derby effort, watch for him to repeat. If he's not, and Brother Derek is feeling rested, he'll take the Black-Eyed Susans.
Monday, May 15, 2006
A Quick Stop
So I only have ONE interview today after all - one woman decided to 'unresign' (my word, not theirs) so the company didn't need to interview me. Huh. Most of the time when you resign, you're toast, but whatever - at least it was nice to feel needed :-)
Random TV Thoughts (because that's what you do when you're unemployed - watch TV) :
Anybody else catch Prison Break last week and think Scofield was kinda tasty in the bull's outfit? (Yes, I have issues, shut up.) I was glad they didn't kill Bellick - he's creepy but he's so good at it. I think that guy did an episode of the X-Files once, which is usually my slate of reference for character actors.
I'm a week behind on Lost, but I about fell out when I realized Michael is flipping out. And dammit, the show needs more strong women, not less! Kate is not exactly my model of tough-chick behavior all the time. Sleep with either Sawyer or Jack and get it over with, hon! (By the way, I thought Terry O'Quinn was cool back in his Millennium/Alias days, long before Lost. So there. And he did the X-Files movie. Double 'so there.')
I'm sleepwalking through the O.C. which will probably get cut off my list next year. And I'm losing Alias, Charmed and maybe Invasion. And I will inevitably find other good shows to watch instead. I can't help it - I'm hooked on characters and stories and really solid writing (come back, Aaron Sorkin, we miss you!! And bring Chris Carter with you).
Not much else to say today. Does that shock anyone? It shocks me. I never freakin' shut up.
Random TV Thoughts (because that's what you do when you're unemployed - watch TV) :
Anybody else catch Prison Break last week and think Scofield was kinda tasty in the bull's outfit? (Yes, I have issues, shut up.) I was glad they didn't kill Bellick - he's creepy but he's so good at it. I think that guy did an episode of the X-Files once, which is usually my slate of reference for character actors.
I'm a week behind on Lost, but I about fell out when I realized Michael is flipping out. And dammit, the show needs more strong women, not less! Kate is not exactly my model of tough-chick behavior all the time. Sleep with either Sawyer or Jack and get it over with, hon! (By the way, I thought Terry O'Quinn was cool back in his Millennium/Alias days, long before Lost. So there. And he did the X-Files movie. Double 'so there.')
I'm sleepwalking through the O.C. which will probably get cut off my list next year. And I'm losing Alias, Charmed and maybe Invasion. And I will inevitably find other good shows to watch instead. I can't help it - I'm hooked on characters and stories and really solid writing (come back, Aaron Sorkin, we miss you!! And bring Chris Carter with you).
Not much else to say today. Does that shock anyone? It shocks me. I never freakin' shut up.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Wish Me Luck!
I have two job interviews Monday - count 'em, two!! I will be a nervous wreck that morning, I'm sure. I don't know too much about each job yet so I will have a ton of questions for them. Now I get to put together my portfolio of writing samples and stuff like that. I don't have a lot of marketing materials, so I'm hoping someone is willing to train me a bit. I mean, hey, I think I'm a catch! ;-) And a quick learner! I just hope my quirky personality blends in somewhere.
On another note, I watch far far far too much television. If you didn't watch 'Invasion' this year, your loss. A lot of shows this year owe a lot to the X-Files, and this one is no different, but it does it nicely. And hey, Eddie Cibrian isn't hard on the eyes, and William Fichtner is freakin' brilliant as the morally conflicted sheriff. Rent it on DVD when it comes out, especially if it isn't in reruns this summer or doesn't get renewed, which would be a pity.
Yes, it's a better show than 'Supernatural' but 'Supernatural' is my very guilty pleasure TV show, so I'm not so worried about its content as long as Jensen Ackles gets to look conflicted and naughty. Of course, now the hot car is toast.....and we have to wait to see if the CW renews the show.
Random TV thought: anybody else watch 'Mythbusters' and laugh maniacally when shit blows up?
Job-hunting tip of the day: It really is who you know that counts. When you put in time in a community, keep a list AT HOME of your contacts and some of your work (but don't get yourself into trouble over 'intellectual property' or anything like that, of course). If I hadn't had the foresight to save some of my stories and a list of contacts from my prior position, I would have been in hot water. And people who heard me on the air or who knew me from working with me have been really helpful in the job search (and so have my fabulous friends!!!! Thanks everybody!) :-)
On another note, I watch far far far too much television. If you didn't watch 'Invasion' this year, your loss. A lot of shows this year owe a lot to the X-Files, and this one is no different, but it does it nicely. And hey, Eddie Cibrian isn't hard on the eyes, and William Fichtner is freakin' brilliant as the morally conflicted sheriff. Rent it on DVD when it comes out, especially if it isn't in reruns this summer or doesn't get renewed, which would be a pity.
