The horses. Part Deux.

Went back to the track today.  It was crowded, but once we got through the turnstile it wasn't too bad.  Made another $21.  I'm the man.

By the way, I think I'll be posting more once my summer really begins next week.

The horses.

I love horses.  Because of my asshat friends, I feel immediately obligated to note that I love them in a platonic way.

I was playing poker yesterday.  Sidenote:  I'm not sure that tourney is post-worthy as I ran poorly and only played 3 hours.  I thought it would be no big deal to ask the host to flip the channel to the Preakness at 5:15 and watch the race.  Alas, there was a young girl there who was watching "Cars" on dvd, and hence no dice.  I did, however, watch a replay a few minutes ago.  Wow.  Of course, my appreciation was dampened by having a $100 win bet on Bodemeister.

Now we get another shot at a Triple Crown.  I'm excited.  I kinda hope he does it and I kinda hope he doesn't.  I mean, "I'll Have Another" doesn't have the majestic ring to it that "Affirmed" does.  But, maybe it's just me.  I'll probably bet Dullahan to ensure the Crown for the non-haters among you.

Today, a couple friends and I went out to Lone Star Park.  As noted on facebook, I made $9 betting the races.  I really enjoy going out there, and always promise myself to visit more often.  We had a ton of fun today.  We walked in with about 3 minutes to post in Race 1, quickly bet the 2 horse without seeing the field, and won.  Good start.  Throughout the rest of the day, I made some good bets and some bad bets.  I even won money on a gray horse, breaking a rule of mine.

If any of you are headed to LSP, let me know.  I'm planning to go back out next Monday and again on June 9 for the Belmont.

Beautiful

When I was in high school, I remember a conversation a friend of mine had.  Vaguely.  I don't remember who he was talking to, but the person was asking why football players took losing so hard.  My friend's explanation was quick, eloquent, and accurate.  He said, "because we give up our bodies for the game."  It rang true then, and it rings true now.  When I watch football, that's what it's about - even now.  Me, and my old man syndrome, remembering the passion of playing and reliving it through the players on the field.

I miss it.

Nowadays, I don't go to nearly as many high school games on Fridays as I used to.  Every year, I think about going to all the Tech games home and away, and I haven't been to any of them in a couple years.  I don't even go to Cowboys games.

I do have Mavericks season tickets, though.  I watch NBA basketball every night, watch replays online, watch multiple games at once, et cetera.  Why am I more attracted to this game than to football given the emotions I express above?  Because football is not beautiful.  Basketball is beautiful.  I'm watching the OKC/LAL game 4 right now.  I keep saying wow when Durant and Kobe make plays.  I watched this play about 20 times last night:



I'm ok if you disagree with me, but this is how I feel.  I love them both.  I miss playing football almost every day, despite it being 16 years since I last put on pads.  But, as a spectator, I choose basketball, and it's not really that close.

Driver

Watching the playoffs makes me really wish the Mavericks had a driver.  People can disparage JJ Barea all they want, but he provided that last year.  Players who can get to the rim are valuable.  The Mavs don't have that now.  Roddy B is supposed to be that, but it doesn't come naturally to him.

Westbrook, Rondo, James Harden, Tony Parker, Steve Nash, CP3, etc.  It's important.

It's the reason Linsanity happened.

It's not as hard to find as a big man, but it's not easy, either.  And the Mavs seem to have trouble getting/keeping one.  Michael Finley was supposed to do it, but he had no handle.  Nash did it (although he did it more in PHX), but we couldn't keep his old legs.  Devin Harris was supposed to do it, but he and Dirk didn't click.  We couldn't sign Lin and couldn't re-sign JJ.

Fans know they want Deron Williams, but I don't think many understand why.  This is why.  He may be a punk, but he can drive and get to the rim and open the court.

By the way, I had to watch Rondo's around the back dribble like four times tonight.  Awesome.

Sidekicks

In 1987, I was 11.  Who I am now was already largely in place somehow.  I loved rap music, Mike Tyson, and the Dallas Mavericks.  The real team I loved, however, was the Dallas Sidekicks.  And, somehow, miraculously, they won it all.  I got to meet Doc Lawson, Kevin Smith, and Krys Sobieski.  They were real, not just on TV.  The electricity of Reunion during games was amazing.  

