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Cycling in Iowa
by steve - 2005-05-11 ( culture / sports / cycling ) [html version]
It's over, for me, anyway. I rode two days in and that was enough. As I expected, it was nice to ride with 10,000 other cyclists and the party-like attitude of the riders and the people in the towns was really nice. The problem was that it took place in Iowa. I was glad that when I rode, it was overcast, had head winds, and occasional rains. Otherwise it would have been hot, muggy, and unbearable.
Nothing ever dried off or cooled down. Sure it was nice to be able to wake up at 4 am and have it only 70 degrees for packing up camp and heading out on the road by 5 am in the dark, but that meant it would end up about 90 degrees and be so humid that no clothes ever dried off. Then I decided to ride sort of slow to see what festivities were along the way in the towns to not arrive at the end destination in the middle of the day. The end towns had booths for food and bike equipment as well as some other activities, but I was too busy trying to leave to really see it all.
I was lucky that somebody else decided to quit the ride and that they were heading through Des Moines, so they could drop me off there. Then I took a bus to Osceola, IA, where I took the train back home.
"There's no place like home," said Dorothy!
Here I am in Kingsley, 30 miles from the start on the first official day but my second day of cycling, and further on where fresh ice cream was made and served. (Click/tap image at top for full-size version.)
Kentucky Derby (2008)
by admin - 2008-05-01 ( culture / sports / horse-racing / triplecrown ) [html version]
Here's a list of possible starters for next week's Kentucky Derby: Derby 2008.
The experts are divided between Big Brown, Colonel John and Pyro as their picks. You can see their picks on that page, above. You can also see all the horses' recent race results. Pyro was the overwhelming favorite until he finished 10th in the Blue Grass last time out, behind Monba. I like Big Brown because he has such a long stride, he blew past everyone and won the Florida Derby last time out. Of course, the same can be said of Colonel John, who won the Santa Anita Derby. Florida Derby winners just seem to do better in the Kentucky Derby for some reason.
Make Your Own Sports Drink
by admin - 2010-04-02 ( life / health / food ) [html version]
... for a fraction of the cost. This is the one thing that kills our food budget, but we keep buying it because my back muscles seem to need the electrolytes to keep from spasming.
At least, that's what I've convinced myself of. I've been battling back problems since 1996, and this is just part of the routine I've settled into.
Anyway, I've finally decided to make my own. Basically, it boils down to water, sugar, Kool-Aid, juice and salt. Here's a link to more detailed recipes: food.com/search/gatorade or here: food.com/recipe/homemade-gatorade-93652
Giants Win
by bill - 2010-11-05 ( culture / sports ) [html version]
For the first time in my lifetime, the S.F. Giants have won the World Series!
And they did it on my birthday!
Adding to my joy was seeing George W. Bush in the background, clearly unhappy.
Zenyatta Lost
by bill - 2010-11-11 ( culture / sports / horse-racing ) [html version]
Zenyatta lost by half a head!
This is the Breeder's Cup Classic I'm talking about.
I thought she was hurt or something the way she ran dead last, 20 lengths behind.
Then she came out of nowhere and would have won with two more strides, but it was too late.
It figures the horse who beat her is named Blame.
Fox Shoots Hunter in Belarus
by admin - 2011-01-20 ( culture / sports / hunting ) [html version]
Hooray for the fox!
"A wounded fox shot its would-be killer in Belarus by pulling the trigger on the hunter's gun as the pair scuffled after the man tried to finish the animal off with the butt of the rifle ..."
Read, listen or watch the rest here: Fox "shoots hunter" in Belarus
Events at Mpact Sports
by admin - 2011-03-07 ( culture / sports ) [html version]
For those in middle Tennessee: Events at Mpact.
Elizabeth used to go here for gymnastics.
They are a great bunch of people.
Kentucky Oaks & Derby (2011)
by admin - 2011-03-17 ( culture / sports / horse-racing / triplecrown ) [html version]
Kentucky Oaks & Derby (2011)
Time to start watching the races leading up to the Kentucky Derby so I have a clue who to bet on on Derby Day, May 7th.
