Travers triumph!

Whoo-hoo!
I love it.

Today was the fan-tab-u-lous Travers Stakes (gr. 1) at historic Saratoga Racecourse in New York.
And even though all eyes were on the return of the highly regarded Quality Road, I still went for the bird. And that was most certainly the wise choice.

Earlier last week, Mine That Bird was pulled from consideration for this race because he was still recovering from some minor throat surgery. So that left me the other bird to root for.
The Belmont Stakes winner, Summer Bird.
And he delivered.



Summer Bird wins the Travers
Coglianese Photos/Blood Horse

It was an extremely sloppy track, as just as much as it had rained here, it had rained there.
Messy, messy, messy. I always hate a sloppy track because the poor surface makes me nervous for the safety of the horses. But everything went quite well. Coincidentally, Summer Bird's sire, Birdstone (also Mine That Bird's sire) also won the Belmont and the Travers in 2004. How ironic.
Or should I say ICONIC?

Quality Road was trying to make an impressive comeback, as he has been out of contention for months. He was an early Derby favorite. But he just didn't fire today.

Summer Bird had a great trip, just cruising along till he made his move. He then proceeded to win by an easy 3 1/2 lengths. It probably cemented his favoritism for the 3 year-old colt of the year prize, unless Mine That Bird has something else up his sleeve - (like a Breeders' Cup Classic win???)...

Naturally I picked Summer Bird in my handicapping game, and had Quality Road second - but he ended up third. Oh well, I still had the winner.
And that is always cool.

I wonder what the winner of eight straight races - the formidable Rachel Alexandra -would have done to this group of boys. But hey, she's already beat the 3 year old colts.
Next week she runs against the older boys - in the Woodward.
I really think she is looking at Horse of the Year....unless something else occurs.

Wait for it...

Random thoughts

I got an email the other day that absolutely cracked me up.
I only wish I'd thought of these things myself. So when it says "I", please remember it is not me, but some sarcasm savvy guy. (Someone I think I could be great friends with!)

Enjoy:

Random Thoughts of the Day by Bob

1. More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?

4. Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.

5. That's enough, Nickelback.

6. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

7. The letters T and G are very close to each other on a keyboard. This recently became all too apparent to me and consequently I will never be ending a work email with the phrase "Regards" again.

8. Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

9. There is a great need for sarcasm font.

10. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.

11. I think everyone has a movie that they love so much, it actually becomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone's laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little bit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still the only one who really, really gets it.

12. The other night I hit a new low at an open bar. I had already hopped on highway blackout when, inevitably I had to find a bathroom. Eventually I decided it was probably on the other side of the bar so I tried to walk over there, but ran into a guy coming the other way. We played that, Both go left, Both go right game to no avail, so I finally put out my hand to guide myself past and that's is when I realized, yup, that's a mirror I just tried to walk through. And the guy on the other side is me. Even cats can re cognize their own image.

13. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

14. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

15. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

16. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

17. A recent study has shown that playing beer pong contributes to the spread of mono and the flu. Yeah, if you suck at it.

18. Was learning cursive really necessary?

19. LOL has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".

20. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

21. My brother's Municipal League baseball team is named the Stepdads. Seeing as none of the guys on the team are actual stepdads, I inquired about the name. He explained, "Cuz we beat you, and you hate us." Classy, bro.

22. Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

23. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

24. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a dick from cutting in at the front. Stay strong,brothers!

25. Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in' examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies"

26. What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other?

27. MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

28. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

29. I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.

30. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

31. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

32. Bad decisions make good stories.

33. Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!

34. Is it just me or do high school girls get sluttier & sluttier every year?

35. If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.

36. Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem....

37. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.

38. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.

39. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

40. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

41. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this. Ever.

42. I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'

43. While watching the Olympics, I find myself cheering equally for China and USA. No, I am not of Chinese descent, but I am fairly certain that when Chinese athletes don't win, they are executed.

44. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damnit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

45. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

46. When I meet a new girl, I'm terrified of mentioning something she hasn't already told me but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.

47. I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.

48. Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles...

49. As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.

50. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

51. It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.

52. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

53. I think that if, years down the road when I'm trying to have a kid, I find out that I'm sterile, most of my disappointment will stem from the fact that I was not aware of my condition in college.

54. Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.

55. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, hitting the G-spot, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet my ass everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time...

56. It really pisses me off when I want to read a story on CNN.com and the link takes me to a video instead of text.

57. I wonder if cops ever get pissed off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.

58. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

59. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.

60. The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words, someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimate d that there must be at least four people eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by myself. There's nothing like being made to feel like a fat bastard before dinner.

Trailer for The Wolfman

Usually I post this kind of thing on my horror blog - and it is there - but thought I would put a link to it here.

