Hilarity Ensuing From Yet Another Infomercial...

If the Shamwow ass-clown going Wayne Brady on a bitch wasn't enough, I now bring you a great parody of America's favorite new cockblock, the... Snuggie.... Snaggie.... Snoggie..... SAMSONITE! I was way off.

Enjoy.

Duke Basketball Flopping Camp

Click photo to view larger image...

Witness: Jodie Meeks.

It all started with Lebron...Nike's "Witness" trademark advertising pitch can be seen on billboards, posters, t-shirts, and who knows what else. The new athlete being graced by this mark of greatness is Kentucky's own, Jodie Meeks. You can buy the shirts here, or probably any sports store in Lexington. Must suck to go to Tennessee...

Manchester Orchestra!

Manchester Orchestra is an indie rock band from Atlanta, Georgia. They have toured with the likes of Kings of Leon, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Clap Your Hands and say Yeah, etc. They have played festivals such as Bonarroo, Coachella, and Lollapalooza. I saw them play at the Southgate House last November and it was a stellar show. Their debut album, "I'm like a Virgin Losing a Child," is filled with some great tunage. On Tuesday they released their sophomore album, "Mean Everything to Nothing," which was produced by Joe Chicarelli, who produces for My Morning Jacket, The Shins, and The Raconteurs. I have listened to the album a few times and I really like what I hear. It has a much different sound than their debut album and you can tell that Chicarelli was affiliated with this one; It is very MMJ-ish. They rocked the stage on Letterman last night and are currently on tour around the states. They will be in Covington, Kentucky on May 7th at the Mad Hatter Club. So, if you like what you hear and want to support your local music scene, get a ticket and check them out. You won't be dissapointed I promise.

Recommended Songs:
I've Got Friends
Shake if Off
Wolves at Night
Where Have You Been
I Can Feel a Hot One
How I've Waited

How UK Gets Down During Dead Week

This 'rave' happened last night at the W.T. Young Library on UK's campus. Check it out.

Louisianimals

Watching Animal Collective evolve over the years has been like watching a fledging civilization become a mighty empire. What was once experimental exploration in sound and song structure has now become a controlled chaos that leads the listener to bliss, even if it is achieved by hacking through a veritable rainforest of textures.

The newest release from Animal Collective, Merrieweather Post Pavillion, is easily one of the best albums that I have heard in a long time. This is somewhat ironic because I was also saying this about their 2007 release Strawberry Jam. What has happened to this band has been astonishing. New listeners may have a hard time realizing the genius of Animal Collective at first listen. This is not in any way because of “ignorance” of contemporary music but because Animal Collective provides an experience that is not really conducive to picking a single song off of an album and making a judgment. It sounds like a cliché to suggest that an album needs to be “experienced” to be fully enjoyed but in this case it is true.



Strawberry Jam diagramed a leap in structure and creativity in Animal Collective’s career. Merriweather Post Pavilion is the next logical step in the bands progression toward complete musical nirvana. It may be noted that this album has the most “pop” feel to any of their previous creations, but the energy and enthusiasm on the album is undeniable and demands repeat visits.


- Brad Von Hoene

The Pop Fly - Volume 1

Here at the Fix we cover a plethora of topics. Those that appease to the average man... the average reader... the guy who wants to know who won last night and who covered the spread... what and where they are going to drink tonight and what ass is going to be there... what band is playing tomorrow night... what's coming out on DVD next week and a two sentence summary of what's going on in the political/entertainment/pop culture world just so they can can seem intelligent to the ass they are going to meet tonight. With that being said... you "the average reader" will no longer have to peruse through the infinite tunnel that we call the Internet to get your multiple dose's of hearsay. This is the weekly booster shot of pop culture that you have been searching for. Straight off Coach Leo Johnson's fungo bat is "The Pop Fly"...


Swine Flu -



















(pic from my camera phone in my hood)

This shit is fo real!!! So real that all the Mexicans in my "Bario"are wearing nurses masks to churches, supermecardos and bodegas. I feel like I'm in that movie "Outbreak" and that little fucking monkey is hiding under my bed waiting to bite my ankles. I know that things happen in California first and migrate East... normally arriving in Kentucky and the rest of the south about 5-10 years later (See Zubaz pants and Jack Johnson's "Flake") but seriously if you are in Kentucky I would avoid all fresh produce, firework stands, Mexican restaurants and Sebree, KY.