2011 Kentucky Oaks & Derby May 6 and 7, 2011 Tickets, Events, News.
Brisnet Top 10 Kentucky Derby Contenders (2011)
by admin - 2011-05-02 ( culture / sports / horse-racing / triplecrown ) [html version]
Brisnet Top 10 Kentucky Derby Contenders
Here's the current year's: Kentuckyderby.com/horses/leaderboard
Surfer Catches Biggest Wave, Ever, Off Portugal
by admin - 2012-05-16 ( culture / sports ) [html version]
Surfer catches 'biggest wave ever' off PortugalSurfer catches 'biggest wave ever' off Portugal (video)
Kentucky Oaks & Derby (2013)
by admin - 2013-03-27 ( culture / sports / horse-racing / triplecrown ) [html version]
2013 Kentucky Oaks & Derby May 3 and 4, 2013 Tickets, Events, News.
Time to start watching the Derby "prep" races so you can at least make an educated guess/bet on Derby Day!
Road to the Triple Crown (2013)
by bill - 2013-04-04 ( culture / sports / horse-racing / triplecrown ) [html version]
The Triple Crown 2013 -- ESPN.
I always try and follow these preludes to the Kentucky Derby so that I have at least an educated guess on Derby Day.
Kentucky Derby-related Pages (2013)
by admin - 2013-05-01 ( culture / sports / horse-racing / triplecrown ) [html version]
Where to keep up or catch up on the upcoming Derby:
Derby Results (2013)
by admin - 2013-05-10 ( culture / sports / horse-racing / triplecrown ) [html version]
Florida Derby winner Orb won today's Kentucky Derby in "the slop." But you've probably already heard/read about it. My pick, Revolutionary, finished 3rd. That was better than my picks have done in other years. It's a good thing I didn't places any bets ... as usual. Gambling almost never works for me. When I play the lottery -- not often -- I am amazed at how "not even close!" my numbers are.
Golden Soul was second. Normandy Invasion looked like a winner at the top of the stretch, but faded to fourth. Rosie Napravnik's horse Mylute, finished fifth.
That's it for my sports report. Watch/read your local news for a real report.
Travers Stakes (2013)
by bill - 2013-08-28 ( culture / sports / horse-racing ) [html version]
Several big name horses in it this year:
- Verrazano, Haskell winner
- Palace Malice, Belmont and Jim Dandy winner
- Orb, Kentucky Derby winner
And here's a listing of ALL the races at Saratoga.
The Travers is Race 12.
Good Start
by bill - 2013-09-14 ( culture / sports / football ) [html version]
The NFL got off to a good start today (2013-09-10), the first real games of the season. Both of my teams, the Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers, won! The Titans were a surprise over the Steelers. The Niners won "as expected" even though they were playing the Packers. Normally, I'd be rooting for the Packers, but not against either of the above teams.
I'm going to assume from all of this -- mark my words! -- the Titans will play the 49ers in the Super Bowl... someday!
UPDATE: And it almost happened in 2020 (2019 season). The Titans lost in the AFC championship game, just one game away from the Super Bowl, which the 49ers lost to the Chiefs after leading most of the game.
Mucho Macho Man Grooves to His Song
by admin - 2013-11-13 ( culture / sports / horse-racing ) [html version]
Breeder's Cup Classic winner Mucho Macho Man grooves to his song. It was apparently removed (probably due to copyright issues), but here's the horse winning that race, and the Village People singing that song, anyway!
UPDATE:
Hollywood Park, What a Run It Had
by admin - 2013-12-26 ( culture / sports / horse-racing ) [html version]
Today (December 22, 2013) is the last day of racing at Hollywood Park before it's torn down. It's sad, but that part of town has been "the 'hood" for several decades now, so it's no surprise no one wanted to go there.
I worked there once, briefly, with the harness horses. It was back in the 80's, and it was not during a race meet, but just a place to stable the horses between meets.
from Hollywood Park: What a run it had!
"Once there was a very special racetrack, a bold, proud, brassy sporting palace of lakes, flowers, and an exotic species known as the goose girl, conjured up by movie moguls, frequented by celebrities, beloved by the masses. It was the place to see or be seen, whether you were a celebrity, a political figure, an industry titan, horse owner, or racing fan."
