West World....

Great Trip To Oklahoma!

2012-01-27T14:52:00.003-05:00

Thank you Justin and Kacey!

Happy Beat Louisville Day! Ky Wins - 69-62

2011-12-31T07:13:00.004-05:00

Gratitude

2011-12-26T09:36:00.002-05:00

Welcome To This World Levi!

2011-12-11T14:16:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the world, Levi Deason West!!! Born 12/6/11 at 12:25 PM. 6 lbs, 8 oz...20" long.

Classic Game

2011-12-04T06:16:00.001-05:00

The Thanksgiving Jar - A West Tradition

2011-11-23T04:14:00.009-05:00

Here's how it works. Post something you're thankful for throughout the day on Thanksgiving via the comment section and I will add your note in the jar. As new notes are added, more notes will show up in the jar. See how it works? The tradition started when the kids were small. We would put a jar on the counter on Thanksgiving morning and as thoughts of things we were thankful for would pop in our heads, we would put a note in the jar. Then we would pull all the notes out at the end of the day and read them. We have much for which to be thankful!
Side note: This is our fourth year of doing this via the blog. It's kind of neat to go back and look at the previous posts. Just type thanksgiving in the search window in the upper left hand corner.

A State of KY Basketball History Lesson

2011-11-10T13:22:00.000-05:00

Fun Trip To The North

2011-10-26T12:42:00.004-05:00

First stop - Charleston for some "rafting" and last minute cleanup.
Second stop - a trip to Keeneland for burgoo, horses and jocularity.
Third stop - UK Football - where we saw a rarity this season - a win. 38-14 over Jacksonville State.
Great time for us with Justin, Kacey & Luke! We wish you well in your new home in Altus, OK!

This Calls For A.....

2011-10-19T06:59:00.000-05:00

Our Lives Can Change Quickly

2011-10-11T15:58:00.002-05:00

Hank Fights Back - Click For Download

2011-10-11T10:30:00.002-05:00

Days after being dropped from ESPN's "Monday Night Football," Hank Williams Jr. fired back at that network, "Fox and Friends" and what he called the "United Socialist States of America" in his signature style -- a song bellowing biting lyrics in between guitar licks.
"This country sure as hell has gone down the drain," Williams sings in a tune posted Monday on his official website. "We know what we need. We know who to blame."

Clever

2011-10-11T09:22:00.003-05:00

Our Time Is Almost Here

2011-10-10T10:15:00.001-05:00

Time To Move On?

2011-09-28T08:23:00.005-05:00

Last week, FL destroyed us 48-10 and we have #1 ranked LSU on Saturday. So, emotionally, I have decided to move on to basketball where we have the best fans in all of college basketball!

The tents started going up before sunrise outside Memorial Coliseum Wednesday as University of Kentucky basketball fans started the campout for Oct. 14 Big Blue Madness tickets. The free tickets will be distributed at 7 a.m. Saturday for the first open practice for the men's and women's teams.

Not Much To Dance About "After" The Game....

2011-09-19T13:55:00.002-05:00

KY goes down to it's arch-nemesis and loses at home to Louisville - 24-17. It's going to be a looooooong season.

This Year's Governor's Cup Goes To....

2011-09-16T08:05:00.003-05:00

Both teams basically suck so far. KY is 2-0 with hard fought victories over the Hilltoppers of WKU and the mighty Chippewas of Central Michigan. Loserville - slipped by the mighty Racers of Murray State and lost to Florida International? But, it is still a huge rivalry as far as I'm concerned and once again the Wildcats will prevail over the dirty birds. My pick - KY - 10 - Loserville - 7. ESPNU - 7pm Saturday Night.
Go Cats!

And I Thought We Were Ready...

2011-09-02T11:48:00.003-05:00

Check out some of the great plays from the QB position. Especially his "drop back" move. We're lucky we snuck by with an 11 point victory. 14-3. The 1st quarter was so bad I went to bed when it ended.

UK vs Western KY - Thursday 9:15 (Really) ESPNU

2011-08-28T13:11:00.003-05:00

GO CATS! I believe we're ready....

And I Thought He Was Dead (Ray)

2011-08-10T09:39:00.001-05:00

Call His Bluff

2011-07-19T13:22:00.006-05:00

More great stuff from the smartest man in the world.

All of a sudden Obama is a born-again budget balancer prepared to bravely take on his own party by making deep cuts in entitlements. Really? Name one. He’s been saying forever that he’s prepared to discuss, engage, converse about entitlement cuts. But never once has he publicly proposed a single structural change to any entitlement.
MORE

Great Song

2011-07-18T12:58:00.000-05:00

4th of July Trick Shots

2011-07-04T06:44:00.002-05:00

Andrew Cornell....

Bush Continues To Do The Right Thing

2011-05-31T13:35:00.002-05:00

In Your Face Gaga

2011-05-26T09:26:00.002-05:00

Good kids win the big one! It was refreshing to see the two finalists and their families in the finals. I already knew there are still great kids doing great things because of our two kids. But I saw this finale as a victory over the ridiculous, costume-wearing, sex-laden pop culture of today's music world. Are Lauren and Scotty a couple?

