Well, wouldn't you know the horse I chose for the Kentucky Derby actually became the favorite. The previous favorite, I Want Revenge, wanted no part of a muddy track, and was scratched. So, with the track turning up wet, all eyes looked toward Friesan Fire, an AP Indy horse, to win. Um, that didn't happen. The favorite in this race almost always never comes through.

It was a slow half-mile in 47-and-change, when I saw Friesan Fire in about 6th, just off the pace. A good spot, I thought. Then he disappeared like Keyser Soze, WTF? What I didn't know was, see, he stepped on himself at the start. So, he hurt pretty much bled through that half-mile before spitting the bit. Friesan Fire eventually finished 18th, probably walking at the finish. I pity the fool who finished behind him.

Mine That Bird, a 50-1 shot, had the ride of his lifetime and was the winner. The second-biggest upset in Derby history. We'll see if they load up the van and head for the Preakness. That race was not in the cards before the Derby, I assure you.

However, the Preakness might be a great betting race if Mine That Bird shows up. if you hated him at 50-1 this week, you may really hate him as a favorite (or second or third choice) in two weeks.

Meal of Links

This might change the Internets forever. It's called Wolfram Alpha. I think it sounds fascinating.

Tiananmen Square, twenty years later. I still recall Dan Rather, outside of a TV truck, on the air until they pulled the plug on him.

Why does it take the NBA three weekends to finish their first round of playoffs, then immediately put the second round into hockey mode. That is, every other day. Very strange and they've been doing it for years. Cavs-Hawks schedule. What the hell, another look at LeBron (Virtually everyone I ask about this ad remembers the exact play):



Old Farts Making You Smile



Senator Schumer wants New York State maple syrup to be used at the IHOP. By God, what's good for Vermont, is good for New York. A couple of weeks ago, I was hankering for pancakes so bad, I went to The Big Egg. And they were good.

Exercise Yard

Saw the Pacquiao-Hatton fight on...shhh...YouTube, of all places, en espanol. I have been solidly behind Manny Pacquiao for many years and relish this type of fight, where he gets to box the overhyped Ricky Hatton. My goodness, the crowd was amped for this one. Of course, Hatton's followers show up, but Pacquiao has somehow over the years united Filipinos, Mexicans and Los Americanos in his corner.

Pacquiao figured out Hatton in about, oh, 90 seconds or so. He put him down 2 minutes in with a big right hand and followed up with another knockdown before the end of the first round. Uh, that's Pacquiao, 10-7, on your scorecard at home. Then near the end of the second round, BAM, left hand to chin. Game over!

With Floyd Mayweather, Jr., coming out of retirement (or is it recession?), Pacquiao-Mayweather looms in the future. Pacquiao truly is a gift from the boxing gods.

Visitor

None, a nice May day.