As they have every spring since 1979, a year after Affirmed became the 11th horse to win the Triple Crown, oddsmakers and horsemen throughout the country have scoured this year's crop of 3-year-olds for the next truly great thoroughbred.

The field has been narrowed to 20 set to run in the 138th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 5 at Churchill Downs.

One of the deepest fields in years 10 to 12 horses are believed to have a legitimate shot at winning shows why the Derby remains such a beloved event: A longtime favorite enters the race shrouded in doubt, while the ultimate newcomer has everyone swooning.

With 18 other horses some enigmatic, others workmanlike in the chase, there's sure to be intrigue.

Here are five story lines to watch:

Can Bodemeister continue his rise?

There hasn't been a Kentucky Derby winner who didn't race as a 2-year-old since 1882. Only 17 horses even have attempted it in the last 20 years, with Strodes Creek (second in 1994) and Curlin (third in 2007) coming the closest. But Bodemeister, named after trainer Bob Baffert's son, is the likely favorite heading into just his fifth race.

He ran past the Arkansas Derby field, winning by 91/2 lengths. Though there's concern about his maturity and conditioning as would be the case for any lightly raced colt Bodemeister has captured the imagination of those seeking the next Triple Crown winner. He's that fast. Baffert has won the Kentucky Derby three times, most recently with War Emblem in 2002, and won the Preakness in each of those years. Owned by Zayat Stables, Bodemeister has been working at Churchill Downs since his win in Arkansas.

"He likes this track," Baffert said. "He just skipped over it. He is very fluid when he just picks it up and floats over the ground."

Will Union Rags recover from a Florida Derby letdown?

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Bodemeister's rise tops Kentucky Derby storylines

I wrote a book titled Myths of the Asanas. This was before I found out about the real myth of the asanas... that most all of the ones practiced these days are less than 100 years old. Not kidding. I've spent nearly half of my entire life studying yoga, and until just a few weeks ago, even I was under the impression that at least some of our beloved asana practice had its roots in at least a centuries-old tradition that used physical practices to incite profound internal transformation.

There is, of course, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, which was written around the 15th century, that outlines a scant 15 postures. Fifteen. A friend recently pointed out the shocking point that asana practice is a relatively new development, particularly as it has exploded in Western culture in recent decades. This claim incited a crazy inquisition, which led me to Mark Singleton's book, Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice, as well as Krishnamacharya's Yoga Makaranda.

Singleton does a thorough job of researching the history, modernization and rising prominence of asana practice. He even reveals the mystery behind the obscure yogic text, The Yoga Korunta, which is said to have been the origin of the Ashtanga Series taught by revelatory 20th century master, Krishnamacharya, to Pattabhi Jois and other prominent students. Though many (including me) would like to believe the story that Krishnamacharya learned the text from his guru and passed it on to his own students, we must make room for the very real possibility that even luminaries like Krishnamacharya were responding to changing times and creating asanas to meet the demand of a more physical culture -- which was developing in India in the early 20th century, and of course remains strong here in the West.

Even if the Yoga Korunta existed, it is rumored to be a 14th century text (not that old), and it is well known that postures have been added, modified and evolved to the supposed structure it presented. For example, the first edition of Yoga Mala, by Pattabhi Jois, didn't include revolved side angle. That posture wasn't introduced until later. In fact, when the first western students learned the primary series from Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in the 1970s, there were no vinyasa transitions between the Janu Sirsasana variations and the Marichyasana variations. This reveals that there has been a very live, real-time, evolution of even the most venerated yoga practices.

Basically, we're all just making this shit up. Even in the decade that I've been teaching yoga, I've seen postures "appear." Most recently, additions like "falling star," "reverse warrior," and "flip the dog," weren't around even 10 short years ago. Actually, it feels like they've appeared over the past few weeks! We can even take a look at modern yoga schools and realize that most every type of practice we enjoy here in America has a fairly recent history. Beryl Bender Birch was a practitioner of Ashtanga Yoga, who boldly took it into the realm of innovation by creating power yoga, and from there we have most every branch of vinyasa evolving from this singular root. Thank you, Beryl, and Baron, and Brian and other fearless innovators of vinyasa yoga!

