I must say not watching but hearing about a no hitter is pretty awesome. Baseball players and fans alike are superstitious lot. I did not watch the game out of fear of jinxing one Homer Bailey aka Mr. No-No. Homer pitched a gem of a game. I must say Homer has grown as a baseball player, listening to the coaches and trusting his teammates. With the Reds going into the playoffs we needed Homer to step it up. With the no hitter he is doing that and more. The Reds in my opinion are looking poised to go deep into the playoffs, possibly bring back another World Series back to Baseball Town, USA (Cincinnati to you folks who don't know your baseball history). The Reds are doing all of this with out the guidance of one Dusty Baker who is still recovering from a minor mini stroke. Prayers going out to you Dusty for a speedy recovery.
UK hockey??? Who knew. I shrug my shoulders at that one.
Speaking of The University of Kentucky Big Blue Madness is only 14 days away. This will be when we get to meet the new Wildcats. So they can start their defense of the Championship and work their way to number 9.
I know I may bounce around round topic to topic. However write about things that I like and care about. Sorry this is short and sweet but life is about enjoying those around you and making memories that last. Until next time ........
So apparently we have a nut job in Cali making a poorly made movie dissing Islam and now we have a bunch of people protesting abroad, we have had diplomats murdered in cold blood, and the Republicans decide upon themselves to politicize this bullshit. Personally I do not condone pissing off an entire religion nor do I condone what radicals of that religion did to our diplomats. This is America and we have freedom of speech but the First Amendment protects Americans from our government. But out in the world you are not protected by the First Amendment, words or images that incite or provoke should be punished. You don't go on a plane and yell "Hi Jack!!!" or in a crowded theater yell "Fire!!!!", I know what your gonna say now Will everyone knows not to do that but I counter we have freedom of speech to say whatever the hell we want right. Again those are words that incite and provoke and are punishable by law. Now we have radical right wingers out applauding this guy , moderate Republicans are appalled by this, but are attacking the President saying that he is sending mixed signals. I for one think the administration is doing what it can , they have sent the Navy in and increasing unmanned drones in the area, working with our allies in the area to find those responsible. If the Republican party thinks this President is weak then my friends they are wrong. Mit Romney feels it necessary to spread with his campaign fear-mongering. Mit is saying we should be able to battle two fronts of war, hmmm so how does he plan to pay for two wars??? President Obama is being smart granted no one likes downsizing, but is 100,000 less troops really a big difference. My friends on the far right will say yes it is a big difference and my friends on the very far left will say it is not enough. Those just left of center may think it is alright but don't like and those right of center are like well it is necessary because it is fiscally responsible.
My friends the world is definitely a different place now than when I was growing up. Never really had to worry about Islamic extremist, or dirty bombs or cyber attacks. We are on a 24 hour news cycle, and the days and months seem to be going fast and faster.
I am worried for America we have one candidate that I do not trust and one that wants to do right by the American people but I fear if he gets re-elected the republican party will stymie what needs to be done for Americans. Have you looked at our decrepit infrastructure? Romney and Ryan are not right for America , they only care about their millionaire and billionaire friends and corporations, they will go back to trickle down economics the Reagan implemented back in the 80's. Were we better off then? Obama has tried to reach across the aisle with Boehner and McConnell and work with them but they have made it abundantly clear they will not work with the President.
I know what I am putting on this blog may not be "popular" or come off as a a "homer" for the Democrat party. Are there things the president could have done better of course, were there missed opportunities absolutely, but I stand behind this President and his plan for America. We need to invest in things like our power grid and roads and bridges. I have traveled across one such bridge recently in Cincinnati, OH that spans into Kentucky. I for one feel it is a worn out bridge.
Sorry no sports this time around more of an opinion of one guy that like to write out his opinions. We are all different , yet we are the same we are the human race.
Apparently you can't be friends with people of different views. That is a bunch of hogwash in my book. Granted you may get along with people better if you share similar view points, but that can get boring at times. This is America where different view points of people are wide and far. I enjoy debating with people myself . I listen and interject my viewpoint. I like to think I see all sides of a story before making a decision. I am a Democrat like my father before me. I know cheesy "Star Wars" ripoff. I have friends from across the aisle but I am what you call a "Blue Dog". I know I normally don't do politics or in depth psycho-analysis. Then important thing here is that as Americans we have a right to question our leaders and vote and send a clear message that we will not cower into the night, we will prevail. The Republican party on the other hand does not want the common American to stand up for their rights. The party of obstruction and delay has made it their number one priority to make President Obama "a one term president". That being said everyone should look at Congress especially the Republicans in Congress and say no more. We are through with your obstructionist views and not putting the people of the United States first over any political gain. The person in office should be voted on by his merits of what has been done to right the ship so to speak. I think our President has done a great job considering what he was dealt with and with the unwillingness of the Republican controlled house to work with him on things that can put Americans back to work. Know what I think would help put term limits on Congress, they should have a two term limit just like the President. Maybe then things can get done for Americans. With that being said , state budgets have to have a balanced budget for their fiscal years, why not make it the same for the federal government. Normal everyday people have to have a balanced budget, why not the good old USA.