California Chrome, a Horse of a Uniting Color
by admin - 2014-06-10 ( culture / sports / horse-racing ) [html version]
Here's hoping he wins! The race is tomorrow, Saturday, late afternoon Eastern time, usually on NBC.
They have a 77-year-old trainer who thought his big-time days were over, and a jockey who grew up afraid of horses.
They pulled California Chrome's name out of Coburn's cowboy hat. If not for the luck of the draw the horse could have been named Seabisquick.
World Cup 2014
by bill - 2014-06-18 ( culture / sports / soccer ) [html version]
I love World Cup soccer ("football/futbol" to most of the world), so life is good now with all the games on. I'm ticked at ABC/ESPN for limiting all USA games to ESPN, which I can't see because we don't subscribe to cable TV. Of course, they do that to force people like me to subscribe, which I won't do. If I could get just a one-month subscription, I might do that, but I don't think that's available. Guess I'll be going to a restaurant or bar for those games.
Right now, it's Colombia vs. Greece on ABC. I don't care who wins, so long as it's a good game. I hate how so many of these players are diving drama queens, acting like they've been shot or punched, falling to the ground in "agony," when the replay shows that they weren't even touched. [in foreign accent, choose one], "His shoelace grazed my shin! I cannot bear the pain!"
But otherwise, I love the game, and these games in particular. Go USA #USMNT #1N1T on Monday against the team that's become their arch-rival, Ghana!
UPDATE: I'm able to watch England vs. Italy on ESPN3/WATCHESPN, so I'm hoping I can do the same when the US team plays.
Parents Code of Ethics
by bill - 2014-08-06 ( culture / humor / sports ) [html version]
Signing my daughter up for softball, I had to laugh at this (stripped down) Parents Code of Ethics:
- I will encourage good sportsmanship
- I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my child ahead of my personal desire to win.
- I will remember that the game is for the youth -- not adults.
I guess they got sick of parents yelling and screaming and getting into fights!
UPDATE: I ended up being fairly obnoxious, myself, out there on the sidelines. You really do get caught up in it when it's your kid on the field.
American Racehorse, Cigar, Dies at Age 24
by admin - 2014-10-13 ( culture / sports / horse-racing ) [html version]
Sad news. He was one of the greats. We saw him in retirement at Kentucky Horse Park several years ago.
"The two-time United States horse of the year won 16 consecutive races during 1995 and 96, including the inaugural Dubai World Cup. Cigar eventually retired in 1996 after earning his owners $9,999,815, a record at the time -- he had been suffering with arthritis for the last six months. Directors at the Kentucky horse park said they were "heartbroken to lose this great horse."
Pictures from the above-mentioned trip
~ 
~ 
Read, listen or watch the rest here: Cigar, American racehorse, dies at age of 24.
The Road to the Kentucky Derby (2015)
by admin - 2015-05-02 ( culture / sports / horse-racing / triplecrown ) [html version]
The 20 three-year-olds to make the starting gate in the Kentucky Derby are determined by the Road to the Kentucky Derby, a series [of] races leading up to the Derby where contenders can earn points. Follow the leaderboard to see who will make the starting gate on the first Saturday in May.
Source: The Road to the Kentucky Derby
It's that time of year again!
I'm picking Carpe Diem, but I'm usually wrong.
American Pharoah Vs. Secretariat, Who Would Win?
by bill - 2015-06-14 ( culture / sports / horse-racing ) [html version]
Interesting!
The 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah ran the sixth-fastest Belmont Stakes ever, but if he was racing against Secretariat's record time in 1973, he would have been a distant second. Watch the two races side-by-side.
No More Penalty Shootouts
by bill - 2015-07-09 ( culture / sports / soccer ) [html version]
I'm a huge soccer fan, but absolutely hate penalty shootouts. That is no way to decide a game. The winning team needs to be determined by playing the game, not through penalty kicks.
That's like deciding an American football game by having five or six players from each team line up and kick field goals at the end of the game, or deciding a basketball game through a predetermined number of free throws by each team at the very end. It's just stupid. Yes, there's drama and suspense in a penalty shootout, but it's a stupid kind of drama. It detracts from an otherwise "beautiful game."