KY Derby Order of Finish

2011-05-12T13:46:00.000-05:00

I wish the track announcer had a "KY accent."
The final order of finish for the 137th Kentucky Derby was:

1 -- Animal Kingdom
2 -- Nehro
3 -- Mucho Macho Man
4 -- Shackleford
5 -- Master of Hounds
6 -- Santiva
7 -- Brilliant Speed
8 -- Dialed In
9 -- Pants on Fire
10 -- Twice the Appeal
11 -- Soldat
12 -- Stay Thirsty
13 -- Derby Kitten
14 -- Decisive Moment
15 -- Archarcharch
16 -- Midnight Interlude
17 -- Twinspired
18 -- Watch Me Go
19 -- Comma to the Top

Here's Your Picks For The Run for the Roses!

2011-05-06T10:27:00.003-05:00

You can start watching endless coverage at 5pm EST, Saturday on NBC. The post time for the Derby will be at 6:15pm EST. The race is going to be a wide open field. Uncle MO is the favorite right now, but this really could come down to anyone’s race.

And the picks are:
Andrew - Mucho Macho Man & Brilliant Speed
Clay - Pants on Fire
Debbie - Dialed In & Decisive Moment
Justin - Twice the Appeal & Soldat
Kacey - Shackleford & Stay Thirsty
Kate - Midnight Interlude & Toby's Corner
Luke - Nehro & Master of Hounds
Lyndsey - Comma to the Top & Twinspired
Mary - Santiva
Mike - Animal Kingdom
Rick - Uncle Mo SCRATCHED - courtesy of Clay - Archarcharch
Ted - Watch Me Go

The West Family KY Derby Sweepstakes

2011-05-04T07:30:00.004-05:00

The 137th running of the Kentucky Derby is this Saturday, May 7th. You can GO HERE to learn all about the KY Derby. I need to to know if you would like to participate. The sweepstakes is only open to "The Fam." (which includes extended Fam) I will be randomly putting the entries into a hat with randomly assigned numbers. Mary & I will then draw numbers alphabetically by the first name of each participant until all horses have been chosen. You could possibly have more than 1 horse to cheer on to the finish line! Please comment below if you would like to be included and stay tuned for updates. The field should be ready to go by Thursday of this week. Ted West had last year's winner - Super Saver. The winner gets a big congratulations from the rest of us!

Powerful

2011-04-21T09:46:00.002-05:00

thanks to Clay West who shared this on Facebook

It's Official - We're Back - UK Headed to The Final Four After Defeating North Carolina 76-69! But Loses to UConn 56-55 Finishing 29-9

2011-03-27T21:18:00.003-05:00

Calipari my "Coach of the Year"

2011-03-26T06:51:00.000-05:00

HUGE win last night; one of the most memorable ever for this fan of 43 years. Cats take out the # 1 seeded Ohio State Buckeyes 62-60.

Good Weekend for the Cats!

2011-03-21T09:18:00.002-05:00

"Freshman" Brandon Knight broke away from WV's and Bob Huggin's typical physical play and dropped 30 on the Mountaineers, as KY got revenge from last year's Sweet 16 loss - 71-63.
We were operating on about a 30 minute delay as the game tipped off at 12:15 due to Kacey attending a baby shower but the magic of the DVR made everything work just fine as the dogs and burgers were grilling out by the pool. Once the computers were synced up with the West Household in SC, we were ready for a fun afternoon.
Next up for the Cats - Ohio State, the overall # 1 seed. We are not skeered of the buckeyes. Should be another fun game but the late tip Friday evening (9:45pm) presents yet another dilemma for game time festivities. Do we all try to stay up late or do we tape the game and plan the game around a big game day breakfast on Sat morning? What say you?

March Madness Gets Off To A Glorious Start

2011-03-18T08:35:00.000-05:00

Not because of KY's 2 point win over Princeton(59-57) but because of Morehead's defeat of the dirty Cards and Little Ricky - 62-61. Up Next WVU. Go Cats!

The Party Is Over

2011-03-11T09:43:00.001-05:00

I have been in radio for 21 years and worked for an NPR funded station for 3.5 years. I have never understood the need for taxpayer dollars to go toward the funding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting of which NPR falls under. The private sector can handle all the broadcasting needs of the public just fine. $422 million dollars goes to CPB - $93 million of it goes to NPR. The supporters will say "it's just a drop in the bucket." I for one, add up all the unnecessary "drops in the buckets" which when added together, equal buckets overflowing with waste. If your programming is good enough, the public will support it without the government's help. It's time we let CPB and NPR make it on their own, if they can.

This Pretty Much Sums It Up

2011-03-10T12:30:00.002-05:00

A Wildcat / Gator Memory

2011-02-25T14:25:00.001-05:00

UPDATE: UK WON 76-68!
Cats & Gators tomorrow at Rupp on CBS - 4pm.
I will be busy at a conference in Nashville and will not get to see the Cats win live.
Mike's Pick - UK 82 - UF 72.
(we won't talk about their game earlier in the season in Gainesville slthough the trip up was fun)

What's Going On In Minnesota?