Yes, it's a better show than 'Supernatural' but 'Supernatural' is my very guilty pleasure TV show, so I'm not so worried about its content as long as Jensen Ackles gets to look conflicted and naughty. Of course, now the hot car is toast.....and we have to wait to see if the CW renews the show.
Random TV thought: anybody else watch 'Mythbusters' and laugh maniacally when shit blows up?
Job-hunting tip of the day: It really is who you know that counts. When you put in time in a community, keep a list AT HOME of your contacts and some of your work (but don't get yourself into trouble over 'intellectual property' or anything like that, of course). If I hadn't had the foresight to save some of my stories and a list of contacts from my prior position, I would have been in hot water. And people who heard me on the air or who knew me from working with me have been really helpful in the job search (and so have my fabulous friends!!!! Thanks everybody!) :-)
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Random Thoughts
I just left Starbucks and I smell like a barista. And I don't even like coffee. But I had an excellent 2 1/2 hour chat and we only touched on Alias I think once when Sarah mentioned coffee ice cream. ("Francie doesn't like coffee ice cream.")
Is it just me or is that Will on Alias just freakin' adorable? And of course I wouldn't throw Vaughn out of bed for eating crackers, but if I had to choose, I go with Will Tippin, no question.
I'm so confused by Veronica Mars this season, but that's okay - I'd rather be confused and keep the show on the air, if just for Veronica and Logan's charged scenes together and especially the snappy comebacks. I want to be a writer for this show, but I'm just not that clever.
I could live the rest of my life and never see another Tom Cruise movie. I mean, jumping on the couch is one thing, but making Katie Holmes your personal whatever when she's half your age? And then the crap against Brooke Shields. Here's the deal, Tom - you can believe whatever you want to believe - I won't tell you otherwise. But until you develop a uterus, DO NOT TELL A WOMAN WHAT TO DO ABOUT POST-PARTUM DEPRESSION. Got it?
I've had that one on my chest for a long time. Anyway, it means I'm not in line to see M:I 3. I mean, Larry and Adam didn't even do the theme to redeem the movie.
If you have to ask who Larry is, you do not know me very well.
I DO know what I'm doing Memorial Day weekend. That's when X-Men 3 comes out, and Angie, you are SO not going to see that without me!!! Hugh Jackman, even all hairy, is cute cute cute.
Job hunting tip of the day: Job hunting is boring. It's more fun to read Janet Evanovich.
Is it just me or is that Will on Alias just freakin' adorable? And of course I wouldn't throw Vaughn out of bed for eating crackers, but if I had to choose, I go with Will Tippin, no question.
I'm so confused by Veronica Mars this season, but that's okay - I'd rather be confused and keep the show on the air, if just for Veronica and Logan's charged scenes together and especially the snappy comebacks. I want to be a writer for this show, but I'm just not that clever.
I could live the rest of my life and never see another Tom Cruise movie. I mean, jumping on the couch is one thing, but making Katie Holmes your personal whatever when she's half your age? And then the crap against Brooke Shields. Here's the deal, Tom - you can believe whatever you want to believe - I won't tell you otherwise. But until you develop a uterus, DO NOT TELL A WOMAN WHAT TO DO ABOUT POST-PARTUM DEPRESSION. Got it?
I've had that one on my chest for a long time. Anyway, it means I'm not in line to see M:I 3. I mean, Larry and Adam didn't even do the theme to redeem the movie.
If you have to ask who Larry is, you do not know me very well.
I DO know what I'm doing Memorial Day weekend. That's when X-Men 3 comes out, and Angie, you are SO not going to see that without me!!! Hugh Jackman, even all hairy, is cute cute cute.
Job hunting tip of the day: Job hunting is boring. It's more fun to read Janet Evanovich.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Derby Wrapup
Well, the Derby was run something like I thought it might be but not quite how I pictured it. Then again, is any Derby ever run quite like you expect? I still say cut the field down to 16. 20 horses is, as described by many people, a calvary charge into the first turn. Traffic did in Brother Derek - I'm curious to see how he does in future races, considering he showed so much talent early on. Then again, has anybody heard from Bellamy Road after last year's Derby disappointment??
