Floyd and More Top Five

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Floyd Landis is seeking to raise $2 million for his defense fund through contributions from cycling fans. This comes hard on the heels of the New York Daily News piece about Landis's woes, and Dick Pound's erroneous quote about Landis being "up to his eyeballs in testosterone" -- or something like that. Fact is, Landis's testosterone was well within legal limits (this excludes the scrotum patch argument that was so fashionable back in August. The fact that I've become so accustomed to typing "scrotum patch" speaks loads about how preposterous this case has become. For more in-depthh daily coverage, go to trustbut.blogspot.com).

From what I've seen, Landis isn't kidding about his plea for money. He and his wife live modestly, and he isn't the sort to carelessly toss around cash. The anti-doping agencies have long made it a habit to draw out the legal process, knowing that athletes are generally too poor to pay attorney fees forever. Landis's legal problems began in August, but he still hasn't had a hearing and it looks like he won't have his day before the arbitration panel's kangaroo court for two more months. Look for USADA to drag this thing out even longer, just for the sheer glee of watching another career go down in flames.

What Floyd needs to do is go out and party with Miss America (or was it Miss USA who's been flunking her drug tests). He's starting to go down with a whimper, and that' s not his style.

On that note, let's switch over to Christmas cheer, if only because it feels wrong to write about drug tests during this time of year. Continuiung with the lists, Top Five Christmas movies (my pick, as of this moment). Rest asured that the annoying movie about the kid and the BB gun will never make my list:

5) Home Alone: Watch it again, now that a few years have passed. It's a Christmas movie, through and through. That scene with the old neighbor and Macauley Culkin in the church is gorgeous.

4) It's a Wonderful Life: Watch this one again, too. Christmas takes up about twenty minutes of the whole thing. It's a dark and scary movie, almost apocalyptic at times. But I'm a sucker for redemption and anything with Jimmy Stewart. The ending always gets me choked up.

3) The Polar Express: I can do without Tom Hanks playing every adult character, but the message of hope shines brighter as the years pass.

2) I don't have a number two. I'm so fond of my top choice that everything else pales.

1) Love, Actually: Witty, warm, smart, and British. The subtle message that love comes in many guises, some real and some not and some just downright heartbreaking, is made sharper by the Christmas theme. This is also, perhaps, the only Christmas movie with loads of (ironic) nudity. Hugh Grant is splending, as is Bill Nagy. I'm going to take the afternoon off and watch this one again. Maybe I'll see if Floyd wants to watch it, too. He could use a bit of cheering up.

Keep pushing... always.

Comments

[Tim]

To take the afternoon off and watch this movie is one of the best "training" decisions a person could make.

For someone who "keeps pushing", I can think of nothing better than to re-focus the "push" with the message that this movie delivers.

Happy Holidays!

[Larry]

Wow, just even thinking about what might be one's favourites conjures up all sorts of warm and fuzzy feelings. And memories. One of my boys (age 10) loves 'Home Alone', and 2 of my youngest love the 'Polar Express'. So that leaves "three for dad". Since Marty put no parameters, caveats, conditions, riders or anything of that ilk on this list, I'm going to play outside the lines.
My #3 would be Chevy Chase's 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation', if for no other reason than it was coincidentally on TV last night and my wife laughed all the way through it. My #2 would be 'The Ref' with Dennis Leary. And my #1 would be the original 'Die Hard' with Bruce Willis. Thought about including Stanley Kubrick's 'Eyes Wide Shut' but thought the better of it.

Merry Christmas to Marty and all of you and yours.

[Cathy Mehl]

I went to the track race on Sunday and Floyd was in fine form--laughing, joking with everyone, racing against Friskie Zabriskie, even took a turn with the mike to interview Bob Roll. While his financial situation is probably getting more and more grave by the day, he is still able to meet his fans, pose for photos and sign, sign, sign. He was really great on Sunday. Rumor has it that this event was originally to be held at the Home Depot velodrome, but AEG didn't want to have anything to do with Floyd. Guess this means he won't be invited as a guest at Tour of California, either.

BTW, the fund that is being set up is to help him, but to help other athletes, too, that may not have the resources to fight a doping charge. I think FL is determined to go down fighting, and at least make the attempt to ensure that changes are made in the system so this doesn't happen to someone else.