Despite the fact that our beloved asana has a relatively new existence, it still remains a powerful practice for about 16 million Americans. None of this news of newness of the tradition of asana is supposed to diminish it's importance or relevance in our world, but rather to create an awareness that it's up to us to verify it's validity. Many (myself included!) regard asana as a deeply spiritual practice, though the traditions of meditation and bhakti (devotional) yoga have far more historical precedent. If we, as Westerners, have developed and placed in prominence the practice of asana, then dammit, it's up to us to prove that it really works.

Yes, it works as a physical practice, sure. Cirque Du Soleil has done a good job of proving that, as it has gymnastics and aerobics that also feature many of the same shapes. We garner flexibility and strength through asana. Even studies can corroborate asana's healthful effect on the physical body (though, the infamous recent New York Times article also recounts it's detrimental effects). Either way, if we are reading more deeply into the traditions of yoga and reflecting on it's inherent philosophy, then we are revealing the opportunity to show that the way we have revolutionized the practice of asana can actually contribute to the goal of the practice.

It's no secret that yoga means union. Nearly every yoga book starts with that definition. A little inquiry into the type of union yoga indicates reveals that yoga is an awareness of one's intimate and inherent connection to a higher power, and practices of yoga help to create the condition for this realization to arise. That's pretty much it. If we don't automatically have a sustained experience of yoga -- the awareness of ourselves as inherently whole and complete -- then, we do certain practices to reveal that experience more readily and in a more sustained way. There are many proven practices that help to create this condition, meditation probably being the most tried-and-true method.

But, let's be honest. How many Americans are ready to sit their asses down and meditate? For, like, a long time? We are not even a culture who can sit on the floor in relative comfort. However, we love working hard on our bodies. Sometimes to the point that it becomes an obsession. Given these proclivities, it seems natural to develop a means of practice that utilizes and initially emphasizes the body as an entry point into the deeper awareness of yoga. Hail asana. Honestly, let's not knock it or diminish it, even though it is the baby of the modern yoga culture and the brainchild of yoga innovators of recent decades. Why wouldn't it work?

There's no proof it can't... but the onus is on us to prove that it can, that yoga asana practice is a valid and effective means for aligning the energetic body in such a way to allow for a sustained experience of the natural state of yoga. Otherwise, it will remain in the realm of gymnastics and aerobics. Gymnastics and aerobics are great forms of physical exercise, but what makes them different from a true yogic practice is that their focus is only on the body. What makes a true yogic practice unique is that it's focus is on a sustained feeling of freedom and wholeness. This sustained feeling has the very exciting potential to be brought about by new shapes like "airplane pose."

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Alanna Kaivalya: How We Got Here: Where Yoga Poses Come From

Yoga in an excellent workout to perform indoors on a mat, but practicing yoga poses (asanas) on the beach is also appealing and has many benefits. So, why try yoga on the beach? I will offer five good reasons to give it a try if you live near any type of beach.

#1 Performing yoga in the sand strengthens secondary muscles

Sara Ivanhoe says, "Practicing on an uneven surface like sand builds the secondary muscles in your feet, hips, knees and shoulder joints." Ivanhoe is a yoga instructor in Santa Monica, California.

#2 It is relaxing to perform yoga on the beach

What better way to get the ultimate mind, body experience than by performing yoga on the beach? Imagine listening to the sound of waves, smelling saltwater (for those near the ocean) and feeling the gentle touch of sand. No music is necessary because nature provides it own unique sounds, allowing one to relax while practicing asanas.

#3 Fresh air helps the body

The body needs fresh air to receive a stable supply of oxygen. Negative ions are found in fresh air that is near plants and trees, around flowing water and after thunderstorms. Crisp air has many benefits such as building the immune system, improving metabolism and giving one a sense of satisfaction by changing the serotonin levels in the brain.

