UK’s Ramel Bradley and Joe Crawford Keep the Cats Clawing
February 24, 2008
Unfortuantely, the past few years have been as rocky as Fred Flintstone’s house, so we UK fans embrace and strongly celebrate each and every win. So, yes, let’s continue to bask in the feel good glow of the win over a talented (and scary fast) Arkansas team.
When you watch Ramel Bradley and Joe Crawford orchestrate on the court, you realize that few players have ever played with more passion or heart. Do they sometimes take shots that have you screaming Nooooooooooo! Yes. But they oftentimes make shots that have you screaming Yesssssssssss!
They’re always fun to watch, never half ass it, and are always in it to win. They’re leading the way as a very talented and often equally passionate team finds its legs. The reason my guys take these shots is the key: They don’t believe themselves to be capable of missing. They think their every shot is a money shot.
Imagine if the whole team bought into that mentality.
That’s the stuff March Dreams are made of.
Payday Loans and Money Management: Do They Mix?
February 20, 2008
While the state of Kentucky may be having financial difficulties, that doesn’t mean that consumers throughout the state have to share in the government’s problems. The right money management techniques can ease the financial crunch for residents all over the state.
One of the best ways to attain good money management is to create a budget for yourself and your family. If money is especially tight, consider cutting out luxury items, such as subscription television services and high end grocery items. Store brands are usually of just as high quality and they cost less, as well. You can even find healthy food alternatives that are less expensive.
Another area where consumers can get financial help is with the judicious use of payday loans. These can give residents the needed cash to make it through until their next payday. Repayment of these loans is actually a simple matter, especially if you have found items to cut out of your budget. These will free up funds for the next month, including money to repay the loans.
Managing money in Kentucky is honestly no more difficult than in any other area, even with state budget shortfalls. The right budget, good spending habits and judicious use of short term loan lending can greatly improve your financial situation. Reduced spending on superfluous items is actually one of the best ways to increase your cash reserves. You will be surprised by the number of items and services that can be cut out without a noticeable lack.
Is Kentucky Ready to Roll the Dice?
February 15, 2008
Governor Beshear is asking for a constitutional amendment that would allow casino gaming in Kentucky, which people would then have to vote on.
As it stands, the plan would put free-standing casinos in up to five counties. “Many of our neighboring states have legalized casinos right on our borders, and our residents drive to them every day.”
What exactly would it take to make all of this come about? Kentucky’s Legislature would first have to approve the amendment. Then voters would let their opinions be known in November.
Interestingly enough, individual counties that were interested in a free-standing casino would also have to approve it there.
If everything goes as they hope, supporters say there could actually be a casino in Kentucky by this time next year.
The University of Louisville Cardinals Show Their Heart
February 10, 2008
This hasn’t been the type of basketball season we’re accustomed to in Kentucky - the L’s seem to come so easily and the W’s seem to take such effort.
But hasn’t it been fun?!
These UK Wildcat and the UofL Cardinal teams have been really exciting to watch. The players have been grinding it out, and the cocaches have been orchestrating the grind. I know it’s never a good thing to live too far ahead in the future…..but, wow, think of next year for these teams!
Okay, back to the present. UK outlasted the University of Alabama yesterday afternoon, led by the very gutty Bradley. The University of Louisville Cardinals? They just went out and beat the number 6 team in the country last night. That’s all.
The Cardinals were led by David Padgett, a kid that embodies what being a college athlete is all about. Padgett had 18 points, four rebounds, four assists, and enough heart and drive for 50 people. He led his Cards to a 59-51 victory over a darned good Georgetown team. A Georgetown team who’ll probably make the elite 8 if not further. The way the Louisville played last night, I wouldn’t count them out of a little March Magic, too.
For a great write up about the game, Coach Pitino, and David Padgett, be sure you read Pat Fordes ESPN article: A Healthy Padgett Leads Louisville’s Resurgence.
What the Cluck?!?!
February 9, 2008
The feathers are hitting the fan.
PETA’s tore up from the floor up over a move to make fried chicken Kentucky’s official picnic food.
