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- The Crazy World of Short Track Travel -
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Wednesday, March 23, 2005
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It's common knowledge. Bridie rules.
This kudo has been working her ass to the bone making world cup teams, placing in the top 3 in Nationals, and ultimately making her 3rd appearance on the World Team. I thought that alone would wear one's self out.
But Bridie has gone above and beyond the call of ST Skater duty and she's done the amazing - she's documented it through photos!
I was so giddy to find the CD in my mail of all these photos - photos that help us get to know these skaters in a whole new way, through everyday life and interaction with each other. It's fascinating to see how these speedskaters live. Seems so incredible to try and thrive in a setting were you're with the same handfull of people for most of the year, put in situations where these people witness your highs, your lows, and all that's in between.
So, the off-season won't be a dry one for short track sites. I'm going to have a great time doing galleries for these events, that include candid shots from Budapest, Slovakia, Worlds in Beijing, and even shots of the US Team joining Team China in celebration of Chinese New Year!
Here's a peek of what's coming up...
Rusty, Mike, Kristen, and Bridie - Budapest
Our crazy diva striking a pose - Budapest
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- A little late on the Garden State -
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Tuesday, March 22, 2005
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So yesterday night I was finally able to rent Garden State, the movie I've been meaning to watch forever now.
I had high hopes for this film, and I was also hoping that it wouldn't build only to let me crash. Well, my expectations were scattered. Not only that, but this film confirmed what I had already believed...
Zach Braff is pure genius.
One of those pictures that make you cry, laugh, give you the feeling of hopelessness only to show you to way out of it. I was blown away by the character study, the beautifully artistic way in which it was presented and the whole feel of the movie just plain made me think. Extremely intellectual yet plenty of room for loose, silly humor. And don't even get me started on the soundtrack! I had no idea that it won a grammy, but now I know why! One of the feature acts on the track, a band called Frou Frou is simply amazing and has quickly become my new muse.
Huge props to Zach for pulling off this incredible movie. He seemed to team Twisted and Endearing all in the same cup. LOVE IT.
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- Ode To Technology -
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Saturday, March 19, 2005
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*set to the tune of Oh Christmas Tree
Oh Techology
Oh Techology
How do I loathe your grip on me
Oh Techology
Oh Techology
I just can't find hobbies for free
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One day I'm awed by your usefulness
That's until you make my life a mess
__
Oh Technology
Oh Technology
Someone's got to go, it's you or me
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- New Everything -
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Friday, March 18, 2005
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I've just been the make-over queen lately.
Well, I finally had some time to redo this blog. I think that's the longest I've gone with one layout!
I'm a huge Marilyn Monroe fan (total timeless beauty), so I decided to make a layout with one of my favorite pictures of her.
This past week was quick but a strenuous one at work. Weekends are too much like Short Track Competitions - it's bliss to wait for, yet it's over too soon.
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- Priori-TAY -
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Tuesday, March 15, 2005
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Haven't been blogging.
I apologize.
Well, not really.
Ok, yeah I do. That was mean.
I'm working more hours lately, which is causing me to walk a tad bit lower to the ground than usual, and naturally, this past weekend was my sorry attempt at trying to keep up with the 'bar' of short track reporting. I'd like to know when I reached this point of insanity? I mean, we do like up-to-date results, since short track isn't as accessible flipping your TV channels, but why do I feel this mind-numbing pull to report short track until it's pushing out my pores?
I can't keep that pace, man. I can't. When you find yourself curled up in the fetal position, drooling from lack of sleep due to watching a live feed that's a 56,098 hour difference, and after taking out the toothpicks that were keeping your eyes open you must - you MUST - proceed to give report in full. I think I woke up more than a few times with my face plastered to the laptop, which coincidentally doesn't leave a very attractive imprint in one's face.
Of course, then you have to still go to that thing they call a 'day job', still adorned with the above mentioned unattractive laptop imprint, 3.4 hours of sleep, and a headache that would put any hangover to shame.
Maybe that's a sign I should be drawing some more cartoons, or something.
Ain't short track great? But enough with the details...
Did anyone miss me?
..anyone..?
*crickets chirp*
Ooook, forget that. How about more exciting things like Apolo making frickin' miracles in Beijing! From 12th to 2nd overall. That's straight freak-of-nature, man. Well, he's definitely the hottest freak-of-nature, but keep it up - we love it!
This year is moving by like a Japanese bullet train. Half the time I don't even know what year it is anymore. I don't even know how many fingers you're holding up. I'm fatigued to the point where I've gone deaf in one ear and can't see out the other. I'm mean...shit.
I'm just counting the days til Spring Break. Cuz Lord knows it's Spring and I have yet to break somethin'...
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- This better work... -
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Monday, March 07, 2005
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Tonight I'm taking my sick laptop in to see what magic my friend, Eugene, can do. Viruses are a bitch.
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- Tysha, you lucky dawg -
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Sunday, March 06, 2005
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Just going through some simply WONDERFUL pictures from Milwaukee that the equally WONDERFUL Tysha sent to me (btw, thank you girl - you da bomb).
