University of Louisville Laptop Peel & Stick Art

Louisville Cardinals 8'' x 10'' Peel & Stick Laptop Art
Fans of the Louisville Cardinals can show their team spirit with this great looking Louisville Cardinals 8” x 10” Peel & Stick Laptop Art. My favorite part (besides the gorgeous logo) is the fact that it’s peel & stick. Hard to mess that up. This would be a great gift idea for the U of L fans on you list.

Product Description:
Protecting your laptop from the elements doesn’t have to be boring when you dress it up in vivid team style with this peel-and-stick cover! It features a variety of custom team graphics, vibrant colors and tonal accents, making for a functional show of team pride that’s just for Cardinals fans. Plus, it’s waterproof, repositionable and reusable, so you can deck out your dorm room, locker, binders and more in major team spirit!

See Louisville Cardinals 8” x 10” Peel & Stick Laptop Art for a closer look PLUS more U of L merchandise.

Kentucky State Fair: They’re Going ALL Out this Year!

Kentucky State Fair 2011

The Kentucky State Fair, a tradition since 1902, is merely days away. The 2011 Kentucky State Fair will run from Thursday, August 18 to Sunday, August 28. I couldn’t possibly go into all of the different attractions, performances, shows, rides, food, and exhibits, so I’ll just hit on a couple and leave you with links to more information. After all, it took the Kentucky State Fair an entire website to cover everything, it’d be crazy for me to attempt it within one post!

One of the exhibits is called Main Street Kentucky and sounds like something every Kentuckian would really enjoy:

Housed inside the air-conditioned South Wing, Main Street Kentucky offers exhibits that represent the cultural heritage and diversity of the Bluegrass State. The exhibit’s creative displays provide numerous hands-on activities for fair-goers of all ages and interests. Main Street Kentucky’s exhibitors offer information on anything from education and government to the environment and arts. – Ky State Fair.org

Free Concerts at the Kentucky State Fair 2011:

  • The Oak Ridge Boys with The Grascals
  • Ted Nugent
  • Joe Nichols with special guest Phil Vassar
  • Boyz II Men
  • Candlebox with Cowboy Mouth
  • John Michael Montgomery with special guest Lorrie Morgan
  • Luke Bryan
  • And more!

Main Stage Concerts:

(Tickets for the Kentucky State Fair Main Stage Series events will be available at Kentucky Exposition Center Ticket Office, KFC YUM! Center Ticket Office, Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC) Ticket Office and all Ticketmaster outlets.)

  • Jason Aldean with Chris Young and Thompson Square
  • Lady Antebellum with Lee Brice
  • Def Leppard with Heart
  • Maroon 5 and Train with Matt Nathanson

Civil War Buffs, You’re Going to Love This:

Visitors will be able to watch a Civil War re-enactment as  a tribute to the 150th anniversary of the war. The exhibit is titled “United We Stand, Divided We Fall: Kentucky and the Civil War + 150,” and will include a 10,000-square-foot exhibition featuring encampments as settings for living history re-enactors.

Other features will include touch-screen interactive stations, a communication exhibit outlining major advances such as the development of the telegraph and a floor map that is 32 feet wide and contains graphics and images of state-specific Civil War scenes and sites.

What’s more, an original mini-musical, “Kentucky’s Civil War Song: From Reveille to Tattoo,” will be performed on an adjacent stage. The production was written and produced by faculty, alumni and students of Louisville’s Youth Performing Arts School.

For more information, head over to the colorful and fun Kentucky State Fair website.  You can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

The Louisville Ballet Presents Swan Lake

One of the most popular and beautiful Classical ballets of all time, “Swan Lake” – along with its incredible score by Tchaikovsky – have left audiences breathless for years.   The costumes, the music, the sets, the performances…  in a word, Magical.

The Louisville Ballet will conclude its 2009-10 season with performances of Swan Lake on Friday, April 9 at 8 pm and Saturday, April 10 at 2 pm and 8 pm in Whitney Hall at the Kentucky Center.

