Ktulu Christmas Countdown #1 Christmas Movie of All Time

And now for the #1 Christmas movie of all time.

When I organized this list, this film was the first one on it, and it instantly took the one spot. I never really considered putting anything before it. I know A Christmas Story is popular but that doesn't mean it should be first in my countdown. There is no Christmas movie funnier than this. In fact, there are very few movies better than this. I believe this to be the best Vacation movie of the four, and that is saying alot seeing as the original is one of my favorites as well. From the moment Eddie explains he had to have the metal plate in his head replaced with the plastic one "because every time Catherine would rev up the microwave I'd piss my pants and forget who I was for a half hour" to the moment where aunt Bethany says the pledge of allegiance at grace, this movie offers up non-stop laughter. This is Chevy Chase at his finest.

I hope you all enjoyed the countdown, and I hope to do more things along these lines, because at the very least even if you didn't enjoy, it kept me more disciplined in updating my blog. This is the most times I've ever posted in a single month.

Hope you all are having a great holiday.

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #2

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #2

A Christmas Story (1983)

I know this may be number one on many people's list, but if you haven't realized the key movie missing from the list by now, this one falls just short of the little gem waiting to be revealed tomorrow. However, lets not detract from the glory of this film. The story is classic, the humor is perfectly dry, and this film never gets old, despite its 24 straight hours of being played on Christmas day. The quest for the BB gun, the classic lines, the Ovaltine decoder, and of course the leg lamp- all classic pieces of this essential holiday classic. If you havent seen it yet this season, don't worry, there will be plenty of opportunity.

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #3

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #3

Home Alone (1990)

This film has become a classic in the 20 years since its release, entertaining adults and kids alike. Who wouldn't be entertained by Kevin's antics and the Wet Bandits. The comedy is non-stop and the story is heartwarming without being too sappy. This is a film that should be watched every single Christmas season at least once.

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #4

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #4

The Santa Clause (1994)

Remember Tim Allen? Tim the tool man. During his comedic hayday, he was a part of this modern classic, in which a man responsible for accidentally killing Santa is forced to take over the role. While the sequels that followed were downright atrocious, this family feature delivers the laughs and a great holiday story. Too bad Allen isn't as active these days.

2000

The University of Kentucky Wildcats snatched up their 2000th win against Drexel tonight, 88-44, the first Division I basketball team to reach the milestone. What made the win that much sweeter was the fact that it was the teams most well-rounded, dominant performance to date. North Carolina is behind UK by 8 games with 1992 wins and Kansas by 20 with 1980. Calipari arrived just in the knick of time, as UKs lead was only 4 at the beginning of the season. The post game celebration is what touched me the most, hearing from Rupp's son, Joe B Hall and even Patrick Patterson. Mashburn did the color commentary which I thought was a classy move by ESPN> The coverage was fantastic as the return from each commercial break was welcomed with historic moments from UK's history, including the Mardi Gras miracle in which UK came back from down 31 against LSU by scoring 62 points in the game's final 15 minutes. Kentucky is now 12-0 and now only one number remains on their mind. 8. Their next national championship.

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #5

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #5

Elf (2003)

Will Ferrell creates another memorable character in Buddy the Elf, all while creating a modern classic. Trading in his crude humor for a more family friendly style, Ferrell creates a movie that sets itself apart from some of his other films as this one can be enjoyed by all ages, and at Christmas time, that's what it's all about. That isn't to say this movie isn't funny, as it will have people of all ages laughing from start to finish.

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #6

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #6

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

While this film just BARELY falls short of the original, Home Alone 2 is a fantastic holiday film that perfect recaptures everything that was so appealing about its predecessor. The comedy, traps and family compassion all shines through in this sequel. Over the past 2 decades Kevin has become a household name as we all recall the ingenious traps designed by this ten-year-old over the years.

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #7

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #7

Just Friends (2005)

Despite the fact this may be a newer film, this is no reason to not let it be a part of the top 10. This movie is hysterical, and while it may not hit everyone's funny bone it certainly hits mine. Ryan Reynolds is hilarious as always, as he plays a formerly fat man, who hits it big in LA, yet his downed plane brings him back home to New Jersey where he runs into his former best friend/crush in Amy Smart. This movie is cute, and while not appropriate for all ages, it is heartwarming for anyone about 13. If you have passed this one up, now is your chance to stop missing out.

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #8

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #8

Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

I would be lying if I didn't admit that come December I automatically scan the TV guide to make sure I don't miss the Sunday evening that any given channel will be showing this special. It has been on for over 40 years, and it seems that no matter the age, it never gets old. Take these traditional Peanut characters and throw them in a Christmas setting, and you have yourself an instant classic.

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #9

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #9

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Forget about the live action version. The original short cartoon is an instant classic that is truly enjoyable for 3 year olds all the way through 83 year olds. It is funny. It's heartwarming. It's everything you want from a Christmas flick. And the Grinch's dog Max is one of my favorite characters in any Christmas film. If you've never seen this shame on you. If you haven't seen it yet this holiday season, what are you waiting for?

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #10

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #10

Jingle All the Way (1996)

Arnold Schwarzenegger makes his Christmas film debut, in what would seem to be a throw-away film, yet the hilarity of Arnold and Simbad duking it out to get the hottest Christmas toy for their kids is beyond entertaining. This film has heartwarming themes, and truly is funny for viewers of all ages. It isn't anything groundbreaking, but if you've never seen this one before, I would certainly recommend giving it a watch.

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #11

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #11

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Now we are starting to get into the meat of the countdown. There are no fillers, no people pleasers. This is where the ordering starts to matter to me. #11 is The Nightmare Before Christmas, one of Time Burtons many gothic masterpieces. This heartwarming family film combines some unique ideas, but Christmas spirit is at the heart of this film. And who can not love Jack?

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #12

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #12

Polar Express (2004)

This is more out of respect and nostalgia for one of the greatest Christmas books of all time. Its not that the film isn't good, it just doesn't quite meet the books expectations. All of the voice actors, particularly Hanks, do a great job, and overall the movie does a good job using its animation to capture some of the magic of the book

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #13

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #13

Scrooged (1988)

A great comedy that is a refreshing blend of a classic story with comedy. The unique mixture isn't the only refreshing aspect as it is also unique to see this story adapted into modern times and its very real commentary on greed. Bill Murray is fantastic as always.