record 76-50 winners of 6 of the last 10
Ok moving right along enough of the serious stuff. That really is really a downer. How about them Reds!!!!!! Number one in the Central Division in the National League. Number two in the ESPN.com power rankings and just recently took 2 of 4 from the Phillies. The magic number for the Reds now is 31. As I am typing now the Reds are playing the Cardinals and the Reds are taking a 5-2 lead in the bottom of the 5th inning on a double by Scott Rolen.
I know its been awhile , but I am going to try do this every week if possible. have a good one and as Bluto says...........
I know right ......... I am like the weird kid that won't go away. You know I understand that Lebron James has his detractors, haters, and whoever else is drinking the haterade. I can't fault the guy for leaving Cleveland and damn that has been what three years ago. I mean really people he plays basketball for a living and wanted to play with more talented people can't blame him there. When playing pick up basketball do you want to play with people who are the best and can beat everyone on the playground or do you wanna play with the no talent can barely shoot the rock crowd. I would rather play with the best. UK fans can relate we always want the best players Coach can recruit not mediocrity. Lebron felt that the Cavs were doing that not going after top end talent and just being mediocre.
Speaking of UK seems like an employee is heading the Rupp Arena renovation project that will be an undertaking of the city of Lexington.
You know what really irks me at times is randomness and no flow , well here I am going to just put some randomness here , I hate bad drivers, especially people who ride their brakes and can't pick a speed on the interstate. Another pet peeve of mine is the guy who darts in and out of traffic, don't you realize son this ain't the Daytona 500. I know, Will what is the point of this??? There is no point just a random thought , by hell its my blog I can do what I want.
sadly I am going to shut down my sports blog. I feel with whats going on in my personal life I cannot devote the time necessary to keep up a daily or even weekly sports thing going. I am contemplating an opinion blog very soon which will be on more broad subjects of politics , national and world goings on and what my opinion of those will be. Granted I will still do a sports story every now and then but I feel like this time in my life, I want to get my opinion out there. It will still my views from my soapbox so to speak but it will be on more edgier topics and not for the faint of heart. These will be my opinions and will not be the opinions of others. so until then peace out.
Overall record 409-136-3 Bowls: 24-12-1 2 National Titles (1982&1985)
Sad news today Joe Pa passed away this morning from lung cancer. Hospital officials announced this morning. Paterno's family was around him. Cancer has reared its ugly head again taking away a legend. Joe was 85. Sadly, however, the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, KS is planning on protesting Coach Paterno's funereal. This church is unreal, they make religion look really bad. How can a church condemn the dead? Saying that Joe will not Rest in Peace cause they say he is burning in hell. Seriously folks I think they are a few card shy of a full deck to be perfectly honest. Could coach do more, of course he could have, but he did what he thought was right at the time by alerting the AD about this. Sandusky's house is where this church should be protesting not Joe Pa's funereal. Joe Paterno's legacy will not be defined by this one dark blot in his storied career at Penn State. God bless you Joe and God be with your family.
Bad Break for Jorts:
Former UK Wildcat big man and current New York Knickerbocker Josh Harrelson broke his right wrist and will be out 6-8 weeks. Josh fell on his right wrist in overtime against the Nuggets. Here's to a speedy recovery Jorts.
Reds News
2.39 ERA and 32 saves with the Phillies in 2011
I have not done much on the Cincinnati Reds so far, just because college basketball has been going on and spring training starts next month. That being said the Reds have made some very good moves this off season. One of which that I like very much is the signing of Ryan Madson as the new closer. Doggie , seeing as how the nickname Mad Dog was already taken by furture hall of famer Greg Maddux, was officially signed to an $8.5 million one year contract with a mutual option for 2013. Other acquisitions the Reds have made for the upcoming season are as follows: RHP Mat Latos, RP Sean Marshall, P Andrew Brackman, OF Ryan Ludwick.
Some other Reds news Marty and Thom will be doing some games together on the radio on the upcoming season.
That all I have for now make it a good one. Here is a little "New York State of Mind" by Billy Joel hoping the NY Giants can outlast the 49rs.