2011-02-22T10:02:00.003-05:00

Bruce Pearl Ends 8 Game SEC Suspension With A Loss At KY

2011-02-09T14:44:00.002-05:00

guess they just didn't have enough weapons....
UK - 73 - UT - 61
He also lost his neck while he was off work.

Big Game Tomorrow!

2011-02-04T09:37:00.002-05:00

UPDATE
Cats lose 70 -68 after coming from 13 down in the second half and then miss a last second shot that would have won it. We had fun anyway....

Tomorrow - ESPN - 9pm - KY and Florida at Florida.
Mike's Pick - KY 78 - FL - 70.
Lyndsey, Andrew an myself will be in Gainesville for this one along with Mike & April Brunjes - UF fans extraordinaire. Should be a very interesting day. UK is coming off one of it's worst losses in the past 4 years - losing to Ole Miss at Ole Miss. FL is coming in after defeating Vandy in overtime at Florida. It should be a barn burner. We need this one bad!
I give you an oldie but goodie - one of Florida's finest.

UK Basketball Back on Track

2011-01-23T17:11:00.000-05:00

After a loss to Alabama at Alabama, there were a lot of doubts about what this team could do. Back on the road Saturday in Columbia, SC however put some of those doubts to rest as UK rolled to victory after SC closed to within 5 late in the GAME.

Kids Having Kids

2011-01-12T20:57:00.001-05:00

We had a great time last week when Justin, Kacey and Luke were here for Christmas - Round 2! Lots of food, sports and ping pong. I just wish we could all get together more often. The babies are growing so quickly.

BBVA Compass Bowl Prediction

2011-01-07T22:11:00.000-05:00

KY - 35 - Pitt - 21
Noon - Sat Jan 8th - ESPN. Go Cats!

Happy Birthday Mary!

2011-01-04T01:00:00.001-05:00

This is one day a year you don't have to cook.
Love ya and thank you for all you do!

Why We Can't Stand Louisville And Love Beating Them

2011-01-01T10:35:00.001-05:00

Great way to bring in the New Year as UK defeats UL - 78-63. UK lead almost the whole way and put a sound beating on LITTLE RICKY PITINO.

KY now leads the series 28-14.

It's UK vs Louisville - Today! Noon - CBS

2010-12-31T01:00:00.001-05:00

Biggest game of the year today! KY will run over Louisville.
Mike's pick - UK 77 - Louisville - 68

Christmas Past - 1988

2010-12-24T06:14:00.001-05:00

Justin - 7 years old - Lyndsey - 3 years old - on Hifner Rd in Nonesuch,KY

C-17 Santa

2010-12-24T05:31:00.005-05:00

Justin feeling festive in the cockpit somewhere in the Middle East
Click on photo to enlarge

Joe B. Hall Celebration

2010-12-19T07:13:00.002-05:00

Pictured left to right - Kyle Macy (Used to do some work with him while at WVLK Radio) Jack Givens (He lived next door to me my freshman year at UK) Rick Robey (lived two doors down from me) and Larry Johnson (beat him in ping pong once)

UK recognized the career of Joe B. Hall. It's been 25 years since his retirement. Seeing photos of the more than forty former players who attended Saturday's reception sure brings back some memories. Joe B had the difficult task of following Adolph Rupp and he did it by adding another national championship in 1978. The history and the tradition of UK basketball is what makes the program so special. It was good to see UK take a timeout to recognize a coach who should be in the College Basketball Hall of Fame. Joe is the only UK coach that was born and raised in Kentucky. I had a lot of fun with him in the 90's as I impersonated him in an on-going radio bit with Jack Pattie on WVLK. Thankfully, Joe has a great sense of humor.
UK is now 8-2 and ranked at #17 with recent wins over Indiana and Miss Valley State.

Can Young Very Talented Defeat Old Semi-Talented?

2010-12-09T08:58:00.007-05:00

This photo does a great job of depicting UK's effort last night. They out rebounded the nation's #12 rebounding team.

If anyone wanted to play a drinking a game and take a swig every time time Jimmy Dykes said the word "young" they probably would have passed out before the first half ended last night. This young 17th ranked KY team was in a position to beat UNC in the final minute on their home court on Saturday. We just needed one more shot to fall. Then last night this young talented KY team took down 23rd ranked Notre Dame (5 seniors start) on a "neutral" court in Freedom Hall in Louisville that just happened to be filled with over 17,000 UK fans. Yes - UK owns the city of Louisville too despite another team there coached by little Ricky Pitino. Up next - the INDIANA HOOSIERS roll into Rupp for a 5:15 game on ESPN. Have I mentioned I like this team?

A Man Who Needs No Introduction

2010-12-07T18:36:00.002-05:00

The Stuart Christmas Parade

2010-12-06T20:17:00.006-05:00

FYI - I snuck into the parade. You can see me waving. I wanted to wave to little Kate as she watched her first parade.(I thought the lady with the flashlight was going to confront me but she didn't.)

