hellokitty138

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:29:17 GMT

Making a rare LJ appearance to note that David Vickers is the best character on any soap.

Riiiiiight

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:44:46 GMT

I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm a

Traveling Healthy De-Clutterer

swiped from contessa_maggie

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:00:14 GMT

Your result for The Famous (and Not So Famous) Art Quiz...

Art Lover

74% Artiste!

Art Lover: You scored 74% Artiste. You may not have any formal training, but you are a big fan of art, at least what you've been able to see in your local museum. Try broadening your horizons a little and exploring some lesser known artists.

Take The Famous (and Not So Famous) Art Quiz at HelloQuizzy

WTF?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:56:49 GMT

I just clicked onto the weather forecast from AOL. What I saw was so bizarre that I had to do a screengrab so I'd have photographic evidence.

Saggy

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 03:56:20 GMT

After the non-Golden Globes, it was nice to see a little red carpet action at the SAG Awards. I wasn't particularly invested in any of the outcomes, so I just watched the people with interest.

Is Angelina Jolie pregnant? It sure looked like it.

Ellen Page needed to loosen up and enjoy herself.

Debra Messing was truly scary between the out-of-control red fright wig and the Star Trek dress.

Michelle Pfeiffer is 50 and looks 35. How is that possible? And she looks natural, too. Like her plastic surgeon did a masterful job?

Dear Vanessa Redgrave--
Please do us a favor and wear some make up. Consider getting a hairstyle, too. Just because you're 7 feet tall and over 70 doesn't give you an excuse to slack off. Did you see Ellen Burstyn? That's what you should be doing. Well, apart from the dressing like a shepherd thing. You could look almost that good, too. C'mon! Your husband is still gorgeous. Give a little effort. You can look like this. Unfortunately, you usually seem to show up looking like this.
(Incidentally, hilarious and tremendously well-written article about "Big Van" here: http://observer.guardian.co.uk/magazine/story/0,,1732336,00.html).

Where was Helen? Forrest W. was there to present the best actor prize. She'd better be at the Oscars! Well, if they happen.

America Ferrera looked fabulous. I was flipping out over her dress.

Dear Daniel Day-Lewis--
You are a very good looking man. Your hair is a crime.

Christina Applegate was the highlight of my evening.

Tilda Swinton needs so much help that it's difficult to even comprehend. Johnny Depp manages to pull off intentionally bizarre. Tilda, not so much.

randomness

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 04:37:00 GMT

I wonder if I'm the only one who puts skim milk on Cocoa Puffs. It's kind of like, why bother, you know?

My photography thing has actually worked out. Go figure. It's pretty cool!

I made more money with unemployment than I do working. That is pathetic.

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 05:25:48 GMT

I am so freaking sick of commercials for erectile dysfunction drugs and "male enhancement" (whatever the hell that is) products. The new ad for Viagra is particularly nauseating. Some guy is washing his classic car and his wife gives him the look. The voiceover says something about being able to have only "one great passion." So, he sets up the sprinkler to rinse the car while he goes inside to get some. Yech. Or how about the one for Enzyte where the guy keeps throwing the football through the tire swing. Symbolism much?

Thu, 24 May 2007 05:03:57 GMT

I am firmly convinced that our society not only favors stupidity, but actually rewards it.

Fri, 11 May 2007 02:41:26 GMT

Your Cell Phone Etiquette is 26% Bad, 74% Good

Your cell phone manners are quite good. Not perfect, but almost.
Occasionally, you do annoy people with your cell. But when you realize it, you stop.

How's Your Cell Phone Etiquette?

Derby

Sat, 05 May 2007 21:14:10 GMT

OK, so I bet on Great Hunter, Liquidity, Street Sense, Any Given Saturday and Hard Spun, and a number of exactas involving Street Sense. We shall see!

Sat, 05 May 2007 02:58:40 GMT

Well, it's Friday night and I'm still conflicted on the Derby. I made a few wagers today and wound up $17.80 in the hole (in spite of the fact that I won $28.20). I need to do much better tomorrow.

I've come to a few conclusions....

If it's as muddy as it was today, Nobiz Like Shobiz goes up higher on my list. His star was already shining a little brighter for me during the last few days, anyway. His trainer said he wouldn't trade with anyone and I always like to hear that. The last time I actually remember hearing that from a Derby trainer was '87, from the trainer of Alysheba, who won.