The way to solve this is through a couple of key changes with the offsides and substitution rules. There should be no more offsides except inside the 18 yard line (penalty box). That should help produce more goals during the game. To help the goalie, there will be no one other than the goalie allowed in the goal box except on corner kicks.
Got that? No offsides except inside the 18 yard line. No one but the goalie inside the goal box (6 yard box) except on corner kicks. For a diagram of a soccer field, click here. 
If it's still tied (a draw) at the end of regulation time, unlimited substitutions will be allowed in extra time, like hockey does throughout the game. They will play the game forever, like every other sport does, until someone ends up on top.
For fun, even the coaches can play if necessary to fill up a team (side). These changes will create a lot more scoring, as well as obviate the need for the dreaded penalty shootout.
You're welcome. And, apparently, Stefan Frei agrees with me.
"Even if penalties did help him win a title last year, Frei said he's never been much of a fan of ending matches with a shootout, even if he did understand the reason for them on Tuesday. "I think it's one of the most horrible ways to end a team sport," he said. "I said that even when I was at the other end against Toronto. Somebody is going to have to be the one that misses and then that's not what football for me is really about, but the spectacle for the fans I guess."
I hate diving, too, but that's a whole 'nother story! :)
My English Premier League Team
by bill - 2017-01-14 ( culture / sports / soccer ) [html version]
Trying to decide which English Premier League team I should consider "my team." Very important. Leaning toward either Liverpool FC (because I always liked the Beatles) or Plymouth Argyle Football Club (because my first car was a Plymouth, and I always liked the idea of Argyle socks but was never brave enough to wear them). Anyway, these two are playing right now on FS1 as I type this.
Going out for coffee (in the icy weather). I hope to have made my decision by the time I return. Wish me luck!
UPDATE: Turns out, Plymouth Argyle never were a Premier League team, just a British team in one of the lower-level leagues. I don't know what they were even doing playing each other. [League Cup?] Anyway, I chose Liverpool, and now (2019) they'll be in their second consecutive UEFA Champions League final.
UPDATE: Even though Liverpool is doing great this season (2019-20) again, I just can't get behind them for some reason. So, I have decided to choose the Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) as my team. For one, my daughter loves wolves. Secondly, the coach and several players are Portuguese, and I am half Portuguese. So, Wolves, it is.
The Rainbow Ends in Sacramento
by bill - 2019-02-14 ( culture / photography / humor / sports ) [html version]
The rainbow really does end in Sacramento! My nephew Milan has captured proof. :) This was taken at their minor league team, Sacramento Rivercats, stadium where Milan works.
Speaking of Sacramento, here's a list of famous people from there (because we know you were wondering):
- William Arthur Holmes (not famous, actually)
- Chris Hayes (co-writer with Huey Lewis)
- More here
- Several more here
- Everyone else
Derby this Saturday
by admin - 2019-05-05 ( culture / sports / horse-racing / triplecrown ) [html version]
Here are my picks for Saturday's Kentucky Derby: WIN -- Cutting Humor (because I have that); PLACE -- Country House (because I want that); and SHOW -- War of Will (because I'm going through that with our daughter).
USMNT Fan-Preferred Roster
by bill - 2019-11-24 ( culture / sports / soccer ) [html version]
Who do you want playing right now for the US Men's national soccer team (assuming everyone's available) for a hypothetical must-win game?
I like this lineup, here.
NFL Conference Championship Games
by admin - 2020-01-19 ( culture / sports / football ) [html version]
For the first time ever, I actually like all four of the teams left on "the road to the Super Bowl": Titans v. Chiefs -- Sunday at 3:05 PM EST; and, Packers v. 49ers -- Sunday at 6:40 PM EST. The Titans are my current team (since I live near Nashville); I have always liked the Chiefs and Packers, for some reason; and the 49ers used to be my team when I lived in California.
Kentucky Derby Postponed
by admin - 2020-03-31 ( culture / sports / horse-racing / triplecrown ) [html version]
This is a first, as far as we know. No, we didn't research it. We don't do a lot of research here. :) Anyway...
"The 146th Kentucky Derby will be rescheduled from May 2, 2020 to September 5, 2020."