Tickets start as low as $25 and are available at the Kentucky Center.

Dinosaurs Alive At the Louisville Zoo in March!

Mark your calendars: Pre-historic creatures are set to invade the Louisville Zoo in March 2010.

A new adventure will be stomping into the city of Louisville and heading straight for the Louisville Zoo in March. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we’re very lucky here in Kentucky for a great number of reasons and one of them is the outstanding Louisville Zoo. There’s always something extra-special going on at this amazing zoo. Just check out what’s coming in a few months!

From the Louisville Zoo:
Precautions are being taken as the Zoo prepares Dinosaurs Alive!, a temporary dwelling for a herd of 16 robotic dinosaurs never before seen at the Zoo—including the giant Brachiosaurus, the menacing Tyrannosaurus rex, the fierce Deinonychus whose name means “Terrible Claw,” and the Cryolophosaurus which is often referred to as the “Elvisaurus” because the large crest atop its skull resembles the iconic hair of Elvis Presley.

Through the magic of incredible, futuristic technology, the mammoth, life-like animatronic creatures that roar, snarl and move will offer a full-blown dino-reality experience to visitors as they travel back in time along a lush, winding pathway where these enormous primeval creatures lurk at every turn. There, guests will encounter adult dinosaurs, youngsters and even a nest with eggs and hatchlings.

The robotic dinosaurs are built on steel frames by Billings Productions of McKinney, Texas, and high-tech electronics and air pistons power the dinosaurs’ menacing claws and gnashing teeth while a booming sound system gives them their distinctive roars and chirps. One of the animatronic creatures can even be operated by visitors using a remote control box.

In addition, kids can excavate dinosaur fossils at a paleontologist dig site using brushes and sifters to search for clues about the lives of dinosaurs.

“Guests of all ages will be transported back in time as the world’s largest and most advanced collection of high-tech, life-size animatronic dinosaurs come to life here in Louisville,” Zoo Director John Walczak said. “This Dinosaur exhibit will be a fun and educational learning adventure for the entire family. We’ve lost many animals from this planet over the course of history, and unfortunately animals are still becoming extinct today. Conservation and preservation are at the heart of the Zoo’s mission and it is our hope that visitors will come away from this exhibit both excited and more aware of the need to conserve animal species living today.”

In a revenue-sharing partnership with Billings Productions, Dinosaurs Alive!, is similar to other new attraction partnerships at the Zoo like Sky Trail High Adventure Course and the 4-D Ride Theater.

Dinosaurs Alive! will open mid to late March and will continue through the end of September. A special attraction fee of $5 applies for non-members in addition to regular Zoo admission and $4 for Louisville Zoo members. Children age 2 and under are free. Groups of 15 or more may call (502) 238-5348 in advance for group discounts.

Shopasaurus—a new gift shop at the exhibit’s exit—will be fully stocked with “dinorrific” toys, games and souvenirs to help visitors take home a reminder of their amazing experience.

***

The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

*** Get up-to-date information about the Zoo’s upcoming Glacier Run exhibit by checking out our new Glacier Run blog. You can also show your love for the Louisville Zoo by becoming a fan on Facebook.

The Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, Kentucky

The Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, Kentucky

The Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, Kentucky

The original Waverly Hills Sanatorium was a two-story wooden structure which was opened in 1910.

The larger brick and concrete structure you see today was built in 1926.  The hospital has always been dedicated to the treatment of tuberculosis patients, a disease that was fairly common in the early 20th Century.

Reports estimate that as many as 63,000 people have died in this sanatorium. Furthermore, there have been many reports or patients being horribly mistreated.  Oh, it gets worse… there were (again reportedly) highly questionable experiments and procedures conducted.

If these occurrences don’t set the stage for a haunted  location, nothing does!

Get this:  Ghost and paranormal experts and investigators who have ventured into Waverly have reported a host of strange paranormal phenomena, including voices of unknown origin, isolated cold spots and unexplained shadows. Screams have been heard echoing in its now abandoned hallways, and fleeting apparitions have been encountered.