I still like Great Hunter, even though he got the post position 20, but I like him better on a sloppy track. I can't get his stablemate Liquidity out of my head, though. Even their owner said today (to the surprise of many) that he was favoring Liquidity. With the lucky 9 hole and a chance to get out on the lead......maybe, just maybe.

About the much-hyped favorite Curlin...I like him. But, I just can't get past the fact that he didn't race at age 2 and he only has 3 career starts. You have to go back to the 1880s to find a Derby winner unraced at 2 and the early 1900s to find a winner with fewer than 4 races under his belt. If he wins tomorrow, he may just be the next Triple Crown winner. Until then, I'm thinking too much too soon.

Circular Quay is a good horse. But, right before he was to have had his final prep race 4 weeks ago, it was suddenly announced that he wouldn't race again 'til the Derby. That's suspicious. Rumor was that something was amiss (although probably not super serious, or he wouldn't be in tomorrow). With that and 8 weeks between his last race and the Derby, I can't get behind him.

The horse to beat is Street Sense. There's little doubt in my mind about that. He has a great shot, any way you look at it. He's trained beautifully and couldn't be coming in any better. There's little else to add. There are plenty of ways for him to lose, but if he's the superior animal that everyone seems to think, he can overcome them.

I'm on and off Hard Spun. I've liked him since I saw his very first race. There is a big question as to whether his very fast workout on Monday was a good or bad thing. If it was good, he may be underrated. The weather could work in his favor, also.

Another horse who has a good chance to factor in the equation is Scat Daddy, who's done very little wrong his whole career. He's a big guy and has trained well. Dunno if I'll play him to win, but he's worth consideration.

Any Given Saturday is another horse who's in and out of my good graces. A lot of smart observers seem to like him. I don't have a strong feeling about him at the moment. He could very easily win, though.

I will make my final decisions after reading the morning Blood Horse column by astute Derby guru Steve Haskin.

Derby: Bucking the Trends

Thu, 03 May 2007 15:19:10 GMT

Seems like this year there are more horses, among those considered serious contenders, who are going up against major historical trends that can be found in horses who win the Derby. Buoyed by Barbaro's big win last year while bucking the layoff trend, trainers seem to think they can these things with any horse. Personally, I think Barbaro was unique. Here are some trends and the horses trying to buck them.

The winner of the Breeders Cup Juvenile (been run since 1984) has never won the Derby: Street Sense

Horses who don't race at age 2 don't win the Derby: Curlin

Horses with fewer than 3 races at age 3 don't win the Derby: Street Sense, Dominican, Great Hunter, Circular Quay, Stormello

Horses coming off a layoff greater than 4 weeks don't win the Derby: Circular Quay, Scat Daddy, Hard Spun [Barbaro came in off a 5-week layoff, same as Scat Daddy will, Hard Spun's layoff is 6 weeks and Quay's is a whopping 8)]

Part of me is thinking I should toss the horses who are trying to upturn 2 trends, but maybe 1 trend is safe. A lot of people have guaranteed a Street Sense victory. That makes me hope he doesn't win. I think I would get the most enjoyment out of seeing Nobiz Like Shobiz win. His trainer is a great horseman, his owner is a cool old lady, they have followed a traditional path with him. If my original pick, Great Hunter, can win out of the 20 hole, that is something to celebrate. I had a dream that Liquidity won. Liquidity and Great Hunter are stablemates, with the same owner and trainer. Dunno if that means anything. I picked the Derby winner from 1986-1991 easily, with no real method. Wish I still had that talent!

Thu, 03 May 2007 01:14:45 GMT

More Kentucky Derby...brief thoughts on each horse.

They're listed in post position order. It'll be interesting to see if I knew anything come Saturday evening.