The Wolfman movie starring Benicio Del Toro and Anthony Hopkins comes out 2-12-10 and wow does it look good!

Check it out here.

Babysitting, so to speak

The hubby has an extra job this week.

He's staying at my boss's house while they are away and more importantly, watching their pets.

Here's a couple pics of two of the four beasties living there:

Bubba and Duke (Mastiffs, both)

Bubba's in the red collar, Duke the blue.

Not that you can tell.

Though Bubba's a few years older than Duke.

Bubba weighs in excess of 200 pounds. Duke is just over a year old so he's only like, 180. ("only"...)

They look hulking and scary but they are big, sweet babies if they know you.

That said, I still wouldn't want to drive up their driveway to their house and see those two giants running up to my car. Yikes.

There is also an aging Golden Retriever and a new kitten at the house.

I'll get pics of them too.

If it ever stops raining.

Things I've realized

Because next week is my birthday, I guess I've been randomly thinking of some things I've realized in the last forty+ years.

So here goes the meanderingly long, random list.

*Celery still sucks. I remember my grandfather saying when I got older I'd like it, that it was just a "stage". Yeah, well I still don't like cooked cabbage, oysters, brussel sprouts, and pickled pigs feet either. Sorry Grandpap.

*I can still sleep in till 11am, if I wanted to. People always said I'd grow out of that - that I would become a "morning person" as I got older. Not so much. I'm up till at least midnight every night, and most nights I'm reading until at nearly one. I don't nap during the day, I don't fall asleep easily at night, and I apparently don't need much more than six hours sleep. Just lucky I guess. 'Course I'm not good for much before ten a.m. though.

*Unless there is an event of major proportions going on (such as a natural disaster or terrorist attack), I do not watch the news on tv. Sometimes I'll catch the local weather report, but I won't sit and watch the news from 11:00 until 11:22 just to see it. That's what the weather channel is for. I also don't read the paper. CNN.com is my friend in times of need.

*I wish I liked coffee cause everyone seems so enamored of it, but as of today I still don't. So no one need offer me a Café Au Lait or a Espresso Macchiato. I don't even want a plain cup-o-joe, 'kay?

*Most country music still turns me off. I tried to like it. I did. I even went to Wyoming and Montana in 1993, where apparently they've never heard of rock & roll and I had to listen to nothing but country for two weeks. But I still....don't.....like it. There are a few artists I can tolerate, such as Carrie Underwood and Little Big Town, and I actually like alot of Kenny Chesney's stuff (in particular the Jimmy Buffet-esque beach songs of his).... but overall, not a fan of the genre.

*I've never played "Bejeweled" and I don't have any desire to.

*Fresh cut grass still sends my allergies into a frenzy. So Dad, it wasn't just an excuse not to mow.

*I don't really like eating outside. I've come to this conclusion after years of really wanting to be a picnic person. My grandparents always took me for picnics at Cook Forest where we would sit out along the river at one of those picnic tables and dodge the abundant barrage of bees and bugs of all varieties. The only food I like outdoors is stuff over the campfire - hot dogs and marshmallows, that kind of thing - because voilà! - no bugs near a fire.

*I am not a BEER person. Hard truth - I don't like it. I tried. In high school - it was cheap. But I soon found out so was a fifth of grain split four ways. Every once in a (great) while I will order a Corona if I'm at a restaurant or something. But that's cause again, it's cheaper than ordering a shot of bourbon or a glass of wine for eight dollars.

*Unattractive people who are stars (be it movies, tv, sports, musicians, etc...) still get bombarded with indecent sexual proposals and offers. They have to beat people off with a stick. I mean, Michael Phelps? Seriously? John Mayer? Really? Maybe I just don't like guys with Frankenstein heads.
Do people honestly have posters of these guys in their room, in lieu of say - Johnny Depp (sorry he's my go-to guy) or even Robert Pattinson (who he himself does sorta have a Frankenstein head truth be told)....?
I know their accomplishments are what is so impressive. I'm not doubting that- I'm equally impressed with gold medals and Grammys. What I'm doubting is the amount of sleep I would be able to obtain with a poster of Michael Phelps looking at me across a room.

*I'm an obsessive person. Everyone who knows me knows this overly-obvious fact. It shows in alot of what I do. But even in the privacy of my own home, I am the same way. Ask my husband. I become obsessive about things at the drop of a hat. If I see a movie, say - Mamma Mia - I will suddenly listen to ABBA for three weeks non-stop. If I find I like white pizza better than red, I will order it exclusively for a month. When I discovered the author Laurell K. Hamilton, I read all seventeen of her vampire books in a month. It's just how I'm wired.

*I hate game shows. If pressed, I can only tolerate Jeopardy. And even Alex Trebek gets under my skin sometimes. He's gotten fairly arrogant over the years. Bet he's processed alot of that useless trivia, eh?