Will Fidler -

















I mean half the people that write for this damn blog are from "God's Country" and we can't give a local boy some props. Congrats to Will on a strong showing at the "Blue and White" spring game. Hopefully this was the momentum/confidence booster he needs going into competition next fall. I know I'm a Card fan at heart but if #1 is starting for the Cat's I just might trade my red in for blue...don't get ahead of yourselves... just in football. We're all rooting for you number 1.

Lucero -

What do you get when you mix the whiskey and cigarette stained lyrics of Chris Knight with the raspy vocals of "Drive By Trucker's" former lead singer Jason Isbell and the raw vibe of "North Mississippi All-Stars"... You get the sweet sounds of Lucero. Last week I rediscovered their old self title albums "Lucero", released in 2001. Ben Nicols and his boys from Memphis have been churning out quality American Blue for years. This album is a comfortable as an old pair of jeans and as smooth as good bourbon and I highly recommend it.

Imogene and Willie-

Speaking of the a comfortable pair of jeans. Check out this website for Imogene and Willie. "I&W" is a an independent blue jean boutique that creates custom fits that are made just for you.... they actually pull out the measuring tape during your scheduled fitting. Carrie Sights Eddmendson (of Sights Demin) and Matt Eddemenson both of Henderson are the owners of the idea and have locations in Henderson and Nashville. If you love a simple and classy pair of jeans that you can wear out on the town as well as fishing then these are perfect.

LOCAL PLAYERS TO FIGHT FOR NFL ROSTER SPOTS

This past weekend's NFL Draft saw very few local college products make a splash as they have in years past. Kentucky's Myron Pryor, a Defensive Tackle, was the lone Wildcat to be drafted in the 2 day, 7 round affair that is longer than 'Nam. He was taken with the 34th pick in the 6th round, 207th overall. Though he was the only wildcat drafted the signing period immediately after the draft found many local players being offered contracts and a chance to make the team as a college free agent. I have compiled a list for your viewing pleasure of what players you might see making an impact on NFL rosters next season....

Player, Round , College, NFL Team

Eric Wood, C rd 1, pk 28, Lousiville, Buffalo Bills

George Bussey, OT rd 5, pk 34 ,Louisville, NE Patriots

Myron Pryor, DT rd 6, pk 34, Kentucky, NE Patriots

Woodney Turenne, CB ,CFA , Lousiville, Chicago Bears

Ventrell Jenkins, DT , CFA, Kentucky, Buffalo Bills

Marcus Gordon, OT ,CFA, Kentucky St., Denver Broncos

Tim Masthay, P, CFA, Kentucky, Indianapolis Colts

Brock Bolen, FB, CFA, Louisville, Jacksonville Jaguars

Johnny Williams, LB, CFA, Kentucky ,Jacksonville Jaguars

Hunter Cantwell, QB ,CFA, Louisville, Carolina Panthers

Garry Williams, OT, CFA, Kentucky, Carolina Panthers

Marcus McClinton, S, CFA, Kentucky, NE Patriots

David Jones, CB, CFA, Kentucky, Baltimore Ravens

Greg Ryan, OL, CFA, Western Kentucky, Baltimore Ravens

Chris Vaughn, WR, CFA, Louisville, New Orleans Saints

Other CFA Noteables:

Graham Harrell, QB, CFA, Texas Tech, Cleveland Browns

Chase Daniels, QB, CFA, Missouri, Washington Redskins

Ian Johnson, RB, CFA , Boise St., Minnesota Vikings

March Madness or NBA Playoffs???

Now I love Colin Cowherd and think he is one, if not the greatest, in sports talk radio today.  However, when he said the other day that the NBA Playoffs were better than the NCAA March Madness tournament I completely lost it.  Now I can understand some of his strong points.  It's obvious the NBA has some of the greatest athletes in the world ala Kobe, LeBron, D-Wade, etc.  So obviously there are going to be great performances and great games.  But it seems like the individual performances are what overshadows any of the great games or great series.  Let's talk about the NBA Playoffs weak points.  Take for instance last night's 58 point laugher the Denver Nuggets put on the New Orleans Hornets.  Can you please find a way to defend a tournament where teams only separated by 5 games over a 82 game season can be so unevenly matched??? The top two teams cruised through uneventful series with their opponents (Cavs sweep Pistons, Lakers take down Jazz 4-1).  This isn't surprising as over the past 20 years a team not a number 1 or 2 seed has reached the NBA Finals only 4 times (with 2 of these being 3 seeds).  Talk about exciting!!! Now obviously people will compare 1 vs. 8 matchup to the 1 vs. 16 matchup in March Madness.  To me both are a wash so there is no debate.  But in terms of quality of games, upset potential, and the ability of more teams to win it all, make the case for the NCAA tourney a much more exciting post season than the NBA Playoffs.  It's too bad studs like Kobe and LeBron felt the need to jump right to the NBA, otherwise we may have some of their greatest highlights being re-run on "One Shining Moments" of years past.