KY Goes Bowling

2010-12-06T19:50:00.004-05:00

along with 69 other teams. 35 bowl games kind of takes some of the luster off the invitation but KY will be playing Pitt in the BBVA COMPASS BOWL I'm sure you've heard of it.

My Leslie Nielsen Story

2010-11-29T19:51:00.002-05:00

I met LESLIE NIELSEN in the early 90's when he was in Lexington for a celebrity golf tournament called the Children's Charity Classic. The organizer of the tournament was a friend of mine and asked me if I could escort Mr. Nielsen from the downtown hotel he was staying in to the WVLK Radio studios where I worked which was also downtown. As we got into an elevator together, he winked at me and showed my a small rubber device in the palm of his hand. Three or four others got onto the elevator and you could sense the nervousness of being in such closed quarters with such a big star. As the elevator started, Mr. Nielson twisted his body slightly and pressed in on his homemade "fart maker" which produced the perfect fart. His body language was precise. We both stayed straight faced as the others didn't know what to do. As the doors opened and as he walked out of the elevator he let another one rip and said "man, all this traveling and eating in different places is catching up with me." As we walked into the radio station, he told me to keep his secret as he continued to pull his favorite gag on others. When he got to the golf tourney and was posing for pictures with fans, he continued to have a blast with his fart maker. He explained to me that he had made it himself and he was very proud of it. What a great guy!

The Thanksgiving Jar - A West Tradition

2010-11-24T09:18:00.007-05:00

This year's jar is dedicated to Justin and to Kacey. Justin is serving in the Middle East during Thanksgiving. We miss you and we thank you and all the families who sacrifice for our freedom and protection!

Here's how it works. Post something you're thankful for throughout the day on Thanksgiving via the comment section and I will add your note in the jar. As new notes are added, more notes will show up in the jar. See how it works? The tradition started when the kids were small. We would put a jar on the counter on Thanksgiving morning and as thoughts of things we were thankful for would pop in our heads, we would put a note in the jar. Then we would pull all the notes out at the end of the day and read them. We have much for which to be thankful!

KY Eyeballs the Maui Classic Championship

2010-11-24T06:45:00.002-05:00

KY has put up two impressive wins on their road to the championship game tonight against UConn at 10pm on ESPN. (UConn upset second-ranked Mich State 70-67.)
We dismantled Oklahoma in the first game and out-toughed the Washington Trash Talkers last night 74-67. I said it before but I'll say it again; I really like this KY team! Big Blue Nation has taken over Maui and has their eye(s) on the championship.

I Like What I See - This Year Compared To Last

2010-11-13T05:47:00.007-05:00

From what I have seen in the preseason and their home opener (KY won over East TN State last night - 88-65) I like this 2010-2011 edition of the Wildcats! Why you say? They can shoot very well from the outside, unlike last year's team. They are playing well as a team, unlike last year's team when at times they relied solely on size and talent. They have shown some killer instinct by not allowing teams back in the game after gaining a large lead. And, I think they are smarter than last year's team and will be more coachable. I also like seeing us apply full-court pressure. Last year's team was a constant highlight film. You couldn't look away for even a few seconds without missing a tremendous dunk or pass. But I have a feeling this year's team will be even more special and endearing to the fans. Who is my favorite player, you ask? Doron Lamb. He has a beautiful outside shot. Something I too was known for back in the day. :) The only difference is he hits his shots. He finished with 20 points.

New Season Starts Friday For Basketball And Saturday For Football

2010-11-11T06:04:00.004-05:00

The 2010-11 basketball season officially begins Friday as KY plays EAST TENNESSEE STATE. The Bucs made it to the NCAA Tourney last year and were the Atlantic Sun Conference Champions so this first game will not be easy. The Buccaneers ended last season with a 29-point loss to Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament and they will open the 2010-11 season with another loss to the Cats but KY is very young again this year after putting 4 freshmen into the NBA last year.
For the football Cats, their season sort of starts again on Saturday as they take on VANDY. KY's next two games; Vandy - Sat - at 12:21 on the SEC Network and TN on Nov 27th, will determine KY's bowl fate. I think we have a good chance to beat Vandy in Lexington but not so good at beating TN in Knoxville. If we lose both, say goodbye to any kind of bowl.

Some Common Sense From The Smartest Man In The World

2010-11-05T04:58:00.004-05:00

An excerpt from a GOOD READ by the smartest man in the world.

"The president, however, remains clueless. In his next-day news conference, he had the right demeanor - subdued, his closest approximation of humility - but was uncomprehending about what just happened. The "folks" are apparently just "frustrated" that "progress" is just too slow. Asked three times whether popular rejection of his policy agenda might have had something to do with the shellacking he took, he looked as if he'd been asked whether the sun had risen in the West. Why, no, he said."

Powerful Ad

2010-11-02T18:02:00.001-05:00

The first time I saw this ad was tonight - election night. I'm surprised I didn't see it sooner. At any rate, it's a very powerful ad. Probably because it's true.

UK Basketball Begins Tonight - Sort Of...