Read, listen or watch the rest here kentuckyderby.com
Belmont Stakes to Be Run First in Triple Crown this Year
by admin - 2020-06-25 ( culture / sports / horse-racing / triplecrown ) [html version]
"Horse racing fans will not be denied the Triple Crown this year, even though the order of races will be different. Instead of having the Kentucky Derby, which will take place on Sept. 5, kick off the Triple Crown schedule, the series will begin on Saturday with the 2020 Belmont Stakes. This year's race is shorter than usual, as it will be 1-1/8 miles in length as opposed to the traditional 1-1/2. The 2020 Belmont Stakes post time at Belmont Park is scheduled for 5:42 p.m. ET."
Read, listen or watch the rest here: BelmontStakes.com. These are the entrants. Still more here.
Kentucky Derby (2020)
by admin - 2020-08-09 ( culture / sports / horse-racing / triplecrown ) [html version]
"Thousand Words" upset Honor A. P. in the Shared Belief Stakes on Saturday at Del Mar and got a Beyer Speed Figure of 104, all of which prompted Marty McGee of Daily Racing Form to cut his odds to 12-1 from last week's 50-1 on his line for the Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5. "Art Collector," scheduled to run Sunday in the Ellis Park Derby, is now the second choice on McGee's line at 5-1, behind the acknowledged favorite, "Tiz the Law," who starts Saturday in the Travers at Saratoga. "Tiz the Law" is currently 2-1 on McGee's Derby line. Two horses who will face him on Saturday -- "Shivaree" and "South Bend" -- are the two newcomers to this week's Derby Watch top 20 list, which has had trouble filling out the bottom slots in recent weeks. McGee has both at 50-1."
Read, listen or watch the rest here: drf.com/news/kentucky-derby-whos-hot-whos-not-aug-5-2020
Harness Racing Legend, Billy Direct
by bill - 2020-10-11 ( culture / sports / horse-racing / harness-racing ) [html version]
[Updated: 2020-12-05 01:23:21]
I just learned that a harness racing legend, Billy Direct, was born near where I live. I just thought that was pretty cool. See Billy Direct. It says his time was "1:44" but in fact it was 1:55.
I don't know if it's a typo on that website or the marker itself, but I emailed the Tennessee Historical Commission notifying them of the correct time (just in case). I won't hold my breath. :)
The world record, even today, is "only" 1:46.
Here's a YouTube video about Billy Direct.
UPDATE: It is a typo on the web page. I finally stopped along the side of the road and read the sign. They have the correct time on there.
More info on him and his famous father/sire here and here
ANOTHER UPDATE: And now I have spotted another one in Spring Hill!. This one, Star Pointer, was born in 1898 and was the first harness horse to break the two-minute mile barrier. I had no idea this was such a hotbed of harness racing talent early in the 20th Century.
Breeders Cup 2020
by admin - 2020-11-11 ( culture / sports / horse-racing ) [html version]
The Breeders Cup is happening today! And yesterday, but we missed that. Today is the big day, anyway. I am really looking forward to the Classic, the final race. Some big names.
Read, listen or watch the rest here: breederscup.com
UPDATE: Authentic won it handily by 2-1/2 lengths. Morning-line favorite Improbable nosed out Global Campaign for second. Post-time favorite Tiz the Law finished sixth.
The complete order of finish and payoff was:
- Authentic $10.40 $5.40 $4.20
- Improbable $4.80 $3.20
- Global Campaign $8.80
- Tacitus
- Maximum Security
- Tiz the Law
- Title Ready
- By My Standards
- Tom's d'Etat
- Higher Power
Now It (NFL) Gets Good
by bill - 2021-01-08 ( culture / sports ) [html version]
[Updated: 2021-01-11 19:21:27]
The post-season is better than the regular season in any sport, and the NFL is no different. Check out this page and you will see the match-ups for this coming weekend (Jan. 9/10, 2021).
I predict two out of three home teams (Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks) will win on Saturday, and the same on Sunday.
Washington is the home team only because they "won" this year's worst division in football, and did it with a losing record. It makes me laugh to read that the NY Giants are complaining about not qualifying. When you have a losing record, you have no business in the playoffs in the first place!