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #14

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #14

The Holiday (2006)

A hilarious comedy that is truly heartwarming, this is the perfect Christmas date flick. A great cast (with the exception of Jack Black although he does deliver a tolerable performance) the story between Jude Law and Cameron Diaz is particularly engaging. If you haven't seen this one yet, it is certainly worth the time to check out.

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #15

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #15

The Family Stone (2007)

10 days into our countdown and we're going strong. The 11th entry isn't a pick-me-up but I wouldn't call it a downer. The Family Stone deals with very real family emotions and conflict, and isn't the first ensemble cast we've seen in a film on our countdown. This movie delivers laughs, tears and heartwarming moments. This is another good one for the family, but be careful with little ones as this does have a PG-13 rating.

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #16

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #16

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

As of now, this looks to be the final Classic on the list, the king of all feel-good Christmas movies. James Stewart is phenomenal, as is the films uplifting plot, and unlike the previous entry, this one is perfect for all ages.

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #17

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #17

Love Actually (2003)

The first uber romantic comedy on the countdown, this film helps define "ensemble cast." Following the stories of countless characters of multiple ages, and showing how all of their lives, loves and Christmas stories intertwine makes for a fun watch. This is the perfect Christmas date movie. However, this one is not for the whole family, as it is an R rated film, although the content isn't anything excessively obscene. Hugh Grant's performance is worth noting.

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #18

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie (TV Show) #18

The Office "Yankee Swap" 2005

One of the greatest Christmas episodes of a television show ever made. During the thick of the Pam and Jim drama, this episode combines their plot line with the hilarity that ensues with the office learning the rules to the steal and swap style Christmas game.

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #19

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #19

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

The first claymation film on our list will be our introduction into the teens on the countdown. This made-for-TV movie from the 60s was brought about when stop animation with clay was all the rage. This twist on the classic song delivers laughs for people of all ages. In the same vein as a cartoon, the humor and plot line is rather short on intricacy and that is what makes this one so endearing. And who couldn't resist the cheap animation and effects...

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #20

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #20

A Christmas Carol

The last in the line of classics on this list for a few days, this is based off of one of the most legenday Christmas stories ever written. I have committed no year to the movie due to the countless remakes that have been made, all of which have added their own perspectives to this evolving tale, most recently the animated version starring Jim Carey. While I haven't seen them all, the moral of the story is laced throughout them all, and it is that very moral that makes this film so special. This one too is a good watch with all of the family.

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #21

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #21

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

While there is a great remake from the 90's the original set the precedent. This is one of the kings of feel-good-christmas movies and has withstood the test of time. This, along with White Christmas, fits in the category of your traditional, feel-good family Christmas film that can be enjoyed by all ages

"Rebuilding project is ahead of schedule"

Kentucky has beaten North Carolina for the first time in 5 years. Calipari's rebuilding project is ahead of schedule. And if it weren't for Wall missing 10 minutes in the 2nd half, this game wouldn't have been the close 68-66 victory that it was. Now the Cats have to head up to head to Madison Square Garden to face UConn on Sunday, followed by a trip to Bloomington to take on IU next weekend. A big start to a big week for UK basketball. But right now, the boys are 8-0 and 4 wins from being the first team to reach the 2,000 win mark in college basketball. It is a great time to be a part of the Big Blue Nation. Let's keep the momentum going. Who's next?

The clash of the titans...

In just under 24 hours, the two winningest programs in the history of college basketball will face off. The University of Kentucky boasts 1,995 wins to North Carolina's 1,991. There are many keys to this game, and while I think UK has the edge in almost every department, they don't have the edge in experience. It is early in the season, and they are far from cohesive. Despite a home-court advantage for the Cats and my heart telling me UK can win, my head tells me UNC will take this one. They have too much experience. UK is still adjusting to a whole new system.

However, Metz Camfield of the Kentucky Kernel has done a great job outlining what the Cats need to do to achieve success tomorrow. Click here to read his entire post on the Blue Nation Blog.

Here are his 5 Keys:

1.) DeMarcus Cousins must stay out of foul trouble. In UK’s first seven games, Cousins has averaged only 20 minutes per game – that’s only one-half of a game for those who aren’t very good at math. He’s still getting 16.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game, so just imagine if he got more minutes. Cousins routinely gets in bad foul trouble in the first half, and because of that, his minutes are limited. If Cousins can keep his head and stay out of foul trouble, the Tar Heels will go up against one of the best young centers in the country. What could help Cousins is the fact that he’ll be going up against fellow big men for once. In many of the early games Cousins went up against smaller, quicker “forwards/centers.”

2.) John Wall must keep his emotions in check. It’s been well documented that Wall wasn’t recruited by UNC head coach Roy Williams. Williams today on the Dan Patrick Show (phenomenal show, highly recommend it) said Wall is the best point guard he’s seen out of high school since Jason Kidd. So why didn’t he recruit him? I still don’t understand that. Either way, Wall says he isn’t holding a grudge against his hometown school and his favorite school when he was a kid. Cousins, on the other hand, is saying we’ll all see a different side of Wall because he believes there’s “bad blood” there. Wall can’t make this game about himself and not get his teammates involved. Calipari said he might talk to Wall privately before the game. If Wall plays unselfishly like he did against UNC Asheville the Cats will be better suited.

3.) Transition defense still must improve. In the first three games teams were shooting 3-pointers on the Cats like it was the new cool thing to do – and really, it was. Miami of Ohio and Sam Houston State were setting records at Rupp Arena they were hitting so many threes, and the Cats thus were in cat fights (pun intended) in both affairs. I’m going to read my crystal ball and say UNC has better 3-point shooters than the RedHawks or Bearkats. If you watched the UNC-Michigan State game on Tuesday night you should know what I’m talking about. The Heels’ 3-point shooting is dynamite and if the Cats don’t hustle back on defense they’ll be in trouble.

