Holy Tomatoes!

I now have another pet peeve that rivals The Bible and other similar texts being placed in the non-fiction section of bookstores. Kroger's self checkout scanners have tomatoes listed under vegetables instead of fruit.

The Kentucky Wildcats Should Thank Me

When the Boston Red Sox were within a few outs of the end of the season the other night, down 7-0 in the 7th inning, I quit watching. I knew a possibility existed Boston may come back, but it was highly unlikely, they'd still be down 3 games to 2, and...who wants to watch the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series anyway. Fast forward to tonight...
While listening to the Kentucky-Arkansas game tonight on my headphones, I was once again proud of the defense and felt sorry for them. The offense couldn't break fishing tackle or pass so much as a fart. With 6 minutes to go in the game and Arkansas taking possession, the score was 20-7 hogs. I turned off my radio and thought "maybe they can win if I don't listen." Well hells bells, what do you know! When I predicted a semi-offensive breakout in my last post, 4 minutes of perfectly executed football at the end of the game was not what I had in mind. It sure is nice having a team that can still win when it looks hopeless instead of hopeless team that couldn't win while their own fans celebrate on the field and hang from the
goal posts. Good job Cats and thanks to the (according to Kevin) 45 fans who stuck it out and Commonwealth. I guess Bobby Petrino is headed up I-75 looking for his next dream job with the Bengals.

Cats/Hogs

Every game Kentucky has played this year, I felt they had a good chance of winning. I expected them to win against certain teams. Others I felt we could play close and win if the offense came together. Well, they have played close, but the offense hasn't been there. Today, as the Wildcats wallow with the Razorbacks, I am predicting a semi-breakout offensive performance from Kentucky. Even without Lyons, Kentucky will move the ball much better than they have all year. This doesn't mean they will score 50, but I expect a score in the 30's today.

Kentucky 34

Arkansas 16

If this prediction does not pan out, I will immediately delete it from the blog.

That Was Time Well Spent

I spent the first couple hours of my day sitting in the court house because of a subpoena I received regarding an incident at work over the summer. I was named in the district court case as a witness by an on-duty police officer at the stadium. However, I had no recollection of the event other than hearing it on the walkie-talkie I carry. Even then I'm a little sketchy if I actually remember it happening. Finally, after being down there for a while, I was told my testimony was not needed.
I hope I don't have to go back to the court house anytime soon, but it was interesting to see the different types of people milling about. I saw plenty of familiar faces; Police who have worked at the ballpark, lawyers from TV and lawyers I knew from my time at Hurstbourne. Sitting on the "waffle ass making" bench on the 3rd floor, I caught bits of conversations between lawyers and their clients as they strolled past. I saw grungy teenagers trying to adjust to wearing a suit and a few thugs who didn't even attempt to look like upstanding citizens. Some of the attorneys looked like they slept in there suits as they shuffled past, crumpled legal paper jutting out from under both arms. The hustle and bustle reminded me of the Ministry of Magic in the Harry Potter books...if it was in the ghetto.

Lunch Hour Escape

I finally went metal detecting today for about a half-hour during lunch. I was dropping off renewal information to some of my accounts in Prospect and decided to stop at Hays Kennedy Park, just off River Road, on the way back in. This is my first time out in months and I hadn't realized how hard and dry the ground has become. The digging was tough & dusty, but the soil easily fell apart in my hand making retrieval easier. I rounded up .40 cents in my half-hour. One quarter (1980), a dime and 5 pennies. Not bad for being a little rusty. I'm hoping I can get out more after work and at lunch this week.
I have also tried conducting some research on the internet, but it is tough going. I think the research is fun if you find something interesting, but so far I'm only finding unhelpful maps and photos. I'll keep trying.

Ryder Cup Friday Pairings

Because my Ryder Cup pairing predictions worked out so well for the Friday morning matches *cough*, allow me to make more predictions for the outcome of tomorrow morning's foursome matches. I will be at Valhalla following the action with Pop all day, so I will be unable to post the afternoon pairings prediction. Without further hubbub, here it is bub...

Match1: Mickelson/Kim def. Harrington/Karlsson 2&1
Match 2: Casey/Stenson def. Leonard/Mahan 3/2
Match 3: Cink/Campbell - Rose/Poulter Halve
Match 4: Perry/Furyk def. Westwood/Garcia 4&3

After morning matches:
U.S. 2-1/2
Europe 1-1/2

The biggest match of the morning is the last match. Big names, hometown boy and the anchor match. The dynamic duo of Westwood & Garcia will hang around the front nine, but Perry & Furyk will make a run on the back to assure the U.S a one point lead going into the afternoon four-ball matches. Count it!

