James Hinchcliffe wins Indy Sao Paulo race in Go Daddy car

James Hinchcliffe driving the Go Daddy car this year, oh yeah, someone named Danica drove the car last year I believe, anyhow, has now won two races!  He passed the leader, Sato, on the final turn in the final lap to take the checkered flag.  One of the more exciting Indy road races I have ever seen.  My Indy insider hates the road races, remember, he calls them “parades”.  I gotta say however, this road race was something else, especially the finish.  There were wall crashes, cars catching fire (Will Power) and then the finish.  Sato kept blocking Hinch but at the very last possible moment, he made it through to take the victory.  The final top five were: James Hinchcliffe, Sato, M. Andretti, O. Servia and J. Newgarden.  My guy, who had started third and was in second for a good bit of the race, Dario Franchitti, finished seventh.  After an awful start to the season, Dario has not finished fourth and seventh, with the big one looming on the horizon.  The road races are behind us, the ovals begin!  YES..for true Indy race fans, these are the races we live for, especially the Indy 500.  Indy is May 26th, few weeks away.  Hope Dario can continue to improve on his momentum and perhaps take it for the fourth time?

Congrats to Go Daddy and James Hinchcliffe today.  What a finish!


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Bulls defeat Nets, 99 – 93 in game 7

Very impressive, the undermanned Chicago Bulls took care of the Brooklyn Nets in Brooklyn last night, 99 – 93 to advance to round two of the NBA playoffs.  Their reward, they get to face the “King” and the Miami Heat in Miami on Monday night.  (Have to add, Joe Johnson of the Nets had a REALLY bad night, shooting 2 for 13???)

The Bulls have been without the services of superstar Derek Rose all year.  In the playoffs, they have lost Deng, Hinrich and are still playing tough defense and getting countless offensive rebounds; thus,  they survive in seven games.  Tres impressive.  Now, are they a threat to unseat the Heat?  Probably not.  Will Derek Rose return for round two of the playoffs.  One ESPN announcer has said yes, I think it is a rumor and will not happen.  He will likely not return until next season.  But…we shall wait and see.

Update: Nets fire head coach Carlesimo one day after losing game seven last night.  Ouch!

Today’s action has Memphis at OKC in game one of round two followed by the Pacers at the Knicks.  Both games on ABC.


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Bulls defeat Nets, 99 – 93 in game 7

Very impressive, the undermanned Chicago Bulls took care of the Brooklyn Nets in Brooklyn last night, 99 – 93 to advance to round two of the NBA playoffs.  Their reward, they get to face the “King” and the Miami Heat in Miami on Monday night.  (Have to add, Joe Johnson of the Nets had a REALLY bad night, shooting 2 for 13???)

The Bulls have been without the services of superstar Derek Rose all year.  In the playoffs, they have lost Deng, Hinrich and are still playing tough defense and getting countless offensive rebounds; thus,  they survive in seven games.  Tres impressive.  Now, are they a threat to unseat the Heat?  Probably not.  Will Derek Rose return for round two of the playoffs.  One ESPN announcer has said yes, I think it is a rumor and will not happen.  He will likely not return until next season.  But…we shall wait and see.

Update: Nets fire head coach Carlesimo one day after losing game seven last night.  Ouch!

Today’s action has Memphis at OKC in game one of round two followed by the Pacers at the Knicks.  Both games on ABC.


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Mickelson and Whatney share lead at Quail Hollow

After three rounds, Mickelson and Whatney share the lead at the Wells Fargo Golf Tournament at Quail Hollow at -8.  Another cold and cloudy day in Charlotte, NC.  Unfortunately, the forecast for tomorrow is for strong winds and heavy rain.  So, we will wait and see if a fourth round gets played or if there is some kind of playoff.  McNeill is in second at -7 and a host of golfers are currently at -6: Karlsson, Westwood, Lynn, (had an eagle at 17, a birdie at 18), Moore, Ernst, and Senden.  The birthday boy, Rory Mcilroy (24 today) is at -5.

Tomorrow’s live coverage is scheduled for 3:00 pm EST on CBS.


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Orb wins 139th Kentucky Derby

It was a sloppy track at the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby.  A lot of rain and a muddy track made for not the best conditions.  Non the less, a great race.  Orb, co-favorite, takes the Derby.  It was the first victory for his trainer, Shug McGaughey, who hails from Lexington, Kentucky.  The jockey, Joel Rosario rode Orb to perfection and he is one of the hottest jockeys in the biz!  Second place was Golden Soul, Third place Revolutionary and Fourth place went to Normandy Invasion.

Have to wonder, I just don’t know if we are ever going to see another triple crown winner.  Have not had one in thirty five years.  Guess we will find out!  Preakness is in two weeks.  Then, the Belmont.