*People are annoying me more and more as I get older. I'd like to say I fear being one of those old hermits that heardly ever comes out of the house and scares small children, but hey - I don't fear it. I embrace it.

*To that effect, I hate crowds (well, except Steelers games!). I hate parties. I hate weddings, funerals, reunions, and any other event that requires me to be social. Sorry. Matter of fact, I am positive I could spend an entire month- maybe longer - in my house alone and not be bothered by it. As long as the food held out, that is.

*Your mom and dad actually aren't always right. You know how when you're younger, most adults will tell you that you don't know everything and that your parents are always right. About everything. That's not true. They're flying by the seat of their pants too, just like you. They're just older.

*I don't like stand-up comedians. That complaint does not include George Carlin. He was the I-Ching of comedy. I also like Eddie Murphy's early stuff. But to sit down and watch an uninterrrupted marathon of low-grade stand up on tv? Just put a bullet in my head, I'd enjoy that more.

*And while I know this will disturb many people, I don't like Charlie Chaplin, The Marx Brothers, The Three Stooges, Laurel & Hardy...etc. I don't really like comedic movies much either, though I will watch them. Yes to romantic comedies, no to movies like 'Black Sheep', 'Happy Gilmore', and 'Old School'.

*That said, it is understandable then, that I am still one of the biggest horror fans...ever.Guess I never grew out of that. Don't plan to, either.

*Something else on tv that grates my nerves? Reality shows. Why the F*** would I want to watch random people go about their daily lives? I don't care if someone's car is repo-ed, nor do I give two licks about a couple raising eight kids (subsequently getting divorced in the middle of the season!). Also don't care about people getting arrested, voted off the island, married on a rollercoaster, eating giant spiders to win a contest, or finding the next top model.
Ditto jungle living contestants, slutty LA chicks sleeping with their best friend's boyfriend, finding the next ho-bag for an aging rock star, or watching a guy neck with twenty different girls till he finds the one of his dreams. Ew.
I don't believe shows like American Idol should actually be classified as reality shows. I would call them talent competitions. Somewhat different. And the Biggest Loser show? At least it motivates people to do something good.
And I agree that shows like Deadliest Catch, American Chopper, and Miami Ink are slightly different in that everyone has an actual talent or job to do. They showcase something.
Kinda like Wild Kingdom did, you get my drift?
But all those other shows? Junk.


*Politics are disturbing, irritating, and unpleasant. That will never change. Neither will politicians.

*I never learned to play poker.

*Cats are smarter than most dogs. You can yell and scream at a dog - even slap him silly (not that I would EVER do that, cause I wouldn't) - and he'll come right back to you. People call that loyalty. I call it stupidity. Would you do that? Try even raising your voice at a cat - not only will you be ignored, but they will hold a grudge. Like I said, smarter.

*Eight glasses of water a day is impossible unless you're working on the road crew or some kind of hard labor. Eight glasses of Mountain Dew? Not recommended but highly do-able (or should I say 'Dew-able'?)

*Tabloids at the supermarket never change. Weekly World News is still reporting about that alien spaceship found in the Mohave Desert. You know, the one with the likeness of Jesus on the side? The one Elvis has apparently been hiding in for the last 32 years. OY! Stop the madness!

*Most sports cannot hold my interest. The few exceptions are football (Go Steelers!) and my unbridled passion (like that one?) for Thoroughbred Horseracing.
Like I said, I can't play poker - but I can hit a Kentucky Derby winning longshot at 50-1. I shit you not. Case in point: Mine That Bird. 5-2-09.

{Oh, and I did watch the last several sets of the Men's final at Wimbledon this year. Rooted for Roddick. I've never watched tennis before but it was freakin' awesome.}

*I don't like swimming pools. Not really. I abhor above ground ones - most people that get them cannot afford in-ground ones, and their backyards are all too freakin' small to have that kind of monstrosity in it anyway. I can think of at least five pools in the town where I live that absolutely dwarf their yards into postage stamps with the addition of pools. And no, your deck all the way around it doesn't make it any better. Contemptible and silly.
In-ground pools are nice, but come on - people pee in those too.

*I like rain. Thunderstorms are cool. Snow is swell. Most precipitation is okay in my book. Except maybe ice balls. I can do without falling ice of any kind. But rain? I find it quite soothing. Granted, we've had a real boatload (no pun intended) of it this summer, but generally I like a nice rainy day. And thunderstorms are amazing.
You can keep the high winds though. Gotta draw the line somewhere.

*The older I get the more I appreciate life. I don't think this is some great revelation on my part. It's a shared sentiment all over the world.
But I've also gained more sarcasm than I will ever be able to use in one lifetime.
So thanks for letting me get rid of some.