Rock on, Floyd! He's an incredibly real person; you won't meet anyone more authentic than Mr. Landis.

[trust but verify]

A. Christmas. Story.

Accept no substitutes. It was a *major* award!

TBV

[susie b]

I agree with all Marty's choices of 'Top 5 Xmas Movies'. I'm a huge Jimmy Stewart fan - he's the only actor to whom I sent a "fan letter" - many years ago... And how do you not cry at the scene in Wonderful Life where the brother says " To my big brother George Bailey, the richest man in town"...
I've loved Polar Express since I saw it at the theater a couple years ago & still can't understand why it was not a bigger hit at the Box Office! As for Love, Actually - well it's got my favorite song in it, of course I love it! :) I especially loved the relationship between the kid & his step-father Liam Neesom. And besides the adorable Hugh Grant, it has 1 of my personal heartthrobs - Colin Firth (OK!, so I've seen Pride & Prejudice a gazillion times!..)

My other Absolute Must See Xmas Movies :
(4) Meet Me in St Louis. Not strictly an Xmas movie but it has that classic "Wish You a Merry Little Christmas" song by Judy G.

(3) Miracle on 34th Street. ONLY the version with Maureen & Natalie.

(2) A Christmas Carol. I watch EVERY incarnation of this story - can't help it. Even the TV one with Tori Spelling! It's a sickness... My favorites are the British one from the '51 (Alistair Sims) & the MGM version in 1938. I also kind of like the musical with George C. Scott, esp the dancing in the street scene at the end. And OH, the MR. Magoo version! I bawl when little Scrooge sings how he's "all alone in the world" left at school.. I'm getting choked up even now!

(1) White Christmas. One of the 4 things on which I could agree with my older sister at Xmas time. I wanted to BE Vera-Ellen in that movie- dancing to "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing" & tap-tap-tapping away to "Mandy".

[Camille]

I'm with TBV on A Christmas Story. However I'll admit that at first I did think it was irritating. But it grew on me later and now I LOVE it and have often thought of getting a leg lamp. Also love Home Alone. But I loooove The Grinch. Jim Carrey is genius in it. And Cindylou Who singing Where Are You, Christmas? --- made me cry the first time I saw it (and I'm really not much of a crier). Those are my main ones although I enjoy most of the ones y'all have mentioned. (Yes, I say y'all, get over it!) And as big a Chris Allsburg fan as I am, I still haven't seen The Polar Express -- my daughters came home from it and said I'd hate it because they changed the spirit of the book so much. But I'm going to put in on my Netflix list right now. It can't be THAT bad! They just said it was loud and garish. But on the small screen maybe it will come across better. Have I rambled long enough? I think so.

[Sara B]

I'm with susie b on Miracle on 34th street, and I actually enjoy both old and new versions.

Also love How the Grinch Stole Christmas - classic.

But no one does it like Jimmy Stewart - in anything - my favourite line from It's a Wonderful Life: "You call this a happy family?!? Why do we have to have all these kids?!?"

[Theresa]

Okay, you guys are determined to make me less of a grinch this year!! Susie b., you are thinking of two different Scrooges. George C. Scott's version is wonderful, and the musical "Scrooge" is even better because it's a musical. I can't remember who played Scrooge in the musical. But I love both of those movies.
I had never watch "The Christmas Story" about the gun and leg lamp, until just 3-4 yrs ago, and a younger co-worker told me about it. It's cute.
And, I'm sorry, I've never watched "Home Alone" or "The Polar Express"...do you suppose it's because I don't have any kids around dragging me to the movies?

"Love Actually" is really good, and I agree, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth (I also have seen Pride and Prejudice, close to a gazillion times!) are wonderful, but the whole film is good.
And I vote for "Bridget Jones's Diary", because it ends at the holidays, and Colin Firth is so dreamy....

Thank you Cathy for your update on the event Sunday. I'm willing to put my money where my mouth is to support Floyd, and any athlete that gets trapped in the WADA web!!