-THE TURK

For the Love of the Game

Trying to stay awake for my twentieth straight hour this morning, (got to love the end of the semester) I caught a discussion on Mike and Mike
about fan etiquette. This was a result of the New York Rangers' coach getting into it with a fan at the game. Now I know what you're thinking, nobody watches hockey, but that's not the point.

Some dude in the stands was a big enough pecker that the coach felt compelled to grab a stick and go after said dude. Whatever this guy was saying had to be pretty repulsive and he probably deserved it. What Mike and Mike or both of them or whatever were saying was that fan behavior has gotten out of control. They paraded guest after guest on to say how disgusted they were with the fans. They took the same PC stance they always take because the show sucks, but their point was a valid one.

If you have to lower yourself to yelling obscene and perv-like things in a public place even I would have to disagree with your behavior. Not because how dirty the language is, I could care less, is that it can't even be that funny or witty if it's really that lude.

Whatever happened to the good old days of shouting "Sweet Face!" when the ugly kid got the ball? Or the times you Matt Walshed your rear? Are the days gone when you can bring your, "Will Fidler Fouled My Mom!" sign and feel like you still are making a difference?

Surely I hope not. Listen nobody here at YDF doesn't enjoy getting sauced up and making fun of people and teams, its just too much damn fun. That doesn't mean, however, that we can't still be classy and represent our team and carry ourselves in a higher manner. So next time you happen to be within an ear shot of Lane Kiffin don't tell him to go f*ck himself (although I'm pretty sure he already has) let him know you're off to drop some Volunteers in the crapper and you'll be sure to whipe your Big Orange.

A Case of the Mondays.!

Remember the movie "Office Space?" Of course you do. If you don't, follow these steps. 1)Kick yourself in the balls/vagina. 2)Go rent the movie. 3)See step 1. 4)Watch one of the greatest comedies of all time. 5)Ice down from steps 1 and 3. Ok, for those of you who have seen the aforementioned flick, Mike Judge is at it again. With the downward spiral that is King of the Hill coming to an end, he is focusing his time on his new film, Extract. In Office Space, you see work/life through the eyes of employee Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston), a disgruntled software engineer who hates his job at Initech. In Extract, you see work/life through the eyes of Joel (Jason Bateman) who manages an extract plant. His employees are crazy, his wife doesn't give him lovin' after 8 oclock, and it looks like he just needs a break from life (i.e. hitting the bong with cameo Ben Affleck). The trailer looks incredible and I am really looking forward to, what looks like, another cult classic. The release date seems to be set for Labor Day, but IMDB says September 4th. I just wanted to give you YDF'ers a heads up. The link below should send you to the trailer. Peace ya knuckleheads.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEDm0UCwXYs

Big Ups Player of the Week...

As day 1 of the NFL Draft came to a close Saturday, I got a text asking if I saw what happened to Michael Mitchell (#34 Above) (S, Ohio). Even though he left our Highschool team (Covington Catholic) and went to our arch-rival of about 100 years (Highlands Highschool) and brought a State Championship home with them, I'd like to give a shout-out to a hometown boy regardless. Mike Mitchell played 3 seasons with CCH after leaving in his senior season to go to HHS, eventually recording 87 tackles and graduating to play at Ohio University. Mitch played in 9 games a a freshman for Ohio and won the starting position halfway through his Sophomore year. Mike is a possible diamond in the rough for the Oakland Raider's who drafted him 47th overall yesterday. Not getting an invitation to the NFL Combine, he did his eye catching during Ohio's Pro-Day when he blazed a 4.43 40 yard dash as a 6'1" 216 lbs Safety. Mike Mitchell emulates the average size of an NFL Strong Safety, and considering the above-average 40 time for safety's is 4.45-4.53, Mike is blazes more than half the world did last Monday. Anyways, Mike was always a character in the locker room and won't let the petty bullshit of the NFL and it's processes get him down. Mike goes into Oakland battling for Gibril Wilson's $39 Million starting spot. Although Mike is bigger and most likely faster, he will have a good mentor as he enters the league. Anyways big ups to the kid from Kentucky, flying all the way out to Oakland.

This is Dedication...

Tom Grout came across this picture and if this isn't dedication, I don't know what is...