Sedgefield - Nobody wants the #1 hole ideally. He's a grass horse and has given no reason to think he can win the Derby. Forget him.
Curlin - Again, didn't really get a good post. There's a lot to like, but he's bucking a lot of trends. Will probably be a big underlay. Could be a superstar, may be grossly overrated. Won't get any of my dough.
Zanjero - Had a higher preference than stablemate Curlin, but still went with 3. Improving at the right time, should be tractable behind the leaders. Needs a bit of racing luck to get a good trip.
Storm in May - Cinderella horse, blind in one eye, had 1st preference and selected the 4 hole. A horse whose name refers to the Derby is actually running in it. I don't hold out much hope, but might put a buck or 2 because of the name.
Imawildandcrazyguy - Barely made it in the field, shouldn't be there, toss.
Cowtown Cat - Likes distance, by the sire of '03 Derby winner Funny Cide, has looked great. I'm not playing this one, but he may be a contender.
Street Sense - Inexplicably NOT the morning line favorite. Excellent post position, ironically the same one his trainer used to win the '90 Derby with Unbridled. Breeders Cup Juvenile winner has never won the Derby, but he's the leader of the pack. No value unless you're good at exotic wagers, which I'm not. A straight win bet will do for me.
Hard Spun - May or may not have cooked himself in a workout Monday. Excellent draw at post 8. Worth playing? Probably.
Liquidity - I'm fond of him anyway, but will definitely play him because he has position 9, which is the winning number in the official Derby artwork (the winning # in the official artwork has won the last 2 years). He has a good position to get on the lead, which those in the know think is his best and only hope of winning.
Teuflesberg - Iron horse, but don't think this is his distance. May surprise us all. I'd bet him in the Preakness, but not here/
Bwana Bull - One of those horses that makes you wonder why they bothered entering. Big, big toss.
Nobiz Like Shobiz - High preference in picking and probably didn't get the post they really wanted, but it's not terrible. He's got a big chance.
Sam P. - I'm not into him at all.
Scat Daddy - Should provide some value and is definitely a contender. Hasn't done much wrong.
Tiago - Half-brother to 2005 winner Giacomo, same owners, trainer and jockey. Can lightning strike twice in 3 years? Doubtful.
Circular Quay - This is a good horse, but he's coming off a layoff of 8 weeks. That's tough. He wouldn't surprise me by winning. Not sure if he's worth my $$$$.
Stormello - This horse has been right up there when competing with some top horses, but has had some tough luck. He's speedy, but I don't think he'll get the distance. I'm not investing in this one.
Any Given Saturday - Has yet to win in a while, but has been very close. Added distance won't be a problem, he's training very well. He's definitely worth betting.
Dominican - Unlucky draw (he had last pick), for sure, but less so because of his running style. All his success has come on artificial surfaces, so it remains to be seen whether that's all he can do. I do like him, but probably won't be betting on him.
Great Hunter - I'm not thrilled with his draw (next to last pick) and I'm sure his connections aren't, either. It's not the end of the world. He's sitting on a big effort. Now, all he needs is some good old racing luck.

Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks

Wed, 02 May 2007 19:01:56 GMT

Pictures I have of the Derby and Oaks (Derby for girls) contenders:

Derby


Zanjero                Zanjero                   Street Sense          Street Sense        Sedgefield              Liquidity


Dominican             Circular Quay         Curlin             Scat Daddy           Hard Spun            Hard Spun

Teuflesberg          Teuflesberg           Great Hunter          Great Hunter

Oaks


High Again             Grace Happens      Cash Included         Rags to Riches      Rags to Riches         Octave

Mistical Plan          Mistical Plan      Dreaming of Anna   Dawn After Dawn Cotton Blossom

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 01:37:44 GMT

Anybody know how to fix Javascript problems?

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 18:08:29 GMT

New pet peeve: places that ask for a resume, but require you to fill out a job application that is mostly a repeat of what's on your resume. I don't mind filling out an app., because there ARE things they might want to ask that wouldn't be on a resume. But, geez, why do you even want a resume if I have to put my entire work and educational history, plus references on the application? It's a total waste of time.

I've applied for 3 entry-level reference jobs recently in my target area: Woodford County (Versailles/Midway, KY), Lexington Public Library and the public library in Frankfort. It would be nice to get one of those. This is in addition to the assistant branch manager job I interviewed for last week in Louisville. *Sigh* I'm very ready, any time now! I'm not all that enthused about library employment, but that's what I'm qualified to do, so it's what I must do.

um, ok...

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 04:35:47 GMT

Everything Pizza

Diverse and adaptable
You enjoy the full buffet of life
It's hard to you play favorites with friends... or flavors
There's very little that you dislike!

What's Your Pizza Personality?

surprising result

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 16:02:07 GMT

You are 47% High-Maintenance!
You're a little high-maintenance, but not that much. You like being pampered, but that doesn't mean you're afraid of hard work - you can get the job done, if need be.