4.) The outside shot must be present. This one’s simple. Conversely to the last point, the Cats need to hit their 3-pointers in transition and in the set offense. If the Cats can hit their outside shot they’ll be very difficult to beat – that will be true for the rest of the season. It’s been pretty spotty so far this season against lesser opponents so it should be interesting to see how it goes against a top-10 opponent. Sophomore guard Darnell Dodson is the best 3-point shooter the Cats have, but his defense so far this season has been a liability.

5.) Fans must be involved. The Big Blue Nations held a special practice on Wednesday to work on new cheers, heckles and routines for this game. While obviously they’re not going to be as choreographed as the Dukies at Cameron Indoor since there was only one practice for about an hour or so, there are still 24,000+ fans in the building. If everyone is on the same page, Rupp Arena can become the home court advantage that it was back in the day. The Heels played Syracuse in Madison Square Garden, but that crowd won’t be the type of crowd they’ll see on Saturday. This is the toughest environment UNC has played in so far, and if the UK fans are into it and loud the entire game (not just during runs and dunks) – the Cats will have an added advantage and they’ll feed off that energy.

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #22

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #22

Ice Harvest (2005)

The most quirky of the films on the list to date, this dark comedy isn't the most heartwarming of the holidays, but it certainly isn't short on laughs. Billy Bob makes his second appearance on the list along side Cusack both of whom deliver hilarious performaces in this film about two men on the run from the mob. Just another change of pace on the list. The Ktulu likes to keep you on your toes

(thanks to Chemguy for the recommendation)

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #23

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #23

White Christmas (1954)


The first classic on our list, Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney star in this film, in which the featured music may be as well-remembered as the film itself, if not more so. This is the first (and one of the few) traditional, happy, heartwarming movies on the countdown. So if you're keeping up with the Ktulu countdown, this is your chance to take a night off from the blood and vulgar language and indulge yourself in a family holiday film.

Ktulu Christmas Countdown #24

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #24


Bad Santa (2003)



For the second installment of the Ktulu Christmas Countdown, we switch gears entirely. This one isn't an action film, and it CERTAINLY isn't heart warming. Bad Santa is a vulgar no holds barred comedy. It's not great, but it is a change of pace for a holiday film. It delivers some wtf laughs, and if you're looking to change up your pace and get some crudeness in your holiday repetoir, this is the film for you.

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Introduction/#25

This holiday season I would like to celebrate by compiling a list of the 25 best Christmas movies. However after consulting mutiple lists I have fallen a bit short of 25 movies worth mention. Please feel free to comment with suggestions. However, I do know which movie will be ranked 25th on the list, and that film will kick off our countdown on this December 1st, a countdown that will include one movie per day from now until #1 is announced on Christmas day.

Ktulu Christmas Countdown Movie #25

Die Hard (1988)

Nothing screams Christmas like a good terrorist flick. John McClane helps protect his ex-wife while her office building is threatened by terrorists. This is a great, high-octane action flick that happens to be set during the holidays. If you're sick of the sappy cliches, dial up the intensity this holiday season with Die Hard.

Farewell November...

I am typing this at full speed to ensure I get it out before midnight. I can't believe November is already gone. As I type Christmas music is playing on my iTunes (only allowed AFTER Thanksgiving) and I am realizing the Christmas season is upon us. November saw crazy events in sports as UK has achieved a 7-0 record and the Bengals sit in first place in the AFC North. I saw an acceptance to upper division for my major in Journalism, and I am continuing to progress in my work with the Kentucky Kernel.

I am fortunate to find my family and friends in good health and I am certainly thankful for that. I wish all of you a Happy Holidays and I will see you in December (2 minutes from now)


I look forward to spending much of my Holiday blogging ranking my top favorite Christmas films. Feel free to begin submissions now to ensure I don't forget anything...

The lost weeks...

The weeks between Thanksgiving break and Christmas break are hell- a purgatory of deciding where you can coast, and where you need to kick your work into overdrive. I am doing well in all of my classes but one, and I am furiously writing papers to help bring my grade back up in that class. I have papers due in other classes as well, each carrying as much weight as the next. However, fortunately with these types of classes, these papers replace the finals, making my third and final week much less stressful than those of my peers.

The Kernel has made certain to stress the importance that while students may be coasting during these closing weeks of the semester, our paper will not. We are still stacking coverage stories upon coverage stories, staying late and working all day. But I couldn't be more proud of being a part of an organization that takes itself so seriously. I just hope it helps to hone my craft to where it needs to be.

Regardless, I just need to buckle down and make sure I get the things done that I need to get done, and that I don't just coast in an effort to make it through these last 18 days.

In the BasketBallroom of Cancun...

The Kentucky Wildcats have won the Cancun Challenge after defeating the Stanford Cardinal 73-65 in overtime. While the game was close all the way until the final minute, the two true heroes were John Wall, who hit the game tying free throws with just 2 seconds left in regulation, and Ramon Harris with his furious defense and free throws to put the Cats up in overtime.

What was crazy about the tournament were the conditions in which the games were played. As seen in the pictures, a makeshift court was built in a ballroom, as chandeliers literally hung less than 30 feet above the floor. In addition, the wood that made up the court was warped and didn't fit together properly leaving gaps in the wood wide enough to literally cause turnovers.


While the conditions were bad, the competition wasn't much better. Stanford and Virginia were the only decent teams in the Challenge, and they are mediocre at best. I can only imagine Gillispie chose Cancun just so he could come down and get his drink on... but that's merely speculation. Calipari already has UK in the Maui invitational next year in a field that includes Michigan St, UConn and Oklahoma. Now thats what I'm talking about

Despite the conditions the Cats prevailed with three straight wins, taking their record to 6-0. They return to Kentucky to play a game in Freedom Hall in Louisville on Friday, and next Saturday comes the epic showdown in the race to 2,000 wins when the Cats host North Carolina, then head to Madison Square Garden to take on UConn. Exciting week of UK basketball ahead. Time to buckle up for the ride.

