Brian's Baseless UK Prediction

Kentucky tips off against Tennessee ("I really, really hate Tennessee. I can't stress that enough.") in just over two hours and I'm stuck at work, in my freezing office, waiting for an event to wrap up. I have been looking forward to this rematch since the first game back in mid-January. The last time out, Jodie "Freakin" Meeks laid a 54 point spot on the pumpkin puke orange hillbillies from Rocky Top. The last two games without Patterson have been frustrating to watch down low with scarce rebounding, little defense and putrid scoring. But Patterson is back (hopefully near 100%) and I expect good things today as the Vols march their leg irons into Rupp Arena.

Rhythm & Bruise

Don't expect Meeks to go for 54 again. Not even close. However, I have never given tons of credit to the IQ of Tennessee players and still expect Meeks to get plenty of scoring opportunities. Look for him to get his average, even if it does all come from turnover fastbreaks and free throws.

Patterson may get fewer minutes than we would like to see. I know he has been struggling towards the end of practice, but if he keeps getting quick breaks, I think he'll have a fine game. As a bonus, his finger apparently is feeling better and I think we may see a return of his jump shot and touch he had before the boxing glove of a bandage he sported the last month and a half.

The Backup "Stringers."

Kevin Galloway will get more playing time today. I feel it. He did it against Florida and he'll do it against Tennessee. Maybe a turnover or two too many, but his assists and play making will be a catalyst. Bank on it.

Darius Miller is quickly becoming one of my favorite players to watch. I could see how lost he looked several weeks ago, but I have never seen a player grow in confidence each time out like Miller has the past few games. His offense is still mediocre, but is showing flashes of what's to come. His defense and rebounding are quickly improving as he is emerging from his freshman shell.

"Jorts" Harrellson and DeAndre Liggins worry me. I like what I see a lot of the time, but apparently they must be driving Gillispie madder than a half-time interview. It's the rotation of these two (and Galloway) that has perplexed me and has thrown off Gillispie's substitution pattern. Just about all teams have a rotation set well before now. Not Kentucky. It's as disjointed and unpredictable as it was in the November exhibition games. It seems Gillispie is much tougher on his recruits (Liggins, Harrellson, Galloway, Miller) than Tubby's (Harris, Porter, Stevenson). But I will not pass judgement on BCG until near the end of next season.

So, without further ado, today's prediction for the Kentucky/Tennessee match-up (remember last game, I did predict the score...just the wrong outcome):

Kentucky: 74

Tennessee:70

Player of the Game: Kevin Galloway

"Say Cheese" You Sneaky ET's: We're Comin' For Ya!

I am looking forward to the next big NASA mission set to launch on March 5th. I've always pulled for NASA funding and cringe when cuts are made (especially for some of the things the money is redirected to). The Nasa mission is launching the Kepler spacecraft which "...is scheduled to blast into space from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., aboard a Delta II rocket on March 5 at 7:48 p.m. Pacific Time (10:48 p.m. Eastern Time). It is the first mission with the ability to find planets like
Earth -- rocky planets that orbit sun-like stars in a warm zone where liquid
water could be maintained on the surface..."

I am disappointed these type of launches get so little press coverage. It is sad so few people take an interest in a project that could fundamentally change the way we view ourselves and our short existence on this "mote of dust", as Carl Sagan would say, we call a planet. I guess we will only pay attention when they hit pay dirt, as long as we are not bothered with the fantastic adventure of discovery.

Go NASA GO! Go Man Go!

Dumbing Down Our Kids - Pt.2

Here is another example of why I am so angry at religion and creationism. After watching this video, is there any question as to why the United States ranks so low among developed countries in math and science. If this isn't mental child abuse, I don't know what is. If I said what I really thought, blogspot may close my account.