I'm not a huge soccer fan now (unless we're in a World Cup year).  But, I was then. Now the Sidekicks are back.  They're going to be in the PASL starting in November.  Playing in the Allen Events Center near my work.  The San Diego Sockers are in the league, too.  I don't know if my tastes have changed too much to really enjoy the experience, but I intend to find out.  Holler at me if you want to catch a game.

Results oriented.

I understand rationally that the outcome shouldn't affect me.  If I can tell that I handicapped something well, or learn a lesson about how to handicap something better, or both, losing money shouldn't matter.  But, it does.  At least for now.

Last year at this time, I had crushed an NBA regular season and made money playing online poker leading up to Black Friday.  This year, I've lost on the NBA, and played meaningful poker only about once a month.  I'm down a little overall for the year.

I had both LA teams in their respective series.  They both went up 3-1, but I could already see the possibility of losing the next six games, and therefore both bets.  Prophecy on its way to being fulfilled going into last night.  Then, the Lakers win.  I feel better.  I do not feel nearly as confident about the Clips, but press my bet anyways to get a better average price if they can pull it off.  They do.  I feel better.

I've now got two bets outstanding.  The Lakers and Celtics to win it all.  I don't think either will happen, but would put more on both if given the same price, probably.

I think I'm going to chill and focus on poker for the summer.  Let's hope I play well enough that I won't care how I run.

UGH.

I have been looking over the free agent list.

Take a look and build a reasonable wish list...think you can contend even if that wish list is totally fulfilled?  I'm not so sure.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/2012-nba-free-agents

Relief

I was pissed after every game in the series.  I don't think that OKC was significantly better than us.  But, jeez, it would be nice to have a player who got to the rim and finished like Durant, Westbrook, and Harden.  That's Roddy B's job, but he doesn't seem to get it.  Vince Carter far exceeded my expectations this year, and was the closest thing we had to that finisher that we needed.

Yes, I wish they had signed Tyson Chandler.  Tyson Chandler may be my favorite Maverick ever.  Strong words, I know.

But, we can't go back in time.  What will Donnie and Mark do now?  That's the question.  Can we get Deron?  And, if we do, what else can we get, knowing he alone is not enough?

Maybe I'll put my championship DVD on and forget about this for awhile.

btw, I think Dirk is going to have a tremendous season next year.

Mavs Game 4 and random thoughts.

I am hopeful about the game today, but not optimistic about this series.

It's been so easy to second guess the Mavs.  It's been easy to point back to what I said in December (first guessing).   Tyson Chandler just won Defensive Player of the Year.  I miss him.

That said, however, if the Mavs had held on to game 1 or 2, I'd still be feeling ok about this series, I think.

Anyways, too tough to think about too much.  I'm headed to the game in a minute.

Meanwhile...

I haven't looked at the Derby at all.  I'm recording it, and will enjoy watching it, but no money or emotions at stake.  I'm headed to LSP on Memorial Day if any of you want to join me.

I'm enjoying the NBA playoffs.  I'm looking forward to seeing the Lakers in the next round, I think Spurs vs. whoever wins this 4/5 matchup will be interesting.  Miami is rolling, and I'm not sure the Pacers can compete.  I think the Celtics can hang on, and beat CHI (or Philly), but they gotta have something left for Miami.  Good storylines, even if my enthusiasm is dampened by the Mavs.

I'm enjoying projecting the NFL season, but I haven't even really looked at college football yet.  I watched most of the Irish spring game, but it's not looking good.  Wazzu with Leach will be interesting.

The Red Sox are still struggling.  They'll go on a tear at some point.

Damn, the Clips are on a 14-1 run in this game.  Look good, obv.

Have a good weekend.  Talk to you soon.

Cat Daddy

Call me Spongebob.

Mavs Blues.

I got 'em.

I didn't watch any of the games tonight.  I had a charity tourney dealing gig.  But, to be honest, I didn't miss the games much.  My basketball energy is down right now.  I think I'll be pumped up again by Thursday.  I hope so.

The Celtics winning without Rondo or Allen was predictable.  The Lakers win was predictable.  The Bulls rolling without DRose was predictable.  Wait, what?  The Bulls lost.  Color me shocked.  I really thought they would roll tonight.  I still think they win the series, but good for Philly for showing up.