Barbaro sat just off the pace and showed some tremendous agility and speed, especially close to the fast pace set by Keyed Entry and Sinister Minister. I was surprised he had that much left after a half in 46 seconds - so I'm really curious, after this, to see how he runs the Preakness and Belmont. His trainer gave him a five week layoff prior to the Derby, so a short two-week layoff might be too much for him - and then again, it might not. This should be really something! Thanks to Cat, by the way, for indulging me during the FairWellField pre-party and letting me watch the race.
And thanks to everyone who said they missed my Derby show with Seth Harp - I missed it too, and so did he. Not everyone I worked with had the foresight to recognize that when you have a resource like me around close to the first Saturday in May to use that resource, because it always got good buzz and good ratings. You know who you are. Your loss and your show's loss.
You may notice that Steppenwolfer came in third. So I wasn't far off as far as he was concerned. I didn't expect the showing we got from Bluegrass Cat to place - I'll be honest in saying I figured he was better at 2. Hey, nobody's perfect, especially handicapping the Derby!
On another note, we had a great time Saturday night reminiscing with former Fairfielders and it was a great time - I will miss a lot of those folks and hope to get chances to see them again soon.
More racing thoughts later. Besides, what am I doing inside on such a nice day? Oh yeah, looking for a job.
Job hunting tip of the day: Call everyone you know when you're out of work. EVERYONE. The city manager actually returned my call - he didn't have a job for me, but at least it was networking!
Barbaro sat just off the pace and showed some tremendous agility and speed, especially close to the fast pace set by Keyed Entry and Sinister Minister. I was surprised he had that much left after a half in 46 seconds - so I'm really curious, after this, to see how he runs the Preakness and Belmont. His trainer gave him a five week layoff prior to the Derby, so a short two-week layoff might be too much for him - and then again, it might not. This should be really something! Thanks to Cat, by the way, for indulging me during the FairWellField pre-party and letting me watch the race.
And thanks to everyone who said they missed my Derby show with Seth Harp - I missed it too, and so did he. Not everyone I worked with had the foresight to recognize that when you have a resource like me around close to the first Saturday in May to use that resource, because it always got good buzz and good ratings. You know who you are. Your loss and your show's loss.
You may notice that Steppenwolfer came in third. So I wasn't far off as far as he was concerned. I didn't expect the showing we got from Bluegrass Cat to place - I'll be honest in saying I figured he was better at 2. Hey, nobody's perfect, especially handicapping the Derby!
On another note, we had a great time Saturday night reminiscing with former Fairfielders and it was a great time - I will miss a lot of those folks and hope to get chances to see them again soon.
More racing thoughts later. Besides, what am I doing inside on such a nice day? Oh yeah, looking for a job.
Job hunting tip of the day: Call everyone you know when you're out of work. EVERYONE. The city manager actually returned my call - he didn't have a job for me, but at least it was networking!
Thursday, May 04, 2006
The Attack of Dr Phil! And the Derby
I admit it, I admit it....when I was at the gym today I actually watched Dr. Phil. I got sucked in. I don't know how or why. *sob* I need professional help!
On the upside, I got a good workout in and remembered why MY life doesn't suck.
Let's talk Derby. (Don't snore, this is good stuff.) The Derby Draw came up last night and there were a few interesting moves. The most interesting is the fact that the favorite, Brother Derek, drew an outside post - 18 out of 20. (Someone asked me if 20 is a lot of a horses. I said a normal NASCAR field has 43 cars, right? Add another 20 and you get how the Derby is different than your everyday race - or even the Preakness or the Belmont. WAY TOO FRICKIN' CROWDED. They should lower the field to 16 max and keep some of those 50-1 longshots home. That way my boy Afleet Alex could have won the Derby last year and not the oh-so-lucky Giacomo.)
But I digress. Brother Derek can sit off the pace, unlike some of the other horses but and should get a relatively clear trip toward the front, even from far outside. If Sinister Minister doesn't get to the front immediately, HE'S DONE. So be careful betting on him. Watch Lawyer Ron in the first quarter. His jock has to keep tight control on him and keep him close to the pace - if he takes off like he did in the Arkansas Derby, he's toast.
All in all, I think it's going down like this - Sinister Minister, Sharp Humor, and a handful of other front runners will crowd to the front of the pack (there's a LOT of speed in this race), with Lawyer Ron, Bob and John, Barbaro, and Brother Derek not far behind them. After Sinister Minister's last race, the Blue Grass, nobody's going to want him to get too far ahead, so they're going to keep right on his tail (literally). That's going to set up a hot first quarter and possibly second, and most likely tire out the frontrunners by the time they've gone a mile and a quarter.