Atheist Discrimination - Pt. 1

According to many polls, atheists are the most mistrusted and reviled group in America. That is saying something from a country with a historical reputation for "oopsies." However, much of this hatred goes unnoticed, so I have decided to post any videos I can find showcasing blatant hatred and discrimination of atheists in the media. Anti-atheist videos from random people on youtube are a dime a dozen, but I will focus on media outlets and their "expert" panels. The first is from CNN's show with Paula Zahn. Please pay attention to the titles of each panel member and keep that in mind as you listen to the comments they make. Hopefully after watching some of these examples, many of you will realize why I am so passionate about my stance regarding my personal atheism.

The Joy of Meeks

Say what you will about the Kentucky basketball team this year. They have won several games they easily could have lost and the lost several games I thought they should have won. No matter what happens, this has been one of the most enjoyable UK season so far because of one Jodie Meeks. I eagerly anticipate each game to see what he'll do next. He works hard on every offensive and defensive possession. His cuts at the end of the game are just as hard as the cuts in the first few minutes. He never showboats or talks trash (and as I type this, Meeks just hit an unbelievable 3-pointer). Given the score is 3-0, I am predicting:

Kentucky: 77
Vandy:64

Meeks scores 24.

Lunch Time Chat

I drove over to the Subway in Jeffersonville for lunch last week and as I was standing in line, at the table next to me, two guys were sitting having an intense discussion about String Theory. It was refreshing to hear someone having a discussion like this. I just wish I could have listened in a little more and try to figure out if they were physicists or just discussing it for pleasure (or both). The discussion would have been way above my head, but it is good to know people still sit around and discuss more than just American Idol. After all, this is how most important discoveries and ideas come about...as well as in the bathroom.

Duke, Carolina, UofL and "HURL!"

I took some interest in the Duke/UNC game last night simply for the fact I want Kentucky to reach 2,000 wins before North Carolina (UK is currently 12 wins ahead). However, I had to mute the parts I watched because of the verbal make out session slobber fest that was Mike Patrick and Dick Vitale. I wasn't cheering for Duke at all, just hoping North Carolina wouldn't win in a never ending series of overtimes where both teams end up on the floor as piles of moist salt heaps. As much as I dislike Coach Kyakxynskyzzz..., the well-to-do nostril flaring appearance of some of the players and the "Cameron Crazies," who learn how to be basketball fans in Undergraduate Studies 101, it is the media that facilitates my disgust for Duke. I hate Duke. I really, really do.

After reading Kevin's blog about Rick Pitino and his comments over the past couple months concerning the SEC and Gillispie's coaching decisions, tonight's UofL/Notre Dame game could not have been sweeter. Now I am just trying figure out what game I enjoyed more: Louisville/Rutgers in football or tonight's game. Oops, Notre Dame just scored again. Yep, tonight's game.

Battle of the Brains

Interestingly today, February 12th, 2009, is the 200th birthday of both Honest Abe Lincoln and every creationist's favorite EVIL-ution devil, Charles Darwin. Born on the same day half a world apart (Lincoln, of course, in Kentucky and Darwin in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England), both of these famously bearded intellectuals upset the applecart and are still reviled as well as loved by many. So here is the question: Who is the best?" Which of these men is more deserving of everlasting glory? Whether you judge by their actions, continuing legacy or simply by the beard, top hat or sailing vessel, let me know what you think. Feel free to leave a comment or vote to the right.

Who da Man?

Movie Reviews

My last movie review was on "Gran Torino" and "Blood Diamond," both decent movies. Since then I have seen "Wall-E," a Disney Pixar film and "Burn After Reading," a Coen Brothers movie.

"Wall-E" was better than I thought it would be. I thought it had some funny moments and a good satirical view of the future of humanity. I felt the first 30 minutes was the best part, but it was enjoyable throughout. It is not one of Disney's best, however. Compared to another Pixar film, "Finding Nemo," it doesn't even come close. I would like to see Disney get away, at least for a movie or two, from the 3-D CGI animation and go with the classic style animation.

"Burn After Reading" was a let down. It definitely tried to follow in the form of the Coen brothers, but just fell a little flat. It had it's dark humor moments and a time when I looked at Beth and said "I didn't see that one coming." The movie is so twisted up in its plot that even the characters in the movie poked fun at it at times as they tried to figure out what was going on. And, like many other Coen brothers movies, it leaves almost everything unresolved.