2010-11-01T06:56:00.003-05:00

UK opens the "exhibition season" tonight as they play the intimidating and fearless PIKEVILLE BEARS in Rupp Arena. Most KY fans are ready for basketball season to begin after another SEC loss to Miss. State Sat night 24-17. (UK is now at 4-5 on the season) I predicted the interception Hartline threw in the last few minutes as the Cats drove for what could have been the winning drive. Some things never change. I am now predicting KY will go to their 5th bowl game in a row but it will be the most irrelevant bowl game for the Cats in the past 5 years as they finish with a disappointing 6-6 season. Time for some hoop action!

Who Will Be The New Biggest Loser?

2010-11-01T05:58:00.002-05:00

Don't Be Skeered

2010-10-30T22:12:00.000-05:00

Justin Receives An Emotional & Unexpected Sendoff

2010-10-30T16:29:00.006-05:00

By Charles McMahon
October 29, 2010
PORTSMOUTH, New Hampshire — The smiles on their faces said it all Thursday. One by one, all 91 members of the 16th Airlift Squadron of the U.S. Air Force made their way down the Heroes Walk at the Portsmouth International Airport at Pease into a room filled with cheering spectators waiting with coffee, doughnuts, camouflage bibles and warm smiles and handshakes.The event marked the 400th time since 2005 that the Pease Greeters, volunteers who attend landings and takeoffs of all military flights, have shown up to support the men and women of the nation's armed forces. Considered to be a milestone, Thursday's event featured hundreds of Seacoast veterans, residents, school children and even a few animals who gathered at the airport to say farewell to the troops before they headed overseas.The squadron, made up of mostly pilots, is headed to southwest Asia to conduct cargo flight missions in C-17 aircraft.

A Few Good Men

2010-10-27T08:46:00.000-05:00

Wonderful Weekend!

2010-10-18T17:22:00.008-05:00

Mary & I had a great vacation! Last Wed we arrived in Charleston, SC and spent the night with Justin and Kacey and baby Luke. Luke is growing up quickly and it was great spending quality time with our first grandson. Thursday morning, the five of us headed for Lexington, KY and arrived Thursday evening. Friday morning, it was off to Nonesuch for breakfast at Diane Caudill's house. Diane is family to us and we had a wonderful visit with her as we chowed down on biscuits and gravy, eggs and bacon and homemade fried apple miniature pies. Then it was off to Keeneland where Justin and I watched Kacey pick the winners in 3 races and walk away $60 + ahead. From Keeneland it was off to Big Blue Madness at Rupp Arena along with 23,000 fans as UK introduced the 2010/2011 Wildcats to a packed house who settled in to watch a scrimmage game. Saturday, it was back to Diane's for BBQ sandwiches, homemade potatoes, homemade sorghum cookies and more. Saturday afternoon we were off to Commonwealth Stadium to watch KY upset Steve Spurrier's South Carolina Gamecocks - 31-28 (see prediction below) on an interception in the end zone during the last few seconds of the game as Spurrier's bone-head call backfired on him. What a wonderful weekend with little Luke, Justin & Kacey! We had a blast!

17-0? That's Ridiculous!

2010-10-11T06:22:00.007-05:00

Well, another disappointing loss for the Cats against 8th ranked Auburn as they lost 37-34 on an Auburn field goal with 2 seconds on the clock. (But Lyndsey's chili was very tasty) The good news, our defense may have grown up in the second half. Auburn scored 31 of their points in the first half.
Up next -SOUTH CAROLINA ; a game I have been looking forward to because I cannot stand Steve Spurrier! He is 17-0 against KY. It's time for this streak to end. Mike's pick - KY 31 - SC 24.
But IF we lose, all will not be lost because Mary, me, Justin and Kacey will not only be attending the football game Sat evening in Lexington, (6pm on ESPN2) we will also be attending BIG BLUE MADNESS Friday night at Rupp Arena and watching some horses run at KEENELAND on Saturday. AND we get to spend a lot of time with little Luke, something we have been looking forward to for quite a while! Big week coming up. I'm looking forward to it!

Here's Something From Last Year We Can Still Cheer About

2010-10-07T07:01:00.004-05:00

Don't really want to say much about KY's loss at Ole Miss last week.(42-35) We should have won when you look at it on paper. Here are the highlights from last year's Auburn game but this year the AUBURN game - Sat night on ESPN2 - 7:30pm - will be much tougher as Auburn comes into the game ranked 8th in the country. Mike's Pick - KY 21 - Auburn 20. I think Auburn's overrated.

This Could Become One of My New Favorite Sports

2010-10-06T13:23:00.000-05:00

KY vs. Ole Miss

2010-10-01T05:36:00.005-05:00

KY plays Ole Miss tomorrow at 12:21pm on the SEC Network. Ole Miss is infamous for it's tailgating area called "The Grove." The Grove is the legendary tailgating area located at the center of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) campus. It is approximately 10 acres in size and is shaded by oak, elm and magnolia trees hence the grove part of the name. I have never experienced it but have talked to some who have and they can't wait to get there Saturday. And there will be a football game and my prediction - KY 24 - Ole Miss 17.