Thanksgiving Break

While it's easy to get caught up in the fun and work involved in life at college, it's nice to go home every now and then. I've spent a total of two nights in my home bed since early August, and coming home for the first extended period in months has already been a relief. Life at school has been hectic with work and socializing and it's nice to have somewhere I can go to just unwind.

I am thrilled that the majority of my friends will also be coming home over the break, and while for the most part Thanksgiving break serves as just an appetizer for the much larger break on the horizon, it is the nature of the break that truly allows one to embrace the holiday. No matter what is going on in your life, there is something to be thankful for. Even if relationships are broken, family members have passed or otherwise, there are always other aspects of life which we most likely take for granted, and I feel fortunate enough that in this moment I am very thankful for where I am in my life.

Of course, Thanksgiving means family. This is my year to head down to Louisville to celebrate with my dad's side of the family, which is always quite an adventure. My family isn't so different from that of the Griswold's in the Vacation films, and honestly I'm thankful for that in and of itself. I know that I will be loved and entertained all at once, and I for one am looking forward to it.

While my family and friends may not be perfect like the Tanners, I am just happy to be unable to count on both hands the ones I care for in my life. I am honored to have the friends and family that I have, and I can't wait to see them.

In Papaw we Trust

The Kentucky Wildcats are looking good... and I'm not talking about basketaball this time (although they are looking good too). The UK football team beat Georgia in Athens earlier tonight, bringing their record to an impressive 7-4. If the Cats can beat Tennesse in Lexington next weekend they will be on their way to Atlanta for the Peach Bowl. If road wins at Auburn and Georgia isn't a testament to the impact Rich Brooks has had on this Kentucky program, then I don't know what is. He has been an outstanding coach, taking the Cats to their 4th straight Bowl game this season, and if he wins UK will have four consecutive Bowl wins for the first time in their history.

Let's Go Cats.

Snacks and sh*t

Thanks to my lovely friends I was introduced to the perfect website for those who truly enjoy the absurdity in hip-hop lyrics these days. The blog "Snacks and Shit" compiles absurd and (unfortunately) real rap lyrics, states the artists, and follows them up with humorous commentary. The website is updated rather frequently and there is a twitter account linked to it as well that is updated each time they add a new post. In addition to the hyperlink I tagged above, I have also added the website under my "People with stuff to say" section found along the right side of this website.

A sample of what can be found on Snacks and Shit:

"Watch me make a movie like Albert Hitchcock."
- Pitbull, 1, 2 3, 4 I Know You Want Me

Who's Albert Hitchcock? Is that Alfred Hitchcock's idiot brother?

Filed Under: Needs a research assistant / Simply incorrect


"Don't holler at me unless money is the topic."
- Nipsey Hussle, Hussle Is My Last Name

Friend: Hey what time is it?
Nipsey: What did we talk about?
Friend: Oh, that's right. Sorry. Umm... What time is it right now at the bank?
Nipsey: Ten after two.

Filed under: Alienating too many topics of conversations


If that isn't enough to entice you to check out the site then I don't know what is. But for those who get a little laugh there are hundreds more just like that and you can entertain yourself for hours going through the lyrics these guys have compiled on their site.

Also, if you'd like to follow them on twitter click here to access their page.

Meet John Wall...

365 days ago Kentucky would have lost to Miami Ohio. But then came the Johns- Calipari and Wall. Miami Ohio played stifling defense and shot 58% from the field and kept themselves in the game. Hell, they took an 18 point lead over the Cats at one point. But when push came to shove, the Cats took a 3 point lead with 15 seconds left until Miami went down court and sunk a prayer with 6 seconds left. I felt it. Overtime. The days of Gardner Webb and VMI came creeping back into my mind. Until I realized the difference this season. The coach on the bench knew how to draw up plays and there was a player on the court capable of handling the ball. John Wall took the ball and sunk a jump shot with a half a second left.

There would be no repeats of the last two years. The Wildcats are 2-0 and ranked 4th in the country in the AP poll with Sam Houston waiting in the wings on Thursday.


Below is the footage of Wall's game-winning shot:

Realizing the power of Twitter

Over the past couple weeks, with the assistance of friends, I have slowly been starting to realize the true power of Twitter, and what it is that makes this particular social networking tool so cool.

Not only are you able to see the most frequently discussed things on the web in that exact moment via the trending topics list, but you are also able to do live searches. You can see what anyone has said about a given topic and get up the second responses that continue to update while you're reading.

But the greatest part about Twitter is the way it lets you connect to celebrities. Already I was able to talk directly to Tucker Max about his new movie, and set up an interview for the Kernel. In addition Chad OchoCinco tweeted me responding to my request for him to record a video, and he did, and it is posted on this very blog if you want to see it. In addition he also responded to my tweet asking him when he would be on the David Letterman show.

Twitter allows users direct access not only to peers, but celebrities, and gives them a very real view of what their favorite people are like. Jeremy Piven for instance always twitpics pictures of him and the actors of Entourage on the set, or Chad OchoCinco does a live video stream of him making dinner, or showing his workout routine.

Yes, facebook is better for pictures and such and has more features, but nothing allows the instant, gratifying access that Twitter does. For those of you holding out, all you are doing is missing out. And for those who are finally jumping on the bandwagon, congratulations.

My twitter username is Murrnation. Follow me. And for your own entertainment, follow OGOchoCinco as well.

WHO DEY. No seriously, who was that team...

...that scored on every first half possession and allowed only 3 points. The second half is irrelevant, even thought we still outscored the bears 14 to 7 then, we did it with scrubs and obviously we weren't going to risk injury to key players. There is ONE touchdown that mattered in the second half, but I'll get to that later.

As for the first half, I was in awe. We did exactly what we wanted to do on both sides of the ball, and for the first time this season people saw the Bengals at the full potential of their talent... and a shiver went down the spines of every other team in the NFL.



Carson was 20-24 for 289 yards and 5 TDs. Does any more need to be said? Chad had over 100 yards receiving, OVER ONE FIFTH of his total yards last season.