Open for comments...

Something All You Fixers Can Relate To....

Ever woke up from a night of booze and drugs, looked through your phone, and found out that you sent really creepy or downright amazingly awkward texts.. Well now you can share them with the world.

UK Welcomes Darnell Dodson

UK has made it official today, Darnell Dodson is officially a Wildcat. 

Darnell Dodson: 6'7'' 215 lb (SF)

In 2008 Darnell Dodson originally signed with Pittsburgh but failed to qualify through the NCAA Clearinghouse academically. He redshirted last year at Miami Dade and should have 3 years to play. Dodson is a quick and athletic small forward who uses his perimeter jumper to set up his slashing and pull up game when needed. He can knock down open jumpers off the catch and dribble if the defense gives him space. He also has range from 20 to 22 feet. He has improved his strength and is finishing stronger at the basket. (-ESPN Insider)

Quality Veteran of the Week

Halle Berry, 42


OK OK I know I've been a little late with this weeks QV and I know you were holding your breath for this weeks selection. It was worth the wait because this weeks selection is Halle Berry, one of the sexiest women to set foot on earth. The NFL draft is coming up and the major debate, usually at the top of the draft, is wether to take the QB with the high ceiling or go for the safe pick and take that left tackle your squad needs to anchor the line. In this case, I went with the safe pick and went with an absolute lock to be a big hit as the QV this week. If you don't find Halle Berry attractive go play in traffic or have somebody go Lorena Bobbit on you because you don't deserve a dick. Berry is that kind of player that you know is going to deliever for a long time. She's been doing it better as of late with recent movies such as Swordfish and Monster's Ball. If you haven't checked her out in Monster's Ball you are flat missing out on some of her best work (sex scene) warning: nudity. The only bummer is that Billy Bob Thorthon is rubbing his old balls all over her. What's with this guy, first he's nailing Angelina Jolie and then he's rubbing his garbage all over a naked Halle Berry. If I ever hear this clown complain about anything in his life I will personally punch him in the throat.

Downfall of a Legend?

Now I am a huge fan of Rick Pitino. Without him, Kentucky basketball would not be where it is today. Now hopefully you all have not been living under a rock for the last week and found out that ol' Ricky is in the middle of some deep shit. He is in the middle of an extortion case brought on by the wife of a trainer. The trainer is Tim Sypher and has been a part of Rick's staff since the Celtics era. Now one could only think that Rick was laying some wood and the chick wants money out of it, but we can only wait and see.

Is it a coincidence that his son, Richard, just left his father's side to take on an assistant job in Florida to "better his resume"? Who would you rather coach with, Mr. Pitino or the douche Billy Donovan? I personally think that it is an attempt to get out of town.

Here are a few facts about the mistress (pictured below). She has already been divorced and has four sons with the first husband. Had another kid with the current husband, Tim Sypher, and they are now getting divorced. This chick loves getting around.



Nothing has been made final and the FBI are looking into it. More to come....

Win Millions,
dubs

Dega Dreamin'

Welcome to the newest installation on YDF, where I'll be bringing you your weekly Nascar fix. I know we're already balls deep in the season, but better now than never to start teaching you fools a thing or two about stock car racing. This Sunday at 2:00pm the Sprint Cup Series heads to Talladega for probably the 2nd most anticipated race of the year next only to the Daytona 500. Fans will have their coolers loaded, their women scantily clad and be sporting their favorite cut off t-shirt of Dale Sr. with some Lynyrd Skynyrd wailing in the background. Nascar races are one of the rare times society condones getting back to your grass roots to show just how red that neck can get.

'Dega is the fastest race on the schedule and one of the most prone for wrecks, most notably the "Big One" that can damn near wipe out the whole field, or at least your fantasy team for the week. This should be a large factor when deciding who to start in your fantasy leagues. So, check drivers recent record to first off make sure they finished the race, and secondly to see how well they placed.

My pick of the week is Tony Stewart. He recently started up his own team with Haas Racing to form Stewart-Haas racing and many people thought this would be a rebuilding season for him, but it's been anything but that. He has been in contention for several races this year and last week at Pheonix he finished 2nd behind the vet Mark Martin. He has a pretty good record at 'Dega with only 3 DNFs (did not finish) in 20 starts here. Of those 20 starts, he's finished 2nd six times and won the Fall's race at 'Dega last year.