Personally, I had to pull for Charming Kitten.  How can you not love a horse with that name?


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Memphis and OKC advance

Late night NBA action saw the OKC Thunder take out Houston, 103-94 to win that series 4-2 and advance.  They were led by Kevin Durant with 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists.  James Harden had similar numbers for Houston, 26 points, 6 assists and 7 rebounds but it was not enough as he and the Rockets finally succumbed to his former team.  OKC will face the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday.  Memphis defeated the LA Clippers, 118 – 105 (take the series 4-2).  They were led by Zach Randolph with 23 points.  Really surprised at the Clippers, thought this one might go another way.


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Knicks and Pacers advance and will play on Sunday

The Indiana Pacers defeated the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta, 81 – 73 and take the series, 4 -2.  Pacers advance and the Hawks stay home.  Disappointing effort by the Hawks.  Really expected them to at least win this game at home and force a game seven (earlier post).  Oh well, such was not to be…

In Boston, likely saw the final game of a couple “oldie but goldies” as far as the Celtics. Paul Pierce probably played his last game as a Boston Celtic, perhaps Kevin Garnett?  Tremendously exciting game, Knicks jumped out to a huge lead only to see the Celtics come storming back with a 19 – 0 run with the home crowd in a frenzy.  It was just not enough sadly, and the Celtics will stay home and the Knicks will advance to face the Pacers with a 88 – 80 victory (take the series 4-2).  Sad to think some of the Celtics will not be back in uniform for the Boston franchise next year.  We shall see…

Two late night games…results tomorrow.  For now, over and out!


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Reese Witherspoon incident in Atlanta and Surviving “Paradise”

Well, here I go but I just cannot help myself.  I saw the video of the arrest of Reese Witherspoon and her husband, Jim Toth in Atlanta on Entertainment Tonight.  First of all, Jim Toth behaved like a gentleman, despite the fact that he had no business driving as drunk as he was.  He showed some class in the way he responded to the Georgia State Trooper and in the way he tried to reason with his wife, Reese, who acted like a spoiled, entitled child.  (She has of course issued an apology and expressed how embarrassed she is by her behavior).  Very interesting as this was the first time I saw this video.  I am sure it has been all over the internet.  Big shoutout to Georgia Law Enforcement.  They do not care who you are, as well they should not…which brings me to my point about law enforcement and my book Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver.  Had this happened in Sarasota, FL, the setting of my tale of crazy neighbors, a dishonest homeowners’ association, and lax law enforcement, nothing would have happened.  This place is arty, has beautiful beaches, and some really great people, mainly snow birds, but heaven help you if you find yourself in a situation where you need help.  It isn’t there!  This really hit home when watching this latest incident of celebrity misbehavior.  I do not believe NYPD, Boston PD, LAPD, or any other reputable law enforcement would look the other way.  But, in this particular small town in Florida, well, think again.  You would be amazed at the attitude that exists.  I had people at the cosmetic counter at the mall talk to me about what happens when you call the police…nothing.  I had a couple experience a nightmare situation where they had a noise issue with some drunk young people and he went outside to confront them and was hit upside of the head with a brick.  He and his wife spent the better part of the night at the emergency room.  What did the police do?  Nothing.  There was no investigation into the incident. Hopefully, this is not the case in each and every situation.  But, I’m just saying, it is really great to have good law enforcement.  Appreciate them…they are always trying to protect us!  Thank them for a job well done every opportunity you get.  It is not their job to ignore or look the other way.  So thank heavens when they don’t, no matter what the issue is, or who is involved.


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Congrats to LeBron, MVP for 4th time?

Rumor has it LeBron James will be named NBA MVP for the fourth time.  WOW!  He will become only the second player in history to receive that honor, MVP four times in five seasons.  The other…non other than Bill Russell.  Quite an accomplishment!


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No sunshine at Quail Hollow, but Mickelson shines bright

The promise of 72 degrees and sunshine did not materialize today at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, NC for the Wells Fargo Golf Tournament.  What is going on with this May weather in the south?  Anyhow, Phil Mickelson was shinning brightly, shooting a round of -5 today and sits atop the leaderboard at -9 after round 2.  In pursuit are Whatney,  McNeill, and Gardiner at -7 and Rory Mcilroy along with Lee Westwood are at -6.  Round three will air tomorrow at 3:00 pm on CBS.  It will compete with that “little horse race” which airs on NBC, you know the one, The Kentucky Derby!

Personally, I am eagerly awaiting next week’s return of Roger Federer to competitive tennis!  He returns to action next week after a seven week rest in Madrid.  YES!


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