Most importantly, Cedric Benson had 186 yards rushing (career high) and a TD, against the team that cut him. He says it wasn't revenge. His victory lap after his TD suggested otherwise. I personally HOPE it was revenge. The Bears can keep Forte. The Bengals have the number 1 rusher in the NFL.

Great time for a Bye Week, giving them and extra weekend to prepare for their chance to sweep the Baltimore Ravens and then take on the Steelers the following week. For the first time in a long time, it is a great time to be a member of the Who Dey nation.

The Madness has begun

The John Calipari era was finally officially ushered in this past weekend with the first UK basketball practice, and it was explosive- figuratively and literally.

Pyrotechnics, lasers, and intricate player intros abound, but so did basketball. Check out the highlights below.

Also you can click here or here to see the two articles ESPN wrote about Big Blue Madness. Or click here for an article regarding the appearance of up-and-coming rapper Drake making an appearance as a guest coach for the scrimmage.









And for Calipari's Epic Speech:




And the 8 second preview of what people can expect to have happen to them when they take on John Wall this year

Boomslang

I spent just about every waking hour of this past weekend working on the biggest story I have been a part of since joining the Kernel staff last year. I have been incredibly busy this week, but wish I could have postedabout the even closer to when it happened. I could re-tell the story here, but I will just post my column, one with a stylistic edge to it that I hadn't tried before.

My column on Lecington's Boomslang music festival.

To see the full Double Truck and actual page, click here and turn to page 5

OchoCinco talks Ray Lewis hit. Hysterical

This is one of the funniest things I have seen in a long time. All Bengals fans will enjoy. Hell, any football fan will enjoy. He goes into deep detail, throws in hysterical insight, and shows why he is one of the most beloved receivers in the league. It's all about fun.

Oh yeah, and I even tweeted him to make sure he recorded this and asked him to post it. He did. I'm famous. No big deal.

The Office

In light of the phenomenal wedding episode and a mislabeled video on J Ged's blog I was forced to post my favorite scene from the office. Now this doesn't correlate with my favorite overall episode which is probably the basketball episode from season 1.

Obviously this is all opinion so feel free to comment with your favorite moment.

My favorite Office Moment

Finally, it is officially recognized

For those of you who don't follow college basketball year round, ESPN released a college basketball encyclopedia ranking the top all time college basketball programs. The University of Kentucky was ranked number 1. Naturally there were people who wanted to oppose for various reasons, so ESPN took it upon themselves to let people rank the schools themselves. Guess who is number 1? UK. C'mon now.

Now, granted there is ONE argument I think could be made, and that is the fact UCLA has 11 titles to UK's 7. However, the computer took into consideration total wins, and UK is the winningest program in the history of college basketball. In addtion, it took into consideration margin of victory. While in the end this is a trivial and loose ranking, it is the closest thing to a solid ranking we have. And until Big Blue Madness in 2 weeks (The practice that sells out in minutes) this is the fraction of basketball I have to get me through.

Click here to see the original rankings

Click here to see ESPN's new interactive list

Click here for Andy Katz's report on the rankings

Who Deys strike again

So the Bengals won again, but not without making it a nailbiter. As Vin Diesel once said... "It don't matter if you win by an inch or a mile. Winning is winning." The Who Deys are 3-1 and tied for first in the AFC North. You think they care they had to play 15 extra minutes of football to make it so? Not a chance. On to the Ravens. Only things is... I hope the Ravens win... The Nevermores come first in my heart Who Dey nation. No disrespect. Especially after the heartbreaker the Ravens dropped at New England this week. On to week 5.

The best in the game

He's the best for a reason. This play to save the game.

Future Hall of Famer

Backspacer

One of the benefits I have begun to really enjoy about working at the Kernel has been receiving promotional copies of forthcoming albums before their release dates. The most recent and MOST exciting album I received was a copy of Pearl Jam's "Backspacer" due out next Tuesday.

Backspacer is plain and simple, the return of Pearl Jam. Gone are the overly activist lyrics. Vedder deals with real life emotions and feelings once again as he did in the days of Ten and Vs. and my God is it refreshing. The lyrics are not only poignant, but positive. The musics major tonality compliments this extremely well and makes for a positive listening experience all around. These are happy, borderline dance-able songs. A perfect example is the albums first single, "The Fixer." A fun fact: Cameron Crowe (the greatest writer/director of all time) directed the music video for The Fixer. Check it out here.

Whats most important to note is that Vedder's vocals have their punch back. And let us be honest: Pearl Jam lives and dies by Eddie Vedders voice.

The heart of the album is its upbeat music, but Vedder shines just as well on the albums ballads, "Just Breathe" and "The End." Both are off kilter love ballads that recognize not all relationships are perfect and that life does end.

This album doesn't require you to touch the skip button. Put it on shuffle and be ready to enjoy whatever you hear, because you will.

Below is the audio from the fantastic ballad, "Just Breathe"

Amping it up

As the school year progresses and the Kentucky Kernel is back in full swing, I am finally starting to see the resources I have at my fingertips as an editor for the paper. I've decided to make it my goal to amp up the content in our Features section. Last year we refocused our mission to stay focused on local bands due to the regurgitation of national news. While I agree with this goal, I believe I've come up with a solution that would allow us to continue incorporating national acts. The answer: grow a pair and start pursuing the national acts. I've already begun my work to try and bridge the gap. We've interviewed Tucker Maxx about his upcoming movie, "I Hope they Serve Beer in Hell." Just yesterday I confirmed an interview with Sister Hazel. I have interviews with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Breaking Benjamin, Train and Three Days Grace in the works, all regarding their forthcoming albums. I hope these larger pursuits greatly adds to the Kernel's content, and I do believe that it will. I'll be interested to see how things develop.

Ch-ch-changessss

As I'm sure you've noticed, things are looking different around The Ktulu these days. That's the intention. With my newfound inspiration towards making this thing a worthwhile read, I've decided to shake things up a bit and make this blog even more connected to me. If any of you have noticed (which you probably haven't because I'm not sure anyone reads this anymore) the template has changed, and I've added an application over there to the right for people to read my 5 most recent tweets. Just small steps in my progression towards making this blog more intimate. The main task is to simply post more often, about more topics. I love music and UK, and I'll continue to talk about them, but I realize readers aren't quit as interested in those topics as myself. I'll do what I can to cover a wider spectrum. Hope the changes around here, and the faster pace of posting (try saying that 10 times fast) is starting to regain some interest. Time will tell.

