Detecting on the Last Day of the Year

I went back to River Road CC today and once again looked behind the clubhouse. I found $2.10, mostly clad. However, I did find a second piece of silver; a 1964 Quarter.

I feel there is probably plenty more in this area and then I will move on to the course.

Metal Detecting

I finally made it out again today to go metal detecting. I snooped around the old River Road Country Club property at the corner of Zorn Ave. and River Rd. It was slow going at first, getting few hits, but the last hour was much more productive. After spending some time on the actual course, I decided to search closer to the clubhouse. I ended up behind the building and pool. This area contained a small, circular, sunken area overgrown with weed stalks. Walking around it I found a bit of clad, pennies and a quarter, leading me to think this may have been an old pond or wishing well. Judging by the way the change was spread around, I could visualize people standing up on the pool deck trying to toss pennies into it. However, amongst the clad I did unearth my best find to date: A 1943 Mercury head dime pictured below.

Out on the course, the only interesting find appears to be a ball marker. I have half-heartily tried to find the story behind the maker of the marker via the Internet with no luck as of yet. Here is the marker pictured below:

One side of the marker reads "Here lies World's Greatest Putter"This side of the marker, though harder to see, reads: "Bartlett" and " 63" "

I am guessing this is a putter company, but I will keep researching to find out more.

Good Time in Lexington

Dad and I went to the UK/Tennessee State game in Rupp Arena last night. It has been at least 5 years since I went to a game and we picked a good one to go to. Kentucky scored over 100 for the 3rd time this year, Patrick Patterson scored a career high of 33 and Jodie Meeks hit seven 3-pointers (8 of 15 for the game) and scored 27 in the first half. Even though many students were away for the holidays, it was still a wonderful college basketball atmosphere. Once again, it is this type of experience that strengthens my "fanship." Thanks for driving dad...I enjoyed it.

Wildcats Open Practice

After work, I scuttled over to Freedom Hall to catch the UK open practice. First, let me touch on the facility. Freedom Hall is a dump. It is a decent place to watch a game because there are very few bad views, but it is generally a disgusting facility. Not because I shutter at thinking of the number of UofL fans who call it home, but because the entire facility looks like the Little Rascals clubhouse. The ceiling appears to be held up with a chain link fence and nearly every chair in the lower section has black and yellow tape keeping the padding from falling out. Several times when I tried to stand, a wad of duct tape wrapped around my seat stuck to my coat, tugging at my sleeve. The bicycle style fence used to block off the stands from the floor were joined together with duct tape. Classy.

Did I mention the place smells like a restroom in a popcorn shop with a hint of livestock?

The practice was interesting, but I realize an open practice is usually for the fans and not the usual basketball boot camp the players are used to. I sat in the front row, behind the bench, directly on the corner. Something about this type of event brings out the kid in me and rekindles the fanatic. I felt the same nostalgia after attending Reds Fest last year. Anyway, here are a few of my observations:

Coach Gillispie: Facial expressions and hand gestures are all I had to go on during the practice for BCG. His usual "what the hell are you doing" expression was common. However, everything was very efficiently run. Ever player stayed busy most of the time and the transition between drills was nearly instantaneous. Plus he signed my program, so kudos to that. I also picked up on the "special" relationship he has with Liggins whom with he definitely had more one-on-one interaction. Yet, it seemed very positive.

DeAndre Liggins: Liggins is a special player. When I say special, I don't mean one of the most talented players Kentucky has ever had (that remains to be seen). No, no, I mean grab your fanny pack and fasten your Velcro shoes type of special. Corky from "Life Goes On" type of special. An "I'd be surprised if his favorite meal isn't fish sticks" type of special. Liggins likes to draw attention to himself. He was also the last player out on the court when practice started by a good 5 minutes. I think Gillispie may end up hooking one of those telephone bungee cord kiddie leashes to Liggins's waist like the kids at the zoo. Bless his little heart.


Jared Carter: Is dominant!

Michael Porter: I didn't see much in this practice performance. He hustles, but he pretty much looks like he does in games.

Patrick Patterson: Hit five 3-pointers in a row during warm-ups. I didn't realize he had that range.

Ramone Harris: "Razor" was back in action and looked like he was back to his old self. He didn't gain any super abilities following his bump on the melon, however.

I tried taking pictures, but all I had was my cell phone and they came out blurry, but I'll post a few as soon as I get around to sending them via text to my e-mail.