More Death & Destruction

As Wolf Blitzer said,"anyone who stays will possibly face certain death!" Huh? The worst part about the mess is the maintenance crew just finished power washing the seating bowl. Now it's covered in warning track/field dirt and sno-cone syrup. Anyway, here is more of the mess.

Satellite Dish Gone

WIND STORM '08 ~ GUSTS OF DEATH!

As I write this, I realize none of my readers have any power. I am writing this at work as our apartment is also cut off from the civilized world. My boss is on vacation in Florida, so I have been busy dealing with the aftermath of "Wind Storm '08" as I am sure the local media is calling it by now. Anyway, here are some pictures from around Slugger Field.

Captain Tabler's Ryder Cup Team Pairings

As Valhalla Golf Club makes its final preparations to butter up the golf world and befuddle the Euros, Captain Tabler has been consumed with crunching the statistics, analyzing the archival videos and conferring with the co-captains. With just over a week until the Ryder Cup Matches, I have sent my pairings to Paul Azinger at his request (word must have gotten out about my level of golf acumen). Mastering golfer chemistry is crucial for success and the most important job a captain must tackle. With that in mind, there is no doubt I am the right man for the job. The pairings, Cap'n Zinger, should be as follows.

Phil Mickelson
Hunter Mahan
Kenny Perry
Stewart Cink
Steve Stricker
Anthony Kim
Justin Leonard
Jim Furyk
Chad Campbell
Boo Weekley
Ben Curtis
J.B. Holmes

Understanding that a couple of players will sit out each day (except Sunday), these are the pairings that should be adhered to when possible. Take Note and kick those fuzzy foreigners back across the Atlantic "Cupless."

Did I Make This Up or Have I Heard it Before?

While shaving this morning, still half asleep, my mind incoherently jumped from thought to thought as if still dreaming. This is usually the case as I get ready for work. As I moved the electric razor in small circles over my face, I started thinking about the DNC & RNC conventions. Then a joke popped into my head and I would like to claim it as my own...I'm just not certain I haven't heard it before. I thought, " what is the difference between a RNC liberal hippie protester and a right-wing religious zealot? One throws rocks and the other casts stones." Very pleased with myself, I had to work at remembering it so I could jot it down on this blog. Now, after the morning fog has burned from my brain, I need to ask...has anyone else heard that joke before? If not, then bravo to me.

Ryder Cup Picks Announced-Do I get Half Credit?

My Ryder Cup picks didn't pan at as well as I had hoped. I guess Paulie doesn't read my blog. I was right about Steve Stricker & J.B. Holmes, but those were the easy picks. The other two cuppers are Hunter Mahan and Chad Campbell. I definitely feel the European squad is the favorite, but it's nice to see an American team with new players that have played well within the last few months. The two extra captains picks should help out. This won't be a blow out...

Europe - 15-1/2

United States - 12-1/2

Quote from ESPN article

In reference to Kentucky declining to play in the Monday Night Football time
slot:

"Turns out the Wildcats did their in-state rival a rare favor. The
Cardinals would have been better off playing at 3 a.m. on a Tuesday, so no one
would have watched them play." -ESPN

A Good Win Against a Not So Good Team

Obviously I am very pleased with the outcome of today's game. I am happy with the defensive effort, but a little disappointed with the offensive line. Hartline did nothing to impress me, but he did not do anything very negative either(except for the unforced safety). I think if he gets a little more time from the line, allowing the running game to open up, he'll be fine. If he can learn from his mistakes while still getting a win, he should be in good shape.

Now, about UofL. They look like a mid-level Big East football squad. I know Kentucky's defense is much improved, but common. Kevin made the comment today about the last team to be held to that few points by Kentucky besides Indiana & Vandy? L' Yes...UofL football has arrived...right back where it started.

Charlie Brown Christmas - Performed by the Cast of Scrubs

I found this on youtube. For any of you Scrubs fans, you'll like it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20Of_mna-Rs

Oh, Captain My Captain's Picks

Listed below are the eight players who have made the 2008 United States Ryder Cup team.

Phil Mickelson

Stewart Cink

Kenny Perry

Jim Furyk

Anthony Kim

Justin Leonard

Ben Curtis

Boo Weekley

I have been pondering the remaining four spots for the U.S. Ryder Cup team and what Paul Azinger should consider. Having caddied and played Valhalla a handful of times, not to mention watching two PGA Championships, I feel I can offer a somewhat educated guess to what 'Zinger' is looking for. The U.S. team needs some guys who have Ryder Cup experience. However, the past decade has been almost all bad experiences. New blood is needed along with players who will get excited and show emotion. Also, a combination of precision and big bombers would be key.