All I have to say is HOW frickin' cute is US Elite newbie, Kyle Carr?
No, seriously. He's like put-him-in-your-pocket adorable. I mean, how can someone from PeachTree City, Georgia not be adorable?
My thoughts exactly.
He was the sweetest thing ever, from talking to him in the elevator of the Hilton to asking if he could stop for a photo op. It was great, Tysha asked to have a picture with him, and I swear, he grinned from ear to ear! I grabbed the cam to snap this awesome shot (yes tysh, next time for me, lol!) It was so great to see the other skaters enjoying the attention their sport is giving them. Kyle seemed a bit surprised, yet so glad to pose for a shot. After the weekend we couldn't stop gushing about this kid, and he even saw us in the hotel restaurant and sweeped by our table to say hello.
I know that skaters are usually in the 'zone' and all that focus leads to pretty stern facial expressions throughout the races. Despite this fact, I honestly don't think there was a time that I saw Kyle not smiling. It's refreshing and I wish him nothing but the best in his promising skating career.
Rawk on.
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- A license to Chill -
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Saturday, March 05, 2005
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For once in my life I have a free weekend.
Free from homework, free from places to be. I feel a pencil and art pad workin' it way into my schedule tomorrow ;)
Granted I'm in the middle of a website frenzy, but that's work that I actually enjoy. The girls are getting a bit of a face lift, and after having a chat with US Speedskating's lovely Melissa Scott while in Milwaukee, I'll possibly be spreading the 'face lift' love around.
Great lady that Melissa.
Reflecting back on last weekend, I'm really glad I decided to skip the media pass this time. The more I'm involved with short track, the 'inside operations' will always be intriguing, but nothing beats being in the stands. Plus, I don't get to see the short track posse very often (being spread throughout the US) so didn't want to be cooped up behind some pads - it was great to catch up with the girls, who I definitely miss when the comps come to a close. With the help of some kick-ass music playing at the rink during warm-ups, our little section really tried to rock the place - get the energy going. We all sat with the group from Southern California (which is a rowdy bunch I must say) and cheered for our Golden state until our throats were sore. Between doing the wave, what I like to call the "NBA Stomp", and just plain gettin' up and shakin' it, there was a lady sitting across from us quite shocked.
Sadly not by our killer dance moves, but because we looked like we were having a damn good time. "You make a white lady wanna get up and get her groove on!" she shouted. Another lady in front of us asked where we were all from and, of course, our reason for coming to this event. She said that she was a native of Wisconsin and used to skate at the Pettit when she was a kid. Hearing about this competition, and being in the neighborhood anyway, she decided to check it out. "Short track is pretty exciting!" she beamed. We concured, to which we reminded her why we come from all over the US to watch. Had the pleasent surprise of seeing Rusty's Mom and stepdad. Haven't seen Paula in SO long, she was so happy to see everyone. "Don't cheer too loud now, ya hear?" she laughs. Jigga wha? We gon be losin' our vocals today!
Apolo must have had some NOS in his ass that weekend because sweet LORD of speedskating that boy was flying through every race. I swear to God, we're talking damn near levitating at times! During the 3000m superfinal, we were all screaming so loud I thought my head would roll off. Apolo stayed comfy in 5th place until the 2nd lap. 2nd lap, people! Not that we didn't know he'd wait until the end to turn the frickin' jets on and blow the pack away to win it, but it was fun to flirt with the idea that he could possibly get stuck. Psh, like THAT ever happens. Short track speeds can be 30mph, but Apolo was doin' 50 EASY. All I saw was bandana and stars blurring by and he would hug those turns so close you'd find yourself gripping your seat a little tighter.
Rob Multerer did such an awesome job putting this event together, even though he was swingin' through the rink like a wild man all weekend. Very funny guy and glad we got to chat with him.
Calling all short track/Apolo lovers, don't sleep on a US Championship. Just because the World isn't coming doesn't mean it's any less exciting. Of course I just enjoy watching Apolo completely screw with the minds of unsuspecting newbie skaters. In some of those races, I could have bet my 4x optical zoom lens that before the last lap he swung by the concession stand for some nachos. Freakin' awesome, man.
Hope everyone has a killer, yet chillin' weekend. :)
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- US Champs 2005 -
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Tuesday, March 01, 2005
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Aw, what a weekend. I must say this was better than Madison, by a long way. I have pics and few tidbits coming, but I must say a major shoutout to the short track chicas that rock...
Neets, Beats, Anna, Molls, Tiasha, Janie, and Lupes (who DID come!) I'm so glad we get to spend time with each other at these cups since we're scattered throughout the US.
And how 'bout them DJ's at the Pettit? Sweet mother....those were the short track JAMS. Seeing Anton and the crew warming up to Jay-Z/Linkin Park's Encore, Kris Kross' Jump, and Salt 'n Pepa's Push It was off the chain - and quite overdue, in my opinion ;)
Way ta go, Rob!
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Name: April