Wanda Jackson

Wanda Jackson into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 4, Smithsonian Channel will re-broadcast the critically acclaimed documentary on her career, “The Sweet Lady With The Nasty Voice.” The special will air the day of her induction, April 4 at 8pm.

Emerging on the music scene in 1954, Jackson empowered female rock and rollers, thus opening doors for the Chrissie Hyndes and Patti Smiths of the world. Elvis Presley, whom Jackson dated, was influential in Jackson’s choice to move from country music to the male-dominated world of rockabilly. Jackson toured with Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis, and rare footage of some of these appearances is included in the documentary.

The culmination of a two-year journey with Jackson, now 70, in performances across the United States and Europe, THE SWEET LADY WITH THE NASTY VOICE features contemporary rock immortals in new interviews and rock ‘n’ roll’s historic greats in rare footage.

Shamrock Shuffle

Shamrock Shuffle are projected to be in the low 30s to 40s with a 20% chance of rain/snow mix and 15-20 mph wind. I’m trying to remember what year it was when I ran the Shamrock Shuffle and it snowed---we finished at Daley Plaza. Anyway, it looks like the weather is going to be less than favorable, but hey, we’re Chicagoans and we’re tough! The Health and Fitness Expo hours today are down at Navy Pier from 9a.m to 6pm and it's FREE.

www.Shamrockshuffle.com is the official website of Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, where you can get the information on runner, charities, results, volunteers, martketing opportunities, and more. 2009 Shamrock Shuffle will bw hold on Sunday, March 29. The race organizers have launched their helpful Event Alert System and it’s code Yellow/Moderate, which suggests less than ideal running conditions.

Deena Kastor, who won the Olympic marathon bronze in 2004, granted the Sun-Times an exclusive interview about competing in Sunday's Shamrock Shuffle. It will be Kastor's first race since dropping out of the marathon in the Beijing Games due to breaking her foot.

Florida Derby

Florida Derby, a race for owners who can afford the hotel rates in Louisville during Derby week, have three serious problems to overcome. The other six in the field shouldn't be completely ignored. They have the required four legs and a tail, but so did Babe, the wonder pig. So let's get serious. The second choice is Quality Road and his problem is the road's he's taken. He's the fastest horse in the field but, big but, he's never been asked to go around two turns.

Dunkirk, the morning line favorite, cost $3.7 million at auction. He didn't run as a 2-year-old, finally coming to the races two months ago. He overcame troubled trips in his only two races but went on to win by plenty. His problem: The last horse to win the Kentucky Derby without racing as a 2-year-old was the magnificent-looking Apollo. I'm guessing magnificent, since he won his roses in 1882.

Dunkirk must win Saturday - no kidding around, must - if he wants to reach the starting gate at Churchill Downs. He's run only in allowance races. And if too many horses enter the Derby, and they always do, the first 20 are selected on the basis of money won in stakes races, like today's $750,000 Grade I Derby. There isn't enough time to make another start.