PS: I love comments. Interaction is what blogging is all about so I hope to have people do that here, and I hope to do it on other's blogs as well.

Speaking of comments, let me know what you all think of the new look and whether I should keep it, make some changes, or go back to the old one.

Career suicide. Again

I don't understand someone can get away with career suicide so many times, but Kanye may have finished the job tonight. In the past, cockiness and lateness have been the perpetrators, but never an attack on an artist. Not only an artist, but a sweetheart like Taylor Swift. Unbelievable. Disrespectful. But it made for good VMAs. Too bad they came at the expense (or what should be the expense) of Kanye's career.

Heartbreaker

The Bengals 3 min drive to score the "winning touchdown" was inspirational. Brandon Stokely's lucky grab was heartbreaking. But there is more to be taken from this game. The Bengals offense is more dangerous than the scoreboard suggested when the score read final. They were able to move the ball when they needed to. What does this suggest? It suggests that the Bengals need to understand their offense is most damaging when it isn't predictable, when they are in MUST win situations. They need to stop being conservative. What needs to be recognized in this game was the defense. They allowed 6 REAL points. That is something worth noting, and even including the bullshit touchdown, allowing 12 total points is impressive enough. Now its just time for the offense to stop playing not to lose, and its time to start playing to win.

Class act, that Serena Williams is....

The display by Serena Williams tonight, foot fault or not, has single handedly made me lose any ounce of respect I had for her. From here on out I assure you I will root for whoever her opponent may be, and I'm glad she behaved that way on a match point. Are you really going to say to the line judge you're going to "shove a ball down her fucking throat" Umpire made the right call to send her home packing. And her oblivious press conference that was completely void of apology only made things worse in my eyes. Good riddance. Don't let the door hit your ass on the way out. Oh, and keep your feet off the line next time and there won't be a problem.

For those that want to see the controversial footage, click here

Most important post (to me at least) I've done in a long time

As an editor for UK's independent student run paper, I find myself extremely short on personal time this semester. But I like it. I feel like I'm contributing to something bigger than myself, something worth while. The paper has won the Pacemaker Award for excellence in college newspapers multiple times in the past few years and I look to become a part of the tradition. However the changing landscape of journalism is beginning to show me that blogs are beginning to gain immense amounts of power due to their ability to unleash information directly to the reader without censorship. This is a great ability, however it comes with its disadvantages, particularly the fact that no one is verifying whether or not the information they contain is true. It is this lone fact that leads me to hope there will always be a place for the written word; a place for journalists to maintain their positions as "Guardians of Truth" and deliver information without bias. I realize that party divisions have led multiple outlets to lean one way or another, but this isn't necessarily terrible so long as the two keep one another in check. The most important thing is that when it comes down to raw information, speed is nice, but accuracy is essential.

The Kernel may not be the New York Times, but these are the qualities we hope to embrace. Being a part of a college daily paper has been a trying experience, but I feel it is starting to show me the true meaning of journalism. I'm learning what is newsworthy, what readers want to know, and what makes a paper function on a daily basis.

Newspapers aren't dying, they're merely changing. Embracing multimedia is essential at this day in age. Video, slideshows, pictures, audio. They all are just as important as the story itself. Online should supplement news, not replace it. That is exactly what the Kentucky Kernel looks to do. We strive to have multimedia for at least one story per day, if not more. We look to share as much information as possible in an effort to compete with the local paper. And we do. The Kernel recieves advertising daily, and we are lucky enough to have people compete for space in our paper. Averaging in at 8 pages a day, we are a force to be reckoned with on campus, a fact that people have personally acknowledged and thanked me for. The Kernel played a key role in keeping the library open 24 hours a day, when it wanted to close at midnight every night. The Kernel played an enormous role in encouraging UK to lessen its carbon footprint. The Kernel called out President Lee Todd when he asked teachers to be team players and live with their bonuses when the school was under the pressure of enormous budget cuts, and he turned around and accepted his $500,000 bonus. No task is too big to take on for this publication, and that is something I am proud of.

I'm involved with the entertainment side of the Kernel, not that I don't contribute ideas to news (I in fact gave them the idea to run a story about UK citing mopeds who park on campus, which is now giving the UK security a lot of pressure due to the response the article recieved) but my heart lies in writing about the arts. As the Assistant Features Editor, training to be Features Editor this winter, we have organized interviews with multiple national personalities. Via twitter, I got one of our writers an interview with Tucker Maxx. I have personally interviewed Zoey Deschanel, Vampire Weekend, All Time Low, the founder of the MTV Woody awards and many more. These are all experiences that have been completely mind blowing for me. I am doing what I set out to do (albeit not exactly at the caliber I'd like but I'm trying).

My internship with CityBeat taught me so many things I didn't know, but my thirst for knowledge on the topic is insatiable. I have been offered an internship for NBC this summer in New York City, and I think I'll take it, unless I get the coveted internship at the place I set out to work for in the first place: Rolling Stone Magazine. My inspiration, Cameron Crowe, began his career there and what better place to start than at the premier music magazine in the country (No I wasn't inspired by Almost Famous. I did love the movie though). People can spew their displeasure at its tendency to mainstream, but I could care less. I like what the magazine has stood for, and I hope I always will.

I'm sure most of you have given up on this extensive post by now, but you haven't, thank you for giving a shit. This means a lot to me. I didn't know what I wanted to do until months before heading to college, but once it hit me, there was no turning back. I want to be a music journalist, and I'm proud of the strides I've taken so far. The support of the people around me has meant a lot, and its something I wont soon forget. There are others that I wish would be more supportive, but I'm not giving up on trying to change their minds. Sure I'd like to hear more from some of the closest people to me, and maybe soon enough I will. Hopefully my writing will win them over. Some discourage me because of the money, but it isn't about that. My response has always been the same "I'd rather make $50,000 doing something I love than make $500,000 doing something I hate." I'd be lucky to make $50,000, but that isn't the point. This is my passion, and if it means living in a box, so be it. All I need is my pen and my paper.