If you don't know or you live under a rock, websites all over are protesting the US government over two pieces of legislation SOPA and PIPA. Which is a Stop Online Piracy Act and Protect IP Act. These two bills that are being proposed are backed by the recording industry and other businesses. Which if this passes would seek out against people who use copyrighted material and bar search engines from linking to this material. In solidarity with Wikipedia.org, Google, Craigslist, and many more websites. I too am urging my small readership to contact their congress men and women to vote no on these issues. If this government censorship is allowed what else would our government take away from us?
27 points, 14 rebounds 7 blocks
Been a kinda of a slow sports day for me anyways, the Wildcats beat up on Arkansas on their way to a 46th straight win at Rupp Arena. Anthony Davis swatted his way into the record books for UK while scoring a career high in points with 27. The Razorbacks had no answer for Kentucky's length and athleticism.
Music pick for the day is Buffalo Springfield's "Stop Children what's that sound"
Ok that is all I have for now remember to contact your congressmen to say no to SOPA and PIPA
That is right baseball season is almost upon us. Pitchers and catcher start reporting to spring training sites in Arizona and Florida the middle of February. I am stoked about the Cincinnati Reds and what that have done this off season. Reds GM Walt Jocketty has been doing some tinkering this year and has strengthened the bullpen and the starting rotation , which in my mind make the Reds contenders for the NL Central Division title. Awaiting a physical, the Reds and Ryan Madson have agreed to a one year deal for the closer to don the uniform of such closers like Rob Dibble, Randy Myers and Norm Charlton. Madson played last year for the Philadelphia Phillies and saved 32 games out of 34 chances was 4-2 with a 2.37 ERA. Once he passes his physical I think the Reds have the pieces in place to win the division and possibly win a World Series. We will have to wait and see how this deal pans out for the Reds.
Bengals Owner Mike Brown and Coach Marvin Lewis
On to Bengals news, granted I have not been very favorable of the Bengals this year. I have taken a lot of heat for it also. But a fan can only take so much. After the debacle at the beginning of the season with Carson Palmer demanding a trade. Mike "do nothing" Brown say out of principal not trading you and giving into what you want. Which I find funny because not two days after that he releases a player that was still under contract. I find it weird how the NFL operates and lets its owners run rough shod against the players. But back to the Bungles .... er I mean Bengals, Freudian slip there oops. Mikey boy has decided to keep new offensive coordinator Jay Gruden around a little longer. Brown does show loyalty to guys that is obvious for example keeping Bob Bratkowski longer than needed. Hopefully Brown will let the football guys do their thing and maybe just maybe we can see the Bengals back in the Super Bowl. Just maybe I know wishful thinking.
Now a rant that I know most ever sports loving freak out there in the world loves to do is bash on the refs. Its inevitable, that a ref or two or even three cannot make the right call for your team or teams. From little league to the big time, refs in all sports will make a bad call from time to time. The good ones however are the unseen guys and gals that make the game flow. The ones that want to make a name for themselves however are the ones that ruin the game for everyone involved. From coaches and players , to fans and parents. Cause you don't wanna end up like these guys and be second guessed.
Well folks it has been real and here is one for the road have a good day and better one tomorrow.
Finally!! The Rock has comeback to the blogosphere!!!!! Well I am not Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson but I am back re-vigored , and ready to take on the world. I have some time on my hands so you should start seeing more material from me in the future. Maybe just maybe I might get noticed......... NAH!!!!!!! Number one I can go off topic with the best of them, two I have horrible syntax and punctuation, you would think being the son of an English teacher I could get it right, and the sports world is saturated with sports geeks like me who think they have what it takes to make it in this field , with little or no formal education in sports writing. However, I will give my spin on things and try to make it entertaining. So enough from my Soap Box lets get cracking and as my old basketball coach would say we are running the ladder.
Congrats to one of my favorite Reds player that I grew up watching, I heard of the Big Red Machine. Barry Larkin, however I got to watch play the game of baseball in the Queen City. Riverfront Stadium was his playground and he paved the way for power short stops like Derek Jeter. Larkin's numbers speak for themselves 1990 World Champion, 1995 NL MVP, a 12 time All-Star, a 3 time Gold Glove winner. Those accolades alone are deserving of the Baseball Hall of Fame. The icing on the cake is that Barry was a lifetime .295 hitter with 960 RBI's , 379 steals, and 198 home runs. Mr. Larkin, I tip my hat to you. Barry Larkin Hall of Famer has a nice ring to it don't you think?