The Bears will never beat the Saints in New Orleans (probably have never this century). I hope the Browns can beat the Steelers (a team I have never liked) for the second week in a row, but doubt they can. And, I hope my Titans can beat the Ravens but expect them to blow it somehow and let the Ravens get even for their surprise loss in Baltimore last season.
UPDATE: And now I see the Titans game is on ESPN, a channel I don't get. Oh well, they always lose when I watch, anyway. Maybe this is a good thing. :)
Bike Trail Coast-To-Coast Across America
by admin - 2021-01-11 ( culture / sports / cycling ) [html version]
[Updated: 2021-01-12 03:30:50]
"More than 80 miles of the Great American Rail-Trail are in development right now across 10 states from Washington, D.C., to Washington state, adding roughly 50 miles to more than 2,000 miles of pre-existing trails across 12 states. The project, which bridges about 95 gaps between more than 145 trails, promises a multi-use cross-country trail that stretches more than 3,700 miles."
Read, listen or watch the rest here: bike-trail-coast-to-coast-across-america
UPDATE: Here is the original/source website: railstotrails.org
"Picture yourself... pedaling across the entire country on a safe, seamless and scenic pathway -- or walking a local trail that connects along historic routes. Imagine the incomparable experience of exploring America's heritage by trail -- its potential, its beauty and bounty, its people and places. Consider the economic opportunities and the benefits for communities along the route of a multiuse trail that stretches more than 3,700 miles between Washington and Washington. Learn more about the vision of the Great American Rail-Trail."
Now, this is a True Sports Hero
by admin - 2021-04-16 ( culture / sports / baseball / hero ) [html version]
From August 8, 1982 Go to Jim Rice saves boy hit by line drive foul ball"A line drive foul ball hits a four year old boy in the head at Fenway. Jim Rice, realizing in a flash that it would take EMTs too long to arrive and cut through the crowd, sprang from the dugout and scooped up the boy. He laid the boy gently on the dugout floor, where the Red Sox medical team began to treat him..."
Kentucky Derby 2021
by admin - 2021-05-06 ( culture / sports / horse-racing / triplecrown ) [html version]
[Updated: 2021-05-15 08:37:35]
Well, the First Saturday in May has come and gone, and all I can say is I am glad I could not get the online betting to work. I would have lost it all. I never let myself get out of control, but did have a $100 allowance.
Online gambling has never been legal in Tennessee until late last year (October, 2020?), so I thought I might do a little wagering. But, no. The internet gods had other plans.
Anyway, an unknown little horse by the name of Medina Spirit won the race... barely holding off the late charge of Mandaloun, Hot Rod Charlie and the favorite, Essential Quality, at the wire. Great finish!
Medina Spirit's trainer, however, is not unknown. It was none other than Bob Baffert, who is now the all-time champ of Kentucky Derby wins with 7, surpassing the late great Ben Jones from a couple of generations ago.Click here for a real article on the subject.
UPDATE: HOLD ALL TICKETS! Apparently, Medina Spirit failed the after-race drug test. Baffert has been suspended by Churchill Downs and the horse might be removed as winner, with everyone else moving up one place. Mandaloun would be declared the winner. I hope for Mandaloun's sake his owner was already planning on running in The Preakness, the next leg of the Triple Crown. 
Minnesota Vikings fan still, Doug?
by bill - 2021-09-21 ( culture / sports / politics ) [html version]
I still watch international soccer, but have to turn it off when I see that no fans are allowed into the stands; or, worse, when they have fake crowd noise. That one kills me. So fake, both of which were worst in England. But I think that was only last year. All of the 'leisure' industries (sports, entertainment, travel) seem to be the worst enablers/enforcers of this worldwide farce. I guess it's because they're so completely at the mercy of various government regulations and hand-outs, so they have to play along?
Sent: Monday, September 20, 2021 12:23 AM
Not a fan whatsoever of any sports team. It's been 18 months since I turned on the TV.
Sent: Sunday, September 19, 2021 9:01 PM
I'll watch out of curiosity.
Super rich people don't mind playing God if they get the chance. After all, they have nothing more to aspire to. So if they can get some result they think it smart by stoking fires here and there, it's all justified in their warped thinking. Don't know if that's what some owner was doing, but they probably think they will be part of the elite who will run the world once the great reset comes into being.
