Sometimes, in certain situations, everything works against you ... and at the end of it all, you're just dumbfounded. You're so shocked at those turn of events that all you can do is laugh. Unfortunately, my story is a gambling-related one, so most of you won't understand.

When gambling on football, you often bet on point spreads. For example, in today's Denver Broncos v. Cincinnati Bengals game, the spread is DENV -3. That means, when the game is over, you take Denver's final score, subtract 3, and see if the point total is still greater than the Bengal's score (likewise, you can also place a bet on CINCY +3, which is the same thing; you take Cincy's final score and add 3).

Less than two minutes remaining in the Denver/Cincy game, and the score is a comfortable 24-17. Cincinnati is driving inside the red zone (meaning they're getting really close to score). With under a minute left, all Denver has to do is make a few defensive stops (a field goal, worth 3 points, does no good for Cincy, they HAVE to score a touchdown) to win the game. I'm feeling pretty comfortable with a +7 margin.

I'm reloading ESPN, when I suddenly see that Cincy has scored a touchdown. 24-23. I'm a bit worked up, but it's alright. Denver still has a chance at pushing with a field goal in OT (if Cincinnati completes the extra point, the game goes into overtime), which would mean my bet would come back to me.

Of COURSE, Cincinnati MISSES the extra point, so the Broncos end up winning by 1 point ... but by the worst margin possible for anybody who bet on Denver. Even an overtime situation would be preferable there...

Alas, the little lessons in life ;)