If you’re like most people, your excitement’s building for the Kentucky Derby. In spite of all the cold, snowy weather here in the Bluegrass - we’re all beginning to focus our attention on Louisville and Churchill Downs. Bring on the ridiculously large hats, the Mint Juleps, and most of all the horses.
If you’re planning your Kentucky Derby Party, there’s a web site you need to know about - stat! It’s the Official Kentucky Derby Party Site and I’m not sure you can have a legitimate party without it.
In addition to Bobby Flay’s advice and recipes, you’ll find Party Packages, Invitations, gorgeous square plates, souvenir cups, napkins, balloons, a Derby Sounds CD, banners, posters, flags, and more. Click HERE to find these particularly pleasing, perfect party proppers.
Uber Popular Food Network chef and Restraunt owner Bobby Flay has been named the official host of “Kentucky Derby Party.”
He gives some great suggestions for entertaining on Derby Day on the Derby Party Web Site. Click on the Entertain navigational tab, then you’ll find a choice of a Party Checklist, Derby Traditions, Decor and Themes.
As for recipes (the good stuff), they’re divided into the following categories: Main Courses, Southern Sides, Desserts, and Lucky Libations.
by Joi on 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.
by Joi on 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.
by Joi on 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.
by Joi on January 31, 2008
Amber Smith took it to the Lady Bulldogs, leading to a big win for UK. It was their first win in Athens since 1994. Georgia (16-5) is ranked #14 in the country. Unranked UK moves to 11-10.
Amber Smith scored 12 points, including two free throws with 5.6 seconds to play to lead Kentucky to the win.
Congrats, Cats!
by Joi on January 30, 2008
Barbaro’s remains will be laid to rest where one of his brightest memories still lives. The owners (Gretchen and Roy Jackson) made the announcement Tuesday.
“Everything has pointed in this direction all along, our memories are of him running down the stretch here. This is where he ran his greatest race.” - Roy Jackson
Click HERE for the full story.
by Joi on January 21, 2008
I confess, I’ve been slow to welcome Billy Gillispie. It’s nothing against him as a person or a coach. I don’t think he’s lacking in either area.
My attitude was the result of absolutely, positively adoring everything about Tubby Smith. Okay, maybe not his offense, but everything else. I still think Coach Smith was one or two assistant coach changes away from more another run at the championship. People in my own household argue with me about that, so don’t feel bad if you don’t agree. I think Tubby and Donna Smith and their family are about as classy as it gets. People like that are the reason the phrase “good people” was ever created.
[click to continue…]
by Joi on October 18, 2007
The University of Kentucky Basketball program made Fox Sport’s top 10 list of the toughest coaching jobs. The Yankees (another given) topped the list:
- Yankees
- Alabama Football
- Oakland Raiders
- Kentucky Basketball
- Chicago Cubs
- New York Knicks
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Dallas Cowboys
- LA Clippers
- Florida Marlins
Click HERE to read the article - it’s a goodie.
In sort-of, kind-of, maybe not much-related news, the IU Basketball program is facing troubles aplenty. The Schools upper crust has said the coaching staff made dozens more calls to recruits than initially reported. Not good.
Those calls could be impermissible under NCAA rules. Also not good.
But worst of all, imo, is the head coach’s response. Sunday, Kelvin Sampson said he unknowingly participated in three-way calls with recruits. How do you unknowingly participate in a three way call? I’m just saying…