'How High-Maintenance are You?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Idol thoughts

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 01:12:17 GMT

Lakisha - I always like her, tonight was no exception.
Chris S. - OK, I *love* that song and I was pleasantly surprised by his vocals. Too bad the beat got away.
Gina - This was definitely her best so far. I was impressed.
Sanjaya - Wow. I could only focus on the hair, but it was probably one of his better vocals.
Haley - Fine, no major mistakes, but she's just not a standout.
Phil - Surprisingly didn't butcher the Police song, but I wouldn't mind seeing him go.
Melinda - First song she's done that I actually liked.
Blake - V. good, glad he skipped the beatboxing with this song.
Jordin - She did a good job, but a)I hate that song and b)it was copycattish.
Chris R. - OK, I actually thought he was better last week. Go figure.

Turfway Park

Sun, 25 Mar 2007 17:36:01 GMT

It was NOT supposed to be warm and sunny yesterday. As a result, I have a sunburn. Argh. Yes, I know you can get a sunburn when it's overcast. But, I was expecting to have my jacket on all day and I never needed it. Ouch. I was in 4 states yesterday: IL, IN, OH, and KY. Woo hoo.

Turfway Park is no Churchill Downs, but it was a fun day. I am inept with my camera 75% of the time, though. I was shooting on shutter priority. At some point, I did something to my settings (I don't know what) that caused the photos to turn out too grainy and dark. It did get cloudy and darker toward the end, but not like this. Plus, getting an action shot with good depth of field and that is crisp is just luck for me.
I either get one that turns out like this: Or this:
In other words, they're either pretty good or they suck.

This one isn't too bad, but it could've been better: Same with this one:

I did capture some drama when 2 fillies started freaking and broke out out of the gate. Panty Raid (#4), dumped her rider Edgar Prado (ironically also the jockey of Barbaro), while Shaun Bridgmohan on Acadia Breeze (#3) was lucky not to get stomped by both fillies. Amazingly, both fillies and jockeys were unhurt. Panty Raid was caught quickly after she got loose and finished a close 2nd (see the 2-horse finish above), but Acadia Breeze made it about 1/4 of a mile before she was rounded up and was well beaten.
Jockeys are brave souls.

And what I did to my settings to go from getting something like this:
to getting stuff like this: I have no clue.

Idol thoughts

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 02:02:19 GMT

Brandon - So-so, he's probably in danger.

Melinda - Excellent, but I don't like the song.

Chris S. - Ack, his worst thus far, but the vocal wasn't as bad as the judges made it sound.

Gina - I liked it better than the judges did

Sanjaya - What can you really say? Poor kid.

Haley - Better than I was expecting, but she's still in danger of going.

Phil - I was pleasantly surprised.

Lakisha - best of the evening

Blake - interesting spin on the song, pretty good

Stephanie - not wonderful, not bad

Chris R. - I thought he was the best guy tonight. Was surprised Simon said it was dreadful.

Jordin - Very good, she gets better every week.

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 05:34:24 GMT

Enough said.

hooray for Oscar and all that

Sun, 25 Feb 2007 14:03:09 GMT

Today is the big day. Awards season will finally culminate with Helen getting her Oscar. I've looked forward to every awards program since the Emmys and I really haven't doubted that she would win. If she hadn't won every critics', film festival, association, academy and peer award in sight, I probably wouldn't be so confident. Big Oscar favorites have been knocked off their pedastals come Oscar night. Just last year, Brokeback Mountain was a huge surprise loser for best picture. But, they're saying there has never been a bigger Oscar favorite in history than Helen. Who would've thought?

The attention The Queen has gotten has mystified me to a certain degree because, while I thought it was well done, I didn't love it and I wasn't blown away by it. I'm more than glad she's finally getting some widespread recognition. Hell, she's on Barbara Walters's pre-Oscar special tonight. When I first became a fan 13 years ago, that would NOT have happened. She's handled herself very well through all these awards and interviews (although I thought a certain comment she made about dropping her fries was ignorant and unfunny). She hasn't even really been willing to discuss the possibility that she will win an Oscar. I feel like we might see her lose her composure tonight. Not in Halle Berry-like proportions, but maybe in a "you like me, you really like me" kind of way.

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 18:22:07 GMT

Now I'm pissed again. I understood that my new glasses were supposed to be in no later than 2/2/07. What is today? 2/2/07. Are the glasses in? Of course not.

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 06:12:10 GMT

I mainly just wanted an excuse to use this new userpic. Still no luck with Newsweek. All the bookstores in Champaign had out the current issue (2/5) like you would expect. Argh.