For those interested go to The Kentucky Kernel Website

Some of my work so far this semester:

One regarding the re-opening of a bar in Lexington

A review of a good Cincinnati-based band called Elmwood

One covering the "Bak 2 Skool Bash"

A review of Skillet's Awake

I have been waiting for this for a long long time

I know it have been a while since I've last posted but this was just the thing to bring me out of hibernation. The original Boondock Saints film is one of my favorites of all time so I have been anticipating this sequel for a while.

If you aren't excited by this I don't know what to tell you

Enjoy

Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day at IGN.com

Acapella Metallica

One of Princeton's newest foreign exchange students introduced me to this group who specializes on doing acapella renditions of metal songs. They use a bass and drums but all the rest is just voices, albeit distorted ones to give it a metal sound.

I would have embeded the video but it was disable upon request.

So just click here to check it out

Oh, Rick Pitino

Unbelievable story. Rick Pitino admitted to having sex with Karen Sypher in a Kentucky restaurant and then giving her $3,000 for her abortion. I'm really looking forward to seeing how the media in both Lousiville and Lexington handles the news. Pitino is still loved by many UK fans, but hated by just as many. And I'm sure it will be a sensitive story in the Ville itself. Time will tell.

Here is the official story for those who want the details

Crazy stuff from the rival coach

Eminem strikes again

I'm not all about the celebrity beefs, but I do know one thing. You don't try and diss eminem. Thats like challenging Michael Jordan to a game of basketball. So I guess she took some shots at him in her most recent music video, and in response Em wrote and recorded THIS little treasure. Enjoy.

If this isn't an indication Eminem is back, I don't know what is.

Road Trip

So despite a very sudden change of plans, me and 7 buddies still have a roadtrip coming up this weekend. There's just ONE person I wish was going with us, but I'm used to this sort of thing. I'll be able to share plenty of cool stuff with her soon enough.
Anywho, the original plan was to go to Lake Cumberland, and some unforseen circumstances led to a reroute to Gatlinburg TN. It should be fun; some hiking, hanging, and some other cool h-word I haven't thought of yet.
Ever since I was making 4 hour trips a couple times a month last year, the length of the drives have never bothered me. I'm just looking forward to getting down there and getting away from things for a little while. Everyone around me seems to be trying to "rediscover" themselves, and while I'm pretty happy with my direction and goals for the future, some evaluation time never hurt anyone.

If you want to see where we'll be staying, click here

A Room With a View, here we come.

There's Something Wrong with Esther

Ah, tagline. What a GLORIOUS understatement.

There have been so many times the hype of a film has led to an ultimate let down upon seeing it. Orphan was not one of those movies.
I saw it with 3 others, 2 of which are not fans of horror, in fact one of them downright hates it and was just feeling adventurous this particular evening. At the end of Orphan we all left stunned and the theater unanimously agreed that they had just been on the best 2 hour thrill ride of a movie they had seen in a long time.
Orphan is intense, taboo, wrong, violent, smart, and fun. It crosses lines, and will literally have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It is not light on plot nor action and will scare you. But you won't care. Its too much fun.
I haven't seen a horror movie this good in years. Maybe ever.


To show you its not just me, I went ahead an searched for Orphan in Twitter and here were the 20 or so most recent posts.


jujucherie OMG! I just saw that movie ORPHAN...it was FUCKING AWSOMEEEE!!! you guys should see it...it was one of the best movie i've seen in years
less than 20 seconds ago from web

trackbarbie101 ORPHAN WAS LIKE THAT!!! BUT GOT ME SOOO FREAKINN SCARED THE MOVIE WAS REAL GOOD BUT NOW IMA SLEEP WITH THE LIGHTS ON AND ONE EYE OPEN!
less than 20 seconds ago from web

TrelMack JUST SAW THE ORPHAN...
half a minute ago from web

sLeEpyRicky says the orphan was a good ass movie
less than a minute ago from web

ReyNatividad Orphan with @juliettelin she does not like scary movies hah
1 minute ago from TwitterBerry

tiffstarr815 The Orphan is a must see!
1 minute ago from twidroid

kimwilliams6000 OMG Orphan is the movie everyone must see, and The Ugly Truth was good to watch for comedy and romance.
1 minute ago from web

WickedGirls11 cum on, 1 talk to me about orphan movie wiki -Kelli Kanyon - google me
1 minute ago from API

kaybs Holy fucking Christ orphan was beyond words
1 minute ago from txt

StacyReign ORPHAN is mos def a must-see!!!! killaaaaaaa
2 minutes ago from Twitterrific

Tiffsoflyy Jus gettin home from the city..dinner n movies was fun,,That "Orphan" movie was good..crazy ass lil girl..off to lala land..Goodnight :)
2 minutes ago from web

PREttyKAtt I MEAN ORPHAN
2 minutes ago from web

juliettelin What did I just get myself into... about to watch Orphan.....I'm scared of scary movies :<
2 minutes ago from twidroid

Cutiesheezatru Yoooo Orphan was crazy as hell dat was way betta den i thought it would be so erry body go c it!!!
2 minutes ago from mobile web

becuzimbored @izDavina so apparently orphan is worth $11.50 - we shall c it. herd its twisted
2 minutes ago from web

xcaroxlinax coming home from nazli's sleepover, uncle's house, + watching the orphan with my cousins. been awake for over 24hrs..
2 minutes ago from txt


Ms_CrystalBoyer 2:20 in the moring so not tired! JUST got back after watching the ORPHAN my heart is still racing.LOVED it!!!A MUST SEE! YOu WONT REGRET IT!
3 minutes ago from web

MeiLaniSabadLab @AKidNamedCurry orphan?! really.... looked whack?!
3 minutes ago from web


All are accurate and I'm glad to see its not just me/us/my theater that love it

Now you go see it.