A Man Can Dream Can't He?

2010-09-28T12:26:00.006-05:00

I really thought KY would at least keep it close in the game with FL Saturday night. I witnessed the 48-14 thumping firsthand but believe it or not, still had a great time. This is me and the field reporter for the Big Blue Network, Dick Gabriel. And below is the team bus the Gators left on. This Saturday it's KY vs. Ole Miss on the SEC Network at 12:21. Before the season, I did not have us beating FL but I did have us beating Ole Miss. This is a very important game for KY. Could be the difference between a great season and a good season.

Upset of The Week - KY 17 - FL 14

2010-09-22T18:36:00.004-05:00

KENTUCKY at #9 FLORIDA When: 7 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 25
Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium; Gainesville, Fla.
TV: ESPNU; Radio: Big Blue Sports Network
Last Meeting: Sept. 26, 2009 - Florida 41, @UK 7
Records: Kentucky (3-0, 0-0); Florida (3-0, 1-0)

Up Next - Florida - Still Leading The NCAA In Arrests

2010-09-19T07:26:00.007-05:00

Florida's New Football Dorm
KY got off to a slow start in the first quarter but then got on track with an easy defeat over the Akron ZIPS 47-10 and remains undefeated at 3-0. Up Next - The Florida Gators - still leading the NCAA in number of players arrested. Up to 30 now since Urban "I THINK I FEEL BETTER NOW" Meyer took over in 2005. The photo on the left is a rare glimpse into the brand new Florida Gator Football dorm. A glowing example of Meyer's success since arriving at Florida and winning one national championship in 2006 with Ron Zook's players and then another one in 2008 when God wanted to bless Tim Tebow. It's KY vs. Florida this Saturday at 7pm on ESPNU. And I'll be there spotting for KY's play by play announcer TOM LEACH as it will be all SUNSHINE AND LOLLIPOPS when KY upsets the nation's #1 team in the country for ARRESTS.

I Respectufully Disagree With The Smartest Man In The World

2010-09-17T06:10:00.004-05:00

As I watch the post election coverage of Christine O'Donnell, I feel like I am living in bizarro world. She talks about the importance of purity when it comes to sex and they talk about her like she's a freak of nature. She talks about the fact that you can't tax a country into prosperity and continue spending like drunken sailors and the pundits act as if she's speaking a foreign language. I understand what Krauthammer is saying here but I think we have finally reached a place in this country where the status quo must go.

UK Defeats The Hilltoppers

2010-09-14T19:59:00.001-05:00

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Randall Cobb did it all, accounting for three touchdowns to lead Kentucky to a 63-28 victory over Western Kentucky on Saturday night.The junior wide receiver caught a score, threw for another and returned a punt 50 yards to the end zone as the Wildcats (2-0) outclassed the Hilltoppers to post their 17th straight regular season nonconference win.Quarterback Mike Hartline completed 16 of 20 passes for 213 yards and tied a career-high with three touchdowns. Derrick Locke ran for 102 yards and a score as Kentucky overpowered the Hilltoppers (0-2) when it mattered.

Happy Birthday Rick!

2010-09-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

KY Beats Louisville For The 4th Straight Year

2010-09-04T18:55:00.004-05:00

Due to some stupid penalties at crucial times this was closer than it should have been but we'll take it.
KENTUCKY 23, LOUISVILLE 16
Randall Cobb raised the Governor's Cup with teammates Saturday after Kentucky defeated Louisville 23-16.

The Smartest Man In The World Speaks Again

2010-08-27T06:01:00.002-05:00

By Charles Krauthammer
Friday, August 27, 2010
Liberalism under siege is an ugly sight indeed. Just yesterday it was all hope and change and returning power to the people. But the people have proved so disappointing. Their recalcitrance has, in only 19 months, turned the predicted 40-year liberal ascendancy (James Carville) into a full retreat. Ah, the people, the little people, the small-town people, the "bitter" people, as Barack Obama in an unguarded moment once memorably called them, clinging "to guns or religion or" -- this part is less remembered -- "antipathy toward people who aren't like them." STORY

Happy Birthday Bud!

2010-08-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

To the next generation!
29??? whew....

2010-08-17T05:39:00.002-05:00

You know what's kind of sad? The "Double Rainbow Song" has 6,925,041 hits on You Tube. The video below only has 35,926.

The Decline of Barrack Obama

2010-08-13T13:14:00.003-05:00

This article calls it "stunning." I am not stunned by it at all.