Screams, isolated cold spots (indicating a paranormal being….oh, Lord, I’m sleeping with the lights on tonight…), voices of unknown origin, shadows!?!?  I could not be more creeped out right now.

Click HERE for more information… if you dare.

Louisville Kentucky Company To Expand to the Tune of 400 New Jobs

Reuters reports that General Electric Co  plans to invest $69 million in its Kentucky appliance factory to make a new-style water heater the largest U.S. conglomerate says will use less than half the energy of current models.

The company announced that it plans to add about 400 jobs in Louisville to produce the so-called “hybrid” water heaters.

Stanley Walker and Friends Jam for Kosair Charities in Grand Rivers Kentucky

Ray Smith and Stanley WalkerRockabilly Hall of Famer Stanley Walker is a Grand Rivers, Kentucky native. It looks really neat to see Grand Rivers on his Rockabilly Hall of Fame bio page (check it out HERE).

Like a lot of musicians, Stanley Walker grew up listening to the Grand Ole Opry and dreaming of performing there.  Unlike most, however, Stanley Walker’s dreams came true!  It happened in 1969, when he played behind Jean Shepard (those of us who enjoy trips to the Grand Ole Opry are still enjoying this great lady).

Stanley Walker played lead guitar for Ray Smith and the Rock and Roll Boys from 1956 to 1969.   He had appearances on Hee Haw, solo recordings, and even played with artists such as Roy Clark, Lefty Frizzell, and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Jerry Lee Lewis.  Can you imagine?  (Click on the post title, then check out the Jerry Lee Lewis video to the right.  What that man did at the piano was sheer magic.)

Deservedly, Stanley Walker was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 2008.

Grand Rivers is set to recognize and pay honor to its famous son with Stanley Walker Day.

Stanley Walker has a heart as big as his talent is, and when approached about the idea he wanted to take it a step foward.  That’s the thing about Kentuckians – we love those extra steps!

He sat down with the organizer of the event,  Kim Kraemer.   Kim is with  the Grand Rivers Tourism Commission – and she is one of the best things to ever happen to Grand Rivers.

As Kim tells it, he told her about a little boy who nearly died, and would have if it hadn’t been for Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville.

The little boy was Stanley Walker.

The extra step led to the Stanley Walker and friends Jam for Kosair Charities. It will take place on Saturday, April 4 at 1:00p.m. at the Badgett Playhouse. Everyone’s asked to come celebrate Stanley Walker AND help make a difference in children’s lives.

The event is free but, of course, all attendants will have the honor of  donating  to Kosair Charities. Kosair gives children what they ALL deserve to have – a chance to have a long,  happy, and fulfilling life.  Who knows what the next little girl or boy they save will go on to accomplish.

Wouldn’t you love to have a part in finding out?

Congratulations to the Louisville Cardinals for the Upset Against Pitt

Louisville Cardinals Mascot

At least they say it was an upset. Personally, if Rick Pitino is on your side, I have trouble believing you aren’t instantly the favorite – but whatevs. It was a huge win – congrats all the way around the floor.

On ESPN.com, Joe Lunardi has a column titled 44 thoughts at the season’s midpoint. U of L is mentioned twice, thank you very much:

At number 2: Unbalanced conference schedules may play a greater role than usual in determining regular-season champions. Duke plays North Carolina and Wake Forest twice, for instance, while Wake and Carolina have already faced each other for the only time. In the Big East, Pitt and UConn play twice each while Louisville and Georgetown have no repeat games among this group.

At number 6: Among the contenders, Louisville has the most favorable Big East schedule remaining. My preseason choice of the Cardinals as a No. 1 seed is looking better.

Click HERE for the entire article.