Mount Redoubt

I have been following the volcano, Mt. Redoubt, in Alaska with great anticipation. For a couple of weeks now vulcanologists have claimed it is ready to go at any minute. It has been venting plenty of steam, the glaciers on one side have melted away to half the size in a matter of days and the earthquakes continue to swarm. The link below is to the camera atop an observatory a few mile away from redoubt. The picture is updated every several minutes.

http://www.avo.alaska.edu/webcam/webcam.php?cam=Redoubt%20-%20Hut

http://www.avo.alaska.edu/webcam/Redoubt_-_CI.php (distant camera)

I know besides loss of life, volcanoes can cause sever damage to infrastructure, machines and cars, but I really want to see this baby go. I can't help it.

What "Other Gods"?

As you all know I am very skeptical of faith and religion and the dogma taught by religion. I mostly focus on the big three religions of Christianity, Judaism and Islam (sorry Apu, I know your religion is swell, too). Christianity, obviously, gets most of my attention simply because it is with what I am most familiar. I have a question regarding the 1st commandment of the Ten Commandments.

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me." -King James version

I would like feedback to this question: What "other gods?"

Is the god of Abraham admitting other gods exist but we shouldn't put them above "him?"

If god is the only god, then why make reference and warn us about other gods?

Just curious.

Ice Storm at LSF

I know most of you won't have the ability to read this right now because you are without power. Beth & I are some of the lucky ones whose lights flickered, but never lost power. I hate to mention it (actually, I love it because I'm a weather nerd), but some forecasters are calling for the potential of another big storm on Monday. Belski from WAVE 3 is saying we could easily get several inches with the potential for the biggest storm of the winter, possibly a blizzard. They should have a better handle on the track of this southern storm in the next few days.

I took a few pictures today around LSF of the ice and snow. It is pretty, but it is very destructive. Not only does it break trees, but it is also too much weight for our backstop netting, light poles and our gutters on the roof. Our little river birches out front are touching their toes, but they are young and supple enough they should bounce back as long as we don't disturb them. Our main concern is the Old National Bank building next door (the one with the pointy green roof that looks like a sail boat). It is notorious for dropping huge chunks of ice onto the pavement below. They have the sidewalk cautioned off and we have warned people not to park next to the building. Our General Managers car was totaled several years ago when a ton of ice fell and flattened his car. He saw the whole thing from his office. Anyway, here are a few pictures (Click on the pictures for a larger view).

The SUV in the above picture is parked in the wrong spot. Just waiting for a ton of ice to crash down on top of it.

Maybe they will find the ballpark 10,000 years from now as the overriding glacier melts away at the end of another ice age and wonder what this space was used for.

Ice, Ice Baby

It looks like we'll be getting an ice sandwich by tomorrow morning. 4 inches of sleet and snow, a nice thick layer of ice, and then another several inches of snow tomorrow morning. Our lights have flickered a little bit, so I won't be surprised if we lose power. Maybe before I finish this......................................................................................................

Just kidding. I stayed home from work today. Humana was closed, so we didn't need to clear the lot and our sales staff was called off because we would have nobody to cold call. I am hoping for snow tomorrow during the daylight hours so I can at least see it. I hope everyone stays safe and remember, don't eat the yellow snow!

Snow Storm Prediction

As I mentioned in the previous post, I have been anticipating the pending " WINTER STORM of 2009" with kid like enthusiasm. Some of my excitement is quelled because I'm sure our office will not close preventing me from spending a snow day reading, playing video games and simply watching the snow fall. While keeping up with the local weather blogs, National Weather Service forecasts and various models predicting everything from an ice storm to 15 inches of snow, I will tell you how much snow Louisville will officially receive from this storm (not even know-it-all-Kevin can do that).

4-1/4 " of snow with 1/4" of sleet/freezing rain will be the official tally.