The RealClearPolitics average of polls now has President Obama at over 50 per cent disapproval, a remarkably high figure for a president just 18 months into his first term. Strikingly, the latest USA Today/Gallup survey has the President on just 41 per cent approval, with 53 per cent disapproving.There are an array of reasons behind the stunning decline and political fall of President Obama, chief among them fears over the current state of the US economy, with widespread concern over high levels of unemployment, the unstable housing market, and above all the towering budget deficit. Americans are increasingly rejecting President Obama’s big government solutions to America’s economic woes, which many fear will lead to the United States sharing the same fate as Greece. STORY

Those Wacky Airline Employees

2010-08-12T07:52:00.005-05:00

As JetBlue's take-this-job-and-shove-it-steward Steven Slater enjoys his 15 minutes in the spotlight, folks are already asking who could play him in a movie. People are suggesting everyone from Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman to "Project Runway" judge Michael Kors.But, in fact, there's only one actor who could do Slater's my-way-or-the-flyway exit justice, and that's Stephen Stucker, who so memorably played Johnny, the completely-off-the-wall air traffic controller in 1980's "Airplane!"

Rick Pitino - Stuck in Louisville

2010-08-05T20:25:00.004-05:00

It’s so bad that Pitino even lost his top recruit, Marquis Teague — who just happens to be the son of one of his former players — to none other than Calipari.
Crushing.
It’s gotten to the point where the guy who didn’t want to deal with one-and-done players now has his sights set on Quincy Miller — a clear-cut, one-year loaner who is a virtual lock to leave college after the 2011-12 season.
Pitino would like nothing more than to get out of Louisville and get a fresh start. But there are no viable options.
“It would be very difficult to hire him now,” said one athletic director of a top-20 caliber program. “Not with everything that’s happened. He wouldn’t be on my radar.”
“No chance,” said another big-time AD. “He’s almost unhireable right now.”
STORY

I Can't Stand Brett Favre

2010-08-03T15:06:00.002-05:00

I am really really tired of hearing all the talk each year about whether or not he will play. I cannot stand Brett Favre!

Absolute Brilliant Business Idea!

2010-07-14T18:14:00.004-05:00

Form a foundation - figure out how to work the federal system - and tie it in to a healthy cause. Brilliant! This guy came up with one of the most brilliant ideas I have seen. He figured out how to tap into the food stamp system (1 in 8 Americans) and then ties the whole foundation into "healthy eating in poor neighborhoods." (Where the food stamps are) LEARN MORE

Minneapolis vs Palm City (Summer League Pool Series)

2010-07-14T07:54:00.009-05:00

Basketball Brawl from M West on Vimeo.

They traveled a long way for what turned out to be a historical Summer League Pool Game. Rick, Debbie and Clay West of Minneapolis defeated the home team from Palm City (Mike, Mary & Lyndsey) by one basket. This was the winning dunk by Clay West during game three of a very intense series. Lyndsey West Cornell was quoted as saying "I just can't do it." But she went on to finish the game. Mary West who was accused of abusing Debbie West had this to say. "You just don't understand." Apparently, Mary was taking underwater shots to the kidney and back areas. The rest of the afternoon was spent resting and eating poolside while applying band-aids where needed. Special thanks to Andrew who arrived after working all day but was able to catch the winning shot on video.

Recent Ridiculous Quote

2010-07-07T07:21:00.005-05:00

"The system has failed my daughter."
Lindsay Lohan's estranged father Michael Lohan was unsettled by the 90-day jail sentence bestowed upon his daughter on Tuesday. He hustled over to "Larry King Live" directly from the day-long court hearing in Beverly Hills to voice whether he feels the terms are fair and just.“This is so not fair to do this to my child,” whined Lindsay’s mother and former drinking buddy.Then there’s Lindsay’s dad, who was there in court. “Coming here today was like coming to Doonesbury,” said daddy dearest. “The system has failed my daughter.” Does he take any responsibility?

CATS CATS CATS CATS CATS make history...

2010-06-25T05:44:00.004-05:00

5 KY players go in the first round of the NBA draft. It's never happened before.
CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE SUMMARY My favorite part of the night was seeing John Wall's mother tear up. John Wall is a CLASS ACT

If You're A Dad...

2010-06-16T06:44:00.000-05:00

90 More Days.....

2010-06-07T18:25:00.004-05:00

Until The Joker Phillips Era Begins
KY vs. Louisville - Sept 4th 3:30 on ABC.
Joker has already brought in one of the best recruiting classes ever at KY. With the
SCHEDULE we have this season, I'm predicting a 9-3 season.

Driving By The BP Station

2010-06-05T07:15:00.003-05:00

We have been buying BP gas for quite some time. Why? In Palm City, they have the best prices when you use their BP card. We pay the card off every month and save around 5 cents a gallon compared to the other local stations each time we fill up. Do we stop buying BP gas because of their inability to contain the oil spill? Part of me says yes, part of me says it's the owner of the station who suffers the most and he's a totally innocent small business owner trying to make ends meet.
From an article on the topic
Some local BP gas retailers fear that the backlash is just beginning, and they want everyone to know that it's not their fault.

"We feel as bad about the environment as anybody," says Marc Jones, owner of Syene Depot in Fitchburg, which carries BP gas.

Like all BP gas retailers, Jones has a supply contract with the company. He is only five years into a 12-year contract, so he's stuck with the BP sign in front of his gas station for another seven years. He's concerned that any boycott would punish him and his 10 employees, as well as other retailers, for something over which he has no control.

"A boycott on any local business first affects the local businessman, then it affects the employees" he says. "And they're your friends and neighbors."