Kentucky Derby 2022
by admin - 2022-05-06 ( culture / sports / horse-racing / triplecrown ) [html version]
Who You Got?
The First Saturday in May is this weekend. Place your bets! I like 3, 12, 13, 6, in that order, but will probably hedge my bets (no pun intended) and play that as a four-way exacta box so it doesn't matter which order they finish.
Post ? Horse ? Trainer ? Jockey ? Morning Line Odds
UPDATE: Here's a nice recap of it: bloodhorse.com
All-Black Climbing Team Makes History Reaching Top of Everest, Inspiring Diverse Adventurers
by bill - 2022-05-28 ( education / news / sports ) [html version]
That's great, but who cares what color they are?
"This month, seven members of an all-Black mountain climbing team summited Mount Everest, helped along by eight Sherpa guides. Even though hundreds line up to climb Everest every year, only ten Black people have surmounted the highest peak on Earth before, including only one Black..."
2022 World Cup Bracket
by bill - 2022-12-02 ( culture / sports / soccer ) [html version]
For those like me who were having a hard time finding one online, go to world+cup+2022+bracket
ChatGPT Answer to Question About Kentucky Derby
by admin - 2023-05-02 ( culture / sports / horse-racing / tech ) [html version]
Me: "Who is the most likely winner of the upcoming Kentucky Derby?"
ChatGPT: "At this time, it is difficult to predict the most likely winner of the upcoming Kentucky Derby as the race has not yet taken place."
You don't say! Thanks for nothing! It can predict stocks but not horses?
Big Time Wrestling
by steve - 2023-05-29 ( education / research / sports / wrestling ) [html version]
There's a professional wrestler at church and I chatted with him today.
"Are the matches choreographed?"
Kind of but not totally. The ref has a microphone and kind of does the choreographing as the match goes on. He caters to the crowd to get them to react. Maybe one person is to do great and beat up some bad guy but maybe the bad guy is to do something underhanded to get the crowd to hate the bad guy even more.
"Do they decide who will get the championship belt?"
They like to give it to the "work horses" who work well for the industry. They aren't likely to give it to somebody who will quit after getting it and save it as a souvenir.
I don't remember the guy's professional name. It's something religious. He just got back from Nashville, wrestling there for a week.
Sent: Saturday, May 27, 2023 4:58 PM
I think I remembered his name, something like "Righteous Ron"
On Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 02:45:26 PM
Interesting. Thanks.
Sent: Saturday, May 27, 2023 12:40 PM
People might not realize that it takes great skill and strength to perform what they do.
Upcoming Stakes Races
by admin - 2023-08-11 ( culture / sports / horse-racing ) [html version]
I'm always looking at this page, so I thought I'd share:
You will probably also like Weekend Lineup
Why Is the U.S. Women's Soccer Team Hated?
by admin - 2023-08-14 ( culture / sports / soccer / women ) [html version]
For me, it's because they have no class or sportsmenship.
"According to many, the team's players have distinguished themselves as prima donnas who feel entitled..."
Weekend Lineup
by admin - 2023-10-15 ( culture / sports / horse-racing ) [html version]
Just discovered this nice little page for horse racing fans. Check out Weekend Lineup on paulickreport.com
This one is even better, though: Upcoming Stakes Races
The Kentucky Derby: A Gateway to Immortality
by admin - 2024-04-23 ( culture / sports / horse-racing ) [html version]
The Kentucky Derby, often referred to as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," is not just a race; it's a tradition steeped in history. Since its inception in 1875, the Derby has become the first jewel in the coveted Triple Crown of horse racing, a feat achieved by only a select few of the finest thoroughbreds.
The Run for the Roses, as it's affectionately known due to the lush blanket of 554 red roses awarded to the winner, is the youngest of the Triple Crown races. It's a spectacle of fashion, mint juleps, and the thunderous roar of the crowds at Churchill Downs, but most importantly, it's a test of speed, endurance, and the unyielding spirit of the competing horses.
Among the pantheon of champions, there are those who have not only claimed victory at the Kentucky Derby but have gone on to etch their names in the annals of history by winning the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes, securing the elusive Triple Crown. These equine legends include the likes of Justify, who, in 2018, battled through the fog and a muddy track to triumph, becoming the 13th Triple Crown winner and only the second to achieve this without a prior race as a two-year-old.