Look for areas south of Louisville to have significant icing with power outages. All Jefferson County schools will be closed Tuesday, but open Wednesday.

Oh, and if the forecasters say conditions are improving, that doesn't mean more snow is coming. I learned this conflict of interest when I was a kid. Lousy grown ups!

Could This Be The Week?

I have been following the storm system coming out of the Northwest over the past few days hoping for a little snow. The 1-1/2 inch snow a few days ago was fun, but I felt a little disappointed. The system is supposed to hit late Monday into Tuesday with current estimates from 1-4 inches. I am encouraged because they were saying rain just a few days ago. Hopefully, this trend will continue.

I have enjoyed the warm weather today, but it reminds be baseball season is fast approaching and I'm not yet ready.

Come on white blanket of death!

Take That Young Earth Creationists

I know we cult satanist followers of Lord Darwin and his "EVILution"cling to our silly science, rational thought and open mindedness, but we are not above calling it like it is. So to all you Young Earth Creationists out there, let me say this.

IN YOUR FACE!

Fish Out Of Water: New Species of Climbing Fish from Remote Venezuela Shakes the Catfish Family Tree

And for those of you uncomfortable with the idea of evolution, here is an edited version of Carl Sagan's Cosmos you may find comforting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TthHltjrvA

Oh, and Mountain Dew IS the best soda ever made!

Thou Shalt Be Stupid, Apparently.

I noticed a headline on drudgereport.com today concerning the "re-do" of the swearing in carried out by President Obama and Chief Justice Roberts. It stated:

NO BIBLE USED AT OBAMA RE-SWEAR...

Naturally, I couldn't resist and clicked on the link. The article, linked from the Washington Post, is actually titled:

Obama Sworn In Again, With Right Words

Obviously, the article was not about Obama not using The Bible. It was just a sentence picked out to enrage the right-wing, ACME rocket buying Loony Tune religious zealots looking for any excuse to show their ignorance. After completing the article, I read the reader's comments. That's when, once again, I became depressed these people are of the same species as me. Some examples:

"No Bible?..well it doesn't matter to DONKEY BOY..he
doesn't believe in it anyway."

"Hmmm....No Bible used is quite extraordinary!! Has
'Mr. Change' suddenly become a 'NON BELIEVER' or was there a "Secret koran" being used, or in the vicinity??All 'OATHS / AFFIRMATIONS' are generally sworn with the hand on a Bible, (or some Religious symbol)....Especially the "Presidential Oath"!! What message is being sent here?? I'm very surprised that the Chief Justice allowed this to occur!!

"In the end, this is what President Obama wanted
anyway....going to be a long 4 years"

"Very sad that the idiot couldn't get it right the
first time (Did they use a fireproof bible then?)Doesn't {sic)make me wonder how he'll do on anything else.If they had used a bible it would have probably burst into flame."

"I truly believe this was intentionly[sic] done by Obama to
mess up so that he could do it without the Bible, simply because he IS a muslim. But that is something we will never know that is if he did it intentionly [sic])but I do know one day that we WILL find out that he is a muslim!"

"While there is definitely no "official" religious
test for office, God help us if we ever elect someone who doesn't believe in the Bible."

"NO BIBLE tells it all..."

"President needs to take oath again, The Bible is
equally, if not more important than words of oath. We are a christian nation, all though radicals and liberals are trying to change that."

Enough said.

Buckle B's Thoughts on President Obama

I didn't take much of an interest in politics before September 11th, 2001. Sure, I voted and still was more politically literate than the average American I guess, but I didn't spend the time I do now keeping up with the political climate. Though still not as well versed as I should be, I can identify a large percentage of government figures, their title, party affiliation and background.

September 11th, like most people, had me watching the news countless hours a day in the following weeks. This experience has caused me to continue my interest in world affairs and has increased my global awareness. Now I can't understand how people wouldn't be interested in world news and politics. Not knowing what is going on would drive me crazy. This brings me to my thoughts on President Obama.