[Matt]

Guess I'm not feeling to 'Christmas'sey (yes, my own word!) today. My dog is in having emergency surgery (ate something that won't digest apparently..why do dogs DO that?). But the prognosis is good (I have no kids, so my 3 dogs are the babies). Anwyay, while I'm in this grinch'y mood, I have to say it really STINKS that Floyd's arbitration hearing is being put off further and further. I mean, I'd HATE to see fair play and all and let the hearing take place BEFORE THE SEASON starts up! Gads what a thing to imagine! I was REALLY hoping to see Floyd defend his title in the 2nd Tour of Calif! I saw portions of 2 stages last year (my FIRST pro bike race) and it was awesome! When the peleton went by (on a flat section) it would have sucked the hat off your head...and that incredible HUMMMMM sound all those tires make! Nothing like it in my book! Already had plans for at LEAST 2 stages this year! So I'm really down on 'the system' that will keep Floyd (and other athletes that are under WADA and USADA) from doing their thing without due process. (I really though it stunk when so many of the top riders were pulled from the TDF last year the day before the start...all on the "MENTION" of their names on a scrap of paper! I'm all for catching the cheaters (I"m talking LIFETIME BAN here if there is DEFINITIVE PROOF!) You have to make the penalty SO SEVERE that no one would risk it! (though per the words of my brother: "a 2 year ban is pretty much a lifetime ban anyway" due the short length of their carrers.
And while I"m in my grinchy mood, I guess I am being less than optimistic today...like what REALLY are Floyds chances of getting the go ahead (charges dropped or whatever it would be that allows him to ride again) from his arbitration hearing? (look at the past hearings, not a lot of success there, seems common sense DOESN'T apply to the process!)
Sorry to be such a downer today (cleaning up dog vomit for the last 24 hours kind'a does that to you I think!) Tomorrow I'll be back to my happy 'viewing the world thru Rose Colored glasses' self again. HANG IN THERE FLOYD!

[susie b]

Yes, you are right Theresa! The second I posted I knew I had gotten mixed up. Albert Finney was in "Scrooge! The Musical". I do think I've probably set some sort of weird, pathetic record for seeing versions of "A Christmas Carol"...

Speaking of grinch-like : I'd actually fallen out of the Xmas spirit the last few days & went back to Marty's Top 5 Christmas Song post/comments this morning to help me... I also want to thank Matt, Chris, Stephen & anyone else who mentioned the Muppets Xmas & Dr. Demento's CDs. I have to go buy both based on ya'll's recommendations. Especially Stephen : the Muppets "christmas is coming" is the "pinnacle of festive hilarity". LOVE that! And thanks to Wags for reminding me of "Snoopy's Christmas"! How did I forget?!! :

"The Baron made Snoopy fly to the Rhine
And forced him to land behind the enemy lines
Snoopy was certain that this was the end
When the Baron cried out, "Merry Christmas, my friend!"

Christmas bells, those Christmas bells!
Ringing through the land
Bringing peace to all the world
And good will to maaaaaannnn."

[Camille]

Matt, the only way I can deal with the frustration of how things are going with Floyd's case is just not to seek out immersion in the details of it. If I did, I'd get so angry, as I see so many of you guys, (although what I really mean is Y'ALL :) are. At a time like this, when your dog's situation is already depressing you... try to think of something else. I agree, the whole thing Sucks, (SUCKS!!!), but... don't make yourself feel even worse by dwelling on it. Unless you just want to :) And in that case... be my guest. Just meaning to help.

The Ostrich -- Camille -- who still says GO FLOYD but I just have to look away right now. Can't handle watching the evil people do their evil. But I'm ever hopeful for Floyd.

[Amy]

Scrotum Patch....didn't they open for the Stones once?

[Camille]

I don't know, but Marty tells a great story in his book SURVIVING THE TOUGHEST RACE ON EARTH about a Raid Gauloises teammate with multiple scrotum rings --- ouch, that's gotta hurt. (and imagine doing the RACE with those things in??!!??)

Ok, back to Christmas.... (FIIIIIVEE GOOOOLLDDD RIIIINNNGGGSSSS!!!)

[catherine]

OK. I get nicotine patches, and scrotum patches (being a nurse and all I must say that isn't where you have to wear them), but why would someone wear a scrotum ring? I know penis rings, but to my knowlege they are for athletics in the bedroom, not the track. Hmmm, scrotum rings, I'll have to Google that....

[Keith Demko]

Can I confess that I just adore "that annoying movie about the kid and the BB gun"? .. one other silly one I can watch over and over is that Muppet Christmas Carol

[catherine]

Better yet, I have to buy the book. Marty do you explain the purpose?