One other observation. Kentucky has several goofy looking players. This includes walk ons and several of Tubby's recruits. But I guess when Saul is your son...

I will also be attending Monday night's game with my Pop at Rupp Arena when the Cats will take on Tennessee State. I'm looking forward to it.

Sport Celebrity Look-a-Likes

While reading a post on straitpinkie.com about what "well known" athletes could benefit from a face transplant, I started thinking along different lines. Which athletes have well known twins? So, without further ado, I present the following comparisons.

Luke Harangody (Notre Dame) and another famous resident of the Hoosier state, Scut Farkus of "A Christmas Story."

Zane Smith of the mound and the other brother Darryl.

Chris Kaman of the Clippers and the orc from LOTR (not sure if Kaman eats children).

Former boxer Leon Spinx and a Hippo.

Saul Smith and the mysterious sculptures of Easter Island.

If you have any other comparisons you have noticed, please let me know. I am sure there are several.

UK Basketball Practice

The weather today reminds me of March. March reminds me of the NCAA basketball tournament. Today, in keeping with this feeling, I will be attending the UK open basketball practice at freedom hall (lower case intentionally used).

My beautifully amazing wife will be out on the town tonight with her lovely sisters, so I have a little bachelor time to kill (and you know I'm not going Christmas shopping if I can help it). I have never been to a game or practice since Gillispie took over the program and I am very curious to see how he runs a practice. I have heard good things. However, I am more interested in watching certain players. Gillispie has long said he starts the players who practice well. My attention will be on Michael Porter, DeAndre Liggins and Kevin Galloway. These seem to be the players mentioned the most concerning practice, good and bad.

But mostly this is an opportunity to do something a little different. The only time I have been to a UK practice was Pitino's first year. I think the highlight that year was seeing Derrick Miller. Aaaah, memories.

A Little Furor Over a Lil' Führer

Can't the reincarnation of Hitler catch a break? I mean, what does a little Führer have to do to get a little Aryan birthday cake.

For any of you who have not seen this story, a couple in Easton, Pa. stormed a local supermarket to get a personalized birthday cake for their 3-year old son, Adolf Hitler Campbell. The supermarket declined their business. But not to worry, the Campbell's found a nice little anti-Semitic Wal-Mart in Jersey to make the cake for the 3rd Reich, um, I mean 3-year old tyke.

Heath Campbell, the boys father, has asked people for a little understanding stating that a name is just a name. We need to look forward, not back.

"The kid isn't going to grow up and do what [Hitler] did," he said.

Heath and his wife decided to go with Adolf Hitler because "no one else in the world would have that name." Gee, you think there might be a reason, Heath? Plus, if he did follow in Hitler's footsteps, that would just be plain unoriginal.

But maybe we are making too big a deal out of this. After all, a rose by any other name. . .

So, maybe we should take Mr. Campbell's word and show a little understanding and look forward, not back. After all, his two other children have normal, forward thinking names: Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie Campbell & JoyceLynn Aryan Nation Campbell.

Way to go Heath! Giving your daughters two middle names. How tacky!

Tonight's Moon

Tonight's full moon will appear to be the largest in 15 years. The moon's perigee will be 28,000 km closer to the Earth than average and this just happens to coincide with the full moon. It will appear 14% larger than usual and will effect the tides (especially on the southwest coast) with a 1-1/2 ft higher crest. Another interesting note, the Geminid meteor shower will be taking place at the same time. Should be a good show if the clouds don't spoil it.

I've Gotta Hankerin' for Some Doublemint Gum

Festivus for the Rest of Us

While watching the "news" this morning, I saw a story on the holiday displays at the Washington state capitol. I had already heard an atheist organization had added a display along with the Christmas tree. Now, a festivus pole has been added. The reporter was upset because, as she said, "festivus is just a made up holiday!" My question is, aren't all holidays made up?

The Tumbling Santas

Here are the tumbling Santas Dot & Papa always had on the shelf next to the side door. We have them prominantly displayed for the season.

St. Nicholas of Bari

As some of you may not know, Mom & Dad gave all of us boys a poem on our last St. Nicholas Day (I think at the age of 15). The poem would state how we had outgrown the occasion and it would be our last. Well, Mom & Dad, it's time you got a poem from one of your children. Happy St. Nicholas Day.

To My Parents (Those Tricky Ol' Elves!)