I approach Obama's presidency with skeptical optimism (or optimistic skepticism). He is indeed an articulate, energetic and popular figure who will demand respect from both foreign and domestic entities, at least for the time being. He has a beautiful wife and daughters and portrays an idealism to many. However, it will be interesting to see how long this "new car smell" lasts with an easily distracted and impatient public. Those who see Obama as a god who can solve all the problems of the world will be quickly disappointed. Those who view him (and I'm not kidding when I say this) as evil, the 2nd beast who is to usher in the apocalypse will be greatly disappointed, too. Many fundamentalists are hoping the end times are near and they believe Obama is the catalyst (however, I would think they would be happy he is president because of this).

I feel Obama has the potential to be the best president we have had in my lifetime. However, many past president's potential never panned out like people thought it would. I am excited to see the country enthusiastic about a new presidency and optimism can go along way to healing a limping country. Let's just wait before we start adding his face on Mt. Rushmore.

A Few Chompers Short

I have finally lifted out of the foggy grogginess (somewhat) of the anesthesia from my surgery this morning. It's a little depressing looking in my pie hole and seeing the void, however it's not as bad as I thought it would be. According to the surgeon, he said I was lucky I came in when I did because it was a time bomb ready to explode. I guess then all my teeth would have been blown out. Anyway, my tooth situation is getting better and I have dedicated myself to my remaining teeth. I will get the stitches out next Wednesday.

One last note, laughing gas is soooooooo cool!

A Little Surfin' Bird for Kevin

Enjoy:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/37768/family-guy-i-dream-of-jesus

My Coldest Night Ever-Response to My Mother (I've Heard of a Popsicle, but not a Momsicle).

Thanksgiving night 1995 was the coldest night of my life. While working for the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado, a couple of friends and I decided to camp atop Emerald Mountain , adjacent to the YMCA property. The 30 minute hike to the top after dinner was refreshing and fun. The following 8 hours was not. Once we reached the summit of the "mountain", more of a foothill, we found a relatively flat spot among the reclining outcrop of granite. In an effort to stake our tents, we discovered the normally loose, sandy soil was actually frozen. We bent or broke every stake we had. The concerted effort among the three of us would have been comical in normal conditions, but the temperature was quickly falling into the teens and snow had begun to fall. By the time we resorted to using the biggest rocks we could pick up to anchor down the nylon loops around the edges of the tent, the wind had kicked up to nearly 40mph with gusts approaching 60mph. The pine trees helped cut the wind, like an umbrella in a swimming pool. Just as we thought our fingers would fall off from the constant hammering and rock hunting through the snow, we decided our tents were as secure as they would get. If one of us ended up against a tree, so be it.

As I lay in my not so expensive one man tent tent (that I sold before leaving Estes Park to conserve space on the trek home to Louisville), the sound of the tent walls violently rippling in the gale was deafening. I am convinced being inside the tent and fully zipped in my sleeping bag would have been easily bearable had it not been for the hour and a half struggle to make camp. As I lay in my bag listening to Mother Nature go all Big Bad Wolf on my little abode, I concentrated on getting the feeling back into my fingers, face and toes. I think I fell asleep (passed out?) around two or three in the morning for a brief amount of time. About an hour before sun rise, we collectively decided it was breakfast time. We scrambled out of our partially snow submerged tents and headed down to the cozy, familiar Pondo for breakfast where I had the usual: a waffle, Cocoa Krispies, a cup of yogurt and a mix of cranberry and apple juice.

I guess I can't compare Mom's story to mine because she didn't have much of a choice. We were just under equipped (physically and mentally), and consented to the ill-advised testosterone check. But, it was one of the experiences in life I will never forget and I am glad.