The four players listed below are the players I would make as my captain's picks. I took into consideration the current team members, past Ryder Cup performance and chemistry. Let's see how close I get...
Steve Stricker -Has become one of the steadiest players on
the PGA Tour since his comeback. He has a solid iron game and seems like the kind of guy the Ryder Cup may mean more to than any major.

Bubba Watson -he is one of the most emotional guys on tour, seems just the right amount of "I'll kick'ur ass country boy'" and can bomb a golf ball as far as anyone on tour.

J.B. Holmes -Similar to Watson, but a little more subdued. However, he's a homer and the fans will love him. Plus, I imagine J.B. has played Valhalla quite a few times.

Scott Verplank - a veteran of the Ryder Cup and usually a steady player. He has been playing much better lately and seems to be peaking. Even though his point total is not the highest, he's surging and has positive experiences at the Ryder Cup.

The New Community Blog is now open!

I have e-mailed the following link and login information to a few of the guys who go on the trip. Hopefully they pass it around and everyone starts making posts. All they have to do is use the Username and password I sent and post away!

http://www.lagoonlegendmemorial.blogspot.com/

Golf Trip Blog

I have been toying with the idea of creating a golf trip blog and I think I'll do it. I have tried doing other blogs before, but could never devote enought time to keeping it current. The golf trip blog would be different. The plan is to give everyone associated with the trip access to the blog so they may enter their own posts. It could be used for trash talking, funny stories or posting pictures throughout the year. It would be our own little blog message board. I'm not sure if it would work or if anyone would use it, but I think it's a neato-squito idea. And if it doesn't work, I can blame it on others.

Playoff Goatee

Before the team clinched the playoff spot, a few guys in the office wanted to grow playoff beards, that is no shaving until we win the championship or lose in the playoffs. Beards were overruled by the higher ups in the front office, but allowed the goatee. The last day to shave was Thursday. I can't say I'm a big fan of having facial hair, but how often does a person get the chance to grow a playoff "beard." I will need to grow it until at least September 5th. If the team wins, it may go as long as September 15th. I will be shaving as soon as our last game ends...I may keep the electric shaver in my desk. Hey, if I like it, it may become a Ryder Cup beard...I could paint it red, white and blue!

Atheist Prejudice

I often post bits on this blog because of a reaction to a post of Mark or Kevin's. After reading Kevin's creationist bit, I have decided to tell of an incident that happened to me (indirectly) at work a few weeks back (Note: I have discussed the use of the national anthem before sporting events in the past with brother Kevin, but that is a different subject for another time.)

I received a call from one of my workers wanting security in his section. After walking to the location, he informed me five guys did not stand up during the national anthem. They did not stand because they told him they were atheists (I don't know why atheism has anything to do with not standing for the national anthem...the pledge I can understand due to the reference of"under God," but that is beside the point). Anyway, the worker told a nearby vendor not to sell the beer to the guys because they did not stand for the national anthem. The vendor agreed.

I told the workers I can understand if they are ticked off, but we cannot refuse service or single people out if they are not creating a disturbance. They have every right to remain seated no matter how much others may find it offensive. To make a longer story short, the worker had asked for an officer in case "those god hating atheists come back to spew their anti-christ bullshit."Avoiding interjecting my opinion and viewpoint, I felt I handled the situation rather well.
First, it always tickles my funny bone when people call atheists god haters. Second, I guess atheists are truly the last "minority" in the country that it is ok to discriminate against openly. Recently in the news we have seen (D)Rep. Monique Davis of Illinois openly deny the rights of atheists. George H.W. Bush was once quoted as saying he doesn't know if atheists should be recognized as citizens because this is "one nation under God" (though this story may not be entirely true). I have seen numerous news reports of families of atheists run out of town because of nervous school boards and PTA's (though these are usually small suburban towns).

Why is an unsupported belief in a supernatural diety commonly accepted, even encouraged, but demanding evidence and reason to figure out why things are the way they are seemed as evil? I guess I'll never understand...

Sticking with Mark's Insect Theme

Last week, Beth and I ate at the Cracker Barrel on Blankenbaker Road and noticed this caterpillar outside in the flower bed chomping away on some tasty leaves. All I had was my cell phone camera and the image is pretty blurry. I say he was about 7-8 inches long and a good 2 inches around. He was by far the biggest caterpillar I have ever scene. One of the workers told us it had been there for a couple of weeks, eating everything in sight. I think it is an Imperial Moth caterpillar, but not certain. It was the closest ID I could find in the short amount of time I researched it.