Also, you should expect to see General Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch, and fan-favorite Dale Jr. competing for the lead this week. Gordon has the second most wins ever at this track with 6 victories (2nd only to "The Intimidator" Dale Sr., who has an unprecedented 14 wins at this track), and 8 DNFs in 32 starts. Busch has no wins at this track, but has posted 11 top 10's in 16 starts here with only 2 DNFs. Finally, Dale Jr. who has been disappointing so far this season, has posted 5 wins here over 2001-2004 seasons. However, he has also posted 5 DNFs here in his 18 starts at this track, but he is an Earnhardt, so I fully expect him to bounce back at 'Dega and he'll definitely be seeing some action on my fantasy roster this week. One quick caveat about all these guys though...they have all had stellar careers here, but each of them, including Stewart, had a DNF in one of the two races at 'Dega last year. Basically, these guys are all hit or miss and could all easily sweep the top 5 or be in the garage before the halfway mark. Oh yeah, and Jimmie Johnson is a contender for every race in the season...he doesn't have a bad track period

For those of you who like to roll the dice on some sleepers, you should consider Ryan Newman or Clint Bowyer. Newman has six top 10's and 4 DNFs in 14 starts here, meaning he could hit gold or leave you feeling like a Sunday morning after an all day YDF tailgate at Keeneland. Bowyer has been under the radar since he got in Nascar and continues to produce while ESPN focuses on the blockbuster racers like Johnson, Gordon, Dale Jr, etc. He's swept the top 12 over the past 3 attempts and they were all from deep in the field.

This is the first in a long line of Nascar posts, so keep tuning in and maybe you'll learn a thing or two, or maybe I'll just end up looking like a jackass. Either way 'Dega should be an easy way to nurse a hangover or just continue to get drunk.

Cleveland Cavaliers Playoff Proposal...

Lebron and the gang have recently cruised to a 2-0 start in their series against the Detroit Pistons.  However, they are also stars in their own YouTube video.  Their video is called "Cavaliers Playoff Proposal," which is a parody of the latest Heineken ad seen on television.

Enjoy.

"Smoking Pot Makes Me Not Want To Kill Myself"

What an interesting song title from quite an interesting band. Straight out of Norman, OK, Stardeath and White Dwarfs are an Experimental Rock band that I just stumbled upon. The lead singer, Dennis Coyne is Wayne Coyne's (The Flaming Lips) nephew. If you are a fan of Band of Horses, MGMT, My Morning Jacket, and The Flaming Lips, I suggest you give SAWD a moment of your time. Also, if you have a J, light it up while listening to them. Keep rockin' YDF'ers.

Jamie Foxx interested in Mike Tyson role

If Mike Tyson has his way, he'll get Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx to tackle his life story in an upcoming cinematic version of his life. Foxx, who won the Oscar for his portrayal of Ray Charles is by far the best prospect to cover the role of Mike Tyson. For one, they have very similar appearances although Tyson was absolutely enormous in his heyday, so Foxx would have to add a little more bulk. I hope they lock him in for this role, it would definitely be worth watching...

Here is a clip of Jamie Foxx impersonating Mike Tyson in his stand up, I Might Need Security (The whole clip is hilarious, but for the Tyson part, fast forward to the 5 Minute 30 Second Mark)

I Might Need Security - Jamie Foxx

NBA Tonight

The NBA Playoffs are heating up as we speak so check out the action on TNT tonight.

Philly vs Orlando 7:00 ET
Miami vs Atlanta 8:00 ET
New Orleans vs Denver 10:30 ET

Modern Practical Etiquette

This will be either the first, or the last, of a series of posts about acceptable behavior of men in our society. For those less cultured, these posts will be glorified rants, but for those who observe what I describe, I believe these thoughts will be as liberating as they will be entertaining. At least that's the idea:

These days, it's difficult to distinguish between the real and the surreal. In a world of man scaping and Kenny Chesney wearing skinny jeans, modern American men have seemingly sold their souls to the Devil himself for an extra glance from a female at a bar. While I get this so called "Peacock Theory" (e.g.: lime green polo shirts with bright yellow shorts,) there is a fine line between confidence and emasculation.

Let me begin by saying this: boys, we have created this problem ourselves. We let other men get away with said monstrosities in the name of tolerance. Men have teased one another out of bad habits for centuries, but, for whatever reason, we have stood idly by as other men have gotten spray tans, worn makeup, and drank mango cosmopolitans in public. It is 2009. We have an African American President. We can pause, rewind, and fast forward live TV. I think it is time we rid ourselves of some of the ills in our society of brothers. In the name of progress, hear my cry.