That's going to set the race up for a come from behind horse like Steppenwolfer, Bluegrass Cat or Point Determined (I LOVED his daddy, Point Given). Then again, I admit bias - I like the charge from the back of the pack for dramatic value. And there's no way to know yet which one of these horses can go 1 1/4 because none of them have done it before. I expect as always traffic to be an issue, but this year speed will be an issue more than usual.
Job hunting tip of the day: When someone tells you this is a full-time job, they are NOT KIDDING. I have been so busy I don't know what I'm doing. (Okay, I'm blogging. Whatever!)
On the upside, I got a good workout in and remembered why MY life doesn't suck.
Let's talk Derby. (Don't snore, this is good stuff.) The Derby Draw came up last night and there were a few interesting moves. The most interesting is the fact that the favorite, Brother Derek, drew an outside post - 18 out of 20. (Someone asked me if 20 is a lot of a horses. I said a normal NASCAR field has 43 cars, right? Add another 20 and you get how the Derby is different than your everyday race - or even the Preakness or the Belmont. WAY TOO FRICKIN' CROWDED. They should lower the field to 16 max and keep some of those 50-1 longshots home. That way my boy Afleet Alex could have won the Derby last year and not the oh-so-lucky Giacomo.)
But I digress. Brother Derek can sit off the pace, unlike some of the other horses but and should get a relatively clear trip toward the front, even from far outside. If Sinister Minister doesn't get to the front immediately, HE'S DONE. So be careful betting on him. Watch Lawyer Ron in the first quarter. His jock has to keep tight control on him and keep him close to the pace - if he takes off like he did in the Arkansas Derby, he's toast.
All in all, I think it's going down like this - Sinister Minister, Sharp Humor, and a handful of other front runners will crowd to the front of the pack (there's a LOT of speed in this race), with Lawyer Ron, Bob and John, Barbaro, and Brother Derek not far behind them. After Sinister Minister's last race, the Blue Grass, nobody's going to want him to get too far ahead, so they're going to keep right on his tail (literally). That's going to set up a hot first quarter and possibly second, and most likely tire out the frontrunners by the time they've gone a mile and a quarter.
That's going to set the race up for a come from behind horse like Steppenwolfer, Bluegrass Cat or Point Determined (I LOVED his daddy, Point Given). Then again, I admit bias - I like the charge from the back of the pack for dramatic value. And there's no way to know yet which one of these horses can go 1 1/4 because none of them have done it before. I expect as always traffic to be an issue, but this year speed will be an issue more than usual.
Job hunting tip of the day: When someone tells you this is a full-time job, they are NOT KIDDING. I have been so busy I don't know what I'm doing. (Okay, I'm blogging. Whatever!)
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
For Our Next Movie Night...
So I'm at the library, getting ready to file for unemployment, and this place is so packed, I actually have to stand at one of the computers that doesn't have a chair. I mean, they don't expect you to be here very long, so they put the computer on a stand. That's how pathetic I am. *sigh* I need a sugar daddy or a dead rich uncle.
So I don't know if you watch "Prison Break" but for the most part it's testosterone on acid. There's like two women in the whole show - one's the doc and one's the lawyer, so at least they're gainfully employed in educated jobs (oh, but I forgot about the pole dancer) - but anyway, since the show started Scofield, our hero, has been flirting with the lady doc. I honestly didn't think much of New It Boy Wentworth Miller until he and the doc started with the longing glances and such and then he started to look appealing (much too cold and calculating till that point). On last Monday's episode they finally locked lips. *Whew!!* I've been single too long. I rewound it four times. So far.
A scene for our next movie night that features Hot Man Movie Moments.
And today, when I should have been picking up my severence check I was watching my guilty pleasure "Supernatural." If anyone knows Jensen Ackles and he's single, he can have my address.
Meal Plan to this point:
Breakfast - Ioan Gruffudd as Lancelot in 'King Arthur' (And I wouldn't throw Clive Owen out of bed for eating crackers either)
Lunch - Mark Valley as 'Keen Eddie' (I can't watch Boston Legal because of William Shatner)
Dinner - Larry Mullen Jr of U2 ('Electrical Storm' video - 'nuff said)
Dessert - open so far - Brett Favre was on here but I dunno.