You think you're so sly...
you think you're so slick...
while we ate dinner
you played St. Nick.
Our socks on the hearth...
or... shoes by the door,
with trinkets in hand
you crept o'er the floor.
As you shuffled about
the wood planks they creaked,
but you used the radio
you tricky ol' sneaks
to cover your racket
to cover your asses
to see this charade
one doesn't need glasses.
So congratulations, to you, my dear parents,
you tricked this wee lil' tot
into thinking our home was annually invaded
by a big fat red-wearing sot.

Below is a wikipedia link to information on St. Nicholas (since to today is St. Nicholas Day, the Feast of St. Nicholas being yesterday). He's quite the popular dude, especially in Russia and among mariners (not the baseball team).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nicholas

Thanks Uncle Mark

Thank you Uncle Mark. I've been using the "Breaking news...Rutgers just scored again" all day today. Every hour, I send a mass e-mail to all my UofL fan co-workers. It's been loads of fun. And when they get upset, I say "don't worry, Kragthorpe said he's not going anywhere."

"Groooooooaaaaaaaannnnn."

If only the Titanic had been as full as PJ Cardinal Stadium, nobody would have died.

Christmas List for Lil' Buckle B

Here is a list of a few items I am interested in obtaining for Christmas. I hope this helps. And thank you in advance (p.s. Mom...I have the tumbling santas out and they are AWESOME!)

• DVD - "The Life of Brian" (Monty Python)
• DVD-"The Simpsons" season 7 or 8
• DVD-"Seinfeld" seasons 4 and up
• Book- "The Demon-Haunted World" Carl Sagan
• Book- "The God Delusion" Richard Dawkins
• Book-"The Tales of Beedle the Bard" J.K. Rowling
• Book- "Your Inner Fish" - Neil Shubin
• Book- "Only a Theory:Evolution & the Battle for America's Soul"-Ken Miller
• Gift Certificate to Half-Price, Borders, Barnes & Noble
• Any UK or St. Louis Cardinals apparel/items you think I may like
• DVD-"Planet Earth" series
• CD -"North Hollywood Shootout"-Blues Traveler
• CD-"Big Iron World"-Old Crow Medicine Show

But hey, I'm always open to surprises and anything else creative you can come up with. Or get me nothing and just allow me to spend the holidays with all of you. That would be as much grooviness as I deserve.

Hi-Tech Cornhole

Hey Kevin.

Just wanted to let you know I figured more out on the Wii cornhole game. Though I have not resolved the "winner goes first" dilemma, I have figured out how to aim, slide the bag, make it hop and flop it flat onto the board. I'll keep trying to figure out the rest of it (though, I really haven't tried too hard.

Cincinnati Zoo Follow Up

Just a note...I did e-mail the zoo and thanked them for withdrawing the package deal with the Looney Tunes museum. I also expressed my concern over the marketing department thinking it was a good idea in the first place. However, the more reader comments I read, the more depressed I get.

Hooray for Smart People!

Linked below is a story in the Courier-Journal this evening about the Cincinnati Zoo deciding to back out of a package deal with the creation "museum" in St. Petersburg, KY. I recommend reading the article, and especially the readers comments to the article. Hopefully this will give some insight as to why fundamental christians (and any other religion) scare the hell out of me. I would like to support the Cincinnati Zoo now, but can't help but think why anyone in the marketing department at the zoo thought this was a good idea in the first place.

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081201/NEWS01/81201045&s=a&page=2#pluckcomments

Yes...I'm Reading The Bible

As I have discussed with several of you many times, one of my biggest peeves is The Bible (or any other religious text) being sold in the non-fiction section at book stores. I have decided to finally sit down and read the "good book" from cover to cover, instead of hearing or reading segments like I did all through school.

My first contention with the book being in a non-fiction section is the creation story in the book Genesis. Put aside the hocus-pocus of the story(s) of creation...that is another argument I will not get into here. Instead, I will focus on the two (2) creation stories in the same book. Each story, though basically the same, is chronologically different. They both can't be correct.

Also, the "good book" has also already told me stories of daughters getting their father drunk and "tricking" him into impregnating them; husbands denying wives in order to save their own life, fathers banishing their own infant children from the village, brothers killing brothers and slave ownership...all with "the Lord's" approval and blessing.

This is not yet a critique (I have a long, long way to go), but calling this the "good book" and non-fiction already has me scratching my head. But, who knows...maybe it will redeem itself in the end. Please don't tell me anything about it, I can't wait to see how it all ends...