The journey to Triple Crown glory is arduous and rare. Since Sir Barton first captured the title in 1919, only a dozen others have followed. The 1970s saw three champions -- Secretariat, Seattle Slew, and Affirmed -- each with their own unique story of triumph. Secretariat's record-breaking performance in 1973 remains the standard by which all others are measured, his blazing speed over the Belmont Park dirt still unmatched.
The 21st century welcomed two more Triple Crown winners after a 37-year drought: American Pharoah in 2015, ending the longing of horse racing enthusiasts, and, as mentioned, Justify in 2018. Both horses, trained by the legendary Bob Baffert, reminded the world of the excitement and awe that the Triple Crown inspires.
As we approach the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, we reflect on the rich history and the horses that have become more than just champions—they've become legends. The Derby is not just the first step towards the Triple Crown; it's a celebration of the spirit of horse racing, a testament to the bond between jockey and steed, and a moment where legends are born and immortality is just a furlong away.
For those who have witnessed the triumphs of these magnificent creatures, the Kentucky Derby is a reminder that greatness is within reach, and every year brings the promise of a new champion to capture our hearts. Who will be the next to join the ranks of these immortal champions? The answer awaits at the hallowed grounds of Churchill Downs.
Here are some notable contenders and their odds for this year's renewal on May 4:
- Fierceness: The future book favorite, with odds at 3-1, after dominating the Florida Derby by a staggering 13½ lengths.
- Sierra Leone: The Blue Grass Stakes champion, not far behind, with odds at 7-2.
- Catching Freedom: Winner of the Louisiana Derby, priced at 8-1.
- Forever Young: A Japanese invader with odds at 10-1.
- Dornoch: Hero of the Fountain of Youth Stakes, rounding out the top five choices in the 20-horse 2024 Kentucky Derby field.
Anything can happen on the first Saturday in May!
Kentucky Derby and Breeders Cup Classic Winners Over the Past Few Decades
by admin - 2024-06-01 ( culture / sports / horse-racing ) [html version]
[Updated: 2024-07-03 20:32:55]
Go to https://friendsnews.com/derby_breeders_winners.php if not automatically redirected.
Reigning Champions of Major U.S. Sports
by admin - 2024-06-26 ( culture / sports ) [html version]
... as of March 12, 2025
Kentucky Derby |  MLB |  MLS |  NBA | NFL |  NHL | |||||
 Mystik Dan |  L.A. Dodgers |  L.A. Galaxy |  Boston Celtics |  Philadelphia Eagles |  Florida Panthers |
Current Standings in Major U.S. Sports Leagues
2024 Breeders Cup a Week Away
by bill - 2024-10-26 ( culture / sports / horse-racing / breeders-cup ) [html version]
Just one more week until this year's Breeders' Cup, this time at Del Mar. They rotate its location every year. Last year it was at Santa Anita, but has also been held at Keeneland, Churchill Downs, even Monmouth, Belmont, Lone Star, Aqueduct and Canada's Woodbine. I'm sure they'd like to spread it out to even more venues, but racetracks are limited by their respective states as to when they can be open.
The inaugural event was in 1984 at Hollywood Park, near Los Angeles, which no longer exists. The track, that is!
Anyway, I love this. Horse racing is one of my favorite sports -- ever since helping my sister as a kid as an assistant groom with the harness horses -- though I've never had much luck gambling. Still, I always set aside a token amount I can afford to lose, just to make it more interesting.
Speaking of which, I've settled on TwinSpires as my go-to betting app. Again, not because I've had much luck, but it's the most user-friendly. I've used NYRA Bets and DRF Bets, too.
Here's a list of all recent Breeders' Cup Classic and Kentucky Derby Winners. And, here is last year's winner at Santa Anita, 
White Abarrio.
Favorite Horse-Racing Websites
Yankees Aaron Judge and Dodgers Shohei Ohtani win MLB MVP awards
by admin - 2024-11-21 ( education / news / sports ) [html version]
"Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani and New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge were named MVP of the National League and American League, respectively, MLB announced Thursday...."
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