1. No more buying women drinks at the bar. This may catch some of you by surprise, but it doesn't work. In the pursuit of female acceptance, we have equated the purchase of spirits with feeding parking meters. In your mind, you are buying more minutes with a member of the opposite sex, in her mind, you are proving exactly what she suspected: that you're Richie Cunningham. Now, there are exceptions: if said woman is your significant other, or if you are making up for a mistake. For example, if you spill your drink on her, or if you spill her drink, by all means, proceed. However, if you are merely attempting to further a conversation, don't. do. it. Period. Ask if she wants a drink, and order a water. It will demonstrate your frugality and show that you refuse to be intimidated by her looks.

2. Stop with the 'funny' graphic tees. You have a sense of humor and you want everyone else to know it. We get it. You might as well wear a shirt that screams "I just threw away $20 so that you could assume I read on a fifth grade level." If it's a fraternity rush shirt, and you're still in your first three years of undergrad, you get a pass. However, if the shirt displays regional humor, then you may actually give off a "I like it here" vibe, and I am all for that. But the "That's What She Said" shirt has got to go.

3. Don't wear tennis shoes with jeans unless you are Jerry Seinfeld. If you have to ask what the exceptions are to this rule, then just follow the rule of zeros, and don't.

4. Listening to your iPod on the way to class, good. Everyone else listening to your iPod on the way to class, unacceptable. If I wanted to listen to LFO, I would call Doc Brown, get the DeLorean, and travel back to the eighth grade and watch TRL with Carson Daly. You got a better shot at hitting the Power Ball, pal. So keep those buds at an appropriate level, and listen to what you want, just don't encroach on the ears of others.

Hate it or love it, these are social ills. If we work together, we can, by some chance, get our world back to normal by just doing our small part. If you see a perceived injustice occurring, stop and ask yourself, "Would LeBron James do this?" If the answer is no, you have an ethical obligation to point out any wrongdoing. Don't blame me for telling the truth, we can only blame ourselves for the sorry state of affairs we see today.

Think About It.....

Lollapalooza 2009 Lineup (link)

The 2009 Lollapalooza lineup has been announced and looks to be an amazing show yet again. The festival is scheduled for August 7-9 at Grant Park in none other than the Windy City. With acts ranging from Tool to Kid Cudi, the lineup is entirely too long to list yet too good not to at least go check it out. Tickets are around $200 right now and will probably go up the longer you wait. Many of YDF's contributors are planning on being in attendence and probably rocking out in Lincoln Park through the AM hours. So get your tickets and dinero lined up so you can be a part of yet another amazing event in Chi-Town.

Bringing Down The House

The NBA play-offs have now begun and with the exception of Dallas winning game one against San Antonio, Philadelphia beating the buzzer and along with it Orlando, and Chicago beating Boston, sans The Big Ticket, everything has gone according to script. The Celtics cannot and will not make it back to the Finals with out Garnett, and nobody in the West in going to beat LA. Sooooo now all we have to do is wait until June for LA and Cleveland to square off for the hardware.

The most interesting match up in the entire play offs is going to be the second round match up of Houston and Los Angeles. Yeah I am not giving Portland too much of a chance against Houston. I will go as far as to say Houston may sweep the TrailBlazers. Portland is good young team who is knocking on the door, but they are a jump shooting team with no low post scoring presence. It showed when they squared off on Saturday night when Yao Ming went 9-9 from the field, and scored 24 points and grabbed 9 boards.

Houston is the second best team in the west. Yao is the best center in the league and now that Tracy McGrady is out the offense runs through him. Let me say this; I do not buy this theory that the Rockets are a better team with out McGrady than with him. McGrady is one of the most talented players in the league and can score at will. Please tell me how is a negative?

I was listening to an interview with former Houston coach and current ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy and he made and interesting comment. Van Gundy said that he thought the Houston Rockets would present the toughest match up for the Lakers in the entire play offs.
The reason being? The Lakers don’t like to play in front of the opposition’s big man, they like to play behind. This will allow Yao to cleanly catch the ball with his back to the basket and the offense will flow through him. Houston also possesses what no other team has. Two wing players who play hard nosed defense and relish playing against Kobe Bryant. Shane Battier and Ron Artest are the best wing defensive duo in the Association. Ron Artest because of his reputation will never win Defensive Player of the Year again, but try to find a better and more versatile defender than Artest.

Artest and Battier love to play against the league’s best wing players, and nobody more then Bryant. They will be salivating with the idea they could knock Bryant and the Lakers out of the postseason. But, alas it won’t happen.