#4 Sunlight is beneficial to the body

Being in the sunlight is beneficial to the body. Sunlight helps decrease the chances of one obtaining cancer because it helps the body make vitamin D. The light from the sun is also helpful to those with SAD (seasonal affective disorder). There are also studies that prove high levels of vitamin D can decrease the risk of one getting multiple sclerosis (MS).

#5 Matthew McConaughey and Russell Simmons practices yoga on the beach

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Five Reasons to Perform Yoga on the Beach

Bruce Felix Cucchiara passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2012. He was born in 1954 in New Orleans.

Bruce was a dedicated Christian, a respected community leader and businessman. He will always be missed. A graduate of St. Paul's School with the class of 1972, he remained active in the Alumni Association and St. Paul's Foundation Board. He received his undergraduate degree from Southeastern Louisiana University and began his career in the banking and financial industry. He was the first President of Resource Bank based in St. Tammany Parish and was the CFO of SECO, a real estate development company in Covington. An avid sports fan, he dedicated decades of his life to Covington's youth as a volunteer baseball and basketball coach.

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Bruce Felix Cucchiara, 57, banker, financial officer loved sports, coaching: Obituaries today

LOMA LINDA, CA April 25, 2012- Loma Linda University PossAbilities hero, Eric Arrington, has dedicated his life to coaching and mentoring kids, as well as young adults, in his community. In honor of National Mobility Awareness Month, in May, Arrington is vying for the opportunity to continue his service to his community by entering an online contest to win a wheelchair accessible minivan.

The Rialto native hopes that his story and aspirations could win him the contest with the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA). The organization is recognizing local disabled heroes across the United States who have made significant contributions to their community. The organization will give away at least three of the vehicles to the individuals with the highest number of votes on its website, http://www.nmeda.com/mobility-awareness-month.

While celebrating the invitation to try out for the NFL 22 years ago, Arrington was shot after putting himself between his friend and a shooter. He saved his friend from injury, but six gunshots to his back left him paralyzed below the waist. After his disabling injury, not only was Arrington able to coach football for 20 years at local colleges and high schools, but he also became a volunteer at Loma Linda University Medical Center where he counsels other individuals with disabilities.

In 2009, Arrington was forced to stop coaching and volunteering because of injuries sustained from getting in and out of his vehicle. In order to get back in the game, the 49-year-old needs a wheelchair accessible vehicle, but he unfortunately cannot afford the $60,000 investment.

To watch his full story, and to vote for Eric Arrington, visit http://www.vote4eric.org. Voting is open until May 13.

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Loma Linda University Medical Center Volunteer and Disabled Hero Vies for New Vehicle to Resume Coaching and Mentoring ...

