Leaving On A Jet Plane

Again, and not a moment too soon.

It's only been a month since my return from Sydney. Felt good for about a week, then things started to spiral downhill quickly, thanks to a fortnight of some of the worst shifts I've had in quite a while, compounded by MOs going on mass MC, most likely due to fatigue, which is completely understandable.

I've been tempted to take MC myself, but my conscience won't let me. Damn. :)

Anyway, I won't be posting anything for the next 2 weeks, and am greatly looking forward to a sponsored workshop catered to my subspecialty interest, plus a few days of touring, meeting a couple of good friends, and yes, another visit to the casino. :D

A few updates before I sign off:

1) Edward Norton's on Twitter - just a gentle reminder in case you missed my last blog entry. He's playing lucky draw host and seems to be getting a terrific response, so good for him! It's for a worthy cause, so please chip in if you're able.
You can also check out his recent TV interviews on YouTube. I caught his Conan O'Brien chat on cable, which had me in stitches. Something about "playing with yourself" that didn't come out right, and a hilarious Robert De Niro impression showcasing Norton's affinity for comedy.
He doesn't do funny roles as much as he should. Remember Keeping The Faith? And how many of you have seen Death To Smoochy? I love both films.

2) Royal Pains is a new series currently airing on Starworld every Tuesday, and stars Mark Feuerstein as an ER physician who gets suspended when a rich patron of the hospital where he works dies on his watch, then unexpectedly finds his niche as a concierge doctor in the Hamptons.
Not considered a big hit in the U.S., but I could care less, since I'm a Feuerstein fan, converted after his lovely performance in the Cameron Diaz / Toni Collete dramedy, In Her Shoes.
He also played a neurologist on the short-lived 3 Pounds ( co-starring Stanley Tucci ), but Royal Pains is far superior to Pounds in terms of plot and acting. Still a bit quirky - i.e. all those eccentric wealthy people trying to avoid the press - but on the whole, very watchable.
Campbell Scott, who plays the enigmatic Boris, ages beautifully. Those of you who enjoy sexy, older men, make sure to tune in. :)

3) Another promising new show: Warehouse 13, which just premiered last Friday on Starworld. Obviously inspired by The X-Files, but with a lot more humour thrown in. The special effects are a little cheesy, but the cast is likeable, and there's a scene in the pilot episode involving a wishing kettle that spits out a live ferret when one of the agents makes "an impossible wish".
I actually laughed out loud when that happened. Very rare, but a sure sign that I will continue watching. :)

4) And speaking of The X-Files, I finally caught the movie ( I Want To Believe, aka sequel to the first big-screen version released eons ago ). Disappointing to say the least, especially after such an impressive buildup with the shady Catholic priest acting as psychic, and all those body parts found buried under the snow. The ending is extremely, frustratingly stupid.
But it isn't anywhere as atrocious as The Happening.

5) New album releases: Michael Buble's Crazy In Love, which I haven't had time to purchase yet ( hope I can get the much cheaper MP3 version ), and Sting's If On A Winter's Night.... He's doing traditional songs again, which put me to sleep on Songs From The Labyrinth. Why isn't he doing rock and pop these days?


It's the tail end of a busy night shift - only had time for supper and a hurried blog post - then I'll be busy running errands and clearing chores before I start packing tomorrow and fly on Saturday morning.

Will post pictures when I return. Am hoping to snap spectacular ones, considering the tours I've booked!

Till next time...