More Linky Links

More stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.

- Jonathan Turley: Three Justices chastise Justice Jackson for "groundless and utterly baseless" claims.

- GameStop makes $5.5 billion takeover offer for eBay. What does Reddit say about the bid?

- The world's most important science advisory committee.

- Why Golden Tempo's Kentucky Derby win could be worth $25 million. 

Updated Post Positions in the Kentucky Derby

 Right to Party is scratched and Robusta is inserted. Good luck!

Linky Links

Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.

- Texas Tech's QB Brendan Sorsby checks himself into rehab for a gambling addition. That thud you just heard was Sorsby's draft stock.

- Understanding the iron law of climate policy.

- The 2026 Kentucky Derby and gambling algorithms. Would be interesting if someone ran a comparison of how different AI's were able to predict races between say ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, etc.

- Kevin Kelly on our Uncertain Uncertainties.

The 2025 Kentucky Derby

Looking forward to it! Wish me lick!

Linky Links

Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.

- David Sedaris on Small Talk. Sedaris never fails to amuse me. Good way to start your day.

- David Mamet on writing drama. (HT Tim Ferris)

- When life gets busy, focus on a few key habits.

- Secretariat running the Kentucky Derby in 1973. Still the track record.

2024 Kentucky Derby

Think I know where I'm watching the fastest 2 minutes in sports but still unsure who I'm betting on. Post time is scheduled for about 6:57.

Some Memes You May Enjoy

Many a truth is said in jest.

- Wish this was a joke but its true! Currently a 350-1 shot. Save your money.

- This also could be true!

- Analysis true! You know you'll try it too.

- Can't be unseen.

Linky Links

Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.

- Mike Lombardi really isn't a fan of how the 76ers built their team.

- John Collison on Stripe's crypto strategy.

- Interesting - why Kentucky Derby favorite Forte was scratched just before the race and why he's not running in the Preakness. It wasn't because of a failed drug test.

- Always amusing when satire - becomes reality. Or was it vice versa?

No Idea if This is Real

But it is funny. (Via)

Happy Kentucky Derby Day

Beers will be drunk, money will be bet, and fun will be had. Good luck with all your bets and pools. May the odds ever be in your favor!

Happy Kentucky Derby Day

Beers will be drunk, money will be bet, and fun will be had! Also go Celtics!

Linky Links

Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.

- Informative and amusing (if you're not easily offended) interview of Marc Andreessen. Definitely a must read!

- Churchill Downs bans Bob Baffert for 2-years. 

- Interesting hypothesis. (Taken from this book.)

- Biden and the Fed are creating an Inflation Crisis. Scary stuff!

Linky Links

Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.

- Some Thoughts on [Bob] Baffert and Betamethasone. 

-  James Altucher - AOC and Progressives Hurt the Poor Every Day: Here's How

- Baffert Blames 'Cancel Culture' for Suspension, Could Go to Court. Good explanation of the legal situation for Bob Baffert.

- Origin of Covid - Following the Clues

- I suffer from this feeling often. Too often.

Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

Not for nothing but if Medina Spirit's second drug test comes back negative then those who question Covid vaccines and their efficacity will have another data point. Modern medicine can't even tell if a horse is on steroids but I'm supposed to trust the government on these vaccines? I can just hear the bar chatter now... Heh Heh - Biden Proposes $2 Trillion Bill to Study What's Causing Inflation Rates to Rise... Who knew? Rudyard Kipling's actual first name is Joseph. I guess Joe Kipling just didn't have that same literary appeal as Rudyard... The idea that Socialism will bring prosperity is fundamentally no different than the idea that storks will bring babies... I wonder if the Iranian Mullahs see Israel's Iron Dome in action and worry that they don't have any protection like that in place... Jazz Cabbage is my new favorite term for pot... 

Linky Links

Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.

- Tim Ferriss: The Master and the Fool.

- Noah Smith: Someone has to Run the Fabs. America needs more investment and focus on STEM education. 

- The media is lying about Joe Rogan. In other news - water is wet. The media is always lying about Joe Rogan.

- Pat Forde on the best and worst horse names in Kentucky Derby history. If I owned an entry in the Derby I would have simply named it Horse (because I would have been amused by that - my mind works differently than most)

The Preakness

Strange as it may sound we will probably know the winner of today's Preakness horse race before we "officially" know who won the Kentucky Derby. That's because the owner of Maximum Security has filed a lawsuit to overturn their horse's DQ in the Derby after finishing first.

I feel for those who backed Maximum Security but I'm firmly against turning to the courts to decide what should and always has been decided on the field of play. I feel for fans of the New Orleans Saints but getting the courts to order a replay of the NFC Championship game because of an obviously missed pass interference call by the referees is ridiculous.

In the case of the Kentucky Derby - would backers of Country House be forced to refund their winnings? If they are not forced to return that money - then who pays the backers of Maximum Security? And what about people who have already thrown away their tickets on Maximum Security? How is that resolved? A whole can of worms which should never be opened.

Neither Maximum Security nor Country House are racing today (which I think is BS). A matter such as this could easily be settled on the track or better yet go completely "old school" and let the owners of Maximum Security and Country House resolve the issue with dueling pistols at 20-paces.

As an aside I was told last night a story of a local Mass guy who bet $40 on Country House to win and who ran that ticket 80 times! His take was over $240,000. I'm guessing that guy definitely doesn't want the outcome changed by the courts.

As far as who I'm betting on today - I've learned over the years that if I post my picks they rarely win. I've become a convert to the Al Swearagen dictum that the best way to make God laugh is to announce your plans (or in this case your Preakness picks).

Kentucky Derby Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous Kentucky Derby related thoughts and observations.

The New England Patriots were once again well represented at the Kentucky Derby with both the Hall of Fame coach and QB looking spiffy... Richard Nixon remains the only sitting US President to attend the run for the roses. He's alo the only President to meet both Elvis and Robocop... How funny would it be if instead of elaborate hats women (and Johnny Weir) had to wear elaborate fake beards? My mind works differently than most... As far as my bets I did not have either the winner Country House (or the DQ'd winner Maximum Security) in my five-horse trifecta box but I made money on the day because I loaded up on Code of Honor to show. I figured with a sloppy track the experience of jockey Johnny Valazquez  would make a big difference and that Johnny V would find a way to get his horse into the money. I was right.

Linky Links

Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.

- How the news took over reality. Long but interesting read in which the bottom line is step away from your phone and other screens. For your own good - step away from the screens.

- Heh heh - what do we say to Socialism?

- Pat Forde handicaps the Kentucky Derby

- How darts became the second biggest TV sport in England. I'd watch darts all day!

- Is nuclear fusion about to have its 'SpaceX' moment?

- Fascinating look at the recruiting and training of our Special Forces - the Green Berets - the Quiet Professionals.

The Kentucky Derby

The Courier Journal gave Ralph Steadman their front page and he gave them three great prints (including the one above).

Since the race is today - thought this would be worth revisiting. Remember - when the going gets weird the weird turn pro!

And speaking of turning pro - fascinating read on the gambler who cracked the horse racing code. Beat betting on horses to the tune of about $1 billion!

Linky Links

Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.

- In defense of Kelly Olynyk

- I don't agree that something named after Robert E. Lee has to be changed but this is pretty funny.

- Awesome!

- I love this type of art! Love it!

- I love Bert Kreischer

- Blast from the past - Hunter S. Thompson on the Kentucky Derby