Timmy the Gorilla and Friends Get Their Party On at the Louisville Zoo

Timmy's 50th Birthday at the Louisville ZooI told you a few days ago about Timmy the Gorilla’s upcoming birthday at the Louisville Zoo. Well, the big day came and went and all the stops were pulled out to celebrate the monumental birthday. It’s a really, really big deal to be the oldest male gorilla in all of North America. Below is an account of the festivities, along with pictures. Click on any of the pictures to see the larger versions. So cute – I love these guys!

Timmy, the oldest male gorilla in North America, celebrated his 50th birthday in style today, January 17, as a packed crowd gathered inside Louisville Zoo’s Gorilla Forest to honor his significant milestone.

“This was really a special celebration,” Gorilla Forest Supervisor Roby Elsner said, “because it is very rare for a male gorilla to reach this age. Timmy is pretty phenomenal.”

Before the festivities began, a 300-pound ice sculpture “cake” carved in the number 50 and decorated with frozen fruit juice was loaded in and set up for Timmy and the three females in his group—Paki, Mia Moja and Kweli.

While the three girls went over right away to investigate the ice sculpture, which was created and donated by Galt House Hotel and Suites Executive Chef Brian Riddle, Timmy seemed more interested in gathering up and eating the oranges used as decoration around the sculpture. After the curiosity of the females waned, in his laidback fashion Timmy sauntered over to the ice sculpture, examined it and began to pull oranges out of the frozen fruit juice mounds.

Other gorillas also took part in the momentous occasion with special piñata enrichment.

During the party it was announced that an official Proclamation signed by Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson declared January 17 as “Timmy the Gorilla Day” in observance of Timmy’s birthday milestone. Paki the Gorilla investigates - The Louisville Zoo.

“We were thrilled to commemorate this significant achievement in Timmy’s life with a community-wide celebration,” Elsner said. “Timmy is definitely special, and this day is an important testament to the wonderful care our animals receive at the Zoo.”

BACKGROUND

Born in 1959, Timmy is a laid-back silverback adored by the female gorillas in his group. Before arriving at Louisville Zoo in 2004, Timmy lived at the Memphis Zoo, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Bronx Zoo.

Louisville Zoo’s award-winning Gorilla Forest is on the forefront of gorilla management and meets the demographic trends of current gorilla populations like geriatric gorillas. The Louisville Zoo has a total of 11 gorillas.

Timmy the Gorilla at the Louisville Zoo.“With the extraordinary care our animals receive, the Zoo has an important role to play in caring for an increasing number of aging gorillas,” Elsner said. “Gorilla Forest is a great home for Timmy because this unique facility allows close keeper contact with him all day long and the freedom for him to make choices about his environment that can increase his comfort, like staying inside or going outside.”

Because of the steep decline of great apes populations in the wild, 2009 has been declared Year of the Gorilla by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Convention on Migratory Species, the UNEP/UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Great Ape Survival Partnership and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For more information, visit www.yog2009.org.

For more information on the Louisville Zoo and Gorilla Forest, visit www.louisvillezoo.org.

Cirque du Soleil Saltimbanco Will Be In Louisville Kentucky on March 14

Cirque du Soleil - Saltimbanco

This is all kinds of exciting. It’s buy the tickets and count the minutes exciting.

Cirque du Soleil – Saltimbanco will be appearing in Louisville, Kentucky on March 14, 2009 at Freedom Hall At Kentucky State Fair.

From Cirque du Soleil’s Official Website:
Saltimbanco is a Cirque du Soleil signature show inspired by the urban fabric of the metropolis and its colorful inhabitants. Decidedly baroque in its visual vocabulary, the show’s eclectic cast of characters draws spectators into a fanciful, dreamlike world, an imaginary city where diversity is a cause for hope. Click HERE to read more, see pictures that’ll blow half of your mind and listen to music that’ll blow the other half.

Cirque du Soleil - Saltimbanco Tickets 2009-03-14  Louisville, KY, Freedom Hall At Kentucky State Fair

Grab your Cirque du Soleil – Saltimbanco Tickets today so you’ll get the seat you want rather than the seat you have to take.