Movie Reviews

I have watched two movies so far in 2009, one on DVD from 2007 and one in the theater last night. The first movie is "Blood Diamond" from 2007 which I received for Christmas from the Jones side of the family. It centers around the seldom covered civil war over the diamond minds in Sierra Leone during the late 90's and still, to an extent, going on today. Djimon Hounsou was very good as a Mende fisherman trying to recover his family and Leonaro Dicaprio was decent as a South African diamond smuggler. I was less impressed with the rest of the supporting cast, whose lines at times came off a little hokey, but not enough to ruin the movie. Violent and graphic, this is not a movie for everyone. It is a good story concerning a situation of which most of us are unfamiliar. I give it a 7 on a scale of 1-10.

Beth and I saw "Gran Torino" starring Clint Eastwood at the theater last night. This is the first time I've seen a Clint Eastwood movie in the theater and was hesitant when it first came out. Most Clint flicks the past decade have been less than stellar, but I became more curious about this movie as I heard more feedback. Eastwood was very good, and funny, as a an old, crusty, racist Korean war veteran trying to deal with his culturally changing neighborhood and his increasingly distant family . I wouldn't recommend bringing kids to the theater to see it like several people did (that is an entire post by itself), but it was surprisingly good with several scenes, I think, that may become classic years from now (the barber shop scenes especially). Another interesting dichotomy of seeing the movie in a theater was listening to the reactions from the various races of people to the different racial jokes. I give it an 8.

So far so good for 2009, but I'm sure I'll see my share of stinkers.

AAA Driving Teacher

As I was coming off the Watterson Expressway onto I-64 East this afternoon, the car in front of me briefly merged into the left lane and then quickly swerved back to the right, barely avoiding side swiping another car off the road. The zig-zagging car in question? A Triple-A driving instructor. A few seconds later as I pulled along side the Triple-A logo covered vehicle, I observed the instructor talking on his cell phone while reading a piece of paper he had pinned against the steering wheel.

" I Am Not A Rabid Anti-Dentite!"

As most of you probably don't know, I am very stubborn when it comes to visiting the dentist. Actually, stubborn would be an improvement. It has been longer than I care to mention since I have seen Mr. Drill-O-Death, but I finally broke down during my vacation and made an appointment. I was having a dental dilemma I could no longer ignore. My appointment was this morning at 9am, so I hardly slept a wink last night in anticipation of my impending doom. Fidgeting nervously during breakfast and carrying butterflys in my breadbasket all the way to the dentist's office, I just knew I was going to lose the whole right side of my skull.

I entered the office before 9 to fill out the new patient paperwork and wondered what this low grade ivory hunter was going to do. I was soon called back to the examination room where I began to tell him the tooth, er, truth and all my excuses for not seeing a dentist since Clinton was president. He proceeded with the little mirror on a stick and took some x-rays as I awaited to hear the terrifying news.

To make an already long story short, I did not have to endure any poking, scraping, drilling or ridicule today. It was a very nice experience and was not chastised at all. Other than the two teeth that I knew had major problems, he said everything was in surprisingly good shape considering it had been so long (I guess I'll just keep gargling with soda!). I need one tooth extracted (hell, it's almost gone anyway) and one root canal (yippee). I am being sent to two different people, an oral surgeon and endodontist, for these procedures and will be heading back to the dentist on MLK Day for a good cleaning. According to the DMD, I should be back on the right track in no time. And yes, I'll be sure to make my 6-month appointment before I leave.

Yellowstone

Hey Mark,

Did you ask me about Yellowstone on New Year's Eve because of the small tremors over the past 2 weeks? There is an article on the Science Daily website about it. It seems most of the earthquakes have been centered under the eastern rim of the caldera. Although earthquakes are an everyday occurrence, this is the most active cycle in a very long time.

Coincidentally, I watched a show last night on Yellowstone's history and one of the vulcanologist said we would probably see several small eruptions in a somewhat organized sequence, like a zipper being unzipped. This would then allow the major eruption to take place as the caldera drops down even further. YAAAAY...."nuclear" winter!

The Long Vacation is Over

As nice as it is to have a job that allows so much time off around the holidays, it makes it that much harder to go back when the vacation is over. Oh well, at least I have a job to go back to. Now the only thought is how close baseball season is getting. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...

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?