preakness picks

With the 2009 Preakness Stakes post time approaching, many racing fans are clamoring to get the best Preakness picks. The Bodog Racebook's horse racing experts, Steve Davidowitz, who has published two highly acclaimed books on Thoroughbred racing and is a regular contributor to Daily Racing Form's Simulcast Weekly and DRF Plus, and Dave Turley, who has served as the DRF's Las Vegas correspondent and columnist, break down the Preakness Stakes contenders, offering their advice on the best way to make some cash with 2009 Preakness betting.

While Davidowitz picks Pioneerof the Nile to win the Preakness, Turley has Mine That Bird as his number one pick. Davidowitz has Papa Clem to place and Rachel Alexandra to show. On the other hand, Turley has Pioneerof the Nile to place and Musket Man to show. For insight into their handicapping, check out the article where two top horse betting experts face-off for those all-important Preakness picks.

biggest loser season 7

The finale of the NBC hit reality show The Biggest Loser was a three-hour special on Tuesday, May 12, 2009. Two contestants, Tara Costa and Helen Phillips, were already in the running for the grand prize of $250,000.

America voted to see if it would be father Ron Morelli or son Mike Morelli competing against the women. Millions of votes were cast and Mike was chosen to compete in the final three. Tara, Helen and Mike were trained by Jillian Michaels, who has been the trainer for the last two Biggest Loser champions, both women.

Past winners were Ryan Benson, Matt Hoover, Eric Chopin (who, unfortunately has gained back 122 lbs), Bill Germanakos, Ali Vincent and Michelle Aguilar.

Nineteen eliminated contestants were invited back to weigh-in, strut their stuff and show off their new bodies. They were also vying for $100,000. The contestant, from this group, with the greatest percentage of weight loss
was 64 year old Jerry Hayes from Wheaton, Illinois. He started the competition weighing 369 lbs. and was eliminated in Week 2. He lost 177 lbs. at home for a phenomenal 47.97% weight loss. His current weight is 192 lbs - see his story on video below.

Helen started the competition weighing 257 lbs. She lost a total of 140 lbs, with her current weight at an amazing 117 lbs. Her total percentage of weight loss was 54.47%.

Tara started the competition weighing 294 lbs. She lost 155 lbs, for a total percentage of weight loss of 52.72%. Her current weight is 139 lbs.

Mike started the competition weighing 388 lbs. He lost a total of 207 lbs. and currently weighs 181 lbs. His total percentage of weight loss was 53.35%.

The Season 7 Biggest Loser winner of the $250,000 grand prize is Helen Phillips, 47, of Sterling Heights, Michigan. She was clearly the dark horse of the final three. She worked hard, didn’t make waves, and in the end was able to blow away her toughest competitors to win it all. Well done Helen!

Check out some video transformations and see photos

Carrie Prejean 'Racy' Photo

Carrie Prejean Attacked With 'Racy' Photo

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Attacks continue against Carrie Prejean (Miss California). Now they are taking the form of a 'racy' photo. Racy is not really the right word. The picture is reportedly no worse then what you might see in a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.

MSNBC is not showing the image, but a cynic would say it is because they want you to imagine something worse. There are claims of other unreleased photos.

The National Organization of Marriage issued a statement saying they were standing by Carrie Prejean.

Clearly this is being done to attack Carrie Prejean. It is becomes a frightful theme; 'Speak out against our views and we will destroy your life'. Something needs to be done to stop this.