State Rep. Charles Siler is sponsoring legislation to give KFC’s chicken, first served by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1940, this very distinction. Siler pointed out that the colonel’s chicken deserves the title because of the “worldwide attention and economic benefit” it has brought to Kentucky.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) doesn’t care for the idea. Whatsoever. The animal rights group claims that the chickens KFC serves are abused, even tortured.
“If the state legislature moves forward with this one, then they should change Kentucky’s state bird from the cardinal to the debeaked, crippled, scalded, diseased, dead chicken,” said Bruce Friedrich, PETA vice president.
PETA has been a thorn in KFC’s side for a long time now. They pushed, two years ago, to have a Colonel Sanders statue removed from the Kentucky Capitol!
While KFC says that it has an advisory panel and guidelines, PETA claims that the Kentucky legend uses tactics that are simply unneccesary and cruel. As animal lovers who would fight someone tooth and nail who tried to hurt an animal, we at Genuine Kentucky think a different system should be looked into.
Having said that, to even suggest the removal of the statue of one of our state’s most lovable and recognizable individuals is ridiculous. As is fighting the move to make chicken Kentucky’s official picnic food.
Should PETA continue to bring attention to cruel and unnecessary treatment of animals? Certainly.
But there’s no need to be bird brained about it.
Flu is Widespread Across Kentucky
February 8, 2008
According to the state Department for Public Health, flu is widespread across our state.
According to the Courier Journal.com:
This is the highest level of flu activity, with laboratory-confirmed flu cases in at least half of the regions of the state
UK Football On the Fast Track?
February 7, 2008
When Rich Brooks took over the troubled UK Football program five years ago, he often said that the thing they lacked most was speed. No one can deny that the man has done wonders with the program, and even better days seem to lie ahead. (Feel free to pump your fist in the air….shake your booty…..howl…..whatever it is you do in the end zone)
Coach Brooks says that the 20 players who signed a letter of intent to play for Kentucky on Wednesday the fastest class he’s brought to Lexington. ”I think it continues to bring us to SEC levels in speed and athletic ability,” Brooks said.
The class includes five players with quarterback experience. The coach even compared several of the newcomers to former wide receiver Keenan Burton (wind the fist pumps up again). The Wildcats signed five players from within the state, including defensive back Winston Guy from Lexington Catholic and wide receiver Aaron Boyd from Henry Clay High.
“I think it speaks volumes,” Brooks said. “The upgrading of the facilities, the improvement on the field that both of these players were able to turn (down) other SEC schools … is significant. This will do a lot in helping us continue to climb the ladder in the SEC.”
Offensive linemen Matt Smith and Dave Ulinski, from high schools in Louisville, also signed with the Cats.
Where Have all the Doctors Gone?!
February 5, 2008
Not only does Kentucky rank below most of its neighboring states when it comes to the number of physicians serving its communities, its among the lowest in the nation.
Unfortunately, according to the 2007 KIOM Physician Workforce Study, the situation will only get worse. Obviously, something has to be done to train and keep more doctors in our state.
The Kentucky Medical Association is willing to work with citizens, politicians, and Universities to improve the situation. The association has created the Patient Physician Partnership to increase the number of physicians in Kentucky’s communities.
Read more about the situation and the solution at www.kypatientcare.org.
Kentucky’s Lincoln Bicentennial
February 4, 2008
Kentucky will kick off the national Lincoln Bicentennial in February. Below is a partial list of events. The exact dates for some haven’t been released.
For details on each event as well as a full calendar, visit http://www.kylincoln.org/events.
Feb. 10: Lexington’s Abraham Lincoln Gala, Singletary Center for the Arts on the University of Kentucky campus
Feb. 11: National Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration, Kentucky Center, Louisville
Feb. 12: National Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Kickoff, Hodgenville
Feb. 12: Unveiling of the Lincoln Heritage Trail, Hodgenville
Feb. 12: Debut of the Historical Society HistoryMobile, outfitted with a Lincoln exhibit, Hodgenville
Source: Kentucky Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission
Amber the Orangutan Made Her Super Bowl Prediciton
February 2, 2008
Adorable, much!
Amber, the Louisville Zoo’s 20-year-old orangutan recently made her Super Bowl prediction. I don’t want to give it away, so click the link below to find out for yourself.