God and Guns

The return of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Okay, I understand only one member is original at this point, but its time to take Lynyrd Skynyrd for what they are- a reincarnation of what was. Yes, their new music doesn't sound like the pre-crash band, but at the same time, it is not longer the mid 70's. Johnny Van Zant is a better singer than his brother, but a worse lyricist. I understand all of these things. However, the group that has been assembled can still write, and rock out. Until you have seen them live in their current state (as I have 8 times, 9 after this Wednesday when they play with Kid Rock at Riverbend) it is hard to criticize. Freebird sounds the very same as it did 30 years ago, as does every other song, and they keep pumping out great tunes. If you don't like Southern Rock then you never have and never will like Skynyrd. If you do, then give them their shot. Their new single is a good tune, written by a 40 year old band. And in my opinion I'm glad the group has evolved instead of pumping out songs that still sound 40 years old.

Lynyrd Skynrd's "Still Unbroken" from their upcoming album Gods & Guns

First article for CityBeat

As I mentioned earlier on, I was fortunate enough to land an internship with CityBeat this summer. I have been writing a few articles for their "ToDo" section and this past week was given the opportunity to write my first full length story.

Click here to read my column on HBO's Hard Knocks

Will You Be There...

No not Thriller, or Beat It, or Billy Jean. "Will You Be There" is the best Michael Jackson song in my opinion.

The death of Michael Jackson has truly made me realize how much his personal life unfortunately drowned out the power and greatness of his music. He is NOT overrated. What is more sad is that I believe his personal life was one big misinterpretation. Maybe its the optimist in me, but I believe he had a great heart and nothing but good intentions and truly didn't understand why people couldn't understand and appreciate what he did. Sure he made mistakes, but we all do. We just don't have to grow up in the spot light.

So to the true King of Pop

These questions from "Will You Be There" are the best ways to determine the love you have for someone. If your answer is yes to the questions he proposes.

"In Our Darkest Hour
In My Deepest Despair
Will You Still Care?
Will You Be There?
In My Trials
And My Tripulations
Through Our Doubts
And Frustrations
In My Violence
In My Turbulence
Through My Fear
And My Confessions
In My Anguish And My Pain
Through My Joy And My Sorrow
In The Promise Of Another Tomorrow
I'll Never Let You Part
For You're Always In My Heart."


And now for the video. It gives me goosebumps every time.

Growing up

This summer has been the first time in my life that I have honestly begun to feel like I am growing up. I am starting to make decisions that will impact the rest of my life. I am committed to a career, and interning for it as well. I am starting to see certain friends who aren't coming home for summer because they are on to the next phase of their lives, and I am next. I have to look at relationships and decide which ones I want to carry with me to that next phase. Everything seems so BIG and IMPORTANT. At times its cool and at other moments it can be stressful. But I am rolling with the punches and ultimately trying to decide what is going to be best for me.

Not a teen anymore...

Weird being 20. Not a teenager anymore. But who am I kidding? It doesn't feel any different. Happy Birthday to me.

Its sad really...

As I write this sentence I am embarrassed. Not at this single occasion but at what has become a ritual. I can't sit at my computer for less than 10 minutes. I get on to check email, then realize I have to check Twitter, then Facebook, then the blog. What's more is that this isn't a once a day thing, or even a twice a day thing. If I'm not doing it from my laptop, I'm doing it from my phone. I'd say on average, i check these ridiculous mediums once for every other hour I'm awake. It saddens me, yet at the same time I have no will to stop. I, like the majority of my generation, have an insatiable need to feel connected to everything. I don't want to miss a single thing, particularly tweets from celebrities informing me what they had for lunch.

We have so much technology at our hands. I'm not suggesting that we are wasting it. Every generation has had its form of entertainment. I'm simply suggesting that it is a very thin line. One I need to be very careful not to cross. For now, I have great respect for the access to information the internet allows me to have, and so long as I keep that perspective, I don't feel too guilty reading a tweet about what kind of couch Julie Benz wants to buy for her new house.

Street Sweeper Social Scene

If Barack Obama rapped (assuming he can rap, and no, not just because he is black)for Rage Against the Machine, you would be listening to something very similar to Street Sweeper Social Scene. The group, who writes self-proclaimed "revolutionary party tunes," is comprised of Rage Against the Machine Guitarist Tom Morello, and the Coup's rapper Boots Riley. The two combine to write some genuinely funky and politically aware jams that are very easy to groove too. No, there are no ground breaking hooks, or life altering creations in sound. But it is refreshingly original for some reason. If you're looking for some new music to check out they are worth a listen.

Check em out below.



Just in case I even NEED to say this. They are NOWHERE near as good as Rage against the Machine. I reiterate. Just something new and fun to listen to.

Who said a post has to be about something?

I've come to the realization that I need to write more. Not literally write posts more frequently, but rather put more of me into them. Yeah, its cool to compile current events and web gems and share them with readers, but what's the point of simply regurgitating information? I want to inject a little more "me" whenever possible. I want the injection of "me" into writing to be my career, so if that isn't reason enough I'm not sure what is.

So I'd like to start using this forum to keep my skills sharp. Not that I'm suggesting my writing is or ever has been sharp, but I guess I'm just saying I don't want it to worsen.

I envy writers who have such a strong voice that their audience can blindly read a sentence of their work and instantly know who the author was. Chuck Klosterman's Twitter is the perfect example. I was reading it earlier this week and the post simply said: "Kobe is like Yngwie Malmsteen; yeah he's good but I don't have to like him." For one, it mentions both music and basketball; two things of which Klosterman is known to be a fan. Secondly, the analogy and humor is so characteristically him. Sure, if you were simply handed a note with that phrase on it, you may not be 100% sure who the author may have been, but if you are at all familiar with him or his work it'd be hard not to notice the similarities. I digress.

This feels good; theraputic almost. I don't have any deep thoughts to share, or experiences to mention, or YouTube clips of post-anesthetized 5 year olds to introduce. Maybe its just the cacophony of keystrokes or the simple fact I'm writing that has me so relaxed right now. This post is trivial, but its working. This is what I have been missing.