actually pulls it off and takes home the title, but it’s far more the
exception than the rule.
It’s almost unfathomable the “favorite” in a
competition of evening gowns and swimsuits — in which every other
competitor is also a country’s top pageant queen — can emerge
victorious.
Simply put, Miss Mexico — now Miss Universe — Jimena Navarrete was that dominant.
Sportsbook.com listed the Mexican beauty as the favorite at a
plus-650 money line (13/2 odds) prior to the event. Even in a field of
83 women, Navarrete was given nearly a one in seven chance.
How did the smart money know?
Navarrete does fit the general profile of a champion: her age of 22
is about average for winners, as is her height of 5-foot-8 1/2.
But, Mexico isn’t a Miss Universe powerhouse like Venezuela, winners
of six — including 2008 and 2009 — or USA, winners of the most at
seven. She wasn’t even from Sweden or Puerto Rico, the other two
countries with three or more titles.
The reality is that Navarette was simply that good at pageants. She
placed second overall in the swimsuit portion of the competition and won
the evening gown segment. That’s impressive consistency.
She even nailed the interview, aptly explaining why the internet isn’t a bad thing:
“I do believe that Internet is an indispensable, necessary tool for
the present time,” she said through an interpreter. “We must be sure to
teach them the values that we learned as a family.”
Then again, who can trust gambling on an event hosted in Las Vegas by VH1 and Poison legend Bret Michaels that featured a Baldwin brother, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, and magician Criss Angel as judges.
Past experience has told us many times that we cannot trust “judged contests.” Conspiracy theories anyone?
Photo of the Day
What should the caption of this photo be? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Quote of the Day
“The only reason why I would be considering it is to help out this team [Tigers] in the future.”
—Johnny Damon, on potentially returning to Boston
Comment of the Day
Fans are waiting for Johnny Damon’s next move like it’s “The Decision.”
Video of the Day
Little League phenom Chelsea Baker is doing the t.v. circuit.
Recent Blends
Monday, Aug. 23: Tim Cowlishaw predicts the future.
Got a suggestion? Send it to the Daily Blend mailbag.
“Don’t do
us any favors. I didn’t boo him for signing in NY, I don’t blame Damon
for taking a better offer, and I certainly think he could help the Sox,
but management shouldn’t have to beg him on bended knee to come back. If
he doesn’t want to come back, fine. Screw him and move on. Thanks for
the memories, Johnny, but if you don’t want to come back, then just say
so. ”
–Frank