BTW, have y'all noticed how we rarely talk to Marty anymore? This has become some informal forum or gathering place for the athletic and the literary minded.

[Theresa]

Camille, you are right, reading all the stuff, all the time does tend to get a person down. So, I handle politics with my head in the sand. But, with Floyd I keep hoping for something wonderful to happen, right now! Besides, I'm obsessed. So diversions like Christmas, and Marty's book, are a pretty good idea.

Matt, I've been there with you before, I know how miserable it can be with a sick dog! Mine ate something that also gave it diarrhea...I felt so sorry for him and ME.

Okay, Catherine, I'll admit that I own Marty's book, but haven't started it yet. Now with Camille's interesting comments, I should start reading ASAP!!And, I agree, we let Marty start us down a path, and then we take it all over the place, commenting to each other!!

[Camille]

There's a part where, homesick and road-weary, Marty describes a girl slowly lathering herself up in the river, naked, in front of a bunch of male racers, without the slightest care. I could actually hear his drool drops hitting the ground with a loud thud...
Okay, that's all you get for now.

[Yvette]

Matt, as "Monty Python" said, "Life is full of s---, when you look at it. Always look at the bright side of life!"

So this Floyd thing really stinks, but my hope (maybe crazy) is that because his situation is more publicized than others, maybe, just maybe, the ADP (Anti Drug Posse) (I like that Susie!) will have to actually look over their shoulders and be held accountable. Like Camille, et al, I try to not focus on it too much...

OK, I'm agreeing with Larry, again. I think he's the only person who picked "Christmas Vacation," a movie I have to watch every year (and Charlie Brown Christmas). And I absolutely love "Love Actually," especially because of Bill Nagy. I laugh so hard during his scenes my stomach aches (allright, Hugh Grant & Colin Firth are quite nice as well, right Theresa?).

My other choices, which are already listed: "It's a Wonderful Life," (it goes without saying, although I just said it), and "A Christmas Story."

[Kenny]

I kinda liked the nudity in "Love, Actually."

But I have to admit, the kid wanting the Red Ryder BB gun makes me laugh about every other year.

[catherine]

Hoooboy, am I sorry I Googled the um, rings. I guess I did know what they were just didn't know they were called that. I had only heard them refered to as piercings. Anyway, found this absolutely wierd site that went in to all manner of things I didn't know people would seriously do.

Anyone remember Mondo Cane? This sorta felt like that. Hope no one is monitoring my search sites or I'm in big trouble. *shiver*

Sooo, how about those Christmas songs? Huh, huh? Anyone listen to WBEZ/NPR and hear that interview with a musician who made a Chanakah/Hanakah (whatever, there are so many ways to spell it and I get them all wrong) album so there would be more music than just "Driedel, driedel?" He's actually quite a good musician. Damn, I can't remember his name.

BTW, I went to a couple of books stores in the last week or so to see what I could find by Marty. Is EVERYONE reading this blog and buying???? I couldn't find Dave Eggers new book "What is the What," or any Baaba Maal CDs either. Lots of stuff on sale though. I even started early this year, before Tday!

*sigh* The gods are reinforcing my vow to be modest in my purchases this year.

Have a wonderful holiday Martin. You haven't said, do you have a tree? Is the family excited? Will you run on Christmas? Somehow I see all of you spending Christmas in England not California....

[Catherine]

Forgot to say, I love the fact that Floyd is starting a FFF. Who needs LA right? Floyd can rally everyone himself. I really, really have grown to admire and like him. He seems to have incredible integrity (a quality I admire above many others) and a very down to earth, but fierce presence. I sincerly hope he is able to find a reason, a cause, and justice thorugh this entire experience. How does one maintain balance and equalibrium in such circumstances? Thank god he seems to have many caring and supportive friends.

I have been very pleased to see more sophisticated "regular" press on the topic of Floyd. Nice one in the Post.

Oh, and susieb (or was it Theresa/Camille....) could you give a direct link to the Support Floyd forum? I just get lost in that site and can't find it.

Thanks.

[Theresa]

I'm starting to get halfway decent at this copy and paste thing--
http://www.dailypelotonforums.com/main/index.php?showtopic=2438

Catherine, you'll need to set up an account to post a message. Good save on that scrotum ring thing...you moved back to seasonal songs really well!
And I did hear an interview about some Hannakah songs but I wasn't paying close enough attention to the guy's name.