Knights Who Say "Knee"

Ha, well, there! I've begun the process to have my arthroscopic knee surgery. Because I have an HMO with a large deductible, it's possible I won't be co-paid into poverty. My doctor's paperwork chicks are checking on that. I'm believing it will all end in a marathon sometime in 2010. Onward into medical land!

Paul Dini Day

At today's Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, former Warner co-worker Paul Dini will be appearing on a panel discussing his various projects, such as what it's like to work with a wee tiny man like George Lucas. Good for Paul.

A Running Machine

That's Emil, ladies and gentlemen. He just finished the hilly La Jolla half-marathon (13.1 miles) in 1 hour and 56 minutes. A Team in Training alum, I used to bump into Emil at various races, the last being 2008 San Diego Marathon. He has seriously upped his game this year, competing every month in distance events. I run vicariously through Emil and wish him well for the both of us.

Via Emil: Palos Verdes is next week. This week's endurance event was La Jolla. Please stop bombarding me with corrections. -:)

Web of Drugs

My cousin Jim McCann sent me this on the perils of substance abuse.

Story Prompt: The Subcon Dump

Here's a tool I've used in the past to help generate story ideas. I fill a sheet of paper with whatever thoughts arise, using different colored pencils, starting at various spots on the page and not censoring anything. This prompts my subconscious to cough up helpful story facets. There is, however, a tendency to fill the page with "redrum," but therapy and an ankle bracelet help keep that in check.

Freakazoid on Tumbir

The Freaks of Others. Takineko has rounded up an assortment of Freakazoid fan art for your Saturday viewing pleasure. (Note: But her link expired some years ago. However, though not fan art, here's a great wealth of Freakazoid up on Tumbir.

Scooby Doo Script

Work? Perhaps. And a half-hour script at that. I've got to peruse some material, come up with ideas, and meet the story editor next week. Paid work. What a novelty!

And while nothing is certain until after the check has cleared, this has a positive feel.

I'd like to chat longer, but, you see, I must work.

Important Online Tips

Please view before signing onto Facebook.


h/t: Moe Lane: I am an evil giraffe

Orthopedic News

Had a nice talk this morning with my HMO-supplied orthopedist. While only giving me a fifty-percent chance of ever running marathons again, he gave me a 100-percent chance of knee deterioration if I do nothing.

So it looks like I'll be opting for arthroscopic surgery on the knee. They'll "bleed" the knee above the "pothole,"  filling it with what-will-become fibrocartliage. While not as strong as organic cartilage, there's a chance it could close said pothole nicely, allowing me to race into my dotage. (Not far.)

There's physical therapy and months of EZ walking and light running. But by then, I should know if the pothole can withstand marathon pounding. 

Ahh, well, there. No more moping about. A direction. A risk. Life. Procrastination. Just a little. I'll call 'em Monday and set it up. 

Big Voice, Big Heart

Joe Leahy's blogging these days. Check out the thoughts of the voice of Freakazoid.

Final Boston Marathon Thoughts

Big props to Kara Goucher and Ryan Hall for finishing third in their respective divisions. Goucher led 800 meters from the finish, but couldn't hold against world class competition. Hall faded when the front runners surged, but fought his way back, picking off runners to close behind the second man in what was a very deep field. This is the best finish for Americans since 1985, when the top three female and second-and-third male slots were won by the U.S.

Goucher wept in disappointment, but this was only her second marathon. She should be proud. Nothing but upside for USA distance running. 

And nothing but congratulations to Kiley Akers and Kate Freeman for finishing their first 50-mile race. (I thanked them at the retired blog, now I'm thanking them where people will see.) Kiley coaches the fall and spring San Gabriel Valley, Team in Training marathon squads. Kate was my coach for two TNT marathons. Nice to see them set big, scary goals and reel them in.