-Jared House

Beer Bong: 1 Kid: 0

This is actual video taken from this year's YDF Keeneland Tailgate.... Shit got wild. Just kidding but I wouldn't be surprised. ROLL ON YOUR LEFT SIDE!! Yeah this kid really was in any kind of mental state to listen to a bunch of drunk idiots shout instructions at him. I wonder which one took the bullet and stuck a finger down this rookie's throat. There is no update on whether this kid survived.

Dazed and Confused...

As I was aimlessly wandering around the internet just now I came across this. A brief history on why we are celebrating today.

http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/137492/happy_4_20!_the_true_story_behind_stoners%27_favorite_number/

For the 20th of April

Two Days Removed But Still In Ya System

• Big thanks to the YDF tailgate for giving me a reason to avoid all other responsibilities this weekend. Back to reality, I now have a fifteen minute speech to give tonight in class and worked on it about 0% this weekend. Word.
• Recipe for the liquid version of Coach Leo Johnson: 1 Sunny Day, 2 half gallons vodka, 5-6 random bottles juice/soda, six pack of beer, and thousands of beautiful women. Quite the combo I can assure you.
• Happy April 20th, 2009 by the way.
• Really too busy catching up on neglected things (mostly school) to wrap up the weekend like I'd want to, but whatever...Monday's are great aren't they?
• I'll leave you with what I use to get through them most of the time...some dirty motha effin' rap.

YDF Tailgate

First and foremost, on behalf of all of my fellow YDF contributors I would like to thank everyone who showed up yesterday for what was quite possibly the greatest Keeneland tailgate ever. There was a huge turnout and it was consistent the entire day. There will be plenty of pictures and another post to accompany those when everyone has recovered (probably tomorrow). I just wanted to go ahead and make a few comments about it so that anyone who is new to the site or anyone else for that matter has something to look forward to. Yesterday was one for the record books and we hope everyone else had just as good of a time as us.

The Alternative History of Kurt Cobain

Nirvana is hands down my favorite band of all time. Every time I listen to their music however, I curse the fact that Kurt Cobain killed himself. After viewing this slideshow, I might want to reconsider....

Its seems like it may be better to burn out than to fade away.

Its a Grrrreat Day

Nothing I love more than driving across the great Commonwealth of Kentucky on a beautiful sunny day. Enough time to give me to figure out whether the team Coach Cal is allegedly bringing in (Wall and Henry, with 23 and Pat staying) will have a better talent level than the '96 Cats?

Personally, I think I'm leaning towards these guys...


But with Coach Cal here...


Have a good day we'll see you tomorrow at the track!

BOAT - Bring On Another Thousand...that's what I always say

Summer is rapidly approaching, and as soon as Keeneland's spring meet is over with, Summer is here for me pretty much. And with the sounds and smells of summer comes boats, bikini's, Buttweisers at 10am, and tons of gas. I've been told once that technology on Boats is about 10 years behind the technology in cars. I tend to agree, our 2006 SeaRay has steering wheel controls to change volume, channel and mess with the GPS. I've seen steering wheel controls on cars as early as 1996, possibly even earlier. 10 Years ago, MPG wasn't necessarily a topic when purchasing cars and it sure as hell is one of the biggest selling points on cars today, next to rims. Hopefully in the coming years, Gallons Per Hour (boats' Miles Per Gallon), will become a bigger topic in the R&D departments of boat manufacturers. As an avid boater myself, I have seen the pump charge over $400 to fill a tank that would last maybe a weekend or two, and I'm sure similar stories have arisen in most of the fixer's viewing this blog and attending the tailgate this SATURDAY APRIL 18th at KEENELAND RACE TRACK. But for those fellow boaters, good news arrives (at least for KY and it's lakes), as 'Gas prices to stay in $2 range this summer.' Read on to read the article posted in the Business Courier of Cincinnati earlier this week.

Courtesy of:

Business Courier of Cincinnati

Energy Information Administration on Tuesday projected regular-grade gasoline will average $2.23 a gallon during the April-through-September driving season.

The monthly average is likely to peak at $2.30 a gallon, far less expensive than last summer, when gasoline cost an average of $3.81 a gallon and soared for a time past $4.

The report also said U.S. crude oil production declined by 110,000 barrels a day last year because of Gulf Coast hurricanes, but should rebound by an additional 440,000 barrels to 5.4 million barrels a day this year, the first increase in domestic production since 1991.

In recent weeks national gas prices have edged higher from their December lows. According to AAA, The national average for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.05.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Cincinnati was $2 as of Tuesday morning, according to the AAA's Fuel Gauge Report. It was $2.05 in Covington .