The Alabama Crimson Tide rolled over the Bayou Bengals of LSU beating them 21-0, for the BCS crown and the unanimous college football champions. Here I go. The BCS sucks big time. LSU went undefeated in the regular season, won the SEC crown to go to the BCS championship. Alabama on the other hand, lost to LSU and did not win the conference. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!!!!!!!! Who the hell does that? Tell me why a computer selected the Tide to go to the championship I will never know. I an glad the Tide won to show what kind of farce the BCS is for college football, why is this the only sport that does not have a playoff system in place. As Vince McMahon would say its the Monayyyyyy . On a positive note its a sign that the city of New Orleans is ready to put on big spectacles for sports and anything else not related to Fat Tuesday. As they say in New Orleans "Laissez les bons temps rouler "
Is it me or has Rick Pitino lost it? His UofL Cardinals got blasted by Friars of Providence 90 to 59. Seems to me after losing to the Kentucky Wildcats the wheels have fallen off the short bus for the Cards. What coach throws a player under the bus, when that player is the only one doing anything for you on offense. I kinda feel sorry for Loserville................NAH!!!!!!
OK time to wrap up the first blog of the new year for me I know I am behind the 8 ball but you know what I gonna come in on you with a high heater and wont fizzle out like Cardinal basketball team.
Oh if your normally looking for the song of the week, day, month or year, check it up top. it Aerosmith's "Back in the Saddle Again"
Question of the week: Does anyone think the GEICO pig is kinda freaky? leave your comments, questions, and or critics
I am Will Whitt and I approve this content Peace out.
What a weekend for sports. On Saturday night was the inaugural Quaker State 400 at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, KY where "Rowdy" Kyle Busch won his 99th career victory by winning the truck race and the Sprint Cup race. I don't really care for the guy because of his attitude but gotta give credit where credit due. Apparently with the first race of this magnitude little Sparta experience something it never experienced before ----- traffic jams. It nearly caused Denny Hamlin to miss the driver's meeting . The traffic was so bad that half way through the race Speedway officials had to start turning people away. I guess they never anticipated something like this nor did the state of Kentucky, which has the Governor pledging to work with the Kentucky Speedway to make the traffic flow better for next years race. I would hope so. I would hate to have been a ticket holder and had to be turned away because there was no parking. People driving on I-71 said traffic was backed up for 10 miles by 2:30 in the afternoon.
I know the track officials and the State of Kentucky are being hammered on this issue, however if you have a premier event like a NASCAR Sprint Cup race you better C.Y.A and make sure your i's are dotted and t's crossed.
AL 1 NL 5
NL has 2 wins in a row against
the AL.
The National League beats the American League in the Mid-summer classic at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ Tuesday night. The big highlight of the game was Prince Fielder's 3 run shot to ensure the Senior circuit would have home field advantage in the World Series.
Today has been a slow sports day unless you follow the college basketball recruiting trail for these elite highschool players that gt some much exposure its not funny. I am all for great basketball, but the recruiting services and the media need to quit the hype. Just because a kid can break the ankles off of another 16 or 17 year old does not translate to the college game let alone the pro game. Sites like rivals.com I think put undo stress on a kid, I.E. Terrance Jones of Kentucky. These kids need to make the best decision for themselves not what the talking heads at ESPN, FOX Sports, or CBS Sports. Let these kids involve their highschool coach not the AAU coach. Let them involve their parents or legal guardians who usually have the kid's best interest at heart. Basketball is a great game these kids that are playing it now in highschool are bigger, stronger and faster than when I played.
Don't get me wrong but I like Coach Calipari, but whats wrong with recruiting a kid from Kentucky especially a kid that is a gym rat who can shoot lights out, I know the dribble drive is not about spot up shooting but on the kick out there is always an open three or two. I am a proponent of defense sets the tone of a game , I loved the old Arkansas and UK games in which you had Corliss Williamson, and Scotty Thurman against Jamal Mashburn and John Pelphrey. It was '40 minutes of Hell" against the finess style of Pitino.
Enough ranting well maybe not.................. What kind of tool is Richie Farmer? Sorry Kentucky fans I liked him as a ballplayer, but him turning his back on his wife and kids that comes as a shocker to me. He finds running for Lt. Governor is more important that trying to work on his marriage. Hell his wife is a teacher's aide and she hardly gets a dime from the deadbeat. Obviously someone needs to take him behind the wood shed and teach him some manners.
Music pic for the day This life by Curtis Stigers the theme song from one of my favorite tv shows on FX , "Sons of Anarchy" its an awesome show I would recommend it to just about anyone , but is it not suitable for younger audiences.