Midnight Snack - Jensen Ackles (see above)
Your horse racing tip of the day: On Saturday, in the Derby, watch the first quarter. How it's run will determine the outcome. Most of the favorites are speed-favoring, and not all of them can have the lead. If there's a hot pace, look for someone to come off the pace and win it. If someone gets too far ahead though and can hold on, you could have a wire-to-wire winner like War Emblem in 2002.
So I don't know if you watch "Prison Break" but for the most part it's testosterone on acid. There's like two women in the whole show - one's the doc and one's the lawyer, so at least they're gainfully employed in educated jobs (oh, but I forgot about the pole dancer) - but anyway, since the show started Scofield, our hero, has been flirting with the lady doc. I honestly didn't think much of New It Boy Wentworth Miller until he and the doc started with the longing glances and such and then he started to look appealing (much too cold and calculating till that point). On last Monday's episode they finally locked lips. *Whew!!* I've been single too long. I rewound it four times. So far.
A scene for our next movie night that features Hot Man Movie Moments.
And today, when I should have been picking up my severence check I was watching my guilty pleasure "Supernatural." If anyone knows Jensen Ackles and he's single, he can have my address.
Meal Plan to this point:
Breakfast - Ioan Gruffudd as Lancelot in 'King Arthur' (And I wouldn't throw Clive Owen out of bed for eating crackers either)
Lunch - Mark Valley as 'Keen Eddie' (I can't watch Boston Legal because of William Shatner)
Dinner - Larry Mullen Jr of U2 ('Electrical Storm' video - 'nuff said)
Dessert - open so far - Brett Favre was on here but I dunno.
Midnight Snack - Jensen Ackles (see above)
Your horse racing tip of the day: On Saturday, in the Derby, watch the first quarter. How it's run will determine the outcome. Most of the favorites are speed-favoring, and not all of them can have the lead. If there's a hot pace, look for someone to come off the pace and win it. If someone gets too far ahead though and can hold on, you could have a wire-to-wire winner like War Emblem in 2002.
Monday, May 01, 2006
At The Gate
My own real blog. Have I moved into the 21st century? Considering I had to have someone explain 'bluetooth' to me a few weeks ago, maybe I'm still hovering. Shuddup, I'm old. And crabby. And unemployed.
I decided to do this as a break while hunting for a job. I could see it coming, so I'm not bitter - why keep the young single gal when you can hire the older married has-a-house-wife-and-kids guy? (Can you hear me restraining myself from being a lot more blunt? I'm feeling charitable today. That won't last.) And I was itching for something new anyway. And a co-worker suggested a racing blog, but I'm going to pepper this with other tidbits too for those of you not into horse racing (most of you, I expect - but give me time to convert you...)
And how could I be bitter anyway, when the Kentucky Derby is less than a week away? More on that later this week, I expect.
In the meantime, stay tuned for racing tips, job hunting escapades and how utterly bored a person can get with doing their laundry and watching Dr Phil. (I swear to you I am going to try to avoid Dr Phil at all costs.)
Your horse-racing tip of the day: if you are going to watch the Kentucky Derby Saturday and you are going to make mint juleps (after the first one they actually taste pretty good) NEVER USE TENNESSEE WHISKEY. That's sacrilegious. You MUST use Kentucky Bourbon. I recommend Woodford Reserve if you can get it.
Laura :-)
PS A shoutout must go to my Santa Hat girls. You know who you are!
I decided to do this as a break while hunting for a job. I could see it coming, so I'm not bitter - why keep the young single gal when you can hire the older married has-a-house-wife-and-kids guy? (Can you hear me restraining myself from being a lot more blunt? I'm feeling charitable today. That won't last.) And I was itching for something new anyway. And a co-worker suggested a racing blog, but I'm going to pepper this with other tidbits too for those of you not into horse racing (most of you, I expect - but give me time to convert you...)
And how could I be bitter anyway, when the Kentucky Derby is less than a week away? More on that later this week, I expect.
In the meantime, stay tuned for racing tips, job hunting escapades and how utterly bored a person can get with doing their laundry and watching Dr Phil. (I swear to you I am going to try to avoid Dr Phil at all costs.)
Your horse-racing tip of the day: if you are going to watch the Kentucky Derby Saturday and you are going to make mint juleps (after the first one they actually taste pretty good) NEVER USE TENNESSEE WHISKEY. That's sacrilegious. You MUST use Kentucky Bourbon. I recommend Woodford Reserve if you can get it.
Laura :-)
PS A shoutout must go to my Santa Hat girls. You know who you are!
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