Point taken.....

Memorial Day

2010-05-30T07:58:00.000-05:00

Who Says Mini-Vans Aren't Cool?

2010-05-29T05:03:00.001-05:00

Papaw Curry

2010-05-22T19:53:00.000-05:00

Photo taken in Nov 1988 at our house on Hifner Rd in Versailles. It was his 65th birthday. We celebrated birthdays and holidays together and he did so much for us. He was my friend, the father Mary never had and the grandfather that my kids never had. You will forever be a part of our family.

Versailles - Robert Lee Curry, 86, widower of Vivian Presnell Curry, died Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at The Bluegrass Community Hospital. A native of Woodford County, he was born November 21, 1923 to the late Albert and Maggie Raisor Curry. Mr. Curry was a retired Maintenance Operator for the National Distillery. He was a Veteran of the United States Army and a member of Versailles United Methodist Church. Mr. Curry is survived by, his daughter, Darlene Curry, Versailles; his son, David Lee Curry, Bardstown; his sisters, Laura (Jack) Duncan, Frankfort, and Mary Louise (Ray) Sturgeon, TX; and his brother, Ike (Jean) Curry, Frankfort. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Mae and Aileen Curry and his brother, James Curry. Funeral services will be Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Versailles United Methodist Church with Reverend Mike Lehman and Dr. Charles Pinkston officiating. Burial will follow in the Versailles Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Clark Funeral Home, Rose Hill. Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Bluegrass and The Versailles Methodist Home.

Kids Having Kids - They Sure Grow Up Fast

2010-05-04T17:18:00.003-05:00

Ted West Wins The KY Derby! (West Family Sweepstakes) Cya Next Year!

2010-05-04T07:59:00.007-05:00

Congratulations Ted!(Smoking the victory cigar)Unfortunately the only thing you'll receive is this blog post. Mary and I had a blast watching the Derby festivities in Charleston, SC on TV with Kacey, Justin and of course Luke and Lyndsey, Andrew and of course Kate. Great job with the beer cheese and mint juleps Justin and Mary did a superb job with the KY Hot Browns and the Derby Pie. It was great spending Derby Day with family!

2010 Kentucky Derby Horses

Horses that raced in the Kentucky Derby 136 in order of finish:

1. Super Saver
2. Ice Box
3. Paddy O'Prado
4. Make Music for Me
5. Noble's Promise
6. Lookin At Lucky
7. Dublin
8. Stately Victor
9. Mission Impazible
10. Devil May Care
11. American Lion
12. Jackson Bend
13. Discreetly Mine
14. Dean's Kitten
15. Conveyance
16. Homeboykris
17. Sidney's Candy
18. Line of David
19. Awesome Act
20. Backtalk

Here's Your Picks

2010-04-30T17:20:00.003-05:00

Justin - Make Music For Me & Awesome Act
Clay - Dublin & Devil May Care
Mary - Back Talk & Line of David
Andrew - Dean's Kitten & Lookin at Lucky
Luke - Sidney's Candy & Paddy O' Prado
Ted - Super Saver & Noble's Promise
Debbie - Ice Box & Mission Impazible
Lyndsey - HomeboyKris & Conveyance
Rick - American Lion
Kate - Stately Victor
Kacey - Jackson Bend
Mike - Discreetly Mine

The West Family KY Derby Sweepstakes

2010-04-26T14:26:00.004-05:00

The 136th running of the Kentucky Derby is this Saturday, May 1. You can GO HERE to learn all about the KY Derby. I need to to know if you would like to participate. The sweepstakes is only open to "The Fam." I will be randomly putting the entries into a hat with randomly assigned numbers. Mary & I will then draw numbers alphabetically by the first name of each participant until all horses have been chosen. You could possibly have 2-3 horses to cheer on to the finish line! Please comment below if you would like to be included and stay tuned for updates. The big difference this year is that we will actually be watching the Derby from Justin, Kacey and Luke's house this Saturday along with Lyndsey, Andrew and Kate. This will be Kate's and Luke's first Derby. The field should be ready to go by Thursday of this week. Mary had last year's winner - Mine That Bird.

We Have A Late Arrival - Welcome To This World Luke!

2010-04-18T06:41:00.003-05:00

Congrats Justin & Kacey! We introduce to you...Luke Miller West!!! 7lbs 5oz, 20", born at 9:16pm, April 17th.

Desperation on Display

2010-04-08T07:50:00.003-05:00

I know I'm playing into Nike's hands by linking to their ad but I think this ad is the most desperate attempt I have ever seen to squeeze every ounce of endorsement value possible out of a celebrity no matter what the cost. And for Tiger to subject himself to an ad like this, tells me he's more concerned about $ than he needs to be. This is a disturbing display of advertising and it does not persuade me to buy Nike. There....I feel better now.

Finally - Someone We Can Trust!

2010-03-29T19:13:00.004-05:00

Please be patient while it loads. Turn up the volume. or click where it says "click here for a lighter version" (in the middle of the screen)

A Look Back

2010-03-28T21:51:00.000-05:00