Cindy Lynn's Blog

Tornado Hits Churchill Downs ... by Cindy Lynn

Thoughts by Associated Content Contributor, Cindy Lynn
Tags: Triple Crown, Churchill Downs, Kentucky
Derby, Associated Content

While sitting in a restaurant and eating a burger, I noticed a news bar announcement on the bottom of the TV screen ... a tornado had hit Churchill Downs. The television showed photos of some of the destruction, and although it didn't look like everything had been damaged, it was still somewhat shocking. After all, the Kentucky Derby took place there just last month and for horse racing fans, Churchill Downs is the first step in the Triple Crown ... a victory that no horse was able to claim this year.

And then the show went back to something more important, like a commercial, or some political commentator who wished to opine. Well, ok, I'm being a little sarcastic here, but you'd think Churchill Downs experiencing a tornado might constitute a little more exposure than a news bar.

Just in case anyone's wondering ... yes, they did cancel the horse races until Friday.

Until next time ...

~ Cindy Lynn
Author, Poet, and Philosopher at Associated Content

The Belmont Stakes ... by Cindy Lynn

For those of us who love watching the thoroughbreds race, there's another great event coming up ... the Belmont Stakes. It's impossible for there to be a Triple Crown winner this year, but there are still plenty of reasons to watch the Belmont Stakes. Animal Kingdom, the winner of the 2011 Kentucky Derby is definitely running (barring illness or accident) and since the Belmont is a longer track than the Preakness—a race Animal Kingdom recently lost—it'll be very exciting come post time at the Belmont Stakes.

And speaking of post time, for those who are wondering, "What channel is the 2011 Belmont Stakes on and what time is post time?" click here for an article giving info that includes the date, channel and time!

Until next time ...

~ Cindy Lynn
Author, Poet, and Philosopher at Associated Content

Emma Watson's Whereabouts: Emma Watson Spotted in Pittsburgh

Do you have a favorite character in Harry Potter? I suppose anyone who has watched two or more of the movies likes the storyline well enough to have a favorite. Mine is Hermione (played by Emma Watson). Yes, sometimes Hermione is a bit of a know-it-all, but she's smart, cute, definitely superior at casting spells, and Emma Watson plays her to a "T."

If you happen to be an Emma Watson fan and haven't heard the latest news, Watson will be starring in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Watson was seen in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where production has started for the movie. She's sporting a short haircut reminiscent of the 60s, and there are some dynamite candid photos from on-set. (Tidbit: Flowing, mauve skirt.) For more info, including a link to those pictures, click here.

Until next time ...

~ Cindy Lynn
Author, Poet, and Occasional Philosopher at Associated Content

For the Garden: Ideas for Making Plant Markers ... By Cindy Lynn

Please, Peas ... Where Did I Plant You in This Garden?

It's that time of year again ... and none too soon! Spring has arrived and it's time to start thinking about the garden. One problem all gardeners have is marking the garden rows. Some people shove whatever's handy into the ground to mark the plants, but why do that when there are alternatives for fun, cute plant markers?

For a few unique ideas, go to For the Garden: Ideas for Making Plant Markers. One suggestion involves using broken dishes. It's a great way to recycle!

In case you missed last year's article giving tips for growing tomato plants that give an abundant harvest, check out, Growing Tomatoes: Are You Getting a Great Harvest from Your Tomato Plants? There's a tip there on "tickling" tomatoes. Nope, not to make them laugh, but to pollinate them!

Do you have any secrets for marking plant rows or growing killer tomatoes? If so, take a sec and drop off a comment here or at the articles' sites. I'd love to hear from you.

Until next time ...

~ Cindy Lynn
Author, Poet, and Occasional Philosopher at Associated Content

Dancing With the Stars ... by Cindy Lynn

Does the Show Need New Professional Dancers?

In: Lifestyle, TV
Tags: Dancing with the Stars, DWTS, dancing, dancers

Dancing with the Stars is in its 12th season. Have you picked a winning favorite? I stopped picking long ago because it seemed like my favorites usually made it to the last round or two and then always lost. It's the fan factor that can't ever be counted on in Dancing With the Stars!

All right ... I take it back. I really have picked a favorite; I'm just not counting on them winning. My choice of dancers is Petra Nemcova and Dmitry Chaplin.

But, I digress. This year I've noticed that some of the professional dancers who've been with the show for 8-11 years (that's close to a decade!) are looking a little peaked. Maybe a little bored, too. Who wouldn't after a decade of dancing with amateurs?

At any rate, I published an article out at the Yahoo! Contributor Network about which professional dancers should be replaced. I'll give you a clue about three of them, though, because I had a brilliant idea for new positions on the show for Cheryl Burke, Tony Dovolani, and Louis van Amstel. Well, okay, maybe not brilliant ... but close!

So, I'll pose the question to you ... on Dancing with the Stars ... does the show need new professional dancers?

Until next time ...

~ Cindy Lynn
Author, Poet, and Occasional Philosopher at Associated Content

Quotes, Quotes and More Quotes

"Busy as a Bee"
By Cindy Lynn
In: Lifestyle, Quotations
Tags: Quotations, quotes, bees

I love quotes—witty quotes, romantic quotes, quotes about love, life, and even loss. Therefore, in honor of spring (which in the Rocky Mountain region flits in and out like a busy bee), here's a quote to bring a smile.

“A bee is never as busy as it seems. It’s just that it can’t buzz any slower.”—Frank Hubbard

Until next time ...

~ Cindy Lynn
Author, Poet, and Occasional Philosopher at Associated Content

A Funny Story from Real Life about a Typo

"Ooo, Far Out"
By Cindy Lynn
In: Creative Writing, Humor
Tags: True story, typo, funny story about a typo

Have you ever made an embarrassing typo? Everyone makes them occasionally, but usually a typo is quickly forgotten. This true story about a typo on the acronym, "LDS" will cause a chuckle or two, and bring to mind a typo ... or other blunder ... you've made in life.

Click here to read what happened.