As Pat Summitt sat at the press conference at Thompson-Boling Arena on April 19 where she stepped down as Tennessee womens basketball coach, evidence of her legacy was all around. Her eight national title banners were hanging in the rafters, along with quite a few more denoting Final Four appearances and SEC Championships. Her players were sitting in matching orange and white warm-ups near the front row. The press conference was even happening on a court named after her. But maybe Summitts biggest legacy was sitting to her left: her son Tyler, who officially accepted an offer as an assistant coach for the Marquette womens basketball team the day before. Wasnt it interesting as I stepped aside as head coach, my son Tyler stepped into a game as an assistant with Marquette womens basketball? Pat said. I can tell you Im so proud of Tyler. Tyler, a graduating 21-year-old, flew to Milwaukee the weekend before last to interview for the spot, and got the offer from Golden Eagles coach Terri Mitchell that Monday before accepting the offer. I think she (Pat) was really proud of me, Tyler told The Daily Beacon. Shes always told me that I need to go away and prove myself and earn everything I get. Tyler grew up in Pats shadow. Thats just the way it works when your mom is an American sports icon. Even though he had to endure chants like, Mammas boy! from opposing fans in high school basketball games while playing at the Webb School of Knoxville, his determination to follow in her footsteps never wavered. Ive never really questioned Gods plan. I really feel like this is what Im meant to do this is my purpose in life, Tyler said. If that changes down the road, thats fine, because part of coaching basketball is also about leadership and relationships Tyler played basketball as a walk-on at UT, but not in the sense outsiders would typically expect (an undertalented player getting a bench spot because of his name). No, Tyler has had it in mind to get into the family business for a long time. Walking on for the Vols was simply a means to get a better insight into behind-the-scenes action in college basketball so that he could land a coaching gig like the one at Marquette. There was no doubt in my mind he was going to get to that level, said UT mens basketball coach Cuonzo Martin. He works extremely hard at it. He understands the game. Hes studied the game ... but hes a good guy and he puts the time into it. Anytime a guy puts the time into it like he does he has a chance to be successful. He lives in the house with one of the best thats ever coached the game, so some of it has to rub off on him. Some of it definitely rubbed off. Tyler coaches a U-17 AAU girls team, and at a recent game where most of the team was taking their ACTs, Tyler only had five players to work with. One of them showed up late, though, and per Tylers rules, she couldnt start, leaving just four players on the court at tip-off. The refs, the other coach and everybody in the stands were looking at me like I was crazy, Tyler said. But something my mom always instilled in me was that discipline comes first. You set the standards and you keep them there. Hell certainly try to keep the standards high as he heads off to coach at Marquette, keeping his mother just a phone call away. As far as Marquette goes, Im very excited to start, Tyler said. Shes got a few pointers for me and well see what happens. I dont know if I have any pointers for him, Pat responded. He studies the game all the time and Im proud of him and wish him the best. After Tyler graduates in May, hell head off to follow in his moms illustrious footsteps. Tyler, Dave Hart, UT athletic director, said, all youve got to do is post 1,099 wins and youll blow past your mother. Pat and Tyler laughed, high-fived each other and held on for a few seconds longer. Many probably entered Thompson-Boling that day expecting something like a funeral. What they got, though, was more like a graduation ceremony. At least in this moment, it was obvious that one door closed just as another one opened.

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Coaching Tyler Summitt’s ‘purpose in life’ | Sports

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27-04-2012 10:45 Listen to the entire show! Make Shi(f)t Happen is available in the UW Store! Catch NEW videos and blogs ONLY at http://www.undergroundwellness.com!Sign up on the website toWhat Causes Leaky Gut? receive video notifications. TWEET ME at http ORDER Protandim at

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27-04-2012 19:01 Komb TV sits down with Mark and Don from OnFit to chat about fitness and training and you can get involved. Head to and for more videos Twitter:

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27-04-2012 19:34 Edda is the Sunshine Health And Fitness Member Of The Month for May 2012! We at Sunshine are extremely proud of Edda's passion and drive toward a healthy lifestyle and she has experienced awesome results from it. Both a mother and grandmother, Edda has lost 16lbs and gone down 4 sizes in 5 months. Whats even more notable is the incredible improvements in overall exercise capabilities. When she first came to Sunshine, she was unable to jog for more than a few minutes, couldn't do a single proper push up, and was having problems with her back. Now she does multiple push-ups and continues to improve, can full on run up hills, and has been pain free. Edda is truly a perfect example of what hard work and commitment to yourself can do and she says it's still just the beginning!

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Sunshine Health And Fitness MOTM Edda 5/12 - Video

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27-04-2012 20:11 Edda is the Sunshine Health And Fitness Member Of The Month for May 2012! We at Sunshine are extremely proud of Edda's passion and drive toward a healthy lifestyle and she has experienced awesome results from it. Both a mother and grandmother, Edda has lost 16lbs and gone down 4 sizes in 5 months. Whats even more notable is the incredible improvements in overall exercise capabilities. When she first came to Sunshine, she was unable to jog for more than a few minutes, couldn't do a single proper push up, and was having problems with her back. Now she does multiple push-ups and continues to improve, can full on run up hills, and has been pain free. Edda is truly a perfect example of what hard work and commitment to yourself can do and she says it's still just the beginning!

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Sunshine Health And Fitness MOTM Edda 2 5/12 - Video