The EIA report projects crude oil prices will average $53 a barrel this year, but increase by about $10 a barrel in 2010. It said a stronger-than-expected economic recovery, lower global production or “more aggressive action to cut production” by the OPEC oil cartel “could lead to a faster and stronger rise in oil prices.”

"The water is the same on both sides of the boat. "
-Finnish Proverb

Handing Out The Hardware

The NBA regular season wraps up this Wednesday and with it I want to give version of the regular season awards. I love this time of year because no matter who you select as your winner you have debate. Sports are the great equalizer we have in life. I can’t go up to Ben Bernake and discuss the stock market or talk with Bill Gates about computer science. But we all three could sit around and talk about Eastern Conference play offs and whether or not Orlando can challenge Cleveland or Boston. Debate goes hand in hand with sports and I hope after you read this you will comment with your own personal choices.

MVP- Dwyane Wade: D-Wade has the numbers, 30.2 ppg, 5.0 reb, 7.5 ast, 2.2stls, 1.3 blk. Wade becomes the FIRST player in NBA history to reach triple digits in steals (173) and blocks (106). Wade also hasn’t had the luxury that Kobe Bryant or LeBron James has had. Wade’s supporting cast isn’t close to what the other two are playing with. Wade has his team in the 5^th sport for the Eastern conference play offs and they could win their first round series. LeBron’s numbers are great also (28.3,7.6,7.3,1.7,1.2), but it seems to me that this award was given to LeBron before the season even started.

Defensive POY- Dwight Howard: the first and last line of defense. This is the easiest award to give out. The Magic do not play much defense, they like to run down the floor and jack trey’s or throw alley oops to the big man. But Dwight plays some D, excuse me, A LOT of D. He swatted 228 shots this year, and altered countless others. At the beginning of the year I thought my man Ron Artest would challenge but Dwight had the chokehold on this hardware from the get go.

Sixth Man- Jason Terry: Terry has been a beast this season, he has averaged 2.3 three’s, 19.5 ppg, and 3.4 ast while coming off the bench for Dallas. I wanted to give this Paul Millsap, but he started way too many games and could be Carlos Boozer’s replacement this coming season. Terry has played an important role for Dallas giving them another scoring option aside from Dirk. I refuse to give this award to Manu Ginobili. Do not get me wrong, I love Manu’s game. He in my opinion is the most underrated player in the game. He is unstoppable with both hands, and can hit any shot. But he could start for any team. The 6^th man award in my opinion is the sixth best player on a team that plays the best for the season, and is Jason Terry.

Coach of the Year- Mike Woodson: the Atlanta Hawks came out of no where last season to sneak into the post season and took the Boston Celtics to a seventh game before succumbing to them. Mike Woodson has built on that success and this season with the East a lot stronger he has the Hawks in the fourth play off spot. Give him the credit for developing Josh Smith from just a dunker to an all around player who takes pride in defense.

Rookie of the Year-Derrick Rose: this kid has been out of his mind. Playing the hardest position to play as a rookie he has excelled. Rose is averaging 16.7 ppg, 6.2 ast, to only 2.5 turn overs as a rookie! He has been one of the few bright spots for the perpetually disappointing Bulls. He is a super star in waiting. O.J. Mayo and Brook Lopez got serious consideration. Mayo is going to be a star and Lopez is already the third best center in the East.

Executive of the Year-Mark Warkentien: What a great trade in dealing Allen Iverson to the Nuggets and getting Chauncey Billups in return. The Nuggets last year played no defense and to win they tried to outscore you. This year with a true floor general they play solid defense, and Billups bring championship experience with him to the point guard slot.

Most disappointing team- Los Angeles Clippers: I kind of feel foolish because the Clippers aren’t ever supposed to be good. But they went out and got Baron Davis and Marcus Camby in the offseason and could have challenged for the final spot. So what did they do? They won 19 games and are battling for the top spot in the draft lottery.

Most disappointing player- Josh Howard: the offseason was rough on Mr. Howard. First he admitted he smoked marijuana in the offseason, not a bright move, sponsors love a stoner. Then at a flag football game this summer he was caught on camera saying he hated America. Plain stupid. But all he had to do was have a great season and all would be forgotten. Well this is his average, 18.1 ppg, 5.1 reb, 1.6 ast. Not a great way to cement yourself as a peer of the draft class of LeBron, Wade, Melo and Co. ,much less when you had such a rocky offseason.

Jared House